THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Lyric Opera House is proud to host Creative Minds Talks once again on Jan. 12, 2019, when award-winning rapper, producer, and philanthropist Chance the Rapper joins celebrated operatic singer, arts activist, and Lyric Creative Consultant Renée Fleming. These two dynamic artists will participate in a conversation onstage as they discuss activism, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and the future of education

Chancelor Bennett, Chance the Rapper, is a hip-hop artist, singer, songwriter, record producer, and humanitarian whose rise to mainstream success has been unprecedented as an independent artist. In 2017, his album, Coloring Book, became the first streaming-only album to be nominated for and to win a Grammy. Without even signing a record deal, Bennett has undoubtedly changed the music industry forever. Bennett has been intentional with using his ever-growing popularity to give back to Chicago, especially the youth who admire him. In 2014, Bennett began his philanthropic efforts by using #savechicago to stop gun-violence for 42 hours. In 2016, Bennett then unveiled his nonprofit organization, SocialWorks, which aims to empower the youth through the arts, education and civic engagement. Proceeds of this event benefit SocialWorks.

Renée Fleming is one of the most highly-acclaimed singers of our time. Awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama, she is a four-time Grammy Award winner, and has sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. In 2014 Renée became the first classical artist ever to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl, and in 2018 she won a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Carousel on Broadway. Renée is Creative Consultant at Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Artistic Advisor to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she spearheads a collaboration with the NIH focused on the science connecting music, wellness, and the brain. She is known for bringing new audiences to classical music and opera, and is known not only for her collaborations with classical artists but with crossover and pop icons. She will return to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage on March 23, 2019 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of her Lyric stage debut.

Art of Storytelling with Chance the Rapper and Renée Fleming takes place Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 at the Lyric Opera House at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $55.

About Creative Minds Talks

Creative Minds Talks presents the "The Art of Storytelling" through conversations with the brightest minds in art, architecture, fashion, film, literature, sports, music and philanthropy in front of a live audience in a notable, marquee venue. The participants include two thought leaders onstage in a dialogue format. The conversation that emanates inevitably engages, educates, entertains and inspires. With the support of its partners, each Talk aims to elevate creative and cultural worlds. Every Creative Minds Talks includes a donation to charitable causes related to the participating speakers that are focused on fighting global poverty and on arts, education and healthcare for children and youth.

—From a press release