Ryan Opera Center alumni

Alumni perform on our own stage and on stages across the globe

More than 300 artists have trained at The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center since its inception in 1974. A testament to the program's caliber is the impressive roster of distinguished alumni who perform regularly at Lyric and on the stages of other leading opera houses around the globe.

Get to know some of our most acclaimed alumni who prove the value of this unique and intensive training program.

Notable Ryan Opera Center alumni

Alumni testimonials

Michael Banwarth

Michael Banwarth

Working with artists the caliber of those in the Ryan Opera Center is a privilege that is difficult to fully articulate. The past three years have deepened my conception of the voice, of musical storytelling, and of artistic generosity. From playing rehearsals for Cav/Pag one day to recording R&B and jazz in the WFMT studio the next, I never knew precisely what a week in the program would entail, but I always knew it would involve incredibly rewarding (and often absurdly fun) music making. My time at Lyric has led to performances from Chicago to New York to Germany — and to developing musical partnerships and deep friendships that I hope will last for decades to come. Thank you to the teachers, coaches, and staff here for an unspeakably fulfilling three years, and a wider thank you to everyone who supports emerging artists in opera and beyond!

 

 

 

 

Gemma DeCetra

Gemma DeCetra

It has been such a privilege to be the Ryan Opera Center’s Ensemble Stage Manager over the last two years. I have gained so much knowledge from working with the team at Lyric, and I am deeply grateful for all the mentorship I have received in my time here. Working on such technical, large-scale productions was something I’d never done before — and the learning curve was intense — but the experience has given me the confidence to take on whatever comes next. Stage management has been my passion for many years; after my time in the Ryan Opera Center, I have also found a deeper respect and admiration for the artistry behind the role. I’m incredibly thankful to have had such a supportive group of colleagues, and my sincere gratitude to everyone who makes this program possible.

 

Adia Evans

Adia Evans

Three years ago, I wouldn’t have believed that one day I would call this legendary opera house my workplace. I will always be deeply grateful to the Lyric team for seeing something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself and for including me in this class of incredible artists. They inspire me every day and have shaped my development and growth. Being in this program has not only taught me how to be a better artist, but it’s also given me the courage to dream bigger, to trust my voice, and to step fully into my artistic identity. Thank you all for every word of encouragement and every moment of discovery and music making. My heart is filled with gratitude for the many memories of this place and the people here, which I’ll carry with me forever. Thank you.

Marinette Gomez

Marinette Gomez

Being part of the Ryan Opera Center as the Ensemble Stage Director has truly been life-changing. From working with some of the most fascinating, creative, and inspiring directors of our day, to learning from the best stage managers and assistant directors in the business, this experience has been fruitful in ways I never could have imagined. It has encompassed deep conversations after a hard rehearsal, long nights of paperwork, creatively driven rehearsals, and work scaled from one or two singers to massive rehearsals with the chorus. Participating in all of that and more has had a major impact on my growth as an artist, and I’ll hold on to these memories and lessons for the rest of my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been here and to have worked with such exceptional people. With a special shoutout to the Lyric production staff, I thank you all!

Sankara Harouna

Sankara Harouna

It has been a source of immense joy for me, a native Chicagoan, to be able to return home to join the Ryan Opera Center. From intensive coaching sessions to observing world-class artists in action, this experience has fostered both my personal and professional growth. I have discovered a beautiful resilience in vulnerability and gained the tools to overcome fear and adversity. This program has truly prepared me for my future, and I am deeply thankful for the community at Lyric. I also feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this journey with such a stellar cohort — my fellow Ensemble members are top-tier artists who have inspired me to be the best colleague and friend I can be. My sincerest gratitude to everyone involved for all you’ve done for me.

Christopher Humbert, Jr.

Christopher Humbert, Jr.

My time in the Ryan Opera Center has been deeply meaningful and memorable, and I will truly miss it. I have been so blessed with opportunities to sing in the most riveting concerts and productions, performing alongside the most prolific operatic stars. I thank everyone for allowing me to witness firsthand how professionals work at the highest level. At the same time, the Ryan Opera Center provided a safe, nurturing environment where I could explore and develop my voice and artistic identity. The program challenged me to grow, expanded and elevated my capabilities, and helped highlight my strengths while supporting the areas where I needed improvement. It’s an experience that has shaped me both as a singer and as an artist, and one for which I will remain deeply grateful for the rest of my life.

Chi-Yuan Lin

Chi-Yuan Lin

These two years at the Ryan Opera Center have been truly transformative. Working at Lyric Opera of Chicago, I’ve been immersed in such an inspiring environment, where every artist strives for excellence while fostering genuine kindness. Conducting in the pit with the Lyric Opera Orchestra has been a life-changing experience. Step by step, I have learned how to collaborate more deeply with everyone in the room, broaden my artistry, and discover subtle nuances within each piece of repertoire. I am deeply grateful to the mentors and coaches who have helped me explore my potential. Most importantly, thank you to my beloved Ryan Opera Center colleagues for your support on and off the stage with laughter, care, and love. Your passion and fearless spirit are things I will carry with me wherever I go. My sincerest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making my time here possible!

Emily Richter

Emily Richter

The Ryan Opera Center is such a special place. It’s a true privilege to be at Lyric and be immersed in art-making at the highest level, and it’s an honor to be surrounded by incredible artists and call them your peers. The Ryan Opera Center has created such an exceptional environment that has made me feel challenged, pushed, loved, and supported. It’s a magical and humbling experience to find depths of yourself and of singing and expression that you didn’t know you were capable of. To experience that at Lyric in the company of senior colleagues you admire is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that has been transformational for me personally and artistically. A huge thank you to this community for showing me what’s possible and for launching me into the next phase of my life and career!

Finn Sagal

Finn Sagal

With family based here, I’ve been visiting Chicago for much of my life. When I began studying voice, the dream of being surrounded by loved ones while working at such an iconic opera house began to take shape but seemed unlikely. Having that dream come true at the Final Auditions knocked me off my feet! That life-changing moment was the start of an incredible journey that has been beyond what I ever imagined. Every day spent at Lyric Opera of Chicago is filled with the inspiration to grow and make incredible art. I have been so fortunate to be a part of this program with extraordinary peers and colleagues. These past two years have shaped my artistry and character in ways I will never be able to repay. I can only say that I am forever thankful for the Ryan Opera Center and all of those who make this program possible.

Travon D. Walker

Travon D. Walker

The past three years in the Ryan Opera Center have been an absolute dream. Coming straight from grad school, I had no idea what was in store for this next part of my journey, and I feel incredibly thankful that I was received with such loving and supporting arms. Everyone at Lyric gave me the chance to explore the depths of not only my artistry, but also my personhood. All the time spent on stages, in practice rooms, and in rehearsal rooms watching the greats of our time, has fostered growth and development that I never believed possible — and all these lessons will stay with me for many years to come. I owe so much to my family at Lyric, and I can’t wait to share with the world all that I’ve learned from them.

Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today

Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center prepares emerging artists for careers in opera by providing unique, comprehensive training. Your gift helps offset the expense of maintaining the high quality of Lyric’s stellar professional artist-development program.

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Header photo: Ensemble alumnnus Quinn Kelsey (Alfio) and Ensemble mezzo-soprano Camille Robles (Lola) in Lyric's 2025/26 Season production of Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana.

Credit: Todd Rosenberg