New Orleans Opera Association - Blue 2023 Program

This program is produced for the New Orleans Opera Association by: Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 | myneworleans.com New Orleans Opera Association 2504 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-2278 | Fax (504) 529-7668 neworleansopera.org Executive Editor Janet Wilson Editor Ashley McLellan Art Director Ali Sullivan Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Production Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Production Designers Meghan Rooney, Ashley Pemberton Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne Copyright 2023 New Orleans Opera Association and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. © New Orleans Opera Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome

6

Board of Directors & Advisory Board

8

Mastersigners

10

Donors

12

Everyone Belongs Here

14

Art as Activism

15

LPO

16

Cast and Creative Team

17

BLUE

20

Synopsis

22

Trauma Resources

23

BLUE Mural

24

Development

26

Staff

32

Support Groups

35

On the Cover Mural Artists: Violet Fishe, John Wolever, Sophie Bui, Jay Knapp, Lu Bealer, Audrey Watkins, Lilly Kemp, Caroline Green, Brandon Rascoe Jr., Faerie Hurley, Tobi Gaynair, Kaitlyn Bealer, Laila Riley, Ezra Hernandez, David Bordelon, Roan Smith, Young Audiences Charter School’s Head of Visual Arts More information about the Blue mural on page 15.

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WELCOME Dear Friends, Welcome to Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s incredible new opera, Blue. This story is a searing depiction of community, police interaction, and social justice, and was named 2020’s Best New Opera by Music Critics Association of North America for very good reason.

Blue, presented as part of New Orleans Opera’s commitment to expand our repertoire and tell stories relevant to our community, has become one of the most performed new operas in the United States since its world premiere in 2019.

Blue delves into the complex layers of human emotions and relationships, exploring themes of love, identity, and community, centering around a senseless killing that pushes these characters to the edge of despair. It is simultaneously an intimate story of a family loving and protecting each other and, at the same time, is a universal examination of struggle, loss, and confrontation.

Tesori's masterful orchestration and Thompson’s piercing libretto promise to take you on an unforgettable journey.

Thank you for joining us to experience this opera’s powerful music and poignantly heartbreaking moments. This is an important story to be told, and the time to tell it is now.

Sincerely, Clare Burovac General and Artistic Director

Dear Friends, New Orleans Opera’s presentation of Blue will likely be the most challenging and powerful production of our 2023-2024 season. Its story is important to tell, given its timely subject matter, its shared tragedy of human experiences, and its relatability through the universal themes of family, relationships, and loss.

While these subjects run through the standard opera repertoire, seeing them reinterpreted and reflecting current events, can be jolting or even shocking. Indeed, many in our audience today may find certain moments overwhelming.

Accordingly, this will be one of the rare times – perhaps the first in our history – where we will openly allow the audience to enter and exit the theater at any point because we understand that it may be necessary for some to step away from the intensity on stage. Additionally, we have arranged to have counselors in the theater lobby who are on call during and after the performance to provide assistance to anyone who might need it.

On a personal note, I have found Blue to be a richly rewarding work of art and I hope you will too. In addition to its heartbreaking storyline, there are moments of great beauty and hope. We hope that by confronting what might make us uncomfortable through great art such as this, can help us to grow together as a community.

Thank you for being here. Your support as subscribers, as donors, and as participants – is essential to our mission to produce operas of the highest artistic quality.

Being present and engaged with this live performance will be an impactful experience that I am grateful to share with you today and in the future at our other productions this season. We appreciate your support of New Orleans Opera and the work that we do both on stage and around the greater New Orleans area.

Warmest regards, Emmet Geary, Jr. Board President

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New Orleans Opera Association

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NOOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mrs. Pauline Hardin Secretary Ms. Sonya Moore Treasurer

Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. President Mrs. Mary Albert Vice President

Dr. Nicolas Bazan Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Peter Brigandi Mr. Joseph Bruno Ms. Luretta Bybee Mr. Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Miss Babs Deacon

Dr. Patrick J. Dowling Mr. Tim Fields Dr. Constance Gistand Mr. Bruce A. Gordon Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr. Ms. Adrea Heebe Mrs. Elizabeth Mahorner Landis

Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Immediate Past President Dr. Rand Voorhies Development Officer

Mrs. Rania Khodr Mrs. Christine LeBlanc Mr. Edward F. Martin Mr. Jonathan C. McCall Ms. Norma Jean McClain Dr. R. Ranney Mize Ms. Ann Owens Dr. Everett Robert

Mr. Gregory St. Etienne Prof. Cynthia Samuel Prof. Ron Scalise Mr. Leopold Z. Sher Mrs. Harry C. (Claire) Stahel Mr. Philip Straub Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine Mr. Joseph Young

NOOA ADVISORY BOARD

Mrs. Virgene Biggers Mrs. Margie Breeden Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Glaser Broekman Ms. Michelle Butler Dr. Mark Caldwell Mrs. Eileen Capritto Mrs. Kathy Christian Hon. Jacquelyn B. Clarkson Ms. Joan Coulter Dr. R.W. Culver

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Mr. Georges Daou Mrs. Thomas S. Davidson Mrs. Monique R. Gougisha Doucette Mrs. Betsy Dowling Mr. Brooke Duncan Dr. Charles Dupin Mrs. Diane Dupin Ms. Marlene Duronslet Mr. Elroy W. Eckhardt Mrs. Melissa Mason Gordon

New Orleans Opera Association

Ms. Amanda Green Mr. Douglas Grundmeyer Mr. Michael Harold Ms. Melissa Hess Hon. Bernette J. Johnson Ms. Givonna Joseph Mrs. Rose LeBreton Ms. Lisa Leone Mr. Frank Maselli Mrs. Gail McKenna Dr. Jane Cagan Miller

Mrs. Cindy Mistrot Mrs. Pat Murrell Mr. Ernest L. O’Bannon Prof. Amy Pfrimmer Ms. Ashley Pradel Dr. Alan E. Sheen Mrs. Sonda Stacey Ms. Diana Stieffel Dr. Peter M. Tufton Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood

MASTERSIGNERS

MASTERSIGNERS Mastersigners are opera lovers committed to the financial stability of the New Orleans Opera. As major supporters, these contributors also receive benefits including invitations to exclusive private receptions, access behind the scenes to rehearsals, champagne receptions and more. This list reflects cumulative donations received from August 1, 2022 to the time of this program’s publishing.

Première Circle: $50,000- $99,999 Anonymous Mr.* and Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Mr. Edward F. Martin Drs. Emel Songu and Ranney Mize Mr. John G. Turner and Mr. Jerry G. Fischer Platinum Circle: $25,000- $49,999 Mr. Henry Bernstein Mr. Arthur A. Crais, Jr. Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. Ms. Adee Heebe Mr. and Mrs. Robert Priddy Drs. Rand & Terry Voorhies

Drs. Nicolas and Haydee Bazan, Co-Chairs, Maestro Circle

Maestro Circle: $10,000- $24,999 Doug and Mary Albert Drs. Nicolas and Haydee Bazan Mr. Peter R. Brigandi Jr. Mrs. Ellen Frohnmayer Jay Gulotta and Susan Talley Mr. and Mrs. Allain Hardin Mrs. Meredith Hathorn and Mr. Rawley M. Penick III Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. Jonathan McCall Mrs. Louise H. Moffett Ms. Sonya Moore Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Joseph Young

Mary & Doug Albert, Co-chairs of the Mastersigner Program

Special acknowledgement to Mr. Joseph Young, Jr. for founding the Mastersigners in 1981.

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Mastersigners: $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous Ms. Jo-Ann C. Adams Terence Blanchard and Robin Burgess Prof. Kenneth Boudreaux Mr. and Mrs. Edgar L. "Dooky" Chase III Miss Babs Deacon Ms. Laura Donnaway Dr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Dowling Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Joan Hooper and Julian B. Feibelman Jr. Mr. Tim Fields Prof. Robert Force Dr. Constance Gistand Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Hicham Khodr Mr. and Mrs. James C. Landis The Estate of Mr. Robert E. Leake Mr. and Mrs. V. Price LeBlanc, Jr. Mr. Donald I. Levy Mr. Frank Maselli Ms. Ann Owens Nina and Lawrence Pugh III Dr. Everett Robert Mr. Gregory St. Etienne Profs. Sally B. Richardson and Ronald J. Scalise Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Z. Sher Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Stahel Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Philip Straub Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine

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INDIVIDUAL DONORS

INDIVIDUAL DONORS New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and family foundations for their generous support. This list reflects cumulative donations received from August 1, 2022 to the time of this program’s publishing.

To add your name to the roster of supporters, call Director of Development Joanna Sternberg at (504) 267-9526, visit neworleansopera.org, or send your check to New Orleans Opera Association, P.O. Box 52108; New Orleans, LA 70152; Attn: Development Office. Many companies will match employee and retiree gifts – ask your employer for a matching form to submit with your check. Contributions to the New Orleans Opera Association are tax-deductible as allowable by law (tax ID number 720272897). We are grateful for each contribution, and we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these listings as of the printing/publishing deadlines. To make a correction to your listing for future printings or, if you believe you have been omitted from the donor list, please call (504) 267-9526.

Opera Club Circle: $2,500 - $4,999 Ms. Mary Ann Sternberg Mrs. Phyllis M. Taylor Ms. Beth Terry Patrons: $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous (2) Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Adatto Mr. Howard Bautsch Mrs. Dale Biggers Mrs. Virgene Biggers Dr. Andrea S. Brown Mr. Ralph Cadow Dr. William Mark Caldwell Mrs. Dianne L. Caverly Ms. Ann Duffy and Mr. John Skinner Ms. Joanna Giorlando Ms. Jessica Hack Dr. Robert Hammer Ms. Sharon Hayes-Roth Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hemphill Dr. Bernard Jaffe Dr. Peter Kastl Dr. Nina M. Kelly Dr. William Long Mr. Robert Lyall Ms. Kathleen Manning Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Mayer Ms. Norma McClain Mrs. Anna Maria Mitchell Ms. Cynthia Molyneux

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New Orleans Opera Association

Ms. Nell Nolan Mr. Ernest L. O'Bannon Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Raisen Mr. Anthony Rotolo Mrs. Ann C. Scharfenberg Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Sinor Jr. Betty and Greg Speyrer Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mrs. Diana Stieffel Mr. Bernard Van der Linden Ms. Kathleen Van Horn Hon. Janis Van Meerveld Ms. Donna Vitter Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Ward Mr. Raymond Washington Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Weil III John Wettermark Ms. Dina Zeevi Patrons - $500- $999 Dr. Martha J. Beveridge Ms. Margie Breeden Ms. Natalia Cascante & Mr. Harry Hardin Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Christian Mr. Donald M. Clement Ms. Marlene Duronslet Ms. Deborah Fallis Dr. and Mrs. J.M. Fortino Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Giaimo Ms. Linda Green

Michael Greene Mr. Seth Harris and Ms. Julie Schwam Harris Mr. Stuart Johnson Rayne Martin Ms. Lisa Mcwhorter Dr. Christopher B Merritt Ms. Julie Pfeffer Hon. and Mrs. Steven R. Plotkin Ms. Kay Radlauer Ms. Carol Rausch Ms. Francisca Sabadie Ms. Mary Scully Mr. Eric Simon and Ms. Cathy Lazarus Mr. and Mrs. I. William Sizeler Ms. Bianca Spears Mr. David S. Thomas Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Peter M. Tufton Mr. Thomas Turnbull and Mr. Darrell Smith Mrs. Claire L. Whitehurst Ms. Debra Wood Mr. Adam Zuckerman Patrons - $250-499 Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Bonner Ms. Cherry Bordelon Ms. Susan Bourgeois Ms. Georgia M. Bryant George and Lee Anne Carter

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Dr. Gerald Cohen Mrs. Nancy Collins Mrs. Joan Coulter Mr. Anthony Currera Ms. Stephanie Doughty Ms. Jill B. Fatzer Dr. Mary Frances Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. LeBreton III Ms. Elizabeth Liu Mr. Michael Mancuso Dr. Jamie M. Manders, D.D.S Steven McWhorter Dr. Jane Cagan Miller and Mr. Bruce Miller Ms. Gail Moore Ms. Rebecca Moseley Dr. and Mrs. John R. Page Dr. and Mrs. John T. Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Pettit Jr Mrs. Lizette Radovic Mr. Felix Rando Ms. Sally Scheuermann Mrs. Esther Shefsky Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Sims Mrs. Dauphine Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Murray Valene Mrs. Katherine Vaughan Mr. Justin Von Andersson Dr. Robert Weilbaecher Mrs. Rosemary Zuppardo Patrons - $100-249 Anonymous Donations Mr. Alex Aho Ms. Bethlehem K. Andrews Mr. and Mrs. John Ariail Ms. Paula Armbruster Ms. Claudia Baumgarten Mr. Jack Belsom Mr. Victor F. Bergeron Ms. Janie Blackmon

David Bourg Ms. Charlotte Bracey Ms. Anne Bradburn Mr. Patrick Brady Mrs. Xiomara Brewster Ms. Bonnie Broel Bishop and Mrs. James B. Brown Ms. Aubry Bryan Marc and Jane Bunnell Embree Ms. Clare Burovac Ms. Susan Canavello Dr. Sarah Carter Mrs. Julie Condy Thomas Cousin Mrs. Esther J. Coy Mr. Joseph Dagostino Ms. Yolanda Doucette Mr. Richard Dunford Ms. Camille G. Durkin Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Edmiston Mr. Horace English Mr. and Mrs. John Etter Dr. Maria J. Falco Mrs. D. Blair Favrot* Mrs. Diane Fee Mr. John Ford Mr. and Mrs. John Fowler Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gandolfi Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Gianna Dr. Larry Gray Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Grumich Ms. Amanda Hembree Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Hill Jr. Ms. Sylvia Johnson Mr. Melvin Jones Mr. Arthur M. Kastler Ms. Jyoti Kehl Dr. Ralph Kern Mr. Scott King Mr. and Mrs. James M. Klebba Mrs. Gina Klein

Dr. Thomas F. Kramer Mr. Norman Krasne Mrs. Peggy Laborde Ms. Saundra Lane Dr. Edward Levy Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Mayer Mr. and Mrs. James McCarty Prof. Dugg McDonough Stacey Michael Mr. Brian Morgan Ms. Shirley Morrison Mr. Benjamin Motion Dr. Lynne Neitzschman Stephanie November Mr. Eric Nye Mrs. Joan Oppenheim Mr. David O'Regan Mr. Freddy Owens Ms. Jeanne Parrish Ms. Mary Penn Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas J Persich Thuy Pham Mr. A. Ravi P. Rau Mr. Kirk Redmann Ms. Catherine Robbins Mr. Nicholas Roth Mimi and Claude Schlesinger Dr. Janet L. Schmid Mr. Robert Lawrence Schmidt Ms. Margaret Shields Ms. Janice Skow Mr. Alan Smason Ms. Adrienne Sparrow Mr. Jack Sullivan Mr. Robert Swedberg Ms. Linda Usdin Ms. Yvonne Vonderhaar Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wedig Mr. James Wesner Ms. Janet Whittington Ms. Elizabeth Wilson

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EVERYONE BELONGS

EVERYONE BELONGS HERE

EVERYONE BELONGS HERE.

Yes, everyone. In this theater, we are one community coming together to experience this beautiful art form. Say hi to your neighbor. Welcome them.

Welcome one another.

COME AS YOU ARE.

The way you present yourself to the world reflects your own identity. You may wish to dress up to come to the New Orleans Opera. You may wish to dress casually. No matter how you dress, you are welcome here.

YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE IS PERSONAL.

You are allowed to laugh, to gasp, to weep, to react. So are your neighbors.

This is live theater. The performers share their energy with you, and in turn, you share your energy with them.

Everyone must engage for the performance to succeed.

WORDS CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT.

If you choose to share your opinions (either via social media, with our staff over the phone, or in person at one of our shows) about our policies, productions, cast members or staff, please refrain from using offensive or hurtful language—especially disparaging language that is commonly used to offend marginalized groups. Ask yourself whether what you have to say contributes to someone's well-being or whether it is deliberately destructive.

SHOW KINDNESS.

Show kindness to yourself, to others, and to our staff. New Orleans Opera is a space where creativity, positivity, and joy are all celebrated.

Please leave negativity at the door.

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ART AS ACTIVISM Young Artists Craft Blue Mural

The mural for Blue was created by the advanced art students in grades 10 & 11 from Young Audiences Charter School, as taught by Roan Smith. To complete the mural, they studied the plot and characters of the opera, as well as the art of Harlem Renaissance artist Charles Alston.

The students wanted to depict the event at the center of the opera, as well as the main characters. After a couple of classes researching and conceptualizing, the students settled on a composition that uses a loose recreation of Charles Alston's painting titled "Walking" in the foreground to double as a peaceful protest. The background was inspired by Charles Alston's cubist Cityscapes of Harlem. The students then designed the Main Characters of the opera to be depicted on the protest signs in that same style. The art students from Young Audiences are very proud to share their work with the community. We hope you’ll visit the mural in the lobby during intermission or after the performance today.

Photos by Dylan Trần

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ORCHESTRA

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is pleased to play with and support New Orleans Opera because of the shared commitment to the arts and the community. Both organizations are dedicated to providing high-quality performances that enrich the lives of people in New Orleans and beyond. The LPO is the only full-time professional orchestra in Louisiana, and the oldest musician owned and collaboratively operated orchestra in the country. It has a long and distinguished history of being the torchbearer of orchestral music in the region performing a wide variety of music, from the traditional canon to original contemporary collaborations, and it offers a variety of educational and community engagement programs.

2023-2024 LPO Roster Matthew Kraemer Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Principal Conductor and Music Director Violins Vacant, Concertmaster The Edward D. and Louise Levy Concertmaster Chair Benjamin Hart, Associate Concertmaster The LPO Volunteers Associate Concertmaster Chair Hannah Yim, Assistant Concertmaster The Ranney & Emel Songu Mize Assistant Concertmaster Chair Byron Tauchi, Principal Second Violin The Helen W. Burns Principal Second Violin Chair Hayoung Cho*, Assistant Principal Second Violin Zorica Dimova Rebecca Edge Gabrielle Fischler* Judith Armistead Fitzpatrick Janeta Mavrova Kurt Munstedt+ Elizabeth Overweg Gabriel Platica Yaroslav Rudnytsky Milena Rusanova Yuki Tanaka Benjamin Thacher Kate Withrow Sarah Yen Guangnan Daniel Yue Violas Richard Woehrle, Principal The Abby Ray Catledge and Byrne Lucas Ray Principal Viola Chair Bruce Owen, Assistant Principal Amelia Clingman Peter Dutilly Sixto Franco Brianne Lugo* Catherine Matushek Tyler Sieh+ Kenny Wang*

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Cellos Jonathan Gerhardt, Principal The Edward B. Benjamin Principal Cello Chair Daniel Lelchuk+, Assistant Principal The Ellen and Stephen Manshel Assistant Principal Cello Chair Kyle Anderson Rachel Hsieh Jeanne Jaubert Kent Jensen The Paula L. Maher Section Cello Chair David Rosen Basses David Anderson, Principal William Schettler, Assistant Principal Timothy Chen+ Paul Macres Doug Therrien* Benjamin Wheeler Flutes Ji Weon Ryu, Principal The Mary Freeman Wisdom Principal Flute Chair Patti Adams, Assistant Principal The Richard C. and Nancy Link Adkerson Flute Chair Sarah Schettler The Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Second Flute Chair Piccolo Patti Adams The Richard C. and Nancy Link Adkerson Flute Chair Oboes Virginia McDowell, Principal Jane Gabka, Assistant Principal Casey Kearney English Horn Casey Kearney Clarinets Shaquille Southwell, Principal Daniel Parrette+, Principal Roy Park, Assistant Principal John Reeks E-flat Clarinet Roy Park

Bass Clarinet John Reeks Bassoons Michael Matushek*, Principal Hunter Gordon* Ryan Turano* Contrabassoon Ryan Turano* French Horns Mollie Pate, Principal The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Principal Horn Chair Josiah Bullach, Assistant Principal The J. Robert Pope Assistant Principal Horn Chair Max Paulus Kevin Winter Jonathan Gannon Trumpets Vance Woolf, Principal The Gauthier Family Foundation Principal Trumpet Chair Alex Mayon, Assistant Principal Patrick Smithers The Pete Wolbrette Section Trumpet Chair Trombones Austin Richardson, Principal Matt Wright Evan Conroy, Bass Trombone Tuba Robert Nuñez, Principal Timpani Vacant Percussion Aaron Smith, Principal Michael Metz Harp Rachel Van Voorhees Kirschman, Principal The string section of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is listed alphabetically and participates in revolving seating. + on leave * one year appointment

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Krysty Swann – The Mother RECENTLY:

• Jade Boucher, Dead Man Walking, Metropolitan Opera • Blanche, Champion, Metropolitan Opera • Mayme, Intimate Apparel, Lincoln Center UPCOMING:

• Blanche, Champion, Lyric Opera of Chicago • Mezzo Soloist, Gurre-Lieder, American Symphony Orchestra/Carnegie Hall • Mezzo Soloist, Sanctuary Road, Princeton Pro Musica

Cory McGee – The Father RECENTLY:

• Title Role, Don Giovanni, Wolf Trap Opera • Pietro, Simon Boccanegra, Opera Philadelphia • Colline, La bohème, Detroit Opera UPCOMING:

• Theseus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Atlanta Opera • Second Knight, Parsifal, Houston Grand Opera • Bass soloist, Messiah, Santa Fe Symphony

Jonathan Pierce Rhodes – The Son RECENTLY:

• Frank, The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson, Washington National Opera • Cacambo/Candide (cover), Candide, The Glimmerglass Festival • Cherubiel, Holy Ground, The Glimmerglass Festival UPCOMING:

• Timothy Laughlin, Fellow Travelers, Opera Parallèle • Pong, Turandot, Washington National Opera • A Priest, Songbird, Washington National Opera

Gordon Hawkins – The Reverend RECENTLY:

• Alphonse Frankenstein, Frankenstein, Arizona Opera (world premiere) • Preacher Man, Proximity, Lyric Opera of Chicago (world premiere) • Tonio, Pagliacci, Opera San Antonio • The Reverend, Blue, Glimmerglass Festival, Seattle Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, and others • The Reverend, Blue, World premiere recording with Washington National Opera

Chabrelle D. Williams – Girlfriend 1 & Nurse RECENTLY:

• Diva, Poison Garden, Alterra Productions • Claudette Colvin, She Who Dared, American Lyric Theater • Soloist, Dvorak's 8th Symphony, Charleston Symphony UPCOMING:

• Soloist, Porgy & Bess: A Symphonic Picture, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra • Winifred Banks, Mary Poppins, Media Theater

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CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Kourtney J. Holmes – Girlfriend 2 RECENTLY:

• Resident Artist, Corsiclassic Festival • Resident Artist, Festival Côté Cour • Mimì, La bohème, International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia • Rebecca Parker, Charlie Parker's Yardbird, New Orleans Opera • Resident Artist, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity • Gasparina, La Centerina, UNLV Opera UPCOMING:

• Bessie Coleman, Bessie & Ma, NOA Chamber Opera Competition

Kendra Faith Beasley – Girlfriend 3 RECENTLY:

• Berta, Barber of Seville, Cincinnati Opera • Mother, Madame Butterfly, Cincinnati Opera • Fatima cover, Omar, Boston Lyric Opera

Tyrone Chambers II – Policeman 1 RECENTLY:

• Tenor Soloist, Get Out in Concert, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra • Don Basilio, The Marriage of Figaro, New Orleans Opera • Soloist, A Night On Broadway, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra • Pasterz, Kròl Roger, Chicago Opera Theater UPCOMING:

• Tenor Soloist, Messiah, Symphony Chorus of New Orleans • Soloist, Holiday Extravaganza, Clayton Piano Festival • Moderator & Soloist, Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical Gala, 3for1 Trinity Concerts

Mark-Anthony Thomas – Policeman 2 RECENTLY:

• Vocalist for Tank and The Bangas, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra • Vocalist for Tank and The Bangas, Nu Deco Orchestra (Miami) UPCOMING:

• Soloist, Holiday Spectacular, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Ivan Griffin – Policeman 3 RECENTLY:

• Antonio, The Marriage of Figaro, New Orleans Opera • Jack, Let Freedom Sing: The Marian Anderson Story, Mobile Opera • Bass soloist, Mozart Requiem, Symphony Chorus of New Orleans UPCOMING:

• Bass soloist, Messiah, Louisiana Philharmonic • Assistant Director, The Christmas Spider, Opera Louisiane • Director, The Christmas Spider, Marble City Opera

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CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Michael Ellis Ingram – Conductor

The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair RECENTLY:

• Omar, Boston Lyric Opera • She Who Dared, American Lyric Theater • The Merry Wives of Windsor, Staatsoperette Dresden UPCOMING:

• Conductor, Aida, FKP Scorpio European Tour • Writer/Director, Erwin und Elmire, Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater

Timothy Douglas – Stage Director RECENTLY:

• Clyde’s, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park UPCOMING:

• Native Gardens, Pioneer Theater Company • Where the Mountain Meets the Sea, Signature Theatre Company

Tony Cisek – Scenic Designer RECENTLY:

• Ink, Round House Theatre • The Color Purple, Denver Center Theatre • Toni Stone, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre/Alliance Theatre UPCOMING:

• Tempestuous Elements, Arena Stage • Rubicon, Denver Center Theatre • Murder on the Orient Express, PlayMakers Repertory Company

Kara Harmon – Costume Designer RECENTLY:

• Thumbprint, Portland Opera • Così fan tutte, Arizona Opera Company • Hometown to the World, Santa Fe Opera UPCOMING:

• Watch Night, Perelman Performing Arts Center

Peter Maradudin – Lighting Designer RECENTLY:

• The Color Purple, Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA • The Turn of the Screw, Book-It Repertory Theatre in Seattle, WA • Aubergine, South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, CA UPCOMING:

• The Color Purple, Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Phoenix Rose – Hair and Makeup Designer RECENTLY:

• Hair and Makeup Designer, Charlie Parker's Yardbird, New Orleans Opera • Local Hair Assistant, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, Stage Entertainment

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THE RANNEY AND EMEL SONGU MIZE CHAMBER OPERA SERIES

COMPOSER

LIBRETTIST

Jeanine Tesori

Tazewell Thompson

STAGE DIRECTOR

CONDUCTOR

Timothy Douglas

Michael Ellis Ingram The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair

New Orleans Opera is grateful to Drs. Ranney and Emel Songu Mize for their sponsorship of Blue as the third presentation of The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series.

This production is supported with a grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA).

Additional, generous funding was received from OPERA America’s Next Stage program which was funded with gifts from OPERA America’s 50th Anniversary Campaign including a leadership gift from Frayda B. Lindemann.

Supplemental support for revisions was generously provided by the Mellon Foundation.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Conductors for New Orleans Opera are generously sponsored by the Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Fund for the New Orleans Opera Association.

Student Night Out Dress Rehearsals are made possible with generous support from The Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund.

The original production of Blue was Commissioned by The Glimmerglass Festival, the reduced orchestration by Rick Basset was commissioned by The Kennedy Center for Washington National Opera.

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FEATURING The Mother – Krysty Swann The Father – Cory McGee The Son – Jonathan Pierce Rhodes The Reverend – Gordon Hawkins Girlfriend 1 & Nurse – Chabrelle D. Williams Girlfriend 2 – Kourtney J. Holmes Girlfriend 3 – Kendra Faith Beasley Policeman 1 – Tyrone Chambers II Policeman 2 – Mark-Anthony Thomas Policeman 3 – Ivan Griffin WITH THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA SETS BUILT BY: NEW ORLEANS OPERA, THE H. LLOYD HAWKINS SCENIC STUDIO

CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF Scenic Designer – Tony Cisek Costume Designer – Kara Harmon Lighting Designer – Peter Maradudin Hair and Makeup Designer – Phoenix Rose Fight Choreographer – Mike Yahn Music Administrator – Carol Rausch Production Manager – Sarah McCall Costume Director – Jennifer Johnson Technical Director – Stephen Thurber Asst. Technical Director – Keith Christopher Stage Manager – Kiane D. Davis Asst. Stage Manager – Emily Holter Asst. Stage Manager – Kate Bartels Asst. Lighting Designer – Mandi Wood Property Master – Shelley Irene Dall Scenic Painter – Nathan Arthur Wardrobe Lead – Lesly Davi Rehearsal/Performance Pianist – Casey Robards Supertitles Prompter – Beth Rota Counselor – Bria Mitchell

SYNOPSIS ACT 1

ACT 2

The Mother, a Harlem restaurateur, gathers with three Girlfriends in her home. She is pregnant and reveals to the women that she is expecting a boy. They congratulate her even as they commiserate over the fears of a Black mother bringing a boy into this world.

The Mother expresses her rapturous love for her husband, and her hopes for her child, and her friends join in offering their blessings and good wishes for the baby.

In the hospital, a Nurse energetically offers the new parents’ advice for their son.

Afterwards, The Father, a police officer, gathers with his coworkers for drinks at the bar. His fellow officers joke together, toasting him on becoming a dad, offering advice and congratulations with warm camaraderie.

Time flashes forward, and The Son is now a thoughtful and rebellious teenager with strong views on his own independence, and on societal injustice. A student, artist, and activist, The Son participates in protests and stands up for his views. A tense argument unfolds as The Son offers his indictment and scorn over The Father’s role as a cop upholding – in The Son’s view – the oppressive status quo. Despite their heated disagreement, The Father affirms his protective love and support for the teen, and the scene ends with their embrace.

In an incident that is not depicted on stage, The Son has been shot and killed during a protest, by a police officer. The Father meets with The Reverend.

The Reverend attempts to guide The Father through his rage and immense hurt, but The Father responds with a newfound cynicism of these efforts to soothe the pain, bringing into question the function of religion in this acute moment of loss. In a reversal of roles from the father-son scene in the first act, it is now The Father who rebels and rages against the wisdom and institutional role of an authority figure (in the form of The Reverend). The Father’s anguish does not find relief through this conversation.

The Mother once again gathers with her Girlfriends, in another inversion of an earlier scene. This time, the women lament the loss of The Son, and recount too many other cases of police brutality against Black youth. The Girlfriends offer their support to the bereft Mother as she breaks down and prepares to lay The Son to rest.

The Congregants gather to mark the funeral of The Son and mourn together in a profound moment of community.

In a closing vignette, The Father, The Mother, and The Son gather together at the dinner table.

This implied flashback hearkens to a happier moment where The Mother has prepared a conciliatory meal of chicken, plus plentiful greens for her vegan son. The family joins together lovingly as The Son shares his artistic ambitions and his plans to attend one more peaceful protest.

Musical highlights: • In an interview with Seattle Opera, composer Tesori points to the musical theme during the moment when The Nurse instructs The Father on how to hold The Son. She points out the recurrence of this musical theme during the end of the opera, where The Mother instructs God (the Heavenly Father) on how to hold The Son in His care.

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Musical Highlights: • “Somebody, oh somebody” - the climactic ensemble piece during the funeral, drawing upon references to Black spirituals.

• Tesori points particularly to the musical theme that occurs when The Father gives his badge to The Reverend, saying “I lay my burden down. I ain’t going to study war no more”; marking this as a particularly meaningful musical motif.

TRAUMA RESOURCES

EMPOWERING HEALING Resources for Gun-Related Trauma Recovery If you or someone you know is grappling with the aftermath of gun-related trauma, it's crucial to seek the appropriate support and resources. On our website, you can find a comprehensive collection of resources designed to assist individuals in coping with the emotional, psychological, and physical repercussions of gun-related incidents. This collection includes information on trauma-informed therapy, support groups, counseling services, online forums for sharing experiences, as well as educational materials about the impact of gun violence on mental health. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and these resources are here to provide guidance and solace during a challenging journey towards healing and resilience.

RESOURCES: Broadmoor Improvement Association Offers free and/or donation-based counseling services. Call (504) 233-2296 or email: wellness@broadmoorimprovement.com The University of Holy Cross Offers individual and family counseling services. Call (504) 398-2168 to schedule an appointment.

Hopeline Available 24/7 at (919) 231-4525 or 1-877-235-4525.

Crisis Call Center Provides a safe source of support for individuals in any type of crisis 24/7. Call (775) 784-8090 or text ANSWER to 839863.

United Healthcare/Optum Emotional Support Help Line Free 24/7 hotline available to anyone. Caring professionals will connect people to resources.

Call 1-866-342-6892.

Resource list created by Cirecie A. West-Olatunji, Ph. D. Cirecie A. West-Olatunji is the Melba Fortuné Martinez Endowed Professor in the counselor education program and director of the Center for Equity, Justice, and the Human Spirit at Xavier University of Louisiana.

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THANK YOU!

ORGANIZATIONAL & INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT New Orleans Opera Association thanks our business, foundation and government partners for their recent support!

New Orleans Opera works with each business and community partner to create a sponsorship package that suits your company’s particular needs. Whether you seek opportunities to entertain your clients, corporate visibility at performances, marketing partnerships, or all of the above, New Orleans Opera can assist you. Your sponsorship supports the Opera while providing exclusive benefits and visibility for your company.

GOLD CIRCLE - $100,000+ Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Foundation Louisiana Economic Development New Orleans Opera Endowment Fund

SILVER CIRCLE - $50,000 + Erik F. Johnsen Family Foundation Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Grand Opera Foundation The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Family Fund New Orleans Opera Association Women’s Guild New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA)

Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation Wisdom-Benjamin Foundation

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE - $5,000+ An Anonymous Foundation in support of Opera on Tap-New Orleans Carol B. and Kenneth J. Boudreaux Foundation Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling, LLC The Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Hansen Fund for Arts Technical Assistance WWOZ

AMBASSADOR CIRCLE - $1,000+

City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy Fidelity Bank Hancock Whitney Bank Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund BRONZE CIRCLE - $25,000+ Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid City of New Orleans/Arts New Orleans Specialists Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Arts Fund New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation OPERA America/Next Stage Peoples Health National Endowment for the Arts New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund Renaissance Publishing The Ella West Freeman Foundation Priddy Family Foundation Van der Linden Family Foundation The Selley Foundation Fund WWNO

INTERMEZZO CIRCLE $10,000+ Entergy Charitable Foundation V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Fund Lexus of New Orleans Louisiana State Arts Council/ Louisiana Division of the Arts McCall Fund

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We gratefully acknowledge matching and in-kind(*) gifts from the following institutions: 1000 Figs* Acme Oyster House* Annunciation Restaurant* Antoine’s*

Applied Materials Foundation Atchafalaya Restaurant* Beggar's Banquet* Booth Bricker Fund Boucherie* Brennan’s* Byblos* Capulet* Café Degas* Café Porche* Carmo* City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy* Dooky Chase Restaurant* Elizabeth’s Restaurant* ExxonMobil Foundation French Market Coffee* Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation Galatoire’s* Garrison Kitchen and Cocktails* King Brasserie and Bar* Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra* Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Luzianne Iced Tea Merck Foundation Mr. Mao* Molly’s Rise and Shine* New Orleans Museum of Art* New Orleans Jazz Market* NOLA Caye* Palace Café* Pascal’s Manale Restaurant* Peoples Health Pho Michael Vietnamese Cuisine* Picnic Provisions and Whiskey* Shell Oil Company Foundation Tableau* Thaihey Nola* Tsunami Sushi* Windsor Court Hotel* UBS Financial Services Ye Olde College Inn* Zasu*

LEGACY SOCIETY

PLANNED GIVING WITH NEW ORLEANS OPERA Help build the future of opera in New Orleans through your planned gift.

When you include the New Orleans Opera Association in your estate plans, you play a significant role in the continued success of top-quality opera and opera education for generations to come. We are happy to assist you in identifying gift options that suit your financial and philanthropic goals – from a simple bequest in your will to a charitable trust or endowed fund.

Planned giving makes great art possible and helps sustain the activities of the Opera Association now and into the future. We thank the current Legacy Society members and invite you to join their ranks by notifying the Development Office that you have provided for the Opera Association in your estate plans. You can also request more information about the many kinds of gift options and underwriting opportunities you may choose to support.

Planned giving instruments can include: · Outright charitable gifts · Gifts of appreciated property · Bequests · Revocable trusts · Life insurance · Retirement benefits · Charitable remainder trusts JOIN US! Please consider joining the Legacy Society to help ensure the continued tradition of producing grand opera in America’s first city of opera.

Legacy Society Members as of November 2023 Anonymous (2) Drs. Stephen J. & Miriam R. Bensman Mr. Henry Bernstein Dr. Patricia Cook Dr. Maria J. Falco Prof. Robert Force Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Ms. Jacqueline Mae Goldberg Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Robert Lyall Louise* and Ted Martin Drs. Emel Songu and Ranney Mize Dr. Andrew Orestano

Meredith Hathorn Penick Nina and Lawrence Pugh Xenia Krinitzky Roff Alma A. Slatten Philip & Eleanor Straub Mrs. Norton L. Wisdom (Susan) Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood MAJOR PLANNED GIFTS 2008-2023 Bequests & Endowed Funds Garic K. Barranger The Estate of Abby Ray Catledge, in memory of her father Bryne Lucas Ray Rose Annette Chisesi

Norma Jean Gross Lois and H. Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Albert and Rea Hendler Gerald Kendal Victor Leglise The Estate of Guillermo Náñez-Falcón Mary Nell Porter Nolan The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund The Estate of James Robert Pope Rachel Sainton William M. Sholes Lynette Askin Stillwell James G. Viavant Jerry Walker Zachary

For more information, or to add your name to this list, contact Director of Development Joanna Sternberg at (504) 267-9526. All inquiries are confidential.

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COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS IN LOVING MEMORY OF: John Armbruster Ms. Paula Armbruster Dale C. Biggers Mrs. Virgene Biggers

Elaine Calamia Ms. Judith Clay

Gladys Gay LeBreton Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. LeBreton III

Mercedes Vulliet Bonner Thomas and Judith Bonner

Mr. A.J. Capritto Mr. Emmet Geary Jr.

Deirdre P. Long Dr. William Long

Virginia Chapman Doug and Mary Albert

Mark Rausch Carol Rausch

Kathryn Lear Dorman Cynthia M. Molyneux

Alfonso Sabadie Ms. Francisca Sabadie

Dr. Carolyn Ruth Rudnick Ettinger Ms. Sharon Hayes-Roth

Annette Scott Ms. Shirley Morrison

Phil Frohnmayer Ellen Frohnmayer

Dr. Aysen Young Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Mimi and Claude Schlesinger

Ted Martin Stephanie November and Brenda Stephens

Stephanie Sheridan Ms. Mary Scully

Patrick Breeden Margie Breeden Mrs. Betty Brooks Mr. David S. Thomas Jr. Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Christian Jeanne Bruno Mr. Edward F. Martin

IN HONOR OF: Deborah Green Ms. Clara Green Rachel Looney Ms. Janet Whittington Maestro Robert Lyall Sarah Jane McMahon Ranney Mize Drs. Nicholas and Haydee Bazan

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Varla Jean Merman Alex Aho

Sonda Stacey Ms. Elizabeth Liu Joanna Sternberg Ms. Mary Ann Sternberg

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STAFF

NOOA

IATSE STAFF

Staff Clare Burovac, General & Artistic Director Gina Klein, Director of Operations

IATSE Local #39 Keith Christopher - President Alan Arthur - Business Manager Ashley Boudreaux - House Steward Neil Ingles - Master Electrician Al Davis - Head Fly Michael Delacerda - Head Audio Alan Arthur - Head Carpenter Fay Martin - Head Props

Artistic & Production Stephen Thurber, Technical Director Keith Christopher, Assistant Technical Director Sarah McCall, Director of Production Carol Rausch, Chorus Master / Music Administrator Development Joanna Sternberg, Director of Development Kristian Vasquez, Development Operations and Special Events Coordinator Community Partnerships & Education Tara Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships & Education Marketing, Communications, & Audience Experience Janet Wilson, Director of External Affairs Mariah Forde, Assistant Director of Communications Devin Johnson, Patron Services Manager Dylan Trân, Marketing Coordinator Jenny Chapman, Support Group Liaison Robert Lyall, General Director Emeritus

IATSE Local #840 Theatrical Wardrobe Union President - Shannon Muhleisen Secretary/Treasurer - Nancy Macko Business Agent - Bonnie Haase Wardrobe Lead - Lesly Davi Sewing Lead - Amy Amos

H. LLOYD HAWKINS SCENIC STUDIO Stephen Thurber - Technical Director Keith Christopher - Assistant Technical Director Nathan Arthur - Art Director Shelley Irene Dall - Property Master Alyx Jeffries – Technical Assistant Hair and Makeup Artists – Laurin Hart, Jazzmyne Cry, and Tamara Camille

New Orleans Opera is supported, in part, by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans and administered by Arts New Orleans; by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, a grant from the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF), and a grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA).

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SUPPORT GROUPS

NOOA SUPPORT GROUPS The Women’s Guild has been in existence since 1947, serving the mission of “Keeping Opera Alive” in New Orleans. The membership of the Women’s Guild is comprised of women who are dedicated to fostering and promoting the cultural aspects of opera, creating fun and exciting fundraising events, as well as educational efforts, in cooperation with the New Orleans Opera Association.

Sylvain Society is the New Orleans Opera’s Young Professionals affiliate group. Established in 2017, their purpose is to connect the operatic arts to the Greater New Orleans community through events such as their annual Big Wig Ball fundraiser.

FOUNDING SUSTAINERS Thank you to our Founding Opera Sustainers who have committed to making a monthly donation to New Orleans Opera. Please visit our website if you would like to become part of this group or would like more information. neworleansopera.org/enjoy-the-excitement-all-year

Mrs. Michele Beelman Ms. Margie Breeden Mrs. Xiomara Brewster Ms. Clare Burovac Mr. Anthony Currera Ms. Laura Donnaway Joyce Dugais Ms. Ann Duffy and Mr. John Skinner Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Edmiston Mrs. Diane Fee Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gandolfi

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Giaimo Annie Glover Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Grumich Ms. Amanda Hembree Ms. Andrea Heming Ms. Sylvia Johnson Ms. Jyoti Kehl Mrs. Gina Klein Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. Robert Lyall Dr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Merritt Dr. Jane Cagan Miller and Mr. Bruce Miller

Ms. Rebecca Moseley Ms. Carol Osborne Ms. Mary Penn Ms. Mary Scully Ms. Hallie Sheck Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Sims Mr. Alan Smason Dr. Kristi Soileau Ms. Bianca Spears Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mrs. Diana Stieffel Ms. Deniz Ucar Ms. Yvonne Vonderhaar Donnie Watkins

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A MOST DELICIOUS RAFFLE! New Orleans Opera has teamed up with 52 of the best restaurants in the greater metro area to create a one-of-a-kind raffle.

Here's your chance to win Dinner For Two every week for a year!

Tickets: One ticket for $25.00 or Five tickets for $100 The winner will be announced Friday, December 15, 2023.

(Just in time to use for holiday gifts for the foodies on your list!)

Visit www.NewOrleansOpera.org for a listing of participating restaurants.

MOSES HOGAN’S PIANO Moses Hogan’s 50-year-old Yamaha grand piano is currently housed at the New Orleans Opera’s Guild Home.

The New Orleans composer, pianist, conductor and founder of the Moses Hogan Chorale singlehandedly revitalized the performances of American Negro Spirituals with his dynamic arrangements for both choral ensembles and solo performers. Despite regular attention and tuning, this important instrument now needs more extensive maintenance, including replacing all hammers, damper felt, and other repairs.

In June 2023, New Orleans Opera launched a special campaign to preserve Moses Hogan’s piano. You can learn more about this project on our website: neworleansopera.org/restoring-moses-hogans-piano/ Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions to this important campaign: Ms. Janice Skow Mr. Freddy Owens Ms. Janie Blackmon

THANK YOU

The Women’s Guild and the New Orleans Opera Association would like to thank the generous support of our sponsors for the 2023 Opera Ball.

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