by Giacomo Puccini
Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Sept. 6 & 7
7:00 p.m.
Ann Nicole Nelson Hall
Minot State University
Julie Wright-Costa | DIRECTOR
Efraín Amaya | CONDUCTOR
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE
This 2024-2025 season opens with one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire, La Bohème. In a time when division feels more palpable than ever, this opera celebrates what unites us: love, especially the love of friendship. Of all the many fantastic operas, La Bohème has a unique ability to touch the hearts of both ardent opera aficionados and newcomers alike. Though the tale is tragic, the music is extraordinary. The singing mirrors real-life conversations—fast-paced, sometimes inconsequential, yet at times so achingly beautiful and poignant that it reminds us why supporting opera is essential.
I’m incredibly proud of the work of this company and the support from this community that makes productions like this possible, while also delivering first-rate music education to generations of singers. Some of our Western Plains Children’s Choir alumni are now performing at the Met, others are music educators, and many more are engaged citizens supporting the arts in their communities. Today, you will see the next generation of these singers on stage. It’s this blend of high art and music education that has garnered the unwavering support of our community.
Opera is an expensive art form, but it’s also a vehicle that brings together generations, families, tradespeople, volunteers, and all the visual and performing arts. None of this would be possible without you—our patrons. If you’re interested in joining this community of opera supporters, we wholeheartedly welcome you! The amount you give is less important than the desire to be a part of something special. Thank you for your support of Western Plains Opera over the years, tonight, and into the future!
Please enjoy La Bohème!
- Emerson Eads
Ann Nicole Nelson Hall has loop induction for those individuals with hearing devices equipped with T Coils.
SYNOPSIS
“Mimì was a charming girl, specially apt to appeal to Rodolfo, the poet and dreamer. Aged twenty-two, she was slight and graceful. Her face reminded one of a sketch of a high-born beauty; its features had marvelous refinement. The hot, impetuous blood of youth coursed through her veins, giving a rosy hue to her clear complexion that had the white velvety bloom of the camellia. This frail beauty allured Rodolfo. But what served to enchant him were Mimì’s tiny hands, that, despite her household duties, she contrived to keep whiter even than those of the Goddess of Ease.”
From Scenes de la vie de Boheme by Henri Murger Act I
Christmas Eve in Paris, in the 1830s. Marcello, a painter, and Rodolfo, a poet, are two struggling artists trying to keep warm in their Latin Quarter apartment by burning pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates, Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, wood for the fire, and money he has received from a nobleman. While they celebrate their unexpected good fortune, their landlord, Benoit, arrives to collect the rent. They get him drunk, coax him into revealing details about his flirtations, and then, feigning outrage at his infidelity, throw him out. The others head out to celebrate at Café Momus, leaving Rodolfo behind to finish an article, with plans to join them later. There’s a knock at the door—Mimì enters. Her candle has blown out in the stairwell, and she feels faint. Rodolfo offers her some wine and relights her candle. When Mimì realizes she’s lost her key, they both search for it, but their candles go out. Rodolfo secretly finds the key and slips it into his pocket. In the moonlight, he takes Mimì’s hand and tells her about his hopes and dreams. She shares her story of a lonely life in a small apartment, where she embroiders flowers and waits for spring. Rodolfo’s friends call out from outside, urging him to join them. He replies that he’s not alone and will be there soon. Mimì and Rodolfo, newly smitten, leave together, arm in arm, for the café.
-15 minute intermission-
Act II
On the street near Café Momus, the festive Christmas Eve atmosphere is alive with street vendors, students, and townspeople. Rodolfo buys Mimì a bonnet and introduces her to his friends, who all sit down to order dinner. Parpignol, the toy vendor, attracts the attention of the children as he passes by. Musetta, Marcello’s former girlfriend, makes a dramatic entrance with the wealthy and elderly Alcindoro. To draw attention to herself, Musetta sings about her own popularity. She then sends Alcindoro away and rekindles her romance with Marcello. As soldiers and a military band march by, the bohemians join the celebration. They then present Alcindoro with the bill for their dinner, much to his dismay.
Act III
At dawn, the Barrière d’Enfer, a tollgate on the outskirts of Paris, is bustling with activity as a customs official admits workers into the city. Guests can be heard singing and drinking inside the nearby pub. Mimì, searching for Marcello and Musetta’s residence, finds Marcello and confides in him about her troubled relationship with Rodolfo, particularly his endless jealousy, and how their separation seems inevitable. Rodolfo then exits the tavern, and Mimì hides nearby. Rodolfo tells Marcello that he must end his relationship with Mimì because she is too flirtatious. When Marcello presses for the real reason, Rodolfo reveals that their life of poverty will only worsen Mimì’s illness. Mimì, overhearing this, is heartbroken and says goodbye to her lover. Musetta’s laughter leads Marcello to leave the scene, and as Rodolfo and Mimì reminisce about their happiest moments together, they decide to stay together until spring. Meanwhile, Marcello and Musetta argue fiercely about her flirting, exchanging insults.
-15 minute intermission-
Act IV
Months have passed. In their apartment, Rodolfo and Marcello, both now separated from their girlfriends, reflect on their solitary lives. Colline and Schaunard arrive with a small meal, and to lift their spirits, the friends stage a lively dance that soon turns into a hilarious duel. As the fun reaches its peak, Musetta bursts in with distressing news: Mimì is very ill and too weak to climb up to their apartment. Rodolfo rushes to help her, and Musetta explains that Mimì had begged to be with Rodolfo as she neared the end of her life. They make Mimì as comfortable as possible, and Musetta asks Marcello to sell her jewelry to buy medicine for their friend. Colline goes to pawn his overcoat. Alone, Mimì and Rodolfo reminisce about their first meeting and their happier times together, but Mimì is soon overwhelmed by violent coughing. When the friends return, Musetta gives Mimì a muff to warm her hands, but Mimì drifts in and out of consciousness. Musetta prays for her recovery, but it is in vain. Mimì dies, and Rodolfo and his friends are left to console each other in their grief.
CAST
(in order of vocal appearance)
Rodolfo....................................................................................................................................................................... Victor Cardamone
Marcello ..........................................................................................................................................................................
Daniel Scofield
Schaunard ..........................................................................................................................................................................
Jason Thoms
Colline ........................................................................................................................................................................... Eric Delagrange
Benoît/Alcindoro .........................................................................................................................................................
Curtis Anderson
Mimì ...................................................................................................................................................................................
Andrea Baker
Musetta Sarah Heltzel
Strolling Vendor ............................................................................................................................................................
Ethan Pedersen
Parpignol..............................................................................................................................................................................
Customs Officer ........................................................................................................................................................
Sergeant .....................................................................................................................................................................
CHORUS
Sara Garver
Erica Wilson
Christina Larsen
Shelly Weppler
Nicole Swain
Deb Boppre
Megan Klebe
Joanna Miller
Lily Savelkoul
Jenna Johnson
Ashley Nilsen
Nadine Holmly
Megan Kramer
*understudy for Mimì
Christine Cherry
John Young
Alex Armstrong
Don Waage
Ethan Pedersen*
Dan Ringrose
Nathan Sagsveen*
Jeremiah Akande*
Kevin Vandal
Eric Furuseth
Ken Starr
*soloist
CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Chloe Faken
Isabella Filkins
Cate Fitzpatrick
Charlotte Fitzpatrick
Blaine Walker Gaskill
Abigail Heinrich
Kolton Jensen
Hudson Johnston
Olivia Lormjuste
Mia McLeod
Cordelia McManigal
Jocelyn Mosser
Serenity Ruby
Archer Schnaible*
Josie Schriock
Ezekiel Wilson
*soloist
Jared Kolles
Jeremiah Akande
Nathan Sagsveen
ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN I
Maureen Murchie, concertmaster
Emily Knutson
David Herzig
VIOLIN II
Aisslinn Nosky
Ivana Cole
VIOLA
Abby Walker Gaskill
Anthony Schreier
CELLO
Erik Anderson
Abbie Eads
BASS
Rachel Maxfield
FLUTE/PICCOLO
Beth Demme
CLARINET
Kelsey Swiech
BASSOON
Sheri Lien
HORN
Reese Hamilton
TRUMPET
Jordan Boehm
HARP/KEYBOARD
Briana Schwan
TIMPANI/PERCUSSION
Maria Taller
PRODUCTION TEAM
Musical Director ............................................................................................................................................................... Efraín Amaya
Stage Director ......................................................................................................................................................... Julie Wright-Costa
Lighting Design............................................................................................................................................................... Rachel Lauren
Assistant Lighting Design ........................................................................................................................................ Christopher Heth
Scenic Design ................................................................................................................................................................ Seth Honerman
Costume Design ........................................................................................................................... DeVera Bowles, Laurel Livingston
Chorusmaster ................................................................................................................................................................. Emerson Eads
Children’s Chorusmaster ........................................................................................................................................ Angela Schnaible
Rehearsal Pianists ................................................................................................ Dianna Anderson, Briana Schwan, Kevin Vandal
Stage Manager........................................................................................................................................................... Arnikka Schreier
Assistant Stage Manager ........................................................................................................................................... Kimmy Knutson
Hair and Makeup ................................................................................................................................ Sarah Bloom, Rachel Maxfield
Supertitles ............................................................................................................ DeVera Bowles, Elizabeth Eckert, Emerson Eads
Sewing Team ...................................................
DeVera Bowles, Deborah Dyste, Megan Kramer, Laurel Livingston, Gail Reiten, Lily Savelkoul, Paula Simonson, Maren Weber, Linda Cresap, Kaaren Stuck, Erica Wilson
Stage Crew Lisa Holmes, Brook Jenks, Sophia Rivas, Luke Spelhaug, Sam Super
Scenic Carpenter .......................................................................................................................................................................Don Lee
Sound Engineer ................................................................................................................................................................ Kevin Vandal
Videographer ................................................................................................................................................................... Kevin Vandal
Props......................................................................................... DeVera Bowles, Seth Honerman, Emerson Eads, Kimmy Knutson
Box Office, Ushers, Hospitality .......................................... Ann Cadwalader, Brittany Armstrong, Deborah Dyste, Ellen Fenner, Holly Eidsness, Jane Hirst, Janet Parton, Jeannie Sovak, Jennifer Brenna, Ken & DeVera Bowles, Paula Simonson, Richard & Cheryl Hagar, Sheree Diede
Marketing......................................................................................................................... Abbie Eads, Emerson Eads, Eric Furuseth
Home Hosts for Guest Artists .................................................. Lori Wonnenberg, John & Leslie Coughlin, Terry & Bev Kongelf, Ann Cadwalader, Erik & Dianna Anderson, Emerson & Abbie Eads
Photographers ............................................................................................................................................... Rick Heit, Paul Cerbone
CAST BIOS
Andrea Baker, MIMÌ
Andrea Baker, a soprano praised by Opera News for her “clear, bright soprano” and recognized for her “brilliant and sensitive” performances by Times Argus, is making her mark on the opera stage with captivating roles and accolades. She recently debuted as Violetta with Anchorage Opera and is set to reprise her role as Mimì in La bohème with Western Plains Opera and Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte with Opera Ithaca. Andrea will also return to Anchorage Opera to perform as Mademoiselle Silberklang in Mozart’s The Impresario. Her recent engagements include performing as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni with Opera Tampa and Pensacola Opera, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with Tec de Monterrey/Teatro Gratticelo, Mimì in La bohème with Wichita Grand Opera, and Marzelline in Fidelio at the Opera Company of Middlebury. In 2023, Andrea’s talent was recognized with a first-place prize in the Edward M. Murray International Competition with Opera Ithaca, following her third-place win in the 2022 James Toland Vocal Arts Competition. Additionally, she has covered roles such as Liù in Turandot and Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus at Des Moines Metro Opera, Marzelline in Fidelio at Sarasota Opera, as well as Juliette in Roméo et Juliette and Rosalba in Florencia en el Amazonas at Pensacola Opera. Andrea’s operatic repertoire also includes roles such as Alice Ford in Falstaff, First Lady in The Magic Flute, Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, and Musetta in La bohème
Victor Cardamone, RODOLFO
High lyric tenor Victor Cardamone has garnered much attention and critical acclaim over the last decade, and continues to do so. He is a proud graduate of Youngstown State University, the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, and the world-renowned Adler Fellowship Program at San Francisco Opera. Victor has bowed with Brevard Music Center, Cincinnati Opera, the Charleston Symphony (Charleston, South Carolina), Wolf Trap Opera, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Opera Columbus, the Merola Opera Program, the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Santa Rosa Symphony, Livermore Valley Opera, and the Glacier Symphony, among others. His major role credits include Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Ralph Rackstraw (H.M.S. Pinafore), Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), Don Ramiro (La Cenerentola), Larry Renault (Dinner at Eight), Jeník (The Bartered Bride), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Count Almaviva (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Rodolfo (La Bohème), and Tamino (Die Zauberflöte/The Magic Flute). His major cover credits include Ernesto (Don Pasquale), Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly), Chevalier de la Force (Dialogues des Carmélites), Steve Wozniak (The Revolution of Steve Jobs), and Shanty (Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio). Victor was a four-time Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. He was also a four-time Corbett Competition award winner. He was a semifinalist in the Mildred Miller International Voice Competition in 2019. He is a proud recipient of the Richard F. Gold Career Grant from the Shoshana Foundation in 2022. He was a Tier I finalist in the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition in 2023. More recently, he was named a quarterfinalist in the 3rd Tbilisi Opera Crown, an international voice competition that takes place in Georgia every 2 years. When not singing or studying scores, Victor can be found making something delicious in the kitchen and relaxing with his favorite feline, a black cat named Bill.
Sarah Heltzel, MUSETTA
“Leaving no question as to whose name is in lights,” (Opera Today), Mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel consistently “sets the stage ablaze with her vocal and dramatic pyrotechnics” (Houston Chronicle). Heltzel is happy to be back with Western Plains Opera for Musetta following last season’s Carmen, and later this year looks forward to A Little Night Music with St. Petersburg Opera and Carousel with Boston Lyric. After her debut with Seattle Opera as Siegrune and Flosshilde in their acclaimed “Green” Ring cycle, select roles have included leads in The Handmaid’s Tale, Don Carlo, Rigoletto, Carmen, Madama Butterfly, Little Women, Don Giovanni, Ariadne auf Naxos, Cavalleria Rusticana and A Little Night Music, with Australian Contemporary Opera Co, Indianapolis, Amarillo, Syracuse, Toledo, Tacoma, Opera on the James, and more. A frequent collaborator and interpreter of new works, post-pandemic she has appeared as Olga Finzi-Contini in the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon’s The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (New York City Opera), Death in the east coast premiere of Tom Cipullo’s The Parting (Chelsea Opera), Caroline Herschel in the world premiere of Zaid Jabri’s Southern Crossings (Barnard/Center for Contemporary Opera), in J.A.C. Redford’s Ordinary Saints, and in the world premiere of Daniel Bernard Roumain and Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s Here Lies Joy (Prototype Festival). Select concert repertoire includes Verdi’s Requiem (Wichita Symphony, Symphony Syracuse, Carnegie Hall), Handel’s Messiah (Seattle Symphony), Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (Boston Philharmonic, Minot Symphony), Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder (Gordon College Symphony), and Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde (Boston Chamber Music Society).
Daniel Scofield, MARCELLO
Celebrated for his “richly shaded” (Operawire), “booming voice, and full range” (Houston Press), baritone
Daniel Scofield is quickly garnering attention as a dramatic baritone on the rise who performs leading roles regularly in the United States and Internationally. This includes the Glyndebourne Festival, Opera, Prague State Opera, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester, Fort Worth Opera, with additional engagements with the Teatro San Carlo, Lyric Opera Chicago, Houston Symphony and more. A notable interpreter of Verdi, he has already sung the leading roles in I Vespri Siciliani, Rigoletto, La Traviata, and been engaged for Macbeth, Don Carlos, and Aida. Daniel has also triumphed as Jack Rance in La Fanciulla Del West, Scarpia in Tosca, Tonio in Pagliacci, and Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana. Praised for his nuanced characterizations, Daniel has begun earning worldwide recognition for his lyrical vocal technique, expressive musicality, dramatic range, and stylistic integrity. He begins the 2023/24 season with a return to the Prague State Opera for Pagliacci/Cavalleria Rusticana (Tonio/Alfio) in a revival of last season’s critically acclaimed new production by Ondrej Havelka. Additional season engagements include returns to Opera Orlando for Tosca (Scarpia), Opera Baltimore for Eugene Onegin in the title role and debuts with Fort Worth Opera La bohème (Marcello), and makes his North Dakota debut as Marcello (La bohème) with Western Plains Opera.
Eric Delagrange, COLLINE
American bass Eric Delagrange, a distinguished graduate of the esteemed Academy of Vocal Arts, has been critically acclaimed by Opera News as “a truly excellent bass” and praised for his “commanding and powerful voice” by Parterre. In the current 2023-2024 season, he made his debut with the Municipal Theatre of Santiago in Chile, where he appeared as Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte. His other engagements throughout the season included performances of Sparafucile in Rigoletto with Druid City Opera, Colline in La bohème with Western Plains Opera, and Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette with Opera San José. During the 2022-2023 season, he debuted the roles of Imperial Commissioner in Madama Butterfly, Pistola in Falstaff, and covered Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte with Palm Beach Opera. He also returned to The Princeton Festival as Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and appeared as the bass soloist in Mozart’s Requiem with Bethesda by the Sea. On the concert stage, he recently appeared as the bass soloist in Beethoven’s 9th symphony with the Kennett Symphony. His concert repertoire also includes the bass parts in Haydn’s The Creation, Mozart’s Requiem, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, and Verdi’s Requiem.
Jason Thoms, SCHAUNARD
Jason Thoms is a bass-baritone soloist and professional chorister based in Bismarck, ND. Dr. Thoms has spent nearly 20 years as a Director of Choral Activities at Bismarck State College, Concordia College New York, and Mississippi University for Women. He has been a professional soloist and chorister for nearly 30 years with professional choirs across the US. He has created many roles for opera and concert works by composer Hollis Thoms including “The Death of Socrates”, “The Mustache”, “Conversations”, “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner”, “Passion According to Nicademus”, “Luther”, “Requiem for 2020”, and this past June “The Death of Meriwether Lewis Transfiguration at Grinder’s Stand”. Jason has performed as Leporello in “Don Giovanni”, Marullo in “Rigoletto”, the Father in “Hansel and Gretel”, the Father in “Cendrillon”, Benoit in “La Boheme”, the Sacristan in “Magic Flute”, and for the first time, Schaunard in “La Boheme” with these performances with Western Plains Opera. As a professional chorister, Dr. Thoms has been a part of three Grammy-Nominated recordings in the Best Choral Recording category in the past four years including: “Kastalsky Requiem”–Leonard Slatkin conducting, “Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom”–composer Benedict Sheehan conducting, and “House of Belonging”–Craig Hella Johnson conducting. He is highly in demand as an octavist (low bass) a special choral voice primarily found in Russian Orthodox choral music. Dr. Thoms was one of nine octavists for the recording of Rachmaninoff’s “All Night Vigil” transcribed for men’s choir recorded in Jerusalem in 2022. The recording was released this past March.
Curtis Anderson, BENOÎT/ALCINDORO
Curtis is a Bass-Baritone heading into his Senior year at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI where he is seeking a BA in Vocal Performance. He studies voice in Professor John Gates’s private studio, stagecraft with Dr. Copeland Woodruff, and opera scenes with Dr. Kristin Roach. He has been a part of several local musical organizations including Western Plains Children’s Choir, Western Plains Youth Ensemble, Minot High School Concert Choir, Minot High School a Cappella ensemble “Change of Pace,” Minot Symphonic Orchestra, and Western Plains Opera Company. Curtis has served in both the North Dakota and Wisconsin Army National Guard since his enlistment in 2018. This is Curtis’s debut as a lead on the professional opera stage, playing the roles of
Benoit and Alcindoro.Curtis Anderson is a Minot native and a 2019 Graduate of Minot High School. He is the son of Dr.’s Erik and Dianna Anderson, who teach music at Minot State University. He loves his cats, gardening with his mom, hanging out with his nephew, and cooking with his family.
Jared Kolles, PARPIGNOL
Jared grew up in Albertville MN, and currently lives in Minot with his wife and kids. A special thanks to his family, theatre/art/music educators and most importantly his lovely wife Natasha for giving him the courage and knowledge to be honest and give his best. His education includes the following: BA in Theatre ArtsMinnesota State University Moorhead, 2003 where he also studied Jazz and Percussion under Ted Disanti, Tom Strait, Kenyan Williams. Jared has also worked for the following: Illusion Theatre Minneapolis MN, Theatre 412 Detroit Lakes MN, Chester Fritz Auditorium (stagehand) Grand Forks, ND. Paramount Theatre (stagehand/management) St. Cloud, MN. Valley Fair–Live entertainment (drummer/performer) Shakopee, MN. Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts (Scenic designer/performer) New Rockford, ND. MSU Summer Theatre (performer) 2019-2023 Minot ND. Minot Chamber Chorale.
FEATURED ARTIST
Walter Piehl, ARTIST
Walter Piehl Jr. has brought credit to western heritage through his internationally known artistic talents, his preservation of rodeo and western heritage through his art, and his varied involvement in the sport of rodeo in North Dakota. Walter Piehl has been a rodeo competitor, producer, and announcer; father of rodeo competitors, acclaimed artist, teacher and mentor to many in and out of the arena. His father, Walter Piehl Sr. was a 2012 inductee into the ND Hall of Fame in the Leader of Ranching and Rodeo category. In 1963 Walter Piehl Sr. started Dakota Rodeo, Inc., which furnished stock and produced rodeos for 15 years. As a competitor, Walter Piehl Jr. rode bareback horses and team roped, and was the Rough Rider Association Mixed Team Roping Champion in 1989. Walter announced rodeos for more than 25 years. Walter’s art career began with training at Concordia College and the University of ND. His style has made him unique in Western Americana art. He was influenced by the Italian Abstract Expressionists and the philosophies of the Futurists, and the artists of the Blaue Reiter group, an art movement in Germany in the early 1900’s. Very few artists who have painted western culture and heritage have been able to unleash color, style and motion like Walter Piehl. His radical art form is against the grain of traditional western art. Walter charted his own course of contemporary western art and is recognized for his work regionally, nationally and internationally. For more than 48 years Walter Piehl has inspired students in the classroom sharing his knowledge and expertise. In addition, he has mentored many artists. Walter’s art, his teaching and mentoring has greatly impacted the art world and will continue to do so long into the future. Minot State University has constructed a new Northwest Center for the Arts and the center permanently features the named Walter Piehl Gallery. To quote rodeo poet Paul Zarzyski, “If you want health? If you want spiritual nourishment? If you want the fountain of youth? Hang a Walter Piehl on your wall and let it dazzle you daily!”
MINOT CHAMBER CHORALE
The Minot Chamber Chorale is a mixed choir that performs four concerts per year here in the western plains. They also regularly collaborate with the Minot Symphony Orchestra and the Western Plains Opera. After more than 50 years, the Minot Chamber Chorale is dedicated to bringing quality choral music to the Minot area.
The Minot Chamber Chorale was founded in 1972 to fill an unmet need in the community — a mixed chorus to present quality choral literature. The singers have a deep love for choral music and know that singing in a choir can be magical because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The only paid artists are the accompanist and the director. The spirit of volunteerism has kept the Chorale going and their cooperation fosters a spirit of goodwill and camaraderie.
The Minot Chamber Chorale is supported in part by the ND Council on the Arts. And is a proud member of the Minot Area Council of the Arts.
PRODUCTION BIOS
Efraín Amaya, MUSICAL DIRECTOR
American conductor and composer Efraín Amaya was born in Venezuela, where he began his musical training. Continuing his studies in the United States, he earned two Bachelor’s of music degrees in composition and piano from Indiana University, and a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from Rice University. After returning to Venezuela, Maestro Amaya became the Music Director & Conductor for one of “El Sistema” Youth Symphony Orchestras based in the “Núcleo La Rinconada” in Caracas. He then returned to the USA where he held the position of Resident Conductor and Artist Lecturer in Music Theory at Carnegie Mellon University from 1993 to 2009. He also served as Associate Conductor with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra from 1994 to 2007. In addition he has been the Music Director & Conductor to the Greensburg American Opera, the Three Rivers Young People’s Orchestra, the Westmoreland Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Carnegie Mellon Summer Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and the Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble. As a guest conductor Mr. Amaya has appeared with several orchestras in the USA, Venezuela, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico and Italy. Maestro Amaya founded and was the Music Director of the Point Chamber Orchestra, which made its debut performance during the summer of 2006 with a tour of seven concerts in Italy, performing in venues such as the Fenice Theater in Venice, the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Parco della Musica in Rome. The Point Chamber Orchestra made a commercial CD released in 2009 with Albany Records label. It featured two of Mr. Amaya’s chamber operas: Clepsydra: An Operatic Installation with 13 Performers and Phantasmagorilla? No! Phantasmagoria, receiving excellent reviews. Mr. Amaya was invited and completed a residency at Yaddo, NY, during the summer of 2012 where he worked on his chamber opera Constellations that premiered in December of 2015, in Philadelphia. The recording of this world premiere became his latest CD called “Constellations” and was released on December 15, 2020 with Albany Records label [TROY 1846]. Mr. Amaya was awarded the FY23 North Dakota Council for the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship grant for which he wrote a song cycle entitled The Four Seasons in North Dakota with lyrics by Susana Amundaraín which premiered with the Minot Symphony Orchestra in the Finale concert of their 2023-24 Season. Mr. Amaya is an Associate Professor at Minot State University and the Music Director for the Minot Symphony Orchestra since the 2015-16 Season.
Julie Wright-Costa, STAGE DIRECTOR
JULIE WRIGHT COSTA, former associate artistic director of Ohio Light Opera, is held in high regard as an interpreter and director of operetta, singing numerous leading roles, nationally. Julie is honored to have celebrated her 32nd season with the Ohio Light Opera and looks forward to returning to the company as a director in the summer of 2025. With the Ohio Light Opera, she has sung in over 100 different productions, performed over 80 roles and directed more than 20 of OLO’s season titles. In charge of the casting process for the Ohio Light Opera, Julie traveled to seven cities, auditioning over 400 singers from across the country. In 2021 she staged The Light on the Horizon (filmed for live stream) for Utah Opera and created a virtual recital of British art song for Opéra Louisiane with collaborative pianist/conductor Michael Borowitz. Julie is honored to return to Western Plains opera to direct La Bohème and to reunite with this very special community. Career highlights include performances with the opera companies of Nevada, Chautauqua, Cleveland, Michigan, Carolina, and Utah, as well as performances with the symphonies of Charlotte, Illinois, Utah, and Detroit. Favorite performances include leading roles in productions of La Bohème, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, The Turn of the Screw, Bitter Sweet, La Rondine, Countess Maritza, Giuditta, Camelot, Carousel and the title role in Hello, Dolly!. As stage director, she has collaborated in productions for the Moab Music Festival, Nevada Opera, Opera Southwest, The Eastman School of Music, The University of Utah, Utah Opera, Opéra Louisiane, Western Plains Opera and The Ohio Light Opera, among others. She can be heard on compact disc recordings for the Newport Classic, Albany Records, and Operetta Archives labels. Julie resides in Salt Lake City with her husband, composer John Vasconcelos Costa, and their dachshunds Rose and Timmy. She is a tenured professor of voice and served as the Voice Area Head at the University of Utah School of Music for sixteen years.
Emerson Eads, CHORUSMASTER
Dr. Emerson Eads, currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at Minot State University. As a composer and conductor, Emerson has devoted himself to music of social concern. His Mass for the Oppressed, a setting of the Ordinary of the Mass featuring textual interpolations by his brother Evan Eads, and a Credo adapted from the diary of Pope Francis before his ordination, holds particular poignancy for the social issues of our time. The Mass was written for the release of the Fairbanks Four (native Alaskans from the composer’s home town) who spent 18 years in prison wrongfully. His cantata “…from which your laughter rises.” for mezzo-soprano, oboe, and orchestra, was written for the mothers of the Fairbanks Four, and was paired in a concert featuring Haydn’s Stabat Mater, conducted to acclaim. His
newest opera, The Princess Sophia, about the sinking of the SS Princess Sophia in October of 1918, was premiered in Juneau, Alaska on October 25th, 2018 to rave reviews in Opera Magazine. His most recent project, A Prairie Cantata with poetry by North Dakota poet, Huldah Lucile Winsted was premiered in 2019 with the Minot State University Choir. Dr. Eads studied choral conducting with Carmen-Helena Tellez at the University of Notre Dame working with eminent choral conductors such as, Joseph Flummerfelt, Stephen Cleobury, Anne Howard Jones, and Peter Phillips among others. He studied composition with Alaskan composer, John Luther Adams.
Angela Schnaible, CHILDREN’S CHORUSMASTER
Angela Schnaible is the director for two children’s choirs in Minot: the Western Plains Junior Choir, and the Do-Re-Mi Choir at Edison Elementary. She is a music educator at Edison Elementary and is very grateful for her supportive husband and three wonderful children.
DeVera Bowles, COSTUME DESIGN
DeVera Bowles has enjoyed costuming design and execution alongside Laurel Livingston for Western Plains Opera Productions since 1998. Bowles retired from Minot State University in May 2023 after serving 29 years on the Division of Performing Arts faculty. Throughout her career she enjoyed performing, teaching, and serving as a clinician and adjudicator. Her students are still regularly heard in operatic and musical theatre productions; many are onstage in this production of La Bohème! Roles include the Countess, Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, Micaëla, Lola, and Hannah Glavari, the title role in Milhaud’s Medée, and Blanche in Poulenc’s La voix humaine. She enjoyed mentorship and coaching with Sandra Hyslop. Dr. Bowles earned a BA from Pfeiffer College, the MM from East Carolina University and holds the DMA from Texas Tech University. Her teachers include Virginia Zeani, Dale Moore, and Gerald Dolter. She and husband Ken are proud parents of Aaron, Patrick, and Nathan Bowles.
Rachel Lauren, LIGHTING DESIGN
Rachel is a freelance lighting designer based out of Michigan and New York. She is a graduate of Texas State University and Michigan State University. La Bohème is Rachel’s third design (and third season!) with Western Plains Opera. You may have seen her designs of Carmen and Die Fledermaus in past seasons. Notable other previous lighting designs include Me and My Girl, The Gondoliers, and No, No, Nanette at Ohio Light Opera, Waitress and Lehman Trilogy at Playhouse on the Square, Peter Pan at Kansas City Ballet, and Swan Lake at Sacramento Ballet. Rachel would like to thank her family for their endless support and constant encouragement.
Seth M. Honerman, SCENIC DESIGN
Seth M. Honerman is a professional artist specializing in directing and acting. He has primarily been working in the Midwest with academic and summer stock theaters. His work has been seen at the Northern Fort Playhouse, Minot Summer Theatre, Hoffman Road Stage Company, Prairie Repertory Theatre, and now Western Plains Opera. Honerman earned his Master of Fine Arts at Minnesota State University, Mankato where he was awarded the Nadine B. Andreas Teaching Assistantship. During his time in Mankato, he also earned entry into the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers union as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region V SDC fellowship winner. Honerman currently works as an adjunct instructor at Minot State University and High School English teacher at Minot North.
Dianna Anderson, REHEARSAL PIANIST
Pianist, Dianna Anderson performs frequently as a solo recitalist and collaborator, her repertoire ranging from classical standards to new music. As a founding member of the piano trio, Luminus, with violinist Dr. Jon Rumney, and cellist Dr. Erik Anderson, she has performed hundreds of concerts bringing the intimate art of chamber music to stages throughout the Midwest. Also with cellist, Erik Anderson, she has a more than 25-year relationship as a duo, performing recitals across the US, and in Canada, China, and Italy. As a collaborator, she performs regularly with the Minot Symphony Orchestra, Western Plains Opera Company, her colleagues at Minot State University as well as guest artists. Highlights include performances with the Ying Quartet, Beo Quartet, and a series of concerts given in Minot, ND of the complete works for cello and piano by Ludwig
van Beethoven with cellists Yehuda Hanani and Erik Anderson. She has been a featured soloist with the North State Symphony, Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Minot Symphony Orchestra, Bismarck-Mandan Youth Symphony, and BismarckMandan Symphony. She has recorded piano works by Efraín Amaya, and has given world premieres of works by Efraín Amaya, Christopher Gable, Matthew Saunders, David Lefkowitz, Robert Bradshaw, Sean Neukom, and Richard Neukom. A passionate educator, she teaches piano and theory-related courses, as well as a first-year experience course, Musicians’ Playground at Minot State University, and maintains a community studio. A member of NDMTA, she has presented and/or performed at state conventions in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Oklahoma, as well as the MTNA National Convention. She has served as president of NDMTA and is the faculty advisor for Minot State’s Collegiate Chapter of MTNA. She frequently adjudicates regional festivals and competitions and is on faculty at Dakota Chamber Music and International Music Camp. Originally from Ekalaka, Montana, her degrees are from the University of Idaho, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where her principle instructors were Jay Mauchley and Frank Weinstock. An avid runner, Dr. Anderson has run numerous marathons. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, back-packing, and gardening. She lives in a home designed on Brahms’ Intermezzo Op. 118, No. 2, and with her husband, Erik, is the proud parent of four very musical sons.
Briana Schwan, REHEARSAL
PIANIST
Briana Schwan, Instructor of Music, received her BA in Music and Art from Minot State University. She teaches Functional Piano and Private Piano. She has also been accompanist for many groups on campus, including Women’s Chorus and Opera-Musical Production. Since 2007, she has acted as both rehearsal pianist and musical director for several MSU Summer Theatre productions. She also works as a pianist with Western Plains Opera Company. She performs with many ensembles in the Minot area, including the Main Course Jazz Combo, Swing Band of Minot, and Dakota Dixie. She is an organist at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.
Kevin Vandal, REHEARSAL
PIANIST
Kevin Vandal, from Perth, ND, is in his fourth year studying piano performance with Dr. Dianna Anderson at Minot State University. He has been actively involved in the local music scene since high school, participating regularly at the International Music Camp, Dakota Chamber Music, and the Music Teachers National Association state performance competitions. He took the stage with the Minot Symphony Orchestra in 2021 as their featured high school soloist and in 2024 as the winner of their collegiate concerto competition. He also recently appeared with the Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Gershwin’s Concerto in F. As a sophomore at MSU, he received the newly offered Virginia Geesaman Chamber Music Internship — a year-long intensive that included mentorship from Luminus (the faculty piano trio at MSU) and Beo (a professional string quartet from Pittsburg, PA). He has also studied and performed as an organist, appearing with the MSU Concert Choir and the MSO. He currently serves as a collaborative pianist for the Western Plains Opera Company and as a freelance piano instructor.
WPO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President ......................................................................Jennifer Brenna
Vice President ........................................................................ Jane Hirst
Secretary .................................................................... Elizabeth Eckert
WPO BOARD MEMBERS
Justin Anderson
Brittany Armstrong
DeVera Bowles
Kenneth Bowles
Jennifer Brenna
Ann Cadwalader
Deborah Dyste
Abbie Eads
Emerson Eads
Elizabeth Eckert
Eric Furuseth
Richard Hagar
Jane Hirst
Cheryl Nilsen
Janet Parton
David Rolandson
Steven Shirley
Paula Simonson
WPO STAFF
Artistic Director ....................................... Emerson Eads
Children’s Choir Administrator Janet Parton
Business Manager ..................................... Janet Parton
WP Youth Ensemble Director Claire Romich
WP Children’s Choir Director ......... Lindsay Kerzmann
WP Youth Junior Choir Director ..... Angela Schnaible
WPCC Accompanists Briana Schwan, Lori Wonnenberg, Kevin Vandal
SEASON SPONSORS
BRAVURA BENEFACTORS:
Clint Severson & Conni Ahart
Fred & Joyce Evans
FRIENDS OF THE OPERA
PATRON:
Debra & Brian Boppre
Doug & Patti Bengson
Drs. Wayne & Della Martinsen
Jane & Stan Hirst
Jeffrey & Janelle Verhey
Judith Howard & Peter Hugret
Drs. John Fishpaw & Kim Krohn
Joseph & Wanda Jandrisch
QDOBA Mexican Eats
Rent-A-Wreck
Ryan Family Dealerships
Walter Piehl
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
AFFICIONADO:
Bethany & Mark Jensen
Boppre Law Firm
Brenna-Neuhalfen Family
Chris Hanson
Dennis & Rita Sommers
Dr. Rita Curl Langager & Dr. Tyrone O Langager
Gate City Bank
Kim Albert Agency - Allstate Insurance
Lien’s Jewelry
Janet & Todd Mathistad
BUFF:
Alice Leonard
Bethany & Mark Jensen
Cheryl Nilsen
Dr. Alexandra Deuful & Dr. Robert Kibler
Flower Central
Please submit any name or title corrections to WPO: operawpo@gmail.com
GRANT SPONSORS
This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from North Dakota Council on the Arts.
John & Ann Jermiason
John Keck
Kathy Hintz & Dan Ringrose
Laverne Hight & Patricia M. Hight
Linda Luedke
Lori Wonnenberg
Mary Muhlbradt
Pamela Alme Davy
Hon. Richard & Cheryl Hagar
Sheree Diede
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Artist Adoption |
Mimì: John & Ann Jermiason
Artist Adoption |
Rodolfo: John & Leslie Coughlin
Artist Adoption |
Musetta: Jane & Stanley Hirst
WPO WOULD LIKE YOUR FEEDBACK!
Thank you for attending this performance! Your experience is incredibly important to us, and we strive to create memorable and enriching events for our audience. To continue improving and delivering the best possible performing arts experiences, we need your valuable feedback.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping us grow.
Scan the QR code to complete a short survey! ➜
With Special Thanks To
Aaron Hughes, MSU
Student Activities Director
All Norsk Høstfest Ice
Cream Booth Volunteers
Amanda Francis, MSU Print & Design Services
Angela Schnaible
Ann Cadwalader
Bethany Jensen
Brekka Kramer
Brent Fischer
Carla Dolan
Cheryl & Richard Hagar
Cheryl Nilsen
Cole Krueger, MSU
Marketing Director
David Rolandson
Deb Wentz
Deborah Dyste
DeVera & Ken Bowles
Elizabeth Eckert
Ellen Fenner
Ellen Knutson
Eric Furuseth
Erik & Dianna Anderson
Flower Central
Jane & Stanley Hirst
Janet Parton
Jennifer Brenna
John & Leslie Couglin
John Fishpaw & Kim Krohn
Jonathan Starr
WESTERN PLAINS CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
Justin Anderson
Kevin Vandal
Laurel Livingston
Lori Wonnenberg
Mayor Tom Ross
Micah Bloom
Michael Linnell, MSU
Communications Director
Minot Chamber Chorale
Minot Daily News
Minot State University
Minot’s Daily Bread
Mouse River Players
Newman Signs, Inc.
Paul Cerbone
Paula Simonson
Prairie Public Radio
QDOBA Mexican Eats
Rick Heit
Rent-A-Wreck
Roxi Mathis, MSU Print & Design Services
Ryan Family Dealership
Sarah Belfrage Honerman & Seth Honerman
Savannah Wateland
Scott Mitzel
Steven Shirley
Ted Bolton, Northern Sentry
Terry & Bev Kongelf
Walter Piehl
Western Plains Children’s Choirs, with three ensembles for grades 3-12, provide the opportunity to develop individual potential within a joyful musical community. Dedicated to helping children reach high levels of musical performance within a child-centered environment, our directors seek to serve and represent the Minot area as ambassadors of beautiful children’s choral music. Minot High School’s Choral Director Lindsay Kerzmann will be returning as Western Plains Children’s Choir director. Western Plains Youth Ensemble will be directed by Longfellow’s Claire Romich. Angela Schnaible from Edison Elementary will be directing Western Plains Junior Choir. We look forward to the beautiful and fun choral experience they will create for all our young people.
September 8 at 5 p.m. – Registration, Introductions, Informational meeting for singers and their parents. Rehearsals begin for all choirs that evening from 5:45 – 7 p.m.
Please contact WPCC Administrator Janet Parton at 701-660-0566.
