PUCCINI’S

FEBRUARY 22, 25, 27, 28 | MARCH 2 | 2025
ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE










































































FEBRUARY 22, 25, 27, 28 | MARCH 2 | 2025
ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE
Dear Friends,
Welcome to La bohème! It is a joy to bring Puccini’s timeless masterpiece back to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House stage. Few operas capture the human condition as poignantly as La bohème, with its stunning music and its deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Tonight’s performance is a testament to the enduring power of opera to move us, inspire us, and bring us together.
This production is also a momentous occasion as it marks Greg Carpenter’s final full mainstage production as Opera Colorado’s Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director. Over the past two decades, Greg’s dedication, vision, and leadership have shaped Opera Colorado into the organization it is today. Please join us in celebrating his legacy.
As we reflect on Greg’s incredible contributions, we are also looking ahead with great excitement. We are proud to announce the launch of the Chairman’s Campaign, a fundraising initiative that will honor Greg’s legacy, provide a solid foundation for Opera Colorado’s future, and ensure the continuation of world-class opera in Denver. Your support, at any level, is invaluable in achieving these goals. Find more information on the insert in your program.
There is still so much to look forward to this spring. From semi-staged performances of Il trovatore to our glittering gala and concert and the final Artist in Residence program, Departure, the 2024-25 Season will end on a high note.
Thank you for being part of Opera Colorado’s journey. We hope tonight’s performance will inspire you to join us in celebrating opera and supporting its future.
Richard Koseff Board Chair
Ari Pelto Music Director
NOV 1, 4, 7, 9 I 2025
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 | 6:00 P.M.
Sip & Sing
Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club
Our patron-favorite event is back for another season. Join Opera Colorado as we take over Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club, the beloved Denver hotspot, for an evening featuring an exquisite multi-course dinner with wine pairings and a lively performance of cabaret and more by the Opera Colorado Artists in Residence.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26 | 7:30 P.M. & SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 2:00 P.M. Il trovatore in Concert
Join us for two semi-staged performances of Verdi’s revenge thriller Il trovatore. When a woman is wrongfully executed, her daughter Azucena swears vengeance, ultimately igniting a deadly rivalry between two unknowing brothers. Feel the heat from the incendiary drama and masterful score, featuring the famous “Anvil Chorus.” Maestro Ari Pelto will lead a cast of extraordinary singers alongside the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus onstage in this twisted tale of mistaken identity.
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Encore: Celebrating a Brilliant Legacy and a Bright Future Opera Colorado Gala & Concert
Spend the evening with us at this glittering black-tie event. With the purchase of a gala ticket, you will receive a premium seat at the concert portion and the entire evening experience, which also includes a cocktail reception, live auction, multi-course dinner with wine pairings, and a vibrant afterparty. In addition, enjoy a special tribute to the twentyyear legacy of the Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director, Greg Carpenter.
Proceeds from the night support Opera Colorado’s extensive Education & Community Engagement programs. Individual tickets start at $400 and tables and sponsorship packages are also available.
For gala tickets, contact Sara Buhr at sbuhr@operacolorado.org or 303.468.2027.
Concert-only tickets are available for opera fans who wish to enjoy the evening’s performance. The program will include vocal and orchestral showstoppers from Carmen, Eugene Onegin, La traviata, and more.
THURSDAY, MAY 29 AND FRI. MAY 30 | 7:00 P.M. Departure
Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Departure is a musical journey that offers a departure from the classic repertoire on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and a departure for our 2024-25 Artists in Residence. Delight in this expertly crafted program featuring pieces you know, and others you’ll discover in this exploration of opera, art song, and musical theatre.
On Sale March 3
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 | 10:00 A.M. & 1:30 P.M. Family Day
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
We welcome our community to the opera house for a day of family-friendly events, including performances of the touring production of Hansel and Gretel by our Artists in Residence.
This event is free to attend with reservations.
OPERACOLORADO.ORG 303.468.2030
Touring productions are the perfect introduction to opera for your students. These abridged, hour-long operas are sung in English. Students and community groups experience a fully-staged production with costumes, props, and sets, all followed by a Q&A with the Artists in Residence.
Touring Productions are generously sponsored by Genesee Mountain Foundation.
The Barber of Seville Barber by day, matchmaker by night, Figaro puts his charm to work as he helps Count Almaviva woo the beautiful Rosina. Filled with some of opera’s most famous tunes, this is a comedy not to miss!
Hansel and Gretel
Stranded in the Magic Forest, things look “Grimm” indeed for Hansel and Gretel. They encounter everything from a magical Sandman to a witch with a sweet tooth who really likes kids—well-done, that is!
Opera Colorado’s education programs provide communities throughout the state with access to the arts, bringing the magic of opera to schools and communities across Colorado.
Our education programs serve thousands of students and lifelong learners. The 2023-24 Season included over 30 opera education performances and workshops for mountain and plains communities, libraries, senior groups, and schools serving children and adults with disabilities.
“The performers are a delight to work with, you make it easy to host a performance, you provide good materials ahead of time, the cost is affordable, and it is a great introduction to the opera!”
–Teacher feedback after their students saw a touring production in the 2023-24 Season
Learn more about Opera Colorado’s work in arts education at operacolorado.org/education.
OUR PROFESSIONALLY JURIED COMPETITION FOR COLORADO SINGERS HAS AWARDED YOUNG COLORADO OPERA SINGERS OVER $1 MILLION IN PRIZE MONEY SINCE 1984
LEARN MORE BY VISITING US ONLINE: www.denverlyricoperaguild.org
Colorado's oldest volunteer organization supporting university opera programs and opera companies.
Membership includes Opera Luncheons Educational Programs
Membership dues and donations are tax deductible
Collegiate Grants
We invite you to join us! Giving Voice to Opera
Colorado State University Metropolitan State University
University of Colorado at Boulder University of Denver University of Northern Colorado
Young Artists Program Grants
Central City Opera Opera Colorado Opera Fort Collins
Opera Theatre of the Rockies
For this production of La bohème, we’re thrilled to welcome our Mimì, Raquel González, for her Opera Colorado debut. Raquel has been hailed as a “true artist” by Opera News and she is a winner of the prestigious Sphinx Organization’s Medal of Excellence Award. Keep reading below to learn all about Raquel, including how she got started in opera, what she loves about her character in La bohème, and more.
How did you first find your way into the world of opera?
I ventured into classical music first by playing flute, starting around the fifth grade. I studied flute seriously all throughout high school and was very passionate about it. I joined choir in junior high because all my friends were doing it and started studying voice a couple years later. At that point, I had never yet seen an opera or even a live musical! I was painfully shy, and I quickly discovered that singing was a much-needed outlet. I started watching and listening to opera recordings, first those given to me by my first voice teacher and eventually those I pillaged from the public library’s opera section. The demanding vocalism is what first lured me in, and what keeps me coming back is balancing the technical demands of singing with the emotional core of the characters.
You are no stranger to the role of Mimì in La bohème. What is it about this iconic character that keeps you coming back?
Puccini clearly wrote his love of Mimì into the role. She is such a generously, beautifully written character (both musically and dramatically) and is truly the heart of La bohème. While she undergoes a heartbreaking journey through the opera, she remains a bright light to the end. That is the perpetual challenge and the crux of performing Mimì—retaining hope and joy in spite of what the music and the drama happening around me compel me to feel. Every production of La bohème is different, as so much of what makes the show is the specific dynamic between the ensemble of characters. Developing this dynamic is fun every single time, and I always look forward to it!
•
•
•
•
What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
The best part about opera is the people that make it happen. It is an absolute privilege to get to know a new group of people every few weeks and to create a completely unique show from the ground up. Additionally, every first sitzprobe (orchestra rehearsal) is magical! There truly is no feeling that compares to singing Puccini’s incredible lines over a full orchestra. It’s a full-body rush that never gets old!
You’re a pretty big dog lover (specifically dachshunds). What do you love about dogs? And can we please see a picture of your new puppy?
My puppy Ori is the light of my life! I spent my entire childhood with a dog at home and have been wanting a pup of my own for as long as I can remember. My parents’ longhaired dachshund, Fred, is the reason I fell in love with dachshunds, and have known for years that my own family wouldn’t be complete without one. Nothing is purer or more joyful than a dog, and having Ori in my life provides happiness and perspective that sometimes lack in a career that demands so much and keeps us away from our homes and families for so long.
Congrats on your Opera Colorado debut! What are you looking forward to doing in Denver on your days off?
Truthfully, most of my downtime while I’m working is spent resting and recuperating, but I love exploring a new city by taking long walks on my free days (which I’m looking forward to doing with Ori now!). I also love finding good food in whatever city I’m working, so I’m always open to good restaurant recommendations!
By T.F. Long
Janiczek Wealth Management, recognized as a top-ranked financial advisor in the Denver area, has merged with Cerity Partners, a fullspectrum independent financial services and wealth management firm with over $100 billion in assets under management and a national footprint. Together, our merged firm offers an even more comprehensive solution for high-net-worth investors in the Rocky Mountain region.
We’d be honored to serve as your trusted investment and wealth management advisor. Connect with our Denver Belleview Station team.
Simply call, email us, or visit our website www.ceritypartners.com/janiczek to begin the conversation.
Cathy Wegner
cwegner@ceritypartners.com
FEBRUARY 22, 25, 27, 28, MARCH 2 I 2025
There will be a five-minute pause between acts one and two, a twenty-five minute intermission between acts two and three, and a twenty-minute intermission between acts three and four.
Marcello Timothy Mix
Rodolfo Zach Borichevsky*
Colline Matthew Burns*
Schaunard Alex Granito^
Benoit Oliver Poveda Zavala*^
Mimì Raquel González*
Pr une Seller Danny McDonnall*
Parpignol Joshua Zabatta
Musetta Kathryn Lewek*
Alcindoro James Eder^
Customs House O fficer Mason O’Brien
Sergeant Shane Delavan*
Conductor George Manahan*
Chorus Master Sahar Nouri
Stage Director Kristine McIntyre*
Répétiteur Nathan Salazar
Set Designer Steven C. Kemp
Costume Designer Susan Allred
Lig hting Designer Connie Yun*
Wig & Make-Up Designer Ronell Oliveri
Colorado Children’s Chorale
Opera Colorado Chorus
Opera Colorado Orchestra
*Opera Colorado debut ^2024-25 Artist in Residence
Sets designed by Steven C. Kemp. Provided by the New Orleans Opera Association.
Costumes designed for Utah Symphony | Utah Opera by Susan Allred.
Opera United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound, and Projection designers in Live Performance
Mimì (soprano): a seamstress who is in love with Rodolfo.
Musetta (soprano): a singer who is in love with Marcello.
Rodolfo (tenor): a poet who is in love with Mimì.
Marcello (baritone): a painter who is in love with Musetta.
Colline (bass): a philosopher.
Schaunard (bass): a musician.
Paris in the 1930s.
It’s Christmas Eve, and Marcello and Rodolfo are trying to work in their freezing-cold loft. Out of desperation, they decide to burn one of Rodolfo’s manuscripts to keep warm. Colline and Schaunard join their roommates. Schaunard brings food and wine, supplied by his latest job, but the group decides to save it for the days ahead and instead go to the Latin Quarter for Christmas dinner. They are interrupted when Benoit, their landlord, comes to collect the rent. The group is quick to come up with a scheme as they get Benoit drunk, persuade him to tell of his marital infidelity, and throw him out with mock indignation. The group leaves, except for Rodolfo, who plans to finish his work and join them later. Another knock at the door reveals Mimì, their neighbor, asking Rodolfo to relight her candle. Clearly ill, Mimì faints as she enters the room. Rodolfo helps her up and relights her candle. Their hands touch and they are instantly infatuated with each other. The pair leaves to join the rest of the group at the café.
The group arrives at the café and orders dinner. As they eat, Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, enters on the arm of a wealthy admirer, Alcindoro. Bored of her suitor and still in love with Marcello, Musetta vies for her ex’s attention, eventually reuniting with Marcello. The group escapes through the crowd, leaving Alcindoro to pay their bill.
A couple of months later, Mimì seeks out Marcello for some advice. She is worried about Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy and wonders if they should part ways. As Marcello comforts Mimì, Rodolfo appears and Mimì hides to listen to their conversation. Rodolfo tells Marcello of his plan to leave Mimì because of her flirtations with other people. Pressed for the truth, Rodolfo reveals he feels guilty that their living conditions are making Mimì’s illness worse. Mimì is overcome with emotion, and her weeping and coughing reveal her hiding place. The couple decides to wait until springtime to separate, when the world feels less lonely. Meanwhile, Marcello and Musetta have a fierce argument and split up.
Spring has come and Rodolfo and Mimì have separated. Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline, and Schaunard are together in the loft, trying to forget about Mimì and Musetta. Suddenly, Musetta appears and tells the group that Mimì is outside but is too weak to come upstairs. Rodolfo runs to her aid, and Musetta tells the rest of the men that Mimì requested to be taken to Rodolfo to die. They all make Mimì comfortable and everyone except Rodolfo leaves to sell their belongings for medicine. Now alone, Rodolfo and Mimì reminisce about their relationship, but Mimì is overcome with violent coughing. The others return and Mimì drifts off to sleep. Moments later, they realize Mimì is dead, and Rodolfo weeps by her side.
Verismo: the idea that operas should tell believable tales. No more Germanic gods or Italian aristocrats. Verismo characters and their experiences should feel familiar. One might not have faced those challenges personally, but one can identify with them. One might know people who have been in a situation like that or perhaps spotted such a person “across a crowded room,” as Rodgers and Hammerstein would have it. Such actions and events resonate deeply with an audience, especially when given inspired music by a master composer. La bohème is exactly one such work. Its composer, Giacomo Puccini (1857–1924), didn’t invent the idea of verismo, but he certainly proved that it could triumph. Specific inspiration for La bohème came from the novella Scènes de la vie de bohème (Scenes of Bohemian Life) (1849) by French writer Henri Murger. In this case, “Bohemian Life” does not refer to Dvořák’s homeland. Rather, “bohemian” also describes a lifestyle of artistic or intellectual interests with priorities different from those of mainstream society. Elsewhere in this program, Kristine McIntyre, director of Opera Colorado’s 2025 production, offers her own perspectives on the bright and dark sides of that life and what they might say about seizing the moment. Let us here consider how the ever-adored La bohème came to the operatic stage.
One cannot simply take a novella and sing every word of it. What works on the page may not work on the stage, let alone serve the voice. Librettists Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa set about converting Murger’s tale into a singable, stageable story but soon found the composer to be a demanding and detail-oriented collaborator. Some lines Puccini rejected as “superfluous chattering.” At other times, he insisted on having a few more phrases—even just a few more syllables—inserted into the text for the purposes of transition, especially so that an important word—such as speranza (“hope”) in Rodolfo’s first aria—would fall where he wanted the climax of the melody. The composer’s continuing demands for revisions infuriated his librettists, who wrote to Puccini’s publisher, Giulio Ricordi, about the issue. Diplomacy preserved the partnership, in part because Ricordi refused to let Giacosa resign.
La bohème first reached the public at Turin’s Teatro Regio on February 1, 1896. Critics responded skeptically to the work. Perhaps they were expecting a dark tragedy, which La bohème is not. Admittedly, it has a tearful conclusion, but there is plenty of sweetness along the way, which seems to have annoyed some critics at the premiere. However, audiences had a different opinion, applauding and cheering enthusiastically. Puccini described the public reaction at Turin as “a splendid reception.” History has proven that audiences were correct about La bohème’s user-friendly excellence.
Although the music of La bohème is undeniably beautiful, the characters also help it to fly. Here is a world inhabited not by clichés but by believable human beings—utterly verismo! Which of us cannot believe in these vibrant young people, laughing in the face of poverty as their passions draw them together and drive them apart?
Mimì and Rodolfo embody the idealistic side of love: a rose-tinted romance that can conquer all but death. By contrast, Musetta and Marcello personify a sharper-edged desire—more mature, perhaps, in its admission that love is not all hearts and flowers. Puccini’s task was to craft music that distinguished between those varying views of romance: one more rapturous, the other more restless.
Although we may not live the lives of these four lovers—and in some ways, it would be best not to do so—we nonetheless encounter them from time to time. For over a century, audiences have embraced this remarkable opera because its characters breathe with the spark of life. Whether it’s a first experience with opera or an oftrepeated encounter with Mimì and Rodolfo, La bohème reaches into the listener’s soul!
Program notes © Betsy Schwarm, author of the Classical Music Insights series.
Zach Borichevsky is known as a “star-level tenor” with “precise, nuanced high-register singing and agile acting,” paired with a “magical sense of complete spontaneity that comes from being in total command of the instrument.” He has performed in La bohème (Rodolfo) with Finnish National Opera, Roméo et Juliette (Romeo) with Teatro Municipal de Santiago in Chile, and La traviata (Alfredo) with the Glyndebourne Festival. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Manon Lescaut (Edmondo), Santa Fe Opera debut in Vanessa (Anatol), and English National Opera debut in La bohème (Rodolfo).
This season, Zach joins Nashville Opera, Virginia Opera, and Florentine Opera in Carmen (Don José), has house debuts with Opera Colorado in La bohème and San Diego Opera in La traviata (Alfredo), and returns to The Metropolitan Opera to cover the Duke in Rigoletto. He will also sing in recital with his wife, soprano Kathryn Lewek, at the Danbury Concert Association, Fairfield County Chorale, and in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Kent Tritle at St. John the Divine. Last season, Zach made his house debut with Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur in Lucia di Lammermoor (Edgardo) and returned to The Metropolitan Opera to cover Rodolfo in La bohème and Roméo in Roméo et Juliette Zach has been honored with numerous awards from George London Foundation, The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Opera Index, Mario Lanza Foundation, Shreveport Opera, and The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation. Zach won second prize at the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers and third prize at the Operalia Competition.
Bass-baritone Matthew Burns is celebrated for his musical and comedic capabilities in equal measure. Opera News recently singled out his “vocal and comedic flexibility” in Don Giovanni (Leporello) at Detroit Opera. Last season, he appeared in The Marriage of Figaro (Bartolo) with both Portland Opera and Utah Opera, and returned to The Metropolitan Opera for the revival of their production of The Hours (Richard, cover). Other recent highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Delaware Symphony, The Pirates of Penzance (Sergeant of Police) with Nashville Opera, and Daughter of the Regiment (Sulpice) with Utah Opera. In the 2024-25 Season, Matthew sings the title role in Don Pasquale with the Napa Valley Festival and makes his Opera Colorado debut. Burns recently made his Seattle Opera debut in Tosca (Sacristan) for which the Seattle Times celebrated his “dignified bass-baritone, in counterpoint to his less-than-holy behavior,” which “provides much-needed comic relief.” Additional recent highlights include the title role in Don Pasquale at Inland Northwest Opera, La Cenerentola (Don Magnifico) with Annapolis Opera, Daughter of the Regiment (Sulpice)
with Opera Carolina, The Elixir of Love (Dulcamara) with Virginia Opera, Billy Budd (Dansker) with Central City Opera, and covering roles in Rigoletto and The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera.
A master-interpreter of comedic roles, Mr. Burns is highly sought after as Leporello in Don Giovanni, which he has performed with Detroit Opera, Utah Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Memphis, and more. He is also well known for his performances of Doctor Bartolo and Don Basilio, both in The Barber of Seville, and as Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro.
Victoria Bailey, Assistant Conductor
Emily Crile, Artistic Director
The Colorado Children’s Chorale has been performing with Opera Colorado since their inaugural performance of Otello in 1983. Chorale children have appeared in thirty Opera Colorado productions including Turandot, Carmen, The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, Pagliacci, and many others.
James Eder is a bass from Columbus, OH. He is excited to join Opera Colorado for the 2024-25 Season as an Artist in Residence. On the mainstage, James performed in Daughter of the Regiment (Hortensius, mainstage and Student Matinee). He also sings in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Ambrosio, Bartolo cover) and Hansel and Gretel (Sandman). In 2024, he returned to Opera Carolina in their production of Turandot (Timur) and was a soloist in Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor with his hometown Columbus Symphony. In 2022 and 2023, James sang in Gianni Schicchi (Simone) with Chautauqua Opera and Opera on the James and Tosca (Sacristan) with Opera Carolina. While in Chautauqua, James also performed in The Mother of Us All (Anthony Comstock). In 2021, James performed in La serva padrona (Vespone) and L’inganno felice (Ormondo) with Sarasota Opera, then reprised the role of Ormondo with Opera Southwest. During the summer of 2020, he was a young artist with Chautauqua Opera, performing in the world premiere song cycle, In Our Silence. Other recent engagements include La bohème (Colline) with Cleveland Opera Theater, Ariadne auf Naxos (Truffaldino) with Cincinnati Opera, Nabucco (The High Priest of Baal) with Sarasota Opera, and Another Brick in the Wall (The Judge) with Cincinnati Opera. James earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from The Ohio State University.
Soprano Raquel González is a winner of the prestigious Sphinx Organization’s Medal of Excellence Award. Other highlights of the 2024-25 Season include her debut with the Colorado Symphony for Verdi’s Messa da Requiem and performances with Opera San Antonio and Austin Opera in Madama Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San), Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra in Don Carlo (Elisabetta), and The Metropolitan Opera in La bohème (Mimì, cover).
Last season, Raquel made debuts with Houston Grand Opera in Madama Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San), Austin Opera in Carmen (Micaëla), and Berkshire Opera Festival in Faust (Marguerite). She also returned to the roster of The Metropolitan Opera for the company premiere of Catan’s Florencia en el Amazonas and to the New York Festival of Song for a concert of Latin music.
In the 2022-23 Season, Raquel debuted with Opera San Antonio in Don Giovanni (Donna Anna) and Virginia Opera in La bohème (Mimì) and returned to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for Harvey Milk (Dianne Feinstein). Additional appearances included a concert of scenes from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and Iolanta at Queen City Opera; New York Festival of Song for Buenos Aires, Then and Now; and a solo recital at the University of Lynchburg.
Raquel debuted at The Glimmerglass Festival in their production of The Magic Flute (First Lady) before returning as a guest artist for La bohème (Mimì). Ms. González recently completed three seasons as a Young Artist with the Washington National Opera where she appeared in Madama Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San), The Marriage of Figaro (Contessa Almaviva), Don Giovanni (Donna Anna), Carmen (Micaëla), and La bohème (Mimì). Additional assignments as a Young Artist at WNO included Hansel and Gretel (Sandman) and Dialogues of the Carmelites (Blanche cover). She also debuted with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra in Otello (Desdemona).
Alex Granito is a baritone from Orange County, CA. He is delighted to join Opera Colorado for a second year as an Artist in Residence for the 2024-25 Season, during which he performed in the Daughter of the Regiment mainstage production and Student Matinee (Corporal). He also sings in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Figaro) and Hansel and Gretel (Father). In the summer of 2024, Alex was a Studio Artist at Chautauqua Opera and sang in the world premiere of Love, Loss, and the Century Upon Us (Young Man). In the 2023-24 Season with Opera Colorado, Alex sang in the mainstage productions of Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni, cover/Student Matinee), Samson and Delilah (Second Philistine), The Flying Dutchman (Ghost Chorus), and in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Elixir of Love (Belcore) and Cinderella (Dandini). In the summer of 2023, Alex was a fellow at Music Academy of the West where he sang in La bohème (Schaunard). Alex earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Vocal Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he studied under Cesar Ulloa.
Kathryn Lewek has established herself as one of this generation’s most thrilling coloratura sopranos. She has performed in The Magic Flute (The Queen of the Night) at The Metropolitan Opera a recordbreaking sixty-four times, surpassing The Met’s record for the most performances of a role by a single artist. Kathryn has also brought her Queen to more than twenty-five companies in over 300 performances to date. Kathryn continues to expand her range with role debuts in two classic operas in the 2024-25 Season. Singing opposite her husband, tenor Zach Borichevsky, in both productions, she performed in Nashville Opera’s season-opening staging of Carmen (Micaëla), and will make her house and role debut in Opera Colorado’s La bohème (Musetta). She will also revisit Mozart’s Queen of the Night in three productions of The Magic Flute.
Last season, Kathryn made two title role debuts: at Opéra de Nice in Lakmé and at Toledo Opera in Roméo et Juliette. She also appeared in Les contes d’Hoffmann at Dresden’s Semperoper (Olympia) and Florida’s Palm Beach Opera (the four heroines), and starred in The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera, Semperoper, and with the Cleveland Orchestra. At Salzburg’s 2024 Mozart Week Festival, she sang Mozart and Salieri in concert with the Vienna Philharmonic, and at Houston’s Rice University, she created the soprano role in the world premiere of Music for New Bodies, a DaCamera co-commission from Matthew Aucoin and Peter Sellars. As in previous years, she joined the Oratorio Society of New York for holiday performances of Handel’s Messiah at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
At the 2013 Operalia World Opera Competition, Kathryn took two top prizes, the highly competitive Audience Favorite Award among them. A graduate of the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in voice performance and literature, she lives in Connecticut with her husband and their two young children.
Follow these easy steps:
Prior to the performance, the screen will automatically display a sponsored message. When singing begins, briefly press the red button to activate subtitles.
• Press once for English.
• Press twice for Spanish.
• Press three times to turn titles off.
Then, simply repeat these steps after intermission. Pressing the red button too many times or holding the button down may result in a system failure. If you experience difficulty with the system, please contact an usher for assistance. Opera Colorado does not offer refunds or exchanges in the event of a subtitle system failure.
Please Note: All Sunday matinee performances offer audio description for the visually impaired. Headsets are available at Coat Check. English subtitles are written by Jeremy Sortore. Spanish translations by Gina Razón.
George Manahan has had an esteemed career, embracing everything from opera to the concert stage, and the traditional to the contemporary. He also works with young musicians as Director of Orchestral Activities at the Manhattan School of Music and guest conductor at the Curtis Institute of Music and Merola Opera Program. George is the 2012 winner of the Ditson Conductor’s Award, the oldest award honoring conductors for their support of American music. Previous recipients include James Levine, Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, and Alan Gilbert. He also served as Music Director of New York City Opera, Portland Opera, American Composers’ Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony, and was honored four times by the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) for his commitment to new music.
George’s guest appearances include the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and the symphonies of Atlanta, San Francisco, Hollywood Bowl, and New Jersey, where he served as acting Music Director for four seasons. He is a regular guest with the Music Academy of the West and the Aspen Music Festival and has also appeared with the opera companies of San Francisco, Philadelphia, Seattle, Chicago, Santa Fe, St. Louis, Paris, and more.
His many television appearances include productions of La bohème, Lizzie Borden, and Tosca on PBS. Live from Lincoln Center’s telecast of New York City Opera’s production of Madama Butterfly under his direction won a 2007 Emmy Award. George’s wide-ranging recording activities include the premiere recording of Steve Reich’s Tehillim for ECM; recordings of Edward Thomas’s Desire Under the Elms, which was nominated for a Grammy; Joe Jackson’s Will Power; and Tobias Picker’s Emmeline. He has conducted numerous world premieres, including Tobias Picker’s Dolores Claiborne, Charles Wuorinen’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories, David Lang’s Modern Painters, Hans Werner Henze’s The English Cat, and Terence Blanchard’s Champion.
He received his formal musical training at the Manhattan School of Music and was appointed to the faculty of the school upon his graduation, at which time The Juilliard School awarded him a fellowship as Assistant Conductor with the American Opera Center. George was chosen as the Exxon Arts Endowment Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony and he made his opera debut with the Santa Fe Opera, conducting the American premiere of Arnold Schoenberg’s Von Heute Auf Morgen.
Kristine McIntyre has directed over 100 productions, with a focus on 20th century, contemporary and American works. She has directed many world premieres, including Laura Kaminsky’s Hometown to the World at Santa Fe Opera, Kristin Kuster’s A Thousand Acres for Des Moines Metro Opera, and Mark Lanz Weiser’s Galaxies in Her Eyes. Her immersive production of Bluebeard’s Castle, a collaboration with renown visual composer Oyoram, received great audience and international critical acclaim. Their upcoming production of The Cunning Little Vixen will be filmed for Iowa PBS in July 2025.
Kristine has also directed notable new productions of Moby Dick, Dead Man Walking, Flight, Wozzeck, Billy Budd and Manon (regional Emmy awards) as well as the opera film Unknown. She has worked at major opera houses across the country and taught in the training programs of the San Francisco Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, Houston Grand Opera and the Santa Fe Opera. She was educated at Georgetown, Oxford and the University of Hull.
Upcoming projects include the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Woman With Eyes Closed at Pittsburgh Opera, Flight for Portland Opera, and a new co-production of Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men which begins at Houston Grand Opera in January 2026.
Finnish American baritone Timothy Mix’s recent successes include his debut as Alberich at Opera Santa Barbara in the Jonathan Dove adaptation of Das Rheingold, his return to Dead Man Walking (Joseph de Rocher) at Opera Idaho, and a role debut in The Barber of Seville (Bartolo) at Opera Delaware. Other recent appearances include Le Comte Ory (Tutor) at Opera Southwest, Roméo et Juliette (Count Capulet) at San Antonio Opera, and the title role in Sweeney Todd at Opera Tampa. Tim made his debut at Santa Fe Opera’s summer festival in 2016 in Roméo et Juliette (Count Capulet), followed by Le Coq d’Or (Tsar Dodon), and, most recently, a new production of Dr Atomic (Jack Hubbard). His San Francisco Opera appearances include Cyrano de Bergerac (Le Bret), Susannah (Elder Ott/Blitch, cover), Manon (de Brétigny), and Romeo et Juliette (Count Capulet). At Opera Colorado, he sang in Lucia di Lammermoor (Enrico), The Elixir of Love (Belcore), and Carmen (Escamillo). Well known by Opera Theatre of St Louis audiences, Tim made his role and house debut in La bohème (Marcello)—a role he also sang at Arizona Opera and Palm Beach Opera—and later performed in The Elixir of Love (Belcore). Future engagements include Il trovatore (Luna) at Santa Barbara Opera, The Elixir of Love (Dulcamara) at Annapolis Opera, and the title role in Gianni Schicchi at Amarillo Opera.
Iranian conductor and pianist Sahar Nouri has been Music Director of Lamont Opera Theater at University of Denver since 2019. She has also served at Opera Colorado as Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor since 2016. Sahar is the founder/director of Dandelion Opera Institute.
At the University of Denver, Sahar has conducted productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Magic Flute, Alcina, Cabildo, Les mamelles de Tirésias, and The Little Prince. Her work with Opera Colorado has included productions of Samson and Delilah, The Flying Dutchman, Don Giovanni, Turandot, Die tote Stadt, Rigoletto, Carmen, The Shining, Tosca, Cavalleria rusticana, Pagliacci, The Marriage of Figaro, La traviata, Falstaff, The Barber of Seville, La bohème, La fanciulla del West, and the world premiere of Steal a Pencil for Me by Gerald Cohen.
Previously, Sahar has been part of the music staff at San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra at Bravo! Vail, Opera Parallèle, North Carolina Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, Utah Opera, Aspen Opera Theatre, Opera Steamboat, Merola Opera, Boston Conservatory of Music, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. An active performer, she has given numerous recitals around the US including those alongside international stars Mane Galoyan, Heidi Melton, and Matthew Polenzani. A multi-lingual coach, she has studied in Czechia, Italy, and Austria and is frequently in demand as a language coach.
Sahar is a former violinist who has performed with the Tehran Philharmonic Orchestra and has won several prizes, for both violin and piano, in national music festivals and competitions in Iran.
Ronell Oliveri has been designing wigs and makeup for opera, theater, ballet, and film for the past 20 years for such companies as Minnesota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Central City Opera, and The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Currently she is the resident wig and makeup designer for Opera Colorado and Opera Omaha. As a wig and makeup artist her professional credits include engagements with Chicago Lyric Opera, LA Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, and Boston Ballet. She was a Primetime Emmy nominee as key makeup artist for her work in television. Her work can also be seen in several Broadway shows including Wicked, All the Way, and Waitress. Recent engagements include Opera Columbus’s Eugene Onegin, Pacific Symphony’s La bohème, and Central City Opera’s 2024 summer festival. Upcoming engagements include Opera Omaha’s The Rake’s Progress and Boston Lyric Opera’s Mitridate.
Connie is pleased to make her house debut at Opera Colorado. Recent opera designs include The Barber of Seville (Madison Opera), Pelleas and Melisande (Des Moines Metro Opera), Salome (DMMO), Maria de Buenos Aires (Florentine Opera), Madama Butterfly (Philadelphia Opera), L’Allegro, il Penseroso, ed il Moderato (Curtis Opera Theatre), The Marriage of Figaro (Portland Opera and New Orleans Opera), and The Royal Shepherd (Orpheus PDX). Recent theatre credits include Dial M for Murder (Village Theatre), Blithe Spirit (Seattle Rep), P.O.T.U.S., STEW, and The Case for the Existence of God (ACT Contemporary Theatre). Her designs have also been seen at Kentucky Opera, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Palm Beach Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Alliance Theatre, Merrimack Rep, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and The Fifth Avenue Theatre. Upcoming projects include The Elixir of Love (New Orleans Opera), Tosca (Seattle Opera), The Rake’s Progress (DMMO), and La bohème (Madison Opera).
Connie is a member of USA-829 and a mentor with ETC Fred Foster Mentorship Program.
Bass-baritone Oliver Poveda Zavala, originally from the highland country of Ecuador, is a graduate of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. In the 2024-25 Season, Oliver joins the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence program, during which he will sing in the touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Bartolo) and Hansel and Gretel (Father cover). Oliver made his debut as José Castro in La fanciulla del West as an Apprentice Artist with Central City Opera for their 2024 summer festival season, where he also covered the role of Ashby in La fanciulla del West and Mr. Olsen in Street Scene. In 2023, Oliver appeared in Opera Colorado’s Student Matinee performance of Don Giovanni (Masetto), sang in Die Fledermaus (Dr. Falke) with Opera in Williamsburg, and participated in Central City Opera’s apprenticeship program, where he sang in the Emerging Artists Matinee of Romeo and Juliet (Frère Laurent) and in Otello (Elmiro Cover). Oliver has worked with multiple companies in Colorado, including Opera Steamboat, Boulder Opera, and Denver Immersive Opera, where he performed in La bohème (Colline), the abridged version of Lori Laitman’s The Three Feathers (Frog King), Xavier Montsalvatge’s El gato con botas (El ogro), and Bluebeard’s Castle (Duke Bluebeard). In 2022, he sang in Don Giovanni (Leporello) with the Vincerò Academy in Mazatlán, Mexico, and in 2021, he made his company debut with Opera in Williamsburg in The Elixir of Love (Dottore Dulcamara). In 2021, he performed in ISOFOM’s production of The Marriage of Figaro (Bartolo and Antonio) in Morelia, Mexico. Other recent roles include Monsieur Presto Les mamelles de Tirésias (Monsieur Presto), L’enfant et les sortilèges (Le fauteuil and L’arbre), Cabildo (Gaoler), The Magic Flute (Sarastro), Gianni Schicchi (Simone), and Il tabarro (Talpa) with the Lamont Opera Theatre during his studies at the University of Denver. Oliver is the 2021 and 2022 winner of the Ann Logan Craft Vocal Competition, a 2021 finalist at the Denver Lyric Opera Guild Competition, and a recipient of the Sherry Shepherd Sargent Memorial Award.
OPERA COLORADO
ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN
Byron A. Hitchcock, concertmaster
Zachary Ragent, principal second violin
Jackson Bailey
Evan De Long
Angela Dombrowski
Mary Evans
Margaret Soper Gutierrez
Robyn Julyan
Regan Kane
Christine Menter
Leah Mohling
Gyongyer Petheo
Veronica Sawarynski
Robyn Sosa
Takanori Sugishita
Benjamin Tomkins
Leena Waite
Tori Woodrow
VIOLA
Matthew Dane, principal
Michael Brook
Kostadin Dyulgerski
Mary Harrison
Sarah Richardson
Lora Stevens
CELLO
Andy Kolb, principal
Amy Delevoryas
Charles Lee
Erin Patterson
Jeff Watson
Eleanor Wells
BASS
David Crowe, principal
Jeremy Nicholas
Jason Thompson
Yu-Chen Yang
FLUTE & PICCOLO
Susan Townsend, principal
Elizabeth Sadilek
Olga Shilaeva
OBOE & ENGLISH HORN
Sarah Bierhaus, principal
Brittany Bonner
Max Soto
CLARINET & BASS CLARINET
Michelle Orman, principal
Heidi Mendenhall
Linda Shea
BASSOON
Charles Hansen, principal
JJ Sechan
HORN
Michael Yopp, principal
Lauren Varley
Devon Park
Daniel Skib
TRUMPET
Leslie Scarpino, principal
Colin Oldberg
Ryan Gardner
TROMBONE
Bron Wright, principal
Andy Wolfe
Dan Watt
Jeremy Van Hoy
HARP
Janet Harriman, principal
TIMPANI
Peter Cooper, principal
PERCUSSION
Mark Foster, principal
Sean Case
Carl Dixon
Nena Lorenz Wright
ORCHESTRA MANAGER
Angela Dombrowski
ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN
Eleanor Wells
OPERA COLORADO CHORUS
SOPRANO
Lauren Bumgarner
Alyssa Jackson
Kayla Kramer
Regan Lewis
Anna McMahon
Elizabeth Mirandi
MEZZO-SOPRANO
Mia Kopera
Jessica Muniz Greco
Maya Munoz
Katiann Nelson
Jill Skinner
Ashley Troester
TENOR
Alexis Haro
Danny McDonnall
Norman Spivy
Luke Thatcher
Keith Williamson
Joshua Zabatta
BARITONE
Shane Delavan
Michele Di Nuovo
Justin Given
Chris Lilley
Mason O’Brien
James Rootring
COLORADO
CHILDREN’S CHORALE
Emily Crile, Artistic Director
Victoria Bailey, Assistant Conductor
Nelle Collier
Anika Dande
Camilla Franklin
Portia Hansen
Mayura Iyengar
Abby Musser
Emmy Pouliot
Rocco Rowekamp
Gabriel Salaz
Conor Winburn
Ethan Winburn
Jonah Winburn
SUPERNUMERARIES
John Adams
Eric Bard
Scott Bates
Peter Dearth
Tiffany Krumland
Troy Krumland
Dave Lewis Jr.
Daniel McAuliffe
Karen McAuliffe
Katy McQuaid
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION STAFF
Kendra Green, Stage Manager
Haley Stamats, Assistant Director
Megan Coutts, Assistant Stage Manager
Lucy Guillemette, Assistant Stage Manager
MUSIC STAFF
Cody Garrison, Chorus Music Reh
Accompanist
Oleg Bellini, Resident Collaborative Pianist
Angie Dombrowski, Orchestra Manager
Elle Wells, Orchestra Librarian
DESIGN STAFF
Carl Faber, Assistant Lighting Designer
TITLES SYSTEM STAFF
Beth Nielsen, Titles Operator: In-Seat
Brooklyn Becker, Titles Operator: Over-Stage
Jeremy Sortore, English Subtitles
Gina Razón, Spanish Translations
TECHNICAL STAFF
Michael Wingfield, Technical Director
Michael Boswell, Head Carpenter
Dave Youngs, Shop/Production Carpenter
Greg Killpack, Assistant Carpenter
Rita Richardson, Head Electrician
Amanda Short, Assistant Electrician
Ashley Burns, Lighting Console Programmer
Hillary Clark, Head Property Master
Keven Soll, Assistant Properties Master
Jeff Riedel, Head Flyman/Rigger
Thomas Berning, Head Audio Engineer
John Adams, Production Purchasing Agent
COSTUMES
Alison Milan, Costume Director
Madison Booth, Costume Coordinator
Kelly Gregson, Draper/Tailor
Sarah Zinn, Draper/Tailor
Ted Stark, Draper/Tailor
Celeste Fenton, First Hand
Elizabeth Woods, First Hand
Domino Douglas, Craftsperson/Stitcher
Amanda Bouza, Stitcher
Andy Bruening, Stitcher
WARDROBE
Carolyn Miller, Wardrobe Supervisor
Elizabeth Woods, Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor
Amanda Bouza, Dresser
Domino Douglas, Dresser
Joan McEnhill, Dresser
Ann Piano, Dresser
Jane Rusk, Dresser
Sara Rutherford, Dresser
Jan Heimer, Volunteer Dresser
Kathy Heider, Volunteer Dresser
Leslie Cady, Volunteer Dresser
Valerie Amburn, Volunteer Dresser
Vicky Gits, Volunteer Dresser
WIGS AND MAKEUP
Lisa Pedraza, Assistant Wigs and Makeup Coordinator
Shallah Perlman, Wigs and Makeup Assistant
Whitney Wolanin, Wigs and Makeup Assistant
ELLIE CAULKINS
OPERA HOUSE CREW
Derek Tovar, Props Head
Dave Wilson, Electrics Head
Allen Olmstead, Head Carpenter
Francisco Mara, Sound Head
ARTIST HOSTS/ VOLUNTEERS
Brian Crane
Thomas Gaffney
Robert Kahn
Dino Maniatis
Kevin O’Connor
Invictus Private Wealth is pleased to announce that its own Michael Caplan was selected as Barron’s top independent advisor in Colorado.
Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors 2024
Forbes/Shook Top RIA Firms 2024
Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors 2024
Forbes/Shook Top 10 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2024
Forbes/Shook Top RIA Firms 2024
Northwestern University - Honors in Mathematics
Adjunct Professor/International Economic Fellow Georgetown Law
Forbes/Shook Top 10 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2024 Northwestern University - Honors in Mathematics
Adjunct Professor/International Economic Fellow Georgetown Law
SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY, MAY 4 AT 2:00 P.M.
JOIN US FOR TWO SEMI-STAGED PERFORMANCES OF VERDI’S REVENGE THRILLER IL TROVATORE.
Feel the heat from the incendiary drama and masterful score, featuring the famous “Anvil Chorus,” as Maestro Ari Pelto leads a cast of extraordinary singers alongside the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus onstage in a twisted tale of mistaken identity.
LENORA Alexandra LoBianco AZUCENA Deborah Nansteel MANRICO Roberto de Biasio
COUNT DI LUNA Ricardo José Rivera FERRANDO Young Bok Kim DIRECTOR Christopher Mattaliano
CONDUCTOR Ari Pelto
La bohème is a love story.
Most obviously it is about Rodolfo and Mimì, who fall in love in act one right before our eyes. And it’s also about Marcello and Musetta, with their off-again, on-again romance that one almost needs a scorecard to follow. But really, it is a love story about youth - about a particular time in one’s life and the closest group of friends you will ever have. It is about a time so precious and fleeting that even while you are living it, you have the sense that it will never come again.
The title refers to the lifestyle of the nineteenth-century artists and freethinkers who were consciously living outside the main-stream, who chose not to be part of the rising middle class and instead pursue lives centered around art and ideas. And while many have written about it since, we owe our conception of Bohemia almost entirely to one man: Henri Murger.
In 1851, Murger published Scènes de la vie de bohème, a series of loosely connected stories based on his life in Paris, where the unique mix of intellectuals, University students, and artists made Bohemia possible. They all lived in the same areas, went to the same cafés, and had one thing in common: they were all poor. You cannot find Bohemia on a map of the city, he wrote, but it is “bordered on the north by cold, on the west by hunger, on the south by love, and on the east by hope.”
Puccini and his librettists, Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, may never have lived in Murger’s Bohemia, but they certainly had tremendous sympathy for its inhabitants. They gave us an opera that celebrates youthful exuberance and joie de vivre and contrasts it so effectively with poverty, misery, and the trials of daily existence. This is the darker side of Bohemia, a place known all-too-well by the women in the story, and it is never far away. Time in Bohemia is short. Colline is the first to arrive at its borders, and we sense that the others will soon follow. So live life while you can, build your castles in the air and reach for the moon, especially when it casts its light on the lovely young woman standing in your garret.
By Kristine McIntyre
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
CELEBRATING A BRILLIANT LEGACY AND A BRIGHT FUTURE
5:00 pm
Cocktail Reception
6:30 pm
Encore Gala Concert:
Greatest Hits Performance on the Mainstage
Concert-only Tickets are available for those who don’t wish to join the full event. Pricing starts at $66.
7:45 pm
Exclusive Live Auction & Tribute to the Ellie Caulkins General and Artistic Director, Greg Carpenter’s twenty-year legacy
8:30 pm
Elegant Dinner with Wine Pairings
9:45 pm Celebration continues at the Afterparty
Individual tickets start at $400, tables are $6,000/$12,000/$25,000 at operacolorado.org/gala
Contact Sara Buhr at sbuhr@operacolorado.org or 303.468.2027 for more information or to reserve your space.
GALA CHAIRS
Maron & Don Hindman
HONORARY CHAIRS
Ellie Caulkins
Marcia & Dick Robinson
Merrill Shields & M. Ray Thomasson
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Johnson Storage & Moving
GALA COMMITTEE
Dr. Larry Chan
Renee Duncan
Agatha Kessler Fentress
Dr. Stacy Fischer
Pam Hatcher
Lisanne Hendricks
Richard Koseff
Kevin Little
Maj. Dino G. Maniatis
Tanya Mathews
Becky May
Karen McAuliffe
Wendy Pelto
Mary Justice Thomasson
Linda Weise
Music of the Americas featuring Copland Symphony No. 3 MAR 7-9
Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony with Peter Oundjian MAR 21-23 The Four Seasons with Avi Avital MAR 15-16
Carmina Burana with the Colorado Symphony Chorus APR 4-6
The Board of Directors of Opera Colorado and the staff express their deepest appreciation to the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have contributed to the Annual Fund. This listing is current as of January 9, 2025. Although space limitations only allow us to list donors whose gifts were $150 and above, we are deeply grateful for the support of all our dedicated contributors.
VISIONARY $50,000+
Ken and Donna Barrow
Mike and Julie Bock
Don and Maron Hindman
Jeanie and Randal Martines
Patrick Spieles
BENEFACTOR $25,000 - $49,999
Jeff V. Baldwin
Linda Bjelland
Merle Chambers
Jan Kennaugh and Chip Horne
The Honorable and Mrs. Kenneth Laff
Marcia and Dick Robinson
AMBASSADOR $12,000 - $24,999
B. Edward Balkin
Ellie Caulkins
Joy and Christopher Dinsdale
Edie and Joe Fogliano
Richard Garvin
Ms. Donna E. Hamilton
Ms. Kelly A. Hodges
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Kinney
Richard Koseff
Judy La Spada
Gayle and Gary Landis
Jim and Patience Linfield
Maj. Dino Maniatis and Dr. Kristin Freestone-Maniatis
Dr. Bill and BK Maniatis
Muffy Moore and Al Minier
Lynnette Morrison
Kevin O’Connor and Janet Ellen Raasch
Ann and Gerald Saul
Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson
Prem and Stephanie Subramanian
Charles I. Thompson
Valerie Wassill and Kevin Rudolph
Robin and Eric Yaeger
CONDUCTOR $7,000 - $11,999
Mr. Charles E. Berry and Mrs. Maria Garcia Berry
Jane and Bart Burnett
Emily and Mark Bussey
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cesafsky
Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan
Ms. Kathryn Codo
Mary and Tom Conroy
Joyce de Roos
Elizabeth and Matthew Dyer
Dr. Susan Rae Jensen and Mr. Tom Trainer
Gary and Judith Judd
Diana and Mike Kinsey
John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich
Penny Lewis
James Monroe, III and Marie Shannon Monroe
Robert R. Montgomery and Nancy Hawkins
Jon J. Olafson and Jerry Brindisi
Ronald Y. Otsuka
Alice Perlmutter
The Ponzio Family
Ayliffe and Fred Ris
Martha and William Tracy
Marta and Bernd Wachter
Dan and Marie Welch
Diane K. Wengler and Steven Morrissett
Ann Wise
Ms. Carole J. Yaley
COMPOSER $3,500 - $6,999
Robin E. Black
Suzanne D. Bucy
Richard Cohn and Susan Cooper
Dr. Cynthia K. Crews and Mr. Charles W. Henry
Diane and John Gallagher
Sally Haas
Christine Hollander and Michael McGee
Ms. Judy Johnston
Tom Kirkpatrick and Djuana Strauch
Daniel and Karen McAuliffe
Mark and Kristin McKissick
Ralph and Trish Nagel
Dr. Harold S. Nelson
Bob Nelson
Bonnie Perkins
Harriet P. Peterson
Christine and Harry Phillips
Zondra Rae Pluss
Bruce Polkowsky and Bill Powell
Nijole and Walter Rasmussen
Cynthia and Alexander Read
Myra and Robert Rich
Louise Lavender Rouse
Diane Russell
Helen Scott Santilli
Fern B. Seltzer and
Andrew Heymsfield
Jeremy and Susan Shamos
Susan and Harold Skramstad
Mr. John Trigg
Mr. Byron S. Watson
Linda Weise
Erin Wenzel
Mary and Ken Willis
Brigitte Bastian Zimmer
LIBRETTIST $1,500 - $3,499
Anonymous (2)
Mr. Douglas W. Barnert and Mrs. Ruth Jacoby
Peter Batty and Paula Kechichian
Sheila Bisenius
Sara and John Buhr
Sandra Mazarakis and Neil Burris
Leslie Coover Cady
Nancy and Roger Celius
Barbara and Roger Chamberlain
Mr. David J. Chavolla
Kathleen R. Clifton
Alexander J. Conley and Alysia D. Marino
Bob and Georgi Contiguglia
Susan Cotter
Nancy Crow and Mark Skrotzki
Ms. Cheryl M. Cruickshank
Greg Diamond
Dave and Pam Duke
Lois N. Eckhoff
Michael and Susan Feliccissimo
Dr. Stacy Fischer and Dr. Henry Fischer
Cathy S. Foster
Karen Fukutaki, M.D.
Gary and Rebecca Gantner
Hugh Grant
Ms. Natalie Greene
Stephen and Dorothy Gregory
Mark Groshek, M.D. and Carl Clark, M.D.
Celeste and Jack Grynberg
Beverlee B. Henry
Bernice Hernandez
Ginny Hersch
Mr. William T. Hoffman
Dr. Lawrence Kim and Nhung Van
Marvin Madorsky, CPA and Maria Coquillard
Veronica A. McCaffrey and Barbara A. Frank
V.W. McKnab and Margaret Jurado
Henry B. Mohr
Mr. Mike and Lisa Morgan
Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian
Dr. and Mrs. Calvern E. Narcisi
Lisa and Pat Nicholson
Rick and Gail Nordheim
Dr. Edward and Mrs. Chris Null
Nancy and Paul Oberman
Mr. Ari Pelto and Ms. Wendy Fisher
Profs. Jean-Pierre Habicht and Gretel H. Pelto
Debra J. Perry
Rick Poppe and Jana Edwards
Armando Quiroz
Mrs. Christina Radichel Caulkins
T. R. Reid
Ms. Deborah M. H. Rohan
Mr. Paul Ruotolo
Charley and Amanda Samson
Grover Sardeson
Mr. John Shott
Ms. Nancy J. Siegel
Ms. Judith Zee Steinberg
Linda M. Strauch
Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Sullivan
Carson and John Taylor
Dr. Kathleen R. Tower
William Vaniman and Frances G. Matthews
Peter and Darcie Weiser
Ms. Cia A. Wenzel
Marie Belew Wheatley
Pati and Mark Wilkins
Pam and Martin Zadigian
ASSOCIATE $700 - $1,499
Anonymous (4)
Brian Thomas Beagle
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Benedict III
Brian Bennett and Bev Daniels
Samantha Bergen
Anthony V. Berkley and Amanda Gomez
Lawrence Berliner and Barbara Anderson
Robert Bernhardt
Ms. Sandra D. Besseghini
John and Anne Blair
Brewster and Helen Boyd
Alan Boyer and Trudy Bortz
Elise Brenninkmeyer
Mr. Ian T. Caiozzi and Mrs. Neha Patel
Carol G. Canon
Mrs. Ella May Carpenter
George Case
Mr. and Mrs. George P. Caulkins
Mr. David Clark
Everett B. Clark
Sue Cole
Tom and Cheryl Cox
Brian D. Crane
Dr. and Mrs. James D. Crapo
Roger Day and Evelyn Wolf
Diana Degette and Lino Lipinsky
Ms. Marian O. Dines
Timothy James Donahue
François Dorémieux
Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski
Helene Eckstein
Reine and Matthew Erzinger
Elizabeth A. Fischer and Don Elliott
Frances and Richard Frey
Jan Friedlander and Cynthia Kristensen
Dr. and Mrs. Burton Golub
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Greenholz
Steven and Patricia Gulevich
Rich and Denise Gustafson
Ms. Lynn E. Harrington
Mrs. Jaclyn Haugen
Carl F Heller and Maureen F Hallacy
Ms. Erin R. Hittle
Ruth Hopfenbeck
Rachelle and William Horton
Karen Howland and Gregory Mudge
Mr. Dennis R. Hurt
Ken Rose and Nancy Hurwitz
Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby
Steve and Chryse Hutchins
Mr. Daniel Isaman
Mr. Jeremy Johnson
John N. Kabalin, MD.
Anna Belle and Robert Kapelke
Joe Kelso
Roberta and Mel Klein
Kunz Family Fund
Frieda Sanidas Leason
Victoria Levine
Chris and Kris Lilley
Lindmor Fund
Thomas Long
Patty Lorie
Rhonda and Donald Macy
Evan and Evi Makovsky
Jim and Carole McCotter
James P. McElhinney
J. Virginia Messick
Jerri Lynn Modrall and Eric E. Doering
Sue and Bill Mohrman
William and Bonnie Moninger
The Morss Dehncke Family
Mary E. Moser
Margaret and John Moyer
Dr. Mary Kenny Moynihan and Dr. Michael Moynihan
Alan E. Muraoka
Kelli O’Brien and Michael Kolotylo
Ms. Diane O’Connor
Bonnie M. Orkow
Sheila Pack
Theresa and Norman Parker
Frank and Linda Plaut
Robert and Mary Quillin
Steven and Joan Ringel
Ms. Karen Ritz
Doug Rooney
Mary Ann Ross
Elizabeth R. Rumely
Carol Rust
Ms. Ruth E. Schoening
Steven E. and Jane Schonfeld
Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Antoinette Shaller
Dr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Smith
Vicki Sterling
Dr. Laimute Stewart
Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland
Tepper Family Foundation
Sharon and John Trefny
Laurie and Robert Walcott
Keith Ward and Barbara Roidl
Nancy and William Wehner
Robert and Jacklyn Writz
SUPPORTER $400 – $699
Anonymous (4)
Richard Akeroyd
Mr. Paul Alaback and
Ms. Carol Brewer
Janet Bishop
Richard Bottjer and Sara Peyton
Ms. Jay Breen
Mark Breese
Ms. Karen M. Bruggenthies
Mr. Douglas F. Burns
Mrs. Carol W. Byrd
Bonnie Camp
Jim and Sara Culhane
Carolyn E. Daniels
Ms. Anne Davis
Karen and Charles de Bartolomé
Nicole de Naray
Ronald L. Deal
Antonia Dell
Peter and Marian Downs
Laurie and Ben Duke III
Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin B. Eastman, Jr.
Gary J Emrich
Jennifer Filipowski
Scott Foster
Ms. Carolyn Francis
Julie Gail
Ms. Randy Ganter
Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Garfein
Alan G. Gass
Ms. Rebecca Givens
Maria Gordon
Mrs. Carol and Dr. Fred Grover
The Honorable Alfred and Mrs. Dori Harrell
Mr. Shad Harsh
John R Heckenlively, M.D.
Owen Herman
Catherine and Graham Hollis
Ms. Mary Ellen Holmes
Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle
James Ingram
James and Christine Jorgensen
Allen Kemp
Jeffrey M. Koehler
Rex Kramer and Cindy Crater
Mr. Larry Lacert
D. Langdon
Mr. Richard S. Leaman
Mr. James S. MacDonald
John Masserini and Abraham Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. William Mathews
Manon Merewether
Mr. Lawrence Moskow
Marilyn Munsterman
Dr. and Dr. Hans Neville
Dr. and Mrs. David A. Norris
Kent and Ruth Obee
Roxana Pecchio
Emily and Kelly Pitts
Richard Replin and Elissa Stein
Michelle Russell
Bob and Barbara Shaklee
Bobbi and Gary Siegel
David Stauffer
Pete Stein
Mr. Gordon W. Stenger
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Straub
Prof. and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz
John Taubman
Ms. Jana Tompkins
Ms. Robin Stewart and Mr. Kirk Weber
David and Margaret Wolf
Mark and Sondra Zardus
Charlotte Ziebarth
Deborah Zippel
MEMBER $150 - $399
Anonymous (13)
Paul and Susan Ahlquist
Danica Anderson
Alice and Lee Anneberg
Mrs. Donna Antonoff
Patricia and Vincent Badolato
Ms. Helena Bagdasarova
Ms. Cherlyn S. Bailey
Don Bain
Steve and Lisa Bain
Cathy and John Bartle
Ellen and Donald Bauder
Mr. Brian A. Baxter
Ms. Mariette H. Bell
C. F. Benoit
Mrs. Claire E. Benson
Mr. Mark Berge
Wednesday Music Party
Ms. Dori Biester
David and Shannon Bird
Marie and Howard Blaney
Ms. Donna Boender
Earline Bohling
Libby Bortz
Joe and Gwen Bowers
Donald K. Braden
Mr. William Bradford
Chris O. Bradley
Thomas H. Brady
Janet Bruchmann
Dean Burton
Dr. Francine Butler
Gordon and Ron Butz
Jessica Cabral
Cactus Communications
Michael Canges and Nina Iwashko
Mr. Gregory A. Carpenter
Ms. Clare R. Cavanaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cirelli
Linda and Gray Clark
Patty S. Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Close
Ms. Ethel K. Clow
Mr. Gerald N. Cohen
Jennifer L. Colgan
Bonita and Michael Collins
Karen Connolly
Mr. Curtis Cook
Dr. David J. Cooper and Evelyn W. Cooper
Aubrey Copeland, M.D.
Ms. Jane Costain and Mr. Gary T. Moore
Vicki Cowart and Chris Hayes
Ms. Corliss Curtis
John Danio
Mrs. Marge Demarino
Connie Dines
Heidi and Rob Eadie
Ms. Arline Echandia
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Eckerling
Kammi and Paul Eckhoff
Evan Ela
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Evans
Ms. Judith H. Fahrenkrog
Ms. Shirley Feldkamp
Ms. Anna Ferrari
Beverly and Bruce Fest
Mr. Scott Finlay
Ms. Kathryn Finley
Mr. Charles E. Fisher
Dr. and Mrs. Larry S. Fisher
Margaret and Frederick Franko
Terry Frazier and Kathy Wells
L. Richard and Sigrid Halvorson Freese
Keith French
Ms. Ingrid Fretheim
Robert Fullerton
Katy and David Garon
Mr. and Mrs. Caleb F. Gates, Jr.
Dr. Tim Gensler
Jennifer Ruth Gentry
Richard and Julia George
Kazuo and Drusilla Gotow
Mr. Matthew Grove
William and Phyllis Hale
Furniture Row® Companies is a group of specialty home furnishings and mattress stores, carrying a variety of brand names, all available at one convenient location. We focus on providing a shopping experience that is tailored to your needs. Our specialized buying teams are constantly combing the globe in search of the hottest trends and best values available. In addition, incentives like our no interest financing and our highly knowledgeable, specialized sales staff, make Furniture Row® one of the most enjoyable furniture buying experiences you’ll find in the country today.
Nicole Hand
Mr. Timothy Harris
Dr. Jordan Harrison
Bradley Hartman Bakken
Mrs. Deborah A. Havas
Mr. Richard A. Haynes
Lizz Helmsen
Jessy Hennesy
Thomas E. Hinrichs
Ms. Ellen M. Hird
Dr. Marilyn J. Hitchens
Sarah C. Hite
Ms. Mary S. Hoadley
Mr. Saul D. Hoffman and Ms. Susan Parker
Cheryl and James Hogan
Ian J. Hoyman
Megan Immerfall
Mrs. Philip Isely
Nancy Jackson
Christine and Michael Janeczko
Catherine and Brian Janonis
David Jilk
The Johnson-Milnew Family
Dr. Laurence Kaptain and Dolores Arce-Kaptain
Beverly Karst
Mr. and Mrs. Jhon M. Kehmeier
David Kelly
Patricia Kelly and Thomas Dufficy
Mishele Kieffer
Bonnie Kipple
Patrick Klem
Barbara and Kiplund Kolkmeier
Mrs. and Mr. Svetlana Komisarchik
Ms. Barbara Ladon
Dorothy V. Lamm
Nancy A. Leonard
David Lichtenstein and Donna Shmalberger
Don and Ingrid Lindemann
Lester Lockspeiser
John Lockwood
Karen and Alan Loeb
Janet G. MacFarlane
Dana F. Maloney
Ms. Cyndi Mancinelli
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Manuel
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Y. Marchand
Amanda A. Marshall
Mr. Gregg E. Marshall
Ellen Myrtle Martin
Marian E. Matheson
Mr. and Ms. Robert McAlister
Ms. Ann McCullough
Mr. Stephen D. McGavran
Mrs. Hannelore McKinnon
Jan McNally
Tom and Mary Meade
Dr. Kurt and Dr. Marilyn Metzl
Rose and John Miller
Ms. Sharon K. Miller
Richard A. Minot
Lillian and Roger Moment
James Moon
Douglas G. Moran and Laura B. Moran
James Morera
Carolyn Morse
Denny Muirhead
Susan Olenwine
Mr. Raymond Ollett
Bernard Olshausen
Ms. Sonya S. Palmer
David and Renee Parkhurst
Ms. Mary A. Parmelee
Dr. Lynn Parry
Mr. and Mrs. Travis B. Pate
Mr. Max Paulson
Margaret Peck
Jill D. Pedicord
Kathy McMahon Peeters
Mary A. Peters
Dennis G. Peterson
Andrew R. Pleszkun
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Plowshay
Kate Raabe
Lauren A. Raheb
James Rasmuson
Mr. Nicholas A. Richie
Ms. Jennie Ridgley
Karyn K. Rieb
Michaelyn Rimar
Mr. Michael L. Ritchie
Mr. Gregory Roebuck
Patricia A. Romero
Ms. Linda F. Rosales
Jon K. Rupp
Karen Sandstead
Sandy and Frank Sargent
Youlon D. Savage
Ms. Kim Savit
Mr. Bryan Penny and Mr. Matt Savoie
Mary Scarpino
Ms. Erika L. Schafer
John and Patricia Schmitter
Betsy Schwarm and Rick Glesner
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Segan
Mr. Billy Seiber
Ms. Laura Sheldon
David and Patricia Shelton
Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White
Ms. Marjorie Stanford
Kay Stevenson
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle B. Stewart
Jenene and James Stookesberry
Brent Strausbaugh
Christopher J. Swahn
Linda Tarpeh-Doe
Juanita S. Tate
Roger L. Tate
Ms. Lois Thornton
Janice Tilden
Mr. John B. Trueblood
Alan Turner
Charles and Deborah Turner
David Van Buskirk
Stephanie and Jaymie Vaughn
Mr. Michael Walker
Jill Wayne
Michael Weeda
Dr. Adriana Weinberg
Sandra L. White
Vincent Wincelowicz
Mr. Matthew Wolchak
Constance and Lawrence Wood
Allison and William Woolston
The Zevallos Family
Joseph A. Zmugg
Anonymous
Bagby Foundation
Bliss Family Foundation
Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
Bortz-Boyer Family Charitable Fund
Bucy Family Fund
Cactus Communications
Caulkins Family Foundation
Charlotte and Norman Codo Trust
Colorado Gives Foundation
Crawley Family Foundation
Denver Foundation
Denver Lyric Opera Guild
Denver Post Community Foundation
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation
Genesee Mountain Foundation
Jeanne Land Foundation
Jewish Community Foundation Of Southern Arizona
Jewish Community Fund of Greater Kansas City
Kenneth King Foundation
Kortz and Pearle Rae Levey Foundation
Landis Family Philanthropy
Leonard and Alice Perlmutter Charitable Foundation
Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation
McGoldrick Foundation
Merle Chambers Fund
Morgan Stanley
Nagel Foundation
National Philanthropic Trust
Opera America
Read Foundation Inc.
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
Schwab Charitable
Sidney E. Frank Foundation
Tepper Family Foundation
The Anschutz Foundation
The Schramm Foundation
Tulsa Community Foundation
US Charitable Gift Trust
Vanguard Charitable
Virginia W. Hill Foundation
William D. Radichel Foundation
5280 Magazine
CBS
Johnson Storage and Moving Kaladi Coffee
Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club
Residence Inn by Marriott –Denver City Center
Tax Time LLC
In honor of Ellie Caulkins
Mr. David J. Chavolla
Laurie and Ben Duke III
Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland
In honor of Mary and Tom Conroy
Jenene and James Stookesberry
In honor of The Honorable Kenneth and Mrs. Barbara Laff
Ms. Patricia Brown
Anna Belle and Robert Kapelke
Diana Terry
In honor of Dino Maniatis
Karen M. Sumner
In honor of Rene and the late Donald Morgan
Suzanne D. Bucy
In honor of Laura Scully and Rick Tisinai
Tiffany Baker
Jennifer Berry
Ellen Horn-Lamb
In honor of Isabella Thompson
Jeff Thompson
In honor of Erin Wenzel
Anonymous
T. R. Reid
In honor of Pierce Wilson, Madi Wilson and Melony Mnatsakanyan
Jodie Wilson
In memory of Bill Belew
Barbara Davis
Darrell and India Mount
Helen Scott Santilli
Troop 8 BSA
Marie Belew Wheatley
In memory of Kevin Conwick
Phil and Norma Heinschel
In memory of Dirk DeRoos
Mr. Miles Smith
In memory of Dr. Stephen L. Dilts
Chris and Karen Mohr
In memory of Dr. Jacqueline Frischknecht
Mr. Chuck Lawhead and Mr. Ronald Broome
In memory of William Paul Hurlbut
Katherine Hurlbut
In memory of Janis Keske
Jane and Bart Burnett
In memory of Gary Landis
Gary and Rebecca Gantner
Gayle Landis
Deanna Rose Leino
In memory of Hugh and Peggy McGee
Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle
In memory of Margaret M. McMahon
T.R. Reid
In memory of Eugenia Meyer who taught me to love opera
Dr. Stacy Fisher and Dr. Henry Fisher
In memory of Robert Klages Reiber
Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Berliner
In memory of William A. Richey
Mary E. Moser
In memory of Alicia Rodriguez
Paige and Juan Rodriguez
In memory of William E. Russell
Jane Russell
In memory of Violet Santangelo
Chris Santangelo
In memory of Marlis Smith
Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White
In memory of Larry Zimmer
Laura M. Huss
Elaine Merkert
Marcia and Dick Robinson
Robert J. Sterrett
Tom Kirkpatrick and Djuana Strauch
The following people have made arrangements to include Opera Colorado in their Estate Plan.
Anthony Berkley and Amanda Gomez
Sheila Bisenius
Linda Bjelland
Ellie Caulkins
Barbara and Roger Chamberlain
Ms. Donna E. Hamilton
Ms. Lynn E. Harrington
Dr. Charles B. Kafadar
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kahn
Deanna Rose Leino
Jeanie and Randal Martines
Lynnette Morrison
Mrs. Lee Roberts
Mary Ann Rose
Mr. Stephen Seifert
Fern B. Seltzer
Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson
James and Jenene Stookesberry
Mr. Robert Van Buskirk
William and Nancy Wehner
Mrs. Carol C. Whitley
Larry* and Brigitte Zimmer
The Denver Performing Arts Complex is owned and operated by Denver Arts & Venues for the City and County of Denver.
CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER
Mike Johnston, Mayor
DENVER ARTS & VENUES
Gretchen Hollrah, Executive Director
Jen Morris, Deputy Director
Tariana Navas-Nieves, Deputy Director
DENVER ARTS & VENUES, ARTS COMPLEX OPERATIONS
Mark Heiser, Venue Director
Jody Grossman, Assistant Venue Director, Booking
Todd Medley, Facilities Superintendent
Kelly Graham, Safety, Security and Garage Operations Manager
Carol Krueger, Patron Services Manager artscomplex.com | 720.865.4220 For immediate assistance & security 720.865.4200
THE 2024-25 SEASON
Music Director Ari Pelto is sponsored by Mike & Julie Bock
EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Opera Colorado’s Education & Community Engagement Programs are made possible through the generous support of the following donors:
Pamela Beardsley
Denver Lyric Opera Guild
Sidney E. Frank Foundation –Colorado Fund Genesee Mountain Foundation
Marilyn Munsterman
Scientific and Cultural Facilities District
Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation
Carol Whitley
Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation
The 2024-25 Opera on Tour productions of The Barber of Seville and Hansel and Gretel and the Student Matinee of Daughter of the Regiment are sponsored by the Genesee Mountain Foundation.
2024-25 SEASON ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
The Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program is sponsored by Ken & Donna Barrow, with additional support from Patrick Spieles.
Hallie Schmidt, soprano Sponsored by Joyce de Roos and Donald K. Braden
Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano Sponsored by Joy & Chris Dinsdale
Daniel Miller, tenor Sponsored by Richard Garvin and Prem & Stephanie Subramanian
Alex Granito, baritone Sponsored by Robin & Eric Yaeger
Oliver Poveda Zavala, bass-baritone Sponsored by Gayle & Gary Landis
James Eder, bass Sponsored by Ken & Barbara Laff and Laurence & Cynthia Chan
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Opera Colorado recognizes the following organizations for their generous support:
Official Artist Housing Partner
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our donor lists. However, if your name is incorrectly listed, please accept our sincere apologies and contact Sara Buhr at 303-468-2027.
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors in our community. With your support, we can fulfill our mission to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and educational programming that is accessible to all.
Your donation this season honors our legacy and builds a bright future for decades to come.
YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US...
PRESENT high-quality opera experiences that reflect the multicultural fabric of our community SERVE over 45,000 patrons every year
DEVELOP audiences by introducing children (and adults!) to their first opera experience
TRAIN the next generation of opera performers through our Artist in Residence Program
HOW TO MAKE A GIFT ONLINE: operacolorado.org/support BY PHONE: 303.468.2060
MAIL A CHECK TO: Opera Colorado
4121 S Navajo St, Ste 100 Englewood, CO 80110
For questions, please contact Opera Colorado’s Development Team at development@ operacolorado.org or 303.468.2060.
SCAN THE QR CODE:
*denotes donor has passed away (Crescendo)
As the cost of producing opera continues to rise, your generosity ensures Opera Colorado can maintain our artistic excellence, provide accessible programming, and bring unforgettable experiences to the stage. By joining our family of donors, you help keep the music alive for generations to come. Your support unlocks exclusive benefits, including behind-the scenes experiences and special events, bringing you even closer to the art and artists you love.
MEMBER $150-$399
• Your name listed in mainstage Season Program Books
• Closer to the Art emails before each mainstage production, where you will gain behind-the-scenes insight and learn something new about Opera Colorado
• Exclusive pre-sale opportunities to ticketed events throughout the season
SUPPORTER
$400-$699
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Invitation to an exclusive backstage tour of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, where you will peek into dressing rooms, step on stage, and explore all that this historic building entails
• Complimentary beverages at select events
• Donor Reception after the Artist in Residence Showcase
ASSOCIATE
$700-$1,499
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Access to the Chambers Grant Salon Donor Recognition Lounge and complimentary prosecco during intermission
• Complimentary admission to select Artists in Residence concerts
• Complimentary admission and discounted guest admission to Sitzprobe Event and Rehearsal
LIBRETTIST
$1,500-$3,499
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Invitation to a private Master Class with a leading industry artist and members of the Artist in Residence program
• Priority Invitation to reserve your spot for a curated operatic weekend with Opera Colorado in Santa Fe or other major city.
COMPOSER
$3,500-$6,999
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Invitation to a Sitzprobe Rehearsal and Dessert Reception
• Invitation to the Meet the Maestro event, an intimate luncheon with Opera Colorado’s Music Director
• Priority Invitation to reserve your spot at an intimate dinner following Artists in Conversation events, a chance to get to know the artists and creative team.
CONDUCTOR $7,000-$11,999
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Complimentary parking for your Opera Colorado mainstage performances
• Two tickets to a dress rehearsal of Opera Colorado mainstage productions
AMBASSADOR $12,000-$24,999
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Invitation to a private cocktail reception with the General Director, followed by a rehearsal in the Opera Colorado Opera Center or the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
• Private curated tour of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for you and your guests
BENEFACTOR $25,000-$49,999
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Invitation to an intimate dinner with Opera Colorado’s General Director and Music Director
• Behind the scenes access to rehearsals at the Opera Colorado Opera Center, including VIP access to artists
VISIONARY $50,000+
Receive all previous benefits, plus:
• Private concert in your home or other chosen location
Contact our Development Department at 303.468.2060 or development@operacolorado.org
PHOTO Opera Colorado/Jamie Kraus
Greg Carpenter, The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director
Ari Pelto, Music Director
Jennifer Colgan, Director of Marketing & Communications
Ben Karasik, Associate Director of Production
Tom Kirkpatrick, Chief Financial Officer
Cherity Koepke, Director of Education & Community Engagement, Director of Opera Colorado’s Artist in Residence Program
Jordanna Rose, Director of Artistic Operations
Sara Buhr, Associate Director of Development
Samantha Cantu, Patron Services Manager
Clair Clauson, HR Manager
Kendra Green, Resident Stage Manager
Megan Immerfall, Bookkeeper
Robin Lander, Patron Services & Office Coordinator
Alison Milan, Costume Director
Laura Norton, Digital Marketing Manager
Jocelyn Watson, Individual Giving & Donor Events Manager
Sahar Nouri, Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor
Nathan Salazar, Principal Repertoire Coach
Cody Guy Garrison, Chorus Repetiteur
Daniel Belcher, Artist in Residence Program Voice Teacher
Oleg Bellini, Resident Collaborative Pianist
Hallie Schmidt, soprano
Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano
Daniel Miller, tenor
Alex Granito, baritone
Oliver Poveda Zavala, bass-baritone
James Eder, bass
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Richard Koseff, Chair
Chevis F. (Chip) Horne, President
Dr. Laurence K. Chan, Vice President
Judy La Spada, Vice President
Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD, Secretary
Mark Bussey, Treasurer
DIRECTORS
Jeff V. Baldwin
Edward Balkin
Eleanor N. Caulkins, Lifetime Honorary Chair
Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Ex-Officio
Maria Garcia Berry
Richard Garvin
Mark Heiser, Ex-Officio
Don Hindman
Kelly Ann Hodges
Dr. Susan Rae Jensen
Laurence D. Kaptain, Ex-Officio
Hon. Kenneth Laff
Jim Linfield
MAJ. Konstantinos (Dino) G. Maniatis
William N. Maniatis, MD
Kevin O’Connor
The Honorable Jon J. Olafson
Marcia Robinson, Lifetime Honorary President
Keith Ward, Ex-Officio
Linda Weise, Ex-Officio
Daniel G. Welch
Evelyn Wolf
Robin Kolsky Yaeger
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Michael Bock
Hugh Grant
Jeremy Kinney
Mary French Moore
Jeremy Shamos
Susan Shamos
Merrill Shields
Martha Tracey
VOLUNTEERS
Wade Adams
Valerie Amburn
Eric Bard
Matthew Bell
Donald Braden
Jeffery Brown
Karen Bruggenthies
Leslie Cady
Ellie Caulkins
Joyzelle Davis
Martin Eisenberg
Howard Evans
Tom Gaffney
Jen GaNun
David Garon
Victoria Gits
Lisa Goda
Jan Heimer
Gwendolyn Jackman
Robert Kahn
Kristin Kelly
Kiplund Kolkmeier
Susan Landers
Melinda Leach
Dino Maniatis
Kathleen McQuaid
Kevin O’Connor
Elena Peschanskaia
Eva Phibbs
Julie Pogachefsky
Regina Rajewich
Donna Ries
Grover Sardeson
Lori Stevens
Kathryn Wallisch
Marianne Weingroff
Matthew Wolchak
COLORADO’S PROGRAM BOOKS ARE PRODUCED BY THE PUBLISHING
Angie Flachman Johnson, Publisher
Stacey Krull, Art Director
Wilbur E. Flachman, President Emeritus
303.428.9529 or ColoradoArtsPub.com
ADMINISTRATION
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Opera Colorado Opera Center 4121 S Navajo St, Ste 100 Englewood, CO 80110
303.778.1500 info@operacolorado.org
PATRON SERVICES
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
303.468.2030
customerservice@operacolorado.org operacolorado.org follow @operacolorado