AIDA Playbill

Board of Directors 2021/22 Season

Officers Chair:

Julie Bernard, Deloitte

Vice Chair:

Carol Y. Kendrick, Brighthouse Financial

Vice Chair:

Christopher T. Mardany, Hearst

Secretary:

Daryl Hollnagel, Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, LLC

Treasurer:

Frank Boncimino, Arts Advocate

Assistant Treasurer:

Keith Hendrix, GreerWalker, LLP

Immediate Past Chair:

Arlene Ferebee, Novant Health

Members Betty Garriss Adams, Wells Fargo, retired Margaret Farnham, Perry Poole Architects Mike Gaither, Arts Advocate Barbara Holt, Arts Advocate Paul Kardous, Pamaka Group Marcus Martin, U.S. Bancorp Christopher Maurer, Wells Fargo (retired) Matthew Moore, JP Morgan Chase Laura Philipson, Arts Advocate Ann Reed, Brighthouse Financial Elizabeth Trenery, Parker Poe Michel Vanesse, Parker Poe Curtis Walls, NASCAR Phyllis Zanghi, American Equity Insurance Life Members Dr. Ki-Hyun Chun, CPA, PH.D. LL.D. Chun Group, Inc. Alexandra Paliyenko, Metropolitan Opera Ntl Council Margaret Povinelli, Arts Advocate Charlotte D. Payne, Arts Advocate Emily Smith, Arts Advocate

Opera Carolina Endowment Board of Directors W. Thad Adams, III, Shumaker Loop & Kendrick (retired) Frank Boncimino, Arts Advocate Brooks Carey, Chilton Trust George H. Edmiston, Carolinas Investment Consulting, LLC C. Wells Hall, III, Nelson Mullins Riley Thomas Hughes, Hearst, (retired) Stephen L. Philipson, U.S. Bancorp Volunteer Leadership Karen Oldham, Opera Guild of Charlotte Mary Tabor and Rob Engel, OC2020 Campaign Chairs Keri Clavin, Chair. The Verdi Society Kati Small, Chair. Piccolo Verdi Amy and Matt Moore, Caci and Max Jaeger, Co-Chairs. Bella Notte 2021 Lane and Liz Faison, David and Liz Shuford, Co-Chairs. Bella Notte 2022

Aïda Grand Opera in Four Acts

Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni First performance: December 24, 1871. Khedivial Opera House, Cairo April 7, 2022 7:30 p.m. April 9, 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

Belk Theater. Charlotte North Carolina Aida, Princess of Ethiopia Captive slave to Amneris Amneris, Princess of Egypt In love with Radames Radames, Egyptian General In love with Aida Amonasro, King of Ethiopia Aida’s father Ramfis, High Priest of Baal Pharoah Messenger

The Cast

Conductor Director Lighting Design Head of Music Preparation Set Design Costume Design Wig and Make-up Design Technical Director Choreographer

Michelle Johnson (April 9)* Catherine Martin (April 7 & 9)* Hyona Kim (April 9)* Gianluca Sciarpeletti (April 7 & 9) Peter Scott Drackley (April 9) Mark Rucker (April 7 & 9) Brian Major (April 9) Jordan Bisch

... ... ... ...

High Priestess

Karen Slack (April 7 & 9)*

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Song Zaikuan Michael Owens (April 7)* Elliot Brown (April 9)* Noah Rice (April 9) Katherine Kuckelman (April 7 & 9)*

Creative Team ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Jersey Roche (April 9)* James Meena Linda Brovsky Michael Baumgarten Emily Jarrell Urbanek Roberto Oswald Annibal Lapiz Martha Ruskai Wilbert Ferguson Gabriella Sevillano *Opera Carolina Debut

The Opera Carolina Chorus. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Dancers from

Opera Carolina dedicates these performances of AIDA to the following members of the Verdi Society for their philanthropic support.

Betty Garriss and W. Thad Adams, Mary Tabor and Rob Engel, Sian and Robert Harris, Blynn Field and Chris Jensen, Paul E. Kardous, Alice McKay and Fred Lowrance, Karen and Brandon Perry, Laura Vinroot and Perry Poole, Barbara and Terry L. Scott, Herb M. Verbesey

The Artists

Artistic Director James Meena continues his twenty-second season with Charlotte’s opera company. Mo. Meena’s guest conducting engagements have included the Washington Opera, the Pittsburgh Opera, L’Opera de Montreal, New York City Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, Festivale Puccini Torre del Lago, Teatro del Giglio Lucca, Teatro Pavarotti Modena, Teatro Ravenna, Teatro Sociale Rovigo, the Arizona Opera, Edmonton Opera, the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul, South Korea, the National Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of China, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Cairo Philharmonic in Egypt, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Memphis Symphony, the Toledo Symphony, the Orchestra of the Teatro Massimo Bellini in Sicily and the Orchestra Regionale Toscana in Florence, Italy. Pre-covid, he made his debut in the historic Teatro Antica in Taromina Sicily and the Teatro Greco in Siracusa leading Puccini’s Turandot. For more than a decade he was Resident Conductor of the Toledo Symphony, General Director of Toledo Opera and conductor for the Cleveland/San Jose Ballet.

His commitment to new works include Opera Carolina premieres of Carlisle Floyd’s Cold Sassy Tree and Susannah, Richard Danielpour and Toni Morrison’s Margaret Garner, Derrick Wang’s Scalia/Ginsburg, Adolphus Hailstork’s Rise for Freedom and this season’s The Falling and the Rising by Zach Redler and Jerre Dye, as well as Charlotte debut performances of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin Rachmaninov’s Aleko, Puccini’s Il Trittico and La fanciulla del West, Verdi’s Nabucco, and Otello.

Mo. Meena has conducted legendary singers Renee Fleming, Denyce Graves, Roberta Peters, James McCracken, Vivica Geneaux, Diana Soviero, Mignon Dunn, Marilyn Horne, Sherril Milnes, Jerry Hadley, Jerome Hines and Marcello Giordani.

Linda Brovsky’s innovative productions are found on operatic stages throughout the United States and internationally including the Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, Glimmerglass Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Austin Lyric Opera and Atlanta Opera with repertoire ranging from standard classics to world premieres. She recently made her debut with the Canadian Opera Company directing her critically acclaimed Seattle Opera production of Don Quichotte starring Ferruccio Furlanetto, Anita Rachvelishvili and Quinn Kelsey.

Other recent credits include a remount of her Fascist Italy Rigoletto for the Seattle Opera, La traviata for Cincinnati Opera, Madama Butterfly and Il barbiere di Siviglia for the Pittsburgh Opera, Le nozze di Figaro for IVAI (Tel Aviv, Israel), L’Elisir d’amore for Teatro Petrarca (Italy), THE GYPSY BARON for Manhattan School of Music, L’Elisir d’amore for Indiana University Opera Theater, Tosca for Portland Opera and a new production of Countess Maritza for Pacific Opera Victoria in British Columbia. Linda’s talents also extend to the world of musical theater where her production of The Wizard of Oz at Milwaukee’s Skylight Music Theatre earned six BroadwayWorld nominations including Best Musical as well as Best Director of a Musical for Ms. Brovsky. In demand as an arts writer and guest lecturer, Ms. Brovsky has been a contributor to Biography Magazine as well as a guest speaker for the National Arts Club—PEN International, Guggenheim Museum’s “Works in Progress” series, American Opera Project’s “New Works” series and Master Classes for numerous conservatories and universities.

James Meena Conductor and Artistic Director

Linda Brovsky Director

The Artists

Karen Slack Aida Thursday and Saturday

Michelle Johnson Aida Saturday Matinee

Hailed for possessing a voice of extraordinary beauty, a seamless legato and great dramatic depth, American soprano Karen Slack has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera and San Francisco Opera. In recent seasons she has appeared as Alice Ford in Falstaff, Leonora in Il trovatore and Tosca with Arizona Opera, as Aïda at Austin Opera, Emelda Griffith in Champion with New Orleans Opera, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with Nashville Opera, Violetta in La traviata with Sacramento Opera and Sister Rose in Dead Man Walking with both Minnesota Opera and Vancouver Opera and her Scottish Opera debut as Anna in Puccini’s Le villi. Additionally, Ms. Slack portrayed a featured role as the Opera Diva in Tyler Perry’s movie and soundtrack “For Colored Girls.” Ms. Slack is an Artistic Advisor for Portland Opera, Co-Director for the 2020-21 Opera Program at the Banff Centre for the Performing Arts, and Co-Chair of the Women’s Opera Network with Opera America.

Ms. Slack’s 2019-2020 season included a return to The Metropolitan Opera as Serena in Porgy and Bess, a recital with Opera Philadelphia, guest soloist for Madison Opera’s virtual Opera in the Park, and a series of recitals throughout the US including the Vilar Center for the Performing Arts in Vail, Colorado with pianist Joe Illick. This season sees her in digital performances with Opera Philadelphia, Houston Grand Opera, Madison Opera, and Minnesota Opera. Additionally, she stars in Driving While Black with UrbanArias. In response to the rash of cancellations due to COVID-19, Ms. Slack launched a digital talk show, KikiKonversations, which has garnered critical acclaim and a large online following.

Soprano Michelle Johnson, a Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions where she was described as “a clear audience favorite” (New York Times), has been lavished with praise for her “extraordinary breath control and flawless articulation… Her voice is velvety and pliant – a dulcet dream.” During the 2021-2022 season, Ms. Johnson made her Boston Lyric Opera debut singing Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana, made a role debut with Opera Columbus as Tosca, sings Mimi in La bohème with both the Columbus Symphony and Florentine Opera, makes her Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra debut as the soprano soloist in Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, and Mahler’s 4th Symphony, and joins Fort Worth Opera for their Evening of Black Excellence. Other recent engagements include Ms. Johnson’s house and role debut with Chicago Opera Theater as Zemfira in Ramaninov’s Aleko, a featured soloist performance with Madison Symphony Orchestra, a debut with Waterbury Symphony for their Holiday Pops and a return to Chautauqua to perform Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder with Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Johnson made recent returns to Lyric Fest for “I Hear America Singing”, Sarasota Opera as Madame Lidoine in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, and Boston Landmark Orchestra as a soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. She has also made a name for herself as one of the most in demand sopranos for the title role in Aïda in the opera world today, performing Verdi’s tragic heroine with Glimmerglass Music Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera Columbus, Knoxville Opera, Opera Idaho, and Sarasota Opera.

Gianluca Sciarpeletti Radames Thursday and Saturday

Peter Scott Drackley Radames Saturday Matinee

The son of an Italian tenor and an American soprano, Gianluca Sciarpelletti returns to Opera Carolina following great performances as MacDuff in the company’s new production of Verdi’s Macbeth.

He began his studies as a violinist at the Conservatory of Music ‘Licinio Refice’ Frosinone, switching to voice and studying at the National Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome. Gianluca made his debut as Riccardo in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera under the direction of Gabriella Ravazzi, founder and director of “Spazio Musica Academy” and has sung leading roles in Rigoletto, La Traviata, Il Trovatore, Aïda, Madama Butterfly, La bohéme, Tosca, Turandot, Carmen, Andrea Chenier, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci and Otello. He has performed in leading theaters across the globe, including Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Eur Palazzo dei Congressi, Teatro Unione di Viterbo, Teatro Mancinelli di Orvieto, Lincoln Center, Chicago Ruggles Hall, Moss Theatre Los Angeles, the Opera City Concert Hall, Tokyo, Japan, the Forest Theatre, Tassaloniki Greece, Royal Albert Hall, London, England, National and Presidential theatre Pyongyang North Korea, the Beijing Poly Theatre, China, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Shanghai Concert Hall, Shaanxi Performing Art Center, National MoravianSilesian Theatre Ostrava e Slezé Divadlo Theatre, Opava Czech Republic. He was also honored to perform Aida at the opening of the Beijing Music Festival with soprano Hui He and mezzo soprano Ildiko’ Komlosi. Gianluca has participated in recordings of first performances and concerts including Petite Messe Solemnelle

by Rossini, and the Verdi Requiem, which was broadcast by RAI International TV. He holds a Doctorate degree in Political Science from the University of Siena, Italy.

Tenor Peter Scott Drackley has performed such operatic roles as Cavaradossi in Tosca, Rodolfo in La bohème, Macduff in Macbeth, Pollione in Norma, and Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana. As a concert soloist he has performed in the Verdi Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis and 9th Symphony. He debuted the role of Antonin Scalia in Derrick Wang’s opera Scalia/Ginsburg at the Supreme Court, a concert that was featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, a role he performed with Opera Carolina and Opera Grand Rapids. A mentee of Dramatic Soprano Alexandra LoBianco, Mr. Drackley has performed with Anchorage Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, Opera Idaho, OperaDelaware, Penn Square Music Festival, Opera Omaha, LoftOpera, the Strathmore Mansion, the National Cathedral, and as a soloist at Carnegie Hall. He trained at Peabody Conservatory and was a Studio Artist with Sarasota Opera as well as an Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera and Santa Fe Opera. Recently, Mr. Drackley joined Des Moines Metro Opera as an Ensemble Artist, singing Pirelli in Sweeney Todd, singing Chekalinsky and covering Gherman in Tchaikovsky’s Pique Dame. Mr. Drackley returns to the role of Scalia in Scalia/Ginsburg with Penn Square Music Festival and to Opera Grand Rapids to sing Calaf in Turandot.

Catherine Martin

Amneris Thursday and Saturday

Mark Rucker

Amonasro Thursday and Saturday

This season, mezzo-soprano Catherine Martin performs with Kentucky Opera as Orfeo in Orfeo ed Eurydice, Dallas Opera as the Minkswoman in Flight and Maryland Lyric Opera as Eboli in Don Carlos. She has performed Waltraute in Twilight of the Gods with Michigan Opera Theatre and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Pre-covid, her performances included Wellgunde in Götterdämmerung with the National Taichung Theatre in Taiwan and the 2nd Norn in Götterdämmerung and Waltraute in Die Walküre at Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as cover artist for the role of Marguerite in Berlioz’s Le damnation de Faust with the Metropolitan Opera. Highlights from recent seasons include Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking with Minnesota Opera and Dayton Opera as well performances in various roles from Wagner’s Ring Cycle with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Washington National Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, the Dallas Symphony, and National Taichung Theatre in Taiwan; Amneris in Aïda with Houston Grand Opera, Opera Colorado, and Opera Santa Barbara; Adalgisa in Norma with Florida Grand Opera; Der Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos at The Glimmerglass Festival; Hécube and covering Didon in Les Troyens with Lyric Opera of Chicago; Maddalena in Rigoletto with New Orleans Opera and Opera Santa Barbara; Herodias in Salome with Dayton Opera; Meg in Falstaff with Intermountain Opera; Leonora in La favorita with New Amsterdam Opera; Wowkle in La fanciulla del West with Maryland Lyric Opera; Annina and Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra; and Messiah with the Handel Oratorio Society.

From the time of his debut as Renato in Un ballo in maschera with Luciano Pavarotti for the Opera Company of Philadelphia, American baritone Mark Rucker has been in demand throughout the world.

Rucker made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Amonasro in Aïda and has since been heard at the Met as Don Carlo in La forza del destino, Tonio in Pagliacci, and as Rigoletto for the Met in the Parks, and continues to be part of the Met roster. He sang major baritone roles in Rigoletto, Macbeth, Nabucco, Un ballo in maschera, La traviata, Stiffelio, Aïda, Il trovatore, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, Samson et Dalila and Die Fliegende Holländer for companies such as Covent Garden, Arena di Verona, Wiener Staatsoper, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Teatro Comunale, Bologna, Netherlands Opera, Greek National Opera, Opéra de Wallonie, Bregenz, Savonlinna and Santander, New York City Opera, Opera Carolina and numerous other North American companies. He has worked with celebrated maestri, including, Richard Bonynge, Riccardo Chailly, Fabio Luisi, Daniele Gatti, Carlo Rizzi, Gianandrea Noseda, Bruno Campanella, Paolo Arrivabeni and Willie Anthony Waters. Mr. Rucker made his Carnegie Hall debut to great acclaim as Don Carlo in La forza del destino. Other concert credits include Linda di Chamounix and Jerusalem with the Concertgebouw, and Rigoletto with the Israel and Rotterdam Philharmonic, Balshazzar’s Feast, Elijah and Shastokovich’s Symphony #13,”Babi Yar.”Recordings include Mark Rucker Sings Lena Mclin’s Songs for Voice and Piano; Amonasro in Aïda for Naxos, and Cambro in Opera Ebony’s recording of Fosca by A. Carlos Gomes. Mr. Rucker is currently a Professor of Voice at Michigan State University and is the Administrative Director and Artistic director for the Martina Arroyo Foundation’s celebrated Young Artist Program, Prelude to Performance.

Song Zaikuan Pharoah

Brian Major Amonasro Saturday Matinee

Song Zaikuan, an operatic bass from China, has completed his Doctoral degree in Vocal Performance at Michigan State University College of Music. Dr. Song made his New York debut as Zuniga in Carmen with Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance. His most recent opera performances include Commendatore in Don Giovanni with Opera Grand Rapids, Banco in Macbeth with Toledo Opera and Opera Carolina, Sarastro in The Magic Flute with Opera Grand Rapids and Toledo Opera. He has played roles as Germano in La Scala di Seta, Simone in Gianni Schicchi, Frank Maurrant in Street Scene, Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore, Mr. Emerson in A Room with a View, Changwu Ye in the Chinese Opera The Savage Land and Ariodate in Xerxs with MSU Opera Theater. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance from China Conservatory of Music, Beijing, China, and earned Performance Diploma at Michigan State University College of Music. Song won the first place in the National NATS competition in advanced college/Independent Studio men division in Las Vegas, June 2018. He won the Honors Competition at Michigan State University in 2019. He was the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions 2020 Midwest Region Finalist, third prize.

Baritone Brian Major, has been praised for his “velvet voice” and “commanding stage presence.” Recently, he made his Opera Columbus and Columbus Symphony Orchestra debuts in a collaborative production of Aïda as Amonasro, presented Kirke Mechem’s Songs of the Slave in Boston Symphony Hall, and debuted with Opera Theatre of the Rockies in their 20th-year celebration in Aïda. Mr. Major’s performance as Escamillo was praised by Opera News for “embracing the love of the spotlight” and “never losing the strength of the vocal line.” His performance of the title role Don Giovanni with Opera in the Heights was called “sexy and despicable, full-bodied and broad.” Mr. Major sang Germont in La traviata with Opera Company of Middlebury and performed an all French Opera concert with Maestro Michel Plasson in Montpellier, France.

Choreographer and principal dancer Gabriela Sevillano was born in Charlotte, NC and is a renowned ballroom dancer that is a World, United Kingdom, and United States finalist.

She is also extensively trained in many styles of dance, including classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and folk. Gabriela has choreographed and danced for several of Opera Carolinas productions that include La traviata, Carmen, and Yvgeny Onegin. She continues to perform around the United States and the world with her husband and partner Dmitriy Solomakha. They together run Dance Center USA where they train and share their passion for dance.

Gabriella Sevillano Choreographer

Hyona Kim Amneris Saturday Matinee

Jordan Bisch Ramfis

Mezzo-soprano Hyona Kim made her acclaimed house debut with Dortmund Opera in Germany as Amneris in Verdi’s Aïda, as well as Suzuki in Madama Butterfly and Tzippie in Oliver Knussen’s Wo die wilden Kerle wohnen (Where the Wild Things Are).

Future engagements include the title role in the German Premiere production of Frédégonde by Ernest Guiraud, Paul Dukas and Camille Saint-Saëns, Ortrud in Wagner’ Lohengrin and Fidès in Meyerbeer’s Le prophète. Ms. Kim made her San Francisco Opera debut singing Lady Wang in Bright Sheng’s world premiere Dream of the Red Chamber and performed the same role with Hong Kong Arts Festival. She will return to San Francisco Opera for the revival of Dream of the Red Chamber as well as for the role of Suzuki. Ms. Kim was a National finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. She also was the Grand Winner of the Joy in Singing Competition and performed the winner’s solo Recital at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. She was a First Prize winner of the Gerda Lissner Competition, and a multiple grant winner at the Licia Albanese-Puccini and Giulio Gari Competitions. She is a grant recipient of the Olga Forrai Foundation and won the Jennie Tourel prize in the Poulenc Competition. She also won the Suri Competition and the Schubert Lied Competition in her native country, South Korea, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree at Ewha Womans University. She received her Master’s degree and Professional Studies Diploma from Mannes College of Music in New York City and was chosen to be the recipient of the Marian Marcus Wahl Memorial Award, awarded to a graduating singer showing particular excellence.

American Bass Jordan Bisch is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, Mr. Bisch made his main stage debut there as the Second Knight in Parsifal, and has since appeared in productions of Il Barbiere di Siviglia, La Sonnambula, Aïda, Idomeneo, and Romeo et Juliette, and on tour in Japan in Don Carlos. He has appeared with many important opera companies in the US including the San Francisco Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, and the Florida Grand Opera. In Europe he has appeared at the Théâtre du Capitol in Toulouse and at the Verbier Festival under the baton of James Levine. His many roles include Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette, and Kecel in The Bartered Bride.

He also appeared in the world premiere of Daron Hagen’s Amelia at the Seattle Opera. In concert Mr. Bisch has appeared at the Hollywood Bowl in Aida with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Tanglewood Festival in a performance of the Mozart Requiem with Michael Tilson Thomas, and the Tucson Desert Song Festival as Méphistophélès in Le Damnation de Faust. He also appears on the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra’s recording of Shostakovich’s Orango conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonnen. A native of Vancouver, Washington, Mr. Bisch won second place in the 2009 Operalia competition, and won the 2005 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Final, recipient of the 2005 Sara Tucker Study Grant, and a recipient of the Richard Tucker Career Grant in 2006 and 2009.

Michael Baumgarten Lighting Design

Emily Jarrell Urbanek Director of Music Preparation

Opera Carolina’s Director of Production and Lighting Designer since 2005, Michael Baumgarten has designed lighting for more than 400 opera productions at regional and international opera companies, including, New York City Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Manitoba Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Austin Opera, Arizona Opera, Lyric Opera Kansas City, Palm Beach Opera, Toledo Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, Michigan Opera Theater and Virginia Opera. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama and member of United Scenic Artists-Local 829, Mr. Baumgarten has also served as Director of Production and Resident Lighting Designer for Chautauqua Opera since 1999. Equally at home with digital design and innovative technologies, he has designed and created new digital imagery for over fifteen Opera Carolina productions including Turandot, Les pêcheurs de perles, Nabucco, Macbeth, Roméo et Juliette, La fanciulla del West, and I Dream.

Emily Jarrell Urbanek has been Opera Carolina’s Director of Music Preparation for 15 seasons, serving as chief coach, pianist and chorus director. She is also an extra keyboardist with the Charlotte Symphony. She frequently performs chamber music with area musicians. Recent performances include Franz Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet and Fanny Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio Op. 11 with the Bechtler Ensemble, and Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, with the principal strings of the Charlotte Symphony in a collaboration with the Charlotte Ballet entitled Ibsen’s House. Emily recently conducted a joint production of Derrick Wang’s Scalia/ Ginsburg for Opera Carolina and Opera Grand Rapids, as well as Opera Carolina’s March 2022 performances of Zach Redler and Jerre Dye’s new opera, The Falling and the Rising. Since 2007 Emily has been on the musical staff of the Chautauqua Opera, and she has also served as repetiteur for a variety of companies, including New York City Opera, San Diego Opera, Austin Opera, Fort Worth Opera Festival, New Orleans Opera, and Kentucky Opera.

AUDIENCE NOTES Hold your applause after a number until after the orchestra postlude is completed, thunderous applause and calls for ‘Bravo’ (for tenors, baritones and basses), ‘Brava’ (for sopranos and mezzo sopranos) and ‘Bravi’(for groups of performers) is highly encouraged.

Social Distancing and Late Arrivals A special section is set aside for Social Distancing.

Please see an usher if you with to be moved to this section..

Audience Members cannot be paged If you are expecting a call, please leave the theater as discretely as possible.

Patrons are respectfully asked not to change seats following intermission.

Thank you

Christopher Warren-Green music director

Christopher James Lees resident conductor

2021 | 2022 musician roster FIRST VIOLINS

DOUBLE BASSES

HORNS

Calin Ovidiu Lupanu

Kurt Riecken

Byron Johns

Principal

Principal The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair

Concertmaster The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair

Joseph Meyer

Associate Concertmaster

Kari Giles

Assistant Concertmaster

Ernest Pereira° Susan Blumberg°° Jane Hart Brendle Emily Chatham°° Lenora Leggatt † Ellyn Stuart Jenny Topilow°° Angela Watson† Dustin Wilkes-Kim

SECOND VIOLINS Oliver Kot

Principal The Wolfgang Roth Chair

Kathleen Jarrell

Assistant Principal The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair

Carlos Tarazona° Sakira Harley° Monica Boboc Tatiana Karpova Martha Geissler Alice Silva†

VIOLAS Benjamin Geller Principal The Zoe Bunten Merrill Principal Viola Chair

Alaina Rea Assistant Principal

Ellen Ferdon Cynthia Frank Nancy Marsh Levine Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao

Judson Baines Assistant Principal

Jeffrey Ferdon Jason McNeel

HARP Andrea Mumm Trammell Principal

Alan Black Principal The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair

Jonathan Lewis

TRUMPETS Alex Wilborn

The Dr. Billy Graham Chair

Principal The Betty J. Livingstone Chair

FLUTES

Jonathan Kaplan Gabriel Slesinger

Victor Wang Principal The Blumenthal Foundation Chair

Associate Principal The Marcus T. Hickman Chair

Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette

TROMBONES

PICCOLO

Principal

John Bartlett

Erinn Frechette

Thomas Burge

OBOES

BASS TROMBONE

Hollis Ulaky Principal The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡

Erica Cice Terry Maskin

ENGLISH HORN Terry Maskin

CLARINETS

Scott Hartman Principal

TUBA Derek Fenstermacher † Acting Principal The Governor James G. Martin Chair

TIMPANI Jacob Lipham

Taylor Marino

Principal The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair

Principal The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair

PERCUSSION

Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld

E ♭ CLARINET

Samuel Sparrow

BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld

CELLOS

Andrew Fierova Robert Rydel Richard Goldfaden Philip Brindise †

BASSOONS

Brice Burton Principal ° Non-revolving position °° Alternates between first and second violins † Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony ‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. * On leave

Olivia Oh* Principal

Assistant Principal

Joshua Hood

Marlene Ballena Drew Dansby † Jeremy Lamb Sarah Markle Denielle Wilson†

Acting Principal

Margaret O'Leary † Naho Zhu†

CONTRABASSOON Naho Zhu†

This roster lists the full-time members of the Charlotte Symphony.

The number and seating of musicians on stage varies depending on the piece being performed.

The Opera Carolina Chorus Celebrating Greater Charlotte’s Creative Opera Community Soprano Peg Broughton

Tenor Elliott Brown

Lauren Gray Cable

Gerry Clonaris

Hannah Hoyt

Michael Owens

Katherine Kuckelman Stephanie Patterson Ashley Reynolds

NeTorrian DeJon Patton Noah Rice Nicholas Setzer

Jersey Roche

Nickolus Jon Stewart

Cam Snouse

Damon Stinson

Jillian Tate Tatyana Thulien Margaret Tyler Nancy Unser Janice Williams Mezzo-soprano Kim Blanchard Kristi Cutler Colleen Guseman Jondra Harmon Laurel Jameson Alina MacNichol

Steve Young Baritones and Basses Ramelle Brooks Sean Buggs Harrison Bumgardner Bradford Holshouser Zachary Hugo Brian Jensen Mason Lambert Charles Lang Gregory Lowery Lawrence Toppman

Sarah Musick

Justin Traxler

Marie Powell

Kendrick Williams

Sandy Stovall

Zach Wald

Rachel Turner Cameron Vipperman Ashley West-Davis Supernumeraries David Broughton Jamaas Britton Scot Garris Sam Hutagalung Daniel Kanda Steve Sebero Steve Shaw

Dancers Jade Benton Mitchell Dudas Candice Houser Taylor Minich Melanie Papageorge Kim Parks Joshua Pringle Olivia Rick Gabriella Sevillano

Dmitriy Solomakha

To keep our performing artists safe, we have reduced the number of chorus, dancers and supernumaries to provide a measure of social distancing on stage.

Civic Engagement Through the Arts Initiative We believe music and stories move, inspire, and connect us.

Opera Carolina’s Civic Engagement Through the Arts Initiative uses opera as a vehicle to build relationships and understandings of self, concepts, and community through shared musical stories and experiences.

Voices Engaged Community dialogues that create a safe space for authentic conversation and connection using opera and vocal music as the catalyst for shared conversation. These 60-minute workshops: • create an inclusive environment for sharing perspectives • engage broad cross-sections of the community • develop connections, community wellness, social mobility

Civic Engagement Artists A cohort-based program that identifies, trains, and empowers regional artists as community activators and collaborators both as individuals and in service to Opera Carolina through a two-year contract position with the organization.

Council of Creatives A cohort of Charlotte artists and community conveners that provides a network for creatives, both established and emerging, helps shape Opera Carolina’s efforts to cocreate with communities in ways that share the communities’ voices, and cultivates local opera artists as community-minded civic practitioners.

Education Programs Opera Xpress educational touring company Opera Carolina Youth Academy The Stephanie and Howard Bissell Student Night at the Opera Program pARTnership CMS For more information, visit operacarolina.org/civic-engagement

Opera Carolina Committed to Excellence in Education and Civic Engagement for 72 years.

About the Composer The great Italian composer Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi (1813–1901) was born in La Roncole on October 10, 1813. When he was still a child, Verdi’s parents moved from Piacenza to Busseto, where the future composer’s education was greatly facilitated by visits to the large library belonging to the local Jesuit school. Also in Busseto, Verdi was given his first lessons in composition.

Displaying considerable talent from a very early age, he was assistant organist at the small local church by the time he was ten. In 1829, at the age of 13, he was an assistant conductor of the Busseto orchestra and an organist at the town church. In 1836, Verdi married Margherita Barezzi, the daughter of his benefactor, Antonio Barezzi.

Verdi went to Milan when he was twenty to continue his studies. He took private lessons in counterpoint while attending operatic performances, as well as concerts of, specifically, German music. Milan’s beaumonde association convinced him that he should pursue a career as a theatre composer. During the mid 1830s, he attended the Salotto Maffei salons in Milan, hosted by Clara Maffei.

His first successful opera, Oberto, opened at La Scala in 1839. However, his next opera, the comedy Un giorno di regno (King for a Day), was a complete failure. To add tragedy to insult, Verdi lost his wife and two young children to illness within the same year, and the despondent composer resolved to give up music altogether. Fortunately, the manager of La Scala persuaded him to persevere and write his next opera – Nabucco, which premiered in 1842 to great acclaim and securing Verdi’s reputation as a major figure in the music world.

Between 1844 and 1850 Verdi composed at a tremendous rate, demonstrating a maturing style and more flowing musical line, as evidenced in Ernani (1844), Macbeth (1847), and Luisa Miller (1849). During his “middle period” Verdi wrote three of his most succesful operas: Rigoletto (1851), Il trovatore (1853), and La traviata (1853). These were followed by I vespri siciliani (The Sicilian Vespers, 1855), Simon Boccanegra (1857), Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball, 1859), La forza del destino (The Force of Destiny, 1862) and Don Carlos (1867).

After Aïda, (1871), which commemorated the opening of the Khedvial Opera House in Egypt, Verdi retired to his estate at Sant’Agata, where he wrote the great Requiem Mass.

Verdi was drawn back to the opera by his publisher, Giulio Ricordi, who introduced him to the celebrated poet and composer Arrigo Boito. They worked together on what would be Verdi’s final triumphs, both based on works by Shakespeare: Otello (1886) Falstaff (1893), the only other comedy he had written since the disastrous Un Giorno di Regno and considered Verdi’s humanistic masterpiece.

Upon his death in 1901, there were scenes of national mourning for the man who was both a great musician, philanthropist and patriot to all of Italy. At the funeral, the 28,000 people who lined the streets of Milan broke out softly but spontaneously into “Va pensiero,” the great chorus of the Hebrew slaves from Nabucco – a song which had become Italy’s unofficial national anthem. Verdi was buried with his second wife Giuseppina Strepponi at the Casa di Riposo, a retirement home for elderly musicians that was establshed by Verdi himself.

The Story of Aïda ACT I Radames, a captain in the Egyptian army, learns from the priest Ramfis that Pharoah will designate a general to lead their forces against the invading Ethiopian armies. Radames hopes to be that general, but his thoughts turn to the woman he loves – the slave girl, Aïda,. Amneris, the daughter of the Pharaoh, is in love with Radames. She approaches him to declare her love, but when she is interrupted by the entrance of Aïda, she sees how Radames looks at her, which raises her suspicions. A messenger arrives to report that the Ethiopians, led by King Amonasro, have crossed the border into Egypt. Pharaoh declares that Radames will be the general who leads their forces into battle. Aïda, is torn between her love for Radames and her love for her country. Unknown to the Egyptians, Aïda, is actually Amonasro’s daughter and princess of Ethiopia. The crowd urges Radames and his forces to victory with the words “Guerra” (war) and “Ritorna Vincitor” (return victorious)! Aïda,, left alone, laments having joined the crowd to wish Radames victory against her people.

ACT II The Egyptians have routed the Ethiopians and the people await their triumphant return.

Amneris dreams of making the victorious general her husband. Aïda, does not know that Radames has won the battle, and Amneris tricks her into showing her love for Radames by telling her that Radames has died in battle. When the truth is revealed, Amneris orders her slave to accompany her to the triumphal feast. Outside the walls of Thebes, jubilant crowds hail the victorious Radames and his army. As the Ethiopian slaves are presented, Aïda, sees her father, Amonasro, among them. The Ethiopian King has been captured but has been able to keep his identity a secret to the conquering Egyptians. Radames asks Pharaoh to release the prisoners as a sign of clemency. Pharaoh agrees, but insists that Aïda, and her father remain as slaves of Egypt. In gratitude for his victory, Pharaoh gives the hand of his daughter, Amneris, and thus succession to the throne of Egypt, to Radames.

Intermission ACT III Late in the evening, Amneris goes to the temple of Isis to ask the goddess to bless her impending wedding to Radames. Aïda, enters. She has agreed to meet Radames. As she waits, she sings of her homeland, so beautiful and yet lost to her forever. Instead of Radames, her father enters.

He has learned of her love for Radames and tells her that the Ethiopians are ready to attack Egypt once more. He plays on her love of country and convinces her to trick Radames into revealing the location of a secret path by which the Ethiopians can enter Egypt undetected. Radames enters and tells Aïda, that he will again defeat the Ethiopians, after which he will ask Pharaoh for her hand in marriage as reward. Afraid of Amneris’ revenge, she instead pleads with Radames to flee Egypt with her – and she tricks him into telling her the secret path that will allow them to leave undetected.

Amonasro overhears Radames’ betrayal and reveals his true identity to him. When Amneris and the priests come out of the temple, Radames surrenders to them, as Aïda, and her father escape.

ACT IV Radames is now a prisoner accused of treason. Amonasro has been killed while trying to escape, but Aïda, has managed to flee to safety. Amneris brings the now disgraced Radames to her.

She begs him to renounce Aida, and if he will, she will intercede with Pharaoh for his life. Radames refuses Amneris’ offer. The priests interrogate him, but he refuses to answer them. He is sentenced to be buried alive in the vault of Vulcan’s temple. There, he finds Aida, who has secretly returned.

When she learned of his sentence and has hidd enin the temple to share his fate. As the lovers bid their last farewell, Amneris kneels at the entrance to the vault and prays for her lost love.

Opera Carolina Youth Academy Now enrolling new young singers!

Youth Academy programs Offer foundational and immersive vocal training for regional youth grades 3-12, the Youth Academy has fun opportunities for the young singer in your life.

Academy Chorus, 3rd-7th graders Our youngest musical family where foundational music training and realworld learning are made fun! Semesters include weekly rehearsals and culminate in a recital or participation in a grand opera production.

• Weekly rehearsals • Includes ear training & sight singing • Foreign languages introduced and learned • Communication, collaboration, creativity and more fostered

Now enrolling for Fall 2022!

Learn more: operacarolina.org/academychorus

Summer Workshop 8th-12th graders

Our annual two-week immersive for regional teens that empowers young artists to be confident, wellrounded, and gain new skills through transformative sessions led by our region’s professional singers and instructors.

Join us June 13-24, 2022 Auditions & enrollment taking place now!

Summer sessions include: • vocal techniques • musicianship and interpretation • vocal care • breathing techniques for singers • stagecraft skills • masterclasses • elementary stage combat and more!

Learn more: operacarolina.org/youth Contact us about auditions & enrollment: education@operacarolina.org or 704-332-7177 x109

Opera Carolina personnel Development

Kimberly Mize, Development Consultant

Phil Volponi, Development Consultant

Education

Ashley Johnson Lam, Director of Education & Community Programs

Teil Buck, Education Coordinator

Opera Xpress Artists: Amanda Sesler Davis, soprano and

Michael T. Brown, tenor. Zaiba Sheikh, pianist

Finance

Vanessa Thorne, Finance Consultant

Tina Katis, Accounting Manager

Marketing

Megan Miller, Marketing Consultant

Ashley West-Davis, Marketing Associate

Alina MacNichol, Director of Civic Engagement & Customer Service

Gail Garvin, Customer Service Manager & Civic Engagement Assistant

Creative writing by Page Leggett

Creative design by Kendra Slisz Press by Erin Breeden

Music

James Meena, Artistic Director

Emily Jarrell Urbanek, Director of Music Preparation Zaiba Sheikh, Pianist & English Title Coordinator

Bomi Tunstall, Pianist

Production

Michael Baumgarten, Director of Production

Resident Lighting & Video Designer

Valerie Wheeler, Production Stage Manager

Julie Fischesser, Assistant Stage Manager Lauren Lentz, Assistant Stage Manager Wilbert Ferguson, Technical Director Jay Graves, Properties Master & Assistant Technical Director

Hank Brennan, I.A.T.S.E. Master Electrician

Hallie Gray, Assistant Electrician

Elizabeth (Betsy) Blackmore, Resident Costumer

Allison Collins, Costumer

Mark Boley, Wig and Make-up Assistant

2022/23 Season

Community Performances Art Poetry Music Concerts Family Opera Music Under the Stars PopUp Opera Viva Italia!

Viva España

Education and Civic Engagement Programs OperaXress The Tortoise & the Hare The Stephanie and Howard Bissell Student Night at the Opera Program The Patricia and Marcelle Gorelick Ma Mere et Moi Program pARTnership CMS Youth Academy Voices Engaged Dialogues

Grand Opera Classic Operas Performed in the Classical Tradition Giacomo Puccini

TOSCA

The Gershwins

PORGY AND BESS Giuseppe Verdi

LA TRAVIATA Plus

on the Virtual Opera House Opera Carolina - A community Cultural and Education resource for 73 years

Thank You

Major Corporate and Foundation Sponsors

The George W. Bauer Family Foundation The George W. and Ruth R. Baxter Foundation The Green/Lewis Foundation

Multi-million Dollar Commitment City of Charlotte $1.5 million and above Bank of America C.D. Spangler Foundation / National Gypsum Company John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Trane Technologies $600,000 - $1 million Albemarle Foundation Atrium Health Barings Duke Energy Honeywell JELD-WEN, Inc. LendingTree Foundation Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Novant Health Red Ventures Truist $300,000-$600,000 Ally Financial The Centene Charitable Foundation Childress Klein Properties Coca-Cola Consolidated Deloitte EY The Gambrell Foundation Moore & Van Allen PwC Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. Rodgers Builders Wells Fargo Up to $300,000 Fifth Third Bank Foundation For The Carolinas Deidre and Clay Grubb Leslie and Michael Marsicano Jane and Hugh McColl Nucor Corporation PNC Bank Premier, Inc. Jane and Nelson Schwab

Opera Carolina Endowment Named Funds We proudly recognize these major donors who have invested in Opera Carolina’s future by establishing a directed Endowment gift.

The Carol and Irwin Belk Excellence Fund Established in 1997 by Carol and Irwin Belk The Stephanie and Howard Bissell Student Night Fund Established in 2019 The Hearst Education Fund Established in 2001 by the Hearst Foundations The Patricia and Marcelle Gorelick Ma Mere et Moi Fund Established in 2018 The Sally Ann Hall Fund Established in 2010 by the Hall family The Marjorie McDorman Fund Established in 2006 by Robert McDorman The Principal Conductor Innovation Fund Established in 2017 by The Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation The Marie and Oliver Rowe Opera Tribute and Conductors Fund Established in 1996 by Marie Rowe The James E. Walker Fund Established in 1996 to support the Opera Carolina Chorus

Opera Carolina Endowment Opera Carolina gratefully recognizes the following donors who have made a gift to the Endowment since its inception in 1997.

Dr. William Adams Betty Garris and W. Thad Adams III Mary and Anthony Allou Jeanette and Francisco Alvarado Tina and Jeffrey Alvino Phoebe and David Amante Julie Armistead Stephanie and Howard Bissell The Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Stewart P. Blake Linda Blum The Blumenthal Foundation Betsy and Alfred Brand

Libba and Mike Gaither Sandra and Dr. Richard Geller Sarah Gentry The Gorelick Family Foundation Deidre and Clay Grubb Janet Haack Veronica and David Hagen The Family of Sally Ann Hall The Hearst Foundations Carolyn Henderson Rebecca Henderson Mary Jo Germaine and

Nelle and Kenneth Brown

Steve Hershfield

Steven Burke

Dr. Mark Hester

Joan and Jim Carroll William Cave Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Pauline and William Chinnis Walter Clark Jane and David Conlan Catherine and Wilton Connor Andrew Creighton The Dickson Foundation David Diener Georgette and Malcolm Dixon Janice Dodge The Dowd Family Foundation Peggy and Richard Dreher

Nancy Howe Linda and Dr. Neil Howell Jeffrey Huberman Nora and Thomas Hughes Bee and Chris Jensen Glenn Johnson Lu and Edwin Jones Thomas Kozak Shelly and Adam Landau Richard Leabow Eleanor Lieberman Peter LoTruglio Sallie and Fred Lowrance Carolyn Lyons

The Duke Energy Foundation

Holly and Christopher Maurer

Mary Tabor and Robert Engel

Eugenia May

Faison Enterprises John Fitzhugh Dee and Gerald Fox

Jane and Hugh McColl Mary and Leo McGarry Halley Merrell

Opera Carolina Endowment (continued)

Their legacy endures with each performance, and every student Opera Carolina reaches.

Virginia and Mike Mitchell

Barbara and Terry Lee Scott

Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation

Harriet Seabrook and Zeke Foard

Nora Norman

Emily and Zach Smith

Marianne and Philip W. Norwood

C. D. Spangler Foundation

Richard J. Obsorne

Mary and Bill Staton

Connie and Durward Owen

Dr. Sandra Stoval

Leslie and Paul Paliyenko

Ann and Wellford Tabor

Frank Perez

Estate of Harriette and

Santina and David Pfleeger

Sydnor Thompson

Peg and George Povinelli

John Vallomy

Robert Preston

Tess and Herb Verbessy

Sabine and Haywood Rankin

Mary-Margaret Vogel

Don Roberts

The Wachovia Foundation

William Rudisill

Robert Warren

Sallie Scarborough William Scherfius

William Young Dr. and Mrs. T. C. Price Zimmermann

Gordon Scott

Thank You During the height of the pandemic, Opera Carolina created a series of performances to engage patrons young and old.

Our PopUps, Music Under the Stars, Opera Dinners and community performances would not have been possible without these amazing hosts.

Aldersgate

The Mint Museum Randolph

7th Street Market

Kimberly and Geoffrey Mize

Kathy and Frank Bragg Julie and Joel Bernard Bonterra Restaurant Capitol Preeti and Dr. Vinay Deshmukh

Amy and Matt Moore Laura Vinroot Poole Charlotte Rotary Natalie and John Scott Michele and Brian Simpson

Liz and Lane Faison

South Charlotte Partners

Forchetta Restaurant

St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church

Juneberry Ridge Callie and Win Kelly Brooke and Chad Knaus Kimberly Mauney Maison

Tabor Kendra Scott, South Park Veterans Bridge Home Ashley and Kevin White

Ensure that future generations can experience the beauty of live opera.

Make a lasting gift.

Legacy Gifts and Estate Planning ensure the future of Opera in our region.

PleaseFor consider discussingora to planned Opera Carolina more information, discuss gift yourtogift, contact with investment Janet Dickson withyour Opera Carolina atcounsel.

704.332.7177 x205.

To learn how you can participate in building a secure future for Opera Carolina, please contact Kimberly Mize (kimberly@operacarolina.org) or James Meena (james@operacarolina.org).

Opera Carolina 2020 The OC2020 Campaign closed in December 2020, raising more than five million dollars.

The Board of Directors continues to express their gratitude to Mary Tabor and Rob Engel, Campaign Co-Chairs, and the following donors who supported the Innovation and Creativity Fund of the Campaign.

Albemarle Foundation Anonymous Betty Garriss and W. Thad Adams, III Bank of America Natasha Bechtler Julie and Joel Bernard Stephanie and Howard Bissell Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Frank Boncimino Joan and Jim Carroll Pauline and William Chinnis Hillary and Fairfax Cooper Donna and Alvaro de Molina Preeti and Vinay Deshmukh Roslyn Pitts and Eric Dickerson Sarah and Nick Dockery Mary Tabor and Rob Engel Arlene Ferebee Joanne and Alfredo Gatto Elizabeth and Scott Gore The Gorelick Family Foundation Sheldon and M. Berry Grant, Jr. Laura and Charlie Greer Isabelle and William Griesmyer Deidre and Clay Grubb Joseph K. Hall, III Katherine G. Hall Beth and Dr. Richard-James M. Hansen Jill Hazel Tina Bonner and Kevin Henry Radmila and Daryl Hollnagel Nora and Tom Hughes Marie-Claire Marroum and Kal E. Kardous Paul E. Kardous Callie and Win Kelly Lynette A. Lewis The Leon Levine Foundation

The Lichtin Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Lowrance Ashley and Scott Mattei The Maurer Family Foundation The Mealy Family Kaye and Dennis McGarry Mary and James Meena Anke and Casey Mermans Cortney and Frederic E. Nauck Novant Health NUCOR Corporation Richard J. Osborne Alexandra Paliyenko Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein Karen and Brandon Perry Philip L. Van Every Foundation Laura and Stephen L. Philipson Laura and Perry Poole Peg and George Povinelli Dr. Gwendolyn Reichbach and Mr. Michael Fonzo Sally and Russell Robinson Mary Shelton and Christopher Rose Sherry and Charles Rumbough Barbara and Terry L. Scott Steven Preston Shaw Virginia and Harry A. Shaw Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP C. D. Spangler Foundation Ann and Wellford Tabor Stephanie and Mark Timperman Triad Foundation Dorthy and William H. Trotter U.S. Bank Laura Meyer and Ward Wellman Robert C. Zabel Dr. and Mrs. T. C. Price Zimmermann

Annual Fund for Excellence Opera Carolina emerges from the pandemic a stronger organization thanks to the steadfast support of the following individual, corporate and foundation donors.

This listing reflects donations received between January 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022.

The Verdi Society Diamond Circle (Gifts from $25,000) Anonymous Ally Bank The Estate of David Conlan Deloitte Hearst The Hearst Foundations Novant Health Wells Fargo Private Bank

Platinum Circle (Gifts from $10,000) Betty Garriss and W. Thad Adams III Bank of America Julie and Joel Bernard George W. Bauer Family Foundation Bragg Financial Brighthouse Financial Capitol Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. Drs. Ki-Hyun and Sun Shin Chun Ms. Laura Van Sickle - Closets by Design Deloitte Mary Tabor and Robert Engel Deidre and Clay Grubb Marie-Claire Marroum and Kal E. Kardous Paul E. Kardous Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Lowrance Holly and Christopher Maurer The Opera Guild of Charlotte Brandon and Karen Perry Laura Vinroot and Perry Poole Peg and George Povinelli Herb M. Verbesey

Annual Fund for Excellence The Verdi Society Gold Circle (Gifts from $5,000) Barringer Construction The George W. and Ruth R. Baxter Founation Blue Cross Blue Shield NC Kathy and Frank Bragg Joan and Jim Carroll Pauline and William Chinnis Jane Conlan Mrs. Roddey Dowd, Sr. The Foundation for the Carolinas Peter Guild Donald Haack Diamonds and Fine Gems Janet Haack Blynn Field and Chris Jensen Juneberry Ridge Jessie J. Knight, Jr., and Joye D. Blount Elizabeth and Christopher Mardany Kaye and Dennis McGarry McShane Partners Mary and James Meena Courtney and Frederic E. Nauck Pfeiffer University Stephen L. and Laura Philipson Ann M. Reed Barbara and Terry Lee Scott Elizabeth and David Shuford Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Kati and Christopher Small Anne Carter and Dean Smith Steinway Piano Galleries US Bank Uwharrie Bank Womble Bond Dickson, LLP Margaret and Dr. T.C. Price Zimmermann

Annual Fund for Excellence The Verdi Society Silver Circle (Gifts from $2,500) Accenture Mr. and Mrs. James Alexander Cadwalader Audi of Charlotte Charlotte International Rotary Mary Margaret and Josh Beaver Natascha A. Bechtler Frank Boncimino Crandall and Erskine Bowles Brown & Senter, PLLC Jan and Robert Q. Busch Keri and Nick Clavin Hillary and Fairfax Cooper Amy and Alfred Dawson Peggy and Charles Dickerson Dena Diorio Daniele Donahoe and Erik Rosenwood Jane and Roddey Dowd Peggy and Richard Dreher Element Financial Corporation Fairfield Inn, Charlotte Uptown Elizabeth and Lane Faison Arlene Ferebee Lisa Lust and Dean M. Fischbeck Denise and Patrick Folmar FTI Consulting, Inc. Pattie and George Fulford Elizabeth and J. Michael Gaither Laura and Charles T. Greer Marcelle Belinda Gorelick Sheldon & Berry Grant, Jr. Isabelle & William Griesmyer David Murray and Julie Haack Katherine Hall Martha Harbison Jennifer and John Harmeling Sian and Robert Harris, III Marjory E. Holder Radmila and Daryl Hollnagel

Barbara and Mark Holt Dr. and Mrs. Rogers G. Howell, III Nora and Thomas J. Hughes Caci and Max Jaeger Lucille F. & Edwin Jones Endowment Carol Y. Kendrick and John DeMicco Callie and Win Kelly Laya R. Kushner Lynette Lewis Carolyn P. Line Marand Builders, Inc. Meduit Group, LLC Kimberly and Geoffrey Mize Amy and Matt Moore Robert Norville Karen L. Oldham Omni Funding Corp. of America Richard J. Osborne Alexandra Paliyenko Kathleen D. Prokay Providence Country Club Publix Super Markets Charities Robert M. Ranson Gwendolyn Reichbach and Michael Fonzo Irena and Lee Rimlery Sara Garcés and Daniel Roselli Sherry & Charles Rumbough Savills Studley Donna Dutton and Stephen Schultz Dr. Thea Moore and Mark Self Emily and Zach Smith Rev. and Mrs. Sydnor Thompson, III Thorne Family Foundation Audrey Truman & Rob Boisvert Cynthia Haldenby Tyson Laura Meyer and Ward Wellman Aundrea & Stephen Wilson III Robert C. Zabel Phyllis Zanghi

Annual Fund for Excellence The Encore! Society Benefactors (Gifts from $1,000) Helen Anne Alford American Express Linda and William Bantz Aaron Benjamin Lakana Bikhazi Gay Boswell Mary and Frank Brown Suzanne and Thomas Cambern Elizabeth Lucina and James Stephen Carr CDW Laura and Joseph C. Clark, Jr. Brian Crutchfield and Ken Davis The Dickson Foundation Alvin C. Early, Jr. Robert A. Gaines Anne and Peter Gilchrist W. Bonner Guilford Sian and Robert Harris, III Anne J. Henderson Elizabeth and Mark Hindal Barbara Horne-Stead Andrea and Nathan Howard Teresa Howe IBM Page B. Kizer Christine and Stephen McClure Rob Roy McGregor Marie Mitchell Teri and Bill Nugent Helen and Arvind Patil Drs. Melissa and Andrew Pavelyev Kathy and Paul Reichs Pat and Paul Schieble Michael N. Silverman Mary G. Bobis Slominski Patricia and Morris Spearman Natasha and Ljubomir Stambuk Mary and William Staton Maxine and Robert M. Stein Elizabeth Trenary Natalija and Michel P. Vanesse

Patrons (Gifts from $500) American Express Emerson Bell Deborah and Glenn Berry Dr. John S. Brigham Peggy and Steven C. Burke Matthew K. Chan Kana and Young Chin John Frederic Cochrane Susan Davis Cheryl De Maio Alice R. Schulte and Salvador Dominguez Gail and Tom Fennimore Regina Fiegel Joan Foley Barbara and Lawrence Freiman Lucy Quintilliano and Leonard Fumi Myron Gray Priscilla and Gordon J. Greene Cynthia R. Greenlee Robert C. and Heather Hayes Karen Hite and John Jacob Andrew Jarrell Antionette and Paul Johnson Alex Kelber Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Kokenes Norman Kramer Jill and Jack Labardi Constance Lacy Laura Lander Bonnie and Greg Marland John T. and Anna McCoy Marie Mitchell Carol A. Hitselberger and Robert Petty Lily and Victor M. Pineiro-Carrero Profit Insights Manly and Jennifer Roberts Dalton Shaull Andrew Silliker Dr. Henry L. Smith, II Rosalie S. Spaniel Brenda Gail Summers Swiss Post Solutions

Annual Fund for Excellence The Encore! Society Patrons (continued) Mrs. Charles C. Tull Paul Vadnais Dr. Barbara Weschke Sustaining Members (Gifts from $300) Anonymous Kathryn N. Amos Dr. and Mrs. Charles Baker Helen and Lincoln Baxter Jay Bernath Lauren and Greg Cable Nan and Brooks Carey Shirley and Ronald Coffman C.M. and Walter Coley Katie and Andy Creighton Nancy Williams and Roger Dahnert Harry Dalton Wesley Dangerfield Robert W. Day Lacy Woods Dick Katrina and Wyatt Dixon, III Carol and Stephen Dixon Faith R. Douglas Suzanne Durkee Gail and C. Thomas Fennimore Gerald G. Fox Sarah and Frank Gentry Walter H. Goodwin Tara Harris Leslie and Jacquelyn Holshouser Helen Hu Brett Kasberger Mary Napier and Steven Kesselman Lyndon Kreisel Page Leggett Mrs. Jungyeon A. Liu Frances and Damaso Lopez Lawrence Mays and Dr. Joan Lorden Bonnie and Gregg Marland Jennifer and William Martin William D. Mashburn

Mary and Leo McGarry Loretta Mendes Michael Moore Kathryn O’Neill John G. Papadia Elizabeth and Rodney C. Pitts Kathleen Poon and H. Lawrence Vallet Jeanie and John Alan Presto Sabine and Haywood Rankin John Schaffer Joanne and Graham Stewart Alvin Sudduth Richard Thigpen Alison and Wells VanPelt Supporting Members (Gifts from $100) Patsy and James Abell Jennifer and Craig Adelhardt Wade Alley Pat and Don Ambrose Harold N. Anders Faith and Thomas Atwood Robert Baird David Ball Susan Barrett Larry Bennett Laura P. Barnett Henricus and Beatrys Beekwilder Alan Black Carol Black Peter Bleckner Anissa Burton Mary E. Bruno Lauren and Sheldon Cantor Janice M. Calaron Linda N. Chirico Michele Classe, in honor of Mark Rucker Michael Cleveland Andrew Creighton Howard Cohen Marion and Norman Cowell Winifred and Dr. Fay H. Culbreth

Supporting Members (continued) C.S. Danforth Joel Dent Janice and Alex Dodge Karen and Thomas Egan James Ericksen Antoinette and Dominic Faccone Mr. and Mrs. George T. Feagans Brian T. Fearn Michael Fomil Cheryl Roberts & Robert Franklin Susanne and Robert Galletto Sandra and Richard Geller Soraya Gonzalez Margaret Goodley Elizabeth Anne Greers William Groscup William Hambright Michael Henry Mr. & Mrs. Michael Iagnocco Katherine Jakubowski Christine Johnson Margot Kaiser Anne Dowd Kennedy Jack Kester Haesue Florence and Edward Kim Jane Orcutt Kinney Irina Khudyakov Patricia Kunder James M. Laney Susan Lantz Elaine Largen Barbara Lembo Eleanor Lieberman Guy Lochiatto Robert Lorentzen Linda and Stuart Lynn Cecily Mango Jennifer and William Martin Maxine McCoy Nicole and Costas Melissaris Patty and J. Jerome Miller Brenda B. Moore Joan Shinn and Lentz R. Morton Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mouzon Domingo Pancheco Bradley Patterson

Beth A. Peterson Gail Christopher Petit R. William Pitkin Don M. Roberts Linda and William Scherffius Sarah Shifflet Sandy and Donald Schumacher Carol G. Simonetti Scott Snedecor Meaghan Stewart Terrell Allen and David Stewart Cornelius Fitzgerald Tate Sharon Taulbert Dr. and Mrs. H. Grant Taylor Vanessa Thorne Barbara Vey Mr. and Mrs. Luther Wade Marie and Dale Warren Sarah Watson Charles Wickham Lizabeth and James Williams Barbara E. and Yardy Williams Dr. Peter Wittenberg Clara and Allen Wolfe Sustaining Members (Gifts from $50) Patsy and James Abell Jennifer and Craig Adelhardt Pat and Don Ambrose Harold N. Anders Faith and Thomas Atwood Laura P. Barnett Carol Black Mary E. Bruno Lauren and Sheldon Cantor Janice M. Calaron Linda N. Chirico Howard Cohen Marion and Norman Cowell Winifred and Dr. Fay H. Culbreth Joel Dent Meaghan Dunham Antoinette and Dominic Faccone Cerese and George T. Feagans Brian T. Fearn Michael Fomil

Sustaining Members (continued) Cheryl Roberts and Robert Franklin Susanne and Robert Galletto Jennifer and Dustin Gill Margaret Goodley William Groscup William Hambright Michael Henry Mr. & Mrs. Michael Iagnocco Katherine Jakubowski Jack Kester Irina Khodyakov Haesue Florence and Edward Kim Jane Orcutt Kinney James M. Laney Susan Lantz Elaine Largen Barbara Lembo Robert Lorentzen Linda and Stuart Lynn Cecily Mango Maxine McCoy Patty and J. Jerome Miller Brenda B. Moore

Joan Shinn and Lentz R. Morton Harold Mouzon, III Domingo Pancheco Bradley Patterson Beth A. Peterson Gail Christopher Petit R. William Pitkin Don M. Roberts Sheila Saints Linda and William Scherffius Abigail Schoff Sandy and Donald Schumacher Carol G. Simonetti Scott Snedecor Elizabeth Sprague Terrell Allen and David Stewart Sharon Taulbert Dr. and Mrs. H. Grant Taylor Kristy Thompson Barbara Vey Marylyn and Luther Wade Marie and Dale Warren James C. Wehrheim Lizabeth and James Williams Barbara E. and Yardy Williams Dr. Peter Wittenberg