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CINCINNATI OPERA

SUMMER 2026 FESTIVAL

Mona Dermatology congratulates the Cincinnati Opera on a successful season!

TABLE OF CONTENTS SALOME

LALOVAVI

CARMEN

ORPHEUS AND EURIDICE

Welcome 4 Board of Trustees 6 In the Community 34 Season Artists 36 The Black Opera Project 52

Orchestra and Chorus 54 Staff 56 Cincinnati Opera Guild 58 Opera Fusion: New Works 59 Donors 60 Subscribers

Repertoire 82 General Information 88

PROGRAM CREDITS Editor-in-Chief Katie Syroney Art Direction and Design Aimee Sposito Martini Illustrations Salome, Carmen, Orpheus and Euridice: Aimee Sposito Martini; Lalovavi: Dr. Sam Martin/ DigitalWildArt

PRODUCED BY

Publisher Ivy Bayer Director of Editorial Operations Amanda Boyd Walters Designer Emi Villavicencio Atrium Two, 221 E. Fourth St., Suite 130 Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513-421-4300 www.cincinnatimagazine.com

SEASON FUNDERS

elcome to Cincinnati Opera! What happens at Music Hall this time each year exists nowhere else, and we’re delighted you’re here to experience it. This summer—Cincinnati Opera’s 106th anniversary season—opens with a roar: Richard Strauss’s Salome, which returns to our stage for the first time in 26 years. Based on Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play, it remains one of opera’s most shattering works: a portrait of obsession that Strauss set to music of almost unbearable intensity. It startles, it provokes, and it demands everything of its performers. As you’ll see, the payoff is electric. Up next is the much-anticipated world premiere of Lalovavi, the inaugural work in Cincinnati Opera’s three-part Black Opera Project. (Read more about this initiative on page 53.) With an invigorating score by Kevin Day and an adventurous narrative crafted by librettist Tifara Brown, Lalovavi is a thrilling Afrofuturist epic that launches its heroine on a transformative journey and, like all great opera, shifts our perspective while shining a light on our common humanity. Lalovavi is the culmination of years of collective commitment to expanding the kinds of stories that are told on the opera stage. It’s history in the making, and you get to be among the very first to venture into this imaginative new world. Bizet’s Carmen likely needs no introduction—it is among the most beloved operas ever written, and for good reason. The production you’ll see hails from Opera Philadelphia and reimagines the action in the 1950s, transplanting its heat and danger from Seville, Spain, to a vibrant city akin to Miami or Havana. The setting is new; the passion is eternal. Some stories are popular because they are timeless, and Carmen is exhilarating proof. In the intimate Wilks Studio, Ricky Ian Gordon’s Orpheus and Euridice makes its company debut. Gordon has spoken movingly about how the myth of a man who descends into the underworld for the one he loves resonates with his own experience of loss during the AIDS crisis. That personal connection makes an ancient story feel urgently, achingly present. Also in the Wilks, our Studio Sessions are artist-curated forays into surprising new creative terrains. These one-night-only performances give our supremely talented artists room to imagine, to play, and to share musical journeys drawn from their personal passions. The result is always something unmissable. All of what you’ll experience this summer happens thanks to an extraordinary community of people: the singers, instrumentalists, conductors, directors, and designers who bring these works to life on stage; the dedicated staff and crew working tirelessly behind the scenes; the volunteers who give their time with enthusiasm; and the donors whose generosity makes it all possible. We offer sincere thanks, too, to outgoing Board President Ron Bates for his wisdom and leadership over the last two years, and to President-Elect Bob Bitter for saying yes to his new role. Our deepest thanks go to you. By opening yourself to opera, you play a very special role in the art form’s vibrant future, and we’re grateful to get to share this journey together.

Chris Milligan The Harry Fath General Director & CEO

Evans Mirageas The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

n behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Cincinnati Opera’s 2026 Summer Festival. The season ahead is ambitious, meaningful, and in more than one respect, a milestone for this organization, and we are thrilled you’re here to experience it. For 106 years, Cincinnati Opera has enlivened each Cincinnati summer with memorable performances. The full 2026 lineup—Salome, Lalovavi, Carmen, Orpheus and Euridice, and Studio Sessions—continues to exemplify the creative aspiration and artistic excellence that have come to define this company. One of this year’s most exciting endeavors is the world premiere of Lalovavi by Kevin Day and Tifara Brown—the inaugural work of Cincinnati Opera’s three-year Black Opera Project. This initiative reflects an intentional commitment to expanding the operatic canon and ensuring that Cincinnati Opera is a place that celebrates new voices and perspectives. We are proud to be leading that work, and we believe its impact will resonate well beyond our region. As with Lalovavi, each production you will see this season is the product of remarkable collective effort. Opera is a human-powered art form, one that involves more collaboration than almost any other genre. The artists on stage and in the pit are the most visible, but standing alongside them are administrators, artistic and production personnel, stage crews, generous supporters, and passionate volunteers, all united by Cincinnati Opera’s mission of enriching and connecting our community. And, of course, there is you—the reason we do what we do. We often speak of an “Opera family,” and we are grateful you’ve chosen to be part of ours. This landmark season also marks a transition in board leadership. Please join me in welcoming Bob Bitter as President-Elect. Bob brings years of dedicated service to this organization, and Cincinnati Opera is in excellent hands as it moves into its next chapter. It has been a privilege to serve as your Board President these past two years. Enjoy the season!

Ron Bates President Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers President Ronald T. Bates Chair Melanie M. Chavez President-Elect/ Treasurer Robert Bitter Secretary Charles E. Baverman III Regular Members Katherine Anderson Aine Baldwin Flávia Bastos, PhD M. Elaine Billmire, MD Amy Bixel Josh Blatt Thomas F. Boat, MD Walter Bruyninckx, DVM, PhD Onassis Caneris, MD Eric Dauer Kristy Davis-Mustain Michael T. Dean Michelle Goret Barbara Hahn Gary T. “Doc” Huffman Jason Jackman Anne Jaroszewicz Brandon R. Jones Yemisi O. Jones, MD Mike Kelly Helen Kemp, PhD Bo-Kyung Kim Kirby Katie Lanni Lynn P. Larson Everett D. McCorvey, DMA David Paredes Michael L. Powell

Tarita Preston Jason P. Riveiro Buffie Rixey Cristina Rugg Regina Carswell Russo G. James Sammarco, MD Ruthann Sammarco Ann H. Santen Edward B. Silberstein, MD Bradbury Skidmore, MD Susan R. Strick, MD Tricia Suit Brian L. Tiffany Catharina Toltzis, PhD Heather Z. Vecellio Ronna K. Willis Peg Wyant Advisory Members Vicki Alpaugh Boris Auerbach Christopher Baucom Patricia K. Beggs Christopher J. Canarie Michael L. Cioffi Daniel B. Cunningham John G. Earls Harry Fath Ralph A. Giannella, MD Liz Kathman Grubow Julie Grady Heard Barbara Hummel, MEd Doug Ignatius Nanci Wilks Lanni Margaret LeMasters, MD Jenny Magro Michael Marrero Julia B. Meister Robert W. Olson Beatriz Porras, MD Pamela Spangler Reis Melody Sawyer Richardson Harry H. Santen

Douglas Skidmore Mary Ann Taylor John M. Tew Jr., MD Nydia C. Tranter Jeannine Winkelmann Shelby O. Wood Anne M. Zaring Ex-Officio Members Peter Jutras, PhD, Dean, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Peter E. Koenig, Board President, Friends of Music Hall Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Will Selnick, Chair, Cincinnati Opera Board Associates Honorary Members Charlin Briggs Vivian A. Dobur Courtis Fuller Sue Alexander Mouch Paul A. “Gus” Stuhlreyer III Cincinnati Opera Board Associates Kiley Beale Nika Bevis Jarvis T. Booth Sawyer Clifton Alicia G. DeVore Eric Shane Heatley Deanna Hillard Ammon Hollister Alex Lohmann C. Alek Lucke Caressa Layne Miles Jenna Kamrass Morvay

Cara Nicolas Nicolette Rader Will Selnick Maddie Shanahan Carlin Twedt Louis Velazquez Nataly Wickham Brett Willson Toby Wright The Figaro Society Vicki Alpaugh Boris Auerbach Patricia K. Beggs Jennifer Bellin Vivienne Carlson Michael L. Cioffi Sheila J. Cole Alva Jean Crawford Daniel B. Cunningham John G. Earls James T. Fitzgerald Kingston Fletcher Madeleine H. Gordon Liz Kathman Grubow Donald E. Hoffman Kevin C. Jones Lawrence H. Kyte Jr. Michael Marrero David Motch Christine E. Neyer Robert W. Olson Joseph Pichler Harry H. Santen Mark A. Serrianne Edward B. Silberstein, MD Murray Sinclaire Jr. James Stapleton John M. Tew Jr., MD Ellen van der Horst Ray van der Horst Stanford T. Williams Jr. Anne M. Zaring Mario Zuccarello, MD

Opening Weekend Sponsor Chavez Properties Performance Sponsors Cincinnati Opera Guild Society of Angels

SALOME Music by Richard Strauss Libretto by Hedwig Lachmann Sung in the original German Based on the French play Salomé by Oscar Wilde World premiere: December 9, 1905, at the Königliches Opernhaus in Dresden, Germany Cincinnati Opera premiere: July 11, 1948, at Cincinnati Zoo Pavilion June 18 and 20, 2026, at Cincinnati Music Hall 18th and 19th company performances of Salome

Conductor Stage Director Scenic and Properties Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Wig and Makeup Designer Choreographer Stage Manager

Robert Spano Jose Maria Condemi Tim Wallace* Anita Yavich Thomas C. Hase James Geier Erina Noda* Jennifer Shaw

Cast in order of vocal appearance

Zach Borichevsky The Page of Herodias Emily Cotten* First Soldier Donghoon Kang* Second Soldier Sam Smith Jochanaan Alfred Walker* A Cappadocian Stephen Hanna Salome, princess of Judea Kathryn Lewek A Slave Clara Reeves* Herod, tetrarch of Judea Chad Shelton Herodias, wife of Herod, mother of Salome Michelle DeYoung First Jew Julius Ahn Second Jew Levi Capesius* Third Jew Mark Hockenberry* Fourth Jew M. Andrew Jones Fifth Jew Ron Dukes* First Nazarene Thomas Dreeze Second Nazarene Alexander Gushrowski Dancers Sydney Caggiano*, Amanda Pérez Duarte* Narraboth, captain of the guard

* Cincinnati Opera debut

This production was constructed by the San Diego Opera Scenic Studio. Costumes constructed by Washington National Opera Costume Studio.

THE STORY

In the moonlight, Narraboth, captain of the guard, fixes his gaze upon Princess Salome, who is attending a party at the court of her stepfather, the tetrarch Herod. A page warns Narraboth that he should be more discreet; it is dangerous to look at her. Jochanaan ( John the Baptist) has been imprisoned by Herod deep in an old cistern in the back of the palace; his voice echoes as he proclaims the coming of the Messiah. Salome, disgusted by her stepfather’s glances and his guests’ lecherous behavior, steps out of the palace for some fresh air. She is fascinated by Jochanaan’s voice and is particularly curious when he curses her mother, Herodias, wife of the tetrarch. The guards refuse to let her speak to Jochanaan, so Salome uses her charms to make Narraboth comply with her wishes. He orders the prophet to be brought out. Salome is both fascinated and repulsed by the prophet’s appearance, but desires to touch him. Jochanaan rejects her, proclaiming the coming of the Son of Man. She continues her advances and even begs the prophet to kiss her. In horror, Narraboth kills himself. Jochanaan is returned to the cistern, cursing the young girl. Herod appears, looking for Salome. He is preoccupied by the strangeness of the moon, and slips in Narraboth’s blood. Seized by hallucinations, he hears

the beating of vast wings. Herodias urges him to return to the palace. He refuses and brazenly continues his advances toward Salome, who again rejects him. Jochanaan’s voice once more is heard from the cistern, this time calling for Herodias to be crushed to death. She demands that Herod turn the prophet over to the Jews. He refuses, insisting that the prophet is a holy man. The Jews and Nazarenes argue about the nature of God. The prophet continues his accusations, and Herodias furiously demands that he be silenced. Looking for some relief from the chaos around him, Herod begs Salome to dance for him, and promises anything she desires in return—even half his kingdom. Salome makes Herod swear he will keep his promise, and dances seductively for him. Intoxicated by her, Herod asks Salome how he may reward her for the entertainment. She asks for the head of Jochanaan on a silver charger. Herod is horrified but Herodias laughs. In desperation, Herod offers Salome alternatives, but she rejects them all. Finally, Herod gives in and orders the executioner to go down into the cistern. Left alone, Salome seizes her reward. –Courtesy of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

The performance will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. There will be no intermission.

VEIL BY VEIL

THE MANY VISIONARIES BEHIND SALOME BY ERICA REID

Kirsten Chambers as Princess Salome. Photo: Karli Cadel/San Diego Opera.

GIVING SALOME VOICE: Oscar Wilde (photo: Napoleon Sarony), Hedwig Lachmann, and Richard Strauss (photo: Ferdinand Schmutzer).

The journey of an opera from ideation to production Strauss later worked with musicologist Romain Rolis rarely, if ever, linear. In the case of Salome, Richland to translate his opera back to French. (The Gerard Strauss’s electrifying tragedy, the story that began man opera is far more frequently performed.) with an unnamed character in the Bible—referred to Cincinnati Opera: From biblical story to 1893 only as “the daughter of Herodias”—passed through play to 1905 opera, Salome has had quite the jourmany hands before arriving as a fully-formed opera. ney—but why return to it in 2026? Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde, the Irish poet and auFirst, the story of Salome still has the shockthor perhaps best remembered for comic plays such ing power that Oscar Wilde identified more than as The Importance of Being Earnest, published his onea century ago. Salome is only a teenager when she act French-language tragedy Salomé in 1893. Wilde’s becomes utterly fixated on John the Baptist (known play tells the story of John the Baptist, King Herod, as “Jochanaan” in the opera), an imprisoned prophet and Herod’s teenaged stepdaughter, Salome, and it who does not return her passion. To exact revenge, was the playwright’s use she demands that Herod "THE STORY OF SALOME make her a promise, and of a simple stage direction—“Salome dances STILL HAS THE SHOCKING dances the revealing “Dance the dance of the seven of the Seven Veils” to seal POWER that Oscar Wilde the deal. Only then, spurred veils”—that inspired the opera’s most infamous on by her mother, does she identified more than a scene. make her dark demand: the century ago." Hedwig Lachmann: prophet’s head on a platter. German composer Strauss didn’t see the play Salomé Because the role of Salome has an iconic tale and in its original French; rather, he saw director Max unusual demands—Salome must cajole, dance, and Reinhardt’s 1902 production in Berlin using a Gerenjoy a touch of madness—it is a dream role for some man translation by author and poet Hedwig Lachsopranos. Salome also leaves a great deal of space for mann. Though it’s often the composer who receives contemporary reinterpretations, allowing the chance attention for an opera, an effective librettist can elfor the opera to continue to evolve with the times. evate a work from passable to poetic. Strauss took And of course, it is also Strauss’s lush music that Lachmann’s text directly from her translation of Wilcontinues to woo opera-goers. The composer leans de’s play, trimmed it down by half, and set it to music. into every twist and turn of this gruesome tale, lifting Richard Strauss: Strauss premiered his Salome in the story and heightening the drama with musical 1905. The opera, which finds Salome attempting to violence and sensuality. Strauss’s tactics were groundseduce her stepfather Herod in exchange for having breaking: He employed volume and dissonance in a John the Baptist beheaded, shocked the audience. way that still surprises audiences, and will undoubtedly Attendees weren’t the only ones feeling scandalized: shock them once more at Music Hall this summer. Soprano Marie Wittich, playing the title role, refused to perform the lurid “Dance of the Seven Veils,” and a dancer ended up standing in for her during that pivotal scene. But Strauss knew what he was doing, Erica Reid lives in Colorado and reas the opera received 50 more performances over the turns often to her hometown of Cinnext two years, and remains one of the composer’s cinnati, Ohio. She writes for arts organizations and teaches poetry. Learn most enduring masterpieces. more at ericareidpoet.com. Romain Rolland: It is interesting to note that

Lead Sponsor The David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation Production Sponsors Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation Harry and Ann Santen Performance Sponsors Fifth Third Bank The Louise Taft Semple Foundation

Additional Support Anonymous The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Arts Midwest ArtsWave Circle ArtsWave FLOW H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation Millstone Fund P&G Vilcek Foundation Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

LALOVAVI Music by Kevin Day Libretto by Tifara Brown Sung in English and Tut A Cincinnati Opera world premiere July 9 and 11, 2026, at Cincinnati Music Hall 1st and 2nd company performances of Lalovavi

Conductor Stage Director and Dramaturg Scenic Designer Costume Designer Assistant Costume Designer Lighting Designer Wig and Makeup Designer Wig Master and Key Makeup Artist Choreographer Chorus Master Co-Orchestrator and Copyist Tut Language Expert Stage Manager

Kevin Miller* Kimille Howard* Steven C. Kemp* Kara Harmon* Nicole Brooks* Thomas C. Hase Tiara Jones* James Geier Chloe O. Davis* Donald Lee III* Josh Trentadue* Veronica Bey* Peter Nictakis

Cast in order of vocal appearance

Talise Trevigne Brittany Olivia Logan Dinah, Persephone’s nursemaid Adrienne Danrich Dr. Apollos, head geneticist of Atlas Michael Preacely Titan Musan, Primus of Atlas and supreme ruler Morris Robinson Zipporah, Persephone’s older sister Zoie Reams Lucian, leader of Titan’s elite guard Terrence Chin-Loy Ivavi, guardian of Nunewaks G. Thomas Allen* Dancers Maya Addie*, Amber Mayberry* Salomé Tregre*, Justin Daniels* Llonnis Del Toro*, Maurice Dowell* Niamara, leader of the Nunewaks nation

Persephone, youngest daughter of Titan

* Cincinnati Opera debut

Scenery and costumes constructed by Cincinnati Opera.

THE STORY

ACT I: AWAKENING It is 400 years in the future. In a dream, Persephone witnesses a torrential chemical rain sweeping the land, and people are dropping dead in droves under its fury. A woman runs with a small child, trying to save her from the deadly rain. The people call out to Persephone, encouraging her to live and avenge them. Persephone wakes in a panic and is comforted by her nursemaid, Dinah. At Atlan Square, Titan—the ruler of Atlas and Persephone’s father—addresses the Atlan Assembly, offering laud for their glorious rise to power. The people’s caste representatives express their restlessness at being trapped inside the walls. Persephone suggests sending scouts outside, but Titan reaffirms the danger of life beyond Atlas, threatening punishment for resistance. At her presentation ceremony, Zipporah is revealed to be a Cognilite, the highest caste of Atlas. Dr. Apollos, the head geneticist of Atlas, introduces a synthetic version of Syndica called Cognita, which all Atlans must intake by law. Apollos has laced Cognita with an obedience agent, which overtakes the guests. Titan commands Apollos to move up Persephone’s Syndica assessment. She is later found to have the “Tree of Life” gene, the eternal gene Titan needs to live forever. Apollos and Titan roll out the Ascension Protocol, under which those weak in Syndica will be killed to keep it strong in the population. Guards are sent to retrieve Persephone for cellular extraction. Dinah runs to warn her and prepares her to escape to the rebel clan of Nunewaks, Persephone’s true people and heritage. The resistance rises as Persephone escapes Atlas. ACT II: RESISTANCE Persephone begins her journey outside Atlas, musing on her wonder and excitement. She falls into a river and is helped by a stranger—Lucian, the former leader of Titan’s elite guard, who has joined the resistance. Inspired by her escape, he asks to join her on the way to Nunewaks. She does not fully trust him, but agrees he can help her. In Atlas, Zipporah receives a secret note to come

to the Gracis Supreme, the secret military enclave of Atlas. There, she finds that Titan has captured Dinah and is torturing her to find out where Persephone is. Dinah condemns Titan’s tyranny and refuses to speak. The rebels stage an attack and break her out. Witnessing her father’s cruelty firsthand, Zipporah becomes determined to help the rebel cause and bring down Titan. In the otherworldly, bioluminescent forest, Persephone and Lucian talk about his past and the land of the free rebels, Nunewaks. After fending off a reptilian beast together, Lucian sings a Nunewaks lullaby to Persephone—and she unlocks memories of her past, dreaming feverishly about her mother and her ability to influence the world around her. She awakens her power over the elements, saving Lucian after he is poisoned by flowers in the river. The Nunewaks Warriors find them, and Persephone passionately reunites with her long-lost mother, Niamara, who empowers her to fulfill her destiny. ACT III: LALOVAVI Dinah arrives with news of Titan assembling his army. Niamara, Dinah, and Lucian escort Persephone to the realm of Ivavi, a giant cobra spirit and Guardian of Nunewaks who protects the land from the unworthy. Ivavi tests Persephone’s power and intent. Persephone has the chance to exact vengeance on her enemies, but she refuses, passing the test. Ivavi bestows her born name back on her, and Persephone emerges as LALOVAVI, liberator of Atlas. The armies of Atlas and Nunewaks assemble for the last battle. Titan has begun the Ascension Protocol. Persephone and Lucian rescue Zipporah, and Niamara is mortally wounded saving Persephone. The rebel army defeats Apollos and the forces of Atlas. Persephone crumbles the walls of Atlas, crushing Titan to death and breaking his control. Niamara dies in Persephone’s arms, then Persephone brings her back with the kiss of life. The rain falls, natural and life-giving, as Persephone celebrates freedom and love in her new home of Nunewaks. –Tifara Brown

The performance will last approximately 3 hours. There will be one intermission.

IMAGINING LALOVAVI B Y K I M I L L E H O WA R D

SCENIC DESIGN by Steven C. Kemp for Act II of Lalovavi.

T 18

The genesis of Lalovavi began with one very imporits many forms is the heartbeat of this opera. Persetant question: What story can we tell that will offer phone’s love for her family, her people, and a new Black audience members escapism? I could count on love interest is her motivating engine. She is forced one hand the amount of shows about Black characto flee her gilded cage in order to survive, only to be ters I’ve experienced where I could leave the troubles thrust into a new and fantastical world full of strange of the world at the door. In an effort to fulfill this creatures in a captivating, dangerous environment. urgent need, our team was compelled to prioritize While Persephone’s circumstances are extraordinary, Black joy in a way that has never been done before the experience of adjusting to new places, people, in a grand opera. While brainand challenges resonates. I hope storming with our librettist "THE HEALING POWER audiences will connect with her Tifara Brown and composer search for identity AND UNIFYING FORCE persistent Kevin Day, we determined and community in the face of OF LOVE in its many that looking to the past or adversity. present for our story was not It has been a life-changing forms is the heartbeat the solution. In order to create experience getting to build of this opera." something completely origiLalovavi with our phenomnal and beyond the influence of history or society, enal creative team, and I cannot wait for audiences we chose to look to the future—400 years from now, to witness the gorgeous design elements of this new to be exact. Armed with Black-American Afrofuturworld. From bioluminescent forests to giant poisonism as the theme and no limitations beyond our own ous flowers to anthropomorphized bodies of water, imaginations, we began to dream big. folks are in for a sumptuous visual and aural feast. I’m Inspired by mythology, dystopian worldbuilding, incredibly proud of Tifara and Kevin for the beautiand Black and Indigenous American heritage, we ful story we’ve crafted together over many years and began with a biodome city called Atlas built on the many drafts. Since childhood, I have always loved bones of old Atlanta. We soon discovered our burfantasy, adventure, and science fiction stories despite geoning heroine with untapped power, Persephone, the absence of characters that looked like me. This and our tyrannical villain, Titan, who is desperate production is a gift to those who long to see themfor immortality. During the generative process, Tiselves as the heroine, the love interest, the prophecy, fara shared with us her studies on the secret language the receiver and giver of love. May Lalovavi be a of enslaved African Americans called Tutnese, also catalyst for change in what stories and communities known as Tut. This survival and communication tool are centered on stage. May audiences walk away inwas critical to the liberation of our ancestors. Tifara spired, fulfilled, and excited for more. Lalovavi hashchose to honor them by making Tut the secret lana-sus rut-i-sis-e-nun! guage of liberation for our rebels in Atlas. Lalovavi, which is Tut for “love,” is the first opera in history to Kimille Howard is a New York-based diinclude the Tut language. I hope audiences will be rector, deviser, writer, and filmmaker. She is motivated to learn more about Tut after experiencing stage director and dramaturg for Lalovavi. our production. The healing power and unifying force of love in

STORYTELLING THROUGH STYLE: Kara Harmon’s costume designs for Persephone, Titan, and Niamara.

CMY

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D OW N L OA D FOR

T O DAY

Production Sponsors Fort Washington Investment Advisors Western & Southern Financial Group Performance Sponsors 1919 Investment Counsel The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine and Miguel Chavez Kathleen Laurin and Dr. Joseph C. Martin Dr. Jacqueline Sifri

CARMEN Music by Georges Bizet Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy Sung in the original French Based on the novella Carmen by Prosper Mérimée World premiere: March 3, 1875, at the Opéra Comique in Paris, France Cincinnati Opera premiere: June 26, 1921, at Cincinnati Zoo Pavilion July 25, 29, 31, and August 2, 2026, at Cincinnati Music Hall 179th, 180th, 181st, and 182nd company performances of Carmen

Conductor Original Stage Director Stage Director Scenic and Costume Designer Lighting Designer Wig and Makeup Designer Choreographer Chorus Master Stage Manager

Ramón Tebar Paul Curran* Anderson Nunnelly* Gary McCann* Thomas C. Hase James Geier Cervilio Amador* Henri Venanzi Jennifer Shaw

Cast in order of vocal appearance 21

Nathan De'Shon Myers* Micaela, a village girl in love with Don José Teresa Perrotta* Don José, a corporal of the guard Matthew White Zuniga, a lieutenant of the guard Sam Smith Carmen J'Nai Bridges Frasquita, Carmen’s friend Jeysla Rosario Santos* Mercédès, Carmen’s friend Kayleigh Decker Lillas Pastia, an innkeeper Spenser Smith Escamillo, a matador Ryan McKinny* El Dancairo, a smuggler Thomas Dreeze El Remendado, a smuggler Jack Keller* Children’s chorus May Festival Youth Chorus Dancers Piper Panek*, Llonnis Del Toro Zander Magolnick*, Nicholas Motley* Moralès, an officer

* Cincinnati Opera debut

A co-production with Seattle Opera, Irish National Opera, and Opera Philadelphia. Scenery and costumes constructed by Opera Philadelphia. Projected titles design by Kelley Rourke originally for The Glimmerglass Festival.

THE STORY ACT I It’s a blistering hot day. A group of soldiers hangs out watching people go by. Micaela comes looking for Corporal Don José, but unable to find him, she leaves. Soon after, Don José arrives. A bell chimes at the cigarette factory, and the women come out for their smoke break. The men flirt with the factory girls. Carmen arrives, and everyone is drawn to her except Don José. Seeing a challenge, she sets her eyes on him and throws him a flower. Laughing, she and the other women return to the factory. He hides the flower in his uniform. Micaela returns with a letter from Don José’s mother, who begs him to marry Micaela. Suddenly, screams come from the factory. Carmen has gotten into a fight with another girl and slashed her face with a knife. Lieutenant Zuniga questions Carmen, but her only reply is a mocking response. Don José is ordered to guard Carmen while Zuniga gets a warrant for her arrest. Alone with Don José, Carmen seduces him into making a plan that will let her escape. As she’s being led away to prison, Carmen pushes Don José and escapes through the confused crowd. 22

ACT II A few months later, Carmen and her friends Frasquita and Mercédès have fun singing and dancing for the soldiers at Lillas Pastia’s tavern. Carmen hears that Don José, who was sent to prison because he let her escape, got out the day before. The bullfighter Escamillo arrives, and everyone is starstruck. He sings about his adventures in the bullring and flirts with Carmen, but she’s not interested. The smugglers El Dancairo and El Remendado join Carmen, Frasquita, and Mercédès—they need to deliver their smuggled loot and want the three women to join them. Carmen says she can’t go because she’s in love. Don José arrives and tells her how much he loves her. A trumpet signals that the soldiers must report back to the barracks, but Carmen mocks him for wanting to leave. Don José proves his love by pull-

ing out the flower he saved from their first meeting. That’s not enough for Carmen; she wants him to ditch the army and join her life of freedom. Zuniga shows up and orders Don José to leave. José refuses and draws his sword. The smugglers burst in and tie up Zuniga, and Don José has no choice but to flee with them. ACT III Late at night outside the city, the smugglers carry their goods through the mountains. Carmen’s love for Don José is fading and the two bicker. She tells him to go home to his mother. Frasquita and Mercédès read their fortunes in cards, but when Carmen tries, she only sees her death and Don José’s. Don José stays behind to watch the camp. Micaela has found her way to the smugglers’ site, determined to take Don José away from Carmen. She hides after seeing Don José shoot his gun—the bullet has barely missed Escamillo, who is there to see Carmen. The toreador claims the two of them are in love, and Don José challenges him to a duel, but the smugglers return and cut the fight short. El Remendado finds Micaela hiding; she tells Don José that his mother is dying, and he rushes off with her. ACT IV Outside the bullring, Zuniga tells Frasquita that an order has been issued for Don José’s arrest. Escamillo enters to the crowd’s cheers, and he and Carmen express their love. Frasquita warns Carmen that Don José is somewhere in the crowd, but Carmen says she is not afraid and stays behind to confront him. Disheveled and crazed, he comes out of the shadows and begs Carmen to start a new life with him. Carmen says everything is over between them and that she’s in love with Escamillo. Enraged, Don José stabs Carmen and she falls to the ground dead. The crowd exits the arena with a victorious Escamillo to find Don José standing over Carmen’s lifeless body. –Adapted from a synopsis provided by Opera Philadelphia

The performance will last approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. There will be two intermissions.

THE ENDURING IMPORTANCE OF CARMEN A PERSONAL REFLECTION B Y D E N Y C E G R AV E S

DENYCE GRAVES as Carmen. Photo: Dan Rest, courtesy of Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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As I stand in 2026 reflecting on my longtime relainspiring, especially as a Black woman navigating the tionship with Carmen, I am profoundly aware that arts, where women like Carmen are too often forced this opera is far more than a classic work of art; it is to shrink or disappear. a living embodiment of freedom, defiance, and the I think often about Mary Cardwell Dawson, a true courageous assertion of identity. Playing Carmen revolutionary, who founded the National Negro Opacross decades has been both a professional gift and era Company during the 1940s, a period rife with a personal journey that continually teaches me about exclusion and silence for Black artists. Her audacity strength, resilience, and the power of authenticity. gave voice and opportunity where none had existed, Carmen’s iconic opening “L’amour est un oiseau much like Carmen’s fiery spirit challenges societal rebelle” is a call that has echoed in my soul since I constraints. Both women remind me that disruption first sang it. It speaks to something fundamentally is not to be feared but embraced; it is the path toward human: the yearning to love and live without chains. transformation and justice. Carmen does not seek permission; she does not In performing Carmen, I have experienced firstnegotiate her desires. In a world that often tries to hand how this character opens a space for dialogue silence or confine women, esabout freedom, love, and pecially women of color, Car- "IN A WORLD THAT OF- the consequences of living men’s rebellion is a radical act. authentically. Audiences reTEN TRIES TO SILENCE spond deeply to her story, She owns her freedom with pride and refuses to be tamed, OR CONFINE WOMEN, perhaps because it cona lesson that remains urgent tains the contradictions of especially women of and vital in 2026. life: passion and pain, joy One of the most striking color, Carmen's rebellion and tragedy, liberation and things about Carmen is her loss. In Carmen, we see the is a radical act." steadfastness. While others complexity of womanhood around her undergo profound change (Don José fallstripped bare, neither saint nor victim, but fiercely ing from grace, Escamillo parading bravado), Carhuman. men holds firm to who she is. This constancy is an As we move further into 2026, Carmen’s presact of defiance in itself: She lives and loves on her ence remains a crucial reminder of the importance of terms, unyielding even in the shadow of death. That disruptive women. They are the ones who challenge unshakable agency is something I have always found norms, question authority, and inspire progress in every sphere of life. Carmen’s tale urges us to honor and uplift voices that refuse to be silenced, those who carve paths of freedom not in spite of the risks but often because of them. This role has been more than a signature for me; it has been a lifelong teacher. Through Carmen, I have learned about the power of choice, the strength in vulnerability, and the courage required to live truthfully. Her story is far from static; it is alive with lessons for every generation. And so, I am grateful that Carmen continues to be sung, to be felt, and to remind us all what it means to live boldly and freely.

J’NAI BRIDGES in the title role of Cincinnati Opera’s 2021 production of Carmen at Blue Ash’s Summit Park. Photo: Philip Groshong.

Denyce Graves is a celebrated mezzo-soprano who has sung on opera stages around the world. She is founder of the Denyce Graves Foundation, which focuses on the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts.

TOI, TOI, TOI!

EVENT AND TICKET INFORMATION CincinnatiArts.org • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]

Production Sponsor Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Performance Sponsor Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

ORPHEUS AND EURIDICE Music and text by Ricky Ian Gordon Sung in English Based on mythology World premiere: October 5, 2005, at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, New York, New York A Cincinnati Opera premiere July 28, 30, and August 1, 2026, at Cincinnati Music Hall’s Wilks Studio 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th company performances of Orpheus and Euridice

Stephen Mulligan* Audrey Chait* Yoshihisa Arai Thomas C. Hase Harley Myer* James Geier Peter Nictakis

Conductor Stage Director Choreographer Lighting and Video Designer Video Content Editor Wig and Makeup Designer Stage Manager Cast in order of appearance Euridice Orpheus Dancers

Heidi Middendorf Christopher Pell* Roxy Slavin*, Philip Fedulov*

* Cincinnati Opera debut

A new production created by Cincinnati Opera. Presented by arrangement with Carl Fischer Music.

THE STORY

Orpheus is the greatest musician the world has ever known. His playing enchants animals, stills storms, and draws all living things near. One day, wandering through a meadow, he encounters a young woman among the daisies: Euridice. She meets his eyes, and his music changes—grows deeper, wiser, as if it had been waiting for her. They fall in love and build a life together: a house with a garden, an open door where friends are always welcome. Orpheus writes her a song about a man who spent his whole life feeling alone, and no longer does. Then Euridice falls ill. He plays everything he knows trying to reach her, but nothing works. Slowly, she slips away. When she dies, Orpheus descends to the underworld to beg for her return. He plays for the gods of the dead until his fingers ache, pouring out every last thing he has. Moved by his grief, they agree to release her, on one condition: he must lead Euridice back through the darkness without once looking behind him, trusting she is there, until they reach the surface. He almost makes it. At the last moment, seized by sudden doubt, he turns to look. She vanishes. Orpheus returns to earth alone and shattered. His music, once a gift that brought joy to all creation, becomes the sound of irrecoverable loss. In the end he is torn apart—but from his remains, the music continues forever.

The performance will last approximately 1 hour. There will be no intermission.

MEANING IN THE MYTH BY RICKY IAN GORDON

INSET OF ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE by Sir Edward Poynter.

W 30

from it…all music. His loss becomes the world’s gain. When I was little, my sister took me to Marcel CaFlash back to many years ago, when I first met mus’s beautiful film Black Orpheus with Breno Mello the celebrated clarinetist Todd Palmer. He became and Marpessa Dawn. What could I have really una frequent attendee at my performances. One day, he derstood in that story? But I became quite obsessed said he would like to commission a piece from me— with the myth of Orpheus and Euridice. something for clarinet, piano, and voice. I started Orpheus, god of music, tames the sentient world musing on what it could be. In 1995, my partner at to bow at the grace of his music. The only thing missthe time, Jeffrey Grossi, started to become very ill. ing in his life is a partner. One day he meets her: What a maelstrom it is when someone is being taken Euridice, so beautiful she seems to float on a cloud. from you incrementally and you are at a monumental He becomes whole, complete, in love. Fate, however, loss of control. I felt almost dehas other plans. Euridice Thus, it was not a parsuddenly dies, and he goes "ONE NIGHT ... I ROSE ranged. ticularly inspired time. I kept to the underworld to get her FROM SLEEP, WENT meeting with Todd about ideas back. A difficult plan is set in motion. She will follow him TO THE DINING ROOM for the piece, but essentially, I was rudderless. back to the world, but he TABLE, and wrote the One night, during a time of cannot look back or he will procrastination and exasperalose her. Unaware of the plan, entire text for what betion, I woke at 4:00 a.m. with she thinks he is ignoring her. came my version of Or- a vision. I rose from sleep, went At a particularly painful enpheus and Euridice." to the dining room table, and treaty, he carelessly turns wrote the entire text for what back to assure her. She disapbecame my version of Orpheus and Euridice. It pears, forever. Grief-stricken, his music becomes so seemed I suddenly had a deep identification with sad that the creatures he used to bewitch become deOrpheus, only my Euridice was not bitten by a snake ranged by it. They tear him to pieces. Myth has it that as in the myth, but robbed of life slowly by an inwhen his head is cast into the water, music springs curable virus. I saw Todd as Orpheus playing his “pipe” instead of a lute or a lyre. Euridice was both herself and the storyteller. The notes belonged to Orpheus, and the words belonged to Euridice. When I was done, I had created a two-act structure which seemed very clear to me. Act 1 was about the birth of love, and Act 2 was about the birth of art through suffering. Jeffrey woke at 5:00 a.m. from the strange energy that had taken over our apartment. I read the text to him in a sort of sweaty amazement. I called Todd at about 8:30 a.m. to share my great news, and he ultimately encouraged me to stay the course. Is that why we are taught myths, so that later on when we need them, we can tell our own stories through them? Is that how they came about? At that moment in my life, it is as if, knowing this myth, and its eruption inside me, saved me. Ricky Ian Gordon is a prolific composer of vocal music that spans art song, opera, and musical theater. His memoir, Seeing Through: A Chronicle of Sex, Drugs, and Opera, was released in 2024 by Macmillan Publishers.

THE AUTHOR with his late partner, Jeffrey Grossi. Courtesy of Ricky Ian Gordon.

INVEST ENGAGE INNOVATE LEAD

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CINCINNATI OPERA

STUDIO SESSIONS WILKS STUDIO at MUSIC HALL • 2026

Opera stars shine in intimate cabaret-style performances

Soul and Sound: 2.0 THURSDAY, JUNE 25 • 8:00 p.m. Hosted by poet Tifara Brown and featuring countertenor G. Thomas Allen and pianists Kevin Miller and Donald Lee III, this intimate cabaret-style performance is more than a concert—it is a living, breathing ceremony, rooted in the gospel tradition and expanded through virtuosic performance and storytelling. The artists remember and reimagine the power of Black music across time, from the sacred foundation of spirituals into the heart of gospel, through the freedom of jazz and the depth of Black classical excellence, and into a bold Afrofuturist horizon.

Tifara Brown

Kevin Miller

Donald Lee III

G. Thomas Allen

Matthew White

James Maverick

Matthew White in Recital WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 • 8:00 p.m. Following his 2025 starring role as Cavaradossi in Tosca, and in anticipation of his appearance as this season’s Don José in Carmen, tenor Matthew White takes to the cabaret stage for his first-ever solo recital. Expect an enthralling evening of music—from opera arias to Appalachian folk tunes—along with Cincinnati Opera’s Head of Music Staff, pianist James Maverick.

General Admission $47

Opera Beyond the Stage Opera doesn’t belong only to concert halls and curtain calls. Cincinnati Opera’s Community Engagement and Education programs bring the art form into neighborhoods, schools, libraries, and gathering spaces across the region—connecting artists and audiences in ways that go

far beyond a traditional performance. Here’s a sample of Cincinnati Opera’s programming happening around town all year long. Interested in bringing opera to your community? Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

RAISE YOUR VOICE HIGH Teaching artist Madeline Jentsch encourages students to showcase their opera singing during Opera Storybook Hour.

MUSIC HALL FUN Young audience members catch a special glimpse of opera during the Community Open Dress Rehearsal.

Photos: Philip Groshong, Jemannie Severson Luong, and Tracy L. Wilson.

ENJOYING SONGS AND SNACKS Students join soprano Victoria Ellington in singing a song about fruits, vegetables, and colors during Opera & Oranges.

EXPRESSING POSSIBILITY Inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s world premiere of the Afrofuturist opera Lalovavi, a young creator shares their artistic vision of the future.

A SHOW OF HANDS Students from Hays-Porter School show their creative hands in imagining the future. Their work will join others from around the city for the Lalovavi Visions of the Future Community Murals.

SEASON ARTISTS CINCINNATI OPERA 2026 * Cincinnati Opera debut

JULIUS AHN Tenor (Seoul, South Korea) First Jew, Salome

Cincinnati: Spoletta, Tosca (2025); Goro, Madame Butterfly (2023) Elsewhere: Valet Tenors, The Tales of Hoffmann (Florentine Opera); Matteo Borsa, Rigoletto (Canadian Opera Company); Pong, Turandot (LA Opera) Upcoming: Goro, Madame Butterfly (Manitoba Opera); Monostatos, The Magic Flute (Florentine Opera)

G. THOMAS ALLEN Countertenor (Danville, Virginia) Ivavi, Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: First Witch, Dido and Aeneas (LA Opera); Bernstein Mass (Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra) Upcoming: G. Thomas Allen Quintet concert (Keystone Korner Baltimore)

CERVILIO AMADOR Choreographer (Camagüey, Cuba) Carmen*

Elsewhere: Artistic Director (Cincinnati Ballet); Choreographer (Moving Arts) Upcoming: Artistic Director (Cincinnati Ballet)

YOSHIHISA ARAI Choreographer (Hiroshima, Japan) Orpheus and Euridice

Cincinnati: La Traviata; Don Giovanni (2024) Elsewhere: Choreographer, Sonata (Cincinnati Ballet); Director, Prélude (Cincinnati Ballet/Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra); Choreographer, S. Rachmaninoff (Colorado Ballet); Choreographer, On Love and Lust (May Festival)

ZACH BORICHEVSKY Tenor (Doylestown, Pennsylvania) Narraboth, Salome

Cincinnati: Duke, Rigoletto (2025) Elsewhere: Duke, Rigoletto (Metropolitan Opera); B.F. Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly (Fort Worth Opera); Don José, Carmen (Florentine Opera); Alfredo, La Traviata (San Diego Opera) Upcoming: Canio, Pagliacci (Virginia Opera); Des Grieux cover, Manon; Rodolfo cover, La Bohème (Metropolitan Opera)

J’NAI BRIDGES Mezzo-soprano (Lakewood, Washington) Carmen, Carmen

Cincinnati: Carmen, Carmen (2021) Elsewhere: Maddalena, Rigoletto (Metropolitan Opera; San Francisco Opera); Elizabeth Proctor, The Crucible (Washington National Opera) Upcoming: Sphinx Virtuosi tour (Carnegie Hall); Cotton (Kentucky Opera); Neruda Songs (China National Symphony); Berlioz Romeo and Juliet (Seattle Symphony)

TIFARA BROWN Librettist (Savannah, Georgia) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Featured Speaker (TEDxUGA); Performance Poet/Panelist (Underscore: The Afrofuturist Salon); Author, Honeysuckle: Poems and Stories from a Black Southerner; Poet (Words and Whispers Literary Journal; Haunted Waters Press; Minerva Rising Press) Upcoming: In the Making Artist in Residence (Centrum)

SYDNEY CAGGIANO Dancer (Newport News, Virginia) Salome*

Elsewhere: Corps de Ballet, Serenade; Swan Maiden, Swan Lake; Snow/Flower, The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet)

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LEVI CAPESIUS Tenor (Algona, Iowa) Second Jew, Salome*

Elsewhere: Billy, Mahagonny Songspiel; Le Journaliste/Le Fils, Les Mamelles de Tirésias; Flute/Thisbe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Don Basilio/Don Curzio, The Marriage of Figaro (Northern Lights Music Festival); Dr. Blind, Die Fledermaus (Lyric Opera of the North)

GINA CERIMELE-MECHLEY Fight & Intimacy Director (Cincinnati, Ohio) Salome; Lalovavi; Carmen

Cincinnati: 2022–2025 seasons Elsewhere: Pericles (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company); Aerial Choreographer, House on Watch Hill (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati); Hay Fever (Human Race Theatre) Upcoming: Director, Building the Wall (Cincinnati Actor’s Studio); Titus Andronicus (Northern Kentucky University)

AUDREY CHAIT Stage Director (Menlo Park, California) Orpheus and Euridice*

Elsewhere: Scalia/Ginsburg (Kentucky Opera); L’Inganno Felice (Opera Southwest); Carmen (Reno Philharmonic); Proving Up (Opera Las Vegas); To the Hands (Vocal Arts Ensemble) Upcoming: Scalia/Ginsburg (Fort Worth Opera)

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TERRENCE CHIN-LOY Tenor (Coral Springs, Florida) Lucian, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Normanno, Lucia di Lammermoor (2023) Elsewhere: B.F. Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly (Arizona Opera); Pong, Turandot (Atlanta Opera); Gualtiero, Griselda (Royal Danish Opera) Upcoming: Edgardo, Lucia di Lammermoor (Berkshire Opera Festival); Male Courtier, Of One Blood (Santa Fe Opera); Pang, Turandot (LA Opera)

JOSE MARIA CONDEMI Stage Director (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Salome

Cincinnati: Tosca (2025); Lucia di Lammermoor (2023) Elsewhere: Rigoletto, Bohème Out of the Box (San Francisco Opera); Mahagonny Songspiel/Les Mamelles de Tirésias (UC College-Conservatory of Music) Upcoming: Orfeo ed Euridice (Pittsburgh Opera); Don Giovanni (Trentino Music Festival); La Bohème (UC College-Conservatory of Music)

EMILY COTTEN Mezzo-soprano (Durham, North Carolina) The Page of Herodias, Salome*

Elsewhere: Ensign Dinah Murphy/Nellie Forbush understudy, South Pacific (Toledo Opera); Despina, Così Fan Tutte; L’Opinion Publique, Orpheus in the Underworld (Opera in the Ozarks); La Ciesca, Gianni Schicchi (Loyola University New Orleans); Miss Copeland, Dinner at Eight (University of Michigan) 39

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PAUL CURRAN Stage Director (Palm Springs, California) Original Stage Director, Carmen*

Elsewhere: La Traviata (Arena di Verona); Tristan and Isolde (San Francisco Opera); La Clemenza di Tito (Teatro La Fenice); La Fanciulla del West (Teatro Comunale di Bologna) Upcoming: Stage Director (Canadian Opera Company; Lyric Opera of Chicago; Teatro San Carlo; Santa Fe Opera)

ADRIENNE DANRICH Soprano (Queens, New York) Dinah, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Serena, Porgy and Bess (2012) Elsewhere: Lily, Porgy and Bess (Metropolitan Opera); Mrs. Dickson, Intimate Apparel (Metropolitan Opera/Lincoln Center Theater); Ida, This House (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis) Upcoming: Mrs. Hodge cover, Lincoln in the Bardo (Metropolitan Opera)

CHLOE O. DAVIS Choreographer (St. Louis, Missouri) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: CrazySexyCool (Arena Stage); Little Miss Perfect (Olney Theatre Center); The Oscar Micheaux Project (Prospect Musicals); Waitress (The Muny); A New Brain (Barrington Stage Company); Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC); Associate Choreographer, Gypsy; Paradise Square (Broadway) Upcoming: The Memorial (TBA) 40

2026 – 2027 SEASON CORNER OF THE SKY:

THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Conceived and created by Scott Coulter

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MRS. MANNERLY By Jeffrey Hatcher

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Torie Wiggins in Where We Stand (2026). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

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KEVIN DAY Composer (Las Vegas, Nevada) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Manhattan Nights (Las Vegas Philharmonic); Lightspeed (Louisville Orchestra); Concerto for Nu Deco (Nu Deco Ensemble) Upcoming: Symphony No. 2 (Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra); For the Love of Uvalde (Theatre TCU/TCU Vocal Arts); Symphony No. 3 (Mansfield Philharmonic Orchestra)

KAYLEIGH DECKER Mezzo-soprano (Laguna Beach, California) Mercédès, Carmen

Cincinnati: Miss Inkley, Liverpool Oratorio (2024) Elsewhere: Zephyrus, The Great Silence (Hamburg State Opera); Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni (Staatsoper Stuttgart); Cherubino, The Marriage of Figaro (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Dorabella, Così Fan Tutte (Welsh National Opera) Upcoming: Cherubino, The Marriage of Figaro (LA Opera)

MICHELLE DEYOUNG Mezzo-soprano (Bloomington, Indiana) Herodias, Salome

Cincinnati: Amneris, Aida (2013); Princess Eboli, Don Carlo (2009) Elsewhere: Herodias, Salome (Metropolitan Opera); Amneris, Aida (English National Opera); Mahler Das Lied von der Erde (Carnegie Hall); Kundry, Parsifal (Opera Australia); Jezibaba, Rusalka (Opéra National de Paris) Upcoming: Götterdämmerung in concert (Verbier Festival) 41

THOMAS DREEZE Baritone (Toledo, Ohio) First Nazarene, Salome; El Dancairo, Carmen

Cincinnati: Marullo, Rigoletto; Avram, Fiddler on the Roof (2025) Elsewhere: Mahler Songs with Orchestra (Hamptons Festival of Music); Fauré Requiem (Richmond Symphony Orchestra); Handel Messiah (Collegium Cincinnati) Upcoming: Recitals (College Club of Cincinnati; Grace Church Concert Series, Virginia)

RON DUKES Bass (Indianapolis, Indiana) Fifth Jew, Salome*

Elsewhere: Commentator, Scalia/Ginsburg (Kentucky Opera); Mozart Requiem (Indianapolis Symphonic Choir); Jud Fry, Oklahoma (Pensacola Opera) Upcoming: Ramfis, Aida (Lyric Opera of Kansas City)

PHILIP FEDULOV Dancer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Orpheus and Euridice*

Elsewhere: Prince Siegfried, Swan Lake; Cavalier, The Nutcracker; Tom Buchanan, The Great Gatsby (Cincinnati Ballet)

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JAMES GEIER Wig & Makeup Designer (Cincinnati, Ohio) Resident Wig & Makeup Designer

Cincinnati: 2004–2025 seasons Elsewhere: Pittsburgh Opera, 2003–2026 seasons; The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet) Upcoming: Pittsburgh Opera, 2026–2027 season

RICKY IAN GORDON Composer & Librettist (New York, New York) Orpheus and Euridice

Cincinnati: Morning Star (2015) Elsewhere: This House (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Intimate Apparel (Metropolitan Opera/Lincoln Center Theater); The Grapes of Wrath (Minnesota Opera) Upcoming: Rappahannock County (Opera Company of Middlebury); Untitled Commission (Atlanta Opera)

ALEXANDER GUSHROWSKI Tenor (La Porte, Indiana) Second Nazarene, Salome

Cincinnati: Matteo Borsa, Rigoletto (2025) Elsewhere: Priest, Songbird (Kentucky Opera); Matteo Borsa/Duke cover, Rigoletto (Indianapolis Opera); Master of Ceremonies, Cendrillon (Cedar Rapids Opera); Chaplain of the Convent, Dialogues of the Carmelites (UC College-Conservatory of Music) 43

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STEPHEN HANNA Bass-baritone (Jacksonville, Texas) A Cappadocian, Salome

Cincinnati: Bellhop, Die Fledermaus (2016) Elsewhere: Zuniga, Carmen; Beethoven Missa Solemnis (Kentucky Symphony Orchestra); Jesus, Bach St. Matthew Passion (Knox Music Series); Kuno, Der Freischütz (Queen City Opera); Handel Messiah (Taylor Festival Choir)

KARA HARMON Costume Designer (Ocean City, New Jersey) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Of Mice and Men (Houston Grand Opera); I & You: The Musical (McCarter Theatre Center); Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Indiana Repertory Theatre; Syracuse Stage); Come From Away (Guthrie Theater); Wilderness Generation (Philadelphia Theatre Company) Upcoming: Loch Ness (Two River Theater)

THOMAS C. HASE Lighting Designer (Madison, Wisconsin/Berlin, Germany) Resident Lighting Designer, Lighting Director, and Design Advisor

Cincinnati: 1997–2025 seasons Elsewhere: Fellow Travelers (U.S. tour); Don Giovanni (Opéra de Montréal); Company (Ethel Barrymore Theatre); Der Freischütz (Vienna State Opera) Upcoming: Lighting and Projection Designer, Turandot (Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra); Tristan and Isolde (National Opera, Taiwan); Tosca (Atlanta Opera) 44

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MARK HOCKENBERRY Baritone (Hanover, Pennsylvania) Third Jew, Salome*

Elsewhere: Polonius, Hamlet (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra); Soloist, Sons of Art concert (Bach Society of Dayton); Chorus Member (May Festival; Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Arizona Opera) Upcoming: Guglielmo, Così Fan Tutte (Queen City Opera)

KIMILLE HOWARD Stage Director and Dramaturg (Carmel, Indiana) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Treemonisha (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Common Threads: The Music of Damien Geter (Chautauqua Institution); This Little Light of Mine (Kentucky Opera); The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson (North Carolina Opera); Assistant Stage Director, Porgy and Bess; The Magic Flute; Champion (Metropolitan Opera)

M. ANDREW JONES Tenor (Moline, Illinois) Fourth Jew, Salome

Cincinnati: John/Troll 1, Fierce (2022) Elsewhere: Vaudémont, Iolanta (Queen City Opera)

TIARA JONES Wig & Makeup Designer (Alexandria, Virginia) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: The Color Purple (The Carnegie); Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Manhattan Class Company); Maria Stuarda; Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Santa Fe Opera)

DONGHOON KANG Bass-baritone (Seoul, South Korea) First Soldier, Salome*

Elsewhere: Leporello, Don Giovanni (Merola Opera Program, San Francisco); Schaunard, La Bohème (Opera Orlando); Angelotti, Tosca (Glimmerglass Festival); Dr. Dulcamara, The Elixir of Love (Hahnsol Music Group, New York); Death, Der Kaiser von Atlantis (Manhattan School of Music)

JACK KELLER Tenor (Washington, D.C.) El Remendado, Carmen*

Elsewhere: Beadle Bamford, Sweeney Todd; Le Doyen de la Faculté, Cendrillon (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Elvino, La Sonnambula (Mediterranean Opera Studio & Festival); Mechtild, Hildegard workshop (Opera Fusion: New Works)

STEVEN C. KEMP Scenic Designer (Houston, Texas) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Tosca (Des Moines Metro Opera); La Cenerentola (Lyric Opera of Kansas City); La Bohème (Vancouver Opera); Macbeth (Atlanta Opera) Upcoming: Doctor Atomic (Opera San José); Aida (Lyric Opera of Kansas City); Orfeo ed Euridice (Pittsburgh Opera); Norma (Madison Opera); Jenufa (Sarasota Opera)

DONALD LEE III Chorus Master (Hampton, Virginia) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Conductor, 1984 workshop (Castleton Festival); Conductor, “All That Jazz” concert (Reno Chamber Orchestra); Conductor cover, Doubt (Opera Parallèle); Conductor cover, Treemonisha (Washington National Opera); Conductor cover, She Who Dared (Chicago Opera Theater)

KATHRYN LEWEK Soprano (East Lyme, Connecticut) Salome, Salome

Cincinnati: Gilda, Rigoletto (2025) Elsewhere: Violetta, La Traviata (Opéra de Nice); Juliet, Romeo and Juliet (Théâtre des Champs-Élysées); Queen of the Night, The Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Musetta, La Bohème (Metropolitan Opera); Konstanze, The Abduction from the Seraglio (Ravinia Festival) 46

BRITTANY OLIVIA LOGAN Soprano (Garden Grove, California) Persephone, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Strawberry Woman, Porgy and Bess (2019) Elsewhere: High Priestess, Aida (Metropolitan Opera); Musetta, La Bohème (Pittsburgh Opera); Countess, The Marriage of Figaro (Wolf Trap Opera); Liù, Turandot (Lyric Opera of Kansas City) Upcoming: Tosca, Tosca (Nashville Opera); Bess, Porgy and Bess (Opéra de Monte Carlo)

GARY MCCANN Scenic & Costume Designer (Brighton, England) Carmen*

Elsewhere: Nabucco (Teatro alla Scala); Siegfried (National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing); The Great Gatsby (Royal Danish Ballet); The Merry Widow (Glyndebourne Festival); Tristan and Isolde (Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa) Upcoming: Eugene Onegin (Santa Fe Opera); Thaïs (Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège)

RYAN MCKINNY Bass-baritone (Los Angeles, California) Escamillo, Carmen*

Elsewhere: Joseph De Rocher, Dead Man Walking (San Francisco Opera); Lt. Horstmayer, Silent Night; Michele, Il Tabarro; Gianni Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi (Houston Grand Opera); John Proctor, The Crucible (Washington National Opera) Upcoming: Vollman, Lincoln in the Bardo; Lt. Horstmayer, Silent Night (Metropolitan Opera)

HEIDI MIDDENDORF Soprano (Akron, Ohio) Euridice, Orpheus and Euridice

Cincinnati: Countess Ceprano, Rigoletto (2025) Elsewhere: Princess Mononoke Suite (Hawaii Symphony Orchestra); Thorn Rose, Sleepers Awake workshop (Opera Fusion: New Works); Donna Anna, Don Giovanni (Washington Opera Society) Upcoming: “Société musicale indépendante” recital (Midwest U.S. tour)

KEVIN MILLER Conductor (New York, New York) Lalovavi*

Elsewhere: Assistant Conductor, Akhnaten (LA Opera); Assistant Conductor, Porgy and Bess (Metropolitan Opera); Lawrence Brownlee recital (Carnegie Hall) Upcoming: Karen Slack recital (Piedmont Opera); Assistant Conductor, Lincoln in the Bardo; Tosca (Metropolitan Opera); John Holiday recital (Wigmore Hall)

STEPHEN MULLIGAN Conductor (Baltimore, Maryland) Orpheus and Euridice*

Elsewhere: Alcina; Die Fledermaus; La Rondine (University of North Texas Opera); Mansfield Park (Royal Danish Opera Academy); Liszt/Sibelius concert (Filarmonica Transilvania, Romania); Herrmann Psycho film in concert (New York Philharmonic) Upcoming: Oper’Actuel (Chants Libres); Composer Artist in Residence (Willapa Bay AiR) 47

NATHAN DE’SHON MYERS Baritone (Dallas, Texas) Moralès, Carmen*

Elsewhere: Jim, Porgy and Bess (Houston Grand Opera); Elijah, Mendelssohn Elijah (Dayspring Orchestra); Jonny, Jonny Speilt Auf (Salzburg State Theatre); Dandini, La Cenerentola (Theater Magdeburg); Ping, Turandot (Deutsche Oper Berlin) Upcoming: Associate Professor of Voice/Choral (Arizona State University)

ERINA NODA Choreographer (Yokohama, Japan) Salome*

Elsewhere: Rehearsal Director; Assistant Choreographer, Peter Chu CONSTRUCTive SOUND (Cincinnati Ballet); Stager, Septime Webre The Wizard of Oz (Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre; Cincinnati Ballet; Hong Kong Ballet) Upcoming: Rehearsal Director (Cincinnati Ballet)

ANDERSON NUNNELLY Stage Director (Traverse City, Michigan) Carmen*

Elsewhere: Nuit sans Aube (Opéra-Comique, Paris); Das kalte Herz (Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin); Les Troyens (Seattle Opera); Il Viaggio a Reims (Opera Philadelphia) Upcoming: Carmen (LA Opera); Aida (Houston Grand Opera); Svadba (Long Beach Opera)

CHRISTOPHER PELL Clarinet (Atlanta, Georgia) Orpheus, Orpheus and Euridice*

Elsewhere: Principal Clarinetist (Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra); Clarinetist (Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; Orpheus Chamber Orchestra; Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, Mexico) Upcoming: Principal Clarinetist (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra); Second Clarinetist (Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center)

AMANDA PERÉZ DUARTE Dancer (Ciego de Ávila, Cuba) Salome*

Elsewhere: Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker; Swan Lake; Cinderella; Don Quixote; Giselle; Coppelia; 2017–2022 seasons (National Ballet of Cuba); 2022–2023 season (Finnish National Ballet Company); Dancer (Cincinnati Ballet) Upcoming: Dancer (Cincinnati Ballet)

TERESA PERROTTA Soprano (Orlando, Florida) Micaela, Carmen*

Elsewhere: Cio-Cio-San, Madame Butterfly (Opéra Louisiane); Micaela, Carmen (Dallas Opera); Helmwige, Die Walküre (LA Phil); First Lady, The Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Susannah, Susannah (San Diego Opera); Micaela, Carmen (Madison Opera) 48

MICHAEL PREACELY Baritone (Lexington, Kentucky) Dr. Apollos, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Jake, Porgy and Bess (2012) Elsewhere: Count Monterone, Rigoletto; Sonora, La Fanciulla del West (Kentucky Opera); Amonasro, Aida (Finger Lakes Opera); Marullo, Rigoletto (Opera Memphis); Ser Amantio di Nicolao, Gianni Schicchi; A Mandarin, Turandot (Opera Philadelphia)

ZOIE REAMS Mezzo-soprano (Chicago, Illinois) Zipporah, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Jane, Castor and Patience (2022) Elsewhere: Siegrune, Die Walküre (LA Phil); Maddalena, Rigoletto (Canadian Opera Company); Néris, Medea (Lyric Opera of Chicago) Upcoming: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 (Tanglewood Music Festival); Handel Messiah (Washington National Cathedral)

CLARA REEVES Soprano (Greenville, North Carolina) A Slave, Salome*

Elsewhere: Cendrillon, Cendrillon; Helena, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UC CollegeConservatory of Music); Countess cover, The Marriage of Figaro; Madame Lidoine cover, Dialogues of the Carmelites; Mimì cover, La Bohème (Wolf Trap Opera)

MORRIS ROBINSON Bass (Tyrone, Georgia) Titan Musan, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Sparafucile, Rigoletto (2025) Elsewhere: Grand Inquisitor, Don Carlo (Dallas Opera); Verdi Requiem (San Francisco Symphony) Upcoming: Sarastro, The Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera); Osmin, The Abduction from the Seraglio (Ravinia Festival); Il Commendatore, Don Giovanni (Hamburg State Opera)

JEYSLA ROSARIO SANTOS Soprano (Cincinnati, Ohio) Frasquita, Carmen*

Elsewhere: Tytania, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Poppea, The Comet/Poppea; Persephone cover, L’Orfeo (Curtis Opera Theatre)

CHAD SHELTON Tenor (Orange; Texas) Herod, Salome

Cincinnati: George Hancock, Margaret Garner (2005) Elsewhere: Herod, Salome; B.F. Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly (Metropolitan Opera); Father Grenville, Dead Man Walking (San Francisco Opera; Metropolitan Opera); Erik, The Flying Dutchman (Santa Fe Opera) Upcoming: Herod, Salome (Seattle Opera); Kronprinz, Silent Night (Metropolitan Opera) 49

ROXY SLAVIN Dancer (Denver, Colorado) Orpheus and Euridice*

Elsewhere: Dancer (Cincinnati Ballet Second Company); Gamzatti, La Bayadère; Soloist, Paquita; Michael Pink’s Dracula; The Nutcracker; Cinderella; Sleeping Beauty (Milwaukee Ballet Second Company)

SAM SMITH Bass (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Second Soldier, Salome; Zuniga, Carmen Cincinnati: Dr. Grenville, La Traviata (2024); Officer, The Barber of Seville (2023) Elsewhere: Don Pasquale, Don Pasquale (Anchorage Opera); Basilio, The Barber of Seville (Lake George Opera); Leporello, Don Giovanni (Metro Lyric Opera, New Jersey); King, Aida (Palm Beach Opera)

SPENSER SMITH Actor (Elyria, Ohio) Lillas Pastia, Carmen

Cincinnati: Head Waiter, La Bohème (2022); Detective, Porgy and Bess (2019) Elsewhere: Professor Plum, Clue (The Story Collective of Cincinnati); Narrator, Snow White (Cincinnati Ballet); Lord Farquaad, Shrek the Musical Jr. (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati)

ROBERT SPANO Conductor (Conneaut, Ohio) Salome

Cincinnati: Otello (2010) Elsewhere: Leshnoff The Sacrifice of Isaac recording (Nashville Symphony Orchestra & Chorus); The Crucible; The Marriage of Figaro (Washington National Opera); The Flying Dutchman (Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra); Siddhartha, She (Aspen Music Festival)

RAMÓN TEBAR Conductor (Valencia, Spain) Carmen

Cincinnati: Carmen (2021); Romeo and Juliet (2019) Elsewhere: Aida (Opera Hong Kong); The Elixir of Love (Ópera de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria); Turandot; The Elixir of Love (Opera Naples); Romeo and Juliet (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis) Upcoming: La Bohème (Metropolitan Opera)

TALISE TREVIGNE Soprano (Marietta, Georgia) Niamara, Lalovavi

Cincinnati: Patience, Castor and Patience; Mimì, La Bohème (2022); Bess, Porgy and Bess (2019) Elsewhere: Tippett A Child of Our Time (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra); Countess, The Marriage of Figaro (Calgary Opera); Violetta, La Traviata (Opéra de Montréal) 50

HENRI VENANZI Chorus Master (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Resident Chorus Master

Cincinnati: Assistant Chorus Master, 1980–1986 seasons; Chorus Master, 1994–2025 seasons Elsewhere: Recital accompanist for Martina Arroyo, Kathleen Battle, Sondra Radvanovsky, Jerry Hadley; U.S. Artist in Residence (Xi’an, China); Guest opera conductor (University of Alabama Opera Theatre)

ALFRED WALKER Bass-baritone (Craryville, New York) Jochanaan, Salome*

Elsewhere: Porgy, Porgy and Bess (Metropolitan Opera); Creonte, Medea (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Caspar, Der Freischütz (American Symphony Orchestra); Nourabad, The Pearl Fishers (Palm Beach Opera) Upcoming: Scarpia, Tosca (Glyndebourne Festival); Abimelech, Samson and Delilah; Titurel, Parsifal (Metropolitan Opera)

TIM WALLACE Scenic & Properties Designer (San Diego, California) Salome*

Elsewhere: Scenic Designer, All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914; Così Fan Tutte; Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi; Ghosts; Don Giovanni; La Bohème; Salome; La Traviata; The Barber of Seville (San Diego Opera) Upcoming: Scenic Designer (San Diego Zoo)

MATTHEW WHITE Tenor (New Market, Virginia) Don José, Carmen

Cincinnati: Cavaradossi, Tosca (2025) Elsewhere: Don José, Carmen (Malmö Opera); Rodolfo, La Bohème (Vancouver Opera) Upcoming: B.F. Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly (Washington National Opera); Duke, Rigoletto (Opéra de Montréal); Romeo, Berlioz Romeo and Juliet (Seattle Symphony)

ANITA YAVICH Costume Designer (Hong Kong, China) Salome

Cincinnati: Madame Butterfly (2001) Elsewhere: The Monkey King (San Francisco Opera); Floyd Collins; Yellow Face (Broadway); Ring Cycle (Opera Australia); Aida (Lyric Opera of Chicago; Washington National Opera; San Francisco Opera) Upcoming: Madame Butterfly (Glimmerglass Festival); Rhinoceros (American Repertory Theater)

THE LYTLE PARK HOTEL: WHERE TIMELESS ELEGANCE TAKES CENTER STAGE

At The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, every detail is thoughtfully composed to elevate your experience. Set beside the charm of Lytle Park, the hotel blends historic elegance with modern luxury. Guests enjoy refined accommodations, an all-seasons glass-encased rooftop with sweeping skyline views, exceptional dining options - including the new Vista Sunday Brunch, and the stage for extraordinary weddings and special events. 311 PIKE STREET | CINCINNATI, OH 45202 513-621-4500 | THELYTLEPARKHOTEL.COM

Proudly Recommended by Forbes Travel Guide, the hotel is recognized for its distinctive style and impeccable service. Whether before or after the performance, The Lytle Park Hotel offers a stay worthy of a standing ovation.

Where new voices rise, you make the difference. We honor the visionary individuals and organizations who are transforming the future of opera in America through their support for Cincinnati Opera’s groundbreaking Black Opera Project.

FRIENDS OF THE BLACK OPERA PROJECT SUPPORTERS SUSAN & JOSEPH PICHLER

THE DAVID C. HERRIMAN FUND OF GREATER CINCINNATI FOUNDATION

MICHAEL L. CIOFFI & RACHAEL A. ROWE

THE ROBERT AND ADELE SCHIFF FAMILY FOUNDAITON

LIZ KATHMAN GRUBOW & JERRY KATHMAN

KARI & JONATHAN ULLMAN

HEARTFELT THANKS TO Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Marissa and Damany Abernathy Anonymous (2) Arts Midwest ArtsWave CIRCLE Denyce Graves Foundation Michelle and Babacar Diagne Ms. Patti Foster H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation Julie Grady Heard and Benjamin D. Heard Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation

Marilyn Jackson and Leonard C. Thompson Drs. Yemisi and Alvin Jones Elizabeth Kenan Woodrow and Edna Keown Millstone Fund Carole and Edwin Rigaud Ms. Shelly Sherman Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby Vilcek Foundation Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, MD The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

List as of May 1, 2026

Be a part of this transformative journey with a gift in support of The Black Opera Project. Together, we elevate voices, celebrate culture, and shape a bold new artistic frontier. For more information or to stay updated, visit blackoperaproject.org.

A Stage for Every Story

MEMBERS OF THE CREATIVE TEAM FOR LALOVAVI: conductor Kevin Miller, Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor Morris Robinson, librettist Tifara Brown, and composer Kevin Day. Photo: Philip Groshong.

pera has always been an art form of sweeping emotion and epic storytelling. Yet for much of its history, stories rooted in Black joy, creativity, and resilience have been too rarely centered on the opera stage. The Black Opera Project aims to change that. A first-of-its-kind commissioning initiative from Cincinnati Opera, The Black Opera Project will create three new operas over three years that showcase the richness and complexity of the Black American experience. Made possible in part by a grant from the Mellon Foundation and the generous support of other visionary funders, the initiative represents an overall financial investment of approximately $6 million, a signal of Cincinnati Opera’s commitment to these stories and to the artists telling them. Lalovavi takes center stage at Music Hall in July 2026. Composed by Kevin Day with a libretto by Tifara Brown and directed by Kimille Howard, the Afrofuturist adventure marks the operatic debuts of both its composer and librettist. Set 400 years into the future in Atlas, the city formerly known as Atlanta, Lalovavi (which translates to “love”) follows its heroine Persephone as she discovers she carries a gene believed to grant immortality, is betrayed by her family, and embarks on a journey toward love and self-determination. John Lewis: Good Trouble receives its world premiere in Summer 2027. Composed by Maria Thompson Corley with a libretto by Diana Solomon-Glover and directed by Timothy Douglas, the opera is inspired by the life of U.S. Congressman John Lewis from his beginnings in Troy, Alabama, through the defining struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The movPULITZER PRIZE WINNERS Michael Abels (left) and James Ijames come together to create Good Bones for 2028.

ing new work captures Lewis’s legacy of love, nonviolence, and what he famously called getting into “good trouble.” Good Bones closes the trilogy with its world premiere in Summer 2028. The opera brings together two Pulitzer Prize winners: composer Michael Abels, best known for his scores for Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Us, and Nope, and for Omar, the celebrated opera

FREDDIE BALLENTINE in the title role of the John Lewis: Good Trouble workshop, with Aaron Crouch and Victoria Okafor. Photo: Philip Groshong.

co-composed with Rhiannon Giddens; and playwright James Ijames, whose Fat Ham received a Tony nomination for Best Play, here making his debut as an opera librettist. Based on Ijames’s play Good Bones and directed by Timothy Douglas, the work follows Aisha, who returns to her old neighborhood to renovate a house in a post-industrial city on the rise only to find her homecoming more complex than expected. An Afrofuturist adventure, a civil rights portrait, a contemporary story of homecoming and belonging—three stories that spotlight the Black American experience on one stage. The Black Opera Project doesn’t just add new titles to the repertoire. It makes the case, powerfully, that these stories always belonged there.

CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA First Violins Stefani Matsuo Felicity James Philip Marten Eric Bates Kathryn Woolley Anna Reider Mauricio Aguiar Minyoung Baik James Braid Rebecca Kruger Fryxell Elizabeth Furuta Gerald Itzkoff Joseph Ohkubo Luo-Jia Wu Jonathan Yi

Second Violins Gabriel Pegis Yang Liu Scott Mozlin Kun Dong Cheryl Benedict Evin Blomberg Rose Brown Rachel Charbel Chika Kinderman Charles Morey Hyesun Park Michael Rau Stacey Woolley

Violas Christian Colberg Gabriel Napoli Julian Wilkison Rebecca Barnes Christopher Fischer Stephen Fryxell Caterina Longhi Denisse Rodriguez-Rivera Dan Wang Joanne Wojtowicz Cellos Ilya Finkelshteyn Lachezar Kostov Drew Dansby Daniel Kaler Nicholas Mariscal Hiro Matsuo Alan Rafferty Tianlu (Jerry) Xu Basses Owen Lee Luis Celis Stephen Jones Boris Astafiev Michael Martin Gerald Torres Rick Vizachero

Harp Gillian Benet Sella

Contrabassoon Jennifer Monroe

Flutes Randolph Bowman Henrik Heide Haley Bangs

Horns Elizabeth Freimuth David Alexander David Smith Lisa Conway Duane Dugger Charles Bell

Piccolo Rebecca Pancner Oboes Dwight Parry Emily Beare English Horn Christopher Philpotts Clarinets Christopher Pell Joseph Morris Ixi Chen Bass Clarinet Ronald Aufmann

Timpani Patrick Schleker Joseph Bricker

Trumpets Anthony Limoncelli Alexander Pride Christopher Kiradjieff Trombones Cristian Ganicenco, in memoriam Joseph Rodriguez Bass Trombone Noah Roper

Percussion David Fishlock Michael Culligan Joseph Bricker Marc Wolfley Keyboards Michael Chertock Julie Spangler Librarians Christina Eaton Elizabeth Dunning Cara Benner Stage Managers Brian P. Schott Phillip T. Sheridan Daniel Schultz Mike Ingram Andrew Sheridan

Tuba Christopher Olka

Bassoons Christopher Sales Martin Garcia Hugh Michie

CINCINNATI OPERA CHORUS Natalie Almeter Avery Bargasse Alyssa Barnes Jamal Bogan Emily Cotten Dorian Dillard II Ron Dukes Victoria Ellington Emily Garcia Ellen Graham GeDeane Graham Ivan Griffin

Alex Gushrowski Andrew Hallam Stephen Hanna Alexander Herron Mark Hockenberry Mackenzie Jacquemin Madeline Jentsch Cameron Barrett Johnson Jordan Jones Jaclyn Kleier Owen Langford

Claire Lopatka Giovani Malcolm Kay’Mon Murrah Nathan De’Shon Myers Jack O’Leary Travis Pearce Will Reed Clara Reeves Jeysla Rosario Santos Reyna Sawtell Kayla Sconiers Natalie Sheppard

Morgan Small Diamond Sparks Mitch Sturges Ella Vaughn Vince Wallace Cydney Marie Washington Candace Williams Leeza Yorke Talia Zoll

m or ial H a ll e M t a s e i r e O u r 113 R e c i t a l S -S o p ra no o z z e M k c a Welco m e s B th

J A M I E BA RTO N ! Sunday, October 25, 2026 3 PM

Along With Artists Making Their Cincinnati Debuts! Jonathan Mamora

Amelia Zitoun

Oliver Neubauer

Sunday, September 13, 2026 3 PM

Sunday, February 7, 2027 3 PM

Sunday, March 7, 2027 3 PM

PIANO

CELLO

VIOLIN

And Musicians Joining Their Considerable Forces! The McGill/McHale Trio Anthony McGill CLARINET

Demarre McGill FLUTE

Michael McHale PIANO

Thursday, April 15, 2027 7:30 PM

MatineeMusicaleCincinnati.org

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CINCINNATI OPERA STAFF Christopher Milligan The Harry Fath General Director & CEO

Kelly Kuo Musical Advisor, The Black Opera Project

Abby Sauer Lead Patron Services Representative

Brittany Chato Jacob Kaplan Lighting Interns

Patricia K. Beggs General Director Emerita

Piper Davis Directing Intern, Lalovavi

James Geier Resident Wig and Makeup Designer

Administration and Finance Tom Freeman Interim Chief Operating Officer

Tessa Killen Directing Intern, Carmen

Hayden LaVelle Grant Linder Allie Raia Patron Services Representatives

Artistic Evans Mirageas The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director Morris Robinson Artistic Advisor Audrey Chait Artistic Administrator Elizabeth Reyna Artistic Operations Coordinator 56

James Dawson Artistic Operations Intern Henri Venanzi Chorus Master Donald Lee III Guest Chorus Master, Lalovavi James Maverick Head of Music Staff Donald Lee III Stephen Mulligan Assistant Conductors Eunjin Bang Michael Patterson Supertitle Coordinators Eunjin Bang Cory Battey Kirill Kuzmin Marie-France Lefebvre James Maverick Michael Patterson Rehearsal Pianists and Coaches Marie-France Lefebvre French Diction Coach

Community Engagement and Education Tracy L. Wilson Director of Community Engagement and Special Projects Advisor Talor Marren School Programs Manager Kelijah Houston Community Engagement and Education Intern Marketing and Communications M. Todd Bezold Director of Marketing Katie Syroney Director of Communications Aimee Sposito Martini Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator Becca McNay Patron Services Manager Zach Quortrup Director of CRM Strategy and Operations Philip J. Groshong Company Photographer Kweku Diaw Communications Intern Lindsey Wong Marketing Intern

Philanthropy Ken Wetstein Chief Development Officer Christine Chait Individual and Planned Giving Manager Andrea Davies Leadership Giving Manager

Amy Whitaker Wig and Makeup Design Assistant Aniya Williams Wig and Makeup Intern Jennelle John-Lewis Peter Nictakis Jennifer Shaw Stage Managers

Kimberly Passaro Institutional Giving Manager

Raeya Garcia Brooke Redler Madison Stone Lily Welsh Assistant Stage Managers

Hannah Boettcher Danielle Dorsey Philanthropy and Administrative Interns

Indy Caramelli Halena Edwards Stage Management Interns

Production Lyla Forlani Director of Production

Ruth Wartman Scenic Charge Artist and Props Coordinator

Krista Billings Stage Operations Director Haley Strong Production Manager Jocelyn Engel Stage Tech and Operations Intern Chad Phillips Costume Director Shelby Smith Costume Intern Thomas C. Hase Lighting Director, Resident Lighting Designer, and Design Advisor Natalia Carlson Associate Lighting Director

Samantha Reno Assistant Scenic Charge Artist Regan Densmore Payton Epperson Taylor Helms Carly Huff Owen Keeler Scenic Artists Katie Kim Props Coordinator Kailie Gould Scenic and Props Intern Gina Cerimele-Mechley Fight and Intimacy Director

Rehearsal Coltan Foster Rehearsal Administrator Nia Burns Rehearsal Assistant Technical Gary Kidney Technical Director Leah Busse Master Carpenter David Hall Construction Carpenter Brad Kidney Bill Coates Carpenter Second Hands Kevin Eviston Master Electrician Chanelle Dau Pino Board Operator Derek Lee Electrician Second Hand Lara Sheridan Master of Properties Tim Fowler Properties Second Hand

Cedric Collier Head Sound Technician Keith Gulleman Title Operator Cherl Beyersdoerfer Costumer Noelle Wedig-Johnston Assistant Costumer Jessica Arthur Bonn Emmer Elizabeth Kline Theresa Kramer Wardrobe Technicians Leah Busse Bill Coates Kevin Eviston Tim Fowler David Hall Joe Hoffman Brad Kidney Derek Lee Mike Pulsfort Scenery/Props Build Crew Jessica Arthur Alix Frisch Kevin Frisch Elizabeth Kline Theresa Kramer Kendall Owings Cat Schmeal Noelle Wedig-Johnston Costume Build Crew

Music Hall House Staff Molly McGraw General Manager

Jeff Enderle Chief Engineer

Gary Kidney Technical Director

Nathan Gibbs Jeremy Rost Engineers

Kevin Eviston Master Electrician

Chris Jackson Concessions Manager

Paul Stafford Master Carpenter

Spenser Smith Concessions Coordinator

Terri Kidney Senior Event Manager Angie Sandmann Sabreena Cherrington Event Managers Hope Holman Volunteer Manager Tony Dees Custodial Services Manager Shawn Booker Winifred Freeman Judith Martin Kevin Ruwe Airel Seeback Brian Schaller Custodial Services Department

Andrew Grefer Safety and Security Manager Evan Wehner Safety and Security Coordinator Angela Felts Joan Tenhundfeld Marchandia Bealer Security Associates Rick Endres Rentals Manager Alynn Rousselle Operations Administrative Assistant

CINCINNATI OPERA GUILD The Cincinnati Opera Guild is a group of dedicated opera lovers who strive to deepen their understanding of the art form through educational and social events while also serving as the volunteer corps for Cincinnati Opera. We are grateful for their enthusiastic and generous support. If you’re interested in learning more or becoming a member of the Guild, visit cincinnatiopera.org/guild. Marina Abanto Julie Alamin Jennifer M. Allen * Anne S. Arenstein Paule S. Asch, PhD Barbara Bardes Patricia K. Beggs (H) Dr. Alfred J. Berger + Andrea Chavez-Dietz Penny P. Cobey Virginia K. Cover (H) * Stephen DeHoff Joanna Doerner Jocelyn Dunphy (H) * Christopher D. Edwards (H) Gael T. Fischer Elizabeth Gendreau-Maxwell Marlesa A. Gray (H) * Annie Green (H) *

Barbara Hahn (H) Julie G. Heard (H) * Ms. Karlee L. Hilliard * Emily M. Hodges Linda Holthaus Judith Imhoff Sarajane King * Jennifer Kinnen (H) Elizabeth Kuresman (H) Mr. Bruce A. Lafferre Richard Laskey * Susan Lauf (H) Sooncha Lee Adele Lippert Dr. Janet P. McDaniel Ruth McDevitt (H) Rod M. McFaull Lawrence Mouch (H) Sue Alexander Mouch (H) Hengameh Nassef Christine E. Neyer (H) * +

Tom Osterman * Marchelle Owens + Lilián E. Pagani + Isabelle Paul (H) + Sandra Porada Daniel C. Rebhun (H) * Aileen B. Reinstatler (H) * Carol A. Rogers (H) Ellen J. Ross Louis Ross Lois P. Rust Ellen Saenger G. James Sammarco (H) + Ruthann Sammarco (H) * + Robert Schmidt + Norma Schoenberger + Charles R. Schuler + Joseph Shirley + Jeffrey Stambough + Nancy Stambough + Barbara Stegmaier +

Joseph Stegmaier + Nancy M. Steman Gail B. Stradling Richard Stradling Jr. Janet V. Stuhlreyer + Paul A. “Gus” Stuhlreyer III + Janet G. Todd + Nydia C. Tranter Carol Turni Nancy Virgulak Robert Von Gerds Charles Wilkinson Jeannine Winkelmann (H) * Andrea Wiot EJ Wohlgemuth + Shelby O. Wood Richard Zinicola * (H) Honorary member * Former president + Lifetime member

Give with confidence. Give with purpose. GCF helps you turn generosity into lasting impact with charitable expertise and thoughtful stewardship—now and for generations to come. Talk with a philanthropic advisor: 513‑241‑2880

GREATER CINCINNATI FOUNDATION

From Cincinnati to the World

OPERA FUSION: NEW WORKS SHAPES THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN OPERA A MOMENT FROM THE OPERA FUSION: NEW WORKS WORKSHOP for O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky, featuring soprano Natalie Corrigan as Georgia O’Keeffe with dancer SunMi Park. Photos: Philip Groshong.

hough many of today’s most frequently performed operas were composed long ago, each was once brand new. Someone composed the music, someone crafted the words, and the piece had to be refined before its arrival on the stage. Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) exists to provide that kind of play space to contemporary creators, infusing oxygen into this living art form. Launched in 2011 with support from the Mellon Foundation, OF:NW is a joint creative initiative between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Opera program, dedicated to developing new American opera. Now sustained by a generous anonymous gift, the program gives composers and librettists access to real musicians and honest feedback in an active workshop environment while their opera is still taking shape. At each workshop’s conclusion, the public has the unique opportunity to experience a performance of excerpts before the work moves to its next stage. Over the program’s history, this has meant that local audiences have had an early front row seat at operas headed to some of the most prestigious houses in the U.S.—among them, the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and LA Opera. Over the last year, OF:NW ushered three remarkable projects through its process:

• John Lewis: Good Trouble—the next work in Cincinnati Opera’s own Black Opera Project—where composer Maria Thompson Corley, librettist Diana Solomon-Glover, and director/dramaturg Timothy Douglas bring the life of the towering civil rights icon to the operatic stage. Also among OF:NW’s recent work: Lalovavi, by composer Kevin Day and librettist Tifara Brown. The discoveries made during Lalovavi’s two OF:NW workshops proved transformative to the finished opera you’ll see at Music Hall this summer. OF:NW remains a vital force in American opera, serving as a springboard for the new classics of the art form. To learn more, visit ofnw.org.

• O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky, an opera-ballet commissioned by Washington National Opera, in which composer Christopher Tin, librettist Kelley Rourke, director Francesca Zambello, and choreographer Jessica Lang craft a unique portrait of one of America’s most beloved artists. • Sleepers Awake, commissioned by Opera Philadelphia with music and words by Gregory Spears (Fellow Travelers, Castor and Patience), which resets the “Sleeping Beauty” fairytale in a dreamy, choruscentric interpretation.

TOP: Conductor Everett McCorvey leads the John Lewis: Good Trouble workshop. BOTTOM: Soprano Heidi Middendorf in the workshop for Sleepers Awake.

MAJOR SEASON SUPPORT SEASON SUPPORT

SEASON SPONSORS Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Harry Fath Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, Nanci and Nicola Lanni, Barbara Wilks 60

Opera Fusion: New Works Sponsors Anonymous Mellon Foundation Opening Weekend Sponsor Chavez Properties Pride Night Premier Sponsor 1919 Investment Counsel Dance Sponsor Margaret Valentine Fund for Dance

Sensory-Friendly Sponsor The William Plott Sensory Fund Society of Angels Sponsor Johnson Investment Counsel The John L. Magro Resident Conductor The John L. Magro Artist Development Fund/ Rev. Susan Pfeil Opera Trainee Program PATS Fund IATSE Local 5 Craft Services Sponsor Sheila and Christopher Cole Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals Sponsor ArtsWave Young Professionals Media Partner Classical 90.9 WGUC

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION SPONSORS Charles H. Dater Foundation H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation PNC Foundation Community Open Dress Rehearsal Sponsor Gould Family Community Engagement Fund

Lalovavi Community Engagement and Education ArtsWave Circle Millstone Fund P&G

ARTISTIC SPONSORS

SALOME

CARMEN

Opening Weekend Sponsor

Production Sponsors

Chavez Properties

Fort Washington Investment Advisors and Western & Southern Financial Group

Performance Sponsors Cincinnati Opera Guild

Performance Sponsors

Society of Angels

1919 Investment Counsel The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine and Miguel Chavez

Support for Robert Spano, conductor Edward B. Silberstein, MD, and Jacqueline M. Mack

Kathleen Laurin and Dr. Joseph C. Martin Dr. Jacqueline Sifri

Support for Jose Maria Condemi, stage director Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler Fund of

Support for Ramón Tebar, conductor

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Nydia Tranter

The Appearance of Kathryn Lewek

Support for Anderson Nunnelly, stage director

Irene and Dan Randolph

Anonymous

The Winters/Kennedy Family Fund The Appearance of J’Nai Bridges The Appearance of Chad Shelton

Julia Meister, Esq., and Taft Law

Edward B. Silberstein, MD, and Jacqueline M. Mack

Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor

The Appearance of Alfred Walker

The Appearance of Matthew White

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bitter

Sheila and Christopher Cole The Appearance of Ryan McKinny Nanci and Nicola Lanni The Appearance of Teresa Perrotta Susan Lauf, in loving memory of Richard Lauf The Appearance of Thomas Dreeze Anne-Marie Blancquaert, DVM, and Walter Bruyninckx, DVM, PhD The Appearance of Jeysla Rosario Santos Dr. James Faulkner The Appearance of Kayleigh Decker Dr. James Faulkner

ARTISTIC SPONSORS

LALOVAVI Lead Sponsor

The Appearance of Adrienne Danrich

The David C. Herriman Fund of The Greater

Edna and Woodrow Keown Jr.

Cincinnati Foundation The Appearance of Morris Robinson Production Sponsors

Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe

The Appearance of Talise Trevigne

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation

Dr. Susan R. Strick

Harry and Ann Santen The Appearance of Zoie Reams Shelly S. Sherman Performance Sponsors Fifth Third Bank The Louise Taft Semple Foundation

The Appearance of Terrence Chin-Loy Carol and Edwin Rigaud The Appearance of G. Thomas Allen Anonymous

Community Engagement Partners ArtsWave Circle Millstone Fund

The Appearance of Michael Preacely Marissa and Damany Abernathy

P&G 62 Production Support Anonymous The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Arts Midwest ArtsWave Flow

ORPHEUS AND EURIDICE Production Sponsor Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas

H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation Vilcek Foundation

Performance Sponsor

Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

Support for Kevin Miller, conductor

Support for Audrey Chait, stage director

Onassis Caneris, MD, and Mike Flohr

Drs. Elaine and David Billmire

Cynthia E. Henderson Dr. Maureen Li, MD

The Appearance of Heidi Middendorf Drs. Thomas and Barbara Boat

Support for Kimille Howard, stage director The Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women’s Voices Support for Steven C. Kemp, scenic designer Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman Support for Kara Harmon, costume designer Harry and Ann Santen The Appearance of Brittany Olivia Logan Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby

Sponsoring a season artist provides the opportunity to form a connection with them beyond the stage. Support from our artist sponsors allows Cincinnati Opera to continue bringing world-class talent to our region. If you are interested in sponsoring one of our season artists, please contact Ken Wetstein at kwetstein@cincinnatiopera.org or 513768-5565.

CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT, AND FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTORS MAJOR SUPPORTER $100,000+

David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation The Elma M. Lapp Foundation

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation

PRODUCER $50,000+

The Unnewehr Foundation

PRINCIPAL $25,000+

The Edelweiss Foundation

DIRECTOR $15,000+

Anonymous

Jack and Debra Edelman Foundation

Josephine S. Russell Charitable Trust

Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

AMBASSADOR $7,500+

The Fullgraf Foundation, in memory of Charles M. Fullgraf and Charlotte S. Fullgraf The Donald D. Larson and Lynn P. Larson Family Foundation

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, Inc.

The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation

OFFICER $4,000+

Cincinnati Stage Employees Local No. 5 Mueller Family Foundation

The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust The Wyant Family Foundation

STAY CLOSE. STAY INSPIRED. STAY AT RENAISSANCE CINCINNATI. Make your night at the opera even more memorable with a stay at the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel. Enjoy special discounted rates throughout the 2026 Cincinnati Opera season, designed exclusively for guests who appreciate exceptional performances and elevated hospitality. 36 East 4th Street • Cincinnati, OH 45202 • 513.333.0000

EVENT HOSTS AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS 4EG

The Most Beautiful Thing in the World Is Boutique

Annex Yoga Studio

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Artsville

Mrs. Thomas L. Neyer Sr.

The Castellini Foundation

Paper Acorn

Cincinnati Public Radio

Pepp & Dolores

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro A. Reyes

Cincy Shirts

Redtree Coffee & Art

Sheila and Christopher Cole

Revel OTR Urban Winery

Del Gardo’s Cannoli

Josie Love Roebuck

eat well celebrations and feasts

Second Sight Spirits

Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Site 1212

Marilyn Jackson and Leonard Thompson

Mr. Brett Stover

Juniper’s

Daphney Thomas, National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment

Libretto

Thunderdome Restaurant Group

Alex Lohmann

WGUC

Low Spark Anthony Maieron

Thirty seasons of light. Each one a masterpiece. Congratulations to Thomas C. Hase on his 30th season as Cincinnati Opera’s Lighting Director and Resident Lighting Designer.

Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 production of Fiddler on the Roof, featuring lighting design by Thomas C. Hase. Photo: Philip Groshong.

2026 Thomas Hase Tribute Ad.indd 1

5/6/26 9:06 AM

ARTSWAVE PARTNERS Cincinnati Opera acknowledges the following partners and their employees who generously participate in the annual ArtsWave Community Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Thank you! $2 million+

$100,000 to $249,999

P&G

altafiber

$1 million to $1,999,999 Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Foundation $500,000 to $999,999 GE Aerospace $250,000 to $499,999 The Cincinnati Insurance Companies The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee Western & Southern Financial Group

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Reds Dinsmore & Shohl LLP The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation The Enquirer | Cincinnati.com Great American Insurance Group Greater Cincinnati Foundation The Kroger Co. Messer Construction Co. PNC

Building the next generation of opera lovers, one aria at a time. COYP Programming Sponsor:

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS Cincinnati Opera acknowledges with deep appreciation the leadership and generosity of the many individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations who have supported the company with contributions that support our mission to enrich and connect the community through diverse opera experiences. The following lists donors with contributions of $250 or more made between April 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026. For corrections, please contact Ken Wetstein, Chief Development Officer, at 513-768-5565.

MAJOR SEASON SUPPORT

$100,000+ Anonymous ArtsWave Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe Sheila and Christopher Cole Fort Washington Investment Advisors and Western & Southern Financial Group Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation David C. Herriman Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation The Elma M. Lapp Foundation Mellon Foundation Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation Ohio Arts Council P&G Harry and Ann Santen The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation Margaret Valentine

PRODUCERS CIRCLE

$50,000–$99,999 Anonymous Fifth Third Bank The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation The Louise Taft Semple Foundation The Unnewehr Foundation Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, Nanci and Nicola Lanni, Barbara Wilks

DIRECTORS CIRCLE

$25,000–$49,999 Mr. Ronald T. Bates and Mr. Randy Lasley Thomas Busse Charitable Trust Chavez Properties The Charles H. Dater Foundation The Edelweiss Foundation Dr. Ralph A. Giannella Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. “Doc” Huffman Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Mrs. Lorrence T. Kellar Millstone Fund Cassandra and Glenn Plott Edward B. Silberstein, MD, and Jacqueline M. Mack Kari and Jonathan Ullman Ginger Warner

INNER CIRCLE

$15,000–$24,999 Anonymous 1919 Investment Counsel Barbara and Thomas Boat Mr. Thomas Dreeze and Mr. Evans Mirageas Jack and Debra Edelman Foundation Dr. James D. Faulkner Johnson Investment Counsel Mrs. Helen Merritt Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Dr. Jacqueline Sifri Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor Vilcek Foundation

CORBETT SOCIETY

$7,500–$14,999 Anonymous (2) Arts Midwest Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Drs. Elaine and David Billmire Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bitter Anne-Marie Blancquaert, DVM, and Walter Bruyninckx, DVM, PhD Joseph M. Brenner Trust Melanie M. Chavez Eric and Jennifer Dauer The Fullgraf Foundation, in memory of Charles M. Fullgraf and Charlotte S. Fullgraf Barbara Gould Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn Laurent Huguenin and Elizabeth Warner Amy and Jason Jackman Bill and Mary Jane James Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Jaroszewicz Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Kennedy The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, Inc.

Donald D. Larson and Lynn P. Larson Family Foundation, Lynn Pulsfort Larson and Don Larson Susan Lauf Adele Lippert Julia Meister and Michael Schroeder Chris and Molly Milligan PNC Foundation Buffie Rixey Josephine S. Russell Charitable Trust Dr. Susan R. Strick Brian L. Tiffany and Jerry Ewers Catharina Toltzis, PhD, and Robert Toltzis, MD Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Vecellio Christopher and Nancy Virgulak Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Ronna and Dr. James Willis

AMBASSADORS SOCIETY

$4,000–$7,499 Anonymous (2) Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. Marissa and Damany Abernathy Aine Baldwin and Kurt Reichelderfer Michael and Kathleen Ball Flávia Bastos, PhD, and Larry Huston Charles Baverman Allen W. Bernard Pam A. Bernstein Amy Bixel Chrissie and Josh Blatt Dr. Onassis Caneris Chris and Vivienne Carlson In memory of Geraldine V. Chavez Cincinnati Stage Employees Local No 5–PATS Fund Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham Michael T. and Dr. Leah M. Dean Dr. Stewart Dunsker Claire and Alan Eichner Michelle F. Goret

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS Julie Grady Heard and Benjamin D. Heard Donald E. Hoffman Irmgard and Horst Hehmann Trust The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust Mr. Brandon Jones Drs. Yemisi and Alvin Jones Mr. Thomas Kellerman and Mrs. Barbara Hummel Melinda and Mike Kelly Woodrow and Edna Keown Mona and Richard Kerstine, MD Jocelyn Khosla Bo-Kyung and Kevin Kirby Dr. and Mrs. Charles Kuntz Katie and Joseph Lanni Ms. Sooncha Lee Dr. Margaret M. LeMasters Alan L. Margulies and Gale D. Snoddy Mr. and Mrs. David W. Motch Mary Lou Motl Mueller Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Buck Niehoff Rev. Susan M. Pfeil Michael Powell and Jonathan Egel Mr. Nicholas W. Puncer Irene and Daniel Randolph Family Pamela and Richard Reis Mrs. Clarissa Rentz Ellen Rieveschl Jason P. Riveiro Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ross Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco Ms. Shelly Sherman Laura and Doug Skidmore Terri and Bradbury Skidmore, MD Susan and John M. Tew Jr. Mrs. Nydia C. Tranter The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation Wyant Family Foundation, Peg and Jack Wyant

ADVOCATES SOCIETY

$2,000–$3,999 Anonymous Katherine and Christopher Anderson The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Christopher and Annie Baucom Jennifer and Adam Bellin Dr. Rachelle Bruno Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Canarie The Charles Scott Riley III Foundation

Dr. Alvin H. and Alva Jean Crawford Kristy Davis-Mustain and Mitchell Mustain Kathryn Dierckes Ann Ellison Robin Guarino Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston Marilyn Jackson and Leonard C. Thompson Dr. Helen Kemp Evelyn and Fred Lang Dr. Maureen Li, MD Mr. David L. Martin Raymond and Madelynn Matlock Dr. Everett McCorvey George O. McDaniel Sally A. More Mrs. Thomas L. Neyer Sr. Robert and Carol Olson Jo Anne and Poul D. Pedersen Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro A. Ryes Moe Rouse James Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger 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, Anne and Allen Zaring III

PATRON

$1,000–$1,999 Anonymous (3) Barbara and Dale Bardes Glenda and Malcolm Bernstein Mrs. Rebecca S. Brown Susan and A. Burton Closson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Cover Mr. Kieran R. Daly Dr. Sylvia C. Davis Earthward Bound Foundation, Murray and Robin Sinclaire Mr. and Mrs. Ashley L. Ford Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Fry Mr. Marshall Garrison Amanda and Thomas D. Geracioti, MD Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Givens Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Goetz Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon

Ms. Leah Gray The Gumbleton Family Hands on Rigging, Inc. Mr. Jeff Harris Eric Shane Heatley Mr. Fred and Mrs. Patti Heldman Mark P. Herschede Mr. Roger D. Hickman Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation Linda Holthaus and Richard Zinicola Ms. Judith Imhoff Elizabeth Kenan Ms. Carol Kosarko Carol L. Kruse Russell Lascelles and Janet Schultz Rochelle Lindsey Carol and Mitchel Livingston, PhD Mandare Foundation Sherie Marek Mr. Michael A. Marrero and Dr. Candyse Jeffries, DMD Mr. Karl Mattox Mr. Rod M. McFaull Mr. H. Gregory Mermel Dr. Stanley R. Milstein Janet Mott Ms. Stephanie and Mr. Vincent Panarelli Tarita Preston Sandra L. Riegler, MD Cristina Rugg George Palmer Schober Ms. Carol Schroeder Estate of Zelma J. Sharff Schulman Jane and Mark Serrianne Murray and Robin Sinclaire Mr. and Mrs. David L. Smith Ms. Marian Stapleton Bill and Lee Steenken Mrs. Theodore W. Striker Ellen and Ray van der Horst Ken Wetstein Nataly Wickham Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, MD

SUPPORTER

$500–$999 Anonymous (3) Mrs. Christine O. Adams Judith Agard Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Andrews Jr. Dr. Diane Babcock Jeffrey and Constance Baker Frances and Tom Bankston Mrs. Mary Baskett N. Lorraine Becker Mr. Todd Bezold

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Ms. Leah Bobbey and Mr. Toby Wright Drs. Jordan Bonomo Jarvis Booth Brianna Bragg Mr. David Brashear Joseph P. Cardone Shannon and Lee Carter Dr. Minsig Choi and Mrs. Sophia Choi Sawyer Clifton Dr. George S. Deepe Stephen and Cynthia DeHoff Michelle and Babacar Diagne Mr. and Mrs. David Donnett Dr. Samuel N. Dorf and Dr. Maria Kisel Ms. Sharon Downing Lyla Forlani Gregrick A. Frey Ms. Alicia G. DeVore Michael H. and Carol V. Giuliani Judge Robert H. Gorman Ms. Joyce Greening Mr. Leo Grote Mr. and Mrs. Adam Guttman Ms. Nancy L. Habig Bill Hamilton Ammon Hollister Mr. William G. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Greg T. Hyland Ms. Spencer Ingerson Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Mr. and Mrs. Randy Johnson Ms. Brenda Jones Rick June Drs. Marcia Kaplan and Michael Privitera Ms. Arleene Keller Sarajane and Richard King Rachel Kirley and Joseph Jaquette Larry and Margie Kyte Elizabeth Lawson Mr. Bud Lemley Beth and Peter Levin Katherine Levin and Robin Marc Shapiro Kathy Linden Alex Lohmann Alek Lucke Ms. Maria Luna Mr. and Mrs. John-Peter Lund Peggy Ann Markstein Dr. Janet P. McDaniel Robert and Heather McGrath

Caressa Layne Miles Mr. Steven I. Monder Dr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Moravec Cara Nicolas Mr. and Mrs. Tom Osha Sotiris Pagdadis Paper Acorn Dr. and Mrs. John A. Parlin III Dr. and Mrs. Alter G. Peerless Mr. Ethan Pettus Nicolette and Adam Rader Alan J. Savada and Will Stevenson Mrs. Barbara Seiver Mr. Steven Selss Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Stambough Ms. Nancy M. Steman Sara Storjohann Mrs. Nancy A. Strick Dr. Alan and Shelley Tarshis Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Torre Carlin Twedt and Anna Albi Mr. Louis Velazquez Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Vogel Nancy Wagner and Patricia Wagner Benjamin Whiteley Brett Willson and John C. Fredeking II

FRIEND

$250–$499 Anonymous (3) Ms. Marina Abanto Barbara Aberlin Mrs. Diana Adams Ms. Jo-Ann Huff Albers Ms. Raye Allen Anne S. Arenstein and Richard Sarason Ms. Patricia Baas Mr. Michael R. Bachmann and Ms. Mary Combs Mr. William Baumann Mr. Scott and Mrs. Stephanie Bisselberg Ms. Patricia Block Mr. Gary Booth Mr. Otto M. Budig Jr. Mr. Ronald Butler Dr. and Mrs. Lanthan Camblin Mr. William and Mrs. Joanne Chang Dr. Lydia Chantilas and Mr. James Chantilas Carol Cole

Randy Cook Mr. Louis M. Dauner Ms. Joanna Doerner Jen DuBois Mr. Michael Frabetti Mr. Charles Frank Mr. Charles Frick Mrs. Shelly S. Gerson Mr. Nicholas Gonzales Ms. H. Drewry Gores Ellen Grabois Ms. Molly Grogan Chuck and Mary Harris Kathryn A. Hollister Linda Holterhoff Mrs. James Hsu Mrs. Doris Jackson Jim Johnson and Coleen Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Randy Johnson Rabbi Kenneth A. Kanter Mr. Jerome H. Kearns Mrs. Marcene C. Kinney Drs. Robert and Karen Krone Mrs. Kathleen Krug Mr. Richard Lesueur Ms. Sarah C. Leyshock, Esq. Mr. Scott E. MacEachen Craig and Anne Maier Ms. Nora McCormick Lorena Mora-Mowry Mr. David and Mrs. Susan Muller Mr. Gerald L. Newman Mrs. Hiroshi Nishiyama Mr. Chad Phillips Miss Ruth M. Quinn Mrs. Lois P. Rust Mr. and Mrs. Lee Schimberg Mr. Michael J. Schmitt Suzanne Schoenberger Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Schulhoff Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Schwartz Mr. James Michael Scott Saira Shahani Mrs. Gerald T. Silvers Mr. John Spencer Mr. Jason M. Steffen Mr. Robert Strub Mr. and Mrs. Carlos R. Teran Teran Family Foundation Bonnie White Ms. Mary P. Wiggins and Mr. James B. Osher Ms. Christine Willig Robert and Judy Wilson Susan and Dean Windgassen

Supporting Opera for All SOCIETY OF ANGELS MEMBER BARBARA GOULD LEVERAGES GIVING TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE ART FORM

arbara Gould moved back with her family to Cincinnati in the post-WWII years and began her lifelong relationship with opera, especially Cincinnati Opera. She remembers the voices of legendary singers Mario Lanza and Ezio Pinza filling her grandparents’ home from their Victrola. From the age of seven, Barbara joined her grandparents as a regular attendee at Cincinnati Opera performances at the Cincinnati Zoo, where her “Nana” sat in the pavilion, while Barbara sat with her “Pampoo” on a bench by the swans. She recalls that her Pampoo sang along with the operas while the lions roared. One of Barbara’s most cherished possessions from that time was a signed photograph of renowned mezzo-soprano Risë Stevens as Carmen. In her teenage years, date night consisted of burgers at Mecklenburg Gardens, BARBARA GOULD and then Cincinnati Opera at the zoo for an evening of music and beauty under the stars. Barbara’s enthusiasm for Cincinnati Opera over the years has led her to become a regular subscriber, a generous donor to the Annual Fund, a leadership donor across multiple fundraising campaigns, and a member of the board of trustees. In 2015, she affirmed her commitment to Cincinnati Opera by be-

coming a member of the Society of Angels, a special group of donors who have included the organization in their estate plans. Barbara has always spoken of how fortunate she was to be exposed to opera at a very young age. When the opportunity presented itself to become involved with Cincinnati Opera’s community engagement programs, she was very happy to lend her support to the popular Opera Goes to Church series. Said Barbara, “It was fun to show that a program with opera, gospel music, and jazz could engage so many more people.” For Barbara, opera has always been a complete visual and melodic experience. She is happy to be able to contribute to ensure that future generations will have the same opportunity to experience the art form she loves. She is delighted to establish the Gould Family Fund for Community Engagement in memory of her beloved grandparents to support the Opera Goes to Church series and the Community Open Dress Rehearsal. Said Barbara, “Whether you once enjoyed opera at the zoo amidst the roar of the lions, or later in a more sophisticated way in Music Hall, you too can join in supporting and contributing to Cincinnati Opera!”

CREATE YOUR OWN LEGACY BY BRINGING OPERA TO THE NEXT GENERATION. We invite you to play a role in Cincinnati Opera’s exciting future. Contact Christine Chait at 513-768-5585 or cchait@cincinnatiopera.org to learn more. Proud Sponsor of Cincinnati Opera’s Planned Giving Program INVESTMENT COUNSEL

SOCIETY OF ANGELS Cincinnati Opera acknowledges with deep gratitude the generosity of the following donors who have notified the company of their intention to make significant gifts as part of their estate plan. These legacy gifts ensure Cincinnati Opera’s future excellence and are a lasting tribute to the foresight of the distinguished members of Cincinnati Opera’s Society of Angels.

Members Anonymous Ms. Marina Abanto Katherine and Christopher Anderson Scott Atkinson* and Christopher D. Edwards Mr. Boris Auerbach Dr. Diane Babcock Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Baker Mr. Albert M. Bary Christopher Baucom Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Jennifer and Adam Bellin Elaine Billmire, MD, and David Billmire, MD Marlene and Robert* Boden Charlin and Peter* Briggs Mrs. Cherylann D. Brinkman Mary* and Joe Brinkmeyer Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie B. Blancquaert Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Dr. Peter G. Courlas Virginia K. Cover Cathy and Tom Crain Alva Jean Crawford Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham Mr. Harrison R. T. Davis Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Christopher D. Edwards Harry and Linda Fath Dr. James D. Faulkner Ms. Gael T. Fischer Mr. Kingston Fletcher Holly and John Funk Dr. Donald W. Good Valeria and Frederick R.* Good Madeleine H. Gordon Barbara Gould Marlesa A. Gray Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn Janet* and Cornelius Hauck Ms. Cynthia Heinrich and Mr. Nicholas Payne* Hon. Dennis* and Berti Helmick Karlee L. Hilliard Ms. Emily M. Hodges and Mr. Charles H. Spencer Don and Donna* Hoffman Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston Amy and Jason Jackman

Julia M.F.B. Jackson Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kerstine Sarajane and Richard King Roberta and Jeffrey P. Kuhn Elizabeth and Ken Kuresman Marjorie and Lawrence H. Kyte Jr. Mr. Barry Lapidus Richard* and Susan Lauf Mrs. Kathleen Laurin and Dr. Joseph C. Martin Gail Lennig and Gene Santoro* Adele and Thomas* Lippert Mr. and Mrs. William F. Lyon Julia Meister Susan Sterrit Meyer Chris and Molly Milligan Dr. Stanley Milstein David and Vicky Motch Norbert* and Linnea Nadel Robert and Carol Olson Marge* and Tom Osterman Dr. and Mrs. John A. Parlin III Parker Family Trust Joseph and Susan Pichler Ellen and George* Rieveschl Edward and Nancy* Rosenthal Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco Kenneth C. Schonberg* and Deborah Schultz Edward B. Silberstein, MD, and Jacqueline M. Mack Thomas S. Smith Cynthia and William* Starr Ms. Nancy M. Steman and Mr. Albert C. Dierckes Jr.* Brett Stover Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III Susan and John M. Tew Jr. Nydia C. Tranter Dick* and Jane Tuten Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Anne M. Werner Ronna K. Willis Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, MD Dr. Atsuko Yatani Anne and Allen Zaring III Estates Estate of Frank and Janet Andress Estate of Henrietta Barlag Estate of Mr. Edward C. Bavaria Estate of Dorothy Anne Blatt

Estate of Lois Brenner Estate of Thomas F. Buck Estate of Ellen K. Burroughs Estate of Thomas W. Busse Estate of Arthur B. Casper Estate of Wm. Rowell Chase Estate of Mrs. Marno Christensen Estate of Nick Ciafardini Estate of Norma L. Clark Estate of Herbert and Betty Colker Estate of Robert M. Connelly Estate of Patricia A. Corbett Estate of Wilma B. Cowley Estate of Miss Emilie T. Curry Estate of Virginia Curry Estate of Mary E. Day Estate of Luba Matiuk Dorman Estate of Ed P. Dundon Estate of Helen T. Ehlers Estate of Miss Natalie Feld Estate of James and Josephine Flowers Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier Estate of Barbara and Morton Harshman Estate of Suzanne Hasl Estate of Mrs. Eleanor Hazelton Estate of Mrs. Jean L. Hermann Estate of Anita Mae Imholt Jack J. Smith Jr. Charitable Trust John Stearns Thayer Trust Estate of Dr. Stanley Kaplan Katherine H. Groll Charitable Remainder Trust Estate of Patrick M. Korb Estate of Tailitha P. Kluver Estate of Ruth Koehl Estate of Linda and Samuel Kramer, MD Estate of Maria Krocker-Tuskan Estate of Elizabeth W. Kyte Estate of Elma Lapp Estate of Rosemary R. Longano The Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust Mary Elizabeth Andrews Trust Estate of Mrs. Richardson McKinney Estate of Mary and William Meyer Estate of Eleanor and Sam Minkarah Estate of Arnold and Gloria Morelli Estate of Norbert A. Nadel Estate of Bill Nimmo Estate of Margaret Ohanian

Estate of Maurice E. Oshry Estate of Marilyn Z. Ott Estate of Charles Parsons The Pearlman Charitable Remainder Unitrust Estate of James T. Peeler Estate of David and Marilyn Reichert Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Roder Estate of Solveiga Rush

Estate of Marilyn A. Russley Estate of Joanne T. Santangelo Estate of Emalee Schavel Estate of Zelma J. Sharff Schulman Estate of Anna Jo and William Selnick Estate of Miss Charlotte L. Shockley Estate of Charlotte E. Smith Estate of Miss Genevieve H. Smith Estate of Lois Staubitz

Estate of Cynthia and Frank Stewart Estate of Carolyn and Fred Strebel Estate of Mrs. Italo Tajo Estate of Carol S. Thaman Estate of Phyllis Weston Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wilson Estate of Lura Carnes Wine Estate of Harris W. Wright

*Deceased

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CELEBRATIONS AND HONORARIUMS We are honored to recognize the generous gifts made in celebration of these special individuals and milestones. In honor of Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel Patty and Jim Beggs

In honor of Susan and Dave Donnett Kathryn Rist

In honor of Patty Beggs Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Greg T. Hyland

In honor of Lyla Forlani James Carr and Jane Wakerman

In honor of Christine Chait for her hardworking dedication and love for Cincinnati Opera as her grandfather had for so many years Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barcheski In honor of the Cincinnati Opera Guild for their endless passion and devotion to Cincinnati Opera Mr. and Mrs. Ryan J. Chait In honor of the Cincinnati Opera staff Anonymous

In honor of Dr. Alvin Crawford and Mrs. Alva Jean Crawford for their recognition as Glorifying the Lions Award recipients Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn

In honor of Liz Grubow for receiving the National Opera Trustee Recognition Award from OPERA America Patty and Jim Beggs Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn Regina Carswell Russo and Matthew Russo Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis In honor of Anne and Ted Jaroszewicz’s 40th anniversary Anne S. Arenstein and Richard Sarason

In honor of Natalie Sheppard Katerina Kralova In honor of Katie Syroney Anne S. Arenstein and Richard Sarason In honor of Brian Tiffany and Jerry Ewers Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn Ronna and Dr. James Willis In honor of John Tew’s birthday Mrs. Lorrence T. Kellar Mr. and Mrs. Buck Niehoff In honor of Dr. John and Susan Tew Patty and Jim Beggs In honor of Henri Venanzi Anonymous

In honor of Evans Mirageas’s presentation The Women’s Capital Club In honor of Bill Porter on Father’s Day Mrs. Lydia Boreman

Contributions from April 16, 2025, through May 1, 2026

IN MEMORIAM We are deeply grateful for these gifts made in memory of loved ones. In memory of Lois Brenner Patty and Jim Beggs Sarajane and Richard King In memory of Arthur “Brandy” Casper Ellen and Ray van der Horst In memory of Harry Davidow Patty and Jim Beggs In memory of Suzanne Hasl Anonymous (2) Judith and G. Bruce Anderson Dr. and Mrs. William Aronstein The Bayer Team Patty and Jim Beggs Robert G. Driehaus Rebecca and George Faulk Marlesa Gray

Joseph and Charlene Hatton Joseph and Denise Hazen Jane Higgins David and Christy Knueven Tina Melnyk Richard Paul Neidhard Thomas and Theresa Richmond Rudolph Hasl Family Ellen and Ray van der Horst Mr. and Mrs. Julie Van Meter In memory of Patrick Korb Patty and Jim Beggs Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn Sarajane and Richard King Sherie Marek Dr. and Mrs. Don Mills Ellen and Ray van der Horst Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis

In memory of Mary Ellen “Mel” Kuempel Patty and Jim Beggs Linda Boatright Ellen Boswell Terry Bruck Whitney M. Eckert Kristi Everingham Erin Goecke Ms. Jane Higgins Dr. and Mrs. Harry R. Maxon III Judy and Don Mills Jen Stewart-Smith Mary Ann and Bill Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Gary West Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis In memory of Richardson “Dick” McKinney Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Maurice Oshry Shannon and Lee Carter In memory of Marge Osterman Roslyn Elkus Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn In memory of Richard A. Rankin Patty and Jim Beggs Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn

In memory of Zelma “Zell” Schullman Patty and Jim Beggs Cincinnati Parks Foundation Susan and Gary Dearborn Mark P. Herschede, on behalf of her dear friend, the late Joni Herschede Karen and David Hoguet Craig and Anne Maier Kim and Mike Mazur Lester Suna

In memory of Dave Simon Mrs. Lydia Boreman In memory of Sue Sommer Patty and Jim Beggs In memory of Elsa Sule Ms. Talitha Schulte

Contributions from April 16, 2025, through May 1, 2026

REMEMBRANCES Cincinnati Opera honors these cherished members of the Opera family we have lost over the past year. Their contributions, passion, and presence will forever be a part of our legacy. Mary Lou Aufmann Longtime subscriber Edward C. Bavaria Trustee, Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber Lois Brenner Guild president, Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber and volunteer Arthur “Brandy” Casper Trustee, Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber and donor Harry Davidow Trustee Jonathan Dudley Conductor, director, and vocal coach Debra Edelman Longtime subscriber and donor Cristian Ganicenco Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musician Patricia “Pat” Giannella Longtime subscriber and donor

Suzanne Hasl Guild President, Honorary and Life Guild member, Honorary board member, Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber and donor

Joan D. “Joanie” Lotts Guild board member, Honorary Guild member, Society of Angels member, Advisory and Honorary board member, longtime subscriber and donor

Irmgard Hehmann Longtime subscriber and donor

Richardson McKinney Longtime subscriber and donor

Norman Johns Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musician

Sir Roger Norrington Conductor

Patrick M. Korb Guild President, Honorary and Life Guild member, Honorary board member, Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber and donor Mary Ellen “Mel” Kuempel Guild President, Honorary Guild member, trustee, longtime subscriber and donor Dennis Little Retired police officer and Music Hall head of security

Marge Osterman Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber and donor Zelma “Zell” Schulman Trustee, Honorary board member, Society of Angels member, longtime subscriber and volunteer Sue Sommer Music Hall head usher Laurel Sporing Devoted patron Margaret Jane Wray Performer

CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CINCINNATI POPS

WELCOME TO THE

2026-27

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW! cincinnatisymphony.org/2627

SUBSCRIBERS We thank our subscribers, whether new or long-standing, for their steadfast support and commitment. Without you, we could not bring grand opera to Cincinnati each summer. Anonymous Ms. Marina Abanto Barbara Aberlin Mrs. Christine O. Adams Dr. Anima Adjepong Julie and Khosrow Alamin, MD Ms. Jo-Ann Huff Albers Mr. Michael Albrecht Mr. Gordon Allen Joyce S. Allen Ruth Alpers Renato Alquizola Ms. Bethany Ammons Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Andrews Jr. Mr. Gary J. Anglin Mr. Thomas J. Anthony Anne S. Arenstein and Richard Sarason Dr. and Mrs. William Aronstein Hannah Artuso Lucas W. Ashabranner Mr. Drew Asimus and Ms. Carolyn Royalty Ms. Mary Auer Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel Jess Azarov Ms. Patricia Baas Cynthia Babatunde Mr. Michael R. Bachmann and Ms. Mary Combs Jan Baker Constance and Dr. Jeffrey Baker Aine Baldwin and Kurt Reichelderfer Barbara and Dale Bardes Lindsay Baruffa Flávia Bastos, PhD, and Larry Huston Mr. Ronald T. Bates and Mr. Randy Lasley Mary L. Batt Annie and Christopher Baucom Mr. Donald Beck and Lawrence E. Eynon, MD N. Lorraine Becker Gale and David Beckett Mr. Nicholas A. Belperio Ms. Jeanette Berauer-Koucky and Mr. David Koucky Ms. Lori Berberich Dr. Rolando Berger Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Berger Mr. Gary Berkowitz Mr. Allen Bernard Ms. Mary Ann Bernier Glenda and Malcolm Bernstein Pam A. Bernstein Mr. Jeffrey Berry

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SAVE THE DATE November 21, 2026

CINCINNATI OPERA REPERTOIRE 1920–2026 John Adams Nixon in China–2007 A Flowering Tree–2011 Franco Alfano Resurrection–1983 Daniel François Espirit Auber Fra Diavolo–1927 Michael William Balfe The Bohemian Girl–1927, 1928, 1936 Béla Bartók Bluebeard’s Castle–2001 Ludwig van Beethoven Fidelio–1931, 1932, 1980, 2016 Peter Bengtson The Maids–2004 Vincenzo Bellini Norma–1932, 1935, 1938, 1977, 1984, 2003 Il Pirata–1969 La Sonnambula–1960 82

Georges Bizet Carmen–1921-24, 1926-33, 193560, 1962-1971, 1976, 1980, 1985, 1988, 1991, 1997, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2021, 2026 Jerry Bock Fiddler on the Roof–2025 Arrigo Boito Mefistofele–1922, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1939, 1972 William Bolcom Medusa–2003 Benjamin Britten Peter Grimes–1960 The Turn of the Screw–1999 Daniel Catán Florencia en el Amazonas–2008

Richard Danielpour Margaret Garner–2005 Kevin Day Lalovavi–2026 Henry Louis Reginald de Koven Robin Hood–1929 Claude Debussy Pelléas et Mélisande–2000 Léo Delibes Lakmé–1922, 1924, 1929, 1930, 1955 Gaetano Donizetti The Daughter of the Regiment (La Fille du Régiment)–1973, 2004 Don Pasquale–1920, 1921, 1945, 1956, 1966, 1968, 1981, 1996, 2015 The Elixir of Love (L’Elisir d’Amore)–1924, 1926, 1942, 1946, 1948, 1951, 1954, 1958, 1968, 1969, 1983 Lucia di Lammermoor–1921, 1922, 1924, 1926, 1928, 1937, 1939-43, 1952-54, 1957, 1958, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1997, 2008, 2023 Roberto Devereux–1974 Friedrich von Flotow Martha–1920, 1924, 1926, 192830, 1932, 1935, 1936, 1943-45, 1947, 1948, 1955, 1956 Carlisle Floyd Of Mice and Men–1971 Susannah–1959, 1964, 1979, 1988 Charles Rudolph Friml The Firefly–1930, 1931 George Gershwin Porgy and Bess–2012, 2019

Francesco Cavalli La Calisto–2014

Umberto Giordano Andrea Chénier–1929, 1930, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1963, 1967, 1995 Fedora–1923

Francesco Cilèa Adriana Lecouvreur–1979

Philip Glass Galileo Galilei–2013

Emmanuel Chabrier L’Étoile–2006

Osvaldo Golijov Ainadamar–2009

Ricky Ian Gordon Morning Star–2015 Orpheus and Euridice–2026 Charles Gounod Faust–1921-23, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1935-51, 1953-58, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975, 1981, 1985, 1990, 1999, 2007 Romeo and Juliet–1922, 1923, 1933, 1945, 1971, 1982, 1989, 1994, 2002, 2019 Aldolphus Hailstork Rise for Freedom: The John P. Parker Story–2007 Fromental Halévy La Juive–1927, 1928 Jake Heggie Dead Man Walking–2002 Victor Herbert Naughty Marietta–1929 Engelbert Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel–1920, 1921, 1923, 1927, 1938, 1939, 1942-44, 1973 Leos Janácek Jenufa–1998 Sidney Jones The Geisha–1932 Laura Kaminsky As One–2018 Jerome Kern Roberta–1985 Show Boat–1976 Franz Lehár The Merry Widow–1951-53, 1975, 1982 Ruggero Leoncavallo Pagliacci–1920, 1927, 1933-39, 1941-46, 1950, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1982, 1993, 2012 Zazà–1985, 1987 Frank Leoni L’Oracolo–1928, 1931 Frank Loesser The Most Happy Fella–1977

Pietro Mascagni Cavalleria Rusticana–1921, 1922, 1926, 1928, 1933-37, 1941, 194446, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1982, 1993 Iris–1930, 1931 Jules Massenet Manon–1922, 1924, 1939-42, 1952, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1968, 1980 La Navarraise–1931 Thaïs–1933, 1938 Werther–1993 Missy Mazzoli Song from the Uproar–2017 William Menefield Fierce–2022 Gian Carlo Menotti The Medium–1967 Giacomo Meyerbeer L’Africaine–1936 Dinorah–1929, 1930 Paul McCartney/Carl Davis Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio–2024 Italo Montemezzi The Love of Three Kings (L’Amore dei Tre Re)–1926, 1929, 1946, 1947, 1949 Claudio Monteverdi The Coronation of Poppea (L’Incoronazione di Poppea)–2018 Douglas Moore The Ballad of Baby Doe–1976 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart The Abduction from the Seraglio (Die Entführung aus dem Serail)–1992 Così Fan Tutte–1963, 1966, 1976, 1983, 1989, 2007 Don Giovanni–1930, 1931, 1936, 1949, 1951, 1961, 1977, 1990, 1999, 2004, 2013, 2024 The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)–1932, 1986, 1993, 2001, 2011, 2017 The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro)–1956, 1957, 1972, 1979, 1988, 1995, 2002, 2009, 2019

Modest Mussorgsky Boris Godunov–1948, 1958, 1974

The Sound of Music–1982 South Pacific–1981

Jacques Offenbach La Périchole–1974 The Tales of Hoffmann–1921, 1923, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1987, 1992, 2006

Robert Xavier Rodríguez Frida–2017

Ástor Piazzolla María de Buenos Aires–2012

Gioachino Rossini The Barber of Seville–1920, 1921, 1924, 1927, 1937-45, 1948, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1965, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1987, 1991, 1997, 2005, 2021, 2023 La Cenerentola–1966, 2000

Robert Planquette The Chimes of Normandy (Les Cloches de Corneville)–1930 Amilcare Ponchielli La Gioconda–1923, 1924, 1928, 1935, 1936, 1942 Francis Poulenc La Voix Humaine–2003 Giacomo Puccini La Bohème–1924, 1932, 1936-63, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2022 Gianni Schicchi–1975, 1982, 2012 Girl of the Golden West (La Fanciulla del West)–1933, 1938, 1986 Madame Butterfly–1924, 192833, 1936-41, 1946-60, 1962-64, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1996, 2001, 2008, 2014, 2023 Manon Lescaut–1959, 1964, 1974, 1983, 1991 La Rondine–1973, 1984 Suor Angelica–1975, 1982 Il Tabarro–1975, 1982 Tosca–1923, 1927, 1931, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1943-45, 1947, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1970, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1993, 1998, 2006, 2016, 2021, 2025 Turandot–1955, 1956, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1987, 1995, 2003, 2015 Kevin Puts Silent Night–2014 Scott Davenport Richards Blind Injustice–2019 Richard Rodgers Carousel–1983 Oklahoma–1984

Sigmund Romberg The Student Prince–1978

Camille Saint-Saëns Samson and Delilah–1922, 1923, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1936, 1940-47, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1964,1970, 1998 Arnold Schoenberg Erwartung–2001 Bedrich Smetana The Bartered Bride–1931, 1954 Gregory Spears Castor and Patience–2022 Fellow Travelers–2016 Johann Strauss Die Fledermaus–1928, 1950, 1951, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1972, 1980, 2016 The Gypsy Baron (Der Zigeunerbaron)–1932 Richard Strauss Ariadne auf Naxos–1961, 2019 Elektra–2002 Der Rosenkavalier–1948, 1950, 1957, 1958, 1967, 1986, 1994, 2013 Salome–1948, 1949, 1953, 1960, 1962, 1968, 1982, 2000, 2026 Arthur Sullivan The Gondoliers–1985 H.M.S. Pinafore–1932, 1933, 1981 The Mikado–1928, 1979 The Pirates of Penzance–1933, 1980, 2022 Trial by Jury–1933 Joseph Surdo Enter Pauline–1929

Deems Taylor The King’s Henchmen–1936 Piotr IIyich Tchaikovsky Eugene Onegin–1984, 2011 Charles Louis Ambroise Thomas Mignon–1927, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1941-43, 1945, 1946 Viktor Ullmann Der Kaiser von Atlantis–2004 Isaac Van Grove The Music Robber–1926, 1927

Giuseppe Verdi Aida–1921-24, 1926, 1927, 192933, 1935-1956, 1959-62, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1976, 1981, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2007, 2013, 2022 Attila–1979, 1984 Don Carlo–1961, 1984, 1989, 2009 Falstaff–1926, 1930, 1997 La Forza del Destino–1932, 1965, 1969 Macbeth–1960, 1961, 1978 A Masked Ball (Un Ballo in

Maschera)–1931, 1939, 1949, 1954, 1955, 1974, 1991, 2006 Nabucco–2001 Otello–1921, 1929, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1970, 1982, 1996, 2010 Rigoletto–1920-22, 1924, 1926, 1928-32, 1935-56, 1961-63, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1979, 1982, 1992, 2005, 2011, 2025 La Traviata–1923, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1935, 1938-58, 1960, 196264, 1966-68, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2024 Il Trovatore–1921, 1922, 1926-33, 1937-49, 1951, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1994, 2015 Aleksandra Vrebalov The Knock–2023 Richard Wagner The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Holländer)–1975, 1996, 2018 Lohengrin–1921, 1922, 1924, 1926-28, 1931, 1933, 1935-37, 1947-49

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg–1928, 1929, 1983, 2010 Parsifal–1929, 1930 Das Rheingold–1961, 1981 Tannhäuser–1926-30, 1932, 1935, 1937-40, 1945-48 Tristan und Isolde–1949 Die Walküre–1927, 1928, 1978 Roger Waters/Julien Bilodeau Another Brick in the Wall–2018 Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz–1933 Kurt Weill Seven Deadly Sins–2003 Jaromír Weinberger Schwanda the Bagpiper–1986 Meredith Willson The Music Man–1983 Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari Jewels of the Madonna (I Gioielli della Madonna)–1927 The Secret of Susanne–1920, 1922, 1928, 1937, 1948, 1953

ONE OF THE TOP

“SCHOOLS OF THE STARS” *MAY 2024

UC College-Conservatory of Music’s 2026-27 performance season highlights

BRIGADOON IN CONCERT

WITH MUSICAL THEATRE SINGERS

Sept. 25-26

LA BOHÈME OPERA

Oct. 29-31

RENT MUSICAL

Nov. 12-14

Experience tomorrow’s

OPERA & MUSICAL THEATRE stars today

CABARET MUSICAL

March 4-6

ARIADNE AUF NAXOS OPERA

April 15-17 This is just a small preview of what’s coming up next at CCM! Performance dates and details subject to change.

Learn more about our upcoming season and purchase tickets online at ccm.uc.edu/onstage Questions? Email boxoff@uc.edu

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Cincinnati Opera collaborates with dozens of partners throughout the year to support our vision of enriching and connecting our community through opera. We’re thankful for these valued relationships and appreciate their partnership. Access Night Partners: Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Hearing, Speech + Deaf Center Accounting and Human Resources Services: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Banking Services: PNC Bank Community Open Dress Rehearsal Partners: Donise Coleman, Royal Creations; Q-kidz Cincinnati

Community Partners and Event Hosts: The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum; City of Blue Ash Parks and Recreation: Blue Ash Recreation Center and Summit Park; City of Wyoming; Clermont County Public Library; Clifton Cultural Arts Center; Deupree House and Deupree Cottages; Lydia’s House; National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; ROMAC ARTpreneur/ New American Art Gallery II; Second Sight Spirits Editorial Assistant: Ashley Tongret Investment Managers: 1919 Investment Counsel; Johnson Investment Counsel; PNC Institutional Investments; Fort Washington Capital Partners Group; Huntington Bank IT Services: Summit Digital Networks

Lalovavi Community Engagement Programs Management Consultant: Tiffany Cooper, Founder & CEO, Meaningful Connections LLC Lalovavi Special Guests: Cincinnati Opera welcomes the Black Administrators of Opera.

Media Partner: Classical 90.9 WGUC Official Piano Technician: Russell McNamara, Piano Perfect Preferred Hotel Partners: The Cincinnatian; Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati–Downtown; Homewood Suites by Hilton Cincinnati–Downtown; Hotel Covington; The Kinley Cincinnati; The Lytle Park Hotel; Renaissance Cincinnati Production Partners and In-Kind: 3D Cincy; Cincinnati Arts Association and Cincinnati Music Hall; Cincinnati Ballet; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Cincinnati Stage Employees Local 5 IATSE; Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Cincinnati Wardrobe Union Local 864 IATSE; Hase & Associates, Ltd. Professional Trainee Program Underwriters:

Rise of Titan: A Prequel to Lalovavi Partners: Tifara Brown; Toilynn O’Neal, Robert O’Neal Multicultural Arts Center (ROMAC); Jay Kalagayan; Brandon Hill; Arris Cohen; Geoff Raker; Michael Victor Taylor; ROMAC ARTpreneurs; Dr. Sam Martin/DigitalWildArt; Phillip A. Smith; Malik Smith School District Partners: Boone County Schools; Catholic Inner-city Schools Education; Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS); Reading Community City School District through Adopt A Class; The Seven Hills School Sensory-Friendly Rehearsal Partners: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Jennifer D. Smith, PsyD, BCBA-D, Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) Social Media Management: Jennifer Buchholz, Peas & Carrots, LLC

Legal Assistance: Charles E. Baverman III, Jason Hilliard, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Strategic Partners: Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC); Barnes Dennig; Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Matching Gift Companies: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance; Bank of America; The Benevity Community Impact Fund; RELX; Zoom

Underscore: The Afrofuturist Salon Partners: Kathy Garrison, Artsville; Cassandra L. Jones, PhD; Tiara Jones; Tifara Brown, Honeysuckle Poetry

LLC; Shabrina Monèt, Glam Monèt; Apryl Reign; DJ Pillo; DJ Rah D, LLC; Alisha Lee, Mebylee. com; Ta’Marsh Pope, Bartender with a SMILE; National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Visions of the Future Mural Panel Project Partners: Lead Partner Soul Palette, LLC—Brandon Hawkins, Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins, Khara Hawkins, Karis Hawkins Core Artist Team Ryan N. Leary, Brandon Hill (Jide’ Fresh), Keegan Myers, Addison Maxberry, Kayleen Hunn, Cole Coffey Visioning and Creative Contributors Bond Hill Academy/Learning Grove, Woodford Academy/Cincinnati Arts Association (Imani Program), Carson School/Learning Grove, Hays-Porter School/Learning Grove, North College Hill High School/Preston Brown Foundation, VA Hospital TRAC Program, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

(Woodlawn Location)/Cincinnati Arts Association (Art in Healing Program), Black Art Speaks Community Participants Delaney Pennington, Christian Drye, Blanche Pringle Smith, Laura Eve Suddith, Bryan Hatcher, Karmen Thomas, Cherie Garces, Madison Scruggs, Tabatha Aldas, Sanserrae Frazier Launch Event Host ROMAC—Findlay Market Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of:

Cincinnati Opera is a proud partner of:

Jonathan Gibson Photography

Celebrate at The Summit

Less than ten miles from downtown, The Summit Hotel brings a new level of style and sophistication to Cincinnati. As the centerpiece of the expansive Madison Square campus, our 239-room hotel offers an artful and inspiring atmosphere for both business and leisure. 5345 MEDPACE WAY, CINCINNATI, OH 45227 | (513) 527-9900 | THESUMMITHOTEL.COM

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please Note: • To minimize disturbance, latecomers and those who exit during the performance will be admitted at the discretion of management. You’re invited to enjoy the performance on video monitors outside of the theater until you’re able to be seated. • Please do not place coats, programs, or other objects on the Terrace, Balcony, or Gallery railings. • Please turn off all mobile devices during performances. • Please refrain from talking or texting on any mobile device during performances. • Drinks without ice are permitted inside the theater, though food is prohibited unless otherwise specified.

• Due to some subject matter and in consideration for all patrons, we strongly encourage that children be at least 7 years of age to be admitted to performances. Please visit our website for further age guidance on specific productions as well as to learn more about Community Engagement and Education programming suitable for all ages. Music Hall Safety Policies Please visit cincinnatiopera.org/safety for an updated list of Music Hall’s safety policies. Smoking, vaping, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited inside the building. Opera Insights An overview of each opera is presented one hour before each mainstage performance in Music Hall’s Corbett Tower. Free to all ticket holders.

Accessible Seating Wheelchair access and assistance with other mobility issues are available. Please request locations or assistance when ordering tickets, and please reserve early. Elevators Elevators in Music Hall are located near the Music Hall box office in the South Hall, as well as in the North Hall. Restrooms Restrooms at Music Hall are accessible and can be found on each level. Broadcasts Portions of Cincinnati Opera’s 2026 season will be aired on Classical 90.9 WGUC. Contributions Gifts of all sizes to Cincinnati Opera make a difference and are sincerely appreciated. To make a donation or to inquire about donor benefits, honor or memorial gifts, or acknowledgments, please contact Christine Chait, Individual and Planned Giving Manager, at 513-768-5585 or cchait@cincinnatiopera.org. Merchandise Our pop-up Bravo Shop of operathemed merchandise is located in the foyer for all Springer Auditorium performances. To shop online anytime, visit cincinnatiopera.org/bravo-shop. Program Advertising Cincinnati Opera does not necessarily endorse the views, products, or services presented by program advertisers. For information about advertising in the program book, contact Katie Syroney at 513-768-5526 or ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org. Box Office Hours Monday–Friday: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays (days of performance only): 12 p.m. through first intermission.

Meet the Artists Patrons may meet performers outside the stage door on Central Parkway. Assistive Listening System An infrared wireless receiver to improve the listening experience is available upon request at Guest Services in the foyer for all mainstage performances. Audio Description Live descriptions of stage action for people who are visually impaired are presented by trained describers for all mainstage performances. Please inquire with event personnel at Guest Services for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION Email: info@cincinnatiopera.org Website: cincinnatiopera.org Administration: 513-768-5500 Box Office: 513-241-2742 U.S. Mail: Cincinnati Opera 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202-7531

STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY Photo: Steven Pisano/Opera Philadelphia

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, together with our parent company Western & Southern Financial Group, is proud to support Cincinnati Opera and its production of Carmen, celebrating the creativity and excellence that define our city.

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