Lyric Opera of Chicago hosted its Lyric Opening Gala in partnership with the Lyric Women’s Board. The black-tie event began with a glamorous red carpet followed by a pre-concert reception and an extravagant after-party.
Chaired by Ann Jones of Lake Forest and Women’s Board President Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel of Chicago, the event welcomed over 300 guests, with Felix & Fingers providing a lively dueling piano performance and J&L Catering offering tempting entrées like filet of beef, roasted halibut and berbere-spiced cauliflower steak. HMR Designs transformed the opera house into a 1920s speakeasy evoking the ambiance of an art deco jazz club and cabaret.
Legendary performer Patti LuPone headlined the evening’s entertainment with Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes, a concert that featured personal reflections and iconic songs from her legendary stage and screen career. Proceeds from the gala supported Lyric Opera of Chicago, helping the company continue to create new works, engage diverse audiences and uphold its commitment to artistic excellence.
Ann Jones and Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel
Penelope Steiner, Nicole Steiner, Sara Steiner and Robert Steiner
Joseph Thalken, Patti LuPone and Brad Phillips took well-deserved bows after the two-hour concert.
Enrique Mazzola posed on the red carpet.
Red lampshades and gold sectionals set the tone for an art deco jazz-club vibe.
Guests sipped the evening’s signature cocktail, which was whimsically named the Patti LuGroni spritz.
Photography by: PHOTOS 1, 5, 6 BY JACYLN SIMPSON; PHOTOS 2, 3, 4, BY KYLE FLUBACKER
