New Orleans Opera Association - Gala Concert 2022 Program

t er c on C a al G

WELCOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome

3

Board of Directors & Advisory Board

5

Mastersigners

6

Donors

7

Commemorative Gifts

10

Legacy Society

11

Carol Rausch

13

Cast and Creative Team 14 Tonight's Performance 16 The Butterfly Process

18

Thank You!

20

Staff Listing

22

Institutional Underwriters 24 Women’s Guild

25

Sylvain Society

26

Opera Education

27

Sustainer Program

28

Upcoming Events

32

This program is produced for the New Orleans Opera Association by : Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 | myneworleans.com New Orleans Opera Association 2504 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-2278 | Fax (504) 529-7668 neworleansopera.org Executive Editor Janet Wilson Editor Topher Danial Art Director Ali Sullivan Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Production Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Production Designer Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

Dear Friends, During these past weeks and months, when our patience has been tested in so many ways, we are reminded that the power of music cannot be taken for granted. Although we have found opportunities to share the beauty of opera digitally, there is admittedly nothing that compares to the shared experience of being together in the presence of incredible vocal talent. This Gala Concert celebrates operatic works that we can’t get enough of and includes a few perhaps-unfamiliar selections that are sure to delight you as well.

I know you will share my excitement of welcoming the New Orleans Opera Chorus back to the stage for the first time since February 9, 2020—two years ago this weekend!

Additionally, we are proud to announce the productions of the 2022-23 season, and you'll get a special preview of each during the performance which will include one selection from the operas scheduled for the upcoming year.

Of course, none of this would be possible without all of you who support and attend the New Orleans Opera performances—large or small, live or virtual—throughout the year. Your generosity enables us to bring you great performances of the music that we all love.

Thank you so much for being here. Welcome back to the Mahalia Jackson Theater and enjoy the show!

Clare Burovac, NOOA General and Artistic Director

Dwayne O. Littauer, NOOA Board President

Copyright 2022 New Orleans Opera Association and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. © New Orleans Opera Association

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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NOOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer President Ms. Sonya Moore Vice President Mrs. Mary Chapman Albert Mr. Ron Austin Dr. Nicolas Bazan Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Peter Brigandi Mrs. Betty Brooks Mr. Joseph Bruno Ms. Luretta Bybee Mr. Vance Ceaser Mr. A. J. Capritto Mrs. Serafina Charbonnet Mr. Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III

Mrs. Pauline Hardin Secretary Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. Treasurer Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Dr. Patrick J. Dowling Mrs. Diane S. Dupin Mr. Tim Fields Mr. Bruce A. Gordon Ms. Adrea Heebe Mrs. Rania Khodr Mrs. Elizabeth Mahorner Landis Mrs. Christine LeBlanc Mr. Edward F. Martin Mr. Jonathan C. McCall Dr. R. Ranney Mize

Ms. Penny Baumer Development Chair Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr. Immediate Past President Ms. Ann Owens Prof. Cynthia Samuel Mr. Leopold Z. Sher Mr. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mrs. Harry C. (Claire) Stahel Mr. Philip Straub Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine Dr. Rand Voorhies Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Mr. Joseph Young

NOOA ADVISORY BOARD Mrs. Virgene Biggers Mrs. Margie Breeden Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Glaser Broekman Ms. Michelle Butler Dr. Mark Caldwell Mrs. Eileen Capritto Mrs. Kathy Christian Hon. Jacquelyn B. Clarkson Ms. Joan Coulter Dr. R.W. Culver Mr. Georges Daou Mrs. Thomas S. Davidson Mrs. Monique R. Gougisha Doucette Mrs. Betsy Dowling Mr. Brooke Duncan

Dr. Charles Dupin Ms. Marlene Duronslet Mr. Elroy W. Eckhardt Mrs. Melissa Mason Gordon Ms. Amanda Green Mr. Douglas Grundmeyer Mr. Timothy Hemphill Ms. Melissa Hess Mr. Neuville Hotstream Hon. Bernette J. Johnson Ms. Givonna Joseph Mrs. Rose LeBreton Ms. Lisa Leone Mr. Frank Maselli Mrs. Gail McKenna

Dr. Jane Cagan Miller Mrs. Cindy Mistrot Mr. Brian Monk Mrs. Pat Murrell Mr. Ernest L. O’Bannon Dr. Andrew Orestano Prof. Amy Pfrimmer Ms. Ashley Pradel Dr. Byron Scott Dr. Alan E. Sheen Mrs. Sonda Stacey Ms. Rebecca Thomson Dr. Peter M. Tufton Dr. Aysen Young

THANK YOU! New Orleans Opera Association would like to thank all the generous donors who made this season possible.

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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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 November 1, 2020 to the time of this program’s publishing.

Mastersigners ($100,000+) The Estate of J. Robert Pope Mastersigners ($50,000+) Mr. Edward F. Martin Drs. Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Mastersigners Platinum Circle ($25,000+) Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Jay Gulotta and Susan Talley Meredith L. Hathorn and Rawley M. Penick III Mr. John G. Turner and Mr. Jerry G. Fischer Drs. Rand and Terry Voorhies Maestro Circle Mastersigner ($10,000+) Drs. Nicolas & Haydee Bazan Jerry W. Zachary* and Henry Bernstein Mrs. Betty T. Brooks Mr. Tim Fields Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Ms. Adrea Heebe Mr. and Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. Jonathan McCall Mrs. Louise H. Moffett Ann Owens Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Eleanor and Philip Straub Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Mr. Joseph Young Jr. and Dr. Aysen Young

6

New Orleans Opera Association

Sustaining Mastersigners ($7,500+) Ms. Jo-Ann C. Adams Doug and Mary Albert Mr. Vance Ceaser Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Pauline and Allain Hardin Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Z. Sher Mastersigners ($5,000+) Mr.*and Mrs. Herschel Abbott Ms. Penny Baumer Mr. Peter Brigandi Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Bruno Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Capritto Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Dowling Joan Hooper and Julian Feibelman Jr. Prof. Ellen Frohnmayer Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Gordon Rania and Hicham Khodr Mr. and Mrs. V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Mr. Donald I. Levy Ms. Sonya Moore Mr. George A. Rowbottom Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mr. and Mrs. Harry Charles Stahel Mr. and Mrs. James F. Willeford Special Acknowledgement to Mr. Joseph Young Jr. for founding the Mastersigners in 1981.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS 2021-2022 Thank you to our individual donors for the 2021-2022 Opera season.

New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and family foundations for their generous support. This list reflects cumulative donations received from November 1, 2020 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 72-0272897). 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.

Benefactors ($2,000+)

Mr. Bill Banta

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Pettit Jr

Anonymous

Mr. Dorian Bennett

Ms. Ashley Pradel

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Adatto

Mr.* and Mrs. Dale C. Biggers

Dr. Carolyn Clawson Prickett

Beverly M. Boos

Mr. Robert Redfearn

Prof. Luretta Bybee

Dr. Archie W. Brown Jr. and Dr. Andrea S. Brown

Ms. Ann R. Duffy and Mr. John Skinner

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Cadow Robin and Gary Chapman

Mr. Robert Rome

Prof. Robert Force

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Christian

Ms. Joanna Giorlando

Dr. and Mrs. George J. Dechet

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Landis

Eshleman Family

Ms. Kathleen A. Manning

Sarracenia Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mayer

Mr. and Mrs. Dominic J. Gianna

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Pugh III

Dr. and Mrs. Paul Gordon

Mrs. Sally Richardson and Ronald J. Scalise Jr.

Mrs. Jessica Hack

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Scharfenberg

Ms. Sharon Hayes-Roth

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Van Wootten

Timothy and Meghana Hemphill

Earl and Katherine Vaughan

Mr. and Mrs. Win Irwin

Thomas and Rita-May Ward

Dr. Klaus Kallman

Walter and Martha Weil

Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Sinor Jr. Mr. and Mrs. I. William Sizeler Ms. Mary Ann Sternberg Mr. Bernard Van Der Linden Robert and Neil Nolan Young

Ms. Sally E. Richards Mrs. Rita Satawa Mr. and Mrs. Claude A. Schlesinger Mr. Darryl R. Smith Ms. Beth Terry Dr. and Mrs. Peter M. Tufton Ms. Kristen Van Meerveld Hon. Janis Van Meerveld

Rose M. & Edward F. LeBreton III Dr. William Long Mr. Frank Maselli Karen and Frank Milanese

Members ($500+) Mr. and Mrs. Harry G. Barkerding Mr. N. Buckner Barkley Jr.

Patrons ($1,000+)

Jane Cagan and Bruce Miller

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Mitchell

Mr. Howard Bautsch and Mr. Bruce Schluter

Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Arensman

Mr. Ernest L. O'Bannon

Ms. Margie Breeden

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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Ms. Georgia M. Bryant George and Lee Anne Carter Mr. Donald M. Clement

Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Weilbaecher

Margaret Parker

Mrs. Claire L. Whitehurst

Mr. Gerald P. Price

Mary Len and Louis Costa

Ms. Judith Wilks

William Lake Douglas and Debbie De la Houssaye

Mrs. Rosemary Zuppardo

Mr. Norton Wisdom

Ms. Marlene Duronslet Ms. Karen Early Ms. Deborah Fagan Jill B. Fatzer Dr. Erin O'Sullivan Fleming Dr. and Mrs. Juan Gershanik Marian M. and Lawrence C. Gibbs Dr. Robert Hammer Seth Harris and Julie Schwam Harris Mrs. Annette Hudson Bernard M. Jaffe M.D. Mr. Alex Kelber Ms. Lisa Leone

Mr. and Mrs. J. Wayne Anderson

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shefsky

Mr. and Mrs. John Ariail

Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Sloan

Mrs. Ann Babington

Mrs. Betty Speyrer

Ms. Cherry Bordelon

Ms. Stephanie M. Varns

Dr. Michael Boucree

Mrs. Elizabeth S. Viener

Ms. Kate Fagan Burgun

Ms. Andrea J. Wilkes

Clare Burovac and Chris Mattaliano

Mr. Arthur G.W. Wisdom

Mrs. Dianne L. Caverly Mr. Edgar L. "Dooky" Chase III Hon. Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson

Mr. Brooke Duncan

Ms. Cynthia Molyneux Mr. Benjamin Motion Mrs. Joan Oppenheim

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Reeves Dr. Janet L. Schmid

Regina Matthews

Dr. and Mrs. David H. Mielke

Carol Rausch Mr. Anthony M. Rotolo

Mrs. Frances Cordell

Dr. Christopher Merritt

Kay Radlauer

Supporters ($250+)

Ronald and Maline Levy-Berenger Ms. Norma McClain

Dr. and Mrs. John T. Patterson

John Stone Coulter Fund Ms. Camille Durkin Ms. Debra L. Fagnano Ms. Jody Fhal Drs. Annette and Julio Figueroa Joan and Henry Folse Mrs. Jacqueline Gamble

Friends ($150+) Ms. Paula Armbruster Mr. Matt Baines Ms. Ellen Bellone Ms. Felicia Burkes Mr. Michael Calhoun Daniel and Lisa Carroll Ms. Constance P. Cowart Tony Currera Ms. Charla Duhe Patricia Dunbar Murrell Mr. Wendell Eatherly

Dr. Mary Frances Gardner

Elroy and Judy Eckhardt Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Edmiston

Mr. And Mrs. Elliott Raisen

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lanaux Grundmeyer

Kenneth and Melanie Ehrlich

Ms. Emilie Rhys

Ms. Amanda Helm

Dr. Maria J. Falco

Mrs. Katherine Roane

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Hummel

Mr. John Ford

Dr. and Mrs. James W. Robinson

Mr. Arthur M. Kastler

Mr. Alan Gandolfi

Mrs. Angela Speyrer

Ms. Sonia Kenwood

Ms. Elizabeth Gottfried

Dr. and Mrs. Olivier Thelin

Ms. Mandie Landry

Ms. Louise Hobson

Ms. Yvonne Vonderhaar

Michael Mancuso

Ms. Givonna Joseph

Mr. Raymond Washington

Mrs. Carol Marx

Mr. Robert E. Leake Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark G. Otts Julie Pfeffer

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New Orleans Opera Association

Mr. Christian Lilje

Mr. Ronald Durnford

Ms. Virginia Timan

Elizabeth Liu

Colonel Bruce J. Elliott

Dr. Virginia Vehaskari

Ms. Joanne Mantis

Sybil M. and D. Blair* Favrot Family Fund

Mr. Richard Velkley

Betsy Fischer Martin

Ms. Carmelite Wellman

Mrs. Sarah Jane McMahon Mr. Kenneth Newburger Mr. Eric Nye Ms. Lillian Samardzija Jon and Sue Scharff Mrs. Margaret Shields

Mrs Charles Goodyear J.C. and J.C. Harmon Shirley Henderson Ms. Joan Hoffman

Eric and Regina Wedig Dr. and Mrs. Harold Young *deceased

Mrs. Diana Stieffel

Ms. Betty Karam

Ms. Kathleen Williams

Ms. Monique Kennedy

Elizabeth and Courtney Wilson

Edwin King

Janet Wilson

Mr. Neil Kleinberg

Dr. Lawrence and Joan Zaslow

Thomas F. Kramer, MD

Welcome to our first 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.

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Kramer

Mr. Alex Aho

$75 for the 75th ($75+)

Mr. Norman Krasne

Ms. Margie Breeden

Raymond and Rebecca Aceto

Jacquelyn Lothschuetz

Mrs. Xiomara Brewster

Mr. & Mrs. Allain C. Andry, III

Ms. Judith Lubcher

Ms. Clare Burovac

Ms. Christel Antonellis

Mrs. S. Ann Mahorner

Ms. Melissa Burovac

Anthony Bentley

Mr. Chester Morrison

George and Lee Anne Carter

David and Lee Bergeron

Dr. Lynne Neitzschman

Mr. Tony Currera

Ms. Angelle Bergeron

Ms. Sophia Pappas

Mr. And Mrs. Ed Edmiston

Judith and Thomas Bonner

Janice Piazza

Dr. Mary Frances Gardner

Ms. Anne Bradburn

Mr. Gerald Price

Mr. Bruce Giaimo

Mark Klyza and Suzanne Butler

Mr. Felix Rando

Ms. Amanda Hembree

Ms. Susan Canavello

Ravi Rau

Ms. Gina Klein

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Carey

Virginia Roddy

Mr. Norman Krasne

Leslie Castay

Mr. George Sanchez Sr.

Mr. Robert Lyall

Dr. Francis E. Cole

Ms. Sally S. Scheuermann

Ms. Rebecca Moseley

Ms. Marcia Cooke

Ms. Helen L. Schneidau

Ms. Mary Penn

Ms. Judith Cooper

Drs. John and Sylvia Schneller

Ms. Hallie Sheck

Dr. Raquel Cortina

Dolores Shank-Samiec

Mr. Terrence Sims

Dana Criswell Cruthirds

Dr. and Mrs. David E. Simmons

Mr. Alan Smason

Chuck J. Cucchiara

Mr. B. Todd Sitzman

Ms. Bianca Spears

Mr. Matthew Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Spansel

Mr. And Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV

Crystal Domreis

Ms. Jacqueline Sperier

Mr. And Mrs. Rodney Stieffel

Ms. Laura J. Donnaway

Ms. Joanna Sternberg

Mr. Justin von Andersson

Stephanie Doughty

Dr. Nia K. Terezakis

Ms. Janet Wilson

Mr. B. Todd Sitzman

Ms. Elaine T Hymel

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS In Loving Memory of: Patrick Breeden Margie Breeden Patricia Price Gerald Price Enoch J. Donaldson Janice Grijns Mercedes Vulliet Bonner Judith and Thomas Bonner Dale Biggers Elizabeth and Courtney Wilson Jules Bellone Ellen Bellone Yvonne Coe Mrs. Charles Kunz Guillermo Nanez-Falcon Margaret Shields Carolyn Clawson Prickett Mr. Edward F. Martin Deirdre P. Long Dr. William Long Marilyn Crilley Mr. George Rowbottom Evelyn LeJeune Katherine Roane Daniel J. Carroll Jr. Ms. Evelyn Arduini Daniel and Lisa Carroll Mr. Andrew Doran Mr. John Downer Phil Frohnmayer Ellen Frohnmayer Susan Caven Wisdom Mr. Norton Wisdom Ms. Trevor Wisdom Joan Ingram Ms. Jean Rice Rick Skelding Mrs. Carol Weiner Irene Klinger Mr. Jim Eddy

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New Orleans Opera Association

Hill Carter Riddle Mrs. Anne Riddle*

Ted and Sonda Stacey Patricia Manning Sharpe

Jerry Hudson Mr. and Mrs. Philip Straub

Dr. Valerie Francis Dr. Raquel Cortina

John and Julia Newsham Ms. Sally N. Inglis

Clare Burovac Mr. Matthew Baines Ms. Marilyn Crilley* George and Lee Anne Carter Dr. and Mrs. George J. Dechet Ms. Karen Early Mr. Robert Fischer Mr. Norman Krasne Drs. Fernando and Delores Leon Mr. Chris Mattaliano Mr. Jeffrey Thede

Karen Kalin Mrs. Julie Condy Diane Bennett Hammer MD Dr. Robert Hammer J. Robert Pope Mrs. Patricia Blair Emmet Geary Jr. Mrs. Barbara Kroeze Mrs. Carolyn McIntyre

In Honor of:

Robert Lyall Ray and Rebecca Aceto Mary and Doug Albert Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Dorian Bennett Anthony Bentley Betty Brooks Leslie Castay Dr. Bernard Jaffe Jonathan McCall Drs. Emel Songu and Ranney Mize Philip and Eleanor Straub Beth Terry Janet Wilson Janis van Meerveld Audrey Fowler J.C. and J.C. Harmon Ted Martin Mr. Howard Thompson Mr. Kenneth Newburger Jim and Elizabeth Landis William Lake Douglas and Debbie de la Houssaye Sonda Stacey Ms. Elizabeth Liu Janet Wilson Robert Lyall

Clare Burovac and Chris Mattaliano Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burovac Oliver Wilson-Ramos and Monty Ramos Janet Wilson Joanna Sternberg Mary Ann Sternberg Joan Oppenheim Jon and Sue Scharff Mrs. John Dunlap Jr. Alma & Bob Pettit Mr. and Mrs. Louis Freeman Alma & Bob Pettit Mrs. Susan Peters Alma & Bob Pettit Mrs. Robert A. Schimek Alma & Bob Pettit Mrs. Guy Wootan Alma & Bob Pettit Mr. and Mrs. James Bean Alma & Bob Pettit Zara Zemmels Dr. Elizabeth Zemmels New Orleans Louisiana Saints and New Orleans Pelicans Jay Gulotta and Susan Talley People of the City of New Orleans Alex Aho

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 October 2021 Anonymous (2) Drs. Stephen J. & Miriam R. Bensman Dr. Patricia Cook Dr. Maria J. Falco Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Ms. Jacqueline Mae Goldberg Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Robert Lyall Louise* & Ted Martin Drs. Emel Songu & 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 2008-2021 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 H. 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

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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"We are Back!"

An Interview with Chorus Master and Music Administrator, Carol Rausch

by Amrita Vijayaraghavan and Andrew Stephens Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue(sy). This year's New Orleans Opera Gala will showcase an array of repertoire that displays the dramatic splash that a full operatic chorus brings to the stage. The program offers a delightful combination of what Chorus Master Carol Rausch calls “knock-em sockem familiar hits,” including classic showpieces from the quintessential opera canon, in combination with “refreshing, contemporary” offerings that have not before been heard on New Orleans Opera stages. Along with guest solo artists, the chorus will present a night of rollicking entertainment that showcases the incredible power of the human voice.

The opera chorus is a classical mainstay, dating from opera's origins in 16th century Florence, Italy. From peasants to priests, rebellious mobs to orderly processions, the opera chorus plays the roles of arbiter, narrator, drinking buddy, and congregant, among others. Even in contemporary works, the chorus remains an exciting element in opera that supports the story and the soloists—and provides grandiose dramatic flair—in ways only the combination of human voices in concert with one another, en masse, can do.

Rausch describes the special aural contours of the opera chorus as a “fuller, lustier sound with full vibrato.” Their job, Rausch explains, is to project the text in a larger-than-life way for the dramatic demands of the theatre. The chorus’s musical interpretation needs to be dramatically tied to the text, with emotional authenticity that plays to every seat in the house. New Orleans Opera’s chorus members need to possess particular skills: chiefly that of collective singing, which presents very different challenges than solo or duet singing. To sound like one—whether in a moment of a choral spotlight or in supporting a soloist as a sort of operatic “doo-wop” accompaniment—the chorus members must keep their wits about them at all

times and listen with an unwavering focus to their cohorts. As Rausch counsels her singers before every New Orleans Opera performance: “Never go on autopilot!” If that weren’t enough, New Orleans Opera chorus members must often have other skills such as dancing, stage combat, or specialized language skills in staged productions.

Despite the formidable requirements, it is no wonder that a city of New Orleans’s storied musical heritage offers a deep roster of chorus members from all ages and walks of life. The local talent that makes up the New Orleans Opera chorus ranges from college freshmen to septuagenarians.

Boasting students from local universities (Loyola, Tulane, UNO, Xavier, and others), as well as working adults from across industries (professionals, administrators, retail workers, teachers—and even more idiosyncratic professions such as racetrack announcer and professional clown!)—the chorus draws upon a city steeped in musical culture as well as the rich tradition of church singing in New Orleans, where the sacred and secular have always rubbed shoulders. For Rausch, the chorus must represent a “slice of life.” Audiences should look to the stage and see a chorus reflecting both a visual and vocal diversity to convey the chorus’s universality within the operatic tradition.

After a 24-month hiatus, the New Orleans Opera Chorus returns to the stage for this exultant, celebratory Gala performance. Because of the global pandemic, a performance of this scale and density of performers on stage has long been denied to us, the audience, and our performers.

Welcoming the New Orleans Opera Chorus back to the stage signals a comforting return to norms and signals growth in the size and scale of production that New Orleans Opera can achieve in the Mahalia Jackson Theater. As Rausch simply and happily puts it: “We are back!” And we, the opera audiences of New Orleans, couldn’t be happier to hear it.

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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GALA CONCERT CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

SOLOISTS

Lauren Michelle

John Moore

Recently: • Anna, The Seven Deadly Sins, Teatro alla Scala • Jessie, Mahagonny Songspiel, Teatro alla Scala • Concert performance, Teatro di San Carlo Upcoming: • Tatyana, Eugene Onegin, Opera Omaha • Mimi, La bohème, Spoleto Festival USA • Mimi, La bohème, Boston Lyric Opera

Recently: • Steve Jobs, (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Santa Fe Opera (World Premiere) • Count Almaviva, Le nozze di Figaro, New Zealand Opera • Frank Lloyd Wright, Shining Brow, Arizona Opera Upcoming: • Steve Jobs, (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Atlanta Opera • Jess, A Thousand Acres, Des Moines Metro Opera (World Premiere) • Rasheed, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Seattle Opera (World Premiere)

Emily Treigle

Chauncey Packer

Recently: • Mere Jeanne, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Houston Grand Opera • Savitri (cover), Savitri, Wolf Trap Opera • L'enfant (cover), L’enfant et les Sortiléges, Rice University Upcoming: • Gertrude, Romeo et Juliette, Houston Grand Opera • Mistress Quickly (cover), Falstaff, Aspen Music Festival

Recently: • Robbins/CrabMan, Porgy and Bess, Metropolitan Opera • Spinner, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, Metropolitan Opera • Scalia, Scalia/Ginsburg: The Opera, Chautauqua Opera Upcoming: • Spinner, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, Lyric Opera of Chicago • Soloist, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Orchestra Iowa • Cavaradossi, Tosca, Chautauqua Opera

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New Orleans Opera Association

FEATURING

Imani Francis Carol Rausch, Chorus Master

Robert Lyall, Conductor

Irini Kyriakidou

Reign Zurri

SOPRANO

Maureen Bellina Caroline Boudreaux Julie Condy Lesley DeMartin Carrie Deyo Joel C. Dyson Alyssa Hernandez Brigid Higgins Rachel Looney Vicki Moran Kathy Rehage Rebecca Ryan Vickie R. Thomas Julia Tuneberg Karina Valle Isabella Vanderhoof Allison Waguespack

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

ALTO

Emily Bode Claudia Copeland Olivia Garcia Olivia Gilbert Rebeckah Gordon-Kirk Amanda McCarthy Valencia Pleasant Samantha Resser Sofia Riggio Juliana Starr Shirley A. Stewart Jane Wear

TENOR

William Alber Seth Board Mike Cammarata Jethro Celestin Bart Folse Alex Furtado Alan Gandolfi

Frederick George Thomas Lin Larry Lydon Jeffrey Newell Hugo Pinto Michael Robillard Mark-Anthony Thomas Brandon Wear Juan Luis Williams

BARITONE/BASS Eric Anderson Richard Hofler Jacob Huffty Fionn Hunter-Green Jacob Jenkins Alex-Christian Lucas Rafiq Mandal Scott McDonough Justin Missakian Nathaniel Richard Nicholas Yetter

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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t er c on C a al G Music and Libretto by Various Masters

Soloists

Conducted by Robert Lyall, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair

Emily Treigle, Mezzo-soprano

Lauren Michelle, Soprano Chauncey Packer, Tenor John Moore, Baritone Featuring Irini Kyriakidou, Soprano Imani Francis, Soprano Reign Zurri, Soprano With The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Creative Team Carol Rausch, Chorus Master, Music Administrator, Rehearsal Pianist Mandi Wood, Lighting Designer Sarah McCall, Production Manager Keith Christopher, Technical Director Emily Barber, Stage Manager Olivia Winter, COVID Compliance Officer Olivia Winter, Props Coordinator Meg Frazier, Supertitles Prompter

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New Orleans Opera Association

Program Overture from Candide..........................................................................................Leonard Bernstein Coro di Zingari (Anvil Chorus) from Il trovatore................................................. Giuseppe Verdi “Au fond du temple saint” from Les pêcheurs de perles...................................Georges Bizet “Addio, addio, o miei sospiri” from Orfeo et Euridice.................. Christoph Willibald Gluck “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco..................................................................................... Giuseppe Verdi “È strano!...Ah! fors’è lui…Sempre libera” from La traviata................................. Giuseppe Verdi “Kogda bi zhizn domashnim krugom” from Eugene Onegin............. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky “A Real Slow Drag” from Treemonisha...... Words & Music by Scott Joplin, arr. Rick Benjamin “Our Beautiful Country” from Cold Mountain......................................................Jennifer Higdon “Dein is mein ganzes Herz” from Das Land des Lächelns..................................... Franz Lehár “Ain’t it a pretty night” from Susannah.......................................................................Carlisle Floyd “Gloria all’Egitto, ad Iside” (Triumphal March) from Aida.................................. Giuseppe Verdi Additional selections to be announced from the stage.

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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THE BUTTERFLY PROCESS

Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) was originally scheduled to produce Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in Fall 2020. As planning commenced, BLO began conversations with Butterfly artists, staff, and community in early 2021, aiming to reexamine the history and legacy of this opera in light of ongoing uncertainty of returning to live performances at the time, alongside heightened racism toward Asian communities.

BLO engaged Phil Chan, co-founder and author of Final Bow for Yellowface, as a partner in developing and facilitating this discussion series, including interviews and panel discussions with guest speakers, artists, and scholars that address issues presented by Madama Butterfly.

New Orleans Opera partnered with BLO in Janaury 2022 and you are invited to join us for the remaining conversations and to view previous ones.

More information on our website! www.neworleansopera.org

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New Orleans Opera Association

GALA CONCERT SPONSORSHIPS 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.

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New Orleans Opera Association

STAFF

NOOA

IATSE STAFF

Staff

IATSE Local #39

Clare Burovac, General & Artistic Director

Keith Christopher, President

Gina Klein, Director of Operations

Alan Arthur, Business Manager

Artistic & Production Keith Christopher, Technical Director Sarah McCall, Director of Production Carol Rausch, Chorus Master / Music Administrator Development Joanna Sternberg, Director of Development Megan Franich, Major Gifts Officer Courtney Randall, Development Operations & Special Events Coordinator Community Partnerships & Education Tara Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships & Education Marketing, Communications & Audience Experience Janet Wilson, Director of External Affairs

Mandi Wood, Lighting Designer IATSE Local #840 Theatrical Wardrobe Union Shannon Muhleisen, President Lesly Davi, Secretary / Treasurer Bonnie Haase, Business Agent Lesly Davi, Wardrobe

H. LLOYD HAWKINS

SCENIC STUDIO

Devin Johnson, Patron Services Manager

Keith Christopher, Technical Director

` Marketing Coordinator Dylan Trân,

Olivia Winter, Props Coordinator

Jenny Chapman, Support Group Liaison

Keith Tujaque, Carpenter

Robert Lyall, General Director Emeritus

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New Orleans Opera Association

Nathan Arthur, Painter

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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INSTITUTIONAL UNDERWRITERS THANK YOU! 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.

$100,000+

$5,000+

Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Foundation Louisiana Economic Development New Orleans Opera Endowment Fund

An Anonymous Foundation in support of Opera on Tap-New Orleans Carol B. and Kenneth J. Boudreaux Foundation Goldring Family Foundation and Woldenberg Foundation Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities National Endowment for the Arts New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation Wm. B. Reily & Company, Inc. Luzianne Tea and French Market Coffee WWOZ

$50,000+ The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Family Fund Erik F. Johnsen Family Foundation

$20,000+ Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Grand Opera Foundation Louisiana State Arts Council/ Louisiana Division of the Arts New Orleans Theater Association The Selley Foundation Fund

$10,000+ Bloomberg Philanthropies City of New Orleans/ACNO Entergy Charitable Foundation Greater New Orleans Foundation V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Fund Lexus of New Orleans McCall Fund Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation Wisdom-Benjamin Foundation

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New Orleans Opera Association

$1,000+ The Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation Community Works of Louisiana Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund Peoples Health Renaissance Publishing Ruth U. Fertel Foundation Sarracenia Foundation Van der Linden Family Foundation WWNO

We gratefully acknowledge matching and in-kind(*) gifts from the following institutions: Applied Materials Foundation Booth Bricker Fund ExxonMobil Foundation Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation Martin Wine Cellar* MDRG (Market Dynamics Research Group, Inc.)* Merck Foundation New Orleans Museum of Art* Shell Oil Company Foundation Stephanie Varns, CPA* Windsor Court Hotel*

WOMEN’S GUILD

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.

The Guild Home is available for private events. Please contact Karen Villavaso at 504 453-7051 or Jenny Chapman at 504 267-9534 for availability and information.

2021-2022 Officers President – Sonda Stacey

Historian – Laura Franklin

Guild Home VP – Amanda Green

Recording Secretary – Sonya David

Architectural/Restoration VP – Stephanie Sheridan

Financial Secretary – Margie Breeden

Social VP – Karen Milanese

Corresponding Secretary – Jeanne Charlebois

Fundraising VP – Erin Fleming

Security VP – Kathleen Roberts

Education VP – Rebecca Moseley

Administrative VP – Joanne Mantis

Membership VP – Laura Franklin

Special Advisor – Virginia Eckholdt

Treasurer – Penny Baumer

Parliamentarian – Andrea Wilkes

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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SYLVAIN SOCIETY

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.

Sylvain Society membership is free for anyone age 21-45 and includes invitations to cultural events and membership mixers around the city.

Sylvain Society’s name is an ode to André Grétry’s “Sylvain” opera, the first documented opera performed in New Orleans at the Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre on May 22, 1796.

2021-2022 Steering committee: Amanda Credeur Tricia Barrera Bianca Spears Ava McClain

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New Orleans Opera Association

OPERA EDUCATION

Teachers and Students: Join us for Student Night Out! Sponsored by the Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund Through the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to provide FREE tickets to our fullystaged dress rehearsals to students! Visit our website to request Student Night Out tickets for your school group or community-based organization. We can provide one (1) free chaperone ticket for every five (5) students who are confirmed to attend. Sign up on our website at www.neworleansopera.org/student-night-out.

Classroom Programming Community safety is New Orleans Opera’s top priority for the 2021-2022 season. Until COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have eased further, our classroom-based programs have been temporarily replaced with programming that will enable students to learn about singing and opera from the comfort of their classroom or at home. Learn all about it on our website at www.neworleansopera.org/education

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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BECOME A FOUNDING SUSTAINER

NEW ORLEANS OPERA SUSTAINER PROGRAM

What is an Opera Sustainer?

Sustainers are individuals who have committed to contribute at least $10 or more per month and who ensure that: • Hundreds of local artists and artisans can collaborate, practice and perform together to bring beautiful productions to the stage.

• Classrooms across the greater metro area have access to educational workshops, performances, and programs throughout the year.

• Cultural enrichment remains a priority and reflects the rich diversity of our community.

What will you receive as a Founding Sustainer of the New Orleans Opera?

• $10/ month: Invitation to annual Opera Sustainer party at the Opera Guild Home.

• $20/month: Free beverage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater (​Plus, an invitation to the party.)

• $41.67/month: Your voice matters! Become a voting Member of the Association.

(Plus, an invitation to the party and a drink ticket.)

Sign up today at www.neworleansopera.org

There are many other ways to get involved from sponsoring artists or productions to underwriting special events, to funding educational programs, to including us in your estate plans. Contact the Development Department for additional information: (504) 267-9526.

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New Orleans Opera Association

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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WOMEN'S GUILD

March 29, 2022 Patron Party - 10:30 AM Luncheon - 11:30 AM Tickets online at www.neworleansopera.org or by calling (504) 529-2278 ext. 234

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New Orleans Opera Association

UPCOMING EVENTS

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s ’ i n i cc Pu

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Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 Friday, April 1, 2022 | 7:30pm Sunday April 3, 2022 | 2:30pm Running Time 2 HOURS, 15 MINUTES Music by GIACOMO PUCCINI Libretto by LUIGI ILLICA and GIUSEPPE GIACOSA Directed by FENLON LAMB Conducted by JOSEPH COLANERI

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New Orleans Opera Association

Music performed by THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Sung in Italian with English supertitles