Reflections Spring 2026

Reflections

An Opera Lafayette Newsletter Spring 2026

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On the Road with Patrick Dupre Quigley Dear Friends of Opera Lafayette, Opera Lafayette’s own Patrick Dupre Quigley has been turning heads in Boston this spring. On March 9, he was in town as a guest conductor for Boston Baroque, where reviewers praised his “insightful direction” and “poised leadership,” a testament to the musical intelligence and stylistic finesse that Opera Lafayette audiences know so well.

Just ten days later, on March 19, he returned to Boston for “In Search of the Lost Maestro: Rediscovering Edmond Dédé” at the French Library, an event that grew directly out of our commitment to bring Morgiane to life. That trip also took Patrick and OperaCréole’s Givonna Joseph to Harvard University, where they met with librarian Andrea Cawelti at Houghton Library to reconnect with Dédé’s manuscript, fresh on the heels of February’s world-premiere recording release. Filmmaker Marguerite de Bourgoing was there to capture their hands-on encounter for her forthcoming documentary, which includes Opera Lafayette in a central role in the chapters on Morgiane.

Patrick’s Boston Baroque appearance also reunited him with soprano Lauren Snouffer, who recently made her Metropolitan Opera debut in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Lauren now brings that same star power to Opera Lafayette, joining Patrick and the Opera Lafayette Orchestra on April 30 and May 2 for a special solo program with orchestra. The artistic rapport between these two musicians— his elegant, incisive leadership from the podium and her radiant vocal presence and dramatic nuance onstage—promises an evening of refined musicianship, expressive color, and theatrical joy.

For those who have followed Patrick’s many successes and Lauren’s rising international profile, these performances offer Opera Lafayette audiences a rare chance to experience two superb artists creating something truly unforgettable.

INSIDE New Woman Page 3

Review Round Up Pages 4-5 Spotlight: Jill Esterman Pages 6-7 Meet the Artists Page 7 Thanks to our Donors Pages 8-10 2026-27 Season Page 11 Photo: R. Peccola

Upcoming: “New Woman” Women’s Voices in the Classical Era With soprano Lauren Snouffer and the Opera Lafayette Orchestra Haute couture by Ralph Rucci Opera Lafayette presents New Woman, a bold reimagining of the Classical era through music, fashion, and the female voice. This inspired program sets the engineered perfection of castrato repertoire alongside the grounded power of women who defied convention.

D. Acosta

Patrick Quigley

A. Schütz

Lauren Snouffer

Ralph Rucci Washington, DC April 30, 7:30 p.m.

Sixth & I New York City May 2, 7:30 p.m.

Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center

Fresh from her Metropolitan Opera debut, soprano Lauren Snouffer brings crystalline agility and dramatic presence to this program, performing in couture creations by Ralph Rucci, the visionary designer celebrated for his sculptural form, precision, and line. This intersection of music, history, and fashion becomes a vivid experience, an exploration of how authority is both worn and heard.

The Engineered Ideal The music of Christoph Gluck (1714-1787) and J.C. Bach (1735-1782) springs from a world that prized refinement above truth, demanding singers of dazzling precision. Written for castrati like Caffarelli and Rauzzini, these arias showcased fantastical voices produced by altered bodies with superhuman breath, agility, and tone. Their heroes embody a heightened virtuosity.

Women Who Wrote Their Own Power The music of Maria Antonia Walpurgis (1724-1780) and Marianna Martines (1744-1812), rooted in their own experience, asserted intelligence, agency, and artistry with their own distinct bravura at a time when female voices were often overlooked. Their heroines speak rather than symbolize and lead rather than plead.

Featuring Opera Lafayette’s acclaimed period orchestra, New Woman brings into sharp focus how artifice and experience shaped the Classical world.

Join us in Washington, DC, and New York City to discover how they still shape us today.

For tickets, visit OperaLafayette.org

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A REVIEW ROUND UP: Opera Lafayette’s Queen of Hearts

In a new Baroque cabaret format, Opera Lafayette’s Queen of Hearts welcomed audiences into an intimate salon where music, love, and good company held court. “Consummate performer” Nicolas McGegan (Maggie Ramsey, Opera Today), playing the part of curator, harpsichordist and emcee, delivered an unforgettable evening: “The entire experience of Queen of Hearts, from the hospitality to the performances, made it the perfect concert... this is how it’s done” (Ramsey).

Returning to the Opera Lafayette stage, GRAMMYwinning tenor James Reese “brought a sweet tenor voice and expressive musical phrasing to his solo pieces” (Charles Downey, Washington Classical Review), while soprano Maya Kherani gave “a masterclass in performing... indeed every university and conservatory should play a recording of her performance” (Ramsey).

Violinists Natalie Kress and Rebecca Nelson were standouts as they “imitated one another’s lines playfully, sharpening dissonances that then resolved into sweet consonances” (Downey).

Maya Kherani, James Reese

Photo: Jen Packard

One reviewer captured the spirit of the evening perfectly: “The diversity of the night’s offerings—vocals, instrumental numbers, and poetry—created a wonderful sampler for 16th- and 17th-century musings on love” (Alexandra Bowman, DC Theatre Arts). Moments like these are only possible because of our generous donors We are truly grateful that you followed us into new spaces and new formats. We hope you were rewarded in spades hearts.

Natalie Kress (L); Alexa Haynes-Pilon (R)

Photo: Jen Packard

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Highlights from “Queen of Hearts”

PLUS: Reviews from our “Morgiane” CD Release Early Music America: “…everyone involved have a lot to be proud of, for delivering a stirring opera, and for reviving an essential artist of American musical history.”

Der Neue Merker (Austrian music journal): “The strength of the musical performance lies in the spirited, lively, and elegantly buoyant musical direction of the American conductor, producer, and arranger Patrick Dupre Quigley. [Quigley] together with the dynamically performing orchestra of Opera Lafayette, skillfully holds together the diverse threads of the score, convincingly illuminating the polystylistics of the music and shaping correspondingly expansive arcs.”

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BOARD SPOTLIGHT: Jill Esterman on Style, Strategy, and Growth

Board Member Jill Esterman is a wellspring of enthusiasm supported by decades of marketing expertise. Jill and Opera Lafayette first came together four years ago when she attended our Spring 2022 New York Gala. Seated between Executive Director Lisa Mion and former Board Chair Dorsey Dunn, Jill immediately fit into the Opera Lafayette family. “I was taken with the beauty and charm of what Opera Lafayette does and expressed an interest in doing more to contribute to the continued success of the organization. The rest is history,” Jill says. She swiftly found a new home on the Board of Directors, where her professional marketing and luxury goods sales experience at Elle Décor, Traditional Home, and Tiffany & Co. helped round out the board’s skill set, exemplifying the kind of strategic leadership that powers Opera Lafayette’s growth.

Her robust connections in the world of art and design have brought about many partnerships, including our current collaboration with renowned designer Ralph Rucci for the upcoming performance of New Woman with soprano Lauren Snouffer.

What excites you most about pairing Opera Lafayette’s artistic vision with Rucci's aesthetic?

“Establishing a creative partnership with fashion designer Ralph Rucci has been exciting and rewarding.

Rucci's designs reflect the personality of the wearer—strong, creative, independent, and timeless. He has always designed for a “new woman,” a thinking woman, no matter what the era! So, this collaboration truly embodies the theme of our next concert. Opera Lafayette has a history of embracing visionary costuming— I’m thinking of course of Rameau’s Io, featuring the maximalist work of Machine Dazzle. It’s only natural that we continue to explore creative alignments like these.”

In addition to her work on artistic collaborations, Jill also brings her strategic eye to Opera Lafayette’s visual identity. With her help, our recent brand-refresh highlights Opera Lafayette’s special place in the current musical landscape: not simply performing the past but restoring it—in a way that speaks to today’s audience.

What about the organization’s identity did you most want to highlight?

“We wanted to capture the unique point of difference Opera Lafayette occupies in the world of classical music, and to express our visual identity in a more modern way. Communicating this on all our major print, web, and social platforms has been instrumental in attracting a broader—and hopefully, younger—audience.

It also aligned perfectly with the arrival of our new Artistic Director, Patrick Dupre Quigley.”

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How do you hope audiences and partners will think about Opera Lafayette over the next few years?

“Opera Lafayette continues to evolve as Patrick Dupre Quigley begins writing the next chapter of our story. I hope that patrons and critics alike will see Opera Lafayette as a forward-thinking artistic leader, offering the best in musical quality, creativity, and entertainment in a genre that continues to attract new audiences.”

When asked why Opera Lafayette deserves a place in the cultural calendars of New York and DC audiences, Jill extended an invitation: “Try it! You will be pleasantly surprised by the experience.”

The dedication of board members like Jill fuels Opera Lafayette’s continued growth. To learn more about board and volunteer opportunities with Opera Lafayette, please reach out to Lisa Mion at lisacmion@operalafayette.org Photo: L. Mion © L.Mion

Meet Edson Scheid Opera Lafayette’s Concertmaster A native of Brazil, violinist Edson Scheid is based in New York.

He performs on both modern and period instruments with many ensembles in the United States, and frequently tours in Europe, Asia, and North and South America with ensembles including Les Arts Florissants and Il Pomo d’Oro. He regularly plays as concertmaster of the Clarion Orchestra, Seraphic Fire, American Baroque Orchestra, and Teatro Nuovo among other groups. It’s our pleasure to welcome him to his first season as concertmaster with Opera Lafayette.

You heard him in Dido and Aeneas and Morgiane, but you haven’t been properly introduced. To move this along, we went looking for short reviews of Edson’s playing in the wealth of online material singing his praises.

Here’s what we found: © J. Packard

“…the high point…” The Strad “…expressive virtuosity…” Early Music America “…seemingly superhuman technique…” Fanfare Magazine “…a superb violinist…” New York Concert Review “…clearly gifted…” The New York Times “…virtuoso violinist…” The Boston Globe Edson is a vital musical force; with him in our concertmaster’s chair, Opera Lafayette’s orchestra is in very good hands indeed.

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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 January 1, 2025 through April 8, 2026.

Annual Fund Donors Underwriter ($20,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Ross Ain Walter Arnheim and Marsha Rehns Dorsey and Susan Dunn Cheryl Gorelick Bill and Cari Gradison / Gradison Foundation Stephen E. and Mary Sue Kitchen Susan A. Lynner Ellen I. McCoy Ms. Elizabeth Prince JoAnn Willis and Charles N. Kahn III Anonymous (2) Maestro ($10,000-$19,999) Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Allen Adrienne Jamieson and Patrick Chamorel Parker Jayne and Thea Austen Robert V. Jones Dr. Nancy Maruyama Drs. Daniel and Susan Thys Benefactor ($5,000-$9,999) David C. Frederick and Sophia Lynn Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Ralston David Webb & W. Lynn McLaughlin Anonymous (2) Sustainer ($2,500-$4,999) Jonathan Brandt Roxanne and Henry Brandt Foundation Joan L. Elliston Louis and Marie-Hélène Forget Rebecca and Ron Harris-Warrick Mr. Richard Johnson Ms. Heather Mac Donald Lisa and Todd Mion Robert A. Peccola and Patrick Dupre Quigley

Bruce Rosenblum and Lori Laitman Bonnie Simon Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wilkinson Anonymous (1) Patron ($1,000-$2,499) Mehdi Reza Asef Stephanie Bernheim and Ralph Wharton Ellen Bonnell Corrick Brown Ryan Brown and Christine Healey Toni Codinas and Don Glover Maureen Dwyer Jill Esterman Sheila Ffolliott Mr. Christopher C. Forbes and Baroness Astrid von Heyl Bruce A. Garetz Joan Greenberg Tom Helinski Robert Lerner and Pamela J. Hines Voce di Meche Patrick Metz Victoria Newhouse Dianne and Chris O'Flinn Drs. Sunita and Ashwani Rajput Jane and Bruce Robert Michelle Sikora Louise Stephaich Mr. John Wiecking Deborah Weinberger Anonymous (1) Donor ($500-$999) Mark and Helen Rice Mr. Eric Bash Walter Denny and Alice Robbins Mr. John Driscoll Sheridan Harvey

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Andrea Knutson Debra Kraft Daniel Lozier Pamela Manice Ms. Carol Marsh Joan E. McFarland Karen A. McLaughlin and Mark Schubin Timothy Milford and Liza Velazquez Mr. Kenneth Pfaehler Bill and Annette Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reischauer Alice Robbins Sybil Silver Matthew Slater and Faith Roessel Anonymous (1) Supporters $250-$499 Jean W. Arnold Wallace K. Bailey Avis Bohlen Calleo Eve Chauchard Linda DeRamus David Drasin Matthew Easley Joan Esposito Benjamin Feldman James Feldman James A. Glazier June Hajjar Robert and Catherine Keatley Lynn Parseghian Mrs. Kenneth B. Prouty Mr. Christopher Robey Jayme A. Sokolow and Thelma M. Craig Thomas Strikwerda Elizabeth A. Witt Wolf Instruments/Thomas and Barbara Wolf Anonymous (2) Friends $100-$249 JDr. Andrew Austin Ms. Susan Bardenhagen Tony Bellamy Dena Bowen Jennifer and Derick Brinkerhoff

Marco Cagetti Sara Caples and Everardo Jefferson Joanne Chernow Robin Clarke Marilyn Courtot and Charles Wyman Susanne Durst Karen DuVal Ms. Fynnette Eaton and Mr. James E. Miller Alan and Hannah Fisher John Fitzgerald Aloysia Friedmann and Jon Kimura Parker Dennis Gallagher and Carol Barthel Dr. Marilyn Wong Gleysteen John Mark Greiner Nicole Halbreiner Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Handte John and Shizue Howe Paul E. Johnson Geoffrey D. Kaiser Lorna Kettaneh Mr. Charles Kitchen Noël Klapper Vivianne C. Lake Mr. Harris Lehrer Karen Lightfoot Anne Mackinnon Thomas McBride Cynthia & Michael McKee Heather McPherson Mr. Gerald Murphy Philip Nash Fred Negem Mr. John Percy Trudy and Gary Peterson William Quigley Mr. Marc Roth J. Brinton Rowdybush Marilyn Schiff and Thomas Timberg Leo H. Settler and Joel Cuffman Robert Sherer Shelley and Bob Sinclair Jason Strudler Dorry Swope Ms. Denise Vogt Ms. Barbara Wayne Anonymous (1)

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Donations Made in Honor and in Memory Corrick Brown in honor of Ryan Brown and Patrick Quigley Michelle Sikora in honor of Ryan Brown Parseghian Cohen Family Fund in honor of Susan Lynner Ms. Patricia Beaman in honor of Ryan Brown

Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Handte in honor of Dorsey & Susan Dunn Alan and Hannah Fisher in honor of Ryan Brown Aloysia Friedmann & Jon Kimura Parker in honor of Ryan Brown Givonna Joseph in memory of Madgie Paysee Joseph

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 Roxanne and Heny Brandt Foundation 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 National Endowment for the Arts 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 2026-27 Season Opera Lafayette turns history on its head with Crazy in Love: three inventive programs that fall hard for the beauty, charisma, and intoxicating pull of voices and stories that upend expectations.

Rameau’s Les Surprises de l’Amour, a modern world premiere November 9, 2026, New York, NY

November 13 – 15, 2026, Washington, DC

In Les Surprises de l’Amour, Cupid delights in rearranging the emotional furniture: the cool Uranie finds her reason softened; the beautiful Adonis discovers that Venus always wins. Feelings bloom, certainties wobble, and the dances glitter to Rameau’s incandescent score. This formidable alliance of Madame de Pompadour and Rameau returns to the stage for the first time since 1748: flirtatious, sophisticated, and delightfully witty. The result is irresistible.

The Imposter Unmasked, an immersive evening of song February 27, 2027, Washington, DC

March 1, 2027, New York, NY

This immersive evening of intrigue invites you to become anyone but yourself as we converge for a concert of devastating beauty and playful entertainments, with music by Dowland and Campion through Purcell and early Handel. Costumes are encouraged. Masks will be waiting. Expect wit, revelation, and the pleasure of seeing the greatest impostor of all finally unmasked.

Metastasio’s La clemenza di Tito, a portrait of clemancy May 1, 2027, Washington, DC

May 4, 2027, New York, NY

In Clemenza, betrayal by the closest of friends is real, but so is forgiveness. Metastasio’s great hero Tito comes to life in this program of arias for solo voice and orchestra by the boy wonder Mozart and the composers who shaped him: Mysliveček, Gluck, and Hasse. Framed by music of Mozart’s true friends and champions, “Papa” Haydn and Marianna Martines, this program reveals genius forged in companionship and rivalry alike. With Mozart at the center, mercy emerges as the ultimate act of love.

This May, you’ll receive a dedicated subscription packet with all the details you need. For now, we invite you to save the date and begin imagining your next season with us.

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The Nation’s Period Opera Company

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