Cincinnati Opera 2024 Summer Festival Program Book

CINCINNATI OPERA

Mona Dermatology congratulates the Cincinnati Opera on a successful season!

DON GIOVANNI LA TRAVIATA

STUDIO

STUDIO

Editor-in-Chief Katie Syroney

Art Direction and Design Aimee Sposito Martini

Illustrations La Traviata: © Daria Petrilli—Licensee

Chiara Roilo; Don Giovanni, Paul McCartney’s Liverpool

Oratorio: Aimee Sposito Martini

Publisher Ivy Bayer

Director of Editorial Operations

Amanda Boyd Walters

Designer Emi Villavicencio 1818

Phone: 513-421-4300

www.cincinnatimagazine.com

WELCOME FROM THE GENERAL AND ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

Welcome to Cincinnati Opera‘s 2024 Summer Festival at Music Hall! We’re thrilled you’re here and have chosen to spend this time with us.

As you settle into your seat, we’ve got a little secret to share. Summer? It’s our absolute favorite time of year.

Months of planning and preparation have led to this moment— where the audience gathers, the lights dim, the curtain rises, and just for a heartbeat, time stands still.

Then, the overture sweeps in, and for the next few hours, we

another state of mind. And who knows? You might just leave feeling something entirely new. Maybe it’s awe, or love, or a spark of hope. Maybe it’s a new perspective on the world around you.

That’s the magic of opera. It has this incredible ability to touch soaring. It’s the kind of experience that could make summer your favorite season too.

Opera is, by its nature, a collaborative endeavor—one that involves risk-taking, creative thinking, and a belief in its power to connect. We’re endlessly thankful to the hundreds of professionals, volunteers, and supporters—both onstage and off—who pour their full selves into this art form year-round.

To you, the audience: you’re our “why,” and we couldn’t be more grateful for your presence and your support. Thank you for embarking on this journey with us.

Finally, we join the Opera Board and staff in extending our sincere appreciation to Melanie Chavez for two years of extraordinary service to Cincinnati Opera as Board President. Melanie, we look forward to celebrating your leadership at the Annual Meeting in September when we’ll also welcome President-Elect Ron Bates to his new role.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Director & CEO

Christopher Milligan

The Harry Fath General

Evans Mirageas

The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

Heralded

… As Well As Brilliant Instrumentalists!

September 15, 2024

One of the most sought-after violists of her generation

Tickets: MemorialHallOTR.org or 513-977-8838

October 13, 2024

Explore

April 6, 2025

Plays with a maturity and elegance far beyond his years

GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

Welcome to Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival! It’s a joy to gather with you at Music Hall as we embark on this season full of glorious music, moving drama, and dazzling stagecraft. There’s simply nothing like it, and we’re delighted that you’re here.

beloved grandmother. Over the years, I have been privileged to witness the Opera’s growth, transitioning from an enthusiastic audience member to a trustee, and now, as Board President. Cincinnati Opera continues to evolve in exciting and inspiring directions, giving us new ways to look at the world and new opportunities to experience opera’s singular power.

It’s also been thrilling to support Cincinnati Opera’s vision to broaden than Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, which will be presented here in its

with audiences.

Likewise, I’m immensely proud of Cincinnati Opera’s dedication to am plifying diverse voices through initiatives like the recently announced Black

to commission three original operas by Black creative teams (librettists, composers, and designers), featuring Black artists in leading roles. These new works, premiering in 2025, 2026, and 2027, will celebrate the Black American experience through powerful storytelling, imagery, and singing. These are stories that need to be told, and Cincinnati Opera is giving them

During my tenure as Board President, I’ve been fortunate to receive sup port from an incredible group of trustees whose passion for the Opera is un matched. I’d like to express particular gratitude to Liz Kathman Grubow for her exemplary leadership as Board Chair and to extend a warm welcome to

you for your devotion to this organization and for your determination to elevate the art form to new heights. It’s been a pleasure to work in partner ship with you.

nati Opera story. Brava, bravo, and bravi!

Melanie M. Chavez President Cincinnati Opera Board

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers

President

Melanie M. Chavez

Chair

Liz Kathman Grubow

President-Elect

Ronald T. Bates

Treasurer

Robert Bitter

Secretary

Charles E. Baverman III

Regular Members

Katherine Anderson

Boris Auerbach

Flávia Bastos, Ph.D.

Elaine Billmire, M.D.

Thomas F. Boat, M.D.

Walter Bruyninckx

Michael L. Cioffi

Sheila Cole

Peter G. Courlas

Eric Dauer

Ralph A. Giannella, M.D.

Barbara Hahn

Gary T. “Doc” Huffman

Jason Jackman

Anne Jaroszewicz

Kevin C. Jones

Yemisi O. Jones, M.D.

Mona Kerstine

Katie Lanni

Nanci Wilks Lanni

Lynn Larson

Ashleigh Marable

Michael A. Marrero

Everett McCorvey

David Motch

Christine E. Neyer

Robert W. Olson

Reena Dhanda Patil, M.D.

Michael L. Powell

Nicholas W. Puncer

Jason Riveiro

Regina Carswell Russo

G. James

Sammarco, M.D.

Ruthann Sammarco

Edward B. Silberstein, M.D.

Bradbury Skidmore, M.D.

Susan R. Strick, M.D.

Tricia Suit

Mary Ann Taylor

Brian Tiffany

Sheila Williams

Stanford T. Williams, Jr.

Jeannine Winkelmann

Peg Wyant

Advisory Members

Vicki Alpaugh

Christopher Baucom

Patricia K. Beggs

Christopher J. Canarie

Arthur B. Casper

Daniel B. Cunningham

John G. Earls

Harry Fath

Peter Graham

Julie Grady Heard

Barbara Hummel, M.Ed.

Doug Ignatius

Margaret LeMasters, M.D.

Jenny Magro

Julia B. Meister

Beatriz H. Porras, M.D.

Melody Sawyer

Richardson

Harry H. Santen

Douglas Skidmore

Pamela Spangler Reis

Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D.

Nydia C. Tranter

Ronna Willis

Shelby O. Wood

Anne M. Zaring

Ex-Officio Members

Peter Koenig, Board

President, Friends of Music Hall

Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO

The Honorable Aftab Pureval, Mayor of Cincinnati

Brett Willson, Chair, Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

Honorary Members

Charlin Briggs

Vivian A. Dobur

Courtis Fuller

Suzanne Hasl

Patrick Korb

Joanie Lotts

Sue Alexander Mouch

Zell Schulman

Paul A. “Gus” Stuhlreyer III

Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

Kiley Beale

Brianna Bragg

Kristy Davis-Mustain

Michael T. Dean

Jarvis T. Graham

Eric Shane Heatley

Deanna Hillard

Ammon Hollister

Sebastien Hue

Alex Lohmann

C. Alek Lucke

Jenna K. Morvay

Aliya Riddle

Will Selnick

Nataly Wickham

Brett Willson

Christina P. Yardley

The Figaro Society

Patricia K. Beggs

Alva Jean Crawford

Daniel B. Cunningham

James T. Fitzgerald

Kingston Fletcher

Donald E. Hoffman

Lawrence H. Kyte

Joseph Pichler

Harry H. Santen

Murray Sinclaire, Jr.

James Stapleton

John M. Tew, Jr., M.D.

Ellen van der Horst

Ray van der Horst

Anne M. Zaring

Mario Zuccarello, M.D.

The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Artin the 21st Century is organized by the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum. This exhibition is generously supported by the Ford Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Monica Ikegwu (American, b. 1998), Open/Closed, 2021, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. each (121.9 x 91.4 cm), Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Myrtis, © Monica Ikegwu

Presented by The Ragland Family Foundation

Exhibition Sponsors Media Sponsor

Opening Weekend Sponsor

The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine V. Chavez

Performance Sponsors

1919 Investment Counsel

Kathleen Laurin-Martin and Dr. Joseph C. Martin

DON GIOVANNI

Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte

Sung in the original Italian

Based on Giovanni Bertati’s libretto for the opera Don Giovanni Tenorio

World premiere: October 29, 1787, at the National Theater, Prague Cincinnati Opera premiere: July 13, 1930, at Cincinnati Zoo Pavilion

June 13 and 15, 2024, at Cincinnati Music Hall 27th and 28th company performances of Don Giovanni

Conductor Dame Jane Glover

Stage Director Alison Moritz

Scenic and Costume Designer Philip Witcomb

Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase

Wig and Makeup Designer James Geier

Choreographer Yoshihisa Arai*

Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Stage Manager Hannah Holthaus

Cast in order of vocal appearance

Leporello, Don Giovanni’s servant Christian Pursell

Donna Anna, a noblewoman

Don Giovanni, a nobleman of Seville

Commendatore, Donna Anna’s father

Don Ottavio, Donna Anna’s fiancé

Donna Elvira, a lady of Burgos

Jessica Faselt*

Elliot Madore*

Patrick Guetti*

Aaron Blake

Jessica Rivera

Zerlina, a country girl Erin Keesy

Masetto, Zerlina's fiancé

* Cincinnati Opera debut

TBA

A co-production of Cincinnati Opera and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theatre

Scenery and properties constructed by Cincinnati Opera and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theatre

Costumes constructed by Cincinnati Opera

Edited for the New Mozart Edition by Wolfgang Plath and Wolfgang Rehm; used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, U.S. and Canadian agent for Bärenreiter-Verlag, publisher and copyright owner.

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THE STORY

ACT I In the streets near Don Giovanni’s villa, his loyal servant Leporello keeps watch while his master pursues his usual pastime: seduction. Don Giovanni sets his sights on Donna Anna, the daughter of the noble Commendatore. Disguised, Giovanni approaches her, but their encounter quickly turns violent when Donna Anna demands to know his identity. The Commendatore arrives to defend his daughter, challenging Giovanni to a duel. In the ensuing fight, Giovanni fatally wounds the Commendatore and flees, leaving Anna and her fiancé, Don Ottavio, devastated and vengeful.

Meanwhile, Giovanni encounters Donna Elvira, a former lover embittered by his betrayals. Unaware of her true identity, Giovanni attempts to charm her once more, only to be met with scorn and reproach when she realizes his deceit. Leporello intervenes, revealing Giovanni’s extensive history of seduction and abandonment to Elvira.

Nearby, Masetto and Zerlina celebrate their impending marriage with joyous festivities. However, their happiness is short-lived as Giovanni and Leporello arrive, and Giovanni’s wandering eye fixates on Zerlina. Giovanni lures Zerlina away with promises of a grand wedding celebration, stoking Masetto’s jealousy and anger.

As tensions mount, Anna and Ottavio enter in mourning. Unaware of Giovanni’s true identity, they plead for his assistance. Elvira enters disparaging Giovanni, but he cunningly deflects suspicion back onto Elvira, branding her as deranged. Anna, however, begins to suspect Giovanni’s involvement in her father’s death. She reveals to Ottavio the full extent of Giovanni’s misdeeds from the previous night. Amidst the chaos, Giovanni orders Leporello

to organize a lavish party and invites every eligible woman in attendance, including Zerlina. At the revelry, Giovanni’s lecherous intentions are exposed as he attempts to seduce Zerlina once more. Elvira intervenes, followed by Anna and Ottavio. A confrontation ensues, but Giovanni narrowly escapes.

ACT II Outside Elvira’s residence, Giovanni’s reckless behavior drives Leporello to the brink of abandoning his service. Seeking to pursue Elvira’s maid incognito, Giovanni convinces Leporello to exchange clothing with him. Disguised as his own servant, Giovanni serenades Elvira from the shadows as a joke, promising repentance and change. Leporello, now dressed as his master, escorts Elvira away.

Masetto and his companions scour the streets in search of Giovanni. Still in disguise, Giovanni joins the skirmish, overpowering Masetto before making his escape.

Soon after, Leporello faces the wrath of Ottavio, Anna, Zerlina, and Masetto, who mistake him for his master. Their fury intensifies as they vow to exact retribution upon Giovanni for his crimes. Despite Elvira’s attempts to shield him, Leporello reveals his true identity and flees. The rest of the party agrees to regroup later.

In the cemetery, Giovanni’s arrogance leads him to invite the statue of the Commendatore to dine with him, mocking the supernatural warnings of impending doom. When the statue materializes and offers Giovanni a chance for redemption, he defiantly refuses, sealing his fate. As demons drag Giovanni to his damnation, the remaining characters reflect on the consequences of sin and the inexorable justice that follows.

The performance will last approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes

There will be one intermission

UNMASKING MOZART'S DON

BY ALISON MORITZ

BARITONE ELLIOT MADORE shares the many faces of Don Giovanni. Photos by Spotted Yeti.

EEarly in my career, I made a particular point to avoid directing the three masterpieces composed by Mozart in collaboration with his frequent librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte: The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte. It was easy to rationalize the decision: these operas are so exquisite that most productions can succeed without directorial intervention. A fantastic conductor and talented cast could bring them to vivid life all on their own. In reality, though, I was intimidated by the breadth and depth of the humanity represented in these operas. Mozart and Da Ponte weren’t afraid of using class and gender conflicts to evoke dramatic and heart-wrenching scenarios in their operas, and these themes have become even thornier to stage in the here and now.

How can modern audiences walk the delicate tightrope of enjoying the comedy and pathos in this magnificent work without feeling like we’re spending three hours glorifying a first-rate cad? Perhaps that’s exactly how some of you reading this are feeling—like opera is a thing to be held at arm’s length. After all, contemporary American society has moved so far away from many of the given circumstances of the operatic canon, including the infamous Don Giovanni. When I was invited to reconsider this masterpiece, I wanted to find a way to walk that tightrope, allowing us to delight in what's immediate and recognizable about this world and its characters, but also to enjoy the romance of nostalgia and escaping into a time apart from our own.

I started to think of the character of Don Giovanni as a shapeshifter, a poser, tailoring his speech and manner to every listener but without a solid sense of self. Rather than being the focal point of the story, he became a catalyst for the stories of the six people around him—people of different classes and backgrounds, men and women, who are all affected by this single man who seems to breeze through life without feeling the consequences of his actions. Until he does.

Beyond the complexity of the title character, this

opera offers an embarrassment of riches in terms of relatable themes and emotions worth mining. Just as in life, moments of great pain and great joy happen in quick succession. Grief and hurt have the capacity to bend time. People lie to each other, and to themselves. A climactic night feels unending, but then a new day finally dawns.

After more than a decade of deferral, I am extremely happy to be directing this audacious work for the first time with Dame Jane Glover on the podium. Designer Philip Witcomb and I have

BEYOND THE COMPLEXITY OF THE TITLE CHARACTER, this opera offers an embarrassment of riches in terms of relatable themes and emotions worth mining.

updated the action to a cosmopolitan version of early 20th-century Seville. Here we find a society parallel to Mozart’s own Age of Enlightenment, where the class structures of the past are beginning to show their cracks, and our characters are caught in a rapidly changing world order.

I’m so glad you’re here today to experience this great work live and made especially for Cincinnati audiences. Thank you for engaging with this challenging art and its ideas. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Alison Moritz is stage director for Don Giovanni. An accomplished artist and administrator, Alison was recently named artistic director of Central City Opera.

Performance Sponsors

Johnson Investment Counsel

Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

Cincinnati Opera Guild

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 (The Lady of the Camellias) 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 27, 28, and 30, 2024, at Cincinnati Music Hall 119th, 120th, and 121st company performances of La Traviata

Conductor Lorenzo Passerini*

Stage Director Trevore Ross*

Scenic Designer Desmond Heeley

Costume Designer Chad Phillips*

Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase

Wig and Makeup Designer James Geier

Choreographer Yoshihisa Arai

Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Stage Manager Peter Nictakis

Cast in order of vocal appearance

Violetta Valéry, a kept mistress

Gilda Fiume*

Flora Bervoix, manager of Cabaret Flora Taylor-Alexis Dupont*

Marquis d’Obigny, owner of Cabaret Flora Thomas Dreeze

Baron Douphol, a real estate magnate Mike Young

Doctor Grenvil, a physician

Samuel Smith

Gastone, a young man-about-town Demetrious Sampson, Jr.*

Alfredo Germont, Gastone’s best friend Santiago Ballerini

Annina, Violetta’s personal assistant Tanya Harris* Giuseppe, Violetta’s handyman Arieh Sacke*

Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father

Anthony Clark Evans

Messenger Ivan Griffin*

Flora’s guest Will Ryan*

* Cincinnati Opera debut

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

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

Costumes constructed by Cincinnati Opera

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THE STORY

ACT I In 1920s Paris, Violetta Valéry hosts a party at a penthouse owned by her client, the real estate magnate Baron Douphol, where she lives with her assistant Annina, whom she rescued from the streets years ago. It is her first gathering after having spent the previous year recuperating from a bout of tuberculosis. At the party, Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont by his best friend Gastone, Annina’s boyfriend. As the crowd adjourns to another room, Violetta stays behind to medicate herself with morphine, on which she relies to ease her cough and relieve her pain. Alfredo rejoins her, and they engage in a sweet game of flirtation. Violetta heads to bed where she suffers from nightmares and hallucinations. She considers an affair with Alfredo but sets it aside.

ACT II In the countryside outside Paris, Violetta has left her old life behind, having sold all her belongings to purchase a cottage and start anew with Alfredo. When Alfredo realizes her sacrifice, he dashes away with a promise to help with the finances. Violetta relishes in the restorative power of country life, ignoring an invitation from her friend Flora, who runs a cabaret club in Paris. She is paid an unexpected visit by Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father. Having assumed the worst of her, Giorgio is surprised by her intelligence and charm. He explains that her affair with Alfredo stands in the way of his daughter’s impending marriage, imploring her to leave his son. She accedes, writing to Alfredo that she no longer loves him and is returning to Paris. Alfredo enters, surprised to see his father, and they argue. He finds Flora’s invitation and leaves in search of Violetta.

Back in Paris, the Marquis, an older gay man, has invested his family inheritance into an alternative club, Cabaret Flora. His fascination with couture has

the cabaret hosting a themed show every weekend. His business partner Flora, the club’s gender-fluid namesake, has selected “The Spanish Conquest” as that weekend’s theme, and the room is packed with people who enjoy the camaraderie of the clientele. Soon, a slightly intoxicated Alfredo appears, followed by the Baron and Violetta. The Baron and Alfredo gamble until dinner is announced. Finding themselves alone, Violetta and Alfredo argue until he calls for everyone to return. Flinging money at Violetta, he proclaims that he has repaid his debt to her. As Alfredo turns to leave, he runs into his father, who expresses horror at his son’s behavior. The Baron promises revenge for Alfredo’s insults.

ACT III Alfredo has fled the country after wounding the Baron in a fight. An ailing, destitute, and embarrassed Violetta seeks shelter, squatting in the Baron’s penthouse. She is visited by her dear friend Doctor Grenvil, who lost his practice after returning from WWI wounded and suffering from PTSD. He is now the source of medical care for those on the fringes of society. He is also Violetta’s source of morphine, which he now provides to ease her painful transition from life into death. Realizing that her end is near, Violetta sends Annina away. She rereads a letter sent by Giorgio, promising his and Alfredo’s return to her side. Alone, she confronts her fear of being forgotten, while the nightmare of a world that continues to celebrate is right outside her window. Annina returns, followed by Alfredo, who proclaims his love. With Violetta unable to hide her illness, Alfredo realizes that their time together is short. He is joined by Giorgio and all of Violetta’s family to help usher her into death, comforting her with a sense of community, gratitude, and remembrance.

The performance will last approximately 3 hours

There will be two intermissions

DON'T FORGET ME

BY TREVORE ROSS

N“Non mi scordate.” Translation: “Don’t forget me.” These words sung by Violetta in the final act of La Traviata offer insight into her greatest fear—that her lifestyle on the fringes of society was unacceptable, making her life insignificant and unworthy of being remembered. Have you ever felt something similar?

La Traviata has captivated audiences with its timeless themes of love, tragedy, and societal expectations. However, in many productions, including some I have been involved with, I often found a sense of unfulfillment and missed opportunities to delve into the deeper humanity of the characters. While these productions were musically brilliant and visually stunning, they often fell short in portraying the depth of character and the underlying tragedy that defines La Traviata

Driven by a desire to present this beloved piece from a fresh perspective, I set out to create a production that would resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring the essence of the original. My goal was twofold: make the characters and setting more relatable, and infuse the production with relevance to our current social environment.

in Paris, where our narrative unfolds. This era was characterized by a sense of freedom of expression, marked by cultural shifts like the rise of Art Deco, the emergence of jazz and cabaret culture, and the liberation of women’s fashion epitomized by Coco Chanel’s little black dress.

By shifting the timeframe, I aimed to create a setting that modern audiences could more readily connect with, shedding the layers of petticoats and formalities of the 19th century for a world of indulgence, self-identification, and artistic revolution. This not only made the environment more relatable but also allowed for a reinterpretation of the characters’ roles within society.

Central to my vision was the reversal of Violetta’s place among her peers. Instead of being viewed as an outcast of society, she is surrounded by a curated group of individuals, each in their own way marginalized or ostracized by societal norms. This ensemble of characters represents a microcosm of the larger societal struggles for recognition and acceptance.

VIOLETTA'S POIGNANT PLEA OF "DON'T FORGET ME" transcends the opera stage and speaks to the universal yearning for recognition and remembrance.

To achieve this, I made several changes to La Traviata’s traditional staging. First, I transported the story from the 1840s to the 1920s, a period known as the “Roaring Twenties” in the U.S. and the “Années Folles” (or “Crazy Years”)

The relevance of this reinterpretation to our current society cannot be overstated. We live in a time when divisions and polarizations are rampant and individuals and communities clamor to be seen, heard, and recognized. Yet, amidst this struggle, we often forget the fundamental principles of humanity: empathy, compassion, and the acknowledgment of each person’s intrinsic worth.

Violetta’s poignant plea of “Don’t forget me” in her final moments transcends the opera stage and speaks to the universal yearning for recognition and remembrance. It serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Through this production, I hope to provoke introspection and dialogue, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own roles in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society. Art has the power to inspire change, and it is my fervent belief that by engaging with timeless works like La Traviata through a contemporary lens, we can all strive to be and do better in our interactions with one another.

A

Stage director Trevore Ross has called Cincinnati home for the past three years. Having spent time working across the US and Europe, this is his directing debut with Cincinnati Opera.

NIGHTCLUB SCENE in Paris's Latin Quarter during the 1920s.

Lead Sponsor

Western & Southern Financial Group

Production Sponsor

Sheila and Christopher Cole

Performance Sponsors

Chavez Properties Society of Angels

Paul McCartney's LIVERPOOL ORATORIO

Music and lyrics by Paul McCartney and Carl Davis

Sung in the original English World premiere: June 28, 1991, at the Liverpool Cathedral in Liverpool, UK A Cincinnati Opera world stage premiere

July 18, 20, 21, 25, and 27, 2024, at Cincinnati Music Hall

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th company performances of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio

Conductor Joseph Young

Stage Director Caroline Clegg*

Scenic and Costume Designer Leslie Travers

Associate Costume Designer Kelli Haase*

Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase

Wig and Makeup Designer James Geier

Choreographer Michael Pappalardo

Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Cincinnati Boychoir Director

Jason Alexander Holmes

Stage Manager Hannah Holthaus

Cast in order of vocal appearance

Shanty Andrew Owens

Mary Dee Jacqueline Echols McCarley

Miss Inkley/Chief Mourner/Nurse Kayleigh Decker

Headmaster/Preacher/Mr. Dingle Kevin Short*

Boy soloists Nick Kruckeberg*, Eli DeHoff*

* Cincinnati Opera debut

A new production constructed by Cincinnati Opera

Presented by arrangement with Faber Music in association with MPL Communications

Liverpool Oratorio was commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society to celebrate its 150th anniversary

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STORY

PROLOGUE 2024. Liverpool.

I. WAR 1942. A world at war. Sirens sound as bombs fall over Liverpool and despairing couples shelter underground. Amid the blaze and chaos of an air raid, a child is born. And there is hope.

II. SCHOOL 1953. The war baby, Shanty, now 11 years old and at school, celebrates his Liverpool upbringing. With classmates, he skips lessons to “sag off” and sunbathe in the graveyard of Liverpool Cathedral. Sleeping on a gravestone, he dreams of ghosts of the past and ghosts of the future. One of the ghosts, Mary Dee, is his bride-to-be. Waking and back at school, Shanty and his classmates are taught Spanish in the form of a folk song by their new teacher, Miss lnkley.

III. CRYPT 1959. Shanty, now a confused teenager, goes to a church dance in the crypt; he doubts his and God’s existence. Here, Mary Dee materializes—still dreamlike—to him again. Still, he cannot see her. As he sings of his vision of the future, he hears the news that his father has died. Shanty is left sad and alone.

IV. FATHER 1959. As mourners arrive for the funeral, Shanty thinks on his confusion, fears, and upset at the death of his father. He reflects and worries about the relationship they had, distressed at his father’s mortality. Finally, he realizes fathers are only human and asks for his forgiveness.

V. WEDDING A few years later. As Shanty muses on the top of a bus, Mary Dee is drawn to him. She smoothes his self-doubts and calms his impatient ambitions; they pledge their love and marry.

VI. WORK Mary Dee’s office. She runs a Littlewoods office staffed entirely by women, where she often works late and arrives early. Mary Dee busies herself with work, issuing orders, as her girls lapse their concentration to fantasize of love. Meanwhile, at Shanty’s workplace—where his rank does not match Mary Dee’s success—he is cajoled by colleagues to work less and play more. Shanty and Mary Dee have very little time together. One colleague, Mr. Dingle, tempts Shanty to slip off to the pub. At home, Mary Dee indicates that she is pregnant.

VII. CRISES Mary Dee sings to the child inside her, concerned for its future. Shanty arrives home slightly drunk, short-tempered, and demanding dinner. They have a row over money and Shanty’s feeling of inadequacy. Shanty wounds her by doubting her love and Mary Dee storms out, telling him, as she goes, that she is pregnant. In her blind anger and hurt, she runs in front of a car and is knocked down. In the hospital, a nurse wills her to live as Mary Dee, in delirium, sees the ghosts again. She fights to cling on to the life of her baby as the ghosts try to steal it from her. At her bed, Shanty prays, promising to reform if only Mary Dee and the baby are saved.

VIII. PEACE Shanty sings to his newborn child, celebrating the wonder of being. In a sermon, the preacher sings of the frail magic of family life, as Mary Dee and Shanty pledge a future with their child, together forever, celebrating a love that will now survive.

–Adapted from MPL Communications

The performance will last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes without intermission.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

PAUL MCCARTNEY

Photo: Mary McCartney

Born in Liverpool in 1942, Paul McCartney was raised in the city and educated at the Liverpool Institute. Since writing his first song at 14, McCartney has dreamed and dared to be different.

McCartney’s output has been impossibly prolific and singularly influential, crossing many genres. He changed the world forever with The Beatles before going on to continue to push boundaries with his group Wings and as a solo artist. His most recent solo studio album McCartney III secured the UK Album Chart’s festive #1, furthering his lead as the UK’s most successful album act of all time.

In November 2021, McCartney released his book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, recounting his life and art through the prism of 154 songs from all stages of his career. The Lyrics hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list and was named the 2021 Book of the Year by Barnes & Noble.

CARL DAVIS

Photo: Trevor Leighton

Carl Davis CBE (19362023) was born in New York City. He attended Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. In 1959, he co-authored the revue, Diversions, which was nominated for an Obie Award and subsequently transferred to the Edinburgh Festival.

Davis moved to London in 1960 and found himself at the heart of England’s theatre, television, and film scene. He wrote scores for the National Theatre, the RSC, and television series including: The World at War (1973); Hollywood (1979); Goodnight, Mister Tom (1998); and the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (1995). Following on from Thames Television’s Hollywood series, he created a score for Abel Gance’s epic 1927 film Napoleon. Davis wrote scores for more than 50 silent films ranging from Charlie Chaplin,

In 2023, McCartney topped the book charts again with 1964: Eyes of the Storm. A treasure trove of rediscovered photographs he had taken in 1963-64 when Beatlemania erupted in the UK and after the band’s first visit to the USA, they became the most famous people on the planet. The photographs were also the subject of a major exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery.

An 18-time GRAMMY winner and recipient of the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards, McCartney’s list of international accolades reads like no other as well as being recognized for decades of philanthropic activities.

Equally renowned for his live performances as he is for his songwriting, McCartney set the world record for largest paying concert attendance (184,000) in Rio de Janeiro in 1990.

A freeman of the City of Liverpool and Lead Patron of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, McCartney was appointed Fellow of the Royal College of Music in 1995 by the Prince of Wales. In 1996, McCartney was knighted by H.M. The Queen for his services to music, and in 2017 he was made a Companion of Honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Harold Lloyd, and Buster Keaton to D.W. Griffiths and King Vidor. Davis was also a writer for ballet and a notable conductor.

Film soundtracks included: The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981); Champions (1983); The Naked Civil Servant (1975); Silas Marner (1985); Scandal (1989); Ken Russell’s The Rainbow (1989); Frankenstein Unbound (1990); The Great Gatsby (2000); Ethel & Ernest (2016); and Brexicuted (2018). Television work included: The Snow Goose (1971); Hotel du Lac (1986); The Commanding Sea (1980); A Dance to the Music of Time (1997); Coming Home (1998); Oppenheimer (1980); Cranford (2007-2009); and Upstairs Downstairs (2012).

For the ballet, Davis wrote scores for Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, The Lady of the Camellias, Nijinksy: God of the Dance, The Great Gatsby, Chaplin: The Tramp, and The Phantom of the Opera.

Concert works included Ballade for Cello and Orchestra for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Last Train to Tomorrow, a choral work about the Kindertransport movement of 1938, and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio

WAR'S LAMENT, HOPE'S REFRAIN

BY CAROLINE CLEGG

THE LIVERPOOL BLITZ MEMORIAL designed by Tom Murphy features a mother with arms outstretched beckoning her child to seek shelter from the bombs of WWII. Photo by Caroline Clegg.

IIn preparing to stage Liverpool Oratorio, I immediately recalled its haunting refrain “… and I will always love you. I’ll welcome you into this world …” sung by a mother to her baby amidst the trauma of war. It struck me how relevant this piece is today with the immediacy of the music and libretto. When I first heard Liverpool Oratorio in 1991, I remember how this refreshingly honest contemporary work exploded layers of classical hierarchical norms. It reached the top of the classical charts, and you would hear people singing short refrains from it or catch it on the radio. It spoke directly to people, becoming a cultural touchstone that echoed shared hopes and dreams. Now three decades on, the libretto resonates even more sharply, communicating that we all still cherish “a family life” (whatever shape that family takes) in a community that we are proud of, because whatever happens “… we must save the child.”

Being from the north of England, I felt it was vital that this staging be embedded with the grit, authenticity, and humour of its birthplace. I visited Liverpool, just a few miles from my home, to listen to the music in its home setting. Sitting and listening to the piece through headphones in the open-air space of the bombed-out church of St. Luke’s (bombed in 1941), I was reminded quite viscerally of how voices of the past are ever-present in all our lives, whether as a direct result of war or as our worries and insecurities of a family crisis. The statue of two First World War soldiers, one British and one German, shaking hands outside the church, seemed to echo the oftused phrase that WWI was supposed to be “the war to end all wars.” The gravestones of the hundreds of child orphans lining the cemetery walls served as a heartfelt prompt to give voice to them and the voiceless orphans of today.

The oratorio’s impassioned beginning looks back to Liverpool in 1942, amidst the horror of the Second World War (which Paul McCartney was born into), where death is ever-present. But war is

never resigned to history, and in 2024 the mother’s words—“the world you’re coming into is no easy place to enter; every day is haunted by the echoes of the past”—are a stark reminder of our present global challenges. Musically, the piece plunges you directly into the heartbeat of birth and death. Dramatically, I have echoed this and tried to portray life’s journey and the hope for a better future. To enrich the narrative’s authenticity, each ensemble member has a backstory of a real person from Liverpool. I have also introduced dancers to represent the inner voices of Shanty and Mary and personify “hope,” which rises phoenix-like from the wreckage of the bombed city.

Through Shanty’s story, we see the post-war community rebuilding. We see societal shifts and nuances of male hierarchy, and we smile at the antics of the schoolboys and the awkwardness of being at a church dance with the grown-ups. We feel the shock and aloneness of a bereaved teenager and the stressful work-life balance of newlywed Baby Boomers of the 1960s. This gives way to the final peaceful understanding that it is in our own hands to change and “… be fair to each other.”

Designer Leslie Travers and I have worked together to realize settings that allow for both the epic depiction of war and the intimate reflections of daily life. We found poignant inspiration from the Liverpool Blitz Memorial, depicting a mother holding a baby and a boy with a plane on the spiral staircase of an air-raid shelter. Our set sits alongside the River Mersey, where the ebb and flow metaphorically parallel life’s journey, and we can share its universality here alongside the Ohio River. Sir Paul’s school motto is heard throughout, reminding us of our desire for peace in our global family today: “Non nobis solum, Sed toti mundo, nati. Toti mundo nat.” “Not for ourselves, but for the whole world, were we born.”

Perhaps the Liverpool Oratorio is a timeless testament to the power of music to move hearts and minds and effect change.

Caroline Clegg is an international stage director, whose recent work includes Blaze of Glory for Welsh National Opera and next, Slave: A Question of Freedom for Feelgood Theatre. She lives in Manchester, UK, and rides a Triumph Bonneville.

ALL TOGETHER NOW, designed by Andy Edwards, sits in the garden of Liverpool's St. Luke's Church. It represents the Christmas Truce between British and German soldiers during WWI. Photo by Caroline Clegg.

SOUL AND SPIRIT

A Musical Journey through Sacred Songs, Spirituals, and Hymns

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 • 8:00 p.m.

Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall Featuring Jacqueline Echols McCarley, Soprano with Damien Sneed, Piano

SPIRITUAL AND CLASSICAL

“Die Allmacht,” Op. 49, No. 2 ............................................. Franz Schubert

“His Name So Sweet” .......................................................... Hall Johnson

“There Is a Balm” ......................................................... arr. Damien Sneed

“Hold On” ............................................................. arr. R. Br yant Braxton

Instrumental Moments ...................................................... Damien Sneed

HYMN AND GOSPEL

“He Looked Beyond My Fault” ............................................ Dottie Rambo arr. Jacqueline Echols McCarley and Damien Sneed

“My Tribute” ................................................................... Andrae Crouch

“Come Before His Presence/A Praying Spirit/Great Is Thy Faithfulness” ........... Richard Smallwood, Elbertina “Twinkie” Clark, Thomas Chisholm, arr. Damien Sneed

Supported by the Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women's Voices

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Program Spotlight: POETRY OUT LOUD

Ohio Poetry Out Loud State Champion Hiba Loukssi of Xenia High School (Greene County) reciting a poem at the 2023 state finals. She competed at the national finals in Washington, D.C. Image credit: Terry Gilliam

A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A MIDDLE-AGED MAN

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 • 8:00 p.m.

Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall Featuring Elliot Madore, Baritone with Kevin Miller, Piano

Banalités, FP 107 ….……….……………….…………..…….... Francis Poulenc

Chanson d’Orkenise

Hôtel

Fagnes de Wallonie Voyage à Paris

Sanglots

L’horizon chimérique, Op. 118 …………….……………....….…… Gabriel Fauré

La mer est infinie

Je me suis embarqué Diane, Séléné Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimés en pure perte

Don Quichotte à Dulcinée

Chanson romanesque

Chanson épique

Chanson à boire

Maurice Ravel

“Revelations of Divine Love, Chapter III”….……………..….. Matthew Aucoin

Songs of Travel ………………………………….…….. Ralph Vaughan Williams Let Beauty Awake The Roadside Fire

“A Green Lowland of Pianos” from Three Songs, Op. 45, No. 2 …. Samuel Barber

“Silent Noon” from The English Songbook ..…………… Ralph Vaughan Williams

“O Boundless, Boundless Evening” from Three Songs, Op. 45, No. 3 …………………………….….… Samuel Barber

Songs of Travel Ralph Vaughan Williams Youth and Love The Infinite Shining Heavens

“Antiphon” from Five Mystical Songs …………….….... Ralph Vaughan Williams

Connan Morrissey in What the Constitution Means to Me (2023).

Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Featuring Jessica Rivera, Soprano with Mark Carver, Piano and special guests

Eleanor Weingartner, Clarinet • Thomas George Caracas Garcia, Guitar

CANCIONES DE MI ALMA LATINA

Songs of My Latin Soul

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 8:00 p.m.

Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall

“Quando m’en vo’” from La Bohème …………………………… Giacomo Puccini

“Sweethearts” from Maytime ………………………………… Sigmund Romberg

“Deh vieni, non tardar” from The Marriage of Figaro ………...….… W.A. Mozart

“Lúa Descolorida”……….………….……………….……..…… Osvaldo Golijov

Tres Canciones Mexicanas .……………………… Antonio Salazar, arr. Tony Taño

I. Por ti

II. Inspiración

III. Sueño en el puerto

Eleanor Weingartner, clarinet

Selections from Canciones Clásicas Españolas ..……………… Fernando Obradors

La mi sola

Al Amor

Del cabello más sutil

Chiquitita la novia

Siete Canciones Populares Españolas .…………………………… Manuel De Falla

I. El paño moruno

II. Seguidilla murciana

III. Asturiana

IV. Jota

V. Nana

VI. Canción

VII. Polo

Thomas George Caracas Garcia, guitar

“La Petenera” from La Marchenera ……………………Federico Moreno Torroba

Supported by the Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women's Voices

SEASON ARTISTS

CINCINNATI OPERA 2024

* Cincinnati Opera debut

YOSHIHISA ARAI Choreographer (Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan)

Don Giovanni* & La Traviata

Elsewhere: Director, Second Company CB2/Rehearsal Director (Cincinnati Ballet); Choreographer (The Joffrey Ballet; Colorado Ballet); Ballet dancer (The Joffrey Ballet; Tulsa Ballet; Northern Ballet, UK) Upcoming: Director, Second Company CB2/Rehearsal Director (Cincinnati Ballet)

SANTIAGO BALLERINI Tenor (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Alfredo Germont, La Traviata

Cincinnati: Edgardo, Lucia di Lammermoor (2023) Elsewhere: Argirio, Tancredi (Opéra de Rouen); Ernesto, Don Pasquale (Canadian Opera Company); Poliuto, Poliuto (Teatro Nuovo); Almaviva, The Barber of Seville (Arizona Opera) Upcoming: Tamino, The Magic Flute (Atlanta Opera); Fenton, Falstaff (Festival Verdi, Parma)

AARON BLAKE Tenor (Palos Verdes, California)

Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: Almaviva, The Barber of Seville (2021) Elsewhere: Garter King of Arms, Henry VIII (Bard Summerscape); Nadir, The Pearl Fishers (Vancouver Opera); High Priest of Amon, Akhnaten (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Bob Boles, Peter Grimes (Israeli Opera); Don Basilio, The Marriage of Figaro (Metropolitan Opera)

GINA CERIMELE-MECHLEY Fight & Intimacy Director (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Don Giovanni; La Traviata; Liverpool Oratorio

Cincinnati: 2022–2023 seasons; Romeo and Juliet (2019) Elsewhere: Fight director, Romeo and Juliet (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Wozzeck (Des Moines Metro Opera); Julius Caesar (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company); Hamlet (Cincinnati Shakespeare in the Park) Upcoming: Fight director, 2024–2025 season (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company)

CAROLINE CLEGG Stage Director (Manchester, UK)

Liverpool Oratorio*

Elsewhere: Blaze of Glory; Rhondda Rips It Up! (Welsh National Opera); Song of Our Heartland (Opera North, UK); Rigoletto (Longborough Festival Opera, UK); Aida; Carmen (Companions Opera, Zurich; Hamburg) Upcoming: Slave: A Question of Freedom (Feelgood Theatre Productions, UK tour)

KAYLEIGH DECKER Mezzo-soprano (Laguna Beach, California)

Miss Inkley/Chief Mourner/Nurse, Liverpool Oratorio

Cincinnati: Alisa, Lucia di Lammermoor; Kate, Madame Butterfly (2023) Elsewhere: Dorabella, Così Fan Tutte (Welsh National Opera); Ruggiero, Alcina (Violons du Roy); Isolier, Le Comte Ory (Lyric Opera of Chicago) Upcoming: Cherubino, The Marriage of Figaro (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Wellgunde, Das Rheingold (Opera de Monte Carlo)

THOMAS DREEZE Baritone (Toledo, Ohio)

Marquis d’Obigny, La Traviata

Cincinnati: Fiorello, The Barber of Seville (2023); Benoit/Alcindoro, La Bohème (2022)

Elsewhere: Soloist, Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem (Hilton Head Symphony); Doctor, Pelléas et Mélisande (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra); Soloist, Handel Messiah (Toledo Symphony) Upcoming: Soloist, Mahler Songs with Orchestra (Hamptons Festival of Music)

TAYLOR-ALEXIS DUPONT

Flora Bervoix, La Traviata*

Mezzo-soprano (Orlando, Florida)

Elsewhere: Hannah, Ruinous Gods (Spoleto Festival); Celeste, Songbird (Washington National Opera); Musetta, La Bohème (Florida Grand Opera); Gabriel, Holy Ground (Glimmerglass Festival) Upcoming: Isabella, L’Italiana in Algeri (Hawaii Opera Theatre); The

Indoor Tours of Music Hall: public and private spaces. Tickets available weekly. Outdoor Tours of Music Hall: Available by appointment for individuals and groups. Speaker series and Children’s

JACQUELINE ECHOLS McCARLEY Soprano (Detroit, Michigan)

Mary Dee, Liverpool Oratorio & Studio Sessions

Cincinnati: Morris & Friends (2022); Clara, Porgy and Bess (2012) Elsewhere: Musetta, La Bohème; Violetta, La Traviata (Washington National Opera); Clara, Porgy and Bess (Metropolitan Opera); Julie, Omar (Los Angeles Opera); Juliet, Romeo and Juliet (Arizona Opera) Upcoming: Rosa Parks, She Who Dared (Chicago Opera Theater)

ANTHONY CLARK EVANS Baritone (Owensboro, Kentucky)

Giorgio Germont, La Traviata

Cincinnati: Enrico, Lucia di Lammermoor (2023) Elsewhere: Sharpless, Madame Butterfly (Opera Philadelphia); Riccardo, I Puritani (Dresden Philharmonic); Alfio, Cavalleria Rusticana (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra) Upcoming: Marcello, La Bohème (Metropolitan Opera); Dutchman, The Flying Dutchman (Deutsche Oper Berlin)

JESSICA FASELT Soprano (Iowa City, Iowa)

Donna Anna, Don Giovanni*

Elsewhere: Helmwige, Die Walküre (Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra); Soloist, Mozart Requiem (Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra); Freia, Das Rheingold (Los Angeles Philharmonic; Atlanta Opera); First Lady, The Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera)

Upcoming: Helmwige, Die Walküre (Santa Fe Opera)

GILDA FIUME Soprano (Salerno, Italy)

Violetta Valéry, La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Pamina, The Magic Flute (Teatro Filarmonico, Verona); Amalia, Alfredo il Grande (Donizetti Opera Festival, Bergamo); Micaëla, Carmen; Violetta, La Traviata (Arena di Verona); Norma, Norma (Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa); Amina, La Sonnambula (Teatro Lirico di Cagliari)

JAMES GEIER Wig & Makeup Designer (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Resident Wig & Makeup Designer

Cincinnati: 2004–2023 seasons Elsewhere: Pittsburgh Opera, 2003–2023 seasons; The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet) Upcoming: Pittsburgh Opera, 2024–2025 season; The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet)

DAME JANE GLOVER Conductor (London, UK)

Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: The Marriage of Figaro (2002) Elsewhere: The Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera); Guest conductor (New York Philharmonic; Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)

Upcoming: Leonora (Chicago Opera Theater); Mozart Requiem (Camerata Salzburg); Guest conductor (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)

IVAN GRIFFIN Bass-baritone (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Messenger, La Traviata*

Cincinnati: Lalovavi workshop (Opera Fusion: New Works) Elsewhere: Crespel/Luther, The Tales of Hoffmann (Opera Louisiane); The King, Afram ou la Belle Swita (Spoleto Music Festival); Monterone, Rigoletto (New Orleans Opera) Upcoming: Sacristan, Tosca; Old Hebrew, Samson and Delilah (New Orleans Opera)

PATRICK GUETTI Bass (Highland Park, New Jersey)

Commendatore, Don Giovanni*

Elsewhere: Commendatore, Don Giovanni (Houston Grand Opera); Sparafucile, Rigoletto (Deutsche Oper Berlin); Osmin, The Abduction from the Seraglio (Bayerische Staatsoper)

Upcoming: Daland, The Flying Dutchman; Grand Inquisitor, Don Carlo (Deutsche Oper Berlin); Snug, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Matsumoto Festival, Japan)

TANYA HARRIS Soprano (Salinas, California)

Annina, La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Jeannette, L’Amant Anonyme; Female chorus, The Rape of Lucretia (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Chorus, Porgy and Bess (Des Moines Metro Opera)

THOMAS HASE Lighting Designer (Madison, Wisconsin)

Resident Lighting Designer & Lighting Director

Cincinnati: 1997–2023 seasons Recent: Powder Her Face (Nationale Reisopera, Netherlands); Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi (San Diego Opera); Tosca (Dallas Opera)

Upcoming: The Elixir of Love (Santa Fe Opera); Ariadne auf Naxos (Nationale Reisopera); Iolanta/Der Schauspieldirektor (Gothenburg Opera); La Bohème/Rent (Atlanta Opera)

ERIN KEESY Soprano (Lexington, Kentucky)

Zerlina, Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: Soprano 2, The Knock (2023) Elsewhere: Undina, Undina; Marzelline, Fidelio; Agathe, Der Freischütz (Queen City Opera); Soloist, Abrams Mammoth featuring Yo-Yo Ma (Louisville Orchestra) Upcoming: Pamina, The Magic Flute (Queen City Opera); Soloist, Carmina Burana (Louisville Orchestra)

ELLIOT MADORE Baritone (Toronto, Canada)

Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni* & Studio Sessions

Elsewhere: Orpheus, Eurydice (Boston Lyric Opera); Anthony Hope, Sweeney Todd; Oreste, Iphigénie en Tauride (Zürich Opera); Guglielmo, Così Fan Tutte (Tanglewood Music Festival) Upcoming: Hamlet, Hamlet (Opéra de Montréal); Fritz, Die Tote Stadt (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

ALISON MORITZ Stage Director (Saint Louis, Missouri)

Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: The Knock (2023) Elsewhere: Artistic Director (Central City Opera); Faust (Wolf Trap Opera); Sir John in Love (Bard Music Festival); Bernstein Mass (Kennedy Center) Upcoming: Elizabeth Cree (Glimmerglass Festival); The Manchurian Candidate (Austin Opera); Don Giovanni (Opera Philadelphia); Fantastic Mr. Fox (Opera Omaha)

ANDREW OWENS Tenor (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Shanty, Liverpool Oratorio

Cincinnati: Friend of Seneca/Lucan/Consul, The Coronation of Poppea (2018) Elsewhere: Roberto, Roberto Devereux (Washington Concert Opera); Oreste, Iphigénie en Tauride; Gualtiero, Il Pirata (Opernhaus Zürich) Upcoming: Ernesto, Don Pasquale; Camille, The Merry Widow; Arturo, Lucia di Lammermoor; Jaquino, Fidelio (Opernhaus Zürich)

MICHAEL PAPPALARDO Choreographer (Fort Collins, Colorado)

Liverpool Oratorio

Cincinnati: Aida (2022) Elsewhere: Ariodante (Pittsburgh Opera); West Side Story (Opera San Jose); Director/choreographer, Dracula; The Picture of Dorian Gray (Canyon Concert Ballet, Colorado) Upcoming: Director/choreographer, Romeo and Juliet; The Crucible (Canyon Concert Ballet, Colorado)

JOSEPH PARRISH Bass-baritone (New York, New York)

Masetto, Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: Edward Vernon, Blind Injustice (2019) Elsewhere: Salieri, Mozart and Salieri (Parlando Chamber Orchestra, New York); Gianni Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi; Sodbuster, Proving Up; Augure, Orfeo; Dulcamara, The Elixir of Love; Il Sacerdote di Minerva, Teseo (Juilliard Opera); Le Baron de Pictordu, Cendrillon (Lakes Area Music Festival, Minnesota)

LORENZO PASSERINI Conductor (Morbegno, Italy)

La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Medea (Canadian Opera Company); Rigoletto; Norma (Teatro di San Carlo, Naples); Manon (Teatro Massimo, Palermo); Romeo and Juliet (ABAO Bilbao Opera); Aida (Opera Australia) Upcoming: Chief Conductor (Jyväskylä Sinfonia, Finland); The Barber of Seville (Rossini Opera Festival)

CHAD PHILLIPS Costume Designer (Greensburg, Indiana)

La Traviata*

Cincinnati: Costume Director Elsewhere: What the Constitution Means to Me; Detroit ‘67 (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati) Upcoming: Costume Director (Cincinnati Opera)

CHRISTIAN PURSELL Bass-baritone (Santa Cruz, California)

Leporello, Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: Escamillo, Carmen (2021) Elsewhere: Noah, The Grapes of Wrath (MasterVoices, Carnegie Hall); Escamillo, Carmen (Des Moines Metro Opera); Angelotti, Tosca (Canadian Opera Company) Upcoming: Soloist, Fauré Requiem (Seattle Symphony); Taddeo, L’Italiana in Algeri (Hawaii Opera Theatre)

JESSICA RIVERA Soprano (Los Angeles, California)

Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni & Studio Sessions

Cincinnati: Musetta, La Bohème (2017); Kumudha, A Flowering Tree (2011) Elsewhere: Kitty, Doctor Atomic (Teatro de la Maestranza, Seville); Margarita Xirgu, Ainadamar (Teatro Real, Madrid) Upcoming: Soloist, Mahler Symphony № 2 (Columbus Symphony Orchestra); Soloist, Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915 (Rhode Island Philharmonic)

TREVORE ROSS Stage Director (Cincinnati, Ohio)

La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Candide (Cincinnati May Festival); Alexander’s Feast (Los Angeles Master Chorale); Carmen; The Barber of Seville (Los Angeles Opera); Otello (Opera Carolina); Faust (Opera Festival of New Jersey)

WILL RYAN Bass (Nashville, Tennessee)

Flora’s Guest, La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Harašta, The Cunning Little Vixen; Officer, Dialogues of the Carmelites (UC College-Conservatory of Music); Sarastro, The Magic Flute (University of Tennessee Opera Theatre)

ARIEH SACKE Tenor (Toronto, Canada)

Giuseppe, La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Beast, Beauty and the Beast; Basilio/Don Curzio, The Marriage of Figaro (Calgary Opera); Ferrando, Così Fan Tutte (Opera by Request, Toronto); Don Ramiro, La Cenerentola (COSA Canada); Elder #3, Sky on Swings; Pirelli cover, Sweeney Todd (Opera Saratoga)

DEMETRIOUS SAMPSON,

JR. Tenor (Albany, Georgia)

Gastone, La Traviata*

Elsewhere: Third Esquire, Parsifal (Houston Grand Opera); Crab Man, Porgy and Bess (Atlanta Opera; Des Moines Metro Opera); Soloist (Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra) Upcoming: Kronprinz, Silent Night (Wolf Trap Opera); Ruiz, Il Trovatore (Houston Grand Opera); Soloist, Beethoven Symphony № 9 (Savannah Philharmonic)

KEVIN SHORT Bass-baritone (Washington, D.C.)

Headmaster/Preacher/Mr. Dingle, Liverpool Oratorio*

Elsewhere: Soloist, Beethoven Symphony № 9 (Philadelphia Orchestra); Porgy, Porgy and Bess (NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Hamburg); Samuel, A Masked Ball; Uncle Paul, Fire Shut Up in My Bones (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Soloist, Mahler Symphony № 8 (Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago); Angelotti, Tosca (Metropolitan Opera)

SAMUEL SMITH Bass (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Doctor Grenvil, La Traviata

Cincinnati: Officer, The Barber of Seville (2023), Sergeant of Police, Pirates of Penzance (2022); Sacristan, Tosca (2021) Elsewhere: Don Pasquale, Don Pasquale (Anchorage Opera); Basilio, The Barber of Seville (Lake George Opera); Leporello, Don Giovanni (Metro Lyric Opera, New Jersey); King, Aida (Palm Beach Opera)

LESLIE TRAVERS Scenic & Costume Designer (London, UK)

Liverpool Oratorio

Cincinnati: The Marriage of Figaro (2019) Elsewhere: Rusalka (Santa Fe Opera); Salome (Irish National Opera); Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci; Bluebeard’s Castle (Greek National Opera); Francesca da Rimini; Manon Lescaut (Teatro alla Scala); Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Oper Leipzig); The Marriage of Figaro (Israeli Opera)

HENRI VENANZI Chorus Master (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Resident Chorus Master

Cincinnati: Assistant Chorus Master, 1980–1986 seasons; Chorus Master, 1994–2023

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

PHILIP WITCOMB Scenic & Costume Designer (Middlesbrough, UK)

Don Giovanni

Cincinnati: Lucia di Lammermoor (2023) Elsewhere: Shrek the Musical (Eventim Apollo, London); Bonnie and Clyde (The Garrick Theatre, London; Arts Theatre, London); Treason (Alexandra Palace, London); Darker Shores (Theatre Royal Windsor); Carousel (Kilworth House Theatre); Atlantis (Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen; Denmark tour)

JOSEPH YOUNG Conductor (Charleston, South Carolina)

Liverpool Oratorio

Cincinnati: Fierce (2022) Elsewhere: Blue (Washington National Opera); Guest conductor (National Symphony Orchestra; Los Angeles Philharmonic; Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, South Africa) Upcoming: Blue (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Music Director (Berkeley Symphony); Guest conductor (Liverpool Philharmonic; Louisville Orchestra)

MIKE YOUNG Baritone (Cortland, Ohio)

Baron Douphol, La Traviata

Cincinnati: Messenger, La Traviata; Prosecutor, Another Brick in the Wall (2018)

Elsewhere: Struj, Undina; Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni; Alberich, Siegfried (Queen City Opera); Macbeth, Macbeth; Marcello, La Bohème; Scarpia, Tosca (Opera Western Reserve) Upcoming: Second Armored Man, The Magic Flute (Queen City Opera)

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 •

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CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

First Violins

Stefani Matsuo

Felicity James

Philip Marten

Eric Bates

Kathryn Woolley

Anna Reider

Mauricio Aguiar

Minyoung Baik

James Braid

Rebecca Kruger

Fryxell

Gerald Itzkoff

Charles Morey

Luo-Jia Wu

Second Violins

Gabriel Pegis

Yang Liu

Scott Mozlin

Kun Dong

Cheryl Benedict

Evin Blomberg

Rachel Charbel

Chika Kinderman

Hyesun Park

Paul Patterson

Stacey Woolley

Violas

Christian Colberg

Gabriel Napoli

Julian Wilkison

Rebecca Barnes

Christopher Fischer

Stephen Fryxell

Caterina Longhi

Denisse

Rodriguez-Rivera

Dan Wang

Joanne Wojtowicz

Cellos

Ilya Finkelshteyn

Daniel Kaler

Norman Johns

Drew Dansby

Nicholas Mariscal

Hiro Matsuo

Theodore Nelson

Alan Rafferty

Basses

Owen Lee

Luis Arturo Celis

Avila

Stephen Jones

Boris Astafiev

Gerald Torres

Rick Vizachero

Harp

Gillian Benet Sella

CINCINNATI OPERA CHORUS

Natalie Almeter

Avery Bargasse

Cameron Barrett Johnson

Joy Burdette

Dorian Dillard

Victoria Ellington

Lucy Evans

Hayley Fox

Emily Garcia

Junyue Gong

Ellen Graham

Ivan Griffin

Alex Gushrowski

Andrew Hallam

Stephen Hanna

Tanya Harris

Salleigh Harvey

Ryan Henry

Flutes

Randolph Bowman

Henrik Heide

Haley Bangs

Piccolo

Rebecca Pancner

Oboes

Dwight Parry

Lon Bussell

Emily Beare

English Horn

Christopher Philpotts

Clarinets

Christopher Pell

Joseph Morris

Ixi Chen

Bass Clarinet

Ronald Aufmann

Bassoons

Christopher Sales

Martin Garcia

Hugh Michie

Contrabassoon

Jennifer Monroe

Mark Hockenberry

Mackenzie Jacquemin

Madeline Jentsch

Tess Klibanoff

Jaclyn Kleier

French Horns

Elizabeth Freimuth

Molly Norcross

Lisa Conway

Duane Dugger

Charles Bell

Trumpets

Anthony Limoncelli

Douglas Lindsay

Alexander Pride

Christopher Kiradjieff

Trombones

Cristian Ganicenco

Joseph Rodriguez

Bass Trombone

Noah Roper

Tuba

Christopher Olka

Timpani

Patrick Schleker

Joseph Bricker

Percussion

David Fishlock

Michael Culligan

Joseph Bricker

Marc Wolfley

Rachel Kobernick

Claire Lopatka

Giovani Malcolm

John Mburu

Ethan Neal

Joseph O’Shea

Søren Pedersen

Travis Pearce

Ryan Peña

Will Reed

Natalie Romanick

Will Ryan

Keyboards

Michael Chertock

Julie Spangler

CSO/CCM

Diversity Fellows

Lucas Braga, violin

Melissa Peraza, viola

Manuel Papale, cello

Caleb Edwards, double bass

Wendell Rosa, double bass

Librarians

Christina Eaton

Elizabeth Dunning

Cara Benner

Stage Managers

Brian P. Schott

Phillip T. Sheridan

Daniel Schultz

Mike Ingram

Andrew Sheridan

Arieh Sacke

Stacey Sands

Lily Scalisi

Natalie Sheppard

Sam Smith

Diamond Sparks

Nia Spaulding

Mitchell Sturges

Will Tanski

Luis Vega-Torres

Dejah Watts

Talia Zoll

CINCINNATI BALLET DANCERS

Don Giovanni

Luca De-Poli

Katherine Ochoa

Chandler Proctor

Maizyalet Velázquez

La Traviata

Luca De-Poli

Sirui Liu

Chandler Proctor

Marcus Romeo

Bella Ureta

Maizyalet Velázquez

Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio

Luca De-Poli

Samantha Griffin

Simone Muhammad

Chandler Proctor

Marcus Romeo

Bella Ureta

CINCINNATI BOYCHOIR IN PAUL McCARTNEY’S LIVERPOOL ORATORIO

Stefano Adams-Orejuela

Bruce Baird

Ford Baird

Walter Baird

Eli DeHoff

Tyler Held

SUPERNUMERARIES

Don Giovanni

Laura De Oliveria

Nicco Gaetano Morello

Crystal Kendrick

Scott Lincoln

La Traviata

Anjali Alm-Basu

Nicco Gaetano Morello

LIGHTWALKERS

Anjali Alm-Basu

Pia Alm-Basu

Shonali Alm-Basu

Barry Clayton

Jay Fry

Karolyn Hasselfeld

Kim Hasselfeld

Heidi Fassler

Rosalind Florez

Rex Hornsby

Kaeden James

Jeffrey Jergensen

Nick Kruckeberg

Theo Miritello

Christopher Omolayo

Audrey Pundt-Barbosa

Azalea Pundt-Barbosa

David Santamaria

Jasper Sebastian

Jet Sebastian

Alex Shelton

Sean Kerns

Marc Padros

John M. Tew, Jr., M.D.

Paul McCartney’s

Liverpool Oratorio

Shonali Alm-Basu

Karolyn Hasselfeld

Jay Fry

Elizabeth Kirby

Rex Mi Liu

Jenny McManus

Alexis Rose Miller

Nisa Muhammad

Bernard B. O’Bryan III

Jet Sebastian

Eric Thomas

Cissyanne Hansen

Amy Moffett

Nicco Gaetano Morello

Sean Kerns

Elizabeth Kirby

Scott Lincoln

Liliana Marsuzzi

Brittney Ann Meguire

Jenny McManus

Nisa Muhammad

Bernard B. O’Bryan III

Marian Stapleton

Ed Stober

Wendy Stober

Eric Thomas

Charles Wilkinson

CINCINNATI OPERA GUILD

The Cincinnati Opera Guild is a group of dedicated opera lovers who strive to deepen their understanding of the art form through educational and social events and serving as volunteers on the Opera’s behalf. Guild Ambassadors are invited to behind-the-scenes experiences and generously give their time to assist with Cincinnati Opera’s community and education programming. All are welcome! Visit cincinnatiopera.org/guild to learn more.

Marina Abanto

Julie Alamin

Jennifer M. Allen *

Raye N. Allen

Anne S. Arenstein

Paule S. Asch, Ph.D.

Barbara Bardes

Patricia K. Beggs (H)

Dr. Alfred J. Berger + Lois Brenner *

Cherylann D. Brinkman + Nicholas P. Ciafardini (H)

Penny P. Cobey

Virginia K. Cover (H) *

Joanna Doerner

Jocelyn Dunphy (H) *

Christopher D. Edwards (H)

Elizabeth GendreauMaxwell

Marlesa A. Gray (H) *

Annie Green (H) *

Barbara Hahn (H)

Suzanne Hasl (H) * +

Julie G. Heard (H) *

Karlee L. Hilliard *

Emily M. Hodges

Linda Holthaus

Judith Imhoff

Sarajane King *

Jennifer Kinnen (H)

Patrick Korb (H) * +

Mel E. Kuempel (H) *

Elizabeth Kuresman (H)

Mr. Bruce A. Lafferre

Lorrie Laskey (H)

Richard Laskey *

Susan Lauf (H)

Sooncha Lee

Adele Lippert

Joanie Lotts (H)

Alex J. Lukondi

Dr. Janet P. McDaniel

Ruth McDevitt (H)

Rod M. McFaull

Lawrence Mouch (H)

Sue Alexander Mouch (H)

Christine E. Neyer (H) * +

Tom Osterman

Marchelle Owens +

Lilián E. Pagani +

Isabelle Paul (H) +

Sandra Porada

Nelia Pozzuoli

Daniel C. Rebhun (H) *

Aileen B. Reinstatler (H) *

Carol A. Rogers (H)

Louis Ross

Ellen J. Ross

Nora Rubinoff

Lois P. Rust

Ellen Saenger

G. James

Sammarco (H) + Ruthann

Sammarco (H) * +

Robert Schmidt +

Norma Schoenberger + Charles R. Schuler + Joseph Shirley + Jeffrey Stambough +

Nancy Stambough + Barbara Stegmaier + Joseph Stegmaier + Nancy M. Steman

Richard Stradling, Jr.

Kim Strubbe

Janet V. Stuhlreyer + Paul A. Stuhlreyer III + Janet G. Todd +

Nydia C. Tranter

Carol Turni

Nancy Virgulak

Robert Von Gerds

Charles Wilkinson

Jeannine

Winkelmann (H) *

Andrea Wiot

EJ Wohlgemuth + Shelby O. Wood

Richard Zinicola * (H) Honorary member * Former president + Lifetime member

MAJOR SEASON SUPPORT

SEASON SUPPORT

SEASON SPONSORS

Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO

Harry Fath

Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

Opera Fusion: New Works Sponsor Mellon Foundation

Opening Weekend Sponsor

The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine V. Chavez

Opera in the Park Sponsor Modern Office Methods

Opera Goes to Church Sponsor The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Back to the Zoo Sponsor The Unnewehr Foundation

Pride Night Premier Sponsor 1919 Investment Counsel

Sensory-Friendly Sponsors

The William Plott Sensory Fund PNC Bank

Community Open Dress Rehearsal Sponsor PNC Bank

The John L. Magro Resident Conductor, Alex Amsel

The John L. Magro Artist Development Fund/ Rev. Susan Pfeil

Society of Angels Sponsor Johnson Investment Counsel

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals Sponsors Tiffany Collective Brett Willson and John C. Fredeking III

Donor Lounge Sponsor eat well celebrations and feasts

Media Partner

Classical 90.9 WGUC

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION SPONSORS

ArtsWave

Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust

The Charles H. Dater Foundation

H.B., E.W., and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee

The P&G Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation PNC Bank

ARTISTIC SPONSORS

DON GIOVANNI LA TRAVIATA

Opening Weekend Sponsor

The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine V. Chavez

Performance Sponsors

1919 Investment Counsel

Kathleen Laurin-Martin and Dr. Joseph C. Martin

Support for Alison Moritz, Stage Director

The Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women’s Voices

Support for Dame Jane Glover, Conductor

The Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women’s Voices

The Appearance of Elliot Madore

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

The Appearance of Christian Pursell

Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel

The Appearance of Jessica Faselt

Mona and Richard Kerstine, M.D.

The Appearance of Jessica Rivera

Mrs. Jack Edelman

The Appearance of Aaron Blake

Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby

The Appearance of Erin Keesy

Amy and Jason Jackman

The Appearance of Joseph Parrish

Donald E. Hoffman

Performance Sponsors

Johnson Investment Counsel

Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

Cincinnati Opera Guild

Support for Trevore Ross, Stage Director

Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe

Support for Lorenzo Passerini, Conductor

Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler

The Appearance of Gilda Fiume

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Giannella

The Appearance of Santiago Ballerini

In loving memory of Richard Lauf

The Appearance of Taylor-Alexis Dupont

Thomas J. McCann

The Appearance of Tanya Harris

Dr. Susan R. Strick

ARTISTIC SPONSORS

PAUL McCARTNEY’S LIVERPOOL ORATORIO

Lead Sponsor Western & Southern Financial Group

Production Sponsor

Sheila and Christopher Cole

Performance Sponsors

Chavez Properties Society of Angels

Support for Caroline Clegg, Stage Director

Rich Greenfield and Gerry Pisano

Support for Joseph Young, Conductor

Dr. James D. Faulkner

The Appearance of Andrew Owens

Sheila and Christopher Cole

The Appearance of Jacqueline Echols McCarley

James Stapleton and Dr. Elizabeth Shaughnessy

The Appearance of Kayleigh Decker

Drs. Elaine and David Billmire

The Appearance of Kevin Short

In loving memory of Richard Lauf

The Appearance of Hope (dancer)

Ronald T. Bates and Randy Lasley

The Appearance of Jim (supernumerary)

Anne Jaroszewicz

The Appearance of Mum (supernumerary)

Anne and Allen Zaring III

Dance Sponsor

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shifman

STUDIO SESSIONS

Sponsor

The Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women’s Voices

ADDITIONAL SEASON SUPPORT

PNC Financial

Susan and John M. Tew, Jr., M.D.

Larry and Beth Uhlenbrock

Ginger and David Warner

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

If you are interested in sponsoring one of our season artists, please contact Raye Needham Allen at 513-768-5527 or rallen@cincinnatiopera.org.

CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT, AND FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTORS

PRINCIPAL

$25,000+

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

DIRECTOR

$12,000+

The Fullgraf Foundation

AMBASSADOR

$6,000+

The Unnewehr Foundation

INVESTMENT COUNSEL

Mueller Family Foundation

The Wyant Family Foundation

The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation

OFFICER

$3,500+

Cincinnati Stage Employees Local No. 5

The Corbett Foundation

The Mayerson Foundation

Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

EVENT HOSTS AND GIFTS-IN-KIND

Marina Abanto

Aglamesis Brothers

Al’s Delicious Popcorn

Alcove by MadTree Brewing

American Sign Museum

The Anderson Pavilion at Smale Riverfront Park

Balloon Bombed

Banz Studios

Eliana Batsakis

The Baum House

Bee Haven Honey

Drs. David and Elaine Billmire

The BonBonerie Fine Pastries

Mrs. Cherylann D. Brinkman

Brown Bear Bakery

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe, Monteverdi Tuscany

Sheila and Christopher Cole

Corkopolis

Deeper Roots Coffee

Stephen and Cynthia DeHoff

Mrs. Vivian A. Dobur

eat well celebrations and feasts

Claire and Alan Eichner, Eichner Investment Planning

Emil Robinson

Esther Price Candies

Fillo

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Graham

Sean P. Hafer

Harlan Graphic Arts Services, Inc.

Ms. Karlee L. Hilliard

Ms. Linda Holthaus and Mr. Richard Zinicola

Jeff Thomas Catering

Adrianne Korczynski and Dan Cotton

Ms. Sooncha Lee

Alex Lohmann

LPK

Macaron Bar

Manitou Candle Co.

Mr. Rod M. McFaull

Miller Gallery

Montgomery Inn

Margaret and Chip Montrose

Oakley Wines

Marge and Tom Osterman

Peter Minges and Son

PIVOTStudio

Prestige AV and Creative Services

Revel OTR Urban Winery

Richter & Phillips Jewelers

Rookwood Pottery

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ross

Saenger Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shifman

Skyline Chili

Steiner Auctions

Strietmann Center Penthaus

Thunderdome Restaurant Group

The Travel Byrds

Unataza Coffee

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning

Vincent Lighting Systems

Christopher and Nancy Virgulak

WOW Windowboxes

Brian and Beth Wright, ’62 Rolls Royce

Peg and Jack Wyant, Grandin Properties

ARTSWAVE PARTNERS

Cincinnati Opera acknowledges the following partner companies, foundations and their employees who generously participate in the annual ArtsWave Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Thank you!

$2 million+ P&G

$1 million to $1,999,999

Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Foundation

$500,000 to $999,999

altafiber

GE Aerospace

$250,000 to $499,999

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Western & Southern Financial Group

$100,000 to $249,999

Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation

Cincinnati Business Courier

Cincinnati Reds

Duke Energy

The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation

The Enquirer│Cincinnati.com

Great American Insurance Group

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee

The Kroger Co.

Messer Construction Co.

PNC

U.S. Bank

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Cincinnati Opera acknowledges with deep appreciation the leadership and generosity of the many individuals, foundations, and corporations who have supported the company with contributions to the 2024 Annual Fund.

Anonymous (19)

21c Museum Hotel

Marina Abanto

Charles Abbottsmith, M.D.

Barbara Aberlin

Mrs. Christine O. Adams

Mrs. Diana Adams

Mrs. Hampton C. Adams

Karla L. Addess

Adele Lippert Fund

Aglamesis Brothers

Mr. Carlos Aguilar

Julie and Khosrow Alamin, M.D.

Ms. Jo-Ann Huff Albers

Ronald Albright

Ms. Raye Allen

Jose Alvarez

Mrs. Karen Amend

Miss Jachira M. Andino

Ms. Maureen Andreadis

Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Andrews, Jr.

Vic and Dolores Angel

Mr. Gary J. Anglin

Mrs. Norita D. Aplin and Mr. Stanley H. Ragle

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Insurance

Artisan Village; The Tri-County Mall Redevelopment

ArtsWave

Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel

Diane S. Babcock, M.D.

Mr. Michael R. Bachmann and Ms. Mary Combs

C. Margarita Bahri

Mr. and Mrs. Allan J. Bailey

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bailey

Gay Bain

Jeffrey and Constance Baker

Aine Baldwin and Kurt Reichelderfer

Robin Baliszewski

Ms. Evelyn Banzhaf

Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund

Barbara and Dale Bardes

Mr. Avery Bargasse and Ms. Victoria Okafor

Ms. Henrietta Barlag

Eileen and John Barrett

Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Barton

Karen Bartoszek

Mrs. Mary Baskett

Flávia Bastos, Ph.D., and Larry Huston

Ronald T. Bates

Mr. and Mrs. A. Blair Battistini

Charles Baverman

Sydney Baxter

Terry Bazeley and John Castalldi

Kiley M. Beale

Miss Kendra F. Beasley

Mr. Donald Beck and Lawrence E. Eynon, M.D.

Ms. Lorraine Becker

Dr. Stephen P. Becker

Mr. David Beckett

Melvin and Kathleen Bedree

Patricia K. and James D. Beggs

Jennifer and Adam Bellin

Benevity Community Impact Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence T. Bennett

Dr. Alfred J. Berger

Byrd and Joseph Bergeron

Mr. Allen Bernard

Glenda and Malcolm Bernstein

Michael Betz

Nika Bevis

M. Todd Bezold

Krista K. Billings

Drs. Elaine and David Billmire

Garry N. Binegar, M.D.

Dr. C. Edward Lahniers

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bitter

Mr. Joshua and Mrs. Chrissie Blatt

Drs. Thomas and Barbara Boat

Michael Boberg

Mr. Andrew Boden

David Boden

Martha Boden

Sandra Bolek

Mr. and Ms. Boone

John and Mary Ann Boorn

Mr. Gary Booth

Mr. Neil Bortz

Brianna Bragg

Mr. David Brashear

Mr. Hunter Bridewell

Cherylann Brinkman

Craig Brinkman and Jerod Stovern

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Brooke

Dr. David W. Brounley, M.D.

Mrs. Rebecca S. Brown

Talia Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Bruestle

Dr. Rachelle Bruno

Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie Blancquaert

Ms. Jennifer S. Buchholz

Mr. Otto M. Budig, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Buford

Alan and Mary Bunker

Donald L. and Kathleen F. Burns

Ms. Kay Bush

Business Information Solutions, Inc.

Contributions from April 4, 2023, to April 12, 2024

Ms. Angie Butterbaugh

Jeffery Cail

Mr. Vernon Cain and

Ms. Lynn Meloy

Mr. and Mrs. David M. Callif

Dr. and Mrs. Lanthan Camblin

Christine Campbell

Ms. Deborah Campbell

Ms. Nina Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Canarie

Dr. Onassis Caneris

Mr. Victor J. Canfield

Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation

Mr. James D. Carr and Ms. Jane Wakerman

Dr. Arch Carson

David L. Carter

Cassie Cashin and Family

Arthur B. Casper

Jeff Caywood and Rob Neel

Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Cerny

Miss Karen E. Cervantes

Mr. and Mrs. William Chang

Miriam Charles

The Charles H. Dater Foundation

Mrs. Carole Charleville

Heather K. Chaudoin

Elizabeth R. Chavez

Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Chavez

Melanie M. Chavez

Chavez Properties

Andrea Chavez-Dietz

Mrs. Sophia Choi

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Cicchinelli

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Candace Cioffi

Michael L. Cioffi and Rachael A. Rowe

Olivia Cleri

Clever Crazes for Kids

Sawyer Clifton

Susan and A. Burton Closson, Jr.

Max Cobey

Mr. Melvin Cohen

Carol Cole

Sheila and Christopher Cole

Dr. George I. Colombel

Ms. Margaret D. Cone

Jennifer Conklin

Mr. Gary Conner

Mr. Michael L. Connley

David and Loretta Cook

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Mr. Randy Cook

Thomas and Sondra Copanas

Jane Copper-Short and John Short

The Corbett Foundation

Mary Beth Coulson

Dr. Peter G. Courlas

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Cover

Mrs. Gail Covert

Ms. Melissa Cox

Dr. Alvin H. and Alva Jean Crawford

Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G.

Cunningham

Mrs. Courtney Cupp

Mr. Kieran R. Daly

Eric and Jennifer Dauer

Mr. Louis M. Dauner

DAV Charitable Service Trust

David C. Herriman Fund of GCF

Andrea Davies

Dr. Sylvia C. Davis

Kristy Davis-Mustain and Mitchell Mustain

Michael and Leah Dean

Ms. Shannon DeBra

Dr. George S. Deepe

Ms. Kelly M. Dehan and Richard J. Staudigel

Stephen and Cynthia DeHoff

William DePeter

Ms. Sally Dessauer

Frank J. DiCesare and Lisa M. Ellis

Lisa Diemer

Kathryn Dierckes

Ms. Shannon Disbennett

Mrs. Vivian A. Dobur

Jim and Carolyn Dodok

Ms. Joanna Doerner

Helen Donelson

Mr. and Mrs. David Donnett

Dr. Samuel N. Dorf and Dr. Maria Kisel

Ms. Sharon Downing

Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas

Mr. David Dreith

Mr. Steven Dreyer

Olga Duarte, M.D., and Garth Stevens, Jr., M.D.

Jen DuBois

Shannon and Paul Duffy

Mrs. Melodie Dunn

Dr. Stewart and Ellen Dunsker

Leslie R. Dye, M.D.

Mrs. Jack Edelman

Charles and Harriet Edwards

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eichner

Ms. Joyce Elkus

Dr. Angela Ellard

Ann Ellison

Ms. Ellen Epstein

Dr. and Mrs. Paul Esposito

Mrs. Myrna A. Ethridge

James J. and Barbara J. Fanniff

Mr. Robert Fanniff

Harry and Linda Fath

Dr. James D. Faulkner

Dr. and Mrs. William J. Faulkner

Barbara Feldmann

Mr. Thomas Ferrell

FFE Engineering Architecture

Mr. and Mrs. James T. Fitzgerald

Dr. and Mrs. James W. Flowers, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Ashley L. Ford

Lyla Forlani

Brandy L. Forrester

Mr. Michael Frabetti

Frances L.P. Ricketts Sullivan

Memorial Fund

Mr. Charles Frank

Mrs. Peninah Frankel

Mr. Ed Freeman

Mr. Milton L. Freiberg

Susan L. Fremont

Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Fry

Mr. Jay Fry

Melissa Fugate

The Fullgraf Foundation

Mr. August Funaro

Ms. Amy Fuson

James Gallagher

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph N. Ganim

Jonathan Garrison

Matt and Linda Gawne

Mike and Katie Gawne

GE Foundation

James D. Geier and Greg A. Smith

Ms. Jennifer Geiger and Mr. John A. Barrett

Dr. Sheila C. Gelman and Dr. David Greenblatt

Mrs. Elizabeth Gendreau-Maxwell and Mr. Don Maxwell

Mr. Jeffrey Geoberti

Amanda and Thomas Geracioti, M.D.

Shelly Gerson

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Giannella

Mr. L. Timothy Giglio

Ms. Luda Gikhman

Nancy and Thomas Gilman

Ms. Gail Ginther

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Givens

Ms. Kathleen Glover

Julie Goetz

Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Goetz

Mrs. Nancy H. Goldberg

Zorina Goldfeder

Miss Anna Gomez

Mr. Nicholas Gonzales

Amy Goodwin

Madeleine H. Gordon

Ms. H. Drewry Gores

Judge Robert H. Gorman

Barbara Gould

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Graeter

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Graham

Ms. Deborah R. Grayson

Ms. Lois Ann Gribler

Philip and Mattie Groshong

Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Gruppo

Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Susie Guggenheim

The Gumbleton Family

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Guttman

Ms. Nancy L. Habig

Mr. John A. Hadley

Mark Haggard and Daniel Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Philip H. Hagner

Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn

Justin A. Halle

Bill Hamilton

Mr. Michael Hammond

Ms. Kathleen M. Hammons

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Harcourt

Ms. Hannelore Harris

Mr. Jeff Harris

Reid A. Hartmann

Louise and Joe Head

Cordelia Heaney

Ms. Jessica Heard

Julie Grady Heard and Benjamin D. Heard

Eric Heatley

Mr. Tim Heile

Rick Hensley

Mr. Manuel Hernandez

Susan Hibbs

Mr. Roger D. Hickman

Deanna Hillard

Ms. Karlee L. Hilliard

Becky Hillyer

Hindman Auctions

Ms. Connie Hinitz

Kira A. Hinkle

Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors

Ms. Emily M. Hodges and Mr. Charles H. Spencer

Lucy Hodgson and Peter Koenig

Teresa Hoelle and Scott

Provancher

Mr. Daniel J. Hoffheimer

Donald E. Hoffman

Ammon Hollister

Ms. Kelly Holterhoff

Linda Holterhoff

Linda Holthaus and Richard Zinicola

Mr. Paul Horn

Noel and Angela Horne

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Ms. Lenore Horner

Gunnar Hudson

Sebastien Hue

Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. “Doc” Huffman

Jane Hulburt

Barbara Hummel, M.Ed.

Lindsey Hundley

Ms. Cindy Hurst-Degoricia

Jen Hurwitz

Mr. and Mrs. Greg T. Hyland

Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston

Ms. Judith Imhoff

Ms. Spencer Ingerson

Ms. Susan M. Ingmire and Ms. Lynn Hailey

IPA Source and At Your Service

Cincinnati

Mr. Ralph Isaacs

Idit Isaacsohn

Soumaya Jabrazko

Ms. Deb Jackson

Mrs. Doris Jackson

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jackson

Jen Jackson

Bill and Mary Jane James

Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus

Candyse L. Jeffries, D.M.D., and Michael A. Marrero

Diana Jester

Amy Johnson and Vernon Hartman

Jim Johnson and Coleen Quinn

Mr. Randall B. Johnson

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

Julie and Scott Jolson

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew K. Jones

Ms. Brenda Jones

Kevin C. Jones

Ms. Lisa Jones

Yemisi Jones, M.D., and Alvin Jones, M.D.

Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler

Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

JP Morgan Chase Foundation

Ms. Pramila Kamath

Mr. K.S. Kant

Rabbi Kenneth A. Kanter

Drs. Marcia Kaplan and Michael Privitera

Ms. Amy Katz

Dr. James Kaya and Ms. Debra Gräuel

Mr. Jerome H. Kearns

Mr. John Keegan

Ms. Misty Keeton

Ms. Arleene Keller

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Keller

Ms. Melinda Kelley

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Kennedy

John Kerman

Mona and Richard Kerstine, M.D.

Thomas Khoury

Ms. Patricia King

Mrs. Marcene C. Kinney

Kathleen Kirby

Mr. Ricardo Kirtley

Mr. Michael J. Klebau

Ms. Julie M. Kline

Mr. Scott E. Knox

Sandra Kohn

Stratos Kranias

Miss Tammy Kremer

Drs. Robert and Karen Krone

Carol L. Kruse

Mel and John Kuempel

Mr. Andrew V. Kukec

Marilyn and Charles Kuntz, M.D.

Peter and Sonia Kwaitkowski

Mr. Gregory Ladd

Mr. Bruce A. Lafferre

Mr. Peter Laffoon and Mr. John Fowler

Kate Lafond

Mr. Thomas Lake

Mr. and Mrs. Greg LaLonde

Mr. Peter Landgren and Mrs. Judith Schonbach Landgren

Evelyn and Fred Lang

Ms. Lynn Lanman

Katie and Joseph Lanni

Nanci Wilks Lanni and Nick Lanni

Mr. Barry Lapidus

Patricia and Glenn Larsen

Lynn Pulsfort Larson and Don Larson

Jim and Julie Laskey

Susan Lauf

Kathleen Laurin-Martin and Dr. Joseph C. Martin

Frank Lazarovski

Ms. Sooncha Lee

Dr. Nicole Leisgang

Margaret LeMasters, M.D.

Mr. Thomas J. Lentz

Ms. Carol P. Leslie

Ms. Kathy Leugers

Ms. Kisena Leverette

Mr. and Mrs. Rob Levey

Beth and Peter Levin

Lauren Lewis

Mr. Ron Lewis

Ms. Sarah C. Leyshock, Esq.

Mr. Grant Linder

Mr. Jim Livecchi

Joseph C. Livers

Carol and Mitchel Livingston, Ph.D.

Alex Lohmann

Whitney and Phillip Long

Contributions from April 4, 2023, to April 12, 2024

Chris L. Lord

Sallie Parker Lotz

Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation

The Louise Taft Semple Foundation

LPK

Ms. Madeleine Ludlow

Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lukin

Katja and David Lundgren

Ms. Jennifer Lynn

Mr. Scott E. MacEachen

Rick Maddux

Jenny Magro

Ms. Kathryn Maier

Anthony Maieron

Mr. Anthony Maloney

Mandare Foundation

Donna Marceau

Linda F. Marchant

Alan L. Margulies and Gale D. Snoddy

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mariner

Dr. and Mrs. James M. Marrs

David L. Martin

Ms. Maralynn Martin and Ms. Rita Postolski

Mr. Matthew S. Martin

Ms. Aimee Sposito Martini and Mr. Gregory Kinne

Mr. David Mason

Suzanne Masterson

Drs. Arti and Scott Masturzo

Raymond and Madelynn Matlock

Elizabeth and Michael Mattina

Mr. Karl Mattox

Mayerson Foundation Artistic Excellence Program

Thomas J. McCann

Ms. Lindsay McCarren

Susan McCormick

Dr. Everett McCorvey

George O. McDaniel

Dr. Janet P. McDaniel

Mr. Rod M. McFaull

Ms. Melinda McKee

Mrs. Dee McShaw

Janna and Frank E.

McWilliams, M.D.

Dr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Meese

Zain Mehal

Suzanne Mehne

Julia B. Meister, Esq.

Don and Marji Mendelsohn

Mr. H. Gregory Mermel

Mrs. Helen Merritt

Ms. Leslie Metheney

Dr. Robert Miday and Dr. Karen Miday

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Craig Miller and Christopher Bacon

Geneva Miller

Ms. Lauren Miller

Norma L. Miller

Mr. Ronald L. Miller

Martha and David Millett

Chris and Molly Milligan

Gary and Joanna Mitro

Jisha Mlynarczyk

Modern Office Methods, Inc.

Mr. Steven I. Monder

Cliff and Jenny Moore

Ms. Janet Moore and Mr. Neil W. Tollas

Patricia Schmidt Moore and Michael Moore, Jr.

Abby Moran

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Moravec

Gwen Morris

Ms. Martha Morrison

Ms. Connan Morrissey

Jacob Morvay and Dr. Jenna Kamrass Morvay

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Motch

Mary Lou Motl

Janet Mott

Mueller Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. David Muller

The Music Minions

Gail Myers

Christopher and Elizabeth Mystkowski

Dr. Donald Naiman

Ms. Janet Neidhard

Jacqueline Neumann

Mr. Gerald L. Newman

Mrs. Thomas L. Neyer, Sr.

Dr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Nicol

Mr. Kenneth Niehaus

Mrs. Hiroshi Nishiyama

Donivan and Claire Noble

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Norton

Neil and Virginia O’Connor

Ms. Alana O’Koon

Mr. James Olsen

Robert and Carol Olson

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Osha

Mrs. James Osterburg

Margaret and Tom Osterman

Mr. Stuart Owen

The P&G Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Mr. Marc Padros Casas and Mr. David Paredes

Mr. Jason Parnes

Seth E. Parshall

Reena Dhanda Patil, M.D., and Yash Patil, M.D.

Steven G. Patterson

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Paul

Mr. Joe Peacock

Ms. Mary Pearce

Dr. Amanda Peck

Mr. John N. Peck

Jo Anne and Poul Pedersen

Ms. Paige Pederzani

Dr. and Mrs. Alter G. Peerless

Ms. Jami Pelini

John and Francie Pepper

Ms. Helen Perkins

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Peterson

Mr. Stephen Peterson and Dr. Christopher F. Bolling

Rev. Susan M. Pfeil

Mrs. Chris Phelps

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Phelps

Mr. Chad Phillips

Stephen Phillips

Mr. and Mrs. T. Stephen Phillips

Ms. Tera L. Pierce

Mr. Steve Pierson

PIVOT Studio

Cassandra and Glenn Plott

Mrs. Anne M. Pohl

Pohlad Companies

Sandra and Michael Porada

Beatriz Porras, M.D.

Mr. Michael Porte

Michael L. Powell

Ms. Nelia R. Pozzuoli

Jessica Preston

Ms. Janette W. Prewitt

Holly Prochaska

Mr. Nicholas W. Puncer

Zach and Leah Quortrup

Nicolette Rader

Mrs. Cathleen Rahschulte

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Randolph

J. Lee Rasmussen

Dr. Daniel Ray

Mr. Donald Ray

RELX

Ms. Cheryl L. Reiman

Pamela Spangler Reis and Richard Reis

Mrs. Clarissa Rentz

Reuben Herzfeld Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Ms. Pam Rice

W. Brent Rice

Aliya Riddle

Sandra L. Riegler, M.D.

Jason P. Riveiro

Robert H. Castellini Company

Ms. Gale Z. Roberts

Ms. Mary E. Roberts

Mary C. Roberts-Williams

Bob Roesbery and Nancy Helwig

Ms. Elizabeth Rogers

Liam Rolfe

Dr. and Mrs. John Rootring

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ross

Mr. Jack Rouse

Moe Rouse

James Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger

Regina Carswell Russo and Matthew J. Russo

Mrs. Lois P. Rust

Dr. James and Ms. Maris Ryan

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene L. Saenger, Jr.

Saenger Family Foundation

Dr. G. James and

Ruthann Sammarco

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence P. Sampson

Harry and Ann Santen

Jeysla R. Santos

Dr. Richard S. Sarason and Anne S. Arenstein

Saul Schottenstein Foundation B

Dr. Leila Saxena

Gabriella Scacchetti

Ms. Susan Schapiro

MaryAnne Scheuble

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Schimberg

Mr. Fabian C. Schmahl

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schmerler

Ms. Emily Schneider

George Palmer Schober

Suzanne Schoenberger

School Outfitters

Ms. Carol Schroeder

Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Schulhoff

Mary Schuster

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Schwartz

Ms. Marilyn Schwiers

Mr. James Michael Scott

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Segal

Mrs. Barbara Seiver

Mr. and Mrs. Blake Selnick

Mr. Will Selnick

Mr. Steven Selss

Jane and Mark Serrianne

Alexander J. Seta

Ms. Jemannie Severson Luong and Mr. Eric Severson

Ms. TC Sferra

Saira Shahani

Ms. Judith Shankle

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shifman

Mr. Hugh Shipley

Mr. Leo Shuller

Jane and Stanley Shulman

Brett Siereveld and Randy Gudvangen

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

Melinda and Irwin Simon

Murray and Robin Sinclaire

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Singleton

Mr. David Skidmore

INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS

Gerald and Sarah Skidmore

Terri and Bradbury Skidmore, M.D.

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Smith

Ms. Kathryn Smith

Mr. Kevin Smith

Matthew J. and Cynthia L. Smith

Ms. Michelle Smith

Ms. Tobe Snow

Ms. Sue Sorensen

Ms. Carol Sparks

Corey Speece

Mr. John Spencer

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Speno

Mr. Jay Edward Springer

Mr. Roger Stafford

Miss Amie R. Standen

James Stapleton and Dr. Elizabeth Shaughnessy

Ms. Marian Stapleton

Cynthia Starr

Bill and Lee Steenken

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Stegman

Mrs. and Mr. Kelli Stein

Ms. Nancy M. Steman

The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. Stephenson

Therese Mulvaney Stetzer

Kathy Stewart

Amy Stier and Jef Brown

Ms. Verna Stockmal

Sara Storjohann

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stradling, Jr.

Dr. Tyson Strand

Dr. Susan R. Strick

Victoria Strickland, M.D.

Mr. and Mrs. George Strietmann

Mrs. Theodore W. Striker

Mr. Robert Strub

Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III

Tricia Suit and Eric Appleby

Ms. Beth Sullebarger

Blanche Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Susskind

Bard J. Suverkrop

Katie and Jeff Syroney

Carol Talbot

Dr. John Tan

Sarah B. Tankersley

Mr. James Tarpoff

Philip Tatum

Mr. Arnold Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. David Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor

Alex Tensing

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos R. Teran

Mr. Garry Terrell and Ms. Rebecca Terrell

Susan and John M. Tew, Jr., M.D.

Mr. James L. Thompson

Barbara and Tom Thornbury

Brian L. Tiffany and Jerome Ewers

Mrs. Lakrisha Tinner

Mr. and Mrs. David J. Tobergte

Heidi Toelke

Mr. William J. Toerner and Mrs. Pamela Coyle-Toerner

Ms. Jacqueline Tolbert

Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D., and Robert Toltzis, M.D.

Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Toon

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Torre

Nydia C. Tranter

Mr. Timothy E. Troendle

Caitie Turner

Larry and Beth Uhlenbrock

The Unnewehr Foundation

Margaret and Michael Valentine

Ellen van der Horst

Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell

Heather and Andrew Vecellio

Mr. Javier Vega

Patti and Mike Veroni

Mr. Wayne Villanueva

Vincent Lighting Systems

Christopher and Nancy Virgulak

Mr. Randall K. Waddell

Ms. Devorah L. Waesch

Eleanor Wagner

Nancy Wagner and Patricia Wagner

Bandana Waikhom and Hani Kallas

Donna D. Walchle

Mr. Larry and Ms. Susan Waldman

Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Wallace

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Wallhausser

Mrs. Alice Walsh

Ms. Erica Walters

Mr. Michael L. Walton

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ward

Ginger and David Warner

Robert J. Watkins and Helen P. Watkins

Richard and Vanessa Wayne

Jonathan and Janet Weaver

Contributions from April 4, 2023, to April 12, 2024

George C. Webb

Ms. Marilyn J. Wehri

Dr. Andrea Weickgenannt

Mr. Gerald V. Weigle, Jr.

Ms. Kelly Welsh

Mark Wert and Mark Johnson

Mr. Dan Wertman

Julia Wesselkamper and Julie Johnson

Western & Southern Financial Group

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Westheimer

Barbara M. Weyand

Bonnie White

Ms. Suzanne White

Dr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Whitlatch

Mrs. Leah J. Wickett

Nataly Wickham

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew D. Wiethe

Mr. Charles L. Wilhelm

Mr. Charles A. Wilkinson

Ms. Hazel P. Williams

Lori Williams

Ms. Sheila Williams

Mr. Stanford T. Williams, Jr.

Ronna and Dr. James Willis

Brett Willson and

John C. Fredeking II

Anne Warrington Wilson

Robert and Judy Wilson

Shawn Wilson

Miss Tracy L. Wilson

Susan and Dean Windgassen

Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, M.D.

Mrs. Andrea K. Wiot

Ms. Meghan Wisecup

The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

Mrs. Cindy D. Wolsing

Shelby O. Wood

Belinda Wright

Dr. Edward C. Wunsch

Wyant Family Foundation

Peg and Jack Wyant

Ms. Stavra Xanthakos

John M. Yacher

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Young

Robert Zangri

Anne and Allen Zaring III

Dr. and Ms. Mark Zigoris

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Zoller

Dr. and Mrs. Mario Zuccarello

We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our list of donors. If your name has been incorrectly listed or omitted, please contact the Philanthropy Department at 513-768-5561. Please accept our apologies for any errors.

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.

Members

Anonymous

Katherine and Christopher Anderson

Scott Atkinson* and Christopher D. Edwards

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

Jennifer and Adam Bellin

Elaine Billmire, M.D., and David Billmire, M.D.

Marlene and Robert* Boden

Lois and Joseph Brenner

Charlin and Peter* Briggs

Mrs. Cherylann D. Brinkman

Mary* and Joe Brinkmeyer

Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie B. Blancquaert

Arthur B. Casper

Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III

Dr. Peter G. Courlas

Virginia K. Cover

Cathy and Tom Crain

Alva Jean Crawford

Mr. Daniel B. and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham

Mr. Harrison R.T. Davis

Mrs. Albert C. Dierckes, Jr.

Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas

Harry and Linda Fath

Dr. James D. Faulkner

Ms. Gael T. Fischer

Mr. Kingston Fletcher

Dr. Donald W. Good

Valeria and Frederick R.* Good

Madeleine H. Gordon

Barbara Gould

Marlesa A. Gray

Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn

Suzanne and Robert* Hasl, M.D.

Janet* and Cornelius Hauck

Hon. Dennis* and Berti Helmick

Karlee L. Hilliard

Ms. Emily M. Hodges and Mr. Charles H. Spencer

Don and Donna* Hoffman

Doug Ignatius and Bruce Preston

Amy and Jason Jackman

Julia M.F.B. Jackson

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kerstine

Sarajane and Richard King

Patrick M. Korb

Roberta and Jeffrey P. Kuhn

Elizabeth and Ken Kuresman

Marjorie and Lawrence H. Kyte, Jr.

Mr. Barry Lapidus

Richard* and Susan Lauf

Kathleen Laurin-Martin and Joseph C. Martin

Gail Lennig and Gene Santoro*

Adele and Thomas* Lippert

Joanie D. and William H.* Lotts

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Lyon

Susan Sterrit Meyer

Chris and Molly Milligan

Dr. Stanley Milstein

Eleanor* and Sam* Minkarah

David and Vicky Motch

Norbert and Linnea Nadel

Robert and Carol Olson

Marge and Tom Osterman

Dr. and Mrs. John A. Parlin III

Nicholas Payne and Cynthia Heinrich

Joseph and Susan Pichler

Ellen and George* Rieveschl

Edward and Nancy* Rosenthal

Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco

Zell Schulman

Kenneth C. Schonberg* and Deborah Schultz

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

Thomas S. Smith

Cynthia and William* Starr

Brett Stover

Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III

John M. Tew, Jr., M.D.

Nydia C. Tranter

Dick and Jane Tuten

Barbara and Irwin Weinberg

Anne M. Werner

Ronna K. Willis

Jeannine Winkelmann and John Winkelmann, M.D.

Dr. Atsuko Yatani

Anne and Allen Zaring III

Estates

Estate of Frank and Janet Andress

Estate of Mary Elizabeth Andrews Trust

Estate of Dorothy Anne Blatt

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 Norma L. Clark

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 Dr. James and Josephine Flowers

Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier

Estate of Katherine H. Groll

Estate of Morton and Barbara Harshman

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 Maria Krocker-Tuskan

Estate of Elizabeth W. Kyte

Estate of Elma Lapp

Estate of Anne and John Lawrence, Jr.

Estate of Rosemary R. Longano

The Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust

Estate of Mrs. Richardson

McKinney

Estate of Mary and William Meyer

Estate of Arnold and Gloria Morelli

Estate of Norbert A. Nadel

Estate of Bill Nimmo

Estate of Margaret Ohanian

Estate of Maurice E. Oshry

Estate of Marilyn Z. Ott

Estate of Charles Parsons

The Pearlman Charitable

Remainder Unitrust

Estate of James T. Peeler

Estate of David and Marilyn Reichert

Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Roder

Estate of Solveiga Rush

Estate of Marilyn A. Russley

Estate of Joanne T. Santangelo

Estate of Emalee Schavel

Estate of Anna Jo and William Selnick

Estate of Miss Charlotte L.

Shockley

Estate of Miss Genevieve H. Smith

Estate of Charlotte E. Smith

Estate of Lois Staubitz

Estate of Cynthia and Frank Stewart

Estate of Carolyn and Fred Strebel

Estate of Mrs. Italo Tajo

Estate of Carol S. Thaman

Estate of Phyllis Weston

Estate of Dr. and Mrs.

Kenneth Wilson

Estate of Lura Carnes Wine

Estate of Harris W. Wright

Meet a Cincinnati Opera Angel

Adele Lippert is a longtime and devoted subscriber, supporter, and former singer with Cincinnati Opera. She is also a member of the Society of Angels, a distinguished group of donors who have chosen to leave a planned gift to the company. Adele shares what the Opera has meant to her throughout her life and why she made planned giving a priority.

I am a zoo baby! Starting at the age of 14, I followed in the footsteps of my two older sisters by riding the Clifton-Hughes bus to the Cincinnati Zoo to usher at the opera. My spot was in the left mezzanine where I was protected from the rain but not from the vocal expressions of the animals, which made me smile and never frown.

Fausto Cleva was the principal conductor. I cheered for Lily Pons when she sang the “Queen of the Night” aria. Richard Tucker, Beverly Sills, and Charles Kullman were among the many stars. Coe Glades’s Carmen was always a sell-out. When the rains did come, the hustle and bustle to get shelter added to the humid atmosphere. It seemed the vocal cords of the artists loosened up as their voices soared across the pavilion. Who cared that it was raining! I was at the opera!

Ushering lasted through my Edgecliff College days. My husband, Tom, who passed away in 2021, was part of the group from Xavier University who ushered too. He and I spent many an intermission sitting on a park bench sharing ice cream. Romance was not just happening on the stage. Over our 65 years together, we had a family of eight children. But long before that, my own musical talent was being fostered. Every summer, the Zoo sponsored a Food Show which was a staple in Cincinnati. A musical was always performed. I sang the lead in Victor Herbert’s operetta Eileen. The Zoo stage was my first musical home.

In 1956, Hubert Kockritz, a beloved professor at the then Conservatory of Music, held a class to train a Cincinnati chorus to supplement the Opera’s professional one. I was fortunate to be chosen. Joining Risë Stephens and the rest of the artists on stage and singing the season’s repertoire was a rare opportunity. The opera chorus was certainly a highlight. I sang with the May Festival Chorus for many seasons. Singing the National Anthem to open the Cincinnati Bengals games twice was not as unique as walking through an open stage door into the empty La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy, walking center stage, and singing, a cappella, Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro.” The workmen applauded. Being a part of the Opera family has always been central to my musical life. The Opera Guild affords many opportunities, such as to “meet and greet” the artists for the coming seasons and support the company in various ways. The many galas and other social events add to the excitement.

Tom and I became members of the Society of Angels to help ensure the Opera’s presence and success. Under the leadership of Chris Milligan with Evans Mirageas, the company continues to cherish the old masterpieces and offer new and diverse selections. Updating Madame Butterfly and premiering are just a few examples of the company’s vision. The sparkling crystal chandelier in the Music Hall has welcomed opera lovers for many years and will do so for many

CREATE YOUR OWN LEGACY BY BRINGING OPERA TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

For more than a century, 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. Call Raye Needham Allen at 513-768-5527 or visit Proud Sponsor of Cincinnati Opera’s Planned Giving Program

ADELE LIPPERT

SUBSCRIBERS

We thank our subscribers, whether new or long-standing, for their steadfast support and commitment. Without you, we could not bring grand opera to Cincinnati each summer.

Ms. Marina Abanto

Mrs. Barbara Aberlin

Mrs. Christine O. Adams

Ms. Sandy Adams

Karla L. Addess

Dr. and Mrs. Khosrow Alamin

Ms. Jo-Ann Huff Albers

Mr. Micheal Albrecht

Mr. Gordon Allen

Joyce S. Allen

Ms. Lisa Allgood

Ms. Ruth Alpers

Renato Alquizola

Ms. Bethany Ammons

Ms. Jane Anderson

Ms. Maureen Andreadis

Dr. and Mrs. Louis A. Andrews, Jr.

Mr. Gary J. Anglin

Anne S. Arenstein and Richard Sarason

Dr. and Mrs. William Aronstein

Hannah Artuso

Ms. Paule S. Asch, Ph.D.

Ms. Kathryn E. Ashton

Ms. Mary Auer

Mr. Boris Auerbach and

Ms. Kathleen Patchel

Jess Azarov

Ms. Patricia Baas

Dr. and Mrs. John Babcock

Mr. Michael R. Bachmann and

Ms. Mary Combs

Mrs. and Mr. Marcie Bachrach

Nancy and Scott Bailey

Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Baker

Robert Baker

Ms. Kathleen Ball

Ms. Evelyn Banzhaf

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bardes

Ms. Henrietta Barlag

Maggie Barnes

Flávia Bastos, Ph.D., and Larry Huston

Mr. Michael A. Battersby

Mr. and Mrs. A. Blair Battistini

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Baucom

Mr. Donald Beck and Lawrence E. Eynon, M.D.

Ms. Lorraine Becker

Mr. David Beckett

Dr. Claire Beimesch

Mr. Nicholas A. Belperio

Ms. Lori Berberich

Mr. Roger Berger

Dr. Rolando Berger

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Berger

Mr. Allen Bernard

Mary Ann Bernier

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm A. Bernstein

Ms. Nancy E. Bertaux

Drs. Jeffrey Berry

Drs. David and Elaine Billmire

Ms. Mary Birck

Scott Bischoff

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bitter

Drs. Thomas and Barbara Boat

Ms. Jane Bobel

Mrs. Robert W. Boden

Mr. Thomas Bodner

Ms. Debbie Bogenschutz and Mr. Harold Tucker

Ms. Marguerite A. Boeckmann

Steven P. Boggs

Mr. and Ms. Steve Bogner

Ms. Lane Boldman

Jason Bolte

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Boorn

Mr. Neil Bortz

Ms. Ann Bowers

Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Bradshaw

Dana Breeding

Lisa H. Breithaupt

Mrs. Cherylann D. Brinkman

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Brinkmeyer

Mr. Thomas Broge

Ms. Meribeth Brown

Mrs. Rebecca S. Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Bruestle

Mr. Clair L. Brustkern

Dr. Walter Bruyninckx and Dr. Anne-Marie B. Blancquaert

Ms. Donna Bryant

Mr. Otto M. Budig, Jr.

Mr. Eric Burgmann

Mr. Richard Burke

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burnett

Donald L. and Kathleen F. Burns

KJ Burns

Martin L. Burns

Mr. Robert Burroughs

Ms. Angie Butterbaugh

Mrs. Jadwiga Cabaj

Ms. Maya Callahan

Mr. and Mrs. David M. Callif

Dr. and Mrs. Lanthan Camblin

Ms. Deborah Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Canarie

Dr. Onassis Caneris

Mr. Victor J. Canfield

Luisa Canneto

Ms. Sarah A. Canterbury

Joseph P. Cardone

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Carlson

Mr. James D. Carr and

Ms. Jane Wakerman

Dr. Melissa Carroll

Dr. Arch Carson

Bruce Carter

Ms. Joya Caryl

Mr. James B. Caskey

Arthur B. Casper

John Castaldi and Terry Bazeley

Miss Maria G. Castro

Mrs. LaDondra M. Cercone

Mr. and Mrs. William Chang

Mr. David Charpentier

Ms. Melanie M. Chavez

Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Chavez

Ms. Andrea Chavez-Dietz

Mrs. Sophia Choi

Elizabeth Clark

Mr. Richard Clark

Mr. Thomas Clark

Mr. Robert Cloar

Edward Cloughessey

Mr. and Mrs. Barry E. Cobb

Mr. Melvin Cohen

Mr. Morton Cohen

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Cole

Dr. George I. Colombel

Ms. Margaret D. Cone

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Cook

Mr. Randy Cook

Mr. Benjamin W. Couch

Dr. Peter G. Courlas

Ms. Melissa Cox

Dorothy Crane

Dr. and Mrs. Alvin H. Crawford

Ms. Judith A. Creuz

Ms. Susan Crew

Mr. Daniel B. Cunningham and Dr. Margaret G. Cunningham

Dr. Janice K. Currie

Ms. and Mr. Louis Dabbelt

Ms. Sarah Dailey

Mrs. Linda J. Dalton

Mr. Kieran R. Daly

Eric and Jennifer Dauer

Mr. Louis M. Dauner

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen DeHoff

Erin DeLaney

Matthew Degenhardt

David Denterlein

Ms. Jill Dew

Dr. Arthur Dewey

Mr. Frank J. DiCesare

Kathryn Dierckes

Ms. Mary Diersing

Ms. Marion DiFalco

Mrs. Sarah Dirr

Ms. Kelly Dobos

Ms. Joanna Doerner

Peter L. Donato

Mr. and Mrs. David Donnett

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Douglas

Mr. Robert Douglas

Mr. Scott Dressman

Ms. Tara Drummond

Dr. Olga G. Duarte

Sara Duffy

Shannon and Paul Duffy

Mr. Darin S. Dugan

Julianne Dunn

Mrs. Melodie Dunn

Dr. and Mrs. Stewart B. Dunsker

Mr. Zachary P. Dutro

Leslie R. Dye, M.D., and Mr. Brian Dye

Angela Eagle

Mr. and Mrs. John Earls

Ms. Judith Eckert

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eichner

Mr. John Ellmore

Mrs. Linda Elson

Ms. June Endicott

Katherine England

Ashley England-Huff

Hannah M. Eppert

Mr. Daniel Epstein

Mr. Frank E. Espohl

Dr. and Mrs. Paul Esposito

Mary Evee

Beth Fahrenbruck

Dr. James D. Faulkner

Dr. and Mrs. William J. Faulkner

Ms. Dorothy Ann Feldis and Mr. William Klykylo

Patricia Feregrino

Ms. Nancy Finke

Ms. Gael T. Fischer

Mr. and Mrs. James T. Fitzgerald

Mr. Winston Folkers

Mrs. Mary Anne Foss

Nick Fox

Mr. Michael Frabetti

Mrs. Peninah Frankel

Mr. Richard Freudenberger

Deborah Frommel

Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Fry

Mr. Jay Fry

Mr. August Funaro

Ms. Amy Fuson

Mr. Marshall Garrison

Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Gehrig

Ms. Jennifer Geiger and Mr. John A. Barrett

Dr. Sheila C. Gelman and Dr. David Greenblatt

Mrs. Elizabeth Gendreau-Maxwell and Mr. Don Maxwell

Mr. Ted Gentry and

Ms. Amy Dougherty

Dr. T. D. Geracioti

Mrs. Shelly S. Gerson

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Giannella

Mr. Barry Gillum

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Givens

Ms. Andrea G. Glassman

Dr. Lyon L. Gleich

Ms. Nancy Glier

Ms. Kathleen Glover

Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Goetz

Dr. Irina Goncharenko-Rose

Mr. Nicholas Gonzales

Ms. Jane Goode

Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon

Ms. H. Drewry Gores

Ms. Sarah M. Gorman

Ms. Barbara Gould

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Graeter

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Graham

Ms. Thera N. Graves

Mr. Jeff Gray

Ms. Deborah R. Grayson

Mr. Gerald S. Greenberg and Ms. Pamela Meyers

Ms. Lois Ann Gribler

Ms. Molly Grogan

Ms. Amy Groh

Mr. Leo Grote

Mr. Ronald Grothaus

Elizabeth Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Gruppo

Mr. John L. Gueltzow

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Gumbleton

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Guttman

Ms. Melissa Haas

Mr. and Mrs. Philip H. Hagner

Dr. and Mrs. Jack A. Hahn

Emily Hall

Irina Hall

Mr. Bill Hamilton

Lynn Hampshire

Mr. Brian Hanley

Ms. Aveling Hansen

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Harcourt

Christina Harding

Chuck and Mary Harris

Mr. Jeff Harris

Penny Harris

Ms. Marcia Hartsock

Mrs. Robert J. Hasl

Deborah B. Hastings

Mr. and Mrs. Nemon L. Hayes

Ms. Mary J. Healy

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin D. Heard

Alice and John Hehman

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heldman

Mr. Terry Hellman

Mr. Robert Roesbery

Ms. Tami L. Hendrickson

Mr. Rocky Hensley

Mr. Manuel Hernandez

Ms. Carol Hershenson

Miss Elise Hewitt

Susan Hibbs

Mr. Roger D. Hickman

Mrs. Karlee L. Hilliard

Ms. Emily M. Hodges and Mr. Charles H. Spencer

Mr. Daniel J. Hoffheimer

Mr. Donald E. Hoffman

Donna J. Hoffman

Constance Hogans

Mr. Anthony Hollin

Linda Holterhoff

Ms. Linda Holthaus and Mr. Richard Zinicola

Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Horne

Linda J. Hritz

Ms. Marcella Hsiung Lang

Mrs. James Hsu

Mr. Jeremy J. Hudson

Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. “Doc” Huffman

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew W. Hughes

Mr. William G. Hughes

Margaret D. Hull

Ms. Marjorie Hull

Mr. Thomas Kellerman and Mrs. Barbara Hummel

Huntington

John W. Hust

Mr. Isaiah Hyman, Jr.

Mr. Douglas Ignatius and Mr. Bruce Preston

Ms. Judith Imhoff

Rabbi Abie Ingber

Spence Ingerson

Mr. Ralph Isaacs

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Jackman

Karlene Jacobs

Ms. Jolanda Jaeger-Koch

Mr. James Dirksen

Mr. and Mrs. W.M. James

Laura Jansen

Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Janson

Mr. Andreas H. Janssen

Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus

Jaroszewicz

Alejandro Jarque

Ms. Kathleen Jenkins

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Jett

Mr. Jeff Johnson

Mr. Jim Johnson and Ms. Coleen Quinn

Ms. Marlene Johnson

Mr. Randall B. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Randy Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Johnston

Dr. and Dr. Yemisi Jones

Ms. Kendra Jylkka

Mrs. Eileen M. Kabitsch

Ms. Mary W. Kamp

Mr. K.S. Kant

Rabbi Kenneth A. Kanter

Dr. and Mrs. James Katz

Ms. Amy S. Katzman, Esq.

Dr. James Kaya and

Ms. Debra Grauel

Mr. Jerome H. Kearns

Mr. John Keegan

SUBSCRIBERS

Ms. Melinda Kelley

Ms. Kathy L. Kemen

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Kennedy

Mr. Robert A. Kercheval, Jr.

John Kerman

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kerstine

Ms. Marlene Kessler

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Kessler

Mr. and Mrs. Richard King

Mrs. Marcene C. Kinney

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kirby

Mr. and Mrs. Martin B. Klaus

Ms. Lori Klinedinst

Mr. Joe Klingshirn

Mr. David Knox

Mr. Gregory Koehler

Mr. Peter E. Koenig and Ms. Lucy Hodgson

Ms. Diana Lynn Kohler

Ms. Linda Kollar

Kamel Koochaki

Ms. Lisa Koressel

Ms. Carol Kosarko

Mr. William Kredentser

Shari Kretzschmer

Drs. Robert and Karen Krone

Mrs. Mary Kay R. Kroner

Ms. Dianne Kruetzkamp

Ms. Carol Louise Kruse

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Kuempel

Ms. Kathy Kugler

Dr. and Mrs. Charles Kuntz

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Kuy

Ann Lakes

Mr. and Mrs. Greg LaLonde

Mr. Joseph Landen

Ms. Margaret Landwehr

Dr. Thomas F. Laneve

Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Lang, Jr.

Ms. Kathryn S. Lang

Mr. John Lanni

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lanni

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Lanni

Miss Michelle Lanphier

Mr. Barry Lapidus

Mr. and Mrs. Don Larson

Ms. Jana L. Laseke

Mr. and Ms. Marco Lassus

Mrs. Susan Lauf

Mrs. Kathleen Laurin-Martin and

Dr. Joseph C. Martin

Dr. Joe Law and Mr. Phil Wise

Dr. Jordan A. Leary

Mr. Daniel Ledford

Mr. David D. Lee

Richard Lee

Mr. Thomas Lee

Dr. and Mrs. Roberto Legorreta

Dr. Margaret M. LeMasters

Tricia Lenhof

Sandra C. Lett

Ms. Marilee Lewis

Ms. Carol Leyshock

Ms. Sarah C. Leyshock

Linda L. Liebau

Ms. Janice Liebenberg and Mr. Andy Holzhauser

Glenda G. Lindsay

Mr. Michael Linke

Mrs. Adele Lippert

Joseph C. Livers

Dr. and Mrs. Edward E. Loftspring

Ms. Lois M. Logan

Al and Mary López

Ms. Lupe Lopez

Mrs. Judy Lucas

Ms. Madeleine Ludlow

Bert Luken

Ms. Maria Luna

Mr. and Mrs. John-Peter Lund

Ms. Sally A. Lund

Katja and David Lundgren

Ms. Sandra Lundgren

Rev. and Mrs. Damon Lynch, Jr.

Mr. Denny Lynch

Jeff Mackey

Mr. Rick Maddux

Dr. Jessica L. Madsen

Dr. Linn Mangano

Kathy Mank

Ms. Susan Marmo and Mr. Neil Berman

Mr. Benjamin Marple

Mr. Carl G. Marquette, Jr.

Mr. Michael A. Marrero and Dr. Candyse Jeffries, D.M.D.

Mr. David L. Martin

Mr. Miguel Martinez and Mr. David Grome

Ms. Vicky Mary

Raymond and Madelynn Matlock

Mr. Karl Mattox

Sarah May

Ms. Bobbie Maybrier

Ms. Lindsay and Mr. Tim McCarren

Susan McCauley

Dr. Cornelia McCluskey

Mr. Justin McCombs

Ms. Nora McCormick

David McCracken

Dr. Janet P. McDaniel

Mr. Dennis J. McGee

Ms. Melinda McKee

Mr. Michael McKibben

Dr. and Mrs. Frank McWilliams

Ms. Carin M. Meier

Mr. Topher Meiners

Ms. Julia B. Meister and Mr. Michael Schroeder

Mr. Vernon Cain and

Ms. Lynn Meloy

Don and Marji Mendelsohn

Mr. and Mrs. Lon Mendelsohn

Mr. George E. Menges

Renan Menninger

Ms. Leslie Metheney

Ms. Rebecca A. Miars

Ms. Kim Miller

Ms. Norma L. Miller

Mr. Ronald L. Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Don Mills

Mr. Sam R. Minardi

Ms. Joanna Mitro

Deborah Molloy

Mr. Charles J. Moomaw

Mrs. Christine J. Moore

Patricia Schmidt Moore and Michael Moore, Jr.

Mr. Perry Moore

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Moravec

Elizabeth R. Morgan

Cathy Morningstar

Mr. Edward Morris

Mr. Jacob and Dr. Jenna Morvay

Mary Lou Motl

Ms. Janet Mott

Mr. John H. Mueller III

Melinda Muenich

Grant Mussman

Ms. Lisa Muvich

Ms. Kristen M. Myers

Dr. Donald Naiman

Dr. Gila Naveh and Mr. Michael Naveh

Ms. Janet Neidhard

Miriam Nelson

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Nelson

Ms. Mary E. Neyer and Ms. Amy Simmons

Mrs. Thomas L. Neyer, Sr.

Mr. James Nicholson and Ms. Patricia Callis

Mrs. Hiroko Nishiyama

Mr. John Noelcke

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Norton

Ms. Rosemary Novelli

Sidonie Oakland

Ms. Cathy Obryan

Ms. Kathleen O’Connell and Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson

Dr. Cora Ogle

Ms. Alana O’Koon

Ms. Mary A. Ollinger

Mr. William Olsen

Robert and Carol Olson

Ms. Katalin Ori

Mr. Stuart Owen

Mr. and Mrs. R. Joseph Parker

Ms. Susan E. Parrett

Nick Parrott

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Paul Payne

Mr. and Mrs. Poul D. Pedersen

Dr. and Mrs. Alter G. Peerless

Ms. Anna Peloquin

Charles H. Perin, Jr.

Chris Perry

Kristin Peter

Mrs. Kellie Peters

Mr. Raymond Peterson

Ian Petko-Bunney

Mr. Daniel Pfahl

Mrs. Chris Phelps

Mr. and Mrs. T. Stephen Phillips

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Pichler

MaryAnn Pietromonaco

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Plott

Ms. Patricia A. Pope

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Porada

Mr. Michael Porte

Ms. Teresa A. Porter

Mr. William Porter

Miss Hannah R. Potter

Mr. Michael L. Powell and Mr. Jonathan Egel

Jessica Preston

Tarita Preston

Mr. Lynn Preuth

Ms. Janette W. Prewitt

Holly Prochaska

Ms. Priscilla Prouty

Mr. Richard Prystowsky

Mr. Nicholas W. Puncer and Dr. Stephen A. Ferguson

Ms. Margaret Quinn

Elivia M. Rabe

Christine Rabold

Justin Ragle

Mr. Edgar Ragouzis

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Randolph

Ms. Maria Ransdell

Mr. J. Lee Rasmussen

Ms. Carol Ray

Mr. Nick Redmond

Ms. Corinne Reich and Mr. Éric Vespierre

Ms. Pamela S. Spangler Reis and Mr. Richard D. Reis

Mr. and Mrs. John Rentz

Ms. Mary Rich

Ms. Misty Richmond

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rider

Sandra L. Riegler, M.D.

Jason P. Riveiro

Robert H. Castellini Company

Ms. Gale Z. Roberts

Mr. Muir Robertson

Beth Robinson

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Robinson

Miss Laura M. Rogers

Mr. Edward Rosenthal

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ross

Mrs. Jorian Roth

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rozow, Jr.

Mr. James M. Rubenstein and

Ms. Bernadette L. Unger

Mrs. Nora Rubinoff

Mr. Marshall Ruchman and Mrs. Judith Aronoff

Krysia Rush

Regina Carswell Russo and Matthew Russo

Mrs. Lois P. Rust

Jennie and Joseph Ruter

Ms. Mary Ryan

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene L. Saenger, Jr.

Dr. G. James and Ruthann Sammarco

Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Santen

Mr. Anton Savchenko

Ms. Michelle Savoti

Dr. Leila Saxena

Mr. Andrea Scarpari

Ms. Susan Schapiro

Ms. Cindy Scheets

Mary Jo Schmidt

Mr. Martin Schneider

Mr. George P. Schober

Ms. Ann G. Schoen and Mr. Jerry Schoen

Ms. Teresa B. Schrader

Ms. Carol Schroeder

Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Schulhoff

Dr. Janet Schultz

Mary T. Schuster

Abby and David Schwartz

Rabbi Julie S. Schwartz

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Schwartz

Mr. James Michael Scott

Ms. Kisha Scruggs

Ms. Rebecca Seeman and Mr. David Wood

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Segal

Mrs. Barbara Seiver

Mr. Steven Selss

Ms. Stephanie Sepate

Mrs. James A. Sexton

Ms. Saira Shahani

Ms. Diane Shank

Ms. Judith Shankle

Lauren Sharpe

Mr. Jack Shepherd

Mr. Adam Shoaff

Mr. Jason Sholar

Ms. Maggie L. Shreve

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Shulman

Mr. Brett Siereveld

Dr. Ted Silberstein and Mrs. Jacqueline M. Mack

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin B. Simon

Mr. Richard I. Sininger

Mr. John Sistarenik

Dr. and Mrs. Bradbury A. Skidmore

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Skidmore

Bobbie Sloan

Ms. Briana Smith

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Smith

Mr. David G. Smith

Ms. Janet H. Smith

Ms. Kathryn Smith

Ms. Michelle Smith

Mr. Owen Smith

Phillip Smith

Ms. Kim Smyth

Ms. Tobe Snow

Mr. Aaron Spetz

Mr. Matthew Spiro

Mr. James D. Stapleton and Dr. Elizabeth A. Shaughnessy

Mrs. Cynthia Starr

Ms. Tiffany Staubach

Mr. and Mrs. William Steenken

Ms. Martha Steier

Rabbi Elena Stein

Ms. Nancy M. Steman

Mr. Jerome Sten

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. Stephenson

Mr. and Mrs. Greg N. Stepp

Mr. Jeffrey Stivers

Lisa Stone

Sara Storjohann

Ms. Marcia H. Storm

Mr. Brett Stover

Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Stradling, Jr.

Nancy A. Strick

Dr. Susan R. Strick

Mrs. Theodore W. Striker

Ms. Tricia Suit and

Mr. Eric Appleby

Ms. Maria Sunderhaus

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Susskind

Mr. Robert Patton Swaim

Ms. Judie List Sweeney

Angelo Sylvester

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Szucs

Ms. Georgana Taggart

Ms. Carol Talbot

Ms. Evelyn Talley

Mr. Howard L. Tankersley

Mr. Arnold Taylor

Ms. Regina Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos R. Teran

Mr. Garry Terrell and

Ms. Rebecca Terrell

Dr. and Mrs. John M. Tew, Jr.

Emily Thobe

Lawrence A. Thompson

Daniel L. Ticotsky

Dr. Robert Toltzis and Dr. Catharina Toltzis

Dean and Ms. Joseph A. Tomain

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Torre

Ms. Robin Totsch

Mrs. Nydia C. Tranter

Mr. Timothy E. Troendle

Carlin Twedt

Ms. Rachel Twyman

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J.

Uhlenbrock

Margaret and Michael Valentine

Mr. Steven Van Vechten

SUBSCRIBERS

Dr. Robert D. Vashon

Ms. Peggy Vaughn

Mr. Javier Vega

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Virgulak

Ms. Barbara Wagner

Ms. Mary S. Wagner

Russell Wagner

Mr. Wayne Wallace

Mr. Michael L. Walton

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ward

Mrs. Geraldine Warner

Mr. Raymond Wash

Mrs. Diana K. Webb

Mr. John T. Webb

Ms. Karen Webb

Ms. Michelle Weber

Mrs. Kathy Webster

Mr. and Mrs. Wendell L. Webster

Bernhardt Wehman

Ms. Marilyn J. Wehri

Mr. Gerald V. Weigle, Jr.

Mr. Harry J. Wells

Ms. Anne M. Werner

Mr. Mark Wert and Mr. Mark Johnson

Mr. Dan Wertman

Ms. Barbara M. Weyand

Rachel Wheeler

Dr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Whitlatch

Mrs. Leah J. Wickett

Jo Wilder

Mr. Charles L. Wilhelm

Michael G. Williams

Mr. Stanford T. Williams, Jr.

Dr. and Mrs. James B. Willis

Mr. Brett Willson and

Mr. John C. Fredeking II

Ms. Paulette Wilson

Dr. and Mrs. John

C. Winkelmann

Mrs. Trisha Winland

Ms. Kimberly Wise

Mr. and Ms. Gary Withers

Mr. Jan K. Wolf

Active subscribers from September 1, 2023, through April 29, 2024

Dr. Randall K. Wolf

Mr. Jack W. Wolking

Mr. and Mrs. James Woltermann

Mrs. Shelby O. Wood

Brittany Woolf

Mr. Richard D. Woolf

Belinda Wright

Ms. Susan Wulsin

Dr. Edward Wunsch

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wyant

Ms. Stavra Xanthakos

John M. Yacher

Charles Yeazell

Ms. Jody Yetzer

Yavuz Yildirim

Mr. and Dr. Chris Zander

Robert Zangri

Mr. and Mrs. Allen G. Zaring III

Dr. and Ms. Mark Zigoris

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Zoeller

Dr. and Mrs. Mario Zuccarello

We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our list of subscribers. If your name has been incorrectly listed or omitted, please contact the Box Office at 513-241-2742. Please accept our apologies for any errors.

CELEBRATIONS AND HONORARIUMS

During the last year, these 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 Raye Allen

Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon

In honor of Patty Beggs

Ronna and Dr. James Willis

In honor of Patty Beggs’s induction into the Opera Hall of Fame

Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III

In honor of Melanie Chavez and Liz Kathman Grubow Clever Crazes for Kids

In honor of the wonderful Cincinnati Opera staff Anonymous

In honor of Alva Jean Crawford Anonymous

In honor of Thomas Dreeze and Evans Mirageas’s 10th anniversary

Dr. Robert Toltzis and Dr. Catharina Toltzis

In honor of Super Fan Richard W. Goetz

Julie Goetz

In honor of Lt. Col. Jeffrey Greenberg USAP (ret.)

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwards

In honor of Cadet Sam Greenberg

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edwards

In honor of Don Hoffman

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Osha

In honor of Mary-Hollis Hundley and her active-duty US Air Force family members: Maj. Madeline Hundley (sister), Maj. Jon Nesselhuf (brother-in-law), and Capt. John Hundley, Jr. (brother) Lindsey Hundley

In honor of Major Christopher Mace, US Army active, and Corporal Schneeberg III, Herbert, US Marine Corp.

Mr. and Mrs. Rob Levey

In honor of Chris Milligan and Lyla Forlani for a superb tour of Music Hall

Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III

In honor of Chris Milligan, Evans Mirageas, Patty Beggs, Julie Grady Heard, and the Cincinnati Opera staff Anonymous

In honor of Bob Olson’s birthday Dr. Catherine O. Jordan

Contributions from April 5, 2023, to April 14, 2024

In honor of Catherine A. Peacock, Norman F. Peacock, Michael F. Peacock, Sarah M. Bassett, and Max Bassett

Mr. Joe Peacock

In honor of Joe Peacock Anonymous

Mrs. John P. Cover

Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon

In honor of Nicolette Rader Anonymous

In honor of her father, Michael E. Strick, US Navy 1966-69; her uncle, John J. Strick, US Army 1963-1965; and her great uncle, Michael Woyurka, US Army Air Corps, 457th Bomb Group 194245, POW Stalag 17

Dr. Susan R. Strick

In honor of Katie Syroney’s 50th birthday

Mr. Michael Boberg

In honor of Richard K. Zinicola

Linda Holthaus

IN MEMORIAM

During the last year, these 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 Sam Altman

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of John Bentley

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Bob Boden

Karen Bartoszek

Patty and Jim Beggs

Mr. Andrew Boden

David Boden

Martha Boden and Roy Hewitt

Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn

Mr. and Mrs. Richard King

Mrs. Laura Leonard

Dr. and Mrs. James M. Marrs

Patti and Mike Veroni

Mr. Larry and Ms. Susan Waldman

In memory of Mary Brinkmeyer

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Nick Ciafardini

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Mary Jo Davis

Mrs. John P. Cover

In memory of Jim de Blasis

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Jean-Robert de Cavel

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Wiliam D. Downing

Ms. Sharon Downing

In memory of Marshall Field WWII

Donald L. and Kathleen F. Burns

In memory of Elton P. Gordon

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Osha

In memory of her late husband, Irving Harris

Selma Harris

In memory of Irving Harris

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Larry Kellar

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Jonathan (Jacko) Magro

Jenny Lamson Magro

In memory of Linda Massey

Janisan Dombar

In memory of Eleanor Minkarah

Julie and Khosrow Alamin, M.D.

Patty and Jim Beggs

Cassie Cashin

Mrs. John P. Cover

James J. and Barbara J. Fanniff

Mr. Robert Fanniff

Mr. and Mrs. Richard King

Kathleen Kirby

Ms. Kate Lafond

Mrs. Donna Marceau

Donna D. Walchle

Contributions from April 5, 2023, to April 14, 2024

In memory of my wife, Marcia Anne Olsen

Mr. James Olsen

In memory of Marilyn and Jack Osborn

Patty and Jim Beggs

In memory of Marilyn Ott

Patty and Jim Beggs

Mrs. John P. Cover

David and Kathy Leugers

In memory of Norman F. (Frank)

Peacock and Frederick Forbes

Mr. Joe Peacock

In memory of Rick Sacksteder

Philip and Mattie Groshong

In memory of Leo Shuller

Ronna and Dr. James Willis

In memory of Beverly Tonkens

Vangrov

Patty and Jim Beggs

Ms. Joyce Elkus

Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn

Mr. and Mrs. Richard King

Ms. Madeleine Ludlow

Richard and Vanessa Wayne

REMEMBRANCES

In the past year, we have lost a number of Cincinnati Opera family members. This list is incomplete, but it’s our attempt at recognizing and remembering some who made an important impact on Cincinnati Opera.

Sam Altman (1948–2023) was a member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild and a consummate host, a skill she parlayed into a career in fashion, special events, and real estate. In the 1980s, Sam co-chaired several Designer Showhouses to raise funds on the Opera’s behalf.

Robert Boden (1931–2023) was a decades-long subscriber, supporter, and trustee of Cincinnatimittees. In 1997, he became the Opera’s Interim Director of Finance during the company’s leadership transition. It was at a Cincinnati Opera event that Bob met his beloved wife, Marlene.

Mary Brinkmeyer (1949–2024) was a longtime Cincinnati Opera donor and subscriber, accomplished musician, educational leader, and philanthropist. Along with her husband Joe, a former Opera trustee, she was a generous member of its planned giving society, the Society of Angels.

Lincoln Chapman, Jr. (1953–2024) was a musician and educator who sang with the Cincinnati Opera Chorus and education ensemble. A CCM graduate, he mentored aspiring opera singers through his role as a voice teacher at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts and the Musical Arts Center.

Nick Ciafardini (1947–2024) was a US Navy vet-

nati Opera. Nick supported the needs of hundreds of visiting artists over the years by serving as the Opera’s chief green room liaison.

Fred Good (1944–2023) was a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1998 to 2014, serving on both the executive and artistic committees, and later as an advisory trustee. He also was an Ambassador Member of OPERA America. He and his wife, Valeria, traveled extensively to see new operas.

Lorrence T. (“Larry”) Kellar (1937–2023) was a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 1975 to 1977. In addi-

tion to his professional career, Larry was an avid community volunteer and fundraiser for dozens of local organizations, including the Cincinnati Ballet, CSO, and CET-TV. The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber named him a Great Living Cincinnatian in 2016.

Eleanor Minkarah (1934–2024) joined the Cincinnati Opera Guild in 2007, later serving as its president and Meet and Greet chair. A lifelong devotee of music, she played the piano and was a frequent attendee of the CSO and Linton Chamber Music Series. She also was an adjunct faculty member and counselor at the University of Cincinnati.

Jack Osborn (1936–2023) was a Cincinnati Opera trustee from 2001 to 2009, during which time he served as a vice president. He was also an honorary trustee from 2010 to 2011. Jack and his late wife of 46 years, Marilyn, shared a love of the arts and of travel, visiting 44 countries together. The Osborns were also Ambassador Members of OPERA America.

Marilyn Ott (1934–2023) was a member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild for nearly 25 years, chair of the Outbound and Education and Engagement committees, and a champion of Opera Raps. She lent her expertise to numerous local arts and charitable organizations. Retired from Procter & Gamble, Marilyn visited 69 countries over her lifetime.

Beverly Tonkens Vangrov (1930-2023) was a longtime subscriber and member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild. She hosted and chaired many memorable fundraising events on the Opera’s behalf, including Sing For Your Suppers and private tours of her family’s Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home.

Miriam West (1944–2024) was a member of the steering committee for Cincinnati Opera’s production of Margaret Garner in 2005. After her 30-year career as an educator with Cincinnati Public Schools, Miriam became the founding director of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, an award-winning mentoring program that served more than 2,000 young people annually.

Opera All Year!

CINCINNATI OPERA’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS BRING OPERA TO AUDIENCES ACROSS THE REGION

If you’re reading this, you’re likely experiencing first-hand how Cincinnati Opera impacts hearts and minds through thrilling and magical grand opera experiences at Music Hall each summer. But did you know that Cincinnati Opera presents programs and opera experiences across our region all year long? Through our varied Community Engagement and Education programs in schools, community centers, houses of wor-

ship, and other communal gathering spaces, we bring creative energy and unique community collaborations to bring down barriers to experiencing opera, inspire our community, and develop new opera fans across generations.

To learn more about Cincinnati Opera’s education and community programs, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

IN MARCH 2024, Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor and world-renowned bass Morris Robinson (center, behind piano) visited Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School to lead a masterclass followed by a concert with the school’s choir and The Singing Men of Ohio University.

YOUNG AUDIENCE MEMBERS enjoy some sleight-of-hand magic at the Community Open Dress Rehearsal for The Barber of Seville

STUDENTS FROM BOND HILL ACADEMY crafted personalized masks as part of their participation in Opera Storybook Hour.

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

CONDUCTOR DANIELLE COZART STEELE (at right) led students from Kenton County, Kentucky, in a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during the Opera’s Behind the Voice program.

SOPRANO JEYSLA ROSARIO SANTOS performs at Opera Goes to Church! at Zion Global Ministries in West Chester, Ohio.

Diversifying the Stage

CINCINNATI OPERA LAUNCHES THE BLACK OPERA PROJECT

arlier this year, Cincinnati Opera broke new ground with the announcement of The Black Opera Project. The first program of its kind, the initiative involves the commissioning of three new operas created by Black artists which aim to illuminate the resilient spirit and vibrant heritage of the Black American experience.

The Black Opera Project traces its origins to Cincinnati Opera’s 2019 production of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. According to renowned bass Morris Robinson, who was singing the role of Porgy and also serves as Cincinnati Opera’s artistic advisor, Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, invited him and his fellow cast members into a conversation about opera’s future.

“We expressed concern that there were no operas that truly represented the African American culture in a positive, modern, realistic, and contemporaneously relatable way,” said Robinson. “I asked, ‘When is there going to be an opera that has the same impact on the operatic stage that the movie Black Panther had on the big screen?’ We knew there was a critical need to create and develop works that represented the vastness and beauty of the African American experience.”

Seed funding from the Mellon Foundation took the project to the next stage of development. A longtime funder of Opera Fusion: New Works, Mellon awarded Cincinnati Opera a grant to partially support the development of three fully staged, full-length operas by creators of color, focusing on uplifting stories about the Black community. From there, Cincinnati Opera set to work identifying creators and narratives that aligned with this vision.

Enter composer Kevin Day. Robinson performed on a concert featuring one of Day’s orchestral works and was wowed by what he heard. Robinson messaged

Day on Instagram asking if he would be interested in composing an opera. Day recalls being astonished by the proposal, but immediately said, “Let’s talk.”

So began the journey of The Black Opera Project’s first work: Lalovavi (pronounced “lah-lowVAH-vee”), which will premiere on Juneteenth 2025. Featuring music by Day, libretto and story by poet Tifara Brown, and stage direction and dramaturgy by industry veteran Kimille Howard, Lalovavi is expected to be the first grand opera with an Afrofuturist theme, and also the first to incorporate Tut, a secret language developed by enslaved Black Americans to communicate without the knowledge of their enslavers. “Lalovavi” is the Tut word for “love.”

“I’m grateful to Cincinnati Opera for believing so fully in this work and giving Tifara and me the space to be our authentic selves,” said Day. “My wish for Lalovavi is that it offers a fresh perspective on what Black opera represents and that it inspires both the young and old to dream, envisioning their own stories and what’s possible in the future of Black art.”

Said Brown, “This project truly has been a labor of love as we’ve created a family show that promotes healing, hope, and joy for all who see it. … We have worked together to show our community the way we see them: triumphant, powerful people who do have hope for what’s to come.”

Lead funder for Lalovavi is the David C. Herriman Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

To stay up to date on The Black Opera Project or become involved as a supporter, visit BlackOperaProject.org

Kevin DayTifara BrownKimille Howard

Legacy of Creativity

OPERA FUSION: NEW WORKS CEMENTS ITS PLACE AS OPERA'S MOST PROLIFIC INCUBATOR

Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW), a dynamic creative partnership between the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and Cincinnati Opera, marks its 13th anniversary in 2024. Funded by the Mellon Foundation and co-directed by Robin Guarino, CCM professor of opera, and Evans Mirageas, the Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, Opera Fusion: New Works provides composers and librettists the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals to refine their operas-in-development. Many move on to full productions at some of the most renowned opera houses in the world.

This year alone, Opera Fusion: New Works hosted workshops for five thrilling works-in-progress. To track their ongoing journeys, visit ofnw.org.

THE WORKSHOP FOR BULRUSHER in January 2024 offered composer Nathaniel Stookey and director NJ Agwuna the opportunity to polish the work in advance of its premiere at West Edge Opera.

SOPRANOS KATE JOHNSON and Meroë Khalia Adeeb performed excerpts during the workshop for Two Corners by composer B.E. Boykin and librettist Jarrod Lee, commissioned by Finger Lakes Opera.

AUTHOR GEORGE SAUNDERS (holding microphone) joined composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek at the Opera Fusion: New Works workshop for Lincoln in the Bardo,a new opera based on his celebrated novel commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera. Photo by Mikki Schaffner. Additional photos by Philip Groshong.

LIBRETTISTS LYNN NOTTAGE AND RUBY AIYO GERBER and composer Carlos Simon spoke about their new opera, The Highlands, at its March 2024 OF:NW workshop. The work was commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera/ Lincoln Center Theater New Works Program.

EVANS MIRAGEAS AND ROBIN GUARINO at the OF:NW workshop for The Highlands

THE GALA

HONOREES

OPERA IS TRUTH, OPERA IS BEAUTY

Thank you to all of the generous supporters of The Gala benefiting Cincinnati Opera. Because of you, we are able to continue our vision of creating a community transformed and inspired by the power and beauty of OPERA

Milly and Doc Huffman

CHAIRS

Reena Dhanda Patil, M.D.

Brian L. Tiffany

PREMIER SPONSOR

BLACK & WHITE SPONSOR

SOIRÉE WITH A VIEW SPONSOR

BUBBLY BAR SPONSOR

Candyse L. Jeffries, D.M.D., and Michael A. Marrero

TRUTH TABLE SPONSORS

The Edelweiss Foundation

Liz Grubow and Jerry Kathman

Milly and Doc Huffman

Nanci and Nick Lanni

Terri and Bradbury

Skidmore, M.D.

Laura and Douglas Skidmore

BEAUTY TABLE SPONSORS

1919 Investment Counsel

Ron Bates and Randy Lasley

The Allen-McCarren Trust

Flávia Bastos, Ph.D., and Larry Huston

Onassis A. Caneris, M.D.

ForPsych–A Forensic Psychology Practice

Linda Holthaus and Richard Zinicola

Yemisi Jones, M.D., and Alvin Jones, M.D.

Kennedy Winters

Lynn and Don Larson

Reena Dhanda Patil, M.D., and Yash Patil, M.D.

Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Julia Meister, Esq., and Sarah C. Leyshock, Esq.

Brian L. Tiffany and Jerry Ewers

Jeannine and John C. Winkelmann, M.D.

Peg and Jack Wyant

Anne and Allen Zaring III

CINCINNATI

John Adams

OPERA REPERTOIRE 1920–2024

Nixon in China–2007 A Flowering Tree–2011

Franco Alfano Resurrection–1983

Daniel François Espirit Auber Fra Diavolo–1927

Michael William Balfe

The Bohemian Girl–1927, 1928, 1936

Béla Bartók Bluebeard’s Castle–2001

Ludwig van Beethoven Fidelio–1931, 1932, 1980, 2016

Peter Bengtson The Maids–2004

Vincenzo Bellini

Norma–1932, 1935, 1938, 1977, 1984, 2003 Il Pirata–1969 La Sonnambula–1960

Georges Bizet

Carmen–1921-24, 1926-33, 193560, 1962-1971, 1976, 1980, 1985, 1988, 1991, 1997, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2021

Arrigo Boito

Mefistofele–1922, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1939, 1972

William Bolcom Medusa–2003

Benjamin Britten

Peter Grimes–1960 The Turn of the Screw–1999

Daniel Catán Florencia en el Amazonas–2008

Francesco Cavalli La Calisto–2014

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, 2023

Roberto Devereux–1974

Friedrich von Flotow

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

Carlisle Floyd

Of Mice and Men–1971

Susannah–1959, 1964, 1979, 1988

Charles Rudolph Friml The Firefly–1930, 1931

George Gershwin

Porgy and Bess–2012, 2019

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, 1981, 1985, 1990, 1999, 2007

Romeo and Juliet–1922, 1923, 1933, 1945, 1971, 1982, 1989, 1994, 2002, 2019

Aldolphus Hailstork

Rise for Freedom: The John P. Parker Story–2007

Fromental Halévy La Juive–1927, 1928

Jake Heggie Dead Man Walking–2002

Victor Herbert Naughty Marietta–1929

Engelbert Humperdinck

Hansel and Gretel–1920, 1921, 1923, 1927, 1938, 1939, 1942-44, 1973

Leoš Janáček

Jenůfa–1998

Sidney Jones

The Geisha–1932

Laura Kaminsky As One–2018

Jerome Kern

Roberta–1985 Show Boat–1976

Franz Lehár

The Merry Widow–1951-53, 1975, 1982

Ruggero Leoncavallo

Pagliacci–1920, 1927, 1933-39, 1941-46, 1950, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1982, 1993, 2012 Zazà–1985, 1987

Frank Leoni

L’Oracolo–1928, 1931

Frank Loesser

The Most Happy Fella–1977

Pietro Mascagni

Cavalleria Rusticana–1921, 1922, 1926, 1928, 1933-37, 1941, 194446, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1982, 1993

Iris–1930, 1931

Jules Massenet

Manon–1922, 1924, 1939-42, 1952, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1968, 1980

La Navarraise–1931

Thaïs–1933, 1938 Werther–1993

Missy Mazzoli

Song from the Uproar–2017

William Menefield Fierce–2022

Gian Carlo Menotti

The Medium–1967

Giacomo Meyerbeer

L’Africaine–1936 Dinorah–1929, 1930

Paul McCartney/Carl Davis

Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio–2024

Italo Montemezzi

The Love of Three Kings (L’Amore dei Tre Re)–1926, 1929, 1946, 1947, 1949

Claudio Monteverdi

The Coronation of Poppea (L’Incoronazione di Poppea)–2018

Douglas Moore

The Ballad of Baby Doe–1976

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Abduction from the Seraglio (Die Entführung aus dem Serail)–1992

Così Fan Tutte–1963, 1966, 1976, 1983, 1989, 2007

Don Giovanni–1930, 1931, 1936, 1949, 1951, 1961, 1977, 1990, 1999, 2004, 2013, 2024

The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)–1932, 1986, 1993, 2001, 2011, 2017

The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro)–1956, 1957, 1972, 1979, 1988, 1995, 2002, 2009, 2019

Modest Mussorgsky

Boris Godunov–1948, 1958, 1974

Jacques Offenbach

La Périchole–1974

The Tales of Hoffmann–1921, 1923, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1987, 1992, 2006

Ástor Piazzolla

María de Buenos Aires–2012

Robert Planquette

The Chimes of Normandy (Les Cloches de Corneville)–1930

Amilcare Ponchielli

La Gioconda–1923, 1924, 1928, 1935, 1936, 1942

Francis Poulenc

La Voix Humaine–2003

Giacomo Puccini

La Bohème–1924, 1932, 1936-63, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2022

Gianni Schicchi–1975, 1982, 2012

Girl of the Golden West (La Fanciulla del West)–1933, 1938, 1986

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals (COYP) bring fun, unique, and welcoming opera experiences to the entire community, especially those between the ages of 21 and 40.

Singers & Spirits Indulge in a curated selection of opera arias paired with local drinks made by Cincinnati’s finest vintners and mixologists.

Divas & Diamonds Kick off the Cincinnati Opera season with glitz and glam at Richter & Phillips Jewelers.

Opera is a Drag Enjoy a highbrow/lowbrow retelling of a classic opera featuring drag performers and Cincinnati Opera artists.

Become a YP Donor!

No gift is too big or too small! Help Cincinnati Opera to support artists, provide arts experiences to schoolchildren, and enliven our community— and enjoy exclusive YP Donor Benefits.

Explore more:

Madame Butterfly–1924, 1928-33, 1936-41, 1946-60, 1962-64, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1996, 2001, 2008, 2014, 2023

Manon Lescaut–1959, 1964, 1974, 1983, 1991

La Rondine–1973, 1984

Suor Angelica–1975, 1982

Il Tabarro–1975, 1982

Tosca–1923, 1927, 1931, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1943-45, 1947, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1970, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1993, 1998, 2006, 2016, 2021

Turandot–1955, 1956, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1987, 1995, 2003, 2015

Kevin Puts Silent Night–2014

Scott Davenport Richards Blind Injustice–2019

Richard Rodgers Carousel–1983

Robert Xavier Rodríguez Frida–2017

Sigmund Romberg

The Student Prince–1978

Gioachino Rossini

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

La Cenerentola–1966, 2000

Camille Saint-Saëns

Samson and Delilah–1922, 1923, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1936, 1940-47, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1964, 1970, 1998

Arnold Schoenberg Erwartung–2001

Bedrich Smetana

The Bartered Bride–1931, 1954

Castor and Patience–2022 –2016

Johann Strauss

Die Fledermaus–1928, 1950, 1951, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1972, 1980, 2016

The Gypsy Baron (Der Zigeunerbaron)–1932

Richard Strauss

Ariadne auf Naxos–1961, 2019

Elektra–2002

Der Rosenkavalier–1948, 1950, 1957, 1958, 1967, 1986, 1994, 2013

Salome–1948, 1949, 1953, 1960, 1962, 1968, 1982, 2000

Arthur Sullivan

The Gondoliers–1985

H.M.S. Pinafore–1932, 1933, 1981

The Mikado–1928, 1979

The Pirates of Penzance–1933, 1980, 2022

Trial by Jury–1933

Joseph Surdo

Enter Pauline–1929

Deems Taylor

The King’s Henchmen–1936

Piotr IIyich Tchaikovsky

Eugene Onegin–1984, 2011

Charles Louis Ambroise Thomas Mignon–1927, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1941-43, 1945, 1946

Viktor Ullmann

Der Kaiser von Atlantis–2004

Isaac Van Grove

The Music Robber–1926, 1927

Giuseppe Verdi

Aida–1921-24, 1926, 1927, 1929-33, 1935-1956, 1959-62, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1976, 1981, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2007, 2013, 2022

Attila–1979, 1984

Don Carlo–1961, 1984, 1989, 2009 Falstaff–1926, 1930, 1997

La Forza del Destino–1932, 1965, 1969

Macbeth–1960, 1961, 1978

A Masked Ball (Un Ballo in Maschera)–1931, 1939, 1949, 1954, 1955, 1974, 1991, 2006 Nabucco–2001

Otello–1921, 1929, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1970, 1982, 1996, 2010

Rigoletto–1920-22, 1924, 1926, 1928-32, 1935-56, 1961-63, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1979, 1982, 1992, 2005, 2011

La Traviata–1923, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1935, 1938-58, 1960, 196264, 1966-68, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2024

Il Trovatore–1921, 1922, 1926-33, 1937-49, 1951, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1994, 2015

Aleksandra Vrebalov

The Knock–2023

Richard Wagner

The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Holländer)–1975, 1996, 2018

Lohengrin–1921, 1922, 1924, 1926-28, 1931, 1933, 1935-37, 1947-49

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg–1928, 1929, 1983, 2010

Parsifal–1929, 1930

Das Rheingold–1961, 1981

Tannhäuser–1926-30, 1932, 1935, 1937-40, 1945-48

Tristan und Isolde–1949

Die Walküre–1927, 1928, 1978

Roger Waters/Julien Bilodeau

Another Brick in the Wall–2018

Carl Maria von Weber

Der Freischütz–1933

Kurt Weill

Seven Deadly Sins–2003

Jaromír Weinberger

Schwanda the Bagpiper–1986

Meredith Willson

The Music Man–1983

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

Jewels of the Madonna (I Gioielli della Madonna)–1927

The Secret of Susanne–1920, 1922, 1928, 1937, 1948, 1953

CINCINNATI OPERA STAFF

Christopher Milligan

The Harry Fath General Director & CEO

Patricia K. Beggs General Director Emerita

Administration and Finance

Jen DuBois Chief Financial Officer

Matt Singleton Director of Technology

Christine McLaughlin Human Resources Manager

Laurie Crothers Controller

Christie Bishop Accounting Assistant

Kelly Holterhoff Board Relations & Administration; Director, ROKCincy

Youngeun Kim Diversity and Inclusion Advisor

Artistic

Evans Mirageas

The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

Morris Robinson Artistic Advisor

Jane Hulburt Director of Artistic Operations

Audrey Chait Artistic Coordinator

Elizabeth Reyna Audition Coordinator

Peggy Monastra New Works Consultant

Henri Venanzi Chorus Master

James Maverick

Assistant Chorus Master

Andrew Crooks Head of Music Staff

Alex Amsel

John L. Magro Resident Conductor

Ellen Rissinger Italian Language Coach

Eunjin Bang

Cory Battey

Elena Kholodova

James Maverick

Billie Miller

Kevin Miller

Rehearsal Pianists and Coaches

Audrey Chait

Rebecca Herman Jennifer Williams Assistant Directors

Zane Alcorn

Kyle Chassels Lily Welsh Stage Directing Interns

Eunjin Bang

Billie Miller Supertitle Coordinators

Jeysla Rosario Santos Company Manager

Clayton Edwards Company Management Intern

Community Engagement and Education

Tracy L. Wilson Director of Community Engagement and Education

Jemannie Severson Luong Community Engagement and Education Administrator

Elizabeth Reyna School Programs Coordinator

Carol Walker Pianist/Coach

Andrea Saavedra Ferreira

Community Engagement and Education Intern

Marketing and Communications

M. Todd Bezold Director of Marketing

Katie Syroney Director of Communications

Aimee Sposito Martini Senior Graphic Designer and Illustrator

Zach Quortrup Director of Patron Services and Insights

Colleen Ladrick Patron Services Manager

Katie Lin Marketing Intern

Caitlin Zook Communications Intern

Philip J. Groshong Company Photographer

Becca McNay Lead Customer Service Representative

Ana-Brit Asplen Summer Feldt

Alex Vale Customer Service Representatives

Philanthropy

Raye Allen Director of Leadership and Planned Giving

Christine E. Chait Individual Giving Manager

Andrea Davies Special Events Manager

Alison de la Paz Philanthropy Associate

Meg Booker

Nathaniel McBride

Philanthropy and Administrative Interns

Production

Lyla Forlani Director of Production

Krista Billings

Stage Operations Director

Olivia Cleri

Production Manager

John Sebastian Production Management Intern

Thomas C. Hase

Lighting Director and Resident Lighting Designer

Natalia Carlson Associate Lighting Director

Ashton Karp

Claire Michels

Lighting Interns

Chad Phillips

Costume Director

Callie Hartel

Costume Intern

James Geier

Wig and Makeup

Designer

Amy Whitaker Wig and Makeup

Design Assistant

Tiara Jones

Wig and Makeup Assistant

Hannah Holthaus

Production Stage Manager

Hannah Holthaus

Peter Nictakis

Stage Managers

Jennelle John-Lewis

Brooke Redler

Jennifer Shaw

Madison Stone Assistant Stage Managers

Grace Caccavari Arden Jakubovic

Kait Naylor Stage Management Interns

Ruth Wartman Scenic Charge Artist and Props Coordinator

Alex Kuntz Assistant Scenic Charge Artist

Payton Epperson

Taylor Helms

Gabby Trice Scenic Artists

Emma Shreve Scenic and Props Intern

Gina Cerimele-Mechley Fight and Intimacy Director

Rehearsal

Coltan Foster Rehearsal Administrator

Michael Patterson Rehearsal Assistant

Technical

Gary Kidney Technical Director

Leah Busse Master Carpenter

David Hall Construction Carpenter

Brad Kidney Bill Coates Carpenter Second Hands

Todd Dignan-Cummins Flyman

Kevin Eviston Master Electrician

Chanelle Dau Pino Board Operator

Lara Sheridan Master of Properties

Tim Fowler Property Second Hand

Cedric Collier Head Sound Technician

Keith Gulleman Title Operator

Cherl Beyersdoerfer Costumer

Noelle Wedig-Johnston Assistant Costumer

Jessica Arthur

Katie Cummins Dean Walz Wardrobe Technicians

Leah Busse

Bill Coates

Todd Cummins

Tim Fowler

Joe Floyd

David Hall

Joey Hoffman

Gabe Horan

Brad Kidney Scenery/Props Build Crew

Jessica Arthur

Cherl Beyersdoerfer

Katie Cummins

Pat Hanlon

Elizabeth Kline

Theresa Kramer

Kathy Magistrelli

George Sarofen

Dean Walz

Noelle Wedig-Johnston Costume Build Crew

Music Hall House Staff Molly McGraw General Manager

Gary Kidney

Technical Director

Kevin Eviston Master Electrician

Paul Stafford Master Carpenter

Terri Kidney Senior Event Manager

Rick Endres Angie Sandmann Event Managers

Hope Holman Volunteer Manager

Tony Dees

Custodial Services Manager

Shawn Booker

Winifred Freeman

Judith Martin

Terra Ruff

Kevin Ruwe

Airel Seeback

Custodial Services Department

Jeff Enderle Chief Engineer

Nathan Gibbs

Paul Sweet Engineers

Chris Jackson Concessions Manager

Spenser Smith Concessions Coordinator

Charita Schiele Safety and Security Coordinator

Angela Felts Lorraine McAfee

Lamar McRae Security Associates

Beth Troendly Rentals Manager

Alynn Rousselle Operations Administrative Assistant

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Access Night: Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Catherine Stroud, ASL Interpreter

Banking Services: PNC Bank; Huntington Bank

Contributing Writers: Erica Reid, Ashley Tongret

Community Engagement and Education Partners: Opera Goes to Church: Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, Zion Global Ministries, Zion Global Ministries Mass Choir, The Rhythmic Sounds of New Jerusalem, Southern Baptist Mass Choir, Exaltation Band; Music in Motion: Episcopal Retirement Services, The Giving Voice Foundation, Stacy Shirley, yoga instructor; Sensory-Friendly Rehearsal: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Jennifer D. Smith, PsyD, BCBA-D, Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP), Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden; Anderson Township Senior Center; Archdiocese of Cincinnati; Asian Food Fest; Aurora Public Library; Blue Ash Parks and Recreation; The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum; Cincinnati Arts Association; Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra/ Summermusik; Cincinnati Public Schools; Cindependent Film Fest; Deupree Cottages; Easterseals Redwood; Kennedy Heights Arts Center; Mason County Public Library; Milford Extended Day Program; Play in the Park; Pyramid Hill; Rockwern Academy; Robert O’Neal Multicultural Arts Center (ROMAC); Roselawn Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation; St. Joseph Home

Founders Room Artwork: Maggie Barnes; Katrina Dienno

Investment Managers: PNC Institutional Investments; Johnson Investment Counsel; 1919 Investment Counsel; Fort Washington Capital Partners Group; Huntington Bank

Legal Assistance: Boris Auerbach; Robert W. Olson; Charles E. Baverman III, Jason Hilliard, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; Sarah Clay Leyshock, Julia B. Meister, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Lobby Activation: Cincinnati Boychoir; Cincinnati Circus; Paper Acorn; WOW Windowboxes; Young Professionals Choral Collective

Matching Gift Companies: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance; The Benevity Community Impact Fund; FFE Engineering Architecture; JP Morgan Chase Foundation; Pohlad Companies;

Media Partner: Classical 90.9 WGUC

Official Piano Technician: Russell McNamara, Piano Perfect

Preferred Hotel Partners: 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati; Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza; Hotel Covington; The Kinley Cincinnati

Production Partners and In-Kind: AJG Risk Management; Cincinnati Arts Association; Cincinnati Ballet; Cincinnati Music Hall; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Cincinnati Stage Employees Local 5 IATSE; Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Cincinnati Wardrobe Union Local 864 IATSE; Hase & Associates, Ltd.; Mayerson Foundation; PATS Fund; School for Creative and Performing Arts; Shop 5 Scenic; Spotted Yeti

School for Creative and Performing Arts Professional Trainee Program Underwriters:

Social Media Management: Jennifer Buchholz, Peas & Carrots, LLC

Strategic Partners: ROKCincy; Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC)

Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of:

Cincinnati Opera is a proud partner of:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please Note...

• So as not to disturb audiences and performers, latecomers and those who exit during the performance will be admitted at the discretion of management.

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

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

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

• Music Hall is a smoke-free building.

• Full bar service and light snacks are available throughout Music Hall. Drinks without ice are permitted in Springer Auditiorium, but food is prohibited. In Wilks Studio, all drinks and food are permitted.

• Due to some subject matter and in consideration for all patrons, we strongly encourage that children be at least 7 years of age to be admitted to performances. Visit our website for information on Community Engagement and Education programming suitable for all ages.

Opera Insights An overview of each opera is presented one hour before the performance in Music Hall’s Corbett Tower. Free to all ticket holders.

Meet the Artists Patrons may meet performers outside the stage door on Central Parkway.

Assistive Listening System An infrared wireless receiver for the hearing impaired is available upon request at Guest Services in the foyer for all Springer Auditorium performances.

Audio Description Live descriptions of stage action for individuals with visual impairment are presented by trained describers for all mainstage performances. Headsets are available at Guest Services in the foyer.

Accessible Seating Bariatic chairs, wheelchair access, and assistance for individuals with mobility impairments are available. Please request locations or assistance when ordering tickets, and please reserve early.

Elevators Elevators in Music Hall are located near North Hall.

Restrooms Restrooms at Music Hall are accessible and can be found on each level.

Broadcasts Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 season will be aired on Classical 90.9 WGUC.

Contributions Gifts of all sizes to Cincinnati Opera make a difference and are sincerely appreciated. To make a donation or to inquire about donor ments, please contact Christine Chait, Individual Giving Manager, at 513-768-5585 or cchait@ cincinnatiopera.org.

Merchandise Our pop-up Bravo Shop of operathemed merchandise is located in the foyer for all mainstage performances. To shop online anytime, visit cincinnatiopera.org/bravo-shop.

Program Advertising Cincinnati Opera does not necessarily endorse the views, products, or services presented by program advertisers. For information about advertising in the program book, contact Katie Syroney at 513-768-5526 or ksyroney@ cincinnatiopera.org.

Box Office Hours Monday–Friday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays (days of performance

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: info@cincinnatiopera.org Website: www.cincinnatiopera.org

Administration: 513-768-5500

Box Office: 513-241-2742

U.S. Mail: Cincinnati Opera 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202-7531

We consider Cincinnati the best place to live, work and celebrate life. Partners like Cincinnati Opera share our belief that the community prospers when its individuals and businesses succeed. That is why we support those playing critical roles in preserving Cincinnati traditions, enriching cultural experiences and helping the community thrive.

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