Porgy and Bess

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Oscar Tatosian: A Storied Leader

Freud’s leadership and the efforts of Lyric Unlimited in reaching out to new audiences and communities, citing The Second City Guide to the Opera and the recent and upcoming mariachi operas – and their accompanying community partnerships – as essential to the livelihood of the company. “That’s exactly the right effort; now the Boards should embrace and imple- ment initiatives such as these.” A first-generation Armenian-American born and raised in Wilmette, Oscar and his brother run the family business, Oscar Isberian Rugs, found- ed by Oscar’s grandfather in 1920 as Chicagoland’s premier Oriental Rug retailer. With a strong company history of integrity and an appreciation for

For long time Lyric patron and newly-elected President of the Guild Board of Directors, Oscar Tatosian’s journey to becoming an opera lover started as a social engagement. “I credit the young professionals group for getting me involved at Lyric Opera. We would get together at a local restaurant before the performance, have a meal, and maybe learn a little bit about opera, too.” He speaks of the Auxiliary Board (now known as Lyric Young Professionals), which was formed in the late 1990s by a group of likeminded young adults who assembled their friends for opera-focused gatherings aimed at engaging the next generation of Lyric supporters. “What was great about that group was that the members would educate themselves

beautiful things, old and new, it was only natural that Oscar found grand opera appealing. “I’ve come to the realization that in almost any sig- nificant milestone in one’s life, some- how music is involved. Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, graduations, any type of festive occasion, there’s music; it allows you to get out of your mind and into your soul.” He distinctly remembers other musical influences marking his early years, such as a visit by famed Armenian- Russian composer and conduc- tor Aram Khachaturian, whom his grandparents hosted in their home during a culturally significant United States concert tour in 1968. Oscar himself, who is active in the national Armenian community, has con- tinued to show interest in classical musicians visiting from his home country, organizing an outing to support Armenian conductor Alain Altinoglu when he was performing Carmen at Lyric in 2010. As an advocate for Lyric, Oscar loves to bring new people to the Civic Opera House. “One of my favorite things is taking a friend to the opera and seeing the magic happen; to see them really awed.

on a subject and give pre-opera lec- tures for their peers.” He also fondly remembers the “crazy nights” out- side of the traditional opera outings: Lyric Lounge Nights, a fundraising project of the Auxiliary Board, and board-hosted tables at the Opera Ball, which were the place to be for young twenty-somethings looking to have a good time and support a worthy cause. All of those social get-togethers eventually got Oscar completely hooked on opera. “From the begin- ning, I was taken by the stories of the operas. They’re very basic, but they had a lot of meaning for me – boy loves girl, and her daddy says no, or rich boy marries dancer; all of these family issues. They’re so simple, but so timeless. Now I focus on the voices more, but the stories are what captured me. We’re human, and it’s very natural to connect with other people’s life experiences.” It wasn’t long before Oscar became an active member of Lyric’s leadership, joining the Guild Board of Directors in 2006 and serving as Fantasy of the Opera Chairman before being elected President in 2014. When asked about his goals for

Some of the best moments come when I’m being an ambassador for Lyric, because I know it impacts my guests, and sharing that with others is really special. It’s like a great little world within this world. I’m privileged to be associated with Lyric Opera.” And we are honored to count Oscar Tatosian as one of Lyric’s staunchest supporters, sharing its vision of being a diverse, relevant, and culturally significant contributor to our great city. Lyric Opera of Chicago’s story is richer because of him.

the Board during his tenure, he says he wants “to build an energized, cohe- sive team of dedicated members serving Lyric.” Oscar’s presidency comes at a time of great opportunity for the Guild Board to grow as advocates for Lyric Opera of Chicago. He hopes to tap into the unique aspects of Lyric’s framework which originally engaged him with the company: “If I go back to my earliest days [on the Auxiliary Board], it was learning about the operas themselves, the stories, the creation, the context – if we can do that, it’s a shortcut to success.” Oscar would also like to see the Guild Board support Lyric’s wider mission to be more relevant and diverse. He lauds Anthony

— Meaghan Stainback

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