Rising Stars in Concert

Join us for a showcase performance by The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center 2023/24 Ensemble with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Stefano Sarzani and directed by Patricia Racette. Don't miss this opportunity to hear some of the brightest rising stars of the opera world perform a variety of selections in the Ardis Krainik Theatre.

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Location: Lyric Opera House

Rising Stars in Concert is generously made possible by Lead Sponsor the Donna Van Eekeren Foundation with additional support from the Dr. Scholl Foundation, the Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation, Frank Modruson & Lynne Shigley, Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary, Dr. Nora Jaskowiak and Mr. Matthew Hinerfeld, Ms. Gay K. Stanek, Philip G. Lumpkin, Phyllis Neiman and Ron & Margaret Beata.

2023|24 Ensemble members

Kathryn Henry

Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center soprano Kathryn Henry is from Sheyboygan, WI.

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Lindsey Reynolds

Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center soprano Lindsey Reynolds is from New Orleans, LA.

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Lucy Baker

Mezzo-Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

First-year mezzo-soprano is from Wilmington, North Carolina.

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Sophia Maekawa

Mezzo-Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

First-year Ryan Opera Center mezzo-soprano Sophia Maekawa is from Kyoto, Japan.

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Ryan Capozzo

Tenor

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center tenor Ryan Capozzo is from Huntington, NY.

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Alejandro Luévanos

Tenor

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center tenor Alejandro Luévanos was born in Durango, Mexico.

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Travon D. Walker

First-year Ryan Opera Center tenor Travon D. Walker is from Hinesville, GA.

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Laureano Quant

Baritone

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center baritone Laureano Quant is from Barranquilla, Colombia.

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Ian Rucker

Baritone

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center baritone Ian Rucker is from Oshkosh, WI.

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Christopher Humbert, Jr.

First-year Ryan Opera Center bass-bariton Christopher Humbert, Jr. is from Akron, OH.

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Ron Dukes

Bass

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center bass Ron Dukes is from Indianapolis, IN.

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Wm. Clay Thompson

Bass

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center bass Wm. Clay Thompson is from Lexington, KY.

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Donald Lee III

Conductor/Pianist

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Originally from Hampton, Virginia, Donald Lee III is the inaugural Ryan Opera Center conductor/pianist, a new Ensemble position in 2021/22.

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Michael Banwarth

First-year Ryan Opera Center pianist Michael Banwarth is from Dubuque, IA.

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Luther H. Lewis III

Stage Director

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center stage director Luther H. Lewis III is from Evansville, IL.

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Tess Naval

Stage Manager

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center stage manager Tess Naval is from Chicago, IL.

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