Lyric Opera of Chicago's Wine Auction 2023 – a Sparkling Success!

CHICAGO (5/31/2023) – On Saturday, May 13, a capacity crowd of many of Chicago’s most generous philanthropists gathered for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Wine Auction 2023, one of the social calendar’s most glittering events. Dedicated to supporting the art form of grand opera and all of Lyric's learning and creative engagement programs, the auction returned to Lyric's Ken Pigott Stage after a five-year hiatus and was tremendously enjoyed by all.

Led by co-chairs Nancy S. Searle (Winnetka) and Erica L. Sandner (Chicago), along with vice chairs Suzanne W. Mulshine (Chicago) and Eileen Austin Murphy (Chicago), the auction attracted enthusiastic participation from all corners of the stage. Built on the scale of a full operatic production, the event featured scenic design by Lyric Opera of Chicago’s technical department, transporting guests to a vineyard with majestic greenery and lighting inspired by a magical sunset.

The evening opened with remarks from Wine Auction 2023’s Honored Guest, distinguished winemaker Laurent Drouhin, from Maison Joseph Drouhin. The renowned Burgundy winery spans four generations and 142 years, and donated numerous lots for the occasion. Guests also enjoyed a selection of fine wines from the winery with their dinner, presented by J&L Catering.

The event's catalogue featured prime lots of rare wines from top vineyards worldwide, along with unique experiences that added a touch of adventure and luxury. Attendees were captivated by jeweled treasures from Tamsen Z, extraordinary trips to destinations such as an exclusive villa in Tuscany and the World of Wine in Portugal, and a private dinner at the home of celebrity chef Rick Bayless, featuring a tequila tasting donated by Beam Suntory, sponsor of the pre-event cocktail reception.

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Lyric's Wine Auction 2023 is a project of the Women's Board and is generously sponsored by Lead Sponsors Kirkland and Ellis LLP with Linda and Dennis Myers, Live Auction and Dinner Sponsor Northern Trust, and Catalogue Sponsor Liz Stiffel. Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

View Wine Auction 2023 images here.

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About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

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For more information on Lyric's upcoming 2024/25 Season, visit lyricopera.org/newseason.