CHICAGO – On Saturday, March 14th during Dominican University’s Trustee Benefit Concert and Gala, Lyric Opera’s general director Anthony Freud was given the Bravo Award for his significant and memorable contributions to the arts. The Bravo Award recognizes his impact as a cultural leader, not only in directing artistic and business operations at Lyric, but also for his in-depth strategic planning and his work to create the Lyric Unlimited engagement initiative. Dominican University holds this annual gala to raise scholarship support, celebrate world-class artists, and honor those who champion the performing arts in Chicago’s metropolitan area.
“Anthony’s impact on Lyric has been immediate and transforming. He came to Chicago from Houston in 2011 to change and expand the company’s focus from preserving what is, to creating something that will be — a lofty challenge when one is building upon a tradition as spectacularly impressive as that of the Lyric Opera of Chicago,” said Dominican University President Donna Carroll in her introduction. “Over four seasons, Anthony has invigorated the Lyric brand by diversifying its repertoire and strategically engaging community groups that previously had little or no exposure to opera. What makes the Lyric Opera such a revered and beloved institution for thousands of opera aficionados is its storied past. What will keep it relevant is the dynamism of its relationship with all of Chicago.”
Previous Bravo Award winners include Sir Georg and Lady Valerie Solti, Ardis Krainik, Danny Newman, and William Mason.
About Lyric
Founded in 1954, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s mission is to express and promote the life-changing, transformational, revelatory power of great opera. Lyric exists to provide a broad, deep, and relevant cultural service to Chicago and the nation, and to advance the development of the art form.
Lyric is dedicated to producing and performing consistently thrilling, entertaining, and thought-provoking opera with a balanced repertoire of core classics, lesser-known masterpieces, and new works; to creating an innovative and wide-ranging program of community engagement and educational activities; and to developing exceptional emerging operatic talent.
Under the leadership of general director Anthony Freud, music director Sir Andrew Davis, and creative consultant Renée Fleming, Lyric strives to become The Great North American Opera Company for the 21st century: a globally significant arts organization embodying the core values of excellence, relevance, and fiscal responsibility.
###
