GIANNI SCHICCHI & SUOR ANGELICA
by G. Puccini
January 15, 16, & 17, 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.
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.
This amazing support is made more significant by the investment the Hearst Foundations have made in Opera Carolina.
THANK YOU TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE HEARST A SPECIAL CORPORATE PARTNER.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2024/25 SEASON
OFFICERS
CAROL Y. KENDRICK Board Chair. Arts Advocate
CHRISTOPHER T. MARDANY Vice-Chair. Hearst
DARYL HOLLNAGEL Secretary. Shumaker Loop and Kendrick
PHYLLIS ZANGHI Treasurer. AIG
FRANK BONCIMINO Assistant Tresurer Gaming Intellingence
MEMBERS
AARON BENJAMIN Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
ROB BOISVERT I-77 Mobility Partners, LLC
CRAIG SELIMOTIC DANFORTH Bernstein Priv. Wealth Mng.
JOHN HARMELING Grant Thornton
ROBERT HARRINGTON Robinson Bradshaw
SHARON HARRINGTON Novant Health Foundation
BARBARA HOLT Arts Advocate
CACI JAEGER Arts Advocate
PAUL KARDOUS Row Architecture
JENNIFER MARTIN Arts Advocate
MARCUS MARTIN U.S. Bancorp
MATTHEW MOORE JP Morgan Chase
ANN REED Arts Advocate
JORDAN STERN U.S. Bancorp
ELIZABETH TRENARY Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein
AUNDREA WILSON Arts Advocate
LIFE MEMBERS
DR. KI-HYUN CHUN CPA, Ph.D., LL.D, The Chun Group
LESLIE PALIYENKO Metropolitan Opera National Council
CHARLOTTE D. PAYNE Arts Advocate
PEG POVINELLI Arts Advocate
EMILY SMITH Arts Advocate
OC2020 CAMPAIGN CHAIRS
ROB ENGEL Wells Fargo
MARY TABOR ENGEL Queens University
OUR TEAM
DR. SHANT É P. WILLIAMS
General Director
CLAUDIO FERRI
Artistic Director & Deputy General Director
Artistic
EMILY JARRELL URBANEK
ODirector of Music Preparation & Principal Coach
GAIL GARVIN
Artistic & Programs Planning Manager
Development
ALINA MACNICHOL
Senior Director of Development
PHIL VOLPONI
Corporate Development & Government Affairs
NAKISHA PROCOPE Development Consultant
Community Engagement
TEIL TALIESIN
Learning Programs Manager
DARIA RUZHYNSKA Coach & Accompanist
Operations
SARAH WATSON Operations & Ticketing Manager
ROMAN KUZMICH Website Manager
Production
VALERIE WHEELER
Production Stage Manager & Acting Director of Production
WILBERT FERGUSON Technical Director
JAY GRAVES
Assistant TD and Properties Manager
Finance
SHALIL GIANNONE
Finance Consultant
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
To support a Young Artist’s Career
OC Resident Company Artists & ILA 2025
Take part in the next International Lyric Academy Summer Season in Vicenza, Italy. Follow the rehearsal process and finally enjoy your sponsored artist’s performance.
The collaboration between Opera Carolina and ILA, which started in 2022, allows OC Resident Company Young Artists to debut in Italy. For information please contact Gail Garvin at gail@operacarolina.org
Make your plans!
INTERNATIONAL LYRIC ACADEMY 2025
Amber Rose, ILA 2023
Michael Owens, ILA 2024
AVANTICREDITS
Publisher OPERA CAROLINA
Editor in Chief DR. SHANTÉ P. WILLIAMS
Co-Editor CLAUDIO FERRI
Art Creator & Designer
STEFANO VIGNATI
Contributors
GAIL GARVIN
EMILY JARRELL URBANEK
ALINA MACNICHOL
TEIL TALIESIN
SARAH WATSON
Pictures courtesy: Jorge Torres (Cady Photo) MItchell Kearney
Giacomo Puccini
La Bohème
Opera in Four Acts
First performed in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio.
APRIL 10, 12, & 13, 2025 • BELK THEATER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
This production is made possible by
THE CAST
Mimì Melinda Whittington**
Rodolfo Arnold Livingston Geis*
Musetta Corey Raquel Lovelace**
Marcello Zachary Hugo**
Schaunard Christian Blackburn**
Colline Christian Simmons*
Benoît Ramelle Brooks**
Parpignol John Black
Alcindoro Ramelle Brooks**
O CCREATIVE TEAM
Conductor
James Meena
Director Cara Consilvio
Chorus Master Emily Jarrell Urbanek
Lighting Design John P. Woodey
Projections Design Cara Consilvio
Projections Artist Alex Charner
Wig and Make up Design Martha Ruskai
Costumes Courtesy of Capasso Arts
*Opera Carolina debut
**Opera Carolina Resident Company Member
Members of the Opera Carolina Chorus, Youth Academy, and The Charlotte Symphony
ACT 2
La Boh ème
ACT 1
Paris, in the 1830s. In their Latin Quarter garret, the near-destitute artist Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm on Christmas Eve by feeding the stove with pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates—Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric nobleman. While they celebrate their unexpected fortune, the landlord, Benoit, comes to collect the rent. After getting the older man drunk, the friends urge him to tell of his flirtations, then throw him out in mock indignation at his infidelity to his wife. As the others depart to revel at the Café Momus, Rodolfo remains behind to finish an article, promising to join them later. There is another knock at the door— the visitor is Mimì, a pretty neighbor, whose candle has gone out in the stairwell. As she enters the room, she suddenly feels faint. Rodolfo gives her a sip of wine, then helps her to the door and relights her candle. Mimì realizes that she lost her key when she fainted, and as the two search for it, both candles go out. Rodolfo finds the key and slips it into his pocket. In the moonlight, he takes Mimì’s hand and tells her about his dreams. She recounts her life alone in a lofty garret, embroidering flowers and waiting for the spring. Rodolfo’s friends call from outside, telling him to join them. He responds that he is not alone and will be along shortly. Happy to have found each other, Mimì and Rodolfo leave, arm in arm, for the café.
Amid the shouts of street hawkers near the Café Momus, Rodolfo buys Mimì a bonnet and introduces her to his friends. They all sit down and order supper. The toy vendor Parpignol passes by, besieged by children. Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly, but wealthy, Alcindoro. The ensuing tumult reaches its peak when, trying to gain Marcello’s attention, she loudly sings the praises of her own popularity. Sending Alcindoro away to buy her a new pair of shoes, Musetta finally falls into Marcello’s arms. Soldiers march by the café, and as the bohemians fall in behind, the returning Alcindoro is presented with the check.
ACT 3
At dawn at the Barrière d’Enfer, a toll-gate on the edge of Paris, a customs official admits farm women to the city. Guests are heard drinking and singing within a tavern. Mimì arrives, searching for the place where Marcello and Musetta now live. When the painter appears, she tells him of her distress over Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy. She says she believes it is best that they part. As Rodolfo emerges from the tavern, Mimì hides nearby. Rodolfo tells Marcello that he wants to separate from Mimì, blaming her flirtatiousness. Pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her illness can only grow worse in the poverty they share. Overcome with emotion, Mimì comes forward to say goodbye to her lover. Marcello runs back into the tavern upon hearing Musetta’s laughter. While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Marcello returns with Musetta, quarreling about her flirting with a customer. They hurl insults at each other and part, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until springtime.
ACT 4
Months later in the garret, Rodolfo and Marcello, now separated from their girlfriends, reflect on their loneliness. Colline and Schaunard bring a meager meal. To lighten their spirits, the four stage a dance, which turns into a mock duel. At the height of the hilarity, Musetta bursts in with news that Mimì is outside, too weak to come upstairs. As Rodolfo runs to her aid, Musetta relates how Mimì begged to be taken to Rodolfo to die. She is made as comfortable as possible, while Musetta asks Marcello to sell her earrings for medicine and Colline goes off to pawn his overcoat. Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their meeting and their first happy days, but she is seized with violent coughing. When the others return, Musetta gives Mimì a muff to warm her hands, and Mimì slowly drifts into unconsciousness. Musetta prays for Mimì, but it is too late.
The friends realize that she is dead, and Rodolfo collapses in despair.
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.
CAST THE La Bohème
JAMES MEENA, Conductor
Maestro James Meena has held principal and resident conducting posts with the Cleveland Ballet, Toledo Symphony, Toledo Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, and Opera Carolina in addition to guest conducting appearances that include a nationally televised Thanksgiving concert for the Korean Broadcasting System Symphony; performances of Stravinsky’s tour de force La Sacre du printemps with the National Symphony Orchestra, Taiwan; concerts with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra; and concerts with the orchestras of the Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, the Orchestra Regionale Toscana in Italy, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Memphis Symphony, the Mexico City Philharmonic, the Orlando Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the KBS Symphony (Seoul) and the Toledo Symphony. In the field of grand opera, he has been engaged as guest conductor with Arizona Opera, Edmonton Opera, Luglio Musicale Trapanese Sicily, Teatro Greco Syracuse, Teatro Antiche Taromina, Teatro del Giglio Lucca, Teatro Verdi Pisa, Teatro Alighieri Ravenna, Teatro Pavarotti di Modena, Teatro Goldoni di Livorno, the National Arts Center Ottawa, Manitoba Opera, NYCity Opera, Opera Pacific, l’Opera de Montreal, Pittsburgh Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Pacific, Sarasota Opera, Teatro Sociale Como, Teatro Grande Brescia, Teatro Fraschini Pavia, Teatro Ponchielli Cremona, Utah Opera, and the Washington Opera. For Manitoba Opera, he conducted the world première of Transit of Venus by the Canadian team of composer Victor Davies and librettist Maureen Hunter, which was recorded for national broadcast on the CBC. His Opera Carolina performances of Faust, Eugene Onegin, and Il trovatore are captured on recording for NPR World of Opera. Maestro Meena made his professional début with the Pittsburgh Symphony conducting Haydn’s monumental oratorio The Creation and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by his undergraduate alma mater in 1997 for his commitment to visionary excellence and growth of cultural institutions.
CARA CONSILVIO, Director
Cara Consilvio is a director and producer of opera, theater, and film. She returns to Opera Carolina after directing Scalia/Ginsburg in 2020. Recent directing projects include La bohème for Opera Grand Rapids, The Elixir of Love for Charlottesville Opera, and The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace for Oberlin Conservatory.
Cara has directed productions for HALO, Opera Grand Rapids, Opera Naples, Tri-Cities Opera, Opera in the Heights, Chautauqua Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Anchorage Opera, Piedmont Opera, Charlottesville Opera, and others. Cara has also had engagements with Houston Grand Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, The Atlanta Opera, Portland Opera, Tulsa Opera, American Opera Projects, and Opera Saratoga. Cara is currently a visiting assistant professor at Oberlin College and Conservatory. She has also taught at The Boston University Opera Institute and directed productions for Loyola University at New Orleans, The Cleveland Institute of Music, UC San Diego, Depauw University and The Hartt School of Music. Cara is a co-founder of Hup! Productions.
Her feature film directing debut, a documentary called For the Love of Friends is currently available to watch on PBS Passport. Other film directing projects include narrative short films C.I.T., and Dry. Cara is a producer and co-story writer of the horror comedy feature film Camp Wedding, which is distributed by Gravitas Pictures.
She has also produced and directed many tribute videos, promotional videos, and behind the scenes mini-docs for the NEA Opera Honors, the NEA Jazz Masters videos, OPERA America, and the American Composers Orchestra.
La Bohème
CAST THE
MELINDA WHITTINGTON, Mimì
American soprano Melinda Whittington has performed with opera houses all over the country, but calls Charlotte her home. Last season, Melinda sang her first Verdi Requiem with the Charlotte Symphony and made her role debut as Mimì in Minnesota Opera’s new production of Puccini’s La bohème, where she “could blow your hair back with her electrifying high notes.” (Star Tribune) She will return to the role of Mimì this spring with Opera Carolina, where she recently performed Micaëla in Carmen and duets with Andrea Bocelli in his gala concert. Among her other recent roles are the title roles of Rusalka and Arabella, Violetta in La traviata, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Ada in Higdon’s Cold Mountain, Nedda in Pagliacci, Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Marguerite in Faust. Melinda was a young artist at the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, a Merola young artist at San Francisco Opera, a Filene young artist at Wolf Trap Opera, and a national semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. She holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to performing, Melinda maintains a private voice studio here in Charlotte and teaches at Davidson College. To hear or learn more, visit her website at www.melindawhittington.com.
ARNOLD LIVINGSTON GEIS, Rodolfo
Praised by Opera Today for his “sizable lyric instrument” and “honeyed tone on all registers”, in the 2024/25 season, tenor Arnold Livingston Geis returns to the role of Josef Bader in Zigman’s Emigré with Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. He also joins Opera Carolina for Rodolfo in La bohéme, Wichita Grand Opera for Ramiro in La cenerentola, Cincinnati Opera for Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Opera in the Heights for his first performances of Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, San Francisco Symphony and New West Symphony for Carmina Burana, and the Baltimore Symphony for Tenor I in Stravinsky’s Renard. Other credits include: Josef Bader in Emigré (Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic); Carmina Burana (Phoenix Symphony, Erie Symphony); Mormon/Housemate in Last Days (LA Philharmonic); Haydn’s Creation (LA Master Chorale at Walt Disney Hall); Rodolfo in La bohéme (Greensboro Opera, Pacific Opera Projects); the title role in La damnation de Faust (Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra); Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (Chautauqua Opera); and his Lincoln Center debut creating the role of Mr. Marks in Ricky Ian Gordon’s Intimate Apparel. Mr. Geis is a graduate of the Cafritz Young Artist Program, has been an Apprentice Artist with Chautauqua Opera, a Young Artists with Opera on the Avalon, and an Apprentice Artist with Bel Canto at Caramoor. He received his Master of Music from the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California and his Bachelor of Music from Biola University.
ZACHARY HUGO, Marcello
Acclaimed for his “vibrant and exhilarating” sound, Baritone Zachary Hugo returns to the stage this season as Marcello for Opera Carolina’s production of La bohème as well as being a featured soloist in their 75th Anniversary gala with Andrea Bocelli. The 2023/2024 season saw several firsts for Mr. Hugo, including his mainstage debut as Sharpless in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with Opera Carolina, his company debut with Opera Grand Rapids as Marcello, as well as covering the roles of Alfio and Tonio for Opera Carolina’s double feature of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. Recently, he has been seen as II Conte in Le Nozze di Figaro with International Lyric Academy/Opera Carolina and as Pluto in the preview performance of Nmon Ford’s highly anticipated new opera House of Orfeus (a 2024 co-production of Opera Carolina and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts). Mr. Hugo reprised the role of Pluto for an October concert performance with Detroit Opera and with additional performances forthcoming. Other notable engagements include: Germont (Cover) and Scarpia (Cover) with Opera Carolina, Schaunard with Central Piedmont Opera Theater, and Silvio and Sharpless with Opera Experience Southeast.
COREY RAQUEL LOVELACE, Musetta
Corey Raquel Lovelace hails from Chicago but happily calls the Carolinas home. She made her spectacular debut as Nedda in Pagliacci last season, filling in at the 11th hour for an indisposed Barbara Frittoli. Mrs. Lovelace had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Andrea Bocelli as a featured artist in October of 2024. This season Mrs. Lovelace takes the stage with Opera Carolina in both Carmen and La bohème, performing the roles of Frasquita and Musetta. She was featured in WDAV Classical Public Radio’s Small Batch Concert Series this February for a special Valentine’s Day-themed concert. Mrs. Lovelace appears regularly on the concert stage premiering new works by Ukrainian composer, Sophia Pavlenko-Chandley. She made her role debut as Leonore in Fidelio with the Mid-Ohio Opera Company in 2023. Other title roles include Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah and Adriana Lecouvreur. Mrs. Lovelace returned to the opera stage post-pandemic performing Mimì in La bohème with Opera North, and she made her company debut with Opera Carolina as Musetta. Internationally, she has performed in China with the iSING! Music Festival and made her European debut with the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Additional performing credits include Cendrillon in La Cendrillon, Kate in Connection Lost: The Tinder Opera, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Lady Billows in Albert Herring.
La Bohème
CAST THE
CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN, Schaunard
Christian Blackburn, baritone, originally from Lakin, Kansas, is currently a student of Victoria Livengood residing in the Triad of North Carolina. Christian has been seen as a seasoned performer with many companies across the southeast. Most recently, he was seen as Morales in Opera Carolina’s production of Carmen and is thrilled to be debuting Schaunard in the same season. Christian was also seen as a principal artist with North Carolina Opera in their productions of Die Zauberflöte (Speaker) in April of 2022, Don Giovanni (Masetto) in 2023, La Traviata (Dr. Grenvil) in 2023, and La Fanciulla del West (Jake Wallace) in 2024. Of his performance of Masetto with Greensboro Opera, he was praised for his “sparkling clear and energetic baritone” by TriangleSings. In concert, Christian has been seen with several Triad-based choral societies and orchestras as the baritone soloist in Handel’s Messiah. In addition, Christian was the featured baritone for the Charlotte Master Chorale in 2019 and a featured soloist with the Carolina Philharmonic in the same year. When not performing, Christian spends time with his three-year-old Lilla and one-year-old Ruby, his dogs Pablo and Appa, and his incredible wife Talia, to whom he owes everything.
CHRISTIAN SIMMONS, Colline
Washington, D.C. native Christian Simmons, bass-baritone, won the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. He also made his European debut with Deutsche Oper Berlin for the 2023/24 season as a winner of the Opera Foundation’s Scholarship Competition. In the 2024/25 season, Mr. Simmons performed Otello (Lodovico) with the National Symphony Orchestra, La bohème (Colline) with Opera Baltimore, Opera Delaware and Opera Carolina, and Carmen (Zuniga) with Florentine Opera. Mr. Simmons makes his debut with Opera Memphis in Carmen (Escamillo), his debut as Escamillo, and with the Wolf Trap Opera in Le nozze di Figaro (Figaro). In the 2023/24 season, Mr. Simmons made his Atlanta Opera debut in La bohème (Colline) and joined the Santa Fe Opera as an Apprentice Artist, covering Vodnik in Rusalka. At Deutsche Oper Berlin, Mr. Simmons performed in Carmen (Zuniga), Anna Bolena (Lord Rochefort), Tosca (Sciarrone), Gianni Schicchi (Guccio), Nabucco (High Priest of Babylon), Die Zauberflöte (2nd Armored Man), and Madama Butterfly (Commissioner). Alumni of the Cafritz Young Artists of the Washington National Opera, Mr. Simmons performed in Blue (Policeman 3), and the young artist performance of La bohème (Colline) and Carmen (Zuniga).
RAMELLE BROOKS, Benoît & Alcindoro
Ramelle Brooks’ noble bass voice has been described as powerful yet full of color and nuance. He has had the opportunity to sing roles in operas such as the Bonze in Madama Butterfly, Crespel/Schémil in Les contes d’Hoffman, Dr. Grenvil in La traviata, Angelotti in Tosca, Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Doctor 6 in The Falling and Rising, Norton in La Cambiale di Matrimonio, Nardo in La Finta Giardiniera, Dr. Dulcamara in L’elisir d’ amore, and Dick Deadeye in H.M.S. Pinafore. His musical credits include Smokey Joe’s Cafe and The Carousel. Ramelle is also a vibrant soloist with regional choruses and orchestras. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in Performance from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in music education (Voice K-12) from Fayetteville State University. Currently, Ramelle is an Assistant Professor of Voice at South Carolina State University. He supplements his academic experience by serving as Director of Music at Second Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Ramelle is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
DOLCE&GABBANA
TRUNK SHOW
MAY 10TH 2025
Dolce & Gabbana, with the support of the De Martino family, will again support Opera Carolina with a fantastic Trunk Show on May 10, 2025.
This year, the exclusive event will showcase the renowned brand’s global jewelry collections, including an exciting men’s collection. This Trunk show will also showcase an exclusive collection you won’t find anywhere else. Be part of something extraordinary - join us, make history, and support the arts.
If you’d like to attend, don’t hesitate to contact Alina MacNichol, Senior Director of Development, at alina@operacarolina.org.
Claudio FERRI
OPERA CAROLINA’S NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR
Opera Carolina is preparing for an extraordinary 2025/26 season, blending world-class performances with prestigious collaborations, learning programs, and community engagement. Claudio Ferri, Artistic Director & Deputy General Director, joins us to discuss next season’s exciting lineup and vision.
A Bright Future
Interviewed by Gail Garvin
Gail: Claudio, what was the main goal in curating this season’s program?
Claudio: My goal was to craft a rich and diverse season that speaks to different audiences while maintaining the highest standard of artistic excellence. I wanted to create a season that balances classic operatic masterpieces with innovative storytelling while also providing a platform for established and emerging talents.
Gail: The season boasts a lineup of Grand Operas, including Puccini’s Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi, Menotti’s The Medium, and a co-production of The Magic Flute with Teatro dell’Opera on Lake Como. What can audiences expect from these performances?
Claudio: We are talking about four masterpieces. Suor Angelica is a deeply moving spiritual drama set to Puccini’s most beautiful music, while Gianni Schicchi offers a comedic take on family rivalry and greed. We are thrilled to have world-renowned stars performing in this double bill: Latonia Moore as Suor Angelica, Daniela Barcellona as Zia Principessa, Natale De Carolis as Gianni Schicchi, and Eric Ferring as Rinuccio. Menotti’s The Medium explores psychological tension and supernatural intrigue, with the incredible Denyce Graves starring and making her directorial debut. One of the most thrilling highlights of the season will be The Magic Flute, an international co-production with the Teatro Sociale of Como, Italy. This production promises to blend the extraordinary talents of world-renowned opera singers with the vibrant energy of emerging artists from the International Lyric Academy. It will offer a unique and transformative experience for these young performers, guiding them as they transition from students to professionals under the mentorship of established stars in the field.
Gail: One of the standout events of the season is the Belcanto Incanto recital featuring Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee. Why is this performance so significant?
Claudio: Bel canto is the purest expression of vocal beauty, and Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee are among the finest practitioners of this art form. Their performance will be a masterclass in vocal technique and emotional depth. They are celebrated worldwide, regularly performing at the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, and La Scala. This recital will be an unforgettable evening of artistry for Charlotte audiences.
Gail: Opera Carolina is also presenting a 9/11 Commemorative Concert featuring Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. Can you tell us about the significance of this performance?
Claudio: Stabat Mater is one of the most emotionally charged sacred works ever composed. This concert is a moment of remembrance, reflection, and unity. And what better way to use the power of music to bring people together to heal and pay tribute to those we lost.
Gail: Opera Carolina strongly commits to nurturing young talents. What role do programs like the Barbara Frittoli Academy and the Resident Company play in this mission?
Claudio: Our mission extends beyond performances—we are actively shaping the future of opera. The Barbara Frittoli Academy will offer an intensive 10-day vocal training program every two months, allowing young singers to refine their craft under expert guidance. The Resident Company provides emerging artists hands-on stage experience, ensuring they are prepared for a professional career. These programs are essential for cultivating the next generation of top-level opera singers.
Gail: Community engagement is also a cornerstone of Opera Carolina’s season. What are some of the community initiatives audiences can look forward to?
Claudio: Opera Carolina continues to be deeply committed to making opera accessible and engaging for all. In addition to such ongoing programs as Opera Xpress, Musical Storytime, and Family Opera, we will introduce Lift Every Voice and Sing, a new concert series that will celebrate the contributions of black composers and artists, enriching Charlotte’s cultural landscape.
Gail: Beyond the main productions, the season includes A Night to Remember: All Puccini’s Women and the Black Velvet Mystery Dinner. What makes these events unique?
Claudio: This season’s A Night to Remember will be a tribute to the powerful female characters of Puccini’s operas. Last year’s event drew over 2,000 attendees, 75% of whom were first-time operagoers. It was a massive success, and we’re excited to build on that momentum. The Black Velvet Mystery Dinner is a new, thrilling experience paired with Menotti’s The Medium, blending opera with the supernatural.
Gail: With such a diverse and ambitious season ahead, what do you hope audiences take away from Opera Carolina’s 2025/26 season?
Claudio: This season is about more than just performances. It’s about creating experiences that inspire, educate, and leave a lasting impact. With our new General Director, Dr. Shanté Williams, and our staff, we are working to present something new, extraordinary, and artistically exceptional. We want people to discover the magic of opera in a more modern way, whether they are lifelong fans or new to the art form. We want to transform all Opera Carolina audiences into enthusiastic donors and supporters. Last but not least, it’s also about refreshing Opera Carolina’s presence in the international Opera network. We are committed to the highest quality of productions, co-productions, artists, and management. We will bring world-class conductors, directors, and singers to Charlotte while fostering the next generation of artists. Opera is for everyone, and this season will prove that.
Opera Carolina
Grand Opera
LA BOHÈME
Thursday, April 10
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12
8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 13
2:00 p.m
Belk Theater
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.
DEBUSSY’S LA MER/ STRAVINSKY’S SYMPHONY OF PSALMS
Friday, April 25 & Saturday, April 26
7:30 p.m. | Belk Theater
BERNSTEIN & COPLAND
Friday, May 16 & Saturday, May 17
7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater
Sunday, May 18
3:00 p.m. | Knight Theater
CLASSICAL’S GREATEST HITS
Sunday, June 8
8:15 p.m. | Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall
BEST OF BROADWAY
Sunday, June 15
8:15 p.m. | Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall
Charlotte Ballet
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.
CARMEN
Friday, May 2 & Thursday, May 8 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 3
7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 11 - 2:00 p.m. Knight Theater
FLIP: CHOREOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP
Thursday June 5 & 12
Friday, June 6 & 13
Saturday, June 7 & 14
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14
2:00 pm I Center for Dance
Bechtler Museum
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.
JAZZ AT THE BECHTLER Frédéric Yonnet Returns
Friday, April 11
6:00 p.m. | 8:15 p.m.
MUSIC AND MUSEUM Family Notes: Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” Sunday, April 27 6:00 p.m.
JAZZ AT THE BECHTLER A Tribute to Miles Davis ft. Al Strong and Kobie Watkins Friday, May 2
6:00 p.m. | 8:15 p.m.
JAZZ AT THE BECHTLER Sizzling Summer Samba Friday, June 6 6:00 p.m. | 8:15 p.m.
MUSIC AND MUSEUM
Season Finale: The Living Composers Forum Sunday, June 29
6:00 p.m.
operacarolina.org
charlottesymphony.org
charlotteballet.org
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.
CSO: Debussy’s La Mer/Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms
Friday, April 25 & Saturday, April 26
7:30 p.m. | Belk Theater
WHOLENESS CONCERT
Saturday, May 17
4:00 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church
charlottemaster chorale.org
Mint Museum
Established in 1936, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design.
ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK
On view April 27 through August 31
Mint Museum Uptown
COLLIDOSCOPE: de la Torre Brothers
Retro-Perspective
On view June 7 through September 21
Mint Museum Uptown
“ACROSS THE NATION”
Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art
On view April 8
Mint Museum Uptown
DEN YEARS
On view through June 8
Mint Museum Randolph 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.
GRAIN & FIRE: A History of Baking in the American South Saturday, April 19 12:00 p.m. | Charlotte Museum of History
FAMILY OPERA DAY with Opera Carolina Saturday, April 26 1:00 p.m.| Charlotte Museum of History (Free)
MECK DEC 250: EXHIBIT OPENING Saturday, May 22 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.
Please check their website for announcements about upcoming events.
wdav.org
O COpera Carolina Chorus LA BOHÈME
Emily Jarrell Urbanek, Chorus Master
Sopranos
Lindsey Brakhage
Peg Broughton
Bethany Gilmore
Hannah Hoyt
Kelly Hutchinson
Katherine Kuckelman
Stacee Lyles
Amber Rose
Nancy Unser
Janice Williams
Julia Woodward
Mezzo Sopranos
McKenzie Coleman
C.C. Cooper
Eli Halso
Laurel Jameson
Alina MacNichol
Lauren Nicole Russell
Sandy Stovall
Rachel Turner
Peyton Wheeler
Tia Wilson
Tenors
Craig Allen
Gerry Clonaris
Lamar Davis
Haegon Kim
Michael Owens
Noah Rice
Nickolus Stewart
David Young
Baritones/ Basses
Sean Buggs
Drizzie Burston
Bradford Holshouser
Brian Jensen
Charlie Lang
Gustavo Morales
Michael Stromar
Larry Toppman
Justin Traxler
Kendrick Williams
Opera Carolina • Production Staff
John P. Woodey, Lighting Designer
Valerie Wheeler, Production Stage Manager
& Acting Director of Production
Hanna Atkinson, Assistant Stage Manager
Julie Fischesser, Assistant Stage Manager
Allison Collins, Costume Coordinator
Alexander Lieberman, Costume Assistant
Martha Ruskai, Wig & Make Up Designer
Mark Boley, Wig & Make Up Assistant
John Farrell, Wilbert Ferguson, Technical Directors
Jay Graves, Properties Manager & Assistant Technical Director
Emily Jarrell Urbanek, Director of Music Preparation/Coach/Pianist
Daria Ruzhynska, Coach & Pianist
Supers
David Broughton
Chancelor Forman
Scot Garris
Scot Garris, Jr.
Skyler Garris
Samuel Hutagalung
Zachary Kovacs
Larry Mosley
Youth Academy
Eleanor Blank
Corbin Burton
Adalynn Canton
Hannah Cohen
William Clonaris
Eva Iskandarani
Leela Jacobs
Regina Kuncoro
Kat Kuzin
Maelle Kuzin
Jasmine Lee
Ivette Lezama
Ashley McGrath
Sophia Rose Mehta
Kaia Nekkanti
Remmy Papa
Ana Russell
Anastasia Shirman
Sophia Shirman
Sophia Siragusa
Evie Steude
Ezra Thomas-Moore
Eleanor Varley
2024 · 2025 MUSICIAN ROSTER
Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate
FIRST VIOLINS
Calin Ovidiu Lupanu Concertmaster
The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair
Joseph Meyer*
Associate Concertmaster
Kari Giles
Acting Associate Concertmaster
Dustin Wilkes-Kim
Acting Assistant Concertmaster
Susan Blumberg°°
Jane Hart Brendle
Cynthia Burton
Ayako Gamo
David Horak†
Lenora Leggatt
Jenny Topilow
Angela Watson†
Hanna Zhdan
SECOND VIOLINS
Oliver Kot, Principal
The Wolfgang Roth Chair
Kathleen Jarrell
Assistant Principal
The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair
Carlos Tarazona°
Monica Boboc
Martha Geissler
Sakira Harley
Tatiana Karpova
Ellyn Stuart
VIOLAS
Benjamin Geller, Principal
The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair
Kirsten Swanson†
Acting Assistant Principal
Matthew Darsey†
Ellen Ferdon
Wenlong Huang
Viara Stefanova
Ning Zhao
CELLOS
Jon Lewis, Principal
The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair
Allison Drenkow
Assistant Principal
Alan Black, Principal Emeritus
Marlene Ballena
Jeremy Lamb
Amy Sunyoung Lee
Sarah Markle
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal
Judson Baines, Assistant Principal
Justin Cheesman†
Jeffrey Ferdon
HARP
Andrea Mumm Trammell
Principal
The Dr. Billy Graham Chair
FLUTES
Victor Wang, Principal
The Blumenthal Foundation Chair
Amy Orsinger Whitehead
Erinn Frechette
PICCOLO
Erinn Frechette
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
Erica Cice
Jamison Hillian†
Terry Maskin*
ENGLISH HORN
Erica Cice
CLARINETS
Taylor Marino, Principal
The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair
Samuel Sparrow
Allan Rosenfeld
E ♭ CLARINET
Samuel Sparrow
BASS CLARINET
Allan Rosenfeld
BASSOONS
AJ Neubert, Principal
Joshua Hood
Nicholas Ritter
CONTRABASSOON
Nicholas Ritter
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Andrew Fierova
Bradley Burford
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair
Richard Goldfaden
Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Alex Wilborn, Principal
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Jonathan Kaplan*
Peter Stammer†
Gabriel Slesinger
Associate Principal
The Marcus T. Hickman Chair
TROMBONES
John Bartlett, Principal
Thomas Burge
BASS TROMBONE
Scott Hartman, Principal
TUBA
Colin Benton, Principal
The Governor James G. Martin Chair
TIMPANI
Jacob Lipham, Principal
The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
PERCUSSION
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
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.
KARSON PROCOPE
MY FIRST OPERA EXPERIENCE
An Interview with 5th Grader Karson Procope, 10 years old
by Gail Garvin
For many, the opera is a world of elegance, grandeur, and emotions woven together through music and storytelling. But how does this world appear to a young audience attending for the first time? We sat down with 10-year-old Karson Procope, a fifth-grader, to hear about her first opera experience attending Carmen.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: STEPPING INTO A NEW WORLD
Gail: What was your first impression when you arrived at the opera?
Karson: I thought the opera would be a fun outing with my parents that I get to dress up for. I was excited because we had gone shopping for my dress months earlier, and now it was finally time to go! It made it feel like a big deal, and I loved that part of the experience.
Gail: What was the atmosphere like when you entered the theater?
Karson: It was really beautiful. When they opened up the curtains, I just felt so excited. I wondered what the opera was going to be like—if it was going to be fun, interesting. And when it started, I was just so excited to see what would happen next.
Gail: What surprised you most about the opera?
Karson: I didn’t know so many people would be there! I thought it would be mostly adults, but I was happy to see that there were other kids in the audience. It made me feel like I wasn’t the only one experiencing this for the first time.
FAVORITE MOMENTS & MUSICAL MAGIC
Gail: What part of the opera did you enjoy the most?
Karson: I was excited to see Alyson Cambridge, who played Carmen. She was amazing! I loved seeing the different acts and how they changed. I was excited to see what was coming next, especially after the Intermission.
Gail: What did you think of the singers’ voices?
Karson: The voices were amazing. I especially loved how they sang in couples. Their voices blended together so well, and it showed that they were team players. It was just really cool to see them perform.
Gail: Did you have a favorite song or musical moment?
Karson: My favorite musical moment was when Carmen and her friends sang in the trio. It felt really empowering because they were all supporting each other and no one was being rude or mean. It just felt really nice.
Gail: Did the music make you feel different emotions during the show?
Karson: Yes! The music made everything feel more real. It matched what was happening on stage perfectly, and since I knew the story, I could feel what the music was saying. There were times it felt happy, and other times when it was sad. It made me feel like I was right there with them on stage.
CHARACTERS & STORYTELLING: A NIGHT WITH CARMEN
Gail: What was the story about, in your own words?
Karson: Carmen was about a strong, powerful girl who was true to herself. She was confident and didn’t let anyone tell her what to do. She stood up for herself, even when it was tough.
Gail: Who was your favorite character?
Karson: I really liked Micaëla. She had a lot of emotions, and she wasn’t afraid to show how she felt, even when she was heartbroken because Don José left her for Carmen.
Gail: Were you sad when Carmen died?
Karson: Yes, I was! I think she could have avoided it by not going with those people to the bar, but at the same time, Don José didn’t have the right to do that. In the end, when he kept asking her to say she loved him and she said “no,” she was just being honest. And I think that was important. She stayed true to herself.
LOOKING AHEAD: A NEWFOUND PASSION FOR OPERA
Gail: Would you want to see another opera? Why or why not?
Karson: Yes! I love seeing people on stage showing their emotions. The atmosphere was great, and I liked that it was a chance to dress up for something special.
Gail: How was this different from other live performances you’ve seen?
Karson: At school, we’ve gone on field trips to see plays, but this was more exciting because there were so many different scenes and the performance was long. I loved how everything kept changing—it made me want to know what was next.
Gail: If you could create your own opera, what would it be about?
Karson: I think I’d create an opera about high school girls going through life, having fun, and facing challenges. It would be exciting and leave you on a cliffhanger so people would want to see more. That’s what I really liked about Carmen—the way each scene made you want to know what was coming next.
Gail: Did this inspire you to perform on stage?
Karson: Yes! I’m in a theater arts program, and we’re preparing for an end-of-the-year play. I’ve never had to remember lines for a play before, but I do like acting and seeing other people act. It’s really cool to watch how much work goes into a performance.
Gail: What part of the opera experience do you want to see more of?
Karson: I really want to see a dress rehearsal. I love costumes and design, so I’d love to see all of that—how they do the hair and makeup and prepare before the show.
Gail: Did you enjoy meeting the cast?
Karson: Yes! Meeting Don José (Jonny Kaufman) and Carmen (Alyson Cambridge) was amazing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For Karson, Carmen was more than just an opera—it was an adventure, a night of elegance, music, and storytelling that left a lasting impression. Her experience proves that opera can captivate even the youngest of audiences when approached with curiosity and preparation.
Her advice for other kids? “Learn the story beforehand, but also be open to surprises. Go with your family or friends and just have fun. It’s really fun!”
From meeting the cast to seeing behind the scenes at rehearsals, Karson’s first opera was an unforgettable experience—one that has sparked a new passion for the performing arts. And with the thrill of the theater now in her heart, it’s safe to say this won’t be her last opera.
O pera arolina C horus
by Emily Jarrell Urbanek
C
MANY BODIES, ONE VOICE: THE UNSUNG HEROES OF OPERA MAKE UP THE CHORUS
Leading roles always appear first on the playbill, but most operas have another crucial character that shouldn’t be overlooked. The chorus supplies local color, social commentary or a backdrop off which the principal singers bounce thoughts and emotions. They might be partygoers, soldiers, nuns, students or villagers – often more than one of those in the same opera!
Think of the exquisite entrance of Cio-Cio-San with the geishas in Act 1 of Madama Butterfly, and the swift rejection by her family later in that scene. In Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, the chorus performs a rousing peasant dance in Act 1, then becomes a boisterous party crowd in Act 2 and elegant aristocrats in Act 3. Sometimes they sing in two different languages on one double-bill.
Some of the most famous operatic music wouldn’t be the same without a full chorus. Imagine Carmen without the Habanera or the Toreador Song. (It was done that way in Peter Brook’s film La Tragédie de Carmen, to quite a different effect.) Puccini’s Turandot would be underwhelming without the chorus, as would the Te Deum that ends the first act of Tosca. Where would Verdi’s Il Trovatore be without the Anvil Chorus, Aida without the Triumphal Scene, or Nabucco without the Chorus of the Hebrews (“Va, pensiero”)?
In many ways, the chorus becomes the institutional memory of an opera company. Directors and designers who return season after season remember certain members’ enthusiasm, quirks and expertise. Long-time singers recall the Aida that included live animals and their handlers from the Lazy 5 Ranch, where the snake molted at the dress rehearsal and had to be replaced, the zebra got spooked by the lighting, and the Watusi cow invented its own staging.
The group quickly becomes an extended family. New members are “accepted with open arms,” says recent addition Tia Wilson, and given pointers on staging and encouragement in learning intimidating amounts of text. Gustavo Morales, who moved to the Charlotte area a few years ago, has found joining the ensemble a “full-circle moment” after years of operatic experience across the globe. Many singers treasure the times when chorus members came together to surround them with support upon the death of a loved one.
Ensemble members who sing in other community and church groups link the opera company to the community. The chorus has performed at community festivals, caroled at holiday events and presented its own concerts.
As baritone (and hairstylist extraordinaire) Bradford Holshouser points out, members’ professions include dentist, tattoo artist, international customs administrator, mental health advisor, journalist and arts critic, church secretary, production control manager, teacher/professor (of music and other subjects), as well as full-time parents of young children.
They all make sacrifices in their schedules to participate in productions, which can demand six to eight music rehearsals and two weeks of staging rehearsals.
Soprano Sandy Stovall, a dentist by day, has frequently been called upon to lend her medical expertise to members of the opera company, helping with sprained ankles, broken teeth and other accidents. Once, accompanying a cast member to the emergency room, she encountered suspicion and disbelief at the reception desk: In her hurry, she hadn’t removed her stage makeup!
The chorus can be a training ground. Members of the Opera Academy, such as mezzo-soprano Eli Halso, have joined the ensemble for extra stage experience before heading to college. Those who continue vocal and stage training after finishing a singing degree frequently perform in local outreach events and sing solo roles in Opera Carolina productions. A few former ensemble members, including soprano Melinda Whittington and tenor Jonny Kaufman, have moved on to national and international careers.
So the next time you come to the opera, read the names of those often-overlooked chorus members in your program and think about the years of training, experience and dedication that make this group indispensable to the art form.
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)
89.9 FM / WDAV.ORG / MOBILE APP / SMART SPEAKER
The Classical Oasis For Your Mind, Body, and Soul
LEARNING PROGRAMS
by Teil Taliesin
OPERA CAROLINA IN THE CLASSROOM
The study of music encompasses much more than technical skill. It includes collaboration, pattern recognition, math with complex musical meters, and more. This Spring, three Opera Carolina Teaching Artists completed a 7-week residency with the third-grade classrooms of Reid Park Academy, bridging English Language Arts core curriculum with creativity and self-expression through the arts.
Jeremy Barbaro, music teacher at Reid Park Academy, is a new teacher to Charlotte. As a vocalist himself, he wanted to connect students with the wonderful art form of opera. With a school-wide goal to improve ELA achievement in the third-grade classrooms, he knew his students would grow and learn with Opera Carolina. “I cannot emphasize enough to our neighboring school districts how important the integration of the arts into traditional ‘core’ academic subjects is and will be. In uncertain economic times, many schools may need to reduce or cut arts programs from their offerings. Bringing in teaching artists through a program such as our Opera Carolina Residency helps bridge the gap between academia and artistic expression,” explains Jeremy.
MEET OUR TEACHING ARTISTS
McKenzie Coleman previously taught public education for nine years, is a member of the Opera Chorus, and is currently the Music Director of our Academy Chorus. Her approach to teaching makes curriculum relatable, enabling students to connect authentically. She enjoys being the connector for students to the subject material, new life experiences, and each other. “We can use the engagement and creative processes of the arts to directly teach and extend lessons from the core curriculum. The ability of the arts to connect uniquely with memory and a variety of learning styles is such a helpful tool for students to understand and retain information.”
Drizzie Burston is one of our Opera Xpress artists, a member of the Opera Chorus, and teaches privately in the community. “Teaching has always been a calling of mine. My desire is to help people understand complex ideas and concept that progress their growth and personality.” While not a huge fan of ELA growing up, he began appreciating the subject by singing in different languages, translating the text to understand the story, and using translations to bring his character to life vocally. “I use the English translation to help me develop phrasing … which strengthened my ELA [skills].”
Mckeila Ortiz is also an Opera Xpress artist and currently a Music Education major at UNCC. “My favorite part …[is building] meaningful relationships with students…. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see their excitement as they develop their creative ideas and share their work with their peers. Watching their confidence grow through music and the arts is truly the highlight …. Music and the arts naturally enhance core curriculum subjects by making abstract concepts more tangible and relatable. Since children are already immersed in music and visual storytelling through movies, television, and social media, integrating the arts into the curriculum capitalizes on their natural interests and curiosity. When students enjoy the learning process, they become more engaged, retain information better, and develop critical thinking skills in a way that feels organic and exciting.”
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
These Teaching Artists use their vocal and dramatic mastery to inspire creativity and artistic exploration while students learn context clues, point of view, and much more. They empower students in engaging learning strategies that also empower them to become an artist themselves. They combine their passion for music and creativity with education to inspire students in new and unconventional ways. Interactive, expressive and personally connecting subject to their lives allows for scholastic retention and comprehension. Together, artist and students create community. The residency is building a positive experience and association with ELA coursework, making learning a fun and enriching experience.
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
O C
Annual Fund For Excellence
We gratefully recognize the following donors who share Opera Carolina’s commitment to excellence on stage, in schools, and throughout the community. The listing reflects donations received between July 1, 2023 and March 1, 2025.
Verdi Society
DIAMOND CIRCLE
(Gifts from $25,000 and above)
Anonymous
Art & Science Council
The George W. Bauer Family Foundation
Julie and Joel Bernard
Black Pearl Vision
Charlotte Business Journal
Hearst
The Hearst Foundations
Infusion Fund
Fred Lowrance and Alice MacKay
Mary and James Meena
Estate of Marie Mitchell
North Carolina Arts Council
Novant Health Foundation
The Opera Guild of Charlotte
The Philip L. Van Every Foundation
Dr. Shanté Williams
PLATINUM CIRCLE
(Gifts from $10,000 to $25,000)
Betty Garriss and W. Thad Adams III
Ally Financial
Mary G. Bobis
Bragg Financial
Brighthouse Financial
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A.
Pauline and William Chinnis
Chun University
Marian and Peter Clark
Closet by Design
Susan and Jack Davis
Pasquale and Alessandra De Martino
- In honor of Claudio Ferri
Dolce & Gabbana
Daniele Donahoe and Erik Rosenwood
Mrs. Roddey Dowd, Sr.
Fairfield Inn
Arlene Ferebee
Lisa Lust and Dean M. Fischbeck
Dr. Matteo Fregosi
- In honor of Claudio Ferri
Dr. Robert A. Gaines and Ms. Toni Burke
William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation
Isabelle and William Griesmyer
Hendrick Automotive Group
Carol Y. Kendrick and John DeMicco
Jessie J. Knight, Jr. and Joye D. Blount
Tamara and Stavros Kotronis
Sandra Levine
John Lupton Designs
Dr. Marie-Claire Marroum and Paul E. Kardous
Holly and Christopher Maurer
Kaye and Dennis McGarry
McShane Partners
Marilyn and Michael Modak
Amy and Matt Moore
Karen L. Oldham
PDM US
Mary Margaret and Fritz Porter
Peg and George Povinelli
Nelly and Jack Purcell
Amanda and August Roth
Barbara and Terry L. Scott
So-Chung Shinn and Tony W. Lee
- In honor of Claudio Ferri
Liz and Dave Shuford
Ms. Laura VanSickle
Herb M. Verbesey
- In Memory of Tess Verbesey
WDAV 89.9
Aundrea and Stephen Wilson
Phyllis Zanghi and Scott Hulse
GOLD CIRCLE
(Gifts from $5,000 to $10,000)
Barringer Construction
Mary Margaret and Josh Beaver
Anthony Bracken
Capitol
Joan and Jim Carroll
Jane Conlan
Craig Selimotic Danforth
Trey Davis and Marium Abdul Hamid
Deloitte
Peggy and Charles Dickerson
Dena Diorio and Phil Volponi
Liz and Lane Faison
Pattie and George Fulford
William E. Gibson
Laura and Mike Grace
Karen Gunther
Peter Guild
Janet Haack
Katherine Hall
Lauren Harkey
Sian Hughes Harris and Robert I. Harris III
Radmila and Daryl Hollnagel
Barbara Holt
Dr. and Mrs. Rogers G. Howell, III
Nora and Thomas J. Hughes
Ivester Jackson | Christie’s International Real Estate
Callie and Win Kelly
Michael Kemper
Lisa Letson
Barbara and James Little
Katherine and Mark Love
Srini and Zsofia Mannava
Marand Builders, Inc.
Elizabeth and Christopher Mardany
Jennifer and William Martin
Robert Norville, Jr.
Richard J. Osborne
Alexandra Paliyenko
Laura and Stephen L. Philipson
Gloria Pippin
Laura Vinroot and Perry Poole
Ann M. Reed
Kimberly and John Rothwell
Sherry and Charles Rumbough
Pat and Paul Scheible
Anne and Steve Schmitt
Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, LLC
Kati and Chris Small
Steinway Pianos of the Carolinas
TowneBank
Margaret and Dr. T.C. Price* Zimmermann
SILVER CIRCLE
(Gifts from $2,500)
Audi of Charlotte
Natascha A. Bechtler
Sherri and Jon Bennett
Lakana and Tony Bikhazi
Amy and Frank Boncimino
Joy Bowling
Mary and Charles Bowman
Margaret and Waldo Bradley
Heather and Ben Braun
Sheryl and Brian Bucci
Shannon Burton
Jan and Robert Q. Busch
Dan Chambless
Andrea and Eric Chaniot
Charlotte North Rotary
Beth and Michael Clifton
Jordan and Walker Collier
Hillary and Fairfax Cooper
Brian Crutchfield and Ken Davis
Susan DeVries
Sarah Elizabeth and Nick Dockery
Peggy and Richard Dreher
Element Financial Corporation
Denise and Patrick Folmar
FTI Consulting
Renata Gasparian and Caio Lima
Katie and Rashid Hallaway
Rachel and Justin Hannon
Lucy and Hooper Hardison
Jennifer and John Harmeling
Sharon and Rob Harrington
Elizabeth and Mark Hindal
Wizzie and Dan Irvin
Caci and Max Jaeger
Bruce Johnson
O CLucille F. and Edwin L. Jones Endowment
Amy and Evan Kerr
Athena and William Kortesis
James Lake
Maryann Largen
Davis Ligon
Mary Lovegreen
Nadia and Eric Meredith
COMs. Valerie Mitchener and Mr. Joe Pelligrini
Emily and William Oliver
Estate of Gilbert Pirovano
PNC Charities
Kathleen D. Prokay
Publix Super Markets Charities
Dr. Gwendolyn Reichbach and Mr. Michael Fonzo
Donald Renaldo
Irena and Lee Rimler
Sara Garcés and Daniel Roselli
Rotary Club of Ballantyne
Dr. Mahesh Sardesai and Varsha Mathur
Dr. Stephen P. Schultz and Ms. Donna Dutton
Marsha and John Small
Emily and Zach Smith
Catherine and Jordan Stern
Rev. and Mrs. Sydnor* Thompson, III
Jill and Chris Trainor
Audrey Truman and Rob Boisvert
Catherine Turgeon
Paul Vadnais
Susana Vega
Neely and Mark Verano
Tara Walker
Mindy and George Webster
Allison and Alan Welch
Rad and Odon von Werssowetz
ENCORE! SOCIETY
BENEFACTORS
(Gifts from $1,000)
Brian Adair
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Anonymous
Ana Baide
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Keyla Barresi - In honor of Claudio Ferri
Helen and Lincoln Baxter
Bernstein
Brittany Box
Robin and William Branstrom, III
Michelle Branton
Mary and Frank Brown
Natalie J. and Rudolph Brown
Peggy and Steven C. Burke
Jane Caldwell
Sean Calloway
Jeffery Calo
Suzanne and Thomas Cambern
Jennifer Campbell
Austin and Jamie Carey
Chamber Music for All
Warren Chang
Jie Chen
Laura and Jake Clark
Keri and Nicholas Clavin
Nancy Coblenz
Debbie Cohn
Victoria Custodi and Andrew Tate
Wesley Dangerfield
Cheryl DeMaio
The Dickson Foundation
Pontea and Jonathan Dixon
Marko Djuranovic
DLR Group
Tara Douglass - In honor of Kimberly Mize
Nicole Dumagane
Patricia Earnesty
Jonathan Eaton
Colleen Ellison
Debra Engelhardt-Nash
Anne Everman
Elizabeth and John Fagg
Edith Faial
Deborah Fogleman
Kristin and Joe Foster
Nathan Foster
Amanda and Grady Frank
Elizabeth Gaither
Cecilia Garver
Courtney Gates
Courtney and Richard Goettke
Raluca Gold-Fuchs
Myron Gray
GreerWalker
Tobias Guillemin
Melissa and Trent Gustafson
Cate and Emerich Gutter
Heather and Larry Gwaltney
Murielle and Ziad Hage
Sherry and Andy Harris
Joe Harten
Susan and Dave Hetzler
Wilbur Hetzler
Liz Hilliard and Lee Kennelly
Donors
The Howe Foundation
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Bill Hyder
Valentina and Francesco Incalza
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Daryl and Ivars Jaunakais
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Paige and Erik Johnson
Chuck Keeley
Catherine Ruth and Alex Kelly
Tracy and Todd Kerrins
Carol and John Kissane
- In honor of the marriage of Amy and Frank Boncimino
Mr. and Mrs. Dovy Klarberg
Anna Blair and Jamie Kneisel
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Connie Lacy
Leslie Lamb
Juliette and Collin Lane
Amanda and Brandon Lanier
Paul LeBlanc
Rachel Lee
Rosemary Lee
Stephanie Leon
Allie Lin and Joseph Thomas
Cindy Locala
Charlotte Lucas
Betsy and Jason Mayer
Anna and John McCoy
Lindsay and Stanton McCullough
Rob Roy McGregor
Loy McKeithen
Bethany Miller
Joan Stephanie Morgan
Larry Mosley
Hector Munoz
Meghan and Ben Murphy
Janie and Gavin Myers
Courtney and Frederic E. Nauck
Verna Neal
Karen Nelson
Aubrey and Kyle O’Brien
Scott Olsen
Helen and Dr. Arvind Patil
Drs. Melinda and Andrew Pavelyev
Terrence Pavlin
Charlotte Payne
Patricia and James Petillo
Jerrold Pettus
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney C. Pitts
Prager Metis CPAs
Alan Premel
ProForm Finishing Products, LLC
Lucy A. Quintilliano
Agnes and Thomas Ragsdale
Kathy and Paul A. Reichs
Matthew L. Rollins
Charles Rolph
Elizabeth Rostan
James Ruf
Ruth and Trevor Runberg
Thomas Ryan
Kim and Matt Salsbury
Donald Schmit
John L. Scott
Natalie and John Scott
Bruce Seaton
Sentinel Risk Advisors
Glenn Sherrill and Jennifer Hunter
Blair and Emily Shwedo
Michael Silverman
Melody Smitchko
Dana Smith
Diane Smith
Liz Smith
Sherry Smith
Vicki and Greg Smith
Dominick Soldano
Mary and Bill Staton
Maxine and Robert M. Stein
Elizabeth Sterling
Jennifer and Matt Sullivan
Mark Tofano
Jayme Trainor
Truist
Molly Burton Tull and Chris Tull
Jay Vandura
Skyler Walker and Ben Friedell
Rebecca and James Watson
Lauren and Elliott Weeks
Ava White
Suzanne Wilkerson
Betsy and Jim Williams
Ryan Williams
Carolina and Trey Winslett
Devapriya Mecredy Wong
James Worrell
Gia and Kevin Wright
Maureen and Ron Young
Tommy Zitiello
O CPATRONS
(Gifts from $500)
Bozena and John Adamczuk
Jay Adsit
- In honor of Julie Bernard
Helen Anne Alford
Shannon and Marc Allen
- In honor of Fred Lowrance and Alice MacKay
Wade and Patrice Alley
Catherina and Michael Aswad
Dalton Bancroft
Emerson Bell
Ronald Belter
Sally Beveridge
Melanie Bowen
Alice Brinkley
Nelle and Ken Brown
Joyce Buchanan
Christi and Bob Busch
Kim Casanova
Maria Childers
Everette Clark
Michèle T. Classe
Shirley and Ronald Coffman
Debra Corbett
Ken Davis
Kevin Demeter
Kendra and Al Dodds
Susan and Jeffrey Dudas
Connie Engelbrecht
Robert English, Jr.
LaToya Evans
Keith Fender
Claudio Ferri and Stefano Vignati
Michael Fomil
Amanda and Matt Forbis
Jerry Freeman
Catherine Frenkel
William Garnett
Cynthia R. Greenlee
Lu Griffin
Rachel Hatcherian
Rose Hayden
Nancy Hendry
Kathleen Hill
Maria Hurden
Paulette Isoldi
Jennifer Jackson
Whitney Jackson
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Johnson
Margot Kaiser
Dan Kaspar
Amy Keister
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Keith
Amir Khalid
Kabee and Dennis Kokenes
Dr. and Mrs. Norman J. Kramer
Madalyn Lasine
Links Charlotte Chapter
Laura Little
Meghan and Luis Lluberas
Billie Lyda
Meredith and Joshua Marr
Christy Miller
Kimberly and Geoffrey Mize
Tom Moreno
Karen and Martin O’Gorman
Ynez Olshausen
Paula and Neal Orr
Adelle Ostensen
Sharon K. Owens and Jeff Adamson
Lily and Victor M. Pineiro
Susan Pollan
Jeanie and John Presto
Thi and John Preysner
Nakisha and Andre Procope
Christina Quaine
John Ramallo
Diego Ramon
Ann Reynolds
Karma Rodholm
Matthew L. Rollins
Alice Schulte
Daniel Shanks
Lin She and Maggie Li
Joanne Shea
Dr. Henry L. Smith
Janet Smith
Rosalie S. Spaniel
SPS North America
Brenda Gail Summers
Dr. and Mrs. H. Grant Taylor
William Taylor
Brenda and Rick Wheeler
Leslie Whitman
Kevin Wiley
Nancy Williams and Roger Dahnert
- In memory of Helen and Stewart Blake
Pat and William Williamson
OPERACAROLINA O C
CONNECT
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• 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
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