SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Kelli Dill kelli@encoremagazine.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Robert Viagas robert@encoremagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Tamara Hooks tamara@encoremagazine.com
DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Jennifer Nelson jennifer@encoremagazine.com
hila@encorecharlotte.com
kelli@encorecharlotte.com
cover image: Erik Teague, 2024 for The Atlanta Opera
Tomer Zvulun
Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director
Dear Friends,
As our season draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared in this 45th Anniversary Season. Starting with the electrifying immersive experiences of Rent and La bohème at Pullman Yards and our meaningful collaborations with healthcare heroes at Grady and Emory, this season has been one of both artistic adventure and heartfelt connection. We’ve celebrated the delights of The Magic Flute, been shattered by the raw intensity of Macbeth, and had the triumph of bringing Siegfried to life in a critically acclaimed production.
Now, we arrive at George Frideric Handel’s Semele—a jewel of an opera, beautifully exquisite and bursting with passion. It’s the perfect final note for our mainstage season.
But our season isn’t quite over. I invite you to join us at Morehouse College on June 20 and 22 for the world premiere of Steele Roots, our newest commissioned opera. We’re deeply proud to support the next generation of opera creators through our 96-Hour Opera Festival Steele Roots is inspired by the life of historic Atlantan Carrie Steele Logan and developed over two years since winning our 2023 competition. The 2024 competition explored the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and music. The winning entry, Water Music, will be presented in workshop. And the 2025 competition, on June 21, features five composerlibrettist teams from across the country competing their original 10-minute operas in a thrilling showcase. The creative energy is electric, and I encourage every opera lover to experience the 96-Hour Opera Festival firsthand.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 Season, we’re excited to complete Wagner’s Ring Cycle with Twilight of the Gods, alongside a glorious production of La traviata, the wit of The Marriage of Figaro, and a spectacular new production that we will create of Puccini’s Turandot—opening on the 200th anniversary of its premiere.
Our Discoveries series begins with a new co-production of Fiddler on the Roof, created in partnership with the Alliance Theatre. This visionary staging will honor tradition while boldly reimagining a beloved classic. And finally, a long-held dream of mine comes to life with Philip Glass’s La Belle et la bête, an extraordinary opera synchronized with Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film—a singular, magical experience not to be missed.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable season. Welcome to Semele. Enjoy the brilliance of this beautiful opera.
COMPOSER George Frideric Handel
LIBRETTIST William Congreve FIRST PERFORMANCE Feb 10, 1744 at Royal Opera House, London, England
VETERANS TICKET PROGRAM
DISCOVERIES SERIES
The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM The Livingston Foundation
Significant support for The Atlanta Opera Studio Artist Program from the Donald & Marilyn Keough Foundation, John & Yee-Wan Stevens, and Jerry & Dulcy Rosenberg.
The Atlanta Opera receives support from the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency—the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for programming is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
THE ATLANTA OPERA IS GRATEFUL FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT FROM *deceased
CONDUCTOR Christine Brandes
STAGE DIRECTOR / PRODUCER Tomer Zvulun
SCENIC & PROJECTION DESIGNER Erhard Rom
COSTUME DESIGNER Vita Tzykun
LIGHTING DESIGNER Robert Wierzel
WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER Joyce Degenfelder
CHOREOGRAPHER Amir Levy
INTIMACY COORDINATOR Michelle Ladd Williams
CHORUSMASTER Rolando Salazar
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Ian Silverman
ASSOCIATE COSTUME DESIGNER Jen Gillette
FILMED MEDIA Felipe Barral
CAST (IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE)
CADMUS/SOMNUS William Guanbo Su
ATHAMAS Nils Wanderer
SEMELE Lauren Snouffer
INO/JUNO Catherine Martin
IRIS Elisa Sunshine
JUPITER Josh Lovell
PASITHEA/DANCER Bailey Jo Harbaugh
DANCERS Jacob Attaway, Heather Jolley, Brandon Nguyen-Hilton, AC Wilson, Gwynn Wolford
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS Aletha Saunders, Eva Schramm
PROJECTED TITLES BY Jonathan Dean
PROJECTED TITLES OPERATED BY Brendan Callahan-Fitzgerald
Approximate runtime: 3 hrs, including two intermissions: Act I: 40 min | Intermission: 20 min | Act II: 45 min | Intermission: 15 min | Act III: 65 min
Scenery, props, and projections for Semele designed by Erhard Rom | Costumes for Semele designed by Vita Tzykun The production was constructed by the Seattle Opera Scenic Studios & Seattle Opera Costume Shop.
Select costume pieces constructed by Minnesota Opera Costume Shop & Seams Unlimited Ltd.
Georg Friedrich Handel SEMELE HWV 58
Musical Drama in Three Acts | Edited for the Halle Handel Edition by Mark Risinger
Used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, U.S. and Canadian agent for BärenreiterVerlag, publisher and copyright owner.
A Modern Myth Takes Shape: Designing the World of Semele
COMPILED BY Michelle Winters
The world of Semele isn’t built on realism—it’s built on emotion, imagination, and theatrical poetry. In this production, Tomer Zvulun and his team of Erhard Rom and Vita Tzykun have crafted a visual universe of a timeless modern mythology.
Excerpted from previous interviews and production notes, this article shares the thoughts of the creative team about the design process and aesthetic of this production of Handel’s Semele.
Semele and Handel’s operas are very much like a series of poems. Unlike the more contemporary aesthetic of verismo operas such as Tosca, which attempt to reflect reality onstage, Semele is extremely stylized. The music organizes the emotions of the various characters into these grand statements of passion in Handel’s bravura da capo arias. The drama proceeds more like poetry, or beautiful paintings that come to life, than any kind of cinematic reality.
COSTUME RENDERING FOR IRIS: VITA TZYKUN
Semele’s design is an attempt not to replicate tradition, nor to update, but to offer you the idea of a modern mythological world. What do the gods look like? It’s not enough to mimic what they might have looked like to artists in the past. Nor are we telling this story through a strict allegory, such as Jupiter = Brad Pitt or Semele = a Kardashian. We want to create a world that feels recognizably modern to everyone in the audience, but one where this fantastical story could take place. This modern mythological world includes elements that are recognizable from our own world: the architecture and clothing will look familiar, but they are infused with expressive elements, bordering on the surreal, which make them poetic and ethereal. Young people conceal their love-lives from their parents, goddesses fly, dangerous concoctions can be obtained from a horny drug-lord, and love causes as much pain as pleasure.
It’s Handel’s irony that makes him such a modern artist. Although you tend to get one emotion at a time in Handel’s music, in the theater everything comes with an equal and opposite reaction. One character is singing about how angry she is, while the other character onstage, the one who’s listening, is clearly delighted. Love is equal parts innocence and guilt. These characters lie to themselves and others, and the audience knows it. It’s extremely sophisticated, and it’s startlingly modern.
Our characters are no role models—Semele is vain and ambitious, Juno is vengeful and manipulative, Jupiter and Athamas are driven by desire, and Somnus is just odd. Though painted in broad strokes, the characters resonate because they embody deeply human fears and longings. Their emotional journeys carry a ring of truth that has sustained this opera for nearly 300 years—and continues to draw new audiences with its timeless insight into the human condition.
Between Heaven & Earth The Passion of Handel’s Semele
WRITTEN BY Christine Brandes
Ancient myth meets baroque brilliance in a tale of divine desire, mortal ambition, and music that still stirs the soul nearly 300 years later.
“Oh no! Not a bloodless baroque opera!” Perhaps this passed through your mind upon seeing Handel’s Semele on The Atlanta Opera schedule. I am here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. Baroque opera, and Semele in particular, is filled with all the misguided passions, jealousies, boundless joy, and heartbreaking tragedy of any 19th-century opera. In fact, I would argue that baroque opera feels more emotionally immediate than many of our beloved 19th-century favorites. By drawing on the timeless myths that have stirred artistic imagination and offered moral enlightenment for millennia, these operas tap into familiar emotional landscapes, no matter how distant their origins.
The Origins of Opera
Opera, like this particular libretto, has its origins in Ancient Greece by way of the Florentine Camerata, a group of “A-list” composers, thinkers, poets, and artists in the later part of the 16th century who tried to figure out how Greek
PHOTO:
HENRY DOMBEY
tragedy moved people so powerfully and deeply. What was the secret? They surmised that these powerful plays must have been sung with a kind of heightened recitation where the clarity of the text and pathos of the delivery and accompaniment were paramount.
They believed the complex polyphony at the height of the Renaissance was corrupting to the spirit and obscured the text. Enter monody! They “invented” a form that presented one voice at a time, one melody, accompanied by a lute or keyboard, allowing the singer to lay bare their sad tales in the hopes of moving the listeners to pity, compassion, and perhaps some self-awareness. The Camerata believed that this new art form could improve the hearts and minds of the listeners and thereby improve the whole society. These early operas had small instrumental ensembles accompanying the singers and choruses, but over the next century, staged productions became more elaborate, and the compositions made dramatic use of larger orchestras. Notable composers who continued to explore and expand the form were Claudio Monteverdi, Francisco Cavalli, JeanBaptiste Lully, Henry Purcell, and Dominico Scarlatti.
Lucky for us, George Frideric Handel had a teacher who introduced him to these composers. The rest is opera history. By the early 18th century, this technicolor storytelling had evolved toward set musical forms, easily recognized by audiences. An opening sinfonia or overture to draw everyone’s attention to the stage and off the card game they may have been playing, or the meal they might have been eating. (An entire Netflix series could be devoted to the goings-on in the boxes at 18th-century operas!) The recitativo, which is literally “speaking-singing,” was typically accompanied by one cello, a harpsichord and/or theorbo. This accompaniment was not written out but was always improvised, much like playing from a jazz chart. This musical element moves the plot along.
The Da Capo Aria
The headlining element of baroque opera is the da capo aria. Where characters expound on their states of mind. Starting with an “A” section, we hear the basic melody and text, which is followed by a contrasting B section, (often in the relative minor or major key and often represents their dramatic circumstance from a different perspective). We then go back to the beginning of the aria (da capo means “to the head”) at which point the singers let loose with ornamentation and the goal of dazzling the audience. While audiences wait for “that one note” in operatic gems of the
19th-century, baroque audiences were (and are) treated to many superhuman feats of vocalism in the da capos. In fact, those ornaments and cadenzas usually changed from performance to performance. (Yes, all these delights await you in our production!)
Handel… The guy who wrote Messiah
In Semele, we find Handel writing in 1744 during his English Oratorio period. This form became his single, major innovation and the musical form that dominated his last years. Semele, being composed “after the manner of an oratorio,” was essentially created as an opera without the costly elements of sets and costumes. Handel’s London audiences had developed quite a taste for this musical style and he was obliged to supply his public with what they wanted. While most of Handel’s oratorios were based on Biblical stories and meant to edify the public when the theaters were closed during Lent, in Semele we find a Classical drama that nonetheless has an implied moral. What I find most wonderful about Handel in general, and in Semele in particular, is the profound sympathy he displays for human weakness through his sublime music. Even the gods are subject to the same weaknesses and temptations that prey on the average audience member. Handel perfectly captures the wide and animating emotions that are part of any life well-lived. I sincerely hope that you are moved, amazed, and transported by George Frideric Handel’s Semele and our stunning cast.
PHOTO: HENRY DOMBEY
TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR NATION’S HEROES
The Home Depot Founda tion is proud to partner with The Atlanta Opera to honor our U.S. militar y, veterans and their families.
Semele prays to Jupiter to either help her comply with her father’s wishes to marry, or help her refuse Athamas’ hand in marriage.
ACT I: The Temple of Juno Queen of the Gods, wife of Jupiter. Semele, daughter of Cadmus, is engaged to Athamas, and the family gathers to celebrate. Not everyone is happy, however; Semele’s sister, Ino, secretly loves Athamas, and Semele is in love with the god Jupiter, also known as “Jove.” She prays to him to intervene, whereupon the Mighty Thunderer breaks up the wedding with dreadful omens.
Privately, Ino admits that she loves Athamas. Cadmus interrupts them to say that Semele was abducted and whisked away to the realm of the gods. There Semele discovers a world of “Endless pleasure, endless love.”
ACT II: Juno’s Dwelling. The goddess Iris tells Juno about the gorgeous pleasure-palace Jupiter has created for Semele. Juno vows to destroy her new rival. In the aria “Hence, Iris, away,” she and Iris set out on their quest: Juno plans to enlist the help of Somnus, god of sleep.
Semele’s pleasure-palace. Meanwhile, Semele is troubled (Aria: “O sleep, why dost though leave me?”). Jupiter has taken human form to be with her, but she is aware that she is a lesser order of being than her divine lover. Jupiter reassures her that he will protect her and always surround her with beauty (Aria: “Where’er you walk”). To distract her, he has her sister, Ino, brought up from earth to keep her company. Together the two sisters experience heavenly bliss.
PHOTO: AVI LOUD
ACT III: The cave of Somnus. Iris and Juno try to rouse the sleepy Somnus, who responds with the aria “Leave me, loathsome light.” But when Juno promises him the nymph of his dreams, Pasithea, Somnus agrees to help Juno. Somnus will weaken Jupiter with uncontrollable lust and lock in sleep both Ino and the giants who guard Semele’s palace.
Semele’s palace. Disguised as Ino, Juno gives Semele a magic mirror, which makes her fall in love with herself (Aria: “Myself I shall adore). Juno-as-Ino tells Semele that if Jupiter makes love to her in his divine form, instead of his mortal disguise, Semele herself will become a goddess. She urges her “sister” not to waste this opportunity, and Semele takes the bait.
When Jupiter returns, Semele makes him swear he’ll give her anything she desires. Then she demands that he appear to her in his divine form. Jupiter is horrified by her request (Aria: “Should I grant your request, I shall harm you”). But there is no dissuading her (Aria: “No, no, I’ll take no less / Than all in full excess!”). Reluctantly, Jupiter appears in his true form, and Semele is consumed by flames.
Back on Earth, everyone is terrified by Semele’s fate. Ino unites with Athamas, and Apollo announces that from Semele’s ashes, Bacchus, the god of wine, will be born.
Jupiter interrupts Semele’s wedding festivities with godly intervention
CHRISTINE BRANDES CONDUCTOR
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
Following a distinguished international singing career, during which she was acclaimed for her radiant, crystalline voice and superb musicianship across a broad repertoire, Christine Brandes brings her passionate and insightful energies to the podium, garnering praise for performances in the opera house and on the symphonic stage. During the 2024-25 season, Brandes made her conducting debut at the Florida Grand Opera in a new production of Die Zauberflöte, and makes her first appearance with this new production of Semele. Following the success of her Seattle Opera debut last season leading a critically acclaimed production of Handel’s Alcina directed by Tim Albery, Brandes returned to the company in March 2025 to conduct a presentation of Barrie Kosky’s audiencefavorite production of Die Zauberflöte. Highlights of the last season include debuts at Wolf Trap Opera leading a new production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte and a new production of Vivaldi’s Ottone in villa with Carnegie Mellon University Opera. On the concert stage her debuts included performances of the Duruflé and Fauré Requiems with Les Violons du Roy and La Chapelle de Québec and a program of Bach Cantatas with Choir of Trinity Wall Street and the Trinity Baroque Orchestra. In the summer of 2023, Brandes, stepping in as the last-minute replacement for Richard Egarr, conducted the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra at the Newport Classical Music Festival in a program that included Handel Concerti Grossi and the East Coast premiere of Mason Bates’ Appalachian Ayre. She also conducted the world premiere of Loud by Jimmy López Bellido during the debut performance of the International Pride Orchestra in San Francisco. A 2021–22 fellow of the Dallas Opera Hart Institute for Women Conductors, previous seasons have afforded Christine Brandes podiums leading Handel’s Messiah with the Virginia Symphony, Handel’s Giulio Cesare for West Edge Opera, and two productions of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, one for West Edge Opera and an innovative adaption by Victory Hall Opera, which interwove a new play that was performed by deaf actors. Additionally, she has led productions of Haydn’s Armide and Rameau’s La Sympathie for Victory Hall Opera.
TOMER ZVULUN
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN, 2009
General and Artistic Director of The Atlanta Opera since 2013, Israeli-born Tomer Zvulun is also one of opera’s most exciting stage directors, earning consistent praise for his creative vision, often described as cinematic and fresh with “a compelling dynamism” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution). His work has been presented by prestigious opera houses around the world, including The Metropolitan Opera, the opera companies of Israel, Buenos Aires, Wexford, Glimmerglass, Houston, Washington National Opera, Seattle, Detroit, San Diego, Minnesota, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and Wolf Trap, as well as leading educational institutes and universities such as The Juilliard School, Indiana University, Boston University, and IVAI in Tel Aviv. Since becoming General and Artistic Director For the in Atlanta a decade ago, Zvulun has expanded the operations of the company from three to six productions per season, gained international notice for transformative artistic vision, while stabilizing the financials. Some of his noted achievements include launching the successful Discoveries series, creating the first young artist program, tripling the company’s annual fundraising, creating The Atlanta Opera Film Studio, launching a new-works competition and festival, developing The Veterans Program, and building a theatre in a circus tent where performances were conducted safely during the pandemic. His work has attracted international attention by earning numerous awards and prizes including nomination of The Atlanta Opera for the International Opera Awards in London and the selection of his production Silent Night as both the Irish Times and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as production of the year. His focus on innovation led to an invitation to deliver a TED Talk as well as a case study being taught at Harvard Business School.
ERHARD ROM
SCENIC & PROJECTION
DESIGNER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, 2011
Erhard Rom, has designed settings for more than 200 productions around the globe. Most recently, he designed a new production of Don Giovanni for the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. He has appeared frequently with The Atlanta Opera including the revival of La bohème in 2024 and designing all the Ring Cycle operas in production with the company. In 2015, he was named a finalist in the designer of the year category for the International Opera Awards in London. Since then, his designs have frequently been featured in the Prague Quadrennial International Design exhibition. He has collaborated with many of the world’s leading directors, working for major companies including: San Francisco Opera (Marriage of Figaro, Susannah, Lucia di Lammermoor, Nixon in China), Seattle Opera (Semele, Eugene Onegin, La bohème), Washington National Opera (Don Giovanni, Samson and Delilah, Silent Night), Wexford Festival (Silent Night), Houston Grand Opera (Rigoletto), Vancouver Opera (Dead Man Walking, Otello), Glimmerglass Festival (A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck, Later the Same Evening, Silent Night), Opera Theatre of St. Louis (Faust, Jane Eyre, Carmen), Minnesota Opera (The Shining, Dead Man Walking, Rusalka, Romeo and Juliet), and Utah Opera (Moby Dick). Other companies include Boston Lyric Opera, Opéra de Montréal and Wolf Trap, among many others. His 2014 design of the European premiere of Silent Night for the Wexford Festival received two accolades from the 2015 Irish Times Theatre Awards including “audience choice” and “best opera production of 2014.” Future engagements include a new production of Fidelio and Macbeth for Washington National Opera.
VITA TZYKUN COSTUME DESIGNER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT SALOME, 2020
Vita Tzykun has designed and directed productions for companies worldwide, including Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Bolshoi Theatre, Norwegian Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, Atlanta Opera, and Tel Aviv Museum of Art. A proponent of new works, she has designed over a dozen world premieres to date. Film and tv credits include art direction for Lady Gaga, and production design for several award-winning films, music videos, and nationally aired television ads. Vita and performer/ media artist David Adam Moore are co-founders of the interdisciplinary art collective, GLMMR, that presents stage and multimedia works throughout the world. GLMMR was recently awarded a dual Granada Artist Residency and Visiting Professorship at University of California, Davis, where they created a new large-scale immersive theater installation, REFUGE, in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Due to the impact of REFUGE, Tzykun and Moore have been awarded a second dual Granada Artist Residency for 2025, for which they will create an immersive, mixed reality theatrical experience called Taming The Lightning, which will focus on climate resilience. Known widely for her work in education and leadership, Tzykun serves on the faculty of the National Theater Institute and has lectured at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Mannes School of Music, and Carnegie Hall’s Weil Institute. Advisory roles include the National Endowment for the Arts, and tech-focused panels for San Diego Opera and Austin Opera. Tzykun has been featured in Lighting and Sound America magazine, given a solo exhibition at the national Opera America center in NYC and nominated for Designer of the Year by the International Opera Awards. Her paintings have been exhibited at the Ceres Gallery in NYC and are held in private collections worldwide.
ROBERT WIERZEL
LIGHTING DESIGNER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, 2011
Robert Wierzel has worked in opera, theater, dance, museums, and contemporary music. Opera credits include productions with the opera companies of Paris Garnier, Tokyo, Toronto, Bergen, Norway, Glimmerglass Festival, Seattle, Boston Lyric, Minnesota, San Francisco, Houston, Virginia, Chicago Lyric, Opera Theatre of Chicago, Montreal, Vancouver, Portland, Wolf Trap, NYCO, and San Diego. Wierzel’s work with dance includes the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. Broadway credits include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill starring Audra McDonald, Fela! (Tony Award nomination), and David Copperfield’s Broadway debut, Dreams and Nightmares. Off-Broadway credits include productions with the NYSF/ Public Theatre, The Signature Theatre, Roundabout Theatre Company, and Playwrights Horizons. Wierzel’s extensive regional theater work includes productions with the Alliance Theater (Atlanta), Goodman Theatre (Chicago), A.C.T. San Francisco, Arena Stage (Washington, D.C.), Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Guthrie, Mark Taper Forum, Actors Theatre Louisville, and The Old Globe. He is adjunct faculty at N.Y.U.’s Tisch School and is a Creative Partner at Spark Design.
JOYCE DEGENFELDER
WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
It all started at Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts when Joyce Degenfelder found an actor taking scissors to trim his applied mustache. She then knew she had to learn how to make hairpieces for theatre. From that summer theatre job Joyce next worked three seasons at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and also worked at San Diego Opera in the off season. In 1979, Degenfelder was hired by Seattle Repertory Theatre as manager of wigs and hair. Through the years making theatre has always been her forefront, able to work with amazing costume designers and exciting directors at Seattle Rep. This lead to working with Alaska Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, American Players Theatre; and within Seattle: A Contemporary Theatre, Intiman Theatre, and The Empty Space. Working with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera (for 14 seasons), brought new expansion to her work. Degenfelder is very happy to revisit Semele with this director, designers and new cast, and she is so pleased to be in Atlanta.
AMIR LEVY CHOREOGRAPHER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
CARMEN, 2018
Amir Levy, choreographer, is thrilled to be back at The Atlanta Opera having choreographed Carmen (2018) and Salome (2020). Levy has been a company member with leading dance organizations including the Bat-Dor Dance Company, Ballet Hispanico of New York, and spent the last 25 seasons with the Metropolitan Opera as both dance captain and as principal dancer. With the Met, Levy has been seen in over 50 productions, including many via the Met HD Live broadcast series seen in movie theaters across the globe. These broadcasts have showcased his work with some of opera’s leading directors including Anthony Minghella (Madama Butterfly), Adrian Noble (Macbeth), Julie Taymor (Die Zauberflöte), Franco Zeffirelli (Turandot), Michael Mayer (Rigoletto), Bartlett Sher (Tales of Hoffman), and Francois Girard (Parsifal). Additionally, Levy has worked closely with some of the world’s leading singers including Renée Fleming, Christine Goerke, Jonas Kaufmann, Peter Mattei, Natalie Dessay, Anna Netrebko, and Asmik Grigorian. Apart from appearing on stage, he has been an associate choreographer to Sara Erde and Richard Eyre on critically acclaimed productions of Werther (Met), Manon Lescaut (Baden Baden) and Le Nozze di Figaro (Met Season Opening Production 2014). Major musical theater credits include the first national tours of Victor/Victoria and the Hal Prince Evita, where he recently set the lead dancers tracks for new international touring companies in association with original choreographer, Larry Fuller.
MICHELLE LADD WILLIAMS INTIMACY COORDINATOR
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN, 2017
Michelle Ladd has been working as a professional action director, choreographer, and performer of stunts, staged combat, dance, and acting for more than 25 years. Although a native of the Southeast, she honed her stage fight skills in Britain at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and built her career in Los Angeles. She is a recognized Fight Director with the Society of American Fight Directors and the International Order of the Sword and the Pen. She has worked throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Asia. Her credits span theater, film, and motion capture and include Motion Capture Stunt Coordinator for Thor; Motion Capture Fight Director for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End; Motion Capture Combat Choreographer for The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; performer with Barneville/Carteret Viking Fest – Freiki Klan Denmark; fight instruction and demonstration of Parnü Vöitlus Estonia; and featured guest for Korea’s Theatre Magazine. Michelle has staged fights at such venues as Drury Lane and North Park Opera. She and her husband own RE:Action Stunts and Broad-Motion Entertainment while raising their three young stunt boys.
ROLANDO SALAZAR CHORUSMASTER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT LA TRAVIATA, 2013
Rolando Salazar has an expansive operatic and symphonic repertoire, including more than forty productions with The Atlanta Opera as conductor, assistant conductor, and/or chorusmaster. He made his Opera Columbus debut in 2023 conducting Astor Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires, which he also assisted with at The Atlanta Opera. Conducting credits with The Atlanta Opera include Pagliacci, The Barber of Seville (Mainstage debut), Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins, and student matinees of La bohème and Don Pasquale. Salazar has also been featured as pianist in Love Letters to Atlanta, performing alongside singers Morris Robinson, Jamie Barton, Ryan McKinny, and Kevin Burdette. Recent conducting credits include Susannah and Die Zauberflöte with Atlanta’s Harrower Summer Opera, Ned Rorem’s Our Town with Georgia State University School of Music, Handel’s Messiah with the Atlanta Concert Opera, Le Nozze di Figaro with Red River Lyric Opera, Tosca with Permian Basin Opera, and other guest conducting engagements with the Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Ballet, Rome Symphony Orchestra, Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, as well as collaborations with Opera Louisiane, Madison Opera, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Rolando has served as associate conductor and chorusmaster for The Atlanta Opera, where he has studied and worked alongside his mentors Arthur Fagen and Walter Huff, in addition to a long and distinguished list of conductors and directors. He keeps an active coaching and collaborative piano schedule in Atlanta, preparing numerous singers for major engagements with orchestras and opera houses worldwide. Salazar is represented by Marvel Arts Management.
CLINTON SMITH ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD, 2018
Clinton Smith, conducted the world premiere of Frankenstein with The Arizona Opera and made his Indianapolis Opera debut conducting Charlie Parker’s Yardbird He also joined Georgia State University’s vocal coaching staff. He regularly appears with the Dayton Opera and has been part of The Atlanta Opera’s conducting staff for several years. Recent engagements have put him on the podium leading productions of Opera Orlando, Opera Las Vegas, Florentine Opera, and serving on the conducting staff of the Santa Fe Opera. His 2020-21 season included conducting Atlanta Opera’s Big Tent Series productions of The Kaiser of Atlantis and The Threepenny Opera, and a virtual recital for Opera Orlando. He has served on the music staff of Juilliard Opera, Minnesota Opera, Atlanta Opera, Portland Opera, Kentucky Opera, Ash Lawn Opera, and Skylark Operas and has included the preparation of over sixty operas in German, Italian, French, English, Czech, Russian, and Mandarin. On equal footing in the orchestral world, Mr. Smith recently concluded a collective nine years as music and artistic director of both Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers and the St. Cloud Symphony, conducting over 60 orchestral, oratorio, chamber, pops, educational, and holiday concert performances. Previous positions include assignments for the San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program, Glimmerglass Opera, Western Ontario University’s Canadian Operatic Arts Academy, the National University of Taiwan, the Franco-American Vocal Academy in France, the Austrian-American Mozart Academy in Salzburg, and the University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra. Born in Texas, Mr. Smith holds degrees in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
IAN SILVERMAN
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT THE MAGIC FLUTE, 2024
Ian Silverman made his debut with The Atlanta Opera as the Associate Director for The Magic Flute. Silverman has served on the directing staffs of The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Glimmerglass Festival, Utah Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Colorado, and OnSite Opera, among others. He has also directed productions at Arizona Opera, Lakes Area Music Festival, William Jewel College, Amarillo Opera, Youngstown State University, The Rochester Fringe Festival, Miami Children’s Chorus, and Eastman Opera Theater. This season, he will direct a world premiere of Nicholas Flagello’s Beyond the Horizon at LaMaMa with Teatro Grattacielo. In the spring, he returns to the Houston Grand Opera to assist on Francesca Zambello’s West Side Story and a new production of Tannhäuser. Silverman has worked in all forms of music theater, from rare operettas to golden age musicals to large-scale grand opera. In addition to standard repertoire, Ian has extensive experience with new work and has worked on twelve world premiere productions. He also has experience working for film as both a director and video editor. Silverman is a recipient of the Robin L. Tobin Director-Designer Prize from Opera America for his production concept of Fellow Travelers. Ian graduated from the Eastman School of Music with Master of Music Degree in Stage Directing and a Certificate in Arts Leadership in May 2020.
EMMA GRIMSLEY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT SIEGFRIED, 2025
Emma Grimsley is a multidisciplinary artist based in New York City. Emma made her directorial debut in the Fall of 2024 with a production of Puccini’s Tosca at Shreveport Opera. As a writer, Emma’s nonfiction work has been published by DIAGRAM and Playbill. Her play Cassandra was featured by Maker’s Ensemble in January 2025. Her play Silver Paper received its initial reading in 2020, organized and moderated by director Stephen Wadsworth. Emma’s solo show Oftentimes Better has appeared in New York City at both Triad Theater and The Green Room 42. As a performer, Emma straddles the classical and musical theater worlds with regional, touring, and off-Broadway projects in both genres. She was part of the North American touring company of The Phantom of the Opera, playing Christine Daaé through the tour’s closing. Emma has appeared onstage as Kate in the world premiere of Grammy-winner Marcus Hummon’s Favorite Son at Nashville Opera, as Johanna in Sweeney Todd with New Orleans Opera, as Cunegonde in Candide with Charlottesville Opera, and as Younger Alyce in Glory Denied with Des Moines Metro Opera and Nashville Opera.
JOSH LOVELL JUPITER
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
Josh Lovell, tenor, is quickly gaining notoriety in the world’s most prestigious houses. An incredibly versatile artist, Lovell’s repertoire spans the Baroque to Romantic periods, as well as modern works of the 20th century. In the 2024-25 season, Josh Lovell will return to Teatro alla Scala for a new production of Gassmann’s L’Opera seria as Ritornello, debut at the Rossini Opera Festival as Lindoro in the company’s new production of L’italiana in Algeri, Oper Frankfurt as Grimoaldo in Rodelinda, and a further performance with Oper Leipzig in the role of Jupiter in Semele. In concert, he will debut with the Chicago Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, and a solo concert with orchestra with the Victoria Symphony in British Columbia. In the 2023-24 season, Josh Lovell performed with Opéra national de Paris and Edinburgh International Festival, at the Bayerische Staatsoper, the Salzburg Festival, Teatro Real and Gran Teatre del Liceu, with Vancouver Opera, and the Canadian Opera Company. In concert, Lovell made debuts with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in Lisbon, in recording and on tour with Les Talens Lyriques, the Opéra royal de Versailles and Theater an der Wien, and with North Carolina Symphony. A Victoria, British Columbia native, Lovell was nominated for his performance alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra for Opus Klassik’s Opera Recording of the Year award for their performance of Offenbach’s La Princesse de Trébizonde
CATHERINE MARTIN INO/JUNO
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
DIE WALKÜRE, 2024
Catherine Martin, soprano, returned last season to The Metropolitan Opera to cover Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking and Preziosilla in La forza del destino. She made her Atlanta Opera debut as Waltraute in Die Walküre, and she returned to Des Moines Metro Opera to sing Geneviève in Pelléas et Mélisande. This season, she returns to the Met to cover Giulietta in Les contes d’Hoffmann, and she joins the Sacramento Philharmonic to sing Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana and Detroit Opera to sing the District Attorney in Anthony Davis’ The Central Park Five. Highlights from recent seasons include her role debut as Fricka in Dayton Opera’s Das Rheingold; Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana with Opera Colorado; her return to Lyric Opera of Chicago to cover Eboli in Don Carlos; Maryland Lyric Opera as Mistress Quickly in Falstaff, Des Moines Metro Opera as Clarice in The Love for Three Oranges; Marguerite (cover) in Berlioz’s Le damnation de Faust with The Metropolitan Opera; Eboli in Don Carlos with Maryland Lyric Opera; Orfeo in Orfeo ed Eurydice with Kentucky Opera; Witch in Hansel and Gretel with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra; Amneris in Aïda with Houston Grand Opera, Opera Carolina, Opera Colorado, and Opera Santa Barbara; Adalgisa in Norma with Florida Grand Opera; Der Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos at The Glimmerglass Festival; Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking with Minnesota Opera and Dayton Opera as well as covering Sister Helen at Washington National Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago; and the Minkswoman in Flight with Dallas Opera.
LAUREN SNOUFFER SEMELE
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, 2015
Lauren Snouffer, soprano, is celebrated as one of the most versatile and respected artists on the international stage. She is recognized for her unique artistic curiosity in world-class performances spanning the music of Claudio Monteverdi and George Frideric Handel through to John Adams and Sir George Benjamin. Snouffer celebrates high profile role debuts this season: the title role of Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande at The Dallas Opera; Bess McNeil in Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s Breaking the Waves at Houston Grand Opera. No less dynamic is the soprano’s concert calendar, which included debuts at the Salzburg Mozartwoche, with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, as well as performances with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Ann Arbor Symphony, and chamber music concerts with the Telegraph Quartet under the auspices of DACAMERA of Houston. She has given enormously successful operatic performances with Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Glyndebourne Festival, Opernhaus Zürich, Royal Swedish Opera, Opera National du Rhin, Santa Fe Opera, and Seattle Opera among many others. A Grammy Award-nominated artist, her impactful recording catalogue includes Joseph Adolph Hasse’s Siroe and G.F. Handel’s Ottone with George Petrou for Decca, Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s Requiem for the Living with Vladimir Lande on Novona Records, Donald Grantham’s La cancíon desesperada conducted by Craig Hella Johnson on Harmonia Mundi, and Morton Feldman’s Rothko Chapel with Steven Schick for ECM. An alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, Lauren Snouffer graduated from Rice University and The Juilliard School.
WILLIAM GUANBO SU CADMUS/SOMNUS
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
William Guanbo Su makes role and company debuts this season as Publio in La clemenza di Tito (Staatsoper Hamburg) and Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor (Nashville Opera). He also returns to the Metropolitan Opera as the Speaker in The Magic Flute and the Jailer in Tosca as well as to Colline in La bohème with Dallas Opera. Future seasons include returns to the Metropolitan Opera and Santa Fe Opera and debuts with LA Opera and Irish National Opera. Recent performances include Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia (Seattle Opera), Masetto in Don Giovanni (Santa Fe Opera), Blitch in Susannah (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Colline in La bohème (Boston Lyric Opera, Utah Opera); Alidoro in La Cenerentola (Opera Maine); Bonze in Madama Butterfly (Houston Grand Opera, Grand Tetons Music Festival); Simon in Handel’s Judas Maccabeus (America Symphony Orchestra); Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia and Angelotti in Tosca (Austin Opera); and Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and Garibaldo in Rodelinda (Aspen Opera Festival). He is a former member of the Butler Studio of the Houston Grand Opera at which he sang roles in Carmen, Dialogues des Carmélites, Die Zauberflöte, Turandot, Rigoletto, and Roméo et Juliette. His concert performances include the Demon in Pergolesi’s Li prodigi della divina grazia nella conversione e more di San Guglielmo Duca di Aquitaina (Les Talent Lyriques at the Festival d’Aix-enProvence) and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah (Cecelia Chorus of New York). He is a 2019 national Grand Finals winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
Elisa Sunshine, soprano, is celebrated for her “blend of vocal sparkle and theatrical charisma” (San Francisco Chronicle). A California native, Sunshine is a newly minted graduate of San Francisco Opera’s Adler Fellowship. She joined The Santa Fe Opera as an Apprentice Artist in 2024, making her company debut as Annina in La traviata and covering Sheila in the world premiere of Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith’s The Righteous. Recently, she covered the title character in Laurent Pelly’s sparkling production of La fille du régiment with Lyric Opera of Chicago, won third prize in The Dallas Opera’s 2024 National Vocal Competition, and represented the United States as a participant in the 2023 Queen Sonja Singing Competition in Norway. She was gratified to perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Juliette in Die tote Stadt, as well as returning to Lyric Opera of Chicago to cover Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro and Gilda in Rigoletto in the 2024-25 season.
NILS WANDERER
ATHAMAS
ATLANTA OPERA DEBUT
Nils Wanderer, counter-tenor, was hailed as winner of the 2022 Bundeswettbewerb Gesang and second prize winner of the world’s most prestigious opera competition “Operalia” in 2022. Recently, Wanderer has garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Oberon in the new production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Opera de Lille, helmed by Laurent Pelly and Guillaume Tourniaire. 2024-25 season highlights included a performance as Oberon in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Staatstheater Hannover and the Ozawa Festival in Japan, Tolomeo in Handel’s Giulio Cesare at the Opéra National du Capitole, Sorceress/Spirit in Dido and Aeneas at Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater Schwerin as part of his artist residency with the theatre, and Mary Sunshine in the musical Chicago at the Komische Oper Berlin, and Tolomeo in Handel’s Giulio Cesare at both Oper Frankfurt and Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Ireland. In 2023-24, Wanderer headlined at the Staatsoper Berlin in the world premiere Don’t you Nomi?—dedicated to the visionary German countertenor Klaus Nomi, performed the roles of Edgar in Reimann’s Lear at Staatsoper Hannover, Mary Sunshine in Kander and Ebb’s Chicago at Komische Oper Berlin, and Tolomeo in Handel’s Giulio Cesare at both Oper Frankfurt and Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Ireland. With the complicity of Jordi Savall, Nils performed Handel’s Messiah at the Salzburg Festival and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at the Paris Philharmonie, Chapelle Royale de Versailles, and Barcelona Auditori. As a soloist, he has collaborated with orchestras such as Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin, and others. As a Lieder singer, he has given recitals with esteemed pianists such as Daniel Heide and Marcelo Amaral. In January 2024, the world premiere recording of Johann Sigismund Kusser’s forgotten Baroque opera Adonis was released by Classic Produktion Osnabruck (cpo), where he sings the role of Apollo in Jörg Halubek’s interpretation.
ELISA SUNSHINE IRIS
Molly Blank Center for Opera Expected Completion Summer
WRITTEN BY Michelle Winters
It’s a time of bold dreams and forward thinking for The Atlanta Opera. As the organization continues to flourish and grow, the need for additional space has also expanded. The growing demands for an immersive performance space, more room for rehearsals, film studio facilities, along with dedicated areas for education, production, and administration, prompted an extensive search for a new home.
After exploring dozens of potential locations, an inspiring vision emerged – a facility that seamlessly combines historic charm with modern innovation located on the Atlanta Beltline. The new facility will
preserve the historic Bobby Jones Clubhouse and incorporate a contemporary performing arts center. Currently planned as a 56,000 square food facility, the building will provide areas for a 200-seat recital hall, a flexible rehearsal and immersive production space, a film studio, a costume shop and fitting rooms, practice rooms, meeting rooms, staff and production offices, and various public spaces.
Be part of shaping the future of the arts in Atlanta and creating an inspiring home for creativity, community and world-class performance. Contact Jessica Langlois for information at jlanglois@atlantaopera.org.
CHORUSMASTER
Rolando Salazar
SOPRANO
Gabrielle Bennett
Jessica Crowell
Nicole Lewis
Blair Lipham
Natalie Rogers
Robin Sewell
Alexandra Watson
MEZZO-SOPRANO
Talia Marie Aull
Isabella Chaney
Melissa Godbee
Kristin Hagan
Amber Tittle
Laurie Tossing
Jessica Wax
TENOR
Matthew Boatwright
Cleve Bosher
Ethan Godfrey
William Green
Grant Jones
Cameron King
José Montañez
BASS
Maxwell Clements
Gus Godbee
Andrew Kapsar
Michael Lindsay
Stephen McCool
Jacob Thatch McDonald
Stuart Schleuse
VIOLIN
Peter Ciaschini
The Loraine P. Williams
Orchestra Concertmaster Chair
Helen Kim*
Assistant Concertmaster
Lisa Morrison
Acting Assistant
Concertmaster
Fia Durrett
Principal Second Violin
Adelaide Federici*
Assitant Principal
Second Violin
Virginia Fairchild
Acting Assistant Principal
Second Violin
Edward Eanes
Felix Farrar
Sally Gardner-Wilson
Robert Givens
Patti Gouvas
Shawn Pagliarini
Patrick Ryan
Jessica Stinson
Rafael Veytsblum
Kathryn Koch+
Matvey Lapin+
Elonia Varfi+
VIOLA
William Johnston Principal
Catherine Allain
Assistant Principal
Ryan Gregory*
Julie Rosseter
Karl Schab
Joli Wu*
CELLO
Charae Krueger Principal
Emma Cary
Assistant Principal
David Hancock
Mary Kenney
Cynthia Sulko
BASS
Daniel Tancredi Principal
Emory Clements
FLUTE
James Zellers* Principal
Kelly Bryant*
OBOES
Christina Gavin Principal
Ann Lillya†
CLARINET
David Odom* Principal
John Warren*
BASSOON
Debra Grove Acting Principal
John Grove†
FRENCH HORN
David Bradley Principal
Jason Eklund
TRUMPET
Yvonne Toll-Schnieder
Principal
Alexander Freund*
Clayton Chastain†
TROMBONE
William P. Mann* Principal
BASS TROMBONE
Richard Brady*
TUBA
Donald Strand* Principal
TIMPANI
John Lawless Principal
PERCUSSION
Michael Cebulski* Principal
HARP
Susan Brady* Principal
THEORBO
John Lenti†
PERSONNEL MANAGER
James Zellers
Musicians employed in this production are represented by the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.
*Core Musician On Leave †Non-Core Musician
Laura and Cosmo Boyd at The Atlanta Opera Gala.
A Family’s Song
Cosmo Boyd’s Lifelong Love For Opera
Montague “Cosmo” Boyd III has a connection to The Atlanta Opera that goes far beyond personal passion; it’s a multi-generational family legacy woven into the cultural fabric of Atlanta. His story is one of deep roots, steadfast support, and a belief in the power of the arts to elevate his hometown.
His father, Montague II, fell in love with opera while studying in Switzerland, attending performances and memorizing lyrics in multiple languages. Back in Atlanta, he never missed a Metropolitan Opera tour and filled the house with Texaco Opera Theater broadcasts. Young Cosmo was captivated—especially by La traviata.
When the Met tours ended, Cosmo feared opera in Atlanta might be finished. Then he learned longtime family friends Bob Edge and Boyce Ansley had founded The Atlanta Opera. Inspired, he dove back in, eager to help the fledgling company thrive. Later, he joined the executive director search committee, met Tomer Zvulun—and challenged him to make The Atlanta Opera the best in the world.
Since then, the organization has flourished. Cosmo is proud that people from cities like Chicago and New York now recognize The Atlanta Opera’s name and want to experience it themselves.
Born and raised in Atlanta—as were his parents and grandparents—Cosmo is committed to improving his hometown’s cultural reputation. He runs a financial planning firm and sees his work as pastoral: helping clients lead meaningful lives. Through that experience, he understands the lasting power of planned giving.
To learn how you can join Cosmo Boyd in The Barbara D. Stewart Legacy Society, please contact Jonathan Blalock at 336-512-6832 or jblalock@atlantaopera.org.
Cosmo understands the long-term value of planned giving. As a sign of his dedication, he joined The Atlanta Opera Legacy Society, making the Opera a beneficiary of his IRA. When asked about his legacy, Cosmo wants to make a positive difference. Through his profession, his service with the Center for the Visually Impaired, and his commitment to promoting opera in Atlanta—through board service, annual giving, and a legacy gift—Cosmo is helping ensure The Atlanta Opera remains a vibrant, inspiring force for generations to come.
NINH
CHAO
ANNUAL GIVING
We are grateful for the following donors’ generous support. This list reflects gifts and annual pledges to unrestricted operating expenses, special projects, and/or endowment made between October, 2023 and April 21, 2025.
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
$200,000+
Harold Brody & Donald Smith†
John & Rosemary Brown†
Dr. Frank A. Critz & Dr. Ann Critz†
Beth & Gary Glynn
Mr. Howard W. Hunter - Gramma Fisher Foaundation†
Disosway Foundation
- Dudley & Carole Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Keough
*Mr. & Mrs. Carl W. Knobloch, Jr.†
*Peggy Weber McDowell & *Jack McDowell
Mr. James B. Miller, Jr.
Larry L. Prince Family Foundation
Jerry & Dulcy Rosenberg†
Katherine Scott
Thurmond Smithgall and the Lanie & Ethel Foundation
$100,000+
Connolly Family Foundation†
Mr. John Haupert & Mr. Bryan Brooks†
Alfredo & Beau Martin†
John & Yee-Wan Stevens†
Rhys & Carolyn Wilson†
$50,000+
The Antinori Foundation†
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Blackney†
Mr. Robert P. Dean & Mr. Robert Epstein†
Mr. John L. Hammaker
Mary Ruth McDonald
Mr. & *Mrs. Robert L. Setzer
Mr. William F. Snyder†
Carol B. & Ramon Tomé†
Ms. Bunny Winter & Mr. Michael Doyle†
$25,000+
Cathy & Mark Adams†
Mr. & Mrs. James Anderson
Bryan & Johanna Barnes†
Laura & Cosmo Boyd
Mr. Frank H. Butterfield†
Matt & Kate Cook
Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Edge
Mr. Tomer Zvulun & Mrs. Susanna Eiland
Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Gross†
*Sylvia Halleck, MD
Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Hardin
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas J. Hertz
Sandra & Peter Morelli†
Talia & John Murphy
Victoria & Howard Palefsky†
*Mr. William E. Pennington†
Mr. Peter Read
Judith & Mark Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. William E. Tucker
Benny & Roxanne Varzi
Bob & Cappa Woodward Charitable Fund
Mary & Charles Yates†
PATRONS CIRCLE
$15,000+
*Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Bair
Julie & *Jim Balloun†
Mr. David Boatwright†
Ms. Mary Calhoun
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Elizabeth Currie
Dr. Donald J. & Janet Filip†
The Gable Foundation, Inc†
Alex & Heather Hertz
Mr. J. Carter Joseph
Ms. Elizabeth Klump
Mimi & Dan D. Maslia
Slumgullion Charitable Fund†
Philip & Caroline Moïse
Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Nicholas III†
Triska Drake & G. Kimbrough Taylor
Mr. Rashaun Williams & Mrs. LaNeah Williams
Larry & Beverly Willson†
GOLD $10,000+
Shareef & Dee Dee Abdur-Rahim
Elizabeth & Jeremy Adler†
Mrs. *Phillip E. Alvelda†
*Mr. & *Mrs. Shepard B. Ansley
Dr. & Mrs. Asad Bashey
*Mr. & Mrs. C. Duncan Beard
Mr. & Mrs. Dante Bellizzi
Natalie & Matthew Bernstein
Anonymous
Dr. John W. Cooledge
Barbara N. Croft & Thomas High
Dieter Elsner
Mr. Leroy & Mrs. Ariana Fass
Stephens Family Foundation
Mr. Michael D. Golden
& Dr. Juliet Asher
Kevin Greiner & Robyn Roberts
Donna & *Richard Hiller
Roya & Bahman Irvani
*Mary & *Wayne James
Gail G. Johnson
James M. Kane & Andrea Braslavsky Kane
Dr. & Mrs. David Kavtaradze
Christopher & Joan Kell
Belinda & Gino Massafra
Mr. Mark & Mrs. Laura Miles
Stephanie & Gregor Morela†
Mr. Tom Nolan
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Paro†
Mr. & Mrs. Michael E. Paulhus†
Lynn & Kent Regenstein†
Mr. James L. Rhoden
Ms. Ana M. Rountree
& Mr. Mason Rountree
Mr. Milton J. Sams†
Thomas R. Saylor
Charles T. & Donna Sharbaugh†
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy E. Sheehan
Ms. Janine Brown
& Mr. Alex J. Simmons, Jr.
Christine & Mark St.Clare†
George & Amy Taylor†
Wadleigh C. Winship Charitable Fund
SILVER $5,000+
Mr. Kent B. & Dr. Diane Alexander
Mr. Edward S. & Mrs. Nese Berkoff
Drs. Tatiana & Igor Bidikov
Catherine A. Binns
Dr. R. Dwain Blackston
Ginny & Charles Brewer
Drs. Eda Hochgelerent & Bruce Cassidy†
Mrs. Carol J. Clark
Jean & Jerry Cooper
Dr. Jeannette Guarner
& Dr. Carlos del Rio
Mr. Trey Duskin & Ms. Noelle Albano
Mr. Richard H. Delay & Dr. Francine D. Dykes†
Sally & Hank Fielding†
Mr. James & Mrs. Kathy Flanagan
Mr. Kristofer J. Funkhouser
Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Garonzik
Mr. Ellis & Mrs. Cathy Green
Judge Adele P. Grubbs
Gena & Joey Gyengo
Ms. Lynn Hanna
Mr. Thomas Harbin
Mr. L. D. Holland†
Mr. & Mrs. David C. Huffman
Ms. Anne Morgan & Mr. James Kelley
Mr. Alfred D. Kennedy & Dr. Bill Kenny
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kurlander
Mrs. Dale Levert
& Mr. George W. Levert
Mr. Patrick & Mrs. Karen Litre
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Long
Dr. Jill Mabley†
Samantha & William Markle
Mr. Nicholas Marrone
Robert & Creel McCormack
Clara M. & John S. O’Shea†
Mr. Chuck & Mrs. Kathie Palmer
Mr. Ron Raitz
Mr. Fred & Mrs. Marilyn Schwartz
*Morton & Angela Sherzer
Baker & Debby Smith†
Lynne & Steven Steindel
Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Valerio III†
Mrs. Karen C. Wilbanks
Thurman Williams
BRONZE $2,500+
Scott & Betsy Akers
Mr. James L. Anderson
Mr. Jonathan Blalock
Mr. Adam Borchert
Susan Borrelli
Raphael Bostic
Sean & Amy Bowen
Mrs. Susan Callaway
Ms. Alice Sue Claeys
Mr. Bruce R. Cohen
Mr. & Mrs. Ron L. Cundy
Mr. James M. Datka
& Ms. Nora P. DePalma
Shellie Davis
Jim & Carol Dew
Mr. Jon & Mrs. Lejla Dickson
Mr. Mark du Mas
Dr. & Mrs. Todd D. Ellis
Mr. Thomas Emch
Mr. & Mrs. Lance Fortnow
Ms. Rebecca Y. Frazer
& Mr. Jon Buttrey
James C. Goodwyne
& Christopher S. Connelly
Dr. Thomas N. Guffin, Jr.
Atlanta Neurology
Ms. Kristin Hathaway Hansen & Mr. Norman Hansen
Douglas Hooker
& Patrise Perkins Hooker
Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey R. Hoopes
Mr. & *Mrs. Harry C. Howard
Cliff Jolliff & Elaine Gerke
Mrs. Cecile M. Jones
Ms. Alison Womack
Red Eft Mapping
Linda L. Lively
& James E. Hugh III
Bruno Lopes
Dr. & Mrs. Ellis L. Malone
Mrs. Erin Martin
Mrs. Linda McGinn
Mr. Bernard & Mrs. Una McGuinness
Rob McSwiney & Samantha Kirby
Mr. Steve & Mrs. Hala Moddelmog
Linda & Don Morris
Barbara & Mark Murovitz
Karen & Rick Murphy
Mrs. Agnes Nelson
Denis Ng & Mary Jane Panzeri Ng
Lisa Pate & Greg Barnard
Lucy S. Perry
Mr. Joshua Peyton
Mrs. Betsy Pittman
Mr. Stuart & Mrs. Barbara Pliner
Mr. Marc Pollack
Patty & Doug Reid
Margaret & Bob Reiser
Mr. John & Mrs. Kathryn Richard
Mr. & Mrs. Diff Ritchie
Mr. & Mrs. J. Barry Schrenk
Dr. Edgar P. Simard
Mr. & Mrs. E. Kendrick Smith
Mr. Paul & Mrs. Amy Snyder
Gail & Barry Spurlock
Dr. Jane T. St. Clair
& Mr. James E. Sustman
Dr. Taheri & Ms. Vaziri
Mr. Tarek Takieddini
Kyle Taylor
Mr. Johnny Thigpen & Mr. Clay Martin
Mr. Samual Todd
Dr. & Mrs. James O. Wells, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Westfall
Elizabeth Wiggs
*Dr. & Mrs. R. Craig Woodward
FRIENDS CIRCLE
INVESTOR $1,000+
Paula Stephan Amis
Mr. Paul Anderson, Jr.
Ms. Casey Armanino
Anita Atkinson
Mr. Philip & Mrs. Melissa Babb
Ms. Joselyn B. Baker
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Deborah Bald
Mr. & Mrs. Robert O. Banker
Tara Baquero
Ms. Hope M. Barrett
Christine M. Beard
Mr. Albert E. Bender, Jr.
Mr. Chris & Mrs. Carolyn Benne
Jill Blair & Fay Twersky
Mr. Walter Carter Bland
Mrs. Jane Blount
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Blumenthal
Marcelo Boffi
Ms. Martha S. Brewer
Ms. Donna Burchfield
Mr. James Carr, Jr.
Anonymous, honoring Tracy McLendon, ABG
Mr. Nelson C. Chu
Ms Lillianette Cook
& Ms. Carol Uhl
John & Linda Cooke
Mr. & Mrs. Edward S. Croft III
Mr. Kevin Cronin
Ann & Jim Curry
Dr. & Mrs. F. Thomas Daly Jr.
Mr. Tom & Mrs. Cindy Daly
Mr. & Mrs. Harold T. Daniel Jr.
Eb & Sarah Daniels
Mr. Clark & Mrs. Kristin Dean
Drs. Morgan & Susan Horton Eiland
Mr. Jack Firestone
Richard Franco MD
Spencer Gelernter & Sonya Kuropatwa
Mr. Douglas Gooding
Helen C. Griffith
Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Grodzicki
Enio P. Guerra
Ms. Louise S. Gunn
Robert & Ada Habl
Felicia & Isaiah Hale
Zach Healy
George L. Hickman III
Richard & Linda Hubert
Mr. David Hughes
Mr. & Mrs. Gert Kampfer
Mrs. Peter G. Kessenich
Ms. Carla Knobloch
Ms. Carol Kranig
Colleen Langner
Anonymous
Tim & Angela Leveridge
Livvy Kazer Lipson
Mr. Clyde W. Lollis
Mr. & Ms. Larry Anderson
Mrs. Blanchette Maier
Mr. Briant & Mrs. Mary Matheson
Ellie May
Charles Bjorklund & Sted Mays
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Meadors
Mr. M Sean Molley
& Ms. Heidi C. Pritchett
Ms. Grace Murphy
Twinkle Nelson
Carol S. Niemi
Mr. Darryl-Christopher Payne†
Seth Persily
Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence S. Phillips
Mr. Mark Pighini
David Pumpelly
Mr. Enrique Rapetti
Dr. & Mrs. Donald Reitzes
R.J. & D.G. Riffey, Jr.
Sidney & Phyllis Rodbell
Julie Salisbury
Stewart & Mary Searle
Mr. Kenneth L. Shigley
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Shreiber
Ed Shrum
James Sizemore
Mr. Fred B. Smith
Anonymous
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Stansfield
Lindsay & Michael Stewart
Kay Summers
Stephen Swicegood & Ruth Ann Rosenberg
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Szikman
Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth G. Taylor
Ms. Virginia S. Taylor
Maria Todorova
Dawn Tresh
Ms. Juliana T. Vincenzino
Mrs. Kathleen & Mr. Arthur Waldrop
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth O. Walkington Jr.
Ms. Betsy K. Wash
Mr. Mark & Mrs. Rebekah Wasserman
Alan & Marcia Watt
Rae & *George Weimer
Ms. Kathy J. White
Dr. & Mrs. Hamilton Williams
SUPPORTER $500+
Judith M. Alembik
Karyn Alexander
Dr. Amir Banishahi
Jennifer Barlament & Ken Potsic
Colonel & Mrs. John V. Barson, D.O.
Mrs. Marilee F. Betor
Mr. Matt Blackburn
Ms. Mary D. Bray
Craig & Brenda Caldwell
Lisa Chang
Mr. & Mrs. Don S. Coatworth
Dr. Lawrence M. Cohen
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Cohn
Mr. David D’Ambrosio
Mr. Brock Darby
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dean
Mr. & Mrs. John Drucker
*Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Engeman Sr.
Elizabeth Evans
Allison Fichter & Phillip O’Brien
Dr. & Mrs. David J. Frolich
Linda Gabbard
Mr. Glen Galbaugh
Mr. Tim & Mrs. Linda Gartland
Henry Gonzalez
Dr. Richard Goodjoin
Mr. & Mrs. Sheffield Hale
Mr. Ronald L. Harris
& Mrs. Jacqueline Pownall
Mr. Jamael & Mrs. Rashidah Hester
Mr. Craig Hodges
Debra M. Hulsey
Robby Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Johnston
Ms. Lynne Elliott Jones
Matthew Katzmark
Dorothy Yates Kirkley
Mr. Brian Kurlander
& Mrs. Carrie Johnson Kurlander
Arnold & Joan* Kurth
Sean Lee
Mr. Sidney E. Linton
Virginia Litland
Allan & Vaneesa Little
Sara Lomeli
Dr. Jo Marie Lyons
Jeanie & Albert Marx
Mr. Michael Mayes
Mr. M. Reynolds McClatchey Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Allen P. McDaniel
Mr. Asghar
& Mrs. Roya Memarzadeth
John S. Metz
Jane Morrison
Terri & Stephen Nagler
Ms. Mollie W. Neal
Rita Omark
Kia Painter
*Sharon & Jim Radford
Mr. Stephen L. Rann & Ms. Dytre Fentress
Sandra & Ronald Rousseau
Rebecca Russell
Dr. & Mrs. William M. Scaljon
Mr. Mike Schleifer & Mrs. Laura Hackman
Ms. Anne Schneider
Ms. Regina Schuber
Dr. & Mrs. William E. Silver
Andrew J. Singletary, Jr.
Clayton & Holly Sparrow
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald F. Stafford, Jr.
Melanie Steele
Laura Stevens
Judge Mike & Mrs. Jane Stoddard
Kylie Stradley
Steve & Christine Strong
Carolyn & Robert Swain
Edward Thomas
Mr. Stephen H. Thompson & Mr. Drew Mote
Isabel Urrittia
Mr. Joseph Usher
Ms. Brenda D. Jennings
Kiki Wilson
Mr. & Mrs. Henry M. Wyche
CONTRIBUTOR $250+
Dr. Catherine Allard
Dr. Raymond Allen
Ms. Nancy H. Amato
Stephan & Laura Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. David S. Baker
Claire & Bryan Benedict
Mr. & Mrs. Sid Besmertnik
James & Nancy Bross
Dr. Keith & Dr. Christine Bruno
Mark & Peg Bumgardner
Mr. Jerald M. Byrd
Raymond Chinn
Mrs. Jan W. Collins
Carol Cookerly & Robert Beal
Mr. John & Mrs. Janet Costello
Carol Comstock & Jim Davis
Mr. & Mrs. David R. Dye
Arnold & Sylvia Eaves
Mr. Devin Ehrlich
Mr. Courtney Ellis & Dr. Amina Bhatia
Ms. Ellen Evans
Julia Filson
Leigh Furrh
Mary Anne & Bruce Gaunt
Ms. Pat Godbee
Vasily Goncharu
Ms. Susan Goodman
Drs. Nancy & Robert Griner
Jim & Virginia Hale
Ms. Laura Heery
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas M. Holly, Jr.
Ms. Jan W. Hughen
Mr. Rolf Ingenleuf
Susan Johnston & Shannon Motley
Mr. William Johnston
Mr. & Mrs. David Keller
Nancy Kritikos
Lawrence Kurzius
Mr. & Mrs. Bertram L. Levy
Mr. Roy Locklear III
Richard Lodise & Valerie Jagiella
Dr. Frank & Mrs. Barbara Marxer
Michael McDaniel
Mr. Simon Miller
Berthe & Shapour Mobasser
Mr. William R. Mrs. Morrison & Elizabeth R. Clark-Morrison
Mr. & Mrs. George T. Munsterman
Bahar Nia
Mr. John Owens
Mr. William A. Pasch
Mr. & Mrs. John Payan
Mr. Lawrence F. Pinson
Catherine Popper & Noah Eckhouse in honor of
Ms. Faye P. Popper
Misty Reid
Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Elizabeth Rhoden
Mr. Barry F. Ross & Mrs. Jane M. Rooks Ross
Harriet Ruskin
Dr. & Mrs. Stuart H. Silverman
Mr. Raymond A. Strikas
Dr. David E. Sutherland II & Mrs. Sarah F. Yates Sutherland
Barbara & Jon Swann
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick C. Taylor
Mr. & Ms. Wolfgang Tiedtke
Erica Walden
Ms. Susan Wall
Richard E.
& Anne-Marie H. Whisnant
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Susan White
Yolanda White
Troy Wiley
Ann Williams
Ms. Jone Williams & Ms. Barbara Robb
Mr. Russell F. Winch
Mrs. Mary S. Wright
Mr. & Mrs. Richard H. Zimmermann
Dr. Ben & Mrs. Adrienne Zinn
FRIEND $100
Judith Allen
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Arp
Ms. Janice Arsan
Mr. & Mrs. Randall T. Bailey
Ms. Mary M. Ball
Heather Barber
Patty Beem
Mr. James Ben
Mr. Roy Bergstrom
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Susan Bertrand
Mr. Gary Bivins
Ms. Dianne Brannen
Mr. Richard Brownlee
Mr. Matthew Y. Burkhalter & Mr. John Carey
Mrs. Susie Cabot
Mr. & Mrs. Raymund Callaway
Mr. Bruce & Mrs. Betsy Carlson
Emma Corcoran
Mr. George D. Councill
Mrs. Eleanor Crosby
John Cuni
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Curry
Ms. Janet Dawson
Dana P. Deer
Laura Denton
Martha M. Dimes
Melissa Durkee
Ayse Eroglu
Ms. Deirdre & Mr. Irial Finan
Sean & Kim Fogarty
Jeffrey Foster
William Frampton, III
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Freeman
Anonymous
Mr. Kevin Gallagher
Alan & Jaana Garber
Maria Garcia
Mary Garner
Mr. Bruce Gaynes
Mr. Jeff Gordon
A. J. Earley & W. L. Green
Branden Grimmett
Ms. Anne L. Grossman
& Dr. Leonard Berger
| giving&support
Ms. Angela Masini
Mr. & Mrs. Sidney W. Guberman
Mr. Rick Hall
Juliana Han Witt & Jared Witt
Shay Herman
Mrs. & Mr. James R. Jones
Ms. Sharon E. Hill
Mr. Joseph Ho
Mr. Stephen & Ms. Sallie Honeychurch
Claire Marie & Will Huff
Jessica James
Karen Johnson
Jaromir Juchelka
Eric & Carol Kaufmann
Mr. & Mrs. Thornton Kennedy
Dr. Joon Kim & Dr. Myong Suk Lee
Charles J. Koppel
Helen & Steven Kraus
Ms. Lucy Kwon
Mrs. Emma Lankford
Mr. Stephen K. Lau
Dian Lawler -Johnson
Ms. Carla Lee
Ms. Constance B. Lewis
Mrs. Suzanne T. Lewis
Dr. Gloria Lin & Dr. Jesus Castro-Balbi
Mr. Everett Long & Mr. Fred Smith
Mr. & Mrs. James R. Love
Miss Phoebe Pomeroy
Emma Loyal
Timothy Lyons
Ms. Eleanor Malone
Ms. Deborah A. Marlowe
Mr. David Martocci
Dr. Joe B. Massey, M.D.
Ms. Katherine B. Maxwell
Dr. Walter D.
& Mrs. Martha S. Mayfield
Ms. Kelly Mayhall
Mr. Thomas L. McCook
Veronica Meza
Mrs. Gwendolyn Michel
Mr. & Mrs. William L. Morris
Ciaran Morris
Mr. Albert M. Morrison
Mr. Marvin Moss
Alfred Msezane
Isabella Murphy
Lily Murphy
Ms. Nancy Naucke
Mr. Bruce & Ms. Connie Nunley
Ms. Karla Olterman
Katryn M. Owens
Mr. Yong S. Pak & Ms. Rebekka Kuntschik
Alexis Palefsky
Katie & Nick Palefsky
Rev. Louisa T. Parsons
Mrs. Polly N. Pater
Ms. Sophia B. Peterman
Mr. John & Mrs. Margaret Petrey
Ms. Berta Platas Rowe
& Mr. Gary Rowe
Heather Prill
Reetta Raag
Dantes Rameau
Carmen Rodriguez
Dr. Stanley
& Mrs. Shannon Romanstein
Dawn & Randall Romig
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Andrea Ryan
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Sabatino
Akeel Sachak
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Scanlan
Mr. William Schley
Mr. Donald Schreiber
& Ms. Barbara Seal
Dr. Sanford H. Schwartz
Mr. Karin Schwerd
Ms. Rahsaan Shears
Dr. & Mrs. William O. Shropshire
Sharon Silvermintz
Dr. & Mrs. Stanley J. Smits
Ms. Vilma Sneed
Mr. Joseph R. Stabile
& Mr. Michael Dunkelberger
Dr. Susan Y. Stevens
Mrs. Jacquelin
& Mr. J. Lindsay Stradley
Anna Tabke
Mr. John & Mrs. Inez Tanzola
Mr. John Thompson, II
Mr. George Thurman
Mr. Edward & Mrs. Harriet Trackman
Mrs. Lee Harper Vason
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne R. Vason
Mr. & Mrs. Woodrow W. Vaughan, Jr.
Ms. Laura P. Wagner
Thomas West
Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Westmoreland, Jr.
Stephanie White
Ms. Lelia & Ms. Beth Williamson
Mr. Dowman Wilson
& Mrs. Katherine H. Suttell
Mr. Frank & Mrs. Julie Windler
Mary J. Wood
Kurt-Alexander Zeller
†extraordinary donors who have committed to continue their annual giving for three years or more *deceased
CORPORATE PARTNERS
$200,000+
The Home Depot Foundation
$100,000+
The Coca-Cola Company
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
$50,000+
Nelson Mullins
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Rothschild & Co
Smurfit WestRock
UPS
$25,000+
The Capital Group Companies
Charitable Foundation
Gas South
KPMG LLP
PwC Charitable Foundation
Southern Company
$10,000+
Accenture LLP
Blackrock
Cox Enterprises
Deloitte & Touche
Eversheds Sutherland
The Hilbert Law Firm
Homrich-Berg, Inc.
PNC Financial Services Group
Salesforce
SG Contracting
The Varzi-Cohen Group, Merrill Lynch
Truist
$5,000+
Batdorf & Bronson
Coffee Roasters
BNY Mellon
Carter
CIBC
Anonymous
FOUNDATIONS & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
FOUNDATIONS
$500,$500,000
The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation†
Mr. Howard W. Hunter - Gramma Fisher Foundation†
Lettie Pate Evans Foundation
$100,000+
Anonymous
The Charles Loridans Foundation, Inc.†
The Coca-Cola Foundation†
Connolly Family Foundation†
Disosway Foundation - Dudley & Carole Johnson
Donald & Marilyn Keough Foundation
Knobloch Family Foundation†
$50,000+
Livingston Foundation†
Mary & EP Rogers Foundation, Inc.
The Sara Giles Moore Foundation
The Rich’s Foundation, Inc.
$20,000+
The Jim Cox, Jr. Foundation
The Roy & Janet Dorsey Foundation (by Larry B. Hooks & Robert G. Edge, Trustees)
The Halle Foundation†
The Hertz Family Foundation, Inc.
J. Marshall & Lucile G. Powell
Charitable Trust
The Ray M. & Mary Elizabeth Lee Foundation
$10,000+
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
The Robert & Polly Dunn Foundation
The Gable Foundation
The George M. Brown Trust Fund
The Stephens Family Foundation
$5,000+
Camp-Younts Foundation
The Hills Family Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Hills, Trustees
$1,000+
NCM Foundation
The Mary Brown Fund of Atlanta, Georgia
The Opera Guild for Atlanta
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
Cobb Travel & Tourism
Fulton County Arts & Culture
Georgia Council for the Arts
†extraordinary donors who have committed to continue their annual giving for three years or more
BARBARA D. STEWART LEGACY SOCIETY
The Atlanta Opera recognizes donors who have designated The Opera as a beneficiary in their estate plan as members of the Barbara D. Stewart Legacy Society. This society honors Barbara D. Stewart’s extraordinary legacy gift and her many contributions to The Atlanta Opera.
Cathy Callaway Adams & Mark Adams
Anonymous (5)
Mr. & *Mrs. Shepard B. Ansley
*Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Bair
Mrs. Wallace F. Beard
The Bickers Charitable Trust
Mr. Jonathan Blalock
*Jim & *Nancy Bland
Mr. Montague L. Boyd, IV
Mr. Robert Colgin
*Martha Thompson Dinos
The Roy & Janet Dorsey Foundation
Mr. Richard H. Delay & Dr. Francine D. Dykes
Arnold & Sylvia Eaves
* Ms. Dorothy E. Edwards
*Heike & Dieter Elsner
Ms. Melodi Ford
Carl & Sally Gable
*Ms. Anne Marie Gary
Mr. & Mrs. Sidney W. Guberman
*Sylvia Halleck, MD
Ms. Judy Hanenkrat
Caroline Hardin
Richard & Fern Hartnig
The Hilbert Family Trust
Eda L. Hochgelerent, M.D. & Bruce A. Cassidy, M.D.
Mr. L. Don Holland
Mr. Hilson Hudson
*Mrs. Joseph B. Hutchison
Gail G. Johnson
Mr. J. Carter Joseph
*Mrs. Alfred D. Kennedy, Sr.
*Mrs. Isabelle W. Kennedy
Mr. Alfred Kennedy
Dr. William R. Kenny
*Donald & *Marilyn Keough
Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Keough
TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS
In Memory of Phillip Edward Alvelda
Mrs. Kay Alvelda
In Memory of Shepard B. Ansley
Dr. R. Dwain Blackston
Jonathan Blalock
John & Rosemary Brown
Sally & Hank Fielding
Mr. & Mrs. Sidney W. Guberman
Mary Ruth McDonald
In Memory of Helen Arnold
Ms. Susan Borrelli & Ms. Cindy Parker
In Memory of Eleonora M. Barson
Colonel John V. Barson, D.O. & Mrs. Gay L. Barson
In Memory of Duncan Beard
Bob & Cappa Woodward Charitable Fund
Ms. Corina M. LaFrossia
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Malcolm
Mr. Robert L. Mays
Mr. & Mrs. Allen P. McDaniel
*Peggy Weber McDowell & *Jack McDowell
*Mr. Michael A. McDowell
Mr. & Mrs. Craig N. Miller
*Miss Helen D. Moffitt
Mr. J. Robert Morring
Clara M. & John S. O’Shea
Mrs. Polly N. Pater
Mr. James Paulk
*Mr. William Pennington
*Mr. Bruce Roth
*Ms. Hazel Sanger
Mr. D. Jack Sawyer, Jr.
Anita & J. Barry Schrenk
Katherine Scott
*Mrs. Roberta Setzer
Elizabeth N. Shapiro
*Mrs. Lessie B. Smithgall
Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel
Christine & Mark St.Clare
*Ms. Barbara D. Stewart
*Mrs. Eleanor H. Strain
Mr. William F. Snyder
Mr. Tarek Takieddini
Sandra & *Tom Teepen
Dr. & Mrs. Harold Whitney
*Mrs. Jane S. Willson
Rhys & Carolyn Wilson
Ms. Bunny Winter & Mr. Michael Doyle
Mr & Mrs Robert G Woodward
Mr. Charles R. Yates, Jr. & Mrs. Mary Mitchell Yates
*Mr. & *Mrs. Charels R. Yates, Sr.
Mr. Tomer Zvulun & Mrs. Susanna Eiland
In Honor of Mr. Jonathan Blalock
Mr. Leroy & Mrs. Ariana Fass
Everett L. Long
In Honor of Dr. Hal Brody & Mr. Don Smith
Connor Howard
In Honor of John & Rosemary Brown
Mr. Barry F. Ross & Mrs. Jane M. Rooks Ross
In Memory of Kyle Burkhalter
Mr. Matthew Y. Burkhalter & Mr. John Carey
In Memory of Anson Callaway
Dawn & Randall Romig
In Memory of Suzanne Claeys
Ms. Alice Sue Claeys
*deceased
In Honor of Rebekah Clark Cooledge
Dr. John W. Cooledge
In Honor of Frank & Ann Critz
Jonathan Blalock
In Honor of Robert Dean & Robert Epstein
Linda & Don Morris
In Memory of Col. & Mrs. Edgar W. Duskin
Noelle Albano & Trey Duskin
In Honor of Robert & Elizabeth Edge
Cecile Jones
In Honor of Sally & Hank Fielding
Ms. Nancy H. Amato
Ms. Anne Schneider
In Memory of Mrs. Phyllis A. Franco
Dr. Richard D. Franco
In Memory of Sam Hagan
Jonathan Blalock
William Frampton, III
Mr. Sheffield Hale & Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hale
Mr. Alfred Msezane
Mr. William O. Shropshire & Mrs. Patricia Shropshire
Wayne R. Vason & Lee Harper
Ms. Elizabeth Wilson & Ms. Susie Schklar
Ms. Roslyn S. Winston
In Honor of Caroline & Jack Hardin
Dr. Frank & Mrs. Barbara Marxer
In Memory of Mary & Wayne James
John & Rosemary Brown
In Memory of Patricia E. Johnston
Mr. Wayne Johnston
In Honor of Gloria Lin
Jonathan Blalock
Red EFT Mapping | Mr. Lawrence Knight
In Memory of George H. & Cecile G. Malone
Ms. Eleanor Malone
In Honor of Alfredo Martin
Jonathan Blalock
In Honor of Tracy McLendon, ABG Anonymous
In Honor of Julie Meyer
Helen & Steven Kraus
In Honor of Howard & Victoria Palefsky
Mr. Kent B. & Dr. Diane Alexander
Natalie & Matthew Bernstein
Jonathan Blalock
Virginia & Charles Brewer Family Foundation
Mr. Bruce R. Cohen
Mr. John & Mrs. Janet Costello
Mr. Michael D. Golden & Dr. Juliet Asher
Mr. John Haupert & Mr. Bryan Brooks
Carla Knobloch
Mr. & Mrs. Bertram L. Levy
Ms. Anne Morgan & Mr. James Kelley
Mr. Stuart & Mrs. Barbara Pliner
Patty & Doug Reid
Dr. & Mrs. Stanley E. Romanstein
Mr. Fred & Mrs. Marilyn Schwartz
Mr. Paul & Mrs. Amy Snyder
Ms. Bunny Winter & Mr. Michael Doyle
In Honor of Jerome & Dulcy Rosenberg
Dr. & Mrs. William E. Silver
In Honor of Rolando Salazar & The Atlanta Opera Chorus
Ms. Pat Godbee
In Honor of Katherine Scott
Allison Fichter & Phillip O’Brien
In Memory of Mrs. Roberta Setzer
Mr. Robert L. Setzer
In Memory of Suzette Snell
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Elizabeth Currie
In Honor of John & Yee-Wan Stevens
Jonathan Blalock
In Honor of Mr. William Tucker
Douglas Gooding
In Honor of Jason Walker
Erica Walden
In Honor of Paul Warshauer
Helen & Steven Kraus
In Memory of George Weimer
Dr. R. Dwain Blackston
Mr. Matthew Y. Burkhalter & Mr. John Carey
Mary Ruth McDonald
In Memory of Margaret Gwendolyn Williams
Thurman Williams
In Memory of Marya Gabrielle Williams
Jone Williams & Barbara Robb
In Honor of Charlie & Mary Yates
Anonymous (24)
Carol Cookerly & Robert Beal
Douglas Gooding
Mr. Pitak Intrawityanunt
Mr. Tom Nolan
Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Elizabeth Rhoden
Mr. & Mrs. J. Barry Schrenk
Dr. David E. Sutherland II & Mrs. Sarah F. Yates Sutherland
Mr. Joseph Usher
Dorothy Yates Kirkley
In Honor of Mr. Tomer Zvulun & Ms. Susanna Eiland
Sally & Hank Fielding
Ms. Elizabeth Klump
Bob & Cappa Woodward Charitable Fund
In Honor of The Atlanta Opera Staff
Rae & *George Weimer
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Board Chair
Mr. Rhys T. Wilson
Vice-Chair
Mr. John L. Hammaker
Vice-Chair | Development Committee Co-Chair
Mr. Charles R. Yates, Jr.
Treasurer | Finance Committee Chair
Ms. Bunny Winter
Secretary
Mr. Howard Hunter
Audit Chair
Mr. Bryan H. Barnes
Community Engagement Committee Chair
Mr. Alex Simmons, Jr.
Development Committee Co-Chair
Mrs. Talia Murphy
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair
Mrs. Stephanie Morela
Facilities Task Force Chair
Mr. Howard Palefsky
Investment Committee Co-Chair
Mr. Frank Butterfield
Investment Committee Co-Chair
Mrs. Sandra S. Morelli
Nominating & Board Engagement Committee Chair
Mr. Kevin Greiner
Strategic Planning Committee Chair
Mrs. Christine St.Clare
At-Large Member, Immediate Past Chair
Mrs. Cathy Callaway Adams
At-Large Member
Mr. John Haupert
Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director, ex-officio member
Mr. Tomer Zvulun
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEMBERS
Mrs. Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim
Ms. Cathy Callaway Adams
Mrs. Susan M. Anderson
Mr. Bryan H. Barnes
Mr. Dante Bellizzi
Mr. Montague L. Boyd, IV
Dr. Harold J. Brody
Mrs. Rosemary Kopel Brown
Mr. Frank H. Butterfield
Mrs. Kate Cook
Dr. Frank A. Critz
Mr. Clark Dean
Mr. Robert Dean
Dr. Carlos del Rio
Mr. Dieter Elsner
Dr. Donald J. Filip
Mr. Kevin Greiner
Mrs. Joanne Chesler Gross
Mrs. Caroline Hardin
Mr. John Haupert
Mr. Jamael Hester
Mr. Andrew R. Long
Mr. Alfredo Martin
Ms. Kelly Mayhall
Mr. James B. Miller, Jr.
Mrs. Stephanie Morela
Mrs. Sandra S. Morelli
Mrs. Talia Murphy
Mr. Howard Palefsky
Mr. Michael E. Paulhus
Mr. Herbert J. Rosenberg
Mr. Thomas Saylor
Mr. Alex Simmons, Jr.
Mrs. Christine St.Clare
Mr. William E. Tucker
Mr. Rashaun Williams
Mr. Tomer Zvulun, Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director, ex officio
HONORARY MEMBERS
Mr. Ronald Antinori
The Very Reverend
Samuel G. Candler
Mr. Robert G. Edge
Mr. Carl I. Gable, Jr.
Mrs. Nancy Hall Green
Mr. Gregory F. Johnson
Mr. Carter Joseph
Mr. Alfred Kennedy, Jr.
Mr. Michael Keough
Mrs. Emily C. Knobloch
Mr. George Levert
Mr. J. Barry Schrenk
Mr. Timothy E. Sheehan
Mr. G. Kimbrough Taylor, Jr.
Mr. Mark K. Taylor
Mr. Thomas R. Williams
Mr. Robert G. Woodward
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Mr. Andrew J.M. Binns
Mr. Kenny L. Blank
Mrs. Inge Bledel
Ms. Mary Calhoun
Mrs. Lejla Dickson
Ms. Sally Bland Fielding
Ms. Julia Filson
Mr. Roger Fleming
Mr. Lance Fortnow
Dr. Thomas N. Guffin, Jr.
Mr. Douglas Hooker
Mrs. Erin Quinn Martin
Mr. Robert G. Pennington
Mr. Paul Snyder
THE ATLANTA OPERA STAFF
EXECUTIVE
Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun
Managing Director
Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Micah Fortson
Misty Reid
Special Projects Manager Nancy Kritikos
ARTISTIC / MUSIC
Music Director Emeritus Arthur Fagen
Director of Artistic Administration
Artistic & Operations Manager
Meredith Wallace
Megan Bennett
Chorus & Orchestra Manager Chris Bragg
Artistic Services Coordinator Elizabeth Graiser
Orchestra Librarian Phil Parsons
PRODUCTION
Production & Facilities Advisor
Robert Reynolds
Director of Production Planning Meggie Roseborough
Director of Production Operations
Amy Smith
Technical Director Rick Combs
Associate Technical Director
Associate Technical Director—Operations
Props Supervisor & Artisan
Rodney Barge
Bram Sheckels
Paige Steffens
Production Finance Specialist Ruth Strickland
Calling Stage Manager Keri Muir
Assistant Stage Managers Aletha Saunders, Eva Schramm
COSTUME
Costume Director Sarah Burch Gordon
Show Manager Paula Peasley-Ninestein
Communications Coordinator Allison Hines
Stock Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor Jenn Rogers
Master Draper / Tailor
First Hand
Lead Stitcher
Mary Cruz Torres
Gibron Shepperd
Margaret Tennant
Stitcher Michelle Lee
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION
Director of Community Engagement & Education
Jessica Kiger
Education Manager Amy Williams
Community Engagement & Education Coordinator Jonesia Williams
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
PRODUCTION
Head Carpenter
Assistant Carpenter
Head Electrician
Head Properties
Head Audio
Head Video
Lighting Programmer
LED Technician
COSTUME/WIG & MAKEUP
Wardrobe Supervisor
WIg & Makeup Lead
DEVELOPMENT
Development Managing Director ............... Jessica Langlois
Director of Development—Individual Giving Jonathan Blalock
Associate Director of Development Operations . . . . . . Katy Gardner
Board Relations & Campaign Manager Aaron Walker
Individual Giving Manager ...................... Luke MacMillan
Development Communications & Volunteer Coordinator Sasha Svirshch
Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing Emily Crisp
Box Office Associate ............. Sierra Embres, Patty de la Garza, Justin Stanley
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Director of Communications & Public Relations Michelle Winters
Communications & Marketing Manager Ashley May King
THE ATLANTA OPERA FILM STUDIO
Director of The Atlanta Opera Film Studio Felipe Barral
Short-Form Video Editor Brittney Fontus
THE ATLANTA OPERA STUDIO ARTISTS
Stage Director Elio Bucky
Mezzo-Soprano
Aubrey Odle
Tenor Wayd Odle
Soprano Amanda Sheriff
Bass-Baritone Jason Zacher
Hank Collins
Daniel Ware
Jaime Mancuso
Gina Cirillo
Teddy Murray
Andrew Van Eyechaner
Mike Wood
Brennon Jones
Jenn Rogers
Jessica Paige Goodin
SEMELE LIVESTREAM
Additional Camera Operators Kendra Johnson, Adam Khan, Valeriia Luhovska, AJ Paug, Michelle Sanders
Sound Capture & Live Mixing
Tim Whitehead
Sound Monitor Preston Goodson
Livestream Technical Operator
Livestream Technical Support
Switcher Operator
Gerald Griffith
Keelan Bearden
Felipe Barral-Secchi
CONCESSIONS
Concession stands are located in the center of the lobbies on all three levels. Food and beverage items are prohibited inside the theater. Thank you for your cooperation.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located on house right and house left of all three lobbies. Family restrooms are also located on house right of all three lobbies. Mobility-impaired patrons may use any of our restrooms.
PARKING
Day of parking is available for $17 (credit or debit card only). There are 1,000 onsite parking spaces; 700 in a four-level deck and 300 more in a surface lot.
EMERGENCY INFO
In the event of an emergency, please locate the nearest usher who will direct you to the appropriate exit.
ELEVATORS
Elevators are located on each side of the lobbies on all levels.
PROHIBITED ITEMS / SECURITY
Upon entry, guests will be required to pass through a metal detector.
Items not allowed inside the venue: Bags larger than 11” x 13” are not permitted, weapons of any kind (including knives), backpacks, baby car carriers and car seats, strollers, flags, outside food and beverage. For a complete list refer to the venue website.
LOST & FOUND
Items are turned into the Synovus Box Office on the day of a performance. To inquire about a lost item, please call Public Safety at 770-916-2911.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
Persons requiring access assistance are asked to contact Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 for advance arrangements.
Audio clarification devices are available to our hearing impaired guests at no charge. This is on a firstcome, first-served basis and are available at the main desk in the lobby.
Wheelchairs are available upon request. All items require a form of identification to be held until the item is returned.
COBB ENERGY CENTRE RULES & REQUESTS
• All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket in order to be admitted to the performance. Please be aware that not all performances are suitable for children.
• Infants will not be admitted to adult programs. Parents will be asked to remove children who create a disturbance.
• There is no late seating allowed. Closed-circuit monitors are provided in the lobby as a courtesy to latecomers.
• Please turn off all cellphones prior to the beginning of each performance.
• Please limit conversation during the performance.
• Cameras (including use of cellphone camera) and audio and video recording devices are strictly prohibited at all times.
• Leaving while the show is in progress is discourteous and we ask that you refrain from doing so.
• Please unwrap all candies and cough drops before the performance.
and the only
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Are you facing Family Law issues? We know how stressful this can be and want YOU to start considering your needs, wants, hopes, dreams, and aspirations as important pieces to the puzzle.
Are you facing Family Law issues? We know how stressful this can be and want YOU to start considering your needs, wants, hopes, dreams, and aspirations as important pieces to the puzzle.
We are committed to providing unparalleled legal service and concierge-level support to every client we serve. Give us a call today, we can help you calm the chaos and reach your goals.
We are committed to providing unparalleled legal service and concierge-level support to every client we serve. Give us a call today, we can help you calm the chaos and reach your goals.
We are committed to providing unparalleled legal service and concierge-level support to every client we serve. Give us a call today, we can help you calm the chaos and reach your goals.
