FRIENDS OF OPERA 2025/26 Annual Donor Report
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Friends of OPERA San Antonio, The 2025/26 Season was a year of extraordinary impact for OSA and it all began with your support. It is a pleasure to share this report as a reflection of all we accomplished together. The numbers we are sharing tell an important story, but their meaning is deeply personal. They represent a child hearing a live operatic voice for the first time, a family discovering a new story, and a young artist finding encouragement and professional mentorship. After The Magic Flute, one elementary school teacher told us, “Core memories were created.” On our main stage, 7,607 attendees experienced the wonder of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Isabel Leonard’s extraordinary artistry in A Starlit Night, and the laughter and brilliance of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. These performances invited audiences to experience the imagination, humor, and emotional power of this extraordinary art form. Beyond the theater, 30,176 people participated in our education and community programs. Our free OPERA in Schools program served 15,311 students across 13 school districts, including 34 Title I schools. We also shared 52 free community events across eight cities and all 10 San Antonio City Council districts. Your generosity makes these moments possible. It also allows us to pair artistic ambition with responsible stewardship, invest in local performers and arts workers, and bring opera into schools, libraries, hospitals, and neighborhoods. Together, we are building an opera company that reflects San Antonio’s creative spirit and welcomes more people into the theater. Thank you for believing in OSA and in the cultural future of San Antonio. This report celebrates your generosity—and the community we continue to build together. With heartfelt gratitude,
E. Loren Meeker Executive Director of OPERA San Antonio (Position Underwritten by The Tobin Endowment) 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01-02
15-16
Letter from the Director/ Table of Contents
Margaret King Stanley/ Artist-in-Residence Jennifer Rowley
03-04
17-18
Our Mission/Board of Directors
Training Programs For Students/ Adult Education & Engagement
05-08 Mainstage Productions: The Magic Flute/The Barber of Seville/A Starlit Night
19-20 2025/26 Financial Overview
09-10
21-22
Education Programs
Donor Benefits
11-12
23-24
Community Impact
Opera Gala
13-14
25-28
Programs For Every Age/ Carols & Community
2025/26 Season Donors
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OUR MISSION
OSA is committed to spreading the joy of opera to San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
OPERA San Antonio’s mission is to produce opera of uncompromising artistic quality and to enrich our community through educational outreach and social engagement. The company is committed to preserving and sharing opera as an art form that is relevant, inspirational, and accessible to residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The civic premise of OPERA San Antonio is that the community needs, and the citizens deserve, access to the major performing arts.
CURRENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
E. LOREN MEEKER
FRANCESCO MILIOTO Music Director
Executive Director (Position Underwritten by The Tobin Endowment)
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GARNETT BRUCE Artistic Advisor
CURRENT OSA STAFF
CHANCE MARGOTTA
MADELINE ELIZONDO
ANDREW WARD
WILLIAM CHAPMAN
Director of Operations
Director of Education & Outreach
Production Coordinator
Development Coordinator
AKEMI NUNEZ-MARTINEZ
MADELEINE PHIPPS
ASEL & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
Marketing Assistant
Education Assistant
Accounting Services
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNIE LABATT
Board Chair
“Opera is one of the most powerful expressions of who we are. Through sounds, stories, and staging, opera pulls us together and helps us forge even stronger communal bonds. Supporting the opera means supporting not only the cultural growth of our community, but also the integrity of our community as a space of shared experiences and memories. ’’ ANNIE LABATT
SERGIO VIROSLAV
ERIC REBLIN
MATTHEW WEST
Vice-Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
YUN AU HANNAH HUDSON
EDUARDO PARRA Immediate Past Chair
ALEYDA KNIESTEDT CASSIDY LUITJEN RUBÉN MINUTTI-ZANATTA
BLAIR LABATT Chair Emeritus
SARA MCCAMISH JAMES MCCUTCHEON
MEL WEINGART Founder
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MAINSTAGE
Photos by Karen Almond
The Magic Flute: Brandie Sutton, Rodin Pogossov
THE MAGIC FLUTE In October 2025, OPERA San Antonio opened its season with Mozart’s The Magic Flute, featuring the internationally acclaimed production by Barrie Kosky and British theater company 1927. Blending live performance with animation inspired by 1920s silent films, this imaginative production captivated audiences. Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, OSA provided 1,970 students, teachers, and veterans with free access to the final dress rehearsal and two performances—advancing our commitment to making opera accessible to all. The production, presented in collaboration with The Orchestra San Antonio, featured an all-star cast including David Walton as Tamino, Brandie Sutton as Pamina, and Audrey Luna as Queen of the Night.
“My students don't have opportunities to attend professional performances on their own. They really enjoyed visiting the beautiful Tobin Center and hearing amazing music.” DYA N D R A C A B R E R A , T E A C H E R PEASE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Magic Flute: Ashley Milanese, Ashley Dixon, Laurel Semerdjian
The Magic Flute: David Walton
“We are forever grateful and so happy to have been sat so close. Core memories were created; we are forever grateful.” DAIJA VANEGAS, TEACHER ALLEN & ADAMS HILL ELEMENTARY
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The Magic Flute: Audrey Luna
PRODUCTIONS
81 SCHOOLS 3,760 SPONSORED SEATS FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, & VETERANS
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE In April and May 2026, OPERA San Antonio presented Rossini’s beloved comic opera The Barber of Seville in a vibrant production from Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Featuring inventive staging, bold visuals, and Rossini’s sparkling score, the production brought the opera’s humor, romance, and mischief to life. The phenomenal cast featured Luke Sutliff as the clever Figaro, Elizabeth Sutphen as Rosina, and Lunga Hallam as Count Almaviva. Presented in collaboration with The Orchestra San Antonio, the production offered 1,474 sponsored seats to students, teachers, and veterans. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, more community members could experience the magic of live opera—creating opportunities for discovery, connection, and lasting memories that might otherwise have remained beyond reach.
Barber of Seville: Lunga Hallam, Elizabeth Sutphen
“Just a huge thank you to your whole team for making it possible for us and other schools to attend. I know it's a huge undertaking, but to see the excitement and joy my students express about attending... hopefully, makes the effort a little easier!” AMIE CHARNEY, TEACHER NORTH EAST SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (NESA)
Photo by Karen Almond
“It was a great experience and the Actors and Actresses were amazing singers and it was just a great show. I would love to see other shows and their story.” RAUL V, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Barber of Seville: Luke Sutliff, Ashraf Sewailam
Photo by Karen Almond Cast: Kristen Choi, Raquel González
Barber of Seville: Stefan Egerstrom, Ashraf Sewailam
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MAINSTAGE A STARLIT NIGHT On January 28, 2026, OPERA San Antonio presented A Starlit Night, a concert and gala featuring internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, accompanied by her longtime collaborator, pianist John Arida, and a string quartet from The Orchestra San Antonio. Following her memorable 2024 appearance at the McNay Art Museum, where her captivating presence and stirring performance moved audience members to tears, Leonard returned to San Antonio for an evening that welcomed longtime admirers and new audiences alike. Through the generosity of OSA’s supporters, 316 sponsored tickets provided students—including vocal music majors from area colleges and universities—with the opportunity to experience this world-class artist live. For aspiring singers, witnessing Leonard’s artistry firsthand offered a powerful opportunity for inspiration, learning, and a deeper connection to their chosen craft. By opening the doors to extraordinary performances, OSA helps cultivate the next generation of artists and ensures that exceptional cultural experiences remain accessible to our community.
Photos by Karen Almond
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CONTINUED SPECIAL EVENTS OPERA San Antonio believes that opera should be accessible, welcoming, and engaging for everyone—not just those who attend performances at The Tobin Center. By meeting people where they are through creative community partnerships and interactive experiences, OSA brings opera beyond the traditional theater setting, sparking curiosity and building excitement for our mainstage productions. From playful, family-friendly activities that introduce young audiences to the magic of opera to engaging cultural experiences for adults, these programs invite people of all ages to discover, connect with, and experience opera in new ways. To complement its October 2025 production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, OSA partnered with the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) to present “Explore Magic Flute,” a free, family-friendly community event. Through storytelling led by a narrator and stage director, interactive audience participation, and iconic musical excerpts from Mozart’s masterpiece, attendees explored the opera’s enchanting story in an inviting, accessible setting. The program offered families and audiences of all ages a fun introduction to the music and characters, building excitement for the mainstage production while making opera more approachable for newcomers. In spring 2026, OSA launched a new collaboration with Artpace, presenting a concert version of Cocktails & Conversation, an engaging event connected to Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Hosted on Artpace’s rooftop, the gathering featured artists from the production and offered attendees an opportunity to connect with the performers and gain insight into the opera in a relaxed, distinctive setting. By bringing artists and audiences together in an unexpected venue, OSA created a fresh pathway into the world of opera—strengthening connections across San Antonio’s arts community and inviting new audiences to experience the excitement of live performance.
Explore Magic Flute artists at SAMA: Yuxin Liu, Brandon Morales, Dottie Randall
Barber of Seville cast members at Artpace: Lunga Hallam, Luke Sutliff, Elizabeth Sutphen
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EDUCATION
During the 2025/26 Season, OPERA San Antonio’s OPERA in Schools program visited 53 venues, reaching 63 schools, including 34 Title I campuses, across 13 school districts. Through 55 free performances spanning all 10 San Antonio city districts, OSA engaged 15,311 K–12 students and 1,045 teachers at charter, homeschool, private, and public schools throughout the region. To meet growing demand and serve schools on an extensive waitlist, OSA partnered with the Brauntex Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, and Tobin Center for the Performing Arts to present two original student matinee programs: OPERA Meets Broadway, connecting students to opera through the familiar world of musical theater, and OPERA à la Carte, offering an engaging introduction to opera through a three-course interactive experience featuring highlights from opera's greatest hits. Across six matinee performances, OSA reached 51 additional schools and 2,941 attendees, expanding access to live performance and inspiring more young people to discover the arts.
OPERA meets Broadway at The Tobin Center
OPERA Meets Mariachi: Tobin Center Opera a la carte at the Carver 9
195 TOTAL SCHOOLS 22,863 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS ALL 10 CITY DISTRICTS
PROGRAMS
195
TOTAL SCHOOLS
22,863
TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
ALL 10
CITY DISTRICTS
During the 2025/26 Season, OPERA San Antonio’s Behind the Scenes program expanded access to The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville, and A Starlit Night through 3,566 sponsored seats across ticketed performances and invited final dress rehearsals. Of these, 1,089 tickets valued at more than $50,000 were provided to students and veterans for ticketed performances, reaching students from 81 schools across Bexar County and beyond. Thanks to our generous sponsors, students, aspiring vocal artists, and members of the military community experienced world-class performances, often overcoming financial barriers that might otherwise have prevented their attendance. Partnerships with VetTix, Tobin Heroes, and Tobin Teachers further broadened access to these enriching cultural experiences. Beyond attending performances, students enjoyed additional learning opportunities, including discounted $20 rush tickets, cast Q&As, photo opportunities, backstage tours, red-carpet interviews, and interactive study guides that extended the experience beyond the theater and deepened classroom learning.
“Magic Flute” Q&A
Red Carpet Interviews
Cruzar Pre-Show Q & A
“Barber” Q&A
“Barber” Red-Carpet interviews
“Barber” Pre-Show 10
COMMUNITY
Connection...Collab Throughout the 2025–26 season, In addition to school programming, OPERA San Antonio participated in 52 free, community-centered events, reaching 7,313 people. Through partnerships with established and new community organizations, OSA brought opera and live performance to audiences across eight cities and all 10 San Antonio city districts, meeting people where they live, learn, and gather. These creative collaborations offered fun, accessible ways for people of all ages to engage with the arts, discover opera, and build excitement for OSA’s mainstage productions. Season highlights included “Explore Magic Flute” with the San Antonio Museum of Art; a featured performance at The DoSeum’s Big Day of Play; Spanish-language opera workshops with the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)–San Antonio; holiday caroling through seasonal pop-ups; a holiday concert at Haven for Hope; and OSA’s inaugural Hill Country Holiday Tour. OSA also launched a Pre-K Edition of its popular Explore Opera for Kids! series in partnership with the San Antonio Public Library and presented Hearts in Harmony at The Towers, featuring performances by the inaugural class of high school Voice Intensive artists. From family-friendly programs and educational partnerships to performances in community spaces, each event created new opportunities to connect with audiences, strengthen local relationships, and make opera a more visible and accessible part of our community.
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52 7,313 8
IMPACT
52
7,313
8
FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS TOTAL ATTENDEES CITIES FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS
TOTAL ATTENDEES
CITIES
oration...Education Hill Country Holiday Tour
“Explore Opera for Kids! - Pre-K”
Barber “Cocktails & Conversation” at Artpace
“Explore Magic Flute” at SAMA
Main Plaza Noche Buena
The DoSeum’s Big Day of Play
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PROGRAMS FOR EVERY AGE EXPLORE OPERA FOR KIDS!
VA Hospital Holiday performance
SUPPORTING VETERANS & SERVICE MEMBERS OPERA San Antonio is proud to honor those who have served our country by making the arts more accessible to the military community. During the 2025/26 Season, OSA provided 679 sponsored tickets to veterans through its partnerships with VetTix and Tobin Heroes, offering opportunities to experience live opera at The Tobin Center. OSA also brought music directly to veterans through a holiday performance at the VA Hospital, using the uplifting power of music to brighten spirits and bring moments of joy.
Last season, OPERA San Antonio expanded its partnership with the San Antonio Public Library, transforming Explore Opera for Kids! from a summer concert series into a season-long offering. Across eight shows at libraries throughout the city, families enjoyed a fun, engaging introduction to opera through live music and interactive experiences. OSA also launched a new Pre-K Edition, thoughtfully designed for its youngest audiences. Through age-appropriate musical experiences and playful introductions to opera, the program nurtures curiosity, creativity, and imagination—highlighting the importance of early arts exposure in building lifelong appreciation.
Read the testimonials below to hear directly from veterans about the impact of experiencing opera.
“You have opened our eyes to the beautiful Opera. We would never had gone without these tickets. Now we have discovered something new. We loved it. Thank you!” T O D D , U. S . A R M Y ( V E T E R A N 1 9 8 7 - 1 9 9 0 ) T H E M A G I C F L U T E AT T E N D E E
“...It was a truly amazing performance, and we had such a wonderful time. Thank you for bringing such world-class artistry to our city. ” R E G I N A , U. S . A I R F O R C E ( C U R R E N T LY S E R V I N G ) A S TA R L I T N I G H T AT T E N D E E
“Thank you...for providing these seats to those who have served. I’ve always wanted to see this show live (and) thanks to you that wish came true.”
Explore pre-k at johnston branch
HEARTS IN HARMONY OPERA San Antonio’s Hearts in Harmony program brings the joy and uplifting power of live music to retirement communities throughout San Antonio, creating opportunities for residents to connect with the arts through engaging performances by talented artists. During the summer of 2026, OSA was pleased to feature high school singers from its inaugural Emerging Artists Voice Intensive in a free concert at The Towers on Park Lane. The performance offered these young artists a meaningful opportunity to share their talents with the community while bringing the beauty of live music to residents.
J O H N N Y, U. S . A I R F O R C E ( V E T E R A N 1 9 8 4 - 2 0 0 7 ) T H E B A R B E R O F S E V I L L E AT T E N D E E
the towers on park lane 13
CAROLS & COMMUNITY
Holiday POP-UPS
HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY TOUR HOLIDAY POP-UPS: AN OSA TRADITION Continuing OPERA San Antonio’s holiday tradition of giving back through music, OSA artists brought festive carols and beloved opera selections to communities throughout San Antonio and the surrounding region during the 2025 holiday season. In December alone, the team visited 25 venues, reaching 4,198 people across eight cities.
Throughout December, OSA artists continued spreading holiday cheer through performances at Main Plaza’s Noche Buena celebration and H-E-B Holiday Pop-Ups across San Antonio. The season also marked an exciting milestone: the launch of OSA’s first-ever Hill Country Holiday Tour on December 19–20, 2025. Taking the Holiday Pop-Ups tradition beyond the city, artists traveled to H-E-B locations in Boerne, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, bringing live music and holiday cheer to neighboring communities. Through these free, accessible performances, OSA strengthened community connections and shared the joy of opera and music in places where people live, work, and gather.
Main plaza noche buena On Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025, rather than asking for donations, OSA chose to share the healing gift of music, offering performances at two local hospitals for doctors, caregivers, and families supporting loved ones, followed by a heartfelt concert for resident families at Haven for Hope. These performances celebrated the spirit of generosity, compassion, and connection during the holiday season.
Grandparents RAisiNG GRANDCHILDREN Lunch
haven for hope concert
Labatt Food service Donor pop-up
The Hill Country Holiday Tour is made possible through the generous sponsorship of H-E-B Tournament of Champions.
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MARGARET KING STANLEY conversations with leading performing arts professionals. Her passion, vision, and generosity left an enduring mark on San Antonio and generations of artists and audiences. Read Margaret King Stanley’s full obituary
THE MARGARET KING STANLEY VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Margaret King Stanley DECEMBER 11, 1929 - MAY 24, 2026
HONORING THE LEGACY OF MARGARET KING STANLEY Margaret King Stanley was a visionary arts advocate, cultural leader, and cherished friend of OPERA San Antonio whose influence helped shape the performing arts in our city. A founding member and Past President of the Opera Guild of San Antonio, she was deeply committed to introducing young people to opera, partnering with UTSA to bring opera into local public schools. Her contributions extended across San Antonio’s cultural community, from serving arts organizations at the local, state, and national levels to bringing internationally acclaimed artists and companies to the city. For 14 years, she also hosted On Stage with Margaret Stanley, a KRTU radio program featuring
2022 Apprentice artist MKS Scholarship recipients 15
Margaret’s commitment to nurturing young talent lives on through the Margaret King Stanley Vocal Scholarship Fund, which she and the Opera Guild helped establish to support emerging vocal artists. Today, the fund continues under the stewardship of OPERA San Antonio. From 2021 through 2025, the fund helped underwrite OPERA San Antonio’s Apprentice Artist Program, providing advanced singers with financial support and opportunities to gain valuable professional experience through performances and community engagement. This support enabled emerging artists to further their training while sharing their talents with audiences throughout San Antonio and the region. During the 2025/26 Season, OPERA San Antonio carried this legacy forward by providing young singers with transformative educational opportunities, including masterclasses and professional development through our Artist-in-Residence program. We are deeply grateful to the Stanley family and the fund’s supporters for investing in the next generation of opera artists. Their generosity nurtures emerging talent, fosters artistic growth, and helps prepare young singers for meaningful careers in the performing arts.
mezzo-soprano Jill Grove Public Masterclass at UIW
Francesco milioto & 2025 Apprentice artist MKS scholarship recipients
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: JENNIFER ROWLEY AUDITION WORKSHOP FOR ARTISTS
THREE-DAY RESIDENCY
At the Radius Center, six singers participated in Epic Auditioning, a three-hour workshop designed to demystify the professional audition process. Through an interactive presentation, mock auditions, and personalized panel feedback, participants received practical guidance on repertoire selection, audition preparation, résumé presentation, and professional presence. Singers also took turns serving on the audition panel, gaining valuable perspective on both sides of the audition process. In addition, seven other artists received individual coaching with Rowley to refine their vocal and artistic skills.
June marked an exciting month of firsts for OPERA San Antonio’s education initiatives. We launched an Artistin-Residence program, followed by the debut of our first-ever Emerging Artists Voice Intensive for high school singers. Together, these programs provided meaningful mentorship and training opportunities for the next generation of artists—an inspiring way to close an unforgettable season. From June 16–18, 2026, OPERA San Antonio welcomed internationally acclaimed soprano Jennifer Rowley for its inaugural Artist-in-Residence program, presented in partnership with Austin Opera. During the threeday residency, 18 young artists participated in private coaching, specialized workshops, and public educational programming designed to strengthen their skills and prepare them for professional careers. Through the support of the Margaret King Stanley Vocal Scholarship Fund, OSA was able to bring this exceptional artist to San Antonio and provide emerging singers with meaningful opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and artistic growth.
Audition workshop at Radius
PUBLIC MASTERCLASS AT UIW The residency culminated in a public masterclass on June 18 at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Bennack Concert Hall. Six young artists selected by OPERA San Antonio and Austin Opera performed for Rowley and received real-time coaching in vocal technique, musical and dramatic interpretation, and stage presence. Free and open to the community, the masterclass offered audiences a unique opportunity to observe the professional rehearsal process and gain insight into the artistry, discipline, and preparation behind a career in opera.
Photo credit: MBAW Robert S. Michaelson
Parman Library at the Radius Private coaching
Rowley w/Masterclass participants 16
TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
finale performance with jazz nation at the radius
EMERGING ARTISTS VOICE INTENSIVE From June 22–27, 2026, OPERA San Antonio proudly launched its inaugural Emerging Artists Voice Intensive, welcoming 20 talented high school singers from eight communities across Central Texas: San Antonio, Spring Branch, Austin, Von Ormy, Manor, Universal City, Georgetown, and Windcrest. The strong interest in this new program underscored the growing demand for high-quality vocal training, mentorship, and artistic development opportunities for young singers throughout the region. Throughout the week, students learned from professional artists, collegiate performers, and university faculty while exploring educational and career pathways in vocal performance. Each participant received two private voice lessons with professional singers, opportunities to perform in masterclasses and receive individualized feedback, and professional headshots to support their developing artistic careers. These experiences gave students valuable exposure to the expectations, opportunities, and possibilities of pursuing further study and a future in the performing arts. The intensive culminated in three performances that allowed students to share their growth and artistry with the community: a concert for residents of The Towers, a vocal recital at Blue Star Brewing Co., and a grand scenes finale presented in collaboration with JAZZ Nation at the Radius Center.
Blue Star Voice Recital 17
students with music director mike leavitt
lesson coach Billy chapman
stage director E. loren meeker
Remarkably, students prepared this culminating program in just one week, demonstrating their dedication, adaptability, and artistic growth. As OSA’s first-ever high school voice intensive, the program marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and expanding access to meaningful arts education across Central Texas.
OSA TEEN AMBASSADORS As a new initiative during the 2025/26 Season, OPERA San Antonio introduced teen ambassadors to build excitement around opera, foster a sense of belonging among young audiences, and show their peers that opera is cool! Ambassadors Graham Hansen and Isabella Cervera helped bring opera into conversations with fellow students by conducting interviews during final dress rehearsals, assisting the Education Director with curtain speeches, and supporting student recruitment for OSA programs and events. By giving teens an active voice in sharing their experiences, the initiative encourages peer-topeer connections and helps cultivate the next generation of opera enthusiasts.
ADULT EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT ADULT EDUCATION
artists Brandon Morales and Mary Morrow
IMPACT ARTISTS OSA’s OPERAtion Impact Artists are selected via an audition process and are contracted for an entire season. They fulfill roles as educators and ambassadors, representing OSA in schools and engaging public audiences in community events.
artist Brandon Morales
OPERA San Antonio offers adults a variety of opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation of opera through pre-show lectures, backstage tours, public masterclasses, special events, and online resources. Highlights of the 2025/26 Season included a special edition of Cocktails & Conversation at Artpace, featuring thoughtfully curated selections from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, performed by members of the production’s outstanding cast. OSA also offered audiences an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience exploring Barrie Kosky’s imaginative production of The Magic Flute in the Firehouse Lounge, followed by an invitation to observe the company’s sitzprobe (a rehearsal bringing singers and orchestra together) inside The Tobin Center’s HE-B Performance Hall. These experiences offered audiences a closer look at the artistry, creativity, and collaborative process behind bringing opera to the stage.
artist Annisha Mackenzie
BEXAR COUNTY ARTS INTERNSHIP Through a grant from the Bexar County Arts Internship Program, OPERA San Antonio welcomed summer intern Akemi Nunez-Martinez, a violinist and Music Marketing major at UTSA, during the summer of 2026. As a new member of the OSA team, Akemi gained mentorship and hands-on experience across several areas of the organization, including education and outreach, operations, and marketing. She assisted with the logistics and documentation of OSA’s inaugural Emerging Artists Voice Intensive and helped develop the company’s first Family Day at the Opera, planned for the upcoming season. The internship provided valuable professional experience while giving Akemi an inside look at the many creative and operational elements involved in bringing opera to the community.
“Magic Flute” presentation in firehouse lounge
SPANISH-LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS Through its partnership with the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)–San Antonio and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, OPERA San Antonio offered Spanish-language opera appreciation workshops during the 2025/26 Season, connecting audiences with the music, history, and cultural context of its mainstage productions. In conjunction with Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, these workshops provided accessible opportunities for Spanish-speaking community members to explore opera and deepen their appreciation of the art form. Across both workshops, OSA reached 84 attendees, with each experience connecting participants to the productions at The Tobin Center and encouraging them to continue their exploration through live performance.
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2025/26 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Preliminary FY26 Results July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
YOUR Y O U R GENEROSITY G E N E R O S I T Y SUSTAINS S U S T A I N S EXCEPTIONAL E X C E P T I O N A L PERFORMANCES P E R F O R M A N C E S AND A N D BROAD B R O A D COMMUNITY COMMUNITY ACCESS. A C C E S S . CAREFUL C A R E F U L FINANCIAL F I N A N C I A L STEWARDSHIP S T E W A R D S H I P HELPS H E L P S US U S CARRY C A R R Y THAT T H A T WORK W O R K FORWARD. FORWARD.
REVENUE Ticket Sales
$243,290.00
Box Sponsorships
$108,400.00
Contributions
$1,331,300.47
Fundraisers
$744,704.00
Other Earned Revenue
$21,274.98
Investment Income
$194,666.76
TOTAL REVENUE
$2,643,636.21 Ticket Sales: Single tickets and subscriptions. Box Sponsorships: Support through sponsored boxes. Contributions: Gifts and grants from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government partners. Fundraisers: Gross revenue from fundraising events. Other Earned Revenue: Services, tuition, and merchandise. Investment Income: Interest, dividends, and investment gains or losses.
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2025/26 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Preliminary FY26 Results July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
YOUR Y O U R SUPPORT S U P P O R T MADE M A D E AMBITIOUS A M B I T I O U S ARTISTIC A R T I S T I C PROGRAMMING P R O G R A M M I N G AND A N D FREE F R E E EDUCATION E D U C A T I O N POSSIBLE. POSSIBLE. THE T HE A ANNUAL N N U A L SURPLUS S U R P L U S WILL W I L L SUPPORT S U P P O R T FUTURE F U T U R E OPERATIONS O P E R A T I O N S AND A N D PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING.
EXPENSES Artistic Programming
$1,487,664.46
Community Outreach/Education
$77,561.26
Operations & Other Expenses
$83,427.82
Employee Payroll
$395,151.37
Fundraising
$276,559.47
TOTAL EXPENSES
$2,320,364.38
ANNUAL SURPLUS
$323,271.83
Operating surplus: $129,249.63. Annual surplus includes investment activity and other adjustments. This surplus will help fund future seasons, expand programming, strengthen staff stability, and secure OSA’s future.
Artistic Programming: Costs to produce our performances. Community Outreach/Education: Costs of free education and community programs. Operations & Other Expenses: Administration, professional services, facilities, and other costs. Employee Payroll: Salaries, payroll taxes, and related costs. Fundraising: Costs of fundraising events.
VIEW OSA’S HISTORICAL FORMS 990 20
2025/26 DONOR COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION We began Cocktails & Conversation as a weekly Zoom series for OSA donors during the pandemic. By popular demand, we have continued the program in person, bringing donors together with OSA’s artistic leadership and staff for conversations about upcoming productions.
BACKSTAGE TOUR Donors are invited to immerse themselves in the world of opera as they get the inside scoop on what it takes to create this grand spectacle. This behind-the-scenes tour, guided by Executive Director E. Loren Meeker, delves into the world of scenery, props, costumes, the orchestra, and more.
FOUNDERS LOUNGE Before each performance, donors and special guests of OPERA San Antonio gather in The Tobin Center’s Leroy Denman Founders Lounge to grab a cocktail and share in the excitement of the opera they are about to experience.
Backstage Tours with Opera Gala guests.
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Photos by Parish Photography
BENEFITS FRIEND
Up to $499
$500$999
$1,000$4,999
$5,000$9,999
$10,000$24,999
$25,000 and above
Be the first to hear about OSA’s dynamic community and artistic programming Your name proudly listed in our program Attend an exclusive artist-led masterclass—a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry you help support
CONTRIBUTOR
Deepen your connection with the music and the people who bring it to life. All Friend benefits, plus: Experience a private backstage tour before a performance—where the magic begins Raise a glass at Cocktails & Conversation, an intimate gathering with OSA’s Artistic Leadership BENEFACTOR Enjoy elevated access to the performance experience, with thoughtful perks to make each evening unforgettable. All Contributor benefits, plus: Relax pre-show in the elegant Leroy Denman Founders Lounge at The Tobin Center Take advantage of convenient complimentary parking at The Tobin Center Witness the creative process firsthand with a rare invitation to a working rehearsal
GRAND BENEFACTOR Make your mark as a true patron of the arts with prominent recognition and added VIP comforts. All Benefactor benefits, plus: Enjoy prominent recognition as your name graces the title screen before each performance. Raise a glass with a complimentary drink, celebrating the artistry you help make possible.
GRAND PATRON Step into the inner circle with exclusive access to OSA’s artists and leadership. All Grand Benefactor benefits, plus: Meet and mingle with the cast and OSA Board at a private reception Celebrate the magic on stage with an invitation to an exclusive after-party with the cast Custom packages, including artist sponsorships and program underwriting, are available for individuals and corporations seeking major sponsorship opportunities. Please contact William Chapman at William@operasa.org for more information.
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2026 GALA COMMITTEE Gala Chairs
Sergio and Alice Viroslav
Committee Members Paul and Lissa Allen Michael and Molly Amini Gordon and Emily Buescher Francisco and Graciela Cigarroa Sam and Laura Dawson Wendell and Susan Hall Phil and Linda Hardberger
Mark and Carolyn Johnson Greg and Bekki Kowalski Travis and Jamie Kowalski Annie Labatt Blair and Barbara Labatt James and Katherine McAllen Eduardo and Elsi Parra
Tom and Pat Semmes Amy E. Stieren Mathew and Lauren Swann Dale and Sandra Tremblay Mel and Sandy Weingart Nelson and Tracy Wolff Todd and Anna Wulfe
Following OPERA San Antonio’s A Starlit Night concert, supporters gathered for a gala celebrating an extraordinary evening of music. We extend heartfelt thanks to Gala Chairs Sergio and Alice Viroslav, the Gala Committee, and all table sponsors and guests for their generous support. Their commitment helps OSA bring exceptional performances and enriching education programs to our community.
Photos by Parish Photography
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2026 GALA SPONSORS Bank of Texas, Presenting Sponsor
Michael and Molly Amini
Annie Labatt
The Greg Kowalski Family
Dr. Sara McCamish / Hannah Hudson
Sergio and Alice Viroslav Christopher Cheever
James Davis McCutcheon and Kate Davis
Phil and Sandy Green
Mathew and Lauren Swann
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Gilliam
Worth and Associates / Jean Lee
Aleyda Kniestedt / Katherine McAllen
Paul and Lissa Allen Marcus and Adriana Moreno / Nicolas and Liecie Hollis / Pete and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte
Joshua Dorothy and Nadege Souvenir Eric and Elizabeth Reblin David Wood and Colette Holt Alethea Bugg Sam and Laura Dawson Lukin Gilliland, Jr. Dale and Sandra Tremblay Todd and Anna Wulfe
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2025/26 Season Major Sponsors OPERA ANGEL
UNDERWRITER ANONYMOUS
DRS. JAMES E. GRIFFIN III AND MARGO DENKE
THE LABAT T FOUNDATION
JEAN ROGERS WINCHELL FUND
SPONSOR THE CARLOS ALVAREZ FAMILY
SEMMES FOUNDATION
VIP BOX SEAT SPONSORS
Lissa and Paul Allen Sergio and Alice Viroslav Cassidy Luitjen and Eric Minoff Eric Reblin / David Pope Katherine McAllen / Carolina Lewis / Aleyda Kniestedt A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at Texas A&M International University 25
Dr. Michael and Noelle Weber James E. McCutcheon Scott Simpson and Violetta Biasatti Dr. Sara McCamish and Dr. Edward Briggs Hannah Hudson / Emily Buescher / Eveline Bethune / Brenda King
Margaret King Stanley VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Margaret King Stanley Fund (Donations from July, 2025 - June 30, 2026) Ms. Josephine Ann Andera Linda Bertetti in memory of Margaret King Stanley Ms. Anne D'innocenzio Maryanne Foglia Mrs. Margaret McMinn-Ham in memory of Col. (Ret.) Howard C. Ham L.M. Hendry Barbara Johnson in memory of Margaret Stanley William and Tari King in honor of Margaret King Stanley Mr. and Mrs. Martin F. Kushner Marline Lawson in memory of Margaret King Stanley Kathleen and David Meriwether in memory of Margaret Stanley Kathy and Randall Morris Kathryne Lynn Rhoades Cicero Alexander Rust III Mr. Edward Sealy Jocelyn Straus Selig Robert and Nancy Shivers Elizabeth E. Shriver Claudia Smith Marian G. Sokol Cullen Stanley Margaret King Stanley San Antonio Symphony League
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2025/26 SEASON DONORS
The Board of Directors, artists, and staff of OPERA San Antonio gratefully acknowledge the generous support from our donors. (Donations received July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) * indicates monthly donor
GRAND BENEFACTOR
BENEFACTOR, CONT.
($100,000 and above)
($5,000 to $9,999)
($1,000 to $4,999)
City of San Antonio Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Labatt Food Service Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts The Tobin Endowment
Anonymous Lissa and Paul Allen Alethea S. Bugg C.H. Guenther & Son Christopher Cheever Sam and Laura Dawson FASTSIGNS Maryanne Foglia Frost Jeff Galt in honor of Paul Montalvo and Mariana Vela Mr. and Mrs. Tim Gilliam Phil and Sandy Green Holt CAT Hannah E. N. Hudson Jewish Federation of San Antonio Aleyda and James Kniestedt Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Lende in honor of Blair Labatt Drs. Sara McCamish and Edward Briggs John Newman Family Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation Rugeley Ferguson Foundation San Antonio Symphony League Sterling Foods Mathew and Lauren Swann University of Texas at San Antonio University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Worth & Associates
Costa Solutions LLC Rosario S. De Laird Joshua Dorothy & Nadege Souvenir Frost Bank Charitable Foundation Lukin Gilliland, Jr. Dan and Marcia Goodgame in honor of Blair and Barbara Labatt Ms. Margaret Ham in memory of Col. (Ret.) Howard C. Ham Nicolas & Liecie Hollis Carol Kalwaitis Carol Lee Klose and Carolyn A. Seale Mrs. Jean Lee Anna G. Lopez & Anissa K. Mahone in memory of Estella A. Guevara Cassidy Luitjen and Eric Minoff Katherine McAllen Taddy McAllister Marcus Moreno Opera Guild of San Antonio Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton LLP The Original Mexican Restaurant & Bar Parra and Co. Luis Perez Eric and Elizabeth Reblin Elva Ruiz Giving Fund A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at Texas A&M International University Dr. John Moke Sanchez Scott Simpson and Violetta Biasatti Polly and George Spencer in honor of Blair and Barbara Labatt Margaret King Stanley TEAM Group, Ltd. Donna & Ian Thompson in honor of Blair, Barbara and Annie Labatt Richard Thorner MD, SEP-IR The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts “Bexar County Arts Internship Grant Program established by the Bexar County Commissioners Court and facilitated by Generation NEXT”
OPERA ANGEL
UNDERWRITER ($50,000 to $99,999) Anonymous Bexar County Commissioners Court Drs. James E. Griffin III and Margo Denke H-E-B Tournament of Champions The Labatt Foundation Jean Rogers Winchell Fund
SPONSOR ($25,000 to $49,999) Bank of Texas Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation The Ewing Halsell Foundation H-E-B Helping Here The Carlos Alvarez Family Semmes Foundation Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation
GRAND PATRON ($10,000 to $24,999) Molly and Michael Amini Embrey The Greg Kowalski Family John R. and Greli N. Less Charitable Trust James Davis McCutcheon and Kate Davis The Betty & James Muns Foundation The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation Pat Orme The Patel Lopez Family Foundation Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust Texas Commission on the Arts Texas Partners Bank Tobin Theatre Arts Fund Sergio and Alice Viroslav
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BENEFACTOR ($1,000 to $4,999) A. John and Belinda Andersen Mr. John Asel Melissa & Charles Barrett Donna Barrow Michael and Mary Pat Bolner Richard W. Calvert - F.B. Doane Foundation Tony & Carla Canty
2025/26 SEASON DONORS BENEFACTOR, CONT.
FRIEND, CONT.
FRIEND, CONT.
($1,000 to $4,999)
(up to $499)
(up to $499)
Dale & Sandra Tremblay Pete and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte in honor of Belle Ortiz Dr. Michael Weber Wells Fargo The Williamson Foundation Craig and Nancy Witten David Wood and Colette Holt Bob and Mary Worth Anna Wulfe
Richard and Ruth Butler Classical Conversations in honor of Madeline Elizondo *Paul and Anne Comeaux in honor of Madeline Elizondo Maura Conron Ramon Contreras Ms. Anne D'innocenzio Claire Davis Dean Deckard Heather C. Diehl *Gary Finger Michael Goldstone Mr. Derly Gonzalez John Hale Debbie Henderson Dr. and Ms. Edward T. Herbold Albert Hightower Ms. Magdalene Hopkins Mr. Edward R. Howarth Jr. Jennifer Hussey Ms. Lisa E. July Vanessa Kairuz Deborah Kelly Brenda King Andrew Kunau Martin and Frederica Kushner Grace B. Labatt in honor of Barbara and Blair Labatt Mr. James Lifshutz Jan Lodal Ms. Samantha Irene Lopez Dr. John MacDougall Gary Malanchuk Kathleen and David Meriwether in memory of Margaret King Stanley *Andrea Melcher in honor of Caroline Melcher Yamileth Moneymaker Randall and Kathy Morris Shell Morrison-Dunrossi / Mrs. Shell Koontz Morrison in memory of Margaret Munro Conoly Dr. & Mrs. Paul E. Morton Mr. & Mrs. Maurice John Mussa
Andrew L. Nordquist Samantha Nuezil *Lacey Palmieri Michael Perry Mrs. Nadine Perkins Dr. William Porter Dottie Randall Kathryne Lynn Rhoades Mr. Robert Joseph Rivard Juvencia Rodriguez *LTC Preston Roy and Sierra Starks Cicero Alexander Rust III Dennis Schafer Edward Sealy Jocelyn Selig Nancy Taylor Shivers Elizabeth E. Shriver Aissatou Sidime Claudia J. Smith Paul Smith Marian G. Sokol Jamee Stewart Dr. Patrick Sung Patrick Swearingen Christine Van Hoozer Ms. Becky Walker in honor of Madeline Elizondo Jeffrey Wallen Debra Webster Mrs. Wendie Wolfe Alice Witterman
CONTRIBUTOR ($500 to $999)
Mr. Suhail Arastu Christopher V. Bacon Richardson Gill and Sherry Dowlatshahi Wendell and Susan Hall Hon. and Mrs. Phil Hardberger L.M. Hendry William and Tari King in honor of Margaret King Stanley Kocurek Charitable Foundation Sharon M. Kocurek Carolina Lewis Janice A. Miller Edward and Linda Poetschke Tracey and David Pope *Kevin and Laura Salfen Terri Smith and Bill Alig David & Karen Umlang Mel and Sandy Weingart
FRIEND (up to $499) * Anonymous Lynette Aleman Nancy Fix Anderson Josephine Ann Andera Mr. Salvatore Arcuri Linda Bertetti in memory of Margaret Stanley Eveline Bethune Mr. Mike L. Birnbaum in honor of Mel Weingart Howard H. Black Emily Buescher
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GET IN TOUCH: P.O. Box 2641 San Antonio, TX 78299 210-673-7270 www.operasa.org info@operasa.org