Connecting People With the Arts
2023-2024 Raleigh Arts Partners
The City of Raleigh Arts Commission nurtures creativity and enriches our community by championing the arts in Raleigh: • Partnering with local cultural organizations • Supporting arts programming • Advocating for arts investment • Presenting art exhibitions, public art and special events
Vinculando al Pueblo con las Artes La Comisión de Artes de la Ciudad de Raleigh sustenta la creatividad y enriquece a nuestra comunidad, favoreciendo las artes en Raleigh por medio de: • La asociación con organizaciones culturales locales • El apoyo de la programación de las artes • El fomento de la inversión en el arte • La presentación de exposiciones artísticas, arte público y eventos especiales
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• African American Cultural Festival • Animazement • Arts Access • Arts Together • Artspace • Artsplosure • Burning Coal Theatre Company • CAM Raleigh • Carolina Ballet • Chamber Music Raleigh • Community Music School • Cultural Voice of NC • Diamante Arts & Cultural Center • El Pueblo • The Justice Theater Project • National Women’s Theatre Festival • The NC Chamber Music Institute • NC Master Chorale • NC Museum of History • NC Opera • NC State LIVE • NC State University Theatre • NC Symphony • NC Theatre • North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre • Nuv Yug Cultural Organization • Performance Edge • PineCone • Pure Life Theatre Company • Raleigh Civic Symphony Association • Raleigh Little Theatre • The Raleigh Ringers • Raleigh Youth Choir • ShopSpace • Theatre in the Park • Theatre Raleigh • Triangle Youth Music • VAE Raleigh
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OUR MISSION To enhance the cultural life of North Carolina by presenting artistically significant opera productions of the highest quality, strengthening and expanding audiences for opera in the region, and providing regional artists opportunities to participate in operatic productions and events.
2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy Hablutzel, President James Hargrove, Vice-President John Lunsford, Treasurer Carl Nold, Secretary Joel Adams Amanda Bambrick Andrew Blass Yvonne Bryant Kelvin Currie Bryan Gilliam James Gulick
Douglas Holbrook Valerie Johnson C. Thomas Kunz Florence Peacock Ralph Roberson William Rustin Richard Sarles Cathy Stuart Shohreh Taavoni Brigette Wilds Jean Wozencraft-Ornellas
PAST PRESIDENTS OF NORTH CAROLINA OPERA BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Romano: 2010-2012 Stephen Prystowsky: 2012-2014 C. Thomas Kunz: 2014-2018 William Rustin: 2018-2019 James Gulick: 2019-2021 Ralph Roberson: 2021-2023 NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 1
LA TRAVIATA
Composer: Giuseppe Verdi Librettist: Francesco Maria Piave, after the play La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils
World premiere: March 6, 1853, Teatro la Fenice, Venice United States premiere: December 3, 1856, Academy of Music, New York This production of La traviata is generously underwritten by Ross Lampe, Jr. Conductor: Joseph Mechavich Director: John Hoomes Violetta Valéry Alfredo Germont Giorgio Germont, his father Gastone Baron Douphol Marquis d’Obigny Dr. Grenvil Flora Bervoix Annina Giuseppe A messenger Flora’s servant
Vanessa Vasquez Jonathan Johnson Andrew Manea Jason Karn Lawrence Hall Jacob Cortes Christian Blackburn Erica Jackson Gretchen Bruesehoff Miles Jenkins Sylvester Allen Ethan Wood
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North Carolina Opera is funded in part by the City of Raleigh, based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 | 7:30 PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | 2:00 PM RALEIGH MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Lighting Designer Assistant Conductor, Chorus Master Production Manager Costume Coordinator Properties Master Wig and Makeup Designer Wig and Makeup Staff Movement Director Choreographer Technical Director Master Electrician Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Sound Designer Rehearsal pianists Supertitle operator
Barry Steele Scott MacLeod Linda T. Carlson Denise Schumaker Pamela McLamb Martha Ruskai Tiffany Bolick Turley, Elisa Acevedo, Cheyenne Fox Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas Cynthia Styron-Sanchez Tim Stettler Taylor Jeffries Joe Gladstone Rickelle Williams Sean Loepp Ava Linvog, Kent Lyman Devon Carter
An original co-production of Opera Colorado and Boston Lyric Opera Scenery, Costumes, and Props provided by Nashville Opera
The performance will last approximately two hours and forty-five minutes, including two intermissions. NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 3
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WELCOME TO LA TRAVIATA Welcome to La traviata! This is the first production of our fourteenth season, and we are delighted that you are here. This opera is deservedly one of the most popular in the world, with a compelling, heartbreaking story and a surfeit of melodies that are great even by Verdi’s very high standards. We welcome back conductor Joseph Mechavich, and are excited to feature debuting artists Vanessa Vasquez, Jonathan Johnson, Andrew Manea, and director John Hoomes. This season of operatic favorites has already seen our best subscription rates ever. Coming up after La traviata will be Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, in February, in a hilarious production from Glimmerglass Opera directed by Francesca Zambello. Following that will be our annual Gala, this year on April 6th at the Angus Barn. Our season will conclude in April with the company premiere of Puccini’s Gold Rush opera, La fanciulla del West, sung in concert at Meymandi and featuring returning artists Marina Costa-Jackson, Mark Delavan, and Keitaro Harada. It is our great joy to present opera to you. We are especially grateful to everyone whose contributions help keep us singing, especially to Ross Lampe, Jr, the production underwriter of La traviata. Ticket sales cover only about a third of our costs; the remainder comes from generous people who love opera. A donation of any size, no matter how small, is meaningful and makes a difference. We hope you enjoy today’s performance, and that you’ll consider supporting North Carolina Opera. Thank you very much.
Nancy Hablutzel Board President
Eric Mitchko General Director
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 5
SYNOPSIS SETTING: Paris, c. 1850 ACT I – The salon in Violetta’s house Violetta Valéry, a famed courtesan, throws a lavish party at her Paris home to celebrate her recovery from a recent illness. Gastone, a count, has brought his friend and young nobleman, Alfredo Germont. It is rumored that Alfredo is fascinated by Violetta and has been visiting and inquiring after her health daily. The crowd is touched by the sweet sentiment and asks Alfredo for a toast. Alfredo obliges, celebrating the joys of love. (Libiamo ne’lieti calici). The guests move to the ballroom but Violetta withdraws, feeling faint. The infatuated Alfredo lingers and declares his love (Un dì, felice, eterea). She initially rejects him but is moved by his sincerity. Before Alfredo leaves, she gives him a camellia and tells him to return to her once the flower has wilted. They are to meet the next day. After the party ends and Violetta is alone, she wonders if Alfredo could have awakened a desire within her to be truly loved. Dismissing the thought, she declares to live a life of freedom and pleasure above all else (Sempre libera). INTERMISSION ACT II, SCENE 1 – Violetta’s house outside Paris Three months later, Alfredo and Violetta are deeply in love and living together in her country house outside Paris. She has completely abandoned her former life and Alfredo praises their contentment (Lunge da lei… De’ miei bollenti spiriti). Annina, Violetta’s maid, arrives from Paris where she confides in Alfredo that she has just sold some of Violetta’s belongings to support their country lifestyle. Alfredo, shocked, leaves for Paris immediately to settle matters himself. An invitation awaits Violetta for a Parisian party that evening hosted by her friend, Flora. As she reads the invitation, she is called upon by Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father. Germont demands that she break off the relationship saying the affair will ruin the reputation of his family and engagement of Alfredo’s sister (Pura siccome un angelo). The devastated Violetta eventually agrees to end the romance knowing that she will break Alfredo’s heart (Ah! Dite alla giovine). Witnessing her sacrifice, Germont is filled with gratitude and impressed by Violetta’s nobility. He leaves her alone to weep. Violetta accepts Flora’s party invitation and writes a farewell letter to Alfredo. She tells him repeatedly of her unconditional love and is barely able to control her emotions. Before setting off for Paris, Violetta asks Annina to deliver the farewell letter to Alfredo.
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Knowing Alfredo will be crushed by the news, Germont returns in an attempt to comfort his son. He reminds Alfredo of his sister and loving family in Provence (Di Provenza il mar il suol). Alfredo discovers the party invitation and suspects the Baron, Violetta’s old lover, as the reason for their separation. He angrily decides to confront her at the party. ACT II, SCENE 2 – Party at Flora’s house Violetta enters the party with Baron Douphol making it evident to the others that her relationship with Alfredo has ended. She sees Alfredo at the gambling table and the Baron soon joins in the game. Alfredo, after winning several hands in a row, begins to leave with handfuls of money. Violetta fears that in a fit of anger, the Baron will challenge Alfredo to a duel and asks to speak with him in private. The jealous Alfredo demands that she admit to his face that she loves the Baron. Alfredo furiously calls the guests in to witness him publicly denounce and humiliate Violetta. He throws his recent winnings at her feet, declaring it as payment for the affair (Alfredo, di questo core). Appalled by the scene, the guests and Giorgio denounce Alfredo’s actions. He is immediately remorseful for his heartless behavior. Though scorned, Violetta stays, telling Alfredo of the deep love she still has for him. The scene ends as the Baron challenges Alfredo to a duel to avenge Violetta’s public humiliation. INTERMISSION ACT III – Violetta’s bedroom, a few months later Doctor Grenvil confides in Annina, saying that Violetta’s illness has worsened and she will soon die. When alone, Violetta reads a letter from Alfredo’s father explaining that though the duel did take place, Alfredo was only wounded and has since learned the truth of her sacrifice. Alfredo seeks forgiveness and plans to return to her immediately. Violetta fears she will not live long enough to see him again (Addio, del passato). Just then, Annina rushes in with Alfredo. The lovers reunite and Alfredo urges Violetta to leave with him for Paris (Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo). Greatly weakened, she knows her life is fading. Giorgio enters with Dr. Grenvil, regretting his part in the separation of the two lovers. Suddenly, Violetta revives (Ma se tornando…Ah! Gran Dio! Morir sì giovane), but a moment later collapses and dies in Alfredo’s arms (Prendi, quest’è l’immagine de’ mieì passati giorni). – Nashville Opera
PROGRAM NOTES Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata is a marvel of melodic invention, concise storytelling, and compelling character portrayal. After the great success of Rigoletto at Venice’s Teatro la Fenice in 1851, Verdi worked concurrently on two projects: La traviata, again for La Fenice, and Il trovatore for Rome. Even if we did not consider the masterpieces of his later career such as Otello and Don Carlos, these three titles alone would make Verdi the greatest Italian opera composer. Alexandre Dumas the younger wrote La Dame aux Camélias (The Lady of the Camelias) in 1848, a fictionalized account of his own love affair with the noted, doomed courtesan Marie Duplessis. The trashy novel was a huge success, and Dumas soon turned it into a stage play, which Verdi saw while in Paris in 1852. Francesco Maria Piave, who had authored six previous librettos for Verdi, was entrusted to turn the French play into an Italian libretto. La traviata opened at La Fenice on March 6, 1853 (two days after the Maria Callas as Violetta inauguration of Franklin Pierce as the 14th United States President). It was not a success. Verdi was unhappy with the lead soprano, and after ten performances the opera was not heard again for over a year. Verdi took that time to make revisions to the piece, especially to the central duet between Violetta and Germont. This is the center of the drama, where the full weight of society’s crushing rules and Violetta’s noble self-sacrifice are made manifest. The revised version of the opera opened at a different Venetian theater on May 6, 1854. This time the public was enthusiastic, and La traviata has remained at the center of the world’s operatic repertoire ever since. La traviata takes place in Paris around 1850, i.e. at the time of its composition. The author Charles Osborne observes that this is the first ever serious opera to take place in the present day, that is, the time of its first audiences. Violetta and her acquaintances occupy the Parisian demimonde, an environment in which people stayed up all night going to parties, drinking, dancing, gambling, and having illicit liaisons. Her resilience and strength of character are all the more striking because of the debased milieu she has come from. The tragedy is that this woman – the most admirable of all of the characters in the opera – is both rejected by society and felled by disease. Verdi composed a role with many different vocal demands, from the display piece “Sempre libera” at the end of Act I to the dramatic outbursts of her farewell to Alfredo at the end of Act II, scene 1. The variety of what the roles requires has tempted sopranos of very different voices to take on the part. Successful Violettas have included coloraturas such as Amelita Galli-Curci and Beverly Sills, lyrics such as Eleanor Steber and Ileana Cotrubas, and spintos such as Renata Tebaldi and Anna TomowaSintow. Opera Company of North Carolina presented the opera in 2002 with Jennifer Casey Cabot in the title role, and Capital Opera did so in 2007 with Lori Lind as Violetta. The first North Carolina Opera performances of La traviata were in 2015, starring Jacqueline Echols, Mario Chang, and Joo Won Kang. – Eric Mitchko
Claudio Muzio as Violetta
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GIUSEPPE VERDI: THE MAESTRO OF MELODY Giuseppe Verdi, hailed as one of the most influential opera composers of the 19th century, was born on October 10, 1813, in Le Roncole, a small village in Italy. His humble beginnings did not foretell the extraordinary musical legacy he would leave behind. Verdi’s life was a testament to the power of passion, talent, and perseverance in the face of adversity, shaping the landscape of opera as we know it today. From a young age, Verdi exhibited an innate musical talent, drawing inspiration from the rich folk tunes of his native Italy. Despite early setbacks, including the death of his first wife and two children, Verdi’s determination and creativity soared. In 1839, his opera Oberto marked the beginning of a prolific career, establishing him as a rising star in the operatic world. However, it was with his timeless masterpiece La Traviata, first performed in 1853, that Verdi truly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The opera, based on Alexandre Dumas fils’ play “La Dame aux Camélias,” delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations. Verdi’s exquisite melodies and poignant arias, such as “Sempre libera,” continue to resonate with audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries.
Giovanni Boldini’s Portrait of Giuseppe Verdi (1886)
Verdi’s genius extended beyond the realm of music. He possessed a remarkable ability to infuse his compositions with raw human emotion, creating characters that were both captivating and relatable. His dedication to storytelling through music elevated opera to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Throughout his illustrious career, Verdi composed a repertoire of operas that have become staples of the opera canon, including Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, and Aida. Each work showcased his mastery of melody, harmony, and dramatic expression, cementing his legacy as a true maestro. Beyond his artistic brilliance, Verdi was a staunch advocate for Italian unification and political reform. His involvement in the Italian nationalist movement earned him immense respect and adoration among his compatriots. Verdi’s unwavering commitment to his homeland mirrored his dedication to his craft, illustrating the depth of his passion for both music and freedom. Giuseppe Verdi’s legacy lives on through the enduring beauty of his compositions and the countless lives he has touched with his music. As we gather to experience the enchanting tale of La Traviata, let us celebrate the life and work of this extraordinary composer, whose melodies continue to weave the fabric of our shared human experience.
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presents...
The Italian Baroque Sat, Nov 11 | 7:30PM Carswell hall at meredith college Sun, Nov 12 | 3PM Moeser Auditorium at UNC-Chapel Hill
Tickets & Info theCOT.org
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA SUPPORTERS North Carolina Opera extends its deepest gratitude to the following generous individuals who have contributed to making this season possible. This list represents gifts to NCO received between May 1, 2022 and October 5, 2023. INDIVIDUAL GIVING PATRON Gifts between $2,500 and $4,999 Anonymous Rosemarie Sweeney and Heather Brown C. Thomas Kunz ✻ Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Byrne, Sr. David Casteel ❦ GOLD PATRON Gifts between $50,000 and $74,999 Paul Fomberg and Roy Cromartie Mary-Owens Fitzgerald Ross W. Lampe Jr. ✻ Vivian Clark and Bryan Gilliam Peter Hamilton UNDERWRITER Karen and Clark Havighurst Gifts between $15,000 and $24,999 Candyce Marsh Rae and James Gulick ✻ Margaret and Bill McCulloch Nancy and Philip Hablutzel ♦ Francine and Ralph Roberson ♦ Robert W. Morrison Linda and Wendell Murphy Anna and James Romano Susan Osborne and Stephen Reynolds Stephen W. Teitsworth GRAND SPONSOR PLATINUM PATRON
Gifts of $75,000 or more
Gifts between $10,000 and $14,999
E.T. Franklin Jr. Mia Kang and Tony Acquaviva ♦ Amy Moss and Bill Brown
BENEFACTOR
Gifts between $1,000 and $2,499
Eva Buck Laura Collatz Anne Prince Cuddy SPONSOR Connie and Bob Eby Gifts between $5,000 and $9,999 Sallie and Joe Exum Jane and Francis Acquaviva Alison and Ken Faulkner Joel R. Adams ♦ Sofie Franzen-Moyle Chip Anderson Amanda and Michael Bambrick Linda and Rob Grew Danielle and Andrew Blass Margo Lynn Hablutzel ♦ Kelvin Currie and Sandra Cook William F. Hamlin Jr. Susan Moore and Doug Hammer Ruth and G. Sidney Cox Lisa and Don Hirsh Jacobi Daley Donna and Richard Falvo Phyllis Pomerantz and Charles Hochman William L. Hampton Sally and William Johnson Kim Kotlar and James Hargrove ❦ Lauren Kennedy-Brady Douglas R. Holbrook ❦ and Charlie Brady Chancy and Keith Kapp ✻ Martha and Peter Klopfer Judith LeGrand Elizabeth and John Lunsford ❦ Myra Kornbluth Ekaterina Korobkina Vicky Kruckeberg and Robert Golub ♦ and Carl R. Nold Andy Lawrence Susan and Dale Oller Florence and James Peacock Betsy and Steven Levitas Larry Lisle Kelley Russell ✻ Mary Louise and William Rustin Ruth and James McVea Lois T. Flaherty and Richard Sarles ❦ Eliza Kraft Olander Carolyn and Peter Olejar Sarah and Claude Snow ✻ Linda and Orage Quarles Cathy and Jim Stuart ✻ Sarah and Terry Reeves Shohreh Taavoni Tom Roberg and Alan Kronhaus ♦ Frances Rollins Holly and Paul Tesar Harry Rosenberg Brigette Wilds DD Donates and Michael C. Byrne Kay Schoellhorn John Williamson Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas ♦ Sally and Robert Tiller
Susan and Dick Timmons Ann and Steve Tyler Josephine Walker Diane and Floyd Whitney Erna and Bill Womble Rosemary and Smedes York SUSTAINER
Gifts between $500 and $999
Anonymous B. Jasmine Adams Landy and Kelly Anderton Susan and David Baker Wendy Lapish and John Beck Sharon and Byron Braswell Stanford Brown Joel Buccellato Donna and Timothy Burke Mary Lovelock and W. R. Chapman Simmie Kastner and Jerome Davis Cheryl and John Denardo Martha Dimes Georgia and Alec Donaldson Kellie Falk and Joe Patterson Douglas Flint Jane and Frank Gray James Gray George E. Hall, Jr. Dotty and Lee Hanson Susan and Carl Hibbert Caroline and Justin Howe Eloise Watson and Mark Jalkut Melissa and Robert Johnson The Juliette Club Joseph Kahn Suzanne Kennedy-Stoskopf Kathy and Tom Lada Joy Lewis Dorothy Lichtwardt Anne and Mike Liptzin Jo Ann Lutz and Lawrence Muhlbaier Jane Lynch Susanna Martin Larry Mintz Aurora Pajeau Tricia and Stuart Phoenix Janet and James Rapp Valerie Hillings and William Scheessele Rachel Starr Fran and Jack Steele Emmett E. Stobbs, Jr. Catalina and Eric Vander Elst Nelson Williams Carole and Brad Wilson NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 11
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA SUPPORTERS SUPPORTER
Gifts between $250 and $499
Anonymous Judith and Jack Adler Carmelle Alipio and Tony Downs Eugenie Almeida Paul Berry Sarah Beth Briggs Julia and Michael Carpenter Nancy and Tom Carstens Denise Cline Deborah and Andrew Dalgliesh Mary and George Deaton Catherine Anderton and José Delgado Ann and Glenn Dunn Gayle Eisner Ann Erickson Syntheia Finklepott Kristine Forney and William Prizer Penelope Gallins Kimberly Gooden Ruth Gross and Hans Kellner Jim Konold and Tim Hackett Emmett and Hubert B. Haywood III Carol and Rick Johns Valerie Johnson and Linda Edwards Rachel Kaplan and Jeremy Pienik Deborah and Thomas Keefe Leigh and William Kempf Martha N. Keravuori and Chuck Gale Lou and Donald Kline Timothy A. Kuhn Ross Lampe, Sr. Lewis Lampiris Annie Lang Amy and David Marschall Christina and Thomas Mitchko Jake Parrott Rochelle and Stephen Prystowsky Melanie Rankin Marjorie Satinsky Marilyn and Hugh Stevens Dell and Blake Strayhorn Julie Kelly-Stump and Mark Stump Perry H. and William A. Suk Yvonne Terry Roberta Titchener Robert Wiley III Mary Zehr MEMBER
Gifts up to $249
Anonymous (2) Virginia Adams & Martin Salzman Robin and Dwight Allen Pearla and Gregg Alston Trish Anderton Elizabeth and Thomas Archie Richard Arnold
Henry Baker Cortney and Scott Baker Barbara and Robert Bell Helen Koo and Richard Bilsborrow Denise and Peter Bleckner Natalie and Gary Boorman Hermis and Roy Boston Anne Margaret and Richard Braham Louise and Charles Bryan Dawn and David Burtt Linda and Philip Carl Dolores and Burton Carnegie Nina Christman David Clegg Rosalind Coleman and James Rolleston Ellen Collins-Boyce Susan Colman Sandra Craig Tammy and Bill Crook Lester Czukor Craig S Danforth Genevieve Domalain Lori Drum Frank Dworsky Amy Edge Pat and Paul Elstro Jane and Jim Ericksen Rebecca Brent and Richard Felder Sally Fessler Phyllis and Stephen Gordon John Graybeal Martha and David Green Jami Grossfield Eva and Sheldon Hamburger Robin Hammond Leslie Harris Jane Hawk Elizabeth Hely and Bruce Simon Sharon Henderson Judy and Richard Hendrickson Scott B Hill Greg Hirsh Linda Whitney Hobson Eleanor Ninestein and V. Dwight House Martha Hsu Deborah Huff Matthew Huffman Sara Oswald and Eric Hyman Kirstin Joshi Lewis H. Kairys Gail and Eugene Karcher Devon Kearney Kathleen Klesh Peggy and Chuck Korte Michael Kris Kathryn Langenkamp and Peter Peroutka Judith Larson and Henry Dozier Brigitte Abrams and Francis Lethem
♦ indicates that the purchase of one or more $500 Gold Tickets to the 2023 Gala are included in the total ✻ indicates that the purchase of a $5,000 Gold Table to the 2023 Gala is included in the total ❦ indicates that the purchase of a $2500 Silver Table to the 2023 Gala is included in the total
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Margaret Link Maria and Josmar Lopes Jodee Nimerichter and Gaspard Louis Erin Lunsford and Sean Norton Rosemary Lunsford Connie Margolin James Marrow Margaret Maytan Susan and Earl McClanahan Judith McDaniel Emily McNair Patricia McWaters Virginia Middleton Loretta Mitchell Maureen and Robert Murray Eloise and Alan Neebe Mary Ann and Alistair Nevius Carolyn Nickols Jane Norris Phyllis and Paul Page JoAnn and Donald Parkerson Mary Jo Parks Deborah Ravin Jane and Thomas A. Rooker Susan Royster Susan Russell Pat and Paul Scheible Sue Scott Margaret and Matt Segal Lucia and John Sehon Jill Shires and John Aiken Susannah and Ralph Smith Georgiana and Stephen Snyderman Rudy Spruill Donald Stoll Linda Stone Robert Sullivan Marguerite Summers Susan Swartz David Taylor Joe Tooley Pamela Trent Kristina Troost Matt Tyson Robert W. Upchurch Lizbeth and Jean-Marie Videau Hank Wall Cathy and Jim Ward Mary Warlick Alice Watkins Margaret Weir Sally and Ron Wenda Kate Dixon and Daniel Wilkinson Marti and Dan Wilson Katherine and James Wilson Elaine P. Wood Mary and Peter Zimmerman
SEASON SPONSORS
IS A PROUD PARTNER OF
Thank you for enhancing our lives with the gift of music. At Curtis Media, we applaud your artistry and your talent as well as the many ways that you enrich North Carolina’s cultural fabric. NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 13
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA SUPPORTERS The following is a list of gifts to North Carolina Opera in honor of or in memory of beloved individuals. This list represents gifts to NCO received between May 1,2022 and October 5, 2023.
HONORARY GIFTS
In Honor of Jane and Fran Acquaviva Rachel Starr
In Honor of Susan Oller’s Board Service Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz
In Honor of Philip Hablutzel for Father’s Day 2022 Margo Lynn Hablutzel
In Honor of Brigette M. Wilds Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz
In Honor of Bill Hampton’s Board Service Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz
In Honor of Brigette M. Wilds Mr. Michael F. Byrne Sr.
In Honor of Eric Mitchko Lester Czukor
In Honor of Brigette Wilds and her support providing tickets to underrepresented individuals Advance Auto Parts Foundation
In Honor of Steve Shaber’s Board Service Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz
MEMORIAL GIFTS
In Memory of Ruth Cannon Loretta Mitchell
In Memory of Ivan Korobkin Ekaterina Korobkina and Robert Golub
In Memory of Joseph Grossfield Jami Grossfield
In Memory of Ruth and Thomas Martin Susanna Martin
In Loving Memory of Dana Ann Hall George E. Hall, Jr.
In Memory of Frances Poyner Marilyn and Hugh Stevens
In Memory of Don Hunter Lewis Lampiris Sandra Craig
In Memory of June Roberg Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz Robert W. Morrison
In Memory of Ronald Kirschbaum Craig S. Danforth
In Memory of John Russell Denise Cline Betsy and Steven Levitas Emily McNair The George Smedes Poyner Foundation Marilyn and Hugh Stevens
In Memory of Charles M. Kunz Croasdaile Garden Club William L. Hampton Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz Francine and Ralph Roberson Triangle Wagner Society
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In Memory of Susan Stoker Anonymous
MULTI-YEAR GIVING Long-range planning is critical to North Carolina Opera’s continued success and growth as we strive to bring worldclass opera productions, performances, and musicians to the Triangle. An essential component of this planning is accurately forecasting contributed revenues from our generous donors — contributed revenues that comprise some 70% of NCO’s budget! North Carolina Opera is profoundly grateful to the following individuals who have pledged their financial support to the organization over multiple seasons. Please join us in thanking these tremendous donors for their commitment to our current and future success. DIRECTORS CIRCLE
Individuals having made multi-year pledges totaling $250,000 or more Rosemarie Sweeney and C. Thomas Kunz Individuals having made multi-year pledges totaling $150,000 or more Ross W. Lampe, Jr. Individuals having made multi-year pledges totaling $30,000 or more Francine and Ralph Roberson Individuals having made multi-year pledges totaling $15,000 or more Joel R. Adams Danielle and Andrew Blass Amanda and Michael Bambrick Nancy and Phil Hablutzel John and Beth Lunsford Vicky Kruckeberg and Carl R. Nold Lois T. Flaherty and Richard Sarles Shohreh Taavoni, MD and Alan Kronhaus, MD Brigette Wilds and Michael C. Byrne Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Individuals having made multi-year pledges totaling $7,500 or more Francis and Jane Acquaviva Vivian Clark and Bryan Gilliam Roy Cromartie and Paul Fomberg Douglas R. Holbrook Candyce Marsh Individuals having made multi-year pledges to North Carolina Opera Dr. B. Jasmine Adams James Hargrove and Kim Kotlar Melissa and Bob Johnson Robert Wiley
For information on becoming at part of the Directors Circle or Leadership Circle, please contact the NC Opera office of Development at 919.792.3855 or Cary Byrd at cary.byrd@ncopera.org. NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 15
PLANNED GIVING FOCUS
Charitable gift of life insurance
As you consider your estate plans, it might interest you to know that an outright gift of life insurance can increase your philanthropic legacy and provide a guaranteed amount to the charity of your choice, acting as an important part of your overall estate plan. Charitable gifts of life insurance are usually structured in one of the following ways: ● You can purchase a new life insurance policy where you are the owner and the charity is the beneficiary.
You will not receive a charitable income tax deduction, and death benefit proceeds will be included in your estate for tax purposes. However, proceeds will pass to the charity income tax-free. You can pay premiums on a policy insuring your life that is owned by the charity, that is also the beneficiary. AND, premiums paid are considered tax deductible as charitable donations. ● You can donate an existing policy insuring your life to a charity, so the charity is the owner and
beneficiary of the life insurance policy. The donation of the existing policy, plus any ongoing premiums, will be considered tax deductible as charitable donations.
Because the rules regarding charitable income tax deductions are complex, consult your legal and/or tax advisor to determine the amount of your deduction.
THE NORTH CAROLINA OPERA LEGACY SOCIETY
North Carolina Opera is honored to have been included in the Estate Plans of the following visionaries that are helping to ensure the future of opera in The Triangle. The Joel R. Adams Trust: An Endowment for the Arts Yvonne Bryant Jacobi and Jerry Daley C. Thomas Kunz and Rosemarie Sweeney
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NORTH CAROLINA OPERA SUPPORTERS North Carolina Opera gratefully acknowledges the following community leaders for their generous support in making this season possible. This list represents gifts made to North Carolina Opera between May 1, 2022 and October 5, 2023. FOUNDATIONS AND GOVERNMENT
GRAND UNDERWRITER Gifts of $100,000 or more City of Raleigh
SUPPORTER Gifts between $2,500 and $4,999 Advance Auto Parts Foundation
UNDERWRITER Gifts between $25,000 and $49,999 The John William Pope Foundation North Carolina Arts Council North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
FRIEND Gifts up to $2,500 Ella Ann and Frank B. Holding Foundation Elizabeth and Joseph Kahn Charitable Fund Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation NC State Employees Combined Campaign
CO-SPONSOR Gifts between $5,000 and $9,999 The George Smedes Poyner Foundation (multi-year pledge) National Endowment for the Arts Triangle Community Foundation’s Carver Fund for North Carolina Opera United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County
CORPORATIONS
UNDERWRITER Gifts between $25,000 and $49,999 INSERV CO-SPONSOR Gifts between $5,000 and $9,999 Baird* Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Morningstar Law Group*
SUPPORTER Gifts between $2,500 and $4,999 Elliott Davis, LLC Galloway Ridge* Ruggero Piano
FRIEND Gifts up to $2,500 Summit Hospitality Group York Properties*
*Denotes sponsors of the 2023 North Carolina Opera Gala
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
North Carolina Opera offers special thanks to the following individuals, organizations, and businesses for their support during the last year: Jane Acquaviva Tiago Braga-Lett Carmen Buckner Anne Prince Cuddy Danielle Cullen Jerry Espy Ginger Finley First Presbyterian Church Paul Fomberg
Tim Hackett Judy Hendrickson Aubrey Hubbard Abby Jones Chancy Kapp Isabel Mitchko Francine Roberson Marco Rodriguez Anna Romano
Shaw University Sarah Snow Lorraine Snyder Cathy Stuart Rosemarie Sweeney Brigette Wilds Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 17
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES JOSEPH MECHAVICH CONDUCTOR Conductor Joseph Mechavich’s passion and commitment to the art form has helped to forge career-defining relationships with numerous opera companies, composers and orchestras in the United States and abroad. Maestro Mechavich has led productions of Porgy and Bess for Deutsche Oper Berlin and Cape Town Opera, Nixon in China for Auckland Philharmonia and New Zealand Opera, Il barbiere di Siviglia for Washington National Opera, Werther for Florida Grand Opera, Everest for Austin Opera, Silent Night for Calgary Opera, and Dead Man Walking for The Atlanta Opera. The 2023-2024 season includes La bohème for Florida Grand Opera; La traviata for Knoxville Opera, Lucia di Lammermoor for New Orleans Opera, La traviata for North Carolina Opera; Albert Herring at the University of Maryland; and Before It All Goes Dark (Heggie) for Music of Remembrance with performances in Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago. In addition to his impressive command of the standard operatic repertoire, Maestro Mechavich is also known for his deep commitment to American opera. He is a champion of the music of Carlisle Floyd and Jake Heggie, having led productions of Floyd’s Susannah, Of Mice and Men, and Cold Sassy Tree, and Wuthering Heights (recorded); as well as acclaimed productions of Heggie’s Moby-Dick, Great Scott, If I Were You, Out of Darkness: Two Remain (recorded), Three Decembers, and Dead Man Walking. JOHN HOOMES STAGE DIRECTOR Mr. Hoomes is the CEO & Artistic Director of the Nashville Opera. Mr. Hoomes has been the Artistic Director of Nashville Opera since 1995. An Emmy nominated stage director, he has directed over 250 productions of opera and music theatre in the US, South America, and Canada, including Tosca, Andrea Chenier, La bohème, Carmen, Der Rosenkavalier, Madama Butterfly, La fanciulla del West, Salome, Don Giovanni, Otello, Aida, and Turandot. Mr. Hoomes staged the world premieres of Robert Aldridge’s Elmer Gantry, (recorded on Naxos Records and winner of 2 Grammys; also named the #1 opera CD release by Opera News). The New York Times declared his Nashville Opera world premiere of Elmer Gantry “An Operatic Miracle...in Nashville.” An Opera News feature article acknowledged, “Hoomes has proved himself one
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of the most interesting stage directors in the regional market today with a seemingly limitless knowledge of repertoire.” Nashville Opera’s world premiere production of Robert Paterson’s opera Three Way was remounted at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in June 2017. Hoomes also directed Daniel Catán’s opera Florencia en el Amazonas for Nashville Opera, and later remounted his original production for the New York City Opera in the Rose Theatre at Lincoln Center. VANESSA VASQUEZ VIOLETTA VALERY Colombian American soprano Vanessa Vasquez, winner of the 2017 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, recently completed a fouryear residency at the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, where she has been heard as Mimì in La bohème, Gilda in Rigoletto, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Violetta in La traviata. Ms. Vasquez’s recent engagements include return engagements with The Santa Fe Opera to sing the Countess in a new production of Le nozze di Figaro, and with Washington National Opera and Arizona Opera to sing her first performances of Micaëla in Carmen. She made her European debut in summer 2023 singing Micaëla at Oper im Steinbruch in St. Margarethen, Austria. Ms. Vasquez made her debut with the Canadian Opera Company in the role of Liù in Turandot, and with Washington National Opera singing her first performances of Donna Anna. Previously, she debuted with Arizona Opera as Violetta, and with The Santa Fe Opera and Opera Philadelphia, both as Mimi. She made her professional opera debut in summer 2017 as Liù with Des Moines Metro Opera. With Oberlin in Italy, she performed Countess Almaviva. On the concert stage, she debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra in J.S. Bach’s cantata Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich and with the New York Choral Society in Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. She made her debut with the New York Philharmonic as soprano soloist in Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and she was soprano soloist in Honneger’s King David and Poulenc’s Gloria with Voices of Ascension. She was a featured soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Yannick Nézet-Séguin in the Academy of Music 160th Anniversary Concert and Ball. Ms. Vasquez is the recipient of a 2017 Sara Tucker Study Grant from the Richard Tucker Music Foundation, First Prize in the 2017 Gerda Lissner Foundation Competition, First Prize in the 2016 Licia Albanese
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES Competition, First Prize in the 2016 Giulio Gari Competition, First Prize in the 2016 Loren L. Zachary Vocal Competition, and First Prize and Audience Award in the Phoenix Opera Southwest Vocal Competition, among others.
Anniversary Gala for the Auditorium Theater, and on WFMT radio as part of the Ryan Opera Center Recital Series. He also enjoys a touring relationship with Chris Botti, which has taken him through many cities in the US and abroad.
Vanessa Vasquez was graduated from The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Music degree. She went on to complete a Master of Music degree at UCLA, where she performed Susanna in WolfFerrari’s Il segreto di Susanna, and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni. Ms. Vasquez is a native of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Hailing from Macon, GA, Mr. Johnson holds a Master’s degree and Professional Artist Certificate from the A.J. Fletcher Institute of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He also holds a Bachelor of Music from Townsend School of Music at Mercer University.
JONATHAN JOHNSON ALFREDO GERMONT In the 23/24 season tenor Jonathan Johnson returns to Opera Colorado as the Steersman in Der fliegende Höllander and makes his debuts with Washington Concert Opera in La Rondine and North Carolina Opera as Alfredo in La traviata. He most recently appeared at Opera Colorado in Die tote Stadt, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in Harvey Milk, the Tulsa Opera as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, and Opera Omaha as Anthony in Sweeney Todd. Other notable recent appearances have included the Prince in The Love for Three Oranges at Opera Philadelphia’s Festival O19, Jonathan Dale in Silent Night at Utah Opera, Beppe in I Pagliacci at Opera Colorado, the title role of Bernstein’s Candide with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, and Des Moines Metro Opera; Anna Bolena at Canadian Opera Company, Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance and Lensky in Eugene Onegin at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Fenton in Falstaff at San Diego Opera, and Lindoro in L’italiana in Algeri at the Portland Opera. A graduate of the Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s professional artistdevelopment program, he appeared in the house’s main productions of Les Troyens, Lucia di Lammermoor, The Merry Widow, Der Rosenkavalier, Capriccio, The Magic Victrola and Mieczysław Weinberg’s Holocaust opera The Passenger. In concert, Mr. Johnson appeared as a soloist with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri, the Detroit Symphony for Messiah, La Damnation de Faust at the Grant Park Music Festival, Le Fils in Les mamelles de Tirésias with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Beethoven Symphony No. 9 and concert version of Don Giovanni with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, a performance of Schumann’s Dichterliebe as part of a Liederabend in Chicago, and various appearances in the Harris Theater’s Beyond the Aria series, the 125th
ANDREW MANEA GIORGIO GERMONT Rising Romanian-American baritone Andrew Manea recently made his role debut as the Duke of Nottingham in Roberto Devereux with the San Francisco Opera, where he previously made his mainstage debut as an Adler Fellow in the role of Marullo in Rigoletto. During his tenure with the company he also appeared as the Huntsman/Gamekeeper in Rusalka, Sciarrone in Tosca, the Marchese d’Obigny in La traviata, and in the world premiere of John Adams’ Girls of the Golden West. In his 2023-2024 season, Manea has three house debuts: with Nashville Opera, singing the role of Tonio in Pagliacci, North Carolina Opera as Germont in La traviata, and Sarasota Opera as Escamillo in Carmen. The 2022-2023 season saw Ernani at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Ford in Falstaff with Palm Beach Opera, Carmina burana at Carnegie Hall, and a concert appearance with Maryland Opera for Bravissimo Bel Canto. Previously, Andrew debuted with both Arizona Opera as Escamillo and Opera Omaha as Lorenzo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, performed the role of Montano in Pacific Symphony’s Otello, returned to Palm Beach Opera as Danilo in The Merry Widow, and joined Cleveland Opera Theater for their concert “Shakespeare in Cleveland.” Additional highlights include Marcello in La bohème with Shreveport Opera, #7 in Transformations with the Merola Opera Program, and Escamillo in Wuhan, China. JASON KARN GASTONE Tenor Jason Karn has impressed critics and audiences with his vibrant, bright tone and dramatic characterizations. In 2023, Jason sang Edmondo in the highly anticipated company premiere production of Manon Lescaut with North Carolina Opera. Before that, in 2021, he sang Jacquino in a memorable rendition of Fidelio, NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 19
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES also with North Carolina Opera. In 2021, Jason returned to reprise Don José in New York City Opera’s Carmen in Bryant Park. Jason’s noteworthy engagement include his debut with the New York City Opera as the Young Gypsy/ Beppe in Aleko/Pagliacci, and his performance alongside the American Symphony Orchestra in the American Premiere of Vincent D’Indy’s Fervaal at Avery Fisher Hall. He also made an impressive debut at the Washington National Opera as Scaramuccio in Ariadne auf Naxos. Other notable engagements include his roles as Cassio in Otello with Opera Carolina, Al Joad in The Grapes of Wrath with the Pittsburgh Opera, and Ferrando in Così fan tutte with Opera Carolina. He has also contributed to the Chautauqua Opera. Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Voice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. LAWRENCE HALL BARON DOUPHOL Baritone Lawrence Hall is from Georgetown, Texas, and currently resides in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. After receiving his Bachelors in Music from the University of North Texas, he went on to pursue his masters in music from the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. While attending the Fletcher Institute, Lawrence was featured as the title role in John Musto’s Volpone, Don Fabio in Manuel Garcia’s Un Avvertimento ai Gelosi, and Dorval in Gabriel Pierné’s Sophie Arnould. He has sung Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust, Simone in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Parson in Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, Il Commendatore in Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Dr. Grenvil in Verdi’s La traviata with UNT Opera. Lawrence has also performed the role of Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Operafestival di Roma during summer 2017 as well as the roles of Carl Olsen in Weill’s Street Scene and Rabonier in Puccini’s La rondine with the Varna International Opera Academy in the summer of 2018. Since graduating, he has performed the role of the Commissioner in La traviata and was a member of the chorus in Don Pasquale with Piedmont Opera. In January of this year, he made his first appearance at North Carolina Opera as a member of the chorus in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
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JACOB CORTES MARQUIS D’OBIGNY Baritone Jacob Cortes has been performing with the North Carolina Opera Chorus since November 2021 and will be debuting his first professional role as Marchese d’Obigny in NC Opera’s La traviata. In 2022 he sang in NC Opera’s production of La bohème and was in the ensemble for the world stage premiere of Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road. In June of 2022 he performed with an invitational choir at Carnegie Hall for a performance of Ola Gjielo’s Dark Night and Luminous Night of the Soul. Prior to this, he performed concerts in Haifa Israel while working at the Baha’i World Centre as a volunteer and was the director of the BWC Choir. Jacob graduated with a Bachelors in Music from UNC School of the Arts and performed with AJ Fletcher Opera as Un Giovane in Puccini’s La rondine, Ivan in Johan Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and The Corporal in Nino Rota’s Il capello di paglia di Firenze. He also performed in AJ Fletcher’s Merry Wives of Windsor by Otto Niccolai, and Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann. Other notable performances were that of The Mayor in Bizet’s Le Docteur Miracle, and Bartley in Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Riders to the Sea. While obtaining his undergraduate degree, he performed with Piedmont Opera in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Verdi’s Rigoletto. Jacob has been a resident of North Carolina since 2006 and enjoys performing traditional Peruvian music with his family, spreading joyous tunes and sharing in Latin Culture that thrives in North Carolina. CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN DR. GRENVIL Baritone Christian Blackburn, originally from Lakin, Kansas, is excited to be back in Raleigh with North Carolina Opera. Most recently, Christian was seen as a principal artist with NC Opera in their productions of Die Zauberflöte (Speaker) in April of 2022 and in Don Giovanni as Masetto in January of 2023. Christian completed his Masters in Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in May of 2019, studying under Dr. Carla LeFevre. Of his recent performance as Papageno in Die Zauberflöte for the UNCG Opera Theatre, Classical Voice North Carolina said, “Blackburn’s Papageno lit up the stage; his hearty
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES singing and great comic acting was wonderful.” While at UNCG, Christian also sang the roles of Rigoletto (Talk Opera) and Ford (Falstaff). Performing regionally in concert, Christian has been seen with Greensboro Choral Society as the baritone soloist in Handel’s Messiah as well as several local choruses in High Point and Southern Pines as the baritone soloist for Fauré’s Requiem. In addition, Christian was the featured baritone for the Charlotte Master Chorale in 2019 for Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht. Christian has also recently been seen in productions of La bohéme (chorus) with Opera Carolina, Don Giovanni (Masetto) for North Carolina Summer Opera, for Greensboro Opera, Madama Butterfly (Imperial Commissioner) and Amahl and the Night Visitors (Melchior). Since the shutdowns of 2020, Christian has taken a step back from full time performance and runs a financial planning and advisory practice in Greensboro. When not working for his client base or performing in the triad/triangle Christian spends time with his 2 year old Lilla, his 2 month old Ruby, his dog Pablo, and his incredible and supportive wife Talia, to whom he owes the world. ERICA JACKSON FLORA BERVOIX Mezzo-soprano Erica Jackson is a captivating performer with an exciting, lush voice and intense, authentic expression. Most recently, she sang Second Lady in The Magic Flute with Chicago Summer Opera. In the summer of 2021, she was involved in Spotlight on Opera’s 15th anniversary season, where she performed Momma Bear in Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears, Magda Sorel in excerpts from The Consul, and music by Satie, Purcell Realized by Britten, and Menotti in the festival’s concert series. She sang the finale of Anna Bolena in a February 2021 episode of North Carolina Opera’s Opera About Town Online series. A Kansas City area native, Erica earned a Bachelor of Science in Music degree from William Jewell College and a Master of Music in Voice degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia. In the Raleigh, North Carolina area, she has worked with North Carolina Opera, North Carolina Master Chorale, and Concert Singers of Cary, in addition to her work at Chicago Summer Opera, Spotlight on Opera, Miami Classical Music Festival and Oberlin in Italy. Previous operatic credits include Eliza in Dark Sisters, Olivia in Cold Mountain, and Giulietta in I Capuleti e i Montecchi. She also shines as a concert and recital singer and has
recently performed soprano solos in Messiah Part I and excerpts of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis. Erica lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband, her cats Will and Grace, and a pit mix named Dio who hasn’t figured out that the cats aren’t looking for friends. GRETCHEN BRUESEHOFF ANNINA A native of Ocean City, NJ, Gretchen Bruesehoff has performed on the opera and musical theatre stage across the United States and internationally. Credit highlights include Papagena (Die Zauberflöte), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Frasquita (Carmen), Valencienne (Die Lustige Witwe), Giannetta (L’elisir d’amore), Serpetta (La finta giardiniera), Announcer (Gallantry), as well as Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Lily (The Secret Garden), Marian Paroo (The Music Man), Glinda (The Wizard of Oz), Sister Amnesia (Nunsense), and Alice (The Addams Family). Gretchen has been the soprano soloist in Bach’s Cantata 147 as well as Bach’s Weihnachtsoratorium. She is featured as the soprano soloist on Oferen Gernewek Vyghan; A Little Cornish Mass, World Premier Recording for bassoon, choir, and soloist by Adrian Fish. Gretchen earned her undergraduate degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Elon University and her master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa. She trained as an opera fellow at The Atlantic Music Festival, The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and Opernwerkstatt Lofer in Salzburg, Austria. Gretchen has also been honored to perform in such notable venues as the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Atlanta Georgia Dome. Gretchen is a Doctoral Candidate at Vanderbilt University in her final year of study in Leadership and Learning in Organizations, and is on the Music and Performing Arts faculty at Elon University. MILES JENKINS GIUSEPPE Tenor Miles Jenkins is an emerging artist who has begun accumulating quite a few credits. In his young career, he has performed opera, concert works, and musical theater across the southern United States. His past performances include the title role in Bernstein’s Candide at the Brevard Music Center, Frederic in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance as a guest artist with the University of NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 21
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES South Alabama Opera Theatre, the tenor soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore where he was praised by Arts Knoxville for “...impressively capturing the spirit of the naïve Nemorino.” Most recently, Miles joined the Charlottesville Opera as an Ader Emerging Artist, performing as Benny Southstreet in their 2023 production of Guys and Dolls. In 2022, he made his North Carolina debut as Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance with the Durham Savoyards, and later in White Iris Light Opera’s production of Gershwin’s Oh, Kay! as the Duke of Durham. Miles has since returned to White Iris Light Opera as Ralph Rackstraw in the company’s 2023 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. From 2018-2020, Miles was an active member of the Knoxville Opera Studio while earning his Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Tennessee College of Music. Miles is a native of Birmingham, AL. SYLVESTER ALLEN JR. A MESSENGER Baritone Sylvester Allen Jr. joins La traviata after performing in the chorus of Manon Lescaut and Sanctuary Road, both in North Carolina Opera’s last two seasons. He also performed in Greensboro Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess at the Steven Tanger Center, which starred Rhiannon Giddens. He returned to the stage after a six-year stint as a US Army vocalist and musician in South Korea, among other assignments. Sylvester has been held as a performer with “considerable star power” by the Winston-Salem Journal for his performance as Coalhouse in Ragtime. And recently made his Burning Coal Theatre debut as Christopher Clavius/Philosopher in Bertolt Brecht’s The Life of Galileo. A native of Burlington, North Carolina, Sylvester holds a Bachelor’s degree in voice and tuba from Greensboro College, and a Graduate’s Certificate from the Naval School of Music, Little Creek, Virginia. BARRY STEELE LIGHTING DESIGNER For three decades Barry Steele has created designs for opera, dance, and music productions in 56 countries. Notable engagements include San Francisco Opera Center, Lucinda Childs Dance Company, Ballet Stars of Moscow, Nantes Opera, and Carnegie Hall. New operas such as Vincent, and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat as well as rarities like The Fall of the House of Usher, and La Voix Humaine
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complement his considerable list of standard opera repertory gained from designing over one hundred productions as Resident Lighting Designer for Sarasota Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and New Jersey Opera. Since 1989, Mr. Steele has lit dance in all styles for a diverse range of dance groups including ODC Dance Company, Anna Sokolow’s Players’ Project, Paco Peña’s Flamenco Theater, and Battery Dance Company. SCOTT MACLEOD CHORUS MASTER Scott MacLeod has served as chorus master for North Carolina Opera since the 2013 production of Aida. He also maintains an active musical career as a singer. Notable solo performances include Frederik in A Little Night Music with Piedmont Opera, the world premiere of Rime of the Ancient Mariner with Carolina Ballet, three tours of Messiah with the National Symphony of Costa Rica, and a solo recital of original compositions by J. Mark Scearce at the historic Municipal House in Prague. Onstage with North Carolina Opera he performed Hercules in Patrick Morganelli’s Hercules v. Vampires, Marullo in Rigoletto, and Pangle and Monroe in the North Carolina debut of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain. In 2022 he played Father in Piedmont Opera’s production of Ragtime and was featured in North Carolina Symphony’s Independence Day tour and The Polar Express. He also received a state department grant from the U.S. Consulate in Marseille, France, to perform an ocean conservation-themed recital tour, “Musique pour l’Océan” (“Music for the Ocean”), which culminated in a performance in Monaco for Prince Albert II and invited guests; he will repeat this program at the Washington National Gallery on Earth Day 2023. Scott is Associate Professor of Voice at High Point University, where he received the 2020/2021 “Innovation and Creativity in Teaching” Award. He spent two summers as a guest artist/lecturer in China and was awarded an honorary faculty post at Shaoguan University (Guangdong, China) in 2017.
NCOPERA.ORG
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA ORCHESTRA BASSOON Michael Burns John Fanning
1ST VIOLIN Carol Chung Margaret Partridge Ariadna Ilika Anne Leyland Irina Shelepov Leah Peroutka Nonoko Okada Ashley Kovacs
CELLO Nathan Leyland Brian Carter Lauren Dunseath Erica Leavell BASS Emily Buccola Robbie Link
FRENCH HORN Christopher Caudill Rachel Niketopoulos Caleb Harris Aleksandr Serbinowski
2ND VIOLIN Anton Shelepov Krista Cala Suzanne Kelly Cortney Baker Jaimi Grether Robert Rempher
FLUTE Carla Copeland-Burns Whitney Pencina
TRUMPET Alex Fioto Paul Neebe
OBOE Courtney Miller Carrie Shull
TROMBONE Michael Kris Wes Parker
VIOLA Simon Ertz Matthew Chicurel Kristen Beard Emi Mizobuchi
CLARINET Mike Cyzewski Todd Krueger
CIMBASSO Tony Granados
PERCUSSION Krista Siachames HARP Jacquelyn Bartlett PERSONNEL MANAGER Paul Gorski LIBRARIAN Julia Thompson
TIMPANI Julia Thompson
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA CHORUS WOMEN Joanna Burke Frances Bushman Shanna Collins Alexia Della Valle Madeline Della Morte Sydel Fisher Tanya Hanano Jenny Hunt Tina Langevin Jodi Lewis
Stacee Lyles Margaret Maytan Jean Renze-Eilers Angela Santucci Joncie Sarratt Lorraine Snyder Safiatou Souaré Isabella Stollenmaier Rachel Stenbuck Bailey Sutton
MEN Jeff Aldridge Sylvester Allen Wenzhao Bai Michael Blake Mason Cordell Mike Heath Wade Henderson Greg Hirsh Miles Jenkins Tom Keefe
SUPERNUMERARIES Kelli Beck Joel Horton Darris Lindsey Juan Matamoros
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Corey Leak David Marschall Jared Payton Lindon Pearson Reggie Powell Markel Williams Ethan Wood
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA STAFF General Director – Eric Mitchko Director of Development – P. Carrigan Byrd, Jr. Director of Marketing – Angela Grant Company Manager – Julie Williams Production Manager – Linda T. Carlson Box Office Associate – Amanda Reyes
MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS STAFF City Manager – Marchell Adams-David Assistant City Manager – Evan Raleigh Director/General Manager – Kerry Painter Assistant General Manager – Michelle Bradley Director of Theatre Operations – Christopher Bullock Director of Finance – Laura Knott Director of Security – Byron K Johnson II Director of Operations – Brian Clark Box Office Manager – Robert Leavell Assistant Box Office Manager – Gavin Brown Booking Manager – Melanie Margarum Marketing Manager – Sarah McAlister Front of House Managers – Matthew Hester, Brittany Washington Production Manager – Dave McManus Production Supervisors – Andrew Armas, EG Garcia, Brian Moore Security Supervisor – Shelly Westfall Maintenance Supervisor – Russell Denton Facilities Supervisor – William Negron Capital Projects Manager – Suzanne Walker Event Settlement Analyst – Keisha Peacock Operation Staff – Nicole Ackman, Deshondre Bellinger, Alex Brickley, Alex Bryant, Ricky Cherry, Andrew Crane, Scott Gibson, Michael Green, Robert Hall, Ehhteeku Htaw, Ulando Jones, Trevor Jordan, Tami Kaufmann, Liberty Lander, Noeree Lander, Matino Lin, Lisa Morgan, Kevin Rosella, Keecia Rouse, Rusty Sharpe, Htee Shee, Mi Than, Mason Tierney, Luke Watkins, Renee Wilson, Evan Woodard
NORTH CAROLINA OPERA | 25
D
edicated to the Understanding & Insight of Richard Wagner’s Music UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER 5, 2023
Tom Grey: ZOOM LECTURE ON Dance in the Total Work of Art
DECEMBER 3, 2023
Michael Steinberg: ZOOM LECTURE ON Richard Wagner and the Nationalization of Feeling
JANUARY 7, 2024
Barry Millington: ZOOM LECTURE ON Edward Burne-Jones, George Eliot, and Richard Wagner: A Collision of Like-minded Souls
JANUARY 28, 2024
Francesca Zambello: LIVE 2-PART LECTURE ON Directing Wagner’s Ring Cycle and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville
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THE BARBER OF SE ILLE ROSSINI
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