Ovation | Summer 2014

OVATION! NEWS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF OPERA COLORADO

|

SUMMER

2014

Stories That Sing.

WORLD PREMIERE

695 S. COLORADO BLVD., STE 20 DENVER, CO 80246

DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 152

PAID

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

How Well Does Your Wealth Advisor Know You? Your dreams not only help define who you are as a person, they should be the driving force behind your wealth management decisions. By focusing on life goals rather than financial goals, we become more than advisors. We’re your advocates. With knowledge rooted in a personal relationship, we can use our expertise to weather market conditions without losing sight of your ultimate destination. All with the comfort of an experienced financial professional just down the street.

What do you want out of life? Give us a call and let’s build your plan together.

Private Banking | Fiduciary Services | Investment Management Wealth Advisory Services | Specialty Asset Management 303.864.7220 | www.csbt.com © 2014 Colorado State Bank and Trust, a division of BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

ONLY IN NEW MEXICO ONLY AT THE SANTA FE OPERA

SEASON

20 14

Mark Nohl photo

JUNE 27 - AUGUST 23

CARMEN Double Bill

Bizet

DON PASQUALE

THE IMPRESARIO American Premiere

Mozart

FIDELIO

Donizetti

LE ROSSIGNOL

DR. SUN YAT-SEN

Beethoven Stravinsky

Huang Ruo

TICKETS START AT $32!

World-Class Opera in an Incredible Setting

Arrive early with a tailgate supper

SantaFeOpera.org

to enjoy the sunset and mountain views.

OPENING NIGHTS SPONSOR

877-262-4666 www.fourseasons.com/santafe

I 800-280-4654

Ask our partners about a special offer for Opera guests.

800-955-4455 www.eldoradohotel.com

800-727-5531 www.innatloretto.com

855-278-5276 www.laposadadesantafe.com

Two great seasons...

Four extraordinary stories.

A M E S S AG E F R O M T H E G E N E R A L D I R E CTO R Kelly Dean Hanson of the Boulder Daily Camera said, “If Opera Colorado wanted to give its patrons a healthy dose of confidence in its recent reorganization and revitalization campaign, the outstanding production of Verdi’s Rigoletto that opened Saturday night in Denver should have accomplished it.” Over the past 16 months I have been honored to work with our generous and dedicated board, staff and volunteers to set in motion the administrative changes necessary to create a firm financial foundation from which Opera Colorado can envision a thrilling artistic future. I am deeply gratified that the work we have done and the generosity shown by so many has been recognized and celebrated.

That is why it gives me great pleasure to offer two seasons of exciting programming.

Madama Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Aida and The Scarlet Letter not only represent 225 years of opera history, they represent the full spectrum of human emotion. From the depths of shame, discrimination and grief to the heights of joy, love and redemption, each opera reveals the strength behind its leading female characters. Cio-Cio San, Pamina, Aida and Hester are all faced with extraordinary challenges and in turn each make bold decisions – for Cio-Cio San the choice of an honorable death over a life of shame, for Pamina the path of goodness and light over darkness and evil, for Aida, loyalty to king and country and the ultimate sacrifice for love, and for Hester Prynne, holding firm to love in the face of ridicule and shame.

During our 2013 Stories That Sing special fundraising campaign many of our loyal supporters dug a little deeper into their wallets to help, some made contributions for the first time, while others renewed their support after a few years of hiatus. Regardless of their motivations, the generosity of so many was the key to financially revitalizing Opera Colorado. In order to continue on our path of artistic excellence, financial success and community engagement, we need your renewed support and advocacy.

In spite of our recent challenges and successes, there are still many people in our great city who have not heard our story or experienced the magic of our performances. If you fit into this category, I hope you will take this opportunity to join our family of season ticket holders and contributors. If you are already a patron, I hope you will encourage your friends to experience the wonders of the operatic art form presented by Opera Colorado. I am confident your friends will thank you!

Greg Carpenter General Director

4

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

www.QLTours.com

(303) 733-1208 go@QLTours.com Visit Our Offices in Centennial

Fidelity and honor – Cultural dissonance and tragedy.

T H O U G H T S O N M A D A M A B U T T E R F LY

BY K ETU RAH STI CKAN N, D I R E CTOR

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is one of those few operas in the repertoire which presents a perfect blend of extraordinary music and intense drama. While the overarching theme of culture clash is one that resonates just as strongly today as it did at the turn of the 20th century, I feel that keeping the production firmly set in the time period the composer intended is the best backdrop to bring out the diverse themes represented in this opera. The rigid hierarchy and moral constructs of Samarai culture coming into direct conflict with the quickly encroaching American westernization of Japan, brings to the forefront the dichotomy of Japan’s fading Samarai traditions and the vulgarity of America’s western influence, with the innocent Cio-Cio San (Madame Butterfly) caught between two worlds.

Director Keturah Stickann has spent time in Japan and has studied Japanese culture. Through her knowledge of history and movement, Keturah will direct a production that will be both beautiful and heart wrenchingly dramatic.

– Greg Carpenter, General Director

We’ve all heard the story of Madame Butterfly. She is the tragic victim to Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton’s archetypal ugly American, and the story still speaks to us today not only because it is a riveting tale of heartbreak and broken promises, emotions we all feel to some degree, but because the clashing of dissonant cultures is timeless – especially in this ever-shrinking world, wherein our communications (and therefore opportunity for MIScommuncation) have increased many times over.

...Cio-Cio San is no longer a caricature of the gentle, confused foreigner, but a strong – if misguided – woman in her own right.

We can trace the roots of this particular tale of Cio-Cio San, Suzuki, Pinkerton and Sharpless to John Luther Long, an American lawyer and writer who is said to have based his short story, “Madame Butterfly,” on the recollections of his sister and her Methodist missionary husband, who traveled through Japan at the turn of the century, hearing stories such as this as they went. The story is brutal. Pinkerton is manipulative and rude – treating his young bride as a toy to be discarded, leaving her disowned, abandoned and wholly pregnant in his wake. His new “American wife” is equally disparaging, referring to Butterfly as a “plaything” when she meets her in the consul’s office. The Japanese stereotypes are abundant in the story, but the ugly American stereotypes are in full force as well.

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is softer than the original (softer, even, than his own original, as he rewrote much of it after its premiere). Pinkerton admits regret when he comes back, Kate Pinkerton is not as Please see Madama Butterfly on page 22

6

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

Your home should be a place you’d want to write home about.

Enjoy impeccable service, breathtaking environments and daily gourmet dining. Yes, it’s okay to brag. Inspiration awaits. Discover Vi today.

2850 Classic Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 888.863.1228 • ViLiving.com/HighlandsRanch

OO0314

Vi at Highlands Ranch is owned by CC-Denver, Inc. and managed by Classic Residence Management Limited Partnership. Classic Residence Management Limited Partnership and CC-Denver, Inc. are separate corporations. CC-Denver, Inc., d/b/a Vi at Highlands Ranch, is the sole entity responsible for the performance of the continuing care contracts at Vi at Highlands Ranch. CC-Denver, Inc. does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the director of human resources, (720) 348-7800/TDD 711.

Giving has its benefits– for everyone!

I NVE STI N G I N TH E F UTU R E O F YO U R O P E RA

BY G LE N DA MASTE R S

HELP SUPPORT OPERA COLORADO

DONATE TODAY.

Did you know that ticket sales account for only 31% of Opera Colorado’s annual income? If ticket sales were the only source of income, our productions and the patron experience would be strikingly different. Ticket prices would likely double yet performances would consist of smaller, more affordable productions. Presenting worldclass artists like Gordon Hawkins and Sandra Piques Eddy, all of whom masterfully graced the stage as part of Opera Colorado’s 2014 season, would happen only on rare occasions.

So where does remaining revenue come from? It comes from donors like you who are already annual supporters or from patrons ready to make an impact. Donor contributions and our special Stories That Sing Campaign provided roughly 50% of annual financial support in 2013. No matter the amount, contributions help Opera Colorado cover costs associated with all aspects of production, from behind the scenes preparations to everything that takes place on stage between the downbeat and curtain call. Bringing outstanding opera to life simply could not be accomplished without donor support.

To show how important donors are to the success of Opera Colorado, we recently improved the way in which we say “thank you” to those investing in the future of opera. New donor benefits include opportunities to interact with guest artists and staff at intimate, invitation-only events.

A backstage tour of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during a tech rehearsal the week before a production allows donors at the Friends Level ($100+) to experience the preparation needed for a performance. Donors at the Comprimario Level ($1,000+) can meet guest artists at private receptions. Other opportunities include invitations to Sitzprobe rehearsals, master classes and cast dinners. These are just some of the ways in which Opera Colorado donors can experience their support in action.

A new level for donors this year is the ability to become an Impresario! As an Impresario, dedicated donors can increase their investment through customized sponsorships above and beyond their annual contribution. Opportunities include sponsoring Education & Community Engagement programs, Young Artists, Main Stage Artists or Conductors, or Impresario donors can become production or season sponsors. Sponsorships begin at $2,500 and provide a great way to support the programs and productions you love.

Many donors take pride in knowing that their support goes into every aspect of the production, like Impresario Donors and 2014 Season Sponsors Ken and Donna Barrow. “The lighting design for Rigoletto added so much to the ambience,” says Donna, “I loved the warm glow that washed Please see Giving on page 18

summer 2014

O VAT I O N !

9

Passing the torch M I K E B O C K AP P O I NTE D C HAI R MAN O F TH E B OAR D On behalf of the board of directors and staff of Opera Colorado, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mike Hughes for his leadership as Chairman of the Board over the past two years, we are extremely thankful for all that he has done. We are very pleased to welcome Mike Bock as our new Chairman starting this month and we look forward to the next two seasons with his leadership.

– Greg Carpenter, General Director

MIKE HUGHES ON HIS TENURE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD In more than a decade on the board of Opera Colorado, the artistic highlight for me was just before I became the board chair – Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas. It is as melodic as a Puccini opera but it is contemporary, written in Spanish and set in the Americas. It felt immediate and relevant while also being magical and fantastic. During my two-year term as Chair, the artistic highpoint was this: beautifully balanced ensembles. Take just this season – the incredible talent of the whole cast of Rigoletto and the way they fit together. The exceptional singing and acting of the Carmen cast and the way they brought the opera together – that is what I will remember from these two seasons. During the last two years, a great many things changed at Opera Colorado. We responded to a budget shortfall by examining the causes and changing the way we approached budgeting and forecasting. Our board rallied, pulled together and went to work on the problem, never shying away from taking responsibility and doing what we had to do. We worked with our General Director Greg Carpenter to live within our means while producing two seasons of beautiful singing. In the near term, I am looking forward to the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter. We made an important decision to postpone it to 2016 and I think we will be ready to produce it the way we know it can be done. I think it will be worth the wait. For the long term, I am looking forward to bringing more new things to our audience – new productions of the most important operas in the history of the art form and new works that extend that history.

MIKE BOCK ON TAKING OVER AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD I feel very honored for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Opera Colorado Board of Directors. This organization has a history of bringing the highest quality live opera to the stage in Colorado that spans more than three decades and it will be a pleasure to help further that tradition. I am very thankful to my predecessor, Mike Hughes, who was a tireless steward of the organization through some difficult financial times and leaves us on sound financial and artistic footing. During my term, I hope we can continue to strengthen our financial position by expanding our base of donors so as to increase the breadth of our offerings while maintaining the artistic quality our audience has grown to expect. I have the utmost confidence in our seasoned staff and board and look forward to working with them to provide great live opera for years to come.

10

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | DEAD MAN WALKING THE SOUND OF MUSIC in denver At ellie cAulkins operA house

Tickets start at just $20. See all three shows and save 20%!

June 28 - August 10 303.292.6700 | CentralCityOpera.org

You won’t know until you go.

FOUR EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN.

NOVEMBER

MAY

15 | 18 | 21 | 23

“Madame Butterfly is the role for me. Singing this role is more difficult than some of the other roles I feel. There is always a great challenge not only from the vocal technique but also from the character’s dramatic transformation and body movement. ” – SHU-YING LI

W.A. MOZART JOSEPH MECHAVICH Conductor DANIEL WITZKE Director MAUREEN MCKAY Pamina JONATHAN BOYD Tamino DANIEL BELCHER Papageno SO YOUNG PARK Queen of the Night

2015

ARI PELTO Conductor KETURAH STICKANN Director SHU-YING LI Cio-Cio San ERICA BROOKHYSER Suzuki DINYAR VANIA B.F. Pinkerton JOHN HANCOCK Sharpless

2014

GIACOMO PUCCINI

2 | 5 | 8 | 10

“Armed with a silvery, precisely aimed voice, natural stage presence and the kind of beautifully detailed acting you don’t see often enough on the operatic stage, McKay turned in a smart, sexy and thoroughly charming performance.” – WASHINGTON POST

Ari Pelto’s appearance is sponsored by Dave and Pam Duke.

Ken and Donna Barrow | 2014-2015 & 2015-2016 Season Sponsors

ORDER YOUR SEASON TICKETS NOW | OPERACOLORADO

FOUR UNFORGETTABLE OPERAS.

WORLD PREMIERE

NOVEMBER

MAY

7 | 10 | 13 | 15

“Alexandra Lobianco has a beautifully steely voice.” – ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Ari Pelto’s appearance is sponsored by Dave and Pam Duke.

ADO.ORG | 303.468.2030

LORI LAITMAN ARI PELTO Conductor BETH GREENBERG Director ELIZABETH FUTRAL Hester Prynne DOMINIC ARMSTRONG Arthur Dimmesdale

2016

ARI PELTO Conductor DAVID GATELY Director ALEXANDRA LOBIANCO Aida CARL TANNER Radames CATHERINE MARTIN Amneris MARCO NISTICÒ Amonasro

2015

GIUSEPPE VERDI

7 | 10 | 13 | 15

“To create one of the best-known characters from American literature will be a thrilling opportunity. Especially as she is delineated through the deft lyricism of Lori Laitman’s score…a sheer luxury!” – ELIZABETH FUTRAL, SOPRANO The Scarlet Letter is sponsored by Ken and Donna Barrow, Dave and Pam Duke, Noël and Thomas Congdon, National Endowment for the Arts and Opera America.

About your ticket to the Opera...

Your comfort is our mission.

A M E S S A G E F R O M PAT R O N S E R V I C E S

BY E D M I CK E N S

Like opera itself, ticketing for opera performances seems to work best when it’s hand-crafted. This is the opposite of one of those huge stadium concerts, where 50,000 tickets sell-out in minutes online, and concertgoers consider themselves lucky just to be inside. The seat itself is insignificant. Opera-lovers—as you may well know—are a much more discerning crowd.

Fortunately, Opera Colorado’s home is the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, a venue designed specifically with opera and ballet in mind. Our longtime former residence, Boettcher Concert Hall, was a mixed bag of idiosyncrasies: the seating in the round offered some surprising intimacy, yet often at the expense of sound and sight. Staging was a challenge— the voice can only project in one direction at a time.

The Ellie, in contrast, adopted the form that evolved with opera, with a minimum of quirks. Seating and pricing follows the classic formula that closer and more centered is better. Opera audiences are comfortable with that conventional wisdom, and are generally pleased with the acoustics and sightlines throughout the hall.

Still, opera lovers have a rich assortment of personal preferences; they know what they need to comfortably enjoy the experience of performance. Some prefer an aisle seat “I need the room to stretch” or “I’m claustrophobic,” while others always ask for the most centered seat in long rows “I hate having people climb over me.” Some want to be as close as possible “I love watching the performer’s faces,” while others prefer more distance or elevation “the sound blends so much better there.” More than a few get attached to seats they’ve had for several seasons because they like the people who sit near them, even if they don’t know their last names: it’s an opera community.

There are practical needs as well: minimizing the number of stairs, keeping the vertigo-prone away from edges, accommodating the short-statured and the tall. Happily, the Ellie, as a relatively new construction (opened in 2005), is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, and offers a wide range of good solutions for mobile accessibility, as well as special equipment available for the hearing or sight-impaired.

What matters is that you tell us what makes you comfortable. Luke Lindholm, Opera Colorado’s Patron Services Manager, has years of experience in ticketing for the performing arts. So does the rest of his department (me). If you expect to have knee surgery shortly before your next scheduled opera, let us know whether it’s the left or right knee—we will try our best to find you a great seat that can also accommodate a bulky brace. If you have recently relocated, we can talk about dress code (welcome to Colorado: there Please see Your Ticket to the Opera on page 22

14

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

W H E N Y O U ’ R E C R AV I N G S O M E T H I N G M O R E

Va i l ’ s m o s t e x c i t i n g p l a c e t o s i p , nibble, supper and stay.

The Sebastian, in the heart of Vail Village, is the place to see and be seen. Hip. Warm. Social. The fun starts at Frost, the bar you can never pass up without dropping in. It is all you are yearning for — a microbrew, a sleek cocktail before a night out, or choose a smoky dram from a selection of more than 80 Scotches. Dinner at Leonora is upscale yet delightfully unpretentious with cuisine inspired by the high alpine cultures of the Alps, Pyrenees and our own Colorado mountains. It’s the foodies’ answer to comfort food. Finish with a night in one of The Sebastian’s luxuriously appointed rooms or suites. It’s all at The Sebastian, the hottest boutique hotel in Vail.

866.312.1709 | 16 Vail Road | TheSebastianVail.com

Mention this ad and receive 20% off our luxury accommodations.

Offer valid through December 20, 2014. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Based on availability.

Aspen

Bachelor Gulch

Cabo San Lucas

Maui

Napa

Scottsdale

Snowmass

Sonoma

Southern California

Steamboat Springs

Tuscany

U.S. Virgin Islands

Vail

Dine Great

and you won’t be late.

Our Sport & Stage menu is specifically designed for you to enjoy a fantastic dinner and make it on time for the show. Three-courses available pre-theatre, only offered during 5pm - 6:30pm reservations.

1111 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202 5pm - 6:30pm $55 per person Complimentary Valet Parking *Come to EDGE anytime and mention “EDGE of your seats” to receive a complimentary glass of bubbly.

Good for one glass only.

For Reservations Call 303-389-3050 or visit www.edgerestaurantdenver.com

Denver Lyric Opera Guild is welcoming new members!

STEVE A. MILLER, PC

Who we are and what we do • Support and encourage singers pursuing careers in opera • Provide continuing education to members in the appreciation and knowledge of opera • Award Scholarships, Grants and financial support to young Colorado Singers • A volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization • Provide opportunities for members to experience the joy of opera

• Representing investors in confidential dispute resolution for 35 years • Licensed Attorney in Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Texas and Florida • FINRA, NFA and AAA Qualified Arbitrator The Barclay, No. 2905 1625 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80202-1539

We invite you to look into membership and volunteering opportunities For information visit DenverLyricOperaGuild.org or call Marleen Diamond at (303) 683-3609 marleendiamond@comcast.net

800.200.9934 • 303.892.9933 sampc01@gmail.com

sampc.com

GIVING VOICE TO OPERA!

Services and treatments include-

Everyone has a voice.

Shouldn’t yours be heard?

• Microsurgery for vocal cord polyps or cysts • Laser surgery of the vocal cords • Voice restoration for vocal cord paralysis • Botox injections for spasmodic dysphonia • Chronic infections: ears, sinuses & tonsils • Allergy management and hearing testing • Treatments for pre-cancerous lesions or early throat cancers • Esophagoscopy screening & evaluation for reflux

Don’t take your voice for granted.

A weak, breathy, hoarse, scratchy, strained, or graveled voice often indicates a problem. Hoarseness lasting longer than a few weeks probably isn’t “laryngitis.”

Dr. J. Michael King treats the full spectrum of ear, nose, and throat disorders. He is an otolaryngologist and a fellowship-trained laryngologist (voice specialist) providing care to singers, performers, and professional speakers.

Dr. King is one of a few specialists in the Western region performing minimally invasive office procedures, balloon sinuplasty, and laser surgery.

J. Michael King, MD

Offices in Broomfield & Golden 720-401-2139 PeakENTandVoiceCenter.com

Learn more about how contributions are utilized at OperaColorado.org/Support.

Giving from page 9 over the cast when the curtain rose. I am pleased that our contribution allowed Opera Colorado to maintain the high production standards we’ve had in previous seasons.”

What does this all mean? When you contribute, everyone wins! Through generous contributions Opera Colorado can continue its long-standing tradition as Colorado’s premier Opera Company, presenting nationally recognized and world-class performances right here in Denver. Donors benefit knowing that their support maintains this tradition and keeps opera at the forefront of performing arts for the entire community.

2014 Impresario Level Donors 2014 SEASON SPONSORS

CARMEN PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Ken and Donna Barrow

Production Sponsor Dave and Pam Duke

RIGOLETTO PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Leonardo Vordoni, Conductor Mike and Julie Bock

Sandra Piques Eddy, Carmen Ellie Caulkins

PRE-PERFORMANCE LECTURES

YOUNG ARTISTS SPONSORS

Fairfield and Woods, P.C. J. Michael King, MD Peak ENT and Voice Center

Benjamin Seiverding Marlis and Shirley Smith, and Karen Brody and Mike Hughes Bret Sprague Patrick Spieles and Carol McMurry

GET THE BOX. Packed with customized home design resources, unique gifts and special offers, LuxeBox is the ultimate design resource for people building, remodeling or renovating luxury homes.

REGISTER ONLINE TO QUALIFY FOR A LUXEBOX. VISIT WWW.LUXEBOX.COM OR CALL US AT 855-275-5893.

18

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

presents

Giuseppe Verdi’s FALSTAFF (Sung in English)

August 15 & 17, 2014 Featuring:

David Malis, Chad Armstrong, Keri Rusthoi and Max Hosner

An award-winning design firm, we specialize in high-end renovations and new construction.

With superlative style and conscientious attention to detail, we guide our clients in defining their unique sense of “home”.

|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|**|*|*|*|

The Opera Artist Institute presents

We invite you to contact us for your design needs:

Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (Sung in English)

August 10 & 16, 2014 Falstaff Presenting Sponsor:

For lodging reservations call 800-525-2622

emeraldcityopera.com | Steamboat Springs, CO

303.951.3470 1335 South Inca Street, Denver jdsdenver.com

GALA 2015

Save the Date | February 6

IN SUPPORT OF OPERA COLORADO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS For underwriting and ticket information, please contact Camille Spaccavento, Director of External Affairs & Marketing 303.778.0214 | cspaccavento@operacolorado.org.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Natalie Cole 06.25 Joan Baez 07.10 and more!

303.321.2236 1165 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80210 www.thedenvertearoom.com

• Proudly Serving Daz Bog Coffee • Selection of Over 70 Teas • Breakfast & Lunch Menus • Afternoon High Tea Service

Follow the performance to Cheesecake Therapy for the quintessential cure.

Buy one individual Cheesecake, get one individual 7401 Ralston Road Soothe Cheesecake 2 blocks west of Wadsworth your Arvada, CO 80002 soul FREE! 303.940.2530 www.cheesecaketherapy.net

Specializing in the finest

extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world.

$1.00 Tilapia Tuesdays 75 cent PBRs during Happy Hour Kids Eat Free on Sundays

Watch Every World Cup Game Here!

Now with 3 locations: 1311 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80210 720-570-5103

2175 Sheridan Edgewater, CO 80214 303-232-2128

5325 E. Colfax Denver, CO 80220 303-333-4551

www.gbfishandchips.com

LoDo

1338 15th Street (15th at Market) in LoDo 303-974-5784 Monday-Saturday: 11-6pm Sunday: 11-4pm Bring in your program for 10% off your purchase.

Littleton

For a complete line up, visit: concerts.botanicgardens.org presenting sponsor

associate sponsors

outdoor concerts!

2660 Main Street (Next to Savory Spice Shop) 720-328-4783 Monday: 10-5pm Tuesday-Friday: 10-6pm Saturday: 10-5pm Sunday: 11-4pm

Don McLean + Judy Collins July 30

The Manhattan Transfer DOWNTOWN $2 OFF 15TH & CURTIS 303.534.1927 $10 PURC AURORA PARKER & HAVANA 303.751.0347 GLENDALE CHERRY & LEETSDALE 303.333.4403 samsno3.com

H A SE

August 22 The Cheesecake Factory features an extensive and creative menu of more than 200 dishes made fresh from scratch, along with more than 50 low-calorie “SkinnyLicious™” dishes and 50 signature cheesecakes & desserts.

Enjoy lunch, dinner, late night dining and Sunday Brunch.

1201 16th Street • Tabor Center • Denver (Just a short walk from the Performing Arts Complex, at the corner of 16th & Larimer St.

303-595-0333

www.thecheesecakefactory.com

full line up & tickets available at

summeratthecenter.com sponsored by

Madama Butterfly from page 6 rude and demonstrative, and perhaps the most interesting, Cio-Cio San is no longer a caricature of the gentle, confused foreigner, but a strong – if misguided – woman in her own right. Puccini pulled the focal point of the opera away from the stereotypical culture clash of East and West and concentrated it more on the singular tragedy of his title character.

Despite this, I feel like the East and West dissonance is still pertinent to the story telling, partially because it resonates in our global society, and partially because it adds to the victimization of this young woman caught between two worlds: her perceived idea of the prevalence of fidelity in Western Culture, and her strong sense of honor – and the inability to live life without it – coming from her Samurai background and her father’s own death in the face of a dishonorable future.

In Puccini’s time, exoticism was the word of the day, and audiences only knew these cultures through portraits presented to them by artists and writers. We have different access today, and with that in mind, I feel that I have a certain responsibility to be as dramaturgically correct in the portrayal of Japanese culture as I can. Having worked in Japan and read much about Japanese life at the dawn of the 20th century, I spend a lot of time with the cast and chorus working on their physical and energetic presence. While much of the cast is not Japanese, finding the right breath and gesture can go a long way to portraying the characters and story in ways that ring true for a 21st century audience, as well as pulling out the gravity of Cio-Cio San’s decisions from start to finish.

– Keturah Stickann, Madama Butterfly Director

Your Ticket to the Opera from page 14 isn’t one), then again it is the opera and people do seem to enjoy dressing for a special evening.

We understand that building successful relationships with patrons is key to the survival and success of any performing arts organization. We know that we offer a great product—and it is our job to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. We will try to alert you when we anticipate bad traffic or a crowded parking garage. We will try to find nearby seats for friends who are suddenly in town. We can talk about whether your child is ready for a full, mainstage production. If you’re not sure, we might steer you to one of our shorter family events as an introduction. Just don’t blame us for the weather, ok?

Building successful relationships with patrons is key to the success of any performing arts organization.

If you are an Opera Colorado season ticketholder—our best friends—we always welcome the opportunity to help you with schedule conflicts, additional discounted tickets or seating concerns.

When you renew—and now is the time—let us know what’s on your mind. This year, for the first time, Opera Colorado is offering the opportunity to renew two seasons at once (2014-15 & 2015-16).

Let’s talk about what we can do to make you more comfortable. You can now find a Patron Services representative in the Ellie lobby before every performance – stop by and say hello. It’s part of an ongoing effort to get us out of the old, fortress box office, and more in touch with you.

Ed Mickens is Associate Manager of Patron Services for Opera Colorado. He and Luke Lindholm may be contacted at 303.468.2030, or customerservice@operacolorado.org.

22

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

Wine, dine and unwind: Date night at four seasons

Take advantage of our Wine, Dine and Unwind offer and indulge in the ultimate “Date Night” experience. Begin your

weekend escape with two complimentary cocktails at EDGE

Bar. Unwind in our indoor and outdoor whirlpools, or pamper

yourself at our urban spa sanctuary. Next, savor local ingredients

at EDGE Restaurant, our progressive American steakhouse, with a delicious three-course prix

xe dinner for two before

returning to your room where a romantic treat awaits. In the retu

morning, sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed at your convenience.

For reservations, contact your travel consultant, Four Seasons at

1-800-332-3442 or the Hotel directly at 1-303-389-3000. Or visit www.fourseasons.com/denver/packages

Reliable Advice for Today’s Market™ Monica is the top producer of Your Castle Real Estate. She is a Denver native and is passionate about serving others. Providing her clients with unique market trends data, Monica enjoys guiding and equipping them to make informed decisions regarding their investment in their homes.

Opening Night Dinner Join Opera Colorado for opening night festivities.

303.912.3320

950 Wadsworth Blvd., Ste. 120 • Lakewood, CO 80214 Office: 303.962.4272 ext 414 • Fax: 303.327.8231 mperez@monicaperezRE.com Se Habla Español

MonicaPerezRealEstate.com

Enjoy an all-inclusive dining experience at The Four Seasons Hotel before the performance. Cocktails begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by a delicious three-course dinner.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY Sat., November 15, 2014 | 5PM

THE MAGIC FLUTE Sat., May 2, 2015 | 5PM

The Four Seasons Hotel • 1111 14th St., Denver $125 per person per dinner. Ticket to the opera sold separately.

Visit OperaColorado.org to order. summer 2014

O VAT I O N !

23

24

luxury retirement living in the heart of downtown

Like all the best places downtown, reservations are highly recommended.

Balfour is something you rarely find. A renowned senior living community right in the heart of downtown. Just steps away from Denver’s awardwinning restaurants, the DCPA, Coors Field and the Museum of Contemporary Art. With its spa, fitness center and fine-dining restaurants, Balfour is one of the best places you’ll ever live.

Leasing Center Now Open Daily!

M-F 9am-6:30pm, Weekends 10am-5pm Open Holidays 10am-3pm

Move in Summer 2014 Ba l four AtR iv er fron tPa r k.com - 720.360.4500 - 1590 l it t l e r av en st., suit e 170

2014/15 SEASON TICKET PACKAGES

ON SALE NOW 8 CONCERT TICKET PACKAGES STARTING AT

$132

BUY EARLY FOR BEST SEATS. SAVE UP TO

30%OFF

SINGLE TICKET PRICES

PHOTO: MOLINA VISUALS

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AT coloradosymphony.org CALL 303.623.7876 BOX OFFICE mon-fri 10 am-6 pm

sat 12 pm-6 pm

AT BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL IN THE DENVER PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX ANNE AKIKO MEYERS

BOARD OFFICERS

Michael Bock Chairman Marcia Robinson President Michael Hughes Chair Emeritus Martha Tracey Treasurer Carol Crossin Whitley Secretary and Vice President Dirk deRoos Vice President DIRECTORS

Ovation! Magazine and In-Theatre programs are produced for Opera Colorado

by The Publishing House.

Angie Flachman-Johnson Publisher Wilbur E. Flachman President & Founder Annette Allen Art Director Production Coordinator For advertising information 303-428-9529 www.pub-house.com www.coloradoartspubs.com

Bruce Allen Kenneth Barrow Sheila Bisenius Suzanne Dost Bucy Ellie Caulkins Lifetime Honorary Chair Dr. Larry Chan Mary Conroy Craig Johnson The Honorable Kenneth M. Laff William Maniatis Tracy McCarthy Muffy French Moore Kevin D. O’Connor Kent Rice Ex-Officio Gerald Saul Merrill Shields Shirley Smith Byron Watson Britney Weil Larry Zimmer HONORARY DIRECTORS

Susan Adams Jill Irvine Crow Nellie Mae Duman Jack Finlaw Hugh Grant Dr. Charles Kafadar Jeremy Kinney Loring W. Knoblauch Lifetime Honorary Director Pamela Merrill Jeremy Shamos Susan Shamos Harry Sterling

STAFF

GREG CARPENTER General Director ADMINISTRATION

Darrel Curtice Director of Finance & Administration Julie Nowasell Staff Accountant ARTISTIC

Ari Pelto Artistic Advisor DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Camille Spaccavento Joyce de Roos Molly Epstein Nicholas Geyer Anna Griggs Luke Lindholm Glenda Masters Ed Mickens Rachel Perez Resnicow Schroeder Assoc Anna Griggs

Director of External Affairs & Marketing Volunteer Coordinator Group Sales Associate Annual Fund and Marketing Assistant Intern Patron Services Manager Annual Fund Manager Associate Patron Services Manager Marketing Manager Public Relations Intern EDUCATION

Cherity Koepke Julie Nowasell Betsy Schwarm Elena Kalahar Alexandra Kotis

Director of Education & Community Engagement Education Assistant Pre-Performance Lecturer Intern Intern PRODUCTION

Katie Preissner Production Manager Ann Piano Costume Director YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

Cherity Koepke Taylor Baldwin Colleen Jackson Louise Rogan Brett Sprague Jared Guest Benjamin Sieverding

Director Accompanist Soprano Mezzo-soprano Tenor Baritone Bass

DIRECTORY TICKETS

BOX OFFICE LOCATION

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

OperaColorado.org 303.468.2030 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246 303.778.1500 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246 1106 14th Street (14th and Curtis Street)

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Division of Arts & Venues LOST AND FOUND DINING AT DPAC

ONLINE RESERVATIONS

720.865.4220 Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 303.640.1012 Limelight Supper Club 720.227.9984 Restaurantkevintaylor.com

FI N D US ON:

26

O VAT I O N !

summer 2014

IrresIstIble

InspIred

IconIc

Apple

•

brooKs brotHers

HYde pArK

•

•

bUrberrY

KIeHl’s sInce 1851

MontblAnc

•

rAlpH lAUren

• •

tIFFAnY & co.

MAcY’s

•

•

elwAY’s

lAcoste

•

•

FAÇonnAble

loUIs VUItton

restorAtIon HArdwAre •

tUMI

neIMAn MArcUs

•

nordstroM

160 AMAZInG store s 3000 eA s t F Irs t AVen Ue • de nVe r, co • sHopc He rrYcre e K.c oM

Metamorphosis, an Hermès story

Denver The Shops at North Creek 105 Fillmore Street (303) 388-0700 Hermes.com