New Orleans Opera Association - Fall 2018 Program

Around the World with NEW ORLEANS

OPERA

FALL 2018

2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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New Orleans Opera Association

2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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contents

Around the World with New Orleans Opera 6

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Welcome Letters from the President, Executive Director, and the General and Artistic Director

Turandot

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Board Of Directors A long and rich connection with the community

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Annual Fund Drive Ways to give

Pygmalion

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2017/2018 Individual Donors Thanking our individual donors

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Dedicated to maintaining live symphonic music and a full-scale symphonic orchestra as an integral part of the cultural and educational life of the New Orleans area, the state of Louisiana, and the entire the Gulf South region

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Abduction

Mastersigners Opera lovers committed to the financial stability of the New Orleans Opera

Staff Devoted individuals in administrative and backstage roles

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Legacy Society Visionary leaders looking to the future

The Blind

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Rigoletto

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The Operas Synopses and Cast Biographies

New Orleans Opera Association

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MetroPelican Opera in the classroom and the classroom at the opera

Instituitional Underwriters Thanking our generous business, foundation, and government partners

Women's Guild 50 years supporting New Orleans Opera

Chorus The onstage support of New Orleans Opera

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Opera Club Committed to the classic New Orleans proposition that everything, even philanthropy, goes better with great music and great food

Events Fall 2018-Spring 2019

New Orleans Opera Association program is published by

Executive Editor Cameron Eaton Project Manager Jessica DeBold Art Director Ali Sullivan Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Sales Manager Brooke LeBlanc Account Executive Alyssa Copeland Traffic Manager Topher Balfer Production Designers Emily Andras Rosa Balaguer Meghan Rooney Newstand Manager John Holzer President Alan Campell Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne Executive Vice President/ Editor in Chief Errol Laborde

The 2018/19 New Orleans Opera Association 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 | Fax (504) 828-1385 myneworleans.com

New Orleans Opera Association 935 Gravier St., Suite 1940 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 529-2278 • Fax (504) 529-7668 neworleansopera.org

Copyright 2018 New Orleans Opera Association and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Š New Orleans Opera Association 2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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welcome

Welcome to the 2018–19 season presented by your New Orleans Opera Association.

Our current season marks the second year of the three–year campaign that we began last year to coincide with our 75th Anniversary Season. Notable contributions by the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Opera America, combined with sustaining gifts from our loyal and long–time contributing foundations, corporate sponsors, and generous individuals have set our campaign on a path toward achieving our ambitious three– year goal.

To fulfill the mission that you, our subscribers and donors, expect of us, we present for your entertainment a spectacular season of musical-theater virtuosity. We are thrilled to open our season with Puccini’s incomparable masterpiece, Turandot. Our second offering is a charming production of Jean–Philippe Rameau’s Pygmalion, which is drawn from the rarely performed repertoire of the French Baroque. For Pygmalion, we return to Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré where our sets will feature artistic creations by our Scenic

Studio derived from sculptures on display at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Pygmalion will coincide with the exhibition by the Museum of treasures from the collection of the Duc d’Orleans.

For spring, we return to the Mahalia Jackson Theater with a classical production of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio, followed by a presentation of the perennial audience favorite, Rigoletto. In between Abduction and Rigoletto, we will present at the Marigny Opera House a production of The Blind, which is a fascinating choral piece by the acclaimed contemporary composer, Lera Auerbach.

We invite you to enhance your experience of opera by participating in the support, activities of the Women’s Guild, the Sylvain Society, and the Opera Club. Join, support and learn by participating in our many education and outreach programs such as the annual Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition, the Opera Nouvelle program, the Nuts and Bolts pre–performance lectures, and Opera on Tap. Find all of our activities and events throughout the season on our website at neworleansopera.org.

When visiting the website, you may be rewarded with periodic postings of podcast interviews of our cast members and artistic contributors throughout the year.

Welcome again, and thank you for your generosity. And now, sit back, relax, let the house lights dim, and listen for the opening notes of the overture.

James C. Gulotta Jr. President 6

New Orleans Opera Association

Welcome to another exciting season with the New Orleans Opera Association! Opera is the only art form that brings together so many other artists—singers, dancers, actors, orchestras, comedians, costumers, builders, and painters, to name just a few.

With New Orleans Opera, you get the best of everything, featuring top international artists alongside the best and brightest regional talent. I am extremely excited about our 76th season with Puccini’s Turandot, Rameau’s Pygmalion, Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio, Lera Auerbach’s The Blind, and Verdi’s Rigoletto.

As we look forward to the future, we cannot forget the past decade, one that has been exceedingly difficult for opera companies and other performing arts organizations.

We have lost several respected opera companies altogether and even more are facing severe reductions. New Orleans Opera, however, continues to stay strong. Many of the artists you will see this season on your own local stage here in New Orleans are the exact same stars you will pay considerably more money to hear internationally! We are

very fortunate not only to have the richest history of opera in America, but also a truly world-class product.

Quality is definitely a strength of New Orleans Opera. Maintaining that quality while being fiscally responsible, however, is an ongoing challenge. What does that mean for the opera lover in New Orleans? It means that we need your help now more than ever to make sure the opera is as important a part of the future as it has been in the past.

As a business, we are striving to continue to present the highest quality artistic product while maintaining lowest possible costs. We believe strongly that we cannot reduce the expenses any further without reducing the quality of the opera you see on the stage, which means that we must increase our base of community support. Whether you are able to support us at the $100 level, the $100,000 level, or anywhere in between, there is a welcome place in the New Orleans Opera family for you. This program book also contains invitations for you to participate as a volunteer or as part of one of our support committees.

Opera has been in New Orleans for more than 200 years, but for us to continue to be here for you, we ask that you find ways to get involved with us! Contact me and let me know how I can help you make sure the future of opera in New Orleans is even greater than the past.

Timothy Todd Simmons Executive Director

welcome

Each new season invites reflections on the very nature of this great art form, especially in our era of high-tech entertainment. All forms of musical theater have moved from the realistic staged productions of past centuries to screens both large and small, such as movie theaters and television — and now to the universe of amazing portable technology such as laptops, iPads, and smart phones. For the experienced operagoer the current high-tech explosion offers the gratifying practicality of allowing you to enjoy your favorite art form with a maximum of availability and a minimum of inconvenience.

Opera can also be experienced by streaming live performances, is made available in various prerecorded video formats (Youtube, Vimeo, and others), or can be enjoyed in a variety of audio-only formats — truly “Grand Opera in your Pocket.”

However, what the inexperienced operagoer will almost inevitably be missing is that feeling of being drawn into a world of performance that defines why this magnificent art form is called “Grand.” What is missing on their laptop or cell phone is the audio impact of the soundscape one experiences

by being in the same space as a full symphony orchestra accompanying a 50 to 70 voice chorus that is surrounding a corps de ballet in full flight on a stage whose atmosphere is adorned with decorative costuming, lighting, and stage sets. That is what is “Grand!”

Size alone does not determine greatness in opera. Works with large forces can be truly exhilarating in the enormity of their dramatic expression. But so can a contemporary chamber opera that presents current events and situations and addresses modern sensibilities—much as the works of Mozart and Verdi did in their own respective centuries. The same technological advances that have shaped the modern entertainment experience have also had an impact on artistic creation.

Lighting and projections are now essential parts of opera’s new theatrical language, reflecting our culture’s common cinematic experience rather than a “reinvention” of the art form of opera. Whether your taste is for traditional or contemporary, old or new, we now have the gift of an ever-richer menu of our beloved art form.

Robert Lyall General and Artistic Director

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New Orleans Opera Association

Maestro Circle Drs. Nicolas & Haydee Bazan Maestro Circle Co-Chairs

Created in 2009 to honor Maestro Robert Lyall’s 10 years of artistic leadership, the Maestro Circle recognizes the financial leadership of our major patrons ($10,000+). Their extraordinary generosity underwrites season production costs, helping to fulfill Maestro Lyall’s artistic vision, and supporting performances of the highest possible quality. Major donors giving at this level receive a number of special benefits. Contact Bart Folse, Director of Patron Development, at 504-2679532 or development@ neworleansopera.org to learn more about the Maestro Circle.

2017 Maestro Circle Members Drs. Haydee & Nicolas Bazan Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mrs. Betty T. Brooks Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Mr. Emmet W. Geary Jr. Jay Gulotta & Susan Talley Ms. Adrea D. Heebe Mr. & Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Martin Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize Dr. Andrew Orestano Meredith Hathorn & Rawley M. Penick III Mr. J. Robert Pope Mr. John G. Turner & Mr. Jerry G. Fischer Drs. Rand & Terry Voorhies Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Mr. Joseph Young Jr. & Dr. Aysen Young Mr. Jerry Walker Zachary* & Mr. Henry Bernstein *deceased

The General and Artistic Director position is generously supported by The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Fund for the New Orleans Opera Association

board of directors

past and present The New Orleans Opera Association has had a long and rich connection with the community.

Past Presidents Officers President Mr. James C. Gulotta Jr. Vice President Mr. Lawrence Pugh III Development Officer Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Treasurer Mr. Edward F. Martin Secretary Mr. Mark Otts

Directors Mrs. Penny Baumer Dr. Nicolas Bazan Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Dorian Bennett Mr. E. John Bullard Mr. Peter Brigandi Mr. Joseph Bruno Ms. Luretta Bybee Mr. A. J. Capritto Mr. Arthur Crais Jr. Dr. Patrick J. Dowling Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Mr. James C. Gulotta Jr. Ms. Pauline Hardin Mrs. Fran Fetzer Harvey Ms. Adrea Heebe Mr. Neuville Hotstream Mrs. Elizabeth Landis Mrs. Christine LeBlanc Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Dr. W. Kenneth Mann Jr. Mr. Edward F. Martin Mr. Jonathan McCall Mr. Bruce Miller Dr. R. Ranney Mize Mr. Brian Monk

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New Orleans Opera Association

Ms. Sonya Moore Mr. Max Nathan Jr Mr. Mark Otts Mr. Harold C. Patin Mrs. Meredith L. Hathorn Penick Mr. James Robert Pope Mr. Lawrence Pugh III Mrs. Susan Raburn Mr. Leopold Z. Sher Mr. I. William Sizeler Mr. James Swanson Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine Dr. Rand Voorhies Mr. James F. Willeford Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Mr. Joseph Young

Ex officio Mrs. Karen Villavaso, Women’s Guild President Dr. Jayne Weiss, Opera Club President Sylvain Society Co-Chairs: Ms. Amanda Credeur Ms. Summer Duperon Ms. Melissa Eversmeyer Mrs. Lucretia Merriman-Jourdain Ms. Amita Raman Ms. Alisha Reed Mr. Brian Monk

Advisors Mr. Dale C. Biggers Mrs. Virgene Biggers Mrs. Margie Breeden Ms. Liz Glaser Broekman Ms. Michelle Butler Mr. Mark Caldwell Mrs. Eileen Capritto Mr. Edgar Chase

Mr. Scott Chotin Mrs. Kathy Christian Hon. Jacquelyn B. Clarkson Ms. Loretta Corbett Ms. Joan Coulter Dr. R.W. Culver Mrs. Thomas S. Davidson Ms. Marlene Duronslet Mrs. Monique R. Gougisha Doucette Mrs. Betsy Dowling Mr. Brooke Duncan Dr. Charles Dupin Mr. Elroy W. Eckhardt Mr. Tim Fields Ms. Donna Fraiche Ms. Jacqueline Goldberg Mrs. Melissa Mason Gordon Ms. Amanda Green Mr. Douglas Grundmeyer Hon. Bernette J. Johnson Ms. Givonna Joseph Mrs. Rania Khodr Ms. Rose LeBreton Mr. Frank Maselli Mrs. Gail McKenna Mrs. Cindi Mistrot Mrs. Pat Murrell Mr. Ernest L. O’Bannon Dr. Andrew Orestano Ms. Amy Pfrimmer Mrs. Mary Reidy Dr. Cynthia Samuel Mr. Byron Scott Dr. Alan E. Sheen Dr. Charles Rodney Smith Mrs. Barbara Spencer Ms. Sonda Stacey Mrs. Harry Charles Stahel Mr. Philip Straub Dr. Peter M. Tufton Dr. Aysen Young

1943-1945 Mr. Walter L. Loubat 1945-1946 Mr. Edward A. Parsons 1946-1950 Mr. Hugh M. Wilkinson 1950 Mr. R. Kirby Longino 1950-1956 Mr. Rudolf Schultz 1956 Mr. Albert J. Emke 1956-1958 Mr. A. Fred Bultman 1958-1974 Mr. H. Lloyd Hawkins Sr. 1974-1978 Mr. James A. Noe Jr. 1978-1986 Mr. H. Lloyd Hawkins Jr. 1986-1988 Mr. James A. Noe Jr. 1988-1996 Mr. Joseph Young Jr. 1996-1999 Mr. James M. George 1999-2002 Mrs. H. Lloyd Hawkins Jr. 2002-2004 Dr. Nina Kelly 2004-2005 Mr. John C. Lovell 2005-2009 Mr. Salvatore Panzeca 2009-2012 Mr. Edward F. Martin 2012-2014 Mrs. Meredith Hathorn Penick 2014-2017 Dr. R. Ranney Mize

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annual fund drive

ways to give The Opera would like to thank you for your continued support.

Your contribution makes everything possible.

Opera is the ultimate art form, blending the talents of hundreds of individuals – from the principal artists, chorus, and orchestra you hear in the theater, to the stagehands, designers, wardrobe personnel, and many others working behind the scenes. When you donate to New Orleans Opera Association, you join the cast and crew as an essential partner in bringing great art to life.

Ways to give include:

- Individual Giving - The Mastersigners - The Maestro Circle - Planned Giving - Foundation Giving and Corporate Sponsorships Corporate support for the New Orleans Opera can provide valuable marketing visibility, exclusive client entertainment opportunities, and other benefits, while helping to maintain the classical arts in our community. From production sponsorships to special initiatives to in-kind support, there is a sponsorship opportunity that is right for your business. Please contact us to join our institutional sponsors by calling Director of Institutional Giving, Joanna Sternberg, at nooagiving@neworleansopera.org or (504) 267-9526.

At the start of each season, the New Orleans Opera Association approaches its upcoming schedule of events with a new sense of excitement and promise. Our mission is not just to delight audiences with performances of the highest artistic quality, but to connect people across the region to the art of opera by using both traditional and innovative methods. As the oldest performing arts organization in the city, NOOA has an established reputation for presenting engaging and creative productions.

What gets you excited about your Opera? Is it the experience of live musical theater, the educational opportunities through discussions, meet-and-greets, or social gatherings? You are not alone.

The 2018-19 season will see both familiar and new opportunities to share the art of opera by exploring its connections to New Orleans’ complex and diverse history, culture, and musical heritage.

Staged performances are not where the experience ends!

Each opera will be complemented with dozens of related

programs that are educational, entertaining, or both.

It is because of our generous donors that we have been able to create a legacy of excellence in the community, and we need your support to build upon this foundation.

There are so many ways to be a part of the energy of this dynamic organization. Whether through individual donations, corporate gifts, grants, sponsorships, or bequests, your passion for opera can be conveyed for the benefit of the whole community. With your continued patronage and support, we look forward to sharing the joy of opera with you and with future generations for many years to come.

Bart Folse Director of Patron Development

Joanna Sternberg Director of Institutional Giving

It’s simple to make your tax-deductible gift!

• Call the Development Office at (504) 267-9532 • Visit neworleansopera.org and click “DONATE” • Send your check to New Orleans Opera Association: 935 Gravier St., Suite 1940 New Orleans, LA 70112

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New Orleans Opera Association

A Message from the Development Officer New Orleans Opera is one of the cultural gems of our city.

The earliest record of an operatic performance in the United States was in this city in 1796, and during the 19th century, New Orleans had three opera houses including the famous French Opera in the French Quarter. Opera has always been an important part of our city’s musical tradition, and we are proud to build on this historic legacy.

Today, New Orleans Opera Association is recognized as one of the finest opera companies in America, producing a diverse repertoire featuring both highly acclaimed and established singers, as well as younger talent on the way to the top of their profession. New Orleans Opera Association has achieved remarkable milestones in our history: the early successes of Plácido Domingo, world premieres

by American composers such as Carlisle Floyd, historic performances by renowned international singers, and ongoing support for great Louisiana artists from Norman Treigle to Paul Groves, Alfred Walker, Sarah Jane McMahon, and Bryan Hymel. Today, we continue our commitment to creating the best possible opera for New Orleans, supporting and enhancing our reputation for great art.

In addition to producing the mainstage performances you see here at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans Opera Association works to bring opera to new audiences, young and old.

Free student preview performances of our mainstage productions, a youth vocal competition for aspiring high school students, in-school educational programs for grade school students, MetroPelican, Opera Nouvelle, lectures, smaller scale operas performed at alternative

venues, and outreach concerts are just part of the company’s commitment to education. Outreach and audience development efforts serve our community and strengthen our city’s cultural wellbeing.

To achieve this artistic success, New Orleans Opera Association depends upon the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations. As with most performing arts organizations, ticket sales account for less than forty percent of our total budget. The remaining costs of our season must come from donations, grants, and other fundraising.

Your support helps to guarantee New Orleans Opera’s legacy in this region well into the future.

Please consider a gift to the Opera that is best suited to your financial means.

Contributions at every level benefit New Orleans Opera Association and provide greatly needed (and greatly appreciated) assistance bringing works to the stage.

Your additional contribution to the 75th Anniversary Campaign is also important to support the Association's missions of expanding community building and education, increasing audience inclusion, and incubating youth talent. Your donations to the Annual Fund and the 75th Anniversary Campaign are the most effective ways that you can help New Orleans Opera continue to thrive and grow alongside the City of New Orleans in the years to come.

Thank you so much for supporting New Orleans Opera. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or the opera staff with questions or suggestions.

Dwayne O. Littauer Development Officer

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donors 2017-18

individual donors Thank you to our individual donors for the 2017-2018 Opera season.

New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and family foundations for their generous support of the 2017-18 season Annual Fund.

To add your name to the roster of supporters, call Director of Patron Development, Bart Folse, at (504) 267-9532, visit neworleansopera.org, or send your check to New Orleans Opera Association, 935 Gravier St. Suite 1940, New Orleans, LA 70112, 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 New Orleans Opera Association are taxdeductible as allowable by law (tax ID number 72-0272897).

We are grateful for each contribution, and we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these listings as of the printing deadline. Consult your program insert for the most up-to-date season listings. 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) 267-9532.

Benefactors $2,000+ Ms. Jo-Ann Ciolino Adams Melanie & Russ Chapman Joan Hooper & Julian Feibelman Jr. Dr. & Mrs.* Gregory S. Ferriss Prof. & Mrs. Robert Force Melissa & Bruce Gordon Kay & Bobby Kerrigan Mr. & Mrs. John J. Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Mayer Mr. & Mrs. Marsden W. Miller Jr. Mr. Guillermo Náñez-Falcón Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Hon. Janis Van Meerveld Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Young

Patrons $1,000+ Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adatto Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Adler Mr. Dean Altenhofen II & Dr. Sydney Crackower Mr. Wayne Amedée Mr. Norman Anseman Dr. & Mrs. Robert Arensman Ellen & Mac Ball Ms. Barbara S. Beckman Mr. & Mrs. Dale C. Biggers Drs. Andrea & Archie Brown Johannah M. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Cadow

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New Orleans Opera Association

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Campbell Mr. Glen Carbone Mr. Vance Ceaser Serafina & Bernard Charbonnet Jr. Loretta & Guy Corbett David & Esther Coy Colonel Bruce J. Elliott Dr. Maria J. Falco Ana & Juan Gershanik Mrs. Carol Greve Dr. Robert Hammer Heather M. Horan & Jeff Lynch Janet & Scott Howard Dr. Frank Incaprera Rania & Hicham Khodr Dr. Sue LeBlanc Dr. & Mrs. William Long Mr. Timothy Lott – The Reily Companies Ms. Kathleen A. Manning Travis & Tonja Masking Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Mitchell Suzanne & Benjamin Motion Mr. Max Nathan Jr. Mr. James A. Noe III Mr. & Mrs. Ernest L. O’Bannon Mr. & Mrs. Jerry R. Osborne Ms. Ashley Pradel Ms. Audra Ranous Mr. Robert Redfearn Mr. Anthony M. Rotolo Ms. Francisca A. Sabadie Ron Scalise & Sally Richardson Mr. & Mrs. John C. Scharfenberg

Dr. & Mrs. J. Terry Segura Mr. Will Sibbald Dr. & Mrs. Riley Sibley Dr. & Mrs. David Earl Simmons Mr. & Mrs. Howard E. Sinor Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Charles Rodney Smith Ms. Patricia Strachan Ann & Charles Stuart Ms. Deborah Todd Mr. & Mrs.* Bernard Van der Linden Stephanie M. Varns, CPA Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ward Mr. Guy Williams – Gulf Coast Bank Carolyn & John Wogan Mr. Richard P. Wolfe Dr. Lawrence and Joan Zaslow Elizabeth & Carlos Zervigon Mrs. Rosemary Zuppardo

Members $500+ Anonymous Centrell Alfred-Ewell – Links, Inc. Ms. Deborah Armington Chris Arnold Mr. & Mrs. Harry Barkerding Mr. N. Buckner Barkley Jr Mr. Howard Bautsch & Mr. Bruce Schluter Mr. Anthony M. Bentley Drs. Stephen J.* & Miriam R. Bensman Mr. James Boyd Mrs. Margie Breeden Ms. Susan Canavello Bev & Johnny Church Mr. Donald M. Clement Ms. Sarah Cockerman - Coughlin Saunders Foundation Mrs. Francella Flurry Mr. & Mrs. W. Jerry Hudson Dr. Bernard M. Jaffe Mr. & Mrs. Klaus Kallman Mrs. Morris Klinger Mrs. Rose LeBreton Mr. & Mrs. Ronald W. Mistrot Dr. & Mrs. Henry D.H. Olinde Dr. & Mrs. John R. Page Dr. & Mrs. John T. Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Pettit Jr. Mr. Darrin Piotrowski Hon. & Mrs. Steven R. Plotkin Rev. & Mrs. Hill C. Riddle Sr.* Mr. Charlie Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Garland R. Rolling Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Satawa Ms. Lee Anne Savoie Drs. Sylvia & John Schneller Christy Shae, Lauren Manna - Tandem Physical Therapy

Ms. Esther Shefsky Ms. Diana Stieffel Drs. Austin J. & Jane F. Sumner Dr. Mark Townsend Dr. & Mrs. Peter M. Tufton Raymond & Lisa Washington Mrs. Claire L. Whitehurst

Supporters $250+ Mr. & Mrs. Allain C. Andry III Ann & Charles Babington Ms. Patsy Baltz Ms. Georgia M. Bryant Mr. Harold H. Burns Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Canale Dr. & Mrs. Michael Carey Candace Chase & Richard Levich Kathy & Frederick Christian Mrs. Joan Coulter Mr. Brooke Duncan III Ms. Summer Nikia Duperon Mr. & Mrs. Elroy Eckhardt C. Morgan Eiland Mr. James P. Farwell Drs. Annette & Julio Figueroa Mr. & Mrs. John P. Fleming Ms. Celia Foard Dr. & Mrs. J.M. Fortino Mr. Joseph Frickey Jr. Dr. Mary Francis Gardner Ms. Joanna Giorlando Mrs. Jane Stickney Gwyn Mr. Jeffrey Haupt Ms. Letitia E. Hawkins Mr. & Mrs. Scott P. Howard Ms. Kristina K. Johnson Ms. Sonia Kenwood Mrs. Rosemarie Kaskell Mr. Robert Kitz Ms. Marjorie Kraus Baty Landis & Lee Arnold Mr. Robert Lyall Dr. & Mrs. David Martin Dr. & Mrs. William A. Martin Mrs. Dermot S. McGlinchey Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Mr. Christopher B. Merritt Mr. James Murphy Ms. Sophia Pappas Gerald & Patricia Price Mrs. Louise Ritter Ms. Katherine L. Roane Ms. Sally Scheuermann Mr. Will Sibbald Meg & Terry Sims Mr. Rick Skelding Ms. Joanna Sternberg Mr. Andrew Traver Dr. Richard A. Tucker Katherine and Earl Vaughan

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donors 2017-18 Ms. Susan Weeks Mrs. Dorothy Weisler Ms. Elizabeth Wilson

Friends $150+ Anonymous (2) Ms. Anna Maria Adamo Ms. Paula Armbruster Austen & Jonathan Bailly Bridget & Rick Balentine Rose & Bill Bivens Ms. Cherry Bordelon Bishop & Mrs. James B. Brown Ms. Kathy Christian Mr. & Mrs. Guy B. Corbett Danica Cordell-Reeh Lorraine & Chuck Cucchiara Mr. Chris Daigle Mr. Peter Egan Joan & Henry J. Folse Ruth & Louis Frierson Ms. Kathryn Gift Ms. Sharall Grissen Seth & Julie S. Harris Ms. Barbara G. Hightower Ms. Paulette Hurdlik Mr. Bryan Hymel Jane Johnson & David Marcello Ms. Catherine J. Kidd Ms. Laura Lee Killeen Mr. Dennis LaFleur Ms. Barbara B. LaNasa Mr. Coy Landry Ms. Elizabeth Liu Mr. John Lombardo Mrs. Jacquelyn Lothschuetz Dr. & Mrs. Jon W. Lowry Joel & Suzy Mague Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Malachias Chickie & John Martin Carol & Stanley Marx Mr. R.A. Miller & Dr. S. Guthans Dr. & Mrs. Anthony J. Mumphrey Dr. C. & Mr. William Murray Dr. Jean Y. O’Roark Ms. Margaret Palmisano Dr. & Mrs. William J. Perret Dr. William Procell Mr. & Mrs. William D. Reeves Ms. Emilie Rhys & Mr. John Heller Dr. & Mrs. James W. Robinson Mr. Manuel A. Sala Elaine & Dudley Smart Mr. & Mrs. Harry Charles Stahel Mr. Guy Tem Dr. Nia K. Terezakis Ms. Beth Lee Terry Ms. D.D. Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Thompson Ms. Penelope Thompson 16

New Orleans Opera Association

Ms. Charlotte A. Throop Ms. Kathleen Van Horn Dr. Jayne S. Weiss Mr. Maxwell Wheeler Ms. Sara S. Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Richard F. Zehnle

75 for the 75th! $75+ Ms. Dawn Arevalo Alison & John Ariail Peggy & Robert D. Armstrong Bridget & Rick Balentine Ms. Constance Barkley Ms. Kate Benson Mr. Robert Bergeron Ms. Martha Beveridge Dr. & Mrs. John Bobear Dr. Edit Bourgeois Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Brian Ms. Ann Brick Mrs. Florence Brown Mr. Michael Calhoun Sue & Prentiss Camp Dr. Robert J. Cangelosi Dianne & Joseph Caverly Ms. Loredana Chapman Hannah & D.H. Clark Ms. Kellene Cole Ms. Christina Comer Dr. Raquel Cortina Dr. William T. Cotton & Ms. Marcia Cooke Ms. Louise Costa Ms. Mary Wilkins Costa Ms. Dana Cruthirds Mr. Chris Daigle Ms. Daniele Denis Ms. Laura J. Donnaway Ms. Ann R. Duffy Ms. Lory Dupuy Ms. Camille Durkin Mr. Wendell Eatherly Mrs. Joan H. Eckholdt Ms. Carrel Epling Ms. Melissa Eversmeyer Dr. Jane Eyrich Ms. Deborah Jan Fagan Ms. Sylvia B. Fatzer Sybil M. & D. Blair Favrot Ms. Sheri Fellat Ms. Julia Feoktistova Mr. Paul Fisher Steven Fisher & Richard Mariner Mr. Bart Folse Mr. John Ford Ms. Elizabeth Frazier Ms. Irma W. Freibaum Ms. Ellen Frohnmayer Ms. Anita M. Garcia Mrs. Marie Garon

Ms. Mary Colleen Gaudin Prof. Eliza M. Ghil Ms. Theresa P. Godchaux Dr. Victor Gonzalez Ms. Sharon Gouse Ms. Jessica Hack Ms. Anne Heard Mr. William Craig Henry Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon Hersh Mr. Charles W. Hill Mr. John Howland Mrs. Rosemary O’Brien Jernigan Mr. Dustin Johnson Mr. Fred Kahn Dr. John J. Kelly III Mr. David A. Kerstein Chris & Pete Kingsbery Lee & Jim Klebba Mr. Mark Landry Ms. Cynthia Langford Mr. Juan Lertora Mrs. Maline Levy-Berenger Eleanor & William Lieder Mr. Jordy Luft Anna P. & Olof H. Lundberg Jr. Ms. Marjory M. Lyman Ms. S. Ann Mahorner Mr. & Mrs. James Marvel Norma Jean & Rick Mattei Ms. Regina O. Matthews Ms. Barbara Smith Maumus Ms. Regina O. Matthews Mr. James McCarty Mr. Joseph McCarty Erin McQuade-Wright Martha & James Morris Mr. Peter Moss Dr. Guy V. Norton Ms. Ruth R. Olivera Ms. Jeanne Parrish Ms. Leslie Perrin Mr. Bryan Pfleeger Ms. Mary Beth Plauche Ms. Michelle Pricer Mr. George C. Pursell Jr. Kathryn & Felix Rando Ms. Brenda Reilly Victoria L. Revels & Šime Restović Mrs. Jean Rice Ms. Arlene Roberton Dr. Hugh J. Robertson Mr. Nicholas Roth Ms. Diane Rougelot Ms. Lillian Samardzija Mr. George Sanchez Sr. Ms. Janet L. Schmid Ms. Helen L. Schneidau Ms. Evelyn A. Schroeder Mr. Stanley Schwam Ms. Patricia Sharpe Ms. Barbara W. Sholl

Cathy Lazarus & Eric Simon The Simpkins Family Ms. Kristi Soileau Ms. Sally Sorensen Mrs. Alfred J. Spansel Dr. R. Craig Strait Ms. Lorraine Thien Mr. & Mrs. Michael G. Thompson Ms. Angela Trainham Jean Veta & Mary Ann Dutton Ms. Karen Villavaso Ms. Yvonne Von der Haar Ms. Jane McMurray Wainwright Ms. Eileen B. Wallen Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. Wartelle Ms. Antonia Wechsler Mr. Robert J. Whann III Ms. Eileen White Ms. Patricia Williamson Mr. Michael E. Winters *deceased

Commemorative Gifts In Honor of: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Benson, The New Orleans Saints, and The New Orleans Pelicans Susan G. Talley & James C. Gulotta Jr. Betty T. Brooks Creative Planters Garden Club Mr. & Mrs. Guy Cook Alma & Bob Pettit Dr. Anita H. Crump Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Mrs. John Dunlap Jr. Alma & Bob Pettit Mrs. A.T. Green Alma & Bob Pettit Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Martin Ms. Marjory M. Lyman Drs. Emel Songu & R. Ranney Mize Mr. James Boyd Mr. Jonathan McCall Mr. Max Nathan Jr. Mrs. Rose Sher Barbara Ploetz Ms. Lorraine Thien Dr. & Mrs. Robert A. Schimek Alma & Bob Pettit Sonda & Ted Stacey Ms. Elizabeth Liu Ms. Patricia Manning Sharpe Mrs. Jan Wootan Alma & Bob Pettit

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donors 2017-18 In Loving Memory of: Adele Adatto Louise & Ted Martin John W. Armbruster III Ms. Paula Armbruster Micaela Kelly “Kell” Bennett Ms. Deborah Armington Mr. Robert Bergeron Mrs. Elizabeth Mahorner Landis Louise & Ted Martin Ms. Ann C. Middleton Ms. Michelle Pricer Victoria L. Revels & Šime Restović Mr. & Mrs. Michael G. Thompson Ms. Jacqueline Toledano Mr. Michael E. Winters John Ernest Brockhoeft Mr. & Mrs. Stewart Becnel Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Frickey Jr Louise & Ted Martin Mr. Max Nathan Jr Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Mr. Charles W. Schmidt III Annette Rose Chisesi and Victor Chisesi Mrs. Irene G. Klinger Andre de la Barre Ms. Ann Babington Elizabeth Diggs Edmundson Anonymous Bridget & Rick Balentine Ms. Catherine Michie McHardy Bissell Richard B. Boebel Family Fund Ms. Danica Cordell-Reeh Ralph & Jean Davis Ms. Theresa Godchaux Gordon, Arata, Montgomery,

Barnett, et al Ms. Sharall Grissen Mrs. Lanier Hosford Geneva & David Kerstein Leslie Perrin Dr. R. Craig Strait George D. Fee Mrs. Irene G. Klinger Diane B. Hammer, M.D. Dr. Robert Hammer Elsie R. Jourdain Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Kaye Smith Kingsbery Chris & Pete Kingsbery Morris Klinger, MD and Samuel Robert Klinger Mrs. Irene G. Klinger Jane W. McCall Mr. Jonathan C. McCall Mr. Dermot McGlinchey Mrs. Ellen M. McGlinchey Marietta Alfonso McMurray Ms. Jane McMurray Wainwright Maria Springer Meriwether Chickie & John Martin 18

New Orleans Opera Association

Philip Porter Nolan Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Young Rev. Hill Carter Riddle Sr. Jay Gulotta & Susan Talley Louise & Ted Martin Meredith L. Hathorn Penick Dr. & Mrs. Roger H. Tutton Carol Solomon Mr. Emmet W. Geary Jr. Hugo C. Wedemeyer Mrs. Francella S. Flurry Andrew D. Saulsby Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Mrs. Lillian Saulsby Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Elizabeth Van der Linden Van der Linden Family Foundation Zenobia Saulsby Wilson Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Enola Wilson-Merriman Ms. Cree Merriman-Jourdain Jerry Walker Zachary Julie & Allain Andry Peggy & Robert D. Armstrong Mr. Henry Bernstein Ruth & George Bilbe Ms. Ann Brick Hannah & D.H. Clark Kay & John Colbert Steven Fisher & Richard Mariner Mrs. Francella Flurry Mr. Bart Folse Mr. Emmet W. Geary Jr. Mr. William Craig Henry Jane Johnson & David Marcello Dr. Edward D. Levy Jr. Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Anna P. & Olof H. Lundberg Jr. Louise & Ted Martin Mr. Anthony Rotolo Mr. David Schwarz Jane & David Snyder Melissa & Jerry Steiner Eleanor & Philip Straub Ms. Katherine Vaughan VCPORA Jean Veta & Mary Ann Dutton Homer High School Class of 1963: Patricia Alexander Braswell Prentiss Camp Sondra Fulmer Coleman Janet Pittman Collins Claudia Torbet Duckworth Ann Perry Hicks Patsy Bunch Hood Marcia Dawson Medellin Betty Zey McClung Martha Moreland Morris Johnette Hollenshead Oakes Jack Sanders Elaine Camp Smart Elizabeth Barnard Traviss Eileen Beavers White Charlie Roberts, Band Director

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donors

the mastersigners

Mastersigners

Mastersigners

Platinum Circle ($20,000+)

(4,000+)

Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Ms. Adrea D. Heebe Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize Dr. Andrew Orestano Meredith Hathorn & Rawley M. Penick III Mr. J. Robert Pope Ms. Lynette A. Stillwell* Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Jerry W. Zachary* & Henry Bernstein

Nina and Larry Pugh

Diamond Jubilee ($7,500+)

Mastersigners Co-Chairs

Mr. E. John Bullard III Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Elizabeth & James Landis Nina & Lawrence Pugh Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine

Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Alvin A. Baumer Jr. Mr. Dorian M. Bennett Carole B. & Kenneth J. Boudreaux Mr. Peter R. Brigandi Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Bruno Prof. Luretta Bybee Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Capritto Dr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Dowling Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Mr. & Mrs. Curtis D. Eustis Mr. Tim L. Fields Dr. & Mrs. John Fraiche Mr. & Mrs. Keith B. Hall Fran Fetzer & LeRoy Harvey Dr. Nina M. Kelly Mr. & Mrs. V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Mr. Jonathan McCall Jane Cagan & Bruce Miller Mrs. Louise H. Moffett Lily & Brian Monk Ms. Sonya Moore Mr. & Mrs. Mark G. Otts Harold C. Patin & Carol Allen Susan & Vern Raburn Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Karen and Leopold Sher Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Eleanor & Philip Straub Dr. & Mrs. Richard L. Strub Mr. & Mrs. James Swanson Mrs. Phyllis M. Taylor Mr. Evan Trestman Mr. Hugo C. Wedemeyer* Mr. & Mrs. James F. Willeford Mr. & Mrs. George H. Wilson Jr.

Mastersigners

*deceased

Opera lovers committed to the financial stability of the New Orleans Opera “Mastersigner” is a term unique to New Orleans Opera.

Unlike members of the Meistersinger guilds of the early Renaissance, Mastersigners qualify not as singers, but as signers. They are opera lovers who contribute handsomely to help assure that grand opera continues to thrive in New Orleans. Mastersigners are invited to cocktail receptions in connection with each production, “champagne intermissions” at each performance, special rehearsals such as Sitzprobes, and, of course, the black-tie Director’s Dinner. These events provide opportunities to get to know fellow Mastersigners better, to meet internationally-acclaimed artists, and, most importantly, to deepen our appreciation of opera.

We thank all of our current Mastersigners for their support and dedication to opera. To our new members, welcome to the guild, and thank you! For those who would like more information about Mastersigners, please contact Director of Patron Development, Bart Folse, at 504-267-9532 or email development@neworleansopera.org.

See you at the Opera!

Special Acknowledgement to

Mr. Joseph Young Jr. for founding the Mastersigners in 1981

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New Orleans Opera Association

Mastersigners Gold Circle ($10,000+) The Maestro Circle Drs. Nicolas & Haydee Bazan Mrs. Betty T. Brooks Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Jay Gulotta & Susan Talley Mr. & Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Martin John G. Turner & Jerry G. Fischer Drs. Rand & Terry Voorhies Mr. Joseph Young Jr. & Dr. Aysen Young

Mastersigners

Sustaining ($6,000+) Mr. & Mrs. J. Scott Chotin Jr. Pauline & Allain Hardin Mr. Donald I. Levy Dr. Carolyn Clawson Prickett Jane & William Sizeler

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legacy society

visionary leaders look to the future You can help build the future of opera for New Orleans through your planned gift.

Legacy Society Members as of July 2018

When you include the 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 plans 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.

Make your mark – leave a legacy. Your planned gift helps secure the future of opera in New Orleans.

Planned giving instruments can include: • outright charitable gifts • gifts of appreciated property • bequests • revocable trusts • life insurance • retirement benefits • charitable remainder trusts • charitable lead trusts

Join us!

Please join the Legacy Society to help ensure the continued tradition of producing grand opera in America’s first city of opera.

“We are delighted to have joined the Legacy Society of the New Orleans Opera Association. We love our opera, which has been one of the more important parts of our lives in New Orleans. We believe our legacy gift helps assure the success of the company for many future generations.”

– Drs. Emel & Ranney Mize “The longterm success of the New Orleans Opera Association depends on the support of passionate opera lovers, and legacy giving helps ensure the Association’s financial viability for the future. We so appreciate those who have already joined and their future gifts – we are so appreciative and very grateful.”

– Meredith Hathorn Penick “As a native New Orleanian, I am incredibly lucky to be part of the oldest tradition of opera in North America. Just as so many others who have gone before me invested in our rich culture of opera, I want to do the same. A legacy gift is my way of honoring that heritage and keeping it alive for the future.”

– Jackie Goldberg

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New Orleans Opera Association

Anonymous (2) Drs. Stephen J. & Miriam R. Bensman Mr. & Mrs. J. Scott Chotin Jr. Dr. Patricia Cook Dr. Maria J. Falco Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Ms. Jacqueline Mae Goldberg Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Robert and Lauren Lyall Louise and Ted Martin Drs. Emel Songu and Ranney Mize Dr. Andrew Orestano Meredith Hathorn Penick Xenia Krinitzky Roff Alma A. Slatten Philip & Eleanor Straub Mrs. Norton L. Wisdom (Susan) Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood

Major Planned Gifts 2008-2018 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 Mary Nell Porter Nolan The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund Rachel Sainton William H. Sholes Lynette Askin Stillwell James G. Viavant The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Fund

For more information, or to add your name to this list, contact Director of Patron Development Bart Folse at (504) 267-9532. All inquiries are confidential.

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Production Staff

Cast

Stage Director E. Loren Meeker Conductor Robert Lyall Lighting Designer Rob Denton Chorus Master Carol Rausch Scenic Designer R. Keith Brumley Choreographer Felicity Stiverson Fight Director Mike Yahn Production Manager Sarah McCall Costumer Julie Winn Wig & Makeup Designer Linda Guillot Technical Director Keith Christopher Stage Manager Megan Bennett 1st Assistant Stage Manager Emily Barber 2nd Assistant Stage Manager Katie Bandy Assistant Lighting Designer Mandi Wood Properties Master Jonathon Uhlman Scenic Painter Nathan Arthur Rehearsal Pianist Kristin Eliason Supertitles Prompter Beth Rota

Princess Turandot Alexandra Loutsion Calàf David Pomeroy Liú Raquel Gonzalez Timur Paul Whelan Ping Dennis Jesse Pang Casey Candebat Pong Chauncey Packer A Mandarin Ivan Griffin Emperor Altoum Tony Bentley Chorus New Orleans Opera Chorus

E. Loren Meeker

Maestro R. Lyall

Stage Director

Costumes courtesy of Lyric Opera of Kansas City Costume Design by Mary Traylor The title role of Turandot is generously underwritten by the Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation

Conductor

This majestic lyric drama is set in ancient China during the age of fables. A royal decree is read stating that Princess Turandot will marry any royal suitor who can answer her three riddles. To take the test and fail means death, and the recent loss of the head of the Prince of Persia marks the thirteenth such failure. Calàf, the unknown prince, succumbs to Turandot’s great beauty and accepts her daunting challenge. Calàf successfully answers Turandot’s riddles, but rather than forcing her to marry, he counters with a riddle of his own. If by dawn she can discover his name, she is released from her pledge. To illustrate the depth of his love, at dawn he reveals his own secret, placing his destiny in her hands. With its large cast of exotic characters and grand choruses, this fairy tale fantasy bursts with color and excitement as the lush romanticism of Puccini’s glorious music carries us to the magical ending in which love triumphs over all!

Composer: Puccini Setting: Imperial China Synopsis: (courtesy The Metropolitan Opera) ACT I Outside the Imperial Palace in Peking, A Mandarin reads an edict to the crowd: any prince seeking to marry the princess Turandot must answer three riddles. If he fails, he will die. The most recent suitor, the Prince of Persia, is to be executed at the moon’s rising. Among the onlookers are the slave girl Liù, her aged master, and the young Calàf, who recognizes the old man as his long lost father, Timur, vanquished King of Tartary. When Timur reveals that only Liù has remained faithful to him, Calàf asks why. She replies that once, long ago, Calàf smiled at her. The mob cries for blood but greets the rising moon with a sudden fearful silence. When the Prince of Persia

Orchestral materials by arrangement with Hendon Music, Inc., a Boosey & Hawkes company, Sole Agent in the U.S., Canada and Mexico for Casa Ricordi/Universal Music Publishing Ricordi S.R.L, publisher and copyright owner.

is led to his execution, the crowd calls upon the princess to spare him. Turandot appears, and with a contemptuous gesture orders that the execution proceed. As the victim’s death cry is heard from the distance, Calàf, transfixed by the beauty of the unattainable princess, strides to the gong that announces a new suitor.

Suddenly Turandot’s three ministers, Ping, Pang, and Pong, appear to discourage him. Timur and the tearful Liù also beg him not to risk his life (“Signore, ascolta!”).

Calàf tries to comfort her (“Non piangere, Liù”) but then strikes the gong and calls Turandot’s name.

ACT II Inside the palace, Ping, Pang, and Pong lament Turandot’s bloody reign, praying that love will conquer her heart and restore peace. The three let their thoughts wander to their peaceful country homes (Trio: “Ho una casa nell’Honan”), but the noise of the people gathering to hear Turandot question the new challenger calls them back to reality. The old emperor asks Calàf to reconsider, but he will not be dissuaded. Turandot enters and describes how her beautiful ancestor, Princess Lou-Ling, was abducted and killed by a conquering prince. In revenge, she has turned against men and determined that none shall ever possess her (“In questa reggia”).

Facing Calàf, she poses her first question: What is born each night and dies each dawn? “Hope,” Calàf answers, correctly. Turandot continues: What flickers red and warm like a flame, yet is not a flame? “Blood,” Calàf replies after a moment’s thought. Shaken, Turandot delivers the third riddle: What is like ice but burns?

Tense silence prevails until Calàf triumphantly cries, “Turandot!” The crowd erupts in joy, and the princess vainly begs her father not to give her to the stranger.

Hoping to win her love, Calàf offers Turandot a challenge of his own: if she can learn his name by dawn, he will forfeit his life.

ACT III In the Imperial Gardens, Calàf hears a proclamation: on pain of death no one in Peking shall sleep until Turandot learns the stranger’s name. Calàf is certain of his victory (“Nessun dorma!”), but Ping, Pang, and Pong try to bribe him to leave the city. As the fearful mob threatens him to learn his name, soldiers drag in Liù and Timur. Calàf tries to convince the crowd that neither of them knows his secret. When Turandot appears, commanding Timur to speak, Liù replies that she alone knows the stranger’s identity and will never reveal it. She is tortured but remains silent. Impressed by such fortitude, Turandot asks Liù’s secret. It is love, she replies. When the soldiers intensify the torture, Liù tells Turandot that she, too, will know the joys of love (“Tu, che di gel sei cinta”). Then she snatches a dagger and kills herself. The crowd forms a funeral procession and the body is taken away. Turandot remains alone to confront Calàf, who impetuously kisses her (Duet: “Principessa di morte!”). Knowing emotion for the first time, Turandot weeps (“Del primo pianto”). Calàf, now sure of winning her, reveals his identity. Once again before the emperor’s throne, Turandot declares she knows the stranger’s name: it is Love.

Alexandra Loutsion

David Pomeroy

Raquel Gonzalez

Hailed as “powerful and projecting” (Pittsburgh Post Gazette) as well as a “promising young soprano,” (Los Angeles Times) Alexandra Loutsion continues to be recognized for her passionate performances and vocal versatility as a rising star on the operatic and concert stage. This season, Ms. Loutsion makes her New Orleans Opera debut singing the title role in Turandot.

Other upcoming engagements include her Canadian Opera Company debut as the Overseer in Elektra. She began the 2017-2018 season making her San Francisco Opera debut as the Overseer in Keith Warner’s new production of Elektra and covering the title role in Turandot.

Additionally, she returned to Palm Beach Opera as Tosca, debuted at Tulsa Opera as Turandot and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera as Tosca, and sang her first performances of Leonora in Il trovatore at Central City Opera.

Canadian tenor David Pomeroy is a Newfoundland native who has made his Metropolitan Opera debut portraying the title role in Les contes d’Hoffmann, opposite soprano Anna Netrebko and under the baton of Maestro James Levine. In the 2018-19 season, the tenor will make debuts at the New Orleans Opera as Calàf in Turandot and with Opéra de Limoges as Paul in Die tote Stadt.

He will also sing his first Bacchus in Ariadne auf Naxos with Oper Stuttgart and appear in Vancouver as the title role in Faust. Other recent appearances have included Alfredo in La traviata with the Vancouver Opera and New York City Opera; Macduff in Macbeth with the Edmonton Opera; the title role in Faust, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Skuratov in From the House of the Dead at the Canadian Opera Company (COC); Don José in Carmen with the Pacific Opera Victoria, among many others.

Raquel González’s 2018-2019 season begins with a role and house debut as Liú in Turandot at New Orleans Opera.

She then returns to Washington National Opera for Anna Sorensen in Silent Night. Additional debuts include reprising Tatyana in Atlanta Opera’s production of Eugene Onegin, Violetta in La traviata with Opera on the James, Mimí in La bohème with Opera Tampa, and the title role in Madama Butterfly with Central City Opera. She began the 2017-2018 season making her hometown debut with the Lyric Opera of Kanas City as Tatyana in a new production of Eugene Onegin directed by Tomer Zvulun. She returned to the Washington National Opera for performances of The Water and The Rose in Rachel Portman’s The Little Prince, to Syracuse Opera for her role debut as Violetta in La traviata, and to Queen City Opera in Cincinnati for her first performances of the title role in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta.

Princess Turandot

Calàf

Liú

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Paul Whelan

Dennis Jesse

Casey Candebat

Chauncey Packer

Ivan Griffin

This season, Paul Whelan appears with New Orleans Opera as Timur in Turandot and is in the role of Captain Ross in the world premiere of Stuart Macrae and Louise Welsh’s Anthropocene with Scottish Opera, and he also joins the Garsington Festival in the summer of 2019 for the Commendatore in Don Giovanni. Recent highlights include Daland in Der fliegende Holländer at Hawaii Opera Theatre and Giorgio in I Puritani at Boston Lyric Opera and Victorian Opera. Whelan is a winner of the Cardiff Singer of the World Lieder Prize. Recordings include A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Colin Davis (Philips), Kurt Weill’s Silber See under Markus Stenz (BMG); recordings with the BBC Philharmonic for Chandos and with the BBC Scottish Symphony for Hyperion.

Conductors with whom he has collaborated include Sir Simon Rattle, Kent Nagano, Richard Hickox, Yehudi Menuhin, Valery Gergiev, Gary Bertini, and Vassily Sinaisky; he has given recitals at Wigmore Hall, The Purcell Room, Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, Cheltenham Festival, BBC Pebble Mill, Perth Festival, and at the Chátelet Theatre in Paris.

Dennis Jesse, baritone, has performed in a variety of shows for over twenty-five years. He started on the musical theater stage, moved to operetta, and ultimately to grand opera and continues to perform in all of these styles.

He frequents the stages of many of America’s regional opera houses, most recently with Des Moines Metro Opera in their celebrated production of Billy Budd.

Locally, he has appeared many times with New Orleans Opera, Opéra Louisiane, Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Pensacola Opera, and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He will perform this year with Orlando Opera as the four villains in The Tales of Hoffmann, as Escamillo in Carmen with Opéra Louisiane and with Central City Opera in their production of Billy Budd. Mr. Jesse is an Associate Professor at LSU and the General and Artistic Director of Opera Festival di Roma, a summer abroad program sponsored by LSU in Orvieto and Rome, Italy.

For the past eight years, he has served on the international faculty of La Musica Lirica, an intensive summer abroad program for young opera singers in Italy.

Casey Candebat, a tenor hailing from New Orleans, is quickly garnering the attention of opera companies around the country. Recently, he performed in Matthew Aucoin’s new opera, Eurydice, with the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He is a frequent performer with San Francisco Opera, New Orleans Opera, Kansas City Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, and Opera Grand Rapids. Last season, he was heard as Orpheus in Orpheus in the Underworld, Father Grenville in Dead Man Walking, Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire, and guest soloist in various concerts and galas across the country. He is a graduate of the illustrious Merola Opera Program, where he was a two-time participant in the summer training program. With the New Orleans Opera, he has been featured in their productions of Salome, Madama Butterfly, Rigoletto, Il trittico, Manon Lescaut, La bohème, and Turandot. Equally at home in concert work and oratorio, Candebat recently performed Verdi’s Messa da Requiem with the New West Symphony in Los Angeles and with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra this season.

Chauncey Packer is known internationally for his portrayal of Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess. He has performed the role with San Francisco Opera, New Orleans Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opera Birmingham, Mobile Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, Pensacola Opera, Tulsa Opera, and in many major European cities with the Munich-based New York Harlem Productions tour. He has also performed leading tenor roles with Utah Festival Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Shreveport Opera, and Nashville Opera, to name a few.

Vocal instructor and bass-baritone Ivan Griffin brings an extensive operatic and theatrical background to Loyola University New Orleans.

His engagements have included Lawyer Frazier in Michigan Opera Theatre’s Porgy and Bess, a role that he was invited to reprise during an extensive European tour. He has also appeared as Rev. Olin Blitch in Susannah with Buffalo Lyric Opera, Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro and Papageno in The Magic Flute with Fayetteville Summer Opera and Western New York Opera Theater, respectively, as well as in several performances with New Orleans’ OperaCréole.

A versatile artist, Griffin has been praised for his diction and superb sense of theater. He has been featured in such productions as Guys and Dolls at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Sophisticated Ladies at Detroit’s Music Hall. Since returning to New Orleans in 2012, he has appeared with New Orleans Opera Association in Madama Butterfly (Imperial Commissioner), Der Vampyr (Toms Blunt), La bohème (Benoit), and Carmen (Lt. Zuniga).

Additionally, he has also been a featured artist with Opéra Louisiane in Baton Rouge.

Timur

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New Orleans Opera Association

Ping

Pang

Pong

Tony Bentley

Emperor Altoum Tony Bentley 's local stage appearances include roles at Le Petit Theatre, the Contemporary Arts Center, and Tulane University. Tony has performed with the New Orleans Opera numerous times. He was most recently seen in the 2017 production of Champion and in O’Neill’s Moon for the Misbegotten. Since 2004 he has over 50 film and television credits, including roles in three Oscar winners.

A Mandarin

Louis XIV of France (1968-1715)

Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (1674 –1723)

PYGMALION

November 8, 9, 10, 11, 2018 • Le Petit Theatre

Production Staff Stage Director Brenna Corner Conductor Robert Lyall Chorus Master Carol Rausch Scenic Designer George Johnson Lighting Designer Mandi Wood Projection Designer James Lanius Choreographer Diogo de Lima Production Manager Sarah McCall Costumer Julie Winn Wig & Makeup Designer Linda Guillot Technical Director Keith Christopher Stage Manager Emily Barber Assistant Stage Manager Niki Lopez Properties Master Jonathon Uhlman Scenic Painter Nathan Arthur Rehearsal Pianist Michael Borowitz Supertitles Prompter Beth Rota

Cast Pygmalion Paul Groves L'Amour Sarah Jane McMahon La Statue Animee Rachel Looney Cephise Haley Whitney Dancers Marigny Opera Ballet

The court of Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” was known for its richness and splendor that extended to the arts and architecture as well. Jean-Philippe Rameau, one of the greatest of the French Baroque composers of opera, turned to the Greek mythological subject of the renowned sculptor, Pygmalion, who carved an ivory statue of a woman so beautiful that he fell in love with it. Pygmalion appealed to the goddess Venus to bring his statue to life and his wish was granted.

The story is based on the myth of Pygmalion as told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. In Rameau and Ballot de Sauvot’s version, the sculptor Pigmalion creates a beautiful statue to which he declares his love. His girlfriend, Céphise, begs for attention; Pigmalion spurns her and entreats the goddess Venus to bring his statue to life. Magically the statue enlivens, sings, and dances; Cupid arrives and praises Pigmalion for his artistry and faith in his powers. Cupid helpfully finds another lover for Céphise.

The second half of our French Baroque evening will feature the following compositions complemented by paintings from the New Orleans Museum of Art’s exhibition of the Duke of Orleans celebrated art collection:

ACT II Jean-Baptiste Lully: ISIS “Publions en tous lieux...C'est lui dont les Dieux ont fait choix” Ms. Whitney, Ms. Looney, Ms. McMahon, and Chorus Jean-Baptiste Lully: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme “Marche pour la Cérémonie des Turcs” André Campra: Les Fetes Venitiennes “Charmant Papillon” Ms. Whitney Marc-Antoine Charpentier: Actéon "Allons, marchons”... "Déesse par qui je respire" Mr. Groves and Chorus Jean-Philippe Rameau: Les Boréades “Entrée de Polymnie” Marigny Opera Ballet Marin Marais: Alcyone Tempête et Chorus ("Ciel, o Ciel") Mr. Groves and Chorus Jean-Baptiste Lully: Une nuit avec Louis XIV “Regina Coeli, Alleluia” Ms. Looney, Ms. Whitney, Ms. McMahon Jean-Philippe Rameau: Des Indes Galantes “Rondeau (Forêts paisibles)” Ms. McMahon, Mr. Groves, Chorus, and Ballet 28

New Orleans Opera Association

Paul Groves Pygmalion

One of the great American tenors of his generation, Paul Groves continues to enjoy an impressive international career performing on the stages of the world’s leading opera houses and most prestigious concert halls.

Groves began his 2017-18 season in performances of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem with Opera de Lyon, followed by performances as Faust in a concert production of La Damnation de Faust with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. After performances in Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9 with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Groves will be seen with the Metropolitan Opera as Danilo in Susan Stroman’s production of The Merry Widow.

An avid concert performer, Groves’ previous season was filled with debuts and return engagements with symphonies across the United States.

Highlights of recent seasons for the American tenor include a rare role debut singing Alessandro Cesare in Cavalli’s Eliogabalo with the Opéra national de Paris.

Throughout the 2016-17 season, he was seen performing Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony, Berlioz’ Requiem with the San Francisco Symphony under Charles Dutoit, as well as Stravinsky’s Perséphone with the Oregon Symphony.

Sarah Jane McMahon L’Amour

Hailed by the New York Times as “bright, active, and fastidiously musical,” and by Opera News as having “a golden sound,” Sarah Jane McMahon has sung opposite Plácido Domingo, with The San Francisco Symphony, the Munich Philharmonic, the Konzerthaus Wien, and the Santo Domingo Festival in the Dominican Republic.

Most recently, she performed Jan Arnold for the premiere of Everest with Dallas Opera, Marguerite in Faust with New Orleans Opera, Messiah with The Virginia Symphony, and the Soprano Soloist in Brahms' Requiem and Prayers of Kierkegaard with the Louisiana Philharmonic.

A frequent guest artist at New York City Opera, she performed Mabel in their new production of The Pirates of Penzance, Soprano II in King Arthur, and received their coveted Kolozsvar Award for her performances as Galatea in Acis and Galatea. She has also performed several concerts on Broadway and at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, California Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, Portland Symphony, Amarillo Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic and many more. She has recorded three albums: I Thank My God, Night of Silence, and Blessings and Silver Linings, available on iTunes, Amazon, and www.sarahjanemcmahon.com

Rachel Looney

Haley Whitney

Rachel Looney, soprano, is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, makes her professional operatic debut with the New Orleans Opera as La Statue animée in Rameau’s Pygmalion. In recent years, Looney has appeared with the New Orleans Opera Chorus, New Orleans Opera’s “Opera on Tap,” the Victory Belles at the National WWII Museum, and Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre.

This season, she starred as Marian Paroo in The Music Man at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. Looney received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where she studied with Robert Grayson and portrayed Héro in Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict. She holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Loyola University New Orleans where she studied with Luretta Bybee and performed the role of Juliette in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette.

Haley Whitney, soprano, has been praised for her supple and artful singing. She is a proud NOCCA graduate where she studied with Phyllis Treigle and recently received a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance in the studio of renowned mezzosoprano Luretta Bybee. In March, she starred as Blanche de la Force in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites with Loyola’s opera workshop, and in April she portrayed Mary in Bach’s Easter Oratorio with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Whitney performed for the National Opera Association convention as The Youth in After Life, a new chamber opera

by Tom Cipullo. Her other roles include Suor Geniovieffa in Suor Angelica, Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen, and Rose Maurrant in Weill’s Street Scene. She is the recipient of the 2016 Sal Panzeca Italian American scholarship award. Whitney is a proud member of the New Orleans Opera chorus, an Opera on Tap regular, and a soloist at St. Charles Ave. Presbyterian Church where she has been a soloist in many sacred works including Gounod’s St. Ceciléa Mass, Mozart’s C Minor mass, and Poulenc’s Gloria. She has also enjoyed soloist opportunities in collaborations such as Kodaly’s Missa Brevis with New Orleans Opera and New Orleans Ballet.

La Statue Animée

Céphise

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New Orleans Opera Association

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institutional underwriters

thank you New Orleans Opera Association thanks our business, foundation, and government partners for their recent support!

We thank the following business, foundation & government entities for their recent support: The official bank of New Orleans Opera

The official car of New Orleans Opera

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.

$100,000+

$10,000+

$1,000+

Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation Lois & Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Foundation Louisiana Economic Development New Orleans Opera Endowment Fund Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association Bloomberg Philanthropies

Arts Council of New Orleans Entergy Charitable Foundation Greater New Orleans Foundation John Burton Harter Foundation Erik F. Johnsen Family Foundation Lexus of New Orleans LSU Health Sciences Center Foundation Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Family Fund Monteleone Family Foundation National Endowment for the Arts - Artworks Regions Bank

Adams and Reese LLP Consul General of France French American Chamber of Commerce Gulf Coast Bank Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana Kabacoff Family Foundation The Kelly Family Foundation Landis Construction Co, LLC J. Edgar Monroe Foundation The Reily Companies RiverBirch, LLC RosaMary Foundation Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Luther and Zita Templeman Foundation Van der Linden Family Foundation Stephanie M. Varns, CPA Windsor Court Hotel WWNO

$50,000+ Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Arts Fund The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund City of New Orleans Edward Wisner Donation Opera America Innovation Grant

$20,000+ Lois & Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Grand Opera Foundation Louisiana State Arts Council/ Louisiana Division of the Arts National Philanthropic Trust in support of the Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition New Orleans Theater Association The Selley Foundation Fund Estate of Lynette Askin Stillwell Wisdom-Benjamin Foundation

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New Orleans Opera Association

$5,000+ An Anonymous Foundation in support of Opera On Tap – New Orleans Carol B. and Kenneth J. Boudreaux Foundation The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc. J. Scott Chotin Jr. Family Community Fund Ruth U. Fertel Foundation The Helis Foundation V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Fund McCall Fund Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation Peoples Health

We gratefully acknowledge matching gifts from the following institutions: Booth-Bricker Fund Chevron Humankind ExxonMobil Foundation Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation Goldman Sachs Shell Oil Company Foundation

New Orleans Opera is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans and administered by the Arts council of New Orleans; and by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council; and the National Endowment for the Arts ARTWORKS.

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women’s guild

Dear Guild Members, Thank you for the privilege to serve as your President of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association during the 2018-19 season.

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 diverse and amazing women whom 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.

We appreciate you renewing your membership and promise a year packed full of fun, variety and excitement! The Executive Board, Board of Governors, and

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New Orleans Opera Association

Event Committees are diligently working to craft a full calendar for our members.

Our events, planned by our Social Vice President, begin on September 25 with the Past President’s Tea, honoring the amazing women who have served as President of the Women’s Guild since 1947.

Next, we present The Eggnog Party, a not to be missed event, that is beloved by all members. The Eggnog Party is on December 14; remember to wear your favorite festive outfit and join in singing carols around the piano.

In 2019, please make plans to attend the Annual Membership Meeting and our Installation Luncheon which occur in May. Check the calendar for the dates and times.

Fundraising is responsible for large portion of our income, and we hope you will attend our

planned events, which include:” Inaugural Masquerade – “A Haunting Affair” on October 6th at the Guild Home. Costume or Black-Tie attire Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Fashion on March 16th at the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans has a long and rich history of staging operatic performances, dating from 1797. The 2018-19 New Orleans Opera season under the leadership of Maestro Robert Lyall, promises to be full of action, fantasy, love, kidnapping, revenge and of course, death. Please check the calendar for dates of this season’s performances: One to two weeks before each opera performance, Opera Orientations are held at the Guild Home. Our Education Vice Presidents work hard to coordinate food and libations themed to each opera. Maestro

Lyall leads the Orientations with cast members joining in to explain and discuss the roles they play in each opera.

As a Women’s Guild member, you are welcome to tour the Guild Home on any Monday to learn about the rich history of the Home. The Guild Home Vice President and her dedicated team of docents conduct tours every Monday from September through May. Finally, I encourage you to get involved and join a committee, attend our events and support the mission of the Women’s Guild. Thank you again for being a member of this wonderful organization. I look forward to meeting each of you at upcoming meetings and events.

With warm regards,

Karen Villavaso President

2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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opera club

As the President of the New Orleans Opera Club, I want to welcome you to another season of opera in the city with the oldest operatic tradition in the country. The Opera Club is dedicated to the classic New Orleans proposition that opera goes better with great food and great company!

We encourage anyone with an interest in opera to join the New Orleans Opera Club, a support organization for the Opera Association.

The Opera Club is known for its stellar social events. Three times each season, the Club hosts a dinner party to enjoy each other’s company and to meet the stars and artistic staff of the opera about to be performed.

These dinner parties are hosted at the Opera Guild Home on Prytania Street, one of the most beautiful Greek Revival homes in all of the South, with menus from some of the finest catering firms in the city. Maestro Lyall always takes the time to introduce the opera, the stars, and the story, all of which provides a focal point for the evening’s entertainment. The Club also hosts an annual holiday gathering, also in the Guild Home – admittance to this event is separate from club dues, but the beautifully decorated Home and the Opera Club's reasonable cost make it a wonderfully appropriate addition to the Club’s annual activities.

We would love to have you join us as a member. Again this year we open the membership to anyone who purchased a ticket to the Opera last season.

We have limited space, so if you are interested, please call (504) 267-9527 for more information.

“Laissez les Bon Temps Chanter!”

Jayne S. Weiss MD President New Orleans Opera Club

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New Orleans Opera Association

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New Orleans Opera Association

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orchestra and chorus

louisiana philharmonic orchestra Carlos Miguel Prieto, Music Director

James Boyd, Executive Director

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicated to maintaining live symphonic music and a full-scale symphonic orchestra as an integral part of the cultural and educational life of the New Orleans area, the entire state of Louisiana and the Gulf South region. Formed in 1991, the LPO is the only musician-owned and -operated orchestra in the United States and the only full-time professional orchestra in the Gulf South. The LPO offers a full 36-week season with more than 100 performances, including classics, light classics and pops; in addition to educational, family-friendly, park, and outreach concerts in New Orleans and across a multi-parish area. In addition, the LPO collaborates with and provides orchestral support for other cultural and performing arts organizations, including New Orleans Opera Association, Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, New Orleans Ballet Association and Delta Festival Ballet.

Mollie Pate, Principal Josiah Bullach, Assistant Principal Jamie Leff Kevin Winter Mark Trotter^

Piccolo Patti Adams

Oboes Jaren Atherholt*, Principal Jonathan Gentry^, Principal Jane Gabka, Assistant Principal Michael McGowan

Trumpets Vance Woolf, Principal Vacant, Assistant Principal Stephen Orejudos

Trombones

Michael McGowan

Richard Woehrle, Principal Bruce Owen, Assistant Principal Amelia Clingman Valborg Gross Ila Rondeau Catherine Schilling^ Carole Shand Tyler Sieh

Clarinets

Tuba

Cellos

Bass Clarinet

Jonathan Gerhardt, Principal Daniel Lelchuk, Assistant Principal Rachel Hsieh Jeanne Jaubert Kent Jensen David Rosen Dimitri Vychko

John Reeks

Harp

Bassoons

Rachel Van Voorhees Kirschman, Principal

Violas

Concertmaster, Vacant Benjamin Hart, Associate Concertmaster Hannah Yim, Assistant Concertmaster Byron Tauchi, Principal Second Violin Xiao Fu, Assistant Principal Second Violin Qi Cao* Zorica Dimova Judith Armistead Fitzpatrick Eva Liebhaber Janeta Mavrova Kurt Munstedt Elizabeth Overweg Gabriel Platica Yaroslav Rudnytsky Yuki Tanaka Benjamin Thacher Kate Withrow* Sarah Yen

New Orleans Opera Association

French Horns

Vacant, Principal Patti Adams, Assistant Principal Sarah Schettler

Greg Miller, Principal Matt Wright Evan Conroy, Bass Trombone

Violins

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Flutes

Basses David Anderson, Principal William Schettler, Assistant Principal Matthew Abramo* Paul Macres Benjamin Wheeler

English Horn

Christopher Pell*, Principal Stephanie Thompson, Assistant Principal John Reeks

Robert Nuñez, Principal

Timpani Jim Atwood, Principal

E-flat Clarinet

Percussion

Stephanie Thompson

Jacob Powers, Principal Dave Salay

Jack Peña, Principal Benjamin Atherholt*, Assistant Principal Hunter Gordon^, Assistant Principal Michael Matushek

Contrabassoon Benjamin Atherholt* Hunter Gordon^

The string section of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is listed alphabetically and participates in revolving seating. *On leave ^Acting member

The participation of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is supported in part by a generous gift from Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin.

2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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orchestra and chorus

chorus

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Rachel Abbate

Aurora Foster

Aaron Malone

Gregory Robinson

Andrew Aceves

Alex Furtado

Rafiq Mandal

Rebecca Ryan

William Alber

Alan Gandolfi

Rahim Mandal

Amanda Seal

Aaron Ambeau

Olivia Garcia

Matt McCann

Cody Sires

Maureen Bellina

William Gautreaux

Amanda McCarthy

Gloria Singleton

Aaron Berenson

Frederick George

Johnny Missakian

Hillary Smith

Justin Blanchard

Kyle Grubbs

Vicki Moran

Jennilee St. John

Seth Board

Bryton Gunther

Emma Mountcastle

Juliana Starr

Emily Adler Bode

Kerry Hayes

David Murray

Shirley A. Stewart

Mike Cammarata

Christina Hera

Sarah Neal

Guy Tem

Jethro Celestin

Alyssa Hernandez

Pamela Nions

Dylan Tran

Stacy Clement

David Hinton

Philip Nodurft

Karina Valle

Mary Cloud

Richard Hofler

Jesse Nolan

Isabella Vanderhoof

Julie Condy

Fionn Hunter-Green

Jon Marc Olivier

Brandon Wear

Frank Convit

Dustin Johnson

Samuel Ottinger

Abigail White

Claudia Copeland

Allison Joiner

Christian Patterson

Haley Whitney

Cheryl Cummiskey

Alicia Kelley

John T. Patterson

Juan Williams

Lesley DeMartin

Meghan Kessel

Valencia Pleasant

Nicholas Yetter

Carolyn Deyo

Thomas Lin

Hugo Pinto

Zara Zemmels

Anthony Domino

Rachel Looney

Maggie Probst

Candis Zimmerman

Kathryn Domyan

Bill Lopez

Kathy Rehage

Joel Dyson

Kameron Lopreore

James Resch

Fiona Fairhurst

Alex Christian Lucas

Michelle Richards

Bart Folse

Larry Lydon

Kentrell Roberts

New Orleans Opera Association

Subject to Change

2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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staff

team work!

Opera Staff General and Artistic Director Robert Lyall, 504-267-9524 Executive Director Timothy Todd Simmons, 504-267-9523 Support Group Liaison Jenny Chapman, 504-267-9534 Technical Director Keith Christopher, 504-529-2278 ext. 321 Director of Public Relations & Marketing Cameron Eaton, 504-267-9525 Director of Patron Development Bart Folse, 504-267-9532 Patron Services Manager Devin Johnson, 504-267-9521 Business Manager Gina Klein, 504-267-9527 Director of Production Sarah McCall, 504-267-9531 Director of Education William Manning Mouat, 504-267-9535 Chorus Master/Music Administrator Carol Rausch, 504-267-9522 Director of Institutional Giving Joanna Sternberg, 504-267-9526 ITASE Local #39 President Keith Christopher Business Manager Alan Arthur Assistant Lighting Designer Mandi Wood Head Electrician Neil Ingles Deck Electrician Davis Boos Head Fly Cindy Sarao Head Sound Daniel Kobiernicki Head Properties Amber Wolf Head Carpenter Alan Arthur Steward Amy Newman IATSE Local #840 Theatrical Wardrobe Union President Shannon Muhleisen Secretary/Treasurer Lesly Davi Business Agent Bonnie Haase Wardrobe Supervisor/Job Steward Belinda Neal Davi Wig & Makeup Team Designer Linda Guillot Makeup Assistants Amanda Bravender, Lynn Highstreet, John Highstreet, James Rizzuto Wig Assistants Shannon Kinsella, Maggie McGovern, Renee’ Saussaye Intern Riley Tafaro H. Lloyd Hawkins Scenic Studio Technical Director Keith Christopher Properties Master Jonathon Uhlman Carpenter Patrick Gallagher Painter Nathan Arthur 44

New Orleans Opera Association

2018-2019 | NewOrleansOpera.org

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MetroPelican Opera

opera in the classroom... ...and the classroom at the Opera!

MetroPelican Opera, the education/outreach wing of the New Orleans Opera Association, was founded in 1988

by Arthur Cosenza. He chose “Metro” to represent the 7-parish population base of New Orleans, and “Pelican” for the state bird. MetroPelican Opera has subsequently toured throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. In the years since 1988, a variety of programs have been developed in association with this name. Our education performance programs now include Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel and A Celebration in Song. Our interactive elementary and early secondary education programs include Hip-Hopera, Build an Opera and World Opera, and our classroom secondary education programs include Music History and Master Classes. In addition to these, we offer Student Night Out free dress rehearsals for students and chaperones, along with the Donald W. Wood, Sr. Vocal Competition, which takes place each October. In short, our education offerings provide depth and breadth in our outreach to local and regional schools.

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New Orleans Opera Association

calendar of events 2018-19 September

7 Opera Nouvelle French

28 Opening Night Soirée 6 p.m. Mahalia Jackson

Traditions: From Baroque to Classical 7 p.m. Lusher Charter School

30 Brunch – Turandot

8 Patron Party

12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson

30 Community Event – Puccini's Turandot 5 p.m. Armstrong Park

October

– Rameau's Pygmalion 9 p.m. Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré

9 Patron Party – Rameau's Pygmalion 9 p.m. Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré

10 Patron Party

6 Opera Ball

7 p.m. Opera Guild Home

– Rameau's Pygmalion 4 p.m. Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré

10 Opera on Tap – Pygmalion

11 Patron Party

7 p.m. Abita Brew Pub

12 Opera Nouvelle Art Comes to Life: Sculpture in Song 6 p.m. New Orleans Sculpture Garden

14 Community Event – Rameau's Pygmalion 5 p.m. New Orleans Museum of Art

17 Opera on Tap – Pygmalion 7 p.m. Four Points Sheraton

21 Wood Competition 1 p.m. Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University

24 Opera on Tap – Pygmalion 6 p.m. Rusty Nail

24 Mastersigner's Meet and Greet – Rameau's Pygmalion 6 p.m. Location TBD

28 Orientation Roundtable – Rameau's Pygmalion 4 p.m. Opera Guild Home

November 6 Student Night Out

– Rameau's Pygmalion 7 p.m. Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré

– Rameau's Pygmalion 4 p.m. Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré

16 Opera on Tap

6 p.m. New Orleans Museum of Art

21 Opera on Tap

7 p.m. Four Points Sheraton

– Abduction from the Seraglio 7 p.m. Opera Guild Home

27 Orientation Roundtable – Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio 4 p.m. Opera Guild Home

February 6 Student Night Out

– Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio 7 p.m. Mahalia Jackson

Lera Auerbach's The Blind

20 Opera on Tap

Marigny Opera House

2 Mardi Gras Fête 13 Opera on Tap

7 p.m. Abita Brew Pub

18 Big Wig Ball

7 p.m. Opera Guild Home

20 Director's Dinner Meet and Greet – Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio 6 p.m. Windsor Court

Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

11 a.m. Opera Guild Home

4 p.m. Opera Guild Home

– Abduction from the Seraglio 7 p.m. Four Points Sheraton

Thursday, November 8 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 9 7:30 p.m.

Saturday November 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 11 at 2:30 p.m.

– Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Mahalia Jackson

19 Opera on Tap

16 Opera on Tap

Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré

10 Sunday Brunch

March

January

Friday, September 28 at 7:30 Sunday, September 30 at 2:30 p.m.

Rameau's Pygmalion

Children's Opera 1 p.m. Opera Guild Home 7 p.m. Four Points Sheraton

Mahalia Jackson Theater

– Abduction from the Seraglio 6 p.m. Rusty Nail

24 Opera Mardi Gras Party

9 Hansel and Gretel

Puccini's Turandot

30 Opera on Tap

1 Opera Club Holiday Party 7 p.m Opera Guild Home

Shows

26 Opera Club

December

7 p.m. Deutsches Haus

New Orleans Opera Association

– Abduction from the Seraglio 7 p.m. Abita Brew Pub

7 p.m. Four Points Sheraton

21 Opera Nouvelle

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23 Opera on Tap

Mozart's Abduction From The Seraglio Mahalia Jackson Theater Friday, February 8, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.

16 Mad Hatter Luncheon – Save the date!

20 Opera on Tap

7 p.m. Four Points Sheraton

Verdi's Rigoletto

27 Opera on Tap

Mahalia Jackson Theater

29 Opera Nouvelle

Friday, April 26, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.

6 p.m. Rusty Nail

"Innovative Explorations" 7 p.m. Jazz Museum