Lyric Opera of Chicago has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support "expanded community engagement and new artistic initiatives".
Anthony Freud, director of the opera company, announced today that part of the gift from the New York-based foundation will be used to launch a multifaceted new initiative, "Lyric Unlimited". The grant will also support the company's commission of a new opera "Bel Canto," to be premiered in the 2015-16 season.
"For Lyric to receive such a substantial grant from one of America's leading foundations is a terrific vote of confidence," Freud said in a released statement. "We are deeply grateful to The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for its longstanding commitment to new work, as demonstrated by its support of our upcoming world premiere, Bel Canto; and for taking a leadership role in fostering and endorsing Lyric's plan to serve a wider public".
"Lyric Unlimited is a long-term, evolving initiative that will encompass company activities that are not part of Lyric's mainstage season. It will comprise both large- and small-scale programs and performances that will take place both in and away from the opera house," Freud added.
Lyric also announced the appointment of Cayenne Harris, former director for new initiatives at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as director of Lyric Unlimited.
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