Donor Engagement Opportunities

We have so many ways to say "Thank you!"

When you add your voice to our chorus of loyal contributors by becoming a Lyric Opera of Chicago donor, you’re not only helping ensure the ongoing vitality of a magnificent art form, you’re joining the Lyric family.  

As our way of saying “thank you” for your generosity, we’ve created a wide variety of engagement opportunities designed to enhance your opera-going experience and classified them into four recognition societies—the Prelude Society, the Encore Society, the Crescendo Society, and the Ardis Krainik Council.

Every contribution from every donor plays a crucial role in Lyric's continued success. Click on a preferred giving level to explore its engagement opportunities and find the specific membership that’s right for you. Each one offers unique and distinctive opportunities for you to get to know Lyric better.

Have questions? Please contact the Development Department at 312.827.5686 or email donorbenefits@lyricopera.org.

If you are considering using a donor-advised fund, IRA distribution, or private family foundation to make your gift to Lyric, please consult with your tax advisor regarding current IRS regulations.

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Matching Gift

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Thank you for your support!

We have so many ways to say "Thank you!"

When you add your voice to our chorus of loyal contributors by becoming a Lyric Opera of Chicago donor, you’re not only helping ensure the ongoing vitality of a magnificent art form, you’re joining the Lyric family.  

As our way of saying “thank you” for your generosity, we’ve created a wide variety of engagement opportunities designed to enhance your opera-going experience and classified them into four recognition societies—the Prelude Society, the Encore Society, the Crescendo Society, and the Ardis Krainik Council.

Every contribution from every donor plays a crucial role in Lyric's continued success. Click on a preferred giving level to explore its engagement opportunities and find the specific membership that’s right for you. Each one offers unique and distinctive opportunities for you to get to know Lyric better.

Have questions? Please contact the Development Department at 312.827.5686 or email donorbenefits@lyricopera.org.

If you are considering using a donor-advised fund, IRA distribution, or private family foundation to make your gift to Lyric, please consult with your tax advisor regarding current IRS regulations.

Give Now

Membership Levels

Member

$50-$99 - Prelude Society

Exclusive Benefits

  • Lyric membership card, granting you member-level pricing on merchandise through our website and when you show your card at our OperaShop.

  • Donor Serenade, Lyric’s quarterly donor e-newsletter, with exclusive content showcasing how your support is used to elevate our productions and programming.

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • Opportunity to attend the Ryan Opera Center’s Final Auditions and Rising Stars in Concert.

Select This Level

Contributor

$100-$249 - Prelude Society

Ticketing 

  • Pre-sale access to purchase single tickets to the upcoming season before the general public.

Dining

  • NEW Early access to reservations at the Sarah and Peer Pedersen Room and the Florian Opera Bistro.

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • Opportunity to attend ONE private Working
    Rehearsal*—exclusive to Contributor membership.

    *A maximum of two guests may attend a Working Rehearsal.

  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.

Select This Level

Associate

$250-$499 - Prelude Society

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • NEW Opportunity to attend TWO private Working Rehearsals*—exclusive to Associate membership.

    *A maximum of two guests may attend a Working Rehearsal.

Priority Seating

  • Priority seating at the Ryan Opera Center’s Rising Stars in Concert.

  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.

Select This Level

Enthusiast

$500-$999 - Prelude Society

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • TWO passes to redeem among three Donor Dress Rehearsals during the upcoming season.

Activities

  • Opportunity to attend Lyric’s Annual Meeting with voting rights.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Friend

$1,000-$1,999 - Encore Society

Activities

  • Opportunity to attend Friends First* and mingle with fellow donors during the first intermission of select performances.
  • NEW Opportunity to attend Lyric’s Season Announcement.*

    *A maximum of two guests may attend Friends First, Lyric’s Season Announcement, and Lyric Signature Experiences.

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • FOUR passes to redeem among three Donor Dress Rehearsals during the upcoming season.

Exclusive Benefits

  • Name listing in the Season Program for one year.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Advocate

$2,000-$2,999 - Encore Society

Activities

  • Opportunity to attend ONE Lyric Signature Experience. *Choose from an exciting menu of exclusive behind-the-scenes options including Ryan Opera Center master classes and workshop performances.

    *A maximum of two guests may attend Friends First, Lyric’s Season Announcement, and Lyric Signature Experiences.

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • NEW Reserved seating at the Ryan Opera Center’s Rising Stars in Concert.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Devotee

$3,000-$3,999 - Encore Society

Activities

  • NEW Opportunity to attend TWO Lyric Signature Experiences* during the season.

    *A maximum of two guests may attend Friends First, Lyric’s Season Announcement, and Lyric Signature Experiences.

Exclusive Benefits

  • NEW Special discounted member pricing for Lyric Unlimited’s Opera Insider Series events.

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • Reserved seating at the Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park concert.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Partner

$4,000-$4,999 - Encore Society

Exclusive Benefits

  • Premium Ticket Services. Enjoy the convenience of having a dedicated Lyric concierge to help you with your ticketing needs. You will receive access to the best tickets available.

Priority Seating

  • NEW Priority seating in Main Floor Rear at Donor Dress Rehearsals.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Benefactor

$5,000-$7,499 - Crescendo Society

Activities

  • NEW Opportunity to attend a pre-performance Crescendo Society Social Hour* where you can meet other opera lovers and fellow series subscribers.
  • Opportunity to attend THREE Lyric Signature Experiences.*

    *A maximum of two guests may attend Crescendo Society Social Hours, master classes, and Lyric Signature Experiences.

Exclusive Benefits

  • Major Contributor recognition in Lyric’s Annual Report.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Premier Benefactor

$7,500-$9,999 - Crescendo Society

Dining

  • Membership to The William B. and Catherine Graham Room. The legendary Graham Room exponentially enhances your opera season from start to finish and provides an elegant and exclusive environment of unparalleled service including expedited valet parking. Reservations are required for pre-opera cocktails and dining.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Silver Grand Benefactor

$10,000-$14,999 - Crescendo Society

Activities

  • NEW Opportunity to attend FOUR Lyric Signature Experiences.*

    *A maximum of two guests may attend Crescendo Society Social Hours, master classes, and Lyric Signature Experiences.

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • SIX Priority Seating passes to redeem among three Donor Dress Rehearsals.

Priority Seating

  • Premium Reserved seating at the Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park concert.
  • Premium Reserved seating at the Ryan Opera Center’s Rising Stars in Concert.
Select This Level

Mercury Grand Benefactor

$15,000-$24,999 - Crescendo Society

Concerts and Rehearsals

  • NEW SIX Priority Seating passes to redeem among a wider menu of Dress Rehearsal options, including the three Donor Dress Rehearsals as well as three Restricted Dress Rehearsals.

Activities

  • Opportunity to observe a master class led by Renée Fleming.
  • NEW Opportunity to attend FIVE Lyric Signature Experiences.*

    *A maximum of two guests may attend Crescendo Society Social Hours, master classes, and Lyric Signature Experiences.

Priority Seating

  • Priority reservations for Lyric’s travel program, Lyric on the Move.
  • All other unrelated opportunities listed above.
Select This Level

Golden Grand Benefactor

$25,000-$34,999 - Ardis Krainik Council

Experience a custom designed stewardship program that will heighten your season including special performance-related activities, VIP ticketing services, premium seating at Lyric functions, and unique recognition opportunities. To learn more, email philanthropy@lyricopera.org or call 312.827.5679.

 

Select This Level

Titanium Grand Benefactor

$35,000-$49,999 - Ardis Krainik Council

Let the staff at Lyric create a special and unique stewardship program for you and your family that focuses on your passions. Take advantage of everything the performing arts has to offer including private backstage access upon request. Questions? Contact us at 312.827.5679 or philanthropy@lyricopera.org.

Select This Level

Platinum Grand Benefactor

$50,000-$74,999 - Ardis Krainik Council

Create memories that last a lifetime for your friends and family.  Work closely with Lyric staff to craft an unforgettable stewardship experience that offers an exclusive behind the scenes glimpse into the process of creating grand opera in Chicago. For more details, email philanthropy@lyricopera.org or call 312.827.5679.

Select This Level

Palladium Grand Benefactor

$75,000-$99,999 - Ardis Krainik Council

You’ll feel like a celebrity on all your opera related adventures when you use Lyric’s VIP concierge services to help you secure some of the best seats to the best performances in the best houses in the world. How do you sign up? Donate online, call 312.827.5679 or email philanthropy@lyricopera.org.

Select This Level

Aria Society

$100,000+ - Ardis Krainik Council

As one of Lyric’s most generous donors, you’ll be recognized prominently as a champion of the art form and have multiple opportunities throughout the year to engage directly with Lyric leadership and main stage artists. To learn more, email philanthropy@lyricopera.org or call 312.827.5679.

Select This Level