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CINCINNATI OPERA AT MUSIC HALL • JUNE 18–AUGUST 1

SUMMER 2027 FESTIVAL

2017 Turandot photo by Todd Rosenberg/Lyric Opera of Chicago

e asked our audience to describe the experience of seeing a Cincinnati Opera performance. And what did they say? “Beautiful,” “thrilling,” “stunning,” and “joyful beyond measure.” In the end, words fall short. Some things you just have to hear live, in the room, where you can experience it viscerally. There’s a seat for you at Cincinnati Opera.

Scene from Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Madame Butterfly, which was hailed by Opera News as “powerful, thought-provoking.” Photo by Philip Groshong.

There is a stunning view for you at Cincinnati Opera. 3

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Reasons to Subscribe* 1. Guaranteed parking options 2. Additional ticket discounts 3. Opera passport from OPERA America 4. Risk-free 5. Payment plans available 6. No fees 7. Insider access 8. The best seats

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WHAT OUR SUBSCRIBERS LOVE THE MOST

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John Lewis: Good Trouble is the second work in Cincinnati Opera’s groundbreaking, three-opera commissioning initiative, The Black Opera Project, that develops new works celebrating Black stories. Presenting Sponsor: Susan & Joseph Pichler • Commissioning Sponsor: Mellon Foundation Production Sponsors: Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; Ann & Harry Santen; Michael L. Cioffi & Rachael A. Rowe The development of John Lewis: Good Trouble received funding from OPERA America’s IDEA Opera Grants program, supported by the Charles and Cerise Jacobs Charitable Foundation.

There is inspiration for you at Cincinnati Opera. 5

WORLD PREMIERE!

John Lewis:

Younger John Lewis Freddie Ballentine

Good Trouble

Elder John Lewis Kevin Short Lillian Miles Lewis Marietta Simpson

Music by Maria Thompson Corley Libretto by Diana Solomon-Glover

Willa Mae / Congresswoman / Student Sirgourney Cook

Sung in English with projected lyrics

FRIDAY, JUNE 18 • 7:30 P.M.

Diane Nash / Older Sister Victoria Okafor

SUNDAY, JUNE 20 • 3:00 P.M. MUSIC HALL • SPRINGER AUDITORIUM

James Bevel / Older Brother Andrew Turner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. / James Lawson / Jailer Markel Reed

FAITH. CONSCIENCE. COURAGE.

Eddie Lewis / Jim Forman Ron Dukes

Librettist Diana Solomon-Glover and composer Maria Thompson Corley weave together the heartwarming, heroic story of a boy from humble beginnings, armored only in his belief in “the beloved community,” who put his life on the line to fight for the right to vote for all Americans. The opera intertwines two perspectives—Lewis as a young man, catalyzing the 1960s fight for civil rights, and Lewis as an elder statesman in 2012, considered to be the conscience of Congress by many on both sides of the aisle. Through it all, Lewis charged his successors and colleagues to come together to create a more just world.

Freddie Ballentine Younger John Lewis

Kevin Short Elder John Lewis

Marietta Simpson Lillian Miles Lewis

Sirgourney Cook Willa Mae / Congresswoman / Student

Conductor Everett McCorvey Stage Director / Dramaturg Timothy Douglas Scenic Designer Anthony Cisek Costume Designer Trevor Bowen Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase

Victoria Okafor Diane Nash / Older Sister

Everett McCorvey Conductor

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Ailyn Pérez by Soloman Howard

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Viva Verdi! Sung in Italian with projected English translations

FRIDAY, JUNE 25 • 7:30 P.M. MUSIC HALL • SPRINGER AUDITORIUM

ONE STAGE. ONE NIGHT. ONE STAR-STUDDED CAST. Verdi didn’t write small music. He wrote thunder, heartbreak, love, and triumph: every emotion turned all the way up. Spend one night inside his genius, from arias that stop time to choruses that shake the rafters, drawn from his most treasured operas. Music this big needs voices to match, and we’ve gathered them from the world’s great stages: Ailyn Pérez brings her “abundant vocal power.” –Chicago Sun Times

J’Nai Bridges has been hailed as “opera royalty.” –OperaWire

Matthew White is an “undeniably attractive romantic lead.” –The Houston Chronicle

Michael Chioldi offers his “warm, rich tone.” –Opera News

Soloman Howard has a voice critics call “superhuman.” –The Denver Post

Add the Cincinnati Opera Chorus and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in the pit, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself shouting “Viva Verdi!” Presenting Sponsor: The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation Fund for Leading Artists

Ailyn Pérez soprano

J’Nai Bridges mezzo-soprano

Matthew White tenor

Michael Chioldi baritone

Soloman Howard bass

Alex Amsel Conductor

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There are laughs for you at Cincinnati Opera. 9

The Marriage of Figaro

Countess Almaviva Janai Brugger Susanna Cadie J. Bryan Cherubino Megan Moore

Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Count Almaviva Phillip Addis

THURSDAY, JULY 8 • 7:30 P.M.

Figaro Lawson Anderson

SATURDAY, JULY 10 • 7:30 P.M.

Marcellina Sarah Folsom

MUSIC HALL • SPRINGER AUDITORIUM

Doctor Bartolo Patrick Carfizzi

HILARIOUSLY EVER AFTER.

Barbarina Rachel Kobernick

Figaro and Susanna want nothing more than to get married in peace—but their employer Count Almaviva has other plans, and everyone in the household has a secret, a scheme, or a score to settle. A page boy hides in a closet. A letter gets slipped mid-dance. A pin becomes a signal. By nightfall, half the cast is dressed as someone else, and nobody in the garden is quite who they seem.

Conductor Lorenzo Passerini Stage Director Crystal Manich Scenic Designer Allen Charles Klein Costume Designer Elizabeth Licata

Mozart’s sharpest, funniest score fuels a day of mistaken identities, near-misses, and one very happy (and hilarious) ending.

Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Makeup Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Janai Brugger Countess Almaviva

Cadie J. Bryan Susanna

Megan Moore Cherubino

Phillip Addis Count Almaviva

Lawson Anderson Figaro

Sarah Folsom Marcellina

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There is mystery for you at Cincinnati Opera. 11

Turandot

Turandot Jessica Faselt Calaf Matthew White

Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni

Liù Kathryn Lewek

Sung in Italian with projected English translations

Timur Donovan Singletary

SATURDAY, JULY 24 • 7:30 P.M.

A Mandarin Kyle White

FRIDAY, JULY 30 • 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 • 3:00 P.M. MUSIC HALL • SPRINGER AUDITORIUM

Ping Titus Muzi III Pang M. Andrew Jones

LOVE AND PRIDE COLLIDE.

Pong Julius Ahn

Princess Turandot is famous for her beauty and infamous for the death toll of her failed suitors. When Calaf risks everything for a chance to win her heart, he must solve three impossible riddles—all while keeping his own identity as an exiled prince a secret. As the city loses sleep and Puccini’s score builds toward one of opera’s most iconic arias, love and pride collide in a finale that answers riddles of its own. Will love thaw Turandot’s icy heart, or will Calaf pay the ultimate price?

Conductor Lorenzo Passerini Original Stage Director Bliss Hebert Stage Director Jeffrey Marc Buchman Choreographer Rosa Mercedes Scenic & Costume Designer Allen Charles Klein Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase

Turandot is made possible thanks to a generous gift from HARRY AND LINDA FATH.

Wig & Makeup Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Jessica Faselt Turandot

Matthew White Calaf

Kathryn Lewek Liù

Donovan Singletary Timur

Lorenzo Passerini Conductor

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Studio Sessions OPERA STARS SHINE IN INTIMATE CABARET-STYLE PERFORMANCES Cincinnati Opera artists take to the small stage in these intimate performances at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Each performance is about two hours and includes musical selections that shine a spotlight on the amazing artistry and personal stories of our talented performers. Get ready for two remarkable nights of sound and splendor up close with our stars!

Uncostumed THURSDAY, JULY 1 • 8:00 P.M. WILKS STUDIO • MUSIC HALL

Soprano Janai Brugger by Dario Acosta

Soprano Janai Brugger steps out from behind the characters, costumes, and makeup of opera to share something more personal. Joined by her longtime coach and collaborator Douglas Sumi, she looks back at the music—and the life—that shaped her: childhood dreams, becoming an artist, motherhood, love, loss, and faith. Moving through various genres of music, the journey leads into The Heart of a Woman, a deeply personal collection of songs by composer Florence Price exploring dreams, resilience, Black womanhood, and home, curated and orchestrated by Lior Rosner.

So In Love WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 • 8:00 P.M. WILKS STUDIO • MUSIC HALL They fell in love playing fated lovers onstage—and that was just the beginning. Real-life husband and wife, soprano Kathryn Lewek and tenor Zach Borichevsky, bring that same chemistry to a cabaret-style evening of love songs, arias, and duets, infused with real romance. This is one enchanted evening not to be missed.

Tenor Zach Borichevsky and soprano Kathryn Lewek; ©Peter Greeno

Cabaret tables will be seated with four guests per table for both reserved and general seating options.

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NOIR, SILVER & SONG NOVEMBER 21, 2026 THE ANDERSON PAVILION, PICHLER FOUNTAINS, AND CAROL ANN’S CAROUSEL

SCAN FOR DETAILS AND TICKETS

Upcoming Programs and Events Keep an eye out for details and tickets for these fun, informative programs and community events starting in January and continuing through the 2027 Summer Festival. 2027 Season Festival Preview

Veterans Night

A Live Broadcast at Cincinnati Public Radio

FRIDAY, JUNE 18 On this evening, we recognize veterans, and in appreciation, we are pleased to offer a number of free and discounted tickets.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Join Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, live on-air at Cincinnati Public Radio for an afternoon of arias and insights from the 2027 Summer Festival.

Underscore Dates & venues to be announced.

From theatrical investigations to topical discussions and performances to immersive fun, audiences will discover the unexpected connections and relatable moments that make opera resonate.

Opera Goes to Church!

SPRING 2027 Date & venue to be announced.

Pride Night SATURDAY, JULY 10 Join us for a celebration of LGBTQIA+ community following the performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. We’ll keep the fun and festive mood going with drinks, dancing, laughs, and surprises in Wilks Studio at Music Hall.

Access Night FRIDAY, JULY 30 We shine a spotlight on our use of assistive technologies and enhancements that ensure audiences with diverse accessibility needs have a fantastic opera experience.

Kathryn Lewek Liù, Turandot

J’Nai Bridges Mezzo-Soprano, Viva Verdi!

Matthew White Calaf, Turandot; Tenor, Viva Verdi!

A Gift for Generations Cincinnati Opera’s tradition of presenting the world’s most acclaimed voices is secured for generations to come, thanks to a recent landmark gift from the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation. We are profoundly grateful to trustees Nanci Wilks Lanni and Barbara Wilks.

Ailyn Pérez Soprano, Viva Verdi!

Soloman Howard Bass, Viva Verdi!

Michael Chioldi Baritone, Viva Verdi!

Janai Brugger Countess Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro

World-Class Voices From the Met to the world’s great stages, the artists of Cincinnati Opera’s 2027 Summer Festival represent the very pinnacle of performers in opera today.

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THANK YOU Cincinnati Opera is grateful for the continued support of our mission by all of our generous donors, including the following major donors who contributed $2000+ in gifts or pledges between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. MAJOR SEASON SUPPORT ($100,000+) ArtsWave Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation David C. Herriman Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Fort Washington Investment Advisors and Western & Southern Financial Group Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman Mellon Foundation Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation Ohio Arts Council P&G Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Ann and Harry Santen The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation Ginger Warner Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation PRODUCERS CIRCLE ($50,000–$99,999) Anonymous Estate of Henrietta Barlag Fifth Third Bank Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. “Doc” Huffman H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation The Louise Taft Semple Foundation The Unnewehr Foundation Margaret Valentine DIRECTORS CIRCLE ($25,000–$49,999) Anonymous 1919 Investment Counsel Mr. Ronald T. Bates and Mr. Randy Lasley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bitter Anne-Marie Blancquaert, DVM & Walter Bruyninckx, DVM, PhD Thomas Busse Charitable Trust Chavez Properties Sheila and Christopher Cole The Charles H. Dater Foundation The Edelweiss Foundation Dr. Ralph A. Giannella Millstone Fund Cassandra and Glenn Plott Kari and Jonathan Ullman INNER CIRCLE ($15,000–$24,999) Melanie M. Chavez Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Stewart Dunsker, MD Jack and Debra Edelman Foundation Dr. James D. Faulkner Johnson Investment Counsel Nanci and Nicola Lanni Mrs. Helen Merritt Dr. Jacqueline Sifri Edward B. Silberstein, MD, and Jacqueline M. Mack Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby Mary Ann and Bill Taylor Vilcek Foundation CORBETT SOCIETY ($7,500–$14,999) Anonymous Arts Midwest Drs. Elaine and David Billmire Barbara and Thomas Boat

Joseph M. Brenner Trust Dr. Onassis Caneris Eric and Jennifer Dauer The Fullgraf Foundation, in memory of Charles M. Fullgraf and Charlotte S. Fullgraf Barbara Gould Barbara and Dr. Jack Hahn Amy and Jason Jackman Donald D. Larson and Lynn P. Larson Family Foundation Susan Lauf Julia Meister and Michael Schroeder Chris and Molly Milligan PNC Buffie Rixey Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco Dr. Susan R. Strick Brian L. Tiffany and Jerry Ewers Catharina Toltzis, PhD, and Robert Toltzis, MD Larry Uhlenbrock Charitable Foundation Fund Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Vecellio Nancy and Christopher Virgulak Laurent Huguenin and Elizabeth Warner The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis AMBASSADORS SOCIETY ($4,000–$7,499) Anonymous (2) Marissa and Damany Abernathy Aine Baldwin and Kurt Reichelderfer Michael and Kathleen Ball Flávia Bastos, PhD, and Larry Huston Charles Baverman Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Allen W. Bernard Amy Bixel Chrissie and Josh Blatt Chris and Vivienne Carlson Castellini Foundation Andrea Chavez-Dietz Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham Dr. Leah M. and Michael T. Dean Claire and Alan Eichner Ann Ellison Dr. Sheila C. Gelman and Dr. David Greenblatt Michelle F. Goret Julie Grady Heard Don Hoffman Mr. Thomas Kellerman and Mrs. Barbara Hummel Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston Bill and Mary Jane James Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Jaroszewicz Mr. Brandon Jones Drs. Yemisi and Alvin Jones Melinda and Mike Kelly Woodrow and Edna Keown Mona and Richard Kerstine, MD Jocelyn Khosla Bo-Kyung and Kevin Kirby The Kroger Company Dr. and Mrs. Charles Kuntz Katie and Joseph Lanni Ms. Sooncha Lee Dr. Margaret M. LeMasters Adele Lippert Alan L. Margulies and Gale D. Snoddy

Mr. Michael A. Marrero and Dr. Candyse Jeffries, DMD Mr. and Mrs. David W. Motch Mary Lou Motl Mueller Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Buck Niehoff Rev. Susan Pfeil Michael Powell and Jonathan Egel Irene and Daniel Randolph Family Mrs. Clarissa Rentz Ellen Rieveschl Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ross James Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger Ms. Shelly Sherman Terri and Bradbury Skidmore, MD Laura and Doug Skidmore Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation The Winters/Kennedy Family Fund The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation Wyant Family Foundation ADVOCATES SOCIETY ($2,000–$3,999) Katherine and Christopher Anderson At Your Service Cincinnati Annie and Christopher Baucom Jennifer and Adam Bellin Pam A. Bernstein Mr. David Brashear Dr. Rachelle Bruno Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Canarie Susan and A. Burton Closson Jr. Alva Jean and Dr. Alvin H. Crawford Michelle and Babacar Diagne Kathryn Dierckes Dr. and Mrs. William J. Faulkner Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Marilyn Jackson and Leonard C. Thompson Dr. Helen Kemp Rachel Kirley and Joseph Jaquette Mr. Doug Klocke and Mr. Tom Freeman Evelyn and Fred Lang Dr. Maureen Li, MD Carol and Mitchel Livingston, PhD Mr. David L. Martin Madelynn and Raymond Matlock Dr. Everett McCorvey George O. McDaniel Sally A. More Carol and Robert Olson Mr. Marc Padros and Mr. David Paredes Jo Anne and Poul D. Pedersen Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro A. Ryes Mr. Nicholas W. Puncer Pamela and Richard Reis The Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Moe Rouse IPA Source Dr. James and Ms. Maris Ryan Jane and Stanley Shulman Melinda and Irwin Simon Gerald and Sarah Skidmore Sandra and Henry Spitz Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stradling Jr. Ms. Barbara M. Weyand Dr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Whitlatch Mr. Charles L. Wilhelm Mrs. Curt Wilhelm Anne Warrington Wilson Shelby O. Wood Zaring Family Foundation

Subscribe Today and Take Your Place. HERE’S HOW:

1. CHOOSE YOUR SEASON TICKET PACKAGE

2027 SEASON

Weeknight Package:

Good Trouble June 18 & 20

John Lewis:

John Lewis • Friday, June 18 • 7:30 p.m. Viva Verdi! • Friday, June 25 • 7:30 p.m. Figaro • Thursday, July 8 • 7:30 p.m. Turandot • Friday, July 30 • 7:30 p.m.

Viva Verdi! June 25

Studio Sessions July 1 & 14

Weekend Package:

John Lewis • Sunday, June 20 • 3:00 p.m.

The Marriage of Figaro

Viva Verdi! • Friday, June 25 • 7:30 p.m. Figaro • Saturday, July 10 • 7:30 p.m. Turandot • Saturday, July 24 • 7:30 p.m.

July 8 & 10

Turandot

BONUS: Subscribers may switch dates as needed—for FREE!

July 24, 30 & August 1

Create Your Own Your package. Your way. Choose any three or more shows (including Studio Sessions) and enjoy excellent savings, the best seats assigned before the general public, and all the insider benefits of subscribing. Prices and seating locations vary based on selections. Visit cincinnatiopera.org/season-tickets to get started, or call the box office for assistance.

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2. CHOOSE YOUR SEATING LOCATION

Price Zones*

2027 Mainstage - 4 shows

PREM $861

A $696

B $520

C $421

D $302

GALLERY

E $227

F $161

*Prices include a 3.5% per-ticket facility fee for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of Music Hall.

G $81

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3. PLACE YOUR ORDER

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

Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202-7531

SUBSCRIBE TODAY— 4-SHOW PACKAGES START AT JUST $81!

GOOD TROUBLE VIVA VERDI! FIGARO TURANDOT STUDIO SESSIONS There is a place for you at Cincinnati Opera. Season Funders:

The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation FUND FOR LEADING ARTISTS