Cincinnati Opera's 2018 Season Program Book

CINCINNATI OPERA 2018

Ginnie Belben and Chloe, residents since 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LA TRAVIATA

14

THE CORONATION OF POPPEA

20

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

26

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

32

AS ONE

38

2

Board of Trustees

8

Cincinnati Opera Guild

112

Season Artists

44

Celebrations and Honorariums

114

Orchestra and Chorus

66

Remembrances

118

Donors

68

Repertoire

120

General Information

128

Society of Angels

102

PROGRAM CREDITS Editor Ashley Tongret Editorial & Art Direction Chris Milligan Art Direction/Designer Aimee Sposito Martini Illustrations La Traviata: Tim O’Brien • The Coronation of Poppea: Catrin Welz-Stein • The Flying Dutchman: René Milot • Another Brick in the Wall: Robert Carter As One: Aimee Sposito Martini

PRODUCED BY

Publisher Ivy Bayer Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street, Suite 200 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Phone: (513) 421-4300 Fax: (513) 562-2788 www.cincinnatimagazine.com

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e are often asked how an opera season comes together. How do we choose the titles? Where do the sets and costumes come from? Aside from our general rules—we work years in advance, we collaborate as a team across departments, and we stay focused on the interests of our audience and community—each season develops in its own way. Here’s a look at 2018.

We presented our first Baroque-era opera in 2014—the crowd-pleasing La Calisto at SCPA. We have been eager to follow up ever since. The Coronation of Poppea, with its transcendently beautiful score, immediately became our top contender.

We frequently receive requests for more German opera, particularly Wagner. So, when our colleagues at The Atlanta Opera and Houston Grand Opera approached us about a new production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, we were immediately interested.

For our first performance back at Music Hall, we sought a familiar and beautiful classic that would allow audiences to fully appreciate the renovated theater and its improved acoustics. Verdi’s La Traviata, which we’ve not produced in six years, is an ideal choice.

In late 2015, we learned of an innovative project being developed by Montreal Opera. It was a wild idea—adapt an iconic rock album for the opera stage. The album was Pink Floyd’s The Wall. After hearing early workshop runthroughs, we began negotiations to present the U.S. premiere.

Finally, you’ll notice that we’ve added a fifth title this season, namely the 2014 chamber opera As One by Laura Kaminsky. It demonstrates our commitment to expand the repertoire by presenting new works by female and diverse creators.

Our season-planning process is ongoing with plans already in development for the next four festivals.

For now, we hope you enjoy the 2018 season. As always, we invite your feedback and suggestions.

Patricia K. Beggs The Harry Fath General Director & CEO

Evans Mirageas The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

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fter two seasons away, we are excited to be back home at Music Hall for the 2018 Summer Festival. We have a great season lined up, and the hall is more beautiful and more comfortable than ever.

The remarkable revitalization of Music Hall is a national story and a testament to the value our community places on live classical music, on coming together to experience world-class symphonic music, ballet, choral music, and opera.

So, how are we celebrating our return? With what we do best: presenting one of the most loved and moving grand operas in the repertoire—Verdi’s classic La Traviata.

It’s an opera that has been making lifelong opera fans ever since it was first performed in 1853. Perhaps it inspired your love of opera, too—or perhaps tonight is your first opera. (My first was a Metropolitan Opera-on-tour performance of Tosca starring Pavarotti in Memphis in 1979 —how lucky was I?) Finally, a word of appreciation. To all of you who attend Cincinnati Opera performances or work backstage or on staff, to those of you who serve on the board or make monetary contributions or buy extra tickets to share with friends, to those who play in the orchestra and sing onstage—let me say to you what I say at the end of every board meeting… Thank you for all you’ve done for the Opera, all you’re doing for the Opera, and all you will do.

Welcome home. Enjoy the show.

Gary T. “Doc” Huffman President

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers President Gary T. “Doc” Huffman Chairman Murray Sinclaire, Jr. Treasurer Timothy Kimmel Secretary Alva Jean Crawford

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Vice-Presidents Boris Auerbach Jennifer Bellin Dorothy Anne Blatt Charlin Briggs Joseph E. Brinkmeyer Mark J. Busher Melanie M. Chavez Cathy Crain John G. Earls James T. Fitzgerald Liz Kathman Grubow Barbara Hahn Donald E. Hoffman Kevin C. Jones Richard I. Lauf, Ph.D. Jonathan McCann Julia B. Meister David Motch Robert W. Olson Edward B. Silberstein, M.D. John M. Tew, Jr., M.D. Ronna K. Willis Jeannine Winkelmann Ex-Officio Patricia K. Beggs, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Virginia Cover, Opera Guild President Aine Baldwin, Chair, Center Stage Board Associates Regular Members Vicki Alpaugh Boris Auerbach Kathleen Ball Christopher Baucom Jennifer Bellin Dorothy Anne Blatt Thomas F. Boat, M.D.

Mary Ann Boorn Charlin Briggs Joseph E. Brinkmeyer Otto M. Budig, Jr. Mark J. Busher Vivienne Carlson Melanie M. Chavez Candace Cioffi Michael L. Cioffi Sheila Cole Peter G. Courlas Cathy Crain Alva Jean Crawford Alexander Donath, M.D. Thaddeus H. Driscoll John G. Earls James T. Fitzgerald Matt Garretson Ralph A. Giannella, M.D. Madeleine H. Gordon Peter Graham Liz Kathman Grubow Barbara Hahn Julie Grady Heard Donald E. Hoffman Gary T. “Doc” Huffman Gordon Hullar Barbara Hummel, M.Ed. Doug Ignatius Kevin C. Jones Mona Kerstine Sid Khosla, M.D. Timothy Kimmel Renu Kotwal, M.D. Nanci Wilks Lanni Richard I. Lauf, Ph.D. George Mandybur, M.D. Michael Marrero Jonathan McCann Julia B. Meister Ryan L. Messer David Motch Cora Ogle, Ph.D. Robert W. Olson Penny Pensak Beatriz Porras, M.D. Pamela Spangler Reis Denise Revely Harry H. Santen Mark Schroer, M.D. Russell Shelton Edward B. Silberstein, M.D. Murray Sinclaire, Jr. Bradbury Skidmore, M.D. Douglas Skidmore Litsa Spanos Peter Stambrook, Ph.D. James Stapleton

Cynthia Starr Susan Strick, M.D. John M. Tew, Jr., M.D. Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D. Nydia Tranter Jane Votel Ronna K. Willis Jeannine Winkelmann Shelby O. Wood Anne M. Zaring Mario Zuccarello, M.D. Advisory Members Ronald T. Bates Edward C. Bavaria Elaine Billmire, M.D. Robert W. Boden Christopher J. Canarie Arthur B. Casper Evan Corbett Daniel B. Cunningham Eric Dauer Vivian A. Dobur Harry Fath Frederick R. Good Morton L. Harshman, M.D. Suzanne Hasl Theresa Henderson Margaret M. LeMasters, M.D. Joanie Lotts Eric D. Louden Jenny Magro Sherie Marek Peggy Ann Markstein Donald S. Mendelsohn Monica Newby, D.D.S. Wendell O’Neal, Ph.D. Joseph A. Pichler David Reichert Melody Sawyer Richardson Susan Robinson Nancy Rosenthal G. James Sammarco, M.D. Brett Stover Marcella G. Trice Ray van der Horst Carla D. Walker Presidents’ Council Boris Auerbach G. Gibson Carey Cathy Crain Harry Fath Kingston Fletcher Donald E. Hoffman John S. Hopple

Gary T. “Doc” Huffman Lawrence H. Kyte Robert W. Olson Harry H. Santen Murray Sinclaire, Jr. Ellen G. van der Horst Ex-Officio Members Kelly Adamson Patricia K. Beggs Virginia Cover The Honorable John Cranley Peter Koenig bruce d. mcclung, Ph.D. Eileen L. Strempel Angela Powell Walker Honorary Members Courtis Fuller Patrick Korb Sue Alexander Mouch Zell Schulman Trudie Seybold Paul A. “Gus” Stuhlreyer III Center Stage Board Associates Asif Alikhan Aine Baldwin Ashley Burnside Kristy Davis Michael Dean Stephen Eadicicco Jack Fisher Shannon M. Glass Renee Gustin Sebastien Hue John T. Lawrence IV Shannon Lawson Janice Liebenberg Jared Lonsbury Alek Lucke Katie Lutes Arti Masturzo, M.D. Mary Newman Nathalie Noblet Nick Puncer Aliya Riddle David Sanders, Jr. Megan Selnick Priya Sonty Brett Willson Candice Young

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Welcome Home B Y K AT I E S Y R O N E Y After 16 months and a $143 million renovation, Music Hall is back and better than ever. From her polished marble floor to her twinkling chandelier—and nearly every inch in between—Music Hall’s classic grandeur has been thoroughly restored and enhanced with thoughtful contemporary touches designed to make your opera-going experience extraordinary. If this is your first time here since the building’s reopening (and if it is, welcome!), here are some key updates to look for.

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Make your grand entrance The Edyth B. Lindner Grand Foyer’s red slate and white marble floor, plaster rosettes, and coffered ceiling have been restored and refreshed, and new lighting has been added. Pick up a souvenir at the new and improved Bravo Shop, located in the former coat room.

Gather in style

A former carriageway has been rei-

magined as the new Taft Suite, an intimate room for meetings, dinners, and receptions. Historical artcarved wood panels, part of the screen from Music Hall’s original pipe organ, have been lovingly restored and are displayed on its walls.

More restrooms, less waiting

Love at first sight On Music Hall’s façade, look for black

Restroom capacity has increased

bricks in patterns of piano keys, diamonds, and four-leaf

by more than 60%, with new and

clovers. The black-brick detail was almost completely

expanded men’s, women’s, and

erased when a sandblaster was used to clean the exterior

family/unisex facilities.

in the 1970s. The bricks have been re-stained to match architect Samuel Hannaford’s original vision.

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Hit refresh Concession areas have been relocated and expanded—order a custom cocktail or a bite before the performance, and it’ll be waiting for you at intermission. If you’re running late or need to step out during the show, the new P&G Founders Room off the main lobby offers a comfortable place to kick up your feet.

Corbett Tower transformed

On your way to the

Gallery, peer into Corbett Tower and prepare to be amazed. The room’s drop ceiling has been removed, revealing 14 additional vertical feet and a coved ceiling with intricate stenciling, now carefully restored.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, including three tracery “rose” windows, offer breathtaking views onto Washington Park.

Introducing the Wilks Ascend the North Hall grand

staircase

to

reach the stunning new Wilks Studio, a flexible rehearsal

and

space

constructed

event

from reclaimed, underused space above the scene and paint shop.

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Shine on Music Hall’s iconic chandelier now features brilliant LED bulbs.

Its suspension mechanism has been upgraded to allow for easy lowering and raising. Also, each and every one of the hundreds of crystals was individually hand polished.

Take your seat Enter Springer Auditorium and find wider, cushiony seats with added legroom, ensuring comfort during even the longest of sings. (We’re looking at you, Herr Wagner.) Plus, many seating rows have been elevated to optimize views of the stage.

Photos Exterior: Philip Groshong Interior: Larrison Photography

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Production Underwriter Anonymous Opening Weekend Sponsor Ohio National Financial Services Additional Support Miss Genevieve H. Smith Evening Sponsors Chavez Properties The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation Mueller Family Foundation Harry and Ann Santen

Season Presenting Sponsor PNC

LA TRAVIATA Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave Sung in the original Italian Based on the 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas fils World premiere: March 6, 1853, at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy Cincinnati Opera premiere: July 9, 1923, at Cincinnati Zoo Pavilion June 14, 16, 20, and 22, 2018, at Cincinnati Music Hall 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th company performances of La Traviata

Conductor Stage Director Scenic & Costume Designer Lighting Designer Lighting Co-Designer Wig & Make-up Designer Chorus Master Choreographer Supertitles Author Production Stage Manager

Renato Balsadonna* Linda Brovsky Desmond Heeley Thomas C. Hase Krista Billings James Geier Henri Venanzi Johanna Bernstein Wilt* Cincinnati Opera Constance Dubinski Grubbs

Cast in order of vocal appearance Violetta Valéry, courtesan Flora Bervoix, her friend Marquis D’Obigny, Flora’s protector Baron Douphol, Violetta’s protector Dr. Grenvil, physician Gastone, a young man-about-town Alfredo Germont Annina, Violetta’s maid Giuseppe, Violetta’s servant Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father Messenger Flora’s servant

Norah Amsellem Reilly Nelson+ Simon Barrad* Thomas Dreeze James Eder*+ Martin Bakari* Ji-Min Park Nicolette Book*+ Samuel Smith Youngjoo An* Michael Young Stefan Erik Egerstrom*

* Cincinnati Opera debut + Cincinnati Opera Young Artist

This production is owned by Lyric Opera of Chicago and is a generous and deeply appreciated gift of the Gramma Fisher Foundation of Marshalltown, Iowa.

Original production staged by Frank Galati.

Scenery constructed by Messmore & Damon, Inc., New York.

Costumes executed by Grace Costumes, Ltd., New York.

Millinery by Arnold S. Levine, New York.

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THE STORY The glamorous courtesan Violetta Valéry is dying from tuberculosis. At a party, she falls in love with Alfredo, who has long admired her from a distance.

The two of them live happily together in the country, until Violetta is secretly visited by Alfredo’s father, Germont. He demands that Violetta leave his son, since the scandal of her past threatens to destroy his daughter’s chance of a good marriage.

Fearful that Alfredo’s love would in any case fade, she sadly agrees. Germont is moved by Violetta’s nobility of spirit; she asks him not to tell Alfredo

the truth until she is dead. Violetta returns to Paris and an old lover; Alfredo pursues her to a party, where he publicly denounces her.

Deserted by her fashionable friends, Violetta sinks into poverty and becomes mortally ill. Germont tells Alfredo the truth about her selfless sacrifice, and he hastens to her bedside. Joyously reunited, they talk of leaving Paris and a fresh start, but it is too late—Violetta dies in Alfredo’s arms.

–A Pocket Guide to Opera by Rupert Christiansen

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IN PERFORMANCE

The miracle of La Traviata isn’t just the opera’s abundance of memorable melodies—it’s Verdi’s genius as a musical psychologist. He brings the listener deeply into Violetta’s soul in her justly famous Act I and Act III arias, but also in the tiniest details elsewhere in the score. Even the coloring of just a word or two can reveal what Violetta is thinking—for example, “Sì!” (when she agrees to having Alfredo lead a toast at her party). And listen for the leap to a sustained top note on “Gran Dio!” in her duet with Alfredo’s father, when Violetta realizes exactly what Germont is asking her to do; Verdi makes these three notes a cry of utter despair.

—Roger Pines

The performance will last approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

There will be 2 intermissions.

ALL FOR LOVE

BY R O G E R P I N E S

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CELEBRATED SOPRANO AILYN PÉREZ was Violetta in Cincinnati Opera’s 2012 production of La Traviata.

Photo by Philip Groshong.

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Violetta Valéry—her name is elegance itself. We can see her at the start of La Traviata, in a ball gown with a gardenia in her hair, bursting with feverish energy in greeting her party guests.

And we can see her, too, in the opera’s final act, fragile and devastated, clinging to love, tragically failing in her attempt to will herself to live.

A memorable Traviata hinges on the portrayal of Violetta. The soprano is compelled to dig into herself to find the purest, most unfettered emotion. To sing the music demands every ounce of technique and expressiveness, not only to shape Verdi’s phrases, but also to color Francesco Maria Piave’s eloquent text. Onstage, any Violetta must be a true colleague, responding to her tenor and baritone with exceptional sensitivity.

This character wasn’t Verdi and Piave’s creation.

As Marguerite Gautier, she graced the novel and play by Alexandre Dumas fils, La Dame aux Camélias. He modeled her on his former lover, Marie Duplessis, a girl of humble beginnings who reinvented herself as a courtesan, beguiling Parisian men with her incomparable charm before dying pitifully early, at the age of 23.

The Verdi/Piave heroine showed opera audiences exactly what a courtesan’s life was like.

Here was a woman who required all the confidence she possessed to make her way in the world. When we first see her, she’s relying on the largesse of a wealthy man, who presumably expects her favors in return. When she meets Alfredo she can, for the very first time, finally be loved simply for herself. The opera’s tragedy is set in motion first by Violetta’s selling her possessions to pay for their life in the country, and then by her lover’s father, who

insists that she give up the liaison for the sake of his family’s reputation.

Unlike Puccini, Verdi didn’t invariably fall in love with his heroines, but he adored Violetta.

He was attracted to the reality of her story being truly contemporary—a rarity in opera at the time—although that very quality scared theaters (at Traviata’s 1853 Venice premiere and for some time thereafter in Italy, audiences saw Traviata in costumes recalling the era of Louis XIV).

The opera failed initially, but Verdi knew he’d produced a masterpiece. After the fiasco of that first performance, featuring a vocally overparted and excessively plump soprano as the consumptive courtesan, he wrote to a conductor friend, “I myself believe that the last word on La Traviata was not heard last night. They will hear it again—and we shall see!”

Those words were prophetic, for La Traviata quickly became, and will surely always be, one of the world’s best-loved operas. Verdi’s music ennobles the “fallen woman” of the title, carrying her on an emotional journey from a party girl’s hard-edged gaiety to a lover’s ecstasy and wrenching selfsacrifice. From the magical moment when she first sees her Alfredo, Violetta will grab your heart and not for one second will she let it go.

Roger Pines, dramaturg of Lyric Opera of Chicago, writes regularly for opera-related publications. He has appeared annually as a panelist on the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts’ Opera Quiz since 2006.

A VIEW FROM THE WINGS Armenian soprano Hasmik Papian was a charming Violetta in our 2003 production of La Traviata. This photo offers a rare view from the stage left wing.

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CO2 Underwriter The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./ U.S. Bank Foundation Opening Weekend Sponsor Ohio National Financial Services Production Underwriter Michael L. CiofďŹ and Rachael A. Rowe Set Design & Production Sponsor Ginger and David Warner Evening Sponsors Cincinnati Opera Guild The Hasl Family, in memory of Dr. Robert J. Hasl Edward and Nancy Rosenthal Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack Dr. and Mrs. John M. Tew, Jr.

Season Presenting Sponsor PNC

THE CORONATION OF POPPEA L’Incoronazione di Poppea Music by Claudio Monteverdi Libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello Sung in the original Italian World premiere: 1642 at Teatro di Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, Italy A Cincinnati Opera premiere June 21, 23, 26, 28, and July 1, 2018, at Corbett Theater, School for Creative and Performing Arts

Gary Thor Wedow* Zack Winokur Adam Charlap Hyman* Amanda McGee* Thomas C. Hase James Geier Annalisa Pappano Cori Ellison Liam Roche

Conductor Stage Director Scenic Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Wig & Make-up Designer Catacoustic Consort Artistic Director Dramaturg & Supertitles Author Production Stage Manager

Cast in order of vocal appearance Ottone, Poppea’s former lover First Soldier/Friend of Seneca/Lucan/Consul Second Soldier/Liberto/

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen* Andrew Owens* Christian Pursell

Friend of Seneca/Lictor/Tribune Poppea, mistress of Nero Nero, emperor of Rome Arnalta, confidante of Poppea Ottavia, empress of Rome Seneca, philosopher Valet/Friend of Seneca Drusilla, Ottavia’s lady-in-waiting

Sarah Shafer* Anthony Roth Costanzo* Rebecca Ringle Kamarei* Sarah Mesko* Alex Rosen* Daniel Moody* Melissa Harvey

* Cincinnati Opera debut

A new production constructed by Cincinnati Opera.

By arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner.

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THE STORY Ottone returns from the wars to find that the beautiful but schemingly ambitious Poppea has left him for the tyrannical emperor Nero. Despite the wise counsel of the philosopher Seneca, Nero resolves to rid himself of his wife Ottavia and make Poppea his empress. Nero sentences Seneca to death.

Ottone plots with Drusilla, a lady of the court who is in love with him, to kill Poppea. When their scheme is foiled, Nero sends them into exile, along with Ottavia. Nero crowns Poppea empress, and they celebrate their love.

–A Pocket Guide to Opera by Rupert Christiansen

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IN PERFORMANCE

For me, one of Poppea’s most satisfying joys is its uncommonly fine libretto, by Giovanni Francesco Busenello. Busenello’s poetry plays no small role in Monteverdi’s musical delineation of the opera’s vivid, sharply differentiated personalities and in allowing the composer to maintain theatrical interest by varying pace, tempo, and mood.

The opera is cemented by several mesmerizing, erotic scenes between Nero and Poppea. The suicide of Seneca, Arnalta’s lullaby to the sleeping Poppea, the devastated Ottavia’s “Addio, Roma,” and (though modern scholarship questions its authenticity) the final duet between Poppea and Nero, “Pur ti miro,” are standout moments that may impress a new listener.

–Suzanne Martinucci

The performance will last approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.

There will be 1 intermission.

CLAUDETTE COLBERT PORTRAYED POPPEA in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1932 film The Sign of the Cross. As suggested by the racy costume, the film was shot before the strictly enforced censorship of the Hays Code, and several objectionable scenes had to be cut for later re-release.

Image © Getty Images/Bettmann Archive

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WHEN IN ROME

BY SUZANNE MARTINUCCI

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cabaret” in New York’s Greenwich Village. The atmosphere was shadowy, clubby and intimate; the audience enjoyed food and drink while seated at small tables during the performance. The production was sung in English, and the singers were accompanied by a small orchestra of period instruments. Nero was portrayed by a mezzo-soprano; the Poppea was sinuous rather than brazen. The performers were costumed in a mixture of modern and classical dress, while a few pieces of furniture made up the minimal set. Nevertheless, I was as delighted and moved by the work in 2008 as I was nearly 30 years earlier.

Of course, much has changed since those days.

We may never again hear a performance where Wagnerian-sized voices would be considered in the The first time I saw The Coronation of Poppea, I was principal roles, for example. Yet it never fails to fill a college student on a school trip to Paris in the me with a sense of awe and admiration that a work late 1970s. While I was an opera fan by that point, composed in 1642—among the earliest days of opthe experience was largely a triumph of timing and era—remains as compelling as the best that the art dumb luck. Gwyneth Jones was Poppea; Jon Vickform has produced subsequently. I also genuinely ers was Nero; Christa Ludwig was Ottavia, and love this opera, with its characters that are so full of Julius Rudel conducted. In my box at the Palais humor, passion, and human frailty, not to mention Garnier, I marveled at the colorful yet somehow its timeless themes. incongruous Chagall paintings on the ceiling of the Consider the crucial dialogue between Nero and magnificent hall and my good fortune to be there Seneca, the emperor’s teacher, when Seneca advisthat night. es Nero against banishing his wife Ottavia in favor My strongest memory of that first performance of Poppea. “Emotion is a wicked counselor,” Senwas the magnetism between Nero and Poppea— eca warns, “that despises laws and scorns reason.” and the star power However, besotof the cast. Time ted Nero counters, truly seemed to “Reason is a strict stand still during mentor for him the final duet, “Pur who obeys—NOT ti miro,” as the emfor him who comperor and his new mands.” empress stepped In the end, the MONTEVERDI’S 1642 POPPEA, toward each other, doomed Seneca, which premiered more than a oblivious to everydefied and reviled thing else. I also reby the departing century before Mozart was member the expresemperor, can only born, is the oldest opera in sion on Jones’s face comment, to the authe standard repertoire. earlier in the opera, dience—and across during the scene bethe ages — “The tween Poppea and worst side always her nurse, Arnalta, prevails, when force when Poppea is contends with reaasked whether or son.” Plus ça change, not she fears getindeed. ting so involved with Nero. “No, no, non temo,” (“No, no, I fear nothing”), Jones sang, boldly staring down the audience, her beautiful face a mask of Suzanne Martinucci is a New York-based brazen ambition, avarice, and total confidence. writer and lecturer on opera. She is a regIn contrast, my most recent live Poppea, in the ular panelist on the Metropolitan Opera summer of 2008, took place at Le Poisson Rouge, Quiz during the Toll Brothers Saturday a self-described “music venue and multimedia art afternoon radio broadcasts.

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Production Underwriter The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee Evening Sponsors Family and Friends, in memory of Dr. Charlie Kuntz IV Mrs. Beryl Merritt, in memory of Beryl Merritt

Season Presenting Sponsor PNC

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Der Fliegende Holländer Music and libretto by Richard Wagner Sung in the original German Based on the 1833 novel Aus den Memoiren des Herrn von Schnabelewopski

by Heinrich Heine World premiere: January 2, 1843, at Hoftheater in Dresden, Germany Cincinnati Opera premiere: July 2, 1975, at Cincinnati Music Hall July 5 and 7, 2018, at Cincinnati Music Hall 5th and 6th company performances of Der Fliegende Holländer

Christof Perick Tomer Zvulun Brenna Corner* Jacob A. Climer* S. Katy Tucker* Thomas C. Hase James Geier Henri Venanzi Meg Gillentine* Jonathan Dean Megan Bennett

Conductor Original Production & Staging Stage Director Scenic & Costume Designer Projection Designer Lighting Designer Wig & Make-up Designer Chorus Master Choreographer Supertitles Author Production Stage Manager Cast in order of vocal appearance Daland, a Norwegian sea captain Steersman The Flying Dutchman Mary, Daland’s housekeeper Senta, Daland’s daughter Erik, Senta’s fiancé

Arthur Woodley Frederick Ballentine, Jr.* Nathan Berg* Elizabeth Bishop* Marcy Stonikas Jay Hunter Morris*

* Cincinnati Opera debut

A co-production with The Atlanta Opera and Houston Grand Opera.

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THE STORY As a storm forces Daland’s ship to seek shelter in a bay off the Norwegian coast, a ghostly ship looms up alongside. Its captain, the Dutchman, has been cursed. He is allowed on shore once every seven years to search for a woman who can lift the curse by swearing eternal fidelity. Without explaining this to Daland, he offers him riches in return for hospitality and asks to meet his daughter, Senta.

Daland agrees, delighted at the prospect of marrying her off to a wealthy man, and a favorable wind allows both ships to sail into Daland’s home port.

Senta has long been obsessed with the legend of the Flying Dutchman, and believes herself to be the one destined to redeem him. Shunning Erik, the young man to whom she is betrothed, she is entranced when Daland introduces her to the mys-

terious stranger. Both of them feel they have met the fulfilment of their dreams, and Senta vows to be true to him unto death.

The Dutchman’s ghostly ship terrifies the villagers. Erik pleads with Senta. The Dutchman overhears him, and decides to release Senta from her vow. He reveals his identity (which Senta has guessed all along), boards his ship, and prepares to set sail. Senta despairingly flings herself into the sea, reasserting her fidelity. The Dutchman’s ship immediately sinks, and a vision of the redeemed Dutchman embracing the transfigured Senta is seen floating above the waves.

–A Pocket Guide to Opera by Rupert Christiansen

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IN PERFORMANCE

The key to getting the most out of great works of art, including Der Fliegende Holländer, is to not analyze as you watch and listen.

Unlike most composers, Wagner wrote the lyrics to his operas, referring to them as poems. He intended that his storytelling come both in the specificity of text and the abstraction of melody.

This may not be like other operas you know.

Wagner wrote, “From the outset, I had to abandon the modern arrangement of dividing the work into arias, duets, finales, etc. and instead relate the legend in a single breath, just as a good poem should be.”

—Fred Plotkin

The performance will last approximately 3 hours.

There will be 2 intermissions.

CERTAINTY IN A

SEA OF DOUBT

BY FRED PLOTKIN

COUPLE GOALS The ямБnal scene of our new co-production of The Flying Dutchman.

Photo by Jeff Roffman/The Atlanta Opera.

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Whenever I approach operas by Richard Wagner— which I try to do as often as possible—I begin by accepting that they are complex in construction and intention. They defy easy explanation. The more I try to understand these works, the more elusive they become. And that is part of their fascination.

Wagner operas do not ask to be understood. They are to be experienced.

Characters in Wagner are, for the most part, examples of frailty and imperfection. This observation applies to gods as well as mortals. In Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, and Parsifal, Christian religion gives the protagonists their context and conflicts. The four operas of Der Ring des Nibelungen are not cognizant of traditional religion. Instead, this cycle is a narrative of the power of nature to both nourish and destroy, and of the extraordinary power of love to put things right.

Der Fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), composed in 1842 and premiered in Dresden on January 2, 1843 when Wagner was 29, was his fourth opera and the earliest one that still appears regularly on stages throughout the world. In many ways it contains the aesthetic material that Wagner would return to and elaborate on for the rest of his life.

It is the opera I recommend to people dipping that first tentative toe into the raging torrent that is the art of Richard Wagner. Its melodies are irresistible and the story is compelling in that it is simultaneously realistic and otherworldly.

Der Fliegende Holländer is about certainty. At least I think so.

This is the story of a man condemned to sail the seas in a ghostly vessel that can only touch land once every seven years. He is certain that he is doomed. It is also the tale of Senta, a mystical young woman who is certain her mission is to save

COSTUME SKETCHES for the Dutchman and Senta by scenic and costume designer Jacob A. Climer.

(or, as some people say of Wagner heroines, redeem) this man. These characters are surrounded by others certain only of the precariousness of life.

They live in the here and now—fishing, hunting, spinning wool, drinking, and dancing—accepting almost without question what their fate is. In so doing, they make the absolutism of the Dutchman and Senta even more vivid.

Senta paved the way for Elsa, Elisabeth, Brünnhilde, and the other glorious heroines Wagner created. She also exemplifies, in many ways,

WAGNER WAS FASCINATING and self-serving, compelling and repugnant. But you could not ignore him.

what the composer would become. Wagner’s vision of himself was based on an unshakable faith in his own dreams and the mythologizing he engaged in to realize them.

Wagner was and is a lightning rod who makes us ask questions about ourselves and what we believe. He was fascinating and self-serving, compelling and repugnant. But you could not ignore him.

Opera lovers who are devout Wagnerites tend to embrace the complexity and inconsistencies of his art and life, and admire these things in other people as well.

Whether you are new to Wagner or have spent your life immersed in his world, Der Fliegende Holländer works its magic by giving you new ways to dream. Of that I am certain.

Fred Plotkin, author of Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera, writes for Operavore at wqxr.org and lectures for major opera companies worldwide.

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Production Underwriter Edward Jay Wohlgemuth Additional Support The Alpaugh Foundation, Vicki and Peter Alpaugh Evening Sponsors Anonymous Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank HORAN The National Endowment for the Arts Murray Sinclaire, Jr., and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, LLC

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Season Presenting Sponsor PNC

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL THE OPERA

Original words and music by Roger Waters Operatic version composed by Julien Bilodeau Sung in the original English Based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album The Wall World premiere: March 11, 2017, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, in Montreal, Canada A Cincinnati Opera United States premiere July 20, 21, 26, 28, and 31, 2018, at Cincinnati Music Hall

Alain Trudel* Dominic Champagne* Stage Director Suzanne Crocker* Scenic Designer Stéphane Roy* Costume Designer Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt* Lighting Designer Anne-Catherine Simard-Deraspe* Original Lighting Design Étienne Boucher* Video Designer Johnny Ranger* Video Programmer Olivier Ouellet* Sound Designer & Numeric Orchestration Louis Dufort* Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi Choreographer Oğulcan Borova Supertitles Author Productions Opéra Concept M.P. Production Stage Manager Constance Dubinski Grubbs Conductor

Concept & Original Stage Direction

Cast in order of vocal appearance

Nathan Keoughan* France Bellemare* Jean-Michel Richer* Brandon Scott Russell Caroline Bleau* Reilly Nelson+ Michael Young James Eder+

Pink The Mother The Father The Teacher The Woman Vera Lynn The Prosecutor The Judge * Cincinnati Opera debut

+ Cincinnati Opera Young Artist

A Productions Opéra Concept M.P. and Cincinnati Opera co-production.

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THE STORY Troubled by the fanatical crowd at his rock concert, star singer Pink spits in a fan’s face. Devastated by his own actions, Pink collapses and finds himself in a clinic where he begins to revisit the events of his life. He relives his birth and childhood, marked by war; his father dies at the front, leaving his wife and infant son behind. His mother is overprotective, and he is mistreated at school by a tyrannical teacher.

Pink marries a beautiful and provocative woman who inspires him to isolate himself and compose a work that lashes out at the power of money. His wife leads a protest against the financial world, where she meets another man. While on tour, Pink gets high with his groupies and obsesses over his wife’s love affair.

Experiencing inner rage and depression, he rejects everyone. All of the wounds, all of the traumas have gathered like bricks around him to form the wall that now isolates him from humanity.

Pink attempts to reconnect with the world; the ghosts of those he loved visit him, but nothing goes right. In a moment of great despair, as he tries to console the orphan he has always been, Pink dreams of his father’s return and the end of all wars.

Pink continues his delusional descent by transforming himself into a fanatical leader. Pink and his men hunt down migrants and refugees seeking freedom. At the height of his alienation, Pink imprisons himself in a totalitarian hell where he commits the worst atrocities. Pink wants the nightmare to end.

The clinic becomes a courtroom. At the end of an insane trial, during which the characters in his universe are called as witnesses, the judge sentences Pink to tear down the wall.

–Pascal Blanchet, translated by John Trivisonno

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IN PERFORMANCE

Dedicated Pink Floyd fans will recognize some holdovers from Roger Waters’s original music in the operatic version of The Wall, including the songs “The Trial” and “Bring the Boys Home.”

Composer Julien Bilodeau retained them because they already had the proper orchestral sweep. For another reference, he integrated the timpani and minor chords of Brahms’s First Symphony into the show, making a winking connection to wellknown classical music. Otherwise, both rock and opera fans should leave their expectations behind, allowing them to fully appreciate music that breaks down some walls of its own.

–Jim Farber

The performance will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

There will be 1 intermission.

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ÉTIENNE DUPUIS AS PINK in the March 2017 world premiere of Another Brick in the Wall at Opéra de Montréal. Photo by Yves Renaud.

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This year will mark half a century since The Who recorded the world’s first “rock opera,” Tommy, a work that dared to mix the drama and scope of a Verdi or Bizet classic with the bashing, wailing world of Hendrix and Clapton.

Last year, composer Julien Bilodeau dared to reverse that process. He took another “rock opera” touchstone, Pink Floyd’s 1979 The Wall, and flushed away everything that conformed to the first half of that hybrid. Bilodeau’s take on The Wall, which he retitled Another Brick in the Wall for a production originally created for Montreal’s Place des Arts in 2017, banished all the electric guitars and drums that fired the original, and then, for good measure, turned down the volume on most of the foundational music that had been composed by Pink Floyd’s leader, Roger Waters, along with band guitarist David Gilmour. In their stead, Bilodeau created a largely original score that studiously conformed to the tenants of pure opera. “One thing I knew for sure,” the composer told me at the time.

“This would create a reaction.”

Did it ever, selling out the whole run in Montreal and inspiring audience ovations along the way, while, at the same time, drawing the ire of certain critics and rock fundamentalists. Now, Bilodeau has evolved his original version to re-erect Another Brick in the Wall for Cincinnati Opera for its U.S. premiere. “It’s going to be better in Cincinnati because we had the time to take two steps back and improve it,” Bilodeau told me a few weeks ago. “It’s tighter, and more focused.”

FRENCH CANADIAN COMPOSER JULIEN BILODEAU created the score for Another Brick in the Wall. His new opera, La Beauté du Monde, is scheduled to premiere in Montreal in 2021. Photo by Philippe Stirnweiss.

The essential elements from the Montreal version, however, remain. They include the bold use of a 70-piece orchestra, a 46-member chorus, and eight solo singers. It’s a decidedly maximalist presentation, enhanced by colossal video projections flashing images that move from dark to darker.

“It’s not a comedy,” Bilodeau deadpanned about the piece.

In fact, Pink Floyd’s The Wall has always been a difficult and remote work, making its sales of over 23 million copies worldwide a highly improbable feat. Its lead character is an entitled, paranoid rock star who has grown bitter and contemptuous of his own audience. The character was inspired by a mental breakdown suffered by Roger Waters while on tour with his band in the late ’70s. In the many incarnations Waters has overseen since, the piece has expanded its vision, and its politics, to make increasingly convincing statements on war, fascism, alienation, conformity, and human frailty.

Bilodeau’s new version, created with Waters’s full blessing, widens the lens even further, drawing parallels to the current, contentious discussion of “walls” in the Trump era.

Bilodeau, a celebrated Canadian classical composer, who was 5 years old when The Wall was released, first discovered the album in his father’s record collection. He also came to love the controversial 1982 film version of the album, feverishly directed by Alan Parker. Bilodeau’s take, which he began working on in 2015, used the libretto from Waters’s original, though he, along with Another Brick director Dominic Champagne, expanded its length and opened it up. They assigned parts that were initially voiced by the lead character of Pink to a range of characters, including his mother, father, and wife. Bilodeau also fully integrated the chorus, creating a sustained call and response with the lead character, in the process giving each singer life as a war widow, refugee, or fan.

In place of rock’s rhythms, or pop’s easy hooks, Another Brick in the Wall drew inspiration from minimalist composers like Philip Glass, as well as the jazz harmonies of Keith Jarett, and the ambient textures of late Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright. Together, it has yielded an entirely fresh work, elevating music known to millions with a new grandeur.

Jim Farber, who served as chief music critic of the New York Daily News for 25 years, now contributes to The New York Times, The Guardian, Newsday, and many other outlets.

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CO Next: Diverse Voices Underwriter 1919 Investment Counsel Production Underwriter In memory of Gene M. Wilson Evening Sponsors Patricia K. Beggs and James D. Beggs Patty Brisben, on behalf of Living with Change Foundation Dianne Dunkelman Elizabeth Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Season Presenting Sponsor PNC

AS ONE A chamber opera for two voices and string quartet Music and concept by Laura Kaminsky Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed Sung in the original English World premiere: September 4, 2014, at Brooklyn Academy of Music Fisher Center in Brooklyn, New York A Cincinnati Opera premiere July 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2018, at Wilks Studio, Cincinnati Music Hall

Gene Chang* Robin Guarino Kimberly Reed* Rebecca Senske Thomas C. Hase James Geier Mark Campbell Megan Bennett

Conductor Stage Director Film Costume Designer Lighting Designer Wig & Make-up Designer Supertitles Author Production Stage Manager

39 Cast in order of vocal appearance

Matthew Worth* Amber Fasquelle

Hannah before Hannah after * Cincinnati Opera debut

A new production constructed by Cincinnati Opera.

By arrangement with Bill Holab Music.

As One was commissioned and developed by American Opera Projects (AOP).

THE STORY As One is a chamber opera in which two voices—Hannah after and Hannah before—share the part of a transgender protagonist. Fifteen songs comprise the three-part narrative. With empathy and humor, they trace Hannah’s experiences from her youth in a small town to her college years on the West Coast, and finally to Norway where she is surprised at what she learns about herself.

Hannah rides around her suburban neighborhood delivering newspapers and revels in her more feminine impulses. Her youthful challenges in conforming to gender norms are seen in such disparate topics as handwriting, sex, a John Donne poem, and expected male behavior. She discovers that she is not alone in the world and seeks understanding about herself.

During her college years, Hannah struggles with her bifurcated existence, but also encounters the

joy of being perceived as she wishes. She makes the decision to undergo hormone therapy and briefly suffers its vertiginous effects before feeling at one with her own body. Around the Christmas season Hannah explores the growing distance from her family and her past, which is countered by an immediate connection with a stranger in a local café.

Hannah escapes a harrowing assault that prompts her to find a link to the larger transgender community and end her self-imposed isolation. Reacting to the conflicting voices in her head, she finally resolves to escape.

Hannah finds, in nature, solitude, and self-reflection, a simple yet surprising equation that will help her achieve happiness.

—Mark Campbell

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“

“

IN PERFORMANCE

A transgender person’s journey toward self-realization is often portrayed in the media and the arts as a tortured one. When Kim and I created Hannah’s story in As One, we decided early on to infuse the libretto with moments of joy and humor, and to use natural and idiomatic language so that the audience could more easily connect to our main character. Audiences can also relate directly to many of the experiences Hannah encounters in our libretto: the awkwardness of adolescence in “Sex ed”; discovering a community in “To know”; growing estranged from parents in “A Christmas story”; and finally, finding self-acceptance in “Norway.” To quote transgender activist Samantha Ruggles, “we need to change hearts before we change minds.”

—Mark Campbell

The performance will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

There will be no intermission.

An Opera B Y D AV I D S A L A Z A R

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THE 2014 WORLD PREMIERE of As One at the Brooklyn Academy of Music featured mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke.

Photo by Ken Howard.

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To look at the opera world in the 21st century is to find an art form and industry questioning its identity. Everywhere you look, managers and industry leaders are seeking new ways to engage new audiences. We are witnessing an influx of new works and experimentation, companies looking for the next big classic that has eluded them for decades.

Laura Kaminsky, Mark Campbell, and Kimberly Reed’s opera As One could be considered a “new classic,” albeit in a way that exemplifies an art form in flux.

Like the other classical arts, opera struggles to expand beyond its roots. For many traditional opera lovers, the great singers existed long ago and the great operas have already been written, making it difficult for the art form to evolve.

As One is an opera about coming to terms with a new identity in the face of a traditional worldview that rejects this change. In the same way that Hannah questions her gender identity, the work questions what opera is and how it can be presented.

As One is a chamber opera that calls for a string quartet and two cast members. So, instead of necessitating a massive production in a 2,000-seat auditorium, As One can be staged in a living room, a restaurant, a small theater, outdoors—anywhere.

Librettist Mark Campbell has stated that the work’s “portability” and “unique nature” has made

As One particularly popular at smaller companies such as Opera on the Avalon in Newfoundland, Skylark Opera Theatre in St. Paul, Anchorage Opera, and the Boston Opera Collaborative, all of which have staged the work in 2018 to remarkable success.

Reviewing the 2014 world premiere at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, David Allen wrote for The New York Times, “As One forces you to think, simultaneously challenging preconceptions and inspiring empathy.” So, at the same time we are experiencing a new way of producing opera, we are moved by the specifics of the story—not about a long-ago king or fictional warrior, but instead the true story of a transgender person.

It’s no coincidence that other contemporary operas are having similar success, whether it be Margaret Garner, Dead Man Walking, or Fellow Travelers—all deal with subjects inspired by true stories, relevant to contemporary cultural concerns. Audiences are connecting with them because these operas speak to themes and topics of our time. In the end, these operas, including As One, are about us.

David Salazar is the Editor-in-Chief of OperaWire.com, an online news site dedicated to covering opera around the globe.

...

LAURA KAMINSKY, WHO CREATED AS ONE with co-librettists Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed, was named one of the top female composers by The Washington Post in 2017. Photo by Rebecca Allan.

The concept for As One began with composer Laura Kaminsky’s desire to explore universal questions of identity through a transgender protagonist. She happened upon the documentary film Prodigal Sons by transgender filmmaker Kimberly Reed. The two soon connected and began discussing a potential project. They brought Mark Campbell (librettist for Silent Night) on board and suggested the idea of creating an original story that would spring from some of Reed’s experiences. The resulting opera is both specific and universal and speaks to a character’s personal journey in transitioning from a man to a woman.

As One speaks specifically to the transgender experience and also broadly to the idea of transition. Kimberly Reed explains, “The transfolk I know have to figure out a way to incorporate that past expression of self with who we are now. We all have to calibrate that. It’s an internal dialogue, whether we’re trans or not.”

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SEASON ARTISTS CINCINNATI OPERA 2018 * Cincinnati Opera debut

NORAH AMSELLEM

Soprano (Paris, France)

Violetta Valéry, La Traviata Cincinnati: Liù, Turandot (2015) Elsewhere: Nedda, Pagliacci (Teatro São Carlos, Lisbon); Four Heroines, Tales of Hoffmann (Opéra Théâtre de Metz, France); Violetta, La Traviata (Hai Nan Opera House, China) Upcoming: Elle, La Voix Humaine (Villa Santo Sospir, France)

YOUNGJOO AN

Baritone (Seoul, South Korea)

Giorgio Germont, La Traviata* Elsewhere: Barnaba, La Gioconda (New Jersey State Opera); soloist, Rutter Mass of the Children (Carnegie Hall); recital tour (South Korea) Upcoming: Giorgio Germont, La Traviata (Minnesota Opera)

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MARTIN BAKARI

Tenor (Yellow Springs, Ohio)

Gastone, La Traviata* Elsewhere: Trash-Talking Player/Scribe, The Summer King (Michigan Opera Theatre); Tamino, Magic Flute (Opéra Louisiane); Sporting Life, Porgy and Bess (Alte Oper Frankfurt) Upcoming: Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker’s Yardbird (Atlanta Opera)

FREDERICK BALLENTINE, JR.

Tenor (Norfolk, Virginia)

Steersman, Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Cacambo, Candide (Washington National Opera); Sporting Life, Porgy and Bess (Glimmerglass Festival); First Armored Man, Magic Flute (Seattle Opera) Upcoming: Sporting Life, Porgy and Bess (English National Opera)

RENATO BALSADONNA

Conductor (Mirano, Venice)

La Traviata* Elsewhere: Madame Butterfly & Nabucco (Royal Opera House, London); Lucrezia Borgia (Mariinsky Orchestra, St. Petersburg); Lucia di Lammermoor (Oper Frankfurt); Tosca (Opéra de Nice) Upcoming: Madame Butterfly (Teatro La Fenice, Venice)

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SIMON BARRAD

Baritone (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Marquis D’Obigny, La Traviata* Elsewhere: Dandini, La Cenerentola & Robert, Iolanta (Queen City Opera); soloist, Kullervo (Berlin Philharmonie) Upcoming: resident artist (Marlboro Music Festival, Vermont)

FRANCE BELLEMARE

Mezzo-soprano (Montréal, Québec)

The Mother, Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: The Mother, Another Brick in the Wall (Opéra de Montréal); Crobyle, Thaïs (Metropolitan Opera); Mimì, La Bohème (Opéra de Montréal & Saskatoon Opera) Upcoming: Mimì, La Bohème (Vancouver Opera); Micaela, Carmen (Opéra de Montréal)

NATHAN BERG

Baritone (Spalding, Saskatchewan)

Dutchman, Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Wotan, Das Rheingold (Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe); King of Scotland, Ariodante (Salzburg Festival) Upcoming: Alberich, Das Rheingold (Opéra de Montréal); Ring Cycle (Metropolitan Opera)

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KRISTA BILLINGS

Lighting Designer (Sheridan, Wyoming)

Lighting Co-Designer, La Traviata Cincinnati: Associate Lighting Designer (2008–2016) Elsewhere: Associate Technical Director & Lighting Director, Korngold Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 & Ring of Polykrates (Dallas Opera); Remount Lighting Designer, Tosca (Atlanta Opera) Upcoming: Manon Lescaut (Dallas Opera)

JULIEN BILODEAU

Composer (Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Slow Ouverture (I Musici de Montréal); Hangman’s Fantasy (Toronto Symphony Orchestra) Upcoming: Christina the Girl King (Canadian Opera Company); La Beauté du Monde (Opéra de Montréal)

ELIZABETH BISHOP

Mezzo-soprano (Reston, Virginia)

Mary, Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Marcellina, Marriage of Figaro (Washington National Opera & Palm Beach Opera); Herodias, Salome (Florida Grand Opera); Fricka, Das Rheingold (Washington National Opera) Upcoming: Madame de la Haltière, Cendrillon (Lyric Opera of Chicago)

Tickets

AUGUST 4-25 TWENTY EIGHTEEN

BRITISH INVASION August 4 | 7:30pm Saturday

THE FOUR SEASONS: REIMAGINED August 11 | 7:30pm Saturday

Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85

Sigurðsson: Dreamland (CCO Premiere)

Lunn: “Downton Abbey: The Suite” Coleman Itzkoff (CCO Premiere) cello Haydn: Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Hob I:104 (“London”)

Elizabeth Pitcairn violin

Richter: Recomposed by Max Richter: Celeste Golden Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (CCO Premiere) intermixed with Boyer violin Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Op. 8

VOYAGE OF THE RED VIOLIN August 18 | 7:30pm Saturday

THE HERO WITHIN August 25 | 7:30pm Saturday

Chen Yi: Chinese Folk Dance Suite

Barber: Adagio for Strings

Corigliano: The Red Violin Suite (CCO Premiere) Mozart: Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 (“Haffner”)

Christopher O’Riley piano

Collaboration with Music Resource Center: Heroes (World Premiere) Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)

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CAROLINE BLEAU

Soprano (Montréal, Québec)

The Woman, Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Tosca, Tosca & Cio-Cio-San, Madame Butterfly (Settimana Italiana di Montréal); The Woman, Another Brick in the Wall (Opéra de Montréal) Upcoming: Mimì, La Bohème (Settimana Italiana di Montréal); Freia, Das Rheingold (Opéra de Montréal)

NICOLETTE BOOK

Soprano (Detroit, Michigan)

Annina, La Traviata* Elsewhere: Suor Angelica, Suor Angelica; Elettra, Idomeneo; Hanna Glawari, The Merry Widow (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Cropper Woman, The Grapes of Wrath (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis)

OĞULCAN BOROVA

Choreographer (Ankara, Turkey)

Another Brick in the Wall Cincinnati: dancer, Song from the Uproar (2017) Elsewhere: Ballet Master & principal dancer (Cincinnati Ballet); principal dancer (Ballet Internationale Indianapolis & Joffrey Ballet of Chicago); choreographer, Don Quixote (Atlanta Ballet)

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Kelly Mengelkoch & Patrick E. Phillips in This Random World Photo by Ryan Kurtz

FLY BY NIGHT conceived by Kim Rosenstock

by Kim Rosenstock, Will Connolly, & Michael Mitnick

SEASON ALICE IN WONDERLAND book by Joseph McDonough music & lyrics by David Kisor

RIPCORD

by David Lindsay-Abaire

A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2

by Lucas Hnath

SKELETON CREW

by Dominique Morisseau

THE WOLVES

by Sarah DeLappe

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

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ÉTIENNE BOUCHER

Lighting Designer (Montréal, Québec)

Original Lighting Design, Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Totem (Cirque du Soleil); The Nightingale and Other Fables (Canadian Opera Company); Der Ring des Nibelungen (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Frame by Frame (National Ballet of Canada); Hangzhou (Cirque du Soleil, China)

LINDA BROVSKY

Stage Director (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

La Traviata Cincinnati: Rigoletto (2011 & 2005) & La Traviata (1998) Elsewhere: Don Quichotte (Canadian Opera Company & Seattle Opera); Barber of Seville (Pittsburgh Opera) Upcoming: Madame Butterfly (Pittsburgh Opera); Countess Maritza (Opera Pacific Victoria)

MARK CAMPBELL

Librettist (New York, New York)

As One Cincinnati: Silent Night (2014) Elsewhere: Elizabeth Cree (Chicago Opera Theater); The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs (Santa Fe Opera) Upcoming: Stonewall (New York City Opera); Today It Rains (Opera Paralèlle); Edward Tulane (Minnesota Opera)

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DOMINIC CHAMPAGNE

Stage Director (Sorel, Québec)

Concept & Original Stage Direction, Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Love The Beatles; Zumanity; Varekai (Cirque du Soleil); The Odyssey; Don Quixote; Moby Dick (Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Montréal); writer, Cabaret Neiges Noires (film); writer & director, Paradis Perdu & Anticosti (film)

GENE CHANG

Conductor (Cincinnati, Ohio)

As One* Elsewhere: Assistant Conductor (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra); guest conductor (Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra); conductor, Così Fan Tutte (University of California Berkeley Opera) Upcoming: conductor (Cincinnati Pops)

JACOB A. CLIMER

Scenic & Costume Designer (Dallas, Texas)

Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Rusalka (Des Moines Metro Opera); Raw Bacon from Poland (Abrons Art Center, New York) Upcoming: Orfeo ed Euridice (Portland Opera); The Little Prince (Utah Opera); Flying Dutchman (Houston Grand Opera)

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ARYEH NUSSBAUM COHEN

Countertenor (Brooklyn, New York)

Ottone, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Second Maidservant, Elektra & Nirenus, Giulio Cesare (Houston Grand Opera) Upcoming: Ottone, Agrippina (Ars Lyrica Houston); David, Saul (Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra)

BRENNA CORNER

Stage Director (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Carmen (Atlanta Opera); Elixir of Love & Hansel and Gretel (Vancouver Opera); Scalia/Ginsburg (Glimmerglass Festival) Upcoming: co-director, The Odyssey (Glimmerglass Festival); director, Hansel and Gretel (San Diego Opera)

ANTHONY ROTH COSTANZO

Countertenor (Durham, North Carolina)

Nero, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Giulio Cesare, Giulio Cesare (Houston Grand Opera); The Boy/Angel #1, Written on Skin (Opera Philadelphia) Upcoming: soloist, Glass Handel (Opera Philadelphia); Akhnaten, Akhnaten (English National Opera)

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SUZANNE CROCKER

Stage Director (Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Les Feluettes (Pacific Opera Victoria); assistant director, Dialogues of the Carmelites (Opéra de Montréal); assistant director, Romeo and Juliet (Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Montréal) Upcoming: production stage manager (Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney World Orlando)

THOMAS DREEZE

Baritone (Toledo, Ohio)

Baron Douphol, La Traviata Cincinnati: Mr. Rockefeller, Frida (2017) & Maestro Spinelloccio/Notary, Gianni Schicchi (2012) Elsewhere: Raphael, Haydn The Creation (Knox Music Series); soloist, Williams A Sea Symphony (Butler Philharmonic) Upcoming: soloist, Handel Messiah (Butler Philharmonic); Melchior, Amahl and the Night Visitors (Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra)

LOUIS DUFORT

Sound Designer & Numeric Orchestration (Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Henri Michaux: Movements (The Grand Theatre, Kingston, Canada); Étude no. 1 (New Dance Horizons, Regina, Canada) Upcoming: Hieronymous Bosch: The Garden of Earthly Delights (Kuopio Dance Festival, Finland)

52

JAMES EDER

Bass (Dublin, Ohio)

Dr. Grenvil, La Traviata* & The Judge, Another Brick in the Wall Elsewhere: Elviro, Xerxes (Pittsburgh Festival Opera); Bonze, Madame Butterfly (Chattanooga Symphony & Opera); Alcindoro/Benoit, La Bohème (Knoxville Opera); Colline, La Bohème (Opera Columbus)

STEFAN ERIK EGERSTROM

Bass (Brooklyn Center, New Mexico)

Flora’s Servant, La Traviata* Elsewhere: King René, Iolanta (Queen City Opera); Sarastro, Magic Flute & Siroco, L’Étoile (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Dr. Grenvil, La Traviata & Dulcamara, Elixir of Love (Janiec Opera Company, Brevard Music Center)

CORI ELLISON

Dramaturg (New York, New York)

Coronation of Poppea Cincinnati: supertitles author, Der Rosenkavalier (2013) Elsewhere: dramaturg, Hamlet (Glyndebourne Festival); Breaking the Waves (Opera Philadelphia) Upcoming: dramaturg, Hadrian (Canadian Opera Company); The Copper Queen (Arizona Opera)

Did you know when Music Hall was completed in 1879, it took only 80 brick layers to lay 4 million bricks in the Walls?

Learn more fascinating facts about Cincinnati Music Hall by taking an SPMH Beyond the Bricks walking tour this May through October and feel history come alive.

Photo Credit: J. Miles Wolf Photography, LLC

The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall Congratulates The Opera this season!

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SPMH brings you stories and stewardship of each brick in this hall.

Become a friend of Music Hall through SPMH today!

Ticket and member information at www.spmhcincinnati.org

Twitter @SPMHcincinnati

AMBER FASQUELLE

Mezzo-soprano (San Francisco, California)

Hannah after, As One Cincinnati: Third Lady, Magic Flute (2017) Elsewhere: The Princess, Suor Angelica; Polinesso, Ariodante; Prince Charming, Cendrillon (UC College-Conservatory of Music) Upcoming: Fox, The Cunning Little Vixen (Deutsche Oper Berlin)

JAMES DEVELIN GEIER

Wig & Make-up Designer (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Resident Wig & Make-up Designer Cincinnati: 2004–2017 seasons Elsewhere: Romeo and Juliet & Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet); Nutcracker tour (Detroit Opera House); Tom Sawyer & Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company) Upcoming: Pittsburgh Opera 2018–2019 season

MEG GILLENTINE

Choreographer (Atlanta, Georgia)

Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Seven Deadly Sins & Flying Dutchman (Atlanta Opera); Magpie/ choreographer, Thieving Magpie (Glimmerglass Festival); featured dancer, Fosse & Cassandra, Cats (Broadway) Upcoming: La Traviata (Washington National Opera)

54

ROBIN GUARINO

Stage Director (Bronxville, New York)

As One Cincinnati: Die Fledermaus (2016) Elsewhere: Dialogues of the Carmelites & Madame Butterfly (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); War Stories (Opera Philadelphia) Upcoming: The Rake’s Progress (San Francisco Opera); Blind Injustice (Cincinnati Opera)

MELISSA HARVEY

Soprano (Richburg, New York)

Drusilla, Coronation of Poppea Cincinnati: Calavera, Frida & Soprano 1, Song from the Uproar (2017) Elsewhere: Alice, Alice in Wonderland (New York City Opera); Iris, La Fête du Ruel (Catacoustic Consort); soloist, Arnesen Magnificat (Kentucky Symphony Orchestra) Upcoming: Shatzi, The Flood (Opera Columbus)

THOMAS C. HASE

Lighting Designer (Madison, Wisconsin)

Resident Lighting Designer & Lighting Director Cincinnati: 1997–2017 seasons Elsewhere: Der Freischütz (Vienna State Opera); The Demon (Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona); Don Carlo (Washington National Opera) Upcoming: lighting & production design, Ice (Finnish National Opera)

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ADAM CHARLAP HYMAN

Scenic Designer (New York, New York)

Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: founder/principal (Charlap Hyman & Herrero); scenic designer, La Calisto (Juilliard School) Upcoming: scenic designer, A Little Night Music (Nederlandse Reisopera)

REBECCA RINGLE KAMAREI

Mezzo-soprano (Los Alamos, New Mexico)

Arnalta, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Catherine, The Shining Bow (UrbanArias, Washington, D.C.); Third Maid, Elektra (Metropolitan Opera); Dryad, Ariadne auf Naxos (Berkshire Opera Festival); Maddalena, Rigoletto (Baltimore Concert Opera)

LAURA KAMINSKY

Composer (Brooklyn, New York)

As One* Elsewhere: As One (Seattle Opera & San Diego Opera); undercurrent (Albany Records) Upcoming: Today It Rains (Opera Parallèle & American Opera Projects); Postville: Hometown to the World (San Francisco Opera & Santa Fe Opera)

56

NATHAN KEOUGHAN

Baritone (Stratford, Prince Edward Island)

Pink, Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Pink cover, Another Brick in the Wall & Paris, Romeo and Juliet (Opéra de Montréal); First Priest/Armed Guard, Magic Flute (Calgary Opera) Upcoming: Leo Stein, 27 (L’Atelier Lyrique de L’Opéra de Montréal)

AMANDA McGEE

Costume Designer (Plano, Texas)

Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Othello; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Richard III; Julius Caesar; Antony and Cleopatra; Cyrano de Bergerac (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company); Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Legacy Theatre, Atlanta)

SARAH MESKO

Mezzo-soprano (Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Ottavia, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Arsace, Semiramide & Second Lady, Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Mercédès, Carmen (Metropolitan Opera); Ottavia, Coronation of Poppea (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis)

57

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DANIEL MOODY

Countertenor (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Valet/Friend of Seneca, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Arsamene, Xerxes (Pittsburgh Festival Opera); Spirit, Dido and Aeneas (Mark Morris Dance Group) Upcoming: soloist, Handel Messiah (Oratorio Society of New York); soloist, Chichester Psalms (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)

JAY HUNTER MORRIS

Tenor (Paris, Texas)

Erik, Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Aegisth, Elektra (Metropolitan Opera); Siegfried, Siegfried (Houston Grand Opera); Captain Ahab, Moby-Dick (Los Angeles Opera) Upcoming: Erik, Flying Dutchman (Dallas Opera)

REILLY NELSON

Mezzo-soprano (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario)

Flora Bervoix, La Traviata & Vera Lynn, Another Brick in the Wall Cincinnati: Dimas’s Mother/Lupe Marín, Frida (2017) Elsewhere: soloist, West Side Story Suite (Cincinnati Pops); Mrs. Van Buren, Intimate Apparel (Opera Fusion: New Works) Upcoming: Second Lady/Barbara, Magic Flute (Kentucky Opera); soloist, Mozart Requiem (Reno Philharmonic Orchestra) 58

ANDREW OWENS

Tenor (Bucks County, Pennsylvania)

First Soldier/Friend of Seneca/Lucan/Consul, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Bénédict, Béatrice et Bénédict & Almaviva, Barber of Seville (Seattle Opera); Peer Gynt, Peer Gynt (Theater an der Wein) Upcoming: Arturo, Lucia di Lammermoor (Opera Philadelphia)

JI-MIN PARK

Tenor (Seoul, South Korea)

Alfredo Germont, La Traviata Cincinnati: Ernesto, Don Pasquale (2015) Elsewhere: Alfredo, La Traviata & Rodolfo, La Bohème (Opera Australia) Upcoming: Ferrando, Così Fan Tutte (Korean National Opera); Gennaro, Lucrezia Borgia (Moscow State Philharmonic Society)

CHRISTOF PERICK

Conductor (Hamburg, Germany)

Flying Dutchman Cincinnati: Der Rosenkavalier (2013) Elsewhere: Das Rheingold & Der Freischütz (Hamburg State Opera); Die Walküre Act I (Beethoven Orchester Bonn) Upcoming: Zar und Zimmermann & Hansel and Gretel (Vienna Volksoper)

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CHRISTIAN PURSELL

Bass-baritone (Santa Cruz, California)

Liberto and other roles, Coronation of Poppea Cincinnati: Potter’s Assistant/French Priest, Fellow Travelers (2016) Elsewhere: Matthew/French Priest, Fellow Travelers (Prototype Festival); Tall Englishman, The Gambler (Vienna State Opera) Upcoming: Walter Raleigh, Roberto Devereux & Count Lamoral, Arabella (San Francisco Opera)

JOHNNY RANGER

Video Designer (Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Crystal (Cirque du Soleil, North American tour); Another Brick in the Wall (Opéra de Montréal)

KIMBERLY REED

Librettist/Filmmaker (Helena, Montana)

As One* Elsewhere: As One (Seattle Opera; Hawaii Opera Theatre; Des Moines Metro Opera; San Diego Opera; Opera on the Avalon, Newfoundland) Upcoming: Today It Rains (Opera Parallèle & American Opera Projects); As One (Chautauqua Opera)

60

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JEAN-MICHEL RICHER

Tenor (Montréal, Québec)

The Father, Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Vallier de Tilly, Les Feluettes (Pacific Opera Victoria); The Father, Another Brick in the Wall (Opéra de Montréal); François, A Quiet Place (Curtis Institute of Music) Upcoming: soloist, Le Mystère Carmen (Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Montréal)

ALEX ROSEN

Bass (La Cañada, California)

Seneca, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Nicolai/Falstaff, Merry Wives of Windsor & Rameau/Thesée, Hippolyte et Aricie (Juilliard School) Upcoming: Raphael/Adam, Haydn Die Schöpfung (Les Arts Florissants); Farasmane, Handel Radamisto (Opera Lafayette)

STÉPHANE ROY

Scenic Designer (Québec City, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Zumanity; Kurios; Varekai; Zarkana (Cirque du Soleil); Three Musketeers (Gilbert Coullier Productions, Paris) Upcoming: new production (Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney World Orlando)

61

BRANDON SCOTT RUSSELL

Tenor (Springfield, Missouri)

The Teacher, Another Brick in the Wall Cincinnati: Parpignol, La Bohème (2017) & Ruiz, Il Trovatore (2015) Elsewhere: Rinuccio, Gianni Schicchi & Candide, Candide (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Cassio, Otello (Springfield Regional Opera) Upcoming: Edgardo, Lucia di Lammermoor (Knoxville Opera)

REBECCA SENSKE

Costume Designer (Hutchinson, Kansas)

As One Cincinnati: Song from the Uproar (2017); La Calisto (2014); A Flowering Tree (2011) Elsewhere: Noises Off (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company); The Humans (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati) Upcoming: Guys and Dolls (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Fly

By Night (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati)

SARAH SHAFER

Soprano (State College, Pennsylvania)

Poppea, Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: Azema, Semiramide (Metropolitan Opera); Zerlina, Don Giovanni & Pamina, Magic Flute (San Francisco Opera); Adina, Elixir of Love (Opera Philadelphia) Upcoming: Susanna, Marriage of Figaro (San Diego Opera)

62

ANNE-CATHERINE SIMARD-DERASPE

Lighting Designer

(Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Svadba (L’Atelier Lyrique de L’Opéra de Montréal); Porgy and Bess; Don Giovanni; Barber of Seville; Madame Butterfly (Opéra de Montréal); Turandot (Opera Philadelphia) Upcoming: Rigoletto (Opéra de Montréal)

SAMUEL SMITH

Bass (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Giuseppe, La Traviata Cincinnati: Sergeant, La Bohème (2017); Sciarrone, Tosca (2016); Old Gypsy, Il Trovatore (2015); chorus (1985–1990, 2015–2018) Elsewhere: Don Pasquale, Don Pasquale (Anchorage Opera)

MARCY STONIKAS

Soprano (Elmhurst, Illinois)

Senta, Flying Dutchman Cincinnati: Turandot, Turandot (2015) Elsewhere: Tosca, Tosca (Arizona Opera); Ariadne, Ariadne auf Naxos (Berkshire Opera Festival) Upcoming: Miss Jessel, Turn of the Screw (Seattle Opera); Gertrude, Hansel and Gretel (San Diego Opera)

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ALAIN TRUDEL

Conductor (Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Music Director (Toledo Symphony Orchestra; Ottawa Symphony Orchestra; Orchestre symphonique de Laval, Québec); Another Brick in the Wall (Opéra de Montréal); Die Fledermaus (Opéra de Québec) Upcoming: Carmen (Opéra de Montréal)

S. KATY TUCKER

Projection Designer (Brooklyn, New York)

Flying Dutchman* Elsewhere: Ring Cycle (San Francisco Opera); West Side Story (Kennedy Center); Prince Igor (Metropolitan Opera); If You Listen (National Sawdust) Upcoming: Florencia en el Amazonas (Houston Grand Opera); Rigoletto (Wolf Trap Opera)

MARIE-CHANTALE VAILLANCOURT

Costume Designer

(Montréal, Québec)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Kà & Crystal (Cirque du Soleil); Funkytown (Caramel Films); The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, Montréal) Upcoming: Candide (Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Montréal); Hangzhou (Cirque du Soleil, China)

64

HENRI VENANZI

Chorus Master (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Resident Chorus Master Cincinnati: 1990–2017 seasons Elsewhere: accompanist for Martina Arroyo, Kathleen Battle, Sondra Radvanovsky, Jerry Hadley (recitals); U.S. Artist in Residence (Xi’an, China) Upcoming: Visiting Professor of Linguistics & Opera Coach (University of Arizona, Tucson); Chorus Master (Arizona Opera)

ROGER WATERS

Composer (Great Bookham, Surrey, England)

Another Brick in the Wall* Elsewhere: Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon; Wish You Were Here; Animals; The Wall (Harvest/Columbia Records); Pink Floyd—The Wall (MGM/UA); Ça Ira (Sony Classical); Roger Waters: The Wall (Universal Pictures) Upcoming: Us + Them Tour (world tour)

GARY THOR WEDOW

Conductor (LaPorte, Indiana)

Coronation of Poppea* Elsewhere: War Stories (Opera Philadelphia); La Cenerentola (San Diego Opera) Upcoming: Giulio Cesare (Jacobs School of Music); Don Pasquale (Pittsburgh Opera); Considering Matthew Shepard (Berkshire Choral International)

JOHANNA BERNSTEIN WILT

Choreographer (Cincinnati, Ohio)

La Traviata* Elsewhere: Ballet Master; choreographer, Peter Pan; Alice in Wonderland; Massine Seventh Symphony (Cincinnati Ballet); The Dance Will Set You Free & A Hero’s Prayer (Cincinnati Ballet New Works); Enigma Variations IX: Nimrod (Lumenocity)

ZACK WINOKUR

Stage Director (Needham, Massachusetts)

Coronation of Poppea Cincinnati: choreographer, La Calisto (2014) Elsewhere: co-artistic director (American Modern Opera Company) Upcoming: director, Black Clown (American Repertory Theater); Perle Noir & El Cimmarón (Metropolitan Museum of Art); A Little Night Music (Nederlandse Reisopera)

ARTHUR WOODLEY

Bass (St. Croix, Virgin Islands)

Daland, Flying Dutchman Cincinnati: Sarastro, Magic Flute (2001) Elsewhere: Emile Griffith, Champion (Washington National Opera); Ludovico, Otello (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) Upcoming: Emile Griffith, Champion (Opéra de Montréal); Rocco, Fidelio (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) 65

MATTHEW WORTH

Baritone (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Hannah before, As One* Elsewhere: John F. Kennedy, JFK (Fort Worth Opera); Audebert, Silent Night (Wexford Festival Opera); Raymond Shaw, The Manchurian Candidate (Minnesota Opera); Starbuck, Moby-Dick (Washington National Opera) Upcoming: Figaro, Barber of Seville (Boston Lyric Opera)

MICHAEL YOUNG

Baritone (Cortland, Ohio)

Messenger, La Traviata & The Prosecutor, Another Brick in the Wall Cincinnati: Herald, Otello (2010) Elsewhere: Enrico, Lucia di Lammermoor (Opera Western Reserve); Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni & Alberich, Siegfried (Queen City Opera) Upcoming: Macbeth, Macbeth (Opera Western Reserve)

TOMER ZVULUN

Stage Director (Ashkelon, Israel)

Original Production & Staging, Flying Dutchman Cincinnati: Don Giovanni (2013) Elsewhere: General and Artistic Director (Atlanta Opera); Dinner at Eight (Minnesota Opera) Upcoming: director, Silent Night (Washington National Opera & Glimmerglass Festival); Eugene Onegin (Seattle Opera)

CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Violins I Timothy Lees Kathryn Woolley Charles Morey Eric Bates Anna Reider Mauricio Aguiar Minyoung Baik James Braid Michelle Edgar Dugan Rebecca Kruger Fryxell Gerald Itzkoff Lois Reid Johnson Sylvia Mitchell Luo-Jia Wu

66

Violins II Gabriel Pegis Yang Liu Scott Mozlin Kun Dong Cheryl Benedict Drake Crittenden Ash Rachel Charbel Chiun-Teng Cheng Stefani Collins Matsuo Chika Kinderman HyeSun Park Paul Patterson Stacey Woolley

Violas Christian Colberg Paul Frankenfeld Julian Wilkison Marna Street Rebecca Barnes Stephen Fryxell Li Li Denisse Rodriguez-Rivera Steven Rosen Joanne Wojtowicz Cellos Ilya Finkelshteyn Daniel Culnan Norman Johns Matthew Lad Susan Marshall-Petersen Hiro Matsuo Theodore Nelson Alan Rafferty Charles Snavely Basses Owen Lee James Lambert Matthew Zory, Jr. Wayne Anderson Boris Astafiev Ronald Bozicevich Rick Vizachero

Harp Gillian Benet Sella

Contrabassoon Jennifer Monroe

Flutes Randolph Bowman Amy Taylor Henrik Heide

French Horns Elizabeth Freimuth Thomas Sherwood Patrick Hodge Lisa Conway Duane Dugger Charles Bell

Piccolo Joan Voorhees Oboes Dwight Parry Richard Johnson Lon Bussell English Horn Christopher Philpotts Clarinets Ralph Skiano Ixi Chen Benjamin Freimuth Bass Clarinet Ronald Aufmann Bassoons William Winstead Hugh Michie Martin Garcia

Trumpets Douglas Lindsay Steven Pride Christopher Kiradjieff Trombones Cristian Ganicenco Joseph Rodriguez

Percussion David Fishlock Michael Culligan Richard Jensen Keyboards Michael Chertock

Orchestra Personnel Paul Pietrowski Rachel Kilgore Librarians Mary Judge Christina Eaton Elizabeth Dunning

Bass Trombone Peter Norton Tuba Christopher Olka Timpani Patrick Schleker Richard Jensen

CINCINNATI OPERA CHORUS Danielle Adams Tyler Alessi La’Shelle Q. Allen Nicolette Book Brianna Bragg Joy Burdette Tony Burdette CodyRay Caho Allan Palacios Chan Robert Crawford Antonio Cruz Chelsea Duval-Major Stefan Erik Egerstrom

Caitlin Gotimer Ellen Graham Camron Gray Stephen Hanna Max Hosmer Michael Hyatt Brenda Iglesias Erin Keesy Benjamin Lee Claire Lopatka Vassili Makavos Hayley Maloney Lauren McAllister

Gregory Miller Grace Newberry Jennifer Noel Victoria Okafor John Overholt Murrella Parton Will Reed James Rootring Stacey Sands Eric Shane Natalie Jo Sheppard Ahdda Shur John Siarris

Megan Ann Slack Samuel Smith Rob Stahley Kevin Truax Jason Vest Audrey Walstrom Tara Wheeker Miles Wilson-Toliver Melanie Woodruff Yewon Yoon Michael Young Junbo Zhou

CINCINNATI BALLET IN LA TRAVIATA Marcus Romeo

Bella Ureta

CATACOUSTIC CONSORT IN THE CORONATION OF POPPEA Baroque Triple Harp Elizabeth Motter

Theorbo/Lute/ Baroque Guitar Andrew Maginley Dave Walker

Recorders Jody Miller Laura Osterlund

Viola da Gamba/ Lirone Annalisa Pappano

Harpsichord/ Baroque Organ Michael Unger

Alex Lukondi Graham Lutes Denny Lynch Rick Maurer Riley Montello James Noll

Perry Olsen Jeffry Peeno Julie Pegrem Tom Riser Susan Smith Devon Swanson

Theresa M. Tesno John Tew Michael Urriquia Robert D. Vashon Henry Weghorst Ronna Willis

SUPERNUMERARIES Ian Patrick Ashwell E. Ray Boston Barry Clayton Eli Davis Jay T. Fry Cherie Hass Kenny Hamilton

Nick Heffelfinger Kerry Hegarty Terry Hellman Jared Joplin Sam Kerns Scott Lincoln

67

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MAJOR SEASON SUPPORT SEASON SUPPORT

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

RETURN TO MUSIC HALL SPONSOR The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation SEASON SPONSORS Supertitles Sponsor Ohio National Financial Services

CO2 Underwriter The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./ U.S. Bank Foundation

68

CO Next: Diverse Voices Underwriter 1919 Investment Counsel Patricia K. Beggs, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Harry Fath Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation Opera Fusion Sponsor The Corbett Foundation Opera Fusion: New Works Sponsor The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Back to the Zoo Concert Sponsor The Marge & Charles J. Schott Foundation Preferred Healthcare Provider University of Cincinnati Medical Center/ UC Health

Opera in the Park Concert Sponsors Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust Macy’s Western & Southern Financial Group Opera Goes to Church/ Opera Goes to Temple Sponsor Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust Student Access Sponsors Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust Huntington Bank Community Open Dress Rehearsal Sponsors Paycor Procter & Gamble The Marge & Charles J. Schott Foundation Center Stage Sponsors ArtsWave Huntington Bank LPK Macy’s

Official Piano Provider Seta Music

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT ArtsWave

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The Marge & Charles J. Schott Foundation

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Impacting our communities through art.

We are dedicated to the advancement of the arts and culture sector, which plays a vital role in enriching the lives of everyone in the region.

That’s why we are proud to support the Cincinnati Opera, known for creating the beautiful, magical and thrilling experiences that have become an indispensable part of our community.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation was created to LUOHUJL [OL X\HSP[` VM SPML PU .YLH[LY *PUJPUUH[P JVUJLU[YH[PUN V\Y LŃœVY[Z PU support of community development, arts and culture, education, and human services. Our work is designed to have the largest possible impact as we help lead the way to sustaining a vibrant community.

haileusb.org

ARTISTIC SPONSORS

LA TRAVIATA

THE CORONATION OF POPPEA

Production Underwriter

CO2 Underwriter

Anonymous

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./ U.S. Bank Foundation

Opening Weekend Sponsor Ohio National Financial Services

Opening Weekend Sponsor Ohio National Financial Services

Additional Support Miss Genevieve H. Smith

Production Underwriter Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe

Evening Sponsors

Set Design & Production Sponsor

Chavez Properties

Ginger and David Warner

The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation Mueller Family Foundation

Evening Sponsors Cincinnati Opera Guild

Harry and Ann Santen The Hasl Family, in memory of Dr. Robert J. Hasl Edward and Nancy Rosenthal Support for Maestro Renato Balsadonna Nydia C. Tranter, in memory of Jack Tranter

Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack Dr. and Mrs. John M. Tew, Jr.

The Appearance of Norah Amsellem 70

Mary Ann and John Boorn Sheila and Christopher Cole

Support for Maestro Gary Thor Wedow Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kerstine

The Appearance of Ji-Min Park Chris and Vivienne Carlson

The Appearance of Sarah Shafer Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. “Doc” Huffman

The Appearance of Youngjoo An Debra Edelman, in memory of Jack Edelman

The Appearance of Anthony Roth Costanzo Marilyn Z. Ott

The Appearance of Reilly Nelson Arthur B. Casper

The Appearance of Sarah Mesko Dr. and Mrs. Jack A. Hahn

Support for Linda Brovsky, Stage Director Mary M. Bergstein

The Appearance of Melissa Harvey Donna Hoffman Young Artist Scholarship Fund The Appearance of Alex Rosen William A. Starr Young Artist Fund Support for Cori Ellison, Dramaturg Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Support for Zack Winokur, Stage Director Ginger and David Warner

Proud to support Cincinnati Opera

Life changes. We’ll be there.

®

LIFE INSURANCE | ANNUITIES | RETIREMENT PLANS | DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE Insurance and annuity products are issued by The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation.

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ARTISTIC SPONSORS

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

Production Underwriter

Production Underwriter

The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee

Edward Jay Wohlgemuth Additional Support The Alpaugh Foundation, Vicki and Peter Alpaugh

Evening Sponsors Family and Friends, in memory of Dr. Charlie Kuntz IV Mrs. Beryl Merritt, in memory of Beryl Merritt

Evening Sponsors Anonymous

Support for Maestro Christof Perick

Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank

Nancy S. Walker, in memory of Frank and Etha Shawhan

HORAN

The Appearance of Marcy Stonikas

Murray Sinclaire, Jr., and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, LLC

Susan and Joe Pichler

The National Endowment for the Arts

The Appearance of Nathan Berg Dr. James D. Faulkner

Support for Maestro Alain Trudel The Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier

The Appearance of Jay Hunter Morris Robert and Carol Olson

The Appearance of Nathan Keoughan Anonymous

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The Appearance of Arthur Woodley Drs. David and Elaine Billmire

The Appearance of Caroline Bleau Mary and Joe Brinkmeyer

The Appearance of Frederick Ballentine, Jr. Dr. Alvin H. and Alva Jean Crawford

The Appearance of France Bellemare David and Vicky Motch

Support for Brenna Corner, Stage Director Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel

The Appearance of Jean-Michel Richer Christopher D. Edwards, in memory of Scott Atkinson The Appearance of Reilly Nelson Arthur B. Casper Support for Suzanne Crocker, Stage Director Cincinnati Opera Staff

Sponsoring a season artist provides the opportunity to form a real connection with our artists, beyond seeing them perform on stage. Support from our artist sponsors allows Cincinnati Opera to continue bringing world-class talent to Cincinnati.

If you are interested in sponsoring one of our season artists, please contact Sneja H. Tomassian at (513) 768-5527 or stomassian@cincinnatiopera.org.

Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, LLC is a proud sponsor of the Cincinnati Opera!

RSA is a full-service investment banking, securities brokerage and asset management firm dedicated to providing long-term superior results for our clients.

Municipal Finance • Corporate Finance Asset Management • Alternative Investments Retail Brokerage Services • Tax Credits Institutional Sales & Trading

Murray Sinclaire, Jr. Founder 700 Walnut Street, Suite 600 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Local: 513.381.3939 Toll Free: 800.543.1831 msinclaire@rsanet.com www.rsanet.com RSA is a registered broker-dealer, a municipal advisor, an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and a member of FINRA the MSRB and SIPC. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investment Products are Not FDIC Insured, Offer No Bank Guarantee, May Lose Value.

ARTISTIC SPONSORS

AS ONE CO Next: Diverse Voices Underwriter

Support for Maestro Gene Chang

1919 Investment Counsel

The John L. Magro Artist Development Fund

Production Underwriter

Support for Laura Kaminsky, Composer

In memory of Gene M. Wilson

Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D., and Robert Toltzis, M.D. The Appearance of Matthew Worth

Evening Sponsors

Douglas Ignatius and Bruce Preston

Patricia K. Beggs and James D. Beggs Patty Brisben, on behalf of Living with Change Foundation

The Appearance of Amber Fasquelle Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie B. Blancquaert

Dianne Dunkelman Elizabeth Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Support for Robin Guarino, Stage Director Richard and Susan Lauf Workshop Sponsor & Opera Rap Sponsor The CCM Harmony Fund: Challenging Hate and Prejudice through the Performing Arts

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Rewards and responsibilities of great wealth.

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guide cincy arts event calendar

Amazing Experiences Start Here.

Discover music, dance, theater, museums, festivals, classes and more with the calendar at ArtsWave.org/Guide Download the app on iOS!

Welcome, Morris Robinson!

B Y D AV I D LY M A N

ARTISTIC ADVISOR MORRIS ROBINSON in the renovated Music Hall. Photo by Philip Groshong.

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H

is voice is magnificent, his stage presence memorable. Yet whenever people discuss Morris Robinson, they inevitably feel the need to mention that he was a college football player. Never mind his many roles at the Metropolitan Opera or Teatro alla Scala. Or that he made his BBC Proms debut in the Verdi Requiem. Or that he was a part of Jessye Norman’s HONOR festival at Carnegie Hall.

“I think it normalizes me in some people’s eyes and makes me accessible to a wider audience,” says Robinson, who has appeared many times with Cincinnati Opera and will return to sing the role of Porgy during the 2019 summer season.

Besides, he remembers a time when almost no one believed he had what it took to sustain a singing career. “When I came into the opera business, they thought I was one and done,” he says. “That was almost 20 years ago.”

He can’t resist the occasional football analogy himself.

“I was a pulling guard,” he recalls of his years on The Citadel’s football roster. “It’s a thankless job.

Kind of like being a bass. You know how it is—80 to 85 percent of the time, the bass is the other guy.

The tenor gets the girl.”

Here in Cincinnati, we know Robinson for his booming voice and his larger-than-life stage presence. (He’s 6’ 3” and towers over most singers around him.) But in December, he took on a decidedly different sort of role with Cincinnati Opera when he was named Artistic Advisor to the com-

pany.

It’s a three-year appointment and will involve Robinson in everything from school residencies and hosting an Opera 101 gathering “for guys who get dragged to the opera by their wives and girlfriends” to embedding him in Cincinnati Opera’s strategic planning.

For many singers, those sorts of involvements would be a stretch. Not for Robinson, who spent several years as a manager with the manufacturing giant 3M. “I was in marketing,” says Robinson, explaining that he managed several products. “I was involved with manufacturing, transport, promotion, and introducing products into the marketplace. That was when I was 23.” Later, he moved up the corporate ladder as he worked for Exxon and then Monsanto.

“It was all about the process of getting a product together with the right customer,” says Robinson.

“In a way, that’s the same sort of thing I can help with here. I have the business acumen. I think I can help the opera connect its product—opera—with new groups of customers.”

He sounds so enthusiastic about the business side of things that you have to wonder how easy it might be to woo him back into the world of big business.

“Not right now, I don’t think,” says Robinson.

“I’m enjoying the singing too much. Besides, I have a 12-year-old son. I need to sing at least 10-15 more years.”

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE

Cincinnati Opera Ron Bates Managing Director Alison Bevilacqua Principal

Michael Masterson Principal

513-621-2733 | www.1919ic.com

BALTIMORE

BIRMINGHAM

CINCINNATI

NEW YORK

PHILADELPHIA

ST. LOUIS

CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT, AND FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTIONS

EXECUTIVE $50,000+

The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee

PRINCIPAL $25,000+

78

DIRECTOR $12,000+

AMBASSADOR $6,000+

OFFICER $3,500+ A Catered Affair ComDoc

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza/ Orchids at Palm Court

Kaze

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

The Phoenix

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

Kroger

The Transept/ Funky’s Catering Zula

LOYAL CORPORATE PARTNERS Cincinnati Opera is most grateful for the generous and ongoing philanthropic leadership from the following companies. Their support for various programs and projects has helped grow Cincinnati Opera into a major pillar of the region’s arts community and an innovator in the opera industry.

PNC Since 1982

Fath Properties Since 1999

Macy’s Since 1985

FRCH Since 1999

Frost Brown Todd LLC Since 1990

Ohio National Financial Services Since 2001

Johnson Investment Counsel Since 1990

Seta Music Since 2004

1919 Investment Counsel Since 1991

LPK Since 2005

P&G Since 1991

Chavez Properties Since 2006

Thompson Hine LLP Since 1994

Western & Southern Financial Group Since 2006

U.S. Bank Since 1995

Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, LLC Since 2010

Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors Since 2011 Paycor Since 2011 EY Since 2012 University of Cincinnati Medical Center/UC Health Since 2012 Burke, Inc. Since 2014 Episcopal Retirement Services Since 2014 Huntington Bank Since 2014

ARTSWAVE PARTNERS

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Cincinnati Opera acknowledges the following Partner Companies, Foundations, and their employees who generously participate in the Annual ArtsWave Community Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Your support helps make our community vibrant and connects people all across our region through the arts. Thank you!

P&G Fifth Third Bank/ Fifth Third Bank Foundation General Electric Company Macy’s Cincinnati Bell The Kroger Co.

Western & Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

U.S. Bank Great American Insurance Group Ohio National Financial Services Duke Energy PNC

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Convergys Corporation

Jean-Robert’s Table

West Side Brewing

Kaze

Zula Restaurant & Wine Bar

Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee

IMPORTANT PARTNERS Preferred Restaurants and Caterers 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab The Anchor Bakersfield Below Zero A Catered Affair The Celestial The Eagle eat well, LLC Frida 602 Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza/ Orchids at Palm Court

Krueger’s Tavern Maplewood

Preferred Custom Framer Art Design Consultants

The Mercer The Phoenix

Donor Lounge Sponsors

Pleasantry

eat well, LLC

Revel OTR Urban Winery

EY

The Skeleton Root Taste of Belgium The Transept/Funky’s Catering Vonderhaar’s Catering, Inc./ V’s Café

Preferred Hotel Partners 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

T

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he new production of Wagner’s masterwork The Flying Dutchman was funded by a generous gift to the New Century Campaign from The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee, in support of The Great Works pillar of the New Century Campaign. This modern retelling of The Flying Dutchman celebrates Cincinnati Opera’s return to the renovated Music Hall, showcasing its new artistic and technological capabilities. Scenic designer Jacob A. Climer’s sets and costumes are enhanced by large-scale projections designed by S. Katy Tucker, allowing audiences to rediscover this Wagner masterpiece in an awe-inspiring new concept.

The New Century Campaign continues to successfully build capacity for Cincinnati Opera and fund significant projects in four key areas: The Great Works, continuing our commitment to the masterworks of the operatic canon; The New Works, expanding the canon by creating and presenting new American opera; The Convener in the Community, broadening our reach within the community; and The Beyond, exploring innovative ways of connecting audiences with opera.

SETS, COSTUMES, AND VIDEO PROJECTIONS combine to produce a thrilling new production of The Flying Dutchman. Photo by Jeff Roffman/The Atlanta Opera.

Your gift to the New Century Campaign will help us grow an already world-class company, taking it places it has never been, and bringing the power of opera to everyone. To make a gift to the New Century Campaign, please contact Sneja H. Tomassian at (513) 768-5527. Thank you for your support.

NEW CENTURY CAMPAIGN DONORS Anonymous Boris Auerbach* and Kathy Patchel Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Katherine and Nelson Bond Estate A.K. and Gibby Carey* Chris and Vivienne Carlson Melanie M. Chavez and Jeremy Campbell Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe The Corbett Foundation Peter G. Courlas Cathy* and Tom Crain Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas The Thomas J. Emery Memorial Harry* and Linda Fath The Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation

The Estate of Eleanor Hazelton David C. Herriman Karlee L. Hilliard Donald E. Hoffman* Gary T. “Doc”* and Milly Huffman Marjorie and Lawrence* H. Kyte, Jr. The Louise Taft Semple Foundation LPK The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Estate of Mary and William Meyer The Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust Robert* and Carol Olson Marilyn Z. Ott Joseph and Susan Pichler PNC Bank Edward and Nancy Rosenthal The Saenger Family Foundation Ruthann and G. James Sammarco, M.D.

Harry and Ann Santen The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee The Selnick Charitable Remainder Trust Murray* and Robin Sinclaire Miss Genevieve H. Smith Cynthia Starr Nancy Steman Susan and John M. Tew, Jr., M.D. Nydia C. Tranter Nancy S. Walker, in memory of Frank and Etha Shawhan The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation The Estate of Gene M. Wilson Jeannine and John Winkelmann, M.D. Anne and Allen Zaring III

*Denotes a member of Cincinnati Opera’s Presidents’ Council

PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK Congratulates Cincinnati Opera on its return to Music Hall

PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK Bringing People to Art in Nature

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013 | 513-868-1234

Developing New Works CORBETT OPERA FUSION AND OPERA FUSION: NEW WORKS RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, pop singer and composer of Hadrian, speaks to the audience during the public presentation of excerpts from Hadrian at The Transept in March 2018. Photo by Philip Groshong.

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n 2018, Cincinnati’s Opera Fusion: New Works developed its first international project: Hadrian, an opera by renowned singer/songwriter/ composer Rufus Wainwright. Commissioned by the Canadian Opera Company, this piece is slated to premiere in October 2018 in Toronto. The concluding workshop performance was presented to Cincinnati opera lovers and a virtual audience of thousands on March 21, 2018.

Next up for Opera Fusion: New Works is Mapplethorpe, an opera composed by Bryce Dessner, lead guitarist of the indie rock band The National, with a libretto by Cincinnati-native playwright Robert O’Hara. The opera is based on the experience of Dessner and O’Hara living through the scandal that erupted following a Robert Map-

plethorpe exhibit titled “The Perfect Moment” at Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center in 1990.

Cincinnati Opera will workshop the piece through Opera Fusion: New Works in November 2018.

These two works mark the seventh year of Opera Fusion: New Works and the 11th anniversary of Opera Fusion. Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and The Corbett Foundation, respectively, these collaborative programs between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music have become nationally recognized for creating new American operatic repertoire and developing the next generation of talented artists. Cincinnati Opera is extremely grateful to both organizations for funding these groundbreaking programs.

CORBETT OPERA FUSION AND OPERA FUSION: NEW WORKS PARTICIPANTS Tyler Alessi Kyle Birdsall Nicolette Book Brianna Bragg Antonio Cruz Jonathan Dellinger Drew Dielman Chelsea Duval-Major Sola Fadiran Amber Fasquelle

Caitlin Gotimer Jerome Horng Michael Hyatt Brenda Iglesias Jennelle John-Lewis Jamie Kelly Sam Krausz Julie Lasonczyk Benjamin Lee Claire Lopatka

Hayley Maloney Heidi Middendorf Gregory Miller Amber R. Monroe Reilly Nelson Victoria Okafor Murrella Parton Brandon Scott Russell Eric Shane Natalie Jo Sheppard

John Siarris Nicholas Smith Rob Stahley Olivia Thompson Schyler Vargas Miles Wilson-Toliver Ben Woida Matthew Worth Yewon Yoon

INTRODUCING THE UC COLLEGE-CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC’S 2018-19 MAINSTAGE SERIES

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR ACTING

Oct. 4-7, 2018

GUYS AND DOLLS MUSICAL THEATRE

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Nov. 15-18, 2018

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Dec. 6-9, 2018

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD* ACTING

Feb. 14-17, 2019

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME MUSICAL THEATRE

March 7-10, 2019

LA CLEMENZA DI TITO (THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS) OPERA

April 12-14, 2019

CINDERELLA DANCE

April 26-28, 2019

GUARANTEE your seats and your savings with one of our new streamlined SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES! SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW. SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE SEPT. 10, 2018.

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor

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Photo by Mark Lyons.

*For mature audiences.

Titles and dates subject to change.

513-556-4183 boxoff@uc.edu ccm.uc.edu 85

A PROUD SUPPORTER OF T H E C I N C I N N AT I O P E R A For your next event, count on Funky’s Catering Events to design your event with attention to detail.

Funky’s offers complete custom menus with food prepared on site served by a professionally trained team.

Funky’s Catering Events can plan your event at a number of local venues including Pinecroft at Crosley Estate and The Transept across from Washington Park.

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My Opera Education

BY SAMUEL KERNS AUTHOR SAMUEL KERNS surrounded by fellow trainees on the set of our 2017 production of La Bohème. Front row: Iris Harmon, Robert Hill-Guarino, Gabby Barta, Briana Green. Back row: Malaysia Bell, Kailyn Durrett, Samuel Kerns, Aliea Ray, Emily Muench. Photo by Philip Groshong.

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f someone were to ask you what your most memorable summer vacation was, what would be your answer? For me, it’s easy: the summer of 2016, when I worked as a trainee for Cincinnati Opera. My time was spent alongside artists and experts who welcomed me into their craft. They treated me with respect, and trusted me. That was the best vacation, because I woke up every morning with energy and excitement for the workday ahead. It was glorious. However, the closest I got to a tan that summer was when the stage lights would hit me during rehearsal. Like I said, it was glorious.

The Opera Technical Theater Trainee Program is a training program for School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) students developed in conjunction with Cincinnati Opera. It pairs students from SCPA with professionals from the Opera and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 5 and 864 to gain invaluable behind-the-scenes theater work experience. This four-week program, begun in 2013, provides real-world, professional training while on the job. “Classic OJT,” according to Glenn Plott, creator of the program and Cincinnati Opera’s Director of Production. “These students will also earn some R&R: impressive work experience to add to their resume, and a reference that means some-

thing.”

“Impressive experience” is an understatement.

During my traineeship, I worked in the Rehearsal Department, and also shadowed Artistic Director Evans Mirageas. Every day, I experienced something new. I observed rehearsals, had a voice during production meetings, and learned how to write grants, hire artists, and plan an artistic budget. I attended and helped manage events, spoke to patrons, and even served as the guest panelist during an “Opera Insights” pre-performance talk. Once, I felt compelled to count all of the languages that I heard in a rehearsal. I counted six—English, Italian, German, Russian, Spanish, and French voices.

These six different languages existed in one room, and each speaker was in collaboration with another. We were all bound by our universal language of art.

Above all, I gained a new love and respect for opera. Totally engrossed in its world, it was my traineeship with Cincinnati Opera that inspired me to form a nationally certified Teen Opera Council at SCPA. Opera gave me so much, and bringing it to my peers was the least I could do.

Who knows? This could be the best summer of your life, too. It was for me, and all I needed was an opera and a little bit of magic from the artists at Cincinnati Opera.

O nd It r a Cry the ter L E R Mo u g h E T T E Da U D I K

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Opera is All Around Throughout the year, Cincinnati Opera presents programs that celebrate diversity, foster learning and appreciation for opera, and bring our community together. With every child’s laugh during a school performance, every opera lover created through The Opera Express, every connection made at an opera performance, we come closer to our vision of “a community that is transformed and inspired by the power and beauty of opera.”

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On the go The Opera Express has appeared at

Heavenly singing Our Opera Goes to Church events feature

schools, festivals, and even IKEA! Three singers

mainstage singers like Jasmine Habersham (above) in perfor-

(top) perform a short program inside a tiny the-

mance with church choirs. This year, over 4,000 people will ex-

ater housed within the truck.

perience the program.

Arias al fresco Summertime means opera favorites in Washington Park.

For the kids Thousands of young people experience opera at their school through Cincinnati Opera’s and ROKCincy’s touring programs.

DAVID M. BARRERE, M.D. 2017 FACES of

CINCINNATI

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“Being in a solo practice setting, my staff and I can provide patients with that personal touch they deserve.

As new developments in technology become available, I will continue to upgrade and improve my practice for the benefit of those patients I treat.

“

”

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INDIVIDUAL AND FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTIONS Cincinnati Opera acknowledges with deep appreciation the leadership and generosity of the many individuals and family foundations who have supported the Opera with contributions to the 2018 Annual Fund.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $25,000+ Vicki and Peter Alpaugh, The Alpaugh Foundation Ms. Melanie M. Chavez and Mr. Jeremy S. Campbell Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe The Corbett Foundation The Patricia A. Corbett Trust Dr. Peter G. Courlas Cathy and Tom Crain

Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier Elizabeth Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. “Doc” Huffman Nanci Wilks Lanni and Nick Lanni Elma M. Lapp Foundation The Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust Joseph A. and Susan Pichler Fund* Harry and Ann Santen

Murray and Robin Sinclaire Miss Genevieve H. Smith Dr. and Mrs. John M. Tew, Jr. Larry and Beth Uhlenbrock Ginger and David Warner Barbara Wilks The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation Anne, Suzy, and Rachel Wilson Edward Jay Wohlgemuth

Madeleine H. Gordon Barbara and Jack Hahn, D.D.S. Mrs. Robert J. Hasl Donald E. Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Jaroszewicz Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kerstine The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation Mrs. Beryl Merritt Mueller Family Foundation Robert and Carol Olson Marilyn Z. Ott

Edward and Nancy Rosenthal Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack Dr. and Mrs. Bradbury A. Skidmore Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Skidmore Ms. Pamela S. Spangler Reis and Mr. Richard D. Reis Nydia C. Tranter Mr. and Mrs. Jon H. Votel The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, M.D.

Eric and Jennifer Dauer Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Donath Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus H. Driscoll Mr. Christopher D. Edwards Harry and Linda Fath Mr. and Mrs. James T. Fitzgerald The Fullgraf Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Giannella Mr. Gordon Hullar and Ms. Doris Holzheimer Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Jones Dr. Sid Khosla Renu Kotwal, M.D., and Rajbir Minhas, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Charles Kuntz

Richard and Susan Lauf The LeBlond Foundation Dr. Margaret M. LeMasters Adele and Thomas Lippert Fund* Drs. Lina and George Mandybur Sherie Marek Mr. Michael A. Marrero and Dr. Candyse Jeffries, D.M.D. Mayberry Foundation Kathy and Jon McCann Ms. Julia B. Meister Ryan L. Messer and James A. Musuraca-Messer Morgan Horse Farm, Lebanon, Ohio Mr. and Mrs. David W. Motch

INNER CIRCLE $12,000+

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Ms. Kathleen Ball Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Dorothy Anne Blatt John and Mary Ann Boorn Mary and Joe Brinkmeyer Mr. Otto M. Budig, Jr. Thomas Busse Charitable Trust Chris and Vivienne Carlson Sheila and Christopher Cole Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Mrs. Jack Edelman Dr. James D. Faulkner

CORBETT SOCIETY $6,000+ Anonymous Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel Mr. Ronald T. Bates and Mr. Randy Lasley Christopher and Annie Baucom Mary M. Bergstein Drs. David and Elaine Billmire Drs. Thomas and Barbara Boat Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie B. Blancquaert Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Busher Arthur B. Casper Geraldine V. Chavez Mr. and Mrs. David Cioffi Dr. Alvin H. and Alva Jean Crawford

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

*Denotes a fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

akropolis reed quintet Sept 30

pene pati tenor • Mar 3

tessa lark violiN • NOV 1

branNon cho cello • APR 14

Join us for our

2018-2019 SEASON reed tetzloff piano • MAY 19

L O C AT I O N S

TICKETS

Memorial Hall & Anderson Center

$10 - $90

matineemusicalecincinnati.org 513.977.8838

CORBETT SOCIETY CONT’D $6,000+ William Portman Mr. and Mrs. David Reichert Mrs. George Rieveschl, Jr. Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco The Robert C. and Adele R. Schiff Foundation Ann Gallagher Schoen and Jerry Schoen

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Schroer Mr. and Mrs. Blake Selnick Mr. Russell P. Shelton Litsa and Van Spanos Peter Stambrook and Mary Piper James Stapleton and Dr. Elizabeth Shaughnessy Mrs. Cynthia Starr Dr. Susan Strick

Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D., and Robert Toltzis, M.D. Nancy S. Walker Ronna and Dr. James Willis Shelby O. Wood Anne and Allen Zaring III Dr. and Mrs. Mario Zuccarello

Mr. and Mrs. John Earls Ann Ellison Mr. and Mrs. Georges Feghali Mr. and Mrs. Peter P. Graham The John C. Griswold Foundation Mrs. Frederick Haffner The Harmony Fund Emma Hartkemeier Mr. Thomas Kellerman and Mrs. Barbara Hummel Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Kimmel

Kathleen Laurin-Martin and Joseph C. Martin Rev. Susan M. Pfeil Cass and Glenn Plott James Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger Estate of Lois Staubitz Brett Stover Ellen and Ray van der Horst Mr. James Vance

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin D. Heard Irmgard and Horst Hehmann Mr. and Mrs. David C. Horn Mr. and Mrs. W.M. James Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Kyte, Jr. Elizabeth Lilly Dr. and Dr. Lynn Lin Alan L. Margulies and Gale D. Snoddy Dr. James and Maris Ryan Don and Marji Mendelsohn Marge and Tom Osterman The PATS Fund Mr. Eric N. Peguero and Mr. Jon Gibson Marta Pisarska, M.D., and Michael Maloney, M.D. Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro A. Ryes

Nicholas W. Puncer Sandra L. Riegler, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. John Rootring Mr. Shawn Scott and Mr. Neil Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Irwin B. Simon Gerald and Sarah Skidmore Mr. and Mrs. William Steenken Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Stradling, Jr. Summerhouse Fund Mr. Matthew Swanson Ms. Carol Talbot Dr. John Tan Mr. and Mrs. G. Adrian Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Veroni Mr. and Mrs. Chris Virgulak

AMBASSADORS SOCIETY $3,000+ Mrs. Martha G. Anness Mrs. Abraham S. Braude Jim Bridgeland Charlin and Peter Briggs Mr. and Mrs. Frederick E. Bryan III Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Canarie A.K. and Gibby Carey Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham Ms. Dianne Dunkelman and Mr. Peter Schwartz 92

ADVOCATES SOCIETY $1,500+ Anonymous (2) Adam and Jennifer Bellin Mr. Allen Bernard Mr. Fred Buckley Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Miss Norma L. Clark Mr. Thomas Cochill and Mr. Jack Emery Mr. and Mrs. Evan Corbett Mr. Bob Coughlin Mr. and Mrs. John P. Cover Mr. Bradley Craig Mrs. Jodelle S. Crosset Mr. Albert C. Dierckes, Jr. Mrs. Vivian A. Dobur Dr. and Mrs. Stewart B. Dunsker Mr. and Mrs. Ashley L. Ford Mrs. Susanne Geier The Gumbleton Family

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

*Denotes a fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

PATRON $750+

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Anonymous Dr. and Mrs. Khosrow Alamin Paul and Margie Anderson Frank and Janet Andress Family Fund Mr. Sergio Arreola Gay Bain Aine Baldwin Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bardes Mr. and Mrs. Mark H. Berliant Ms. Betsi Brockmeier Mr. Harry Brown Ashley Burnside Mr. Roland Calvert Mr. and Mrs. A. Burton Closson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Connelly Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cristo Ms. Amy Darrah Mr. Louis M. Dauner Ms. Kristy Davis Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dean Mr. and Mrs. Andrew DeWitt Mr. Stephen Eadicicco and Mr. Bradley Higginbotham Ms. Nancy Finke Mr. Jack Fisher Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Fry Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Geracioti Mr. L. Timothy Giglio Dr. Paulette M. Gillig and Dr. Douglas Fairobent Miss Renee L. Gustin Dr. and Mrs. Martin W. Haskell Mrs. Anne P. Heldman Bob Roesbery and Nancy Helwig Mr. Roger D. Hickman Ms. Karlee L. Hilliard Mrs. Thomas Huheey Ms. Holly Huttenbauer Mr. and Mrs. Sam Huttenbauer

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Ivers Ms. Daphne Jurgensen Drs. Marcia Kaplan and Michael Privitera Bo-Kyung and Kevin Kirby Mr. Peter E. Koenig and Ms. Lucy Hodgson Peggy and Emerson Knowles Patrick M. Korb Mr. and Mrs. Greg LaLonde Lamacchia Family Foundation Evelyn and Fred Lang John T. Lawrence IV Mr. Shannon Lawson Ms. Sooncha Lee Ms. Janice Liebenberg and Mr. Andy Holzhauser Al and Mary López Joanie and Bill Lotts Alek Lucke and Chris Hikel Mr. and Mrs. David C. Lundgren Katie Lutes Rev. and Mrs. Damon Lynch, Jr. Rick Maddux Mandare Foundation Drs. Arti and Scott Masturzo Dr. Janet P. McDaniel Chris and Molly Milligan Eleanor and Sam Minkarah Mr. Steven I. Monder Mary Lou Motl Ms. Kathy Nardiello Ms. Mary Newman Ms. Nathalie Noblet Dr. and Mrs. John A. Parlin III Mr. Joe Peacock Dr. and Mrs. Myles Pensak John and Francie Pepper Mr. Robert Reid Ms. Aliya Riddle

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

Mr. Jack and Dr. Morleen Rouse Solveiga Rush Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ryan Mr. David Sanders, Jr. Ms. Cindy Scheets George Palmer Schober Ms. Megan Selnick Jane and Mark Serrianne Roger and Margaret Smith Ms. Priya Sonty Mr. Greg Spears and Mr. John R. Casavant Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Stegman Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. Stephenson Elizabeth M. Stites and Kevin C. Randall Dr. and Mrs. Theodore W. Striker Mr. and Mrs. William Strubbe Ms. Tricia Suit and Mr. Eric Appleby Ms. Mary Reis Sullivan Frances L.P. Ricketts Sullivan Memorial Fund Dr. Alan and Shelley Tarshis Mr. and Mrs. Scott Telford Mrs. Carol S. Thaman Sneja H. and Raffi Tomassian Mr. Michael Turner Rick Velasco Ms. Mary Vondrak and Dr. Patrick G. Kirk Carol Turni and Stephan Weigle Mr. Richard A. Weiland Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund* Mr. and Mrs. David Wellinghoff Mrs. Curt Wilhelm Ms. Elizabeth Wilson and Ms. Megan Mitchell Ms. Candice Young and Mr. Kevin Pittinger

*Denotes a fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

DEVELOPER $300+

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Anonymous (2) Mr. Allen Adair Mrs. Diana Adams Mrs. Robert B. Adams Mr. and Mrs. Henry G. Alexander, Jr. Ms. Lucy Allen Mrs. Norita D. Aplin and Mr. Stanley H. Ragle Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Andrews, Jr. Dr. Barry Applegate Dr. Richard S. Sarason and Anne S. Arenstein Dr. Diane Babcock Mr. Peter S. Barrett Mr. and Mrs. William D. Baskett III Professor Flavia Bastos The Benevity Community Impact Fund Helene Sullivan Bentley Glenda and Malcolm Bernstein Ms. Amy Bixel Marlene and Robert Boden Ms. Judith Boyko Mr. David Brashear Lois and Joseph M. Brenner Ms. Kate Brockmeier and Mr. Steve Schofield Dr. Daniel Brown and Mr. Mark Haggard Dr. Elizabeth H. Brown and Dr. Dwight Kulwin Mrs. Rebecca S. Brown Donald L. and Kathleen F. Burns Business Information Solutions, Inc. Mr. J. Caywood and Dr. Robert Neel Mrs. Carole Charleville Mr. Richard Chizmadia and Mr. Richard Hobson Mr. John Cobey and Ms. Jan Frankel Mr. Randy Cook Ms. Deborah Coyle Mark Dauner Ms. Judith de Luce Ms. Joanna Doerner Mr. and Mrs. David Donnett Dr. Samuel N. Dorf and Dr. Maria Kisel Mrs. Melodie Dunn Ms. Joyce Elkus Jim Evans Mr. and Mrs. Martin Farmer

Mr. Scott Farmer Dr. and Mrs. William J. Faulkner James and Mary Day Fewlass Dr. Todd Florin and Mrs. Kemper Florin Mr. and Mrs. Edward Foss Ms. Andrea Frangiosa Ms. Patricia C. Friedersdorf Lissa Urriquia and Dante Gapultos III Mr. and Mrs. Otto P. Geier, Jr. Mrs. Janelle Gelfand Dr. Sheila C. Gelman and Dr. David Greenblatt Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Goetz Lynne Meyers Gordon Judge Robert H. Gorman Mr. Marc Greenberg Thomas L. Guidugli, Jr., and Family Teddy Gumbleton Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Irving Harris Mr. Thomas C. Hase The Heidt Family Foundation Michael and Jodi Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Horne Ms. Brea Howard Ms. Spencer Ingerson Mr. Dale Jenkins Rev. Andrew MacAoidh and Mrs. Linda Busken Jergens Ms. Marlene Johnson The Honorable Nathaniel Jones Mr. and Ms. Josh Jordan Ms. Misty Keeton Mr. and Mrs. Lorrence T. Kellar Mr. Arthur Kerr, Jr. Sarajane and Richard King Rachel Kirley and Joseph Jaquette Mr. and Mrs. Mel Kreitzer Ms. Carol L. Kruse Marcus M. Küchle and Annalisa Pappano Mr. Klaus Kunze and Ms. Aysecan Frey Mr. Bruce A. Lafferre Mr. Peter E. Landgren and Mrs. Judith Schonbach Mr. and Mrs. Paikky Lee Ms. Kristan Lenning Mr. Richard Lesueur Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ludwig David L. Martin Raymond and Madelynn Matlock Mr. Timothy Matthews

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

Ms. Taylor McCallum Ms. Lisa McGee Mr. Jim McMahon Jim and Linda Miller Dr. Stanley Milstein Mr. and Mrs. R. William Mischler Ms. Janet Moore and Mr. Neil W. Tollas Mr. John Mor Dr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Moravec Dr. Brian Moseley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Niemann Dr. and Mrs. James J. Nordlund Mr. and Mrs. Randall Olson Marilyn J. and Jack D. Osborn Fund* Beverly Oyler Dr. Richard and Diane Park Dr. Carl Parrott, Jr., and Dr. Molly Katz Mr. and Mrs. Don Paulsen Nicholas Payne and Cynthia Heinrich Jo Anne and Poul Pedersen Mr. and Mrs. Michael Porada Mr. and Mrs. Michael Porte Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Pray Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Randolph Mr. Gerald D. Rape Chris and Mary Ray Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Revely III Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Rhoad Mrs. Stephanie Richardson Mrs. Barbara W. Robb Ms. Gale Z. Roberts Mr. Rick Robertson and Mr. Jim Conway Mr. and Mrs. J. David Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Rosenberg Mrs. Lois P. Rust Mr. and Mrs. Clarence P. Sampson Ms. Carol Schroeder Ms. Laurie M. Schumacher Jeffrey Seaman Mrs. William R. Seaman Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Segal Mrs. Betsy Shapiro Ms. Louise Shouse Rev. Gareth M. Simpson Mr. and Mrs. Matt Singleton Mr. Richard I. Sininger Thomas S. Smith Amy Stier and Jef Brown Eileen L. Strempel, Ph.D. Dr. Sally Taylor

*Denotes a fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

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Cincinnati Opera Center Stage is a dynamic group of young professionals who seek to meet fellow opera fans, learn more about opera through social events, and celebrate the arts in Cincinnati!

CINCINNATI OPERA

center

For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org/center-stage or call (513) 768-5520.

Center Stage Sponsors:

A group for young opera lovers 2018 CENTER STAGE BOARD ASSOCIATES

Aine Baldwin, Chair • Asif Alikhan • Ashley Burnside • Kristy Davis • Michael Dean Stephen Eadicicco • Jack Fisher • Shannon M. Glass • Renee Gustin • Sebastien Hue • John T. Lawrence IV • Shannon Lawson Janice Liebenberg • Jared Lonsbury • Alek Lucke • Katie Lutes • Arti Masturzo, M.D. • Mary Newman • Nathalie Noblet Nicholas W. Puncer • Aliya Riddle • David Sanders, Jr. • Megan Selnick • Priya Sonty • Brett Wilson • Candice Young

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THANK YOU! Thank you to all of our donors whose contributions have allowed Cincinnati Opera to continue our tradition of creating opera for everyone!

DEVELOPER CONT’D $300+ Mr. and Mrs. Carlos R. Teran Mr. Garry Terrell and Ms. Rebecca Terrell Marcella G. Trice Susan R. Troselius

Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. Tuten Mr. and Mrs. Julian van Winkle Mr. Robert Von Gerds Mr. and Mrs. James E. Wesner Ms. Barbara M. Weyand

Mr. Charles L. Wilhelm Mrs. Susan Windgassen Mrs. Andrea K. Wiot Ms. Peg Wyant John M. Yacher

NEW DONORS Cincinnati Opera extends a special thank-you to donors who made first-time gifts this season.

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Anonymous Ms. Judy Adams Mrs. Sara Agee Mrs. Deborah M. Allsop Mr. Mark T. Arbogast Leslie Backus Mr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Baker Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Barton Blair Battistini Mrs. Frances M. Bauman Ms. Karen Bear Dr. and Mrs. Michael Belkin Ms. Helen A. Benjamin and Ms. Ruth B. Barham Mr. Michael S. Bohmer Megan Boni Ms. Sharon L. Booker Mr. and Mrs. Elroy E. Bourgraf Ms. Ann M. Brinkley Mrs. Bettye R. Brock Ms. Kelly Broscheid Mrs. Lois Brown Mrs. Tanya M. Brown Mrs. Carol Burnett Mr. Donald Burrell Mark Busemeyer Ms. Nona Calhoun-Mumia Jeanette M. Catron Ms. Earnie Clark Ms. Leslie B. Clark Ms. Cheryl Coleman Mr. Larry Colker Mr. Shawn A. Coons Mrs. Lori M. Corsmeier Mrs. Erika C. Dockery Ms. Mary A. Doyle Steven Dreyer Ms. Christine Driscoll Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus H. Driscoll Michael Dyas Mrs. Deborah L. Ellison Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Evans Marcella Farmer

Ms. Shirley E. Fingerman and Ms. Debra Fingerman Mr. Jack Fisher Sara B. Flack Steven, Alison, and Hope Furst Sandi Gans Mr. Darrell Gerlach Mr. Michael L. Gilbert and Ms. Eleanor Aronoff Toni Gissendanner Mr. Peter D. Goodwin Linda Greenberg Ms. Kathleen M. Greene Ms. Shirley Griffin Ms. Gloria S. Haffer Ms. Lisa Haglund Dr. Gladys G. Hankins Mr. and Mrs. DJ and Jean Hartley Ellen Hattemer Dr. and Mrs. Michael Helmrath Sylvia Henderson Ms. Donna Hern Ms. Ilene Hodesh Michael and Jodi Hoffman Mr. Randy S. Holland Ammon Hollister Ms. Linda Holterhoff Ashley Howard Mr. Craig Hudson Mrs. Jovonna R. Jackson Ms. Kathy Jacobs Kelly Johnson Ms. Shirley Jones Ms. Teresa H. Jones Mr. John Keegan Ms. Misty Keeton Ms. Dara Kendall Mrs. Joretta Kidd Ms. Ruby Kinsey Mumphrey Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kirkpatrick Peggy and Emerson Knowles Sharon Kokot and Benson Ross Kelley Kremer Mr. and Mrs. Randy Kronour

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lancaster Mr. Michael P. Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Paikky Lee Ms. Betsy Leigh Alan R. Leist Ms. Carol P. Leslie Ms. Kathleen Lester Mr. Myron Levine Francisco J. Lopez Alek Lucke and Chris Hikel Ms. Jemannie Luong Craig and Anne Maier Mr. and Mrs. David S. Mann Mr. and Mrs. Harry Manton Ms. Morita Marmo Lyn Marsteller and John Pinney Mr. and Mrs. Ken Martin Mrs. Maralynn Martin Ms. Yvette Matthews Linda Maurer Ms. Susan McEntire Mr. William Mellinger Ms. Elaine Menifee Mrs. Ruby Metts Mrs. Sue S. Miller Mrs. Katye Mindhardt Ms. Antoinette Morani Dr. Bradley Mullen Kay Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Niemann Ms. Nathalie Noblet Mr. Joe Peacock Mr. and Mrs. J. James Pearce Dr. Amanda Peck Paul Pierre Mr. and Mrs. Martin Pinales Mr. David Poignard Ms. Patricia A. Pope Mr. and Mrs. Michael Porada Ms. Mary L. Rapien Bradley J. Reed Margeret Reed Reverend David Robisch Gail Rodgers

*Denotes a fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Pro ud Spo nso r of C inc in n ati Opera

Western & Southern has been a proud part of the Cincinnati area for over 125 years. This is my home, too, and that’s why I’m glad to be part of this dedicated team and its commitment to making Cincinnati a great place to live, work and play.

Cris Collinsworth Western & Southern Spokesperson

Spokesperson is a compensated endorser.

Western & Southern Financial Group, Cincinnati, Ohio.

WS 40044 1504

NEW DONORS CONT’D Dr. and Mrs. Brion A. Roman Ms. Edith Samuels Mrs. Janice L. Sanders Mrs. Jenny Scheper Ms. Natalie Schoenfeld Felice and Michael Shane Mrs. Gloria J. Shelton Hugh Shipley Ms. Jane A. Short Ms. Nancy Shryock Mr. Calvin Singleton Dr. and Mrs. Bradbury A. Skidmore Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Skidmore Lisa R. Sloane Ms. Ingrid L. Smith

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Ms. Michelle Smith Rachel Smith Mr. Stanford Smith Ms. Judy F. Starrels Mr. Jason M. Steffen Ms. Ossie M. Stephens Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Stuck Mr. Dennis Sullivan Ms. Norma Tassian Ms. Sharon Thompson Mr. Sean Turner Ms. Debra Tyus Mr. Robert Von Gerds Mr. Michael Walker Ms. Catherine Walsh

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

Joseph M. Walton Julie and Andy Webster Jeff and Jane Wehmeier Dr. Charla B. Weiss, Ph.D. Mr. Lezely White Mr. John Wickett Mr. Brett Willson and Mr. John C. Fredeking II Holly Winters Alvin Wulfekuhl Mrs. Anita L. Young Alan Zeff Nancy Zhao

*Denotes a fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

SOCIETY OF ANGELS Cincinnati Opera acknowledges with deep gratitude the generosity of the following donors who have notified the company of their planned gifts. 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.

New Members Mrs. Cherylann D. Brinkman Dr. Peter G. Courlas Ms. Karlee L. Hilliard Mr. Barry Lapidus

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Members Anonymous (2) Frank and Janet Andress Mr. Boris Auerbach Dr. Diane Babcock Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Baker Ms. Henrietta Barlag Mr. Albert M. Bary Christopher Baucom Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Bavaria Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Dorothy Anne Blatt Marlene and Robert Boden Lois and Joseph Brenner Charlin and Peter Briggs Mary and Joe Brinkmeyer A.K. and Gibby Carey Arthur B. Casper Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Norma L. Clark Jane Copper-Short and John Short Virginia K. Cover Cathy and Tom Crain Dr. Alvin H. and Alva Jean Crawford Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham Mr. Harrison R.T. Davis Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Scott Atkinson* and Christopher D. Edwards Harry and Linda Fath Mr. Kingston Fletcher Dr. Donald W. Good Valeria and Frederick R. Good Madeleine H. Gordon Barbara Gould Marlesa A. Gray Barbara and Jack Hahn, D.D.S. Dr. and Mrs. Morton L. Harshman Suzanne and Robert* Hasl, M.D. Janet and Cornelius Hauck Hon. and Mrs. Dennis S. Helmick Don and Donna* Hoffman Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston Julia M.F.B. Jackson Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kerstine Sarajane and Richard King Patrick M. Korb

Roberta and Jeffrey P. Kuhn Elizabeth and Ken Kuresman Marjorie and Lawrence H. Kyte, Jr. Richard and Susan Lauf Anne and John* Lawrence, Jr. Gail Lennig and Gene Santoro* Adele and Thomas Lippert Joanie D. and William H. Lotts Mr. and Mrs. William F. Lyon Susan Sterrit Meyer Eleanor and Sam Minkarah Gloria and Arnold Morelli David and Vicky Motch Norbert and Linnea Nadel Robert and Carol Olson Marge and Tom Osterman Marilyn Z. Ott Dr. and Mrs. John A. Parlin III Mr. Charles Parsons Nicholas Payne and Cynthia Heinrich Ms. Marilyn W. Peters Joseph and Susan Pichler Mr. Thomas F. Rehme Ellen and George* Rieveschl Edward and Nancy Rosenthal Solveiga Rush Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco Emalee Schavel Kenneth C. Schonberg* and Deborah Schultz Zell Schulman Trudie and Kurt* Seybold Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack Thomas S. Smith Cynthia and William* Starr Ms. Nancy Steman Frank Stewart Brett Stover Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III Nydia C. Tranter Dick and Jane Tuten Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Anne M. Werner Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, M.D. Dr. Atsuko Yatani Anne and Allen Zaring III Estates Estate of Mary Elizabeth Andrews Trust Estate of Thomas F. Buck Estate of Ellen K. Burroughs

Estate of Thomas W. Busse Estate of Wm. Rowell Chase Estate of Mrs. Marno Christensen Estate of Herbert and Betty Colker 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 Kenneth J. Furrier Estate of Katherine H. Groll Estate of Mrs. Eleanor Hazelton Estate of Mrs. Jean L. Hermann Estate of Anita Mae Imholt Estate of Dr. Stanley Kaplan Estate of Tailitha P. Kluver Estate of Ruth Koehl Estate of Linda and Samuel Kramer, M.D. Estate of Elizabeth W. Kyte Estate of Elma Lapp Estate of Rosemary R. Longano Estate of Mrs. Richardson McKinney Estate of Mary and William Meyer Estate of Bill Nimmo The Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust Estate of Margaret Ohanian Estate of Maurice E. Oshry The Pearlman Charitable Remainder Unitrust Estate of James T. Peeler Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Roder Estate of Marilyn A. Russley Estate of Joanne T. Santangelo Estate of Anna Jo and William Selnick Estate of Miss Charlotte L. Shockley Estate of Charlotte E. Smith Estate of Lois Staubitz Estate of Carolyn and Fred Strebel Estate of Mrs. Italo Tajo Estate of Phyllis Weston Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wilson Estate of Lura Carnes Wine Estate of Harris W. Wright *Deceased

A Family Tradition M E E T A C I N C I N N AT I O P E R A A N G E L MARNO BECK CHRISTENSEN’S excitement is forever captured in this treasured photo taken on the roof of Castel Sant’Angelo, the real-life setting of her favorite opera, Puccini’s Tosca.

M

any in Cincinnati know Cheri Brinkman as the author of the Cincinnati and Soup cookbook series, but many do not know that Cincinnati Opera has always been a part of her life. Cheri was born between Zoo Opera performances of Faust and Madame Butterfly one summer. Aunt Marno Beck Christensen never missed a beat or a performance then—or ever—as well as being treasurer for the Beck Studios. More than family, they were best friends. From her earliest years, Marno shared the world of opera with young Cheri, but it was at a production of Carmen at the Cincinnati Zoo that the love of opera truly took hold.

Marno was not only a lifelong opera lover; she was also a singer, performing briefly with the Cincinnati Opera Chorus and then 37 years with the May Festival Chorus. She was a student of Cincinnati Opera tenor Edward Molitore. Cheri also had the opportunity for coaching with Molitore and voice lessons from Norma Richter, also retired from Cincinnati Opera. Sadly, Marno did not live to see Cheri sing with the Sorg or Whitewater Opera companies, nor the writing of the Cincinnati and Soup books in which she is featured.

Marno openly shared her love of opera with any

and all, and she also led the way in promoting the importance of providing philanthropic support. In the 1980s, Marno and Cheri became Life Members of the Cincinnati Opera Guild, an effort to help set up a long-term financial plan for the Opera. She wanted to “make a commitment” to the Opera, and Cheri will always cherish her Life Membership to the Guild for that reason. But she didn’t stop Cheri Brinkman there! Marno made sure that Cincinnati Opera was remembered in her will, making her one of the first members of the Society of Angels 25 years ago.

Marno never missed a Cincinnati Opera production for almost 65 years, and Cheri carries on the family tradition of attending, supporting, and sharing the Cincinnati Opera experience with future generations. Cheri is also proud to follow in Aunt Marno’s footsteps by recently becoming a member of the Society of Angels: “I think Marno would be so pleased about the success of this effort!”

CREATE YOUR OWN LEGACY BY BRINGING OPERA TO THE NEXT GENERATION. For 98 years, Cincinnati Opera has been one of the nation’s leading opera companies. We invite you to play a role in Cincinnati Opera’s exciting future as we look to our 100th anniversary and beyond. Call Joe Peacock at (513) 768-5565 or visit coa.planningyourlegacy.org.

Proud Sponsor of Cincinnati Opera’s Planned Giving Program

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Our Strategic Partners HIT A HIGH NOTE Singers and students pose for a post-show photo following a ROKCincy performance of The Magic Flute.

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ver the past four years, Cincinnati Opera has committed to strategic partnerships with four local arts organizations: concert:nova, Catacoustic Consort, ROKCincy, and the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC). These partnerships have given Cincinnati Opera the opportunity to support small, artistically diverse organizations, and occasionally co-create productions with them.

Cincinnati Opera has co-produced innovative and non-traditional music performances with its strategic partners since 2012, including MarĂ­a de Buenos Aires, re:member, and Song from the Uproar

with concert:nova, and Songs of Love and War, La Calisto, and The Coronation of Poppea with Catacoustic Consort. In 2017, Cincinnati Opera co-produced Ana y su Sombra, an opera for children in Spanish and English, with ROKCincy.

And in collaboration with YPCC, Cincinnati Opera has commissioned Blind Injustice, an opera inspired by true stories of wrongful convictions, scheduled to premiere in 2019. Cincinnati Opera is proud to partner with these local groups to enhance the artistic ecosystem of our city and bring diverse art experiences to our community.

BRADBURY TATTOOS

A one-night, four-stop road trip with starlight and coffee and .... Martians?

JULY 13 & 22, 2018

Based on stories from The Illustrated Man, The Bradbury Tattoos is a rock-ish opera that just might tell you some truth. Brought to you by concert:nova, this piece brings Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man to life in a singular, multi-story piece that uses different spaces throughout the venue as a way of having you travel through time and immerse yourself in different experiences against a backdrop of boundary-pushing classical chamber music.

SAVOR THE DATE

FIVE NIGHTS | TEN CHEFS | ONE DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE

PRESENTED BY:

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Returns to Pinecroft at Crosley Estate

October 15-19, 2018 Visit: cincinnatimagazine.com/savorcincinnati

®

LONG-TERM SUBSCRIBERS Cincinnati Opera is thrilled to recognize the following individuals who have been subscribers with us for many years.

Did we miss you? Please let us know! Contact us at subscribers@cincinnatiopera.org or (513) 768-5520.

50 OR MORE YEARS Mr. and Mrs. James R. Adams Mary M. Bergstein Glenda and Malcolm Bernstein The Brigham Family Mr. and Mrs. John T. Clark, Jr. The Corbett Foundation Mr. Albert C. Dierckes, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ashley L. Ford Dr. Roger G. Giesel

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Goodman Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius W. Hauck Mel and John Kuempel Mr. J. Michael Meretta Ms. Herta L. Moore David and Vicky Motch Mr. and Mrs. Michael Porte Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Randolph Sandra L. Riegler, M.D.

Mrs. Lois P. Rust Mrs. Dorothy J. Sciarra Mrs. William R. Seaman Mrs. James A. Sexton Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack Mr. and Mrs. William Sontag Mr. and Mrs. Dieter van der Bent

Mrs. Betty M. Duncan Ann Ellison Ms. Gael T. Fischer Mr. and Mrs. James T. Fitzgerald Ms. Lois Ann Gribler Mr. William Hackman Mrs. Robert J. Hasl Mr. and Mrs. Marshall C. Hunt, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Kennedy

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Lundgren Mr. Carl G. Marquette, Jr. The Meister Family Marilyn Z. Ott Mr. Robert Patton Swaim Dr. and Mrs. John M. Tew, Jr. Dick and Jane Tuten Mrs. Joanne W. Veith Mrs. Andrea K. Wiot

Dr. Murray S. Jaffe Ms. Marlene Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Kyte, Jr. Mr. Barry Lapidus Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Larkin Mrs. John Lawrence, Jr. Eleanor and Sam Minkarah Mrs. Thomas L. Neyer, Sr. Mrs. Hiroshi Nishiyama Mr. Charles Perin Ms. Janet W. Prewitt Mr. Robert Reid Edward and Nancy Rosenthal Ms. Jeanette Rost Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco Harry and Ann Santen Mrs. Charles Schulenberg

Zell Schulman Ms. Janet Schultz Jeffrey Seaman Mrs. Kurt Seybold Mr. Richard I. Sininger Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Stradling, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Susskind Nydia C. Tranter Mrs. N. Beverley Tucker Mr. Wayne E. Vincent Mr. Michael L. Walton Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ward Dr. and Mrs. Foster Wygant

45 TO 49 YEARS

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Mr. Michael A. Battersby Mrs. Abraham S. Braude Donald L. and Kathleen F. Burns Mr. and Mrs. John Cornwell Dr. Peter G. Courlas Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Cox Mrs. Vivian A. Dobur Mr. and Mrs. David Donnett Mr. and Mrs. Edwin L. Drill

40 TO 44 YEARS Mrs. Martha G. Anness Mr. Michael R. Bachmann and Ms. Mary Combs Ms. Henrietta Barlag Mr. Donald Beck and Lawrence E. Eynon, M.D. Dorothy Anne Blatt Mr. David Brashear Jim Bridgeland A.K. and Gibby Carey Mrs. Sue B. Doan Mrs. Charles Fleischmann III Mr. William R. Geiler, Jr., and Mrs. Nancy Geiler Dr. George I. Colombel and Mr. William J. Hahn Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Hamilton Mr. William A. Herring

35 TO 39 YEARS Paule S. Asch, Ph.D. Ms. Mary Auer Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel Dr. and Mrs. James P. Baden Drs. David and Elaine Billmire Mr. Neil Bortz Mr. and Mrs. James J. Brady Arthur B. Casper Mr. and Mrs. William Chang Mr. and Mrs. John P. Cover Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dyson Dr. and Mrs. Paul Esposito Dr. and Mrs. William J. Faulkner Ms. Dorothy Ann Feldis and Mr. William Klykylo Mr. Kingston Fletcher Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Fry Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Fudge

Mrs. Kenneth M. Gettelman Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Giannella Ms. Deborah R. Grayson Mr. William Kredentser Mr. and Mrs. Gary P. Kreider Dr. and Mrs. Charles Kuntz Ms. Dolly Levine Ms. Catherine A. McGraw Ms. Marianne Meyers Dr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Moravec Ms. Suzanne Morrissey Ms. Rosemary Novelli Dr. and Mrs. John A. Parlin III Ms. Mary L. Reardon Mr. and Mrs. David Reichert James Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger

Mr. Richard M. Sacksteder and Mr. Victor J. Canfield Mr. and Mrs. Eugene L. Saenger, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Segal Dr. and Mrs. John C. Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Shulman Mr. and Mrs. William Strubbe Dr. Sally Taylor Mr. Charles L. Thomas, Jr. Miss Arlene A. Thorwarth Marcella G. Trice Ms. Karen Webb Dr. Scottie Weiss Mr. Charles L. Wilhelm Jim and Esther Wright Mr. and Mrs. John M. Zoller

Irmgard and Horst Hehmann Bob Roesbery and Nancy Helwig Donald E. Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Horne Mrs. James Hsu Mary Ellyn Hutton Mr. Isaiah Hyman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Alex Keller Mr. Daryl E. Koebcke Patrick M. Korb Mr. and Mrs. David Lemmon Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lichtenberger Ms. Vicky Mary Mrs. Jane Master Mr. George E. Menges

Dr. and Mrs. James J. Nordlund Mrs. Lilián Estévez de Pagani Joseph and Susan Pichler Dr. Elaine Y. Rosin Mr. and Mrs. James E. Schwab Mr. Michael Slupski and Dr. Barbara Grajewski Mr. Norman J. Thomas Dr. Raymond J. Timmerman Ellen and Ray van der Horst Mr. Arnold Wasserman Robert J. Watkins and Helen P. Watkins Mrs. Henry R. Winkler Mr. Edward Jay Wohlgemuth Ms. Susan Wulsin

Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie B. Blancquaert Mr. Nicholas P. Ciafardini Sheila and Christopher Cole Dr. Alvin H. and Alva Jean Crawford Mr. and Mrs. George Croog Ms. Patricia Culley Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham Mr. Stephen Dana Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Dudero Leslie R. Dye, M.D. Mrs. Jack Edelman Dr. David and Mrs. Jill Fankhauser

Harry and Linda Fath Dr. James D. Faulkner Mr. Carl R. Fiora Mr. Richard Freudenberger Mr. Ewin Gaby Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Gehrig Dr. Sheila C. Gelman and Dr. David Greenblatt Dr. Fredrick Gensler Valeria and Frederick R. Good Judge Robert H. Gorman Dr. Ralph A. Gruppo Mrs. Frederick Haffner Barbara and Jack Hahn, D.D.S. Ms. Kathleen M. Hammons

30 TO 34 YEARS Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Bavaria Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Lois and Joseph Brenner Mrs. Rebecca S. Brown Mr. J. Robert Chambers Mrs. Carole Charleville The Chavez Family Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Ms. Phyllis Tattershall England Ms. Alice Fegelman and Dr. Leo H. Munick Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Garrison Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gerson Dr. Donald W. Good Mr. Gerald S. Greenberg and Ms. Pamela Meyers Mrs. Robert F. Hartkemeier

25 TO 29 YEARS Barbara Aberlin Ms. Sandy Adams Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Andrews, Jr. Mr. Gary J. Anglin Reverend Christopher R. Armstrong Mr. John F. Baer Gay Bain Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baumann Dr. Alfred J. Berger Drs. Thomas and Barbara Boat Marlene and Robert Boden Charlin and Peter Briggs Mrs. Cherylann D. Brinkman

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25 TO 29 YEARS CONT’D Mr. and Mrs. Carl Harcourt Dr. and Mrs. Morton L. Harshman Mr. Roger D. Hickman Mr. and Mrs. W.M. James Dr. and Mrs. Timothy E. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Johnston Ms. Brenda Jones Mrs. Mary Anne Kingery Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Kreider Richard and Susan Lauf Dr. and Mrs. Howard Leftwich Mrs. Linda Linker Adele and Thomas Lippert Eric D. Louden Ms. Kathryn Maier Mr. Brent Manley Mr. and Mrs. Don Maxwell Dr. and Mrs. Frank McWilliams Mr. and Mrs. Lon Mendelsohn Jim and Linda Miller Mr. and Mrs. R. William Mischler

Mr. and Mrs. William P. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mystkowski Ms. Valerie Newell and Mr. Timothy Smith Robert and Carol Olson Marge and Tom Osterman Dr. and Mrs. Alter G. Peerless Mr. Joseph Raterman Mr. and Mrs. Philip Remmel Mr. William Renwick and Ms. Debra Bowles Reverend David Robisch Mr. Joseph Schoettmer Deborah Schultz Mr. John T. Schreiber and Ms. Claire E. Fessler Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Schulhoff Mrs. David Schwieterman Ms. Sarah Shell Mr. Arthur Shone

Rebecca and George Shybut, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Murray Sinclaire, Jr. Gerald and Sarah Skidmore Ms. Lois C. Spahn Dr. and Mrs. Howard Starnbach Dr. Judith K. Stein and Mr. Steven N. Stein Brett Stover Mr. and Mrs. John Striker Dr. and Mrs. Theodore W. Striker Mr. and Mrs. Peter Szucs Ms. Bernadette Tallarico Mr. Garry Terrell and Ms. Rebecca Terrell Mrs. Beverly Tonkens-VanGrov and Mr. Sherman VanGrov Larry and Beth Uhlenbrock Ginger and David Warner Dr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Whitlatch Fr. Barry Windholtz John M. Yacher

Ms. Marsha Drucker Mrs. Melodie Dunn Dr. and Mrs. Stewart B. Dunsker Mrs. Joseph S. Eggleston Mr. Frank E. Espohl Mr. Joseph H. Feldhaus Mr. Don L. Fernandez Mrs. Janelle Gelfand Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Givens Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Goetz Mr. and Mrs. Richard Graeter Mr. R. McDonald Gray Philip and Mattie Groshong Ms. Melissa Haas Julie Grady Heard and Benjamin Heard Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Hendrick Mr. and Mrs. Paul Herbert Ms. Emily M. Hodges Mrs. Harry M. Hoffheimer Mr. Martin Hogan Mr. and Mrs. Tom Horwitz Mr. and Mrs. Matthew W. Hughes Mrs. Isabelle Hugo Mr. Ralph Isaacs Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Jablonsky Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Janson The Honorable Nathaniel Jones Kerry Rockford Enterprises Inc. Ms. Marlene Kessler Mr. and Mrs. Jerry E. Klein Mr. Peter E. Koenig and Ms. Lucy Hodgson

Mr. and Mrs. Mel Kreitzer Ms. Kathryn S. Lang Mr. Michael Lenz Ms. Margaret Lienhart Al and Mary J. López Joanie and Bill Lotts Luke and Neta Lovell Mr. and Mrs. John-Peter Lund Ms. Kathy Mank Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Marks Ms. Loyce Martin Mr. Miguel Martinez and Mr. David Grome Raymond and Madelynn Matlock Mr. and Mrs. Martin McConnell Dr. Janet P. McDaniel Ms. Mary Anne McMillan Mr. and Mrs. Jan Methlie Mr. Ronald L. Miller Chris and Molly Milligan Mrs. Ivan S. Misrach Mr. Charles J. Moomaw Sally A. More Mr. Walter Morris Ms. Joan Murray Ms. Lisa Muvich Mr. and Mrs. Fred Norton Ms. Kathleen O’Connell and Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Neil O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. R. Joseph Parker Mr. Charles Parsons Mr. Anthony Paternoster

20 TO 24 YEARS

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Mrs. Robert B. Adams Dr. and Mrs. Khosrow Alamin Ms. Jane Anderson William and Eve Appleton Dr. and Mrs. William Aronstein Ms. Patricia Baas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Bankston Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bardes Mr. Ronald T. Bates Ms. Judy A. Bean Dr. Rolando Berger Mr. Thomas Berger Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Blanchard Ms. Debbie Bogenschutz Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Bradshaw Diann Bridenbaugh, M.D. David E. Brinkmoeller Ms. Karen Bruin Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burnett Mr. Robert Burroughs Mr. and Mrs. Lanthan Camblin Ms. Patricia M. Carey Mr. Thomas Carothers Mr. James D. Carr and Ms. Jane Wakerman John Castaldi and Terry Bazeley Mr. David Charpentier Norma L. Clark Ms. Melissa Cox Cathy and Tom Crain Mrs. Jodelle S. Crosset Ms. Mary Diersing

20 TO 24 YEARS CONT’D Mr. Phillip Potter Ms. Maria Ransdell Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Rector Mr. Floyd Reed Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Reuter Dr. Dillon and Bev Rhodenbaugh Ms. Mary Rich Mrs. Stephanie Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Donald K. Riker Mr. and Mrs. Jim Robinson Dr. Alan Safdi Dr. Constance Sanders, Ph.D. Ms. Sandra Sayers Ann Gallagher Schoen and Jerry Schoen Ms. Deborah Schultz Mr. Hamilton Schwartz

Ms. Ellen Sewell Mr. Brett Siereveld Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Irwin B. Simon Ms. Carol E. Singer Roger and Margaret Smith James Stapleton and Dr. Elizabeth Shaughnessy Mr. and Mrs. William Steenken Amy Stier and Jef Brown Mrs. Paul A. Succop Mr. and Mrs. Carlos R. Teran Dr. Monica Terhar Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D., and Robert Toltzis, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tomsick Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Torre

Ms. Esperanza Tovar Mr. Timothy E. Troendle Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Anne M. Werner Mrs. Alice F. Weston Ronna and Dr. James Willis Mrs. Susan Windgassen Mr. Jan K. Wolf Shelby O. Wood Dr. Richard Young

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WE’VE BEEN PATRONS OF THE LOCAL ARTS SCENE FOR YEARS. OVER 150 OF THEM. We’re extremely proud to sponsor the Cincinnati Opera. Your creativity and passion inspire all of us to try to shine as brightly as you. From all your fans at Huntington Bank, thank you.

The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. ® and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington.® Welcome.TM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2018 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

Opera Changes Lives Nancy Walker treasures her memories of Cincinnati Opera performances at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the company’s home for its ďŹ rst 51 seasons. When she was young, Nancy’s mother and father encouraged her appreciation of opera by taking her to performances, and over time she became not only an enthusiastic audience member, but also a supernumerary and an usher. Nancy lives in Memphis now, where she is active with Opera Memphis, but she recently made a contribution to Cincinnati Opera in appreciation for her childhood experiences of opera at the Zoo. Along with her gift, she enclosed this letter.

March 17, 2018 Cincinnati Opera 1243 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 45202

To whom it may concern, I am making this one-time donation to the Cincinnati Opera to thank you for the difference the opera has made in my life.

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I was born in 1941 in Cincinnati. My mother had been taken to the zoo by her mother to hear performances. When the opera was new to them, they would buy tickets and a libretto and sit under the pavilion. When they knew the opera, they would go to the zoo and sit just outside. They remembered ice shows during intermissions and the upper restaurant at the back. My grandmother actually lived close enough on Ermine Avenue that if the wind was right, it would bring Turandot’s high notes to them. I sat on my grandmother’s porch in the summer and occasionally heard a high note myself.

0RP DQG 'DG ÂżUVW WRRN PH WR Faust thinking that the devil would grab my interest, but I found Marguerite tedious. The next try was Aida. This was during my Egyptian phase. I had just gotten the Tutankhamen View-Master slides. Aida was marvelous despite my disappointment that it was sung in Italian rather than Egyptian, and I was hooked for life. Of course by the time I came along there were in our house Met radio broadcasts on Saturday, even a stack of old 78 records of the “Liebestodâ€? to which I twirled until I collapsed in a small heap. :KHQ VFKRRO WLFNHWV EHFDPH DYDLODEOH 0RP WRRN PH WR WKH RSHUD RIÂżFH WR VHH LI WKHUH ZHUH H[WUDV and of course there were. In a few years I was able to usher and did for several seasons in high school and college–every performance. There were two performances of each opera, and it was LQWHUHVWLQJ WR VHH WKH GLIIHUHQFH , UHPHPEHU FOHDUO\ EHLQJ DZHG E\ WKH ÂżUVW Salome and left cold for the second two nights later. I have always wondered whether it was the performance or me WKDW PDGH WKH GLIIHUHQFH , UHPHPEHU WKH ZRQGHUIXO =HIÂżUHOOL VWDJH VHW IRU 0DGDPH %XWWHUĂ€\. (Just watched his La Bohème from the Met again.) If I went early, wore the right shoes and was lucky, they gave me a costume and let me super–choir boy in Tosca, peasant in Boris. I actually had to go to a rehearsal to be a prostitute in Manon. I have so many memories–Ping, Pang and Pong struggling to be heard during a rain storm, the smell of summer during the overture to La Traviata, the long intermissions walking around, and all the extra chorus of lions, peacocks, and seals at the zoo. I am sure the musicians are delighted to play inside now, but I feel so blessed to have been able to experience opera outside during the summer evenings.

I live in Memphis, and support our opera company with Ned Canty as a great director. I have been fortunate to see opera in New York, London, Paris, Sydney, Glimmerglass, Santa Fe and other cities. But without the Zoo opera, I doubt that I would have become the fan that I am.

I am also sending a couple of souvenir programs that my family here has no interest in, but you might enjoy seeing.

Thank you,

W

elcome to Cincinnati Opera’s 2018 Season!

Each summer, Guild members enjoy the “Meet and Greets” that kick off rehearsals, where we provide food and a friendly welcome for the cast, crew, and staff. This is a great way to meet the opera stars and Cincinnati Opera family!

Additionally, throughout the year, we host dinners, luncheons, and other get-togethers that keep us connected through our support for Cincinnati Opera.

Please consider joining the Guild—we would love to have you!

Virginia Cover Guild President

CINCINNATI OPERA GUILD BOARD The Cincinnati Opera Guild is an organization of committed volunteers who are dedicated to supporting the Opera. For over half a century, their activities have promoted awareness, generated public interest in the company, and deepened understanding of the art form. They bring many forms of expertise to advance the organization, especially education and engagement. Their support is essential to a vast array of ongoing activities and events, and they are among the Opera’s most enthusiastic ambassadors in Greater Cincinnati.

OFFICERS President Virginia K. Cover+

Social and Fundraising Chair Beverly Oyler

Chairman Sarajane King*+ Secretary

Education and Engagement Chairs Marilyn Z. Ott+ Katja Lundgren

Betsi Brockmeier Karlee Hilliard

Membership Chairs Julie Alamin+ Barbara Bardes

Meetings Chair Lois Brenner+

Honorary Chair Suzanne Hasl (H)*+° Eleanor C. Minkarah (H)*

Meet and Greet Chairs Marlene Johnson+ Ellen Saenger On the Road Al López Mary López

Patrick Korb (H)*+° Member at Large Shelby O. Wood+ Newsletter Editor Janet McDaniel

MEMBERS Julie Alamin+ Jennifer M. Allen* Anne Arenstein Paule Asch Barbara Bardes Helene Sullivan Bentley Mr. Alfred Berger, Jr.° Mary M. Bergstein (H) Carol Berliant Lois Brenner+ Charles Bretz Cherylann Brinkman° Betsi Brockmeier Nicholas P. Ciafardini (H)+° Nancy Clagett Virginia K. Cover+ Sonia Daoud James de Blasis° Joanna Doerner Jocelyn C. Dunphy (H)*+ Christopher D. Edwards (H)+ Marlesa A. Gray (H)* Barbara S. Hahn (H)+ Barbara Harshman+ Suzanne Hasl (H)*+° Julie Grady Heard (H)*+ Karlee Hilliard Emily M. Hodges Edita Hoffman

Marlene Johnson+ Magdalena Kerschner Mel Hofmann Keumpel (H)*+ Zizi Khodadad Jennifer Kinnen (H) Sarajane King*+ Bo-Kyung Kirby Patrick Korb (H)*+° Renu Kotwal Elizabeth Kuresman (H)*+ Bruce Lafferre Lorrie Laskey (H)* Richard Lauf (H)* Joan Lee Sooncha Lee Adele Lippert Erin Lombardi Al and Mary López Joanie Lotts (H)+ Carolyn Ludwig Katja Lundgren Taylor McCallum Janet McDaniel Ruth McDevitt (H)*+ Mary Alice and Sherwood W. McIntire° Eleanor C. Minkarah (H)* Patty Misrach Sue A. Mouch (H)

Lawrence Mouch (H) Hengameh Nassef Christine Neyer+ Tom Osterman (H)*+ Marilyn Ott+ Marchelle and O’Dell M. Owens° Beverly Oyler Lilian Pagani° Isabelle Paul° Sandy Porada Daniel C. Rebhun (H)*+ Aileen B. Reinstatler (H)* Ed Requardt Gale Roberts Carol A. Rogers (H) Solveiga Rush+ Lois P. Rust Ellen Saenger Ruthann (H)*+° and G. James Sammarco° Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Schmidt° Norma Schoenberger° Charles R. Schuler° Martha S. Seaman (H)* Trudie Seybold (H) Dale Shafer+ Joseph B. Shirley° Richard Sininger Margaret Smith+

Priya Sonty Nancy and Jeffrey Stambough° Barbara and Joseph Stegmaier° Kim Strubbe Janet and Paul A. Stuhlreyer III° Judy Thompson Janet Todd° Beverly Tonkens-VanGrov (H)+ Nydia Tranter+ Carol Turni Nancy Virgulak Jeannine Winkelmann (H)* EJ Wohlgemuth° Andrea Wiot Shelby O. Wood+ Sylvia Yorke

(H) Honorary Member *former Guild Board President +member of 15 years or more °Lifetime member

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CELEBRATIONS AND HONORARIUMS During the last year, many individuals have made contributions to Cincinnati Opera in honor or in celebration of friends and family members. Cincinnati Opera is grateful for these thoughtful gifts.

In honor of Marilynn Braude’s Birthday Jeff and Jane Wehmeier

In honor of Ohio National’s Board Members and CEO Group Gary “Doc” and Milly Huffman

In honor of Charlin Briggs Peggy and Emerson Knowles

In honor of Glenn Plott Isaac M. Wise Temple Deb Jackson Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack

In honor of Kate Brockmeier Deb Jackson In honor of the Cincinnati Opera Staff Virginia K. Cover In honor of Jean Crawford Paule S. Asch, Ph.D. In honor of Vivian Dobur Ms. Joan E. Mettey In honor of Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Susan R. Troselius

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In honor of Dr. Olga Duarte The Heidt Family Foundation In honor of Kemper Florin Virginia K. Cover In honor of Julie Grady Heard Paule S. Asch, Ph.D. In honor of Sarajane King Ms. Kathleen M. Greene In honor of Jemannie Luong Virginia K. Cover In honor of Marianne Meyers Mary L. Schaffer In honor of Chris Milligan, an extraordinary leader, mentor, and friend Kemper Florin Amy Hildebrand Lori Hiltenbeitel Jemannie Luong Aimee Sposito Martini Ashley Tongret Tracy L. Wilson

In honor of Zell Schulman’s 90th Birthday Ms. Judy Adams Leslie Backus Mr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Baker Ms. Karen Bear Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Dr. and Mrs. Michael Belkin Ms. Helen A. Benjamin and Ms. Ruth B. Barham Ms. Maxine Berkman and Dr. C. Ralph Buncher Dorothy Anne Blatt Ms. Mary A. Doyle Ms. Shirley E. Fingerman and Ms. Debra Fingerman Steven, Alison, and Hope Furst Mr. Michael L. Gilbert and Ms. Eleanor Aronoff Linda Greenberg Gloria and Myles Haffer Ms. Ilene Hodesh Mr. Daniel J. Hoffheimer Gary “Doc” and Milly Huffman Mrs. John Lawrence, Jr. Ms. Marilyn J. Maag Craig and Anne Maier Mr. and Mrs. David S. Mann Mr. and Mrs. Harry Manton Lyn Marsteller and John Pinney Mr. and Mrs. David Reichert Edward and Nancy Rosenthal Ms. Edith Samuels Felice and Michael Shane Mr. and Mrs. John Shore Mrs. Mary Sloneker Ms. Norma Tassian Mrs. Alice F. Weston Ms. and Mr. Louise Wolf Alan Zeff

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

In honor of Murray Sinclaire, Jr. Mr. Richard A. Weiland In honor of Brett Stover Dorothy Anne Blatt In honor of Douglas Kennedy and Jessica Winters’s Wedding Dr. Ingrid Brown

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IN MEMORIAM During the last year, many individuals have made contributions to Cincinnati Opera in memory of friends and family members. Cincinnati Opera is grateful for these thoughtful gifts.

In memory of Scott Atkinson Christopher D. Edwards In memory of Irma Becker Patricia K. and James D. Beggs In memory of Phil Brown Patricia K. and James D. Beggs In memory of Robert E. Byrnes The Gumbleton Family In memory of Herb and Betty Colker Mr. Larry Colker

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In memory of Claire E. Dierckes Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Mr. and Mrs. Elroy E. Bourgraf Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Mrs. Ora Forusz and Mr. J. Harry Dornheggen Mrs. Robert J. Hasl Janet and Cornelius Hauck Ms. Kathy Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kirkpatrick Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lancaster Mr. John H. Mueller III Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Niemann Mr. and Mrs. J. James Pearce Mr. Gerald D. Rape Zell Schulman Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Sprigg Mr. and Mrs. G. Adrian Thompson In memory of Richard Fahrenbruck Mary Fahrenbruck and Harvey Curran Ms. Janet Fahrenbruck-Lynch In memory of Paul J. Fantetti Michael and Rebecca Gumbleton

In memory of Dr. Michael B. Gladson Rabbi Julie S. Schwartz In memory of Spencer Harper Patricia K. and James D. Beggs In memory of Heather Khosla Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Teddy Gumbleton Chris Milligan Sneja H. Tomassian Ashley Tongret In memory of Betty Klinedinst Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Dorothy Anne Blatt In memory of Dr. Charlie Kuntz IV Anonymous Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Marilyn and Charles Kuntz, M.D. In memory of Charles D. Lyons Michael and Rebecca Gumbleton In memory of Jack McKee Ashley Tongret and Matthew Jent In memory of Thomas L. Neyer, Sr. Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Mrs. Robert J. Hasl In memory of Katherine Orwoll Mr. Joseph Greco In memory of Peggy Peters Ms. Judy F. Starrels In memory of Jeanne Rape Anonymous In memory of Nancy Gail Rueger Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Stuck

In memory of Bob Folan Virginia K. Cover In memory of Ervine Frankel Ronna and Dr. James Willis

Contributions from May 15, 2017 to May 14, 2018

In memory of Kenneth Schonberg Paule S. Asch, Ph.D. Gay Bain Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Mrs. Erika C. Dockery Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Evans Mrs. Robert J. Hasl Sharon Kokot and Benson Ross Adele and Thomas Lippert Julie and Andy Webster In memory of Bernard Silberstein Lisa Silberstein In memory of Lorraine Spry Gail Rodgers In memory of Harold Stier Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas Kemper Florin Teddy Gumbleton Julie Grady Heard Lori Hiltenbeitel Matt, Ashley, Phil, and Coosh Jent Jemannie Luong Aimee Sposito Martini Chris and Molly Milligan Jack Morton Marsha Munafo Matt Singleton Sneja H. and RafďŹ Tomassian Mike Veroni Tracy L. Wilson In memory of Serge Urriquia Patricia K. and James D. Beggs In memory of Joe Veroni Patricia K. and James D. Beggs Donald E. Hoffman Patti and Mike Veroni

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C I N C I N N AT I O P E R A PRESENTS

PRIDE TWELFTH ANNUAL

Premier builder for the arts

Messer Construction Co. is honored to be a sponsor for the 2018 Cincinnati Opera season.

@messerwearebldg messer.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 MUSIC HALL

To purchase tickets, call (513) 768-5520 or visit cincinnatiopera.org CELEBRATING CINCINNATI DIVERSITY & EQUALITY

CHAIRS MARGARET LEMASTERS, M.D. & SHAWN T. SCOTT HONOREE RONALD T. BATES

REMEMBRANCES As we pause to reflect on the loss of several important members of the Opera family, we invite you to join us in celebrating the many contributions of these extraordinary individuals.

Irma Becker

Terence Lilly

A witty and wise Cincinnati Opera employee in the development and finance departments from 1999 to 2001, and along with Walter, her husband of 63 years, a loyal opera fan and active tennis player.

Head of the trust division at Fifth Third Bank, Terry served as a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1984 to 1986, as well as Treasurer and Executive Committee member. A singer by avocation, he sang in the choir of Indian Hill Church, and was a board member of the Cincinnati May Festival. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were longtime Cincinnati Opera donors and subscribers.

Claire E. Dierckes

Co-founder of the Cincinnati Opera Guild with her sister Jeanne Etienne Rape in the 1960s. She was a former Guild president, devoted Guild board member, and editor of the Guild’s first newsletter. Her family’s business, The Westerman Print Company, was among the Opera’s first corporate sponsors. A Fulbright scholar, Claire and her husband of 55 years, Albert, were avid arts patrons and world travelers.

John H. Louis

A Cincinnati College of Music graduate, he worked for ZIV TV Productions and retired from Warner Brothers Television as Vice President of Sales. He served as a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1998 to 1999.

Jack Edelman

A successful regional business owner, Jack and Debra, his wife of 64 years, traveled from Richmond, Indiana, to Cincinnati Opera performances every summer for over three decades. In loving memory of her husband, Debra Edelman is sponsoring Youngjoo An in our opening production of La Traviata.

Kenneth C. Schonberg

Erudite, eloquent, and always courteous, Ken brightened a room with his humor and enthusiasm. A knowledgeable and well-traveled opera lover, he was a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1994 to 2001, and with his wife of 25 years, Deborah Schultz, a member of the Society of Angels.

Spencer E. Harper, Jr. 118

A renowned Kentucky attorney, he served as a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1998 to 1999. He and Carol, his wife of 61 years, were longtime subscribers and donors, often driving from Louisville to attend performances and meetings.

Gustave “Gus” L. Juengling III

Well-known business leader and a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1987 to 1990, he and his wife, Barbara, were donors and enthusiastic supporters of Cincinnati Opera for decades.

Betty Broeman Klinedinst

A Cincinnati Opera Guild board member since 2005, she attended our performances with her late husband of 54 years, Thomas Klinedinst, Sr., and then continued to support us as an energetic and inspiring nonagenarian.

Nancy Walker

An iconic member of Cincinnati’s cultural community, she served on the boards of several major organizations, including Cincinnati Opera from 1996 until 2017. She was on the advisory committee that recommended hiring Jesús López-Cobos as music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and chaired the search committee that hired his successor, Paavo Järvi. Several generations of piano students studied with Nancy.

No question about it! EY is a proud supporter of the Cincinnati Opera.

The arts inspire us to reach beyond the ordinary. At EY, striving for excellence and performing up to our full potential is how we build our business every day.

Visit ey.com

Š 2016 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. 1605-1928369 NE. ED None.

Standing ovation?

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CINCINNATI OPERA REPERTOIRE 1920–2018

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

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Vincenzo Bellini Norma–1932, 1935, 1938, 1977, 1984, 2003 Il Pirata–1969 La Sonnambula–1960 Georges Bizet Carmen–1921-24, 1926-33, 193560, 1962-1971, 1976, 1980, 1985, 1988, 1991, 1997, 2004, 2009, 2014 Arrigo Boito Mefistofele–1922, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1939, 1972

Francesco Cilèa Adriana Lecouvreur–1979 Emmanuel Chabrier L’Étoile–2006 Richard Danielpour Margaret Garner–2005 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 Roberto Devereux–1974

William Bolcom Medusa–2003

Friedrich von Flotow Martha–1920, 1924, 1926, 192830, 1932, 1935, 1936, 1943-45, 1947, 1948, 1955, 1956

Benjamin Britten Peter Grimes–1960 The Turn of the Screw–1999

Carlisle Floyd Of Mice and Men–1971 Susannah–1959, 1964, 1979, 1988

Daniel Catán Florencia en el Amazonas–2008

Charles Rudolph Friml The Firefly–1930, 1931

Francesco Cavalli La Calisto–2014

George Gershwin Porgy and Bess–2012

Umberto Giordano Andrea Chénier–1929, 1930, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1963, 1967, 1995 Fedora–1923 Philip Glass Galileo Galilei–2013 Osvaldo Golijov Ainadamar–2009 Ricky Ian Gordon Morning Star–2015 Charles Gounod Faust–1921-23, 1926, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1935-51, 1953-58, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1999, 2007 Romeo and Juliet–1922, 1923, 1933, 1945, 1971, 1982, 1989, 1994, 2002 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, 1981, 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, 1981, 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 Gian Carlo Menotti The Medium–1967 Giacomo Meyerbeer Dinorah–1929, 1930 L’Africaine–1936 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 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 Modest Mussorgsky Boris Godunov–1948, 1958, 1974 Jacques Offenbach La Périchole–1974 The Tales of Hoffmann–1921, 1923, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1987, 1992, 2006 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 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, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1996, 2001, 2008, 2014 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 Turandot–1955, 1956, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1987, 1995, 2003, 2015 Kevin Puts Silent Night–2014 Richard Rodgers Carousel–1983 Oklahoma–1984 The Sound of Music–1982 South Pacific–1981 Robert Xavier Rodríguez Frida–2017 Sigmund Romberg The Student Prince–1978

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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 La Cenerentola–1966, 2000 Camille Saint-Saëns Samson and Delilah–1922, 1923, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1936, 1940-47, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1964, 1970, 1998

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

Arnold Schoenberg Erwartung–2001

Isaac Van Grove The Music Robber–1926, 1927

Bedrich Smetana The Bartered Bride–1931, 1954

Giuseppe Verdi Aida–1921-24, 1926, 1927, 192933, 1935-1956, 1959-62, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1976, 1981, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2007, 2013 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 La Traviata–1923, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1935, 1938-58, 1960, 196264, 1966-68, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2012, 2018 Il Trovatore–1921, 1922, 1926-33, 1937-49, 1951, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1994, 2015

Gregory Spears Fellow Travelers–2016

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Deems Taylor The King’s Henchmen–1936

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 Elektra–2002 Der Rosenkavalier–1948, 1950, 1957, 1958, 1967, 1986, 1994, 2013 Salome–1948, 1949, 1953, 1960, 1962, 1968, 1982, 2000 Arthur Sullivan The Gondoliers–1985 H.M.S. Pinafore–1932, 1933, 1981 The Mikado–1928, 1979 The Pirates of Penzance–1933, 1980 Trial by Jury–1933 Joseph Surdo Enter Pauline–1929

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 Secret of Suzanne–1920, 1922, 1928, 1937, 1948, 1953

imagination THE STAGE IS SET FOR ENDLESS

4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150

www.CincyNature.org

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Artists’ Coffee Service: Cole Café, sponsored by Sheila and Christopher Cole Artist Housing: AHI Corporate Housing (Lauryn Zanone); Thomas Cochill and Jack Emery; Barbara and Jack Hahn, D.D.S.; Rosemary Jarvis; Ted Leavitt; Naomi Lewin; Matthew Swanson Banking Services: PNC Bank; Huntington Bank Education Partners: Academy of World Lan-

guages; Activities Beyond the Classroom; Annunciation Catholic School; Campbell County Public Library; College Hill Academy; Cottingham Retirement Community; Deupree House; Glendale Lyceum; Holmes Middle School; Holy Family School; Hyde Park School; Kenton County Public Library; Lakota Local Schools; Marjorie P. Lee Community; Mason Middle School; The Mercantile Library; Mindful Music Moments; Roselawn Condon School; St. Lawrence School; University of Cincinnati/Holly McGhee; UCMC; Winton Hills School 124

Gifts-In-Kind: A Catered Affair; American Scaffolding; Below Zero; Vivienne and Christopher Carlson; Design Lab; Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas; Vivian Dobur; eat well, LLC; Evolution Studios/Tony Tiemeyer; Tina and Georges Feghali; Frida 602; Funky’s Catering Events; Glen Goodwin Lighting Services; Hart & Cru; Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza; Michelle and Kevin Jones; Kaze; The Kroger Company; Macaron Bar; Ryan L. Messer and James A. Musuraca-Messer; Monteverdi Tuscany/Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe; Kathy Nardiello; Robert Olson; The Phoenix; Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro A. Ryes; Joe Rigotti/Accent on Cincinnati; Teresa and Mark Schroer, M.D.; Brett Stover; Vintner Select/Gordon Hullar and Doris Holzheimer; Jane and Jon H. Votel; Shelby O. Wood; Zula Green Room Hospitality: Nick Ciafardini Investment Managers: PNC Institutional Invest-

ments; Johnson Investment Counsel; 1919 Investment Counsel; Fort Washington Capital Partners Group Legal Assistance: Boris Auerbach; Robert W. Olson, Lawrence H. Kyte, Jr., Charles E. Baverman III, Mary J. Healy, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; Sarah

Clay Leyshock, Julia B. Meister, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; Ann Schoen, Douglas D. Thomson, Thaddeus H. Driscoll, Frost Brown Todd LLP; Tara K. Burke, Katharine C. Weber, Jackson Lewis P.C. Matching Gift Companies: AK Steel Foundation;

Bank of America Charitable Foundation; GE Foundation; Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies; Macy’s; PNC Bank; U.S. Bank Media Partners: Cincinnati Enquirer; WGUC-FM;

WVXU-FM Official Piano Technician: Russell McNamara, Pi-

ano Perfect Opera Goes to Church Partners: Courtis Fuller, host Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church: Lin-

coln Heights Missionary Baptist Church Choir, Rev. David Minor, Director of Worship Arts & Media, director; New Jerusalem Baptist Church Choir, A. Michael Cunningham, Minister of Music & Arts, director; Southern Baptist Church Choir, Rev. Dan Larkin, Jr., Ministry Assistant & Minister of Music, director; Dr. Elliott Cuff, Senior Pastor, Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Alphonza Jones, Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church; Kimwana Doner, soprano; Albert Lee, tenor; Ed “Sax” Thomas; Gideon “Guitar” Watson; The Muzic Company; The RWJ Sextet; Jesse Leong, pianist; Donald Lee III, pianist Allen Temple A.M.E. Church: The Allen Temple A.M.E. Church Choir, Rev. Marcellene Winfrey, Minister of Worship & Liturgy, director; Albert Lee, tenor; Indra Thomas, soprano; The William Menefield Trio; Jesse Leong, pianist Production Partners & In-Kind: AJG Risk Management; Cincinnati Arts Association; Cincinnati Ballet; Cincinnati Music Hall; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Cincinnati Stage Employees Local 5 IATSE; Cincinnati Wardrobe Union Local 864 IATSE; Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Goodwin Lighting Services; Hands-On Rigging; Hase & Associates, Ltd.; Paul H. Lippe, Inc.; Pebble Creek Group; School for Creative and Performing Arts; SEKO Logistics CVG; University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Production Departments

Program Book: Produced by Cincinnati Magazine:

Cincinnati Opera extends special thanks to the

Publisher Ivy Bayer; Director of Editorial Operations Amanda Boyd Walters; Art Director Danielle Johnson. Opera Editorial Assistance by Matthew Jent.

staff and faculty at the School for Creative and Per-

Special Event Hosts: Art Design Consultants/

Litsa Spanos; Chris and Vivienne Carlson; Design Lab; Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas; eat well, LLC; Evolution Fashion Studios/ Tony Tiemeyer; Hart & Cru; Michelle and Kevin C. Jones; Beverly Oyler; Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro A. Ryes; Dr. Mark and Teresa Schroer; Brett Stover; Jane and Jon Votel; Shelby O. Wood; Anne and Allen Zaring III Special thanks to our in-kind donors: All those who generously donated items for the 2017 Online Auction.

Partners: Catacoustic Consort; concert:nova; ROKCincy; Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC)

Strategic

forming Arts: Brad Gerard; Gina Kleesattel; Kathy Magistrelli; Jeff New; Michael Owens; Nick Nissley; George Smith; Theresa Summe-Haas; Angela Powell Walker Underwriters of the School for Creative and Performing Arts Professional Trainee Program:

Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of: ArtsWave; Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau; Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber; Downtown Cincinnati, Inc.; First World War Centenary Partnership, Imperial War Museum, London; Greater Cincinnati Alliance for Arts Education; Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce; Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA; Ohio Alliance for Arts Education; Ohio Citizens for the Arts; OPERA America; Opera Volunteers International; Overthe-Rhine Chamber of Commerce; Society for the Preservation of Music Hall

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CINCINNATI OPERA STAFF

Patricia K. Beggs The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Administration & Finance Christopher Milligan Managing Director & CMO Michael J. Veroni Chief Financial Officer Amy Stier Director of Human Resources & Administration Julie Grady Heard Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kelly Holterhoff COA Executive Assistant Director, ROKCincy

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Jack Morton Controller Matt Singleton Information Technology Manager Marsha Munafo Finance Assistant Rachel Amalfitano Administrative Intern Development Sneja H. Tomassian Chief Advancement Officer Joe Peacock Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving Lissa Urriquia Gapultos Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving Teddy Gumbleton Individual Giving Manager Madalyn Mills Events Manager

Dominique Mix COA Development Associate; concert:nova Executive Director

Artistic Evans Mirageas The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

Ricky Williams, Jr. Development Associate

Marcus Küchle Director of Artistic Operations & New Work Development

Jamie Kelly Development Intern Education & Community Relations Kemper Florin Director of Education & Engagement Tracy L. Wilson Director of Community Relations Jemannie Luong Education & Community Relations Associate Marketing & Public Relations Ashley Tongret Director of Public Relations Amy Hildebrand Marketing Manager Huangyu (Kelly) Ju Data Analyst Aimee Sposito Martini Senior Graphic Designer & Illustrator Lori L. Hiltenbeitel Ticketing Operations Manager Scott Youger Ticketing System Manager Drew Dielman Public Relations Assistant Jonathan Dellinger Marketing Intern Philip J. Groshong Company Photographer

Morris Robinson Artistic Advisor Jane Hulburt Artistic Administrator Amanda Carmen Pursell Artistic Liaison Henri Venanzi Chorus Master Michael Ciavaglia Assistant Chorus Master Elena Kholodova Marie-France Lefebvre Jesse Leong Valerie Pool Carol Walker Pianists Andrew Nienaber Assistant Director Sawyer Pardo Directing Intern Laura Sabo Super Captain Valerie Pool Supertitles Coordinator Ai Li Goh Brown Supertitles Assistant Beatrice Baker Artistic Intern Production Glenn Plott Director of Production Kate Brockmeier Production Operations Manager

Sarah Clark Production Administrator Thomas C. Hase Lighting Director Bailey Costa Associate Lighting Director Rebecca Senske Costume Manager Chad Phillips Assistant Costume Manager James Geier Wig & Make-up Designer Amy Whitaker Wig & Make-up Artist Megan Bennett Constance Dubinski Grubbs Liam Roche Production Stage Managers Skye Cone Hannah Holthaus Hayley Hunt Jennifer Picone Brooke Redler Laura Stenger Assistant Stage Managers Ruth Wartman Scenic & Prop Charge Artist Ben Woida Technical Assistant Kyle Birdsall Maggie Hoffecker Jennelle John-Lewis Stage Management Interns Nicholas Smith Kat C. Zhou Lighting Interns Beckett Mullen Rehearsal Department Intern

Brian Bridewell Leah Busse Shop Hands

Julie Lasonczyk Scenic Artist Intern

Jon Chevalier Construction Carpenter

Jerome Horng Wig & Make-up Intern

David Hall Carpenter Second Hand

Cherl Beyersdoerfer Costumer

Kevin Eviston Flyman

Pat Hanlon Assistant Costumer

E.J. Mechley Production Electrician

Leila Andrews Noelle Wedig Elizabeth Kline Wardrobe Technicians

Olivia Thompson Costume & Wardrobe Intern Reed Gnepper Madison Stone Carolina Manfredi Eva Schramm Jordain Addis Iris Harmon Professional Trainees Technical Gary Kidney Technical Director Robert Lay Master Carpenter

Allan Bird Bill Roberson Board Operators Kevin Barth Master of Properties

Music Hall Technical Staff Gary Kidney Technical Director

Tim Fowler Property Second Hand

E.J. Mechley Master Electrician

Cedric Collier Head Sound Technician

Paul Stafford Master Carpenter

Kenny Johnson Production Technician House Staff Dylan Drake Connor Howard Josh Levin Zach Quortrup Jennifer Radisch Austin T. Smith Logan Wagner Customer Service Representatives Mike Snyder Audio Description Dennis Fury Event Manager Josh Wilson House Manager

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Please Note...

• Latecomers will be admitted to the auditorium at the discretion of management.

• Please do not place coats or other objects on the balcony railings.

• Please turn off all mobile devices and signal watches during performances.

• Please refrain from talking or using a mobile phone during performances.

to the Corbett Theater.

Restrooms All restrooms in Music Hall are accessible to people with disabilities and are located on all levels.

ATM An ATM is available in the Western & Southern Lobby, near the Music Hall box office in the South Hall.

Taxi Service Taxi service may be requested by speaking with Music Hall event personnel at Guest Services, in the north end of the lobby.

• Music Hall and SCPA are smoke-free buildings.

• Eating and drinking are strictly forbidden inside the auditorium with the exception of bottled water.

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• Due to the adult subject matter and in consideration for all patrons, we require that children be at least 7 years of age to be admitted to mainstage productions. Visit our website for our Education & Engagement programming for all ages.

Broadcasts Cincinnati Opera’s 2018 season will be aired on WGUC 90.9 FM. Contributions Gifts of all sizes are welcome and

important to the Opera. To make a donation, inquire about donor benefits, honor or memorial gifts, or acknowledgments, please contact Teddy Gumbleton, Individual Giving Manager, at (513) 768-5520 or tgumbleton@cincinnatiopera.org.

Merchandise Visit the Bravo Shop! To purchase

Opera Insights A free overview of each opera is pre-

sented one hour prior to curtain, in Corbett Tower for Music Hall performances and in the Mayerson Theater for SCPA performances.

Meet the Artists Patrons may meet performers out-

side the stage door on Central Parkway.

Assistive Listening System An infra-red wireless receiver for the hearing impaired is available upon request from event personnel for Springer Auditorium performances.

Audio Description Live descriptions of stage action

for the visually impaired are presented by trained describers for Springer Auditorium performances.

Please inquire with event personnel.

Wheelchair access and assistance with other mobility issues are available.

Please request locations or assistance when ordering tickets, and please reserve early.

merchandise, contact Kelly Holterhoff at (513) 768-5511 or kholterhoff@cincinnatiopera.org.

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 Ashley Tongret at (513) 768-5526 or atongret@ cincinnatiopera.org.

Box Office Hours Monday through Friday 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays on which there are performances from 12 noon through the first intermission.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Accessible Seating

Elevators Opera is accessible! Elevators at Music Hall are located inside the entrance at the southern end of the building and in the North Hall. At SCPA, an elevator is located near the east entrance

Email: feedback@cincinnatiopera.org Website: www.cincinnatiopera.org Main Phone: (513) 768-5500 Box Office: (513) 241-2742 Comment Line: (513) 768-5576 U.S. Mail: Cincinnati Opera 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

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