OLO Founders

We extend our deepest gratitude to the visionary individuals who helped establish Springfield Regional Opera in 1979—what is now Ozarks Lyric Opera. Their passion, dedication, and belief in the transformative power of opera laid the foundation for over four decades of artistic excellence. Because of their commitment, generations have experienced the joy and magic of live opera in the Ozarks.

Thank you for dreaming big and setting the stage for the future.

Mr and Mrs Robert Kramer
Mr James Lily
Dr and Mrs Charles Lockhart
Dr and Mrs Jerry Long
Mr and Mrs Emil Lorz
Mr and Mrs George Nixon
Mr and Mrs Saul Nuccitelli
Dr and Mrs William Penninger
Mrs Bert Putnam and Greg Price
Dr and Mrs E.M. Schaeffer
Dr and Mrs Gary Walker

(Founding Artistic Director)

Dawin Emmanuel
Dr and Mrs Richard Baldwin
Dr and Mrs Michael Clarke
Dr Leslie Irene Coger
Dr Donald Crosby
Mr and Mrs Jack Curtis
Dr and Mrs Peter Dykstra
Carla and Howard Galloway
Mr and Mrs Oscar T Hicklin
Terry and Pat Hicklin
Donna Crosby

OLO New Founders

In 2015, a new generation of visionaries came together to breathe fresh life into our company—ensuring opera would continue to thrive in the Ozarks. These New Founders brought bold ideas, renewed passion, and unwavering support that helped shape what is now Ozarks Lyric Opera. Their dedication has propelled us into a new era of innovation, accessibility, and artistic growth.

Thank you for helping us reimagine our legacy and dream bigger than ever before.

Dr Richard and Mary Aiken
Rob and Sally Baird
Alexa and Les Brown
Virginia Bussey
Tac Caplan
Jeff and Donna Carney
Dr Robert and Peg Carolla
David and Mary Christiano
Krystyna and Michael Clarke
Dean and Cindy Curtis
Michael and Susan Freelander
Karen Horny

Sarah Hitesman
Mark and Valia Gardner
Alice Johnson
Bobbie Johnson
Roberta Johnson
Irma Leidig
Greg and Judy McManus
Patricia Millsap
Winifred Nixon
Clifton and Gail Smart
Roger and Rebecca Smith
Maggie Wilcox