20231026_Fall Opera

FLORIDA FLORIDA STATE STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OPERA OPERA PRESENTS PRESENTS

MUSIC MUSIC BY BY

GIoaCHINO ROSSINI

Libretto Libretto BY BY

CESARE Sterbini

Bernard McDonald Stage Stage Direction Direction by: by: Matthew Lata

Music Music Direction Direction by: by:

Scenic Scenic Design Design by: by: Grant Grant Preisser Preisser Costume Design by: Christina Marullo Costume Design by: Christina Marullo

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' 'LOpez-Watermann Lighting Lighting Design Design by: by: TLAloc TLAloc LOpez-Watermann Wig & Makeup Design by: Joel Wig & Makeup Design by: Joel Schaeffer Schaeffer

Ruby diamond Concert hall October 26, 27, & 28 at 7:30pm & October 29 at 3:00pm tickets.music.fsu.edu tickets.music.fsu.edu

Dean’s Message Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us for the 23 - 24 Opera season. Once again, we begin this opera season with a classic, Gioachino Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia. It is also based on the Beaumarchais play of a similar title and the prequel to last year’s The Marriage of Figaro.

We have brought together a collection of wonderful creators from our past productions to devise a brand new look to this wonderfully familiar piece. Alumnus and Opera Orlando Artistic Director Grant Preisser has created an old-world inspired scenic design. Lighting Designer Tláloc López-Watermann, whose work was last seen with our production of La bohème, brings hilarious atmosphere to the stage. Christina Marullo’s costume and Joel Schaeffer’s wig & makeup designs invoke an air of authenticity and delight to this crazy Rossini comedy. Of course, we hope you enjoy the wonderful efforts of the voice students and USO orchestra led by our new Director of Opera, Dr. Bernard McDonald, as we welcome him to FSU! Opera has long held a special place of prominence at the College of Music and it serves as an ideal vehicle to showcase the talents of our musicians and the professional quality of our productions. If you are one of many in our community who has been a regular patron of opera at Florida State University, we welcome you back for this production in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. If you are new, we hope you enjoy your experience here with us tonight. We look forward to seeing you in the Spring for Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen. Thank you for your continued support of our programs and students.

Sincerely,

M. Todd Queen Dean

Florida State Opera presents

Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) Music by Gioachino Rossini | Libretto by Cesare Sterbini

Music Director...........................................................................................................Bernard McDonald Stage Director.....................................................................................................................Matthew Lata Scenic Designer...................................................................................................................Grant Preisser Lighting Designer.......................................................................................Tláloc López-Watermann Costume Designer........................................................................................................Christina Marullo Wig and Make-up Designer........................................................................................Joel Schaeffer Production Stage Manager............................................................................................Reed Worrell Opera Coaching.................................................................................................................Douglas Fisher Natalie Sherer Valerie M. Trujillo Chorus Master...............................................................................................................Ramon Cardenas Assistant Conductor.................................................................................Guilherme Leal Rodrigues Assistant Director....................................................................................................................Amy Helms Assistant Stage Managers.......................................................................................Talia Boudjemaa Emilie Parry

The College of Music dedicates this production of IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA to the Burkhardt family in celebration of the Ilse C. Burkhardt Memorial Fund

Cast

(in order of appearance)

Rossini

Doctor Bartolo

Ken Lambert

Carter Houston* André D. Peele

Fiorello

Ambrogio

Kristopher Stam

Cody Whiddon

Count Almaviva

Don Basilio

Adam Henning Eric Rieger*

Derek Hale* Samuel Shipps

Berta

Sergeant

Mary-Bradley Knighton* Katherine Anne Ledbetter

Dorian Carr

Figaro

The Notary

Cole Bellamy* Sebastian Quintero

Kelby Yoder

Rosina

*performing on 10/26 & 10/28

Dawson Franzino Ye Ji Lee*

Ensemble Dorian Carr Alissa D’Alton Lee Garcia Quaid Jones Ken Lambert Adriana Rivera Maldonado Jonathan Rodriguez Madison Riley Kristopher Stam Cody Whiddon Kelby Yoder Angelo Zizza

Synopsis ACT I. Count Almaviva, who has fallen in love with a woman he has never met, brings a band of musicians to serenade her. She is Rosina, ward of Dr. Bartolo, who keeps the girl confined in his house. The Count hopes that she might love him for who he is, and not because of his status and wealth. When Rosina fails to answer his song, the Count pays the musicians and sends them away. Enter Figaro, the neighborhood factotum. Although he is currently in Bartolo’s employ, he encounters Almaviva and promises to help him win Rosina - for a suitable reward.

No sooner has Bartolo left the house to arrange his own marriage with Rosina than Almaviva launches into a second serenade, calling himself “Lindoro,” a poor student who can offer only love. Rosina responds. Figaro suggests that Almaviva disguise himself as a drunken soldier billeted to Bartolo’s house as a way to meet her.

Rosina muses on the voice that has touched her heart, resolves to outwit Bartolo, and writes a note to her admirer. Figaro joins her, but they are interrupted when Bartolo enters with the music master, Don Basilio.

Basilio tells Bartolo that Almaviva is a rival for Rosina’s hand and advises slandering the nobleman’s reputation. Bartolo has other plans, but Figaro overhears them. Warning Rosina that Bartolo plans to marry her himself the very next day, the barber advises her to write a note to “Lindoro.”

Rosina produces the note that she has already written. Bartolo returns and interrogates her, telling her that he is far too clever to be tricked.

Almaviva then enters disguised as a drunken soldier in search of lodging.

While arguing with Bartolo, Almaviva manages to slip a love letter to Rosina. When Bartolo demands to see the letter, the girl substitutes a laundry list. Figaro rushes in to warn that their hubbub has attracted a crowd. Soldiers arrive to silence the disturbance. As an officer is about to arrest him, Almaviva confirms his identity and is released. All are stupefied by everything that is happening.

ACT II. Bartolo receives an unknown music teacher, “Don Alonso” - again Almaviva in disguise and claiming to be a substitute for the ailing Basilio.

Rosina enters, recognizes her suitor and begins her singing lesson as Bartolo dozes in his chair. Figaro arrives to shave the doctor and manages

to steal the key to the balcony window to facilitate an escape. Basilio enters, looking the picture of health. Bribed by Almaviva, he feigns illness and departs. Figaro shaves Bartolo while Almaviva and Rosina plan their elopement that night. They are overheard by the Doctor, who drives Figaro and Almaviva from the house and Rosina to her room, then sends again for Basilio. Berta, unnerved by all the confusion, complains she is going mad. Bartolo dispatches Basilio for a notary, then tricks Rosina into believing “Lindoro” is really a flunky of Almaviva. After a thunderstorm, Almaviva arrives with Figaro and climbs through a balcony window to abduct Rosina. At first the girl rebuffs “Lindoro,” but when he explains that he and Almaviva are one and the same, she falls into his arms. Figaro urges haste, but before they can leave, Bartolo takes away their ladder.

Basilio enters with the notary. Though summoned to wed Rosina and Bartolo, the official marries her instead to Almaviva, who bribes Basilio.

Rushing in too late, Bartolo finds the lovers already wed. However, when Almaviva allows him to keep Rosina’s dowry, the old man accepts the situation and…happy ending.

Director’s Notes I was introduced to music from The Barber of Seville by Bugs Bunny and Woody Woodpecker performing on my grandmother’s ancient TV with the round picture tube. I don’t remember if I climbed to the roof of our clubhouse to sing “Figaro, Figaro!” as the neighbor’s eponymous dog (who tried to sing it back) did, but my best friend Mark tried his best, and the craziness made perfect sense to our seven-year-old sensibilities.

Almost everyone knows some of the music of Barber, whether they realize it or not, as it has become standard fare in the advertising industry, in sitcoms, and in elevators.

The libretto for Barber is a direct adaptation of the French play written in 1775 by Pierre Beaumarchais. It was the first of a trilogy that includes The Marriage of Figaro. The broadly drawn characters in this introductory play are based on stock figures from the commedia dell’arte, romping irrepressibly through a series of standard comedy sketches of the period. The play was not without controversy, as Figaro, the central character, begins an attack on the class system of the period that was intensified as the trilogy developed. His self-confidence, rooted in the conviction that inherently he is as good as any other man, is the basis

of the social criticism already apparent, though muted, in this play. That Rossini wrote it in less time than it takes to rehearse it is nothing short of astounding.

Rossini’s comedies are rhythmic, highly-charged and fast-moving, emphasizing broad physical characterization and the very act of singing. Sprinkled into the fun are interludes of quieter humor with a human touch. Our production honors the commedia roots of the piece by putting primary emphasis on the improvisatory aspects of the performance style. First of all, we meet the composer, and participate in his process of creating the opera. We establish a unique set of rules that govern our version of Seville. In this chaos, architectural pieces can be moved when convenient and scenery is animate and adversarial.

Landscapes are jumbled. Storms can be created when needed. The next moment of anarchy or the next explosion is right around the corner.

Costumes are an exaggerated version of late 18th century styles. We are frequently reminded that the characters are making the music up as they perform, assuming the 18th century tradition of taking bows after each major aria.

Barber is a work of genius that is arguably the most popular comic opera ever written. The music remains a permanent part of 21st Century pop culture. It’s just that much fun. Ask Bugs and Woody.

Thank You

2023-2024

Florence Helen Ashby Brian Causseaux and W. David Young Malcolm Craig and Allys Palladino-Craig Richard Dusenbury and Kathi Jaschke Kirby W. and Margaret-Ray Kemper Susan S. Lampman Linda and Bob Lovins Albert and Darlene Oosterhof

Bob Parker David and Joanne Rasmussen Jim and Betty Ann Rodgers Ken and J.R. Saginario Karen and Francis C. Skilling Donna Cay Tharpe Tate and Jo Todd

University Symphony Orchestra Alexander Jiménez, Music Director and Conductor Violin I MaryKatherine Whiteley Tommaso Bruno Catherine Yara Thomas Roggio Stacey Sharpe Jean-Luc Cataquet Keat Zhen Cheong

‡

Violin II Gabriela da Silva Fogo* Michael Mesa Alyssa Donall Madelyne Garnot Gabriel Salinas-Guzman Harshul Mulpuru

Viola Hunter Sanchez* Margot Elder Luiz Barrionuevo Keara Henre Abigail Felde

Cello Marina Burguete-Diago* Thu Vo Liam Sabo Luke Ponko

Bass Maximilian Levesque* Alejandro Bermudez Christian Maldonado

Flute Brenna Wiinanen* Lindsey Kovach

Oboe Nic Kanipe* Andrew Swift

Clarinet Hannah Faircloth* Audrey Rancourt

Bassoon Robert Alexander* Carson Long

Horn Tarre Nelson* Alex Garcia

Trumpet Vito Bell* Brian Ratledge

Trombone Connor Altagen

Percussion Will McCoy

Timpani Kylan Bigby ‡ Concertmaster * Principal

Cast Bios Cole Bellamy (Figaro) Hometown: Olathe, KS Degree program: MM Voice Performance, 2nd year Roles with FSU: Stanly Kowalski (A Streetcar Named Desire), Antonio (Le nozze di Figaro) Other Performances: Governor Bellingham (The Scarlet Letter) with Wichita State University Opera Theatre Awards: Hannah J. Beaulieu Competition Winner ‘22-23

Dorian Carr (Sergeant) Hometown: Cleveland, OH Degree program: BA Commercial Music, Senior Roles with FSU: Choral Union, Gospel Choir

Dawson Franzino (Rosina) Hometown: Orlando, FL Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Roles with FSU: Hannah Older (As One), Marcellina (Le nozze di Figaro), Isabela (La hija de Rappaccini), Mother (Hansel and Gretel Opera Outreach), Ensemble (Die Zauberflöte) Awards: Hannah J. Beaulieu Competition Winner ‘22-23

Derek Hale (Don Basilio) Hometown: Wortham, TX Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 2nd year Roles with FSU: Doctor Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro) Other performances: Sir Thomas Bertram (Mansfield Park) with University of Texas Opera, Sarastro (Die Zauberflöte) with Franco-American Vocal Academy, Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro) with Austrian American Mozart Academy

Adam Henning (Count Almaviva) Hometown: Watertown, SD Degree program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Other performances: Pirate/Frederic cover (The Pirates of Penzance), Sancho Panza (Man of La Mancha), Dater (Speed Dating Tonight!) with Northern State University

Carter Houston (Doctor Bartolo) Hometown: Fairview, PA Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Other Performances: Officer/Jailer/Marquis (Dialogues of the Carmelites), Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), Bob (The Old Maid and the Thief) with Penn State Opera Theatre Awards: Hanna J. Beaulieu Competition Winner 2023

Mary-Bradley Knighton (Berta) Hometown: Mobile, AL Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Other Performances: Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Mabel (Pirates of Penzance)with University of South Alabama Opera Theater, Eliza Doolittle (The Loathly Lady), Musetta (La bohème), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro) Vienna Summer Music Festival Awards: Hannah J. Beaulieu Competition Winner 2023

Ken Lambert (Rossini) Hometown: Tallahassee, FL Degree Program: FSU Alum Other Performances: Fred Graham (Kiss Me Kate), Sie Robin (Spamalot) with Quincy Music Theater, Frederick Frankenstein (Young Frankenstein) with Theatre Tallahassee, Bruce (Fun Home), Don (Kinky Boots) with New Stage Theatreworks

Katherine Anne Ledbetter (Berta) Hometown: High Point, NC Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Other performances: Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni) with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, Maddalena (Linda di Chamounix) with A.J. Fletcher Opera, Una cercatrice (Suor Angelica) Piedmont Opera

Ye Ji Lee (Rosina) Hometown: Seoul, South Korea Degree Program: DMA Voice Performance, 3rd year Roles with FSU: Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) Other performances: Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel) with Sungnam Cultural Foundation, Giannetta (L’elisir d’amore) with Korea National Opera Awards: Hannah J. Beaulieu Competition Winner ‘21-23

André D. Peele (Doctor Bartolo) Hometown: Greenville, NC Degree Program: DMA Voice Performance, 2nd year Roles with FSU: Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), Don Magnifico (La cenerentola), Frank Maurrant (Street Scene), Capulet (Roméo et Juliette) Other performances: Méphistophélès (Faust), Don Pasquale (Don Pasquale) with A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute

Sebastian Quintero (Figaro) Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL Degree Program: BA Music, Senior Roles with FSU: Hannah Younger (As One), Pablo Gonzalez (A Streetcar Named Desire), Papageno (The Magic Flute Opera Outreach ’23), Ensemble (Le nozze di Figaro), Ensemble (Die Zauberflöte)

Eric Rieger (Count Almaviva) Hometown: Tallahassee, FL Program: Assistant Professor of Voice Other performances: Information can be found at music.fsu.edu/person/eric-rieger

Samuel Shipps (Don Basilio) Hometown: Baltimore, MD Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Other performances: Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro) with Austrian/American Vocal Academy, Ensemble (Carmen, Tales of Hoffmann) University of Texas

Kristopher Stam (Fiorello) Hometown: Jacksonville, FL Degree Program: BM Vocal Performance, Junior

Cody Whiddon (Ambrogio) Hometown: Tallahassee, FL Degree Program: BM Voice Performance, Senior Roles with FSU: El Saboyano/Don Florito (Luisa Fernanda), Tamino (The Magic Flute Opera Outreach ’23), Ensemble (Le nozze di Figaro)

Kelby Yoder (The Notary) Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA Degree Program: MM Voice Performance, 1st year Other performances: Tamino (Die Zauberflöte) with Berlin Opera Academy, Paolino (Il matrimonio segreto) with University of Iowa

THE OPERA STAFF Dean, Executive Producer Todd M. Queen Director of Opera Activitie Bernard McDonald Stage Director/ Director of Opera Workshop Matthew Lata Director of Orchestral Activities Alexander Jimènez Orchestra Manager Heather Simpson Orchestra Stage Manager Alejandro Bermudez Librarian Will Whitehead Rehearsal Accompanists Rebecca Edmiston Mikayla Rogers

Ruby Diamond Crew, cont’d Ethan Bigelow Cam Burns Amelia Cooper Scott Freese Miranda Fuller Ibrahim Gillani Ray Hattaway Megan Horowitz Kathryn Ingram Jace Jacobs Carson Kirk Joseph MacMichael Riley Murray Roy Nishimoto-Rivera Costume Shop Manager Julia Matteson Bradley Assistant Shop Manager Christina Marullo

Scenic Artists Ken Frederickson Emily Davis

Costume Shop Crew Chanti Max Kaylee Sibelle Meredith Sponsler Colleen Towey

Master Carpenter Cameron Hanmer

Wig & Makeup Crew Liane Giroux

Carpenters Scott Freese Ray Hattaway

Front of House Manager Evan Marty

Ruby Diamond Support Staff Ethan Bigelow Alayna Lee Russ Marsh Michelle McDaniel Eugene McGuinness Mike Shapiro Ruby Diamond Crew Wajira Amarakoon Jordan Baker David Bernstein

Supertitle Operator Rebecca Edmiston Production Manager Caroline W. Bankey Graphic Design/Marketing Tyler Hast Megan Mowery Wendy Smith College of Music Box Office Kim Shively

UNIVERSITY MUSICAL ASSOCIATES 2023-2024 Dean’s Circle Les and Ruth Ruggles Akers Richard Dusenbury and Kathi Jaschke CarolAline Flaumenhaft

Jim and Betty Ann Rodgers Tate and Jo Todd

Gold Circle Drs. Charles and Sharon Aronovitch Margaret and Russ Dancy Louie and Avon Doll Patrick and Kathy Dunnigan Kevin and Suzanne Fenton * Emory and Dorothy Johnson

Albert and Darlene Oosterhof Bob Parker Todd and Kelin Queen Karen and Francis C. Skilling * Paula and Bill Smith Bret Whissel Sustainer

Stan Barnes Marty Beech Greg and Karen Boebinger Beverley Booth * Karen Bradley Scott A. Brock Donna Callaway Brian Causseaux and W. David Young Pete and Bonnie Chamlis James Clendinen Jody and Nancy Coogle Jim and Sandy Dafoe Patrice Dawson Floyd Deterding and Kelley Lang Diane Dowling and Jack Dowling Segundo J. Fernandez Susan and Jack Fiorito Joy and James Frank William Fredrickson and Suzanne Rita Byrnes William J. Gladwin, Jr.

Mario Gonzalez and Pierce Withers Myron and Judy Hayden * Marc J. and Kathryn S. Hebda Katherine Henricks Dottie and John Hinkle Todd S. Hinkle Holly Hohmeister Karolyn and Ed Holmes Alexander and Dawn Jiménez Dr. Gregory and Dr. Margo Jones William and DeLaura Jones Martin Kavka and Tip Tomberlin Howard Kessler and Anne Van Meter Michael Killoren and Randy Nolan Dennis G. King, Esq. Robert and Karen Large Dr. Annelise Leysieffer Nancy and Jeff Lickson Linda and Bob Lovins Victoria Martinez Kay and Ken Mayo

Sustainer cont’d Robert and Patty McDonald Duane and Marge Meeter Dewitt Miller, III Walter and Marian Moore Ann W. Parramore Robert and Caryl Pierce * David and Joanne Rasmussen Stephen and Elizabeth Richardson

* Ken and J.R. Saginario Jonathan Jackson and Greg Springer Nell and Marshall Stranburg William and Ma’Su Sweeney Margaret Van Every and Joe Lama * Alison R. Voorhees John and Jeanie Wood Kathy D. Wright

Patron Joyce Andrews Mary S. Bert Malcolm Craig Rochelle M. Davis William H. Davis Eunice Filar Judith Flanigan John S. and Linda Fleming L. Kathryn Funchess Debbie Gibson Ruth Godfrey-Sigler Bryan and Nancy Goff Harvey and Judy Goldman Michael Hanawalt * William and Julie Hatfield Albert Henry Jerry and Bobbi Hill Madeleine Hirsiger-Carr Jane A. Hudson Richard and Linda Hyson Barbara James Emily Jamieson Sally and Dr. Link Jarrett Ms. Judith H. Jolly Mr. and Mrs. William A. Kaempfer Dr. Alan R. Kagan Arline Kern

* Jonathan Klepper and Jimmy Cole Frances Kratt John and Silky Labie Donna Legare Mari-Jo Lewis-Wilkinson Ann and Don Morrow Dr. William C. Murray Sandra Palmer Ann E. Parker Marjorie J. Portnoi Karalee Poschman David Reed Edward Reid Mark E. Renwick John and Carol Ryor Jill Sandler Paula S. Saunders Scott Scearce Jeanette Sickel Alice C. Spirakis George Sweat Marjorie Turnbull Ed Valla Paul van der Mark Sylvia B. Walford Geoffrey and Simone Watts Jeff Wright

Associate Jayme Agee Patricia C. Applegate Michael Buchler and Nancy Rogers Mary and David Coburn Adele Cunningham Pamala J. Doffek Clifford Dudley The Fennema Family Gene and Deborah Glotzbach Barbara Hamby and David Kirby Donna H. Heald Carla Connors and Timothy Hoekman Nicole and Kael Johnson Steve Kelly

Dean Kindley Pell and Angela Kornegay Joseph Kraus Susan S. Lampman Debora Lee Jane LeGette Kathleen and Lealand McCharen Moncrief Flom Family In Memory of Mrs. Dorothy S. Roberts Dr. Luis R. Rosas Sperandio Sanford A. Safron Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tuten Karen Wensing Teresa White

Lifetime Members Willa Almlof Florence Helen Ashby Mrs. Reubin Askew * Tom and Cathy Bishop Nancy Bivins Ramona D. Bowman André and Eleanor Connan Janis and Russell Courson * J.W. Richard and Tina Davis Ginny Densmore Nancy Smith Fichter and Robert W. Fichter Carole D. Fiore Patricia J. Flowers Jane E. Hughes Hilda Hunter Julio Jiménez Kirby W. and Margaret-Ray Kemper Patsy Kickliter

Anthony M. and Mallen E. Komlyn Fred Kreimer Beverly Locke-Ewald Cliff and Mary Madsen Ralph and Sue Mancuso Meredith and Elsa L. McKinney Ermine M. Owenby Mike and Judy Pate Jane Quinton David D. Redfield Laura and Sam Rogers, Jr. Dr. Louis St. Petery Sharon Stone Donna Cay Tharpe Brig. Gen. and Mrs. William B. Webb Rick and Joan West John L. and Linda M. Williams

Corporate Sponsors Beethoven & Company

MusicMasters Business Sponsors

WFSU Public Broadcast Center *University Musical Associates Executive Committee

The University Musical Associates is the community support organization for the FSU College of Music. The primary purposes of the group are to develop audiences for College of Music performances, to assist outstanding students in enriching their musical education and careers, and to support quality education and cultural activities for the Tallahassee community. If you would like information about joining the University Musical Associates, please contact Kim Shively, Director of Special Programs, at kshively@fsu.edu or 850-644-4744.

The Florida State University provides accommodations for persons with disabilities. Please notify the College of Music at 850-644-3424 at least five business days prior to a musical event if accommodation for disability or publication in alternative format is needed.

JANÁCEK

CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN Opperman Music Hall

April 4-7, 2024 TIckets.music.fsu.edu FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Artist-in-Residence

RYAN SPEEDO GREEN Opperman Music Hall November 7, 2023 | 7:30PM

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