Vanguard Opera | The Weight of Light

LAWRENCE EDELSON EDLIS NEESON GENERAL DIRECTOR

LIDIYA YANKOVSKAYA

ELIZABETH MORSE & GENIUS MUSIC DIRECTOR

A VANGUARD OPERA

GILLIAN RAE PERRY/ MARCUS AMAKER APRIL 27, 2024 THE VANGUARD INITIATIVE IS SUPPORTED BY A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE MELLON FOUNDATION, WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM ORLI & BILL STALEY AND FRED & PHOEBE BOELTER.

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Program Notes Chicago Opera Theater’s commitment to opera as a living art form extends much deeper than the works we produce on stage. Every opera we love was new once - and that cycle must continue. But that is only possible if we invest not only in the production of new works, but also in artists whose diverse and unique perspectives will bring today’s stories to the opera stage.

One of the reasons I was so attracted to joining Chicago Opera Theater is the company’s deep seated commitment to supporting the next generation of artists.

Tonight, we bring together two of COT’s programs that showcase the future of opera: The Vanguard Initiative, which provides composers a truly immersive experience at COT alongside highly personalized mentorship; and our Young Artist Program, which provides emerging singers with training and opportunities to bridge the journey from academia to professional performing careers.

This evening’s performance of The Weight of Light represents the culmination of Vanguard Composer Gillian Rae Perry’s residency with COT through her collaboration with librettist Marcus Amaker. The development of this new opera at COT has also provided opportunities for our Young Artists to work with Gillian and Marcus throughout their process – from the libretto, to the piano vocal score, to the orchestral score you will hear tonight.

Thank you for joining us this evening, and for supporting the next generation of artists who will help to define the future of opera.

Lawrence Edelson, Edlis Neeson General Director Creating opera is an endlessly difficult process. Like the artform itself, this process requires enormous collaborative forces, deep knowledge of music and theater, and an understanding of the massive behind-the-scenes machinery that makes a performance possible. We forget that Mozart and Verdi and Wagner each wrote a dozen operas unknown even to opera connoisseurs, all building up to the works we now treasure as pivotal and canonic. In today’s age of exceedingly limited resources, recordings, and reviews that instantly spread throughout the world, creators have little room for risk. This limits growth and forward motion for our art form. How does a 21st century composer receive all the knowledge and experience necessary to not only capture all the moving parts, but to go beyond understanding—to break, shape, transform, and experiment?

Over the last 6+ years, COT's Vanguard Initiative has been giving composers with the potential to redefine opera a unique opportunity to fully embrace all aspects of this exceedingly complex artform. With the culminating second-year commission, composers can further discover their operatic voice in a supported environment that focuses on growth and development. Vanguard's fully-immersive experience is unique in its structure, and it has proven to be invaluable to the 6 composers who have been a part of the program.

Today, you will see the result of yet another composer’s deep dive into opera, as she partners with a librettist to create a new work. Together, and with a massive team behind them, they explore art's capacity to move and to heal. This performance is the final step in the development process, bringing you—the audience—to the table as the final collaborator. Based on today’s experience, the work will have some additional adjustments, hopefully soon followed by a fully-staged premiere at another company.

Thank you for being an essential part of the journey--for this piece, and for its creators.

Lidiya Yankovskaya, Artistic Director of The Vanguard Initiative

Gillian Rae Perry - Vanguard Composer Though there is a lot to say about The Weight of Light, I find myself returning to three main ingredients for the piece: 1. During early conversations, Marcus and I agreed we were both interested in telling the story of a parent and a child.

We both had been put into life circumstances in which we were considering the roles of parents and children, and the ways that this relationship develops especially when confronted with inherited similarities - both positive and negative.

2. Marcus and I both find a lot of joy in exploring the magic in the world. Lately, I have been considering what the objects in my life mean to me. I have some espresso cups from my grandmother that sit on my kitchen table. I know that these little cups have seen things that I never have. They spent a lot of time with my grandmother. I find myself wondering, what would this cup say to me, if it could talk? What sort of stories could it tell me about my grandmother? Or even about my grandfather, who I never had the chance to meet?

3. I have been thinking a lot about platonic love and the way that friendship can heal many wounds. I am forever grateful for the ways that my friends have taught me how to love myself.

Creating The Weight of Light has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you for being here.

Gillian Rae Perry, Vanguard Composer Gillian Rae Perry is a composer and songwriter whose work explores the relationships between mental health, childhood, the subconscious, and dream worlds. She is currently the Vanguard Emerging Opera Composer with Chicago Opera Theater.

Perry’s work has been performed by the Chicago Philharmonic, Mostly Modern Orchestra, Ravenswood Orchestra, Tennessee Valley Music Festival Orchestra, Euclid Quartet, Aperture Duo, and members of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. In 2018, she was awarded a Composition Fellowship with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; she was a Composer Fellow for both the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons.

Perry studied abroad in Paris with the EAMA-Nadia Boulanger Institute during the summer of 2016 and the summer of 2018. During her time in Paris, she studied harmony, counterpoint, musicianship, and composition, all of which greatly influenced her process as a Gillian Perry at COT’s composer. In Paris, she learned from esteemed 50th Anniversary Gala. composers and educators Narcís Bonet, Michelle Merlet, Photo by and Philip Lasser.

Kyle Flubacker.

Marcus Amaker- Librettist To me, The Weight of Light is a work that celebrates radical acceptance. We live in a culture that tells us “being different is weird” while defining what “different” means.

It’s a trap, because there’s not much room for us in mainstream society to be our true selves without it being labeled as “strange.”

That unnecessary label, while not inherently negative, can be the root cause of trauma. I wanted to write a story that showed the grace in all of it. The Weight of Light is about loving the parts of ourselves that society wants us to shadow. Let’s bring each other into light, shall we?

We are more alike than we are different. The things that make us unique are different color threads in a universal fabric - not something to shun, but something to celebrate.

When Gillian and I first met, we had a shared love of music, mental health, self care, and “experimental” art. We gave each other the space we needed to create this work. I’m so thankful to have such a loving, real, and collaborative partner in this endeavor.

My hope is that you will feel some sort of healing through The Weight of Light.

Through self reflection, and her relationship with Trevor, Emily is able to heal the deep wounds held by her mother.

Thank you all for being here and experiencing it. p.s. Jeopardy trivia question: one of the main characters of the opera, Emily, is named after Emily A. Sprague of Florist.

Marcus Amaker, Librettist

Marcus Amaker takes daily naps and is a husband, a dad, a son, a musician, an opera librettist, and a Star Wars obsessive. He served as the first Poet Laureate of Charleston, South Carolina, from 2016—22, and is the author of ten books. In 2021, he became an Academy of American Poets fellow.

His work has been recognized by The Washington Post, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Kennedy Center, American Poets Magazine, Portland Opera, Button Poetry, Garden & Gun, NPR, The Chicago Tribune, PBS NewsHour, South Carolina Public Radio, and more. In 2019, he received a Governor’s Arts award in South Carolina and was named the artist-in-residence of the Gaillard Center.

His tenth book, Hold What Makes You Whole, was released in 2023. His 40th album, a machine & its threads, was recently released by an electronic music label based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His poem “The Rain” was recently performed at Wigmore Hall in the United Kingdom by the British-Russian baritone Theodore Platt.

Marcus Amaker at The Weight of Light Workshop. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

CONCERT WORLD PREMIERE: 2024 Chicago Opera Theater Composer: Gillian Rae Perry Librettist: Marcus Amaker

The Weight of Light

CAST

ORCHESTRA

Hayley Fox* Emily

Heather Wittels Violin

Michelle Mariposa* Dawn

Oana Tatu Viola

Karlos Piñero-Mercado* Trevor/Object 2

Matthew Agnew Cello

Leah Dexter Object 1

Alyce Johnson Flute

Louise Floyd* Object 3

Gene Collerd Clarinet

ARTISTIC

Lillian Lau Harp

Gillian Rae Perry Composer Marcus Amaker Librettist Alexandra Enyart Conductor

Rich Janicki Percussion Paula Gelpi* Piano

VANGUARD PROGRAM

Joachim Schamberger Director

Lidiya Yankovskaya Vanguard Initiative Artistic Director

Katharine Pitt Dramaturg

Brittany Nelson Director of Artistic Operations

Ross Beacraft Orchestra Contractor

Jake Heggie Vanguard Advisor

Paula Gelpi* Rehearsal Pianist

Kamala Sankaram Vanguard Advisor

PRODUCTION

Gene Scheer Vanguard Advisor

Marcus Amaker Projection Designer Joachim Schamberger Projection Designer Rachel Henneberry Stage Manager Andrew Wolffking Supertitles /Projections Operator

Gillian Rae Perry 22-24 Vanguard Composer Carlos R. Carrillo 23-25 Vanguard Composer Special thanks to the Epiphany Center for The Arts for hosting this Vanguard concert premiere

* INDICATES COT/CCPA YOUNG ARTIST

COT Board of Directors & Staff BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

President Susan J. Irion

Edlis Neeson General Director Lawrence Edelson

Secretary Allen Heinemann

Elizabeth Morse & Genius Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya

Immediate Past President Henry Fogel

Director of Artistic Operations Brittany Nelson

DIRECTORS

Director of Development Meaghan Smallwood

Alissa Andraski Peter Ascoli Ron Bauer Merrill Blau Paul E. Freehling Michael G. Hansen Stephanie Hart Mary Lunz Houston Maria Lagios James G. McCormick David McNeel Susan Noel Dorothy Osborn Pavitra Ramachandran Robert E. Shapiro Virginia Tobiason

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Director of Operations & Audience Services Scott Gryder Director of Community Programming Veronica Chamberlain Marketing Manager Emmelly Villagran Development Manager Korey Pimental Artistic Operations Assistant Andrew Wolffking Roosevelt CCPA Young Artist Program Liaison Shannon McGinnis

Roger Baskes Nancy Dehmlow Joan W. Harris Gael Neeson Gregory J. O’Leary

Learn About the 2024/25 Season at COT.ORG

Biographies Hayley Fox* | Emily

Recent: Carmen (Micaela) at Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts, The Nose (Attendant/Traveller) at Chicago Opera Theater, Rinaldo (Armida Cover) at Glimmerglass Festival, Susannah (Mrs. Hayes) at Wolf Trap Opera, Galileo/Galilei (Sagredo/Marie/Eos) at University of Cincinnati

Michelle Mariposa* | Dawn

Recent: Carmen (Carmen) at Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts, La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina (Damigella) at Haymarket Opera, Gianni Schicchi (Zita) at the Sante Fe Opera, Alcina (Ruggiero), The Magic Flute (Third Lady), and The Medium (Madame Flora) at Northwestern Opera Theater

Karlos Piñero-Mercado* | Tevor/Object 2

Recent: Carmen (Don Jóse) at Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts, The Nose (7th Policeman/2nd Man/5th Student/2nd Acquaintance), The Cook-Off (Álvaro), Albert Herring (The Mayor Cover), and Król Roger (Edrisi Cover) at Chicago Opera Theater, Hansel & Gretel (Witch) at Evanston Chamber Opera

Leah Dexter | Object 1

Recent: The Nose (Attendant 4 /Traveller 4), Albert Herring (Mrs. Herring), and Quamino’s Map (Mistress Paddington) at Chicago Opera Theater, Siegrune (Die Walkure) at Detroit Opera, Frida (Dimas’ Mother/ Lupe/ Natalia Trotsky) at El Paso Opera, Fire Shut Up In My Bones (Bertha) at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Louise Floyd* | Object 3

Recent: The Nose (Ensemble) at Chicago Opera Theater, Polituto (Cristiano) at Teatro Nuovo, L’inganno felice (Tarabotto) at Opera Italia LA, Madame Butterfly (Sharpless) at Lyric Opera Theater, L’elisir d’amore (Belcore) at UCLA, Eugene Onegin (Onegin Cover) at Opera Queens Louise Floyd is generously sponsored by Jeanne LaDuke.

Alexandra Enyart | Conductor

Recent: As One at Kentucky Opera, Il Trovatore at Opera Santa Barbara, Bluebeards Castle at Ouroboros Opera, The Consul at Third Eye Theatre, La Bohème at Valkyrie Ensemble/Ouroboros Opera, As One at Holy City Arts and Lyric Opera

Joachim Schamberger | Director

Recent: Siegfried at Virginia Opera, The Emperor of Atlantis at Northwestern Opera Theatre, Hänsel un Gretel at Northwestern Opera Theatre, Cosi fan tutte at Northwestern Opera Theatre, Die Götterdämmerung at Virginia Opera, Die Zauberflöte at Northwestern Opera Theatre

Paula Gelpi* | Rehearsal Pianist

Recent: Amahl and the Night Visitors at Music on Site Festival, Violin and Cello recitals at CCPA, Rehearsal Pianist at Chicago Opera Theater, Giulio Cesare in Egitto at Opera Seme, Carmen Showcase at CCPA

* INDICATES COT/CCPA YOUNG ARTIST

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COT/CCPA YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

COT Morse & Genius Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya with the COT/CCPA Young Artists at the 50th Anniversary Gala. Photo by Kyle Flubacker.

Chicago Opera Theater’s Young Artist and Professional Diploma in Opera Program is offered in partnership with with Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. The COT/CCPA Young Artist Program is a specialized opportunity for emerging professional singers and pianists. It allows developing artists with exceptional career promise and mastery of basic skills to focus on all areas of their artistic growth. The program affords them professional experience, particularly in the development and performance of innovative new work, while also supporting them with voice lessons, vocal coaching, and dramatic training from the illustrious music and performance faculty at CCPA. Participants receive a full-tuition scholarship, as well as a monthly stipend during the performance season, which runs from September to April annually.

Contact Meaghan Stainback Smallwood at msmallwood@cot.org if you would like to learn how you can sponsor a member of the Young Artist Program.

The Vanguard Initiative

COT’s Vanguard composers together at the 50th Anniversary Gala.

Photo by Kyle Flubacker.

The Vanguard Initiative is Chicago Opera Theater's fully-comprehensive program for composers ready to delve into the world of opera. This immersive two-year residency includes participation in all COT productions, sessions with top industry leaders, extensive study of repertoire and vocal writing, direct insight into administrative and other behind-the-scenes processes, and culminates with the development of a fulllength chamber opera commissioned by COT. The program aims to bridge the gap between general compositional skills and the dramatic storytelling, vocal writing, practical considerations, and real-world experience that help inform an operatic composer’s work. Launched in 2018, the program identifies skilled composers who have not yet had sufficient opportunities for writing opera and provides them with a two-year comprehensive course of study and full immersion in the company, culminating with a commission together with an established librettist. The program is guided and overseen by COT’s Elizabeth Morse & Genius Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya, with Composer Advisors Jake Heggie, Kamala Sankaram, and Gene Scheer. Learn more about the Vanguard Initiative at www.cot.org/vanguard Leadership support for The Vanguard Initiative is generously provided by the Mellon Foundation, with additional support from Orli & Bill Staley and Fred & Phoebe Boelter.

Introducing the 2024-2026 Vanguard Composer Aaron Israel Levin is an American composer whose music is guided by the emotional dynamism of storytelling and drama.

Drawing from an eclectic range of musical and extra-musical influences––inspired equally by American minimalism and European modernism; Jewish folklore and Italian cinema; urban metropolises and natural landscapes––he creates music that is at once somber and playful, tender and confrontational, lyrical and gestural. Aaron’s music has been performed and commissioned by the Aizuri Quartet, Bent Frequency Duo, the Chelsea Symphony, Fifth House Ensemble, the Historical Keyboard Society of North America, the Iowa Composers Forum, loop38, the Music Teachers National Association, New European Ensemble, Onix Ensemble, and mezzo-sopranos Kayleigh Butcher and Lisa Neher. Passionate about collaboration, Aaron often works with artists in theater, dance, and film. Past collaborators include playwright Christopher Gabriel Nuñez, choreographer Celeste Miller, and filmmaker Harris Gurny. Along with violist Harris Bernstein and composer Soomin Kim, he is the cofounder of the chamber music project Rattlebox Music in Minneapolis, Minnesota.