Chicago Lyric Opera Receives $25 Million Gift

Penelope Steiner, Vice Chair of the company's Board of Directors, has made the unprecedented donation

The philanthropist Penelope Steiner has made an unprecedented donation of $25 million to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Steiner is also Vice Chair of the company's Board of Directors, and her gift constitutes one of the largest one-off individual contributions in the company’s history.

The gift can be read as a vote of confidence in the work of the company's new General Director, John Mangum, who has recently announced the contents of his first season with the company. It pairs innovative re-readings of core operatic repertoire with outreach initiatives such as concerts and movies.

Steiner is a prolific supporter of the arts, and has made donations to The Joffrey Ballet, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago International Film Festival, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, The Renaissance Society, The Newberry Library, The Nourishment Projects, Chicago Opera Theatre, Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago Youth Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

In recognition of Steiner's generosity, the company will rename the main floor seating area of the opera house "The Robert and Penelope Steiner Parquet." Steiner will also receive the Carol Fox Award, which is the company’s most prestigious honor.

"Opera, more than any art form, embraces all artistic disciplines, spreading its light through the universe and touching all with its iconic aura," Steiner said. "Lyric has the power to galvanize, challenge, and unite individuals and cultures unlike any other artistic endeavor."

"Lyric’s magic will be a motivating factor for generations to come; how privileged I have been to have recognized its divination and contribute to its legacy."

"Penelope’s generosity and passion for Lyric are extraordinary," said Enrique Mazzola, Music Director. "Her commitment to both our rich legacy and bold future empowers us to take artistic risks and reach new creative heights. As an inaugural member and incoming Honorary Chair of the Enrique Circle (sponsors of Maestro Mazzola), as well as the lead production sponsor of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s contemporary work, The Listeners, she exemplifies the spirit of innovation that will shape Lyric’s path forward."