AVANTI SPRING ISSUE

JUN 2026/ SPRING ISSUE 12 • operacarolina.org

2026 Last Production Special Insert

THE MAGIC FLUTE

A TIMELESS ENCHANTING TALE

CONDUCTED BY STEFANO VIGNATI DIRECTED BY KATHERINE CARTER

ERIN MORLEY & LAWRENCE BROWNLEE BROUGHT THE GOLDEN AGE BACK TO LIFE

BE THE HEART OF OPERA CAROLINA 2026/27 CAMPAIGN

PH ILLI P S P LA CE , C H A R L OT T E

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ST R AT F OR D R OA D , W IN S TON -S A LE M

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W IN D S OR -JE W E LERS. CO M

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s we bring Opera Carolina’s 76th Season to a close with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved masterpiece The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte), I find myself reflecting on a season of transformation, resilience, and renewed artistic energy.

The Magic Flute is a fitting conclusion to this remarkable year.

It is an opera about discovery, courage, wisdom, and hope, values that resonate deeply with where our company stands today. This production, presented in collaboration with the International Lyric Academy, has brought together artists from around the world, seasoned professionals, emerging talent, and members of our community in a celebration of music’s power to unite and inspire.

LOOKING AHEAD AND MOVING FORWARD TO THE 77TH SEASON OF OC As Artistic Director and Deputy General Director, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our artists, staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and audience members. Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and reaffirmed the vital role opera plays in the cultural life of Charlotte.

While the official announcement of Opera Carolina’s 77th Season is just around the corner, I am delighted to share a preview of what lies ahead. To open the new season, Opera Carolina will join forces with the Charlotte Symphony and the Charlotte Master Chorale for a very special commemorative performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Knight Theater. This event will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, honoring the memory of those we lost while celebrating the enduring strength, compassion, and unity that emerged in its aftermath. It promises to be a moving and meaningful evening for our entire community.

Today also marks the official launch of “Be the Heart of Opera Carolina”, the 2026/27 Campaign designed to support the relaunch and long-term growth of our company. More than a fundraising campaign, it is an invitation to everyone who believes in the power of the arts to become an active part of Opera Carolina’s future.

Our vision is simple but ambitious: to broaden participation, welcome new donors, engage new audiences, and deepen our connection with the diverse communities that make Charlotte such a vibrant city. Opera belongs to everyone, and the future of Opera Carolina will be built by all those who choose to share in that vision.

Stay tuned; the best is yet to come!

Claudio Ferri Opera Carolina Artistic Director & Deputy Director

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Join our 2026/27 Campaign

“Be the Heart

of Opera Carolina”

Dear Opera Lover, Welcome. We are truly delighted that you are here with us once again, sharing the powerful emotions that only music, and Opera in particular, can inspire. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

These are challenging times for the Arts. Financial cuts have affected opera companies across the United States and, beginning with institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, have created a ripple effect that is making it increasingly difficult for many organizations to continue their missions.

With this production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Opera Carolina is launching the campaign “Be the Heart of Opera Carolina”, an invitation to engage our audiences, our donors, and new friends and partners who share our passion and who, through their generosity and commitment, can help our company move toward a stronger and brighter future.

Our goal is to increase Opera Carolina’s resources by 20%, and only together, with your support, can we achieve it.

Soon, we will unveil our 2026–27 Season, filled with exciting surprises, extraordinary operas, concerts, educational programs for the next generations, and even a special gift… one that will involve our beloved animal friends and, of course, the people who love them.

Opera is not simply entertainment. Opera is a world that creates jobs, inspires hope, and provides opportunities for thousands of artists, stage professionals, emerging talents, and dedicated staff members. Opera Carolina is a cultural treasure and a source of pride for our city and our community.

For this reason, your support is truly essential.

If you are not already a donor, we invite you to become part of the Opera Carolina family. Join the Verdi Society, the Maestro’s Circle, and participate in the many cultural initiatives that Opera Carolina has proudly offered to the Charlotte community for more than 76 years.

Your contribution today represents our greatest hope for tomorrow.

Thank you once again, and please enjoy the Opera!

Opera Carolina The Elizabeth Roddey Dowd Opera Center 1600 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 gail@operacarolina.org • operacarolina.org

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Become

Opera Carolina SPONSOR

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Stefano

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E M P L OY E E OF THE YEAR

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A special thanks goes to

Gail Garvin for her extraordinary dedication, unwavering commitment, patience, professionalism, and countless hours of hard work on behalf of Opera Carolina.

Her tireless efforts, positive spirit, and willingness to go above and beyond every day have been invaluable to our company, our artists, and our patrons.

In recognition of her exceptional service and contributions, we are proud to present her as as the

Opera Carolina Employee of the Year Thank you, Gail, for everything you do.

Opera Carolina is stronger because of you.

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Magic Flute Opera in two acts on a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder.

First performed in in Vienna on 30 September 1791 at the suburban Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden.

JUNE 26, 17, & 28, 2026 • HALTON THEATER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA CREATIVE TEAM

THE CAST Tamino

Andrew Stenson (26, 27) Xingkai Zhang (28)

Pamina

Katherine Holobinko (26, 27) Yu Wei (28)

Queen of the Night

So-Chung Shinn (26, 27) Lorraine Grunstein (28) Tim Bostwick

Pageno

Fan Yang

Papagena

Christian Simmons

Sarastro

Kerry Jennings

Monostatos 1st Lady

Yaejin Song

Lady

Julia Soliman

3rd Lady

Nan Sun

1st Spirit

Enya Jia

2nd Spirit

Maelle Kuzin

3rd Spirit

Corbin Burton

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nd

Kellen Shrimper

The Speaker Armored Men Chorus

Lamar Davis, Adrian Fullerwinder Alina MacNichol, Allie McNeelly Jarvis Miller, Uram Park Stephanie Patterson, Lauren Russell

Little animals

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Caleb Rivera, Gio Anello

Misha & Kat Kuzin Jayden & Maria Ferri Vignati

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Conductor

Stefano Vignati

Director

Katherine Carter

Collaborative pianist

Sophia Su

Lighting Design

Jeffrey Child

Make up Design

Paul Mitchell The School Charlotte

Costumes manager

Shukura Porter

Costumes Courtesy of Norcostco, Inc. Scenery originally designed for Sarasota Opera Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Meet the Composer

Wolfgang Amadeus

MOZART He completed more than 800 works in his life, including outstanding examples of most of the genres of his time: symphonies, concertos, chamber music, opera, and choral music, and is regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music.

Born in 1756 in Salzburg, Mozart quickly emerged as a child prodigy under the training of his father Leopold, a skilled pedagogue. At the age of five he was already competent on keyboard and violin, had begun to compose, and had performed before European royalty. His father took him on a grand tour of Europe and then three trips to Italy.

At 17 he was a musician at the Salzburg court but grew restless and travelled in search of a better position. A fruitless journey in search of employment (1777–1779) led him to Paris, Mannheim, Munich, and eventually back to Salzburg. During this time he wrote his five violin concertos, the Sinfonia Concertante, various masses, and the opera Idomeneo.

While he was visiting Vienna in 1781, Mozart’s quarrels with his Salzburg employers came to a head and he was dismissed. He chose to remain in Vienna, where he stayed for the rest of his life, achieving fame and some financial success, but no long-term security. During Mozart’s early years in Vienna he produced several notable works, such as the opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail, the Great Mass in C minor, the “Haydn” Quartets and a number of symphonies. Throughout his Vienna years Mozart composed more than a dozen piano concertos, many considered some of his greatest achievements.

In the final years of his life, he wrote many of his best-known works, including his last three symphonies, culminating in the Jupiter, the serenade Eine kleine Nachtmusik, his Clarinet Concerto, the operas Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte and The Magic Flute, the Piano Concerto No. 27 and his Requiem. The Requiem was largely unfinished at the time of his death at the age of 35.

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Opera Synopsis

The Magic Flute ACT 1 A mythical land between the sun and the moon. Prince Tamino flees a terrible serpent before three ladies in the service of the Queen of the Night save him. After they have left, the bird catcher Papageno appears.

He explains that the Queen’s ladies give him food and drink in return for his birds. Then, he claims that it was he who killed the serpent. Hearing Papageno take credit for their work, the ladies return and padlock Papageno’s mouth shut for lying.

Turning to Tamino, they give the prince a portrait of the Queen’s daughter, Pamina, who they say is being held prisoner by the evil Sarastro. Tamino falls in love with Pamina’s portrait at first sight. The Queen appears. She grieves over the loss of her daughter and asks Tamino to rescue Pamina.

The ladies offer Tamino a magic flute to ensure his safety on the journey, and to Papageno, who will accompany him, they give magic silver bells. Finally, the ladies summon three spirits to guide the men on their journey.

In Sarastro’s palace, the slave Monostatos pursues Pamina, but he is frightened away when Papageno arrives.

The bird catcher tells Pamina that Tamino loves her and is on his way to save her.

Led to Sarastro’s temple, Tamino learns from a priest that it is the Queen who is evil, not Sarastro, and that Pamina is safe. He plays on his flute, charming the animals with the music and hoping that it will lead Pamina to him. When he hears the sound of Papageno’s pipes, he rushes off to follow it. Monostatos and his men chase Papageno and Pamina, but the sound of Papageno’s magic bells renders them helpless. Sarastro, entering in ceremony, promises Pamina eventual freedom and punishes Monostatos. Pamina and Tamino are enchanted with each other, but soon the priests separate them to maintain their purity.

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Opera Synopsis

ACT 2 Within the temple’s inner sanctum, Sarastro tells the priests that Tamino will undergo initiation rites.

Papageno and Tamino are sworn to silence. The three ladies appear and have no trouble derailing Papageno from his course of virtue, but Tamino remains firm.

In a garden courtyard, Monostatos tries to kiss the sleeping Pamina but hides when the Queen of the Night arrives. She gives her daughter a dagger and orders her to murder Sarastro. When Monostatos finds Pamina alone in tears, he forces himself upon her. Sarastro intervenes, consoling Pamina and explaining that he does not seek vengeance against her mother.

Inside the temple, Papageno is quick to break a new oath of fasting and jokes with a flirtatious old lady, who vanishes when he asks for her name.

Tamino remains steadfast, even to the point of breaking Pamina’s heart— she cannot understand his silence.

The priests inform Tamino that he has only two more trials to complete his initiation. Papageno, who has broken his oath, is eliminated from the trials. Pleading for a wife, he eventually settles for the old lady. When he promises to be faithful to her, she turns into a young maiden named Papagena but immediately disappears.

In one of the temple’s gardens, Pamina despairs over Tamino’s apparent indifference and contemplates suicide.

Before she can take her life, the three spirits intervene to save her.

As Tamino prepares for the final trials, Pamina runs in. Together, they face the ordeals of fire and water, protected by the magic flute.

On a hillside, Papageno dejectedly resolves to hang himself. The spirits arrive just in time and remind him that if he uses his magic bells, he will find true happiness. When he plays the bells, Papagena appears, and the two are united.

At the entrance to the Temple of the Sun, the Queen of the Night, her three ladies, and Monostatos prepare to attack but are defeated and banished. Sarastro joins Pamina and Tamino as the brotherhood praises the gods and the triumph of courage, virtue, and wisdom.

- The Magic Flute Synopsis, courtesy of MET Opera - Illustrations by Emanuele Luzzati

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Special Events

Erin Morley & Lawrence Brownlee BROUGHT THE GOLDEN AGE BACK TO LIFE

On May 2, Opera Carolina welcomed audiences to the Knight Theater for a truly unforgettable evening, The Golden Age Concert, featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Erin Morley, celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee, and renowned pianist Myra Huang.

The concert showcased some of opera’s most beloved repertoire, highlighting the extraordinary artistry, vocal brilliance, and musical sensitivity of these world-class performers. The audience responded with enthusiasm throughout the evening, rewarding the artists with multiple standing ovations and creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

Following the performance, the evening continued with a special audience meet-and-greet in the theater lobby. A crowd of patrons waited in line for the opportunity to meet the artists, take photographs, receive autographs, and purchase signed CDs. The enthusiastic participation reflected not only the popularity of the performers but also the deep appreciation of Charlotte’s opera community for exceptional artistic experiences.

The Golden Age Concert served as a shining example of Opera Carolina’s commitment to bringing internationally recognized artists to Charlotte while creating meaningful opportunities for audiences to connect directly with the performers.

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

Make a lasting gift.

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

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 Gail Garvin (gail@operacarolina.org)

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The Classical Oasis For Your Mind, Body, and Soul operacarolina.org

Donors Spotlight

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.

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Honoring Our Verdi Society Donors

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE

(Gifts from $25,000 and above) Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale De Martino Ms. Patricia Ellington Mr. Matteo Fregosi

PLATINUM CIRCLE

Mr. Paul E. Kardous

(Gifts from $10,000 to $25,000)

Mrs. So-Chung Shinn

Mr. and Mrs. W. Thad Adams III

Mo Stefano Vignati & Claudio Ferri

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 Dr. Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous Ms. Carol Kendrick and Mr. John De Micco Mr. and Mrs. Stavros Kotronis 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

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Travel with Us

A Culinary Society

by Scott S. Clinton

Who We Are

Hello and welcome to our society, where we travel and experience the world together one plate at a time.

We believe food is a universal language, one that tells stories, bridges cultures, and invites deep connection. Our journeys are intentionally intimate and immersive, curated for those who crave authenticity and indulgence in equal measure. Whether you’re savoring a Michelin-starred tasting menu in Portugal, learning the secret to handmade pasta from a Tuscan nonna, or sipping a divine first growth from Bordeaux, every moment with A Culinary Society is designed to stir your senses and stay Our society is made up of like-minded individuals from around the world, from hospitality professionals looking to share their insider access to those simply searching for a one-of-a-kind experience. While we are not a membership-based group with annual dues, our travelers tend to sign up on our journeys over and over again, essentially curating what it truly means to be a society. With that said, there is one woman who started it all, and it’s pertinent that we introduce her to fellow travelers and foodies like you, dear reader.

Cultural Evolution & Culinary Philosophy

A separate trip to Cuba marked a turning point in Trish’s work, where culture became inseparable from travel. She expanded her professional services and began offering group trips to the public. By collaborating with local chefs and elevating their craft, she introduced guests to meals few expected to experience in the area: dishes that challenged assumptions and honored culinary talent often overlooked.

But food was never the full story. Trish recognized that cuisine is only one expression of a culture. Music, art, and human connection are equally essential. Her journeys broadened to include live music, engagement with artists, and immersive cultural encounters that reveal the soul of a place rather than its surface.

In Cuba, travel evolved into something deeper: a platform for cultural exchange and shared humanity. That philosophy now defines every journey she creates.

“We don ’t collect destinations... We gather stories, friendships, and

Trish E. moments that linger long after the journey ends.”

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Travel with US

Origin Story

In 1990, Trish Ellington was asked by a friend to design an annual retreat for their company’s top management officers.

Rather than planning a conventional corporate trip, she chose to create an experience. She themed the week around a murder mystery in Hilton Head, weaving storytelling, setting, and surprise into every detail.

What followed became a defining moment. Guests expressed deep appreciation not for the destination alone, but for how the experience made them feel—engaged, connected, and part of something memorable.

That response revealed a natural gift: Trish wasn ’t simply organizing travel; she was curating extraordinary adventures. That realization became her guiding principle and enduring motto:creating unique, extraordinary experiences that transform travel into connection.

The Arts, Opera & Europe

Seeking to expand the cultural boundaries of her journeys, Trish turned to what had long inspired her personally. Italy, once a dream destination, became a revelation. It was there that her senses awakened beyond the expected. Her niche trips to Latin America officially moved to Europe and beyond with a passionate following behind her. Opera emerged as a powerful touchstone. Nessun Dorma remains her favorite aria, and discovering that Giacomo Puccini composed Turandot, and that he was born in Lucca, Tuscany, created a profound connection between music, history, and place. Standing in the landscapes that shaped the composer’s life brought European culture into sharp, living focus. That intersection, where music, history, cuisine, and geography converge, cemented opera as an essential element of Trish’s approach to cultural travel. Opera, like travel, is storytelling rooted in heritage, emotion, and place.

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Perspectives

Leadership, Vision & Legacy

With more than three decades in hospitality and experiential travel, Trish has built a career centered on relationships rather than transactions. As Founder and CEO of A Culinary Society, she curates intimate journeys across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond, each designed to foster curiosity and meaningful exchange. Trish’s team is now made up of sommeliers, photographers, cigar specialists, and digital marketers to ensure the overall guest experience is elevated on all levels. Many of those who travel with Trish return again and again, forming a close-knit community shaped by shared tables and enduring friendships. Her work reflects a belief that the most powerful journeys are those that change how we see the world– and each other.

What 2026 Holds

The world is A Culinary Society’s oyster… Starting with their Journey to Tuscany in April, and ending with Christmas markets in Eastern Europe. April’s trip to Tuscany will be a fantastic gastronomic event which will include EXCLUSIVE Puccini experiences.

In July, A Culinary Society guests will explore the Cotswolds of England, with Whisky tastings, wine pairings, and a healthy dose of Shakespeare. The magnificent Oregon coastline and the smooth Pinot Noirs of the Willamette Valley will capture your imaginations in August.

September brings guests back to gastronomic excellence with a trip to Bordeaux. A Culinary Society’s largest undertaking yet is slotted into late October as they travel to South Africa for a healthy dose of flora and fauna, combined with Michelin Star level meals and spectacular local wines. Finish up the year in Eastern Europe with visits to a few of the most spectacular Christmas markets in the world! Trish invites you to join A Culinary Society and come along for the ride.

(Visit: www.aCulinarySociety.com/ Photography by Scott S. Clinton/ ScottClinton.com)

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YOU BELIEVE

Opera is about more than entertainment. It’s about community. About coming together, enriching our lives.

WE AGREE

25 2024

TowneBank.com | Member FDIC

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• Facebook.com/operacarolina • X Twitter.com/operacarolina • Instagram.com/operacarolina • LinkedIn.com/operacarolina • YouTube.com/operacarolina • Email: eclub@operacarolina.org • Website: operacarolina.or • 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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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.

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Enjoy Opera, then relax.