Saturday, April 1, 2023
5:30 pm to Midnight
Grand Ballroom
Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
5:30 pm – Arrival, Cocktails, Silent Auction, Wine Pull, Purse Pull, Raffle
7:30 pm – Dinner, Entertainment
9:30 pm – Dancing to Lost Wax
Black Tie Attire | Valet Parking
Lyric Opera Ball CoChairmen:
Edie Downing and Juliette Singer
Honorary Chairmen:
Doctors Karla and Ivan Batlle
Lyric Opera Circle President:
Mary Beth Gentry
If you are a fan of Stephen Sondheim and opera, the Lyric Opera Circle cordially invites you to the 2023 Lyric Opera Ball, Celebrating Stephen Sondheim: Send in the Clowns! on Saturday, April 1 (April Fool’s Day), at the Sheraton Hotel Kansas City at Crown Center. This black-tie ball benefitting Lyric Opera of Kansas City will feature a silent auction, games of chance, a gourmet multi-course dinner, vocal entertainment, and dancing to the band Lost Wax.
click to purchase sponsorships and tickets
During the cocktail hour before the ball, you will be greeted by many different April Fools. There will be elegant clowns, jesters, mimes, and maybe even a magician. Participate in the following activities as you chat with your friends:
• Bid on fabulous items in the silent auction using your mobile phone
• Participate in a wine and spirits pull
• Purchase a gently used designer purse from a large selection – each containing a small gift and a raffle entry for a valuable gift
• Purchase a raffle ticket for a bottle of 1996 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole ($4,500 to $6,000 value per wine-searcher.com)
The Lyric Opera Ball supports the mission of Lyric Opera to bring high-quality, live, operatic performances to the Kansas City area and five-state region. In addition, Lyric Opera offers innovative programs designed to further music and arts education in schools, area neighborhoods, and underserved communities.
2023 Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Various sponsorship levels and tickets are listed below. Click here to purchase sponsorships and tickets. Ball guests who contribute at the Fool for Opera Benefactor Level or above will receive invitations to the exclusive Benefactor Party on March 28 in the beautiful lobby of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. This unique venue and its tasty hors d’oeuvre selections are sure to please our benefactors. Thank you in advance for your support!
$75,000 Pagliacci
Benefits Include:
- Premier ball table for 10
- Eight invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Featured in the Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
- Name announced at Lyric Opera Ball
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Richard J. Stern Society Membership1 , including Opera Angel benefits*
- Customized opportunities
- All benefits of the levels below
$50,000 Pierrot & Pierrette
Benefits Include:
- Premier ball table for 10
- Eight invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Featured in the Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
- Name announced at Lyric Opera Ball
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Richard J. Stern Society Membership1 , including Opera Angel benefits*
- Customized opportunities
- All benefits of the levels below
$25,000 Harlequin
Benefits Include:
- Premier ball table for 10
- Six invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Maestro’s Circle membership 1, including Opera Angel benefits*
- Sponsorship of a principal artist, conductor, or director and special recognition
- Backstage meet & greet with sponsored artist
- Unlimited guest access to the Angel Reception Suite+
- 50% discount on venue rental at Lyric Opera facilities^
- All benefits included in the levels below
$10,000 Magician
Benefits Include:
- Premier ball table for 10
- Four invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Bel Canto membership 1, including Opera Angel benefits*
- Sponsorship of a principal artist, conductor, or director, and special recognition
- Backstage meet & greet with sponsored artist
- Access to the Angel Reception Suite
- Angel Reception Suite access for eight guests+
- All benefits included in the levels below
$5,000 Jester
Benefits Include:
- Premier ball table for 10
- Four invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Impresario membership 1, including Opera Angel benefits*
- Invitations to private events
- Angel Reception Suite access for six guests+
- One valet parking pass per household per production at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- All benefits included in the levels below
$3,500 Pulcinella
Benefits Include:
- Preferred Lyric Opera Ball table for 10
- Two invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Lyric Opera Angels membership1 including Opera Angel benefits*
- Invitations to Opening Night Parties and other special events
- Access to the Angel Reception Suite and complimentary refreshments during intermission at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- Angel Reception Suite access for four guests+
- One garage parking pass per household per production at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts performances.
- Invitation to the annual Lyric Opera Angel Dinner
- Exclusive “Angel Only” opportunities throughout the season
- Concierge service
- Annual benefits including artist chats, open rehearsals, program listings, and backstage tour
$2,500 Mime
Benefits Include:
- Four Lyric Opera Ball tickets
- Two invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Aria Society membership 1
- Invitation to Backstage & Bubbly tour
- Annual benefits including artist chats, open rehearsals, program listings, and backstage tour
$1,500 Fool for Opera
Benefits Include:
- Two Lyric Opera Ball tickets
- Two invitations to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Annual benefits including artist chats, open rehearsals, program listings, and backstage tour
$750 Single Fool for Opera
Benefits Include:
- One Lyric Opera Ball ticket
- One invitation to the Benefactor Party
- Name featured in Lyric Opera Ball invitation, program, and signage
Lyric Opera Season Benefits:
- Annual benefits including artist chats, open rehearsals, program listings, and backstage tour
$350 Single Ticket
One single ticket to enjoy the Lyric Opera Ball.
* Opera Angel Benefits are determined by Lyric Opera of Kansas City. For further information, please click here.
+ Angel Suite Guest Passes should be arranged with Michael Breeden, Senior Manager of Individual Giving and Partnership: 816-806-6061
^ Subject to availability. Food and beverage not included.
1 Benefits are applicable one year from February 2023 or when the gift is received, whichever is later.
