2019-20 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

03 Message from the

General & Artistic Director

04

A Year in Review

14

Impact Map

15 Attendance 16

Financial Statements

18

Supporters & Donors

21

Board of Directors

23

Leadership & Staff

The Barber of Seville Cast.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

COVER Tenor Jonathan Johnson (Beppe/Arlecchino)

and the Opera Colorado Chorus in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

f I were to place a title on fiscal year 2020, I might

Over the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, our talented

call it Challenges to our Success. We began the

staff worked side-by-side with the Board of Directors to

year building upon the tremendous momentum

minimize the negative financial impact of the pandemic.

generated during our 2018-19 Season, where we experienced

We are incredibly thankful for our generous Tosca ticket

unprecedented increases in ticket sales and fundraising,

buyers, 46% of whom donated the value of their tickets back

continued our work with the Arts Innovation in Management

to Opera Colorado. We are grateful for the tireless work of

program sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and

our elected officials who supported the CARES Act, which

advanced our work in building capacity through board

provided us with a $250,000 Paycheck Protection Program

development, strategic planning, institutional marketing, and

loan through the Small Business Administration. And, we are

community engagement activities.

equally thankful for the special support of the Bonfils-Stanton

The 2019-20 Season marked the expansion of our productions

Foundation and the City of Englewood for providing additional

at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, adding a third, fully-staged

financial relief. This tremendous outpouring of support

opera to our calendar. We welcomed back many long-time

allowed us to end this unexpectedly challenging fiscal year

favorite artists and directors, and introduced several who were

with a balanced budget.

new to us for The Barber of Seville, Pagliacci, and Tosca. Our

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our

institutional marketing efforts took a significant step forward, 2020 performance for the Colorado State Legislature at the

large, our resilience, creativity, and sustainability will be

State Capital and hosting the State Arts Caucus and Metro

challenged to the fullest. With resolute confidence our strong,

Mayors Caucus. We also expanded our community outreach in

enthusiastic Board of Directors, generous and passionate

several ways, but the most impactful was our presentation of

patrons, and talented, committed staff, ensure we are well

Hansel and Gretel at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where the

equipped to conquer the challenges ahead.

performance by our Artists in Residence was live streamed to

We look forward to the time when we will celebrate the beauty

every room.

of opera, presented at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, with

On March 13, 2020, our positive momentum was interrupted

our patrons. I thank everyone who participated in our 2019-20

as news of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic forced the

Season.

cancellation of our annual gala, Fascinating Rhythm, which was set to exceed the previous year’s financial expectations.

State and local government orders quickly closed down the

Sincerely,

Denver Performing Arts Complex and other venues throughout the city, which necessitated the cancellation of our production Residence concerts. Our staff adeptly closed the Opera Colorado Opera Center and began working remotely, maintaining our full administrative operations without interruption.

MATTHEW STAVER

of Tosca, our Spring Tea fundraising event, and other Artist in

Gregory Carpenter General & Artistic Director

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

community and the uncertainty of the 2020-21 Season looms

elevating our standing in the community, through our January

OPERA COLORADO

I

03

A YEAR IN REVIEW

BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES’ AIM PROGRAM forced the cancellation of Tosca and put a

Management (AIM) Program. This invitation-only program provided general

hold on the mainstage expansion, we continue

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

Caulkins Opera House. Although COVID-19

two-year engagement with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Innovation and

of Directors increased by 20%. Through the support of the AIM Program, a

goal at the end of the first year.

new five-year strategic plan and artistic vision has been formulated, with final

Based on such strong results, Bloomberg Philanthropies granted Opera

approval scheduled for the fall of 2020. Additionally, Opera Colorado quietly

Colorado an opportunity to extend our engagement, with a focus on advanced

OPERA COLORADO

The end of Opera Colorado’s 2019-20 Season marked the completion of a

launched the $4 million Bold Vision | Bright Future Campaign in January

social media strategy and tactical support alongside VaynerMedia during the

2020 to support the expansion to three fully-staged productions at the Ellie

2020-21 Season.

operating support and management training through the DeVos Institute of

our plans to present a three-production season as we are able. In addition to

Arts Management. As a direct result of the program, Opera Colorado added a

the Campaign’s first million-dollar gift, we have received pledges totaling an

total of 14 new, voting Board Members and contributed income from the Board

additional $1,250,000, putting us more than 50% of the way to our campaign

A masterclass at the Studio Loft with renowned soprano Renée Fleming and 2019-20 Opera Colorado Artists in Residence Laura Soto-Bayomi (soprano), Tyler Tucker (coach accompanist), Kira Dills-DeSurra (mezzo-soprano), and Eric McConnell (bass-baritone).

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/KELLY MAXWELL

04

ADVOCACY WORK On September 24, 2019, the Artists in Residence performed for the Colorado Arts Caucus. The happy hour event was hosted by Dr. Jay Seller and Arts for Colorado and took place at Dentons in downtown Denver. Before representatives Shannon Bird (CD 35) and Mark Baisley (CD 39) made their remarks on the Dentons rooftop, Arts Caucus Chair Leslie Herod (CD 8) spoke to the legislators, activists, and opera-enthusiasts about the importance of the arts in Colorado.

Opera Colorado welcomed the Denver Metro Mayors Caucus to our rehearsal hall on January 11, 2020, for their annual retreat. Colorado Governor Jared Polis kicked off the festivities, addressing the dozens of mayors in attendance.

On January 28, 2020, the Artists in Residence were honored to sing the National Anthem

Chamber before the lawmakers recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Colorado Governor Jared Polis speaking at the Denver Metro Mayors Caucus, hosted at the Opera Colorado Opera Center.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock speaking at the Denver Metro Mayors Caucus.

Representative Leslie Herod (CD 8) speaking at the Arts Caucus Happy Hour.

OPERA COLORADO

the legislators from the gallery in the House

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

at the Colorado State Capitol, serenading

PHOTOS OPERA COLORADO/KELLY MAXWELL

05

INSIDE OC SEASON KICK-OFF For the second year, Opera Colorado’s young professionals kicked off the season with craft cocktails, tasty food-truck tidbits, and live performances by the

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

2019-20 Artists in Residence at The Block Distilling Co.

06

in Denver. Inside OC subscribers and friends mingled and shared in the excitement of the upcoming season.

The music of our live performances flowed out the open doors and windows of The Block Distilling Co., filling the streets of Denver’s RiNo Arts District with opera.

This event built camaraderie and connections among our young professionals and shared the beauty and power of opera with our greater Denver community.

Artists and subscribers mixed and mingled at The Block Distilling Co. in Denver.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/JAMIE KRAUS

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Opera Colorado opened the 2019-20 Season with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on November 2, 5, 8, and 10, 2019. This bel canto favorite is a laugh-

barber himself, FI-GA-RO (played by baritone Bruno Taddia).

Audiences left humming some of the most memorable tunes in all of opera—including Figaro’s famous “Largo al factotum,” Rosina’s “Una voce poco fa,” and more. The whimsical Art Deco production was brought to life by director Omer Ben Seadia and the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus were conducted by Opera Colorado Music Director Ari Pelto.

Bass Harold Wilson (Don Basilio) and the Opera Colorado Chorus in Rossini’s Barber of Seville.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

OPERA COLORADO

(played by mezzo-soprano Megan Marino), and the mischievous

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

out-loud comedy featuring lovers in disguise, a feisty heroine

07

SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT In January 2020, Opera Colorado welcomed 200 subscribers, donors, and board members onto the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for a preview performance of the 2020-21 Season. The Opera Colorado Artists in Residence introduced the music of

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

the upcoming season through excerpts from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, Bizet’s Carmen, and Moravec and Campbell’s The Shining. This intimate gathering provided an opportunity to share an exclusive backstage experience and exciting casting details for next season with our closest Opera Colorado family members.

Opera Colorado Board Chair Kevin O’Connor at the 2020-21 Season Announcement event on the stage of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/KELLY MAXWELL

08

FAMILY DAY Family Day is a perennial favorite among Opera Colorado patrons, artists, and staff. This year we welcomed more than 500 community members and families onto the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for free performances and activities, introducing the next generation to the wonder of opera. On January 18, 2020, we presented two performances of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, each character portrayed by one of the Artists in Residence.

The production, directed

by Cherity Koepke, Opera

Director of Opera Colorado’s Artists in Residence Program, is a fantastical tale of childhood folly and ingenuity, complete with a gingerbread house and a happy ending for everyone… well, everyone except the witch!

Tenor Tom Cilluffo (Witch) at Family Day at the Opera, performing Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/JAIME KRAUS

OPERA COLORADO

& Community Engagement and

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

Colorado’s Director of Education

09

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO On January 15, 2020, the Artists in Residence took their touring production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora. Their performance in the hospital atrium was broadcast into every hospital room, ensuring every patient at the hospital was able to

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

experience the performance. The cast, along with Cherity Koepke, Director of Education & Community Engagement and Director of the Artist in Residence Program, and Jared Guest, Manager of Education & Community Engagement and Manager of the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program, took questions from the crowd after the performance.

The 2019-20 Artists in Residence performing Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/KELLY MAXWELL

10

PAGLIACCI On February 27, 29, and March 1, 2020, Opera Colorado produced Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Pagliacci is Opera Colorado’s first winter production at the Ellie since 2014. Art imitates life (and vice versa) in this opera about the turbulent relationships within a traveling

Pelto worked with an all-star cast, including returning favorites Cecilia Violetta López and Levi Hernandez, as well as Opera Colorado newcomers John Pickle, Will Liverman, and Jonathan Johnson, to create a breathless drama fueled by the soaring lines of verismo opera. This production was generously sponsored by Richard King Brown, PhD. Tenor John Pickle (Canio/Pagliaccio) in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

OPERA COLORADO

and Opera Colorado Music Director Ari

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

theater troupe. Director David Lefkowich

11

TOSCA Puccini’s thrilling blockbuster Tosca, scheduled for May 2, 5, 8, and 10, 2020, should have been the grand finale to Opera Colorado’s 37th Season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

production was cancelled in March. Our audiences showed us overwhelming support during this difficult time. 1,254 patrons generously donated the value of their tickets, amounting to $234,002.

We are thrilled to welcome Tosca back in fall 2021, featuring the same fantastic cast (Melissa Citro as Tosca, Rafael Davila as Cavaradossi, Luis Ledesma as Scarpia, and Stefano de Peppo as Sacristan) conducted by Ari Pelto and directed by Louisa Muller.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

12

OPERA COLORADO GALA, FASCINATING RHYTHM , AND SPRING TEA The annual gala is typically a highlight of every Opera Colorado season. This year’s 1920s-themed event—Fascinating Rhythm—was scheduled to take place on March 14, 2020 at the Four Seasons Denver. Event Chairs, Robin and Eric Yaeger, led the planning and fundraising efforts as Presenting Sponsors alongside Mike and Julie Bock, as well as the

30, 2020 at the Columbine Country

FASCINATING RHYTHM

Club was to be chaired by Dr. Valerie

O P E R A CO LO R A D O ’ S 2 0 2 0 GA L A

members of the Gala Committee.

Additionally, the Spring Tea set for May

M. Wassill with Presenting Sponsors Robin and Eric Yaeger, and the Spring Tea Committee. Although both events pandemic, an overwhelming number of premium sponsors and ticket holders generously donated the cost of their reservations. As a result, a total of $224,875 was raised to benefit Opera Colorado’s expanding artistic initiatives and extensive education and community

Spring Tea OPERA COLORADO’S

SATURDAY

/ MAY 30 , 2020 CO LU M B I N E CO U N T RY C LU B / 2:0 0 P M Valerie Wassill, Spring Tea Chair Robin & Eric Yaeger, Presenting Sponsors

Enjoy classic tea fare over live entertainment by

OPERA COLORADO

engagement programs.

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

were cancelled due to the COVID-19

13

I MPACT MAP AND ATTENDANCE

SCHOOLS SERVED IN 2019-20 SEASON

ALBANY

WYOMING

(Alphabetical by County)

ADAMS

ALBANY

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

Snowy Range Academy

14

ARAPAHOE

Arapahoe Community College Berean Homeschool Bishop Elementary Cherry Creek Academy Common Ground Homeschool Davis Homeschool Denver Jewish Day School Englewood High School Falcon Creek Middle School Horizon Community Middle School University Of Denver Willow Creek Elementary School

BOULDER

Angevine Middle School Boulder Community School Boulder Prep High School Front Range Community College Jasmine Schrader Homeschool Morone Homeschool Olde Stage Academy Reagan Academy of Arts

DOUGLAS

Standley Lake High School

Cair Paravel Academy Chaparral High School Clovervale Academy Highlands Ranch Sr. High School Parker Core Knowledge Charter School Trainor Academy

DENVER

FREMONT

BROOMFIELD

Community College Of Denver Denver South High School Logan School for Creative Learning Metropolitan State University of Denver Meyer Homeschool Our Lady of Lourdes School Perea Homeschool Rahmloff Homeschool Saint Vincent De Paul School Southmoor Elementary School Traylor Academy School

WELD

LARIMER

GRAND

BOULDER JEFFERSON

Anythink Libraries Children's Hospital Clara E. Metz Elementary School Clyde Miller Elementary School Doolittle Homeschool Draeker Homeschool Flatirons Academy Hillcrest Elementary School Skyline Vista Elementary School

BROOMFIELD DENVER

ADAMS

ARAPAHOE DOUGLAS

FREMONT

Canon Exploratory School GRAND

Colorado Homesteaders JEFFERSON

Addenbrooke Classical Academy Cantalupo Homeschool Colorado Christian University School Colorado Virtual Academy Excel Academy Fairmount Elementary School Hammersmith Homeschool Hip Homeschool

Inna Shtern Piano Studio Irina Moreland Piano Studio Mountain Phoenix Community School Foundation Our Lady Of Fatima School Starr Center Warren Occupation Technical Center Westminster Secular Co-Op Deane Elementary

LARIMER

New Vision Charter School Stove Prairie Elementary WELD

Alternative Homes for Youth The King's Academy VARIOUS

Walk By Faith Theatre

OPERA COLORADO 2019-20 SEASON

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION 941 | 8%

SERVED

33,824 PEOPLE SUBSCRIPTIONS 6,633 | 57%

SERVED

22,177 PEOPLE

*Statistics include The Barber of Seville and Pagliacci only

SERVED

71 SCHOOLS

FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS

5,592 | 25%

OTHER PROGRAMS 43 | 1%

THROUGH ITS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

EDUCATION PROGRAM ATTENDANCE

PROVIDED

87 HOURS

OF INSTRUCTION FOR ITS ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

IN SCHOOL PROGRAMS 16,542 | 74%

WELCOMED PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

544

NEW SUBSCRIBERS

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

4,073 | 35%

MAINSTAGE OPERA ATTENDANCE*

OPERA COLORADO

SINGLE TICKETS

15

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JUNE 2020

JUNE 2019

VARIANCE

ASSETS CURRENT Cash and cash equivalents

435,243

291,966

143,277

94,273

742,606

(648,333)

104,423

140,737

(36,314)

633,939

1,175,309

(541,370)

1,362,583

307,783

1,054,800

15,735

15,735

0

Property, Plant, Equipment

1,428,753

1,446,003

(17,250)

Accumulated Depreciation

(599,066)

(495,998)

(103,068)

Total Long-Term Assets

2,208,005

1,273,523

934,482

2,841,945

2,448,833

393,112

330,866

359,829

(28,964)

Current Receivables, net Prepaids & Deposits Total Current Assets

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR YEAR END JUNE 2020

LONG-TERM Long-Term Receivables Long Term Deposits

TOTAL ASSETS

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

16

Other Accrued Withholdings & Expenses Accrued Salary & Benefits

12,456

5,358

7,098

Accounts Payable

10,112

54,214

(44,103)

300,000

300,000

0

Deferred Revenue

725,752

786,763

(61,012)

Total Liabilities

1,379,185

1,506,165

(126,981)

Net Assets without Donor Restrictions

(708,207)

(708,783)

576

Net Assets with Donor Restrictions

2,170,967

1,651,450

519,517

1,462,760

942,667

520,093

2,841,945

2,448,833

393,112

Notes Payable

Total Net Assets TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

NB. Finanicals reflected are unaudited and represent management’s fair presentation of finanical statements free from material misstatements. These finanical statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

PRIOR YEAR ACTUALS 2019

ANNUAL BUDGET 2020

ACTUALS 2020

ACTUALS V. BUDGET VARIANCE

1,376,288 125,023 (241) 2,119,444 558,264 281,978 5,667

1,757,158 113,405 2,056,200 912,750 270,000 5,000

939,139 117,984 187 2,040,771 762,950 304,403 -

(818,019) 4,579 187 (15,429) (149,800) 34,403 (5,000)

4,466,423

5,114,513

4,165,433

(949,080)

1,249,208 270,008 479,473 548,360

1,497,938 337,831 618,027 624,754

1,446,559 237,250 413,039 461,952

51,379 100,581 204,988 162,802

2,549,496

3,081,750

2,573,112

508,638

115,377 134,613 108,981 140,870 92,539 230,094 23,700 30,141 84,733 180,961 204,980 8,828 30,945 125,842 30,713 48,288 -

150,333 160,250 74,410 142,650 102,960 330,585 22,200 78,575 88,893 214,733 232,150 6,000 33,000 101,600 32,295 53,926

178,179 132,847 74,755 144,117 100,274 196,681 25,378 62,949 71,883 153,390 130,722 19,757 26,662 85,678 25,564 17,501 -

(27,846) 27,403 (345) (1,467) 2,686 133,904 (3,178) 15,626 17,010 61,343 101,428 (13,757) 6,338 15,922 6,731 (17,501)

Total Non-Personnel Expenses

1,591,607

1,824,560

1,446,338

378,222

Total Expenses

4,141,104

4,906,310

4,019,451

886,859

325,319

208,203

145,983

62,220

Depreciation & Bad Debt

147,272

148,203

145,407

2,796

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

178,047

60,000

576

59,424

REVENUE Tickets Sales Other Earned Revenue Investment Returns New Contributed Rev. Released Conributed Rev. SCFD Endowment Disbursement Total Revenue

STATEMENT OF UNRESTRICTED ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR END JUNE 2020

EXPENSES

Total Personnel Expenses NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES Professional Fees Advertising & Prom Intellectual Property Office Occupancy Warehouse Occupan.

Rental Fees Research & Training Shipping & Postage Supplies & Equipment Travel Events Retreats & Meetings Executive Trvl & Exp Other Expenses Insurance In-Kind Expense Contingency

NET OPERATING RESULT

2,447

3,200

14,312

(11,112)

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

Other Personnel Exp

NB. Finanicals reflected are unaudited and represent management’s fair presentation of finanical statements free from material misstatements. These finanical statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

OPERA COLORADO

PERSONNEL EXPENSES Salaried Personnel Seasonal Personnel Union Personnel Contract Labor

17

SUPPORTERS & DONORS The Board of Directors of Opera Colorado and the staff express their deepest appreciation to the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have contributed to the Annual Fund during the 2019-20 fiscal year.

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

Although space limitations only allow us to list donors whose gifts were $1,200 and above, we are deeply grateful for the support of all our dedicated contributors.

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VISIONARY $50,000+

CONDUCTOR $6,000 - $10,999

Ken and Donna Barrow Mike and Julie Bock Patrick Spieles

Anonymous Merle Chambers Ms. Kathryn Codo Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Fogliano Karen Fukutaki, M.D. Lorraine Higbie Mr. and Mrs. Don Hindman Diana and Mike Kinsey Richard Koseff Jim and Patience Linfield Robert R. Montgomery and Nancy Hawkins Lynnette Morrison Mrs. Alice Perlmutter Ann and Gerald Saul Bart and Jane Burnett Prem and Stephanie Subramanian Martha and Will Tracey Larry and Brigitte Zimmer

BENEFACTOR $25,000 - $49,999 Jeff Baldwin and Debra J. Perry Richard King Brown, PhD Ellie Caulkins Dave and Pam Duke Judy La Spada Marcia and Dick Robinson AMBASSADOR $11,000 - $24,999 Al and Rebecca Bates Mr. Charles E. Berry and Mrs. Maria Garcia Berry Linda Bjelland Peyton and Suzanne D. Bucy Mary and Tom Conroy Robert and Lenore Damrauer Elizabeth & Matthew Dyer Dr. Jan Kennaugh and Mr. Chip Horne Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Kinney The Honorable and Mrs. Kenneth Laff Dr. and Mrs. William N. Maniatis Kevin O'Connor and Janet Ellen Raasch Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson Marlis Smith Charles and Janet Thompson Mr. Byron S. Watson Robin and Eric Yaeger Mr. Youngdon Yun and Ms. Esme Prieto Yun

COMPOSER $3,000 - $5,999 Janice Baucum Sheila Bisenius Robin E. Black Mr. and Mrs. George P. Caulkins, III Eric Coomer Mr. Paul S. Deckard Margaret N. Dillon Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin III Ms. Judy Johnston Joe Kelso Veronica A. McCaffrey and Barbara A. Frank Mark and Kristin McKissick Mrs. Rhea J. Miller James Monroe, III and Marie Shannon Monroe Muffy Moore Ralph & Trish Nagel Bonnie M. Orkow

Christine and Harry Phillips Bruce Polkowsky and Bill Powell Nijole and Walter Rasmussen Zondra Rae Pluss Alexander and Cynthia Read Myra and Robert Rich Mr. Paul Ruotolo Helen Scott Santilli Jeremy and Susan Shamos Ms. Erin Wenzel Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zoellner LIBRETTIST $1,200 - $2,999 Mr. Hartman Axley Peter Batty and Paula Kechichian Chris and Heather Bennett Libby Bortz Leslie Coover Cady Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Cain Mr. and Mrs. Roger W. Celius Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan Mr. David J. Chavolla Mr. Alexander J. Conley and Ms. Alysia D. Marino Bob and Georgi Contiguglia Brian D. Crane Dr. and Mrs. James D. Crapo Dr. Cynthia Crews and Mr. Charles W. Henry Mrs. Joyce de Roos Lois N. Eckhoff Dr. Stacy Fischer and Dr. Henry Fischer Terry Frazier and Kathy Wells George and Sissy Gibson Stephen and Dorothy Gregory Beverlee B. Henry Mr. Richard Hilty Mr. William T. Hoffman Christine Hollander and Michael McGee John N. Kabalin, MD.

SPONSORS Artistic, Artists in Residence, Education, and Productions

AFTERNOON OF AMERICAN SONG Mrs. Pamela D. Beardsley Penelope Lewis Mrs. Carol C. Whitley ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM Ken and Donna Barrow Patrick Spieles ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

Donald K. Braden Peyton and Suzanne D. Bucy David and Elizabeth Budd Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan Dr. Stephen L. Dilts Joy and Christopher Dinsdale Curtis Fentress and Agatha Kessler Kenneth and Barbara Laff Gayle and Gary Landis Chris and Joy Murphy Mrs. Joyce de Roos Marlis Smith Martha and Will Tracey BOLD VISION | BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN LAUNCH DINNER Mr. Youngdon Yun and Ms. Esme Prieto Yun EDUCATION The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation MUSIC DIRECTOR Mike and Julie Bock

Soprano Cecilia Violetta López (Nedda) and baritone Will Liverman (Silvio) embrace in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

OPERA COLORADO

Dean Laurence Kaptain and Dolores Arce-Kaptain Dr. Paul A. Karpinski Dr. Lawrence Kim and Nhung Van Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Lazarus Bernard and Frieda Leason Mr. Chuck Line and Ms. Dana Svendsen V.W. McKnab and Margaret Jurado Dave and Miza McReynolds Pamela Merrill Ms. Janet Mordecai Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian Dr. and Mrs. Calvern E. Narcisi Bob Nelson Ronald Y. Otsuka Mr. Ari Pelto and Ms. Wendy Fisher Bonnie C. Perkins Rick Poppe & Jana Edwards T. R. Reid Juan and Alicia Rodriguez Ms. Carol L. Rust Karen and Mark Sather Ms. Ruth E. Schoening Fern B. Seltzer and Andrew Heymsfield Ms. Judith Zee Steinberg John and Carson Taylor Jerry and Debi Tepper Dr. Akiva M. Thomas and Mr. Ezekial Thomas Ms. Kathleen R. Tower Dr. Peter and Kathy Van Arsdale William Vaniman and Frances Matthews Dr. Valerie M. Wassill, MD Peter and Darcie Weiser Ms. Carole J. Yaley

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

19

PAGLIACCI PRODUCTION Richard King Brown, PhD SPECIAL PROJECTS Ellie Caulkins Mary and Tom Conroy Ann and Gerald Saul Charles and Janet Thompson Robin and Eric Yaeger

OPERA COLORADO

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

FOUNDATIONS

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The Anschutz Foundation Avenir Foundation The Benevity Community Impact Fund Bloomberg Philanthropies Bock Family Fund Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Bucy Family Fund Caulkins Family Foundation Charlotte and Norman Codo Charitable Trust Colorado Creative Industries Community First Foundation The Crawley Family Foundation David B. and Gretchen W. Black Family Foundation Deane Family Fund The Denver Foundation Denver Lyric Opera Guild Denver Post Community Foundation Falcon Creek Middle School Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Fine Arts Foundation Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation Genesee Mountain Foundation Gloria Sankel Trust The Lorraine and Harley Higbie Fund Jess & Rose Kortz and Pearle Rae Foundation Kenneth King Foundation Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation Miller Family Foundation

Nagel Foundation National Endowment For The Arts Network For Good Read Foundation, Inc. Rose Community Foundation Schwab Charitable Shamos Family Foundation Tepper Family Foundation Tulsa Community Foundation Vanguard Charitable Virginia W. Hill Foundation William D. Radichel Foundation The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation

CRESCENDO SOCIETY The following people have made arrangements to include Opera Colorado in their Estate Plan Sheila Bisenius Ellie Caulkins Dr. Stephen L. Dilts Ms. Donna E. Hamilton Ms. Lynn E. Harrington Ms. Lisa R. James Dr. and Mrs. Charles B. Kafadar Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kahn Deanna Rose Leino Mrs. Lee Roberts Mary Ann Rose Mr. Stephen Seifert Fern B. Seltzer Jenene and James Stookesberry Mr. Robert Van Buskirk Mrs. Carol C. Whitley Larry and Brigitte Zimmer

GALA SPONSORS FASCINATING RHYTHM ROARING TWENTIES PACKAGE Mike and Julie Bock Robin and Eric Yaeger SPEAKEASY PACKAGE Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Curtis and Agatha Fentress and Fentress Architects MDC Richmond American Homes Foundation Ms. Merrill Shields and Mr. M. Ray Thomasson Mr. Youngdon Yun and Ms. Esme Prieto Yun JAZZ AGE PACKAGE Bessemer Trust Dr. Evalina Burger-Van Der Walt, MD Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan Wendy, Lillian, and Dillon Cogdal Elizabeth and Matthew Dyer Drs. Stacy and Henry Fischer HealthONE Johnson Storage & Moving Dr. Jan Kennaugh and Mr. Chip Horne The Honorable and Mrs. Kenneth Laff Nationwide Mr. Kevin O'Connor and Ms. Janet Ellen Raasch RBC Wealth Management The Salazar Family Dr. Valerie M. Wassill, MD

ART DECO DUET Jeff Baldwin and Debra J. Perry Mr. and Mrs. Roger W. Celius Mary and Tom Conroy Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC Kemper Insurance Richard Koseff Gayle and Gary Landis Metlife Marcia and Dick Robinson Vivage Senior Living ADDITIONAL EVENT SPONSORS Dae Gee Korean BBQ Mr. Joe Kelso Mary Ellen Kolsky CORPORATE ALLIANCE Atlas Financial Deiter's Chocolates The Block Distilling Company Butler Rents Johnson Storage & Moving Company Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club Oxford Station Apartments Residence Inn By Marriott Denver City Center PMG Colorado Pour La France! Catering Zions Management Services Company

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS Kevin D. O’Connor, Chairman Marcia Robinson, President Chevis F. (“Chip”) Horne, Vice-President James Linfield, Secretary Michael Bock, Chairman Emeritus & Treasurer

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Tenor Tom Cilluffo and soprano Laura Soto-Bayomi performing at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/KELLY MAXWELL

Nellie Mae Duman Hugh Grant Agatha Kessler Jeremy Kinney Pamela Merrill Mary French Moore Gerald Saul Jeremy Shamos Susan Shamos Merrill Shields Martha Tracey

OPERA COLORADO

Maria Garcia Berry Suzanne Bucy Elizabeth Caswell Dyer, Chair Elect Eleanor N. Caulkins, Lifetime Honorary Chair Dr. Laurence K. Chan Mary S. Conroy Joseph Fogliano Mark Heiser, Ex Officio Don Hindman Kelly Ann Hodges Laurence D. Kaptain, Ex Officio Richard Koseff Hon. Kenneth Laff Judy La Spada William N. Maniatis, MD Prem S. Subramanian MD, PhD Dana Svendsen Chantell Taylor, Esq. Keith Ward, Ex Officio Byron Watson Robin Yaeger Youngdon Yun Lawrence W. Zimmer

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

DIRECTORS

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OPERA COLORADO 2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER

 T he Ellie Caulkins Opera House stage before Family Day at the Opera.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/JAMIE KRAUS

Ari Pelto Music Director Paul Deckard Managing Director

Erin Wenzel Director of Development

STAFF

SENIOR TEAM

Anthony Berkley Development Operations Manager (Start November 2019)

Jennifer Colgan Director of Marketing and Communications (Start April 2020)

Leah Bobbey Individual Giving and Special Events Manager (Start January 2020)

Tom Kirkpatrick Director of Business Operations

Jared Guest Manager of Education & Community Engagement

Cherity Koepke Director of Education & Community Engagement & Director of Opera Colorado’s Artist in Residence Program

Michelle Herring Patron Services Manager

Indea Jaramillo Patron Services Lead Genevieve LeBlanc Patron Services Associate Kelly Maxwell Multimedia Producer Don Oppliger Patron Services Associate & FOH Lead (Through February 2020) Jessica Peña Associate Director of Development (Through December 2019) Linda Strauch EA Senior Accountant Suzanne Whitney Marketing Manager

2019-20 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT

O pera Colorado Music Director Ari Pelto conducts the Opera Colorado Orchestra in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

Greg Carpenter General & Artistic Director

Katie Preissner Director of Production & Artistic Services

OPERA COLORADO

LEADERSHIP & STAFF

LEADERSHIP

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4121 S NAVAJO ST, STE 100 ENGLEWOOD, CO 80110 303.778.1500

Baritone Levi Hernandez (Tonio) in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATTHEW STAVER