Held for the first time at the Lyric Opera House, the Lyric Opera’s annual gala, this year dubbed There’s No Place Like Lyric, celebrated the company’s 68th season.
Susan Morrison, backed by Lyric’s Women’s Board spearheaded by Nancy Santi, served as the creative director and chair of the event, which hosted 175 guests. Anthony Freud, Lyric’s general director, president and CEO, hosted the gala and was assisted by esteemed conductor Enrique Mazzola. Performers included Chris Reynolds, third-year member of Lyric’s Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Ensemble; The Voice finalist John Holiday, who will be making his Lyric debut later this year; and Gabriella Reyes of Florencia en al Amazonas.
Calihan Catering dished out a signature family dinner with plates such as chilled zucchini soup and seared tenderloin of beef. The Stu Hirsch Orchestra kept the crowd on their feet all night long—and assured everyone was out on the floor for the final song.
Gabriella Reyes and John Holiday sang a powerful duet.
Enrique Mazzola, Nancy S. Searle, Anthony Freud and Lili Gaubin
Kimberly Taylor-Smith, Nancy S. Santi, Karen Freeman-Wilson and Gabriella Reyes
Patrick and Catherine Baudhuin, Susan Morrison, and Emily and Steven Krall
Sheila Ormesher and David Ormesher
Guests gathered in the grand foyer.
Joe Michalak and Sara Junya
Photography by: PHOTOS 2 & 3 BY ROBERT KUSEL; ALL OTHERS BY JACLYN SIMPSON
