100th Anniversary Season Brochure

20 CINCINNATI OPERA

100TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON THE

Who can love opera? Anyone. Who should get the chance? Everyone.

T

his season, Cincinnati Opera turns one hundred, and we can’t wait to celebrate

with you. Together, we’ll reflect on our rich history Evans Mirageas The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

with time-honored classics like Barber and Aida, presented in sparkling new productions. We’ll ˆ

breathe life into Dvorák’s rarely-performed 1901 gem Rusalka, a beautiful and tragic tale presented at Cincinnati Opera for the first time in company history. We’ll be inspired by new voices and compelling stories with two world premieres—Castor and Patience and Fierce. We’ll celebrate stories that touch our souls, the magnificence of the human voice, the bright future of opera, and the community we share.

Let’s celebrate!

CONTENTS

5 The Barber of Seville

14 Reasons to Subscribe

18 The Ball of the Century

7 Rusalka

15 How to Subscribe

19 Beyond Mainstage

9 Aida

16 Seating Chart & Tips

20 Support

11 Castor and Patience

17 Opera for All &

21 Explore Cincinnati

Opera in the Park 13 Fierce

22 Season Calendar

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C A S TO R A N D PAT I E N

FIERCE

RUSALKA Our Aida (shown here) will feature spectacularly vibrant sets and costumes by British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.

Photo from San Francisco Opera’s production.

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NCE T H E 1 0 0 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y S E A S O N

AIDA

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

4

The Barber of Seville

Rosina Isabel Leonard

Music by Gioachino Rossini Libretto by Cesare Sterbini

Figaro Rodion Pogossov

JUNE 18 & 20 at MUSIC HALL

Doctor Bartolo Paolo Bordogna

Count Almaviva Aaron Blake

Don Basilio Burak Bilgili Berta Wendy Hill

It’s going to be a close shave.

Fiorello Thomas Dreeze

Count Almaviva is determined to win the heart of the lovely Rosina, but so is her foolish old guardian.

Luckily for the Count, there’s no problem his trusty friend, the quick-witted barber Figaro, can’t solve... eventually.

An Officer Sankara Harouna

Conductor Renato Balsadonna Original Production Francesca Zambello

Rossini’s masterful, laugh-out-loud comedy (the prequel to The Marriage of Figaro) is packed with rapid-fire punchlines and toe-tapping melodies— from one of the world’s most famous overtures to the instantly recognizable “Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” of “Largo al factotum.” Grammy-winning mezzosoprano Isabel Leonard brings her “beauty, natural stage charisma, and sure dramatic instincts” (Chicago Tribune) to the role of Rosina.

Stage Director Joshua R. Horowitz Scenic Designer John Conklin Costume Designer Lynly Saunders Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi Scenery and costumes originally created for The Glimmerglass Festival.

Sung in Italian with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours

Isabel Leonard Rosina

Aaron Blake Count Almaviva

Rodion Pogossov Figaro

Paolo Bordogna Doctor Bartolo

Burak Bilgili Don Basilio

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Rusalka

Rusalka Kim-Lillian Strebel The Prince Adam Smith

ˆ

Music by Antonín Dvorák Libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil

The Spirit of the Lake Robert Pomakov Jezibaba ´ Jana Sykorová

JULY 9 & 11 at MUSIC HALL

The Foreign Princess Melody Moore First Wood-Sprite Zdislava Bocková

What would you sacrifice for love?

ˆ

Second Wood-Sprite Gabriella Sam

She came from the water, a creature as beautiful and mysterious as the lake she called home.

Desperately in love with a mortal prince, Rusalka wanted nothing more than to become human and live her happily-ever-after... but at what cost?

Third Wood-Sprite Maria Dominique Lopez

Conductor Daniela Candillari

For the first time in Cincinnati Opera history, we present Dvorák’s beautiful and tragic fairy tale based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Our “otherworldly” production (Bachtrack) and the world-renowned Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra bring a luxurious score to life, including the heartbreaking “Song to the Moon.”

Original Production Eric Simonson

ˆ

Stage Director David Radamés Toro Scenic Designer Erhard Rom Costume Designer Kärin Kopischke Projection Designer Wendall K. Harrington Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi A co-production of Minnesota Opera and Boston Lyric Opera. Production constructed by Minnesota Opera Shops.

Sung in Czech with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Kim-Lillian Strebel Rusalka

Adam Smith The Prince

Robert Pomakov The Spirit of the Lake

Jana Sykorová ´ Jezibaba

Melody Moore The Foreign Princess

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Aida

Aida Mary Elizabeth Williams

Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni

Radames Marco Berti

JULY 25, 28, 30 & AUGUST 1 at MUSIC HALL

Amonasro Reginald Smith, Jr.

Amneris Ronnita Miller

Ramphis Morris Robinson Priestess Jennifer Cherest

This is grand opera.

King of Egypt Peixin Chen

Rebellion is brewing at Egypt’s borders. Aida, an Ethiopian princess and prisoner of war, finds herself in love with her captor, and he with her.

When he is commissioned to lead a battle against her people, Aida is torn between her love for him and for her country.

A Messenger Jesse Donner

Conductor Christopher Allen Original Production Jo Davies

The grandest of all operatic masterpieces, Verdi’s beloved Aida is infused with gorgeous melodies, bringing ancient Egypt to life through music such as the iconic “Triumphal March.” Presented in an eye-popping production with sets and costumes

by British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. (See pages 3-4 for a photo.)

Stage Director Sara Erde Scenic & Costume Designer Zandra Rhodes Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi Production from The Dallas Opera.

Physical production originated at Houston Grand Opera in 2007.

Sung in Italian with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Mary Elizabeth Williams Aida

Ronnita Miller Amneris

Marco Berti Radames

Reginald Smith, Jr. Amonasro

Morris Robinson Ramphis

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WORLD PREMIERE!

Castor and Patience

Patience Talise Trevigne

Music by Gregory Spears Libretto by Tracy K. Smith

Celeste Catherine Martin

JULY 16, 18, 21, 24 & 26M at SCPA

Judah Frederick Ballentine

Castor Kevin Short

Wilhelmina Janai Brugger

West Davóne Tines Clarissa/Woman Amber R. Monroe

A place called home.

Jane/Leader Amanda Lynn Bottoms

Castor has driven all the way from Buffalo, New York, to the home of his cousin Patience in the American South. He’s got his wife, Celeste, and their two teenage kids in tow. On the surface, they’re making good on a long overdue family reunion, but deep down, there’s a crisis the couple is hoping to resolve.

Nestor/Third Man Victor Robertson Second Man Ron Dukes

Conductor Kazem Abdullah Stage Director Kevin Newbury

This highly anticipated world premiere is the talk of the opera world. It tells a story that is both timeless and topical, addressing America’s warring tensions between reckoning with the hard facts of history and racing blindly forward toward the dream of progress. Castor and Patience features powerful, soaring new music by Gregory Spears, composer of our acclaimed 2016 commission Fellow Travelers, and a libretto by Pulitzer Prizewinning recent U.S. poet laureate Tracy K. Smith.

Scenic Designer Vita Tzykun Costume Designer Jessica Jahn Image Designer Rachel Eliza Griffiths Projection Designer S. Katy Tucker Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier New production from Cincinnati Opera.

Sung in English with projected lyrics Performance length: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Talise Trevigne Patience

Kevin Short Castor

Catherine Martin Celeste

Janai Brugger Wilhelmina

Frederick Ballentine Judah

Davóne Tines West

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WORLD PREMIERE!

Fierce

Nyomi Victoria Ellington Rumer Joyner Horn

Music by William Menefield Libretto by Sheila Williams

Morgan Raven McMillon Parents/Trolls Jennifer Cherest M. Andrew Jones Reginald Smith, Jr.

JUNE 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28M at SCPA

Four teenage girls gather for a workshop on writing an effective college essay. The teacher asks them to “Tell me who you are.” Each of the girls shares her story. One is mourning the loss of a special friend.

Another hides behind her popularity. The third feels constrained by her parents’ expectations.

And the last has a troubled homelife. Despite the chorus of trolls that taunts them, the girls unite, declaring their empowerment.

Conductor Joseph Young Stage Director D. Lynn Meyers Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier New production from Cincinnati Opera.

Sung in English with projected lyrics Performance length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Fierce tells stories inspired by the lives of the Cincinnati-area teenage girls who helped create it.

Composer William Menefield and novelist Sheila Williams join forces to present this new work in collaboration with community partners WordPlay Cincy, The Music Resource Center—Cincinnati (MRC), and i.imagine.

Add to your subscription package!

Availability is extremely limited.

Victoria Ellington Nyomi

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Joyner Horn Rumer

Raven McMillon Morgan

Jennifer Cherest Parent/Troll

M. Andrew Jones Parent/Troll

Reginald Smith, Jr. Parent/Troll

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REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE 1. Priority Access to the Best Seats

Be at the front of the line for the best

seats in the house.

2. Reserved Parking

We’ll hold a spot for you! Subscribers

can pre-pay for parking in Washington

Park Garage for $15 per performance

or valet parking for $20 per 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 events–including

the limited-availability world premiere

opera, Fierce.

4. Your Seats, Every Year

Love your seats? 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 production.

6. Buy More and Save

Want to bring a friend? Buy additional

seats to any performance for 15% off

regular ticket prices.

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How to Subscribe 1. SELECT YOUR SERIES

2020 SEASON

Silver—All 3 Music Hall shows

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville, Rusalka, and Aida

June 18 & 20

Gold—All 3 Music Hall shows + Castor and

Rusalka

Patience at SCPA

July 9 & 11

Fierce, presented in SCPA’s Mayerson Theater June 24-28, is an optional add-on for subscribers ($35 per ticket).

Aida

July 25, 28, 30 & August 1

Castor & Patience

July 16, 18, 21, 24 & 26m

2. CHOOSE YOUR DATES

Barber on Thursday, June 18 Rusalka on Thursday, July 9 Aida on Tuesday, July 28 Castor and Patience on your selected date (Gold only)

Fierce

June 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28m

Weeknight Series:

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Matinees (m) begin at 3 p.m.

Weekend Series:

Barber on Saturday, June 20 Rusalka on Saturday, July 11 Aida on Saturday, July 25 Castor and Patience on your selected date (Gold only)

3. SELECT YOUR SECTION Refer to the chart on the page to your right.

4. PLACE YOUR ORDER Phone (recommended) (513) 241-2742 Online

cincinnatiopera.org

In Person

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

Box Office Hours M-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Illustrations David de las Heras Photos p. 3-4 Aida: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera; p. 21 Cincinnati skyline: Craig Burke; All other photos: Philip Groshong

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HELPFUL TIPS

Music Hall Seating Chart

...........

1. If you’re seeking the very best seats,

3

4 5

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consider the Premium and Zone A seats

in the Orchestra or Terrace. You’ll enjoy

easy access to the lobby, proximity to the

stage, and an ideal view.

2. For the most expansive view of the stage,

GALLERY

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1

7

we recommend the center sections of the

Balcony or Gallery.

3. The best values can be found in the sides

3

4 5

6

of the Balcony and Gallery. Although the

view is somewhat obstructed, Gallery

tickets start at less than $35 per show.

4. If, for whatever reason, you don’t like

2 BALCONY

1

your seats—even if it’s in the middle of

the season—call us. We’re always happy

to help find another option.

5. Ask the box office about add-ons to your

7

1

2

TERRACE

3 ORCHESTRA

BOX

3

2

subscription. You can purchase tickets to

Fierce ($35, based on availability); prepay

for parking in Washington Park Garage

($15 per show) or valet parking ($20 per

show); or make a gift to support the

future of opera. Call (513) 241-2742.

6. Questions or special requests? We’re

BOX

1

GE STA

here for you! The easiest way to join our

subscriber family is by calling the box

office at (513) 241-2742. Our ticketing

team can help you select the perfect seats

to meet your needs.

Price Zones* PREM

A

B

C

D

E

F

Gold Series

$725

$569

$449

$355

$259

$199

$142

Silver Series

N/A

$481

$379

$290

$219

$165

$112

4 shows 3 shows

*Prices already include a 3.5% facility fee for Music Hall and a $6 account maintenance fee.

Prices subject to change.

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2 AMAZING EVENTS-ONE DAY!

June 14

NEW

Opera for All at Music Hall

Opera in the Park

JUNE 14 at 3:00 MUSIC HALL

JUNE 14 at 7:30 WASHINGTON PARK

Come one, come all for a free open house at Music Hall! It’s Opera for All with activities for the whole family.

You’ll see costume displays, photo exhibits, stagecraft demonstrations, live performances, and more!

The fun continues with the fan favorite Opera in the Park, our annual free outdoor concert in Washington Park performed by stars from the 2020 season, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Sponsors: Western and Southern Financial Group, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

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EVENT CO-CHAIRS Melanie M. Chavez Jeannine Winkelmann ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust

JUNE 18 MUSIC HALL BALLROOM

Join us as we celebrate the start of our monumental 100th Anniversary Season! The Music Hall Ballroom will be transformed into Seville, Spain for a black-tie cocktail hour and dinner by chefs Jose Salazar and Renee Schuler prior to the season-opening performance of The Barber of Seville. Once the curtain closes, we’ll return to the Ballroom for A Toast to the Future, an exciting celebration kicking off the next 100 years where you’ll be treated to entertainment, along with dessert and beverages.

For pricing and information, please contact Madalyn Mills at mmills@cincinnatiopera.org or (513) 768-5524. Opera tickets sold separately.

Soprano Jacqueline Echols sings at our 2016 Opera Goes to Church concert at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church.

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/beyond for a full list and details.

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

Pride Night Following the July 11 performance of Rusalka, celebrate the LGBTQIA community at our 14th annual Pride Night Celebration, a glamorous party with drinks, music, and dazzling décor in Music Hall’s Corbett Tower.

Fierce Grace: Jeannette Rankin On July 17, we present a song-cycle about the first woman elected to Congress, by an all-female composer and librettist team.

Opera Insights and Opera Raps Enhance your appreciation of opera with engaging and informative lectures (February-June) and pre-show talks designed to enlighten opera devotees and newcomers alike. Free!

Center Stage Join our dynamic group of young professionals who seek to meet fellow opera fans, learn more about opera through social events, and celebrate the arts in Cincinnati. To learn more about Center Stage, contact Ricky Williams, Jr. at rwilliams@cincinnatiopera.org or (513) 768-5535.

Cincinnati Opera is proud to participate in POWER OF HER, a collaboration of Greater Cincinnati organizations that celebrates women’s voices in the arts. Cincinnati Opera events such as Castor and Patience, Fierce, and Fierce Grace: Jeannette Rankin feature female creators and celebrate the stories and contributions of women. Learn more at artswave.org/discover/power-of-her.

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Support the Future of Opera

F

or 100 years, Cincinnati Opera has thrived because of the generosity of patrons like you. To celebrate this milestone in our history, consider making an extra gift of $100 or more.

Your support allows us to…

Build tomorrow’s opera audience Inspire emerging artists Share the magic of opera with our community Set the stage for beautiful and thrilling performances Ensure a bright future of opera for everyone!

As a donor, you’ll have access to exclusive benefits—from behind-the-scenes access to discounted merchandise and dining—designed to maximize your operagoing experience. To learn more or make a gift, visit cincinnatiopera.org/ support or contact the development office at (513) 768-5561.

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Detroit Cleveland Pittsburgh

Toledo

Chicago

Dayton

Columbus

Indianapolis

CINCINNATI Lexington Louisville

Explore Cincinnati

Nashville

Knoxville

With both urban energy and old world charm, Cincinnati is an exciting destination with much to explore. Visit downtowncincinnati.com and cincinnatiusa.com to learn how to make the most of your Cincinnati experience.

Vibrant Arts Cincinnati’s flourishing arts scene has been recognized by The New York Times. From public murals to renovated concert halls (including Music Hall) to vibrant art museums, the city is bursting with cultural options.

Findlay Market Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market is just blocks away from Music Hall, offering a diverse selection of delicious fresh foods, handmade goods, entertainment, dining, a biergarten, and more.

Good Eats Named one of “six small cities with big food scenes” by USA Today, Cincinnati is making a name for itself as a foodie destination. Music Hall’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood (OTR) is abundant with global cuisine, farmto-table restaurants, microbreweries, cocktail bars, and more.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Cincinnati Opera’s first home (and home to the world-famous hippo Fiona) is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country.

Washington Park Located opposite Music Hall, the park hosts events and activities all year long and is within walking distance of many of the region’s hottest restaurants and bars.

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Where to Stay Finding a high quality hotel in downtown Cincinnati is easier than ever with the boutique 21C Museum Hotel, the Art Deco-inspired Hilton Netherland Plaza, and several Marriott brands, including the soon-to-open Lytle Park Hotel. Visit our website for updates on hotel special offers.

2020 Season Calendar JUNE

SUN

TUES

MON

WED

FRI

THURS

SAT

1 2 3 4 5 6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Opera for All

Opera Ball

Opera in the Park

Barber

Barber 7:30

7:30

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Fierce

Father’s Day

7:30

Fierce 7:30

Fierce 7:30

Fierce 7:30

28 29 30 Fierce

JULY

3:00

1 2 3 4 Independence Day

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Rusalka 7:30

Rusalka

Pride Night

7:30

12

13

14

15

16

17

Castor

18 Castor

7:30

7:30

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Castor

Castor

7:30

7:30

Aida 7:30

26 27 28 29 30 31 Castor

AUG

3:00

Aida 7:30

Aida 7:30

1 Aida 7:30

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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

Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

(513) 241-2742 • cincinnatiopera.org

Preferred Healthcare Provider:

BARBER RUSALKA AIDA CASTOR & PATIENCE FIERCE

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