concerts and events
December
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Sunrises & Storms
December 7
The Nutcracker
December 13–22
Handel’s Messiah
December 16
The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly
December 17
Bach’s Lunch
December 18
January Jurassic Park in Concert
January 17
A Night of Symphonic Rock
January 24
Shostakovich 5 & Festive
January 30 & 31
February
The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit
February 6 & 7
The Sleeping Beauty
February 20–22
Magic Carpet Concerts: Hansel & Gretel
February 24–26
February 28
American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond March 6 & 7
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Rhythms of Wonder
March 8
Philharmonic Junior Strings & Youth Strings: American Mosaic March 15
FROM THE LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends
Before anything else: thank you.
Your presence keeps our stages alive, our traditions meaningful, and our artists inspired. Every time you choose to join us—whether for perennial favorites like The Nutcracker or for something entirely new—you help create the sense of connection that defines this season.
At the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, we’re proud to offer performances that bring families and friends together. These moments of shared listening and wonder remind us why live performance matters, especially in these cold winter months.
And there is so much ahead! From powerful orchestral programs that celebrate Maestro Harada’s musical journey (Shostakovich 5 & Festive, Jan. 30 and 31) to spectacular new opera productions (The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit, Feb. 6 and 7) and timeless ballet classics (The Sleeping Beauty, Feb. 20–22), the coming months are filled with opportunities to experience the beauty and energy of the arts in our community.
Thank you for being here today, and for being part of the DPAA family. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes from the DPAA family for a joyous and prosperous 2026!
Patrick J. Nugent President and CEO
Joseph Zehenny DPAA Board Chair
this is your scene
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. An adult changing table is located in the family restroom on the Loge level.
Accessibility
DPAA is committed to providing access to the arts. If you have any specific 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. Arrange by calling the box office.
Assistive listening devices are available for all performances. Borrow a device from the kiosk in the lobby or from a house manager.
Sign language interpretation is also available 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. Call the box office to make a request.
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.
Local Dining
Make it a night on the town! We recommend the following options: Bistecca, Blind Bob’s, Grist, Joui, Lily’s, Lucho, Meadowlark Restaurant, Mudlick Tap House, Salar Restaurant and Lounge, Sueño, Table 33, and Wheat Penny Oven & Bar.
Group Sales
Groups of 10 or more can save up to 30% on tickets! Contact Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette, at (937) 535-5443.
Age Recommendation
Our events are recommended for age 6 and up.
Lost and Found / Security
If you lose an item at a performance or need assistance from the security team, call (937) 6377366. For the safety of those in the audience, behind the scenes, and on stage, everyone entering 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.
Keitaro Harada’s Inaugural Season
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance would like to acknowledge Trustee Barbara N. O’Hara for her generosity and vision.
Barbara was the catalyst for bringing Maestro Keitaro Harada to the Dayton Community. We wish to thank her and the following donors for their generosity:
Barbara N. O’Hara
Peter & Patricia Torvik
Tim & Mary Riordan
Grismer Tire Company
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester
Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mary Boosalis
Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny
Nirmala Abraham & Scotty Blackburn
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Artistic Directors
Kathleen Clawson,
Artistic Director, Opera; Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair
Kathleen Clawson is a distinguished director, performer, and educator whose career has been defined by her deep commitment to opera. Clawson’s extensive directing work includes over 20 productions for the Dayton Opera and a long-standing association with The Santa Fe Opera, where her credits include staging two world premieres, and staging the Apprentice Scenes for over two decades.
Clawson first came to Dayton as a soloist with the Dayton Philharmonic. Now a retired mezzo-soprano, she performed with opera companies and orchestras throughout the country, and performed in musical theatre, including the “Mother Abbess” in an international tour of The Sound of Music.
A passionate advocate for arts education, she served as the Associate Director of The Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Singer Program for ten years and mentors the Dayton Opera Artists in Residence.
Keitaro Harada
Music and Artistic Director, Philharmonic; Sponsored by Barbara N. O’Hara
Armed with intensity and depth, Keitaro Harada consistently provides riveting concerts and opera performances in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. As Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic since 2020, Harada has transformed the orchestra and energized its audiences throughout the community with his imaginative programs and charismatic presence.
In 2024, Harada was named Permanent Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Partner for the Aichi Chamber Orchestra, and he begins a five-year tenure as Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic in the 2025–26 season. He has forged a close connection with the NHK Symphony Orchestra with whom he appears frequently and has recorded three albums. Harada is a recipient of the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.
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.
Dayton Ballet Company Dancers
Dayton
Artists-In-Residence
Connor Barak Claire Bergman Nicolas Bierwagen
Erin Blair Tomasin Corrente
Emma Duncan
Alyssa Eyster
Hailey Flanagan
Jasmine Getz Katy Gilliam
Isaac Jones Patrick Lennon
Tarique Logan Kyan Park Maxwell Peters
Lukas Pringle Francisco Rivera Belle Urben Catherine Voorhees Christian Chester
Opera
Malone Blaich Isabel Randall Aaron Hill Evan Fleming Clara Passmore
Dayton Ballet Studio Company
Xochitl Atienza Sara Beth Austin Daniela Bennetti Amber Huggett Mollie Juniewicz
Jaiden Morley Ryan Norman Elizabeth Sabol Isabelle Wilwayco
Dara Schlesinger
Handel’s Messiah
December 16, 2025 • Schuster Center
ARTISTS
Keitaro Harada, Music & Artistic Director, Dayton Philharmonic
Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director, Dayton Opera
Steven Hankle, Director, Dayton Philharmonic Chorus
Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Chorus
Malone Blaich, soprano*
Isabel Randall, mezzo-soprano*
Ryan Bryce Johnson, tenor
Alan Williams, bass
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
* Dayton Opera Artist-In-Residence
MESSIAH
A Sacred Oratorio (1742)
Music by George Frideric Handel
Text selected from the Holy Scripture by Charles Jennens
PART THE FIRST
1. Sinfonia (Overture)
2. Accompagnato (Tenor)
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness; prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
(Isaiah 40: 1–3)
3. Air (Tenor)
Ev’ry valley shall be exalted, and ev’ry mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight and the rough places plain.
(Isaiah 40: 4)
4. Chorus
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40: 5)
5. Accompagnato (Bass)
Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts: Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come.
(Haggai 2: 6–7)
The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, whom you delight in; behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
(Malachi 3: 1)
6. Air (Bass)
But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire.
(Malachi 3: 2)
7. Chorus
And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
(Malachi 3: 3)
8. Recitative (Alto)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us.
(Isaiah 7: 14; Matthew 1: 23)
9. Air and Chorus (Alto & Chorus)
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God!
(Isaiah 40: 9)
Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
(Isaiah 60: 1)
10. Accompagnato (Bass)
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
(Isaiah 60: 2–3)
11. Air (Bass)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
(Isaiah 9: 2)
12. Chorus
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9: 6)
13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14a. Recitative (Soprano)
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
(Luke 2: 8)
14b. Accompagnato (Soprano)
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.
(Luke 2: 9)
15. Recitative (Soprano)
And the angel said unto them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2: 10-11)
16. Accompagnato (Soprano)
And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying:
(Luke 2: 13)
17. Chorus
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men.”
(Luke 2: 14)
18. Air (Soprano)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold,
thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.
(Zechariah 9: 9–10)
19. Recitative (Alto)
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
(Isaiah 35: 5–6)
20. Duet (Alto & Soprano)
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
(Isaiah 40: 11)
Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(Matthew 11: 28–29)
21. Chorus
His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
(Matthew 11: 30)
- INTERMISSION -
PART THE SECOND
22. Chorus
Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.
(John 1: 29)
23. Air (Alto)
He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
(Isaiah 53: 3)
He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off His hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting.
(Isaiah 50: 6)
24. Chorus
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows! He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.
(Isaiah 53: 4–5)
25. Chorus
And with His stripes we are healed.
(Isaiah 53: 5)
26. Chorus
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way. And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
(Isaiah 53: 6)
27. Accompagnato (Tenor)
All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn; they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying:
(Psalm 22: 7)
28. Chorus
“He trusted in God that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him.”
(Psalm 22: 8)
29. Accompagnato (Tenor)
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart: He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man, neither found He any to comfort him.
(Psalm 69: 20)
30. Arioso (Tenor)
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow.
(Lamentations 1: 12)
31. Accompagnato (Tenor)
He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgressions of Thy people was He stricken.
(Isaiah 53: 8)
32. Air (Tenor)
But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.
(Psalm 16: 10)
33. Chorus
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.
(Psalm 24: 7–10)
40. Air (Bass)
Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed.
(Psalm 2: 1-2)
41. Chorus
Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us.
(Psalm 2: 3)
42. Recitative (Tenor)
He that dwelleth in Heav’n shall laugh them to scorn; The Lord shall have them in derision.
(Psalm 2: 4)
43. Air (Tenor)
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
(Psalm 2: 9)
44. Chorus
Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
(Revelation 19: 6)
The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
(Revelation 11: 15)
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
(Revelation 19: 16)
PART THE THIRD
45. Air (Soprano)
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
(Job 19: 25–26)
For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.
(I Corinthians 15: 20)
46. Chorus
Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
(I Corinthians 15: 21–22)
47. Accompagnato (Bass)
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
(I Corinthians 15: 51–52)
48. Air (Bass)
The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(I Corinthians 15: 52-53)
53. Chorus
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Revelation 5: 12-14)
Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Steven Hankle, director
Kevin Wilson, assistant director
Andrea Arese-Elias, accompanist
Carolyn Sweezy, chorus manager
Soprano
Katy Bowman
Lillian Chambliss
Jordan Drinnon
Katy Greene
Jeanne Kallenberg
Nedra Kaufman
Lydia Kee
Virginia Kuepper
Ella McCormick
Katy McCormick
Annette Rizer
Graysen Schaney
Emma Weir
Julia White
Alto
Chelsea Brown
Elizabeth Douras
Michele Goodpaster
Linda Keith
Carol Manda
Keara Parciak
Julia Randel
Carolyn Sweezy
Katelyn Tesla
Lynne Vaia
Keatha Wilson
Camden Green Wing
Tenor
Jeff Christmas
Charles Garland
Frank C. Gentner
Gary Johnson
Brad Kallenberg
Matthew Keener
Vincent Velten
Kevin Wilson
Bass
Dan Bruno, Jr.
Donald Collins
Doug Conrad
Mark Corcoran
Jeffrey Greene
Jonathan Kuehnle
Curtis Notestine
Grant Parks
Howard Poston
Peter Veley
About the Artists
Malone Blaich Soprano
Soprano Malone
Blaich is a recent CCM Artist Diploma graduate, where she received her Master of Music degree in 2023. Her appearances there included Zina (Dark Sisters), Serpetta (La finta giardiniera), Zlatohřbítek (The Cunning Little Vixen), and Blanche de la Force (Dialogues des Carmélites). In Summer 2025, Blaich served as an Apprentice Artist at Santa Fe Opera where she covered the Governess in The Turn of the Screw, sang Daphne in Strauss’ Daphne, and Cunégonde in Candide in The Apprentice Scenes Programs. In 2024, Blaich attended AIMS, where she performed Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Clivia in Nico Dostal’s Clivia, and Valentina in Torroba’s zarzuela, La Marchenera. In 2023, Blaich took part in the workshop-performance and recording of The Righteous for Opera Fusion/New Works. Blaich joined Dayton Opera as a 2025–2026 Resident Artist, performing Frasquita in their production of Carmen, acting as the Soprano Soloist in Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem with the Dayton Philharmonic, and singing the role of Ivy Sweet in Shawn Okebholo’s The Cook-Off.
Isabel Randall is a civic-engaged mezzo-soprano from Rota, Spain, praised for her
“impassioned, expressive physicality” (The New England Theatre Geek). In the 2025–2026 season, she returns to Dayton Opera’s Artist-in-Residence program, making her Dayton Opera and role debut as Mercédès in Carmen With Dayton Philharmonic, she will be a soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, American Soundscapes, and as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel. She will debut with Rochester Oratorio Society in their Arts Connexions recital series.
In 2024–2025, Randall portrayed Amelia J. Piper in Whaling Women (Boston Conservatory), covered Zoe Walker in This House (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis), and portrayed journalist Gwen Ifill in Say It Ain’t So, Joe? with Guerilla Opera.
She has performed with Boston Lyric Opera, Virginia Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and White Snake Projects, and is a recipient of the 2023 St. Botolph Club Foundation Emerging Artist Award.
Ryan Bryce
Johnson Tenor
Ryan Bryce Johnson, tenor, is a dynamic and versatile performer with experience spanning opera and music theatre. Most recently, he appeared at The Santa Fe Opera as Borsa in Verdi’s Rigoletto, Giuseppe in Verdi’s La Traviata, and Faninal’s Major-Domo in Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier. He also made his debut with Dayton Opera as Lt. Joseph Cable in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. In 2025, he appears with The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and
Isabel Randall Mezzo-Soprano
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Chorus in performances of Handel’s Messiah. In 2023, Johnson appeared at The Glimmerglass Festival as the Grand Inquisitor and Governor in Bernstein’s Candide.
Johnson has enjoyed success in various singing competitions, most recently winning First Prize in the 2023 Lotte Lenya Competition. He has also been a finalist for the George London Foundation Competition and a district winner for The Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. Previous performances include joining Opera Saratoga as Ira in Lembit Beecher’s groundbreaking opera Sky on Swings and serving as a Gerdine Young Artist at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where he performed Borsa in Verdi’s Rigoletto and covered the roles of Nero in Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea and Rinuccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
Johnson holds a Master’s degree in Music from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s in Music from Texas Tech University.
Alan Williams Bass
Honored with the “Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award” in 2025 by the Santa Fe Opera, American bass Alan Williams is establishing himself as one of the most exciting young artists in the field of opera. During the 2025–2026 season, he makes debuts with the Pittsburgh Opera as Colline in La Bohème; American Symphony Orchestra as bass soloist in Bristow’s Niagara Symphony led by Leon Botstein at Carnegie Hall; and
New York Philharmonic joining Eugene Rogers’ Exigence Vocal Ensemble to sing Saariaho’s Oltra mar with composer and conductor Thomas Adès on the podium at David Geffen Hall. Williams makes returns to the Metropolitan Opera to cover the role of Aldeano 3 in El último sueño de Frida y Diego and Des Moines Metro Opera to take on the role of Angelotti in Puccini’s timeless masterpiece Tosca. Last season, he joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera to cover Judge Advocate General in the New York-premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s groundbreaking new opera Grounded; was also a soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Dream Orchestra at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles led by Daniel Suk; debuted with New York Festival of Song for performances My Brother’s Keeper, a newly conceived evening celebrating Black men in America through art song, soul, gospel, and opera with Steven Blier at the piano and fellow singers Will Liverman, Joshua Blue, Justin Austin, and more; and joined The Santa Fe Opera as an apprentice where he covered the role so Colline in La bohème and Sparafucile in Rigoletto
Williams was a finalist in the George and Nora London Foundation Competition. He placed 2nd in The Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition in 2024. He was named the 2021 winner of the Graduate Concerto Competition at the University of Michigan. Also during his Master of Music studies at Michigan, he was selected as a national finalist in the 2019 National Association of Negro Musicians convention. Williams received his Specialist and Master’s degrees in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan under the tutelage of Daniel Washington. He received his undergraduate degree in 2018 from Northern Arizona University, where he
studied with the late Dr. Judith Cloud. A native of San Bernardino, California, Williams currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Steven Hankle
Chorus Director
Dr. Steven Hankle is the Assistant Professor of Choral Music and Music
Education at the University of Dayton, where he directs the premiere mixed ensemble, University Chorale, and the treble choir, Bella Voce. Under his direction, the University Chorale appeared at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in 2022, and in 2019, performed J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with the Bach Society of Dayton. Dr. Hankle is a member of the choral faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan, serving as the music director of the Alumni Choir. During his tenure at Penn State University (PSU) from 2012 to 2015, he prepared Johannes Brahms’s A German Requiem for the PSU Mass Choir and PSU Philharmonic performances. Dr. Hankle is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where he studied Choral Conducting, and Florida State University, where he completed his doctoral studies in Choral Conducting.
The Nutcracker
SAT December 13 at 2:30 & 7:30pm
SUN December 14 at 2:30pm
FRI December 19 at 7:30pm
SAT December 20 at 2:30 & 7:30pm
SUN December 21 at 2:30pm
MON December 22 at 2:30pm
Set in our very own city, this beloved tale follows Clara on a breathtaking, time-traveling adventure filled with dazzling choreography, enchanting sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Buy Tickets
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians
Zulfiya Bashirova Concertmaster1
Aurelian Oprea Associate Concertmaster2
Youjin Na, Acting Assistant Concertmaster3
Elizabeth Hofeldt
David Goist Mikhail Baranovsky Louis Proske Sean Klopfenstein*
John Lardinois
Philip Enzweiler*
Kirstin Greenlaw, Principal4
Kara Camfield, Assistant Principal
Ann Linn Baer
Photo to come
VIOLIN I
Scott Moore Gloria Fiore Maggie Niekamp Yoshiko Kunimitsu Bill Slusser
Yein Jin*
Sheridan Currie, Principal5
Colleen Braid, Assistant Principal
Karen Johnson6
VIOLIN II
VIOLA
Scott Schilling Lori LaMattina
Mark D. Reis Leslie Dragan Belinda Burge
Mark Hofeldt Nadine Monchecourt
Oleg Babkov* Zoë Moskalew
Bleda Elibal
Elvin Schlanger, Principal11
Jennifer Northcut Janet van Graas
Eileen Whalen, Principal12
Robyn Dixon Costa
John Kurokawa, Principal13
Jonathan Lee, Principal Christina Coletta, Assistant Principal7
Molly Castrucci8 Lucas Song9
CELLO
Deborah Taylor, Principal10
Jon Pascolini, Assistant Principal
Stephen Ullery
Christopher Roberts James Faulkner
FLUTE AND PICCOLO
BASS
OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN CLARINET
PERCUSSION
TROMBONE
Rachael Young, Principal14
Kristen Smith
Aaron Brant, Principal15
Amy Lassiter Todd Fitter
Andrew Bass Sean Vore, Assistant Principal
BASSOON HORN
Charles Pagnard, Principal16
Eric Knorr
Christian Pagnard
Tyler Bentley, Acting Principal17
TRUMPET
Richard Begel Chad Arnow18
Timothy Northcut, Principal19
TUBA
TIMPANI
Hamza Able Principal20
Michael LaMattina, Principal21 Davi Martinelli de Lira22
Jerry Noble
Leslie Stratton, Principal23
Joshua Nemith, Principal24
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Endowed Chairs
* 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 Frank M. Tait Memorial Chair
16 John W. Berry Family Chair
17 John Reger Memorial Chair
18 Bill and Wanda Lukens Chair
19 Zachary, Rachel and Natalie Denka Chair
20 Rosenthal Family Chair in Memory of Miriam Rosenthal, In Honor of Donald Donnett, Principal Timpani 1966–2023
21 Miriam Rosenthal Chair
22 Richard A. and Mary T. Whitney Chair
23 Daisy Talbott Green Chair
24 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.
VISIONARY
IMPRESARIO ($100,000+)
Anonymous
Paul & Dolores Anderson
Steve & Lou Mason
Barbara N. O’Hara
Peter & Patricia Torvik
Dr. Troy Tyner & Dr. Ingrid Brown
AFICIONADO ($50,000+)
Kate & Steve Hone
ELM Foundation
Linda W. Lombard & Paul W. Marshall
VIRTUOSO ($25,000+)
John & Kathleen Beran
Thomas & Frances Bankston
David & Maria Berry
Neal Gittleman & Lisa M. Fry
Luke & Juanita Lovell
Raymond & Sue Merz
Cathy Ponitz
Dr. David H. Ponitz
Tim & Mary Riordan
Miles & Linda Schmidt
Bill & Dianne Schneider
Larry & Abbie Trittschuh
Betsy B. Whitney
Walter & Marcia Wood
LUMINARY ($10,000+)
Anonymous (3)
Nirmala Abraham & Scotty Blackburn
Dr. Ron Anderson & Robb Sloan-Anderson
Drs. Charles & Mary Bane
Ann Barr
Thomas E. Bettcher
Catherine Clark
Jim Crosset
Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz
John & Allyson Danis
Richard M. DeLon
Dr. Charles & Patricia Demirjian
Dr. Grace L. DeVelbiss
Jane A. Dunwoodie
Debra Edelman*
Vernon & Janet Fernandes
Stanley C. & Ann* Herr
Lesley & Chris Hopkins
Michael A. Houser
Karen Duguid & Wally Johnson
Michael & Judith Kreutzer
William* & Wanda Lukens
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester
Kenneth & Darrell May
Mike & Peggie McQuiston
Dr. Jeffrey & Susan Mikutis
Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mary Boosalis
Milt & Dawn Ross
Jonah Sandler
Matthew J. Scarr
Marcy Schade
Pamela & Andrew Schwartz
Richard & Jane Schwartz
David Strohscher
William* & Cynthia Uhl
Dr. Byron & Theresa Wade
William & Carolyn* Winger
Mr. Philip G. Wise & Dr. Joe Law
Brian & Sandra Woodruff
Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny
CENTER STAGE ($5,000+)
Anonymous
Margy Anderson
Mary L. Arnett
David & Esther Battle
Thomas & Suzanne Brown
Dr. Gwen L. Brubaker
Thomas & Joan Burkhardt
Kathleen Clawson
Daniel & Linda Deitz
William DeVenzio* & Linda Short
Pat & Dave Diven
Thomas P. Gratto & Dr. Sharon D. Gratto
Jonas & Susan Gruenberg
Charlie Hardwick
Kathy Harper
Constance A. McKale*
Dale & Karen Medford
Anna Jones Monnett
Kenneth Quinter
Dr. C. Daniel & Kathy Raisch
Colleen M. Ryan
William & Diane Schaff
Barbara Schmider
Thomas F. Skelley & Sharon Lindquist-Skelley
Michael Suhar
Tony Talbot & Mark Duffy
Bill & Penny Wolff
Dr. Daniel Zehringer & Justin Mohler
OVATION! ($2,500+)
Anonymous (3)
Mr. Joshua E. Adams
Dr. Walter & Martha Adams
Dan & Vicky Archibald
Karl & Sandy Ayers
Ronald Bernard & Dr. Judith E. Woll M.D.
Dr. Bob Brandt, Jr.
Charles & Susan Bridgman
Janet & Joseph Burke
Michelle Bryant & Alek Kohut
Barbara J. Campbell
Chris & Barbara Coombs
John & Martha Culp
Dr. Robert & Lisa Custer
Bryan & Susan Daly
David & Charlene Dutton
Sue Falter
Marilyn R. Fischer
Thomas & Nancy Gaudion
John & Andrea Gillespie
Mrs. Carol Graff
Mr. Donald & Mrs. Janet Grieshop
Dr. David & Pamela Griffith
Keitaro Harada
Mr. Anthony L. Haugrud
Jon & Marge Hazelton
Donald & Lori Heinrich
Jessica & Derek Huggett
Dr. Michael A. Jaffe M.D.
Dr. R. Alan Kimbrough
Leora K. Kline
The Mark Andrew Kreusch
Memorial Fund
Paul & Carol Lamberger
Mark Levy & Lisa Becker
Dr. William & Kathy Lindahl
Drs. Jerry Clark & Barry McCorkle
Judy D. McCormick
Susan B. McCoy & Allen Kennedy
James& Deborah McCutcheon
Pat & David McDonald
David McElwee
William Mitchel
Mark Olson & Barbara FurykOlson
Dr. Gary B. Pacernick & Ms. Peggy Weller
Bill & Carmen Perry
Dr. Robert & Anita Rankin
Dominick & Margaret Rinaldi
Greg & Kimberly Robinson
Bill & Ann Schuerman
Richard & June Smythe
John & Susan Spacht
Lois & Roger Sutherland
Jeri & John Tate
Fred & Chris Tokarz
Dr. Edward & Tracey Tomme
Sharon A. Tschudin
Michael Tyrchniewicz & Dr. Rachael Courtney
Paul & Susie Weaver
James & Tami Whalen
Lt. Col Robert* & Nancy Wilda
Thomas & Sharon Williamson
Tim & Miriam Wood
BRAVO! ($1,000+)
Anonymous (12)
The Albert & Nancy Freudenberger Fund
Bruce & Karen Anderson
Matt & Jo Anderson
Shirley Ark
Ellen Bagley
Zachary Beck
Lois & Donald* Bigler
Jon Blunt & Rodney Veal
Dan & Mary Bowman
Mr. Ronald F. Budzik* & Ms. Barbara A. Hayde
Patrick Martin & Eva Buttacavoli
Musicians of the DPO & Staff of DPAA, in memory of C. Donald Compton
Charles & Claudia Cornett
Rebecca & Lawrence* Corson
Karen & Gary Crim
Kelly H. Dalton
Kathleen Daly
Sharon J. Danosky
Joyce E. Dean & Mary Ellen Batiuk
Susan DeLuca
Rosario & Helen Demers
Rebecca Dianis
Mark Dlott & Dale Goldberg
Mr. C. Bruce Driver
Mrs. Sue Dugan
Dr. Margaret M. Dunn & Dr. William A. Spohn
Susan & Robert Ellefson
The Fraze Family Fund
Marcia Frank* (2025 Bequest on behalf of Delta Omicron Foundation)
Joseph & Martha Gardner
Lt. Col. Frank & Diane Gentner, USAF Ret.
Garry & Mindy Greene
Douglas Hahn & Melody Goodwin
Terri & John
Dr. Bruce & Mayumi Hall
John C. Halpin* & Dorothy B. Dick
Thomas Hanley
Bob Hanna
Richard & Mary Harstad
Mr. Anthony Haugrud
Delbert & Virginia Herbeck
William & Carol Herrick
The Holland Family Trust
Ellen Holroyd
Jeffrey Huntington
Tyron & Frances Inbody
Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates
Craig & Margarete Jennings
Sandi Simmons & Tom Jonak
Norma Keefer
Robyn Lightcap
Dr. Brian & Linda Kent
Robert & Jennifer Kitchen
Chuck Knickerbocker
Jon & Susan Kreusch
James Kurek & Linda Black-Kurek
Kathryn Lamme
Wayne & Mary Jo Langguth
Susan J. Lauf
Dr. James T. Lehner & Hon. Peggy Lehner
Franklin & Cheryl Lewis
Kathryn MacVeigh
Amy Radachi & Tom Maher
Moni & George Malacos
Frank & Linda Mannarino
Joyce McDonald
Kevin & Mary McDonald
Marc & Melissa McNulty
Thom & Penni Meyer
Arthur D. Mills Jr.
Helen C. Potter
Shannon Joyce Neal & Philip Neal
Shaun & Susan Nicholson
John & Ruth Neely
Dianne & Les Niemi
John Phillips
Todd Press
Robert & Cynthia Puskar
Mary Yerina & Bob Redfield
Charles & Alice Roedersheimer
David Rohlfing
Patricia Roth
Donald & Julia Routson
Thomas & Lisa Routsong
Richard & Katharine Schaefer
Alan & Beth Schaeffer
Amy Askins & Jon Schairbaum
Winnie Scholl
Bill & Ann Schuerman
Catherine J. Skardon
Stephanie Skelley
Gaynelle M. Spiegel
Toni Sprinkel
Joan Stonitsch
Rick & Tawnya Stover
Phyllis Strayer
Dr. Charles Taylor & Kim E. Iconis
Ms. Ruth Templeton
Mary T. Tymeson
Sharon Vander Gheynst, D.M.E.
Jud & Julie Wallner
K Wiedeman & L Elliott-Sowers
Merle Wilberding & Susan Elliott
Janice Finch Willhelm
John & Jane Winch
Mary & Niels M Winther
David & Sarah Wrazen
Dr. David Zelmon & Dr. Mojgan
Samardar
FELLOW* ($750+)
Anonymous
Michael & Karen Armstrong
Michael Bachmann & Mary Combs
Martha L. Bell
Dr. Charles & Mrs. Barbara Cerny
Richard E. Considine & Stanley Dixon
Jill & Dale Courte
Carl & Barbara Denison
Carol & Don Erwine
Pam & Ron Eyink
Elizabeth Frye
Jon & April Hale
Barbara & Edward Hennessey
Fred & Sharon Hill
Patricia Horvath
Jean Kessel
Kenji & Misao Kurokawa
Amelia Lombardo
Perry Nystrom & Susan K. Henry
Greg & Michele Palmer
Harold Poppe & Dale Schmidt
Carolyn J. Ray
Mrs. Frances S. Repperger
David A. Saelens, Ph.D.
Terry & Diane Torbeck
Dr. Virginia Wood
Susan & Randy Woods
Carol Jean Yegerlehner
Neal Gittleman conducts the final Masterworks concert of his 30th Season in June 2025.
Neal Gittleman’s 30th Anniversary as Artistic Director and Conductor
To celebrate Neal Gittleman’s 30th Masterworks season (2024–25) and his farewell concerts in October 2025, these generous friends have contributed in his honor.
Anonymous (1)
Patricia & Peter Torvik
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Dr. David Ponitz & Cathy Ponitz
Drs. Mary & Charles Bane
Ann Barr
Kathleen L. Clawson
Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz
Dr. Charles & Patricia Demirjian
Grismer Tire Company
Karen Duguid & Wally Johnson in honor of the friendship between Anne Johnson and Neal Gittleman
LION
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Christy & Michael Manchester
Kathy & John Beran
Mary Boosalis & Thomas Olsen
Rochester Community Foundation
Pamela & Andrew Schwartz
Cynthia Uhl
Betsy B. Whitney
Sandra & Brian Woodruff
Matthew J. Scarr
Judy D. McCormick
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Linda & Miles Schmidt
Dianne & Bill Schneider
Marcia & Walter Wood
Colleen M. Ryan
Frances & Thomas Bankston
Linda & Daniel Deitz
Richard M. DeLon
Marge & Jon Hazelton
Darrell & Kenneth May
Carolyn & Paul Flanagan
Leora K. Kline
Haley-Sibbing Family
Tina & Mike Spaulding
Linda Bales Todd & Richard Todd
Dr. Hans & Cheryl Zwart
Meet the (New!) Artists of DPAA
Go behind the scenes with the artists whose passion drives every performance.
Christian Chester Dayton Ballet Dancer
I trained with the BalletMet’s Academy in Columbus, Ohio, in my early dance career. In 2020, I joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company and danced for three years before I was hired into Louisville Ballet as a professional dancer. This is my first season as an artist with Dayton Ballet.
I knew Dayton Ballet was the right fit for me because I was so excited for the opportunity to work under Artistic Director, Brandon Ragland. We had worked together in Louisville and I know how much Brandon truly cares for this art form and his dancers, so it was an easy decision to come to Dayton!
I am very excited to get to perform with the Dayton Orchestra. It has been awhile since I’ve gotten to perform with live music, and it is such a privilege to work with such talented musicians.
Being on stage is such a beautiful feeling. We work so hard to create something together that is so fleeting and can’t be taken for granted. This is what makes me so passionate about being a dancer
Elvin Schlanger
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Flute
I’m Elvin Schlanger and I am thrilled to serve as the Principal Flute of DPAA. I always play my best in a collaborative environment of like-minded colleagues and thoughtful music making. I feel fortunate to be part of an ensemble that provides this type of experience and camaraderie. I’ve had the opportunity to study at the Colburn School, Yale School of Music, and CSU Long Beach, which gave me the tools I needed to strengthen my playing and shape my artistry. I am excited to share my passion with this community and to help create performances that are uplifting and inspiring.
Elvin and Keitaro after a performance
Christian shines in Giselle
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We thank our corporate and foundation partners for supporting DPAA’s mission, programs, and artists.
IMPRESARIO
AES Ohio Foundation
Virginia W. Kettering Foundation
Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts
Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation
Schiewetz Foundation
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of The Dayton Foundation
MAESTRO
The Charles D. Berry Foundation
The Berry Family Foundation
VIRTUOSO
Dayton Freight
Bill and Jackie Lockwood Fund to Support Opera
LEGATO
All The Best Delicatessen
Dayton Aerospace
Dayton Daily News/Cox First Media
Kettering Health
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Marriott University of Dayton
The Shubert Foundation
The Troy Foundation
The Nick and Edna Weller Charities, Inc.
CONCERTO
Bob Ross Auto Group
Cox Media Group/WHIO
Discover Classical 88.1 WDPR/89.1 WUSO/89.9 WDPG
Jack and Debra Edelman Foundation
Grismer Tire Company
Hotel Ardent and Bistecca
iHeartMedia
Mathile Family Foundation
WYSO Public Radio
ARIA
The Disability Foundation
Houser Asphalt and Concrete
The Iddings Foundation
LION
Lockwood Family Foundation
ThinkTV
Thompson Hine
Victory Wholesale Group and the Kantor Family
SONATA
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Centerville-Washington Foundation
Crown Equipment Corporation
Johnson Investment Counsel
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation
The Kuntz Foundation
Nova Creative
PNC
Sinclair Broadcast Group
University of Dayton
INTERMEZZO
AES Ohio
Appliance Gallery Dayton
Coolidge Wall
The Dayton Hydraulic Co.
Enterprise Roofing
Harlamert Foundation
Henny Penny
KeyBank
Knack Video + Photo
League of American Orchestras
Sam Levin Foundation
LexisNexis
McCutcheon Music
Merrill Lynch
Morris Home
Opera America
Pickrel, Schaeffer and Ebeling
Square One Salon and Spa
The Synergy Schade Team
Taylor Corporation
OVERTURE
The African-American Community Fund
M&M Title Co.
Requarth Lumber Company
Sinclair Broadcast Group/FOX/ABC
The Rubi Girls
Taft
Voss Auto Network
ADDITIONAL MAJOR SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
Ohio Arts Council
Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District
Culture Works
The Dayton Foundation
Board of Trustees and Staff
OFFICERS
Joseph Zehenny, Chair
Patricia McDonald, Vice Chair
Rev. Joshua Ward, Secretary
Rodney Veal, Assistant Secretary
Timothy Riordan, Treasurer
Patrick Martin, Assistant Treasurer
Ed Tomme, Chair Emeritus
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Nirmala Abraham
Dr. Ron Anderson
Libby Ballengee
Dr. Zachary Beck
Ashley Bethard
Sarah Burns
Jim Butler
Christopher Coombs
Allyson Danis
Dr. Samuel Dorf
Mary-Kathryn Haddad
Kathy Harper
Michael Howard
Dr. Xavier L. Johnson
Scott Jones
Robyn Lightcap
Peggie McQuiston
Shannon Joyce Neal
Barbara N. O’Hara
Sharon Schroder
Dori Spaulding
John Tate
Rick Thie
Abbie Trittschuh
Dr. Daniel Zehringer
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Thomas Bankston, Opera
Neal Gittleman, Philharmonic
ADMINISTRATION
Patrick J. Nugent, President and CEO
Teri Warwick, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Michael Sieveking, Chief Information Officer
Milena Treer, Chief of Staff
ARTISTIC
Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director, Opera
Keitaro Harada, Music and Artistic Director, Philharmonic
Brandon Ragland, Artistic Director, Ballet
Isaac Selya, Interim Staff Conductor
Steven Hankle, Director, Philharmonic Chorus
Carolyn Sweezy, Manager, Philharmonic Chorus
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Conductor, Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Strings
Michelle Mastin, Conductor, Philharmonic Junior Strings
Sharon Neumeister, Company Teacher and Rehearsal Assistant
Rachel Cahayla Wynne, Rehearsal Director and Dayton Ballet Studio Company Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Elaine Gounaris, Vice President for Philanthropy
Allie Haines, Director of Philanthropy
Lynnette Ivey, Director of Institutional Giving
Anne O’Hara, Development Operations Manager
LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Jeaunita Ìféwándé Château Olówè, Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement
Jacqueline Griffin, Learning Programs Manager
Melissa McCoy, Engagement Programs Manager
Megan Forney, Dayton Ballet School Education Manager; Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble
Gabrielle Sharp, Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble
Elizabeth Sabol, Ballet School Registrar
Vicky Archibald, Ballet School Receptionist
MARKETING
Brittany Laughlin, Vice President for Marketing and Audience Development
James Mikolajewski, Marketing and Patron Acquisition Manager
Kate LaFollette, Engagement and Patron Services Manager
OPERATIONS
Chris Brislin, General Manager
Lyn Baudendistel, Wardrobe Supervisor
Josephine Baudendistel, Costume Assistant
Kelly DeLisle, Artistic Administrator
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Librarian
Kay O’Connor, Assistant Production Manager/ Resident Stage Manager
Sean Vore, Orchestra Personnel Manager
Katie West, Production Coordinator/ Assistant Librarian
The stagehands of IATSE Local 66
The wardrobe members of IATSE Local 886
HARRY A. TOULMIN JR. AND VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
BILL AND JACKIE LOCKWOOD FUND TO SUPPORT OPERA
MARY H. KITTREDGE FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
