Get to know Whitney Morrison.
In this season of gratitude, I have many things to be thankful for.
I had been exposed to music all my life. My mother sang in the church choir and my father plays electric bass and sang in a quartet with his brothers. My parents enjoy telling the story that as a toddler—even before I was talking—they would hear me singing.
Music opened a window for me to see beyond my hometown of Matteson, IL. It became my outlet for self-expression. It allowed me to explore new worlds, inhabit other lives, and dream bigger. The first time I saw a live opera was on a school trip to Lyric Opera of Chicago to see a performance of Carmen—I was completely captivated. After that performance, I knew in my heart: this is what I want to do with my life.
My Lyric debut in Rigoletto with Matthew Polenzani.
After earning my master's degree from the Eastman School of Music, I was invited back to Chicago in 2017 to become an Ensemble member at The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. While training at Lyric, I received lessons and coaching from world-class opera singers, directors, and teachers. And now, after performing as Sister Rose in Lyric's premier of Dead Man Walking, my career has truly come "full circle."
By making a charitable gift to Lyric Opera of Chicago this holiday season, you will play an important role in both Lyric's success and in the careers of opera singers like me. Your generous support of Lyric has the power to make someone's dreams come true. Please help ensure amazing live musical performances continue to inspire audiences of all ages by donating to Lyric today.
To make your tax-deducible gift to Lyric, you may give online, contact our Development office at 312.827.3500, or mail your contribution to Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N Wacker Dr. Ste 860, Chicago, IL 60606.
Photos: Todd Rosenberg, Lyric Opera of Chicago