• Executive Summary
• Performance
• Education
• Mentorship
• Employment
• Opportunity
• Workforce Advancement
• Making a difference
• Investing in the Future
• Sponsor Levels & Benefits
• Board and Staff
More than seven decades ago, Charlotte’s leading arts advocates envisioned a professional opera company that would enrich the community and enhance the educational opportunities for young people throughout the region. Today, Opera Carolina carries on their legacy, inspiring the community with an abiding commitment to excellence.
Opera Carolina is more than public performances Classic Operas at the North Carolina Performing Arts Center, for which the company is renowned. Our commitment is equally focused on lifelong learning, mentorship and workforce advancement to enhance Charlotte’s creative community, to play our part in civic engagement and to support our shared goals for Diversity Equity & Inclusion.
Through the company’s acclaimed Education programs, innovative Civic Engagement Through the Arts initiative and the new Artist Advancement Program, Opera Carolina takes a bold leap toward meeting this commitment. These programs are an extension of the Classic Grand Opera productions that include three masterworks: Puccini’s Tosca, the Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and Verdi’s La traviata.
Education and Civic Engagement programs include Opera Xpress in-school and virtual touring company, Student Night at the Opera, Ma Mere et Moi generational development initiative, pARTnership CMS residencies and Voices Engaged dialogues. Community Programs include Art Poetry Music concerts, Family Opera performances, Music Under the Stars and neighborhood PopUp Opera performances.
Three major programs comprise the Artist Advancement Initiative: The Youth Academy that nurtures young singers ages 9 and up, the Resident Company that supports, mentors and advances the careers of Greater Charlotte’s creative opera community, and the International Lyric Academy Charlotte, an innovative collaboration with the 29-year-old International Lyric Academy in Italy.
All Opera Carolina programs and performances leverage the opera art form as a vehicle for engagement to reflect, connect, and give voice to our community.
Your philanthropic support is vital to meeting our hard commitment to this growing and dynamic region. We invite you to review this guide and to become a corporate sponsor or private patron of Opera Carolina, and help us return the many of benefits we have received from this great community for 73 years.
James Meena, Artistic Director
2023/24
Jacques Offenbach
LES TALES D’HOFFMANN
July 5 & 8, 2023 (USA/ Italy)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
LE NOZZE DI FIGARO
July 6 & 7, 2023 (USA/ Italy)
Pietro Mascagni / Ruggiero Leoncavallocavallo CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA ~ PAGLIACCI
October 2023
Giacomo Puccini
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
January 2024
Gilbert & Sullivan’s THE MIKADO
March 2024
Giacomo Puccini TRITTICO
June/July 2024 (USA/ Italy)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart THE MAGIC FLUTE
July 2024 (USA)
Giacomo Puccini
LA BOHEME
July 2024 (Italy)
Resident Company of Artists
Art Poetry Music Concerts • Family Opera • Music Under the Stars • PopUp Opera
Opera Xpress, Civic Engagement Artists & Council of Creatives, International Lyric Academy & Youth Academy, pARTnership CMS • Voices Engaged Dialogues
Plus on the Virtual Opera House
* Season subject to change
• Largest professional Opera companyn the Carolinas. Founded in 1948.
• Average audience of 60,000+ annually plus more than 1.2 million virtual hits each season.
• More than 1.5 million school children reached by Opera Carolina.
• Only Charlotte arts organization featured on National Public Radio.
• International footprint with theaters in Europe, Canada and Asia.
• Investing in new works like the MLK-themed I Dream, the US Veterans piece The Falling and the Rising and the house music opera House of Orpheus.
• 40% of the audience travels from outside of Mecklenburg County.
• 75% of subscribers have an annual household income of $75,000+.
• 50% of the audience has post-graduate degrees
Audience demographics (data from 2019)
• African-American 28%
• Asian-American 3%
• Latin-American 5%
• Caucasian 65%
Opera Carolina’s performances are renowned for their artistic excellence, with more than 25,000 residents from across the region attend performances each year.
From the most popular operas to new works, each season is designed to engage a broad audience, from the most dedicated opera patrons to the newest opera goers.
Sponsors play a leading role in the cultural life of the region by providing vital support for Opera Carolina’s internationally acclaimed Classic Grand Opera productions.
Partnering with Opera Carolina provides distinctive opportunities for client cultivation, executive networking, international recognition and valuable benefits for your clients and employees.
Join the list of sponsors who help us shape a vibrant Greater Charlotte.
Family Opera performances are sponsored by CEENTA.
The Opera’s educational touring company engages students and families with professional performances in schools and communities designed expressly for K-5 students and accompanied by learning guides to extend the experience back into the classroom. Since its inception, Opera Xpress has enhanced learning for more than 1.5 million students and teachers across the Southeast. Opera Xpress’ Family Opera series takes performances into regional communities on weekends for free family performances.
The Howard and Stephanie Bissell Student Night at the Opera Program
Taking place at the final dress rehearsal of each opera production, Student Nights provide access to performances for K-12 students acros the region. Each Student Night features Learning Guides to help students prepare for their Opera Carolina experience and a live Q&A with guest artists during intermission.
The Academy provides one-of-a-kind immersive arts instruction for students (3rd grade to college) through the Academy Chorus’ weekly rehearsals, the two-week Summer Workshop for teens, and classes and performance opportunities throughout the school year. Though artistic growth is a focus, broad access for students and families is a key priority of the Youth Academy.
Opera Carolina’s newest initiative providing teacher professional development and artsactivated classroom learning sessions led by teaching artists. Residencies introduce or reinforce classroom content and skills, custom tailored with teachers to meet each class’s needs and goals.
The Youth Academy provides year-long, age-appropriate professional training in foundational and intermediate singing and music skills for students ages 9 to 18. Academy programming nurtures young musicians with a keen focus on developing well-rounded young minds as key interpersonal and life skills such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking are honed. Among the many benefits provided by the Academy are:
• The Academy Chorus offers weekly rehearsals for 3rd to 7th graders.
• The Summer Workshop provides a 2 week intensive for regional teens.
• Voice lessons with top quality regional instructors.
• Master classes with Opera Carolina principal artists.
• Weekend Workshops for Academy students and community members.
• Tuition scholarships eliminate financial barriers and create equitable access.
• Transportation support to increases access.
Dr. Brian Arreola, UNCC
Ramelle Brooks, USC
Amanda Sesler Davis, Winthrop University
Dr. Sequina DuBose, UNCC
John Kim, Chun University
Dr. Jessie Wright Martin, Wingate University
Christina Pier, UNCC
Melinda Whittington, Metropolitan Opera
Dr. Kristen Wunderlich, Winthrop University
Since its founding 73 years ago, Opera Carolina has supported, mentored and advanced Charlotte’s creative opera community. As Greater Charlotte has grown, it has become a magnet for opera artists moving to our community, as well as developing into a dynamic city where recent college graduates can live, work and hone their skills as professionals.
Young American opera artists are often told they can only build their careers in New York City or the major capitals of Europe. Often, this means artists who are not ready to compete in the demanding world of professional opera would go to New York, only to be disillusioned; lacked the professional foundation needed to be successful. More often than not, they leave the world of the performing arts completely.
Opera Carolina is committed to changing this paradigm in our community by directing the artistic and financial resources of the company to the development of Charlotte’s creative community by investing in our regions opera artists. Our company already celebrates exceptional Greater Charlotte-based artists like Melinda Whittington, Dominique Armstrong, Sequina DuBose, Christina Pier, Jordan Bisch and Audrey Babcock -- all of whom have performed on the world’s leading stages and are part of our performing company.
With your support, through the Resident Company program we will increase our investment in the gifted regional artists on the following page.
The RESIDENT COMPANY Program offers young artists:
• Employment through casting as principal artists, supporting artists in Classic Grand Opera Education Programs, and Community Programs;
• Inclusion in Civic Engagement training and connection with other Greater Charlotte creative artists;
• Masterclasses with principal guest artists and directors each season;
• Monthly music coachings with Opera’s music staff;
• Additional needs-based support for singing lessons with master teachers;
• Scholarship support to participate in the International Lyric Academy.
Sponsor a member of Opera Carolina’s Resident Company at the Diamond Circle Level of the Verdi Society, or support the INTERNATIONAL LYRIC ACADEMY.
The International Lyric Academy (ILA) aligns Opera Carolina’s Resident Company program with a unique training program that draws emerging artists from across the globe to Charlotte. The ILA is a 5-week program (3-weeks in Charlotte and 2-weeks in Vicenza) that provides immersive experiences for emerging artists to learn from Master Teachers, and to be showcased in a fully-staged professional opera production, concerts and recitals for journalists, artist managers and opera casting directors in the US and abroad.
Participants in the ILA are offered:
• Daily music coachings and rehearsals with Academy instructors;
• Master Classes with internationally recognized master teachers
• Casting opportunities in fully-staged and concert operas; with Rehearsals with internationally recognized directors, conductors and pianists.
• Sessions on career development.
Since 1995, the International Lyric Academy in Italy (ILA) has offered young opera singers and musicians from all nations the opportunity to advance their skills under the guidance of the world’s finest performing artists, teachers and mentors. The ILA provides the opportunity for emerging artists to perform in Italy before casting directors, artist managers and the discerning Italian public.
The International Lyric Academy in Vicenza is a unique summer program that provides music coachings, voice lessons, Italian language classes, recitals, rehearsals, and culminates in performances of a fullystaged, professional level Opera production. Participants have the opportunity to perform alongside renowned international opera singers and musicians under the guidance of acclaimed conductors and directors.
Since the debut of Leontine Pryce at the Metropolitan Opera in 1961, opportunities for artists of color have slowly increased in the United States. Today, it is not unusual to hear an Asian tenor portraying the lead tenor opposite an African-American soprano, exemplifying the Universality of great art.
Opera Carolina recognizes, however, that barriers for advancement remain. Through the ARTIST ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM individual donors, foundations and corporations can provide scholarship support for emerging artists attending the ILA and participating in the RESIDENT COMPANY.
Opera Carolina’s scholarship criteria is merit and need based for all emerging artists.
• Connect and expand the Opera’s current Youth Academy with opportunities for advancement and learning throughout the year.
• Create a Resident Company of artists to strengthen the Opera’s capacity to implement the Civic Engagement Through the Arts Initiative . . .
• Thereby Creating Incentives for artists to live and work in Greater Charlotte, and
• Provide employment, mentorship, training and performance opportunities or emerging artists that:
• Enhance Greater Charlotte’s creative community.
• Create a unique mentorship program that draws emerging artists from across the globe to Charlotte; enriching the community and aligning with the mission of Opera Carolina.
• Be an implementation tool for the Board-approved DE&I Policy.
• Elevate and formalize Opera Carolina’s commitment to Regional Artists and life-long learning;
• Contribute to the health and growth of Charlotte’s creative community.
TITLE SPONSOR
Exclusive Naming Rights (3-year commitment)
$500,000
Ex. The Smith Family Foundation Opera Carolina Season
Classic Grand Opera - Education & Civic Engagement - Community Programs
Your message (ex. above) plus
• Top Line Title Sponsor Logo Placement on all collateral
• Opening-night Curtain Speech from the Stage
• AVANTI - Exclusive Full Page Color Ad - Inside Front Cover
• Top Line recognition on operacarolina.org home page
• Top Line Title Sponsor Logo on the Virtual Opera House
• Sponsor signage in lobby
• Recognition on English titles
• Sponsor Tickets and invitations to all events including Table for 10 to Bella Notte
• Host a private Opera Dinner for clients and guests
• Foursome to the Benefit Golf Tournament
PROGRAM SPONSOR
Ex. The Jones Family Artist Advancement Program
Your message (ex. above) plus
• Second line Sponsor Logo Placement on all collateral
• Second Line Sponsor Logo on the Virtual Opera House
• AVANTI - Full Page Color Ad - Back Cover
$250,000
GRAND OPERA PRODUCTION SPONSOR $100,000
Ex. The Gershwins Porgy & Bess presented by your name here
Your message (ex. above) plus
• AVANTI Full Page Color Ad
• Title Page Logo placement
• Recognition on operacarolina.org home page
• Sponsor signage in lobby
• Recognition on English titles
• Sponsor Tickets and invitations to all events including
• Foursome to the Benefit Golf Tournament
PRESENTING SPONSOR $50,000
Ex. Opera Xpress presented by your name here
• AVANTI Full Page Color Ad
• Logo placement on all collateral for the Sponsored Program
• Recognition on operacarolina.org home page
• Sponsor signage in lobby
• Recognition on English titles
• Sponsor Tickets
THE VERDI SOCIETY
Directed giving to support any Opera Carolina program
MAJOR SPONSOR $25,000
Ex. La traviata is made possible with the support of (your name).
• Second Line Recognition on operacarolina.org home page
• Sponsor signage in lobby
• Recognition on English titles
• Sponsor Tickets and invitations to all events including Table for 10 to Bella Notte
• Foursome to the Benefit Golf Tournament
All Sponsors receive invitations to Bella Notte, The Salon, Piccolo Verdi events, Champagne Toasts, Lunch with the Stars and the Spring Season Celebration. AVANTI ad placement is season-long.
Ex. Major sponsor for Bella Notte: Entertainment Sponsor, Decor Sponsor, Wine Sponsor
UNDERWRITER $15,000
Ex. Corporate table for Bella Notte.
Ex. Johnnie Felder’s participation in the ILA is made possible by (your name).
PROGRAM SPONSOR $5,000
Ex. Opera Xpress in (name of school) is made possible by (your name). Pre-Curtain Dinner with the Maestro is sponsored by (your name).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2022/23 SEASON
OFFICERS
JULIE BERNARD Board Chair. Deloitte
CAROL Y. KENDRICK Chair Elect. Brighthouse Financial
CHRISTOPHER T. MARDANY Vice-Chair. Hearst
DARYL HOLLNAGEL Secretary. Shumaker Loop and Kendick
FRANK BONCIMINO Treasurer. Arts Advocate
ARLENE FEREBEE Immediate Past Chair. Novant Health
MEMBERS
ROB BOISVERT I-77 Mobility Partners, LLC
NATALIE BROWN Ally Bank
JENNIFER DAVIS-MARTIN Arts Advocate
MARGARET FARNHAM Perry Poole Architects
MIKE GAITHER American Tire Distributors, retired
JOHN HARMELING Grant Thornton
BARBARA HOLT Arts Advocate
CACI JAEGER Arts Advocate
PAUL KARDOUS Row Architecture
MARCUS MARTIN U.S. Bancorp
CHRISTOPHER MAURER Wells Fargo, retired
MATTHEW MOORE JP Morgan Chase
JIM POWELL Trane Technologies
ANN REED Arts Advocate
JORDAN STERN U.S. Bankcorp
ELIZABETH TRENARY Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein
CURTIS WALLS NASCAR
DR. SHANTÉ WILLIAMS Black Pearl Global Investments
AUNDREA WILSON Arts Advocate
PHYLLIS ZANGHI American Equity Insurance
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
MARY AND ROB ENGEL
JAMES MEENA Artistic Director james@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1072
Development
CLAUDIO FERRI Director of Development claudio@operacarolina.org. 323.594.0890
KIMBERLY MIZE Development Consultant kimberly@operacarolina.org. 573.268.4214
PHIL VOLPONI Corporate Development & Government Affairs phil@operacarolina.org. 704.574.0439
Education & Communityy ASHLEY JOHNSON LAM Director of Education & Community Programs ashley@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1038
TEIL BUCK Education Coordinator teil@operacarolina.org 980.771.1036
Marketing ALINA MACNICHOL Director of Civic Engagement & Customer Service alina@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1024
GAIL GARVIN Customer Service Manager and Civic Engagement Assistant gail@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1042
Production
MICHAEL BAUMGARTEN Director of Production, Resident Lighting & Video Designer michael@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1032
EMILY JARRELL URBANEK Director of Music Preparation emily@operacarolina.org. 704.604.4079
WILBERT FERGUSON Technical Director bigwil40@msn.com
International Lyric Academy STEFANO VIGNATI Artistic Director artisticdirector@internationallyricacademy.com
Finance NANDI CHEATHEM Director of Finance nandi@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1030
TINA KATIS Accounting Manager tina@operacarolina.org. 980.771.1036
Opera Carolina Corporate & Foundation Major Sponsors
Multi-million Dollar Commitment
CITY OF CHARLOTTE
$1.5 million and above
Bank of America
C.D. Spangler Foundation / National Gypsum Company
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Trane Technologies
$600,000 - $1 million
Albemarle Foundation
Atrium Health Barings
Duke Energy
Honeywell
JELD-WEN, Inc.
LendingTree Foundation
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Novant Health
Red Ventures
Truist
$300,000-$600,000
Ally Financial
The Centene Charitable Foundation
Childress Klein Properties
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Deloitte EY
The Gambrell Foundation
Moore & Van Allen
PwC
Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
Rodgers Builders
Wells Fargo
Up to $300,000
Fifth Third Bank
Foundation For The Carolinas
Deidre and Clay Grubb
Leslie and Michael Marsicano
Jane and Hugh McColl
Nucor Corporation
PNC Bank
Premier, Inc.
Jane and Nelson Schwab
The George W. Bauer Family Foundation
The George W. and Ruth R. Baxter Foundation
