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, 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
Meet the Artists
Dido and Aeneas Highlights Pages 4-5
Recitative: Telling the Story Pages 6-7
Spotlight: Neha Rajput Page 7 Page 3
Thanks to our Donors Pages 9-12
Photo: Dario Acosta
Meet the Artists: Queen of Hearts
Nic McGegan
Nic McGegan, “an expert in 18century 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. th
Maya Kherani
Join us for an irresistible evening as love takes center stage in tender ballads, amorous duets, cheeky verses, and bawdy drinking songs.
“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.
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,”
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.
Highlights from Dido & Aeneas
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
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
Photo: Jen Packard
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.
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 complete opera written by a Black American? Absolutely!
continued on following page
An impossibly quiet moment at Versailles
An improbable Morgiane rehearsal day in New Orleans
Photo:L.Mion
Photo:L.Mion
continued from page 6
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.
or call our Box Office at (202) 546-9332
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.
Today, with each of you at our back, tutto è possibile.
With gratitude,
Lisa Mion Executive Director
©L.Mion
©J.Packard
Managing ten cameras druing Beethoven’s Leonore
Colleagues celebrating their unforgettable accomplishments
Photo:J.Packard
Photo:L.Mion
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 ”
Neha’s journey with opera is lifelong: remember playing Mozart and opera rather do anything than go to museums after seeing Carmen at Santa Fe Opera in 2014, I was hooked all over again.”
Is it really important to bring young language, and opera is replete with unique artistic experience, packed with generations. And music and art aren’t young adult can benefit from. Plus, the opera makes for a fantastic night out!”
Looking forward, Neha is excited (YFOL) is to bring together people 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.
L to R: Helen Aguilera Acosta, Neha Rajput
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
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
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
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 67 St) th