Lyric Opera of Chicago turns 50 this year, and stands as one of the world’s most successful companies, and as one of Chicago’s most enduring arts institutions. When Lyric began presenting opera in 1954, Chicago had been without opera for eight years, and had never been host to a company of national stature. But a combination of good timing, top-notch staff, and high demand catapulted the company to national prominence almost immediately, and it’s been in the spotlight ever since.