Albert Herring

CSUF OPERA THEATRE presents

C AL STAT E FULLER TON

C S U F S C H O O L O F M US IC

RONALD S. ROCHON President, California State University, Fullerton

DR. RANDALL GOLDBERG Director, School of Music

SEAN E. WALKER Provost and VP for Academic Affairs (Interim)

KIMO FURUMOTO Assistant Director, School of Music

ARNOLD HOLLAND, EDD Dean, College of the Arts

BONGSHIN KO Assistant Director, School of Music

SCHOOL OF M U S I C F U L L-TI M E FAC U LT Y A N D S TA F F Bongshin Ko cello Dr. Ernest Salem* violin

FACULT Y CONDUCTING Kimo Furumoto instrumental Dr. Robert Istad choral Dr. Christopher Peterson choral Dr. Dustin Barr instrumental JAZZ AND COMMERCIAL MUSIC Bill Cunliffe jazz piano; arranging; Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Big Band and combo director Rodolfo Zuñiga* jazz studies, jazz percussion, and music techology; Fullerton Chamber Jazz Ensemble director PIANO, ORGAN, PIANO PEDAGOGY Bill Cunliffe jazz piano Alison Edwards* piano, piano pedagogy, class piano Dr. Robert Watson piano MUSIC EDUCATION, TEACHER TRAINING, AND TEACHING CREDENTIAL Dr. Christopher Peterson choral Dr. Gregory X. Whitmore* instrumental MUSIC IN GENERAL EDUCATION Dr. John Koegel* Dr. Katherine Reed MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE Dr. Vivianne Asturizaga musicology Dr. John Koegel* musicology Dr. Katherine Reed musicology STRINGS Kimo Furumoto Director of Orchestra Studies and University Symphony Orchestra conductor

THEORY AND COMPOSITION Dr. Hesam Abedini composition, theory Dr. Pamela Madsen composition, theory Dr. Ken Walicki* composition, theory VOCAL, CHORAL, AND OPERA Dr. Robert Istad* Director of Choral Studies and University Singers conductor Dr. Kerry Jennings* Director of Opera Dr. Christopher Peterson CSUF Concert Choir and Singing Titans conductor Dr. Joni Y. Prado* voice, academic voice courses Dr. Bri’Ann Wright general education WOODWINDS, BRASS, AND PERCUSSION Dr. Dustin Barr Director of Wind Band Studies, University Wind Symphony, University Band Jean Ferrandis* flute Sycil Mathai* trumpet Ken McGrath* percussion Dr. Gregory X. Whitmore University Symphonic Winds conductor Michael Yoshimi* clarinet S TA F F Michael August Production Manager Eric Dries Music Librarian Gretchen Estes-Parker Office Coordinator Will Lemley Audio Technician Jeff Lewis Audio Engineer Chris Searight Musical Instrument Services Paul Shirts Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Williams Business Manager

* Denotes area coordinator

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Welcome to the spring 2026 events season at Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts.

We have been hard at work in every classroom, practice room, and studio across campus preparing to share new sounds and bold creativity with all of you. We are thrilled you are here.

Our students and their success form the core of our purpose in the College of the Arts but unlike their counterparts in other colleges, their paths are not solely formed through classroom learning; they are revealed in the moments when talent meets opportunity.

Like when a dancer attends an intensive, or when a musician travels abroad on tour, or an actor or artist is mentored – this is where promise is transformed into possibility.

The Dean’s Fund for Excellence gives students access to meaningful experiences like these and many more, including masterclasses, research opportunities, materials, and professional conferences. You can help ensure creativity isn’t limited by circumstance.

Consider a gift of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.

This spring semester is brimming with performances and exhibitions for all to enjoy – some that will make you laugh and others that will make you think. In the School of Music, Sibarg Ensemble, featuring our own Hessam Abedini, explores the musical intersections of Iranian music and jazz on February 20. In April, Benjamin Britten’s comic opera “Albert Herring” follows the shy, virtuous title character as he rebels against his prudish upbringing. Join us in the Little Theatre beginning March 5 for the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” – an uproarious sendup of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, “The Princess and the Pea.” If you’re craving something completely different, Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros” opens March 19 to hold a mirror to the absurdity of mob mentality and the struggle to maintain individuality in the face of mass hysteria. And in late spring, our dancers and choreographers return to demonstrate their inimitable power and grace in “Spring Dance Theatre.”

Across the walkway from where you’re seated are the College of the Arts Galleries.

You can still catch exhibitions from Soo Kim and Carol Caroompas until May, or stop by the galleries on Wednesdays for our bi-weekly Student Galleries opening receptions.

They are always full of energy, and you might even find student artwork to purchase and take home!

Whether you’re returning to our venues or here for the first time, we are so excited to present another season to you. Thank you for joining us.

Sincerely, Arnold Holland, EdD Dean, College of the Arts

SCAN THIS QR DONATE TODAY TO THE DEAN’S FUND FOR EXCELLENCE

CAST AND PERFORMANCES

(In order of vocal appearance) April 16 & 18

April 17 & 19

Lady Billows........................................ Amber Napoli......................... Katelyn Cruz

Florence Pike...................................... Rachel Williams..................... Rachel Williams Miss Wordsworth................................ Olivia Siri................................ Peyton Slaven Mr. Gedge............................................ Miles Rojo.............................. Alex Galvan

Mr. Upfold............................................ Hart Chen ............................. Topher Esguerra Superintendent Budd......................... Timothy Cervenka ............... CJ Koehn

Sid........................................................ Justin Jordan Gabriel ........... Adrien Redford

Albert Herring..................................... Joshua Evans ....................... Yngwie Zamarippa Nancy................................................... Brianna Perez ....................... Kate Bowles

Mrs. Herring........................................ Sophia Khurana .................... Jenna Scotese Emmie.................................................. Em Nguyen ........................... Zoe Wolfsen

Cis........................................................ Tabetha Mora ....................... Amilleah Barragan Harry.................................................... Melissa Alvarado .................. Lindsey Lacanilao Cover/Understudy Miss Wordsworth: Benjee Benjelloun Mr. Gedge: Santiago Zumaya Mr. Upfold: Anthony Alcain Superintendent Budd: Jason Salcido Sid: Jack Nisbet Albert Herring: Aron Demarest

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome, and thank you for joining us for this production of Albert Herring.

In approaching Britten’s delightful and incisive opera, we were inspired by the parallels between its original setting of Loxford and a place much closer to home: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Often called the “Cotswolds of America,” Carmel shares with Britten’s imagined village an enchanting, storybook charm— complete with picturesque architecture and an air of cultivated refinement. At the same time, its bohemian spirit makes it an ideal backdrop for a tale that gently but pointedly questions social expectations.

Our production shifts the action to the late 1940s and early 1950s, a moment of transition when postwar optimism coexisted with deeply rooted traditions. This period allows us to highlight one of the opera’s most enduring themes: the quiet but powerful rebellion of a younger generation pushing against the constraints imposed by their community. Albert’s journey remains as relevant as ever—a reminder of the courage it takes to step beyond prescribed roles and discover one’s own voice.

This production would not be possible without the extraordinary collaboration across our campus. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues in the Department of Theatre and Dance for their artistry, mentorship, and the remarkable students they guide—students whose talent and dedication enrich CSUF Opera Theatre in countless ways. I also extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the School of Music, and especially to those in the Voice Area, whose inspired teaching makes this work not only possible, but truly joyful.

Thank you for being here, for supporting live performance, and for sharing in this evening/afternoon with us. Enjoy the show—and stay tuned for an exciting announcement about our Spring 2027 Opera production!

Kerry Jennings

ABOUT THE OPERA

Synopsis

In the quaint seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the upstanding Lady Billows and her housekeeper Florence Pike lament the moral decline of the younger generation. Determined to uphold tradition, they revive the May Day custom of crowning a virtuous “May Queen.”

When no suitably “pure” young woman can be found, the committee reluctantly selects Albert Herring, a shy and dutiful greengrocer’s son, as the village’s May King.

Albert is thrust into the spotlight, much to his embarrassment. His overbearing mother revels in the honor, while Albert quietly chafes under the sudden attention and the constraints that have defined his life. At the May Day celebration, Sid and Nancy—two spirited young townspeople—spike Albert’s lemonade with rum as a prank. Emboldened for the first time, Albert experiences a night of freedom and self-discovery.

When Albert fails to return home, the townspeople assume the worst and mourn his supposed demise. But the next day, Albert reappears—very much alive, newly confident, and determined to live life on his own terms. In a gentle but triumphant conclusion, he rejects the village’s expectations, leaving behind both his old innocence and the rigid social order that once confined him.

Program Notes

Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring (1947) stands apart in the composer’s output as a work of sparkling wit, warmth, and social satire. Written in the aftermath of World War II, the opera reflects a society in transition—one grappling with the tension between tradition and change. Through its chamber-scale orchestration and incisive libretto by Eric Crozier, Albert Herring offers both affectionate humor and pointed commentary on conformity, repression, and the courage it takes to be oneself.

In relocating the opera from its fictional English town of Loxford to Carmel-by-the-Sea, this production highlights the universality of Britten’s themes. Carmel’s storybook charm and cultivated image echo the picturesque façade of Loxford, while its artistic, free-spirited reputation underscores the undercurrents of individuality and quiet rebellion that run throughout the piece. The shift to the late 1940s and early 1950s further situates the story in a period when postwar optimism coexisted with lingering social rigidity—making Albert’s awakening all the more resonant.

Musically, Britten’s score is a masterclass in character and economy. Each instrument contributes vividly to the storytelling, often acting as an extension of the characters themselves. The opera’s humor is woven into the music as much as the text, with playful motifs, sharp rhythmic gestures, and moments of lyrical beauty that reveal the emotional depth beneath the comedy.

At its heart, Albert Herring is a coming-of-age story—one that celebrates the transformative power of self-discovery. Albert’s journey from timid conformity to self-assured independence mirrors a broader generational shift, reminding us that even in the most picturesque communities, change is inevitable—and often necessary.

We hope this reimagined setting invites you to experience Britten’s beloved opera with fresh eyes, while preserving the spirit, charm, and humanity that have made it an enduring favorite.

OPERA ORCHESTRA

NOTE: Adrian Rangel-Sanchez will be conducting the Sunday, 4/19/26 performance

Violin 1 Margaret Wu

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet Jesus Santiago

Violin 2 Soo Hyun Park

Bassoon Nayalin Guzman

Viola Ethan Gathe

Horn Diego Campos

Cello Shannon Hayden Julian Van Aalst

Percussion Cameron Abrahamson John Sunderman

Bass Andrew De Stackelberg

Harp Emily Linlo

Flute, Piccolo, Alto Flute Daniella Arditti

Piano Mark Salters*

Oboe Lilith Wathan

*CSUF Staff

COTA CREATIVE TEAM

Stage and Music Direction

Conductor................................................................................................. Kimo Furumoto Assistant Conductor..................................................................... Adrian Rangel-Sanchez Vocal Coaches/Collaborative Pianists............................................................Mark Salters David Bergstedt Opera Assistants............................................................................................Katelyn Cruz Topher Esguerra Rachel Williams Scenic and Props Designer......................................................................... Alizee Carlson Props Assistant............................................................................................... Amber Breit Costume Manger.......................................................................................... Carson Julian Lighting Designer..............................................................................................Avani Artry Lighting Mentor............................................................................................ Scott Bolman Projections Designer.................................................................................... Isaac Stewart Projections Mentor........................................................................................Omar Ramos Production Stage Manager.......................................................................... Ireland Reese Production Assistant Stage Manager....................................................... Alejandra Reyes Emma Helsley Production Mentor.........................................................................................Shay Garber Light Board Operator....................................................................................... Ingrid Solis Projection Board Operator................................................................. Michael Dominguez

Nathan Camacho Kimberly Montiel Nicole Martin Evan Woodfill Ava Moise

Crew

Yenifer Mateo Sebastion Sidney Wu John Nguyen Jason Magallanes

Special Thanks To Our Voice Faculty

for all their help in preparing and coaching each student for their roles.

Kerry Jennings, Joni Prado, James Martin Schaefer, Krystle Menendez, Joel Balzun, Robert MacNeil, Courtney Taylor, and Audrey Babcock

DONOR APPLAUSE $500,000 + Mrs. Junko Klaus $100,000-$499,999 Johnny Carson Foundation $50,000-$99,999 CSU Northridge Foundation Leo Freedman Foundation Ms. Susan Hallman in Memory of Ernie Sweet ‘77 Mr. Matthew Scarpino & Ms. Karyn Hayter Mr. Steve & Mrs. Robin Kalota Dr. Sallie Mitchell* Dr. Tedrow & Mrs. Susan Perkins Mrs. Louise Shamblen $25,000 - $49,999 Mr. Darryl Curran Mrs. Lee C. Begovich Mrs. Marilyn Carlson Ms. Mary A. and Mr. Phil Lyons Mr. Bob & Mrs. Terri Niccum Mr. Ernest & Mrs. Donna Schroeder Dr. Ed & Mrs. Sue Sullivan $10,000-$24,999 Dr. Joseph & Dr. Voiza Arnold Mr. John Aimé & Ms. Robin de la Llata Aimé Dr. Marc Dickey Mrs. Evelyn Francuz Mr. Edward & Mrs. MaryLouise Hlavac Ms. Kathleen Hougesen Ms. Kathy Mangum Mr. James & Mrs. Eleanore Monroe Mrs. Norma Morris Mr. John Brennan & Ms. Lucina Moses $5,000-$9,999 Mr. Nick & Mrs. Dottie Batinich Continuing Life LLC Ms. Harriet Cornyn Mr. William S. Cornyn Dedicated 2 Learning Mr. Richard & Mrs. Susan Dolnick Ebell Club of Fullerton Friends of Jazz, Inc. Dr. Margaret Gordon

Mr. Norm & Mrs. Sandy Johnson Ms. Teri Kennady Mrs. Jill Kurti Norman Morningside of Fullerton Mrs. Bettina Murphy Mr. David Navarro Dwight Richard Odle Foundation Dr. Stephen Rochford, DMA Southern California Arts Council Swinerton Builders Mr. Framroze & Mrs. Julie Virjee $1,000-$4,999 Mr. John A. Alexander & Mr. Jason Francisco Mrs. Judy Atwell Mrs. Lois Austin Mr. Tod Beckett-Frank Ms. Karen Bell Mr. John & Ms. Shanon M. Fitzpatrick Dr. Keith & Mrs. Renae Boyum Mr. Allan & Mrs. Janet Bridgford Mrs. Marion Brockett Mr. James & Mrs. Diane Case Mr. Stephen Collier & Ms. Joann Driggers Mr. William H. Cunliffe, Jr. D Barry Schmitt Trust Ms. Jeannie Denholm Mr. Gordon & Mrs. Lorra Dickinson Mr. Kenneth & Mrs. Stacey Duran Mr. Greg & Mrs. Shawna Ellis Ms. Judi Elterman Dr. Anne Fingal Fullerton Families & Friends Foundation The Jane Deming Fund Mrs. Marsha Gallavan Mrs. Terie Garrabrant Dr. Leon & Mrs. Annette Gilbert Mrs. Janet M. Green Mr. James Henriques Mr. David & Mrs. Margret Hoonsbeen Mr. Mike Ibanez Mr. Darren & Mrs. Tatyana Jones Ms. Michelle H. Jordan Ms. Gladys Kares Ronald L. Katz Family Foundation

Very special care has been given to the prepartion of this donor list.

Questions or concerns, please contact: Dominic Mumolo | 657-278-7695

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Mr. Raymond & Mrs. Masako Kawase Mr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Gayle Kenan Dr. Kristin Kleinjans & Mr. Anthony Dukes Mrs. Shirley Laroff Mr. Lynn & Mrs. Susan Lasswell Mrs. Marilyn Little Mr. Juan Lopez Mr. Paul Coluzzi & Mr. John Martelli Dr. George& Mrs. Karen Mast Mrs. Thelma Mellott Mr. Michael & Mrs. Mary Miguel Mr. Carl Mrs. Patricia Miller Stifel Nicolaus Mr. Ujinobu & Mrs. Yoshino Niwa Mr. Colin Connor & Ms. Debra Noble Dr. Arie & Mrs. Deanna Passchier Mr. Jarrold Petraborg Mr. John Phelps & Mrs. Kerry Laver-Phelps Mr. Jim Plamondon Mr. E. B. & Mrs. Linda Powell Mr. Robert Rennie & Mrs. Nancy Rennie Ms. Christine Rhoades Ms. Mary Rupp Mr. Thaddeus & Mrs. Eleanor Sandford Mrs. Rita Sardou Mr. D. Schmitt Mrs. Martha Shaver Mrs. Ingrid R. Shutkin Ms. Barbara Kerth & Ms. Lorena Sikorski Ms. Janet Smith South Coast Repertory Ms. Ann Sparks Mr. Robert & Mrs. Roberta Sperry Mr. Douglas Stewart Mr. Tom & Mrs. Carolyn Toby Liqi Tong Viet Tide Ms. Verne Wagner Dr. Sean & Dr. Tina L. Walker Dr. Robert & Mrs. Teri Watson Dr. Wayne & Dr. Ruth Zemke

*deceased

Gifts received from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024

ONTIVEROS SOCIETY The Ontiveros Society includes individuals who have provided a gift for Cal State Fullerton through their estate plan. We extend our deep appreciation to the following Ontiveros Society members, whose gifts will benefit the students and mission of the College of the Arts.

ANONYMOUS JOHN ALEXANDER LEE & DR. NICHOLAS A.* BEGOVICH MARC R. DICKEY JOANN DRIGGERS BETTY EVERETT CAROL J. GEISBAUER & JOHN* GEISBAUER SOPHIA & CHARLES GRAY MARYLOUISE & ED* HLAVAC GRETCHEN KANNE DR. BURTON L. KARSON ANNE L. KRUZIC* LOREEN & JOHN LOFTUS ALAN A. MANNASON* WILLIAM J. MCGARVEY* VERONICA MICHALOWSKI DR. SALLIE MITCHELL*

ELEANORE P. & JAMES L. MONROE LYNN & ROBERT MYERS BOB & TERRI NICCUM DWIGHT RICHARD ODLE* SHERRY & DR. GORDON PAINE DR. JUNE POLLAK & MR. GEORGE POLLAK* DR. STEPHEN M. ROCHFORD STAN MARK RYAN ‘75 MARY K. & WILLIAM SAMPSON LORENA SIKORSKI DOUGLAS G. STEWART ANDREA J. & JEFFREY E. SWARD RICHARD J. TAYLOR VERNE WAGNER RICHARD WULFF DR. JAMES D. & DOTTIE YOUNG*

We Proudly Recognize Our

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUPS ART ALLIANCE promotes excellence and enjoyment in the visual arts, and their fundraising efforts contribute to student scholarship, gallery exhibitions, opening receptions and sculpture acquisition on campus.

Website arts.fullerton.edu/aa

MUSIC ASSOCIATES maintains a tradition of active involvement and community support and raises scholarship funds for School of Music students through annual fundraising events and membership dues.

Website arts.fullerton.edu/musicassociatesmembership MORE INFORMATION Dominic Mumolo, Senior Director | dmumolo@fullerton.edu

GET INVOLVED! GIVING.FULLERTON.EDU

*deceased

CSUF COLLEGE OF THE ARTS • SELECT EVENTS | SPRING 2026 Carole Caroompas: Mytstical Unions Through May 2 COTA Galleries (Atrium Gallery)

CSU Brass Exchange: CSUF/SDSU April 20, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

Soo Kim: Charlie sings in the quietest voice Through May 16 COTA Galleries (Begovich Gallery)

Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble & Fullerton Latin Ensemble April 21, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

Sarah Cahill, piano* March 18, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Rhinoceros March 19–28, 2026 Young Theatre University Singers & Concert Choir March 21, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Paul Galbraith, guitar March 22, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble feat. Ralph Alessi Quartet March 24, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Talich Quartet March 27, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Fullerton Jazz Orchestra feat. Joe La Barbera, drums March 28, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall University Symphony Orchestra with Talich Quartet March 29, 2026, at 3 PM Meng Concert Hall

Cello Choir April 22, 2026, at 6 PM Recital Hall Woodwind Chamber Recital April 24, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall University Symphonic Winds & University Wind Symphony April 26, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Mariachi Titans April 28 at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall University Band April 29, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall Spring Dance Theatre April 30 – May 9, 2026 Little Theatre Fullerton Jazz Orchestra feat. Dave Binney, saxophone May 1, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall University Wind Symphony May 2, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

Nicholas Isherwood, bass/baritone* April 7, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

Blue Note (formerly Jazz Singers) May 4, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

X-out April 9–18, 2026 Hallberg Theatre

Titan Voices & Singing Titans May 6, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

High School Honor Band & CSUF Wind Chamber Ensembles April 11, 2026, at 8 PM Meng Concert Hall

University Wind Symphony & Symphonic Chorus May 9, 2026, at 3 PM Meng Concert Hall

Albert Herring April 10–12, 2026 Recital Hall *Part of the 25th Annual New Music Series

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