Ovation Magazine Winter 2016

OVATION! NEWS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF OPERA COLORADO | WINTER 2016

LORI LAITMAN MAY 7|10|13|15|2016 695 S. COLORADO BLVD., STE 20 DENVER, CO 80246

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2016 SEASON JULY 1 to AUGUST 27

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FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR

GREG CARPENTER, GENERAL DIRECTOR

H

ere at Opera Colorado, we could not be more excited about the huge progress the company has made over the past three seasons, and the opportunity to now present three operas in the upcoming 2016/2017 season. With the three operas we have selected for this season, the company will deliver a broad perspective of opera repertoire from three centuries, the 19th, 20th and 21st. In November 2016 we will open the season with Puccini’s Fanciulla del West, 20th century. In the winter of 2017 we will present Laura Kaminsky’s As One, 21st century and to close the season in May we will present Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, 19th century.

All of these operas depict deeply dramatic and emotional stories, superbly suited for the opera stage.

Each delves into the extraordinary physical and emotional challenges of the principal characters. In Fanciulla, we see the challenges of the harsh conditions of the Wild West, the grueling work of mining and the lawlessness of the west – and how all of these affect human

“All of these operas depict deeply dramatic and emotional stories, superbly suited for the opera stage.”

nature. In As One, we follow the story of a transgender person, depicted through two singers in the roles of Hannah Before and Hannah After with a string quartet. This opera highlights the real struggles of self-acceptance when you are different, the pain of physical and mental abuse, and the final genuine acceptance of who you really are.

In Lucia we see how the pressures of family interests impact a person, and how the manipulation of a sensitive young woman can lead to a complete mental and physical breakdown.

Surprisingly, Opera Colorado has never presented La Fanciulla del West, so this will be the first time for the company. While this opera is not widely performed in the United States, it contains some of Puccini’s greatest music and it captures the essence of the Wild West. Opera Colorado will present this opera in a unique, new production designed especially for Colorado audiences.

The production will feature historical image projections from the archives of the Denver Public Library, giving audiences a unique opportunity to explore the colorful history of mining in Colorado.

Taking an opera production outside of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the winter of 2017, we will present a new opera by Laura Kaminsky, which premiered at the continues on page 7

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O V A T I O N ! WINTER 2016

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Performing As One represents our forward thinking commitment to contemporary works with relevant subject matter. This production allows us to step outside of the expanse of The Ellie and offer an intimate opera experience in a smaller venue. It offers us the opportunity to create meaningful discussion and community engagement events around the subject matter, and for the public to interact with the composer, librettist and creative team.

On the other side of the coin, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, is one of the most popular and frequently performed operas. Though it is often performed in the United States, Opera Colorado has only performed it once in the company’s 34-year history, during the 2002/2003 season. This opera truly represents what one thinks of when referring to “grand opera” – its famous sextet and thrilling arias sung by the principal characters make this opera truly “grand” in every sense of the word.

“Opera Colorado is thrilled to welcome some of today’s outstanding opera stars to Colorado for all three 2016/2017 productions.”

Opera Colorado is thrilled to welcome some of today’s outstanding opera stars to Colorado for all three 2016/2017 productions.

Both productions at The Ellie offer audiences the opportunity to hear artists making their debuts at Opera Colorado. The casts were chosen for their ability to handle the vocal and physical demands of the very challenging roles, especially Anna Christy, singing Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor and Melissa Citro, singing Minnie in La Fanciulla del West. Both of these leading roles are tour de force characters with an

extraordinary amount of singing.

Another casting fact that excites is each of these mainstage operas will feature the return of a recent Opera Colorado Young Artist in a principal role. Brett Sprague, Young Artist in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, will return as Arturo in Lucia, and Jared Guest, Young Artist in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, will sing the role of Sonora in Fanciulla.

We invite you to join us for Opera Colorado’s world premiere of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter in May, and for the thrilling upcoming 2016/2107 season. Let Opera Colorado transport you to a different time and place with our productions at The Ellie, and take you on an enlightening journey with our production of As One. I look forward to greeting you at one of our upcoming performances.

Support from patrons like you provides opportunities and crates possibilities in the performing arts within Denver and throughout our state. As always, thank you for your support of Opera Colorado. 

WINTER 2016 O V A T I O N !

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THE SCARLET LETTER SPONSORS The May 7, 2016 world premiere of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter is a significant milestone in the artistic history of Opera Colorado. We wish to thank the following individuals and foundation for their generous support.

$20,000+

The Avenir Foundation Ken and Donna Barrow NoĂŤl and Thomas Congdon Joy Dinsdale Dave and Pam Duke The National Endowment for the Arts Bruce Rosenblum and Lori Laitman Jeremy and Susan Shamos The Sorel Organization

$10,000-$19,999

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Janet Mordecai Foundation Opera America

$5,000-$9,999

Bob and Betsey Feinberg Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trust The Gradison Foundation Michael Hughes and The Hon. Karen Brody Hal and Ann Logan The Hon. Mary Mochary Daniel L. Ritchie Gerald and Ann Saul

$2,500-$4,999

William and Martha Tracey

$1,000-$2,499

Karen Bruggenthies Steven Dilts Kenneth Feinberg Mr. Ray J. Groves Cynthia and Bill Kelly Cheryl McGinnis and Ed Woolman Kent Rice and Ann Corrigan Frieda Sanidas Leason and Bernhard Leason

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O V A T I O N ! WINTER 2016

$50-$999

Walter Arnheim Daniel Belcher Charles Berberich and Marilyn Munsterman Linda Bjelland Myron Bleicher Donald K. Braden Dr. Michael Braz Ms. Margaret Caldwell Greg Carpenter Dr. Larry and Cynthia Chan Ronald D. Covey Margaret Ewell Sigrid H. Freese Joan Glick Ms. Juliana Hall Mrs. Jelica Isely Dr. and Mrs. John Charles Jernigan Jennifert Kurtz Ms. Margo Lopenske Paul Lorton Jr. Ms. Heather Mackinnon Muffy Moore Jeffrey Morris Clint Morrison and Nancy Rosenberger Ms. Josie Noble Janice Parker Mr. Bennett Price Anagloria Rodriguez Gershen Rosenblum Kathy Senie Andrew Sirotnak and Jamie White Camille Spaccavento Shawnet Sweets Ms. Barbara Thorngren Anne Wattenberg Jamie White Carol Whitley Kenneth Ziebarth

EVENT SERIES

LORI LAITMAN MAY 7|10|13|15|2016 The 2015-2016 Season is sponsored by Ken & Donna Barrow. The Scarlet Letter is sponsored by Kenneth and Donna Barrow, Dave and Pam Duke, Noël and Thomas Congdon, Jeremy and Susan Shamos, Joy Dinsdale and Daniel L. Ritchie.

Through literary discussion, poetry, music and more – Opera Colorado will explore the themes of The Scarlet Letter.

For a complete list of A-List Events see page 28.

OPERACOLORADO.ORG 303.468.2030 WINTER 2016 O V A T I O N !

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the art

of giving

When you give to Opera Colorado, you make great things happen. You provide opportunities and create possibilities.

Every gift—large and small—makes an impact. Gifts from individuals are the single largest source of Opera Colorado’s annual income. Join the many patrons who have made Opera Colorado a philanthropic priority.

Help Opera Colorado Thrive Today.

Those who make gifts of $500 or more to Opera Colorado are recognized as Red Dot Patrons. In appreciation for your generosity, Red Dot Patrons receive special communications and invitations to Opera Colorado events as well as priority seating and access to the donor lounge at

intermission. All donations, no matter the size, are appreciated. Thank you!

If you would like to designate your gift for a particular fund, like education, just let us know. Gifts can be made in honor or memory of someone and will be printed with this recognition in Opera Colorado’s program book.

For more information on other ways to donate, please contact the

Development Department at 303.468.2060 or at kdammen@operacolorado.org Or visit operacolorado.org/support/contribute/

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THE YOUNG ARTISTS SOUND BITES CHERITY KOEPKE, DIRECTOR YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

H

ave you ever wondered what goes on inside an opera singer’s head?

Opera Colorado’s Young Artists have been in residency with the company for half the season now, which makes it a perfect time for you to get to know them a bit more and find out what they think about being a Young Artist thus far. Cherity Koepke, Director of the Young Artists, interviewed them for a few sound bites.

After a day of rehearsals, I sat with the Young Artists and began talking to them about their past few months at Opera Colorado. I started with a very simple question. Why opera? Turns out, the answer to that question is not so simple.

Q: WHY OPERA?

CHARLES EATON: There’s nothing like being on stage singing. There’s no other feeling like it; like the rush you get. You’re up there, giving it everything you’ve got and you can feel that you’re moving the audience.

What you’re doing is affecting them. I want to do that; all the time.

EMILY ROBINSON: I’ve done other musical jobs and I enjoyed them all.

But, there was never a question in my mind that I wanted to be an opera singer. I told my mom when I was four years old.

BENJAMIN WERLEY: It chose me.

The first opera I ever saw was Tosca with Greer Grimsley. I was hooked by the end of Act I. The way his voice reached out and grabbed you; it was incredible. I just knew that is what I wanted to do.

WILLIAM BRYAN: I come from a musical household. Music has always been a part of my life. Nothing else really makes sense for me. There is nothing else I want to do.

DANIELLE LOMBARDI: There is more than just one reason for me.

It’s everything - the costumes,

the makeup, working with other artists, getting to create these incredible characters and sing the best music that has ever been written. It’s that and more. I can’t even put it into words.

Q: NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A FEW MONTHS, WHAT THOUGHTS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT BEING A YOUNG ARTIST AND BEING A PART OF OPERA COLORADO?

BEN: It’s a unique situation and a good opportunity. We get to devote all of our time to this career and see if we actually have a shot at pursuing this.

WILLIAM: To be in a program like this one, where we are not only paid but our housing is provided, that is the best. It is also a unique situation to be able to perform the same role over and over again like we do with our touring productions. You can really dig into a character that way.

That is not something that you can do when you only perform a show a couple of times.

DANIELLE: The repertoire we get to take on in this program is fantastic.

Classic pieces as well as new works. A lot of programs don’t choose standard

opera repertoire for their educational shows so you end up learning a role you will never perform again. That is not the case here – we are performing classics like Hansel and Gretel and Carmen; we are spending our time on roles that matter.

EMILY: I really value the way this program places an importance on both performance experience and training. Some programs only focus on the training aspect and you don’t get the actual stage experience.

Here it is about the process and the product. It is a great segue into a professional career.

CHARLES: I don’t think you can place too much importance on the value of the mainstage experience we get in this program. To be able to cover roles and learn from the seasoned professionals is such a great opportunity. Then we also have our own roles in the mainstage productions. Those are things that we can put on our resumes and in the early part of our careers that is huge.

Q: TELL ME ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW.

CHARLES: I am obsessed with dogs. I was biking the other day and passed a dog so I had to stop so I could pet it.

I was talking with a friend and I hung up on them so I could play with a dog that walked by. I miss my dog…

BEN: I grew up racing sailboats with my family. It was a great way to grow up.

WILLIAM: When I was 19 years old, I was a competitive slam poet. I continues on page 14

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OPERA COLORADO YOUNG ARTISTS Emily Louise Robinson (Soprano) is from Windsor, CT. Emily received her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and her Master’s Degree from New England Conservatory.

Emily completed a Performer’s Certificate from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, where she performed the title role of Thomas Pasatieri’s Frau Margot and Beatriz in Daniel Catán’s Rapaccinni’s Daughter.

Danielle Lombardi (Mezzo-Soprano) Danielle is from Erie, PA, and received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Oberlin Conservatory.

She is a graduate of Rice University’s The Shepherd School of Music. Roles include Annio in La Clemenza di Tito, 1st Trio Member in Trouble in Tahiti, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Mrs. Herring in Albert Herring, Ericlea in Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria, and Sandman in Hänsel und Gretel.

Continued from page 12

made it to some pretty high level competitions; wore a beret and everything.

DANIELLE: When I was 10 years old, I sang “The Bare Necessities” while dressed as Bam-Bam. It was for a talent show. Well, I got really nervous and I kept scrunching my skirt up in my hands and the hemline got higher and higher. I’m much better with costumes now.

EMILY: I don’t have pierced ears because I like how soft my earlobes are.

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O V A T I O N ! WINTER 2016

Benjamin Werley (Tenor) is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his Master’s in Vocal Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he had previously completed a BM in Vocal Performance. Ben sang the role of Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni while he was a participant in the Merola Opera Program.

Charles Eaton (Baritone) Originally from CT, Charles recently received his Master of Music degree from the University of Minnesota.

In 2013, Charles received his Bachelors of Music at the University of Connecticut, where operatic credits included Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), Thomas Putnam, (The Crucible) and Willis Parkham (An Embarrassing Position).

William Lee Bryan (Baritone) is a native of Saint Paul, MN. He completed his Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Florida State University in 2015, where he performed the title role in Don Giovanni, Apollo in Handel’s Apollo e Dafne, and Rappaccini in Daniel Catán’s La Hija de Rappaccini.

A

nd with that little nugget of information, my interview with the Young Artists came to a close. As you can see, this group of artists is incredibly devoted to their art form and works hard to pursue their dream career. You will have many more opportunities to hear them sing throughout the remainder of this season and we encourage you to follow their journey.

As I ended the interview, all five of them had one last comment that they wanted me to include. They feel incredibly supported here. The way the community rallies around them and takes an interest in their work is unexpected. They want you to know how much your support means to them – and to all of us at Opera Colorado. Thank you and please keep it coming. 

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE YOUNG ARTISTS AND THEIR UPCOMING PERFORMANCES, VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG.

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Single tickets available April 1 starting at $25.

July 9 - August 7 303.292.6700 | CentralCityOpera.org

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WHAT IS A MUSIC DIRECTOR, REALLY

by ARI PELTO

I

n 2015 I was appointed Music Director of Opera Colorado; the first in the history of the company.

This happened at a time when some prominent companies were cutting their artistic leaders. So, what is a Music Director, really? What do they do? Is it necessary to have one?

To the last question, I say yes.

That is, if you want to have an opera company that has a coherent vision, that strives to have an identity and that commits to achieving artistic goals, goals that are worth striving for.

That all might sound obvious, but, in fact a company can in fact very well choose not to strive for any or much of that. It can function in a more or less simpler way, by putting on some shows in its season, selling tickets and trying to survive in the complicated world of the arts in the 21st century.

In my view that’s not enough.

Art, to me, represents the greatest achievement of mankind; the greater the art, the greater the achievement. Great opera is at the pinnacle of that achievement. That means, for those of us involved in creating it we have a responsibility to do it on the highest level. This is the pact we have made with the continues on page 24

WINTER 2016 O V A T I O N !

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WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE ARTS: A C ONVE R SAT I O N

M

oderated by Karen Sugar, CEO and founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund and featuring guest speakers Lori Laitman, Composer of The Scarlet Letter and Beth Greenberg, Director of The Scarlet Letter join Opera Colorado for an afternoon of lively discussion on the issues facing women in the arts today.

“I am happy to be brought into this world of the arts as the moderator of this panel discussion. In the beginning, I didn’t quite understand the power of performing arts as a platform for social change for women. The intersection of philanthropy, the arts and empowerment is extremely important and powerful. It is complex and I’m not sure many people understand it.

My hope is to expand the discussion to a global conversation about women in the arts, its importance to the empowerment process, and the impact of the arts on social movements, especially in indigenous cultures. In Uganda, a post-conflict region, we host a drama festival and this year will be our ninth annual festival. It is amazing to see how theatre and performing arts can bring about change, healing and recovery.

Storytelling is an incredibly important part of culture, not only in Western countries but on stages all around the globe. The arts, drama and theatre can be an effective tool for social change, and that includes issues brought up in The Scarlet Letter, many of which are still relevant to women today and have been used ever since to look at women’s roles and the idea of beauty and sexuality. I hope to help people make these connections between art and social change.”

– Karen Sugar, Founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund

L-R: Karen Sugar, Lori Laitman, Beth Greenberg, Laura Claycomb

FEATURING

Karen Sugar, CEO and Founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, has spent the majority of her adult life working for social justice, women’s rights, human rights; working with women and families living in poverty, creating solutions and programs that enhance human security and women’s empowerment.

Lori Laitman, Composer of The Scarlet Letter, has been described as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers”

by Fanfare Magazine. To date, she has composed three operas, an oratorio, choral works, and over 250 songs, setting texts by classical and contemporary poets.

Beth Greenberg, Director of The Scarlet Letter, is renowned for her work with the New York City Opera.

For the Lincoln Center company she directed original mainstage productions of Tales of Hoffmann and Turandot, as well as many revivals including Der Rosenkavalier, Tosca, La Traviata and La bohème.

Laura Claycomb, Hester Prynne Lead Character in The Scarlet Letter, has firmly established herself as one of the finest operatic coloratura sopranos of her generation, best known for her ethereal high notes, impeccable musicianship, and dramatic stage presence.

LUNCHEON | TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 | 12-1:30PM

Kevin Taylor’s at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House | 14th & Curtis Streets, Denver General Admission $30

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG/WOMENS-EMPOWERMENT.

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O V A T I O N ! WINTER 2016

This event is a part of Opera Colorado’s A-List Event Series in support of the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter.

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OPENING NIGHT DINNER AT

Celebrating the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter !

Wear your favorite color red for this exciting dinner and the post-performance party with the cast. Enjoy an all-inclusive dining experience before the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter. Cocktails being at 5PM followed by a three-course meal. After the performance, join Opera Colorado back at Kevin Taylor’s for a sweet and savory party.

Sat., May 7, 2016 | 5PM | Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House, located in the lower level of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th and Curtis Streets, Denver $125 per person per dinner. Hosted Prosecco all evening. Hosted wine and beer with dinner, and a cash bar. Tickets to the opera sold separately.

Purchase Opening Night Dinner online at operacolorado.org/opening-night-dinner or call Patron Services at 303.468.2030.

STAFF CORNER GETTING TO KNOW OPERA COLORADO

NEW EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT NICOLE VASCONI

I

n August, Opera Colorado’s Education Department experienced growth and was able to hire a part-time Education & Community Engagement Assistant to help tackle the steadily growing demands. Performances across Colorado by the Opera Colorado Young Artists, in-school performances and classroom programs, and multiple, interactive field trips offered at the Ellie

Caulkins Opera House connect students to opera.

A recent graduate of the arts administration program at Butler University and the newest member of Opera Colorado’s team, Nicole Vasconi gave us few thoughts about her role.

“When I accepted this job in August, I knew I liked opera and that I was invested in arts education and community engagement. What I did not anticipate was just how much working with Opera Colorado would expand my love for opera and my understanding of its cultural vitality. Most importantly, it has shown me new ways in which opera can elevate people’s lives; whether they are an eighth grade student seeing opera for the first time, or a 90-year-old volunteer who has attended the opera all their life. Bearing witness to this has cemented my appreciation and love for practicing this art form, which makes me even more excited to get Opera Colorado’s programs into schools and all over Colorado!” 

WINTER 2016 O V A T I O N !

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATTHEW STAVER FOR OPERA COLORADO

Ari Pelto conducting a rehearsal for Aida in November 2015.

that conducting is to some extant about psychology. It’s true. Every orchestra has it’s own personality.

This one tends to be more open, another more reticent. One is boisterous, the next well-mannered, quiet, efficient. Some love poetry, others mathematics…

The psychology involves how one handles those differences. If you ask the clarinet to play with a hard, aggressive sound (because that reflects what the character on stage is expressing) and that player meanwhile takes pride in their lusciously sweet tone, you better do it in a way that makes them feel

Continued from page 19

geniuses who have given us the masterpieces that we are privileged to share with the public.

Ok, enough highfalutin language!

WHAT IS A MUSIC DIRECTOR? WHAT DOES S/HE DO?

The first order of business is to figure out what we want to produce. In our case, this happens in collaboration, sometimes a daily collaboration, with Greg Carpenter, Opera Colorado’s General Director. Once we have decided on programing, we have our casts and production teams to choose. How and what we choose has everything to do with what I described above, our identity. A particular aesthetic we believe in.

Casts and productions change with many moving parts.

• Sometimes we have a favorite singer back, or might bring back a popular production, but on the whole, it’s new and different each time.

• Nearly every year we have a fresh crop of Young Artists, who will be

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with us for a season, sometimes two, and then we send them out into the wider world with a hearty handshake. The Orchestra and Chorus are constant. Give or take small changes or additions, depending on the needs of the piece, they are with us for every show.

WHAT ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTALISTS?

The orchestra plays, literally and figuratively, a central role in opera. Every phrase, every emotion is expressed in equal parts by the singers on the stage and the players in the pit. They are one.

As a guest conductor, you can be the fun uncle. You spend a limited period with a single group. You don’t have to make them eat their vegetables. Let them eat cake and ice cream!

As Music Director you have to provide a more well-rounded diet.

After all, you’re going to see them again in a few weeks, and they need to be in good shape.

You may have heard the notion

“Art, to me, represents the greatest achievement of mankind; the greater the art, the greater the achievement.” that they are being challenged to do something different and exciting and not just disregarding their natural strengths. When you describe what the character on stage is feeling and expressing, it clicks. They are empowered to use their imagination.

The more every player in the orchestra knows about what they are part of expressing on stage, the more compelling the performance.

Opera Colorado is unique and distinctive. I see it as my job to heighten that distinction and uniqueness one production at a time. 

DON’T MISS THE THRILLING

2016/2017 SEASON

AS ONE

MUSIC & CONCEPT BY LAURA KAMINSKY LIBRETTO BY MARK CAMPBELL & KIMBERLY REED FILM BY KIMBERLY REED

WINTER 2017

LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST GIACOMO PUCCINI

NOVEMBER 5|8|11|13|2016 The Ellie Caulkins Opera House ARI PELTO EMMA GRIFFIN MELISSA CITRO MARK RUCKER JONATHAN BURTON MICHAEL CORVINO HAROLD WILSON MATTHEW DI BATTISTA

Conductor Director Minnie Jack Rance Dick Johnson Jake Wallace Ashby Nick

Opera Colorado’s new production of Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West transports The Girl of the Golden West from the California gold rush to Colorado, celebrating the state’s rich mining history. Through collaborations with the Denver Public Library and History Colorado, historical photos will become a powerful video backdrop for the wild and tempestuous story.

Sung in Italian with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat.

Sunday, November 13th performance is Audio Described for the visually impaired.

This new, 75-minute chamber opera depicts the experiences of its sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. Two singers, a baritone and a mezzo-soprano, both portray the character Hannah.

Inspired in part by the life experiences of acclaimed filmmaker Kimberly Reed, As One’s rich libretto – and evocative melodies and harmonies – make it an unforgettable work.

Sung in English with English subtitles.

Tickets on sale July 31, 2016.

LUCIA DE LAMMERMOOR GAETANO DONIZNETTI

MAY 6|9|12|14|2017 The Ellie Caulkins Opera House ARI PELTO KETURAH STICKANN ANNA CHRISTY ERIC BARRY TIMOTHY MIX MATTHEW TREVINO

Conductor Director Lucia Edgardo Enrico Raimondo

In Donizetti’s dark dramatic opera, young Lucia is caught in the middle of a feud between her family and the man she loves.

Forced by her brother to forsake her love and marry for money, she loses more than her happiness. She loses her mind. After she kills her bridegroom, Lucia plunges headlong into madness in one of opera’s most horrifying and musically gorgeous scenes. A stunning evening of grand opera, this Opera Colorado production will feature traditional costumes and sets.

Sung in Italian with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat.

Sunday, May 14th performance is Audio Described for the visually impaired.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE OPERAS, VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG/2016-2017.

WINTER 2016 O V A T I O N !

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JOIN US TUESDAY NIGHTS BEFORE PERFORMANCES Inside OC is Opera Colorado’s Young Professionals Club that features networking opportunities and the chance to learn more about opera. Members gather to share their enthusiasm for music, the performing arts and opera, and to experience one of Colorado’s premier performing arts companies in a unique way.

Enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks from 5:30-7PM. Following the networking event, attend the opera with your friends at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at 7:30PM. Look for upcoming information about the Inside OC summer kick-off at the Denver Athletic Club on May 31, 2016. You don’t want to miss this grand roof-top party.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

INSIDE OC SUMMER KICK-OFF TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016

LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR For more information on Inside OC pricing, please visit operacolorado.org/insideoc

FROM ONE LEADER TO ANOTHER Thank you – your work has never been more valuable than it is today and we’re proud to support such a worthy organization in our community.

AXA Advisors and 4Corner Business Services salutes Opera Colorado and the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter.

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Securities offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-554-1234), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offred through AXA Advi-sors, LLC an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC, which does business in CA as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC in UT as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC, in TX as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Taxes, Inc., and in OPR as AXA Network of Puerto Rico, Inc. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice.

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HAPPENINGS AT OPERA COLORADO MUSIC AT NOON ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL A concert-style experience, this program features highlights from the operatic and musical theatre repertories performed by Opera Colorado’s Young Artists.

Tue., April 12, 2016 | 12PM St John’s Cathedral 1350 Washington St., Denver Free event, tickets not required.

A-LIST EVENT SLAM POETRY OPEN MIC! OPERA COLORADO IN COLLABORATION WITH SLAMNUBA Enjoy the premiere of poetry written and performed by students in response to the music and themes of The Scarlet Letter. Join in as an audience member or present your own slam poetry based on the themes of The Scarlet Letter.

Tue., April 12, 2016 | 7PM Mercury Café Jungle Room 2199 California St., Denver

Enjoy a free performance by Opera Colorado’s Young Artists. The performances take place in the Kaiser Permanente Grand Court, and will feature a program of greatest hits from opera and musical theatre.

Sat., April 23, 2016 | 1:30PM Cherry Creek Shopping Center Free event, tickets not required.

MEET THE ARTISTS Come to the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during the lunch hour to hear discussions about the production of the The Scarlet Letter with general director Greg Carpenter, the artists, conductor Ari Pelto, composer Lori Laitman and director Beth Greenberg.

Wed., April 27, 2016 | 12PM The Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Free event, tickets not required.

Free event, RSVP online required.

YOUNG ARTISTS FAREWELL

A-LIST EVENT | LUNCHEON WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE ARTS: A CONVERSATION

Enjoy a special farewell performance on a Sunday afternoon. Take advantage of this last opportunity to hear the 2015-2016 Young Artists sing. Observe first-hand their development over the course of their residency. Help us send them off in style as they take the next steps in their careers.

Luncheon and panel discussion of the issues facing women in the arts today. Moderated by Karen Sugar, CEO and founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, with Lori Laitman, composer and Beth Greenberg, director of The Scarlet Letter.

Tue., April 19, 2016 | 12PM Kevin Taylor’s at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House General Admission $30

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YOUNG ARTISTS PERFORMANCE CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER

O V A T I O N ! WINTER 2016

Sun., May 22, 2016 | 2PM The Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Free for Red Dot Patron and above donors General Admission $10

PATRON DAY Be the first to get your single tickets for 2016-2017 performances. Street parking is free downtown on Sundays.

Come to Patron Day at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to enjoy free refreshments, purchase single or season tickets, and make exchanges – all with no handling fees.

Sun., July 31, 2016 | 11AM-3PM Ellie Caulkins Opera House

DONOR EVENT SITZPROBE BRUNCH AND REHEARSAL Sitzprobe n. German: A first on-stage rehearsal of an opera—with singers and musicians but without scenery or costumes.

Enjoy a buffet brunch at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House, then come to this exclusive insiders’ experience – the Sitzprobe rehearsal.

La Fanciulla del West Sun., October 30, 2016 12:30PM Brunch | 2PM Rehearsal Free for Red Dot Patron and above donors. $35 per person for all other donors.

FOR MORE AND UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG

Becoming Mulan “5,000 years of Chinese Music and Dance in One Night.”

“Simply astounding to watch and a pleasure to the ear.”

— Opera Online

Experience a Divine Culture

LEAD THE TROOPS. That was a tall order for Shen Yun principal dancer Cheryl Lin. She was dancing the roles of Mulan and Mu Guying, both ancient Chinese women who valiantly fought to defend their families and homeland.

At first, Cheryl struggled. Her personality didn’t fit with the characters, and her dance movements couldn’t keep up.

But then her understanding of the women deepened. She realized that they risked everything because they felt loyalty and responsibility, which she then saw as a kind of beauty.

Cheryl’s new understanding allowed her to express the inner meaning of the dance

through her movements, a unique component of classical Chinese dance known as “bearing” or “yun.”

Shen Yun performances emphasize this inner meaning, which connects deeply with the audience. “[In Shen Yun,] a dance move is taught as a story or a picture. For instance, when an arm makes a stroke, it is like a wild goose flying across the sky between the blue sea and white clouds,” said Cheryl.

This is how Shen Yun dancers express inner meaning through “yun.” When they dance, the air around them seems electrified.

To Cheryl, performing classical Chinese dance now is like mastering a high art.

“I feel like I have just created a Chinese painting. I use every line, every point, and rich colors to form a beautiful scene.”

ALL-NEW 2016 SHOW | WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

March 4–6 The Buell Theatre Perfect Holiday Gift www.ShenYun.com/Denver 1-888-316-4234

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BOARD OFFICERS

Michael Bock Chairman Marcia Robinson President Michael Hughes Chair Emeritus Kevin O’Connor Vice President Martha Tracey Treasurer Carol Crossin Whitley Secretary and Vice President

STAFF Greg Carpenter General Director ARTISTIC

Ari Pelto Music Director, designee ADMINISTRATION

Mike Hurdle Director of Finance & Administration DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Camille Spaccavento Kathleen Dammen Joyce de Roos Molly Epstein Nicholas Geyer Rachel Perez Leah Podzimek Resnicow + Associates

DIRECTORS

Bruce Allen Kenneth Barrow Suzanne Dost Bucy Ovation! Magazine and In-Theatre programs are produced for Opera Colorado

by The Publishing House.

Ellie Caulkins Lifetime Honorary Chair Dr. Larry Chan Mary Conroy Dirk deRoos The Honorable Kenneth M. Laff William Maniatis

Angie Flachman Johnson Publisher

Tracy McCarthy Muffy French Moore

Tod Cavey Director of Sales

Kent Rice Ex-Officio

Stacey Krull Production Manager

Merrill Shields

Mark Fessler Press Manager

Byron Watson

Gerald Saul Shirley Smith

Wilbur E. Flachman President & Founder

Larry Zimmer

EDUCATION

Cherity Koepke Director of Education & Community Engagement Betsy Schwarm Pre-Performance Lecturer Nicole Vasconi Education & Community Engagement Assistant PATRON SERVICES

Tom Kirkpatrick Indea Jaramillo Genevieve LeBlanc Don Oppliger Vanessa Pacheco

PRODUCTION

YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

Cherity Koepke Alaina DeBellevue Emily Louise Robinson Danielle Lombardi Benjamin Werley Charles Eaton William Lee Bryan

www.pub-house.com www.coloradoartspubs.com

Hugh Grant

Jeremy Kinney Loring W. Knoblauch Lifetime Honorary Director Pamela Merrill Jeremy Shamos

OPERACOLORADO.ORG 303.468.2030

BOX OFFICE LOCATION

695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

303.778.1500 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

14th and Curtis Streets, Denver

Michael Hughes Dr. Charles Kafadar

Director Resident Coach Accompanist soprano mezzo-soprano tenor baritone baritone

DIRECTORY TICKETS

Nellie Mae Duman For advertising information 303-428-9529

Patron Services Manager Patron Services Assistant Patron Services Assistant Patron Services Assistant Patron Services Assistant

Katie Preissner Production Manager Ann Piano Costume Director

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Sheila Bisenius

Director of External Affairs & Marketing Annual Fund Manager Volunteer Coordinator Group Sales Associate Digital Marketing Assistant Manager Marketing Manager Corporate and Foundations Manager Public Relations

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Division of Arts & Venues LOST AND FOUND DINING AT DPAC

Susan Shamos

720.865.4220 Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 303.640.1012 Limelight Supper Club 720.227.9984

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