Ryan Opera Center: artist training
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center
Ensuring a bright future for opera — at Lyric and around the world
Opera has the power to tell unforgettable stories and touch lives — and the talent of outstanding singer/actors is what makes each experience so resonant. The Ryan Opera Center was created to ensure the future of opera by identifying emerging artists from around the world, and providing them with comprehensive opera training and unique performance opportunities.
The Center's impressive roster of alumni — at work on our own stage and on stages across the globe — proves the value of this unique and intensive training program.
The Ryan Opera Center is administered by Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner, and Advisor at Large Renée Fleming.
Who we are
Since 1974 the Ryan Opera Center has trained nearly 300 artists and has helped to launch major international careers. Get to know our current Ensemble and some of our most acclaimed alumni.
See us in action
Each season the artists of the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble give a variety of performances at Lyric, around Chicago, and online.
Join our world-class training program
Every year hundreds of artists from around the globe audition for a chance to be one of the select members of the next season's Ensemble.
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Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today
Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center prepares emerging artists for careers in opera by providing unique, comprehensive training. Your gift helps offset the expense of maintaining the high quality of Lyric’s stellar professional artist-development program.
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is supported by:
Header photo: The 2023/24 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble, Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and the Lyric Opera Orchestra at Sunday in the Park with Lyric (2023). Credit: Kyle Flubacker
All other photos: Todd Rosenberg, Kyle Flubacker, Andrew Cioffi/Lyric Opera of Chicago