Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: It’s a World of Dance
March 16
Dayton Philharmonic Junior Strings & Youth Strings Spring Concert
March 23
Stained Glass Concert at Omega Baptist Church
March 23
April
Verdi’s Aida
April 4 & 6
Beethoven String Quartet
April 13
Dvořák’s Cello Concerto
April 25 & 26
Stained Glass Concert at Grace United Methodist Church
April 27
Young People’s Concert: The Orchestra Moves
April 30 May
Ann Hampton Callaway
May 3
DPYO: Spring Concert
May 4
Pointes Of View
May 9 & 10
Dayton Ballet School: Magic Mirror
May 10
Concert For Peace with Marin Alsop
May 29
June
Stained Glass Concert at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
June 1
Michael Cavanaugh: Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Neil Diamond
June 7
Stained Glass Concert at New Season Ministry
June 8
Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony
June 13 & 14
Dear Friends
FROM THE LEADERSHIP
Asthe days grow longer and the world bursts into color, we invite you to the final months of our season—a celebration of opera, ballet, and orchestral brilliance. This spring and summer, our stage will come alive with performances that capture the energy of renewal, passion, and the pure joy of live performing arts.
From the soaring voices of opera to the breathtaking precision of ballet and the sweeping power of the Philharmonic, each performance is a testament to the timeless magic of music and movement. Whether you are drawn to the drama of a great aria, the athleticism of a pirouette, or the delicate moments of a symphony, this season offers something to stir the soul.
We are grateful for your presence— your enthusiasm and support breathe life into every note and every step. Join us as we bring this season to a magnificent crescendo, where the beauty of live performance is yours to experience, again and again.
We’ll see you in the audience.
Warmly,
Patrick J. Nugent President and CEO
Joseph Zehenny DPAA Board Chair
Tenor Matthew White dazzles in Dayton Opera’s ‘Three Tenors, Encore!’
First Timers’ Guide
Is this your first time at a DPAA event? If so, welcome! To ensure your visit is meaningful and enjoyable, we offer the following resources.
Box Office
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance proudly partners with Dayton Live for its box office services. Contact the box office at (937) 228-3630 or visit the office in the Schuster Wintergarden.
Restrooms / Family Restrooms
Restrooms are available on each level of the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre.
Accessibility
DPAA is committed to providing easy access to the arts. If you have accessibility needs or questions, please contact the box office.
Audio description is available upon request for patrons who have vision loss. Describers provide a live, objective, descriptive delivery of the visual elements of a performance in between the dialogue and/or music via a small receiver. Requests must be received two weeks prior to an event and are subject to the availability of the Describer. Please call the box office to make arrangements.
Assistive listening devices are available for all performances. Check out a device from the guest services kiosk or from a house manager in the lobby.
DPAA provides sign language interpretation upon request for performances at the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. Requests for sign language interpretation must be received two weeks prior to the event and are subject to the availability of the Interpreter. Please call the Box Office to make arrangements.
Age Recommendation
Our events are recommended for age 6 and up.
Military Appreciation and Discount Programs
In addition to our standard military discount, DPAA offers a Military Appreciation Program for active-duty military members, retired veterans with ID cards, and WPAFB government civilian employees in the region. Each household may
receive four free tickets annually. Contact the box office to redeem.
Group Sales
Bring a group of 10 or more; share a one-of-akind experience; and save up to 30% on tickets! Contact our Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette, at (937) 535-5443.
Local Dining
Make it a night on the town! We recommend the following dining options: Blind Bob’s, Figlio Wood Fired Pizza, Jay’s Seafood, Joui, Lily’s, Manna Uptown, Meadowlark Restaurant, Mudlick Tap House, Salar Restaurant and Lounge, Spaghetti Warehouse, Table 33, The Caroline, and Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse.
Lost and Found / Security
In the event you lose an item at a performance or require assistance from the security team, call (937) 637-7366. For the safety of those in the audience, behind the scenes, and on stage, everyone who enters the performance space is required to pass through metal detectors.
Questions?
For additional ticket questions or information, contact our Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette at (937) 535-5443.
Artistic Directors
Neal Gittleman
Artistic Director, Philharmonic
The 2024–2025 season is my 30th on the DPO podium, following founder Paul Katz, Charles Wendelken-Wilson, and Isaiah Jackson. Next year Keitaro Harada takes over. Until then, I’ll be surrounded by fabulous musicians and fabulous music. Favorite pieces by favorite composers. A world premiere and a U.S. premiere. A ballet I’ve conducted more than a hundred times (The Nutcracker) and one I’ve never conducted before (Cinderella). One of my favorite operas (Amahl and the Night Visitors). And my first-ever concert of country music! But what keeps popping into my head again and again as I think about this last year as your conductor? Song titles by my favorite band, The Beatles: “The Long and Winding Road,” “Come Together,” “We Can Work It Out.” And again and again, these lines: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Except for me, it’s “… equal to the music you make.” And of course, “P.S. I Love You!”
Kathleen Clawson,
Artistic Director, Opera; Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair
Kathleen Clawson begins her fifth season as Dayton Opera Artistic Director and Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair. Clawson began directing for the Opera in 2009 and has directed 19 productions since, including serving as dramaturg and stage director for the world premiere of Finding Wright
An acclaimed opera director, she directed The Santa Fe Opera’s world premiere of Shoes for the Santo Niño (2011) and was stage director and dramaturg for their world premiere of UnShakeable (2016).
A mezzo-soprano, Clawson’s credits include soloist with the Dayton Philharmonic, productions with The Santa Fe Opera and Dallas Opera, recording de Falla’s “El Amor Brujo” for Maria Benitez’ Teatro Flamenco tour, and singing “Mother Abbess” in Debby Boone’s international tour of The Sound of Music.
Brandon Ragland
Artistic Director, Ballet; Sponsored by Dr. Troy Tyner and Dr. Ingrid Brown
Brandon Ragland has more than a decade of professional experience as a dancer, choreographer, and educator. He trained in Birmingham, AL, and has a bachelor’s degree in Dance-Arts Administration from Butler University. After graduation, Ragland danced with Alabama Ballet, followed by Louisville Ballet in 2010, spending 13 years as a leading artist. A respected choreographer, Ragland choreographed works for Louisville Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, AROVA Contemporary Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, Sedona Chamber Ballet, and The Perla Ballet. In 2017, Ragland was honored to perform with the Black Iris Project at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the Kennedy Center’s Dance Across America Program. He has received numerous awards, including “Best Artist” in Louisville Magazine and The Lift a Life Foundation’s “Emerging Leader in the Arts Award” from The Fund for the Arts.
Keitaro Harada
Music and Artistic Director Designate, Philharmonic; Sponsored by Barbara O’Hara
Named Music and Artistic Director Designate for Dayton Philharmonic for the 2024–25 season, Keitaro Harada will begin a five-year tenure as Music and Artistic Director with the 2025–26 season. As Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic since the 2020–21 season, Harada has transformed the orchestra and energized its audiences throughout the community with his imaginative programs and charismatic presence.
Harada is a recipient of the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. In 2024, he was named Permanent Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Partner for the Aichi Chamber Orchestra. Harada was Associate Conductor for four years at the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops, where he regularly assisted Music Director Louis Langrée and collaborated with James Conlon and Juanjo Mena at the orchestra’s annual May Festival.
Dayton Ballet Company Dancers
Dayton
Artists-In-Residence
Connor Barak Claire Bergman Nicolas Bierwagen Erin Blair Harrison Broadbent
Tomasin Corrente Emma Duncan
Alyssa Eyster Hailey Flanagan Jasmine Getz
Katy Gilliam Isaac Jones
Patrick Lennon
Tarique Logan Kyan Park
Lukas Pringle Francisco Rivera Belle Urben Catherine Voorhees
Jalen Williams
Opera
Gabrielle Flannery
Isabel Randall Carl Rosenthal
Randell McGee Clara Passmore
Dayton Ballet Studio Company
Xochitl Atienza Sara Beth Austin
Daniela Bennetti Analiese Capponi
Amber Huggett
Ryan Norman Elizabeth Sabol
Aida
Music by Giuseppe Verdi • Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni
Dayton Opera • Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director
High Priestess ...................... Amber Monroe*
Messenger Chaz’men Williams-Ali*
DAYTON OPERA CHORUS
Jeffrey Powell, chorusmaster
Ron Anderson, Marcus Bedinger, Josh Bodey*, Todd Bodey, Rachael Boezi, Carol Chatfield, Cara Clark*, Stevin Crane, Jon Cummings, Bryan Daly, Erin Fasone*, Tifton Graves, Amy Herbst, Jean Kim, Grace Koogler, Michael Koon*, Ronald McCall*, Randell McGee, Samantha McIntyre*, Aaron Meece, Mark Melhope, Emily Murphy, John Norkus, Lisa Polen, Megan Rehberg, Lorraine Rohrer, Grayson Schaney, Cynthia Schindler, James Trzeciak, Elaina Vimmerstedt, Stephanie Voelker, Artega Wright
Devin Baker, Connor Barak, Francisco Bermudez, Nicolas Bierwagen, Erin Blair, Harrison Broadbent, Tomasin Corrente, Nicolay Dorsett, Emma Duncan, Alyssa Eyster, Sean Ferguson, Hailey Flanagan, Alexandria Flewellen, Aaron Frisby, Jasmine Getz, Katy Gilliam, Niarra Gooden-Clarke, Isaac Jones, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan, Donovan McFadden, Kyan Park, Lukas Pringle, Robert Pulido, Elizabeth Ramsey, Fabio Tello-Muñoz, Belle Urben, Catherine Voorhees, Sadale Warner, Jalen Williams, Countess V. Winfrey
PRODUCTION & CREATIVE TEAM
Kathleen Clawson, director
Crystal Michelle, choreographer*
Lisa Marie Lange, production stage manager
Roberto Oswald, scenic designer
Anibal Lapiz, costume designer
Michael Baumgarten, lighting designer*
Thomas A. Venditelli, wig & makeup designer
Cindy Ludwig, wig & makeup designer
* Dayton Opera debut Scenery and costumes provided by Opera Carolina
PRODUCTION TEAM (cont’d)
William Caldwell, artistic advisor
Kelly DeLisle, assistant stage manager & resident stage manager
Anazha Santiago, assistant stage manager
Megan Todd, production assistant
John Lavarnway, props coordinator
Lyn Baudendistel, wardrobe supervisor
Candace Leyland, wig & makeup assistant
Naomi Reisner, wig & makeup assistant
Gabrielle Flannery, surtitle caller
SUPERNUMERARIES
Shelley Ansiel*, Tommy Baudendistel, John Blakelock, Natalie Corral, Charles Cram, Tom Downs, Tej Joshi*, Chase Press*, John Press*, Todd Press*, Julio Soto, Carolyn Sweezy*, Lynne Vaia*, Dan Wood*
* Dayton Opera debut
Andrea Chenoweth Wells, intimacy director-in-residence
Countess V. Winfrey, rehearsal director, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Devin Baker, rehearsal director, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Cory Battey, rehearsal pianist
Clara Passmore, rehearsal pianist, Dayton Opera Chorus
HORSES
Horse 1
Rider 1
Towerview Tom Ace (“Ace”)
Jennifer Cherest
Ground Handler 1 ................... Christian Flory
Horse 2 Horse Feathers The Artful Dodger
Rider 2 Ingrid Long
Ground Handler 2 ................... Chris Jackson
Horses generously provided by Peter and Dorie Mengel, Salt Run Stables
THIS PERFORMANCE IS SPONSORED BY
The Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation
The Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of the Dayton Foundation
Paul and Dolores Anderson
Linda W. Lombard and Paul W. Marshall
Lee Monnin
Dale and Karen Medford
Debra Edelman
Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson
Barbara Schmider
Maestro Keitaro Harada’s appearance is made possible by a generous gift from Thomas and Frances Bankston. Guest Associate Conductor Andrew J. Kim’s participation is made possible by the Solti Foundation U.S.
Synopsis
Ancient Egypt: Memphis and Thebes during the reign of the Pharaohs
ACT ONE: A hall in the King’s palace
Ramfis, the High Priest, informs Radamés of an impending Ethiopian attack. Radamés, a warrior secretly in love with Aida—an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt—hopes victory will win him her hand. Meanwhile, Amneris, the Egyptian princess, suspects Radamés’ heart belongs elsewhere. The King appoints Radamés as commander, and the people celebrate in a triumphant hymn. Aida is torn between love for Radamés and loyalty to her homeland. Radamés is consecrated for battle in a solemn ceremony at the Temple of Vulcan.
ACT TWO: The hall in Amneris’ apartments
Amneris, attended by handmaidens, prepares for the victory celebrations, longing for Radamés’ return. To test Aida, Amneris falsely claims Radamés is dead. Aida’s despair confirms her as a rival. Amneris then reveals the truth, threatens her, and departs.
During the grand victory procession, the King offers Radamés any reward. He asks for the captured Ethiopian prisoners to be presented, among them Aida’s father, King Amonasro, disguised as a soldier. Believing Amonasro is dead and Ethiopia defeated, Radamés pleads for their freedom. Though the priests object, the King grants his request. He then announces Radamés will marry Amneris, securing their future reign over Egypt. Amneris rejoices, while Radamés and Aida are left in anguish.
- INTERMISSION -
ACT THREE: A moonlit night by the banks of the Nile
Ramfis leads Amneris into the Temple of Isis for her pre-wedding vigil. Once inside, Aida arrives, expecting to meet Radamés, but is startled by the sudden appearance of her father, Amonasro. He urges her to learn the Egyptian army’s route from Radamés to aid an Ethiopian ambush. Horrified, Aida refuses, but Amonasro scorns her as a slave to the Pharaohs.
As Amonasro hides, Radamés arrives for his secret rendezvous with Aida. She convinces him to flee with her to Ethiopia, and urges him to reveal the army’s planned route. At that moment, Amonasro steps forward, revealing his identity. Realizing his devastating mistake, Radamés is overcome with guilt. Ramfis and Amneris appear, having overheard everything. Amonasro and Aida flee and guards are dispatched in pursuit, while Radamés, shattered by his betrayal, surrenders himself to Ramfis.
ACT FOUR: The hall of the royal palace and inside the crypt Amneris, still in love with Radamés despite his treason, pleads for his life. As the priests convene, she offers him a final chance at mercy—demanding he renounce Aida. Radamés refuses, sealing his fate. As he is led away to his sentence, Amneris, in anguish, curses the priests’ cruelty.
Condemned to be entombed alive, Radamés prepares for his lonely death—only to find Aida has secretly hidden inside the crypt to die with him. Above, Amneris prays, while below, the lovers share a final embrace as they await their fate.
A Note from the Director
Dayton Opera’s 2024–2025 Season concludes with Verdi’s grand Aida, a timeless classic since its 1871 debut. This production, the company’s sixth in 53 years, follows its 2003 Schuster Center premiere and a 2014 staging. After a decade’s absence, Dayton Opera proudly presents this masterpiece with a remarkable cast. This ambitious production unites the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic, alongside the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Stivers School for the Arts. Notably, the production features numerous Dayton Opera debuts: six of the eight principal artists, Dayton Philharmonic’s incoming Artistic Director and Conductor Keitaro Harada, and choreographer Crystal Michelle. Supporting Harada is Assistant Conductor Andrew J. Kim, also making his debut. Aida explores universal themes of love, betrayal, duty, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, ensuring its enduring resonance. While celebrated for its grand scale, Aida delves into the nuanced human emotions of its characters, from passionate love to consuming jealousy and heartbreak, forging a deep connection with contemporary audiences. Set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, the opera’s rich cultural and historical setting enhances its themes. Despite its historical distance, Aida’s exploration of power dynamics, political intrigue, and the devastating impact of war on individuals remains strikingly relevant.
– Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director, Dayton Opera; Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb-Sloan Anderson Chair
About the Artists
Laquita Mitchell
Aida
Soprano Laquita Mitchell has earned acclaim performing with renowned opera companies, including San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Opéra Comique in Paris. She has headlined major roles such as Bess in Porgy and Bess, Julie in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar, and the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro. A frequent concert soloist, she has appeared with the Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic, among others, performing works by Beethoven, Mahler, and Poulenc. A Metropolitan Opera National Council Laffont Competition grand prize winner, she is also a dedicated educator, serving on the voice faculty at Mannes College of Music.
Nathan
Granner
Radamés
Tenor Nathan
Granner is a worldrenowned solo and collaborative artist, celebrated for his “vibrant and flexible voice” (The Boston Globe) and “utter control of a ravishing mixed head sound” (Opera News). A semi-finalist at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Laffont Competition, he has performed leading roles such as Rodolfo in La Bohème (Opera Santa Barbara, Tulsa Opera), Nemorino in L’Elisir d’Amore (Lyric
Opera Kansas City), Curly in Oklahoma! (Charlottesville Opera), and Dr. Morel in Stewart Copeland’s The Invention of Morel (Chicago Opera Theater, Long Beach Opera). As a founding member of The American Tenors (Sony Masterworks), he has performed at major venues including Disney Hall with the California Philharmonic. Beyond opera, Granner explores innovative artistic collaborations, from postmodern pop art projects to international tours blending classical and world music. He is also passionate about accessibility in classical music and has helped raise millions for charitable causes through his work with David Foster and Friends.
Deborah Nansteel
Amneris
Mezzo-soprano
Deborah Nansteel is a powerhouse performer with a commanding vocal presence, lauded for her “formidable display of vocal power and dramatic assurance.” She has appeared at top U.S. opera houses, making her Metropolitan Opera debut as Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor and performing with Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, and Seattle Opera. Notable roles include Amneris in Aida; Azucena in Il Trovatore; and Aunt Lou in Highway 1, USA; as well as roles in world premieres such as Blind Injustice and Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain. Equally accomplished on the concert stage, she has performed with the New York Philharmonic, at Carnegie Hall, and with leading symphonies nationwide. A graduate of the Washington National Opera’s DomingoCafritz Young Artist Program, Nansteel continues to captivate audiences with her dramatic depth and vocal artistry.
Darren Lekeith Drone
Amonasro
Baritone Darren Lekeith Drone, praised for his “gorgeously warm tone and deep resonance” (Opera News), is rapidly gaining recognition in the opera world. He has performed leading roles such as Marcello in La Bohème (Glimmerglass Festival), Falstaff in Falstaff (Opera San José), and Belcore in L’Elisir d’Amore (Florentine Opera). His Metropolitan Opera appearances include Porgy and Bess and Fire Shut Up in My Bones, alongside covers in Carmen. Notable debuts include Seattle Opera, Portland Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, where he covered roles in the world premiere of The Walkers. Equally active in concert, he has performed with the Dayton Philharmonic and Santa Fe Symphony, solidifying his place as a dynamic and compelling artist.
Kenneth
Kellogg
Ramfis
Bass Kenneth Kellogg, praised for his “commanding stage presence” and “rich, resonant voice,” is a dynamic artist equally at home in traditional and contemporary opera. He has performed iconic roles such as the title character in Don Giovanni, Mephistopheles in Faust, Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, and Ramfis in Aida, with leading houses including San Francisco Opera, LA Opera, Washington National Opera, and the Canadian Opera Company. Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson wrote Blue—which earned acclaim as the best new opera of 2020—specifically
for Kellogg. A graduate of the Adler Fellowship and the Domingo-Cafritz Program, Kellogg is also an advocate for artist rights and a consultant on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the performing arts.
Allen Michael Jones
King of Egypt
Bass Allen Michael Jones is an emerging talent known for his rich voice and versatility in both classic and contemporary opera. A former Resident Studio Artist with Minnesota Opera and Michigan Opera Theatre, he has performed roles such as Masetto in Don Giovanni, Zaretsky in Eugene Onegin, and Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors. He made his Santa Fe Opera debut as Zaretsky and covered Van Helsing in the world premiere of The Lord of Cries. A committed interpreter of new works, he has been actively involved with Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, performing and covering roles across multiple companies. As a gifted composer, Jones holds degrees from Morehouse College and Georgia State University, bringing a unique artistic perspective to his growing career.
Amber R. Monroe
High Priestess
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Amber R. Monroe has been recognized as “a crystalline lyric soprano and a superb singing actress.” She has recently made her company and role debuts as Nedda (Pagliacci) with El Paso Opera and appeared as Countess Almaviva
(Le Nozze di Figaro) with Kentucky Opera. She has participated as a young artist in both The Glimmerglass Festival and the Merola Opera Program. Her professional credits include appearances as Clara in Porgy and Bess (Opera Western Reserve), the title role in Suor Angelica (Oberlin in Italy), and the title role in Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed that Line to Freedom (Cleveland Opera Theater). Monroe is a second-year Artist Diploma student at The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
Chaz’men
Williams-Ali
The Messenger Chaz’men
Williams-Ali is an acclaimed tenor known for his soaring lyrical voice and emotional depth. A St. Louis native, he trained at the University of Iowa and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s Artistin-Training program before making his professional debut in The Gondoliers with Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre. He has since performed at major houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg under Maestro Pappano, English National Opera, Dutch National Opera, and Theater und Orchester Heidelberg, where he portrayed Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly) and Canio (Pagliacci). His Kennedy Center debut came with Washington National Opera’s Madama Butterfly, followed by a role debut as Don José with Washington Chorus. A former Glimmerglass Festival Young Artist, he performed with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis alongside Susan Graham and James Morris. Beyond opera, Williams-Ali excels in recital, concert, and music direction, earning widespread praise for his artistry.
Andrew J. Kim Assistant Conductor
Andrew Jinhong Kim, recipient of the 2024 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, is a dynamic conductor committed to fostering musical excellence and community. As Music Director of the New York Youth Symphony, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2023 alongside Augustin Hadelich, leading performances of cornerstone repertoire and premieres by young American composers. He also serves on the faculty of the Conducting Institute, mentoring aspiring conductors. Kim has conducted ensembles including the Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie Konstanz, Fort Worth Symphony, and Duluth Superior Symphony, and regularly collaborates with the Minnesota Orchestra as a Cover Conductor. A dedicated educator and collaborator, he has participated in prestigious workshops and residencies and continues to shape the next generation of musicians through his leadership and teaching.
Crystal Michelle Perkins is a choreographer, performer, and educator who served as Associate Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, following nine seasons as a company dancer. A recipient of the Ohio Arts Council’s Individual Excellence Award and the Josie Award, she has maintained and restaged works by leading AfricanAmerican choreographers, including Donald Byrd and Dianne McIntyre.
Crystal Michelle Choreographer
Perkins’ choreographic research explores Black female embodiment, culminating in The Beautiful Archive Project and Boxing Up Beautiful. Her work has been commissioned by the Dublin Arts Council and performed in collaboration with the Dayton Philharmonic and Khalid Moss Jazz Trio. She has taught and choreographed for many institutions and is an Assistant Professor of Dance at The Ohio State University.
Jeffrey Powell Chorusmaster
Jeffrey Powell has served as Chorusmaster for the Dayton Opera since 1991. In addition, he was the Music Director for the apprentice program and Main Stage productions for Dayton Opera which include La Fille du Régiment, Madama Butterfly, Hansel and Gretel, The Merry Widow, and Die Fledermaus Before coming to Dayton, Maestro Powell was the Assistant Conductor of The Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Kansas City Symphony. In 1990, he served as Vocal Coach Apprentice with The San Francisco Opera and Assistant Conductor on the Western Opera Theater tour of Lucia di Lammermoor.
Maestro Powell has taught music at Wright State University, Wilberforce University and Central State University, and currently serves as the Director of the Piano Magnet at Stivers School for the Arts and Music Director for Muse Machine.
Michael
Baumgarten
Lighting Designer
Michael Baumgarten has been the Director of Production and Resident Lighting Designer for Opera Carolina in Charlotte since 2005, and for Chautauqua Opera since 1999. Baumgarten has designed lighting for over 400 productions at regional and international opera companies, including Opera Carolina, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Arizona Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Lyric Opera Kansas City, Palm Beach Opera, Toledo Opera, Michigan Opera Theater and Opera Columbus during his thirty-plus year design career. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama and member of United Scenic Artists-Local 829, he assisted on Broadway during the 1980s, working with such designers as Craig Miller, Tom Skelton, Beverly Emmons, Jim Ingalls, and Richard Nelson.
Thomas A. Venditelli
Wig/Makeup
Designer
Tom Venditelli began his professional career as an Art Educator. He has always been fascinated by beauty, either in nature or human form. He transitioned into the business 27 years ago, while studying stage makeup at the University. His work is very detail oriented, whether he is booked on a studio team, or designing wigs and makeup for an elaborate opera production. He has had the opportunity to work on feature films, national commercials as well as publications. Gratefully, his abilities have placed him in many amazing locations both in and out of the country.
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians
Kirstin Greenlaw, Acting Concertmaster1
Aurelian Oprea Associate Concertmaster2
Youjin Na, Acting Assistant Concertmaster3
Elizabeth Hofeldt
David Goist Mikhail Baranovsky Louis Proske Sean Klopfenstein John Lardinois
Philip Enzweiler* Janet George
Kara Camfield, Acting Principal4
Ann Linn Baer, Acting Assistant Principal
VIOLIN I
Scott Moore Gloria Fiore Maggie Niekamp Nick Naegele* Lynn Rohr*
Yoshiko Kunimitsu Bill Slusser Yein Jin*
Sheridan Currie, Principal5
VIOLIN II
VIOLA
OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN
Colleen Braid, Assistant Principal Karen Johnson6
Scott Schilling Lori LaMattina Mark D. Reis
Molly Castrucci8 Lucas Song9
Mark Hofeldt Nadine Monchecourt Oleg Babkov
Stephen Ullery Christopher Roberts
James Faulkner Bleda Elibal
Rebecca Andres, Principal11 Jennifer Northcut
Janet van Graas
Eileen Whalen, Principal12
Leslie Dragan Belinda Burge
Jonathan Lee, Principal Christina Coletta, Assistant Principal7
CELLO
Zoë Moskalew
Deborah Taylor, Principal10
Jon Pascolini, Assistant Principal
Donald Compton In Memoriam
FLUTE AND PICCOLO
BASS
CLARINET
TROMBONE
Robyn Dixon Costa
John Kurokawa, Principal13 Rachael Young, Principal14
Kristen Smith15
Aaron Brant, Principal16
Lotti Ropert
Todd Fitter
BASSOON
HORN
Amy Lassiter Sean Vore, Assistant Principal
Charles Pagnard, Principal17 Alan Siebert
TRUMPET
Eric Knorr
Tyler Bentley, Acting Principal18
Richard Begel
Chad Arnow19
Timothy Northcut, Principal20
Gerald Noble, Acting Principal21
Michael LaMattina, Principal22 Davi Martinelli de Lira23
Leslie Stratton, Principal24
KEYBOARD
Joshua Nemith25
* Denotes leave of absence
1 J. Ralph Corbett Chair
2 Huffy Foundation Chair
3 Sherman Standard Register Foundation Chair
4 Jesse Philips Chair
5 F. Dean Schnacke Chair
6 Grace Counts Finch Chair
7 Edward L. Kohnle Chair in Memory of Andra Lunde Padrichelli, Principal Cellist 2003–2018
8 Gilbert and Patricia Templeton Chair
9 Paul and Susanne Weaver Chair
10 Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association/C. David Horine Memorial Chair
11 Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association Chair
12 Catharine French Bieser Chair
13 Rhea Beerman Peal Chair
14 Robert and Elaine Stein Chair
15 David and Lois Gribler Chair
16 Frank M. Tait Memorial Chair
17 John W. Berry Family Chair
18 John Reger Memorial Chair
19 Bill and Wanda Lukens Chair
20 Zachary, Rachel and Natalie Denka Chair
21 Rosenthal Family Chair in Memory of Miriam Rosenthal, In Honor of Donald Donnett, Principal Timpani 1966–2023
22 Miriam Rosenthal Chair
23 Richard A. and Mary T. Whitney Chair
24 Daisy Talbott Green Chair
25 Demirjian Family Chair
Our Members Make the Magic!
Special
thanks to all our DPAA Members who keep the classical arts thriving in Dayton with their annual donation.
President’s Circle
DIAMOND ($100,000+)
Anonymous
Paul & Dolores Anderson
Martha DeBold*
Steve and Lou Mason
Barbara N. O’Hara
Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation
Peter & Patricia Torvik
Dr. Troy Tyner & Dr. Ingrid Brown
EMERALD ($50,000+)
John & Kathy Beran
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hone
ELM Foundation
Mrs. Linda W. Lombard & Mr. Paul W. Marshall
SAPPHIRE ($25,000+)
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Bankston
Mr. Neal Gittleman & Ms. Lisa M. Fry
Mrs. Judy D. McCormick
Mr. & Mrs. C. Miles Schmidt
Mr. & Mrs. William J. Schneider
Larry & Abbie Trittschuh
Mrs. Betsy B. Whitney
Mr. & Mrs. Walter D. Wood
RUBY ($10,000+)
Anonymous
Dr. Ron Anderson & Mr. Robb Sloan-Anderson
Drs. Charles & Mary Bane
Ann Barr
Cheryl Bierwagen
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Bettcher
Jim Crosset
Mr. Eugene D. Kurtz & Ms. Janice L. Culver
John & Allyson Danis
Mr. Richard M. DeLon
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Demirjian
Dr. Grace L. DeVelbiss
Ms. Debra Edelman
Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Fernandes
Mr. Donald & Mrs. Janet Grieshop
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley C. Herr
Mr. Michael A. Houser
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Judith Kreutzer
Mr. & Mrs. William E. Lukens
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Dr. & Mrs. Michael L. Manchester
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth F. May
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. McQuiston
Dale & Karen Medford
Raymond & Sue Merz
Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Mikutis
Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mrs. Mary Boosalis
Tim Riordan
Mr. & Mrs. Milton C. Ross
Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Schwartz
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Winger
Mr. Philip G. Wise & Dr. Joe Law
Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny
Producing Partners ENCORE
($5,000+)
Anonymous
Mrs. Mary L. Arnett
Mr. & Mrs. David S. Battle
Mr. & Mrs. David M. Berry
Dr. Gwen L. Brubaker
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Burkhardt Jr.
Mrs. Catherine Clark
Dr. Ann W. Clutter
Suzanne Crippen
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel P. Deitz
William DeVenzio & Linda Short
John & Andrea Gillespie
Mr. & Mrs. Jonas J. Gruenberg
Mr. Charles J. Hardwick
Mr. & Mrs. Luke Lovell
Miss Constance A. McKale
Dr. David H. Ponitz
Kenneth Quinter
Mr. & Mrs. James M. Ratti
Mr. Matthew J. Scarr
Mr. & Mrs. William J. Schaff
Ms. Barbara Schmider
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Seboldt
Mr. Thomas F. Skelley & Mrs. Sharon Lindquist-Skelley
Mrs. Cynthia Uhl
OVATION ($2,500+)
Anonymous
Dr. Nirmala Abraham & Mr. Scotty Blackburn
Dr. & Mrs. Walter W. Adams
Mrs. Margy Anderson
Dan & Vicky Archibald
Mr. & Mrs. Karl C. Ayers
Barbara Kryter Ackerman Fund
Mr. Ronald Bernard and Dr. Judith E. Woll M.D.
Dr. Robert L. Brandt, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bridgman
Michael & Frieda Brigner
Ms. Kathleen L. Clawson
Mr. Christopher Coombs
Mr. & Mrs. John H. Culp
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Custer
Pat & David Diven
Dr. John C. Duby & Dr. Sara Guerrero-Duby
Mr. & Mrs. David B. Dutton
Doug & Bethany Einstein
Ms. Susan M. Falter
Don & Andrea Fineberg
Ms. Marilyn R. Fischer
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Gaudion
Mrs. Carol Graff
Mr. Thomas P. Gratto & Dr. Sharon D. Gratto
Mr. & Mrs. Donald M. Heinrich
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Jennings
Dr. R. Alan Kimbrough
Mrs. Leora K. Kline
The Mark Andrew Kreusch Memorial Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Paul H. Lamberger
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond W. Lane
Ms. Susan B. McCoy & Mr. Allen Kennedy
Pat & David McDonald
Mr. William Mitchel
Anna & John Monnett
Patrick J. Nugent & Mary Kay Rehard
Theodore Nelson & Ixi Chen
Mr. Mark Olson & Ms. Barbara Furyk-Olson
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Perry
Dr. C. Daniel & Mrs. Kathy Raisch
Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Rankin
Heber & Liz Short
Mr. Michael Sieveking & Mr. Jeffrey Trzeciak
Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Smythe
Lois & Roger Sutherland
Tony Talbot & Mark Duffy
Dr. & Mrs. Frederick A. Tokarz
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Tomme
Mrs. Sharon A. Tschudin
Dr. Byron & Mrs. Theresa Wade
Paul & Susie Weaver
James & Tami Whalen
Hon. & Mrs. William H. Wolff Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Tim S. Wood
Dr. Teresa Zryd
BRAVO ($1,000+)
Anonymous (4)
The Helen & Charles Abramovitz Fund
Mr. Joshua E. Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Anderson
Jo & Matt Anderson
Ellen Bagley
Hon. Bill & Karen Beagle
Mr. Zachary J. Beck
Mr. & Mrs. Donald N. Bigler
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Brown
Mr. Dan & Mrs. Mary R. Bowman
Janet Burke
Ms. Eva Buttacavoli
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Byrum
Mr. Joseph Cable
Drs. Alejandro Calvo & Veronica Camacho
Barbara J. Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Cornett
Karen & Gary Crim
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence M. Corson
Mr. Kelly H. Dalton
Susan & Bryan Daly
Ms. Susan DeLuca
Mark Dlott & Dale Goldberg
Mr. C. Bruce Driver
Ms. Jane A. Dunwoodie
Susan & Robert Ellefson
Mr. Larry Forman
The Albert & Nancy Freudenberger Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gardner
Dr. David & Pamela Griffith
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Hall
Mr. John C. Halpin & Ms.
Dorothy B. Dick
Thomas Hanley
Bob Hanna
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Harstad
Mr. Anthony Haugrud
Mr. & Mrs. Delbert Herbeck
The Holland Family Trust
Mr. Jeffrey Huntington
Dr. Michael A. Jaffe M.D.
Sandi Simmons & Tom Jonak
Ms. Norma Keefer
Dr. & Mrs. Brian Kent
Chuck Knickerbocker
Kathryn A. Lamme
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Langguth
Dr. James T. Lehner & Hon. Peggy Lehner
Mr. & Mrs. Franklin C. Lewis
Robyn Lightcap
Dr. & Mrs. William Lindahl
The Margaret & Paul C. Magill Fund*
Amy Radachi & Tom Maher
Dr. & Mrs. Frank P. Mannarino M.D.
Drs Jerry Clark & Barry McCorkle
Marc & Melissa McNulty
Thom & Penni Meyer
Ms. Shannon Joyce Neal
Mr. John Phillips
Mrs. Helen C. Potter
Robert & Cynthia Puskar
Mr. Todd Press
Mr. & Mrs. Dominick A. Rinaldi
Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Roedersheimer
Ms. Patricia Roth
Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Routson
Ms. Colleen M. Ryan
Dr. Burton R. Saidel & Mrs. Alice L. Saidel
The Sanchez Family
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Schaefer
Mr. & Mrs. Alan B. Schaeffer
Mrs. Winnie Scholl
Bill & Ann Schuerman
Charles V. Simms
Mrs. Catherine J. Skardon
Mrs. Gaynelle M. Spiegel
Lt. Col & Mrs. Michael H. Taint
Mr. John Tate
Mrs. Mary T. Tymeson
Drs. Paul & Sharon Vander Gheynst
Malte & Pan Von Matthiessen
Dr. & Mrs. Andreas M. Walchner
Andrew & Julie Wallner
K Wiedeman & L Elliott-Sowers
Lt. Col & Mrs. Robert W. Wilda
Janice Finch Willhelm
Mark & Kim White
Ms. Katherine Wiedeman
Janice Finch Willhelm
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Williamson
Mr. & Mrs. John J. Winch
Mr. & Mrs. Brian W. Woodruff
David & Sarah Wrazen
Dr. Daniel L. Zehringer
Dr. David Zelmon & Dr. Mojgan
Samardar
Friends FELLOW
($750+)
Anonymous (2)
Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Armstrong
Michael Bachmann & Mary Combs
Mr. Charles W. Bradford
Carla Cameron
Jill & Dale Courte
Mrs. Rebecca Dianis
Dr. Margaret M. Dunn & Dr. William A. Spohn
Pam & Ron Eyink
Lt. Col. Frank & Diane Gentner, USAF Ret.
Terri & John Haines
Dr. Caroline H. Kennebeck-Hale & Mr. Brian L. Hale
William & Carol Herrick
Jeremy Holtgrave
Tyron & Frances Inbody
Jean Kessel
Charles & Karen Kronbach
Kenji & Misao Kurokawa
Amelia Lombardo
Ms. Joyce E. McDonald
Larry Mullins
Les & Dianne Niemi
Ms. Ellen Noble
Greg & Michele Palmer
Mr. Harold Poppe & Mr. Dale Schmidt
William C. Quinn
Ms. Carolyn J. Ray
Mr. Randy K. Ray & Dr. Cleanne Cass
Mary Yerina & Bob Redfield
Beverly & Bradley Smith
Bob & Toni Sprinkel
Rick & Tawnya Stover
Phyllis Strayer
Terry & Diane Torbeck
Nancy & John Woeste
Dr. Roberts & Mrs. Lynn Wood
Dr. Virginia C. Wood
Carol Jean Yegerlehner
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We thank our corporate and foundation partners for their support of DPAA’s mission, programs, and artists.
IMPRESARIO
AES Ohio Foundation
The Charles D. Berry Foundation
The Kettering Family Foundation
Virginia W. Kettering Foundation
Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts
Schiewetz Foundation
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of the Dayton Foundation
MAESTRO
The Berry Family Foundation
VIRTUOSO
Dayton Freight
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Bill and Jackie Lockwood Fund to Support Opera
LEGATO
All The Best Delicatessen
Cox First Media
Dayton Aerospace
iHeart Media
The Eleanor and John Kautz Fund of the Dayton Foundation
Kettering Health
Marriott University of Dayton
The Shubert Foundation
The Nick and Edna Weller Charities, Inc.
CONCERTO
10 Wilmington Place
Arts Consulting Group
Bob Ross Auto Group
Discover Classical 88.1 WDPR/89.1 WUSO/89.9 WDPG
Mathile Family Foundation
The Troy Foundation
ARIA
The Iddings Foundation
Lockwood Family Foundation
Thompson Hine LLP
Victory Wholesale Group and the Kantor Family
SONATA
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Centerville-Washington Foundation
The Dayton Hydraulic Co.
Enterprise Roofing
Heidelberg Distributing Company
Johnson Investment Counsel
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation
The Kuntz Foundation
Levin Family Foundation
LION
Nova Creative
PNC
INTERMEZZO
Coolidge Wall
Harlamert Foundation
Knack Video + Photo
Sam Levin Foundation
The Mark Andrew Kreusch Memorial Fund
Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
OVERTURE
The African-American Community Fund
Barnes Dennig
Houser Asphalt & Concrete
M&M Title Co.
Requarth Lumber Company
The Rubi Girls
Voss Auto Network
ADDITIONAL MAJOR SUPPORT BY:
Culture Works
The Dayton Foundation
Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District
National Endowment for the Arts
Ohio Arts Council
Board of Trustees and Staff
OFFICERS
Joseph Zehenny, Chair
Patricia McDonald, Vice Chair
Dr. Ed Tomme, Chair Emeritus
Tom Burkhardt, Treasurer
Timothy Riordan, Assistant Treasurer
Rev. Joshua Ward, Secretary
Rodney Veal, Assistant Secretary
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Ron Anderson
Libby Ballengee
Dr. Zachary Beck
Ashley Bethard
Jim Butler
Christopher Coombs
Allyson Danis
Courtney Ditmer
Dr. Samuel Dorf
Deborah Gross
Col. Mary-Kathryn Haddad
Michael Howard
Xavier Johnson
Dr. G. Scott Jones
Robyn Lightcap
Patrick Martin
Peggie McQuiston
Shannon Joyce Neal
Barbara O’Hara
Todd Press
Burt Saidel
Dori Spaulding
John Tate
Rick Thie
Abbie Trittschuh
Katie Wahl
Dr. Daniel Zehringer
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Thomas Bankston, Opera
ADMINISTRATION
Patrick J. Nugent, President and CEO
Teri Warwick, Chief Financial Officer
Michael Sieveking, Vice President for Information and Analytics
Sue Martin, Accounting Manager
ARTISTIC
Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director, Opera
Neal Gittleman, Artistic Director and Conductor, Philharmonic
Brandon Ragland, Artistic Director, Ballet
Patrick Reynolds, Associate Conductor, Philharmonic; Conductor, Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
