Lyric Opera of Chicago to Receive 2017 British-Consul General Award

In recognition of its global thought leadership, Lyric Opera of Chicago has been chosen to receive the 2017 British-Consul General Award. Dr. Stephen J. Bridges LVO, Consul General, stated that "on behalf of the British-American Business Council in Chicago, we are exceedingly happy to recognize the long-standing and ever- increasing thought leadership of Lyric Opera. Its impact is manifest in Chicago, the United States, and internationally." The Award will be presented to Lyric Opera during the Gala Dinner of the 2017 Transatlantic Conference on 11 May at the Art Institute of Chicago.

"It is a rare and important moment when thought leadership is truly transcendent - going beyond a particular industry, geography, or capitalization. Lyric expertly tackles the great challenge of mounting complex productions, drawing upon talents and skills of individuals at all corners of the globe, and consistently executes to the delight of its customers. Such warrants our understanding and emulation, regardless of whether one's organization is non-profit or for-profit."
K. Thomas Stevens, President, British-American Business Council.

In learning of the announcement, Anthony Freud, General Director, President & CEO, remarked "On behalf of everyone at Lyric Opera of Chicago, we are extremely honored to receive the 2017 British-Consul General Award. As a company, Lyric strives to provide an important cultural service to the city of Chicago and the nation. We are committed to engaging and inspiring large and diverse audiences through the quality and relevance of our work. Opera is the most international of the performing arts and Lyric is proud to present a truly international repertoire, interpreted and performed by major artists from all over the world, attracting a global audience to Chicago and to our opera house. I am particularly thrilled that this award is in recognition of our global thought leadership. Great works of art are transformational in their power to help us understand ourselves, our fellow citizens and our world. Many thanks for this wonderful recognition."

The event caps the two day Conference, with such notable speakers as Groupon founder Brad Keywell, 38th US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, columnist PJ O'Rourke, Deloitte vice-chairperson Deborah DeHass, Kauffman Foundation CEO Wendy Guillies, and philanthropist and great supporter of innovation centers JB Pritzker. Further, the Conference will have panels focusing upon global economic outlook, healthcare, healthtech, US-UK consumer trending, energy, big data, financial markets and global talent mobility. "The 2017 Transatlantic Conference is incredibly content-rich, drawing directly from 42 senior executive speakers who are at the very top of their professions -- it is the place to be," stated Laurence Geller CBE, chairman of the Conference. More information and registration can be found at www.BABC2017-Chicago.org.

Following most recent Transatlantic Conferences in New York and London, the 2017 event explores the theme "Navigating the New World," focusing upon evolving opportunities as the United States, Canada, and Europe absorb changes in the realities of economies, trade, borders, and governance.

About the BABC

The British-American Business Council, together with its 2,000 member companies and British diplomatic and trade partners, promotes commerce between the United States and United Kingdom. The organization conducts substantive, demonstrably relevant programs across 22 cities between North America and the United Kingdom. www.BABC-Chgo.org, @BABC_Chgo, @BABC_TAC17, #TAC2017

About Lyric Opera of Chicago

Lyric Opera of Chicago's mission is to express and promote the life-changing, transformational, revelatory power of great opera. Lyric exists to provide a broad, deep, and relevant cultural service to Chicago and the nation, and to advance the development of the art form.

Founded in 1954, Lyric is dedicated to producing and performing consistently thrilling, entertaining, and thought-provoking opera with a balanced repertoire of core classics, lesser-known masterpieces, and new works; to creating an innovative and wide-ranging program of community engagement and educational activities; and to developing exceptional emerging operatic talent.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, Music Director Sir Andrew Davis, and Creative Consultant Renée Fleming, Lyric strives to become The Great North American Opera Company for the 21st century: a globally significant arts organization embodying the core values of excellence, relevance, and fiscal responsibility.

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