SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNI SCHICCHI
by G. Puccini
January 16, 17, & 18, 2026
Belk Theater
Opera Carolina proudly presents this double masterpiece by Giacomo Puccini. One is heartbreaking, the other exhilarating - making for an unforgettable musical experience.
Grand Opera 2025
THE MEDIUM
by G. C. Menotti
APRIL17, 18, & 19, 2026
Belk Theater
This two-act “musical drama,” with words and music by Gian Carlo Menotti, is about a false psychic whose surprise encounter with the unknown leads to murder and mayhem. This show promises real thrills.
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W. A. MOZART
JUNE 26, 27, & 28, 2026
Halton Theater
An international co-production with Teatro Sociale of Como, Italy and the International Lyric Academy. Opera stars and young emerging talents together on the same stage.
elcome to Opera Carolina’s 76th season, a season of Truth and Transformation.
This year marks a profound new beginning for our company as we step boldly into the artistic vision of Claudio Ferri and the musical direction of Maestro Stefano Vignati. Together, they bring a renewed sense of imagination, collaboration, and global artistry that will shape the next chapter of Opera Carolina’s story.
Our theme this season, Truth, reminds us that the arts have always been a mirror of humanity. Truth is found in every note sung, every story told, and every emotion shared between artist and audience. For Opera Carolina, our truth is clear: we are moving forward into a beautiful and boundless future.
CELEBRATING 76 YEARS: WALK WITH US INTO THE FUTURE.
by General Director DR. SHANTE WILLIAMS
Since 1999, the Hearst corporate office in Charlotte and the Hearst Foundations in New York have provided a reliable, firm foundation for Opera Carolina’s philanthropic campaigns.
We invite both our cherished long-time patrons and those discovering opera for the first time to journey with us.
Hearst corporate has been the Title of the Season-Opening opera production in each year from the 2001/02 season to the 2025 season-opening production
From the introduction of our newest Resident Company Members to the enchanting wonder of The Magic Flute, each performance unveils new layers of beauty, courage, and creativity. These productions reflect the power of collaboration and partnership, the foundation upon which great opera is built.
This amazing support is made more significant by the investment the Hearst Foundations have made in Opera Carolina
Opera Carolina continues to stand as a beacon of excellence, drawing distinguished artists and emerging stars from around the world to our beloved Queen City. Our stage is a place where tradition meets innovation, where passion meets purpose, and where audiences are reminded of the transformative power of the human voice.
Walk with us into the future.
Step into your truth with Opera Carolina. Forward.
THANK YOU TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE HEARST A SPECIAL CORPORATE PARTNER.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2025/26 SEASON
OFFICERS
BOARD CHAIR
BARBARA HOLT
SECRETARY
PAUL KARDOUS
TREASURER
PHYLLIS ZANGHI
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
CAROL Y. KENDRICK
MEMBERS
AARON BENJAMIN
MONICA BOCCIA
DANIEL CSOKA
CRAIG SELIMOTIC DANFORTH
MATTEO DI MICHELE
DAVID DOOLEY
ARLENE FEREBEE
ROB HARRINGTON
JENNIFER MARTIN
NEAL ORR
ANN REED
JORDAN STERN
PIERS VARLEY
HUNTER WIDENER
LIFE MEMBERS
DR. KI-HYUN CHUN
ALEXANDRA (LESLIE) PALIYENKO
CHARLOTTE PAYNE
MARGARET (PEG) POVINELLI
OUR TEAM
DR. SHANT É P. WILLIAMS
General Director
CLAUDIO FERRI
Artistic Director & Deputy General Director
Artistic
M° STEFANO VIGNATI
Music Director & Principal Conductor
EMILY JARRELL URBANEK
Director of Music Preparation & Principal Coach
GAIL GARVIN
Artistic & Programs Planning Manager
ZAIBA SHEIKH Repetiteur
Development & Finance
ALINA MACNICHOL
Senior Director of Development
PHIL VOLPONI
Development & Finance Consultant
NAKISHA PROCOPE
Senior Development Consultant
Community Engagement
TIMOTHY LEÓN
Director of Education, Artist in Residence
Operations
SARAH WATSON
Operations & Ticketing Manager
ERYN PETRUS
Social Media & Content Manager
ROMAN KUZMICH Website Manager
Production
VALERIE WHEELER
Production Stage Manager & Acting Director of Production
WWW.OPERACAROLINA.ORG
AVAILABLE TO OPERA CAROLINA EXISTING AND NEW DONORS
*** Supply is limited DONATE $150.00 to receive a certificate for one (1) bottle of Maker’s Mark Maestro’s Blend ($75 of each donation is tax-deductible) *** Visit our website www.operacarolina.org and click the GIVE button for details and restrictions or SCAN ME at this QR Code
AVANTICREDITS
Publisher OPERA CAROLINA
Editor in Chief DR. SHANTÉ P. WILLIAMS
Co-Editor CLAUDIO FERRI
Art Creator & Designer GIOVANNI T. FESTA
Contributors
GAIL GARVIN
ALINA MACNICHOL
NAKISHA PROCOPE
SARAH WATSON
Pictures courtesy:
A Night to Remember, Jorge Torres (Cover: Marija Jelić, 2024)
A Night to Remember, MItchell Kearney
Dr. Shanté Williams, Brandon Grate
75th Anniversary, Opera Carolina Archive Festival Puccini, Torre del Lago Archive
2025 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Benefit Concert
NOVEMBER 1, 2025 • BELK THEATER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
This production is made possible by the generous support of DR. MATTEO FREGOSI
PROGRAM
“O mio babbino caro”, from Gianni Schicchi
DONATA D’ANNUNZIO LOMBARDI
“È ben altro il mio sogno”, from Il Tabarro
HANYING TSO’
“Sì, mi chiamano Mimì”, from La Bohème
EVA DOROFEEVA
“Laggiù nel Soledad”, from La Fanciulla del West
KRISTIN SAMPSON
“Donde lieta uscì”, from La Bohème
MARSHA THOMPSON
“In quelle trine morbide”, from Manon Lescaut
YUNAH LEE
“Il principe Gualtiero” (duet), from Suor Angelica
MARSHA THOMPSON • LISA CHAVEZ
“Senza mamma”, from Suor Angelica
MARIJA JELIÒ
“Quando me’n vo”, from La Bohème
DONATA D’ANNUNZIO LOMBARDI
“In questa reggia”, from Turandot HANYING TSO
“Tu, che di gel sei cinta”, from Turandot YUNAH LEE
“Un bel dì vedremo”, from Madama Butterfly EVA DOROFEEVA
“Tu, tu, piccolo Iddio”, from Madama Butterfly KRISTIN SAMPSON
“Chi il bel sogno di Doretta”, from La Rondine MARSHA THOMPSON
“Sola, perduta, abbandonata”, from Manon Lescaut
MARIJA JELIÒ
“Scuoti quella fronda di ciliegio” (duet), from Madama Butterfly
KRISTIN SAMPSON • LISA CHAVEZ
“Vissi d’Arte”, from Tosca DONATA D’ANNUNZIO LOMBARDI
Pianist
NICOLÒ SBUELZ
The costumes of the Puccini characters displayed during the concert are kindly provided by the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago, Italy, and belong to its historic archive.
A Night To Remember
CAST THE
DONATA D’ANNUNZIO LOMBARDI, Soprano
Italian soprano Donata D’Annunzio Lombardi is internationally recognized as one of today’s leading Puccini interpreters. A recipient of the Puccini Golden Register Award (2015) and the Puccini Prize (2019), she has portrayed all of Puccini’s great heroines—from Musetta and Mimì to Tosca and Cio-Cio-San—in major opera houses worldwide, including Teatro alla Scala, Teatro San Carlo di Napoli, Teatro Regio di Torino, Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Arena di Verona, Opéra de Paris, and the Michigan Opera Theatre. She has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Plácido Domingo, Josè Cura, Daniel Oren, Roberto Abbado, and Donato Renzetti, and with stage directors including Franco Zeffirelli and Pier Luigi Pizzi. Alongside her performing career, she holds degrees summa cum laude in Music History and Psychopedagogy, is an honorary member of the Istituto Nazionale Tostiano, and is the founder of D’altroCanto, an academy dedicated to training young opera singers. She teaches in Rome, Milan, and at the Mannes and Manhattan Schools of Music in New York.
YUNAH LEE, Soprano
Korean American lyric soprano Yunah Lee has been acclaimed in the U.S., Europe, and Asia for her “handsomely colored full lyric sound” (Opera News) and “picture-perfect” acting (Berkshire Fine Arts). Renowned for her signature role as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly, she has performed the role over 170 times with major opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, and leading theaters across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Equally celebrated for her portrayals of Mimì, Liu, Suor Angelica, and Tatyana, she recently appeared as Rusalka with the Korea National Opera. Also an esteemed concert artist and recording performer, Ms. Lee is Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Arizona, Fred Fox School of Music, and Faculty at the International Lyric Academy.
MARIJA JELIÒ, Soprano
Marija Jelić, Serbian soprano born in Belgrade, holds a master’s degree in music and studied with Nelson Calzi, Bruna Baglioni, and Fernando Cordeiro Opa. She has performed leading roles such as Mimi (La Bohème), Aida (Aida), Tosca (Tosca), and Elizabeth (Don Carlo) at major opera houses in Serbia and abroad. Her international career includes appearances across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, performing with renowned conductors and artists such as Plácido Domingo, José Cura, and Elīna Garanča. Highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall, the Ljubljana and Ohrid Festivals, and Opera Carolina’s 75th season opening. In 2024 she recorded Adolphe Adam’s Griseldis for Naxos. President of the International Opera Foundation in Belgrade, she also holds master’s degrees in electrical engineering and is pursuing her PhD.
EVA DOROFEEVA, Soprano
is an Ukrainian soprano, graduated from the music high school in Chernivtsi, her hometown. She possesses a full lyric soprano timbre, ideal for the following roles she has already performed: Manon Lescaut, Magda in La Rondine, Mimì and Musetta in La Bohème, Liù in Turandot, Micaela in Carmen, Violetta in La traviata, Nedda in Pagliacci, and more. She made her debut at a very young age at the Kiev Opera House and subsequently joined the permanent company of the Dnipro Opera House (Ukraine), where she debuted in numerous roles, including Violetta (La traviata), Musetta (La Bohème), and Gilda (Rigoletto). She later performed at Ukraine’s most important theaters, including Odessa, Donetsk, Lviv, and Kharkov. In 2016 she joined the Academy of the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago, and perfected her skills in Italy with Maestros Maria Pia Ionata and Bruna Baglioni. She has performed in numerous concerts and operas in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan,Bulgaria, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, Latvia, Moldova, Estonia, Germany, United States, and Slovenia. In Italy, she has a successful career as a leading singer at renowned festivals and opera houses. She has recently performed in several important concert halls. She sang the role of Mimì in La Bohéme at the Tashkent Opera House in Uzbekistan, where she will perform the role of Nedda in Pagliacci in 2026.
MARSHA TOMPSON, Soprano
Marsha Thompson, soprano, has performed leading roles including Tosca, Aida, Abigaille, Suor Angelica, and Bess, appearing with Teatro Municipal de São Paulo, New York City Opera, Fondazione di Giuseppe Verdi, Opera Carolina, NY Grand Opera, Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic, North Carolina Symphony, Piedmont Opera, and Hawaii Symphony, among others. Critics have praised her artistry, with the St. Louis Dispatch noting, “Her high pianissimo singing {Abigaille} was exquisite,” and The New York Times describing her voice as “a warm, agile soprano with a secure technique.” A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, she began as a violinist at Centenary College Suzuki School and later studied voice at the University of Houston, Music Academy of the West, and AIMZ in Graz, Austria.
KRISTIN SAMPSON, Soprano
Praised by The New York Times for her “bright, sizable and expressive voice,” Mexican-born American soprano Kristin Sampson’s upcoming performances include, the title roles in Tosca, Madama Butterfly, Monica in The Medium, and concert performances with Taormina OPERA Festival, Opera Carolina, and The Israel Sinfonietta Beer Sheva. Most recently, Ms. Sampson was seen as Tosca, Minnie in La fanciulla del West, and made her Romanian debut with Opera Nationala Romana Cluj-Napoca as Cio-Cio-San. She has performed domestically with the New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, ArtPark, Opera Orchestra of New York, Opera Carolina, Augusta Opera, El Paso Opera, in Carnegie Hall, and with the Washington Opera Society. Ms. Sampson has performed internationally with Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago, Teatro del Giglio in Lucca, Teatro Goldoni in Livorno, Teatro Verdi in Pisa, the Magyar Tavak Fesztiválja in Hungary, Opera Society of Hong Kong, Armel Opera Festival, National Theatre of Szeged, Teatro Municipal de Santiago, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
HANYING TSO, Soprano
Italian soprano of Chinese origin Hanying Tso-Petanaj was the first Chinese-born artist to receive Italy’s National Scholarship for Solo Singers and to appear as a soloist at Teatro alla Scala. She also made history as the first Chinese Principessa Turandot at the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago. A graduate of the Conservatorio Luigi Cherubini in Florence and the Accademia del Teatro alla Scala, she has won numerous national competitions, and she performed under the guidance of Maestri Nelson Guido Calzi and Vincenzo Spatola. Her career spans major theatres across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, including Teatro Petruzzelli, Teatro Lirico Sperimentale di Spoleto, Teatro Sociale di Como, Festival Puccini in Torre del Lago, and Cairo Opera House. Acclaimed for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, she has sung leading roles such as Turandot, Abigaille, Tosca, Aida, Lady Macbeth, and Manon Lescaut.
LISA CHAVEZ, Mezzo
Lisa Chavez, mezzo-soprano, will add Verdi’s Azucena to her list of role debuts with Sarasota Opera this season. Last season, she debuted with the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, performing all three mezzo roles—Frugola, Principessa, and Zita—in a new production of Puccini’s Il Trittico. Frequently featured with New York City Opera, her roles there include Carmen, Dolores in Dolores Claiborne, Paula in Florencia en el Amazonas, Maddalena in Rigoletto, and Maggie in the world premiere of Bell/Campbell’s Stonewall, commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Other notable appearances include performances with Opera San José, Opera Tampa, Knoxville Opera, Washington Opera Society, and the Savannah Philharmonic. Chavez continues to earn acclaim for her rich tone, dramatic intensity, and commanding stage presence.
NICOLÒ SBUELZ, Pianist
Nicolò Sbuelz, coaches Italian repertoire & productions and teaches Italian vocal literature at Juilliard. He is an opera coach, assistant conductor, and educator from Udine, Italy. Based in New York City, he is an Italian diction coach as well as staff music coach for the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. He has also worked with Teatro alla Scala, Opéra National de Lyon, Holland Festival, Wiener Festwochen, Houston Grand Opera, Charleston Opera Theater, Sarasota Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Manhattan School of Music, Santa Fe Opera, Calgary Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera. In 2022, he joined the faculty of Aspen Music Festival after being a coaching fellow in 2015.
A Night To Remember PUCCINI FESTIVAL THE
The open-air Gran Theatro all’Aperto in Torre del Lago Puccini, Italy, with its evocative backdrop of Lake Massaciuccoli, is a natural setting for productions of Puccini’s great operas. The spectacular theater in Tuscany can seat 3,400 opera lovers and is just a few steps away from the Villa Mausoleum, where Maestro Giacomo Puccini lived and composed his immortal works, and where he is now buried.
The annual Puccini Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited and internationally recognized events in Tuscany, and is the only Festival in the world dedicated to composer Giacomo Puccini. Every year it attracts thousands of spectators to the very places that inspired Maestro Puccini with his timeless melodies.
The 2026 Season will present five Opera productions and three Gala Concerts between July and August, featuring worldwide famous Artists as Roberto Alagna, Aleksandra Kurzak, Gregory Kunde, Ermonela Jaho, Rosa Feola, Yusif Eyvazov, Ambrogio Maestri, Vittorio Grigolo, and Luca Salsi among others. Mr. Angelo Taddeo is the Festival Artistic Director.
The Puccini Festival was started in 1930 following what is believed to have been a comment that Puccini made to his friend Giovacchino Forzano, one of his librettists, in 1924. Just before leaving for a clinic in Brussels for a throat operation, Puccini said: “I always come out here and take a boat to go and shoot snipes … but once I would like to come here and listen to one of my operas in the open air.” The composer was thought to be expressing the hope that his operas would be performed on the extraordinary natural stage offered by Lake Massaciuccoli.
On August 24, 1930, together with Pietro Mascagni, who had been a fellow student of Puccini’s, Forzano produced the first performances of a Puccini opera on the lake shore, in front of the Maestro’s house. In a provisional theatre, the Carro di Tespi Lirico, with its stage built on piles stuck in the lake, a traveling opera company performed La Bohème, directed by Forzano and conducted by Mascagni.
G GIACOMO PUCCINI
(Lucca 1858 - Brussels 1924)
iacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in Tuscany, Italy on December 22, 1858.
As a teenager, Puccini served as an organist to the area churches and played the piano as entertainment at social events. In March 1876, the twenty-year old walked thirty kilometers to attend a performance of Verdi’s latest opera success, Aïda. This event changed his life, and he decided that he would make opera his life’s work.
While studying at the Conservatory, Puccini obtained a libretto from Ferdinando Fontana, and entered a competition for a one-act opera in 1882. Although he did not win, Le Villi was later staged in 1884 at the Teatro Dal Verme and it caught the attention of Giulio Ricordi, head of G. Ricordi & Co. music publishers, who commissioned a second opera, Edgar, in 1889.
Puccini collaborated with several librettists on his works, including Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. His most famed operas include: Manon Lescaut (1893), La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), La fanciulla del West (1810), Il Trittico—a collection of three one-act operas: Il tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi (1918), and Turandot (1926)—unfinished at the time of Puccini’s death and later completed by Franco Alfano, one of Puccini’s protégées.
A Night To Remember PATRON THE
DR. MATTEO FREGOSI
One of Opera Carolina’s most devoted new patrons is Matteo Fregosi, sponsor of our gala concert, A Night to Remember. Matteo has sponsored this wonderful evening of opera for two years in a row. Thanks to his generosity, we are able to bring international opera stars to Charlotte and make the concert accessible to existing patrons and new audiences alike.
Matteo came to the States in 1995 to work for an Italian company. He eventually became the General Manager and remained in that role until recently. Under Matteo’s leadership, the company soared from a small representative of an Italian artisan manufacturer to being a well-recognized name in the functional hardware industry and, although he has since chosen a different path, he continues to be an expert voice in that industry.
Matteo has a degree in Economics from the prestigious Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. A long-time resident of Charlotte, Matteo has always contributed to charity. When he first arrived, his love for animals led him to be a major donor to the Humane Society of Charlotte, helping them expand to the organization they are today.
Matteo’s love of opera began as a child, when his mother began taking him to performances at La Scala in Milan. He has become a loyal patron of Opera Carolina. Matteo loves Charlotte because it is a small city with beautiful weather and a great art community. We are very grateful that he is part of the Opera Carolina family.
Opera Carolina Youth Academy
OPERA CAROLINA YOUTH ACADEMY: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PERFORMERS
Opera Carolina’s Youth Academy is now enrolling students in grades 3 through 12, offering young performers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the world of opera through education, creativity, and performance. Designed to inspire and nurture emerging talent, the program provides a comprehensive foundation in vocal training, musicianship, and stagecraft, all within a supportive and engaging environment.
Participants receive hands-on instruction from professional artists and educators, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the art of opera. Beyond the classroom, students gain invaluable experience performing in live opera productions—both on Opera Carolina’s main stage and in community performances across the region.
This combination of training and real-world performance allows young singers to apply their developing skills while collaborating with professional musicians, directors, and production teams. The result is an enriching, confidence-building experience that empowers each student to find their voice—on stage and in life.
Enrollment for the upcoming season is now open, inviting aspiring singers from across the Carolinas to become part of a tradition that celebrates artistry, growth, and the power of opera to inspire the next generation.
Please visit: operacarolina.org/academy-chorus/
To support a Young Artist’s Career
OC Resident Company Artists & ILA 2026
Take part in the 2026 International Lyric Academy Summer Season in Charlotte and Vicenza, Italy. Follow the rehearsal process and enjoy your sponsored artist’s performance.
The collaboration between Opera Carolina and ILA, which started in 2022, allows OC Resident Company Young Artists to be part of great Opera productions in the U.S. and in Italy.
For more information, please contact Gail Garvin at gail@operacarolina.org
Make your plans!
Amber Rose, ILA 2023
Michael Owens, ILA 2024
Maestro STEFANO VIGNATI
is Opera Carolina’s new Music Director and Principal Conductor.
He is the first Italian to hold this prestigious position in the company’s 75-year history.
Last May 1st, Opera Carolina announced his appointment as Music Director and Principal Conductor. Maestro Vignati is a world renowned conductor and artist-educator whose career spans nearly three decades.
Joining the Opera Carolina support staff in 2022, Vignati debuted in Charlotte in 2023 conducting Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, a collaboration between Opera Carolina and the International Lyric Academy.
In his new role, Maestro Vignati will conduct at least one mainstage production per season and will play a key role in shaping the musical direction of the company.
Dr. Shanté Williams, General Director of Opera Carolina, stated: “I am excited to continue to work alongside and learn from such a tremendously talented artist.
Maestro Vignati has delighted audiences around the world, and it has been a joy to watch him carry out the work that we value at Opera Carolina, developing the next generation of Opera talent and patrons. His cultivation of artists as young as 7 and as seasoned as 70 will help usher us into our next 75 years.”
Maestro Vignati is set to return to the podium for Opera Carolina’s production of Puccini’s double bill, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, in January.
It is a privilege to work alongside this visionary team and to contribute to the company’s bright future. (Stefano Vignati) “ “
Italy,
Comunale,
With a repertoire of more than 60 operas and an extensive symphonic catalog, Maestro Vignati has conducted many prestigious Orchestras across Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Bulgaria, China, Serbia, Germany, Slovenia, the Republic of Macedonia, Croatia, and Russia.
Looking ahead, Maestro Vignati will also represent Opera Carolina as Music Director at prestigious international venues. His future engagements include among others: Puccini’s Turandot in China (December 2025 /January 2026), Verdi’s Rigoletto at Macedonian National Opera (May 2026), Mozart’s The Magic Flute at Opera Carolina (June 2026), Puccini’s Turandot at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Italy (August 2026), Verdi’s Requiem at Opera Carolina (September 2026), and Puccini’s Il Trittico at the Pergolesi Theater, Jesi, Italy (October 2026).
New Musical Chapter
Carol Kendrick, former Chair of the Opera Carolina Board of Directors, also stated: “Opera Carolina has a rich history of artistic excellence and I am looking forward to the dawning of this new era. Maestro Vignati becomes the first Italian (naturalized in the US) to hold this prestigious position in Opera Carolina’s 75-year history.”
Maestro Vignati also serves as Principal Guest Conductor at New York City Opera and Artistic Director of the International Lyric Academy. From 2017 to 2022, he was also Professor and Director of the Drake Opera Theater at Drake University, Iowa.
(Excerpts from May 2, 2025 BroadwayWorld.com article, by Stephi Wild)
Vicenza,
Teatro
2025 Beethoven’s IX Symphony
Opera Carolina
BELLA NOTTE
Masquerade Ball of the Queen of the Night December 31,2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Ballantyne Hotel
ARTS
Charlotte Symphony
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte’s most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 150 concerts each season, reaching over 130,000 music lovers.
RESPIGHI’S PINES OF ROME
Friday, November 14, & Saturday November 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Belk Theater
Charlotte Ballet
Bechtler Museum
by G. Puccini
Friday January 16 & Saturday January 17, 2026 at 8:00 p.m., Sunday January 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Belk Theater
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Friday, December 5, & Saturday, December 6, 2025 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
Knight Theater
CIRQUE DE NOËL
Friday, December 19, & Saturday December 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, & Sunday, December 21, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
Knight Theater
STRAUSS’S BLUE DANUBE
Friday, January 9, & Saturday, January 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Belk Theater
charlottesymphony.org
Charlotte Ballet is renowned for its exceptional dancers and diverse repertoire, which spans from classical masterpieces like “The Nutcracker” to bold contemporary works. The company, consisting of 27 professional dancers who call Charlotte home, presents five performance series each year, typically from October to May. With an international roster of choreographers, Charlotte Ballet is dedicated to introducing new works both locally and globally.
THE NUTCRACKER
December 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, & 19, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Belk Theater charlotteballet.org
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, located in Uptown Charlotte, is the only museum in the Southern U.S. dedicated to European and American modern art. Its collection, drawn from the Zürich-based Bechtler family, includes works by iconic modernists like Calder, Picasso, Warhol, and Miró. The museum, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, features Niki de Saint Phalle’s striking Firebird sculpture at its entrance. WDAV
LESSONS AND CAROLS (IN-PERSON AND LIVE BROADCAST)
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7:00 PM St. John’s Baptist Church
bechtler.org
CALENDAR
Charlotte Master Chorale
The Charlotte Master Chorale is an auditioned chorus that performs an annual season of masterworks and contemporary works primarily in the Charlotte region. Our Main Chorus of over 100 singers serves as the resident chorus of the Charlotte Symphony. The Chamber Singers, Charlotte’s premier chamber choir, consists of 30 volunteer singers of professional caliber drawn from the Main Chorus. We operate as an independent, nonprofit performing arts organization.
CELEBRATION OF JOY
Saturday, March 8
4:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church
Mint Museum
Established in 1936, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design.
KENNY NGUYEN: ADAPTATIONS
On view through March 2
Mint Museum Uptown
CENTRAL IMPACT: SKATEBOARDING’S
ART AND INFLUENCE
On view through January 4, 2026
Mint Museum Randolph
FUTURE NOW: VIRTUAL SNEAKERS TO CUTTING-EDGE KICKS
On view through January 4, 2026
Mint Museum Randolph
RENAISSANCE, ROMANTICISM, AND REBELLION: EUROPEAN ART FROM THE SMITH-NAIFEH COLLECTION
On view through February 22, 2026
Mint Museum Uptown
charlottemaster chorale.org
mintmuseum.org
Charlotte Museum of History
Charlotte Museum of History saves and shares the Charlotte region’s history, connecting the past to current issues and opportunities. We believe a shared understanding of the past can enrich the community’s future, and we work to tell the stories of all parts of our community and all those who have inhabited the Queen City and Piedmont region.
MAD ABOUT MODERN 2025
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Charlotte Museum of History
HISTORIC MAPPING CONGRESS MEETING
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Charlotte Museum of History (Free)
FILM SCREENING: AMERICAN COUP: WILMINGTON 1898
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Charlotte Museum of History
charlottemuseum.org
WDAV
Classical Public Radio
WDAV Classical Public Radio enriches lives and builds community through inclusive and diverse classical music experiences and excellent, accessible content. In addition to producing 149 hours per week for its own broadcast use on 89.9FM, HD-1, HD-2, and wdav.org channels, the station produces nationally distributed programs, including Concierto, NoteWorthy, and Reel Music. WDAV’s broadcasts can also be heard live online 24 hours a day at wdav.org and the WDAV mobile app. A service of Davidson College in Davidson, NC, WDAV’s main source of operating revenue comes from annual member contributions.
WDAV’S REEL MUSIC FILM SERIES
December 10, 2025 7:00 p.m.
I Independent Picture House
wdav.org
DOLCE&GABBANA
T RUNK S HOW R EPORT
MAY
10TH 2025
The Dolce & Gabbana Trunk Show, created by Claudio Ferri and Alberto Festa, General Manager of the brand, returned to Charlotte for the second consecutive year in support of Opera Carolina. Under the esteemed patronage of Alessandra and Pasquale De Martino, the event celebrated fashion, artistry, and philanthropy at the highest level. Their exceptional generosity, vision, and dedication to the arts played a pivotal role in making this year’s edition the most successful to date. Thanks to their leadership and the commitment of all involved, a significant amount was raised to benefit Opera Carolina, reinforcing the vital connection between culture, community, and creativity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the De Martino family for their invaluable support.
If you want to attend the 2026 Trunk Show, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Artistic Director Claudio Ferri claudio@operacarolina.org.
Legacy Gifts and Estate Planning ensure the future of Opera in our region. Please consider discussing a planned gift to Opera Carolina with your investment counsel.
To learn how you can participate in building a secure future for Opera Carolina, please contact Claudio Ferri (claudio@operacarolina.org) or Alina MacNichol (alina@operacarolina.org) or Phil Volponi (phil@operacarolina.org)
by Gail Garvin
What to wear to the opera? Opera Carolina has the answer. For “The Season of Truth: Veritas en Vogue,” the House of OC turned 1600 Elizabeth Avenue into a dazzling runway, gliding from daytime Matinée Chic to evening glamour that shimmered with sophistication.
The highlight of the night was the grand reveal of the 2025/26 Opera Recycles design—a breathtaking fusion of couture, innovation, and sustainability.
Bravo to designers Dainna Ramchandani, Lyndsee Harrison, and Shukura Porter, whose artistry transformed upcycled materials into highfashion statements.
OPERA CAROLINA KICKS OFF THE 2025/2026 SEASON IN STYLE
The evening overflowed with inspiration, style, and community spirit, proving once again that Opera Carolina is where art and fashion meet center stage. Check out some of the looks that made this season’s opening utterly unforgettable!
(Photo courtesy by Jorge Torres)
1. Brooklyn Metzgar
2. Isabelle Bauer Griesmyer & Pauline Chinnis
3. Dr. Shanté Williams
4. Maura Lachowski
5. Carol Kendrick & Nakisha Procope
AN INVITATION TO JOIN
The Verdi Society adopted the name of Giuseppe Verdi, the creative genius known for some of the most beloved Operas in the world, to signify our commitment to preserve the great works of art created by masters like Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, and Wagner.
The invaluable annual support of Verdi Society members sustains and promotes the leading professional opera company in the Carolinas, Opera Carolina.
Verdi Society gifts help nurture the talent of both local and national singers, produce innovative productions, and launch initiatives to attract new audiences.
The support of Verdi Society members is also critical to Opera Carolina’s dynamic education and community programming, which annually serves tens of thousands of students, teachers, and families throughout the region
Join us in bringing our vision for Opera Carolina to life, now and for generations to come.
Honoring Our Verdi Society Donors
We gratefully recognize the following Verdi Society Donors who share Opera Carolina’s commitment to excellence on the stage, in our schools, and throughout the community. This listing reflects gifts received between May 1, 2024, and November 1, 2025.
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
(Gifts from $25,000 and above)
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale de Martino
Mr. Matteo Fregosi
Dr. Shanté P. Williams
Maestro Stefano Vignati & Claudio Ferri
PLATINUM CIRCLE
(Gifts from $10,000 to $25,000)
Mr. and Mrs. W. Thad Adams III
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Bernard
Mr. and Mrs. William Chinnis
Drs. Ki-Hyun and Sun Shin Chun
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Clark
Ms. Daniele M. Donahoe and Mr. Erik Rosenwood
Mr. Dean Fischbeck and Ms. Lisa Lust
Dr. Robert Gaines and Mrs. Toni Burke
Mr. Paul E. Kardous
Dr. Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous
Ms. Carol Kendrick and Mr. John De Micco
Mr. and Mrs. Stavros Kotronis
O C
Mr. Fred T. Lowrance and Ms. Alice McKay
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Modak
Ms. Ann Reed
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Lee Scott
Ms. Laura VanSickle
I NTRODUCING THE 2025/2 6 RESIDENT COMPANY
It is with great enthusiasm thatI present our Resident Company of artists for the upcoming season. This talented group of emerging artists represents the future of opera: passionate, dedicated, and ready to bring their artistry to our stage and beyond.
Throughout the season, our Resident Artists will have extraordinary performance opportunities: taking on lead and supporting roles in our mainstage productions, covering world-renowned guest artists, and participating in concerts and community performances across the region.
In addition, select artists will have the unique opportunity to travel to Italy with the International Lyric Academy, expanding their artistic experience and international exposure. The program will also feature master classes with distinguished guest artists, as well as auditions for professional agents and opera companies, offering invaluable connections to advance their careers.
I invite you all to join us in June for the Resident Artists’ Final Showcase, a special evening celebrating their growth and achievements throughout the season. You won’t want to miss it, this is your chance to witness the next generation of opera stars.
Claudio Ferri, Artistic Director & Deputy General Director
FAN YANG, Soprano
KENDRICK WILLIAMS, Baritone
JOHNNIE FELDER, Tenor
MADELINE BEITEL, Mezzo
89.9 FM / WDAV.ORG / MOBILE APP / SMART SPEAKER
The Classical Oasis For Your Mind, Body, and Soul
9/11 COMMEMORATIVE CONCERT
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN AND THE CSO
STABAT MATER
Reflections on a meaningful evening.
In the solemn, memory-filled silence of the Mint Museum Uptown, an evening of profound reflection and remembrance was held to honor the victims of September 11. The performance of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater stood at the spiritual heart of the event, a bridge between art, faith, and collective memory.
When programming this sacred work, my intention was to share the meaning of the Stabat Mater as a universal symbol of sorrow and compassion: the Mother who suffers at the foot of the Cross becomes the emblem of all mothers, all victims, and all souls touched by tragedy. In this light, Pergolesi’s composition, written in a moment of deep human vulnerability, transforms into a song of hope and of enduring spiritual solidarity.
The voices of Leyla Martinucci, mezzo-soprano, and Cory Lovelace, soprano, gave life to a musical dialogue of rare intensity, two souls intertwined in both pain and light. Their singing, beautifully accompanied by the Charlotte Symphony
Orchestra, conducted by Emily Jarrell Urbanek, enveloped the audience in a sacred atmosphere, where time itself merged the visual power of contemporary art with the spiritual resonance of Baroque music.
This Stabat Mater was not merely a concert, it was an act of remembrance, of reverence, and of faith in humanity. In that moment, Pergolesi’s notes became a prayer for the souls of the victims, and an invitation to reflect on how Art can give voice to the silence of grief and transform it into beauty and hope.
Claudio Ferri, Artistic Director & Deputy General Director Opera Carolina
Art can give voice to the silence of grief and transform it into beauty and hope.
THANK YOU
OperA CArOliNA COrpOrATe & FOUNdATiON MAjOr SpONSOrS
The George W. Bauer Family Foundation
The George W. and Ruth R. Baxter 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
What is Friends of Opera Carolina?
Friends of Opera Carolina is a welcoming donor community for people who love the arts and want to help bring world-class opera to more audiences. Friends receive insider access, invitations to curated experiences, and a direct line to support the programs that educate, inspire, and connect our city. Learn more and see the full list of benefits: operacarolina.org/friendsofopera/
FRIENDS OF OPERA
Who is it for?
• First-time supporters who want an easy on-ramp to philanthropy
• Season subscribers and ticket buyers ready to deepen their impact
• Community members who value arts education, inclusion, and cultural vibrancy
• Businesses and households seeking meaningful experiences and connections
How it works
Choose a donor level that fits your goals, enjoy year-round benefits, and see your support at work on stage and in the community.
Donor levels at a glance
This is a quick snapshot. Visit the website for complete benefits and details.
• Overture
Entry-level giving with priority communications, a ticket concierge, and invitations to select Friends mixers.
• Crescendo
Everything in Overture plus early access to special events, limited behind-the-scenes moments, and recognition in Avanti.
• Bravura
Expanded invitations to dress rehearsals or artist talks, premium concierge support, and elevated recognition.
• Aria
Signature access including curated experiences, select VIP receptions, and white-glove ticketing.
Member Spotlight
TASHA MCKNIGHT
by Nakisha Procope
O C
Tasha has lived in Charlotte for 15 years with her husband and pups. Opera is important to Tasha because it is an art form where diversity and exposure are limited.
She is looking forward to the time when the audience AND performers will be as diverse as the world we live in. A favorite opera moment of Tasha’s is seeing a video of Whitney Houston performing alongside Pavarotti, where she absolutely stunned the audience.
CAROLINA
A COMMUNITY OF PATRONS WHO MAKE OPERA MORE ACCESSIBLE, IMMERSIVE, AND ALIVE IN CHARLOTTE.
Q&A with Tasha
1. What first drew you to Opera Carolina, and what made you say yes to becoming a Friend?
I believe that Opera in general doesn’t get the exposure to diverse audiences as I’d like it to. Although I love and support the arts, I had never attended an Opera, primarily because I didn’t see many faces that looked like mine in those spaces. The first Opera that I attended was in part due to the Friends of Opera Carolina. That experience opened my eyes to the impact “the friends” is having within the community.
2. Do you remember your first opera experience? What stayed with you?
I remember the moment when it spoke to me. I came across a video of Whitney Houston singing with Pavarotti, Sting, and Elton John at a benefit. It was a very short snippet, but to hear her voice go from how I was accustomed to hearing, soulful melodies that let you know she sang in church, to this beautiful, soprano voice was mind-blowing!
3. Why do you believe opera matters in Charlotte right now?
There is so much talent here, and there’s pride among native Charlotteans and transplants alike in this city. Charlotte is home to celebrated actors and actresses, artists, rappers, and athletes. I just know that an Opera singer is among us; all they need is the platform, and the support is here.
4. Is there a program or initiative you’re most proud to support? Why?
Aside from the Friends of Opera Carolina, I have enjoyed working with and supporting Art Pop Street Gallery. I love their mission and dedication to the artist community.
5. Who do you love bringing to the opera with you, and what do they enjoy most?
I love going with first-timers. I like watching them be surprised by the unexpected laughs in the production. I think there is a misconception that Opera is stuffy and serious.
The story of a woman reclaiming herself from silence
by Anita Dereen
My paintings embody a woman redefining what it means to be her authentic self. She is rooted, radiant, and unapologetically whole. Each piece reflects a quiet power that speaks through gesture, texture, and color rather than words.
The faceless figures suggest that womanhood transcends individual identity it’s ancestral, cyclical, and ever-becoming. The soft earth tones and woven textures symbolize heritage and groundedness; the blossoms replacing faces evoke rebirth, creativity, and the beauty of growth through stillness.
ART & SOUL: JUST ANITA DEREEN
The recurring wide-brimmed hats and poised hands suggest protection, labor, and grace— reminders that strength can exist in serenity.
Together, these works tell the story of a woman reclaiming herself from silence, reshaping cultural memory, and blooming into her divine essence—not performing femininity, but embodying it.
OPERACAROLINA O C
CONNECT
• Facebook.com/operacarolina
• X Twitter.com/operacarolina
• Instagram.com/operacarolina
• LinkedIn.com/operacarolina
• YouTube.com/operacarolina
• Email: eclub@operacarolina.org
• Website: operacarolina.org
• Mailing Address
The Elizabeth Roddey Dowd Opera Center
1600 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
• Phone: (704) 332.7177 ext.100
• Fax: (704) 332.6448
Reserve your place in next AVANTI issue!
AVANTI includes interviews with Greater Charlotte creatives, insights into the great operas, a Sponsor Spotlight and much more.
AVANTI connects your message with one of the most vibrant gems in the Queen City’s crown – Opera Carolina. https://operacarolina.org/reserve-in-avanti/
Enjoy Opera, then relax.
