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WELCOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome New Orleans Opera Board of Directors and Advisory Board LPO Board of Directors Mastersigners Four Operas Individual Donors Opera Remembers Legacy Society Production Team Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Players Tonight's Performance: Die Walküre Cast and Creative Team Synopsis The Experience of One Act Staff Institutional Underwriters Women's Guild Sylvain Society Education Wood Vocal Competition Upcoming Events

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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

Dear Friends, Welcome back! After nearly 18 months of not having indoor arts and culture, this ability to gather in person — and on this scale — feels like a homecoming. We cannot think of a better way to bring our community back together than this special collaboration between the New Orleans Opera and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for the presentation of the first act of Wagner’s Die Walküre. The thrill of live music has never been more anticipated.

Words cannot express our gratitude for your support over the last year and a half. Your patience, understanding, and flexibility have shown that the arts can endure through the most unusual circumstances.

These last months challenged us to find ways to bring the power of live music into your homes and to unconventional spaces. Now, the return to presenting live music brings us together even more as a vibrant and resilient community. It is an honor to continue our mission of bringing the very best of our art forms to you.

Please join NOOA and the LPO for our upcoming seasons as we present incredible local, regional, and national talents. Our respective performances feature music from Puccini and Beethoven, stories about Josephine Baker and James Baldwin, and so much more. It will be a year of great celebration and joy for both organizations.

It’s great to be together again. Thank you for being here — today and always.

Clare Burovac, NOOA General and Artistic Director

Anwar Nasir, LPO Executive Director

Dwayne O. Littauer, NOOA Board President

Bernard Jaffe, M.D., LPO Board President

Executive Editor Janet Wilson Editor Topher Danial Art Director Ali Sullivan Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Production Manager Rosa Balaguer Production Designer Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne Copyright 2021 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

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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NOOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer President Ms. Sonya Moore Vice President Mrs. Pauline Hardin Secretary

Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. Treasurer Ms. Penny Baumer Development Chair Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr. Immediate Past President

Mrs. Mary Chapman Albert

Mr. Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III

Dr. R. Ranney Mize

Mr. Ron Austin

Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr.

Ms. Ann Owens

Dr. Nicolas Bazan

Dr. Patrick J. Dowling

Prof. Cynthia Samuel

Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin

Mrs. Diane S. Dupin

Mr. Leopold Z. Sher

Mr. Peter Brigandi

Mr. Tim Fields

Mr. Alfred E. Stacey IV

Mrs. Betty Brooks

Ms. Adrea Heebe

Mrs. Harry C. (Claire) Stahel

Mr. Joseph Bruno

Mrs. Rania Khodr

Mr. Philip Straub

Ms. Luretta Bybee

Mrs. Elizabeth Mahorner Landis

Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine

Mr. Vance Ceaser

Mrs. Christine LeBlanc

Dr. Rand Voorhies

Mr. A. J. Capritto

Mr. Edward F. Martin

Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood

Mrs. Serafina Charbonnet

Mr. Jonathan C. McCall

Mr. Joseph Young

NOOA ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Dale C. Biggers

Mr. Brooke Duncan

Mrs. Gail McKenna

Mrs. Virgene Biggers

Dr. Charles Dupin

Dr. Jane Cagan Miller

Mrs. Margie Breeden

Ms. Marlene Duronslet

Mrs. Cindy Mistrot

Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Glaser Broekman

Mr. Elroy W. Eckhardt

Mr. Brian Monk

Ms. Michelle Butler

Mrs. Melissa Mason Gordon

Mrs. Pat Murrell

Dr. Mark Caldwell

Ms. Amanda Green

Mr. Ernest L. O’Bannon

Mrs. Eileen Capritto

Mr. Douglas Grundmeyer

Dr. Andrew Orestano

Mrs. Kathy Christian

Mr. Timothy Hemphill

Prof. Amy Pfrimmer

Hon. Jacquelyn B. Clarkson

Ms. Melissa Hess

Ms. Ashley Pradel

Mrs. Loretta Corbett

Mr. Neuville Hotstream

Dr. Byron Scott

Ms. Joan Coulter

Hon. Bernette J. Johnson

Dr. Alan E. Sheen

Dr. R.W. Culver

Ms. Givonna Joseph

Mrs. Sonda Stacey

Mr. Georges Daou

Mrs. Rose LeBreton

Ms. Rebecca Thomson

Mrs. Thomas S. Davidson

Ms. Lisa Leone

Dr. Peter M. Tufton

Mrs. Monique R. Gougisha Doucette

Mr. Frank Maselli

Dr. Aysen Young

Mrs. Betsy Dowling

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New Orleans Opera Association

LPO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Bernard M. Jaffe Board President Kevin Winter Orchestra President Lt. Col. Dwight R. Mcghee, USAF (Ret.) Immediate Past President Hannah Yim Immediate Past Orchestra President Charlotte Lewis Board Vice President Mark Trotter Orchestra Vice President Ben Hart Secretary Joe Toups Treasurer Michael Matushek Assistant Treasurer

* Life Trustees

Jim Atwood Adelaide Benjamin* Valerie Besthoff Julie F. Breitmeyer Anne Gauthier Ana Gershanik Stephen W. Hales, M.D.* William Hess Angela Hill Dotty S. Jacobs Timothy Kelly Paul J. Leaman, Jr. Hugh Long Paul Macres Edward F. Martin Jonathan McCall R. Ranney Mize, Ph.D.* Elizabeth Overweg Bruce Owen

Jack Pena Dr. E. Quinn Peeper Courtney-Anne Sarpy Sarah Schettler Josette Seifert Bruce Soltis Susan Talley Catherine Tremaine Ex Officio: Julia Milrod - Prelude Council Chair Barbara Sands - LPO Volunteers President Anwar Nasir - Executive Director Carlos Miguel Prieto - Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Music Director and Principal Conductor Of Counsel: Julie Livaudais

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

Die Walküre, Act One | 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.

$100,000+ The Estate of J. Robert Pope 50,000+ Mr. Edward F. Martin Platinum Circle ($25,000+) Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Jerry W. Zachary* & Henry Bernstein Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr. & Mrs. Susan Talley Mrs. Meredith Hathorn & Mr. Rawley M. Penick III Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize Drs. Rand & Terry Voorhies Maestro Circle ($10,000+) Drs. Nicolas & Haydee Bazan Mrs. Betty T. Brooks Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Allain Hardin Ms. Adrea D. Heebe Mr. & Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Mr. Donald I. Levy Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. Jonathan C. McCall Mrs. Louise H. Moffett Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Mr. & Mrs. Philip Straub Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine Mr. Joseph Young and Dr. Aysen Young

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New Orleans Opera Association

Sustaining ($7,500+) Mr. Vance Ceaser Mr. Tim Fields Mr. & Mrs. Leopold Z. Sher Mr. John G. Turner & Mr. Jerry G. Fischer $5,000+ Mrs. Herschel Abbott Ms. Jo-Ann C. Adams Mr. & Mrs. Doug Albert Ms. Penny Baumer Mr. Peter R. Brigandi Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bruno Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Capritto Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Dowling Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Mr. Julian Feibelman Mrs. Ellen Frohnmayer Mr. & Mrs. Bruce A. Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Hicham Khodr Ms. Sonya Moore Ms. Ann Owens Mr. George Rowbottom Mr. & Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mr. & Mrs. Harry C. Stahel Special Acknowledgement to Mr. Joseph Young Jr. for founding the Mastersigners in 1981.

FOUR OPERAS We wish to thank the following individuals who contributed to a special Four Operas Campaign organized by Mr. Edward F. Martin. It is because of his leadership and the contributions of these donors that we were able to present our 2020-21 season.

Mr.* & Mrs. Herschel Abbott Mr. Peter R. Brigandi Jr. Mr. Mark Caldwell Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Capritto Mr. Vance Ceaser Ms. Kathy Christian Mr. Donald Clement Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Mr. Tim Fields Prof. Robert Force Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Jay Gulotta & Susan Talley Pauline & Allain Hardin Ms. Adrea D. Heebe Mr. & Mrs. Scott Howard Mr. & Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Mr. & Mrs. V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. Edward F. Martin Mr. Jonathan McCall Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize

Mrs. Louise H. Moffett Ms. Sonya Moore Ms. Ann Owens Mr. Vernon Palmer Mr. J. Robert Pope* Nina & Lawrence Pugh Mr. Robert Redfearn Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Ron Scalise & Sally Richardson Karen & Leopold Sher Jane & William Sizeler Mr. & Mrs. Harry Charles Stahel Eleanor & Philip Straub Mr. Howard Thompson Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine The Honorable Janis van Meerveld Drs. Rand & Terry Voorhies Mr. & Mrs. James Willeford Jerry W. Zachary* & Henry Bernstein *deceased

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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INDIVIDUAL DONORS 2020-2021 Thank you to all of our individual donors for the 2020-2021 Opera season.

New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and family foundations for their generous support. This list reflects donations received from July 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+) Anonymous Mrs. Alvin J. Boos Prof. Luretta Bybee Mr. Robert Force Ms. Joanna Giorlando Mr. & Mrs. James C. Landis Ms. Kathleen Manning Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mayer Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Pugh III Mrs. Sally Richardson & Ronald J. Scalise Jr. Dr. & Mrs. John C. Scharfenberg Mr. & Mrs. Howard E. Sinor Jr. Mr. & Mrs. I. William Sizeler Ms. Mary Ann Sternberg Mr. & Mrs. James F. Willeford Patrons ($1,000+) Anonymous Dr. Kenneth Adatto Dr. & Mrs. Robert M. Arensman Mr. Bill Banta Mr. Dorian Bennett Mr. & Mrs. Dale C. Biggers Dr. Andrea S. Brown Mr. Ralph Cadow Robin & Gary Chapman Dr. George J. Dechet

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New Orleans Opera Association

Mr. Roch Eshleman Mr. & Mrs. Robert Fischer Mr. & Mrs. Louis Freeman Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Gianna Dr. & Mrs. Paul Gordon Ms. Jessica Hack Ms. Sharon Hayes Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Hemphill Mr. Scott Howard Dr. Klaus Kallman Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. LeBreton III Dr. William Long Mr. Frank Maselli Frank and Karen Milanese Dr. Jane Cagan Miller & Mr. Bruce Miller Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Mitchell Mr. Max Nathan, Jr.* Mr. Ernest L. O'Bannon Ms. Ashley Pradel Dr. Carolyn Clawson Prickett Mr. Robert Redfearn Ms. Sally E. Richards Mr. Robert Rome Mrs. Rita Satawa Mr. Jeffrey Thede Dr. & Mrs. Peter M. Tufton Mr. Bernard Van Der Linden Mrs. Katherine Vaughan

Mr. Thomas F. Ward Mr. Raymond Washington Walter and Martha Weil Members ($500+) Ms. Evelyn Arduini Harry Barkerding Mr. N. Buckner Barkley, Jr. Mr. Howard Bautsch Ms. Margie Breeden Ms. Georgia M. Bryant Mr. & Mrs. George Carter Mrs. Kathy Christian Mr. Donald M. Clement Mrs. Mary Wilkins Costa Ms. Deborah De La Houssaye & Mr. William Lake Douglas Ms. Marlene Duronslet Ms. Karen Early Ms. Jill B. Fatzer Dr. & Mrs. Juan Gershanik Mrs. Marian Gibbs Dr. Robert Hammer Dr. Bernard M. Jaffe Ms. Lisa Leone Mr. Keith Marshall & Mrs. Millicent Ball Ms. Regina O. Matthews Christopher Merritt MD

Ms. Cynthia Molyneux Mr. Benjamin Motion Mr. Mark Otts Ms. Julie Pfeffer Ms. Emilie Rhys Mrs. Katherine Roane Dr. & Mrs. James W. Robinson Mrs. Angela Speyrer Ms. Beth Terry Dr. & Mrs. Olivier Thelin Ms. Yvonne Vonderhaar Dr. Robert Weilbaecher Mrs. Claire L. Whitehurst Ms. Janet Wilson Mrs. Rosemary Zuppardo Supporters ($250+) Mr. & Mrs. John Ariail Mrs. Ann Babington Ms. Cherry Bordelon Dr. Michael Boucree Mr. Robert Burovac Mrs. Dianne L. Caverly Mrs. Joan Coulter Ms. Camille G. Durkin Col. Bruce Elliott Ms. Deborah Jan Fagan Ms. Jody Fhal Drs. Annette & Julio Figueroa Dr. Erin O'Sullivan Fleming Joan & Henry Folse Dr. Mary Frances Gardner Mr. Arthur M. Kastler Ms. Sonia Kenwood Ms. Patricia Krebs Drs. Fernando & Delores Leon Mr. Michael Mancuso Mrs. Carol Marx Mr. Malcolm Mounger Mrs. Joan Oppenheim Margaret Parker Dr. John Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Pettit Jr Mr. Gerald P. Price Ms. Carol Rausch Mr. Anthony Rotolo Dr. Janet L. Schmid

Mrs. Esther Shefsky Mrs. Dauphine Sloan Ms. Andrea J. Wilkes Mr. Norton Wisdom Friends ($150+) Mr. Randall Brown Mr. Dan Carroll Mr. Anthony Currera Andrew Doran Mr. John Downer Mrs. Patricia Dunbar Murrell Mr. Wendell Eatherly Mr. & Mrs. Edward D. Edmiston Ms. Melanie Ehrlich Dr. Maria J. Falco Mr. John Ford Ms. Louise Hobson Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Leake Mr. Christian Lilje Ms. Elizabeth Liu Ms. Joanne Mantis Mr. Kenneth Newburger Mr. & Mrs. Eric Nye Mr. William D. Reeves Ms. Lillian Samardzija Mrs. Diana Stieffel Ms. Joanna Sternberg Ms. Kathleen Williams Dr. Lawrence Zaslow $75 for the 75th Mr. & Mrs. Allain C. Andry III Ms. Paula Armbruster Mr. Matthew Baines Mrs. David L. Bergeron Ms. Angelle Bergeron Ms. Anne Bradburn Ms. Clare Burovac Mrs. Suzanne Butler Ms. Susan Canavello Dr. Michael Carey Ms. Leslie Castay Dr. Francis E. Cole Ms. Judith Cooper Dr. Raquel Cortina Ms. Dana Criswell Cruthirds

Dr. Chuck Cucchiara Mr. Matthew Davis Ms. Crystal Domreis Ms. Laura J. Donnaway Stephanie Doughty Ms. Judith Doughty Mr. Ronald Durnford Mr. & Mrs. Elroy Eckhardt Mr. Jim Eddy Ms. Debra L. Fagnano Mrs. D. Blair Favrot Ms. Betsy Fischer Martin Alan Gandolfi Mrs Charles Goodyear Mrs. Shirley Henderson Ms. Elaine T. Hymel Ms. Catherine J. Kidd Edwin King Mr. Neil Kleinberg Dr. Thomas F. Kramer Mr. Norman Krasne Mrs. Barbara Kroeze Mrs. Jacquelyn Lothschuetz Mrs. S. Ann Mahorner Mrs. Carolyn McIntyre Mrs. David H. Mielke Dr. Lynne Neitzschman Janice Piazza Ms. Kay Radlauer Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Raisen Mr. A. Ravi P. Rau Virginia Roddy Mr. George Sanchez Ms. Helen L. Schneidau Drs. John & Sylvia Schneller Mr. B. Todd Sitzman Mrs. Marie Spansel Dr. Nia K. Terezakis Ms. Gwendolyn Vagis Hon. Janis van Meerveld Mr. Richard Velkley Mr. & Mrs. Eric Wedig Mrs. Dorothy Weisler Ms. Carmelite Wellman Dr. Harold Young *deceased

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS In Loving Memory of: 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 & 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 Hill Carter Riddle Mrs. Anne Riddle* Jerry Hudson Mr. & Mrs. Philip Straub John & Julia Newsham Ms. Sally N. Inglis

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New Orleans Opera Association

Karen Kalin Mrs. Julie Condy

J. Robert Pope Mrs. Patricia Blair Emmet Geary Jr. Mrs. Barbara Kroeze Mrs. Carolyn McIntyre

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

Guillermo Nanez-Falcon Mrs. Margaret Shields

Clare Burovac & Chris Mattaliano Mr. & Mrs. Robert Burovac

Diane Bennett Hammer MD Dr. Robert Hammer

In Honor of:

Robert Lyall Ray and Rebecca Aceto Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Betty Brooks Leslie Castay Mrs. Annette Hudson Dr. Bernard Jaffe Hon. Janis van Meerveld Ms. Beth Terry Janet Wilson Ted Martin Mr. Kenneth Newburger Jim & Elizabeth Landis William Lake Douglas & Debbie de la Houssaye Sonda Stacey Ms. Elizabeth Liu Janet Wilson Robert Lyall Ted & Sonda Stacey Patricia Manning Sharpe Dr. Valerie Francis Dr. Raquel Cortina

Oliver Wilson-Ramos & Monty Ramos Janet Wilson Joanna Sternberg Mary Ann Sternberg Joan Oppenheim Mrs. John Dunlap Jr. Alma & Bob Pettit Mr. & 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. & Mrs. James Bean Alma & Bob Pettit Zara Zemmels Dr. Elizabeth Zemmels

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

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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DIE WALKÜRE PRODUCTION

Felicia Moore Sieglinde

Kevin Ray Siegmund

Wei Wu Hunding

Recently: -Susan B. Anthony / The Mother of Us All / MetLiveArts & New York Philharmonic -Donna Elvira / Don Giovanni / Palm Beach Opera -Katya Kabanova / Katya Kabanova / The Juilliard School

Recently: -Loud Stone / Eurydice / LA Opera -Messenger / Aida / Metropolitan Opera -King / The Maid of Orleans / Odyssey Opera -Erik / Der fliegende Holländer / Rahvusooper Estonia -Bacchus / Ariadne auf Naxos / Berkshire Opera Festival -Prince / Rusalka / Arizona Opera

Recently: -Sarastro/ Die Zauberflüte / Washington National Opera -Kobun Chino Otagawa / The (R) evolution of Steve Jobs / Santa Fe Opera -Timur / Turandot / Pittsburgh Opera

Upcoming: -First Lady / The Magic Flute / The Metropolitan Opera -Beethoven's 9th Symphony / Las Vegas Philharmonic -Mahler's 2nd Symphony / Eric Philharmonic

Upcoming: -Sparafucile / Rigoletto / Opera Philadelphia -Marv / A Thousand Aces / Des Moines Opera -Kobun Chino Otagawa / The (R) evolution of Steve Jobs/ Austin Opera / Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Carlos Miguel Prieto Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Music Director and Principal Conductor

Sarah Ina Meyers Stage Director Recently: -Glory Denied / Berkshire Opera Festival -Scenes from Frankenstein (World Premiere) / Angel’s Share concert series -That’s Not Tango / Jazz at Lincoln Center Upcoming: -Revival of Julie Taymor’s The Magic Flute / Metropolitan Opera -Tosca / Chautauqua Opera -That’s Not Tango / Amarillo, Texas.

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New Orleans Opera Association

Recently: - Orchestra Now - Utah Symphony - Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Upcoming: - North Carolina Symphony - NDR Elbphilharmonie

Samantha Aldana Film Director Recently: - Shapeless

Cameron Anderson Production Design Consultant Recent: -Glory Denied / The Berkshire Opera Festival -La Fille Du Régiment / Opera Saratoga -Simon Boccanegra / The Teatro Colon, Argentina Upcoming: -Nicole Lizée's R.U.R.: A Torrent of Light / Tapestry Opera, Toronto & The Push Festival/ Vancouver -Emmeline / Tulsa Opera

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Carlos Miguel Prieto, Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Music Director and Principal Conductor Chelsea Gallo, Assistant Conductor Thomas Wilkins, Principal Guest Conductor

Violas

Richard Woehrle, Principal, The Abby Ray Catledge and Byrne Lucas Ray Principal Viola Chair Bruce Owen, Assistant Principal Amelia Clingman

Courtney Bryan, Creative Partner

Valborg Gross

Violins

Ila Rondeau*

Catherine Matushek

Vacant, Concertmaster, The Edward D. and Louise Levy Concertmaster Chair

Tyler Sieh

Benjamin Hart, Associate Concertmaster, The LPO Volunteers Associate Concertmaster Chair

Jonathan Gerhardt, Principal, The Edward B. Benjamin Principal Cello Chair

Cellos

Hannah Yim, Assistant Concertmaster

Daniel Lelchuk, Assistant Principal

Byron Tauchi, Principal Second Violin, The Helen W. Burns Principal Second Violin Chair

Rachel Hsieh

Xiao Fu, Assistant Principal Second Violin

Jeanne Jaubert Kent Jensen, The Paula L. Maher Section Cello Chair David Rosen

Zorica Dimova

Dimitri Vychko

Judith Armistead Fitzpatrick

Basses

Eva Liebhaber* Janeta Mavrova

David Anderson, Principal

Kurt Munstedt

William Schettler, Assistant Principal

Elizabeth Overweg

Timothy Chen

Gabriel Platica

Paul Macres

Yaroslav Rudnytsky

Benjamin Wheeler

Yuki Tanaka

Flutes

Benjamin Thacher Kate Withrow* Sarah Yen Daniel Guangnan Yue

Ji Weon Ryu, Principal, The Mary Freeman Wisdom Principal Flute Chair

Patti Adams, Assistant Principal, The Richard C. and Nancy Link Adkerson Flute Chair Sarah Schettler, The Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Second Flute Chair

Piccolo

Patti Adams, The Richard C. and Nancy Link Adkerson Flute Chair

Oboes

Vacant, Principal, The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Principal Oboe Chair Jane Gabka, Assistant Principal Michael McGowan*

Contrabassoon Benjamin Atherholt

French Horns

Mollie Pate, Principal, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Principal Horn Chair Josiah Bullach, Assistant Principal, The J. Robert Pope Assistant Principal Horn Chair Kevin Winter Mark Trotter

Trumpets

Vance Woolf, Principal*, The Gauthier Family Foundation Principal Trumpet Chair Alex Mayon, Principal†

English Horn

Stephen Orejudos*, The Pete Wolbrette Section Trumpet Chair

Clarinets

Kris Hammon†

Stephanie Thompson, Assistant Principal*

Vacant, Principal

Michael McGowan*

Daniel Parrette, Principal

John Reeks

E-flat Clarinet

Stephanie Thompson*

Bass Clarinet John Reeks

Bassoons

Jack Peña, Principal Benjamin Atherholt, Assistant Principal Michael Matushek

Trombones

Matthew Wright Evan Conroy, Bass Trombone

Tuba

Robert Nuñez, Principal

Timpani

Jim Atwood, Principal

Percussion Dave Salay

Harp

Rachel Van Voorhees Kirschman, Principal

* denotes musicians who are on leave for the 2021-2022 season † denotes acting in this position for the 2021-2022 season The string section of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is listed alphabetically and participates in revolving seating.

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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Support for this production has been provided by:

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New Orleans Opera Association

e on t c a

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM Artists

Felicia Moore, Sieglinde Kevin Ray, Siegmund Wei Wu, Hunding

Crew

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Conductor Sarah Ina Meyers, Stage Director Samantha Aldana, Film Director Nick Shamblott, Director of Photography Cameron Anderson, Production Design Consultant Mandi Wood, Lighting Designer James Lanius, Projections Engineer Sarah McCall, Production Manager Kasey Lange Smith, Hair and Makeup Artist Keith Christopher, Technical Director Emily Barber, Stage Manager Elexis Selmon, Stage Management Intern Olivia Winter, Properties Mistress Lesly Davi, Wardrobe Kathleen Kelly, Rehearsal Pianist Beth Rota, Supertitles Prompter India Mack, COVID Compliance Officer The role of Sieglinde is sponsored by George Rowbottom in memory of Marilyn Crilley.

The 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.

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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SYNOPSIS Contributing writers: Amrita Vijayaraghavan and Andrew Stephens

PREMIERED June 26, 1870 – Munich, Germany (as a standalone opera and a duology).

It premiered as part of the full Ring Cycle in August 1876 at the inaugural Bayreuth Festival.

COMPOSER Richard Wagner (May 22, 1813 – February 13, 1883) LIBRETTIST Richard Wagner (May 22, 1813 – February 13, 1883) LANGUAGE Sung in German with English supertitles RUNNING TIME 65 Minutes (no intermission)

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New Orleans Opera Association

Siegmund, calling himself Wehwalt (“woeful one”), seeks shelter as he flees pursuers. Exhausted, wounded, and without his weapons, he comes upon a house in a clearing near a large tree. There he is found by Sieglinde, who lives there with her husband, Hunding. Sieglinde takes pity upon the weary warrior, but says that she and her home are under the authority of her husband, and they must wait for his return before making a decision to grant shelter to this traveler.

As they speak, the two share a connection, a pang of recognition and attraction, without knowing why. Siegmund, alias Wehwalt, says that he is plagued by misfortune, and doesn’t wish to inflict that upon Sieglinde, who counters that he cannot inflict misfortune upon someone who is already deeply unhappy.

Sieglinde’s husband Hunding arrives home and agrees to hear Wehwalt’s story, and appeal for shelter. Wehwalt tells them he was born of a mysterious father who wore a wolfskin, and that he had a twin sister. As a youth, his mother was killed, his sister vanished, and his father absented himself, leaving only his wolfskin behind. Wehwalt’s current trouble was caused by him encountering a distressed woman being forced into marriage — he heroically rushed in to save her, killing her brothers and drawing the wrath of her clan. In the course of the ensuing battle, the woman was killed, Wehwalt has now lost his sword and is wounded, and is being pursued.

Hunding listens to this appeal, but reveals that he is one of Wehwalt’s pursuers. He agrees to provide shelter and rest to this stranger for one night, but tells him that in the morning, they must duel to the death in order to settle the score. Sieglinde, hearing everything, drugs Hunding’s drink when they retreat to bed, so that Hunding will fall into a deep sleep and she may steal away to meet with Wehwalt in the night.

Wehwalt, alone, reminisces about his father’s long-ago promise that he would provide a sword to his son in his time of need. Sieglinde rushes to meet Wehwalt, and tells him her own tale of woe. She was forced into marrying Hunding against her will, and at her wedding party, a mysterious man plunged a sword into the base of this very tree. The

man said that the sword would belong to the man who could draw it out from the tree. No one has yet been able to do so.

Sieglinde believes that the sword must be destined for Wehwalt, and that he can save her from her unhappy life.

They begin to connect that this mysterious stranger must be the same man as Wehwalt’s father, and the two finally come to grasp their undeniable bond of attraction. They finally comprehend that they are long lost twin brother and sister, children of Wotan, and rejoice in finding one another. She calls him by his true name, Siegmund. He draws the sword from the tree triumphantly and names it “Nothung.”

Despite their familial relationship, the two passionately declare their love and decide to flee away together. This decision will not go without major, dark consequences in the future.

Musically, Act 1 of Die Walküre tells an unbroken, theatrical story with the three

characters in dialogue, but never singing in duet nor – for the most part – in distinct, traditional “arias” in the sense that we may be familiar from other classic operas. This form is the realization of Wagner’s desire to synthesize word and music in a new way, casting aside the existing models for operatic structure. He wished for the poetic word to drive the operatic story in a more natural and unbroken manner, and he put this philosophy into notable practice in this first act of Die Walküre. Wagner’s signature use of leitmotiv – associating certain ideas with certain musical phrases – also manifests prominently here. This act alone contains more than a dozen recurring musical signatures, including distinct motifs for love, Sieglinde, Hunding, and the sword Nothung, among others. The single act functions as a standalone story, even as it provides the foundational prelude to the events of the rest of Die Walküre, and indeed the remaining operas in the full Ring Cycle.

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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The experience of one act A conversation with Director Sarah Ina Meyers on telling a complete story with just one act

‘If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story,’ wrote Orson Welles, in the unproduced screenplay for The Big Brass Ring [an entirely coincidental title].

On the face of things, the end of Die Walküre’s first act leaves us before the lovers Siegmund and Sieglinde are forced to face the aftermath of their decision to embark on an incestuous affair. Sieglinde has escaped her forced marriage and unhappy home, and Siegmund has been delivered a powerful sword to aid him, a gift from his father Wotan. However, the first act provides dark, twisted foreshadowing for the events yet to come.

We do not yet know that the unholy union of these siblings will invoke the fury of the other gods. We do not yet know that the sword will eventually be shattered, and Siegmund killed, leaving a grief-stricken Sieglinde to flee, alone and pregnant with their child. In the totality of Die Walküre, and its follow-

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New Orleans Opera Association

ing installments Siegfried and Götterdämmerung, Wotan’s greed to regain the ring results not only in the death of the humans who were the unwitting pawns in the power battle between gods and immortals, but ultimately the death of the gods themselves; the end of the world.

Director Sarah Ina Meyers, in close collaboration with filmmaker Samantha Aldana, has conceived an interpretation for New Orleans Opera that refuses to shy away from the darker implications, allowing the audience to experience the sweeping romance and beauty of the piece, but also enabling them to see through the cracks in the surface. Meyers describes her relationship to Wagner’s work as complicated, and wishes to bring a different perspective than the traditionally romanticized portrayals of Die Walküre that can often overlook the dark underbelly.

Aldana and Meyers explain that they have envisioned this production to function as a hybrid artistic work: part

cinematic event, part staged concert — creating a whole, organic theatrical experience. The individual elements will function as fully formed artistic works, but the film will operate in seamless conversation with the music in order to provide psychological subtext and emotional enhancement for the narrative action unfolding onstage.

The two worked together closely to develop a visual language that Meyers hopes will address the discomfiting contradiction that Die Walküre is “a celebration of love, but so much of that love that you see in the Ring is perversion. It’s subordination. It’s trickery or narcissism, and this particular act depicts that very powerfully.”

Even the glorious unfurling of spring that the music depicts is something of an “unhealthy proliferation” — this is a manic energy, like a

contagion, or a fire started.

Aldana says the film, shot entirely here in New Orleans both in-studio and in-situ, strives for an “ominous tone, using refractions, reflections, and distortions to disrupt the image and create an uneasy experience” in order to reflect the subtext of the story.

The result is a rich, complex experience for the audience: access to the orchestra and the singers in close proximity, and an exploration not only of the surface story of romance, but also the darkness beneath.

Contributing writers: Amrita Vijayaraghavan and Andrew Stephens

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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NOOA STAFF

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

H. LLOYD HAWKINS

Keith Christopher, Technical Director

SCENIC STUDIO

Janet Wilson, Director of External Affairs

Keith Christopher, Technical Director

Joanna Sternberg, Director of Development

Olivia Winter, Properties Mistress

Sarah McCall, Director of Production

Keith Tujaque, Carpenter

Tara Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships & Education

Nathan Arthur, Painter

Carol Rausch, Chorus Master / Music Administrator Devin Johnson, Patron Services Manager ` Marketing Coordinator Dylan Trân,

Jenny Chapman, Support Group Liaison Robert Lyall, General Director Emeritus

IATSE STAFF

IATSE Local #39

LPO STAFF

Keith Christopher, President

Anwar Nasir, Executive Director

Mandi Wood, Lighting Designer

Mimi Kruger, Associate Executive Director

Neil Ingles, Head Electrician

Amanda Bohren, Director of Programming

Al Davis, Head Fly

Diane Stengle, Director of Production

Daniel Kobiernicki, Head Audio

Matthew Rose, Director of Marketing and Communications

Davis Barron, Head Video

Derek Craig, Associate Director of Finance

Fay Martin, Head Props

Lindsay Calmes, Patron Services Manager

Alan Arthur, Head Carpenter

Rebecca Crenshaw, Education and Engagement Manager

Amy Newman, Steward

Alan Arthur, Business Manager

Cosimo Murray, Stage Production Manager Lucia Nowik, Orchestra Personnel Manager

IATSE Local #840

Stacy Salay, Development Manager

Theatrical Wardrobe Union

Renee Pflughaupt, Head Librarian

Shannon Muhleisen, President

Jack Clark, Stage Production

Lesly Davi, Secretary / Treasurer

Sabrina Devos, Artistic Coordinator

Bonnie Haase, Business Agent

Alejandro Fletes, III, Digital Media Coordinator

Lesly Davi, Wardrobe

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New Orleans Opera Association

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 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

$1,000+

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

The Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation Community Works of Louisiana New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation Peoples Health Renaissance Publishing Ruth U. Fertel Foundation Sarracenia Foundation Van der Linden Family Foundation WWNO

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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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

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New Orleans Opera Association

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

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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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! Please fill out this form 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

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New Orleans Opera Association

2021-2022 Competition is a Virtual Event again this year!

A collaborative effort with Loyola University of New Orleans – College of Music and Fine Arts and Preparatory Program, Newcomb Department of Music, Tulane University, and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

Louisiana high school Sophomore, Junior, or Senior vocalist are encouraged to apply.

Winners for the 2021 Competition will be announced in late November!

Thank you to the 2021-2022 Judges!

DENNIS JESSE, Associate Professor of Voice at Louisiana State University SAKINAH DAVIS, Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Workshop at Xavier University JANICE AIKEN, Voice Teacher, affiliated with Shreveport Opera and Centenary College

Created by board member Debby Hirsch Wood in honor of her late husband Donald W. Wood Sr., the Wood family has granted funding for the competition to continue in perpetuity in his name. Donald Wood Sr. loved opera and was supportive of NOOA’s educational endeavors. First-place winners are awarded $1,000 and there is a second-place prize of $500.

Die Walküre, Act One | NewOrleansOpera.org

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to e g a m o An H ine Baker Joseph

Marigny Opera House 725 Saint Ferdinand Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 Thursday, January 6, 2022 | 7:30pm Friday, January 7, 2022 | 7:30pm

Saturday, January 8, 2022 | 7:30pm Sunday, January 9, 2022 | 2:30pm

Opera Running Time 35 MINUTES | Ballet Running Time 25 MINUTES

JOSEPHINE the opera Music and Libretto by THOMAS CIPULLO Directed by LAUREN TURNER Conducted by JERI LYNNE JOHNSON Josephine: LAQUITA MITCHELL Music performed by THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Sung in English with English supertitles

JOSEPHINE the world premiere ballet Choreographed by LAUREN ASHLEE MESSINA Music by LARRY SIEBERTH Josephine: LAUREN ASHLEE MESSINA

t er c on C Gala

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 Friday, February 11, 2022 | 7:30pm Sunday, February 13, 2022 | 2:30pm Running Time 90 MINUTES Conducted by ROBERT LYALL Music performed by THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring the NEW ORLEANS OPERA CHORUS WITH GUEST SOLOISTS Sung in multiple languages with English supertitles

me è h o La b i’s

Puccin

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