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JAN 2026/ WINTER ISSUE 11 • operacarolina.org

2026 OPENING PRODUCTION

SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNI SCHICCHI

A MAGNIFICENT PUCCINI DOUBLE BILL CONDUCTED BY STEFANO VIGNATI

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

A MAGICAL EVENT

BELLA NOTTE 2025

THE OC CARES PROJECT

MASSIMO CAVALLETTI

OPERA CAROLINA DEBUT

DENYCE GRAVES

A STAR, A SINGER, A DIRECTOR.

TRAVEL WITH US

A CULINARY SOCIETY

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Opera Carolina 2026 • 27 Season

K. Puts • M. Campbell

SILENT NIGHT

New co-production with Florida Grand Opera & Atlanta Opera

BELK THEATER January 29 & 30, 2027, at 8:00 PM January 31, 2027, at 2:00 PM

New Season

Grand Opera 2025 • 26

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.

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.

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C O

new year offers a moment to reflect—not only on what lies ahead, but on the values that guide us forward. For Opera Carolina, the New Year ushers us into our Grand Opera Season, a moment of renewal that invites us to step fully into the stories that define us. This is a season devoted to timeless works that illuminate the human condition and create space where music, meaning, and community converge. It is a season that reflects us— honestly and wholly. As 2026 calls us all to evolve, we do the same. We advance our tagline, Opera è Tutti, as both our guiding star and our philosophy. Opera is all. It is not a single experience, a single audience, or a single tradition. It is the totality of human expression: joy and sorrow, comedy and tragedy, spectacle and stillness, voice and silence. Opera è Tutti affirms that opera contains multitudes. It belongs equally to the sacred and the profane, the intimate and the grand, the ancient and the immediate. It is not limited by genre, class, or expectation; it is expansive enough to hold the full breadth of who we are.

A NEW YEAR. ONE TRUTH: OPERA ‘ E TUTTI!

This idea finds powerful expression in our paired presentation of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini. Written within the same creative period, these two works stand in stark contrast, yet together form a complete emotional and artistic spectrum. Suor Angelica is an opera of profound inwardness. Its beauty lies in restraint and contemplation, the quiet devastation of loss and the fragile possibility of redemption. Gianni Schicchi, by contrast, crackles with wit and momentum, its humor driven by brisk pacing, cleverness, and a touch of delicious mischief. It reminds us that opera can be playful, biting, and unapologetically human.Together, these works embody the truth of Opera è Tutti. Life is never just one emotion. We grieve and we laugh, often with little distance between the two. Opera mirrors this reality, holding contradiction and complexity without apology. Opera è Tutti is our affirmation that opera is not narrow, elitist, or singular. It is expansive, inclusive, and alive capable of reflecting the full scope of human experience. May the year ahead bring moments of depth and delight, introspection and celebration. We look forward to sharing them with you on stage and beyond.

THANK YOU TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE HEARST A SPECIAL CORPORATE PARTNER.

Dr. Shanté Williams, General Director

Avantimagazine #11

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025/26 SEASON

OUR TEAM

OFFICERS

CLAUDIO FERRI Artistic Director & Deputy General Director

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

DR. SHANTÉ P. WILLIAMS General Director

C O

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

DAVID DOOLEY ARLENE FEREBEE ROB HARRINGTON JENNIFER MARTIN NEAL ORR ANN REED JORDAN STERN PIERS VARLEY

Community Engagement

TIMOTHY LEÓN Director of Education, Artist in Residence Operations SARAH WATSON Operations & Ticketing Manager

HUNTER WIDENER

ROMAN KUZMICH Website Manager

LIFE MEMBERS

Production

DR. KI-HYUN CHUN ALEXANDRA (LESLIE) PALIYENKO

VALERIE WHEELER Production Stage Manager & Acting Director of Production

CHARLOTTE PAYNE MARGARET (PEG) POVINELLI

WWW.OPERACAROLINA.ORG

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Avantimagazine #8

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C O

AVANTI CONTENTS

TABLE OF

4 28

´ WILLIAMS DR. SHANTE

MASSIMO CAVALLETTI

DENYCE GRAVES

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

OC General Director A New Year: One Truth: Opera è Tutti. Opera Carolina Debut

A Star, a Singer, a Director.

A Magical Event by Claudio Ferri

Avantimagazine #11

A CULINARY SOCIETY

BELLA NOTTE 2025

Travel with Us by Scott S. Clinton

The New Year EVEnt by Alina MacNichol

The Maestro Circle Cast and Production Page Meet the Artists Meet the Composer Opera Synopses Charlotte Arts Calendar A Lasting Legacy OC Youth Academy Join The Verdi Society Connect with Us

5 11 14 16 19 24 30 34 35 36 52

& MORE...

OC Board & Staff

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10 Avantimagazine #11

Become an

Opera Carolina SPONSOR

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Stefano

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AVANTI CREDITS

C O

Publisher OPERA CAROLINA Editor in Chief DR. SHANTÉ P. WILLIAMS Co-Editor CLAUDIO FERRI Art Creator & Designer GIOVANNI T. FESTA Contributors SCOTT S. CLINTON GAIL GARVIN ALINA MACNICHOL SARAH WATSON Pictures courtesy: Stefano Vignati (Cover), Photo by Stefano Pizzetti Dr. Shanté Williams, Photo by Brandon Grate Massimo Cavalleti, Photos by Dario Acosta Denyce Graves, Photo by Devon Cass A Night to Remember & Bella Notte, Photos by Jorge Torres A Culinary Society, Photos by Scott S. Clinton

12 Avantimagazine #11

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C O

Giacomo Puccini

Suor Angelica

Opera in one act from the “Trittico” First performed in NYC, Metropolitan Opera on December 14, 1918.

JANUARY 16, 17, & 18, 2026 • BELK THEATER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA This production is made possible by

CREATIVE TEAM

THE CAST Sister Angelica

Marina Costa-Jackson* (16,18) Marija Jelić (17)

Conductor

The Princess

Nancy Fabiola Herrera* (16,17) Irene Molinari* (18)

Director

Katherine Holobinko*

Sister Genovieffa The Abbess

Martha Anderson*

The Moniter

Arlene Miatto Albelda* Alina MacNichol

Mistress of Novices

Madeline Beitel Olivera^

Nurse Osmina

McKenzie Coleman

Novice

Katherine Kuckelman-Owens

Questuant 1

Jersey Roche

Questuant 2

Lauren Russell

Postulant 1

Fan Yang^

Postulant 2

Kellie Williams

Dolcina

Brittany Currie

Lucilla

Kim Blanchard Misha Kuzin*

Miracle Child

Stefano Vignati Carlo Antonio De Lucia

Assistant Conductor Emily Jarrell Urbanek & Director of Music Preparation Lighting Design Wig and Make up Design Collaborative pianist

Sophia Su

Scenery originally designed by Eric Renschler for Chautauqua Opera Production originally conceived by Jay Lessenger for Chautauqua Opera * Opera Carolina Debut ^ Member of the Resident Company

and The Charlotte Symphony

Avantimagazine #11

Martha Ruskai

Costumes Courtesy of Norcostco, Inc.

Members of the Opera Carolina Chorus, Youth Academy,

Susan Roth-Hayes

C O

Giacomo Puccini

Gianni Schicchi Opera in one act from the “Trittico” First performed in NYC, Metropolitan Opera on December 14, 1918. JANUARY 16, 17, & 18, 2026 • BELK THEATER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA This production is made possible by

CREATIVE TEAM

THE CAST Gianni Schicchi

Massimo Cavalletti* (16,18) Jeffrey Grayson Gates* (17)

Conductor

Lauretta

Eva Dorofeeva (16) Katherine Holobinko* (17,18)

Director

Rinuccio

Eric Ferring* (16) Michael Owens (17,18)

Zita Simone La Ciesca Marco Nella

Nancy Fabiola Herrera* (16,17) Irene Molinari* (18) Dan Boye Arlene Miatto Albeldas* Michael Segura* Katherine Kuckelman-Owens (16,18) Jersey Roche (17)

Gherardo Josh Avant* Gherardino Maelle Kuzin Betto of Signa Brendan Sienko* Master Spinelloccio, Doctor Zachary Hugo Master Amantio, Notary Kellen Schrimper* Pinellino Gustavo Morales Guccio Drizzie Burston* Buoso Donati Samuel Hutagalung

Stefano Vignati Carlo Antonio De Lucia

Assistant Conductor Emily Jarrell Urbanek & Director of Music Preparation Susan Roth-Hayes

Lighting Design Wig and Make up Design Collaborative Pianist

Martha Ruskai Sophia Su

Costumes Courtesy of Norcostco, Inc. Scenery originally designed by Eric Renschler for Chautauqua Opera Production originally conceived by Jay Lessenger for Chautauqua Opera * Opera Carolina Debut ^ Member of the Resident Company

Members of the Opera Carolina Chorus, Youth Academy, and The Charlotte Symphony

operacarolina.org

Meet the Artists

Gianni Schicchi & Suor Angelica THE

CAST

STEFANO VIGNATI, Conductor Stefano Vignati’s career began in 1990. In addition to conducting numerous symphonic concerts in Italy and abroad, he has dedicated himself to opera, with over 60 titles in his repertoire. As the Music Director and Principal Conductor of Opera Carolina, he is the first Italian (naturalized in the US) to hold this prestigious position in the company’s 75-year history.

M° Vignati has conducted prestigious orchestras in the United States, Canada, Italy, China, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovenija, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, Switzerland, and Russia. In 1995, his first Concerto, produced by the Italian RAI Radio-Television for I Concerti di RaiTre, was broadcast. In 2007 and 2008, he conducted two other RAI Television productions: Prima della Prima, of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia, directed by Lina Wertmüller and Alfonso Antoniozzi, respectively. From 2007 to 2017, M° Vignati served as the artistic and music director of the Tuscia Operafestival in Italy. In 2009 he was also appointed Artistic and Music Director of the Italian American Opera Foundation in Los Angeles. In 2010 he was appointed Artistic Director of the Viterbo Baroque Festival (2010-2014) during which, among others, he conducted the Accademia Baroque Orchestra of Santa Cecilia and collaborated with artists and ensembles such as Giovanni Antonini and the Giardino Armonico, Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante, Ramin Barhami, and Enrico Onofri. M° Vignati studied piano and composition under the guidance of T. Procaccini, C. Savelloni, and C. Ricci, and conducting under the guidance of N. Hansalik Samale and Lawrence Golan. He earned his Master’s in Conducting from the University of Denver in Colorado, USA. M° Vignati was also a Professor at Drake University, where he served as Director and Principal Conductor of the Opera Theater. (2015-2022).

He has also appeared as a guest conductor with the UNM Symphony Orchestra in New Mexico in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2007, and 2011; with the Amarillo Symphony in Texas in 2000; with the Tonhalle in Zurich, Switzerland in 2012 and 2013; and with the Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra in China from 2013 to 2017. He is currently Artistic and Music Director of the International Lyric Academy, which will celebrate 32 years of international activity in 2026.

16 Avantimagazine #11

Meet the Artists

CARLO ANTONIO DE LUCIA, Director Carlo Antonio De Lucia began his artistic career at a very young age as a tenor, winning several competitions, including the “Voci Verdiane” in Parma, and developing an intense international career. He performed many leading roles from the operatic repertoire, including Alfredo (La Traviata), Cavaradossi (Tosca), Radamès (Aida), Manrico (Il Trovatore), Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly), Don Alvaro (La Forza del Destino), Rodolfo (La Bohème), Alfred (Die Fledermaus), among others. Since 1998, he has devoted himself to opera production, also obtaining the title of Ministerial Impresario. Alongside production work, he has pursued a university teaching career and his activity as an opera stage director, which has become his primary focus over the past fifteen years. He has directed numerous productions in Italy and abroad at major venues such as the Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, the Tianjin and Harbin Theatres in China, the Osaka Opera Theatre, Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo, TCC Bangkok, Teatro Verdi in Trieste, the Puccini Festival, Teatro Verdi in Pisa, Teatro Vittorio Emanuele in Messina, and Teatro Pérez Galdós in Las Palmas, among others. He directed La Bohème at the Teatro Grande of Pompei, a production broadcast on SKY and RAI 5. He also served as Artistic Director of the Traditional Opera Season in Lecce and has been a professor at the Seoul National University and at the University of Seoul (Seoul Metropolitan University). Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many renowned artists, including Giuseppe Di Stefano, Renato Bruson, Katia Ricciarelli, Piero Cappuccilli, Vittorio Grigolo, Alexander Anissimov, Nicola Martinucci, Dario Volontè, Giovanna Casolla, Katia Pellegrino, Stefano Secco, Marcello Rota, Sergio La Stella, Alberto Veronesi, Fabrizio Zigante, Simone Alaimo, Dimitra Theodossiou, Piero Giuliacci, Paolo Olmi, John Neschling, Daniel Oren, Oleg Caetani, Mario Zeffirelli, Mariella Devia, Nadine Sierra, Ambrogio Maestri, and many others.

operacarolina.org

Gianni Schicchi & Suor Angelica

Meet the Artists

THE

CAST

MASSIMO CAVALLETTI, Gianni Schicchi

Massimo Cavalletti is one of today’s most distinguished Italian baritones, acclaimed internationally for his versatility, musical intelligence, and commanding stage presence. Born in Lucca, he studied singing in Italy before launching a career that quickly led him to the world’s most prestigious opera houses. A regular presence at the Metropolitan Opera, Cavalletti has appeared in leading roles in operas by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, and Donizetti, collaborating with renowned conductors and directors. His career has taken him to La Scala, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Opernhaus Zürich, the Vienna State Opera, and major festivals worldwide. Deeply connected to the Italian operatic tradition, Cavalletti is particularly admired for his interpretations of Puccini and Verdi, combining vocal elegance with dramatic depth. Alongside his international engagements, he remains committed to artistic growth, viewing each role as an opportunity to rediscover the truth and humanity within the music.

MARINA COSTA-JACKSON, Suor Angelica

Marina Costa-Jackson is an internationally acclaimed soprano recognized for her radiant voice, expressive artistry, and compelling stage presence. Born in the United States to Portuguese and Brazilian heritage, she studied at the Manhattan School of Music and the Academy of Vocal Arts, developing a strong foundation in both lyric and dramatic repertoire. She has performed leading roles at major opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Real Madrid, San Francisco Opera, and Houston Grand Opera. Her repertoire spans Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and contemporary works, earning praise for both vocal elegance and emotional depth. Equally at home on the concert stage, Costa-Jackson has appeared with leading orchestras and conductors, bringing clarity, warmth, and intensity to her performances. Passionate about artistic integrity and storytelling, she approaches each role with curiosity and commitment, continually expanding her repertoire. Marina Costa-Jackson is admired not only for her vocal excellence but also for her dedication to collaboration, making her a sought-after artist in opera houses around the world.

NANCY FABIOLA HERRERA, The Princess/ Zita

Nancy Fabiola Herrera is an internationally renowned mezzo-soprano celebrated for her rich timbre, dramatic intensity, and commanding stage presence. Born in Venezuela, she studied at the Juilliard School and quickly established herself as a leading interpreter of both lyric and dramatic repertoire. She has appeared at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Paris Opera, Vienna State Opera, and Teatro Real Madrid. Her repertoire includes major roles by Verdi, Bizet, Rossini, and contemporary composers, earning critical acclaim for her vocal power and emotional depth. Equally distinguished in concert and recital, Herrera has collaborated with renowned conductors and orchestras worldwide. Deeply committed to artistic excellence, she approaches each role with intelligence, passion, and authenticity. Her performances are marked by musical integrity and a profound understanding of character, making her one of today’s most respected mezzo-sopranos.

Avantimagazine #11

Meet the Composer

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.

operacarolina.org

19 17

Gianni Schicchi & Suor Angelica THE

CAST

ERIC FERRING, Rinuccio

Eric Ferring is an American tenor widely respected for his powerful voice, dramatic authority, and versatility across a broad operatic repertoire. He has appeared on many of the world’s leading stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Washington National Opera, and major international houses in Europe and Asia. Renowned for his interpretations of Verdi, Wagner, Mozart, and contemporary works, Ferring is praised for combining vocal solidity with deep psychological insight. His portrayals of complex characters are marked by musical intelligence, expressive clarity, and commanding stage presence. In addition to his operatic career, Ferring is an active concert and recital artist, performing with major orchestras and conductors worldwide. Equally committed to collaboration and storytelling, he approaches each role with rigor and curiosity, bringing authenticity and dramatic truth to every performance. Eric Ferring continues to be a sought-after artist, admired for his artistry, professionalism, and enduring impact on the operatic stage.

MARIJA JELIć, Suor Angelica

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 Gala Concert. 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.

JEFFREY GRAYSON GATES, Gianni Schicchi

Geffrey Grayson Gates is an American barotine recognized for his expressive voice, stylistic versatility, and strong dramatic instincts. He has appeared with opera companies and festivals across the United States, earning praise for performances that combine vocal clarity with emotional immediacy. His repertoire spans works by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti, and contemporary composers, and he is particularly admired for his ability to shape character through musical nuance and textual sensitivity. Gates has collaborated with respected conductors, directors, and orchestras, and is known for his professionalism and collaborative spirit in rehearsal and performance. Equally active in concert and recital, Gates brings the same commitment to storytelling to symphonic and chamber music repertoire. His approach to singing is grounded in musical integrity, curiosity, and a deep respect for the composer’s intent. Jeffrey Grayson Gates continues to build a dynamic and thoughtful career, valued for his artistry, reliability, and dedication to meaningful theatrical expression.

20 Avantimagazine #11

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Gianni Schicchi & Suor Angelica THE

CAST

EVA DOROFEEVA, Lauretta

Eva Dorofeeva is a Ukrainian lyric soprano trained in Chernivtsi, her hometown. She made her operatic debut at a young age at the Kiev Opera House and later joined the permanent company of the Dnipro Opera House, performing leading roles such as Violetta (La Traviata), Musetta (La Bohème), and Gilda (Rigoletto). Her repertoire includes Manon Lescaut, Magda (La Rondine), Mimì and Musetta (La Bohème), Liù (Turandot), Micaëla (Carmen), and Nedda (Pagliacci). She has appeared at major theaters throughout Ukraine and internationally across Europe, Asia, and the United States. A graduate of the Puccini Festival Academy in Torre del Lago, she continues a successful career in Italy and abroad. She is currently performing Liù in China and will sing Nedda in Pagliacci at the Tashkent Opera House in 2026.

KATHERINE HOLOBINKO, Lauretta/ Sister Genovieffa

Katherine Holobinko is an American soprano admired for her warm timbre, musical intelligence, and compelling dramatic presence. She has performed with opera companies and orchestras across the U.S., earning recognition for vocal richness and expressive depth. Her repertoire includes works by Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, and contemporary composers. Noted for nuanced character portrayals, she approaches each role with attention to text, musical line, and emotional truth. Holobinko is praised for her collaborative spirit and strong rehearsal ethic, making her a valued colleague. Active in concert and recital, she performs symphonic, chamber, and sacred repertoire, bringing clarity, warmth, and sincerity. Holobinko continues to build a versatile, thoughtful career distinguished by professionalism, artistic curiosity, and a deep commitment to storytelling through music.

IRENE MOLINARI, The Princess/ Zita

Born in Rome, Irene Molinari graduated with honours from the “Santa Cecilia” Conservatory, also earning a second-level degree. She trained with Daniela Dessì, Simone Alaimo, and Bruna Baglioni. Winner of national and international competitions, she has performed roles including Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Suzuki (Madama Butterfly), Carmen (Carmen), Zita (Gianni Schicchi), and more. Her sacred repertoire includes Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Verdi’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Handel’s Messiah, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. She has appeared at venues such as Arena di Verona, Teatro degli Arcimboldi, Seoul Arts Center, Shanghai Symphony Hall, and Macau International Music Festival. She has collaborated with conductors including Gianluigi Gelmetti and Lu Jia, and directors such as Andrea De Rosa and Chas Rader-Schieber. Recordings include Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle (Naxos) and Paisiello’s La Semiramide in Villa (Bongiovanni).

MICHAEL OWENS, Rinuccio

Michael Owen is an American tenor celebrated for his luminous tone, agility, and expressive musicality. He has performed with leading opera companies and orchestras across the United States and internationally, earning acclaim for roles that blend vocal brilliance with compelling dramatic interpretation. He made his Italian debut as Tamino at the International Lyric Academy, a performance that highlighted his lyricism and dramatic sensitivity on the European stage. Owen’s repertoire spans opera and concert works, including Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, and contemporary compositions. Renowned for his attention to text and phrasing, he brings clarity, emotional truth, and nuance to every performance. A dedicated collaborator, Owen is equally admired for his rehearsal discipline and ensemble spirit. Beyond the opera stage, he performs in concert, recital, and sacred music, engaging audiences with a warm, refined, and dynamic presence.

22 Avantimagazine #11

operacarolina.org

Opera Synopsis

Suor Angelica Seven years ago, Angelica brought disgrace and shame on her wealthy family by having a baby despite being unmarried. The baby boy was taken from her and she has never seen or heard of him since. As atonement for her “sin”, she has been forced to become a nun by her family, cut off from society in a closed convent; however, she cannot forget her son.

SINGLE ACT

Inside the convent, the Ave Maria can be heard sung by the nuns in the chapel. The Monitress assigns punishments for misdemeanours. Genovieffa is excited that the convent will be coloured gold by the rays of the setting sun, as it does on three evenings every May. This is interpreted as a sign of special favour from the Virgin Mary. There is a moment of sadness as they recall a friend who died a year ago. Genevieve suggests the dead woman would like them to remember her by visiting her tomb, but Sister Angelica declares that only the living have desires. The Monitress reminds them that all desires are forbidden to nuns, but Genevieve and Dolcina reveal theirs: to hold a lamb once again, and for something delicious to eat. Sister Angelica denies wishing for anything, but the other nuns know this is not true: she longs for news of her family, whom she never talks about. They gossip about her rumoured high-class status. The Nursing Sister rushes in: one of the nuns has been stung by wasps and is in great pain. Sister Angelica expertly prepares a herbal remedy. Provisions arrive and are examined, as news spreads that a distinguished and wealthy visitor has arrived at the convent. The Abbess summons Sister Angelica to meet the stranger privately. The visitor is Sister Angelica’s formidable aunt, the Baroness. She has come to demand that Angelica signs a legal document that formally relinquishes her share of her inheritance in favour of her younger sister, who is about to be married. During their encounter, the Baroness informs Angelica that her son died two years ago, when he was five. She collapses with grief, signs the document and her aunt departs. Sister Angelica calmly mixes and swallows a lethal draught of poison. Immediately she realises that according to her Catholic faith, by taking her own life she is eternally damned. She despairs as she fears she has no hope of being reunited with her son in heaven. She prays fervently to the Virgin Mary to save her and sees a final vision before death.

24 Avantimagazine #11

Opera Synopsis

Gianni Schicchi In Florence in 1299, wealthy Buoso Donati has just died, leaving his assets to the monks. His outraged heirs accept the services of Gianni Schicchi, who proposes a ruse for replacing the will disinheriting them with another one. Prepared to do anything in order to become rich, the gullible heirs will ultimately be duped by the wily Schicchi, who will abscond with the bulk of their inheritance.

SINGLE ACT

Buoso Donati has just died, surrounded by his relatives, who have heard that he has left all his money to the monks. They search for the will and Rinuccio, who finds it, refuses to hand it over until his Aunt Zita promises to let him marry Lauretta, Gianni Schicchi’s daughter, whom his parents despise because of her peasant origins. He sends for Schicchi and when they have read the will and found their fears to be true, tells them that only Schicchi has the ingenuity to save them. Although they resent Schicchi as the upstart, when he arrives with Lauretta, they beg him to help them. Resenting their attitude, he only agrees when Lauretta appeals to him, since her happiness depends on it. Since no one outside the family knows that Buoso is dead, Schicchi disguises himself as Buoso, summons a lawyer and dictates a will. The relatives all have particular properties in mind and he leaves each one as requested, but reserves for himself the prize items of the house, a mule and the mill at Signa. The furious relatives are powerless to stop him, as he reminds them that the penalty for falsifying a will is having the right hand chopped off and banishment from Florence. He chases them away, except for Rinuccio, who remains with Lauretta. Schicchi addresses the audience, begging its indulgence for his sins since it has produced such a happy result.

Suor Angelica’s Synopsis, courtesy of English National Opera Gianni Schicchi’s Synopsis, courtesy of OperaOnline.

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ITALY

Michael Owens, ILA 2024

INTERNATIONAL LYRIC ACADEMY 2026

To support a Young Artist’s Career OC Resident Company Artists & ILA 2026

ake 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

Spotlights on

Opera Carolina Debut

MASSIMO

CAVALLETTI

aking his Opera Carolina debut, Massimo Cavalletti brings with him the experience of one of today’s most distinguished Italian baritones. Known internationally for his work at the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Opernhaus Zürich, and major opera houses around the world, Cavalletti approaches this new collaboration with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a deep respect and love with Puccini’s work. Having sung on the world’s most prestigious stages for many years, Cavalletti describes Opera Carolina as a place where artistic focus and human connection meet. “What excites me,” he says, “is the sense of shared purpose. From the very first rehearsal, I felt a strong commitment to storytelling, attention to detail, and true ensemble work.” His relationship with Puccini’s repertoire has evolved throughout his career, and he views each new production as an opportunity to rediscover familiar characters. “Puccini never repeats himself,” Cavalletti explains. “Every role demands honesty, timing, and a deep understanding of human nature. That is what keeps this music alive.”

For Cavalletti, debuting at Opera Carolina is not simply another engagement, but the beginning of a meaningful artistic dialogue. “It is a joy to collaborate within the new artistic vision shaped by Claudio Ferri, and under the baton of Maestro Stefano Vignati,” he notes. “I worked with Stefano in Italy last September at the Mascagni Festival in L’Amico Fritz, and I deeply admire his musical clarity and theatrical sensitivity. Their shared vision is clear, musical, and profoundly theatrical, and that inspires great trust on the stage.” As a singer who has performed for many seasons at the Metropolitan Opera, Cavalletti values environments that encourage exploration and precision. “When a company creates space for true collaboration,” he says, “the performance gains truth, energy, and immediacy.” Rooted deeply in his cultural heritage, Cavalletti adds: “I love to carry with me the Italian spirit and a profound respect for true Italian musical tradition—something that today belongs not only to Italy, but to the shared heritage of humanity.” This debut marks an important moment for both the artist and the company—an encounter between international experience and a vibrant, forward-looking operatic community.

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“

What excites me is the sense of shared purpose. From the very first rehearsal, I felt a strong commitment to storytelling, attention to detail, and true ensemble work.

“

The energy and enthusiasm of this group allow us to experiment freely, explore the characters, and build a narrative that is both authentic and intense.

enyce Graves, acclaimed international artist, returns to Opera Carolina not only as the performer of the role of Madame Flora in Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium, but also as director of this unique production. Her presence brings a wealth of experience and a profound vision of musical theatre, capable of highlighting every scenic and musical detail. The singer emphasizes the importance of combining emotional intensity with technical precision to create an engaging experience for the audience.

Her collaboration with the company reflects a strong commitment to the new artistic vision of Opera Carolina, led by Artistic Director Claudio Ferri. Graves states, “The energy and enthusiasm of this group allow us to experiment freely, explore the characters, and build a narrative that is both authentic and intense.” Her direction focuses on cohesion between orchestra, cast, and staging, ensuring that the music always serves the drama and emotional depth of the opera. The role of Madame Flora, complex and full of psychological nuance, finds in Graves’ voice and stage presence a protagonist who conveys fear, mystery, and humanity, capturing every detail of Menotti’s score. Her interpretation exemplifies Italy,creating Teatro Comunale, Beethoven’s IX Symphony how international experience can engage with a young and ambitiousVicenza, company, a bridge2025 between tradition and artistic innovation.

A Star, a Singer, a Director.

DENYCE

GRAVES

Through her dedication, Denyce Graves not only illuminates the stage but also becomes a point of reference and a source of inspiration for Opera Carolina’s creative and musical team, consolidating the company’s path toward ever more bold and refined productions. Her collaboration represents a significant moment, both for the artist and the audience, demonstrating how talent and leadership can harmoniously coexist on stage. Denyce Graves has a foundation bearing her name. Through this foundation, she extends her artistry beyond the stage, supporting education, mentorship, and access to the arts while inspiring new generations of performers. The foundation’s work reflects her belief that music can empower communities, nurture talent, and create lasting cultural impact through generosity, leadership, and shared artistic responsibility. It stands as a legacy of service, vision, and hope.

Opera Carolina Opera Carolina 2025 • 26 Season

Concert Series

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING CONCERT Black History Month

CAROLINA THEATER February 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM

operacarolina.org

LIFT EVERY VOICE Saturday, February 28, 2026 8:00 p.m. Carolina Theater

Opera Carolina 2025 • 26 Season

G. C. Menotti

THE MEDIUM BELK THEATER April 17 and 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM April 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM

MENOTTI’S operacarolina.org THE MEDIUM Friday, April 17, & Saturday April 18, 2026, 8:00 p.m. Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00 p.m. Belk Theater

operacarolina.org

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. PROKOFIEV & SCHUMANN Friday, January 30 & Saturday, January 31, 2026 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 2026 3:00 p.m. Knight Theater TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 5 Friday, February 13 & Saturday, February 14, 2026 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater RAVEL’S BOLÉRO Friday, March 6 & Saturday, March 7, 2026 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY Friday, March 27 & Saturday, March 28, 2026 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026 3:00 p.m. Knight Theater charlottesymphony.org

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Charlotte Ballet

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. Its collection, drawn from the Zürich-based Bechtler family, includes works by iconic modernists like Calder, Picasso, Warhol, and Miró.

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.

Jazz at the Bechtler JAZZ FOR LOVERS Friday, February 6, 2026 6:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. Music and Museum TRIBUTE TO BESSIE & HANS BECHTLER Sunday,February 22, 2026 5:00 p.m.

BOUNDLESS February 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28, 2026, 7:30 p.m. February 28, 2026, 2:00 p.m. March 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m. Center for Dance

Jazz at the Bechtler JOE GRANSDEN: A TRIBUTE TO CHET BAKER Friday, March 6, 2026 6:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.

charlotteballet.org

bechtler.org

Music and Museum AFRICAN VOICES Sunday, March 22, 2026 5:00 p.m.

CALENDAR

Charlotte Master Chorale

Mint Museum

Established in 1936, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design.

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. RACHMANINOFF VESPERS Friday, February 6, 2026 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church Saturday, February 7, 2026 7:30 p.m. Davidson College Presbyterian Church

RENAISSANCE, ROMANTICISM, AND REBELLION: EUROPEAN ART FROM THE SMITH-NAIFEH COLLECTION On view through February 22, 2026 Mint Museum Uptown MAJA GODLEWSKA: THE FLUID LANDSCAPES On view through March 1, 2026 Mint Museum Uptown KENNY NGUYEN: ADAPTATIONS On view through March 2, 2026 Mint Museum Uptown

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT Saturday, March 14, 2026 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church charlottemaster chorale.org

mintmuseum.org

Charlotte Museum of History

WDAV Classical Public Radio

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. BIRDWATCHING ON THE HOMESITE Saturday, January 24, 2026 9:00 a.m. BOOK TALK WITH AUTHOR CALVIN STOVALL Tuesday, February 10, 2026 6:00 p.m.

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. COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH WDAV Wednesday, February 4, 2026 10:00 a.m. Park Pointe Village

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2026 Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00 a.m.

WDAV’S REEL MUSIC FILM SERIES Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:00 p.m. Independent Picture House

charlottemuseum.org

wdav.org

operacarolina.org

Special Events

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

A MAGICAL EVENT by Claudio Ferri

Opera Carolina kicked off the season with a celebration dedicated to all of Puccini’s women, honoring the strength, complexity, and beauty of his female characters. The performances were met with great success, thanks in large part to the support of our generous patron, Dr. Matteo Fregosi, whose dedication to the arts continues to inspire and sustain our work. Audiences were captivated by the music, storytelling, and artistry, marking an unforgettable start to the year. Looking ahead to 2026, we are thrilled to announce a special program featuring Tenors from around the world, promising a season of exceptional vocal brilliance and international collaboration. 1. Nicolò Sbuelz, Haniyng Tso 2. Kendrick Williams, Claudio Ferri, Madeline Beitel, Fan Yang, Johnnie Felder 3. All Artists’ final bow 4. Eva Dorofeeva 5. Claudio Ferri, Shanté Williams, Matteo Fregosi, Alina MacNichol 6. Denyce Graves with the OC Resident Company 7. Marsha Thompson

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operacarolina.org

C O

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 Alina MacNichol (alina@operacarolina.org) or Phil Volponi (phil@operacarolina.org)

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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/

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 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 September 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE

C O

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

PLATINUM CIRCLE

Mrs. So-Chung Shinn

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

Maestro Stefano Vignati & Claudio Ferri

Mr. and Mrs. W. Thad Adams III

Dr. Shanté P. Williams

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 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 operacarolina.org

You are cordially invited to attend this free of charge prestigious vocal competition JANUARY 10, 2026, TATE HALL of CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE 25 talented singers from around the country compete in Charlotte to further their promising Operatic careers.

metcompetitionnc.org

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operacarolina.org

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 with you. 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 moments that linger long after the journey ends.”

Avantimagazine #11

Trish E.

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.

operacarolina.org

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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operacarolina.org

C O

SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNI SCHICCHI

Opera Carolina Chorus Emily Jarrell Urbanek, Chorus Master Sopranos

Tenors

Lindsey Brakhage

Lamar Davis

Peg Broughton

Noah Rice

Jennifer Bumgardner

Jack Richardson

Kelly Hutchinson

Nickolus Stewart

Julia Soliman

David Young

Mezzo Sopranos

Baritones/ Basses

Kristi Cutler

Drizzie Burston

Jennifer Fillare

Bradford Holshouser

Laurel Jameson

Charles Lang

Taylor McNamara

Jarvis Miller

Rachel Turner

Cameron Monroe

Kellie Williams

Gustavo Morales

Regan Bisch

Kim Blanchard

Nicholas Andruzzi

Sean Buggs

Justin Traxler

Opera Carolina • Production Staff Susan Roth-Hayes, 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 Beth Killion & Chloe Morgan, Costume Assistants Martha Ruskai, Wig & Make Up Designer Mark Boley, Wig & Make Up Assistant Emily Jarrell Urbanek, Director of Music Preparation and Coach Sophia Su, Repetiteur John P. Woodey, Chautauqua Opera Thechnical Director

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Kwamé Ryan · Music Director Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor

Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate

MUSICIAN ROSTER FIRST VIOLINS

Calin Ovidiu Lupanu

Concertmaster The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair

Joseph Meyer*

Associate Concertmaster

Kari Giles

Acting Associate Concertmaster

Hannah Zhdan

Acting Assistant Concertmaster

DOUBLE BASSES

Jason McNeel, Acting Principal Judson Baines, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Ferdon Eric Thompson†

HARP

Andrea Mumm Trammell Principal The Dr. Billy Graham Chair

Susan Blumberg°° Jane Hart Brendle Cynthia Burton Fengwan Chen† Ayako Gamo David Horak† Oliver Kot°° Lenora Leggatt Jenny Topilow Dustin Wilkes-Kim*

Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette

SECOND VIOLINS

Timothy Swanson, Principal

Kathleen Jarrell, Acting Principal The Wolfgang Roth Chair

Carlos Tarazona°

Acting Assistant Principal The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair

Monica Boboc Martha Geissler Sakira Harley Tatiana Karpova Ellyn Stuart

FLUTES

Victor Wang, Principal

The Blumenthal Foundation Chair

PICCOLO

Erinn Frechette

OBOES

The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡

CELLOS

The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair

Allison Drenkow

Erica Cice

CLARINETS

Taylor Marino, Principal The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair

TRUMPETS

Alex Wilborn, Principal The Betty J. Livingstone Chair Jesdelson Vasquez† Gianluca Farina† Acting Associate Principal The Marcus T. Hickman Chair

Gabriel Slesinger*

TROMBONES

John Bartlett, Principal Thomas Burge

BASS TROMBONE TUBA

The Governor James G. Martin Chair

TIMPANI

Denis Petrunin, Acting Principal The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair

PERCUSSION

Brice Burton, Principal

BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld

BASSOONS

AJ Neubert, Principal Joshua Hood Nicholas Ritter

CONTRABASSOON Nicholas Ritter

Assistant Principal

Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Sarah Markle Nicco Mazziotto David Olson

Richard Goldfaden Paige Quillen

Colin Benton, Principal

Pin-Hao Liao

Jon Lewis, Principal

The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair

ENGLISH HORN

E ♭ CLARINET Samuel Sparrow

Ellen Ferdon Wenlong Huang Pedro Mendez Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao

Andrew Fierova Christopher Caudill†

Scott Hartman, Principal

VIOLAS

Assistant Principal

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

Erica Cice Jamison Hillian†

Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld

Benjamin Geller, Principal The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair

HORNS

Byron Johns, Principal

The CSO is a proud member of the

° Non-revolving position °° Alternates between first and second violins † Acting member of the CSO ‡ 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.

operacarolina.org

proud AI sponsor of Opera Carolina

good data per tutti, AI per tutti

YO U B E L I E V E Opera is about more than entertainment. It’s about community. About coming together, enriching our lives.

WE AGREE

2024

TowneBank.com | Member FDIC 25th_Arts_Opera_Carolina_Avanti_Magazine_7.85x5.1_4c_Ad.indd 2

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9/12/24 2:07 PM

.calm

89.9 FM / WDAV.ORG / MOBILE APP / SMART SPEAKER

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

THANK YOU

Opera Carolina Corporate & Foundation Major Sponsors

The George W. Bauer Family Foundation The George W. and Ruth R. Baxter Foundation

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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 operacarolina.org

Bella Notte 2025 Special Events

THE NEW YEAR EVE NT by Alina MacNichol

We celebrated the New Year with a joyous event at The Ballantyne Hotel, bringing together friends, patrons, and supporters for an evening of music, elegance, and community. The celebration was a great success, reflecting the vibrancy and passion of Opera Carolina’s mission. Guests enjoyed performances that highlighted our dedication to artistic excellence while connecting with our audience in meaningful ways. During the evening, we were proud to announce OC Cares, our ongoing initiative to support the arts, expand educational opportunities, and foster creativity, ensuring that the transformative power of music reaches communities everywhere.

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1. The Infinite Soul Band 2. Dr. Shanté Williams, Claudio Ferri 3. David Fisk, Barbara Holt, Ae Soo Lerche 4. Kelly Curtin (The Queen of the Night) 5. Tamesha Fraizer, Lisa Lust

4 operacarolina.org

CONNECT WITH US

OPERACAROLINA

C O

• 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/

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Enjoy Opera, then relax.