New Orleans Opera - Lucia Dilammermoor 2023-2024

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New Orleans Opera Association

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Todd Matherne

Copyright

©

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the final production of our 2023-24 season, Donizetti’s masterpiece, Lucia di Lammermoor. Romance, horror, and the supernatural are hallmarks of Gothic literature, and Lucia has them all in this tale of family rivalry and forbidden love. This opera offers the perfect combination of vocal fireworks, gorgeous lyricism, and a stunning story of intense romance and passion.

This production marks the return of director Brenna Corner, who directed the magnificent performances of Sweeney Todd in 2017 as well as other chamber works in the interim.We have also invited Joseph Mechavich to the podium to make his New Orleans Opera debut as the Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair conductor.

We are thrilled to welcome back principal artists Katrina Galka in her role debut as Lucia and Yongzhao Yu, also in a role debut as Edgardo. Katrina was last seen on our stage as Blondchen in The Abduction from the Seraglio, and Yongzhao portrayed another unlucky lover as Rodolfo in our most recent performances of La bohème. Making his company debut as Enrico is Alexander Birch Elliott, a role which he has also performed for Los Angeles Opera.

Lucia di Lammermoor is the pinnacle of bel canto opera and a magnificent showcase for our guest artists, whose enthralling performances are sure to transport you. This production would not be possible without the support of you, our audience, and our community here in New Orleans. Thank you for making New Orleans Opera a part of your lives.

With deepest appreciation,

Clare Burovac, Producing Artistic Director

On behalf of the New Orleans Opera Board of Directors, it is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I welcome you to the final production of our 23-24 season, Lucia di Lammermoor

As we gather for this exquisite opera, I am filled with a sense of pride and appreciation for the remarkable journey we have embarked upon together this season. It has been a privilege to witness the magic of opera unfold on our stage, captivating hearts and minds alike. As we bid farewell to this season, we also bid farewell to a remarkable leader. I would like to extend my deepest thanks to our outgoing General and Artistic Director, Clare Burovac, for her unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and profound impact on our community. Clare has shared her passion for opera with us all, enriching our lives and shaping the cultural landscape of our city. We wish her every success in her future endeavors.

Tonight, as you immerse yourselves in Lucia di Lammermoor, I invite you to revel in the beauty of this timeless masterpiece. Our talented artists and creative team have poured their hearts and souls into bringing this production to life, and I have no doubt that you are in for a truly unforgettable experience.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for the arts. May tonight’s performance fill your hearts with joy, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the power of opera.

Warmest regards,

Emmet Geary, Jr., Board President

REMEMBERING MAESTRO ROBERT LYALL

Maestro Robert Lyall, General and Artistic Director Emeritus of New Orleans Opera, passed away on January 5, 2024, after bravely battling cancer. With a distinguished career concluding with 23 seasons in New Orleans, his global impact and infectious passion for opera will be deeply missed.

He will live on in our hearts as we remember his dedication to creating beautiful productions, his amazing mind and musical talent, sense of humor, generosity of spirit, collegiality and true friendship, and deep commitment to our company and community. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by this extraordinary man.

Save the date for a memorial service hosted by New Orleans Opera on May 19, 2024, at Roussel Hall; details to come.

Please join the New Orleans Opera in extending a warm welcome to Lila Palmer, newly appointed General and Artistic Director. With her vision and leadership, we look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence and innovation in opera, embracing new heights of artistic expression together.

Photo courtesy of Lani Griffiths and Renaissance Publishing

Lila Palmer and Dr. Ranney Mize at the NOOA Director's Dinner (January 2024)

NOOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Dr. Constance Gistand

Mrs. Pauline Hardin Secretary

Ms. Sonya Moore Treasurer

Mr. Bruce A. Gordon

Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr.

Ms. Adrea Heebe

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Mr. Jonathan C. McCall

Ms. Norma Jean McClain

Dr. R. Ranney Mize

Dr. David W. Robinson-Morris

Ms. Ann Owens

Dr. Rand Voorhies Development Officer

Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Immediate Past President

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Mr. Gregory St. Etienne

Prof. Cynthia Samuel

Prof. Ron Scalise

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Mr. Philip Straub

Ms. Phyllis Treigle

Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine

Mr. Joseph Young

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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 January 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.

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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 January 1, 2023 to the time of this program’s publishing.

Première Circle:

$50,000- $99,999

Anonymous

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Maestro Circle:

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

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*deceased

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

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LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The GRAMMY® Award winning 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

Rafael Galvan-Herrera*

Janeta Mavrova

Kurt Munstedt+

Elizabeth Overweg

Gabriel Platica

Yaroslav Rudnytsky

Milena Rusanova

Yuki Tanaka

Benjamin Thacher

Kate Walter

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

Kenny Wang*

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

Juan Horie*

Rachel Hsieh

Jeanne Jaubert

Kent Jensen

The Paula L. Maher Section Cello Chair

David Rosen

Basses

David Anderson, Principal

William Schettler, Assistant Principal

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*, Assistant Principal

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

The Gauthier Family Foundation Principal

Trumpet Chair

Alex Mayon*, Principal

Patrick Smithers

The Pete Wolbrette Section Trumpet Chair

Trombones

Austin Richardson, Principal

Matt Wright

Evan Conroy, Bass Trombone

Tuba

Robert Nuñez, Principal

Timpani

Meagen Gillis, Principal

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

SYNOPSIS

ACT I

The castle guard, Normanno, and others search for an intruder into Lammermoor Castle, the home of Enrico Ashton, Lord of Lammermoor, and his sister, Lucia. They believe that Edgardo of Ravenswood, the Lord of a rival family, has come to the castle for Lucia. While the guards search furiously for Edgardo, Enrico worries over his family’s financial misfortune and recognizes that the only solution to their predicament would be to wed Lucia to the wealthy Lord Arturo Bucklaw. Meanwhile Raimondo, the Chaplain and Lucia’s tutor, reminds Enrico that Lucia is still mourning the death of her mother. Enrico’s ally Normanno points out that Lucia has fallen in love with Edgardo, which sends Enrico into a fresh fit of rage. As Enrico declares that he will seek vengeance, news comes to confirm that the intruder is indeed Edgardo of Ravenswood.

In the early hours of the morning, Lucia tells her maid Alisa of a vision she had where the ghost of a young woman was killed by a jealous lover in the very spot where they stand. Seeing this as an ill omen, Alisa encourages Lucia to abandon her plans to marry Edgardo. Lucia instead believes that her love will conquer all. Edgardo soon arrives with the news that he must go away on a political journey to France and has come to make peace with Enrico and marry Lucia. Lucia insists that this is not possible and asks that they keep their love secret. The two exchange rings and pledge to marry.

Musical highlight:

Regnava nel silenzio - Lucia

ACT II

The day for Lucia to marry Arturo has arrived. Normanno has intercepted all correspondence between Lucia and Edgardo. Additionally, he presents Enrico with a forged letter, supposedly from Edgardo, that indicates he has taken a lover. As Normanno leaves to greet the soon-toarrive groom, Lucia enters, defiant and unwilling to go through with the marriage. Enrico uses the forged letter to convince Lucia of the rightness of his plan. She is heartbroken. Enrico exits as Raimondo enters. He reminds Lucia of her mother and asks that she consider her duty as a good daughter and sister to Enrico. Finally, she reluctantly agrees to the marriage.

Arturo and guests have arrived for the wedding. Enrico excuses Lucia’s distress by telling Arturo of their mother’s recent death. Even so, Arturo, and a reluctant Lucia, both sign the marriage contract. At this moment, Edgardo bursts into the hall, sending everyone into an excited state. Although commanded to leave by Enrico and Arturo, Edgardo claims that he has come for Lucia’s hand in marriage. To avoid a physical altercation, Raimondo shows him the marriage contract. Edgardo is crushed and demands that they return their rings to one another. In an act of hurt, he rips the ring from Lucia’s finger and leaves the hall in despair.

Musical highlight:

Chi mi frena in tal momento - sextet

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

ACT III

As guests enjoy the wedding festivities, Raimondo interrupts the party to inform everyone that Lucia has been overcome with madness and has killed her husband, Arturo. Lucia enters the wedding hall covered in blood. In front of everyone, moving through several dissociative emotional states, she imagines her life married to Edgardo. Claiming that she will never be happy in Heaven without her true love, she vows to wait for him there until they can reunite. When Enrico returns from Wolfcrag, he is furious but soon realizes Lucia’s compromised state. The two siblings have a violent exchange that ultimately leaves Lucia collapsed on the floor of the hall.

Edgardo waits for Enrico. He laments his position and hopes to die in the duel. When, at last, Enrico arrives, he informs Edgardo that Lucia is dying. Wedding guests coming from Lammermoor Castle pass by to share that Lucia has called out his name. As he prepares to rush to her side, Raimondo soon appears to inform them that she has already died. Overcome with grief, Edgardo vows to join Lucia in heaven and stabs himself with a small dagger.

Musical highlight:

Il dolce suono (the mad scene) - Lucia

COMPOSER

Gaetano Donizetti

STAGE DIRECTOR

Brenna Corner

LIBRETTIST

Salvadore Cammarano

CONDUCTOR

Joseph Mechavich

The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair

Lucia di Lammermoor is generously sponsored, in part, by Lexus of New Orleans and by a grant from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Arts Fund.

The role of Lucia is generously sponsored by the Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation

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.

FEATURING

Lucia – Katrina Galka

Edgardo – Yongzhao Yu

Enrico – Alexander Birch Elliott

Raimondo – Ricardo L. Lugo

Arturo – Gerardo José Ortega

Alisa – Zara Zemmels

Normanno – Juan L. Williams

WITH THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Sets built by New Orleans Opera, The H. Lloyd Hawkins Scenic Studio

Costumes designed for Utah Symphony & Opera by Susan Memmott Allred

CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF

Brenna Corner, Stage Director

Joseph Mechavich, Conductor

Ryan McGettigan, Scenic Designer

Don Darnutzer, Lighting Designer

James Lanius, Projections Designer

Mike Yahn, Fight Director

Carol Rausch, Chorus Master / Music Admin.

Sarah McCall, Production Manager

Jennifer Johnson, Costume Director

Danyale Cook, Hair & Makeup Designer

Stephen Thurber, Technical Director

Keith Christopher, Asst. Technical Director

Brett Finley, Stage Manager

Kiane D. Davis, Asst. Stage Manager

Emma Kay Staunton, Asst. Stage Manager

Joan Long, Asst. Lighting Designer

Jonathon Uhlman, Property Master

Nathan Arthur, Scenic Painter

Lesly Davi, Wardrobe Lead

Marika Yasuda, Rehearsal Pianist

Beth Rota, Supertitles Prompter

Grace Booth, Directing Fellow

Supertitles by Brett Finley

CHORUS

Soprano

Maureen Bellina

Caroline Boudreaux

Julie Condy

Alyssa Hernandez

Sofia Riggio

Julia Tuneberg

Brigid Van Timmeren

Alto

Margaret Branyon-Goodman

Claudia Copeland

Olivia Solloa Garcia

Amanda McCarthy

Juliana Starr

Jane Wear

Tenor

Justin Eifert

Alan Gandolfi

Fred George

Thomas Lin

Charles Mukaida

Michael Robillard

Grayson Stephens

Baritone/Bass

Andrew Aceves

David Hinton

Jacob Huffty

Jake Jenkins

Johnny Missakian

Jeffrey Newell

Gregor Rankine

Nathaniel Richard

SUPERNUMERARIES

Norma Jean McClain

Michael Nuwer

Jan Lapre

Susan Barrett Smith

Maria Loo-Weaver

Carla Pittari

Stage Director – Brenna Corner

RECENTLY:

• Director, Il trovatore, Washington National Opera

• Director, Don Giovanni , Seattle Opera

• Director, Carmen, Des Moines Metro Opera

UPCOMING:

• Director, Pagliacci, Glimmerglass Festival

• Director, Tosca, Seattle Opera

Conductor – Joseph Mechavich

The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair

RECENTLY:

• Conductor, La traviata, North Carolina Opera

• Conductor, The Turn of the Screw, Brevard Music Festival

• Conductor, La Cenerentola, Kentucky Opera

UPCOMING:

• Conductor, La traviata, Knoxville Opera

• Conductor, La bohème, Florida Grand Opera

• Conductor, Before It All Goes Dark (Heggie world premiere), Music of Remembrance-Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago

Lucia – Katrina Galka

RECENTLY:

• Adele, Die Fledermaus, Staatsoper Hamburg

• Cunegonde, Candide, Glimmerglass Festival

• First Niece, Peter Grimes, Teatro alla Scala

UPCOMING:

• Janine/Ofwarren, The Handmaid’s Tale, San Francisco Opera

• Marie, La fille du régiment, Opera Colorado

• Musetta, La bohème, Staatsoper Hamburg

Edgardo – Yongzhao Yu

RECENTLY:

• Rodolfo (cover), La bohème, The Metropolitan Opera

• Rodolfo, La bohème, Berkshire Opera Festival

• Pinkerton, Madama Butterfly, Houston Grand Opera

UPCOMING:

• Mario Cavaradossi, Tosca, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

• Alfredo Germont, La traviata, Irish National Opera

• Duca di Mantua, Rigoletto, English National Opera

Enrico – Alexander Birch Elliott

RECENTLY:

• Figaro, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Arizona Opera

• Papageno, The Magic Flute, The Metropolitan Opera

• Enrico, Lucia di Lammermoor, LA Opera

UPCOMING:

• Captain von Trapp, The Sound of Music, Houston Grand Opera

• Figaro, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Des Moines Metro Opera

• Papageno, The Magic Flute, Grand Teton Music Festival

Raimondo – Ricardo L. Lugo

RECENTLY:

• Aldeano 3, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, San Francisco Opera

• Dulcamara, The Elixir of Love, Ópera de Puerto Rico

• Capitán, Florencia en el Amazonas, Nashville Opera

UPCOMING:

• Hagen, Götterdämmerung, Virginia Opera

• Mustafà, L'italiana in Algeri, Hawaii Opera

Arturo – Gerardo José Ortega

RECENTLY:

• The Voice of God, The Road of Promise, Orchestra Miami

• Nemorino, L’elisir d’amore, New World Opera

• Manolo, Always Remember, FireHaus Projects

UPCOMING:

• Tenor Soloist, Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings, Orchestra Miami

• Tenor Soloist, Messiah, South Florida Symphony

• Rinuccio, Gianni Schicchi, The Downtowner Series

Alisa – Zara Zemmels

RECENTLY:

• Composer and Singer, Insidious Voice (new musical). Twilight Room with Trey Bien Productions

• Billy Flynn, Chicago, Twilight Room with Foxy Rose Productions

• Producer, Lieder and Lingerie, The Allways Lounge

UPCOMING:

• Cherubino the Piglet, Three Little Pigs, New Orleans Opera Educational Tour

• Young Artist 2024 Summer Residency at Florentine Opera

• The Phantom, Phantom of the Opera , Twilight Room Theatre with Musicals in Burlesque

Normanno – Juan L. Williams

RECENTLY:

• Mr. Bumble, Oliver!, Tulane Summer Lyric Theater

• Barbershop Quartet, The Music Man, Tulane Summer Lyric Theater

• First Tenor, Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, Sacred Nine

• Chorus, Il barbiere di Siviglia, New Orleans Opera

• Chorus, Gala, New Orleans Opera

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)

BRONZE CIRCLE - $25,000+

City of New Orleans/Arts New Orleans

Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Arts Fund

OPERA America/Next Stage

National Endowment for the Arts

New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund

Priddy Family Foundation

The Selley Foundation Fund

INTERMEZZO CIRCLE $10,000+

Ella West Freeman Foundation

Entergy Charitable Foundation

V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Fund

Lexus of New Orleans

Louisiana State Arts Council/ Louisiana Division of the Arts

McCall Fund

New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund

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

New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund

Ruth U. Fertel Foundation

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

Consul General of France

Fidelity Bank

Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid Specialists

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation

Peoples Health

Renaissance Publishing

Van der Linden Family Foundation

WWNO

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*

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.

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS

IN LOVING MEMORY

John Armbruster

Ms. Paula Armbruster

Dale C. Biggers

Mrs. Virgene Biggers

Mercedes Vulliet Bonner

Thomas and Judith Bonner

Mrs. Jeanne Bruno

Mr. Edward F. Martin

Elaine Calamia

Ms. Judith Clay

Edgar L. "Dooky" Chase III

Mr. Edward F. Martin

Kathryn Lear Dorman

Cynthia M. Molyneux

Phil Frohnmayer

Ellen Frohnmayer

Diane Bennett Hammer

Dr. Robert Hammer

IN HONOR OF

Deborah Green

Ms. Clara Green

Anne Heard

Mrs. Alma Dunlap

Rachel Looney

Ms. Janet Whittington

Ted Martin

Stephanie November and Brenda Stephens

Gladys Gay LeBreton

Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. LeBreton III

Deirdre P. Long

Dr. William Long

Maestro Robert Lyall

Dr. William Cotton

Ms. Margaret Shields

Dr. Ricardo Martinez

Dr. and Mrs. Juan Gershanik

Dr. Carmen Pepper

Dr. Kristi Soileau

Mark Rausch

Carol Rausch

Alfonso Sabadie

Ms. Francisca Sabadie

Susan C. Wisdom

Mr. Norton L. Wisdom

Stephanie Sheridan

Ms. Mary Scully

Sonda Stacey

Ms. Elizabeth Liu

Joanna Sternberg

Ms. Mary Ann Sternberg

NOOA

Staff

Clare Burovac, Producing Artistic Director

Gina Klein, Director of Operations

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

Monty Ramos, Administrative Assistant

Community Partnerships & Education

Dr. Tara A. 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

IATSE STAFF

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

Taneasha McDougald - Head Props

IATSE Local #840

Theatrical Wardrobe Union

President - Shannon Muhleisen

Secretary/Treasurer - Nancy Macko

Business Agent - Bonnie Haase

Wardrobe Lead - Lesly Davi

Sewing Lead - Stephanie Kuhn

H. LLOYD

HAWKINS

SCENIC STUDIO

Stephen Thurber - Technical Director

Keith Christopher - Assistant Technical Director

Nathan Arthur - Art Director

Jonathon Uhlman - Property Master

Alyx Jeffries – Technical Assistant

Hair and Makeup Artists – Laurin Hart, Samantha

Croon, LeDiedra Richard-Baldwin, Claire Rav, Alex

Beeler, Emily Tatum, Miranda Welsh Jones

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

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

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV

Mrs. Diana Stieffel

Ms. Deniz Ucar

Ms. Yvonne Vonderhaar

Donnie Watkins

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.

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. Janie Blackmon

Mr. Freddy Owens

Jonathan Starch

Dr. Peter Tufton

Ms. Janice Skow

The New Orleans Opera Community Partnerships and Education Department would like to thank the following partners who have made this season possible.

Academy of the Sacred Heart Lower School

Ascension Parish Libraries

Beaucoup Wellness

Black Administrators of Opera

Cincinnati Opera

Community Works

Domango Fit

Ecole Bilingue

Homer Plessy Community School

Historic New Orleans Collection

Lawrence D. Crocker School / Young Audiences Charter

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Loyola University

Opera America

Opera Creole

Opera on Tap

St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries

Xavier University

Artists:

Amanda Trumbull

Chief E.O.

Jacq Françoi$

Mark Williams II

Young Audiences Charter School

Without you, this season would not have been possible.