Brandon Victor Dixon U of M Musical Theater Seniors
Enrico DiGirolamo
Maria C. Duey
Marianne Endicott
Fern R. Espino
Paul E. Ewing
Mary Ann Fontana
John W. Ingle III
Barbara Kratchman
Arthur C. Liebler
Dexter Mason
Ali Moiin
Allan Nachman
Ann Nicholson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2025
CHAIR
Ethan D. Davidson
VICE CHAIR
Mary Kramer
VICE CHAIR
Denise J. Lewis
VICE CHAIR
Don Manvel
PRESIDENT/CEO
Patty Isacson Sabee
SECRETARY
Gene P. Bowen
TREASURER
Bharat C. Gandhi
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
R. Jamison Williams
Naomi André
Richard A. Brodie
Kevin Dennis
Lisa M. DiChiera
Shauna Ryder Diggs
Sara Pozzi
Carrie Pryor
Paul Ragheb
Irvin D. Reid
Evan D. Ross
Nedda Shayota
Terry Shea
Matthew Simoncini
Richard A. Sonenklar
Lorna Thomas
Jesse Venegas
Barbara Walkowski
Gary L. Wasserman
Ellen Hill Zeringue
DIRECTORS
EMERITI
Elizabeth Brooks
Shelly Cooper
Marjorie M. Fisher
Herman Frankel
Dean Friedman
Jennifer Nasser
Charlotte Podowski
C. Thomas Toppin
Richard Webb
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2025
Lourdes V. Andaya
Naomi André
Harold Mitchell Arrington
Bettye Arrington-Martin
Barbra Bloch
Gene P. Bowen
Richard Brodie
Charles D. Bullock
Thomas Cohn
Peter Cooper
Shelly Cooper
Ethan D. Davidson
Gretchen Davidson
Kevin Dennis
Cristina DiChiera
Lisa M. DiChiera
Shauna Ryder Diggs
Enrico DiGirolamo
Kathleen DiGirolamo
Debbie Dingell
Mary Jane Doerr
Linda Dresner
Maria C. Duey
Kenneth Eisenberg
Frances Eisenberg
Marianne Endicott
Fern R. Espino
Paul E. Ewing
Mary Sue Ewing
Margo Cohen Feinberg
Robert Feinberg
Carl Fontana
Mary Ann Fontana
Bharat C. Gandhi
Lynn Gandhi
Mara Ghafari
Yousif Ghafari
Toby Haberman
Gregory Haynes
John Ingle III
Tara Ingle
Patty Isacson Sabee
Jill Johnson
Ellen Kahn
Stephanie Germack Kerzic
Meredith Korneffel
Mary Kramer
Barbara Kratchman
Michael Kratchman
William Kupsky
Ed Levy Jr.
Denise J. Lewis
Arthur C. Liebler
Nancy Liebler
Marian Loginsky
Stephan Loginsky
Mary Alice Lomason
Don Manvel
Jack Martin
Dexter Mason
Benjamin Meeker
Ronald Michalak
Ali Moiin
Antoinette Morelock
Allan Nachman
Joy Nachman
Linda Orlans
Myrna Partrich
Spencer Partrich
Margaret Pehrson
Sara Pozzi
Waltraud Prechter
Carrie Pryor
Ted Pryor
Amy Ragheb
Paul Ragheb
John Rakolta
Terry Rakolta
Irvin D. Reid
Pamela Trotman Reid
Evan Ross
Kelsey Ross
Anthony Rugiero
Sabrina Rugiero
David Sabee
Nedda Shayota
Terry Shea
Thomas Short
Matthew Simoncini
Mona Simoncini
Sheila Sloan
Richard A. Sonenklar
Mary Ann Stella
Lorna Thomas
Jesse Venegas
Yesenia Venegas
Amy Voigt
Jeff Voigt
Barbara Walkowski
Gary L. Wasserman
Karen Williams
R. Jamison Williams
Jeremy Zeltzer
Ellen Hll Zeringue
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Augustin Arbulu
Dodie David
Larry David
Dede Feldman
Dean Friedman
Aviva Friedman
Mary Happel
Robert Klein
Wally Klein
Charlotte Podowski
Charles Powdowski
Marjorie Sandy
Roberta Starkweather
C. Thomas Toppin
Bernie Toppin
Mary Lou Zieve
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Lynn & Ruth Townsend*
Avern & Joyce Cohn*
John & Mardell* De Carlo
David DiChiera*
Karen VanderKloot DiChiera*
Aaron & Bernice Gershenson*
Donald & Josephine Graves*
Roman & Katherine Gribbs*
John & Gwendolyn Griffin*
Harry & Jennie Jones*
Wade & Dores McCree*
Harry J. Nederlander*
E. Harwood Rydholm*
Neil & Phyllis* F. Snow
Richard & Beatrice Strichartz*
Robert & Clara “Tuttie” VanderKloot*
Sam & Barbara Williams*
Theodore & Virginia Yntema*
KEY
*Deceased
When your event is held here, it's a guarantee.
From walking down the aisle to hosting an annual fundraiser, the theater is all yours. Michigan's premier venue is unmatched, offering versatile spaces for any celebration. Home to world-class performances and legendary productions, the historic Detroit Opera House offers a backdrop of elegance and drama. Between our exclusive lounges, main stage, grand lobby, and 360° panorama-view Sky Deck, this iconic venue is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Discover why we’re Detroit’s destination for show-stopping experiences.
A message from Patty Isacson Sabee
On behalf of Detroit Opera’s family of musicians and artists, staff and board, production crew and volunteers, I’m delighted to welcome you to the historic Detroit Opera House for our 25/26 season.
There is much to inspire in the rich world of opera and dance presentations that you have come to enjoy here. We also hope these presentations will inspire deeper conversations about issues that affect us all, and this season we invite you to journey along with us as we explore American identity, as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each unique opera and dance production offers us an opportunity to participate in a dialogue around the question: Has America at 250 lived up to its promise?
At Detroit Opera, we remain committed to sharing the beauty and emotional depth of opera, which is the foundation of who we are. At the same time, by presenting diverse programming that celebrates the many ways music and culture can move us, we honor our city’s dynamic artistic spirit and open new doors for audiences to experience the wonder of live performance.
In addition, as our beautiful home enters its 29th year of hosting performances and events for the greater Detroit community, we hope you will join us for more opportunities to experience the vibrancy and variety of what we can bring to this stage.
If Bugs Bunny is what first introduced you to the magical world of opera, please bring family and friends and join us in April for a concert celebrating Bugs’s 85th birthday. Classic Looney Tunes cartoons including “The Rabbit of Seville” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” will be projected on our big screen while the Detroit Opera Orchestra performs the original, iconic scores live!
Or if the magic of our dance presentations inspires you to get your groove on, head down to the Detroit Opera House on January 31 for Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating the Music of Parliament Funkadelic and enjoy the Detroit Opera Orchestra in collaboration with legendary funkmaster George Clinton, joined by special guests Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Bilal. Clinton’s unique PFunk style blends jazz, rock, pop, classical, and gospel, and this concert will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear Clinton’s songbook with the grandeur of a full orchestra.
Whatever inspires you to join us at Detroit Opera, we thank you for being here. It is so important today for us all to be together, for the transformative power of performance to engage and connect us.
Patty Isacson Sabee President & CEO, Detroit Opera
Youth Chor us
Detroit Opera Youth Chorus (DOYC) is a world class training program for singers ages 8 through high school seniors. Choristers learn from Detroit Opera professionals who skillfully build a solid foundation of artistic expression and music theory. Many of our DOYC alumni have gone on to prestigious conservatories and universities majoring in vocal performance or musical theater.
Upcoming performances:
FRI / NOVEMBER 07, 2025 / 8:00PM SAT / NOVEMBER 08, 2025 / 8:00PM
SUN / NOVEMBER 09, 2025 / 3:00PM
Carmina Burana
with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Tickets @ DSO.org
SUN / DECEMBER 14, 2025 / 2:30PM
A Winter Fantasy
at First Presbyterian Church Royal Oak Tickets @ DetroitOpera.org
SAT / MAY 02, 2026 / 2:00PM Dean Burry’s
The Hobbit
Youth Opera at Detroit Opera House Tickets @ DetroitOpera.org
Sip & Stroll at the DOH
Have you ever strolled by the Detroit Opera House and wanted to know what it looks like inside? Join us for a 90-minute “Sip & Stroll” experience at the Detroit Opera House. Tours offer participants the chance to see our beautiful, historic 1922 theater, designed by renowned architect C. Howard Crane, and include the mainstage and backstage areas, plus a visit to the rooftop for spectacular views of downtown Detroit from our SkyDeck (weather permitting). Sip & Stroll tours include a glass of premium red or white wine, bottled water, and snacks. Must be 21 years old with a valid ID. Visit DetroitOpera.org for available dates and to purchase tickets.
Volunteers are the heart of all we do.
For lovers of opera, dance, theater, history, and community.
Join Detroit Opera’s volunteer community and share your gifts and talents. Have fun and make friends while participating in a multitude of opportunities all supporting Detroit Opera’s mission. Our volunteers are ambassadors for Detroit Opera and the city of Detroit, warmly welcoming patrons from near and far to the beautiful, 103-year-old Detroit Opera House for an experience they will cherish forever.
Easily sign up for events using our online volunteer portal!
“Once, my body belonged to me.”
SUN / MAR 01 / 2:30PM
THU / MAR 05 / 7:30PM SAT / MAR 07 / 7:30PM
A message from Jon H. Teeuwissen
Welcome! As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, our Dance @ Detroit Opera 25/26 Season celebrates the evolution of dance in America, focusing on neoclassical ballet, modern, and theatrical jazz dance.
This fall, we dive into neoclassical ballet, the new vocabulary of ballet developed by George Balanchine that allowed dancers to move with greater speed. Considered the “father of American ballet,” Russian-born of Georgian descent, Balanchine choreographed for the renowned Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo and later came to America, where he and art connoisseur/impresario Lincoln Kirstein co-founded the School of American Ballet, and later the New York City Ballet.
Balanchine will be spotlighted on Stars of American Ballet’s Detroit program with his ballet Who Cares?, danced to some of Gershwin’s best-loved songs. The Stars program also includes In the Night, choreographed by Jerome Robbins to Chopin nocturnes. Robbins choreographed his first ballet, Fancy Free, for American Ballet Theatre, and used the same theme to develop the Broadway hit On the Town He went on to choreograph many Broadway shows, notably West Side Story He returned to choreographing for ballet when Balanchine invited him to join the New York City Ballet. The program includes the sensual pas de deux from Light Rain, Gerald Arpino’s most popular ballet. Arpino co-founded the Joffrey Ballet with Robert Joffrey and served as resident choreographer. Joffrey is the link to Twyla Tharp, who is also represented on the Stars program with her ballet Brel, featuring a male solo dancer and music by Jacques Brel. In 1973, Joffrey invited Twyla Tharp, a fixture of New York City’s downtown modern dance scene, to create a contemporary ballet. She created Deuce Coupe, set to music by The Beach Boys. This first “crossover” ballet created by a modern dance choreographer was a major success and gave Tharp huge visibility.
This season we’re delighted to welcome back Dance Theatre of Harlem, co-founded by Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet. As Balanchine was Mitchell’s mentor, DTH reflects the neoclassical ballet aesthetic. Robert Garland, current artistic director and former company member who performed many Balanchine ballets, notably The Four Temperaments, is a Balanchine devotee. Garland’s own choreography will be represented on the program with Nyman String Quartet No. 2. Also on the program is Passage of Being, a 2025 ballet by Jodie Gates, and John Taras’s Firebird, which the company has not performed for more than 20 years.
In 2026, we will feature both modern and theatrical jazz dance with works of Paul Taylor and Bob Fosse. Enjoy!
Jon H. Teeuwissen Artistic Advisor for Dance
FOUNDERS
Arthur Mitchell Karel Shook
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Robert Garland
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Anna Glass
REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
Juan Carlos Peñuela
DTH COMPANY ARTISTS
Ariana Dickerson Lindsey Donnell Carly Greene Alexandra Hutchinson
Alexandra Rene Jones Michaela Martin-Mason Kira Robinson
Kamala Saara Ingrid Silva Delaney Washington
Derek Brockington Micah Bullard Renan Cerdeiro Julian Cottrell Kouadio Davis
Jhaelin McQuay Sean Miller Luis Fernando Rego Ethan Wilson David Wright
DTH GUEST ARTISTS
Eunhye Darbouze Amber Harper Hope Roberts
Michael Shavelle Tatiana Stevenson Amar Smalls
With students from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Generous support for Dance Theatre of Harlem is provided by Alliance Bernstein Foundation; Alphadyne Foundation; Arnhold Foundation; BET Networks; Bloomberg LP; Bloomberg Philanthropies; Booth Ferris Foundation; CIVITAS; Con Edison; COFRA Foundation; Aaron Copland Fund for Music; Dance/NYC; Davis/Dauray Family Fund; Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation; Ford Foundation; Howard Gilman Foundation; GCM Grosvenor; GEICO; Google; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; DuBose & Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund; The Jockey Hollow Foundation; Hyde and Watson Foundation; IQVIA; JPMorgan Chase; Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts; Klein Family Foundation, Legal Defense Fund; The Lenat Foundation; The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation; Madison Square Garden; The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation; Mellon Foundation; Meta; Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation; Morgan Stanley; Margaret T. Morris Foundation; Henry and Lucy Moses Fund; The New York Community Trust; Nike; Paramount; Tatiana Piankova Foundation; Polar Foundation; Jerome Robbins Foundation; The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The SHS Foundation; Sony Music Group; The Thompson Family Foundation; Venable Foundation; Warner Music Group & Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, a sponsored project of Moore Impact; Wealthspire, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP; West Harlem Development Corporation; and one anonymous donor.
Dance Theatre of Harlem is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
SAT / NOV 15 / @7:30PM
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
@6:30PM WITH ROBERT GARLAND
SUN / NOV 16 / @2:30PM
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
@1:30PM WITH ROBERT GARLAND
A note from the Dance Theatre of Harlem
Artistic Director
“Ballet is an art form that transcends words, telling stories of resilience, transformation and boundless possibility."
In a world that often feels divided, art has the power to bring us together— to remind us of our shared humanity and the beauty that exists even in challenging times. As our company artists take the stage, they bring with them not only passion, grace, and joy but also a spirit of innovation that propels us to move boldly forward.
More than 56 years ago, Arthur Mitchell set out to prove that ballet belongs to everyone. His vision of inclusion, access, and possibility remains at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for being part of this moment. Your presence and support make it possible for us to dream bigger, reach higher, and continue shaping the future of ballet. We invite you to join us on this journey—one that honors our past while embracing the limitless possibilities ahead.
Enjoy the performance!
Robert Garland
Artistic Director, Dance Theatre of Harlem
Support DTH!
dancetheatreofharlem.org/donate
For more information about Dance Theatre of Harlem, please visit dancetheatreofharlem.org
Scan to learn more about DTH
PHOTO: DTH COMPANY ARTISTS BY STEVEN PISANO
World Premiere March 1, 2019, Eisenhower Hall, West Point, NY
Choreography Robert Garland
Music Michael Nyman
Costume Design and Execution Pamela Allen-Cummings
Lighting Design Roma Flowers
SAT / NOV 15 / 7:30PM
Kouadio Davis Micah Bullard Renan Cedeiro Julian Cottrell
Luis Fernando Rego Ariana Dickerson Michaela Martin-Mason
Ingrid Silva Tatiana Stevenson Delaney Washington
SUN / NOV 16 / 2:30PM
Derek Brockington Julian Cottrell Michael Shavelle Amar Smalls
Ethan Wilson Eunhye Darbouze Lindsey Donnell Carly Greene Amber Harper Kira Robinson
“This work is dedicated to the memory of two men whom I admire: John Wesley Carlos, former track and field medal winner at the 1968 Summer Olympics, well known for his triumphant salute upon the winners podium that year, and Dance Theatre of Harlem's Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus, Mr. Arthur Mitchell (1934-2018), whose similar stand for his people, his community, and the arts “has brought us thus far on our way.”—Robert Garland
“Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land.”
(Lift Every Voice and Sing)
— Intermission —
This ballet was commissioned with generous funding from Seattle Theatre Group for the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 50th Anniversary season.
String Quartet No. 2, Composed by Michael Nyman Presented under license from G. Schirmer, Inc. o/b/o Chester Music Ltd., copyright owners.
World Premiere April 10, 2025, New York City Center
Choreography Jodie Gates
Music Ryan Lott, Rob Moose, Son Lux, yMusic
Costume Design and Execution Martha Chamberlain
Lighting Michael Korsch
SAT / NOV 15 / 7:30PM
Kamala Saara Derek Brockington
Ariana Dickerson Kouadio Davis
Jhaelin Mcquay Ethan Wilson
SUN / NOV 16 / 2:30PM
Kamala Saara Derek Brockington
Alexandra Rene Jones Kouadio Davis
Jhaelin Mcquay Luis Fernando Rego
"Time prompts philosophical contemplation about existence, purpose, and mortality. And the progression of time is a remarkable subject when contemplating the transient aspects of life and the relationship we build with self and with others over a lifetime. As a collective body this work abstractly calls upon poetic nuances and the poignant allure of time’s rapid passage of being."
—Jodie Gates
“Cherry Blossom,” Written and performed by Ryan Lott “Don’t Say It’s Too Late,” Written by Ryan Lott, Performed by Son Lux & Rob Moose
“Eleven,” Written by Ryan Lott, Performed by Ryan Lott & yMusic Music use courtesy of Domino Music Co. and Ghost Town Inc
— Pause —
PHOTO: DTH COMPANY ARTISTS MICAH BULLARD AND KAMALA SAARA
BY
JEFF CRAVOTTA
DTH Premiere February 9, 2024, Belk Theater, Charlotte, NC
Choreography Robert Bondara
Lighting & Costume Design Robert Bondara
SAT / NOV 15 / 7:30PM
Lindsey Donnell Micah Bullard
SUN / NOV 16 / 2:30PM
Alexandra Hutchinson David Wright
"The catchy percussion beat of the Radiohead song 'Reckoner' became the first trigger and source of inspiration for movement language and choreography. Getting deeper into the creative process and vague lyrics of the song in a very personal way, the content of the choreography got closer to reflection about our existence, our efforts to grasp the meaning of life despite 'bittersweet distractors.' What is essential for the piece is metaphysical experience, an elusive atmosphere determining relations between the dancers on the stage."
—Robert Bondara
This duet was created in 2016 for Polish National Ballet soloists Yuka Ebihara and Kristof Szabo. Take Me With You was later performed by many leading dancers, including Roberto Bolle and Melissa Hamilton among others, and in theatres across the globe and on Polish, Czech and Italian TV. In 2021, Robert created a larger one-act ballet that includes this duet for Poznan Opera Ballet and in 2022 was staged by West Australian Ballet.
Reckoner by Radiohead. T hom Yorke, songwriter, vocals. Jonny Greenwood, songwriter, guitar. Colin Greenwood, songwriter, bass. Philip Selway, songwriter, drums.
Music by arrangement with Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
— Intermission —
World Premiere January 12, 1982, Dance Theatre of Harlem, City Center, New York, NY
Choreography John Taras
Music Igor Stravinsky
Original Costume & Scenic Design Geoffrey Holder
Original Costume Execution Grace Costumes, Inc.
Costume Recreation Katy A. Freeman, Vernon Ross, and Leo Holder
Costume Execution for “Firebird” / “Princess of Unreal Beauty” John Kristiansen New York Inc
Lighting Design Clifton Taylor, based on original design by Clarke W. Thornton Répétiteurs for DTH Charmaine Hunter, Donald Williams, Naimah Kisoki, and Iyun Harrison , and for UNCSA Misha Tchoupakov
Magic. Love. Liberation.
In the legendary "Firebird," the Russian folk tale about the triumph of love over evil is reimagined in a luscious Caribbean setting. John Taras' choreography, paired with Stravinsky's iconic score, comes to life through the vibrant scenery and costumes of the inimitable Geoffrey Holder.
This DTH signature classic was first created in 1982 and captivated audiences as it toured the world for more than 20 years. “…it does one thing other versions do not—send its audience into a whooping spell of delirium” (The New York Times). Prepare to be enchanted.
Visionary support for Firebird provided by Jody and John Arnhold and the Virginia Arts Festival, with major support from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts as part of a multi-year partnership between Dance Theatre of Harlem and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Special thanks to the Kresge Foundation for support of our educational and community engagement in Detroit, and Jeep for their support of this First Look performance of Firebird
Additional contributions generously provided by Dennis W. Archer Jr., Terri Prettyman Bowles and Alvin L. Bowles, Jr., DTE Energy Foundation, First Merchants Bank, Sharon Freed-Moreland/3D Dance Academy, Mr. Ken and Dr. Rudene Glass, Kojaian Companies, Sharon Madison and Michael Steinback, Carmen Perkins and Dennis Perkins, Jr., Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC.
Firebird was recreated courtesy of the Holder Estate under the supervision of Leo Holder with assistance from Clifton
Stravinsky's “Firebird Ballet Suite” was performed by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark A. Norman, and released on UNCSA Media. Performer flying effects created by Vertigo™—getvertigo.com
Taylor, Don Padgett and Paul Moore.
SAT / NOV 15 / 7:30PM
YOUNG MAN ..................................................... Derek Brockington
PRINCESS OF UNREAL BEAUTY .............................. Kamala Saara
CREATURES OF EVIL ......................
Ethan Wilson, Michael Shavelle, Cameron Caldwell*, Julian Cottrell, Andrew McGee*, Sean Miller, Darby Moody*, Luis Fernando Rego, Amar Smalls, David Wright, Brynn Copeland*, Kayla Estipular*, Lilly Hall*, Radha Nambisan*, Frances O’Malley*, Erin Waggoner*
PRINCE OF EVIL Jhaelin Mcquay
APOTHEOSIS ........................................................... The Ensemble
SUN / NOV 16 / 2:30PM
YOUNG MAN ............................................................ Micah Bullard
FIREBIRD Ariana Dickerson
BEAUTIFUL MAIDENS .............. Eunhye Darbouze, Lindsey Donnell, Amber Harper, Alexandra Rene Jones, Michaela Martin-Mason, Lillith Marchetti*, Anela Mosqueda*, Averi Nozzerella*, Hope Roberts, Kira Robinson, Tatiana Stevenson, Madison Wilson*
PRINCESS OF UNREAL BEAUTY Delaney Washington
CREATURES OF EVIL ......................
Ethan Wilson, Michael Shavelle, Cameron Caldwell*, Julian Cottrell, Andrew McGee*, Jhaelin McQuay, Sean Miller, Darby Moody*, Luis Fernando Rego, Amar Smalls, Brynn Copeland*, Kayla Estipular*, Lilly Hall*, Radha Nambisan*, Frances O’Malley*, Erin Waggoner*
PRINCE OF EVIL David Wright
APOTHEOSIS ........................................................... The Ensemble
*Invited Guest with University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Firebird is made possible in part by a multi-year partnership between Dance Theatre of Harlem and the University of North Carlina School of the Arts, with support from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts. This initiative unites two esteemed institutions to elevate educational and professional opportunities for student dancers, and provide opportunities to revitalize iconic works from the DTH canon as well as co-curate new works and creative projects.
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is celebrating 60 years as a top-ranked arts conservatory and America’s first state-supported arts school. The nation’s only public university with five arts disciplines on one campus, UNCSA prepares emerging artists for careers in dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking, and music at the undergraduate through post-graduate levels, as well as through a specialized high school with free tuition for in-state residents. UNCSA provides industry-leading instruction in an inclusive environment where students are encouraged to leverage the arts as a mechanism for change. Interdisciplinary opportunities arising from the unique arts ecosystem on campus at UNCSA prepare artists to enter an evolving global arts and entertainment industry. Established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1963, the School of the Arts opened in Winston-Salem (“The City of Arts and Innovation”) in 1965 and became part of the University of North Carolina System when it was formed in 1972. For more information, visit uncsa.edu
Brian Cole, Chancellor
Endalyn T. Outlaw, School of Dance, Dean
Saxton Rose, School of Music, Dean
The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts was established in 1993 to strengthen the arts by initiating and incubating new ideas within the various constituencies and settings of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). By leveraging the extraordinary talents and creative energies of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to bring distinction to UNCSA, the Kenan Institute acts as a springboard to the broader creative community. For more information go to uncsa.edu/kenan
Kevin Bitterman, Executive Director
Liza Vest , Associate Director
COMPANY ARTISTS
DEREK BROCKINGTON Born: Chicago, IL and raised in Holland, MI. Training: Grand Rapids Ballet School, Interlochen Arts Academy, Ballet West, and Pennsylvania Ballet Summer Intensives. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (eighth season), Cincinnati Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet. Repertoire: Includes works by Claudia Schreier, Robert Garland, Stanton Welch, George Balanchine, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Darrell Grand Moultrie. Along with DTH’s Alexandra Hutchinson, he coordinates DTH social media.
MICAH BULLARD Born: Houston, TX.
Training: The Dance Center of Baytown, University of Oklahoma School of Dance (BFA 2019), Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Ballet Program, Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive, Texas Ballet Theater Summer Intensive. Professional Experience: Oklahoma City Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem (fifth season). Repertoire: Includes works by Robert Garland, George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Geoffrey Holder, Helen Pickett, Nacho Duato, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Alejandro Cerrudo, Merce Cunningham, Amy Hall Garner, Trey McIntyre, Colin Connor, Stanton Welch, Claudia Schreier, and Tiffany Rae-Fisher.
JULIAN COTTRELL Born: Fort Worth, TX.
Training: The University of Oklahoma School of Dance, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, Texas Ballet Theater School. Professional Experience: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season). Repertoire: Works by George Balanchine, Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, Robert Garland, Penny Saunders, Robin Mineko Williams, Yury Yanowsky, and Ryan Nye. Awards: Recipient of the OU School of Dance Ovation Award and the Corp de Ballet International Basil Thompson Memorial Scholarship.
KOUADIO DAVIS Born: Oneonta, NY.
Training: Holbrook-Wade School of Dance, Fokine Ballet, New York State Summer School of the Arts with Daniel Ulbricht, NYCB. Carolyn Adams. Alvin Ailey, Nutmeg Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Alonzo King Lines, French Academie of Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Springboard Danse Montreal. 2019 Graduate of Ellison Ballet. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (seventh season).
Awards: Youth America Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018, where he and his partner won second and then first place in the contemporary Pas de Deux category.
ARIANA DICKERSON
Born: Pensacola, FL, raised in Dayton, OH. Training: Interlochen Arts Academy, and summer intensives with Alonzo King Lines, Boston Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. Education: Indiana University Bloomington Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Science in Ballet and Media Advertising. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (third season). Repertoire: Includes works by Justin Peck, Dwight Rhoden, Ulysses Dove, Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, and George Balanchine. Awards: Ariana is the recipient of the IU Premier Young Artist Award, the Brown Girls Do Ballet Scholarship for Change, Interlochen Young Artist Award, and the Interlochen Arts Academy Fine Arts Award.
LINDSEY DONNELL
Born: Midland, TX.
Training: La Petite Dance Studio, Midland Festival Ballet under Susan Clark. Education: Cum laude graduate of Butler University, degrees in Dance-Arts Administration and Journalism. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (thirteenth season), Nashville Ballet (trainee).
Repertoire: Includes works by George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, Ulysses Dove, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, Geoffrey Holder, Donald Byrd, Dianne McIntyre, and Robert Garland. Awards and Honors: Featured artist at opening of One World, Trade Center, TEDx Broadway 2016, performer at Kennedy Center Honors 2016 and 2022, and White House performance for Michelle Obama.
CARLY GREENE Born: Flower Mound, Texas.
Training: The Ballet Conservatory, The Ailey School, Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Summer Intensives with Houston Ballet, The School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Colorado Ballet. Education: Magna cum laude graduate of Fordham University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology and Emerging Media. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (third season).
Repertoire includes works by George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, Geoffrey Holder, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, Jennifer Archibald, Silas Farley, Helen Simoneau, and Ethan Colangelo. Awards: Carly is a two-time YAGP New York Semi-Finalist and was a recipient of the Dance Council of North Texas Scholarship and the Alvin Ailey Artistic Scholarship.
ALEXANDRA HUTCHINSON Born: Wilmington, DE.
Training: The Washington School of Ballet, Wilmington Academy of Dance, and summer intensives with Alvin Ailey, Alonzo King, Carolina Ballet, Ballet Chicago, and Nashville Ballet 2. Education: Bachelor of Science in Ballet, Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (eighth season), Nashville Ballet. Repertoire: Includes works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Stanton Welch,
Robert Garland, Helen Pickett, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Nacho Duato, Paul Vasterling, Septime Webre, and Michael Vernon. Awards and Honors: Alexandra is the recipient of The Pierians Foundation Incorporated 2018 Emerging Young Artist Award, Virginia Johnson Scholar, Washington School of Ballet Professional Training Program tuition stipend, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Along with Derek Brockington, she coordinates DTH social media.
ALEXANDRA RENE JONES Born: Indianapolis, IN.
Training: Indianapolis School of Ballet and Indiana University Ballet Theater. Summer Intensives with Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Philadelphia Ballet, and Ballet Rhode Island. Professional Experience: Ballet Rhode Island, Rhode Island Women’s Choreography Project; Indianapolis Ballet (Guest Artist); Dance Kaleidoscope (Guest Artist), Dance Theatre of Harlem (third season). Repertoire: Includes works by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Jerome Robbins, Antony Tudor, Sasha Janes, Theresa Jimmerson (Fervers), Michael Vernon, and Yury Yanowsky. Awards and Honors: Alexandra is the recipient of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Premier Young Talent Scholarship & Music Faculty Award. Alexandra is also featured in the book People of Indiana University.
MICHAELA MARTIN-MASON Born: Philadelphia, PA.
Training: Alvin Ailey School, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Indiana University Ballet Theater. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season). Repertoire: Works by Justin Peck, Michael Vernon, George Balanchine, Christina Claessens, and Sasha Janes.
LUIS FERNANDO REGO Born: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Training: Projeto Vidancar, Maria Olenewa School, and School of the Bolshoi Theater in Brazil. Professional Experience: Tivoli Ballet Theatre in Copenhagen, Dance Theatre of Harlem (second season). Repertoire: Includes Napoli from Bournonville, The Nutcracker, Raymonda, Scheherazade, Don Quixote, Talisman, Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Valse Moskovsky, Spring Water, and Diana and Acteon
KIRA ROBINSON Born: Atlanta, GA.
Training: Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. Professional Experience: Oklahoma City Ballet II, Dance Theatre of Harlem (second season). Repertoire: Includes Falling Angels by Jiří Kylián; Antique Epigraphs by Jerome Robbins, Train of Thought by Yury Yankowski, Serenade by George Balanchine, The Nutcracker, and Alice in the Wonderland by Septime Webre.
KAMALA SAARA Born: Los Angeles, CA.
Training: Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet, School of American Ballet. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (fifth season). Awards: Kamala is a recipient of the Grow Annenberg Fellowship and a full scholarship for the School of American Ballet. She received first place Award for Training and the Performance Scholarship at the 2018 Bolshoi Ballet Academy and placed second in the Classical category at the 2016 Youth American Grand Prix Paris, France.
INGRID SILVA Born: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Training: Projeto Dançando Para Não Dançar, Escola de Dança Maria Olenewa, and Centro de Movimento Debora Colker. Education: Universidade da Cidade. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (thirteenth season), Grupo Corpo (apprentice), Armitage Gone! Dance. Repertoire: Includes works by Arthur Mitchell, Donald Byrd, George Balanchine, Dianne McIntyre, John Alleyne, Darrel Grand Moultrie, Francesca Harper, Robert Garland, Carol Armitage, Deborah Colker, Rodrigo Pederneiras, and Annabelle Lopez-Ocha. Awards and Honors: In 2017 Silva was the first African Brazilian to be on the cover of Pointe Magazine and appeared on the cover of Vogue Brasil November 2020. She is the founder of @PodHer & co-founder of @blacksinballet.
DELANEY WASHINGTON Born: San Francisco, CA
Training: Lise la Cour's LaCademy, The Ailey School/Fordham University, and Jacob's Pillow Summer Program 2021 under the direction of Helen Pickett and Milton Myers. Professional Experience: Palm Beach Dance Festival, Dance Theatre of Harlem (fifth season). Repertoire: Includes works by Dwight Rhoden, Helen Simoneau, Yusha Marie-Sorzano, Maurya Kerr, Pedro Ruiz, and Andre Zachery. Delaney is the recipient of the Alvin Ailey Artistic Scholarship.
DAVID WRIGHT Born: Ft. Polk, Louisiana.
Training: Infiniti Performing Arts Center, Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Orlando Ballet School. Professional Experience: Orlando Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem (fifth season). Repertoire: Jorden Morris’s Moulin Rouge, Val Caniparolis’s Lamberna, Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and Carmina Burana Awards: David was a finalist at Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition 2019.
GUEST ARTISTS
EUNHYE DARBOUZE Born: Brooklyn, NY. Training: School of American Ballet. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season guest artist). Repertoire: George Balanchine's Serenade, Coppelia, Raymonda Variations, and Concerto Barocco Awards and Honors: The American Dance Initiative Scholarship to attend the School of American Ballet, the Carolyn Lewis Wright Scholarship by the School of American Ballet, and Grant of Merit from the Arthur Mitchell Foundation.
AMBER HARPER Born: Cincinnati, OH. Training: Cincinnati Ballet. Professional Experience: Cincinnati Ballet Second Company, and Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season guest artist). Repertoire: George Balanchine’s Jewels, Gerald Arpino’s Confetti, Balanchine's Valse Fantasie, Devon Carney’s Giselle, Balanchine's Raymonda, and Anna-Marie Holmes’s Don Quixote
HOPE ROBERTS Born: Pittsburgh, PA. Training: Abby Lee Dance Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Richmond Ballet Trainee. Summer Intensives: Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Richmond Ballet. Professional Experience: Conflux Dance Theater, Charlotte Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season guest artist). Repertoire: Works by George Balanchine, Robert Garland, Keith Lee, Shannon Alvis, Stoner Winslet, and Edward Stierle. Awards and Honors: 2018 Changing Lives Through Dance full scholarship granted by Marcia Dale Weary.
MICHAEL SHAVELLE Born: Los Angeles, CA. Training: Up Studio under the direction of Alicia Head, the Colburn School under the direction of Silas Farley, Dance Theatre of Harlem School, and Barnard College Dance Department. Professional Experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season guest artist). Repertoire: George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Merce Cunningham, Silas Farley, Antonio Carmena, Houston Thomas, Durante Verzola, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Da’Von Doane, and Emily Kikta.
AMAR SMALLS Born: Brooklyn, NY. Training: The Ailey School, School of American Ballet, Jackie Kennedy Onassis School, and LaGuardia High School. Professional Experience: Ailey II, Collage Dance Collective, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season guest artist). Repertoire: Enemy in The Figure by William Forsythe, Revelations by Alvin Ailey, and Takademe by Robert Battle. Amar is the director of SMALLSDANCE.
TATIANA STEVENSON Born: Cortland, NY. Training: Dance Theatre of Harlem School, Ballet West Academy. Summer Intensives at San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell, and Ballet Academy East. Professional Experience: Ballet West 2, Ballet West (main company), Dance Theatre of Harlem (first season guest artist).
ARTHUR MITCHELL (Co-Founder; 1934–2018) is known around the world for creating and sustaining Dance Theatre of Harlem, the internationally acclaimed ballet company he co-founded with Karel Shook in 1969. Following a brilliant career as a principal artist with the New York City Ballet, Mitchell dedicated his life to changing perceptions and advancing the art form of ballet through the first permanently established African American and racially diverse ballet company. Born in New York City in 1934, Mitchell began his dance training at New York City's High School of the Performing Arts where he won the coveted annual dance award and subsequently a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet. In 1955 he became the first male African American to become a permanent member of a major ballet company when he joined New York City Ballet. Mitchell rose quickly to the rank of Principal Dancer during his fifteen-year career with New York City Ballet and electrified audiences with his performances in a broad range of roles. Upon learning of the death of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and with financial assistance from Mrs. Alva B. Gimbel, The Ford Foundation, and his own savings, Mitchell founded Dance Theatre of Harlem with his mentor and ballet instructor Karel Shook. With an illustrious career that spanned more than fifty years Mitchell was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, a National Medal of the Arts, a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the New York Living Landmark Award, the Handel Medallion the NAACP Image Award, and more than a dozen honorary degrees.
KAREL SHOOK (Co-Founder; 1920–1985) played a key role as teacher and mentor to African American dance artists in New York in the 1950s. In addition to co-founding Dance Theatre of Harlem with Arthur Mitchell in 1969, he also was a ballet master choreographer and author. Born in 1920, Shook was a native of Renton Washington. Encouraged to study ballet at age 13, he was a protégé of Nellie Cornish and received a scholarship to the Cornish School of Allied Arts in Seattle. While his performance career was brief, he appeared on Broadway and danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and New York City Ballet. Shook’s brief performance career led to teaching and choreographing mainly in Europe but also in New York. In the early 50's he opened Studio Arts, one of the few dance studios in the city where African Americans could study ballet. Among his students were Carmen de Lavallade, Pearl Primus, Geoffrey Holder, Louis Johnson, Alvin Ailey, and Arthur Mitchell who first came to him at age 17. Shook left New York in 1959 to become the ballet master of the Dutch National Ballet where he was when his former student Arthur Mitchell asked him to return to New York to help create the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Shook was an advocate of the universality of classical ballet. His book Elements of Classical Ballet explores the development of classical ballet in such countries across the globe as China, Turkey, Iran, Japan, Cuba, and Mexico. In 1980 he was awarded the United States Presidential Award for “Excellence and Dedication in Education.”
ROBERT GARLAND (Artistic Director) was a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company achieving the rank of principal dancer. After creating a work for the DTH School Ensemble Arthur Mitchell invited Robert Garland to create a work for The Dance Theatre of Harlem Company and appointed him the organization’s first Resident Choreographer. Prior to becoming DTH Artistic Director he served as Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem school. In addition to choreographing several ballets for DTH, Garland has also created works for New York City Ballet, Britain's Royal Ballet, Oakland Ballet, and most recently San Francisco Ballet. His commercial work has included music videos commercials and short films including the children’s television show Sesame Street, a Nike commercial featuring New York Yankee Derek Jeter, the NAACP Image Awards a short film for designer Donna Karan, and the “Charmin Cha-Cha” for Procter and Gamble. Garland holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Juilliard School in New York City.
ANNA GLASS (Executive Director) has been involved in the performing arts as both an artist and arts administrator for more than twenty-five years. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, recently named an “American Cultural Treasure” by the Ford Foundation and recent recipient of $18.5 million combined gifts from the Mellon Foundation, Ford Foundation, and MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett—the largest gift amounts in DTH’s history. Together with former Artistic Director Virginia Johnson, Glass co-launched a collaborative initiative addressing racial inequity in ballet—The Equity Project. In May 2013, she began her own endeavor dedicated to preserving and documenting the legacies of prominent Black artists and cultural institutions, and reinterpreting those legacies onto multiple platforms, including live performance. She recently produced Carmen de Lavallade’s newest solo show Carmen de Lavallade: Life of a Legend for Jazz at Lincoln Center and prior to that As I Remember It an intimate portrait of this legendary artist, which toured nationally. Glass has served as a consultant providing strategic planning and fundraising guidance to various non-profit arts organizations across the country and as an advisor for the DeVos Institute of Arts Management supporting New York City non-profits. Glass currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. Glass received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and her JD from the University of Dayton School of Law. She is a licensed attorney in the State of New York. Anna lives in Harlem with her husband and daughter.
JUAN CARLOS PEÑUELA (Rehearsal Director)
A native of Cali, Colombia, Juan Carlos Peñuela began dancing at the age of 12 with Incolballet, a ballet-centered secondary school. After graduation Peñuela was invited by Artistic Director Gloria Castro to join Ballet de Cali Colombia's National Company as a soloist where he performed in a variety of leading roles in contemporary works as well as classical pieces. Peñuela has danced with Ballet Arizona, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Pennsylvania Ballet, Maximum Dance Ballet, Gamonet Chamber Dance Project, and Ballet NY. Peñuela has served as guest Ballet Master and Repetiteur with Compania Colombiana de Ballet – Incolballet in Colombia, Chamber Dance Project, Lexington Ballet, The Ajkun Ballet Theatre in New York City, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ena Ballet Company in Japan, and Earl Mosley's Institute of the Arts International Summer Intensive in Kent, CT. He has served as a faculty member at Joffrey Ballet School, Marymount Manhattan College Ballet, Academy East in New York City, Alvin Ailey, and as a guest teacher at The Juilliard School and Dance Theatre of Harlem’s professional company. Since 2017, he has taught at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet summer program. In 2014 and in 2017, he attended the CPYB teachers' workshop and 2017 was featured in the August edition of Dance Teacher Magazine. For the last seven years he has been invited to Panama City as guest teacher and as adjudicator to Danza Activa Competition and the Ecuador Danza Ciad competition. Peñuela continues to return, as a guest teacher, to Colombia, where his journey began.
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You Raised the Barre
Detroit Opera gratefully acknowledges the members of Detroit Opera’s Dance Theatre of Harlem Giving Circle whose generosity uplifts the art of dance and strengthens Detroit’s place on the national cultural stage. Their support helps ensure that world-class companies like Dance Theatre of Harlem continue to inspire audiences and artists alike. Through their commitment, the spirit of dance flourishes—bringing beauty, creativity, and connection to our community.
Lisa DiChiera
Ludgarde Fall
Ellen Hill Zeringue
Dr. Irvin D. Reid & Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid
Anthony Smith & Leland Calloway
Crystal Winkler
This list is current as of October 31, 2025. We extend our thanks to those who joined the Giving Circle after the print deadline.
Dance Theatre of Harlem Inc.
Everett Center for the Performing Arts
466 West 152nd Street New York NY 10031-1814
(212) 690-2800 | dancetheatreofharlem.org
Board of Directors
Ackneil M. Muldrow III, Chairman
Leslie Wims Morris, Vice-Chairman
Martino R. Moore, Secretary
Terri Prettyman Bowles
Marcie Cleary
Kevin M. Cofsky
Richard Constable III
Administrative Staff
Robert Garland, Artistic Director
Anna Glass, Executive Director
Charles DeSantis
Molly A. Hall
Isabel Kallman
Aliya LeeKong
Sharon Madison
Erika Munro
Carmen Perkins
Jeanine Reynolds, Sr. Director of Philanthropy
Sharon Duncan, Director of Individual Giving
Kristine Liwag, Director of Institutional Giving
Madelyn Sproat, Manager of Individual Giving
Conor Flynn, Asst Mgr Development Operations
Madeline Sproat, Asst. Mgr. Development Operations
Fatima Jones, Chief Marketing Officer
Company Staff
Juan Carlos Peñuela, Rehearsal Director
Derrick McBride, Senior Director of Artistic Planning
Melinda Bloom, Company Manager
Stanley Lee Ralph III, Production Stage Manager
Kayla McConnell, Stage Manager
Malcolm Foster, Lighting Supervisor
Azhar Richmond
Tangela Richter
Bonita C. Stewart
Peter Sung
Janice Vickers
China White
Jaime Wynn
Keyana K. Patterson, Marketing Manager
Destiny Rosa, Marketing Associate
Alexandra Hutchinson, Derek Brockington, Ingrid Silva, Social Media Coordinators
Marc Martin, Senior Director of Finance & Administration
Stephen Foster, Manager of Finance and Administration
Hero Doucas, Human Resources Manager
Jordan Oldham, Events & Venues Operations Manager
Marino Ferreras, Director of Building Operations
Kenneth Thomas, Facility Manager
Marco Recinos, Maintenance
Katy Freeman, Wardrobe Supervisor
Donald J. Rose, M.D., Director of the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, NYU Langone Orthopedics
Hailey Calkins, Athletic Trainer
Alison Deleget & Joshua Honrado, Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants
DTH School & Community Programs
Tai Jimenez, School Director
Augustus van Heerden, Associate Director Lower/Upper School
Rachel Sekyi, Associate Director, Tendu Program
Danielle Thomas, Manager of Student Affairs
Gwendolyn Kingsberry, Director, Community Programs & Arts Education
Rachael Davidson, Manager, Community Programs & Arts Education
Najeree Wallace, School Accountant
Amanda Parache, Virtual School Monitor
Alexis Andrews, Bethania Gomes, Marsha Fay Knight, Darryl Quinton, Danielle Thomas, Sarah Wingo, DTH School Teachers
Rachael Davidson, Tabitha Kelly, Dancing Through Barriers Teachers
DTH Merchandising by The Araca Group Dance Theatre of Harlem is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
SAT / JAN 24 / 7:30PM
SUN / JAN 25 / 2:30PM
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, one of the most original forces in contemporary dance, was founded by Lou Conte in 1977 with deep roots in theatrical jazz dance—a uniquely American artform. The Detroit program will feature works from top contemporary choreographers plus two works from Tony Award–winning Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse.
25/26
SUN / DEC 07 / 2:30PM
THU / DEC 11 / 7:30PM
SAT / DEC 13 / 7:30PM
Highways and Valleys—Two American Love Stories is a unique double bill combining voices often excluded from the operatic mainstream: the “dean of African American composers,” William Grant Still, and the Jewish émigré Kurt Weill. From their marginalized positions in American society, both composers sought out the heart of American folk music and brought it into the world of opera.
TWO AMERICAN LOVE STORIES
Thank you to our donors Contributors to Detroit Opera
Detroit Opera gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose contributions were received between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Your generosity is essential to sustaining Detroit Opera as a vibrant cultural resource for our community.
Foundations, Corporate & Government Support
$1,000,000+
William Davidson Foundation
The State of Michigan
$500,000-$999,999
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
$250,000-$499,999
Ford Foundation
Mellon Foundation
$100,000-$249,999
J. Addison Bartush and Marion M. Bartush
Family Foundation
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Ford Philanthropy
General Motors
Gilbert Family Foundation
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
$50,000-$99,999
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Milner Hotels Foundation
$25,000-$49,999
Applebaum Family Philanthropy
Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation
Hudson-Webber Foundation
Kresge Foundation
MGM Grand Detroit
National Endowment for the Arts
The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation
Rattner and Katz Charitable Foundation
Matilda R. Wilson Fund
Kurt Weill Foundation For Music
$10,000-$24,999
DTE Energy Foundation
Geoinge Foundation
Masco Corporation
Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation
OPERA America
Penske Corporation
Ralph L. and Winifred E. Polk Foundation
Ida and Conrad H. Smith Endowment for MOT
The Mary Thompson Foundation
$5,000-$9,999
C&N Foundation
Co-Ette Club, Inc.
Aaron Copland Fund for Music
Gerson Family Foundation, Inc.
James and Lynelle Holden Fund
Honigman LLP
Louis and Nellie Sieg Fund
Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation
Somerset Collection Charitable Foundation
Strum Allesee Family Foundation
The Samuel L. Westerman Foundation
$1,000-$4,999
ABM Janitorial Services
John A. & Marlene L. Boll Foundation
Joyce Cohn Young Artist Fund
Detroit Children’s Choir
Marjorie & Maxwell Jospey Foundation
Josephine Kleiner Foundation
Elmira L. Rhein Family Foundation
Warsh-Mott Funds
Individual Support
The National Circle
Introduced in 2024, the National Circle unites Detroit Opera’s foremost supporters at a pivotal moment in our history. With annual contributions of $25,000 or more, these visionary donors affirm their belief in the transformative power of live performance to inspire meaningful change—both in our city and across the nation.
$100,000+
Richard & Mona* Alonzo
Ethan & Gretchen Davidson
Linda Dresner & Ed Levy Jr.
David & Christine Provost
Matthew & Mona Simoncini
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
Barbara A. Walkowski
$50,000-$99,999
Enrico & Kathleen Digirolamo
Patricia Isacson Sabee & David Sabee
Mary Kramer
Mrs. Phyllis Funk Snow*
Lorna Thomas, MD
Jesse & Yesenia Venegas
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
$25,000-$49,999
Lisa A. Applebaum
Alex Erdeljan
Carl & Mary Ann Fontana
Jane Iacobelli
Michael & Barbara Kratchman
Denise J. Lewis
Nancy & Bud Liebler
The Hon. Jack & Dr. Bettye Arrington Martin
Susanne McMillan
Allan & Joy Nachman Philanthropic Fund
Ann & James B. Nicholson
Ebbie Parsons III & Ayana Parsons
Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner*
Barbara Van Dusen
The DiChiera Society
KEY * Deceased
DiChiera Society members honor the legacy and vision of our founder, David DiChiera, while advancing Detroit Opera’s future as one of the nation’s most significant and innovative opera and dance organizations. Their commitment supports our ongoing focus on community engagement, accessibility, and bold artistic exploration under the leadership of Barbara Walkowski Artistic Director Yuval Sharon.
$10,000-$24,999
Gene P. Bowen
Mr. Thomas Cohn
Lisa DiChiera
Dr. Raina Ernstoff & Mr. Sanford Hansell
Maxine & Stuart Frankel Foundation
Bharat & Lynn Gandhi
Toby Haberman
Jody & Tara Ingle
Ali Moiin & William Kupsky
Ms. Mary C. Mazure
Donald & Antoinette Morelock
Mr. Cyril Moscow*
William & Wendy Powers
Dr. & Mrs. Samir M. Ragheb
Dr. Irvin D. Reid & Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid
Evan & Kelsey Ross
Salome E. Walton
Prof. Michael Wellman
$5,000-$9,999
Ms. Christine Ammer
Nina Abrams
Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya
Dr. Harold M. Arrington
Gregory & Mary Barkley
Wayne Brown & Brenda Kee
Sue Cutler & Jeff Fessler
Walter & Lillian Dean
Maria & David Duey
Nell Duke & David Ammer
Marianne Elrick & Kenneth Myers
Joseph Fontana & Nada Jurisich-Fontana
Ralph & Erica Gerson
Beverly Hall Burns
Ms. Carole Hardy
Ellen Hill Zeringue
William Hulsker & Aris Urbanes
Addison & Deborah Igleheart
Mary B. Letts
Andy Levin & Mary Freeman
Don Manvel
Mrs. L. William Moll
Van Momon & Pamela L. Berry
Robert & Susan Morris
Mr. George & Mrs. Jo Elyn Nyman
Joshua & Rachel Opperer
Ms. Linda Orlans
Sara A. Pozzi, Ph.D.
Waltraud Prechter
Carrie & Ted Pryor
Janice Ross
Mrs. Rosalind B. Sell
Terry Shea & Seigo Nakao
Michael & Stacey Simmons
Christopher Stavrou
Ned & Joan Winkelman
$3,000-$4,999
Sandra & Doug Bitonti Stewart
Paul & Lee Blizman
Bob & Rosemary Brasie
Dr. & Mrs. Ronald T. Burkman
Albert & Janette Cassar
Carolyn Demps & Guy Simons
Marla Donovan
Fern Espino & Tom Short
James & Margo Farber
Sally & Michael Feder
Ms. Laurie R. Frankel
Mr. Lawrence Glowczewski
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Christine Hage
Barbara Heller
Roberto Kalb & Mane Galoyan
Dr. Glendon M. Gardner & Leslie Landau
Ann Katz
Max Lepler & Rex Dotson
John & Arlene Lewis
Stephan & Marian Loginsky
Ms. Mary McGough
Benjamin Meeker & Meredith Korneffel, MD
Brian & Lisa Meer
Ms. Evelyn Micheletti
Phillip Minch
Brian Murphy & Toni Sanchez-Murphy
Geoffrey Nathan
Friends of Detroit Opera
George & Nancy Nicholson
Brock & Katherine L. Plumb
Lois & Mark Shaevsky
Susan Sills-Levey & Michael Levey
Susan A. Smith
Frank & Susan Sonye
Sharon Tevis Finch
Buzz Thomas & Daniel VanderLey
Joseph & Rosalie Vicari
Stanley Waldon
Dr. John Weber & Dr. Dana Zakalik
Bret & Susanna Williams
Dr. Lucia Zamorano
Every gift helps ensure that opera and dance continue to flourish in our community, bringing to life the indescribable magic that begins when the curtain rises. Friends of Detroit Opera— among our most loyal and essential supporters—sustain this work through annual contributions of $500 or more & enjoy exclusive benefits in recognition of their generosity.
$1,000-$2,999
Thomas & Gretchen Anderson
D.L. Anthony, Ph.D.
Ms. Geraldine Atkinson
Mr. Jason Batke
Martin & Marcia Baum
Mr. Stanislaw Bialoglowski
Ms. Nicole A. Boelstler
Mrs. Marlene L. Boll
Constance Bodurow
Marsha Bruhn
Ilse Calcagno
Harriet Clark
John & Doreen Cole
Tonino & Sarah Corsetti
Ms. Mary J. Doerr
Murray & Alice Ehrinpreis
Ms. Judith Ellis
Burke & Carol Fossee
Carol Gagliardi & David Flesher
Marcelo Ganasevici
Arline Geronimus
Allan Gilmour & Eric Jirgens
Mr. Nathaniel Good
Robert & Ann Greenstone
Kimberly Hastie
Fay & Allen Herman
Adriana Herrera
Julie & Peter Hollinshead
Joel Howell
Mary Ellen Hoy & Jim Keller
Paul Jednak & Tim Kasunic
Richard & Involut Jessup
Marc Keshishian & Susanna Szelestey
Mr. & Mrs. Gerd H. Keuffel
Sam Logan Khaleghi
Gregory Knas
William & Jean Kroger
Jennifer Lindsay Kott
Mrs. Marsha Lynn
Ms. Vera C. Magee
Mr. Loreto A. Manzo
Ms. Janet Groening Marsh
Patrick & Patricia McKeever
Eugene & Lois Miller
Mary F. Miller
Ms. Maryanne Mott
Iuliana & Ovidiu Niculescu
Ms. Pamela Patton-Cone
Margaret Pehrson
Mark & Kyle Peterson
Ms. Irene Piccone
Ankur Rungta & Mayssoun Bydon
Prof. Alvin* & Mrs. Harriet Saperstein
Mary Schlaff & Sanford Koltonow
Kingsley & Lurline Sears
Anthony & Theresa Selvaggio
John Snyder
Ms. Theresa Spear & Mr. Jeff Douma
Gabriel & Martha Stahl
Ms. Mary Anne Stella
Dr. Andrew James Stocking
Andrew J. Sturgess
Manuel Tancer & Claire Stroker
Mr. Jon Teeuwissen
Dr. Jewlee Weah Tweh
Jeff & Amy Voigt
Gary L. Wasserman & Charles A. Kashner
Erica White
Katina Zaninovich
$750-$999
Eric Alonas
Frank & Jenny Brzenk
Carol Johnston
Vincent & Kathy Scanio
Robert & Janet Swanson
Dennis & Jennifer Varian
$500-$749
Antonia Abbey & James Lee
David A. Agius
Wallace Ayotte
Ms. Allison Bach & Mr. Michael Cool
Ms. Mary Anne Barczak
Ms. Kanta Bhambhani
Marceline Bright
Ms. Susan Burns
Stephen Calkins & Joan Wadsworth
Susan Cameron
Paula Lisa Cole
Gerald Davis
Cristina DiChiera & Neal Walsh
Mr. John R. DiLodovico
Manisha Dostert
Daniel H. Ferrier
Yvonne Friday & Stephen Black
John Gierak & Dona Tracey
Joseph & Lois Gilmore
Gil Glassberg & Sandra Seligman
Philip & Martha Gray
Ms. Rosemary Gugino
Beth Hoger & Lisa Swem
Ms. George-Ann Howell
Lawrence John & Lilian Lai
Kimberly Johnson
Ms. Lee Khachaturian
Justin & Joanne Klimko
Ms. Cynthia Kratchman
Mary Jane & Jeff Kupsky
Albert Kurt
Robert & Mary Lou Labe
Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Levin
John & Arlene Lewis
Mr. John Lovegren & Mr. Daniel Isenschmid
John & Kimi Lowe
Mrs. Marsha Lynn
Dr. Anne Missavage & Mr. Robert Borcherding
Jane Panikkar
Elaine & Bertram Pitt
Garry Post & Robert Hill
Shawn Rieschl Johnson & Christian Kirby
Adam D. Rubin, M.D, Lakeshore Professional Voice Center
Mr. Richard Lee Ruby
Mr. Rodney Michael Rusk
Charles & Pamela Schiffer
Demetrius Shields
Catherine Strumbos
Clara Sumeghy
Mr. Bruce Tackett
Frank Tenkel
Dr. Gretchen Thams
Ms. Janet Beth Weir
Meredith Weston-Band & Jeffery Band
Ms. Richelle Wojtczak
Elliot & Dr. Susan Zeltzer
Gifts in Tribute
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have made generous gifts to Detroit Opera in honor or in memory of loved ones. The names of those being honored or remembered are listed in bold below.
IN HONOR OF
Armando Delicatio
Judith Gordon & Lawrence Banka
Lisa DiChiera
Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner*
Carl & Mary Ann Fontana
Mrs. Nina Dodge Abrams
Paul & Orvilla Ashely
Thomas E. Barron
Michael J. Bartoy
Beverly Anne Bloomberg
Andre Boulanger
Wilson Curle
Mary Jo & Donald Dawson
David Feeny
Pamela Fontana
Cynthia Gitt
Peter Gude
Patricia Isacson Sabee & David Sabee
Theresa Johnson
Mary Kramer
Allen A. Lewis
James Peggs & Margaret Talburtt
Sarah Siwek
Teresa Taranta
Sara Valenti
Rick Warner
Robert Wittenberg
Patricia Isacson Sabee
William Austin
Juliano Bitonti Stewart
Katrina Fasulo
Angela Nelson-Heesch
Brenda Kee
Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky
Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner*
Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky
David Kupsky Law Group, LLC
Mary Jane & Jeff Kupsky
Mrs. Mary Jane Kupsky
William & Elizabeth S. Kupsky Household
Shane Pliska & Karl Lievense
Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky
Brett Scott
Marcelo Ganasevici
Jon Teeuwissen
Manisha Dostert
Lorna Thomas, MD
Paul & Lee Blizman
Barbara Walkowski
Neal S. Goren
IN MEMORY OF
Wickam Allen
Beth Buzzelli Carlson
Armando Delicatio
Patricia Bentley
Jacqueline Shuster
Carol DeVore
Mr. Mark S. DeVore
David DiChiera
Louis & Nellie Sieg Fund
Sandy Duncan
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
Grant Eldridge
Tracy Barr
Drs. Julie B. Finn & Bradley Rowens
Heather Gehring
Shawn Rieschl Johnson & Christian Kirby
Al Lucarelli
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
George & Ann Marisl
Thomas Dickson & Carol Dick
Ruth Rattner
Jody & Gary Astrein
David & Nancy Barbour Household
Ms. Lori Cohn
Elle Elder
Marianne Elrick & Kenneth Myers
Beth & Earle Erman
Ann Fishman
Amy Folbe
Richard & Eleanore Gabrys
Marilyn Goldberg
Mrs. Marilyn Goldberg
Renee Handelsman
David & Rose Handleman
Barbara Heller
Patty Isacson Sabee & David Sabee
Richard Katz
Ann Katz
Mrs. Barbara Kratchman
Michael & Barbara Kratchman
Victor Lebovici
Dr. Jay Levinson
Nancy & Bud Liebler
Howard Luckoff
Alex & Lisa MacDonald Household
Ali Moiin & William Kupsky
Angela Nelson-Heesch
Bluma Schechter
Mrs. Bluma Schechter
Ms. Lisa Schwartz
Grace Serra
Martha Siefman
Mr. Mark Sussman
Mr. William Volz
Gary L. Wasserman & Charles A. Kashner
Rick & Karen Williams
Sharon Zimmerman
Suzann Kaye Ripple
Ms. Catherine Pappas
Miss Alison Piech
Gladys Santiago
Angeline Rooks
Maria McMullen
William Sandy
Julie & Peter Hollinshead
Tamara Whitty
Phyllis Osler
Every effort has been made to accurately reflect donor, honoree, and memorial names for gifts received between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. Should you find an error or omission please contact Angela Nelson-Heesch at anelsonheesch@detroitopera.org or 313.237.3438.
Avanti Society Members Setting the Stage for Tomorrow
Found throughout Italian opera, the word avanti means “ahead” or “forward.” The Avanti Society— Detroit Opera’s planned giving recognition program—honors a special group of donors whose generosity is guided by vision and foresight. By including Detroit Opera in their estate plans, members ensure that the transformative power of opera and dance will continue to inspire audiences in our community and across the nation for generations to come. With deep gratitude, we thank our Avanti Society members for shaping the future of Detroit Opera.
Douglas* & Sarah Allison
Richard & Mona* Alonzo
Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya§
Mr. & Mrs. Agustin Arbulu§
Chester* & Emilia Arnold§
Dr. Leora Bar-Levav
Lee & Floy Barthel
Brett & Veronica Batterson§
Richard & Gwen Bowlby
Mrs. Doreen Bull
Roy E.* & Ilse Calcagno§
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas & Dorothy* Carson
Dr. & Mrs. Victor J.* & Katherine Cervenak
Father Paul F. Chateau
Mary Christner
Mr. Gary L. Ciampa
Prof. Kenneth Collinson
Douglas & Minka Cornelsen
Dr. Robert A. Cornette§#
Mr. Thomas J. Delaney
Walter & Adel Dissett
Ms. Mary J. Doerr§
Mrs. Helen Ophelia Dove-Jones
Maria Dudlar
Marianne T. Endicott§#
David & Jennifer Fischer
Herbert & Betty Fisher§
Mrs. Barbara Frankel* & Mr. Ronald Michalak§#
Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel§#
Byron & Marilyn Georgeson§
Albert & Barbara Glover
Robert Green
Mr. Ernest Gutierrez
Stephen & Aline Hagopian
Mr. Lawrence Hall§
Jerome & Margot Halperin§
Heather Hamilton
Charlene Handleman
Preston* & Mary Happel
Mr. Kenneth E. Hart§
Eugene & Donna Hartwig§
Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. & Rebecca P. Hein
Fay & Allen Herman
Derek & Karen* Hodgson
Andrew & Carol Howell
Dr. Cindy Hung§
Eleanor & Alan Israel
Ms. Kristin R. Jaramillo§
Don Jensen & Leo Dovelle§
John Jickling
Patrick J.* & Stephanie Germack Kerzic
Josephine Kessler
Edward & Barbara Klarman
Robert & Wally Klein#
Erwin H. & Suzanne Klopfer§#
Myron & Joyce LaBan
Paul Lavins*
Max Lepler & Rex Dotson
Linda Dresner & Ed Levy Jr.
Mr. Hannan Lis
Florence LoPatin
Stephen Lord
Ms. Denise Lutz
Laura & Mitchell Malicki
Ms. Jane C. McKee§
Bruce Miller
Orlando & Dorothy Miller§
Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire
Drs. Stephen & Barbara Munk
Harold Munson & Libby Berger
Tiffany Nance
Mr. Jonathan F. Orser
Ms. Julie Owens
Mr. Dale J. Pangonis§
Charles A. & Mary Parkhill
Daniel Valentino Peacock
Allison Prost
Mr. Richard M. Raisin§#
Ms. Deborah Remer
Dr. Joshua Rest
James & Marguerite S. Rigby§
Mr. Bryan L. Rives
Ms. Patricia H. Rodzik§
David & Beverly Rorabacher
Dulcie Rosenfeld
Professor Alvin* & Mrs. Harriet Saperstein
Bashar Sarraf
Ms. Susan Schooner§
Mark & Sally Schwartz
Arlene Shaler§
Ms. Ellen Sharp
Ms. Edna J Pak Shin
Harold & June Siebert
Mrs. Loretta Skewes
Ms. Anne Sullivan Smith
Ms. Betsy R. Spratt
Richard* & Roberta Starkweather§#
Ms. Mary Anne Stella
Stanford C. Stoddard
Ronald F. Switzer§ & Jim McClure
Lillie Tabor
Peter & Ellen Thurber
Alice* & Paul Tomboulian
Jonathan* & Salome E. Walton
Susan Weidinger
Mr. Andrew Wise
Larry* & Mary Lou Zangerle
We express profound thanks to these Avanti Society members whose planned gifts to Detroit Opera have been realized.
Robert G. Abgarian
Robert & Margaret Allesee#
Serena Ailes Stevens
Mr. & Mrs. J. Addison Bartush§#
Mr. & Mrs. Mandell Berman
Margaret & Douglas Borden
Charles M. Broh
Milena T. Brown
Charlotte Bush Failing
The Gladys L. Caldroney
Mary C. Caggegi
Allen B. Christman
Miss Halla F. Claffey
Ms. Virginia M. Clementi
Hon. Avern Cohn & Ms. Lois Pincus
Robert C. & RoseAnn B. Comstock
Mrs. Mary Rita Cuddohy
Marjorie E. DeVlieg
Nance Dewar
James P. Diamond
Dr. David DiChiera
Mrs. Karen V. DiChiera
Nina S. Drolias
Charles & Mary Jane Duncan§
Mr. Wayne C. Everly
Dr. Evelyn J. Fisher
Mrs. Anne E. Ford
Ms. Pamela R. Francis§
Mrs. Rema Frankel
Barbara Lucking Freedman
Edward P. Frohlich
The Priscilla A.B. Goodell
Freda K. Goodman
Priscilla R. Greenberg, Ph.D. §#
Maliha Hamady
Ms. Nancy B. Henk
Mary Adelaide Hester
Ms. Patricia Hobar
Gordon V. Hoialmen
Carl J. Huss
Mr. John Jesser
H. Barbara Johnston
Maxwell & Marjorie Jospey
Mrs. Josephine Kleiner
Misses Phyllis & Selma Korn§#
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krolikowski§
Leslie Lazzerin
Mr. Philip Leon
Dores & Wade McCree
Vivien McDonald
Lucie B. Meininger
Helen M. Miller
Ella M. Montroy
Ronald K. Morrison
Ruth Mott
Clarice Odgers Percox
Elizabeth M. Pecsenye
Thomas G. Porter
Magdalena Predeteanu
Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner
Mitchell Romanowski
Ms. Joanne B. Rooney
Concetta Ross
Mr. & Mrs. Giles L. & Beverly Ross
Ms. Merle H. Scheibner
Drs. Heinz & Alice Platt
Schwarz§
Ms. Laura Sias
Mrs. Marge Slezak
Ms. Phyllis Funk Snow§
Edward L. Stahl
Dr. Mildred Ponder Stennis
Mary Ellen Tappan
Margaret D. Thurber
Mr. & Mrs. George & Inge Vincent§#
Herman W. Weinreich
J. Ernest Wilde
Mrs. Ruth Wilkins
Helen B. Wittenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Elizabeth Work§
Joseph J. Zafarana
George & Pearl Zeltzer§
KEY
§ Founding Members
# Touch the Future donors
* Deceased
Membership in the Avanti Society is open to all who wish to declare their intention for a planned gift to Detroit Opera. Call Demetrius Shields to learn more, 313.309.8255.
Detroit Opera Honor Roll
Detroit Opera gratefully acknowledges these distinguished donors for their lifetime giving. Their extraordinary generosity has shaped the history of our company— from its founding in 1971 by Dr. David DiChiera as Michigan Opera Theatre, to the opening of the Detroit Opera House in 1996, and to our bold transformation into Detroit Opera in 2022 under the leadership of Barbara Walkowski Artistic Director Yuval Sharon. Their visionary support sustains the vitality of Detroit Opera today, making possible world-class opera and dance performances as well as acclaimed community programs that inspire and engage audiences throughout our region.
$10,000,000+
The William Davidson Foundation
Ford Motor Company Fund
The State of Michigan
$5,000,000+
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
General Motors
John S. & James L. Knight Foundation
The Kresge Foundation
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
$2,000,000+
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas* & Sarah Allison
Mr. Lee & Mrs. Floy Barthel
Marvin, Betty & Joanne Danto
Dance Endowment & Marvin & Betty
Danto Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Herman & Sharon Frankel
Lear Corporation
Linda Dresner & Ed Levy Jr.
Masco Corporation
McGregor Fund
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Skillman Foundation
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
KEY
* Deceased
$1,000,000+
Richard & Mona* Alonzo
AT&T
Bank of America
Mandell L. & Madeleine H. Berman Foundation
Mr.* & Mrs. John A. Boll Sr.
Compuware Corporation
Robert & RoseAnn Comstock
Joanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden
Ethan & Gretchen Davidson
DTE Energy Foundation
The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Mrs. Margo Cohen Feinberg & Mr. Robert Feinberg
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Mrs. Barbara Frankel* & Mr. Ronald Michalak
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Frankel*
Hudson-Webber Foundation
JPMorgan Chase
Paul Lavins
National Endowment for the Arts
Matthew & Mona Simoncini
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
Dr. & Mrs. Sam B. Williams*
Matilda R. Wilson Fund
Every effort has been made to accurately reflect donor names and gift levels. Should you find an error or omission, please contact Angela Nelson-Heesch at anelsonheesch@detroitopera.org or 313.237.3438
Orchestra
Detroit Federation of Musicians, Local #5, of the American Federation of Musicians
VIOLIN
Daniel Stachyra
Interim Concertmaster
Yuri Popowycz
Acting Asst. Concertmaster
Emelyn Bashour
Principal Second Violin
Anna Bittar-Weller
Solveig Geenen
Molly Hughes
Bryan Johnston
Henrik Karapetyan
Velda Kelly
Beth Kirton
Jenny Wan
Andrew Wu
VIOLA
John Madison
Principal
Jacqueline Hanson
Scott Stefanko
Chloé Thominet
CELLO
Ivana Biliskov
Principal
Benjamin Maxwell
Andrea Yun
BASS
Derek Weller
Principal
Clark Suttle
HARP
Juan Riveros
Principal FLUTE
Collin Stavinoha
Principal
Andrea Velasquez
PICCOLO
Andrea Velasquez
OBOE
Eli Stefanacci
Principal
Mark Doerr
ENGLISH HORN
Mark Doerr
CLARINET
Roi Karni
Principal
J. William King
BASS CLARINET
J. William King
BASSOON
Daniel Fendrick
Principal
Peter Ecklund
HORN
Colin Bianchi
Principal
Natalie Sweasy
TRUMPET
David Ammer
Principal
TROMBONE
Jordan Dove
Principal
Dustin Nguyen
TIMPANI
Eric Stoss
Principal
PERCUSSION
John Dorsey
Principal
Administration & Staff
LEADERSHIP
Patty Isacson Sabee, President & CEO
Yuval Sharon, Barbara Walkowski Artistic Director
Roberto Kalb, Music Director
Andrew Berg, Chief Development Officer
Daniel T. Brinker, General Manager, Detroit Opera House & Parking Center
Shawn Rieschl Johnson, Chief Programming & Production Officer
Jon Teeuwissen, Artistic Advisor for Dance
Samantha Teter, Chief Marketing Officer
Ataul Usman, Senior Director of Human Resources
ADMINISTRATION
William Austin, Executive Assistant
ARTISTIC DEPARTMENT
Nathalie Doucet, Head of Music & Director of Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program
Elizabeth Anderson, Artistic Administrator
DANCE
Kim Smith, Dance Administrator
DETROIT OPERA YOUTH CHORUS
Twannette Nash, Chorus Administrator
Jane Arvidson Panikkar, Preparatory Chorus Conductor
Rebecca O-G Eaddy, Principal Chorus Conductor
Maria Cimarelli, Preparatory Chorus Accompanist
Joseph Jackson, Principal Chorus Accompanist
DEVELOPMENT
Juliano Bitonti Stewart, Director of Development
Chelsea S. Kotula, Director of Institutional Giving
Angela Nelson-Heesch, Director, Data Analytics & Operations
Valentino Peacock, Manager of Data & Operations
Demetrius Shields, Manager of Individual Giving
EDUCATION
Branden Hood, Director of Education
Alaina Brown, Program Coordinator: Education & Community Programs
Eliza Beutler, Program Administrator
FACILITIES
Vanessa Boyd, Facilities Manager
Juan Benavides, Building Engineer
Kevie Crumb, Facilities & Event Technician
FINANCE
Kimberley Burgess, Accountant
Rita Winters, Accountant
HUMAN RESOURCES
Denver Harvey, Human Resources Coordinator
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
Leah Hill, Director of Marketing
Anna Herscher, Lead Graphic Designer
Jennifer Melick, Communications & Media Relations Manager
Deirdre Michael, Website Administrator
Austin Richey, Digital Media Manager & Storyteller
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement Position is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
MUSIC
DEPARTMENT
Katherine Kozak, Chorus Director & Music Administrator
Molly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel Manager
Jean Posekany, Orchestra Librarian
PRODUCTION
Elizabeth Anderson, Production Coordinator
Kathleen Bennett, Production Finance Administrator
Jeff Beyersdorf, Technical Director
Eden Cope, Assistant Technical Director
Brian Dambacher, Production Manager
Monika Essen, Property Master
Suzanne Hanna, Costume Director
Kaila Madison, Technical Assistant
Brodrick Whittley, Assistant Technical Director
COSTUMES
Suzanne Hanna, Costume Director
Michaela Tanskley, Wardrobe Supervisor
Patricia Sova Jr., First Hand
Mary Ellen Shuffett, Fitting Assistant
Eileen Thorna , Tailor
Maureen Abele, Paul Moran, Lupe Vazquez, Stitchers
WIGS & MAKEUP
Erika Broderdorf, Wig & Makeup Crew Coordinator
STAGE CREW
John Kinsora, Head Carpenter
Jerome Bowie, Head Electrician
Pat McGee, Head Propertyman
Chris Baker, Head of Sound
Pat Tobin, Head Flyman
Dee Dorsey, Surtitle Operator
Mary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe
IATSE Local #38 Stage Crew
IATSE Local #786 Wardrobe
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Rock Monroe, Director of Safety & Security
Lieutenant Lorraine Monroe
Sergeant Demetrius Newbold
Officer Gary Cabean
Officer A.M. Hightower
Officer Michelle Johnson
Officer Terrence Hunter
Officer Vernon Smith
Officer Khalil Nalis
TICKETING & BOX OFFICE
Amy Brown, Director of Ticketing and Booking
Stephanie Stoiko, Box Office Manager
Evan Carr, System Administrator
Holly McDermott, Box Office Associate
Alex Robinson, Box Office Associate
Chris Simpson, Box Office Associate
Ellen Smith, Group Sales Associate
VENUE OPERATIONS
Alexis Means, Director of Operations & Patron Experiences
Holly Clement, Senior Manager of Events & Rentals
Jennifer George-Consiglio, Manager of Venue Operations
Michael Hauser, Curator of History & Architecture
Kathie Booth, Volunteer Coordinator
USHERS
Max Aghili, Christine Berryman, Ellen Bishop, Kathie Booth, Lori Burkhardt, Randall Davis, Erin Doakes, Suzanne Erbes, Pamela Fergusson, Jo-Ann Hale, Sue Hargrave, Myrna Mazure, Ennis Mcgee, Steven McReynolds, Heddie O’Connor, Bill Ried, Kimberly Ried, Edna Rubin, Ida Vance, Sheryl Weinan-Yee
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Please observe the lighted exit signs located throughout the theater. In the event of an emergency, remain calm and walk, do not run, to the nearest exit. Ushers and security personnel are trained to assist. An emergency medical technician (EMT) is on-site during most events. Contact an usher or staff member if you need medical assistance.
GUEST SERVICES:
Vincent Lobby and Broadway Lounge
There are a variety of amenities for your comfort and use located in both guest services locations. Wheelchairs, booster seats*, earplugs, assisted listening devices, feminine hygiene products, basic first aid items, and more are complimentary and available for your convenience. Coat check is also available. The Vincent Lobby is located on the Madison Street side of the building and the Broadway Lounge is located on the Broadway Street side of the building.
*Limited quantity
PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING, AND CELL PHONE USE
Photography and/or recording during any performance is strictly prohibited. Photographs taken in the lobby areas, before or after a performance, and during intermission are welcome. As a courtesy to all guests, please turn off all electronic devices and refrain from use during the performance.
RESTROOMS
Women’s restrooms are located off the Ford Lobby (Broadway Street entrance) and down the stairs, and on third floor (Madison Street entrance). Men’s restrooms are located under the Grand Staircase and on the third floor (Broadway Street side). There are two sets of elevators or stairs available to access all third-floor restrooms. All third-floor restrooms are wheelchair accessible (women’s restroom, press 3R in the elevator). There are single-use unisex wheelchair accessible restrooms on the first floor of the Broadway Street side of the building and the Madison Street side of the building. There is also a wheelchair accessible women’s restroom on the Broadway Street side of the building.
NO SMOKING
The Detroit Opera House is a non-smoking facility. This includes e-cigarettes, vapes, and other “smokeless” products.
USHERS
Ushers are stationed throughout the building to assist patrons as needed. Please direct questions, concerns, and feedback to them during your visit. Enjoy volunteering? Please go to guest services or the Detroit Opera website, DetroitOpera.org/support/volunteer, for information on becoming a volunteer.
LOST AND FOUND
During the performance, lost and found is located in guest services. Unclaimed items are logged and taken to the Safety and Security office after each performance. To inquire about a misplaced or lost item, please call 313.961.3500. Items left over 30 days will be discarded or donated.
RECORDING IN PROGRESS
Entry and presence on the event premises constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded, and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with Detroit Opera and its initiatives. By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event.
DETROIT OPERA HOUSE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHEW ENTERTAINMENT, PRESENTS
Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating The Music of Parliament Funkadelic
AND THE DETROIT
CONDUCTED BY RAY CHEW
Featuring George Clinton with Nona Hendryx, Vernon Reid, and Bilal
