Minnesota Opera's Casanova's Homecoming Program

Dominick Argento

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Homecoming

Set design by Paul Steinberg

Casanova’s Contents Minnesota Opera Staff and Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Notes from the Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Casanova’s Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Background Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dominick Argento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Dale Johnson: 25 Years with Minnesota Opera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Minnesota Opera Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Upcoming: Roberto Devereux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Education at the Opera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Become a Subscriber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Minnesota Opera Annual Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Donor Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Minnesota Opera President & ceo Artistic Director Chair, Board of Directors

Kevin Smith Dale Johnson Chip Emery

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NOTES FROM THE

Directors

Artistic Director

Welcome to the 25th anniversary production of Casanova’s Homecoming.

Commissioned

by Minnesota Opera for the 1985 inaugural season of the Ordway, this comedic masterpiece is by Minnesota’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento.

Most of you have heard of the notorious Italian lover, but rarely is he ever portrayed in this light. Argento used situations from Casanova’s memoirs to pen one of his wisest and warmest works for the stage. For example, in the later years of his life, Casanova was banished from Venice by the local inquisitors. Upon the bon vivant’s return to Venice from years of exile in the great European capitals, we find a Casanova who has aged FROM THE

BOARD OF

Officers gracefully into a wiser and a bit more Chip Emery, Chair sensitive version of the great seducer.

Rachelle D. Chase, Vice Chair We are happy to welcome back James Robinson, who led many critically Stephanie J. Prem, Secretary acclaimed productions at Minnesota Heinz F. Hutter, Treasurer Opera (Lucia di Lammermoor, Nixon Kevin Smith, President & CEO in China, Un ballo in maschera).

Leading The Saint Paul Chamber Directors Orchestra, Maestro Leonardo Vordoni returns after great audience and critical Martha Goldberg Aronson Ruth S. Huss acclaim from our previous production, Wendy Bennett Philip Isaacson The Pearl Fishers.

Charles Berg Lynne E. Looney Minnesota Opera is highly praised Shari Boehnen Diana E. Murphy for its commitment to new work. We Susan S. Boren Luis Pagan-Carlo hope that you, like the audience at the world premiere 25 years ago in this very Kathleen Callahan Debra Paterson theater, are carried away to Casanova’s Nicky B. Carpenter Jose Peris Venice and thrilled by this wonderful, Jane M. Confer Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad witty comedy.

Mary A. Dearing Elizabeth Redleaf Jodi Dehli

Dale Johnson Artistic Director

Welcome to the second production of Minnesota Opera Works – Casanova’s Homecoming.

The opera industry, like any business, needs to invest in the creation of new product. We at Minnesota Opera have always sought to keep the art form fresh and regularly introduce new and unfamiliar works to our audience. This production marks our continued commitment to growing the operatic form.

Inspired by the overwhelming success of The Grapes of Wrath (which debuts at Carnegie Hall in March 2010), Minnesota Opera Works is a landmark commitment to creating contemporary opera. The 2010–2011 season will herald another world premiere by composer

Sara Donaldson Stephanie Simon Bianca Fine Peter Sipkins Thomas J. Foley

President Ricky Ian Gordon, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis.

This program has been called “the most important new works program in the country” by Marc A. Scorca, the president of opera America. We invite you all to join in this exciting process, which you can read more about on page 19 of this program.

With this production, we also congratulate our Artistic Director, Dale Johnson, whose career began at Minnesota Opera 25 years ago this week. You can find a tribute to Dale on page 15.

Enjoy the performance!

Connie Remele

Steve Fox

Simon Stevens Virginia Stringer

Denver Gilliand H. Bernt von Ohlen Sharon Hawkins

Emeriti Karen Bachman John A. Blanchard, III Burton Cohen Julia W. Dayton Mary W. Vaughan In Memoriam: Thomas R. McBurney

Honorary Directors Dominick Argento Philip Brunelle Elizabeth Close Dolly Fiterman

Kevin Smith President & ceo

Charles C. Fullmer Norton M. Hintz Liz Kochiras Patricia H. Sheppard

Minnesota Opera is proud to be a member of The Arts Partnership with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Schubert Club and the Ordway.

Legal Counsel James A. Rubenstein, Moss & Barnett

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

FROM THE

Leadership

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ordway.org ON STAGE Nov 14, 17, 19, 21 (7:30pm); Nov 22 (2pm) The Minnesota Opera Casanova’s Homecoming

by Dominick Argento Nov 18 - Dec 27 Times Vary Ordway Center’s McKnight Theatre Sister’s Christmas Catechism Featuring Kimberly Richards Nov 27 (10:30am, 8pm); Nov 28 (8pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Welcoming Christian Zacharias Dec 2 (8pm) The Schubert Club Susan Graham, mezzo soprano

Let us fit your feet with

style!

Dec 4 (10:30am, 8pm); Dec 5 (8pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Baroque Delights Dec 15 - Jan 3 Times Vary Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jan 8 (10:30am, 8pm); Jan 9 (8pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Stravinsky Festival Kickoff Jan 12 (8pm) The Schubert Club Takács Quartet Jan 14 & 16 (7:30pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Edo de Waart Conducts The Rake’s Progress Jan 23 (8pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Celebrating Stravinsky with Minnesota Orchestra Jan 30 (8pm); Feb 2, 4, 6 (7:30pm); Feb 7 (2pm) The Minnesota Opera Roberto Devereux by Gaetano Donizetti Feb 12 - 13 (8pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Upshaw Sings Bach and Bartók

HANOI, for women in cigar

Feb 13 (9:30am, 11am) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Ordway Family Series Feb 14 (4pm) VocalEssence WITNESS Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director Sweet Honey in the Rock® She Rocks Feb 19 (7:30pm) Target World Music and Dance Series DanceBrazil Jelon Vieira, Artistic Director Afro-Brazilian/Capoeira

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Feb 21 (7:30pm) Target World Music and Dance Series Dreaming the Duke Nnenna Freelon, Harolyn Blackwell, and Mike Garson

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Feb 24 (7:30pm) planet Ordway Target World Music Series Shidara Thunderous Taiko Feb 26 (10:30am, 8pm); Feb 27 (8pm) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra English Classics

w w w. s c hul ers ho es. c o m

Bloomington Southtown Center l Burnsville Center in front of Dick’s Golden Valley Center l Maple Grove on Main Street l Roseville HarMar Mall St. Cloud Crossroads Center l St. Louis Park Miracle Mile l Woodbury Commons

A Nordic Christmas

Photo: Lars Hansen, 2008.

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Mon., Tue.,Thu., Fri. 12–4 Wed. 12–8 Sat. 10–5 Sun. 1–5

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Music and Libretto by Dominick Argento after L’histoire de ma vie by Giacomo Casanova World premiere at the Ordway Music Theatre, Saint Paul April 12, 1985 November 14, 17, 19, 21 and 22, 2009 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Casanova’s Homecoming

Sung in English with English captions Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leonardo Vordoni Stage Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Robinson Choreographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seán Curran Set Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Steinberg Costume Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Schuette Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aaron Black Wig and Makeup Designers. . . . . . . . . . . Jason Allen and Ronell Oliveri Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Octavio Cardenas Assistant Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clinton Smith Chorusmaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Dibbern Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Farino

The Cast Casanova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Fanning Lorenzo, a newly ordained abbé . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Michael Moore Marquis de Lisle, nephew and heir to Madame d’Urfé. . . . Dan Dressen Gabrielle, a penniless poet and Barbara’s fiancé . . . . . . . . Brad Benoit Businello, secretary to the Council of Ten. . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Boehler Bellino/Teresa, an opera singer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren McNeese Madame d’Urfé, a wealthy widow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jean Stilwell Giulietta, the abandoned wife of a cardsharp. . . . Jennifer Casey Cabot Barbara, Giulietta’s daughter and Casanova’s godchild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naomi Isabel Ruiz ✽ ✽✽ Marcantonio, a street urchin . . . . . . . . Isabella Dawis , Caleb Sikorra ✽

performs November 14, 19 and 21

✽✽

performs November 17 and 22

Ensemble First Inquisitor, Pulcinello – Ben Johnson ◆ Second Inquisitor, Tartaglia – Jonathan Kimple ◆ Third Inquisitor, Spanish Captain – Rodolfo Nieto ◆ Montebank – Michael Nyby ◆ Vendor – Kathleen Humphrey ◆ Charlatan – Richard Joseph ◆ Demofoonte, junior policeman – Brian Kuhl ◆ Dircea – Vicki Fingalson ◆ Timante – Nicole Percifield ◆ Matusio – Katherine Haugen ◆ Cherinto – Kristin Morant ◆ Gianpaolo – Angela Keeton ◆ Lady with purse – Elizabeth Longhurst ◆ Girl in Casanova’s bed – Tracey Gorman ◆ Young woman in Casanova’s bed – Nicole Warner ◆ Matron in Casanova’s bed – Patricia Kent ◆ Guards – Nate Brian, Nick Chalmers, Ben Crickenberger, Rick Penning ◆ Madame d’Urfé’s servant – Michelle Hayes ◆ Chief of Police – Andrew Wilkowske ◆ Venetian woman – Karen Bushby ◆ Venetian man – John deCausmeaker ◆ Supernumeraries: Jon Blohm, John Edel, Scott Herman, Evan Rhodus

Setting: Venice during the first week of Carnival, 1774 Casanova's Homecoming is sponsored by the Ronning Family Foundation.

A coproduction between Minnesota Opera and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

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By arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner.

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The appearances of John Michael Moore, national finalist; Matt Boehler and Andrew Wilkowske, regional finalists; and Jonathan Kimple, district finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, are made possible through a Minnesota Opera Endowment Fund established for Artist Enhancement by Barbara White Bemis.

The appearances of the Resident Artists are made possible, in part, by the Virginia L. Stringer Endowment Fund for the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program.

Performances of Casanova’s Homecoming are being taped for delayed broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio, ksjn 99.5 in the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota Opera season is sponsored

by The Private Client Reserve at U.S. Bank.

The appearances of the 2009–2010 season conductors are underwritten by SpencerStuart.

BACKGROUND

Notes

by David Sander

s Leighton Kerner aptly noted in the Village Voice nearly 25 years ago, “Dominick Argento is probably the American closest to England’s Benjamin Britten in living out the idea and ideal of a composer functioning as a useful member of a community.” Indeed, in addition to commissions worldwide, Argento has written for every major Twin Cities musical organization – seven of his operas have been mounted by Minnesota Opera, including one of its very first (at that time Center Opera), The Masque of Angels, in 1964. It is fitting to celebrate the quarter century anniversary of Casanova’s Homecoming, originally commissioned for the opening season of the Ordway Music Theatre, a major community event.

In writing his own libretto, Argento has drawn from a number of the events from Giacomo Casanova’s L’histoire de ma vie, a rich source of memoirs in 12 volumes. Throughout the past few centuries, one only need mention the author’s name and the image appears of an insatiable predator of women for the sole purpose of sex, earning him a synonymous place in the Oxford English Dictionary. Yet the 150 or so conquests cited in his autobiography pale in comparison to the thousands claimed by certain contemporary sports and rock stars, or even the fictitious, though legendary Don Juan (ratcheting up a total of 1,965 encounters according to Mozart’s setting). In contrast to these figures, Casanova wasn’t merely interested in carving another notch in the bedpost – he wanted to know a woman before making love to her. A self-described “libertine by profession” and “free agent,” this bon vivant’s persona evolved beyond a mere sensualist, finding pleasure in food, wine, discourse, and in general, life itself. A veritable Renaissance man, he

Notes

Emmanuel von Waldstein, serving as his librarian. It was dabbled in a number of pursuits as a man of letters, secret far from ideal but offered a chance to mentally relive the agent, gambler and con artist, earning a living with his glories of his youth. wits through guile and deception, never missing a beat and Returning to the year 1774, just before the setting never staying in a single place for any length of time. of the opera, Casanova awaited his petition to return to Giacomo Girolamo Casanova de Seingalt (1725– Venice while in Trieste and wrote two works: a play, La 1798) was one of six children born to a commedia forza della vera amicizia, and a history of Poland, Istoria dell’arte actress skilled in the interpretations of Carlo delle turbolenze della Polonia, which he completed over the Goldoni plays and the stock character Rosaura. Her next nine years along with a translation of Homer’s Iliad husband having died, Zanetta Farussi Casanova was while settling down with a seamstress, Francesca Buschini. forced to pursue her career abroad in order to support The Venetian plea for clemency was granted on the her family and left her eldest and least favorite son, condition that he serve as a spy for Marc-Antoine Businello, Giacomo, with his grandmother Marzia. She in turn Secretary of the Tribunal, and his three inquisitors. They saw to his education with a certain Dr. Gozzi, and later appreciated his talent for espionage and delighted in the a local priest who inspired the young man to eventually take minor ecclesiastic orders. After gaining a degree from the University of Padua, Casanova served as a law clerk, as a soldier, and then as a violinist in Venice’s San Samuele opera orchestra. Upon saving the life of an influential senator, Bragadin, who was impressed by what he perceived as an aptitude for the occult, Casanova gained an adopted father (yielding a small pension) and the respect of proper society. He became a made man. Unfortunately, his wanton pursuit of already attached women, possession of banned books and an outspoken liberal attitude attracted the attention of the local government. On July 25, 1755, he was imprisoned under the charge of embarrassing a Venetian official and became one of the few prisoners ever to escape the nearly Set design by Paul Steinberg impenetrable I Piombi, the most secure prison in Europe. retelling of his prison escape. It is exactly here we begin the This was Casanova’s most notable lifetime achievement, libertine’s titular homecoming. Several of the subsequent at least in the eyes of his peers (loose sexual mores being scenes in Argento’s adaptation evolve from actual lifetime fairly commonplace in the Italian city of pleasure). He occurrences, though their sequence may be slightly out was at the height of his ingenuity. of order in reality. Shortly after his arrival, a relatively During the 18-year banishment, Casanova was on impoverished Casanova did meet the acquaintance of the move, visiting the capitals of Europe and meeting all then Abbé Lorenzo, soon to become Mozart collaborator the important movers and shakers, including Louis xv, Lorenzo da Ponte. Both would lead similar and somewhat George iii, Frederick the Great, Joseph ii, King Stanislas aimless existences, kicked out of various cities for sexual August of Poland, Catherine the Great and Popes Benedict xiv and Clement xiii. His machinations in indiscretions or some sort of political mischief. One story these various locales could land him large amounts of from operatic lore is that the legendary womanizer put cash, but they often caused him to be expelled, asked his stamp on Mozart’s Don Giovanni when Da Ponte never to return. Among his non-sexual salacious activities was called back to Venice by the emperor to complete included the absconding of a million louis owed to the Antonio Salieri’s Axur for his nephew and heir’s wedding French government in a lottery scam, aided by Ranieri – Casanova was certainly in Prague at that time and may de’ Calzabigi (later to become librettist to Christoph have attended an early performance. A party at the home Willibald Gluck in Vienna). This resulted in a temporary of Bohemian soprano Josepha Duschek chronicles his banishment from Paris, and the swindler later discovered meeting of the famous composer and fragments from the that he had been hanged in effigy. Casanova would sneak end of Don Giovanni’s Act i written in Casanova’s hand back years later to visit his brother Francesco, a successful have been found among his belongings. The resounding history painter living at the Louvre. refrain of the libretto’s “Viva la libertà” could be A second Venetian exile in 1783 (again for slander and interpreted as the motto of his life’s mission. this time permanent) led to further Continental wandering.

Exquisitely wrought, Casanova’s Homecoming involves Though Casanova loathed settling anywhere, toward the a number of clever twists and turns, but there is probably end of his life, the worn out adventurer took up residence none better than its “opera-within-an-opera” in Act i, scene in Dux, Bohemia on the estate of Count Joseph Karl two. For a bit of genuine historical backdrop, Argento ➤

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

BACKGROUND

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BACKGROUND

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Notes

the Zerlina/Masetto story line, not found in other musical turned to Niccolò Jommelli’s Demofoonte, a Metastasian treatments of the subject). opera seria that very well could have been playing in Casanova’s behavior isn’t always so deplorable. He had Venice at the time of this opera buffa’s setting. Castrati two encounters with a certain Antonio Croce, a former were still commonplace in Italy, even abundant in Rome, where women were forbidden to sing in public. Naturally, Venetian gambling associate. In each instance, Croce tried to unload the woman he held in tow. Casanova graciously there is more to Bellino/Teresa’s back-story than meets took them under his care, one of whom was pregnant and the eye. A castrato, Appiani, had once boarded with later died in childbirth. Here we find the prototype for the her family and encouraged her musical training. When operatic Giulietta’s absent scoundrel husband. another castrato, the real Bellino, unexpectedly died, Though the events took place years earlier in France, Teresa assumed his career in disguise. Appiani supplied another of the composer’s many accidenti verissimi her with a prosthetic so that she could pass humiliating or “accidental truths” is the portrayal of Jeanne Camus examinations, for the Roman priests could not believe de Pontcarré de la Rochefoucauld de Lascaris, the such a beautiful person was really a “man.” Though she Marquise d’Urfé, put off Casanova’s advances for some me time,, Teresa q d U who married into one of the wealthiestt French families. A widow in her eventually fell in love, though marriage with rrriage r F fifties (and a mere singer was out of the question. ioon. As (a 20 years Casanova’s senior), she in the opera’s ending, she had begun un un s did indeed experiment with sh chemicals for the purposes of living as a woman for revealing extending her life indefinitely, her gender was no longer which she referred to as her optional – after the two lovers opus alchemicum or Great parted ways, Teresa discovered Work. The marquise was she was pregnant on her way to impressed by Casanova’s Naples. Sixteen years later, she encountered Casanova again, knack for cryptography, and now as a celebrated soprano apparently he had just enough and a married woman. She was knowledge of the dark arts to traveling with her “brother,” fool and bilk her out of her Cesarino, whom Casanova money for six years. Were they discovered was their love child lovers? Casanova had hinted from so many years ago. (Also of as much. To buy time, he note – unlike the opera, Lorenzo convinced d’Urfé to become da Ponte did not pair up with impregnated with her own Teresa. In 1779, he was run out child, which would then become of Venice after a scandalous affair the receptacle of her soul. The with a certain Anzoletta Bellaudi.)) ruse r had its inevitable disclosure This was not the only one of followed by claims made by the f fo his illegitimate children (there were Marquis de Lisle that Casanova M Giacomo Casanova (1725–1798)

by Anton Raphael Mengs (1728–1779) at least five), leaving wake for the cheated his aunt out of her fortune. (oil on canvas) eventual discovery of Barbara’s true Once again, Casanova had to add Private Collection/The Bridgeman Art Library paternity at the opera’s conclusion.

Paris to his list of places non gratas.

We can trace her lineage to another of Casanova’s trysts, Only about a third of L’histoire de ma vie is this time with Donna Lucrezia (her real name was Anna devoted to the philanderer’s sexual escapades, and Maria Vallati – Casanova was careful to use pseudonyms they could hardly be described as “racy.” Early on, in in his memoirs). Like Teresa, she encountered her former his twenties, Casanova was encouraged to be discreet lover years later when he had asked for her daughter by one of his more experienced romantic partners Leonilda’s hand in marriage. When she disclosed that – “tell … but don’t say too much or call things by their Leonilda was also his offspring, Casanova broke off the names.” The remaining text reveals a clever, thoughtful engagement and provided a handsome dowry. The plight (if not calculating), well-mannered gentleman who of the opera’s Barbara also has a ring of truth. Prior to could engage in casual conversation with the leading his return to Venice, Casanova helped a young Milanese intelligentsia (which included Crébillon the Elder, girl, Zenobia, and her penniless fiancé, who was a tailor.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, Beaumarchais, Johann Besides providing some financial means, the well-meaning Winckelmann, Pietro Metastasio and Benjamin Franklin) séducteur set up a trade account in the tailor’s shop – and as well as gain the affections of wealthy, noble women. spent an evening with the future bride. (In the realm of He could be at ease in a palace, tavern or brothel. For Don Giovanni, this imbroglio is thought to have inspired him, sex and genuine love were closely linked, even ➤ BACKGROUND NOTES CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Synopsis Scene three – The lagoon The four “spirits” await Casanova’s arrival.

Giulietta relays to Teresa how she and Casanova met over 20 years ago and intimates she and Casanova also had been romantically involved. Casanova approaches in a gondola with Madame d’Urfé. While the ritual is being performed, a storm begins to brew. As a gale picks up, Casanova attempts to call off the incantation, but d’Urfé insists on continuing. At its conclusion, they throw into the water a heavy strongbox (supposedly filled with precious metals, but really containing lead), capsizing the boat and landing them in the canal.

• i nt er mission • act i i i

Scene one – Casanova’s bedroom Casanova awakens after an afternoon of passion. Lorenzo drops in for a visit, fearing the inquisitors may have gotten wind of their alleged sorcery. They learn that Madame d’Urfé has died of pneumonia as a result of the aborted Great Work. Businello and policemen arrive and search Casanova’s apartments for the missing strongbox but without success. They place him under arrest.

Scene two – The State Inquisitors’ Chambers The Marquis de Lisle has drawn up charges of fraud against the libertine before three inquisitors. Servants observed the disappearance of the strongbox, and Madame d’Urfé was seen getting into Casanova’s gondola. The storm supposedly prevented him from drowning her at sea and stealing half of her wealth.

Casanova admits to having received some gold for services rendered and divulges that he did escort d’Urfé onto his boat to perform a “Great Work,” the one act that could be expected by the legendary seducer. Casanova is released and the Marquis de Lisle is taken into custody for making false accusations.

Scene three – The Piazza San Marco Casanova enjoys his usual table as a troupe of actors reenact his latest public escapades. He takes it all in stride, knowing that he has secured the dowry.

Barbara and Gabrielle’s wedding party enters, and another happy surprise is revealed – Barbara is Casanova’s daughter.

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

A reluctant Bellino finally receives the sign from the marquis – he admits he is a Scene one – The Piazza San Marco castrato to everyone’s mocking laughter.

Street vendors and revelers mingle in Casanova is convinced he is not the streets of Venice. Among them mistaken, and Bellino privately discloses walk Abbé Lorenzo and Giacomo that she is really Teresa, masquerading as Casanova, who has returned to Venice a celebrated castrato in order to support after an 18-year exile. Casanova spots a her family.

He agrees to keep her secret young thief stealing a woman’s purse, in exchange for one small favor – to intercedes and detains Marcantonio. He accompany him to the house of Madame decides to make the boy his apprentice d’Urfé the following morning. and sends him on some errands.

Two patricians, Businello and the • i nt er mission • Marquis de Lisle, recognize Casanova with contempt. The marquis fears act i i there is a plot to swindle his aunt, Scene one – Madame d’Urfé’s laboratory Madame d’Urfé. Businello suggests an The Marquis de Lisle attempts to discredembarrassment of some kind that will it Casanova with a recap of last night’s make the aging libertine the laughing folly as his aunt conducts her scientific stock of Venice, thus forcing him to experiments. She had been convinced leave town. De Lisle hatches a plan.

Casanova would be able to help her with Lorenzo and Casanova run into two her “Great Work.” The mysterious prowomen, Giulietta (a former lover) and her cess is intended to extend life indefinitely daughter, Barbara. Casanova learns that by transferring her soul into a young boy.

Barbara’s father was banished from Venice Casanova arrives at the appointed hour. years ago, leaving them penniless, and she Though d’Urfé has testimonials from is about to marry an equally impoverished her wealthy friends of Casanova’s gift of poet. Giulietta hopes Casanova might be alchemy, she now shares her doubts. To able to provide a dowry as Barbara is his convince her, he claims to have changed a godchild. He suddenly remembers his castrato into a woman and offers Bellino invitation to Madame d’Urfé’s house, set (now Teresa) as proof. for tomorrow, and gets an idea.

While d’Urfé takes a closer look Scene two – At the opera Lorenzo and in the next room, Casanova cautiously Businello await their respective guests. discovers exactly what the “Great The Marquis de Lisle enters belatedly Work” is. Madame d’Urfé returns, quite and confirms that everything is set. convinced, and Casanova indicates the Tonight the featured castrato, Bellino, transformation could begin that evening will appear as he sounds – in the role if he could get an advance on his fee. The of a woman. Casanova soon arrives marquis returns as Casanova leaves and and immediately finds attractive what is angered that his aunt has been duped. he believes to be a beautiful female.

Scene two – Signora Giulietta Croce’s As part of the performance, Bellino kitchen Marcantonio rushes in and writes a love note, and then regrets it, announces that Barbara’s dowry is assured. throwing the now crumpled letter in Giulietta and her daughter ponder how the direction of Casanova’s box. this could happen so fast. Lorenzo enters Scene three – The Ridotto The marquis with packages and Casanova arrives announces to the party guests of the moments later. He sends the engaged infamous philanderer’s return to Venice couple off to purchase fine wedding attire. and his imminent arrival. An amorous After they have left, Casanova explains surprise is in store for him and everyone the plan, which will involve Giulietta, must play along. When Casanova enters, Teresa, Lorenzo and Marcantonio. That he immediately notices a nervous Bellino, evening they will disguise themselves and still costumed as a woman, and starts a pose as “elemental spirits” in order to fool conversation. As the seduction ensues, Madame d’Urfé in this first step of the the castrato is clearly uncomfortable. transformation process. With Teresa’s Casanova suggests they find more private coaching, they practice the ritual together. surroundings as his groping continues. act i

13

DOMINICK

Argento

b York, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1927

| MINNESOTA OPERA mnopera.org

D

14

(mezzo-soprano, baritone and piano), given its premiere ominick Argento is considered to be America’s

by Frederica von Stade, Håkan Hagegård and accompanist pre-eminent composer of lyric opera. At Peabody Martin Katz at the Ordway in St. Paul; Walden Pond Conservatory, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s (mixed chorus, harp and three cellos), commissioned and degrees. Argento received his Ph.D. from the Eastman premiered by the Dale Warland Singers; and Miss Manners School of Music, where he studied with Alan Hovhaness on Music, to texts by the noted advice columnist. All three and Howard Hanson. Fulbright and Guggenheim cycles were presented in 1996.

Fellowships allowed him to study in Italy with Luigi Dallapiccola and to complete his first opera, Colonel Since the early 1970s the composer’s operas, which Jonathan the Saint. Following his Fulbright, Argento have always found success in the United States, have been became music director of Hilltop Opera in Baltimore heard with increasing frequency abroad. Nearly all of them, and taught theory and composition at the Eastman beginning with Postcard from Morocco (1971), have had School. In 1958, he joined the faculty at least one European production. of the Regents School of Music at the Among these are The Voyage of Edgar University of Minnesota, where he Allan Poe (1976), Miss Havisham’s taught until 1997. He now holds the Wedding Night (1981) and Casanova’s rank of Professor Emeritus.

Homecoming (1985). Robert Jacobson Although Argento’s instrumental of Opera News described the latter works have received consistent praise, work as “a masterpiece.” The Aspern the great majority of his music is vocal, Papers was given its premiere by whether in operatic, choral or solo Dallas Opera in November 1988 to context. This emphasis on the human great acclaim and was telecast on the voice is a facet of the powerful dramatic pbs series Great Performances. impulse that drives nearly all of his Dominick Argento examined music, both instrumental and vocal. fame and the immigrant experience Wall Street Journal critic Heidi Waleson in his most recent opera, The Dream has described Argento’s work as “richly of Valentino, set in the early days melodic … [his] pieces are built with of Hollywood. Washington Opera wit and passion, and always with the gave the work its premiere in January dramatic shape and color that make 1994.

Peter G. Davis of New York Photo by Tom Berthiaume © 1998 them theater. They speak to the heart.” magazine stated, “What a pleasure to During his years at Eastman, Argento composed encounter a real opera composer, one who has studied and his opera The Boor (1957), which has remained in the learned from his predecessors, loves the form, understands repertoire. John Rockwell of The New York Times, writing its conventions, has mastered them and then lets his of a 1985 production, stated that “[it] taps deep currents of imagination take wing.” The Dream of Valentino received its sentiment and passion.” Following his arrival in Minnesota, European premiere in February 1999 in Kassel, Germany. the composer accepted a number of commissions from Recent new works include Four Seascapes for satb significant organizations in his adopted state. Among chorus and orchestra (2004), commissioned by the Hanson these were The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, who Institute of American Music of University of Rochester, commissioned his suite Royal Invitation (1964); and the New York, and dedicated to the Silbey Music Library Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis, who commissioned of Eastman School of Music for their 100th anniversary; Variations for Orchestra [The Mask of Night] (1965).

Three Sonnets of Petrarch for baritone and piano (2007), Argento’s close association with Sir Tyrone Guthrie and commissioned by the Cheltenham Music Festival in Douglas Campbell, directors of the Minnesota Theatre the United Kingdom; Evensong: Of Love and Angels for Company led to his composing incidental music for solo treble voice, solo soprano, reader, mixed chorus and several Guthrie productions, as well as a ballad opera, orchestra (2007), commissioned by the National Cathedral The Shoemaker’s Holiday (1967). in Washington, D.C. for the cathedral’s 100th anniversary; The 1970s and 1980s saw the composer working and Cenotaph for chorus and orchestra, commissioned increasingly in the song cycle form, while still writing by the American Choral Directors Association for its operas and orchestral music. Among his major song 50th anniversary, premiered in March 2009 at its annual cycles are: Letters from Composers (1968); To Be Sung conference in Oklahoma. In addition to new music, a Upon the Water (1973); From the Diary of Virginia Woolf volume of Argento’s collected writings about his works (1975); the choral work I Hate and I Love (1982); The entitled Catalog Raisonné as Memoir was published by the Andree Expedition (1983); and Casa Guidi (1983). His University of Minnesota Press in 2005. ❚ most recent song cycles are A Few Words About Chekhov – reprinted by kind permission of Boosey & Hawkes

Dale with soprano Geraldine McMillian

Twin City Business Monthly, October 1994; photo by Michael Grabner

Congratulations on 25 Years, Dale!

Twenty-five years ago this week, Dale Johnson joined Minnesota Opera as its Music Administrator. Throughout his first decade with the company, Dale’s role grew steadily as he applied his many talents to all aspects of the Opera’s artistic development. In 1994, ten years after joining the company, Dale was named Artistic Director.

Dale with his dog Howard

Under Dale’s artistic leadership, Minnesota Opera has become one of this country’s finest and most important opera companies. This accomplishment is testament to Dale’s talent, vision, dedication and integrity, both as an artist and a person.

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

On behalf of everyone at Minnesota Opera, I congratulate Dale Johnson on his 25th anniversary and thank him for his profound contribution to the company, the operatic art form and to the community.

Kevin Smith President & ceo

15 Watch a tribute to Dale from his friends and colleagues at mnopera.org/watchlisten.

Dale with soprano Brenda Harris

THE

Artists

For more biographical information about these artists, visit our website at mnopera.org

Brad Benoit Gabrielle (tenor) Kankakee, Illinois

2009 Almaviva, Il barbiere di Siviglia 2009 Lampwick, The Adventures of Pinocchio 2008 Ruiz, Il trovatore

Recently Martin, The Tender Land, Sugar Creek Symphony Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Artist Cecco, Il mondo della luna, ccpa

Upcoming Cecil, Roberto Devereux; Parpignol, La bohème; Third Jew, Salome, Minnesota Opera

Jennifer Casey Cabot Giulietta (soprano) Nashville, Tennessee

2008 Konstanze, The Abduction from the Seraglio

Recently Ellen, Peter Grimes, San Diego Opera; Met. Opera Countess, Le nozze di Figaro, Metropolitan Opera Konstanze, Abduction, Florida Grand Opera Violetta, La traviata, Central City Opera; New York City Opera Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni, New York City Opera

Upcoming soloist, Verdi Requiem, New Jersey Symphony

Dan Dressen Marquis de Lisle (tenor) Pipestone, Minnesota

2008 Elcius, The Fortunes of King Croesus 2007 Grampa, The Grapes of Wrath 2003 The Doctor, The Handmaid’s Tale 2003 Gastone, La traviata 2001 Abraham Kaplan, Street Scene

Recently

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Schubert Club Art Song Festival soloist, Songs of Innocence and Experience; The Passion of Jesus of Nazareth, VocalEssence

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Angela Keeton Gianpaolo (mezzo-soprano) St. Louis, Missouri

2005 Second Secretary, Nixon in China 2004 Kate Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly

Recently Teaching Artist – Minnesota Opera Witch, Into the Woods, Bloomington Music Works Lois, Kiss Me Kate, Brevard Music Center Mercédès, Carmen, Indianapolis Opera La Diva, Jeppe; Rosette, Manon; Meg, Little Women, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Matt Boehler Businello (bass) Minneapolis, Minnesota

2009 Don Basilio, Il barbiere di Siviglia 2003 Prof. Pieixoto, The Handmaid’s Tale 2002 Njegus, The Merry Widow 2002 Colline, La bohème

Recently Spencer Coyle, Owen Wingrave, Chicago Opera Th. Orestes’ Tudor, Elektra, New York Philharmonic

Upcoming Leporello, Don Giovanni, Opera New Jersey soloist, Messiah, Portland Baroque Orchestra

Isabella Dawis Marcantonio (treble) Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recently Fatima, Iqbal; Kelsi Neilson, Disney’s High School Musical, Children’s Theatre Co. Isay, Filipino Hearts; Annie Gustafson, The Walleye Kid, Mu Performing Arts Tree-ear, A Single Shard, Stages Theatre Co. Annie, Annie, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Awards Outstanding Youth Performer – StarTribune Classical Singer High School Nat’l Rounds (2009)

John Fanning Casanova (baritone) Barrie, Ontario (Canada)

1996 Four Villains, Les contes d’Hoffmann

Recently Faninal, Der Rosenkavalier; Tomsky, Pique Dame; Ring Cycle, Metropolitan Opera Macbeth, Macbeth, L’Opéra de Montréal Falstaff, Falstaff, Edmonton Opera Horace, The Ballad of Baby Doe, Calgary Opera

Upcoming Musiklehrer, Ariadne auf Naxos, Met. Opera Kolenaty, The Makropolus Case, Nantes; Angers

Lauren McNeese Bellino/Teresa (mezzo-soprano) Tulsa, Oklahoma

2007 Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro 2006 Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni

Recently Dorabella, Così fan tutte, Arizona Opera La Ciesca, Gianni Schicchi, Spoleto (Italy) L’enfant, L’enfant et les sortilèges, Opera Company of Philadelphia

Upcoming Wellgunde, Ring Cycle, Los Angeles Opera Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Ravinia Fest.

For more biographical information about these artists, visit our website at mnopera.org

Lorenzo (baritone) Milford, Iowa

2006 Masetto, Don Giovanni 2005 Sciarrone, Tosca

Recently Figaro, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Welsh Nat’l Opera Fiorello, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Metropolitan Opera Metropolitan Opera Lindmann Young Artist Schaunard, La bohème, Minnesota Orchestra Figaro, Il barbiere di Siviglia; Papageno, Die Zauberflöte, Des Moines Metro Opera Marlboro Music Festival

Caleb Sikorra Marcantonio (treble) Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recently Seamus, A rams Fairytale; Skunk Creek Crew, Phantom of the Op’ry; Harold, Wind of a Thousand Tales; Bob, Twinderella, Roseville Area Middle School Minnesota Boychoir member engagements include the Bernstein Mass and Scandinavian Christmas with the Minnesota Orchestra

Naomi Isabel Ruiz Barbara (soprano) Bremerton, Washington

2009 Berta, Il barbiere di Siviglia 2009 Rosaura, The Adventures of Pinocchio 2008 Ines, Il trovatore

Recently Des Moines Metro Opera Young Artist Antonia, A Wedding; Zerlina, Don Giovanni, University of Indiana Opera Theatre Mimì, La bohème, Brevard Music Center

Upcoming Musetta, La bohème; A slave, Salome, Minn. Opera

Jean Stilwell Madame d’Urfé (mezzo-soprano) Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

1997 Carmen, Carmen 1995 Maddalena, Rigoletto

Recently Carmen Unzipped, Vietnam; Cambodia; Thailand Not The Messiah (Eric Idle), Luminato Fest.

Caramoor Festival; Hollywood Bowl Transit of Venus, Manitoba Opera Peronskaya, War and Peace, Canadian Opera Co. Serena Joy, The Handmaid’s Tale, coc The Seven Deadly Sins, Calgary Opera

Andrew Wilkowske

Aaron Black

Chief of Police (baritone)

Lighting Designer

Wilmar, Minnesota

2009 Geppetto, The Adventures of Pinocchio 2008 Taddeo, L’italiana in Algeri 2007 Figaro, Le nozze di Figaro 2007 Noah, The Grapes of Wrath

Recently Figaro, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Skylight Opera Figaro, Le nozze di Figaro, Green Mt. Opera Noah, The Grapes of Wrath, Pittsburgh Opera

Upcoming Noah, The Grapes of Wrath, Carnegie Hall

Seán Curran Choreographer Boston, Massachusetts

2005 Nixon in China

Recently Salome, San Francisco Opera; Opera Theatre of St. Louis Nixon; Street Scene, Opera Theatre of St. Louis L’étoile; Alcina; Turandot; Haroun and the Sea of Stories; Capriccio; Acis et Galetea, New York City Opera My Life with Albertine, Playwright’s Horizon As You Like It, Shakespeare in the Park Roméo et Juliette, Metropolitan Opera

Artists

San Francisco, California

Recently The Beggar’s Opera, Royal Opera House La fanciulla del West, L’Opéra de Montréal A Flowering Tree; Orlando; Don Giovanni; The Return of Ulysses, Chicago Opera Theater Orphée et Eurydice, Glimmerglass Opera Ile de Merlin; Louise, Spoleto Festival (usa) The Abduction from the Seraglio, Opera Omaha Aida, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Der Freischütz, Opera Boston

James Robinson Stage Director Wheeling, West Virginia

2007 Un ballo in maschera 2005 Nixon in China 2001 Lucia di Lammermoor 2000 Turandot 1998 Transatlantic

Recently The Ghosts of Versailles, Wexford Festival; Opera Theatre of St. Louis Il trittico, San Francisco Opera

Upcoming The Abduction from the Seraglio, Welsh Nat’l Opera

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

John Michael Moore

THE

17

THE

Artists

BACKGROUND NOTES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

though the libertine was excessive in all his passions and took virginities regardless of the consequences.

A mass of contradictions, Casanova could be a hero or a villain and lived a rootless existence, not dependent on anyone nor fearing misfortune, seizing any opportunity for personal gain until his very final days. On his deathbed, he had no friends or relatives at his side and yet harbored no regrets – “I’ve lived a philosopher, but die a Christian.” It is that positive quality we see in Argento’s operatic incarnation of the legendary amoroso, a champion of good works … especially for the fairer sex. ❚

James Schuette Costume Designer Manitowoe, Wisconsin

2009 Faust 2007 Un ballo in maschera 2003 Joseph Merrick dit Elephant Man 1998 Transatlantic

Recently Julius Caesar, American Repertory Theatre Oedipus Complex, Goodman Theatre The Diary of Anne Frank, Steppenwolf Theatre The Unmentionables, Steppenwolf; Yale Repertory

Paul Steinberg

Leonardo Vordoni

Set Designer

Conductor

Brooklyn, New York

Trieste, Italy

2009 The Pearl Fishers

Recently Don Giovanni, New York City Opera Peter Grimes, English National Opera Ercole Amante, De Nederlandse Opera La Calisto, Royal Opera House – Covent Garden Il turco in Italia, Staatsoper Berlin

Upcoming

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La finta giardiniera, Theater an der Wein (Vienna) Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Welsh Nat’l Opera La fanciulla del West, Norwegian Nat’l Opera

18

Recently photo not available

staff conductor – Metropolitan Opera Maria Malibran Concert, Rossini Opera Fest.

Tutti in maschera, Wexford Festival Upcoming Il barbiere di Siviglia, Opera Colorado; Houston Grand Opera Le nozze di Figaro, Lyric Opera of Chicago Mosè in Egitto, Chicago Opera Theater

“Minnesota Opera deserves enormous credit for continuing to devote resources to the future of the art form, especially now.”

– Wall Street Journal, March 7, 2009

“The most important new works program in the country.”

– Marc A. Scorca, President, Opera America

The most beloved operas were all once new works. A new work by Puccini was welcomed with the same enthusiasm as a Hollywood opening night. Minnesota Opera is bringing that magic back to the opera house with its 7-year program called Minnesota Opera Works.

2009: The Adventures of Pinocchio (American premiere) Jonathan Dove

2010: Casanova’s Homecoming (revival) Dominick Argento 25th anniversary production

2011: The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (world premiere) Ricky Ian Gordon

2012: Silent Night (world premiere) Kevin Puts

2013: Title TBA (world premiere) Composer TBA

2014: El Niño (revival) John Adams

2015: Wuthering Heights (revival) Bernard Herrmann

Next season, Minnesota Opera Works will feature the world premiere of The Garden of the Finzi-Continis, composer Ricky Ian Gordon’s eagerly awaited follow-up to his 2007 hit, The Grapes of Wrath. The tremendous success of The Grapes of Wrath inspired the creation of Minnesota Opera Works, the only program of its kind in the country, and we are thrilled that The Grapes of Wrath will be making its Carnegie Hall debut on March 22, 2010. For information on tickets, please go to www.carnegiehall.org.

We still do the classic standards. We love them too. And you are in for a treat later this season with our production of La bohème, featuring one of the world’s hottest tenors – James Valenti. He will make his Metropolitan Opera debut in La traviata after he sings with us. We are proud of his success, as he began his career in our training program.

Just as opera is dependent on the development of young singers like James Valenti, so too has the art form always needed new works. Dominick Argento has added much to the growth of opera and we hope you enjoy his work.

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

The Grapes of Wrath, 2007, photo by Michal Daniel

Casanova’s Homecoming, composed by Dominick Argento, premiered 25 years ago for the opening of Ordway Center. It then had a successful run in New York and now, this modern comedic masterpiece is back at Ordway Center as this season’s Minnesota Opera Works production.

19

VocalEssence congratulates Dominick Argento on the 25th Anniversary of Casanova’s Homecoming

THE SAINT PAUL CHAMBER Violins

Bassoons

Steven Copes, concertmaster John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Chair Ruggero Allifranchini, associate concertmaster John H. and Elizabeth B. Myers Chair Dale Barltrop, principal second violin Bruce H. Coppock Chair Thomas Kornacker, co-principal second violin Daria T. Adams Sunmi Chang Nina Tso-Ning Fan Brenda Manuel Mickens Elsa Nilsson Leslie Shank Michal Sobieski

Charles Ullery, principal Carole Mason Smith

Violas

Timpani & Percussion

Sabina Thatcher, principal* Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison Chair Evelina Chao, assistant principal TamĂĄs Strasser Maiya Papach, acting principal Alice Preves Viola Chair *leave of absence 2009-2010 season

Cellos

6 8 9 e1 c Sin 4300 West River Pkwy. S. Minneapolis, MN 55406 www.becketwood.com

| MINNESOTA OPERA mnopera.org

A cooperative community of active, independent owners 55 and over.

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Located on 12 beautiful wooded acres along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Becketwood is the ideal place for active, independent people who enjoy the best of the Twin Cities.

Here you are within 15 minutes of both downtowns and the International Airport, with easy access to prime venues in St. Paul or Minneapolis.

Call 612-722-4077

Orchestra Horns Bernhard Scully, principal Paul Straka John and Karen Larsen Chair

Trumpets Gary Bordner, principal Lynn Erickson

Keyboard Layton James, principal Redleaf Family Chair Position Vacant

Additional Musicians Violins

Tubas

Blayne Barnes Te-Chiang Liu Emilia Mettenbrink Allison Ostrander

Joshua Biere

Timpani John Jutsum

Percussion

Ronald Thomas, principal Bill and Hella Mears Hueg Chair Joshua Koestenbaum, associate principal Ruth and John Huss Chair Sarah Lewis David Huckaby

Violas

Basses

Trombones

Christopher Brown, principal Fred Bretschger, assistant principal HRK Family Chair

Thomas Ashworth

Flutes

Erwin A. Kelen

Julia Bogorad-Kogan, principal Alicia McQuerrey

President and Managing Director

Oboes

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Artistic Staff

Kathryn Greenbank, principal Sewell Family Chair Thomas Tempel

Clarinets Timothy Paradise, principal Philip H. and Katherine Nason Chair

Rebecca Albers David Auerbach

Clarinets Marlene Pauley

Robert Adney David Victor

Harp Mollie Marcuson

Chair of the Board

Sarah S. Lutman

Jon Kjarum Technical Manager James Kortz Librarian Kelly MacLennan Orchestra Personnel Manager Jason Piehl Production Manager

National Council Auditions Minnesota District Auditions

Master Class with William Florescu

November 14, 2009 at 10 a.m.

Ordway Center, St. Paul

November 15, 2009 at 1 p.m.

Minnesota Opera Center, Minneapolis

All Metropolitan Opera National Council Events are free and open to the public

For more information visit www.moncuppermidwest.org or call Margaret Houlton at 952.938.6908

Roberto Devereux +BO ° 'FC

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| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

Gaetano Donizetti

5JDLFUT TUBSU BU K VTU

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Education AT THE OPERA

coOPERAtion!

South High School students Nora and Ian about to see their first Pearl Fishers.

Sponsor a Student Do you remember your first live opera? Do you remember the music, the costumes or what you wore? The power and beauty of that first experience has been provided to many high school and college-aged students for the last four years through a program called Sponsor a Student, which provides season subscriptions for students in schools around Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since its inception, over 300 subscriptions and 1,600 tickets have been donated.

Bringing opera to schools around the state again this year is Angie Keeton, Teaching Artist for Minnesota Opera. From elementary to high schools, Angie works with students showing them the human side of opera.

Especially exciting this year is a planned week-long residency in Chisholm Public Schools where a mini concert version of Carmen will be staged. Serving as the chorus and orchestra will be high school students and community members, the children’s chorus will be a group of elementary students and singing the lead role will be Angie. Resident Artist Conductor, Clinton Smith, will be the guest conductor for the concert. The performance will be open to the public, and will undoubtedly be a memorable event for this small Iron Range community.

Artist residencies like this are part of the Opera’s coOPERAtion! program that is generously supported by Medtronic.

| MINNESOTA OPERA mnopera.org

We would like to thank the following individuals:

22

James Andrus Genevieve Antonello Sally Economon Karen Bachman and Dr. Robert Fisch John and Mary Blanchard Judy Dayton Cy and Paula DeCosse Fred Eisenbrey Vicki Fingalson Gene and Charlotte Frampton Bonnie Frels Christine and Jon Galloway Polly Grose Kathryn Harper

Sharon and William Hawkins Frederick Hey, Jr. James and Deb Lakin Kenyon Latham, Jr. Derrill Pankow William and Sydney Phillips Stephen and Trish Rowley Gordon and Margaret Rosine Renate Sharp Frank and Lynda Sharbrough Jon Spoerri and Debra Christgau Rick Treece Bernt von Ohlen James Jelinek and Marilyn Wall David and Karin Wendt

If you are interested in the Sponsor a Student program, contact Jamie Nieman at 612.342.9550.

Making it in Opera – A Singers Workshop Last month a group of young and talented singers participated in a two-part master class learning the ins and outs of auditioning for a professional opera company.

Floyd Anderson, Artistic Relations and Planning Director, and Mary Dibbern, Head of Music, helped participants make the most of their audition time.

Education AT THE OPERA Roberto Devereux Adult Education Class Check it out! Imagine Opera’s newest feature – its blopera!

(You know, when a “blog” meets “opera.”) Follow what’s going on in education at Minnesota Opera, Angie’s work in the schools, Project Opera, up-coming events and more. imagineopera.org is supported through a generous gift from The Best Buy Children’s Foundation.

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

Thursday, January 14, 2010 7:00–9:00 p.m.

At the Opera Center (620 North First Street, Minneapolis) Call 612.333.6669 for tickets.

Gaetano Donizetti wrote a remarkable series of operas for Naples during the mid-1830s, many based upon English history or literature, until the censorship of the city finally became too oppressive.

Beginning in 1839 he took up residence in Paris and Vienna, where he largely remained until mental illness (brought on by syphilis) ended his career in 1845. Roberto Devereux has long been considered one of his finest Neapolitan works, a full-blooded Romantic opera in the tradition of Maria Stuarda and Lucia di Lammermoor. Listen to Philip Gossett, author of Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera, discuss the complicated history of Roberto Devereux (its overture and two musical numbers, for example, were prepared for a Parisian revival). This class will mostly concentrate on understanding Donizetti’s mature Italian style.

23

A special “Thank You” for our audience members!

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is proud to support the Minnesota Opera

Admissions Coffee Monday, November 16, 7:00-9:00 PM Preschool/Kindergarten Admissions Evening Tuesday, December 8, 7:00-9:00 PM Admissions Open House (P-12) Sunday, January 10, 1:30-3:30 PM Call Jim James at 763-381-8200

www.breckschool.org

WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT GUEST CONDUCTOR MAESTRO LEONARDO VORDONI IN THE MINNESOTA OPERA’S PRODUCTION OF CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING.

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

Please Join Us!

25

ҫҵҴұ҇ Ҭҩҫҩ

Ordway at

the season’s alive

25

Explore our treasure chest during a FREE Public Open House Sunday, January 17

| MINNESOTA OPERA mnopera.org

The Ordway is often called the “crown jewel of Saint Paul,” but could there be even more treasures hiding inside the building, out of public view? As we prepare to celebrate the Ordway’s 25th anniversary, we’ve uncovered within our many nooks and crannies a treasure trove of artifacts left by Ordway founders, artists and staff. These and other fun reminders of the Ordway’s history will be on display at our public open house on Sunday, January 17 from 11am to 5pm.

26

There’s a warmth in the heart, a sense of joy in the season. And classical music fills your spirit with wonder. It’s more

MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO

than magic. It’s alive.

STREAM ONLINE AT CLASSICALMPR.ORG

The beautiful theater you see around you is the result of the dream of Sally Ordway Irvine, the vision of architect Ben Thompson, and the leadership of the founding board members and staff who transformed Sally’s dream into reality. Their sketches, letters, documents and photos will be proudly displayed during our open house. The free event will feature lively performances by the Ordway and our Arts Partners —The Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club. Go on a backstage tour where you’ll see the myriad of technical systems that create the magic you see on stage. You can also share your own Ordway memories on video and be immortalized on the Ordway stage, as many have before you. Enjoy complimentary refreshments along with the signature hospitality that has earned the Ordway its reputation as Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. Mark your calendars now!

FEIN STRINGED INSTRUMENTS Dealers, Repairers and Makers of Violins,Violas, Cellos and Bows

Andrew Fein

GREAT INSTRUMENTS Beautiful Wood Music Stands ON-LINE & ON GRAND AVENUE

www.FineViolins.com

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

1850 Grand Ave. / St. Paul, MN 55105 651.228.0783 / 800.347.9172

27

MINNESOTA OPERA

Annual Fund

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

It is with deep appreciation that Minnesota Opera recognizes and thanks all of the individual donors whose annual support helps bring great opera to life. It is our pleasure to give special recognition to the following individuals whose leadership support provides the financial foundation which makes the Opera’s artistic excellence possible.

For information on making a contribution to Minnesota Opera, please call the Director of the Annual Fund Dawn Loven at 612-342-9567, or email her at dloven@mnopera.org.

Bel Canto Circle Platinum $20,000 and above Anonymous (1) Karen Bachman Mary and Gus Blanchard Jane M. and Ogden W. Confer Julia W. Dayton Sara and Jock Donaldson Vicki and Chip Emery Ruth and John Huss Sisi and Heinz Hutter Mr. and Mrs. Philip Isaacson Lucy Rosenberry Jones

The Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation Nadine and Bill McGuire Dwight D. Opperman Ronning Family Foundation Elizabeth Redleaf Mary W. Vaughan Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation C. Angus and Margaret Wurtele

Gold $15,000–$19,999 Nicky B. Carpenter Ellie and Tom Crosby, Jr.

Cy and Paula Decosse Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Dolly J. Fiterman Sharon and Bill Hawkins Barbara McBurney Stephanie Simon and Craig Bentdahl

Silver $10,000–$14,999 Anonymous (4) Susan Boren Dr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Buss Mary Dearing and Barry Lazarus

Warren and Patricia Kelly Peter J. King Jenny Lind Nilsson and Garrison Keillor Harvey T. McLain Mrs. Walter Meyers Diana and Joe Murphy Mary Ingebrand Pohlad Joseph Sammartino Bernt von Ohlen and Thomas Nichol

Camerata Circle Platinum $7,500–$9,999 Allegro Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Kathleen and William Callahan Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll Rachelle Dockman Chase James and Gisela Corbett N. Bud and Beverly Grossman Foundation Erwin and Miriam Kelen Albin and Susan Nelson Debra Paterson and Mark Winters Stephanie Prem and Tom Owens Connie and Lew Remele Maggie Thurer and Simon Stevens

| MINNESOTA OPERA mnopera.org

Gold $5,000–$7,499

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Anonymous Tracy and Eric Aanenson James Andrus Martha Goldberg Aronson and Daniel Aronson Shari and David Boehnen Martha and Bruce Atwater Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Nancy and Chuck Berg Susan and Richard Crockett David and Vanessa Dayton Mary Lee Dayton Connie Fladeland and Steve Fox

Mr. and Mrs. William Frels Denver and Nicole Gilliand David Hanson and William Biermaier Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison Bill and Hella Mears Hueg Kirsten and Ron Johnson Debra and James Lakin Ilo and Peggy Leppik Mr. and Mrs. B. John Lindahl, Jr. Lynne Looney Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lucker Sandy and Bruce Nelson Bill and Barbara Pearce Jose Peris and Diana Gulden Edward Phares Lois and John Rogers Chris and Mark Schwarzmann Drs. Joseph and Kristina Shaffer Peter and Bonnie Sipkins Kevin and Lynn Smith Karen Sternal Virginia L. and Edward C. Stringer Mr. and Mrs. James Swartz

Silver $2,500–$4,999 Anonymous (4) Kim A. Anderson Annette Atkins and Tom Joyce Alexandra O. Bjorklund Dr. Lee Borah, Jr.

Margee and Will Bracken Christopher J. Burns Elwood and Florence Caldwell Rusty and Burt Cohen Jeff and Wendy Wenger Dankey Jodi Dehli Thomas and Mary Lou Detwiler Mona and Patrick Dewane Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis Tom and Lori Foley Patricia R. Freeburg Bradley Fuller and Elizabeth Lincoln Christine and Jon Galloway Mr. and Mrs. R. James Gesell Lois and Larry Gibson Meg and Wayne Gisslen Mrs. Myrtle Grette Karen and John Himle Dorothy Horns and James Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Horowitz Tina and Ken Hughes Cynthia and Jay Ihlenfeld Dale A. Johnson Jacqueline Nolte Jones Robert and Susan Josselson Stan and Jeanne Kagin Lyndel and Blaine King Helen L. Kuehn

Robert L. Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Benjamin Y. H. and Helen C. Liu Leland T. Lynch and Terry Saario Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation David MacMillan and Judy Krow Mary Bigelow McMillan Elizabeth Musser Trust – Fir Tree Fund Nancy and Richard Nicholson Eric Norman Ruth and Ahmad Orandi Julia and Brian Palmer Marge and Dwight Peterson Mr. and Mrs. William Phillips Mary and Paul Reyelts Nina and Ken Rothchild Kay Savik and Joe Tashjian Fred and Gloria Sewell Lynda and Frank Sharbrough Bruce and Julie Jackley Steiner Tanrydoon Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation William Voedisch and Laurie Carlson Ellen M. Wells Nancy and Ted Weyerhaeuser

Judson Dayton Ruth and Bruce Dayton The Denny Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Margaret Diablasio Jessica and Jonathan Doklovic Elise Donohue Sally J. Economon Ann Fankhanel

Ester and John Fesler Joyce and Hal Field Rihab and Roger FitzGerald Salvatore Silvestri Franco Leslie and Alain Frecon Kris and Kristina Fredrick Terence Fruth and Mary McEvoy Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation

Artist Circle $1,000–$2,499 Anonymous Paula Anderson and Sheila Bray Jamie Andrews and Jane Kolp-Andrews Nina and John Archabal Satoru and Sheila Asato August J. Aquila and Emily Haliziw Mr. and Mrs. Edmund P. Babcock

Ruth and Dale Bachman Ann and Thomas Bagnoli Maria and Kent Bales Mrs. Paul G. Boening Conley Brooks Family Joan and George Carlson Barb and Jeff Couture Mrs. Thomas M. Crosby, Sr. Fran Davis

MINNESOTA OPERA

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Annual Fund

Artist Circle (continued) Christine and W. Michael Garner Heidi and Howard Gilbert Stanley and Luella Goldberg Michael and Elizabeth Gorman Bruce and Jean Grussing Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hale Hackensack Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Robert Harding and Allan Valgemae, M.D. Don Helgeson and Sue Shepard Sharon and Cliff Hill Diane Hoey John and Jean McGough Holten Margaret and Andrew Houlton Thomas Hunt and John Wheelihan Ekdahl Hutchinson Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Todd Hyde Teresa and Chuck Jakway James Jelinek and Marilyn Wall Markle Karlen

E. Robert and Margaret V. Kinney Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William Kling Gerard Knight Mrs. James S. Kochiras Robert Kriel and Linda Krach Constance and Daniel Kunin Mark and Elaine Landergan Sy and Ginny Levy Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Jerry and Joyce Lillquist Bill Long Dawn M. Loven Mahley Family Foundation Roy and Dorothy Mayeske Helen and Charles McCrossan Patricia and Samuel McCullough Sheila McNally The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation Velia R. Melrose

Jane and Joseph Micallef David and LaVonne Middleton Anne W. Miller Moore Family Fund for the Arts Sandy and Bob Morris Judy and David Myers Elizabeth B. Myers Joan and Richard Newmark Rebecca and Bradley Nuss Derrill M. Pankow Allegra W. Parker Paula Patineau Suzanne and William Payne Suzanne and Rick Pepin Mary and Robert Price Connie and Jim Pries Sara and Kevin Ramach George Reid John and Sandra Roe Foundation Thomas D. and Nancy J. Rohde Gordon and Margaret Rosine

Sampson Family Charitable Foundation Patty and Barney Saunders Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Schindler Stanislaw and Krystyna Skrowaczewski Matthew Spanjers Kristi and Mark Specker The Harriet and Edson Spencer Foundation Julie and Bruce Steiner Dana and Stephen Strand Robert and Barbara Struyk Michael Symeonides and Mary Pierce Tempo Board Members Carolyn and Andrew Thomas Lois and Lance Thorkelson Mr. and Mrs. Philip Von Blon James and Sharon Weinel Mr. and Mrs. Don White Clark J. and Sharon L. Winslow

Jo and Gordon Bailey Family Fund of the Catholic Community Foundation Donald and Naren Bauer Barbara S. Belk Martin and Patricia Blumenreich Judith and Arnold Brier Thomas and Joyce Bruckner I-ming Shih and Arnold Chu Joann Cierniak J.P. Collins Elisabeth Comeaux Roxanne and Joseph Cruz Norma Danielson Bruce Dayton Amos and Sue Deinard Mary Elise Dennis Joan R. Duddingston Joyce and Hugh Edmondson Herbert and Betty Fantle C.D.F. Foundation Jane Fuller David Gilberstadt R. Hunt Greene and Jane Piccard

Marjorie and Joseph Grinnell Roger L. Hale and Nor Hall Albert and Janice Hammond Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson Diane and Paul Jacobson Mrs. Owen Jenkins Janet N. Jones Drs. Charles and Sally Jorgensen Mr. and Mrs. Stafford King Jonathan and Lisa Lewis Donald and Rhoda Mains Tom and Marsha Mann Carolyn and Charles Mayo Sam Meals Jack and Jane Moran Lowell and Sonja Noteboom John Ohle Ann and John O’Leary Pat and Dan Panshin Dan Rasmus and Kari Fedje Rasmus Dennis M. Ready Lawrence M. Redmond William and Sue Roberts

Ann M. Rock Liane A and Richard G Rosel Gordon and Margaret Rosine Anne Salisbury David E. Sander Dr. Leon and Alma Satran Ralph Schneider Mrs. Donald Sell Clifford C. and Virginia G. Sorensen Charitable Trust of The Saint Paul Foundation Jon Spoerri and Debra Christgau Anthony Thein Greg Thompson Patricia Tilton Susan Travis Emily Anne and Gedney Tuttle Stephanie C. Van D’Elden Morgan Walsh Jerry Wenger Barbara and Carl White Helen and J. Kimball Whitney Barbara and James Willis Mr. John W. Windhorst Jr.

Patron Circle Gold $750–$999 Anonymous Dr. and Mrs. Orn Arnar Gerald and Phyllis Benson Wanda and David Cline Mr. Steven A. Diede Jennifer Gross and Jerry LeFevre Ruth E. Hanold Frederick J. Hey Jr. Nancy and Donald Kapps The Redleaf Family Foundation The Harriet and Edson Spencer Foundation Warren Stortroen Cindy and Steven Vilks Frank and Frances Wilkinson Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim

Silver $500–$749 Arlene Goodman Alm Charles Anderson Eric S. Anderson and Janalee R. Aurelia

Your r t: Supp o able n i a t s Su Gi v ing

Minnesota Opera has recently introduced a Sustainable Giving option.

Becoming a sustaining member is a wonderful way to increase your annual support while spreading your gift over time. It also strengthens the impact of your charitable dollar by cutting out the cost and environmental impact of mailing your contribution. With your sustained gift, you can take satisfaction in knowing that more of each dollar you give helps to create the world-class operas you’ve come to expect from Minnesota Opera.

Please contact Dawn Loven, Director of the Annual Fund, at 612-342-9567 or dloven@mnopera.org for information on sustainable giving.

Thank you for making great opera possible!

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

These lists are current as of November 2, 2009 and include donors who gave a gift of $500 or more during Minnesota Opera’s Annual Fund Campaign.

If your name is not listed appropriately, please accept our apologies and contact Dawn Loven, Director of the Annual Fund, at 612-342-9567.

29

Estate AND Planned Gifts

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Minnesota Opera thanks the following donors who, through their foresight and generosity, have included the Opera in their wills or estate plans. We invite you to join other opera-lovers by leaving a legacy gift to Minnesota Opera. If you have already made such a provision, we encourage you to notify us that so we may appropriately recognize your generosity.

Anonymous (2) Valerie and Paul Ackerman Thomas O. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Rolf Andreassen Mary A. Andres Karen Bachman Mark and Pat Bauer Mrs. Harvey O. Beek (†) Barbara and Sandy Bemis (†) Joan and George Carlson Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll Julia and Dan Cross Judy and Kenneth (†) Dayton Mrs. George Doty Rudolph Driscoll (†)

Sally Economon Rondi Erickson Ester and John Fesler Paul Froeschl Katy Gaynor Lois and Larry Gibson Robert and Ellen Green Ieva Grundmanis (†) Norton M. Hintz Jean McGough Holten Charles Hudgins Dale and Pat Johnson Robert and Susan Josselson Charlotte (†) and Markle Karlen Mary Keithahn

Steve Keller Patty and Warren Kelly Margaret Kilroe Trust (†) Blaine and Lyndel King Gretchen Klein (†) Bill and Sally Kling Gisela Knoblauch (†) Mr. and Mrs. James Krezowski Robert Kriel and Linda Krach Venetia and Robert Kudrle Robert Lawser, Jr. Jean Lemberg (†) Gerald and Joyce Lillquist David Mayo Barbara and Thomas (†) McBurney

Mary Bigelow McMillan Margaret L. and Walter S. (†) Meyers Susan Molder (†) Edith Mueller (†) Scott Pakudiatis Sydney and William Phillips Mrs. Berneen Rudolph Mary Savina Frank and Lynda Sharbrough Andrew H. Stewart, Jr. James and Susan Sullivan Gregory C. Swinehart Stephanie Van D’Elden Mary Vaughan Dale and Sandra Wick (†) Deceased

For more information on possible gift arrangements, please contact the Director of the Annual Fund Dawn Loven at 612-342-9567.

Your attorney or financial advisor can then help determine which methods are most appropriate for you.

| MINNESOTA OPERA mnopera.org

Donor Spotlight

30

Minnesota Opera is fortunate to have many wonderful volunteers who generously donate not only their time, but also financial support to help the Opera run smoothly. In this program, it is with pleasure that two such volunteers are recognized, Joyce and Jerry Lillquist.

Joyce and Jerry have assisted in many volunteer tasks – from light walking and envelope stuffing, to hosting artists and working the Gala auction, they are hard pressed to pick a favorite. When asked why they donate their retirement time to Minnesota Opera, both Jerry and Joyce say, “It is so exciting to be a part of helping create this art form. Plus, it is really fun meeting guest artists,

getting to know the staff and having a more behind-thescenes look at this world-class opera company.”

As far as why they make the Opera part of their personal charitable giving, Joyce says, “We love opera. And we want to make certain that our own Minnesota Opera is financially secure and performing in our community for years and years to come.”

Minnesota Opera extends its deepest gratitude to Joyce and Jerry and all the volunteers who truly help bring great opera to Minnesota each season.

Thank You!

Note: If you would like to volunteer, please sign up at mnopera.org/getinvolved or contact Jamie Nieman (volunteer coordinator) by calling 612-342-9550.

Annual Fund

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING

MINNESOTA OPERA

Minnesota Opera Sponsors

Minnesota Opera gratefully acknowledges its major institutional supporters:

Season Sponsor

Gala Sponsors

The Private Client Reserve at U.S. Bank

Travelers U.S. Bank

Production Sponsors The Pearl Fishers, The Private Client Reserve at U.S. Bank Casanova's Homecoming, Ronning Family Foundation Roberto Devereux, Ameriprise Financial La bohème, Target Salome, National Endowment for the Arts Recovery Act

Meet the Artists Official Caterer

Conductor Appearances

Pop!!

SpencerStuart

Broadcast Partner

Camerata Dinners

Minnesota Public Radio

$100,000+

Wildside Caterers

Production Innovation System General Mills

Resident Artist Program Wenger Foundation

Tempo Gray Plant Mooty

Tempo Opera Night Out

Lowry Hill Private Asset Management

Corporations, Foundations and Government 3M Foundation Ameriprise Financial City of Saint Paul’s Cultural STAR Program General Mills Foundation The MAHADH Fund of HRK Foundation The McKnight Foundation The Medtronic Foundation Minnesota State Arts Board National Endowment for the Arts Target The Private Client Reserve at U.S. Bank Travelers Foundation U.S. Bancorp Foundation UnitedHealth Group The Wallace Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota

Platinum $10,000–$24,999 Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Best Buy Children’s Foundation Cargill Foundation Deluxe Corporation Foundation Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Ecolab Foundation Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation Gray Plant Mooty Anna M. Heilmaier Charitable Foundation Lowry Hill RBC Foundation – usa RBC Wealth Management SpencerStuart Twin Cities Opera Guild Valspar Foundation Wenger Foundation

Gold $5,000–$9,999 ADC Telecommunications Allianz Life Insurance of North America Bemis Company Foundation Boss Foundation Briggs and Morgan, P.A.

Cleveland Foundation Deloitte Education Minnesota Foundation Faegre & Benson Harlan Boss Foundation for the Arts R. C. Lilly Foundation Mayo Clinic Onan Family Foundation Pentair Foundation The Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Rahr Foundation Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, p.a.

Xcel Energy Foundation

$25,000–$49,999

Silver $2,500–$4,999 Dellwood Foundation Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation Hutter Family Foundation Peravid Foundation The Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation Margaret Rivers Fund Securian Foundation Tennant Foundation Thyme to Entertain

$10,000–$24,999

Bronze $1,000–$2,499 The ADS Group Arts & Custom Publishing Co., Inc. Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Burdick-Craddick Family Foundation Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. Hogan & Hartson Leonard, Street & Deinard McVay Foundation Alice M. O’Brien Foundation Lawrence M. O’Shaughnessy Charitable Annuity Trust in honor of Lawrence M. O’Shaughnessy Peregrine Capital Management Sit Investment Foundation The Regis Foundation The Southways Foundation Wells Fargo Insurance Services

For information on making a corporate or foundation contribution to Minnesota Opera, please contact the Institutional Gifts Manager Beth Comeaux at 612-342-9566 or email her at bcomeaux@mnopera.org.

| CASANOVA’S HOMECOMING

Sponsors $25,000+

$50,000–$99,999

31

Life beyond the bottom line.

The most important moments are often the ones before the performance.

The Private Client Reserve at U.S. Bank understands that true wealth is measured not just in the final outcome, but in the work that went into it. That’s why we provide private banking, financial planning, personal trust, and investment management services that offer you a solid plan to create the financial security you need to support your great performances.

Michael Boardman Central Region President 612.303.2398

Proud sponsor of the 2009-2010 Minnesota Opera season.

Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC © 2009 U.S. Bancorp