Karen Slack (Opera '02) Appointed Lyric Opera of Chicago Artist-in-Residence
Acclaimed soprano Karen Slack (Opera ’02), artist advocate and advisor, Curtis alumna, and recipient of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, has been appointed artist-in-residence for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2024–25 season as part of the company’s education and community initiative department, Lyric Unlimited. Under the leadership of Afton Battle, Vice President of Lyric Unlimited and Artistic Operations, this residency highlights Lyric’s commitment to expanding the reach of opera to wider audiences.
Karen Slack, who made her Lyric debut during the 2014–15 season as Serena in Porgy and Bess, currently serves as an artistic advisor for Portland Opera, is a board member of the American Composers Orchestra and Astral Artists, and holds a faculty position at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, along with a residency at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
“I’m thrilled to return to Chicago and embark on this journey as Lyric Unlimited’s Artist-in-Residence,” says Ms. Slack. “Lyric Opera holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to contribute to its legacy and work to deepen and broaden the company’s civic footprint by meeting audiences where they are and helping them feel connected to the art form.”
Ms. Slack’s residency will feature her actively engaging in a series of performances and events. To learn more about these appearances, talkbacks, master classes, and more, view the official press announcement from Lyric Opera of Chicago HERE.
Karen Slack will join fellow Curtis alumnae J’Nai Bridges (Opera ’12) and Amanda Majeski (Opera ’09), along with other world-renowned guest artists, for the Curtis Centennial Gala on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Penn Museum. Learn more HERE.
Visit Ms. Slack’s official website. Photos of Karen Slack by Kia Caldwell.
