Reflections Fall 2025

Reflections An Opera Lafayette Newsletter Fall 2025

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A Note from the Artistic Director Dear Friends of Opera Lafayette, The highlight of my first production as your Artistic Director was witnessing our leads, chorus, and orchestra take hold of Dido and Aeneas and make it feel newly minted, as if Purcell had written it for them.

Corinne Hayes’ boarding-school setting gave the evening its spark: crisp, Photo: Dario Acosta playful, and quietly self-aware. Our singers delivered the text with bright clarity, and the orchestra — gut strings, agile winds, and a quick-witted continuo team — showed how period practice can open the door to real color and character, giving seventeenth-century music a fresh and immediate voice.

Our staff kept the whole operation moving: shepherding instruments across the city, unknotting rehearsal puzzles, and keeping us on course with steady, good-humored precision.

And you completed the picture. Your attention, curiosity, and openness to a fresh perspective gave the performance its full charge. Opera reaches its highest voltage only when an audience engages it.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m delighted to be here and excited for what comes next.

With gratitude,

Patrick Dupre Quigley

INSIDE Meet the Artists Page 3

Dido and Aeneas Highlights Pages 4-5 Recitative: Telling the Story Pages 6-7 Spotlight: Neha Rajput Page 7 Thanks to our Donors Pages 9-12

Meet the Artists: Queen of Hearts Join us for an irresistible evening as love takes center stage in tender ballads, amorous duets, cheeky verses, and bawdy drinking songs.

Nic McGegan

“If Music be the Food of Love,” then William Shakespeare, Henry Purcell, Nic McGegan, and Opera Lafayette all agree: no one will leave this event hungry. Savor music by Purcell, Monteverdi, Locke, Haydn, Le Camus, d’Ambruis, and more.

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Nic McGegan, “an expert in 18 century style” long hailed as “one of the finest conductors of his generation,” joins Opera Lafayette for the first time in a night of merriment and love.

Maya Kherani

Indulge in a feast for the senses, with fine food and crafted libations enhancing this celebration of passion in all its guises.

James Reese

A hearty welcome to returning artist James Reese, tenor, whose “bright, agile, and full of heart,” voice we never tire of hearing!

Praised for her “rich, soaring soprano” and “crystalline tone,” Maya Kherani joins us for her debut performance with Opera Lafayette.

A hearty welcome to returning artist James Reese, tenor, whose voice —“bright, agile, and full of heart”— we never tire of hearing.

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Highlights from Dido & Aeneas

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A REVIEW ROUND UP: Opera Lafayette’s Dido & Aeneas: “Entertaining, enlightening, authentic, and culturally enriching” ~Mike Rogers, OperaGene

Despite its brisk, 65-minute run time, Opera Lafayette’s production of Dido & Aeneas was no small feat. The exceptional musicians and production team delivered three impressive performances for over 800 guests between Washington, D.C. and New York City, and critics were nothing short of wowed.

Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido was a standout.

Praised for her “statuesque, regal” (Harry Rolnick, ConcertoNet.com) and “scintillating” (Charles Downey, Washington Classical Review) voice, Mike Rogers of OperaGene noted that, “listening to her sing was like being bathed in roses.”

Chelsea Helm as Belinda was applauded for her “warm, radiant” (Sylvia Korman, Parterre Box) tone, and Hans Tashjian’s Sorceress was “vivacious” (Korman). Elijah McCormack’s performance as Aeneas was “quite affecting” (Rolnick) because of his “lovely top range” (Downey).

Supported by the “exceptional” (Richard Selden, The Georgetowner) chorus and the “superb” (Meche Kroop, Voce di Meche) Opera Lafayette Orchestra, this ensemble delivered an evening of remarkable artistry.

Photo: Jen Packard

This acclaimed run of Patrick Quigley’s inaugural opera as Artistic Director is neatly summed up by Charles Downey’s observation: “The production…offered reassurance, if any were needed, that the city’s leading baroque opera company is in good hands for its next phase.” This triumph reflects the continued generosity of Opera Lafayette’s donors, whose support makes Patrick Quigley’s vision possible.

Photo: Jen Packard

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RECITATIVE: Telling the Stories That Connect You to the Music Transformation: A Leadership Journey of Aspiration and Accomplishment ~ Lisa Mion, Executive Director In a year filled with transformative change for Opera Lafayette—marked by the retirement of our founder, the arrival of new artistic leadership, and my own transition to Executive Director—I find myself reflecting on my twelve seasons with this remarkable organization and the privilege of carrying forward its rich legacy.

Right from the start—in 2013—Opera Lafayette shaped my sense of possibility in ways I never could have imagined: within my first six months at Opera Lafayette, I found myself, unexpectedly, delivering the company to Versailles. Orchestra, scenery, singers, props, designers, costumes—all making the transatlantic crossing to perform not only for packed houses, but for the ghosts of kings and queens. This landmark performance, marking international recognition for Opera Lafayette, was an auspicious beginning, no doubt! Impossible to top this, I thought in the moment. And yet we did.

Photo: L. Mion

An impossibly quiet moment at Versailles

The very next season, our twentieth anniversary, found Opera Lafayette taking on a new challenge: the modern premiere of a four-act opera—Les Fêtes de l’Hymen et de l’Amour—with three directors sharing the reins, three dance companies of distinctly different styles, and our first video recording. The opera had the same number of acts as the company had employees. Impossible to accomplish this, I thought in the moment. And yet we did.

The years flew by, as I, along with Opera Lafayette, worked to make so many impossible achievements possible.

Produce our full season, including staged opera, in DC and NY? Check. Launch a multi-year Beethoven project and simultaneously create multi-camera recordings? Done—and done. Conquer the pandemic with a live, in-person, outdoor opera for the world to see? Sure, why not. Safely bringing artists and audiences together outside was more than a logistical challenge: it became a testament to our shared resolve and humanity. What next? Create the first performance edition and produce a world-premiere of the first Photo: L. Mion complete opera written by a Black American? Absolutely!

An improbable Morgiane rehearsal day in New Orleans

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These moments define my time here: as the company soared, my own responsibilities—and gratitude—grew ever deeper. Wearing every hat the company had to offer? Witnessing art-in-themaking that few have the opportunity to experience? Finding dear friends among the colleagues, board members, and donors whose love for and dedication to the company matched (or surpassed!) my own? Check, check, and check.

Photo: L. Mion

Managing ten cameras druing Beethoven’s Leonore

© L.Mion

Each experience exemplified what I’ve come to recognize as our company’s enduring spirit: transforming the improbable into the unforgettable.

With Patrick’s first staged opera behind us and a new chapter ahead, I am humbled to hold our shared memory and shepherd our journey, driven by curiosity, creativity, and community.

New partnerships, deeper friendships, wider reach: these are our future guideposts, built on the foundation of artistic excellence and spirit of discovery that define Opera Lafayette.

Photo: J. Packard

Colleagues celebrating their unforgettable accomplishments

Today, with each of you at our back, tutto è possibile.

To purchase tickets for any of our upcoming performances please visit: OperaLafayette.org/tickets or call our Box Office at (202) 546-9332

With gratitude, © J. Packard

Lisa Mion Executive Director

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SPOTLIGHT: Neha Rajput Young Friends of Opera Lafayette

Meet Neha Rajput, an energetic member of the Opera Lafayette community and a driving force who, alongside other passionate young advocates, is leading the charge to swell the ranks of our Young Friends program.

“I’ve called DC home for about two and a half years now.

Before my time at Ohio State, I lived in New Mexico, where I had a lot of early exposure to opera and the arts in general.

Outside of opera and music, I’m pretty active but am always up for a good movie, TV series, or a great book.”

L to R: Helen Aguilera Acosta, Neha Rajput

Neha’s journey with opera is lifelong: “I can’t quite pinpoint the moment I fell in love with opera. I remember playing Mozart and opera CDs on my stereo as a kid, but then I went through a phase when I’d rather do anything than go to museums and operas with my parents! Luckily, I kept coming back to it, and after seeing Carmen at Santa Fe Opera in 2014, I was hooked all over again.”

Is it really important to bring young people to the opera? Neha believes it’s essential. “Music transcends language, and opera is replete with emotion, making it easy for all age groups to interpret the story. It’s a unique artistic experience, packed with very complex expressions of human emotion that resonate across generations. And music and art aren’t just reserved for one group—there’s something in opera that every young adult can benefit from. Plus, the opera makes for a fantastic night out!”

Looking forward, Neha is excited for what’s next: “My vision for Young Friends of Opera Lafayette (YFOL) is to bring together people of all backgrounds. You don’t need to be an expert in music to enjoy opera. Sometimes my peers think opera’s not ‘for them.’ I want to change that—to keep making opera accessible: welcoming and easy for anyone to try. YFOL is already drawing in people with all levels of exposure to opera, and I think we can go even further, continuing to create new chances for people to discover the magic of opera in a friendly, open atmosphere.”

If you’d like to learn more about Young Friends of Opera Lafayette or are interested in joining our group, we’d love to hear from you—just reach out to EmilyBidinger@OperaLafayette.org with your email or preferred contact method.

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Thank You for Your Support!

As supporters, you are our most important collaborators. You play a vital, ongoing role in the history of opera: patronage. On behalf or our artists, staff, and board members, thank you for becoming part of a legacy that rediscovers the past, illuminates the present, and inspires the future.

The following list reflects annual fund support received from July 1, 2024 through November 1, 2025.

Annual Fund Donors Underwriter ($20,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Ross Ain Walter Arnheim and Marsha Rehns Ryan Brown and Christine Healey Dorsey and Susan Dunn David C. Frederick and Sophia Lynn Cheryl Gorelick Bill and Cari Gradison /Gradison Fdn Robert V. Jones Stephen E. and Mary Sue Kitchen Dr. Nancy Maruyama Ellen I. McCoy JoAnn Willis and Charles N. Kahn III Two anonymous donors Maestro ($10,000-$19,999) Adrienne Jamieson and Patrick Chamorel Parker Jayne and Thea Austen Susan A. Lynner Elizabeth Prince Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Ralston Benefactor ($5,000-$9,999) Frederick and Annelyse Allen Stephanie Bernheim and Ralph Wharton Joan L. Elliston Valerie R. Lynn Drs. Daniel and Susan Thys Bryan Tramont One anonymous donor Sustainer ($2,500-$4,999) Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Allen Rebecca and Ron Harris-Warrick Tom Helinski Robert Lerner and Pamela J. Hines Mr. Richard Johnson

Ms. Heather Mac Donald Merri Moken Bruce Rosenblum and Lori Laitman Michelle Sikora Bonnie Simon Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wilkinson Two anonymous donors Patron ($1,000-$2,499) Mehdi Reza Asef Ellen Bonnell Roxanne and Henry Brandt Corrick Brown Maureen Dwyer Jill Esterman Shelia Ffolliott Louis and Marie-Hélène Forget Dennis Gallagher and Carol Barthel Joan Greenberg Samuel and Marcia Hellman Andrea Knutson Voce di Meche Ms. Mary Lynne Martin Ingrid Meyer Catherine S. Michaelson Bill and Annette Reilly Jane and Bruce Robert Sybil Silver Matthew Slater and Faith Roessel John C. Wiecking Susan Yamada Three anonymous donors Donor ($500-$999) Barry Abel Wallace K. Bailey Mr. Eric Bash Joel Brenner and Victoria Pope

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Merritt Chesley Walter Denny and Alice Robbins Linda DeRamus John Driscoll Mr. Matthew Easley Mr. Christopher C. Forbes and Baroness Astrid von Heyl Bruce A. Garetz Mr. Robert Green Sheridan Harvey Daniel Lozier Marie Nugent-Head and James Marlas Joan E. McFarland Karen A. McLaughlin and Mark Schubin Patrick Metz Lynn Parseghian Mrs. Kenneth B. Prouty Drs. Sunita and Ashwani Rajput Mr. Christopher Robey Rochelle and Robert Sinclair Deborah Weinberger John and Joan Westley One anonymous donor Supporters and Friends $100-$499 Jean W. Arnold Dr. Andrew Austin Ms. Susan Bardenhagen Virginia M. Bland Dena Bowen Jennifer and Derick Brinkerhoff Mr. and Mrs. Keven F. Brown Marco Cagetti Avis Bohlen Calleo Eve Chauchard Joanne Chernow Robin Clarke Marilyn Courtot and Charles Wyman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cummins David Drasin Karen DuVal Fynnette Eaton and James E. Miller Joan Esposito Janet Farbstein Benjamin and Michael Feldman

James Feldman John Fitzgerald James A. Glazier Leo Greenbaum John Mark Greiner Nicole Halbreiner June Hajjar John and Shizue Howe Sara Caples and Everardo Jefferson Margaret C. Jones Geoffrey D. Kaiser Lorna Kettaneh Noël Klapper Vivianne C. Lake Harris Lehrer Anne Mackinnon Pamela Manice Thomas McBride Rebecca McCormack Cynthia and Michael McKee Heather McPherson Deborah Mintz Mr. Gerald Murphy Philip Nash Fred Negem Dianne and Chris O'Flinn Mr. John Percy Trudy and Gary Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reischauer Dr. Barbara Reissman Mr. Marc Roth Dr. Robin S. Rothrock J. Brinton Rowdybush Leo H. Settler and Joel Cuffman Robert Sherer Jayme A. Sokolow and Thelma M. Craig Thomas Strikwerda Dorry Swope Ms. Denise Vogt Ms. Barbara Wayne Baird Webel Elizabeth A. Witt Tracy D. Wojcik Wolf Instruments Thomas and Barbara Wolf Four anonymous donors

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Donations Made in Honor and in Memory Rochelle and Robert Sinclair in honor of Adrienne Jamieson Michelle Sikora in honor of Ryan Brown Jeffrey Mora in honor of Wendy Fuller-Mora Catherine S. Michaelson in honor of Will Crutchfield Ashwani and Sunita Rajput in honor of Ryan Brown Corrick Brown in honor of Ryan Brown and Patrick Quigley

Parseghian Cohen Family Fund in honor of Susan Lynner Mr. and Mrs Richard Cummins in honor of Robert Wayne Miller Ellen McCoy in honor of Ryan Brown Anonymous in honor of Fred Virdeh Anonymous in memory of Suzanne Marie Johnson

Institutional Support Opera Lafayette is grateful to the following organizations, foundations, and government agencies, which are dedicated to improving our lives through access to the arts. The contributions of these partner institutions are crucial in bringing Opera Lafayette performances to the stages of Washington, DC and New York City and in supporting our ongoing community-centered engagement and educational opportunities.

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Esther Simon 1952 Charitable Trust

The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Prince Charitable Trusts

Sponsorships We gratefully acknowledge the following individual underwriters, who have taken a leading role in ensuring that the rare works unearthed by Opera Lafayette will reach audiences around the world for years to come.

The Kenneth Gorelick Fund for Opera Lafayette for Premiere Editions and Recordings Supported by a generous initial gift from Cheryl Gorelick, in honor of Founding Artistic Director Ryan Brown Additionally supported by one Anonymous donor

At Home with Opera Lafayette We are grateful to the many hosts who have, over the years, opened their homes and welcomed Opera Lafayette Artists.

If you are interested in hosting an artist, please email AlexisAime@OperaLafayette.org

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OUR SEASON CONTINUES Queen of Hearts Washington DC Thursday, February 12, 2026 7:30 PM St. Francis Hall (1340 Quincy St NE) New York, NY Saturday, February 14, 2026 7:30 PM Georgia Room (23 Lexington Ave)

New Woman Washington DC Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:30 PM Sixth & I (600 I St NW) New York, NY Saturday, May 2, 2026 7:30 PM Merkin Hall (129 W 67th St)