2018 Season Brochure

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Season Presenting Sponsor:

Return to Music Hall Sponsor:

Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

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Season Funders:

WELCOME HOME.

Cincinnati has been having a moment as of late.

The city’s vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood has become a destination for foodies and a mecca for entertainment—all of it anchored by our home, Music Hall.

Following a stunning renovation, the crown jewel of Cincinnati is more exquisite and inviting than ever, with spectacular acoustics and vastly superior patron amenities. But some things haven’t changed. You’ll still enjoy passionate performances by world-class singers, beautiful playing by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, stories that touch your heart, and enchanting sets and costumes.

Come see it for yourself. Join our subscriber family and experience the beauty of opera at Music Hall.

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Giuseppe Verdi

LA TRAVIATA

A LOVE SO TRUE IT TOOK HER BREATH AWAY

AN IRRESISTIBLE CLASSIC

LA TRAVIATA JUNE 14, 16, 20 & 22 Music Hall

Violetta had it all—a lavish apartment, beautiful gowns and jewels, fine champagne in crystal glasses. She was a courtesan in 1850s Paris, flirting and toasting her way through life. For this pretty woman, it seemed that the party would never end. And then, she met him. ...........

Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave

Violetta Valéry Norah Amsellem Alfredo Germont Ji-Min Park Giorgio Germont Youngjoo An Conductor Renato Balsadonna Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Cincinnati Opera returns home to Music Hall with a beautiful, new-to-Cincinnati production of Verdi’s irresistible classic. It’s no wonder Traviata is one of the best-loved operas of all time—filled with soaring melodies, sweeping emotions, rousing drinking songs, and passionate characters. After stealing our hearts as Liù in our spectacular 2015 Turandot, French soprano Norah Amsellem will hold the audience “spellbound” (Financial Times) as the famed courtesan Violetta Valéry. Korean tenor Ji-Min Park returns as Violetta’s lover, Alfredo, after his “beautifully sung and engagingly acted” (Cincinnati Enquirer) performance in Don Pasquale (2015).

Sung in Italian with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours Rated PG

Norah Amsellem Violetta Valéry

Ji-Min Park Alfredo Germont

Youngjoo An Giorgio Germont

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Claudio Monteverdi

THE CORONATION OF POPPEA

ALL SHE WANTED WAS

BAROQUE IS BACK

EVERYTHING

THE CORONATION OF POPPEA JUNE 21, 23, 26, 28 & JULY 1m SCPA’s Corbett Theater

Abandoning her old lover, Poppea only has eyes for Emperor Nero…and his crown. Ottavia, Nero’s wife and empress, crafts elaborate schemes and issues dire threats to hold onto her husband.

But when the gods are on Poppea’s side, how can she lose? Love might conquer all, but it leaves a trail of destruction. ...........

One of the first operas, Monteverdi’s 1642 Baroque masterpiece tells a dramatic story of passion and intrigue with some of the most transcendently beautiful music in all of opera.

It’s presented here in a new production at SCPA’s intimate Corbett Theater under the direction of the “superbly imaginative” Zack Winokur (Parterre Box). A world-class cast, led by Grammy-nominated soprano Talise Trevigne and “vocally brilliant” countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as Emperor Nero (The New York Times), joins the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and members of the early music ensemble Catacoustic Consort in realizing Monteverdi’s exquisite score.

Talise Trevigne Poppea

Anthony Roth Costanzo Nero

Sarah Mesko Ottavia

Melissa Harvey Drusilla

Music by Claudio Monteverdi Libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello

Poppea Talise Trevigne Nero Anthony Roth Costanzo Ottavia Sarah Mesko Drusilla Melissa Harvey Ottone Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen Seneca Alex Rosen Valletto Daniel Moody Lucano Benjamin Lee Liberto Christian Pursell Conductor Gary Thor Wedow Stage Director Zack Winokur Scenic Designer Adam Charlap Hyman Costume Designer Amanda McGee Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier

New production by Cincinnati Opera Sung in Italian with projected translation Performance length: 2 hours and 30 minutes Rated PG-13

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen Ottone

Alex Rosen Seneca

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Richard Wagner

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

LOVE IS A TEMPESTUOUS VOYAGE

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

THRILLING NEW PRODUCTION

JULY 5 & 7 Music Hall

Once every seven years, the Dutchman comes ashore. Doomed to sail the seas on a ghost ship for eternity, he searches for the only key to his release—true love. Senta, a sailor’s daughter, is fascinated with his legend. When intrigue turns to obsession, she’s willing to risk everything to be the one who frees him from never-ending torment. ...........

For the first time in over 20 years, Wagner’s thrilling take on an eerie nautical legend returns to the Music Hall stage. The old folktale gets a new twist with stunning visual projections that “vividly bring to life a contemporary vision of Wagner’s mythical story” (Atlanta JournalConstitution). Last seen at Cincinnati Opera as the title character in Turandot, soprano Marcy Stonikas leads the cast as Senta with a voice of “power, grace, and effortless fluidity” (Washington Times). Canadian bass-baritone Nathan Berg, “a brilliant actor” with a “palpable stage presence” (Financial Times), sings the title role in his Cincinnati debut.

Music and libretto by Richard Wagner

Senta Marcy Stonikas The Dutchman Nathan Berg Erik Jay Hunter Morris Daland Arthur Woodley Steersman Frederick Ballentine, Jr. Mary Elizabeth Bishop Conductor Christof Perick Original Production & Staging Tomer Zvulun Stage Director Brenna Corner Scenic & Costume Designer Jacob A. Climer Projection Designer S. Katy Tucker Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Production jointly owned by Cincinnati Opera, The Atlanta Opera & Houston Grand Opera Sung in German with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours Rated PG

Marcy Stonikas Senta

Nathan Berg The Dutchman

Jay Hunter Morris Erik

Arthur Woodley Daland

Frederick Ballentine, Jr. Steersman

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Roger Waters/Julien Bilodeau

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

THE AWARD-WINNING

FIRST U.S. PERFORMANCE!

NEW OPERA

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL JULY 20, 21, 26, 28 & 31 Music Hall

In the glare of the spotlight, Pink finds himself as he’s always been: alone. As the disillusioned rock star wrestles with memories of his troubled childhood and the pressures of fame, he cuts himself off from the world around him. When his very survival depends on it, Pink must confront his inner demons and tear down the wall. ...........

After a wildly successful world premiere in Montreal, Cincinnati Opera presents the U.S. premiere of this “powerful” (Rolling Stone) new opera based on Pink Floyd’s legendary 1979 album The Wall. A gripping story, eye-popping video projections, and a thrilling score transform the iconic album into a psychological operatic drama, perfect for operagoers and rock fans alike.

Featuring an international cast of soloists, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and the renowned Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Original words & music by Roger Waters Operatic version by Julien Bilodeau Concept & stage direction by Dominic Champagne Pink Nathan Keoughan The Mother France Bellemare The Father Jean-Michel Richer The Wife Caroline Bleau Conductor Alain Trudel Stage Director Suzanne Crocker Scenic Designer Stéphane Roy Costume Designer Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt Video Designer Johnny Ranger Original Lighting Designer Étienne Boucher Lighting Designer Anne-Catherine Simard-Deraspe Sound Designer & Numeric Orchestration Louis Dufort Props Master Madeleine Saint-Jacques Theatrical Advisor Normand Baillargeon Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

A Productions Opéra Concept M.P. & Cincinnati Opera co-production Sung in English with projected titles Performance length: 2 hours Rated R for adult themes including drug and alcohol use, sexual situations, and violence

Nathan Keoughan Pink

France Bellemare The Mother

Jean-Michel Richer The Father

Caroline Bleau The Wife

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Kaminsky, Campbell & Reed

AS ONE JULY 25, 27, 28m & 30

Music Hall • Wilks Studio

With two singers and a string quartet, As One is an uplifting coming-of-age story about a transgender woman. This new, 75-minute chamber opera depicts the experiences of its sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. Two singers, a baritone and a mezzo-soprano, portray the character of Hannah. Inspired in part by the life experiences of acclaimed filmmaker Kimberly Reed, As One’s rich libretto–and evocative melodies and harmonies–make it an unforgettable work.

Amber Fasquelle Hannah After

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Matthew Worth Hannah Before

SUBSCRIBE TO SECURE YOUR SEAT

Music & concept by Laura Kaminsky Libretto by Mark Campbell & Kimberly Reed Film by Kimberly Reed

Hannah After Amber Fasquelle Hannah Before Matthew Worth Stage Director Robin Guarino

Sung in English Performance length: 1 hour and 15 minutes Rated PG

BEYOND MAINSTAGE Make the most of your opera summer! Here are just a few of the fun and informative events coming up. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for a full list and details.

BACK TO THE ZOO

SEASON OPENING CELEBRATION

OPERA IN THE PARK

MAY 16

JUNE 8

JUNE 10

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Music Hall

Washington Park

Toast the start of the season with an elegant dinner from a unique perspective—onstage at Music Hall! Ticketed.

Enjoy an evening of opera and musical theater favorites under the setting sun, right in our front yard. Free!

OPERA RAPS

OPERA INSIGHTS

OPERA GOES TO CHURCH/TEMPLE

A diverse series of lectures designed to enlighten opera devotees and newcomers alike. Free!

One hour before curtain, enhance your appreciation of each opera with an engaging and informative talk. Free!

Opera artists, dynamic choirs, and more gather at churches and temples throughout the region for an uplifting concert series. Free!

Join us at our first home for a concert featuring a colorful cast of singers and zoo animals. Free!

YP EVENTS

Join Center Stage, our dynamic group of young professionals (ages 21 to 45) who seek to meet fellow opera fans, learn more about opera through social events, and celebrate the arts in Cincinnati.

LEARN MORE f cincinnatiopera.org/center-stage

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“When the wall came down, the entire audience was on its feet.” –Rolling Stone on Another Brick in the Wall’s Canadian premiere

Talise Trevigne brings her “bright, appealing soprano” (The New York Times) to the title role of The Coronation of Poppea.

The award-winning Another Brick in the Wall “transformed rock & roll into pure opera.” –Rolling Stone

A grand opera for a grand venue! Verdi’s most beloved opera, La Traviata, marks our return home to Music Hall.

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Subscriber Perks

1. PRIORITY ACCESS TO THE BEST SEATS Receive seating priority for our first season back at the beautifully restored Music Hall.

Metropolitan Opera star Jay Hunter Morris sings Erik in The Flying Dutchman.

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RESERVED PARKING We’ll hold a spot for you! Subscribers can pre-pay for parking in Washington Park Garage for $15 per Music Hall performance. Call for details.

3. THE VIP EXPERIENCE Subscribers get to see it all and are first in line for seating selection, season updates, and special event notices.

4. YOUR SEATS, EVERY YEAR You’ll love your new Music Hall seats, and only subscribers may renew them from one season to the next.

5. FREE AND FLEXIBLE EXCHANGES If your schedule changes, it’s easy to exchange your seats by phone for another performance or even another production.

Countertenor of the moment Anthony Roth Costanzo “combines a powerful voice with a charismatic presence” (The New York Times).

6. BUY MORE AND SAVE Want to bring a friend? Buy additional seats to any performance for 15% off regular ticket prices.

The Flying Dutchman’s “inventive visual elements vividly bring to life a contemporary vision of Wagner’s mythical story” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution). cincinnatiopera.org ( 5 1 3 ) 2 4 1 -2 74 2

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What’s New at Music Hall?

Our 2018 Summer Festival marks our return to the beautifully restored Music Hall after an extensive $143 million renovation. While the building remains the same beautiful, historic treasure you know and love, there have been significant updates to improve the audience experience. Here’s what’s new!

COMFORTABLE SEATING

PATRON AMENITIES

New, wider seats and more legroom allow for a more comfortable operagoing experience.

Restrooms have increased by 50%, which means you can spend less time in line and more time socializing during intermission. You’ll also find more bar locations and expanded concession offerings, including signature cocktails, premium coffee, and Findlay Market Tasting Trays.

RICHER ACOUSTICS

“All that we love about the warmth and power of sound and the ability of singers to project into Music Hall has been preserved alongside a new ability for all the performing artists to project the most delicate pianissimo. Music Hall is now the best of all possible sonic worlds!” –Evans Mirageas THE TERRACE

The Terrace is the new and improved back section of the Orchestra. It’s the last eight rows, which have been elevated and now offer excellent sightlines and superior acoustics.

SOCIAL SPACES

Visit the new Audience Lounge off the main lobby where you can relax, have a drink, and watch the performance on monitors should you arrive late. And, explore the North and South Halls to find tables and seating options.

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IMPROVED SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY

You’ll find elevators that reach all floors, a street-level handicapped entrance at the Music Hall Box Office, more wheelchair and companion seating options, and a state-of-the-art assistive listening device system.

WILKS STUDIO

The new Wilks Studio, where our chamber opera As One will be performed, is one of the most significant additions to Music Hall. Named after longtime opera patron Harry T. Wilks, the Wilks Studio on the north end of the building will double as a rehearsal space and a multi-purpose venue for public performances.

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Here’s How to Subscribe 1. SELECT YOUR SERIES.

Silver—All 3 Music Hall shows

La Traviata, The Flying Dutchman, and Another Brick in the Wall

Gold—All 3 Music Hall shows + the SCPA show La Traviata, The Flying Dutchman, Another Brick in the Wall, and The Coronation of Poppea

“ELEGANT NEW DÉCOR AND PATRON-FRIENDLY AMENITIES” –Janelle Gelfand, Classical Voice North America

Platinum—All 3 Music Hall shows + the SCPA show + the Wilks Studio show

La Traviata, The Flying Dutchman, Another Brick in the Wall, The Coronation of Poppea, and As One

2. CHOOSE YOUR DATES.

Weeknights at Music Hall

La Traviata on Thurs June 14 The Flying Dutchman on Thurs July 5 Another Brick in the Wall on Fri July 20

Saturdays at Music Hall

La Traviata on Sat June 16 The Flying Dutchman on Sat July 7 Another Brick in the Wall on Sat July 21 Gold and Platinum Subscribers may select their dates for The Coronation of Poppea and As One based on availability. See dates on the right.

2018 SEASON

La Traviata June 14, 16, 20, 22

The Coronation of Poppea June 21, 23, 26, 28 July 1m

The Flying Dutchman July 5 & 7

Another Brick in the Wall

July 20, 21 , 26, 28 & 31

As One July 25, 27, 28m & 30

Illustrations p. 3 La Traviata: Tim O’Brien; p. 5 The Coronation of Poppea: Catrin Welz-Stein; p. 7 The Flying Dutchman: René Milot; p. 9 Another Brick in the Wall: Robert Carter; p. 11 As One: Aimee Sposito Martini Photos p. 2 & 16 Music Hall: Mark Lyons/Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; p. 12 Pride Night: David N. Martin/ mkphotographers.com; p. 13 Another Brick in the Wall: Yves Renaud/Opéra de Montréal; Talise Trevigne: Nicholas Korkos; La Traviata: Karen Almond/The Dallas Opera; p. 14 Jay Hunter Morris: BreeAnne Clowdus; Anthony Roth Costanzo: Matthu Placek; The Flying Dutchman: Jeff Roffman/The Atlanta Opera

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Price Zones Premium 1

2

TERRACE

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3. PICK YOUR SECTION.

Zone A Zone C

ORCHESTRA

Find your preferred location on the seating diagram to the right. Then match the color of that location to the Price Zones key. You’ll find pricing for the various Price Zones in the table below.

Zone B

BOX

Zone D Zone E

BOX

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Zone F

GE STA

Music Hall Seating Chart

Price Zones* Silver Series Gold Series Platinum Series

PREM $554 $664 $699

A $460 $550 $589

B $372 $467 $504

C $269 $334 $369

D $212 $272 $308

E $134 $184 $221

F $99 $137 $175

*Prices already include a 3.5% facility fee for Music Hall and a $5 account maintenance fee.

Prices subject to change.

4. PLACE YOUR ORDER.

Phone (513) 241-2742

Online cincinnatiopera.org

Box Office Hours

In Person

Cincinnati Opera Music Hall | Corbett Opera Center Box Office 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

M-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Season Presenting Sponsor:

1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Season Funders:

Patricia K. Beggs, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

(513) 241-2742 • cincinnatiopera.org

TRAVIATA POPPEA DUTCHMAN THE WALL AS ONE

Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT #6737