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
The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit!
Dayton Opera • Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director
February 6 & 7, 2026 • Roger Glass Center for the Arts
Bon Appétit!
Music by Lee Hoiby • Text by Julia Child, adapted by Mark Shulgasser
Performed in English with English surtitles
Julia Child Allison Deady
Pianist .......................................................................................................................... Clinton Smith
Director .............................................................................................................. Kathleen Clawson
INTERMISSION
The Cook-Off
Music by Shawn E. Okpebholo • Libretto by Mark Campbell
Commissioned by Chicago Opera Theater Vanguard Initiative
Performed in English and Spanish with English surtitles
Kenny Kincaid .............................................................................................................. Kyle White*
Beryl Bennett Allison Deady
Kendra Smith ................................................................................................Alexis Davis-Hazell*
Ivy Sweet ................................................................................................................. Malone Blaich^
Álvaro Mendez
Jehú Otero*
Supernumeraries .................................................................................. Kelly DeLisle, Julio Soto
Conductor Clinton Smith
Director ............................................................................................................... Kathleen Clawson
Production Stage Manager ............................................................................. Lisa Marie Lange
Chamber Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Zulfiya Bashirova, violin; Sheridan Currie, viola; Jonathan Lee, cello; Deborah Taylor, bass; Elvin Schlanger, flute; Michael LaMattina, percussion; Joshua Nemith, piano; Jeremy Long, saxophone
* Dayton Opera Debut ^ Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence
The Opera Series is made possible with the support of Paul & Dolores Anderson and The Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation.
This opera is presented in conjunction with the University of Dayton’s Alumni Chair in the Humanities’ Food and Cultural Festival.
Additional sponsorship support from Dr. Ron Anderson & Robb Sloan-Anderson.
Special thanks to Alan and Donna Vore; Dr. Danielle Poe, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Dayton; Dr. Toby Rush, Chair, Department of Music, University of Dayton; Dr. Samuel N. Dorf, Professor of Musicology; Alumni Chair in Humanities, University of Dayton; Kyra Smith, Matt Edwards, and the staff of the Roger Glass Center for the Arts.
Scenic and Lighting Designer Rachel Robinson*
Costume Designer Jo Baudendistel*
Wig and Make-up Designers ........................................................ Tom Venditelli, Cass Brake
Property Master John Lavarnway
Wardrobe Supervisor ...................................................................................... Lyn Baudendistel
Rehearsal Pianist ....................................................................................................... Tim Accurso*
Assistant Stage Manager Kay O’Connor
Surtitle Caller ................................................................................................................. Katie West
Page Turner ................................................................................................................ Brendan Ash
Roger Glass Center for the Arts Front of House and Stagehands Nisah Aldridge, Katie Belvel, Srujan Bollampally, Liz Carey, Soham Chousalkar, Jacob Cristofaro, Molly Eure, Jason Fish, Joseph Formholtz, Jane Goodhart, Robert Hammer, Lauren Jakyma, Madeline Kiefer, Vishal Kumar, Dmitry Lipert, Jack McCoy, Jacob Messaglia, Caleb Molseed, Neve Monigan, Noah Montgomery, Raymond Railey, Allison Roberts, Kathryn Root, Lucas Swearingen, Shaun Theewis
From the Director
The vision for tonight’s double bill began two years ago during a Dayton Performing Arts Alliance meeting. While sitting next to Sam Dorf, I mentioned my desire to program Shawn E. Okpebholo and Mark Campbell’s The Cook-Off—a brilliant new opera in need of an intimate setting. Sam immediately saw the potential, noting his plans to bring acclaimed culinary historian Michael Twitty to the University of Dayton’s Food and Culture Festival. In that moment, we began “cooking up” the idea to pair Bon Appétit! with The Cook-Off as part of the Festival.
This pairing brings two universal passions—music and food—to the stage. We all share a deep connection to a favorite song or a comfort dish. This theme resonates with me personally; cooking is my greatest hobby, and the family recipes passed down through generations of self-taught cooks in my family tell our shared story.
While food and opera are common pairings—from the boisterous cafes of La Bohème to the feast in Don Giovanni, and even the more “unusual” kitchens of Sweeney Todd—tonight features actual cooking on stage! My sincere thanks go to our props master, John Lavarnway, for managing a props list that doubles as a grocery list. I am also deeply grateful to Sam Dorf for inviting Dayton Opera to participate in the UD Alumni Chair in the Humanities’ Food and Cultural Festival, marking our debut performance in the beautiful Roger Glass Center for the Arts.
On a personal note, I will be stepping down as Artistic Director of Dayton Opera at the conclusion of this season. I deeply love this work, revere my colleagues, and adore this community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together: building new audiences, maintaining an intentional focus on innovation, attracting exceptional Artists in Residence, and introducing rising young stars to Dayton.
Most importantly, I am proud that our productions truly represent our community, ensuring every voice is present in the stories we tell. My goal has always been to
bring art to where the people are and to ensure the stage reflects the world around us. Being part of this festival is, quite literally, the icing on the cake.
I hope you leave tonight inspired to share your own stories and preserve your food heritage. Like the feeling after a great meal, I hope you carry home memories of a wonderful evening, a sense of connection, and an eagerness to plan the next “get-together.”
Kathleen Clawson, Dayton Opera Artistic Director
Dr. Ron Anderson & Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair
About the Operas
COMPOSED 1989 PREMIERE
March 8, 1989; Washington, DC
This is the Dayton Opera premiere performance.
APPROX. DURATION 20 minutes
Bon Appétit!
Bon Appétit! combines two-episodes of The French Chef (adapted by Michael Shulgasser) into a one-woman tour de force, as Julia Child, the grande dame of American cooking shows, teaches us how to create a classic chocolate cake—Le Gâteau au Chocolate l’Eminence Brune. Originally written for the Broadway and Television comedienne Jean Stapleton (best known as Edith Bunker in All in the Family), Hoiby’s score masterfully captures Child’s distinct vocalism.
Bon Appétit!, Composed by Lee Hoiby. Presented under license from G. Schirmer, Inc., copyright owners.
COMPOSED 2023
PREMIERE
November 15, 2024; Nashville, TN
This is the Dayton Opera premiere performance.
APPROX. DURATION 60 minutes
The Cook-Off
The setting of The Cook-Off is an episode of “America Loves Food,” a televised cooking competition in which three contestants vie for a monetary prize by creating their best version of an iconic American dish. The location of this episode of “ALF”—which takes place in 2015—is Charlottesville, Virginia, and the featured dish is mac ‘n’ cheese. The three contestants are Ivy Sweet, from Jacksonville, Florida, creator of the “White Magnolia” food and lifestyle blog; Kendra Smith, owner and chef of Aunt Bebe’s soul food restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama; and Álvaro Mendez, owner and chef of Sabroso, a successful food truck in Atlanta, Georgia. Kenny Kincaid is the unctuous emcee and Beryl Bennett, a famous foodwriter, is the imperious judge. As Kincaid hawks sponsors’ cooking products, Bennett handily finishes off a bottle of red, and the contestants reveal their various reasons for needing to win, The Cook-Off expands into a story about food and culture, legacy and identity.
About the Artists
Julia Child
Julia Child, born on August 15, 1912, went on to become the American cooking world’s first television star. Her award-winning cooking program The French Chef, which debuted in February 1963, introduced French cuisine to Americans and ran for 206 episodes over 10 seasons, turning Child into a household name.
Lee Hoiby Composer
Lee Hoiby (1926–2011) was an American composer and pianist celebrated for his lyrical, dramatically direct vocal music. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, he began piano study at age five and later studied at the University of Wisconsin and Mills College, where he worked with Darius Milhaud. He also studied composition with Gian Carlo Menotti at the Curtis Institute, whose influence is evident in Hoiby’s concise, theatrically vivid operatic style. A Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Institute of Arts and Letters award recipient, Hoiby maintained an active career as both composer and concert pianist, making his New York recital debut in 1978. His operas—including Summer and Smoke, The Tempest, and Bon Appétit! remain central to his legacy, alongside orchestral, chamber, and art song works.
Shawn E. Okpebholo Composer
Shawn E. Okpebholo is a twice GRAMMY®nominated Nigerian American composer whose music engages history, culture, and community through deeply personal storytelling. Named the 2024 “Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music” by the Chicago Tribune and one of Musical America’s “Top 30 Professionals of 2023,” his work has been praised as “devastatingly beautiful” (The Washington Post) and “lyrical, complex, singular” (The Guardian). Rooted in tradition yet unmistakably contemporary, Okpebholo’s music reimagines American musical heritage with a fresh, fearless voice. His GRAMMY®-nominated album Lord, How Come Me Here? explores Negro spirituals and folk hymns, while Songs in Flight earned international acclaim and a second GRAMMY® nomination. His works are widely commissioned and performed by major ensembles, and he serves as Jonathan Blanchard Distinguished Professor of Composition at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.
Mark Campbell is one of today’s most successful and prolific opera librettists, with Pulitzer Prize– and GRAMMY®
Mark Campbell Librettist
Award–winning works at the center of the contemporary repertoire. He has written 45 opera librettos, lyrics for seven musicals, and texts for numerous song cycles and oratorios, including Silent Night, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, As One, The Shining, Stonewall, and Sanctuary Road. His honors include the Kleban Foundation Award for Lyricist, multiple GRAMMY® nominations, Richard Rodgers Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Opera Association. A passionate advocate for new opera, Campbell mentors emerging writers through leading opera organizations and founded the Campbell Opera Librettist Prize—the first award of its kind in opera. He will be inducted into OPERA America’s Hall of Fame in 2025.
Allison Deady
Julia Child / Beryl Bennett
Allison Deady is a dynamic operatic performer from Philadelphia, known for her commanding stage presence, rich vocalism, and flair for comedy. Her repertoire includes roles such as Mrs. McClean (Susannah), Tisbe (La Cenerentola), Ruth (The Pirates of Penzance), Hänsel (Hänsel und Gretel), Marcellina (Le nozze di Figaro), and Lola (Cavalleria rusticana). She has appeared with Opera Tampa, Nashville Opera, Dayton Opera, and Knoxville Opera, and performed as a soloist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Recent highlights include Amy Lowell in the world premiere of The Sisters, Antonia’s Mother in Les contes d’Hoffmann, and Julia Child in Bon Appétit!. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia and the University of
Tennessee, Deady is also a passionate advocate for opera education and accessibility, including creating original outreach programming.
Kyle White
Kenny Kincaid
Kyle White is an American baritone praised for his expressive singing and strong dramatic presence across both standard and contemporary repertoire. Recent and upcoming engagements include Marcello (La bohème) with Madison Opera, Kenny Kincaid (The Cook-Off) with Dayton Opera, Antonio (Le nozze di Figaro) and Un Mandarino (Turandot) with The Atlanta Opera, and returns to The Santa Fe Opera in Madama Butterfly and the American premiere of Tobias Picker’s Lili Elbe. His repertoire includes Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), Schaunard (La bohème), Germont (La traviata), and roles in Silent Night and Scalia/Ginsburg. A frequent competition finalist, White earned Second Place in the 2025 Laffont Competition (Midwest Region). He holds degrees from Michigan State University and The Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Alexis DavisHazell
Kendra Smith
Alexis Davis-Hazell is an American mezzo-soprano acclaimed for the power, color, and dramatic intensity of her voice. Since contributing to the GRAMMY™ Award–winning album Gretchaninov: Passion Week with the Phoenix Chorale, she
Malone Blaich is a soprano and recent Artist Diploma graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where her roles included Blanche de la Force (Dialogues des Carmélites), Serpetta (La finta giardiniera), and Zina (Dark Sisters). In 2025, she served as an Apprentice Artist at the Santa Fe Opera, covering the Governess (The Turn of the Screw) and performing scenes from Daphne and Candide. She has appeared with the American Institute of Musical Studies and Opera Fusion/New Works, and joins Dayton Opera as a 2025–2026 Artist-in-Residence. Her season includes Frasquita (Carmen), soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem, and Ivy Sweet in Shawn E. Okpebholo’s The Cook-Off has appeared as a soloist in major symphonic works including Prokofiev’s “Alexander Nevsky,” Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, Duruflé’s Requiem, Ravel’s “Shéhérazade,” and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Her operatic repertoire spans roles from Dritte Dame (Die Zauberflöte) and Suzuki (Madama Butterfly) to Amneris (Aida), Azucena (Il trovatore), and Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana) with leading regional companies. A career highlight includes over 130 performances of Porgy and Bess in major international opera houses. Davis-Hazell is National President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and serves on the faculty of The University of Alabama.
Jehú Otero
Álvaro Mendez
Malone Blaich Ivy Sweet
Jehú Otero is a Puerto Rican tenor and former Resident Artist at Utah Opera. He holds degrees in voice and classical guitar from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and a master’s degree from Rice University. His recent performances include La fille du régiment, Rigoletto, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, and Handel’s Messiah, with appearances at the Santa Fe Opera and the Kennedy Center. Otero has created roles in new operas and performed extensively with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. A district winner of the Laffont Competition, he is also a founding member of the Fourte Guitar Quartet, which released its debut album in 2021.
Clinton Smith Conductor / Piano
Clinton Smith is a conductor, collaborative pianist, and opera music director. He returns to Dayton Opera to conduct The Cook-Off and Bon Appétit!, and is a frequent collaborator with The Atlanta Opera. Smith has served on the music staff of Santa Fe Opera and conducted productions with Arizona Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Minnesota Opera, and others, including the Pulitzer Prize–winning Silent Night. Equally active in orchestral music, he has held music director posts with Orchestra Seattle/ Seattle Chamber Singers and the St. Cloud Symphony. Smith holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Texas at Austin.
Rachel Robinson
Scenic and Lighting Designer
Rachel Robinson is a Dayton-based stage designer, artist, technician, production manager, and educator. She currently serves as Faculty of Practice for Theatre Design in the Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology Program at the University of Dayton. Her career began in Ohio’s first Technical Theatre CTE program at Centerville High School, where she earned the 2009 Critic’s Choice Award at the International Thespian Festival for A Doll’s House. Robinson holds a B.F.A. in scenic design from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.A. in Workforce Development Education from The Ohio State University. Her professional work spans scenic, lighting, and props design, stage management, and technical direction with numerous Dayton-area companies. She remains committed to arts education and expanding design work throughout the region.
Jo Baudendistel
Costume Designer
Jo Baudendistel was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and has had a passion for creating since childhood. She graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design with a BFA in fashion design in 2021, and then moved to California where she worked for Banana Republic as an assistant technical designer before moving home to pursue her passion for costuming. Baudendistel currently
works under the wardrobe supervisor at Dayton Performing Arts Alliance where she has worked on shows including The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, and Aida, as well as doing freelance work for the Dayton Dance Initiative’s production of Collab II
Great performances ahead!
The Sleeping Beauty
FRI February 20 at 7:30pm
SAT February 21 at 7:30pm
SUN February 22 at 2:30pm
An unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, The Sleeping Beauty unfolds like a beautiful dream— where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dance transport you to a world of fantasy.
An American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond
FRI March 6 at 7:30pm SAT March 7 at 7:30pm
This program celebrates the bold spirit of American music. Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” brims with jazzy swagger, while Bolcom’s Violin Concerto reflects diverse American musical voices. Barber’s Adagio for Strings offers a moment of beauty, and Still’s “AfroAmerican” Symphony blends classical tradition with the soul of the blues.
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
FRI May 15 at 7:30pm SAT May 16 at 7:30pm
When Porgy and Bess premiered, its music—featuring classics like “Summertime”—took root in American culture. Its powerful story of community, resilience, and redemption unfolds through a rich blend of musical styles, earning its place as one of the greatest American operas.
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
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Marcy Schade
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Richard & Jane Schwartz
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William* & Cynthia Uhl
Dr. Byron & Theresa Wade
William & Carolyn* Winger
Mr. Philip G. Wise & Dr. Joe Law
Brian & Sandra Woodruff
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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
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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
