6 A WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT AND CEO CHRISTOPHER KOELSCH
8
40 TH ANNIVERSARY OPERA BALL
On the opening night of the season, LA Opera celebrated its fourth decade with the company premiere of West Side Story and a Jets-versus-Sharks-themed gala, raising over $2.2 million for the company.
10 BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH STAGE DIRECTOR BRENNA CORNER
Drawn from the Behind the Curtain podcast series created by LA Opera Connects, an interview with Brenna Corner, director of La Bohème, hosted by veteran broadcaster Gail Eichenthal.
13 CELEBRATE JAMES CONLON’S 20 YEARS AT LA OPERA
To salute his transformative tenure as our beloved music director, we’re pulling out all the stops at a spring gala, and you’re invited.
32 STARS ON THE RISE
Meet the future of opera: introducing the 2025/26 season’s members of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program.
PHOTO BY KEN HOWARRD
Young love never sounded so good. LAO’s 2016 production of La Bohème
Welcome to LA Opera
Dear friends:
From its world premiere in 1896 to the present day, Puccini’s La Bohème has never failed to captivate generations of music lovers. It has long been a touchstone for every opera company—and for me, personally. Early in my time at LA Opera, a colleague—who had caught me quietly weeping at the end of yet another performance—told me that if I ever stopped being moved by Bohème, it would be time to leave the business. Nearly 30 years later, I’m still here, and still undone by the same moment every time.
Herbert Ross’s beautiful production, created for LA Opera more than three decades ago, has captivated tens of thousands of audience members not just here in Los Angeles, but around the world. Bringing it back to our stage in our 40th Anniversary Season feels both like a homecoming and a reaffirmation of everything that makes Puccini’s masterpiece endure.
Our cast features two sopranos who are distinguished graduates of our Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. Janai Brugger returns for her role debut as Mimì, her fifth leading role here, after previously performing Musetta with us in this very same production in 2012 and 2016. Erica Petrocelli reprises her 2019 portrayal of Musetta, one of four leading roles she has performed with us.
The four Bohemian roommates are all new to LA Opera. We welcome Italian tenor Oreste Cosimo in his U.S. debut as Rodolfo. He will be joined by Gihoon Kim as Marcello, William Guanbo Su as Colline and Emmett O’Hanlon as Schaunard. Rod Gilfry, a longtime company favorite, returns in the dual roles of Benoît and Alcindoro.
This much-loved revival comes to our stage thanks to the generosity of several of our most dedicated supporters. My heartfelt thanks go to Andrea Pessino; the Alfred and Claude Mann Fund; and the Jane and Peter Hemmings Production Fund, a gift from the Flora L. Thornton Trust, for making this production possible. I am also grateful to the Armenian Consortium and to the Scott Watt Family for their special additional support. Finally, I am proud to recognize the Eva and Marc Stern Principal Artists Fund, whose generous support has made Janai Brugger’s appearance possible.
La Bohème remains unmatched in its ability to welcome new audiences into the art form while continuing to move those of us who’ve loved it for decades. I know that many of you are coming to the opera for the very first time, and I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome you here. I’m excited for you to have this experience, and I hope that it will be as meaningful to you as it has been for me.
Sincerely,
Christopher Koelsch SEBASTIAN PAUL AND MARYBELLE MUSCO PRESIDENT AND CEO
LA OPERA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marc Stern* HONORARY CHAIRMAN
Keith R. Leonard, Jr.* CHAIRMAN
Leslie Dorman* CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Carol F. Henry* Linda Pascotto* Andrea Pessino* Robert Ronus* Eugene P. Stein* Régina Weingarten* Marilyn Ziering* VICE CHAIRMEN
Penelope D. Foley* TREASURER
Paul D. Tosetti* SECRETARY
Bernard A. Greenberg VICE CHAIRMAN EMERITUS AND FOUNDING
Ahsan Aijaz
Patricia Artigas
James R. Asperger
Haig A. S. Bagerdjian
Paul Bloch
Lisa Bratkovich
Iman H. Brivanlou, Ph.D.
Barbara Burtin
Marlene Schall Chávez, Ph.D.
Janet J. Ciriello, Ed.D.
James Conlon†
Robert Cook
Alexis Deutsch-Adler
Kathleen Kane Eberhardt*
Chaz Hammel-Smith Ebert
Geoff Emery
Dr. Annette Ermshar
Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
Shaudi Fulp
Gordon P. Getty**
Ambassador Frank E.
Baxter‡
Alicia Garcia Clark
Alice Steere Coulombe‡
Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Diane Gray
Mónica Gutiérrez Roper
Cornelia Haag-Molkenteller, M.D.
Nicolas Hamatake
Catherine H. Helm
William Chase
Hodge-Brokenburr
Rian Johnson
Tim C. Johnson*
Janet Jones
Richard Jones
Monique Regine Kagan
Lawrence A. Kern
Gayle Kirschbaum
Christopher Koelsch†*
Thomas F. Kranz
Ali Leemann, Ph.D.
Scott R. Lord*
Don Franzen
Alexander Furlotti
Joan Hotchkis‡
Sherry Lansing
Hon. Nora M. Manella
Claude Mann
Linda May
Jennifer McCormick
Patricia McKenna*
James Mulally
Gregory Nava
Olivia H. Ernst Neece
Leslie A. Pam, Ph.D.
Linda Pierce
Ceil Pulitzer**
Barry A. Sanders*
Lionel M. Sauvage*
Heinrich Schelbert, M.D., Ph.D.
Charlotte Coulombe
Schoenmann
R. Carlton Seaver*
Lisa See*
Tina L. Segel
LIFE TRUSTEES
Harold B. Ray
Mrs. Joseph A. Saunders‡
Marvin S. Shapiro
Mrs. Dennis Stanfill
Joan Seidel‡
Linda Shaheen*
Marilyn Shapiro
Susan Shapiro*
Eric L. Small
Dr. Vina Spiehler
Janet Stanford
Deanie Stein
Dr. Ellen G. Strauss
Mimi Won Techentin
Barbara Augusta Teichert
Brigitta B. Troy
Gillian Wagner
Christopher V. Walker*
Geoffrey P. Wharton
Andrew Xu
Zev Yaroslavsky
Ellen Zetcher
Joakim Zetterberg
Ann Ziff
Richard E. Troop
Alyce Williamson
PRESIDENTS / CHAIRMEN OF LA OPERA SINCE ITS INCEPTION
Stephen D. Gavin
John A. McCone
Lawrence Deutsch
Bernard I. Forester
Kyhl Smeby
Edward W. Carter
Thomas Wachtell
Roy L. Ash
Bernard A. Greenberg
Richard Seaver
Leonard I. Green
Marc Stern
* Executive Committee member ** Honorary † Ex Officio ‡ in memoriam
Frank E. Baxter
Carol F. Henry
Keith R. Leonard, Jr.
40 TH ANNIVERSARY OPERA BALL
On September 20, LA Opera celebrated the opening of the 40th Anniversary Season with our annual Opera Ball, chaired by Jerry and Terri Kohl. Inspired by Francesca Zambello’s production of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, which captivated sold-out audiences, the evening included dining and dancing on the Jerry Moss Plaza and raised more than $2.2 million to support world-class opera in Los Angeles.
Left: Board Chairman Keith R. Leonard, Jr., Eva Stern, tenor Duke Kim (Tony) and soprano Gabriella Reyes (Maria). Right: Board Vice Chairman Régina Weingarten and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, Vice President and Director of the Annenberg Foundation
At right, Terri and Jerry Kohl, gala chairs and underwriters of both the LA Opera Orchestra and West Side Story, joined by Music Director James Conlon and tenor Duke Kim (Tony).
Left: Board member Barbara Augusta Teichert. Middle: Longtime board member Christopher V. Walker and Kimberly Shiring. Right: Diane and Michael Ziering.
Mike Dreyer, President of Alfred E. Mann Charities, and wife Hannah An.
Left: Opera Council members Koni and Geoff Rich. Middle: James and Jennifer Conlon. Right: At right, Christopher Koelsch, LAO President and CEO, joined by Marc Scorca, President and CEO of Opera America (center), and Todd Bentjen.
Left: Bill Ahmanson, President of The Ahmanson Foundation, Patty McKenna, Ahmanson Foundation and LAO board member, and David Fuhrman, President of the Dan Murphy Foundation. Right: At center, founding board member Carol F. Henry joined by her family.
Left: Board Vice Chairman Andrea Pessino with Amanda Castro (Anita). Middle: Board Vice Chairman Linda Pascotto and husband Alvaro. Right: Longtime board member, current board Vice Chairman, and underwriter of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, Eugene Stein and wife Mindy traditionally host members of the program at each season’s opening night gala.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH STAGE DIRECTOR BRENNA CORNER
This season, LA Opera’s 40th anniversary celebrations include a special Behind the Curtain podcast series hosted by veteran broadcaster Gail Eichenthal. Each episode pays tribute to the voices and visions that have built the company into a vibrant cultural force, tracing the careers of the artists who bring opera to life and sharing the passions that fuel their work onstage and beyond. Produced by LA Opera Connects , the series is part of our mission to open new doors into opera through learning, conversation and community.
PHOTO BY TRUDIE LEE
PHOTO BY KEN HOWARD
Brenna Corner
LA Opera's 2016 production of La Bohème
In this excerpt from a podcast episode dedicated to La Bohème, Gail sits down with stage director Brenna Corner, whose work spans opera and theater across the U.S., Canada and Europe. She shares her own unexpected path into the art form—how a childhood steeped in theater led her to opera, how a lifechanging accident reshaped her career, and why La Bohème remains one of her most meaningful productions. Her reflections on vulnerability, empathy and the power of performance remind us why Puccini’s beautiful work has touched audiences for generations and why it continues to resonate today.
Gail Eichenthal: I’m so delighted to be sitting down with Brenna Corner, renowned director of LA Opera’s La Bohème. Brenna, let’s start at the very beginning. What sparked your interest in opera?
Brenna Corner: I was a total theater kid. I loved musical theater and classical theater like Shakespeare. And then someone told me, “Hey, you know that opera is basically musical theater and Shakespeare at the same time, right?” And I just fell in love.
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GE: Did you have any ambitions to be a performer?
BC: Originally, I was training to be a performer. I was doing a degree in vocal performance, but then I was actually in a car accident that paralyzed my voice. I have an implant that lets me speak right now, but it doesn’t let me sing. I was no longer able to share this art form with my own voice, but, because I had all this theater experience, friends started asking me for drama tips. And then, suddenly, I was a director. There’s something so magical about all of these people participating in a story together: the singers on stage, with 50 of their nearest and dearest friends in the pit, and extraordinary artists backstage. And you need the audience. That’s the whole point—to share these remarkable stories that touch our hearts, from the human voice straight to the human ear. That’s a remarkable intimacy that we just can’t achieve in many other forms.
GE: Can you feel the audience’s emotional reactions? I mean, in an opera like La Bohème, there are probably gallons of tears in the audience.
Creative Care teaching artist Michele Patzakis
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BC: That’s what you want, right? You want the audience to feel, especially in an opera like La Bohème. You want them to experience the joys and the sorrows and the worldview of these characters. It’s so important to remind ourselves how to empathize with other people. For me, that’s what opera does: it creates opportunities for us to reconnect.
GE: You’re watching it unfold; it’s very real. Are there moments in this production that you’re especially excited about?
BC: There’s a scene in Act 3 between Marcello and Mimì, when she shows up and she’s not feeling very well. She’s trying to ask for help. It just feels so human and so vulnerable and so real. It’s always my favorite moment.
There’s a line where he says “que tosse,” “what a cough.” I really like to have him actually picking up a handkerchief in that moment and discovering blood in it. He’s starting to understand how sick she really is, and it changes all of his interactions with her. The big question becomes, how much does she actually know? How much is she aware of, but refusing to deal with?
Then in Act 4 she has this beautiful moment where she asks Rodolfo, “Is it okay that I’m here?” Because the last time they would have seen each other was when they broke up.
And he says, “Yes, yes, yes.” It’s a really generous and kind and vulnerable moment. It’s a small moment full of big things.
GE: Amazing, I can’t wait to see that. For the performers, I can imagine it takes bravery even just to sing some of this music, and on top of that, you’re acting the part and showing your humanity. continued on pg. 12
BC: That level of vulnerability and commitment to communication and sharing is so precious. You have to keep reminding yourself to be brave. It’s the hardest part, but the most important part.
GE: Well, you’re certainly giving us plenty of understanding for why La Bohème is perennially one of the top five operas performed in the world, including at LA Opera. So, what is it about this work that keeps us coming back over and over that’s so resonant?
BC: I love coming back to La Bohème because each time I find something a little bit different in it, a different understanding of the characters. It’s such a remarkable story, and we see it through the eyes of a collection of young people. There are good times and there are bad times, there is love and there is death, there is sadness and there is camaraderie.
And when you have a remarkable cast like we have, the emotions, the humanity and the truth of those moments hit you in such a unique way. It’s something we’ve all experienced in different ways, but it’s something so uniquely true to just being a human being.
GE: Absolutely thrilling to even think about seeing this production that you’ve described so vividly.
The conversation is just beginning as director Brenna Corner shares candid advice for aspiring singers and directors (and a few behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else). Check out the full episode on Behind the Curtain, LA Opera’s official podcast produced by LA Opera Connects available wherever you listen to podcasts. Scan the QR code to tune in now, explore Connects’ live virtual learning series, and stream videos on demand in English or Spanish.
Coming Up Next with LA Opera Connects
Celebrate with us after the final performance of La Bohème on Sunday, December 14. Join us at 4:30pm on the Music Center Plaza for Celebración de las Artes, a family-friendly afternoon of live music, dance and community gathering—free to attend and open to all. This festive event honors LA’s rich Latino culture and is part of our commitment to bringing opera and the arts to everyone across the County. For all the latest updates, RSVP now at LAOpera.org/Celebracion .
PHOTOS BY JC OLIVERA
Celebrate James Conlon’s 20 Years at LA Opera
Join us on Friday, April 24, 2026, as we celebrate James Conlon's 20 years as Music Director of LA Opera with a special concert devoted to the work of three of his favorite opera composers: Mozart, Verdi and Wagner. The concert will be followed by an elegant black-tie gala on the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. This very special evening will offer a unique opportunity for the LA Opera family to honor Maestro Conlon and celebrate his extraordinary achievements.
Visit LAOpera.org/ConlonGala or call 213.972.3620 for more information.
Andrea Pessino
LA Opera is honored to thank Andrea Pessino for his underwriting support of this production of La Bohème. While relatively new to the LA Opera family, Mr. Pessino has already had a profound impact on the company. In 2022, Mr. Pessino joined the board of directors, and shortly thereafter, he became a member of the 30th Anniversary Angels, LA Opera’s premier support circle, demonstrating his deep commitment to the company. He made his underwriting debut in the 2023/24 season, supporting the company’s productions of The Barber of Seville and La Traviata. He went on to underwrite last season’s Madama Butterfly and Rigoletto. Mr. Pessino serves on several board committees, including as a vice chair of the marketing committee.
Mr. Pessino co-founded the video game development studio Ready At Dawn® in 2003 and, until 2020, was the company’s chief technical officer, producing technology for all of Ready At Dawn’s games—from Daxter to The Order 1886 and Lone Echo.
He served as head of research, pursuing special R&D projects, until 2024. From 1998 to 2003, he was a senior software engineer with Blizzard Entertainment® where he authored core technologies for several blockbusters in the WarCraft® video game franchise.
A native of Italy, Mr. Pessino has lived and worked in California since 1990. He is a classically trained musician and an accomplished pianist and composer, having studied composition, harmony, and music theory. His orchestration work on the cinematics for Blizzard’s Diablo II® earned him the 2001 IGDA Game Developers Choice Award for “Excellence in Audio.”
LA Opera is most grateful to be among the recipients of Mr. Pessino’s immense generosity and dedication to this beautiful art form.
The Alfred and Claude Mann Fund
LA Opera is proud to present this production of La Bohème, made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the Alfred and Claude Mann Fund. The Alfred Mann Trust created this fund with a series of gifts that now have an impact of over $11 million in support. The Manns established the fund as a way of showing their devotion to LA Opera. It underwrites two productions each season, enabling the company to raise the curtain on a host of memorable presentations, which have included earlier productions of La Bohème (2012, 2016) as well as Tosca (2013, 2017, 2022), Carmen (2013), The Barber of Seville (2015), El Gato Montés (2019), The Light in the Piazza (2019), Roberto Devereux (2020), Il Trovatore (2021), Aida (2022), Lucia di Lammermoor (2022), Don Giovanni (2023), Turandot (2023), Madama Butterfly (2024), Romeo and Juliet (2024) and our season-opening production of West Side Story (2025).
The Manns’ connection to LA Opera is a true love story. Mrs. Mann’s own passion for opera brought Mr. Mann to the art form. As LA Opera Honorary Board
Chairman Marc Stern noted, “Al hadn’t been an opera lover, but he loved Claude and therefore loved the opera.”
A biotech entrepreneur, Al Mann founded 17 companies in his lifetime and was the CEO of MannKind Corporation, a company focused on developing new, lifesaving treatments for diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He also served as chair of the Alfred Mann Foundation, a trustee of USC and a board member of the LA Philharmonic.
Claude Mann is a philanthropist who earned success in the restaurant business. She has been a member of LA Opera’s board since 2008. Sadly, Al Mann passed away in February of 2016. With each thrilling production underwritten thanks to the Manns’ generosity, his legacy in the arts—and his love story with Claude—live on.
The Jane and Peter Hemmings Production Fund, a gift from the Flora L. Thornton Trust
When Peter Hemmings took the helm of a fledgling opera company in 1984, the prospects for success were doubtful at best. What started that year on a shoestring budget is now known as LA Opera. That it so quickly grew to become one of the world’s most important opera companies is a testament to Hemmings’ tenacity, intellect and vision as founding general director.
“I have always believed that opera is a vibrant, living art form with an exciting future, not simply a museum art,” said Hemmings. His drive to affirm opera’s place in Los Angeles, and to ensure its continued relevance, set the course for LA Opera to carve a niche as a place for innovation as well as tradition.
Hemmings’ contributions are so interwoven into the fabric of LA Opera that the late Flora Laney Thornton
COMING UP
AKHNATEN
Next up on our main stage is a highly anticipated revival of Akhnaten, Philip Glass’s enthralling portrait of a trailblazing pharaoh, starring countertenor sensation John Holiday. Hailed by critics and cheered by audiences when we first brought it to our stage in 2016, director Phelim McDermott’s visually arresting production dazzles with soaring acrobats, astonishing jugglers and towering sets.
PHOTO BY KEN HOWARD
established the Jane and Peter Hemmings Production Fund in 2001 as a permanent memorial. A founding board member and devoted benefactor of LA Opera, Mrs. Thornton noted that Peter Hemmings “triumphed as a steadfast and passionate leader, nurturing LA Opera and directing it toward its place in the spotlight.”
Mrs. Thornton was elected a Life Trustee in 1989. Her generosity to the company led to the establishment of one of the nation’s premier artist training programs. Now called the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, her legacy is carried on by other generous donors.
LA Opera is grateful for Mrs. Thornton’s continued endowment support in recognition of Jane and Peter Hemmings, which is providing generous support for this season’s production of La Bohème.
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The Armenian Consortium
LA Opera is the grateful beneficiary of the steadfast generosity of the Armenian Consortium—a dedicated group of opera lovers who enjoy coming to the opera with their friends, children and grandchildren. Since Joyce and Joseph Stein conceived of this initiative in 2019, two dozen community members have joined the Consortium to support the company and share a special evening.
La Bohème is the eighth project to benefit from their passion and philanthropy, following Roberto Devereux (2020), Aida (2022), Tosca (2022), Otello (2023), La Traviata (2024), Romeo and Juliet (2024) and Rigoletto (2025). We are delighted to recognize the Armenian Consortium for their generosity. We thank the members listed below for their remarkable collective support.
Armenian Consortium members celebrate the opening night of last season’s Romeo and Juliet with Music Director Designate Domingo Hindoyan.
The Watt Family
This season’s production of La Bohéme has been made possible in part by the generous support of the Watt Family. Patrons of LA Opera for over 20 years, the Watt Family’s devoted past support has helped to bring productions of The Barber of Seville (2015), La Rondine (2007) and Manon (2006) to LA Opera’s stage.
J. Scott Watt is the CEO of Watt Capital Developers, one of the country’s most successful residential, industrial, and commercial real estate companies, committed to our nation’s growth. The company has overseen the development of new homes for more than 100,000 families, as well as eight million square feet of industrial and professional office space including Watt Plaza, a two-story, twin office complex in Century City, 50 shopping centers, and three major first-class hotels. Scott’s late father Ray Watt was the founder of the Watt Group and was instrumental in pioneering the development of the Western region of the United States following World War II.
Linda Kay and John Abdulian
Any Yakoub Barr and Michael Barr
Ani and Nazareth Darakjian
Houry and Vigen Ghazarian
Denise Gertmenian
Louise and Charles Janigian
Vahé and Lisa Karamardian
Michelle Kezirian
Stephanie and Michael Landes
Andrea Noravian and Constantinos Michael
Margaret and David Mgrublian
Cheryl and Harry Nadjarian
Hermineh Pakhanians
Arsine and Gary Phillips
Sonia Randazzo
Tina Segel
Joyce and Joseph Stein
Hayde and Andy Torosyan
Mr. Watt credits his father for raising him within a tradition that values generosity and has committed to passing that value to his own children through a family devotion to philanthropy. The Watt Family has supported organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Union Rescue Mission, disaster relief projects, and medical developments at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Mr. Watt has served as a board member for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, Union Rescue Mission, as a chairman for Christian Associates Los Angeles, and on the board of Brentwood School. LA Opera is proud to recognize the generosity of the Watt Family for making this production of La Bohéme possible.
J. Scott and Obaida Watt
The Eva and Marc Stern Principal Artists Fund
Soprano Janai Brugger’s appearance in the role of Mimì has been made possible thanks to generous support from The Eva and Marc Stern Principal Artists Fund. Through this leadership initiative, the Sterns underwrite the LA Opera appearances of the opera world’s most extraordinary artists each season. It is with great admiration that they have chosen to underwrite Ms. Brugger, a distinguished alumna of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program and a recipient of the inaugural Eva and Marc Stern Artist Award. She last appeared with the company as Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro.
Chairman of the company’s board of directors from 2002 to 2021, and now serving as Honorary Chairman, Marc Stern has been the driving force in bringing many of the world’s most influential artists to Los Angeles. The Sterns have been involved in nearly every aspect of LA Opera, championing more than 15 ambitious projects. Since the establishment of The Eva and Marc Stern Principal Artists Fund, they have underwritten the performances of major stars, including Plácido Domingo, Susan Graham, Audra McDonald, Renée Fleming, Angel Blue, Ana María Martínez, Isabel Leonard, Rachel WillisSørensen, Rod Gilfry and conductor Domingo Hindoyan. The Sterns were also the underwriters for Plácido Domingo’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Met. In 2021, the Sterns established an annual award to celebrate and support extraordinarily gifted artists in opera: the Eva
and Marc Stern Artist Award. This award recognizes artists with deep connections to LA Opera and serves as an expression of gratitude for past and future artistic contributions to the company.
Marc Stern is Chairman of The TCW Group, Inc., a Los Angeles-based asset management firm. He was elected to LA Opera’s board in 1992 and is involved in numerous other philanthropic activities, including serving on the boards of the Metropolitan Opera, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Committee and the California Institute of Technology. He is also a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Eva Stern is a clinical social worker and philanthropist, supporting Southern California youth through the combination of education and the arts. A board member of the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools, in 2006 she led the effort to establish the Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science School. Inspired by her work with the high school, she established AMP, a special mentoring program for first-year college students. She also serves on the President’s Council at California State University, Los Angeles, on the board of The Blue Ribbon, and is a past chair of InsideOUT Writers, a creative writing program for youth in juvenile hall.
With deepest gratitude, LA Opera acknowledges Mr. and Mrs. Stern for their decades of committed leadership and extraordinary generosity.
Janai Brugger
PHOTO BY DARIO ACOSTA
PHOTO BY JOHN SOLANO PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY KEN HOWARD
Janai Brugger as Musetta in LA Opera’s 2012 presentation of La Bohème, her first leading role with the company.
OCTOBER 12, 1935 SEPTEMBER 6, 2007
LA Opera’s productions from the Italian repertoire are made possible in part by an extraordinary leadership gift in memory of Luciano Pavarotti and in honor of his remarkable contributions to the world of opera.
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MEET SANTA
AT THE GROVE
A magical meet and greet with festive photo packages.
Presented By
West Side Story
September 20 – October 12, 2025
LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Production made possible by generous support from Terri and Jerry Kohl, Alfred and Claude Mann Fund and The Blue Ribbon. This production is dedicated to the memory of LA Opera Life Trustee, Ambassador Frank Baxter.
The
Phantom
of the Opera ROY BUDD
October 30 – 31, 2025, at the United Theater Off Grand productions are supported by a consortium of generous donors to LA Opera’s Contemporary Opera Initiative, chaired by Barry and Nancy Sanders.
Hildegard WORLD PREMIERE SARAH KIRKLAND SNIDER
November 5 – 9, 2025, at The Wallis Off Grand productions are supported by a consortium of generous donors to LA Opera’s Contemporary Opera Initiative, chaired by Barry and Nancy Sanders.
La Bohème
November 22 – December 14, 2025
GIACOMO PUCCINI
Production made possible by generous support from Andrea Pessino, Alfred and Claude Mann Fund, and Jane and Peter Hemmings Production Fund, a gift from the Flora L. Thornton Trust. Special additional support from The Armenian Consortium and Scott Watt Family. Janai Brugger’s appearance made possible by generous support from The Eva and Marc Stern Principal Artists Fund.
Ben Bliss in Recital
December 7, 2025, at The Wallis
Juan Diego Flórez in Recital
February 10, 2026
Recital made possible by generous support from Robert and Ana Cook. Piano graciously provided by Yamaha.
Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart
February 21, 2026
Patti Lupone’s appearance made possible by generous support from The Eva and Marc Stern Principal Artists Fund. Piano graciously provided by Yamaha.
Akhnaten
February 28 – March 22, 2026
2025/26 SEASON
LA Opera Orchestra generously underwritten by Terri and Jerry Kohl
Nadine Sierra in Recital
March 21, 2026, at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall
Falstaff
April 18 – May 10, 2026
GIUSEPPE VERDI
Production made possible by generous support from GRoW @ Annenberg, Andrea Pessino, Tarasenka Pankiv Fund (Tara Colburn), Barbara Augusta Teichert and The Emanuel Treitel Senior Citizen Fund. With special additional support provided by Laura and Carlton Seaver. With special appreciation to Régina and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten.
James Conlon Concert & Gala
April 24, 2026
Additional support provided by De Marchena-Huyke Foundation.
Noah’s Flood BENJAMIN BRITTEN
May 8 – 9, 2026, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Production made possible by a generous grant from the Dan Murphy Foundation. Special support also received from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, and Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. Piano graciously provided by Yamaha.
Les
Talens Lyriques: Handelian Heroes
May 24, 2026, at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall
Performance made possible by generous support from GRoW @ Annenberg. Additional underwriting support provided by Mr. Robert Finnerty and Mr. Richard Cullen. With special appreciation to Régina and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten.
The Magic Flute WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
May 30 – June 21, 2026
Production made possible by generous support from GRoW @ Annenberg and The Carol and Warner Henry Production Fund for Mozart Operas. With special appreciation to Régina and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten.
Renée Fleming in Recital
June 13, 2026
PHILIP GLASS
Production made possible by generous support from Bernard A. and Lenore S. Greenberg Opera Fund. Additional support provided by The Akhnaten Consortium and LA Opera’s Contemporary Opera Initiative, chaired by Barry and Nancy Sanders. John Holiday’s appearance is generously underwritten by a gift from The Piera Barbaglia Shaheen Next Generation Artist Award.
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40th Anniversary Angels
MARC STERN, CHAIR
KEITH LEONARD, CHAIR
We celebrate our 40th Anniversary Angels, who build upon the inspiring legacy of the company’s Founding Angels and the many generous Angels who followed. (See pages P14-P15.) Their extraordinary support has provided essential annual operating resources for world-class opera in Los Angeles.
Marc and Eva Stern Foundation
Emanuel Treitel Trust
GRoW @ Annenberg
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
Colburn Foundation
County of Los Angeles
Dunard Fund USA
Gordon Getty
Terri and Jerry Kohl
Margo Leavin
Nanette and Keith Leonard
Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco
Linda and Alvaro Pascotto
Andrea Pessino
Ronus Foundation
David and Linda Shaheen
Eugene and Marilyn Stein
Barbara Augusta Teichert
The Ahmanson Foundation
The Blue Ribbon
Ana and Robert Cook
Penelope Foley
Max H. Gluck Foundation
The Green Foundation
The Lenore S. and Bernard A. Greenberg Fund
Carol and Warner Henry
Claude Mann and Alfred E. Mann Estate
The Rafael and Luisa De Marchena-Huyke Foundation
Dan Murphy Foundation
Chris and Dick Newman
Suzanne and Fred Rheinstein
The Seaver Family
Richard Shank Trust
Marilyn Ziering
Ann Ziff
PROGRAM
CHRISTOPHER KOELSCH , SEBASTIAN PAUL AND MARYBELLE MUSCO PRESIDENT AND CEO
JAMES CONLON , RICHARD SEAVER MUSIC DIRECTOR
PRESENTS
GIACOMO PUCCINI
La Bohème
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Based on Scènes de la vie de Bohème by Henri Murger
CREATIVE TEAM
CONDUCTOR
Lina González-Granados
ORIGINAL PRODUCTION
Herbert Ross
DIRECTOR
Brenna Corner
SCENIC DESIGNER
Gerard Howland
COSTUME DESIGNERS
Peter J. Hall
Jeannique Prospere
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Pablo Santiago
CHORUS DIRECTOR
Jeremy Frank
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Fernando Malvar-Ruiz
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
Sara E. Widzer
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Erik Friedman
STAGE MANAGER
Whitney McAnally
PROMPTER
Peter Walsh ‡
MUSICAL PREPARATION
Sujin Choi †
Blair Salter
Gabrielė Žemaitytė †
CAST (in order of vocal appearance)
MARCELLO Gihoon Kim *
RODOLFO
Oreste Cosimo * COLLINE
SCHAUNARD
BENOÎT
MIMÌ
PRUNE VENDOR
PARPIGNOL
SOLO CHILD
MUSETTA
William Guanbo Su *
Emmett O’Hanlon *
Rod Gilfry
Janai Brugger ‡
Todd Strange
Nathan Bowles †
Toma Hakushi *
Erica Petrocelli‡
ALCINDORO Rod GIlfry
CUSTOMS HOUSE OFFICER James Martin Schaefer
SERGEANT Steven Pence
SUPPORT
Production made possible by generous gifts from Andrea Pessino
Alfred and Claude Mann Fund
Jane and Peter Hemmings Production Fund, a gift from the Flora L. Thornton Trust
Special additional support from The Armenian Consortium
Scott Watt Family
LA Opera Orchestra generously underwritten by Terri and Jerry Kohl
PRODUCTION NOTES
The running time is approximately two hours and thirty minutes, which includes one intermission between Act Two and Act Three.
This production includes haze. Supertitles written by David Anglin. Pre-performance lectures by Jeremy Frank. Pre-performance lectures are generously sponsored by the Flora L. Thornton Foundation and the Opera League of Los Angeles. Scenery constructed by Seattle Opera Scenic Studio. Additional props by Studio Sereno, Los Angeles. Costumes constructed by the Los Angeles Opera Costume Shop. Wigs constructed by the Los Angeles Opera Wig Department.
* LA Opera debut
† Member of the Domingo-ColburnStein Young Artist Program
‡ Alumnus of the Domingo-ColburnStein Young Artist Program
ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Please refrain from talking during the performance, and turn off all cell phones, electronic devices and watch alarms. If you are using an assistive hearing device, or are attending with someone who is, please make sure that it is set to an appropriate level to avoid distracting audio feedback. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house management. Members of the audience who leave during the performance will not be shown back into the theater until the next intermission. The use of cameras and recording equipment is strictly prohibited. Your use of a ticket acknowledges your willingness to appear in photographs taken in public areas of the Music Center and releases the Center and its lessees and others from liability resulting from use of such photographs. Any microphones onstage are used for recording or broadcast purposes only; onstage voices are not amplified.
ACT I
Four young men live together in a garret in the Latin Quarter of Paris. The poet Rodolfo and artist Marcello try to stay warm on a bitterly cold Christmas Eve. They have no money for food or firewood. Nor does Colline, a student of philosophy. But the fourth roommate, the musician Schaunard, has just gotten paid; he arrives with food, drink and firewood. As they celebrate, they can’t help remembering that their landlord Benoit will be demanding their long overdue rent.
Rodolfo stays behind to finish up some work as the others head out for a night on the town. A knock at the door: Mimì, a pretty seamstress who lives in the same building. A draft blows out her candle. She realizes she has dropped her key somewhere and the two search for it in the darkness. They get to know each other. Rodolfo tells her of his poetry, Mimì tells him of her life, and they fall in love. They head out to catch up with Rodolfo’s friends.
Brief pause for scene change
ACT II
Full of high spirits, the bohemians join the holiday throng. Hat sellers, toy sellers and vendors of all sorts crowd the streets. The bohemians take a table at the Café Momus. Marcello’s tempestuous ex-girlfriend Musetta enters with her rich new lover, Alcindoro.
Marcello pretends to ignore her but it’s obvious to everyone that they still have strong feelings for each other. Musetta finds an excuse to send Alcindoro away on an errand. When a military parade passes by, the reunited lovers and their friends slip away into the crowd, leaving Alcindoro to pay their bill.
INTERMISSION
ACT III
A cold February dawn. Marcello and Musetta are now living together in a tavern on the outskirts of Paris, near a toll-gate. A pale and worn Mimì comes looking for Rodolfo, who had stormed out in a jealous rage earlier that evening. Marcello tells her that Rodolfo spent the night in the tavern. Mimì hides when Rodolfo comes outside. He eventually reveals to Marcello that his jealousy is just an act: he’s actually heartbroken to watch Mimì’s fragile health deteriorate, knowing that he is unable to provide for her, and he fears that she will die if she stays with him. Mimì’s persistent coughing gives away her hiding place, and Rodolfo realizes that she has overheard everything he’s said. The two lovers realize that a longterm relationship is no longer possible for them, but they decide to postpone their break-up until spring. Meanwhile, Marcello and Musetta begin yet another senseless quarrel, and Musetta storms off in anger.
Brief pause for scene change
ACT IV
It is now spring; both couples have split up. Marcello and Rodolfo try to get some work done, but the memories of happier times fill them with sadness. Schaunard and Colline manage to raise their spirits for a while, until Musetta suddenly bursts in with news: Mimì is dying and wants to spend her final hours with Rodolfo. Mimì arrives in a state of collapse, and her friends try to make her comfortable. Musetta sends Marcello out to sell her earrings and buy medicine. Musetta goes out herself to look for a muff to warm Mimì’s cold hands. Colline decides to sell his beloved overcoat to pay for a doctor; Schaunard goes with him.
Left alone, Rodolfo and Mimì recall their first meeting. Their friends return; a doctor is on his way. Thinking that Mimì has fallen asleep, Rodolfo begins to feel hopeful. But when he sees his friends’ faces, he realizes that she is dead.
In fond memory of Tara Colburn, supertitles are underwritten by Dunard Fund USA
PHOTO BY KEN
HOWARD
Lina González-Granados
CONDUCTOR
From: Cali, Colombia.
LA Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor (2022, debut); The Rape of Lucretia, El último sueño de Frida y Diego (2023); Fire and Blue Sky, Dracula, Romeo and Juliet (2024); Coming Home: Angel Blue in Concert (2025). She has been Resident Conductor since 2022.
About: After winning the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition, she was named Solti Conducting Apprentice under Riccardo Muti (2020-23). Her 2025/26 season includes a European tour with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist AnneSophie Mutter; returns to the Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Kristiansand Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, National Symphony Dublin and Orchestre Métropolitain; and debuts with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan and National Orchestra of Spain, among others. (LinaGonzalezGranados.com)
Brenna Corner
STAGE DIRECTOR
From: Atlanta, Georgia.
LA Opera: associate director of Lucia di Lammermoor (2022, debut); director of Madama Butterfly (2024).
About: She is the artistic director of Pacific Opera Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Select directing projects include Macbeth and Il Trovatore (Washington National Opera), Pagliacci, Noah’s Flood and Scalia/ Ginsburg (Glimmerglass Festival), The Little Prince (Pacific Opera Victoria), H.M.S Pinafore and L’Elisir d’Amore (Vancouver Opera); Carmen (Atlanta Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera); Don Giovanni (Seattle Opera); Hansel and Gretel (San Diego Opera, Vancouver Opera); La Bohème (Calgary Opera, Dallas Opera); Dead Man Walking (Israeli Opera); Sweeney Todd (New Orleans Opera); and The Flying Dutchman (Cincinnati Opera, Houston Grand Opera). She was the founding artistic director of Manitoba Underground Opera. (BrennaCorner.com)
Herbert Ross
ORIGINAL PRODUCTION
From: New York City.
LA Opera: La Bohème (debut, 1993); this season’s revival marks the eighth time it has been presented by the company.
About: The films of Herbert Ross (1927-2001) collectively garnered 44 Academy Award nominations, including one that Ross earned for directing The Turning Point. He directed such diverse films as The Goodbye Girl, Footloose and Pennies from Heaven. He began his career as a dancer, and at 23 became a choreographer for American Ballet Theatre and for the Broadway stage. He directed a number of plays before entering film and brought several Neil Simon works to the screen, including The Sunshine Boys, for which George Burns won an Academy Award, and California Suite, for which Maggie Smith won an Academy Award. Other credits include Steel Magnolias, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Funny Lady and Play It Again, Sam. Herbert Ross also produced and directed The Secret of My Success, The Last of Sheila, Protocol, True Colors and Boys on the Side.
Gerard Howland
SET DESIGNER
From: London, England.
LA Opera: La Bohème (debut, 1993; seven revivals to date)
About: Gerard Howland’s accomplishments as a theatrical and entertainment designer and producer have yielded more than 200 stage productions, 50 operas, numerous television, film and theme park attractions worldwide. His clients include the Royal Shakespeare Company, American Conservatory Theater, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, the Olympics and General Motors. At the San Francisco Giants’ stadium, he created a giant Coke bottle, baseball mitt and “splash landing,” voted the most popular public sculptures in California. For seven years, he was the director of design at San Francisco Opera. He has also designed for English National Opera, Paris Opera, Prague National Opera, Dallas Opera and Washington National Opera. He is the senior creative director at Universal Studios, Florida. (GerardHowland.org)
PHOTO BY CRAIG T. MATHEW
Peter J. Hall
COSTUME DESIGNER
From: Bristol, England.
LA Opera: Hansel and Gretel (debut, 1992); La Bohème (1993; seven revivals to date); Stiffelio (1995); Simon Boccanegra (2012).
About: Peter J. Hall (1926-2010) was the longtime resident costume designer for the Dallas Opera, where he designed costumes (and occasionally sets) for more than 70 productions beginning with The Barber of Seville in 1962. He also designed costumes for the Metropolitan Opera where he served as resident costume designer for 11 seasons; for Covent Garden, Vienna State Opera, La Scala, Kirov Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera and at the Sydney Opera House. His later designs included Ariadne auf Naxos in Dallas, Simon Boccanegra in San Francisco, Otello in South Korea and Stiffelio for Teatro Nuovo in Argentina. He also designed theatrical productions for London’s National Theatre and for the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as Much Ado About Nothing directed by Franco Zeffirelli in Rome.
Pablo Santiago
LIGHTING DESIGNER
From: Chiapas, Mexico.
LA Opera: prism (2018, debut); The Anonymous Lover (2020); Breaking the Waves (2021); Omar (2022); Highway 1, USA (2024); The Dwarf (2024); Madama Butterfly (2024); Hildegard (2025).
Upcoming: Falstaff (2026).
About: Pablo Santiago is an acclaimed lighting designer whose work seamlessly bridges live performance and digital film, transforming stages into immersive and emotionally resonant environments. He has worked with renowned institutions including the Kennedy Center, Teatro Municipal São Paulo, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Boston Lyric Opera, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theatre, BAM Harvey Theater, Geffen Playhouse and the Hollywood Bowl. He has collaborated with the LA Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Pablo continues to push the boundaries of the craft, illuminating narratives that captivate and inspire audiences around the world. (PabloSantiagoDesign.com)
Jeannique Prospere
COSTUME DESIGNER
From: St. Lucia, West Indies.
LA Opera: Costume Director since 2021; designer of costumes for La Bohème (2012, debut; 2016).
About: Jeannique Prospere is a theater professional with over 20 years of experience in costume design for theater, dance and opera. A member of IATSE 829 since 2004, she has collaborated extensively with directors, choreographers, designers, and opera companies across the United States and internationally. Her exquisite costumes for La Boheme, originally created for the company’s acclaimed revivals in 2012 and 2016, were seen at the Lyric Opera of Chicago earlier this year. She joined LA Opera in 2006, contributing as Costume Design Manager to numerous productions over the years. In 2021, she was appointed Costume Director, where she now oversees the Costume, Wardrobe, and Wigs & Makeup departments. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and collaborative approach, Jeannique works closely with artistic teams to bring their creative visions to life for the stage.
Jeremy Frank
CHORUS DIRECTOR
From: Glendive, Montana. LA Opera: He became Chorus Director in 2022, after working on over 75 productions as associate chorus director and/or assistant conductor. He is a coach for the Domingo-ColburnStein Young Artist Program. About: He has collaborated with major opera houses throughout the United States and has prepared operas and vocal chamber music at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, working with Gustavo Dudamel, Esa Pekka Salonen, Phillipe Jordan, Grant Gershon, Barbara Hannigan and Pablo Heras-Casado. A pianist and vocal coach, he is an adjunct lecturer in vocal arts and opera at the University of Southern California. As a pianist, he has partnered with Sondra Radvanovsky, Eric Owens, Brandon Jovanovich, J’nai Bridges, Dolora Zajick, Kate Lindsey and Susan Graham. He has helped prepare the Ring cycle for Seattle Opera and has been a guest faculty member for young artist programs at Utah Opera and Seattle Opera. (JeremyMFrank.com)
Fernando Malvar-Ruiz
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S CHORUS
From: Vigo, Spain.
LA Opera: Hansel and Gretel (2018, debut); La Bohème (2019); St. Matthew Passion (2021); Tosca (2022); Otello (2023); Turandot (2024).
About: Fernando Malvar-Ruiz has been artistic director of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, one of the nation’s premier youth choral organizations, since 2018. An internationally sought-after conductor, pedagogue and expert in the adolescent voice, he brings more than two decades of experience shaping young singers for the world’s most prestigious stages. Previously, he served for 17 years with the renowned American Boychoir, including 13 years as artistic director. Under his leadership, the ensemble toured internationally, and collaborated with world-class orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony and Berlin Philharmonic. He won a Grammy Award for his work on Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with the LA Philharmonic. (LAChildrensChorus.org)
BEHIND THE MASTERPIECE
Murger the Bohemian
Sara E. Widzer
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
From: Los Angeles, California. LA Opera: directed The Death of Orpheus (2020); livestream director of Il Trovatore (2021); intimacy director for several productions including, most recently, Romeo and Juliet, Così fan tutte, Ainadamar and West Side Story.
About: Upcoming engagements include intimacy direction for Fellow Travelers at Seattle Opera, Cincinnati Opera, San Diego Opera and the Glimmerglass Festival. Previous intimacy direction: La Traviata (San Diego Opera), Rodrigo (Opera UCLA), La Bohème (Washington National Opera), Semele (Opera Santa Barbara), After Glow (film by Ryan McKinny). Previous stage/intimacy direction: Carla Lucero’s touch (Opera Birmingham) and JUANA (Opera UCLA), and Cabildo/ Proving Up at UC Boulder. Directing credits also include Carmen (Opera Orlando), The Flying Dutchman (Hawaii Opera Theatre, Virginia Opera) and The Music Man (Royal Opera House, Muscat). (SaraEWidzer.com)
Writer Henri Murger drew on his own life experiences for his Scènes de la vie de Bohème, which inspired Puccini’s opera. In densely populated 19th-century Paris, students and struggling artists like Rodolfo and Marcello took rooms in garret apartments, cramped attic spaces under sloping mansard roofs. Bourgeois families lived on grander lower levels; the higher the floor, the cheaper the rent. Murger recalled that he lived on the sixth floor “because there was no seventh.”
The Other Bohème
Puccini wasn’t the only composer attracted to Murger’s tales of the bohemian life. His close friend and collaborator Ruggero Leoncavallo (right), composer of Pagliacci, got there first, starting work on it in late 1892. He even showed Puccini the libretto he was working on. A few months later, basking in the success of his first big hit, Manon Lescaut, Puccini decided that he wanted to take on La Bohème. Leoncavallo was furious, taking his outrage to the press. “Let him compose, I will compose,” said Puccini. “The public will decide.” Puccini raced through the composition, and his Bohème reached the stage 15 months before Leoncavallo’s. Both premieres were successful, but Leoncavallo’s Bohème was soon eclipsed by Puccini’s, and is seldom performed today.
Los Angeles Gets Bohème First
L.A. hosted the U.S. premiere of La Bohème on October 14, 1897, less than two years after the world premiere. The city wasn’t on the cutting edge of the opera scene at the time, but it did happen to be a convenient stop for the Del Conti Italian Opera Company on its way to San Francisco after touring Mexico. The LA Times praised the performance. “It is the chance of a lifetime to hear such glorious music.” The cast was led by soprano Linda Montanari (pictured above: “splendid brilliancy and aplomb”) and tenor Giuseppe Agostini (“a great triumph”)
Janai Brugger
MIMÌ
From: Darien, Illinois.
SOPRANO
LA Opera: Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro (2010, debut); subsequent roles include Musetta in La Bohème (2012, 2016); Pamina in The Magic Flute (2013); Servilia in The Clemency of Titus (2019); Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro (2023). An alumna of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program (201012), she is a 2021 recipient of the Eva and Marc Stern Artist Award. About: A 2012 winner of Operalia and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she began the season as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni at the Met, after appearances last season as Pip in Moby-Dick. She will return to the Met for Micaëla in Carmen, debut with the Seattle Symphony in Poulenc’s Stabat Mater, perform a program of Florence Price songs with both the Minnesota Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Sacramento Philharmonic and return to the Grant Park Music Festival. (JanaiBrugger.com)
Erica Petrocelli
MUSETTA
From: East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
SOPRANO
LA Opera: numerous roles including Musetta in La Bohème (2019); title role in Eurydice (2020); Donna Clara in The Dwarf (2024); Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte (2025). She is an alumna of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program (2018-20) and a 2025 recipient of the Eva and Marc Stern Artist Award.
About: She began the season as Marguerite in Faust at Ohio’s Opera Western Reserve and will cover Micaëla in Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera. Last season she performed Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly with the Colorado Springs Symphony and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with the San Antonio Symphony. She has performed Zerlina in Don Giovanni with Opernhaus Zürich, Pamina in The Magic Flute with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni and Pamina with Sarasota Opera, and Mozart’s Requiem with the Cincinnati May Festival and St. Louis Symphony.
Oreste Cosimo
RODOLFO TENOR
From: Crotone, Italy.
LA Opera: debut.
About: His appearances this season include Rodolfo in Palm Beach, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly in Sydney, Alfredo in La Traviata in Melbourne, Luigi in Il Tabarro and Rinuccio in Gianni
Schicchi with the Lithuanian National Opera in Vilnius and Don José in Carmen in Vienna for Opernsommer. Future appearances include Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor in Basel. His most recent performances include Alfredo at Rome’s Terme di Caracalla and in Tirana, Don José in Carmen in La Coruña and at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Gennaro in Lucrezia Borgia in Rome, the Duke in Rigoletto and Ruggero in La Rondine in Turin, Alfredo, Hoffmann in The Tales of Hoffmann and Florestan in Fidelio at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Rodolfo at the Puccini Festival Torre del Lago, Rodolfo and Edgardo at Opéra de Nice, Verdi’s Requiem with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and Cavaradossi in Tosca in Saarbrücken. (OresteCosimo.com)
Gihoon Kim
MARCELLO B ARITONE
From: Gokseong, South Korea. LA Opera: debut.
About: In 2021, he was named the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. This season’s highlights include a role debut as Escamillo in Carmen at Dallas Opera, as well as a festival and role debut as Donner in Das Rheingold at the Salzburg Easter Festival, and a debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in Mahler’s Eighth Symphony. Last season, he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Schaunard in La Bohème and a role debut as Posa in Don Carlo at the Royal Danish Theatre, which he reprised for Deutsche Oper Berlin. Other recent highlights include Scarpia in Tosca with Dallas Opera, Schaunard with the Bavarian State Opera, and Germont in La Traviata at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. He has performed Marcello with Covent Garden, Washington National Opera, the Glyndebourne Festival and Korea National Opera. In future seasons, he will return to the Metropolitan Opera and to the Royal Danish Theatre.
PHOTO BY DARIO ACOSTA
PHOTO BY FIORENZO GALBIATI
PHOTO BY HEA-LIN KWON
William
Guanbo Su
COLLINE B ASS
From: Beijing, China.
LA Opera: debut.
About: This season’s engagements include returns to the Metropolitan Opera as Masetto in Don Giovanni and to Santa Fe Opera as Garibaldo in Rodelinda, as well as debuts with Irish National Opera as Oroveso in Norma and with the English Concert in the title role of Handel’s Hercules on a tour of Europe and the United States. Last season, he made role and company debuts as Publio in The Clemency of Titus at Staatsoper Hamburg, Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor with Nashville Opera, Timur in Turandot at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and as both Somnus and Cadmus in Semele with Atlanta Opera. He also debuted with Dallas Opera as Colline and returned to the Met as the Speaker in The Magic Flute and the Jailer in Tosca. Other recent appearances include the Bonze in Madama Butterfly with Houston Grand Opera, Basilio in The Barber of Seville with Seattle Opera, and Masetto in Don Giovanni with Santa Fe Opera.
Rod Gilfry
BENOÎT/ALCINDORO
B ARITONE
From: Rancho Cucamonga, California. LA Opera: Herald in Otello (1986, debut). After his most recent performances as Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte (2025) and his current appearances in La Bohème, he will have appeared with the company in 36 roles. He has performed more leading roles at LAO than any other performer in the company’s history, including the title roles of Billy Budd (2000), The Barber of Seville (1991, 1997) and Don Giovanni (1994). About: A two-time Grammy nominee, he has performed in all the world’s music capitals and can be heard on over 30 recordings. His 80-role repertoire includes 13 leading roles he has created in new operas. This season’s appearances include Owen Hart in Dead Man Walking with San Francisco Opera, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte with Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Father-inLaw in Innocence at the Metropolitan Opera, and Alfred Stieglitz in The Brightness of Light with Renée Fleming and the Nashville Symphony. (RodGilfry.com)
Emmett O’Hanlon
SCHAUNARD
B ARITONE
From: New York City, New York. LA Opera: debut.
About: Irish American baritone Emmett O’Hanlon’s 2025/26 season includes a return to the Metropolitan Opera to cover Kavalier in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Mason Bates and his role debut as Emile de Becque in South Pacific, marking his return to the Paramount Theater. Last season saw him in the title role in Viktor Ullmann’s The Emperor of Atlantis with both the New World Symphony in a new production by Yuval Sharon, and also with the Louisville Orchestra. He covered the role of Agrippa in Antony and Cleopatra by John Adams at the Metropolitan Opera and made his house and role debut with the Barrington Stage Company as Lancelot in Camelot. His many appearances with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein include the title role in Don Giovanni, the Count in The Marriage of Figaro, Figaro in The Barber of Seville, Silvio in Pagliacci, Pierrot in Die tote Stadt and Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette. (EmmettOHanlon.com)
Nathan Bowles
From: Minot, North Dakota. LA Opera: Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet (2024, debut); Bullfighter in Ainadamar (2025); Borsa in Rigoletto (2025). He will return as Dr. Caius in Falstaff and the First Armored Man in The Magic Flute. He joined the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program last season.
About: In October, he was a finalist at Operalia. Earlier this year, he performed Canio in Pagliacci with Pacific Opera Project and Don José in The Tragedy of Carmen with Tulsa Opera. He made his Dallas Opera mainstage debut as Benvolio. Recent summer engagements include performances with the Santa Fe Opera as the Animal Tamer and a waiter in Der Rosenkavalier. He has a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, where his roles included the Male Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia and Judge Danforth in The Crucible. He was a 2024 finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. (NathanBowlesTenor.com)
PHOTO BY SIMON PAULY
LA OPERA CHORUS
SOPRANO
April Amante
Christina Borgioli*
Katy Compton
Ayana Haviv
Terri Hill*
Stephanie Jones
ALTO
Elizabeth Anderson
Natalie Beck***
Danielle Marcelle Bond
Aleta Braxton***
Sara Campbell*
Veronica Christenson**
TENOR
Daniel Coy Babcock
James Callon*
Christopher Craig
Omar Crook*
Adam Faruqi
Sung Bong Kim
BASS
Ralph Cato
Abdiel González*
James Hayden
Jared Jones
Mark Kelley*
David Kress*
Elizabeth Lee
Lori Stinson*
Courtney Taylor*
Janet Todd
Chloé Malia Vaught
Sunjoo Yeo*
Kelly Krantz*
Adriana Manfredi
Julia Metzler
Bonnie Snell Schindler*
Melissa Treinkman**
Charles Lane**
JJ Lopez
Francis Lucaric**
Sal Malaki***
Todd Strange*
Daniel Suk
E. Scott Levin
Connor Licharz
Steven Pence*
James Martin Schaefer*
David Williams
* Has appeared in 50 or more productions
** Has appeared in 100 or more productions
*** Has appeared in 150 or more productions
SUPERNUMERARIES
Ryan Benson
Corinne Chooey
Jeff Cook*
Tony Cronin
Matt Deegan, juggler
Tucker Futrell
Jackson Janowicz
Nicholas Langston, flag spinner
Andrew Lemus
J.C. O’Connell*
Josh Olkowski
Kristen Refermat
Lorin Eric Salm, mime
Elliott Santos
Vanessa Vazquez
Alexander Weston, flag spinner
Sean Wrinkle
Jade Zúñiga
* Has appeared in 25 or more productions
SUPERNUMERARY CHILDREN
Elodie Barker
Lily Braaten
Schroeder Shelby-Szyszko
Bellami Smith
LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Lavinia Bernett
Sophia Cham
Delphine Cunningham
Adalynn Davis
Penelope Epstein
Greta Feinstein
Toma Hakushi
Alexa Ho
Olivia Hong
Emiliano Lara-Aguilar
Kaitlyn Loh
Adam Mandel
Holden Pang
Elena Rigali
Caroline Stevens-Whiteside
Nila Vivek
LA OPERA ORCHESTRA
LA
OPERA ORCHESTRA
FIRST VIOLIN
Ana Landauer CONCERTMASTER
Armen Anassian
ASSOCIATE CONCERTMASTER
Lisa Sutton
ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER
Cheryl Norman
Olivia Tsui
Beau Henson
Lucinda Chiu
Katie Sloan
Heather Powell
Radu Pieptea
Erica UzCa
Neel Hammond
SECOND VIOLIN
Loránd Lokuszta PRINCIPAL
Haesol Lee
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Florence Titmus
Leslie Katz
Michele Kikuchi
Cynthia Moussas
Ina Veli
Irina Voloshina
Elizabeth Hedman
Nina Evtuhov
VIOLA
Erik Rynearson PRINCIPAL
Evan Antes
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Karie Prescott
Shawn Mann
Jing Peng
Kate Vincent
Aaron Oltman
Diana Wade
CELLO
John Walz PRINCIPAL
Dane Little
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Helen Altenbach
Nadine Hall
Charlie Tyler
Sarah Kim
generously underwritten by Terri and Jerry Kohl
BASS
Nathan Farrington PRINCIPAL
Evan Hillis
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Frances Liu Wu
Zach Hislop
Tim Eckert
FLUTE
Heather Clark PRINCIPAL
Angela Wiegand
Sarah Weisz, piccolo
OBOE
Leslie Reed PRINCIPAL
Jennifer Cullinan
Sarah Beck, English horn
CLARINET
Stuart Clark PRINCIPAL
Donald Foster
Stephen Piazza, bass clarinet
BASSOON
William May PRINCIPAL
William Wood
HORN
Steven Becknell PRINCIPAL
Daniel Kelley
Jenny Kim
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Melia Badalian
TRUMPET
Ryan Darke PRINCIPAL
Erick Jovel
Dylan Girard
TROMBONE
William Booth PRINCIPAL
Alvin Veeh
Terry Cravens, bass trombone
TUBA
Doug Tornquist PRINCIPAL
HARP
JoAnn Turovsky PRINCIPAL
TIMPANI
Gregory Goodall PRINCIPAL
PERCUSSION
Theresa Dimond PRINCIPAL
John Wakefield
Scott Higgins
BANDA
FLUTE
Shannon Canchola
David Ramirez
Amy Tatum
TRUMPET
Adam Bhatia
John Brannon
Dylan Johnson
Jennifer Marotta
Drew Ninmer
Cameron Wilkins
SNARE DRUM
Erica Hou
Cash Langi
Milton Salazar
Melisandra Dunker MUSIC LIBRARIAN
Brady Steel ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER
PRODUCTION STAFF
ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER
Azra King-Abadi
SUPERTITLE PREPARATION / CUER
Linda Zoolalian
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
Kathryn Davies
Johanna Sophia Romo
Miranda Wilson
HEAD STUDIO TEACHER
Marie Wilson-Rogers
STUDIO TEACHERS
Katherine Roberts
Bettina Russo
LOS ANGELES CHILDREN'S CHORUS, CHORUS SERVICES MANAGER
Deborah Stark
COSTUME SHOP
Lindsey Ellison
Robbie Monsod
JoEllen Skinner
Clara Weidman CUTTER/DRAPERS
Alexandra Babec
Adle Smithson
Haley Williams FIRST HANDS
Stephanie Castro
Alex de la Huerta
Erica Fromdahl
Melissa Meza
Blanca Miranda
Carmen Muñoz
Laura Rosen
Arielle Walker
Anna Wong SEAMSTERS
Wing Cheung MASTER TAILOR
Kelvin Small, Jr.
Tina Young Sheridan TAILORS
Dahlia Gonzalez
Madeline Schumacher CRAFTSPERSONS
Emily Frank Miranda Orellana PRODUCTION SUPERVISORS
Rhiannon Smith
SENIOR COSTUME ASSISTANT
Emma Van Horn
COSTUME ASSISTANT
Jacqueline Colindres Paz Gwyneva Rosales PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
WARDROBE
Lee Smilek HEAD OF WARDROBE
Mary Basile
Charlyn Trenier WARDROBE ASSISTANTS
Samantha Corn
Charlie Fleiss
Shelley Graves-Jimenez
Mary Lehman
Glen Moore
Tyrell Pickett SEASONAL DRESSERS
WIGS AND MAKE-UP
Maggie Clark INTERIM WIGMASTER
Kelso Millett INTERIM ASSOCIATE WIGMASTER
Brandi Strona DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR & CREW FOREMAN
Nicole Rodrigues SENIOR WIG & MAKE-UP ARTIST
Nathalie Eidt SENIOR WIG & MAKE-UP ARTIST
Delaney Doherty WIG & MAKE-UP ARTIST
Darlene Sixtos LEAD STYLIST
STAGE CREW
Scott Papez OPERA CARPENTER
Robert Colby Klein OPERA ELECTRICIAN
David Salas OPERA ASSISTANT CARPENTER
Alerton Perez ASSISTANT ELECTRICIAN
Scott Shepherd OPERA PROPERTY MASTER
Heather Orozco OPERA HEAD AUDIO
Kelly Richard Travis OPERA HEAD VIDEO
Brad Cobb OPERA AUDIO ENGINEER
DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION HOUSE STAFF
Timothy L. Conroy MASTER CARPENTER
Ryan Lebetsamer HOUSE HEAD ELECTRICIAN
Scott Shepherd INTERIM MASTER OF PROPERTIES
Heather Orozco HOUSE HEAD AUDIO
Robert Devis HOUSE MANAGER
Demetra Willis HEAD USHER
Carolyn Van Brunt VICE PRESIDENT OF GUEST SERVICES
VARI-LITE AUTOMATED LIGHTING PROVIDED BY Vari-Lite Inc.
THE DOMINGO-COLBURN- STEIN YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
The Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program supports the future of opera by discovering and developing the talents of highly gifted young artists to become the stars of tomorrow. Since the company’s inception, LA Opera has been committed to nurturing a resident ensemble of young singers who would benefit from long-term professional development. The Domingo-ColburnStein Young Artist Program, which builds on the success of the company’s earlier, highly respected Resident Artist Program, has the goal of developing the talents of exceptionally gifted young artists to become performers of potentially international stature, whose first loyalty would be to LA Opera.
The Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program is generously underwritten by the Colburn Foundation and Eugene and Marilyn Stein. Additional generous underwriting support is provided by Terri and Jerry Kohl and Barbara Augusta Teichert Special support for young artist stipends is graciously provided by The Lenore and Richard Wayne Young Artist Fellowship. Additional support provided by The Jules Brenner Trust and the Young Artist Circle
The program was created with funding from the Flora L. Thornton Foundation
The USC Voice Center is the official vocal healthcare provider for LA Opera and the Domingo-ColburnStein Young Artist Program.
2025/26 PARTICIPANTS
Nathan Bowles TENOR
Sujin Choi PIANIST/COACH
Vinícius Costa BASS
Emily Damasco SOPRANO
Julian Garvue PIANIST/COACH
Yuntong Han TENOR
Hyungjin Son BARITONE
Katie Trigg MEZZO-SOPRANO
Gabrielle Turgeon SOPRANO
Gabrielė Žemaitytė PIANIST/COACH
Special thanks to the staff of the Music Center. Principal Singers, Narrators, Performers who have speaking parts, Stage Directors, Associate and Assistant Directors, Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, Choreographers, Assistant Choreographers, Principal Dancers, Corps Dancers, and Chorus Singers appear under terms of an agreement between Los Angeles Opera and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AFL-CIO), the national guild of classical singers, dancers and production staff. Orchestra musicians are represented by the American Federation of Musicians, Local 47. The following employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Machine Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO, CLC,: Stage Crew, Local 33; Treasurers and Ticket Sellers, Local 857; Wardrobe Crew and Costume Crew, Local 768 ; Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists, Local 706. Interns in the Technical Department are students at California Institute of the Arts (Valencia, California). All editorial materials copyright Los Angeles Opera, 2025. The opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Los Angeles Opera.
Christopher Koelsch
SEBASTIAN PAUL AND MARYBELLE MUSCO PRESIDENT AND CEO
James Conlon
RICHARD SEAVER MUSIC DIRECTOR
John P. Nuckols
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF STRATEGIC OFFICER
VICE PRESIDENT, LABOR RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Rupert Hemmings
VICE PRESIDENT, ARTISTIC PLANNING
Andréa Fuentes, Ed.D. VICE PRESIDENT, CONNECTS
Kathleen Ruiz
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Domingo Hindoyan MUSIC DIRECTOR DESIGNATE
Lina González-Granados RESIDENT CONDUCTOR
Jeremy Frank CHORUS DIRECTOR
Renée Fleming ADVISOR, SPECIAL PROJECTS
Susan Graham ARTISTIC ADVISOR, YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
Paul Hopper SENIOR DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC PLANNING
ARTISTIC
Blair Salter
HEAD COACH, YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
Nicki Harper
DIRECTOR OF ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
Maya Ordóñez MANAGER, ARTISTIC PROGRAMS AND REHEARSAL
Scarleth Arias ARTISTIC OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
BOX OFFICE
Shane K. Morton
BOX OFFICE TREASURER
Shawnet Sweets
FIRST ASSISTANT TREASURER
Joseph Howells
Joseph Selway
Brenda Roman
Andrew Tomasulo
Susan Wong
SECOND ASSISTANT TREASURERS
Lizania Mancia
Andy Phu
THIRD ASSISTANT TREASURERS
Kiana Culpepper
Robert Morrison
Steven Phu
TICKET SELLERS
CONNECTS
Natalie Ramirez
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Adam LeBow
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Jake Ryan Lindsey
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Tate Shoebridge
PROGRAM MANAGER
Julia Santha
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Kirsten Anderson
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
Gina Young
OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
Emmanuel Yoque
LEARNING PROGRAMS ASSOCIATE
Bene’t Benton
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Eli Villanueva RESIDENT STAGE DIRECTOR
COSTUMES
Jeannique Prospere COSTUME DIRECTOR
Andrealisse Lopez
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
Brittani Seach
PRODUCTION, STOCK & RENTAL SUPERVISOR
Manuel Garcia WAREHOUSE MANAGER
John Musselman
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Neal Anderson
MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATE
DEVELOPMENT
Janneke Straub DIRECTOR, LEADERSHIP GIFTS
Josh Harrold DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
Christian Johnsten
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MAJOR AND PLANNED GIFTS
Kellynn Meeks
SENIOR BOARD AND EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
Robin Green
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND OFFICE MANAGER
Zade Dardari
ANNUAL FUND SPECIALIST
Joy Smythe-Macaulay ANNUAL FUND COORDINATOR
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
Benji Railton-Ashe DIRECTOR, MAJOR GIFTS
Katherine Miranda
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
Evangeline Santos
MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER
Kylie Smith
PROSPECT RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Claudia Giugni
DONOR STEWARDSHIP SPECIALIST
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING
Joslyn Treece
DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL GIVING & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Robin Gilliam
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING OFFICER AND GRANT WRITER
Francesca Cloete INSTITUTIONAL GIVING ASSISTANT
SPECIAL EVENTS
Caitlin Harper EVENTS DESIGN SPECIALIST
FINANCE
Deborah Gould CONTROLLER
Peter Pendergest DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING
Daisy Lopez PAYROLL MANAGER
Brian Stefanko ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER
Jing Hu ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Rowena Matibag-Potter SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST
HUMAN RESOURCES
Esmeralda Marroquin SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR
MUSIC ADMINISTRATION
Melisandra Dunker MUSIC LIBRARIAN
Brady Steel ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER
Ignazio Terrasi MUSICAL ASSISTANT TO JAMES CONLON
PRODUCTION
Jasna Gara PRODUCTION MANAGER
Whitney McAnally PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marlene Meraz DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Mark Lyons
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLICATIONS
Daniel Calderon CONTENT MEDIA SPECIALIST
SALES AND MARKETING
Caitlin Carlson CREATIVE CONTENT DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Galvan
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, LOYALTY MARKETING
Keith J. Rainville
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, BRAND & DESIGN
Pauline Hwa
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ACQUISITION MARKETING
Terrance Lovecraft INTERACTIVE & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yesenia Vargas
MARKETING STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Victoria Rey
MARKETING OPERATIONS AND EVENT SPECIALIST
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT
Jeff Kleeman
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Carolina Angulo
SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER
Margie Schnibbe
SENIOR TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATOR
James Pomichter
PRODUCTION MEDIA MANAGER
Lisa Coto
PROPERTIES COORDINATOR
Natalie Ferguson DESIGN ASSISTANT
Damon Schindler
RESIDENT LEAD SCENIC ARTIST
Chris Carey
TECHNICAL PAYROLL OFFICER
Stephanie Santiago TECHNICAL MANAGER
Dani Monterroso TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Jennifer Gonzalez
Deborah Gutierrez
WALLY RUSSELL LIGHTING INTERNS
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Michael Masuda NETWORK MANAGER
Tommy Mam
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES MANAGER
Alex Badali
Jordan Tan
Brian Urrutia
APPLICATIONS ADMINISTRATORS
ACADEMY INTERNS
Diego Castro
Arielle Escareno
Elise Fukuda
Cornelio Garcia
Alan Munoz
Sofia Padilla
Elisa Raya
Bejay Villanueva
CONSULTANTS
Stephen King
HEAD OF VOCAL INSTRUCTION, DOMINGO-COLBURN-STEIN YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
Paul Curran HEAD OF DRAMATIC STUDIES, DOMINGO-COLBURN-STEIN YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
Studio Fuse
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Marlinda Menashe
DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Patricia McLeod
CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT
30th Anniversary Angels
MARC STERN, CHAIR
We celebrate our 30th Anniversary Angels who build on the inspiring legacy of the company’s Founding Angels and the many generous Angels who followed them. They have provided the necessary foundational support for world-class opera in Los Angeles.
Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco
GRoW @ Annenberg
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
Colburn Foundation
County of Los Angeles Dunard Fund USA
Mr. Harold Alden and Dr. Geraldine Alden
The Blue Ribbon
Ana and Robert Cook
Mark Houston Dalzell and James Dao-Dalzell
Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman
The Alexander Furlotti Foundation
Max H. Gluck Foundation
Peter and Diane Gray
The Green Foundation
Margo Leavin
Marc and Eva Stern Foundation
Gordon Getty
The Lenore S. and Bernard A.
Greenberg Fund
Carol and Warner Henry Terri and Jerry Kohl
Lauren B. Leichtman and Arthur E. Levine Family Foundation
Nanette and Keith Leonard LGHG Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Dan Murphy Foundation
The Okun Family, in memory of Milton Okun
Linda and Alvaro Pascotto
Andrea Pessino
Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer
Suzanne Rheinstein, in honor of Fred Rheinstein
25th Anniversary Angels
Claude Mann and Alfred E. Mann Estate
Ronus Foundation
The Seaver Family
Marilyn Ziering
Lloyd E. Rigler – Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation
Kenneth D. Sanson, Jr., Trust
Ariane and Lionel Sauvage
David and Linda Shaheen
Eugene and Marilyn Stein
Barbara Augusta Teichert
Emanuel Treitel Trust
Christopher V. Walker
Richard and Lenore Wayne
Ann Ziff
Selim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley / Selim K. Zilkha Foundation
MARC STERN, CHAIR
LA Opera recognizes and thanks those who made extraordinary leadership commitments in honor of the 25th Anniversary Season, ensuring the company’s continued artistic excellence and prominence in the worldwide cultural community.
Sebastian Paul and Marybelle MuscoThe Seaver Family
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation Colburn Foundation County of Los Angeles
Mr. Harold Alden and Dr. Geraldine Alden
Annenberg Foundation
Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter
The Blue Ribbon
Alex Bouzari
Robert Day
Dunard Fund USA
Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman
Gordon Getty
Carol and Warner Henry
Alfred and Claude Mann
Brindell Roberts Gottlieb
The Green Foundation
Bernard and Lenore Greenberg, in honor of Leonard Green
LGHG Foundation
Rosemary and Milton Okun
The Milan Panic Family
Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer
20th Anniversary Angels
Marc and Eva Stern Foundation
Flora L. Thornton
Marilyn Ziering
Lloyd E. Rigler - Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation
Ronus Foundation
Eugene and Marilyn Stein
Christopher V. Walker
Richard and Lenore Wayne
Ziering Family Foundation
Selim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley / Selim K. Zilkha Foundation
MARC STERN, CHAIR
LA Opera wishes to honor those individuals who have made an extraordinary leadership commitment to the company. Building upon the remarkable foundation created by the Founding and Domingo’s Angels, the outstanding support of the 20th Anniversary Angels has helped ensure an artistically vibrant and financially secure future for LA Opera.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation Colburn Foundation County of Los Angeles
Carol and Warner Henry
Alfred and Claude Mann
Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco
Richard Seaver and Sara Jayne Kimm
Marc and Eva Stern Foundation
Flora L. Thornton
Marilyn Ziering
20th Anniversary Angels (continued)
Mr. Harold Alden and Dr. Geraldine Alden
Annenberg Foundation
Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter
Yuki and Alex Bouzari
Nancy Daly
Edgar Foster Daniels
Kelly and Robert Day
Leslie and John Dorman
Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman
Brindell Roberts Gottlieb
The Green Foundation
Bernard and Lenore Greenberg, in honor of Leonard Green
Lauren B. Leichtman and Arthur E.
Levine Family Foundation
LGHG Foundation
Beatrix F. Padway, in honor of Nathaniel W. Finston
Mr. and Mrs. Milan Panic
Domingo’s Angels
Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer
Tarasenka Pankiv Fund (Tara Colburn)
Barbara Augusta Teichert
The Joop van den Ende Foundation
Christopher V. Walker
Richard and Lenore Wayne
Ziering Family Foundation
Selim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley / Selim K. Zilkha Foundation
MARC STERN, CHAIR
MARY HAYLEY, CO-CHAIR
WARNER HENRY, CO-CHAIR
Domingo’s Angels are individuals who made a leadership commitment to fulfilling the artistic initiatives of the Domingo Seasons, 2001-2005. Their remarkable generosity provided a new threshold from which the artistic professionals associated with LA Opera created and produced opera that thrilled and inspired Los Angeles audiences and the world.
Robert V. Adams and Barbara Abercrombie
Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter Colburn Foundation
Kelly and Robert Day
Marta and Plácido Domingo
Leslie and John Dorman
The Green Foundation
Lenore and Bernard Greenberg
Carol and Warner Henry
Walter Lantz Foundation / Edward A. Landry, Trustee
Rosemary and Milton Okun
Mr. and Mrs. Milan Panic
Founding Angels
Richard Seaver and Sara Jayne Kimm
Marc and Eva Stern Foundation
The Skirball Foundation
Flora L. Thornton Foundation
Selim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley / Selim K. Zilkha Foundation
WARNER HENRY, CHAIR
LA Opera is grateful for the vision, boldness and extraordinary generosity of the Founding Angels, whose commitment to the company in its early years helped ensure the future of opera in Los Angeles.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy L. Ash
Dorothy Collins Brown
Mr. Richard D. Colburn
The Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation
Forman Family Foundation
Gordon Getty
The Emese and Leonard Green Foundation
Carol and Warner Henry
Opera League of Los Angeles
Artistic Excellence Circle
Richard Seaver
The Skirball Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Straus
Flora L. Thornton Foundation
LA Opera recognizes the dedicated individuals whose annual support ensures that the finest singers, conductors, directors and designers bring the power and beauty of the art form to our stage. To learn more, call John Nuckols at 213.972.7256.
PREMIER DIAMOND PATRON ($500,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous
The Ahmanson Foundation
GRoW @ Annenberg
Herbert Berk Estate
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation Colburn Foundation
Cosgrove Family Trust
Dunard Fund USA
Valerie Franklin Estate
Gemini Industries, Inc.
Gordon Getty
Bernard A. and Lenore S. Greenberg
Opera Fund
Carol and Warner Henry
Terri and Jerry M. Kohl
Margo Leavin
Nanette and Keith Leonard
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
Claude Mann and Alfred E. Mann Estate
Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco
Chris and Dick Newman
The Tarasenka Pankiv Fund
(Tara Colburn)
Linda and Alvaro Pascotto
Andrea Pessino
Estate of Cat Pollon
Suzanne Rheinstein, in honor of Fred Rheinstein
Ronus Foundation
The Richard Seaver Trust for the Opera
Eugene and Marilyn Stein
Marc and Eva Stern Foundation
Ms. Barbara Augusta Teichert
Emanuel Treitel Trust
Gregory and Régina Weingarten
Marilyn Ziering
Selim K. Zilkha and Mary Hayley / Selim K. Zilkha Foundation
Artistic Excellence Circle (continued)
DIAMOND PATRON ($250,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous
Estate of Lea Danberg
Leslie and John Dorman
Penelope Foley
The Green Foundation
Lauren B. Leichtman and Arthur E. Levine Family Foundation
Dan Murphy Foundation
Ceil and Michael E. Pulitzer
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Ariane and Lionel Sauvage
PREMIER PLATINUM PATRON ($150,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (3)
The Armenian Consortium
Patricia Artigas and Lucas Etchegaray
The Blue Ribbon
Ana and Robert Cook
Max H. Gluck Foundation
Cornelia Haag-Molkenteller, M.D.
The Norman and Sadie Lee Foundation
James Mulally
Peake Ranch
Michele and Dudley Rauch / The Rauch Family Foundation
PLATINUM PATRON ($100,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (3)
Jules Brenner Trust
Barbara Burtin
Margaret Sheehy Collins
Estate of Edgar Foster Daniels
De Marchena-Huyke Foundation
Manuel Gutierrez, in memory of George Sponhaltz
Hispanics for Los Angeles Opera
Joan H. Hotchkis
THE OPERA COUNCIL
Freya and Mark Ivener
Richard Kendall and Lisa See
Lawrence A. Kern
LGHG Foundation, in memory of
Louise Garland
L.L. Foundation for Youth
Patty and Ken McKenna
The Music Man Foundation
David Niemetz and Noriko Tachibana
The Opera League of Los Angeles
The David and Linda Shaheen Foundation
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton LLP
Marie H. Song
Ann Ziff
Barry and Nancy Sanders
David Sanders Living Trust
Laura and Carlton Seaver
Elizabeth Segerstrom
Christopher V. Walker
Scott Watt Family
Dr. Heinrich and Barbara Schelbert
Thurmond Smithgall and The Lanie & Ethel Foundation
South Coast Plaza
Alan and Janet Stanford
Ellen and Arnold Zetcher
Nadia Zilkha, Michael Zilkha and Emma-Louise Hayley, in memory of Mary Hayley Zilkha
Jane D. Zimmerman Trust
Chaired by Paul and Catherine Tosetti
The dedicated support of the Opera Council enables LA Opera to achieve its artistic goals. This program offers exclusive privileges and behind-the-scenes opportunities to those individuals, foundations and corporations who make annual gifts of $25,000 or more. For information, please call 213.972.3160.
GRAND GOLD PATRON ($75,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (2)
Dr. Robert Adler and Alexis Deutsch-Adler
Mr. James Asperger and Ms. Christine Adams
Mr. Haig S. Bagerdjian
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Kathleen and Jerrold Eberhardt
GRAND GOLD PATRON ($50,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (2)
Ahsan Aijaz
Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation
Dr. Peter and Mrs. Helen Bing
Paul and Marie-France Bloch Fund at The Miami Foundation
Lynn A. Booth and Kent Kresa
The Otis Booth Foundation
Maynard and Linda Brittan
Janet and Nicholas Ciriello
Family of Ginger Conrad
Charlotte Coulombe and Stuart Schoenmann
Mark H. Dalzell and James Dao-Dalzell
Michael and Jane Eisner
Diane and Peter Gray
Rian Johnson
Monique and Jonathan Kagan
Susan Lord and Scott Richard Lord
Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Linda Pierce
Geoff Emery
Annette Ermshar and Dan Monahan
Mr. Robert Finnerty and Mr. Richard Cullen
Ms. Janet Jones
Travis and Thomas Kranz
Drs. Anu and Ali Leemann
Robert Leevan and Elaine Glickman
Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
Renee and Meyer Luskin / Scope Industries
Linda May and Jack Suzar
The Rafael and Luisa de Marchena-Huyke Foundation
Jennifer and Mark McCormick
Anthony and Olivia Neece
OPERA America/Opera Fund
Caroline and Andrew Randall, in memory of Ann Ronus
Michelle Rohé
Susan R. Shapiro
John and Gill Wagner
Alyce de Roulet Williamson
Mrs. Rita Coveney Pudenz
Wendy and Ken Ruby
George and Terry Schreyer
Tina L. Segel
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Seidel
Dr. Vina Spiehler
Jay and Deanie Stein
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Stein
James and Ellen Strauss
Mrs. Laney G. Techentin
Warren and Mimi Techentin
Kyle Thorpe
Paul and Catherine Tosetti
Brigitta B. Troy
Estate of Monica Weil and Paul Schrade
Joakim Zetterberg and Fredrik Malmberg
GRAMMY MUSEUM
WHERE MUSIC COMES ALIVE
Discover the GRAMMY Museum — where music comes to life.
From iconic artifacts and unforgettable exhibitions to our new hands-on experience, Sonic Playground, you’ll find 17 interactive experiences inviting you to play, create and collaborate.
Tickets at grammymuseum.org
FREE ADMISSION for AGES 17 & Under SCAN FOR TICKETS
THE OPERA COUNCIL
GOLD PATRON ($25,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (6)
Gregory A. Adams
Maria Altmann; in memory of Fritz Altmann
Emily Arms and Steven Johnson
Ruth Bachofner
Shirley Barasch Family Trust
Ambassador Frank and Kathy Baxter
Thomas and Judith Beckmen
Beverly Hills Porsche
Hans and Dianne Bozler
Carol Bramont and David Chesley
Warren Breslow and Gail Buchalter
Drs. Maryam and Iman H. Brivanlou
Allen Briskin and Gerry Hinkley
Mrs. Michele Brustin
Marlene Schall Chávez, Ph.D.
Edward E. and Alicia Garcia Clark
Mrs. Mary Ellen Clark and Mr. Thayne Clark
Claytor Family Foundation
Ginger Conrad
Mrs. Alice S. Coulombe
Drs. Nazareth and Ani Darakjian
John and Gina Despres
Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman / Pacific Theatres Foundation
Linda L. Duttenhaver
Dr. and Mrs. William M. Duxler
PATRONS OF LA OPERA
Dr. and Mrs. Paul Eisenberg
Shaudi and Sean Fulp
Mr. Alex Furlotti
Catherine and Andrew Garroni
Kiki and David Gindler
In memory of Sally Goldstein
David and Sandy Gordon
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Gary Gugelchuk
In memory of Morris A. Hazan
Catherine and Mark Helm
HUB International Insurance Brokers
Mr. and Mrs. David K. Ingalls
Tim Johnson and Jean Cunningham
Richard and Randi Jones
James P. Kelley and Joseph W. Lund
William and Priscilla Kennedy
Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles
Maddocks Brown Foundation
G. Lorenzo Manzanarez
Merrill Private Wealth Management
J.H.B. Kean and Toby E. Mayman
Mr. and Mrs. David Mgrublian
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Mollura, Sr.
Eduard Morf
Lyn Nishimura
Orange County Opera
The Orden, Berkett, Flesh and Sassover
Families
Dr. Leslie A. Pam and Dr. Ann Christie
Petersen / Esper A. Petersen Foundation
The Stephen Philibosian Foundation
The Louis & Harold Price Foundation
Koni and Geoff Rich
Lloyd E. Rigler – Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation
Jutta Romero
Mimi Rotter
Matthew and Jennifer Rowland
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Saunders‡
Edward A. and Ai O. Shay Family Foundation
Carol and James Sterling
Dwight Stuart Youth Fund
Richard and Cynthia Troop
Donna Wagner
In memory of Richard and Lenore Wayne
Libby Wilson, M.D.
Andrew Xu and Timothy Iverson
Zev Yaroslavsky
Tamsen Z
Esther and Abe Zarem
Ms. Marion Zola
Chaired by Kathleen and Jerrold Eberhardt
Patrons of LA Opera, who contribute gifts of $3,500 or more, enjoy exclusive ticket services, benefits and activities to enhance their opera experience. For more information, please call 213.972.7655.
GRAND SILVER BENEFACTOR ($20,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous
Constance Chesnut and Dr. Sheldon Benjamin
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cannon
Susan and L. David Cole
Diane Henderson
Jan Keller
Jennifer L. Keller
Lenny‡ and David Kelton
Gila Michael
Judith S. Mishkin
The Recording Industries’ Music Performance Trust Fund
PREMIER SILVER BENEFACTOR ($15,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous
Mrs. Any Yakoub-Barr and Mr. Michael Barr
Diana Buckhantz and the Vladimir & Araxia Buckhantz Foundation
The Sirpuhe and John Conte Foundation
Laura Donnelley and the Good Works Foundation
Chaz Hammel-Smith Ebert
Mr. and Mrs. David Elmore
Dr. Ronald Gabriel
Mr. Vigen and Dr. Houry Ghazarian
SILVER BENEFACTOR ($10,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (8)
Mr. Sam Abbott and Ms. Kori Anderson
John and Linda Kay Abdulian
Adams/Cohen Family
Adar Family Trust
Rachel and Bulent Altan
Patti Amstutz
Margaret Campbell Arvey
Esther M. Baird and Stanley Fimberg
Jill C. Baldauf and Steven L. Grossman
Beverly and Felix Grossman
Monica Gutierrez-Roper and Trevor Roper
Alma Guzman and Susan Stamberger
Nicolas Hamatake
Linda Joyce Hodge
Chase Hodge-Brokenburr
Barbara Holman
Keller Anderle LLP
Michael and Stephanie Landes
Mr. Mark Loewen
Sandy Behrens
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Beim
Beatrice and Paul Bennett, in honor of
A. Coulombe
Leah S. and Gregory M. Bergman
Nancy Berman and Alan Bloch
Robert Bienstock and Talie Massoli
Anne Boundy
Lisa Bratkovich
Canyon Partners, LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander A. Sawchuk
Warren and Katharine Schlinger Foundation
Terry and Dennis Stanfill
Karen and William Timberlake
Michael Weber and Frances Spivy-Weber
Anita Lorber
Emily and Sam Mann
Carol Mitchell
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation
The SahanDaywi Foundation
Evy and Fred Scholder Family
Dr. Elizabeth Short and Dr. Michael Friedman
Eric L. Small
Bette I. Tatge and Lisa E. Tatge
Victor Carabello, M.D.; in honor of my beloved parents Oscar and Elisa
Laurel K. Clark
V. Shannon and Pamela Clyne
Corinna Cotsen and Lee N. Rosenbaum
Myron and Margie Crain
Elizabeth Hofert Dailey Fund
Dain Torpy/Tim Pecci
Patrick Dickey
Jennifer Diener
PATRONS OF LA OPERA
SILVER BENEFACTOR ($10,000 & ABOVE)
Tom Dolby
Mr. Michael Dreyer; in memory of Warner Henry
David A. Drummond
Susan and John Ebey
Ms. Gail Eichenthal
Danielle Nelson Erem and Vivian Nelson
David and Marianna Fisher
Alan J. Freeman
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
Charles and Marian Goldsmith
Alma Guzman and Susan Stamberger
J. Ira and Nicki Harris Foundation
Betty Hayman
Robert and Denise Hayman
Freddi and Dr. Kenneth D. Hill
Hoebich Family Charitable Foundation
Patricia Houston; in loving memory of Chet Houston
Dr. Ronald Hopkins
Stuart and Simone Isen
Stella Jeong and Randall Lee
Ms. Ratna Jones
Kaiser Permanente
Phyllis H. Klein, M.D.
Renee Kumetz
L.A. Care Health Plan
C. Deborah Laughton; in memory of Charles (Terry) Hendrix
GRAND BENEFACTOR ($7,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous (3)
Jerome M. Applebaum
Gary and Johanna Brown
Nicholas Chrisos
Cecelia Cole
Ms. Sheila Coop
The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.
Michele M. Crahan
W. Allan Edmiston, Jr., M.D.
Larry Layne and Sheelagh Boyd
Edward and Marie Lewis
June and Simon K.C. Li
Leonard M. Lipman Charitable Fund
Mr. and Mrs. David B. Lippman
Sam Losh and Judith Lovely
Hon. Nora M. Manella
Judy and Steve McDonald
Diane Hickingbotham McNabb
Marlane Meyer
Mr. Richard J. Meyer
Mrs. Synne Hansen Miller
Ms. Judy Miner
Mintz
Cindy Miscikowski
Nancy-Gene W. Morrison
Harry and Cheryl Nadjarian
Barbara and Norman S. Namerow
Gregory Nava and Barbara Martinez Jitner
Michael Nohaile and Kristin Yarema
Andrea Noravian and Constantinos Michaels
Carolyn R. Novin
Hermineh Pakhanians
Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts
Thomas Patrick and Stephen Rulo
John S. Perkins
Gary and Arsine Phillips
Ernest and Anne Prokopovych
The Esther Foundation
Dr. Randall T. Espinoza
Dr. Jon Fellows and Judith Hemenway
Nancy Fleischer and Libby Wilson, M.D., in honor of Ida and Max Fleischer
Larry and Marlis Gilman
Catherine Hogel
Nancy Katayama
Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Landry
PREMIER BENEFACTOR ($5,000 AND ABOVE)
Anonymous (9)
Honey Kessler Amado
The Maurice Amado Foundation
The Amphion Foundation, Inc.
Anne Andrews and John Thornton
Linda Antonioli, in loving memory of Kenny Antonioli
Frank & Beverly Arnstein
Ms. Sunny Baey
Mr. Miles L. Bennickes
William Blair
Employees Community Fund of Boeing
Bonnie Brae
Brian P. Brooks
Michael and Tania Cahill
Todd L. Calvin
Evelyn and Stephen Cederbaum
Laura K. Christa
Marie M. Cohen and Jared Diamond
Rhoda Coleman, in loving memory of
Howard Coleman
James and Jennifer Conlon
Patrick Conn
Walter and Donna Conn
Joan and Donald Damask
Ms. Joanne Dallas Davis/Dauray Family Fund
Jack and Barbara Dawson
Susan Edelstein
Helen Funai Erickson
Paul A. Erskine Family Fund
John Farrell and Corey Spivey
Evelyn & Norman Feintech Family Foundation
Theodore Finney Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Don Erik Franzen
Elisabeth and Tony Freinberg
Ronald Frydman
Ronald and Christina Gertz
Goldman Sachs & Co.
Dr. Patricia Goldring
Patrick and Mary Goshtigian
Lori Greene Gordon
Terry Greene
Wendy and Luis Guerrero
Manuel R. Gutierrez
Marie O. Hedlund
Jeff and Yolanda Heller
Claire and Robert Heron
Dr. Ann M. Hirsch and Dr. Stefan J. Kirchanski
David L. and Susan H. Hirsch
In Sook Hong
Douglas Honig, Esq.
Cameron Hotchkis
Dr. Judith Hyman
Ms. Marsha Hymanson
Mr. Daniel J. Jaffe and Ms. Cynthia S. Monaco
Bruce Johansen
Elizabeth and Nicandro Juárez
Jee Sung and Hun Ku Kang
Alan and Amy Karbelnig
Mr. Howard B. Klein
Ellen and Harvey Knell
Mr. Joel and Mrs. Sharon Koppelman
Elaine F. Kramer
Sherry Lansing and William Friedkin
Christine and Jay Lee
Mr. Leonard Levine and Dr. Mateo Ledezma
Ali Razi and Shelley Reid
Rodrigo J. Rocha, M.D.; in memory of my beloved parents
Lars Roos and Dr. Estelita Calica Roos
Mrs. Barbara C. Rosenthal
Mr. William Russell-Shapiro
The family of Dr. Armin and Barbara Sadoff
Sakana Foundation
Amy and Andy Schwartz
Dr. Sharron L. Seal and Mr. Lawrence Seal
Dr. Donald Seligman and Dr. Jon Zimmermann
Dr. Bertrand and Joan C. Shapiro
Mr. Burnie Sparks; in memory of Warner Henry
Catherine Stone
Michael and Suzanne Tennenbaum
Elinor and Rubin Turner
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Ulman
Nancy Valentine
Frank Visco
Dennis Wasser and Ruth Roberts
Drs. Francine Bartfield and Martin Wasserman
Mark A. Weaver
Aviva Weiner and Paulino Fontes
Sheila and Wally Weisman
Doris Weitz and Alexander Williams
Robert E. Willett
Wendy and Jay Wintrob
Susan Zolla; in memory of Edward M. Zolla
Mrs. Isabel Markovits-Rosenberg
James and Grace McAdams
Mr. and Mrs. Bengt Muthen
Doerthe Obert
Cliff and Toni Reston
Robert and Linda Smith
Tracy Stone and Allen Anderson
James and Robin Walther
Marty, Sara and Samantha Widzer
Mary H. Lewis
Marilyn Lightner
Clark and Karen Linstone
Lilly Fong Liu
Dr. Liana Lucaric Boghossian
Mr. Nigel Lythgoe
Gerrie Maloof
John and Jill Manly
Tracey Alden Martin
Laura Maslon
Edeltraud McCarthy
Steven D. McGinty
Bo Mills
Mr. Shannon J. Morton
Moss Adams LLP
Diane Williams Murphy
Ms. Lois A. Murphy
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Nagelberg
The E. Nakamichi Foundation
David Drew Neer, M.D., J.D.
Ms. Michelle Newberry
Frank and Andrea Newman
Mrs. Inna Ockelmann
Christine Marie Ofiesh
Jenny Okun and Richard Sparks
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Oppenheimer
William and Carol Ouchi
Park Bixby Tower, Inc.
Diane and David Paul
Mary E. Petit and Eleanor Torres
Frank and Betty Pinkerton
Drs. Michael and Marion Quinn
Madeline and Bruce Ramer
PATRONS OF LA OPERA
PREMIER BENEFACTOR ($5,000 AND ABOVE)
Sonia Randazzo and Family
Penny and Harold B. Ray
Eileen and Charles Read
Marina Rinaldi
Ms. Margaret Rose, in memory of Ronald Dolkart
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Rountree
Ms. Allison Sampson; in memory of Warner Henry
Brad Schlei and Jamie Price-Schlei
Mr. and Mrs. Neal Schmale
Nicola and Catherine Sebastiani
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Segal
Richard and Ellyn Semler
BENEFACTOR ($3,500 AND ABOVE)
Anonymous (5)
In memory of Dr. Yoshio Akiyama
Ms. Mary Anderson
Patrick Anderson and Ron Koren
Mr. Robert C. Anderson
Ron and Perky Apperson
Shirley Ashkenas; in memory of Irving Ashkenas
Aversa Foundation
David Baltimore and Alice Huang
Howard Barmazel
Randall C. Bassett
Shelley and Rick Bayer
Minoo Behboody
John R. Benfield and Mary Ann Shaw
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bennion
Dr. Dietmar P. Berger
Leigh Lindsey and Andrew Blaine
Judith F. Blumenthal
Mr. William J. Bracken and Ms. Mary Jo Markey
Langley B. Brandt
Barbara and Richard Braun
Dr. Martin J. Brickman
Patsy Burke
Drs. Carol and David Cass
CBRE National Partners West / Darla Longo,
Barbara Perrier, Michael Longo
Mr. Frederick Chau
Diana and Marc Chazaud
Mr. Joseph Cochran
Nancybell Coe and William Burke, in honor of James Conlon
Christina and Bill Conkle
Dr. Malcolm and Gabrielle Cosgrove
Antonio and Hanna Damasio
Michael Dillon
Mr. and Mrs. R. Stephen Doan
Larry and Jan Duitsman
Mr. Miguel Duran
Alexander Eddy
Craig Emanuel and Deborah Zipser
Margaret Epstein
Joyce and Mal Fienberg
David F. Freedman, in memory of Joan Freedman
Leanne Freeman
Dr. Jerry and Jean Friedman
Scott and Elizabeth Frost
Ronald Frydman
ARTISTS CIRCLE ($2,000 AND ABOVE)
Anonymous (2)
Nathan and Lee Anderson-Papillion
Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Botnick
Sarah and David Bottjer
Mr. Chuck Carpenter
Dr. K. Chang MD
Dr. Timothy Ching
Maj. Gen and Mrs. Susan W. Cooning
Claus Dieckell
Michiko Dunker
Marilyn Shapiro
Natalie K. and Marvin S. Shapiro
Judith L. Smith
LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District
Joyce and Al Sommer
Philip Starr and Michael Simental
John and Beverly Stauffer Foundation
Yvonne Stevens and Paul Schickler
Dr. Roger D. Stewart
Philip and Kristan Swan
Mr. Eliazar Talamantez
Dr. I. Maribel Taussig
Gillian Teichert
Dr. and Mrs. Santo Galanti
Arthur and Helen Geoffrion
Denise Gertmenian
Jerome J. Glaser / International Curtain Call
Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Goldberg
Mr. Ronald Goldman
Nora Gordon and Brent Bryan
Christine Gregory
Peter and Elizabeth Goulds
Charles F. Hanes
Norma A. Harris & Frank Packard III
Larry and Lilia Hershenson
Mrs. Phoebe Ann Heywood
Gary Ho and Aihua Gan
Richard Holland Trust
Adel F. Jabour, M.D.
Mr. Punya Jain
Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Ph.D., and Stacy B. Young
Gary and Denise Kading
Gloria Kaplan
Gayle Kirschbaum and Scott D. Baskin
Christopher Koelsch and Todd Bentjen
Ronald and Joann Kramar
Sandra Krause and William Fitzgerald
Anne Kwun
Mrs. Dominique Laffont
Diane S. Lake
Peter and Electra Lang
Irwin and Rachel Levin
Dr. Cheryl D. Lew, M.D.
Michael Lindsay and Kaitlyn Lindsay
Dr. Leonard Lipman
Robert and Susan Long
Ms. Jasmine Lord
Michael and Claudia Margolis
Daniel Marshak
Robert Mendow
Bryan Mershon
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Miller
Olga Moretti
Jane Gray Morrison
Gary W. Murphy
Robert and Sally Neely
Barbara and Lawrence Nevens
Mary Ruth and Jeff Newman
Michael and Marianne Newman
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. O’Dell
Mr. and Mrs. Karl J. Durow
Ms. Charlotte E. Eubanks
Lisa Farrell
Thomas Farrell
Donald and Jackie Feinstein
Amy Friedkin
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford M. Gage
Arthur and Helen Geoffrion
Charmaine Glennon
Carol Goldsmith
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Torosyan
Ms. Joanne L. Dallas and Mr. Frank A. Traficante
Ms. Barbara A. Van Postman
Cynthia Walk
Barbara and Ken Warner
Karen and Les Weinstein
Ms. Gail Werner
David and Michele Wilson
Mrs. Joan A. Winchell; in memory of Verne Winchell
Clemence Yi
Martin and Rosalind Zane
Dr. Betza Zlokovic
Dr. Edward J O’Neill, MD
Dr. Sophia Y. Pak, M.D.
Dr. and Mrs. Nissan Pardo
David L. Paul and Leyla V. Woods
Roger Allers and Genaro Pereira
Michael and Beverly Phillips
The Muriel Pollia Foundation
Carmen Popa
Ruth Popkin
Mr. and Mrs. Roger H. Porter, Jr.
Peggy and Peter Preuss
Kai-Li and Hal Quigley
Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Reid
Fen Rhodes and Nancy Corby
Ken and Erika Riley
Craig and Janis Risch
JoAnna and Matthew Rodriguez
Charleen Rohde
Diana Romero
Rikki Rosen
Paula and Allan Rudnick
John Schunhoff and Ken Titley
Albert Sepe
Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Sepetjian
Dr. and Mrs. Neil J. Sherman
Mr. and Mrs. John B. (Jack) Simon
Dr. Joan E. Smiles
Judith L. Smith
Debra Vilinsky and Michael Sopher
Steven and Eleanor Sorenson
Charles Souw, in loving memory of Bill Maldonado
Shirley Earlise Starke-Wallace
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Francine Swain and Robert Murdock
Mr. Andrew Tavakoli
Dr. and Mrs. Jose Torreblanca
Mrs. Linda Trope
Eve C. Van Rennes
Larry Verdugo
Ms. Carol Vernon and Mr. Robert Turbin
Martin Washton
Dr. Robert W. Weinman
Tina H. Wilson
Jan and Steve Winston
Sharon and Fillmore Wood
David A. Workman
Mr. Rudolf Ziesenhenne
Mr. and Mrs. Philip F. Grant
Christine Gregory
Bernard and Carolyn Hamilton
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Helmer
Lee Hendrix
Marcia and Dr. Paul Herman
Phil and Gage Hewes
Frank Humberstone
John Hofbauer and Laura Fox
Kedra Ishop
“THE
IMPACT OF A DONOR’S GIFT IS AMPLIFIED BY ITS ABILITY TO CHANGE THE CITY”
The Music Center Foundation was established in 1973 by Dorothy Bu um Chandler to provide endowment support to The Music Center, its educational activities, dance programs, and its four Resident Company campus partners: Center Theatre Group, LA Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Philharmonic.
Lifting up the performing arts in Los Angeles is a unique opportunity that we can take on together. By making a gift through the Foundation, you can be a part of supporting inspirational new work that threads our community together through a vibrant, emotional connection to the performing arts.
In the spirit of Mrs. Chandler, the impact of a donor’s gift is amplified by its ability to change Los Angeles.
To learn more about how to leave a lasting legacy with the Music Center Foundation, contact Justin Marsh: 213-972-8046, jmarsh@musiccenterfoundation.org
For more information on the Music Center Foundation musiccenterfoundation.org
PATRONS
OF
LA OPERA
ARTISTS CIRCLE ($2,000 AND ABOVE)
Mr. Irwin Jacobson
Paul and Missy Jennings
Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Ph.D., and Stacy B. Young
Sylvia Kavoukjian
Jim and Jean Keatley
Mr. Lynn Kirkhofer
Mr. David Knapp
Ellen and Harvey Knell
Mr. Joel and Mrs. Sharon Koppelman
Ms. Margaret G. Lodise
Ms. Blanca Lucero and Mr. Charles Romero
Joseph H. MacDonald
Ted McKinney
Drs. Anne and Ronald Mellor
Dr. Reinhard W. Menzel
Janet Michaels
Mary Miller
Mrs. Erica Min
Luc and Courtenay Moritz
Dr. and Mrs. G. Arnold Mulder
Ms. Laurice Myron
Liza and Thomas Newbauer
Ron and Pat Oguss
Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Pircher
Mary Power
Barry and Sandy Pressman
Mr. Christopher A. Reed
Timothy Reynolds
BELLA VOCE PATRONS (IRREVOCABLE ESTATE GIFTS)
Lynn and Michael Russell
Ms. Shahla Sabet
Mr. Don Simkin
Irene Sohm
Mr. Zohar Sorek
Mr. Herbert Stein
Jesse Telles
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Larry Verdugo
Christina Wang and Ronald Swerdloff
Martin Washton
Ms. Marie Wiley
Dr. William Wishner
LA Opera is grateful for the generosity and foresight of opera lovers who have established future gifts to the company in their estate plans.
Natsuko Akiyama, in memory of Yoshio Akiyama
Dr. & Mrs. Julio Aljure
Gracia Alkema & C. Terry Hendrix
Karen Alpert Trust
John Altschul
Mr. Marvin Antonowsky
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ash
Shirley Ashkenas
Shirley Lee Barasch
Ms. Angela Bardowell
Estate of Margaret and David N. Barry III
Ambassador Frank & Kathy Baxter
Karen M. Beecher
Herbert M. Berk
Anne Boundy
The Samuel M. Brainin Trust
Carol & Normand Brewer
Jacqueline Briskin
Maynard & Linda Brittan
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
Christine Brodie
Richard & Norma Camp
T. Robert Chapman Trust
David Chierichetti
Edward E. & Alicia Garcia Clark
Richard D. & Lisa K. Colburn
The Tarasenka Pankiv Fund (Tara Colburn)
Nancy Cook
Cosgrove Family Trust
Michele McGarry Crahan
Estate of Nancy Daly
Janet & Roger DeBard
Teresa DeCrescenzo
Estate of Phyllis & Donal Dreifus
The George A.V. Dunning Fund/ California Community Foundation
Allan & Diane Eisenman
Gerald Faris
Adell Fink
Theodore Hill Finney
Claudia & Mark Foster
Herbert O. and Jean Fox
Kara Kass Fox
Estate of Valerie Franklin
Allen B. Freitag Trust
Ronald Frydman
Gerri Lee Frye
Roger Gallizzi and James Willey
Nancy Gentry Geller Trust
Gwynne M. Gloege
Estate of Barbara Goldenberg
Eric A. Gordon
Leonard Green
Bernard and Lenore Greenberg
Susan R. Greer
Joyce and Joelle Grinker
Estate of Walter O. Halden
Betty Hall Trust
Roy Hamilton
The Jerome G. Handelsman Trust
Hildegard Harris
Lee & David Hayutin
Anne Heineman
Estate of Harvey B. Heller
Warner & Carol Henry
Yvonne & Gordon Hessler
Joan & John Hotchkis
Drs. Herbert and Judith Hyman
Mr. & Mrs. David K. Ingalls
Robert Jesberg and Michael J. Carmody
Estate of H. Kirkland Jones
Sylvia & Vernon D. Jones
Estate of Stephen A. Kanter
Lawrence A. Kern
Joyce and Kent Kresa
Helen LammIvan and Hilda Layda / Layda Family Trust
Margo Leavin
The Norman & Sadie Lee Foundation
Lauren B. Leichtman & Arthur E. Levine
Dr. Paul E. LeMal
Raymond A. Lieberman Trust
Robert & Marguerite Marsh
Wolfgang E. Marum Trust
In memory of Terry Roberta Matthies
Linda May Suzar
Dr. Michael McGuire
Paula Kent Meehan
Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Miller
The Jane Moore Family Trust
Diane and Leon Morton
Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco
Anthony & Olivia Neece
Joan Harding Newman
Mei-Lee Ney
Estate of Beatrix F. Padway
Mr. Milan Panic
Lenore and Carl Pearlston
Chloe Pollock-Mieczkowski
Cat Jagger Pollon
Mrs. Jean Powell
Nan Rae
Suzanne Rheinstein
Christine P. Ries
Kenneth D. Sanson, Jr., Trust
The L. Franc Scheuer Trust
The Malcolm Schneer LAOC Trust
The Richard Seaver Trust for the Opera
Archie Sharp
Milton Singer
Mr. & Mrs. William Smollen
Ellen & Harry Sondheim, in memory of Betty & Felix Leibholz
Estate of Mr. Arthur Spitzer
Marilyn & Eugene Stein/ Capital Group Companies
Marc & Eva Stern
Estate of Gaby K. Tanas
Flora L. Thornton & Eric L. Small
Estate of C. Dickson Titus III
Emanuel Treitel Trust
Rose Vardanian
Ms. Carol Vernon and Mr. Robert Turbin
Magda & Frederick R. Waingrow
Richard and Lenore Wayne
Mark A. Weaver
Estate of Monica Weil and Paul Schrade
Douglas B. Wood
Sharon and Fillmore Wood
Irene Zimmerman
Stars on the Rise
We are proud to introduce the 2025/26 class of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. This prestigious two-year paid residency for singers and pianists helps highly gifted performers become the stars of tomorrow. Please give a warm welcome to two singers and one pianist new to the program, who join five returning singers and two pianists. Members of the program will be featured in LA Opera’s mainstage productions and other performances throughout the season.
Tenor Nathan Bowles returns in La Boheme, Falstaff and The Magic Flute, after last season’s Romeo and Juliet, Ainadamar and Rigoletto. He recently performed Canio in Pagliacci with Pacific Opera Project and Don José in The Tragedy of Carmen with Tulsa Opera. He is a 2025 Operalia finalist.
South Korean pianist/coach Sujin Choi was on the music staff for Romeo and Juliet and Rigoletto in her first season here and returns for La Bohème and The Magic Flute. She has been a coach with the Aspen Music Festival and Music Academy of the West, and a member of the Merola Opera Program.
Brazilian bass Vinícius Costa appeared in Madama Butterfly, Romeo and Juliet, Ainadamar and Rigoletto. He returns in Akhnaten, Falstaff and The Magic Flute. He performed Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro at the Aspen Music Festival and recently recorded Brazilian composer André Mehmari’s opera O Machete.
In her debut season with LAO, soprano Emily Damasco will appear as Beketaten in Akhnaten and Pagagena in The Magic Flute. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Curtis Institute of Music, with roles including the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro and Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte.
Pianist/coach Julian Garvue helped prepare Così fan tutte, Ainadamar and West Side Story, and will be on the music staff for Akhnaten and Falstaff. Over the summer, he was a coaching fellow at Wolf Trap Opera, where he performed harpsichord continuo for their production of The Marriage of Figaro.
Chinese tenor Yuntong Han debuted last season as Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet and covered Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, and he will return in Akhnaten and Falstaff. He began the season covering the role of the Jade Emperor in Huang Ruo’s world premiere The Monkey King at San Francisco Opera.
South Korean baritone Hyungjin Son appeared last season in Madama Butterfly, Romeo and Juliet, Ainadamar and Rigoletto, and returns in Akhnaten and The Magic Flute. A 2023 Laffont national grand finalist, he has appeared with Boston Lyric Opera and Pittsburgh Opera as the Bonze in Madama Butterfly.
A native of New Zealand, mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg will perform in Akhnaten and The Magic Flute in her debut season with LAO. She recently completed her Master of Music at Curtis Institute of Music, where her roles included Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, and was a 2023 Studio Artist with Wolf Trap Opera.
Canadian-American soprano Gabrielle Turgeon made her company debut as Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, returning in Ainadamar and Rigoletto. She will appear in Akhnaten and The Magic Flute. Over the summer, she performed Micaëla in Carmen with Canada’s Brott Music Festival.
Lithuanian pianist/coach Gabrielė Žemaitytė is new to LAO this season, serving on the music staff for La Bohème. Most recently, she was a vocal piano fellow at the Lehrer Vocal Institute at the Music Academy of the West. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague.
The Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program is generously underwritten by the Colburn Foundation and Eugene and Marilyn Stein, with additional generous underwriting support provided by Terri and Jerry Kohl, Barbara Augusta Teichert, and Richard and Lenore Wayne.
PHOTO BY CHELSEA LAUREN
PHOTO BY MICAH GLEASON
PHOTO BY ALAN GOLDSMAN
A GRAND BAROQUE SALON
JAN 17+18, 2026
Pierre Hantaï, Leader + Harpsichord Margaret Batjer, Violin
C.P.E. Bach, Symphony No. 3 in F major, H.659
J.S. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major
J. Leclair, Concerto in D major for Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo
G.F. Handel, Selections from Giulio Cesare in Egitto
G. Telemann, Don Quixote
A. Vivaldi, Concerto for Bassoon in A minor
Jaime Martín MUSIC DIRECTOR
A Peek Backstage
Tasked with creating new looks that would mesh with Peter J. Hall’s original 1993 designs, costume designer Jeannique Prospere conjured this stunning new ensemble for Musetta’s Act Two appearance. Below, a look into her design process for new costumes for chorus women.
Photo by Julieta Cervantes
Photo courtesy of the artist
Holidays
SCAN FOR TICKETS
Gregory Porter
Christmas Wish
The Klezmatics
Happy Joyous Hanukkah
Christian Sands Quartet
Christmas Stories ONSTAGE
Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular Featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Pueblo Viejo With Special Guest Ximena Sariñana
Gregory Porter
Christian Sands
SUPPORTERS
BELLA VOCE PATRONS (FUTURE GIFTS)
Anonymous (8)
Helen Mae Almas
Patti Amstutz
Robert C. Anderson
Sharon Baranoff
James C. Bassett, Ph.D.
Randall C. Bassett
Nancy Griffith Baxter
James M. Bell
Lorna D. Blancaflor
Dr. Judith F. Blumenthal
Rebecca Bowne
Hans and Dianne Bozler
Ms. Dale Bridges Johannsen
Mrs. Michele Brustin
Sharon A. Bryan
Elizabeth B. & Elwood S. Buffa
Jacqueline & Henry Cahn
Todd Calvin
Dr. Alisa Cone Camberlan
Leigh Robinson Cartwright
Drs. Carol & David Cass
Julia Cherry
Cecelia R. Cole
Bernice Colman
Ginger Conrad
Hilary Crahan
Keith Crasnick Family Trust
Drs. Nazareth & Ani Darakjian
Lawrence E. Deutsch
Amy Lyn DeZwart and George Betar
Leslie & John Dorman
Mary Kathryn Dunn
Anthony P. Eccher and Richard Conner Trust
Gerald Elijah/Octaveous Starr
Maureen Engelhard
Daniel Fink, M.D.
Richard Cullen and Robert Finnerty
David F. Freedman
Leanne Freeman
Dr. Michael A. Friedman and Dr. Elizabeth M. Short
Mr. & Mrs. John Garvey
James Gelb and Diane Morton
Dr. Melinda Gilmore
Jerome J. Glaser
Joyce & Eric Goldman
Rebecca Gomez
Marielle Gottlieb
Ms. Nancy A. Grant
Donna & Greg Griffith
Gary Gugelchuk
Alma Guzman and Susan Stamberger
Susan D. Heard
Laura C. Hecht
Ms. Nita Heimbaugh
Bonnie Helms
Dr. Jon Fellows and Judith Hemenway
Malcolm T. Henderson
Marcia and Dr. Paul Herman
Freddi and Dr. Kenneth D. Hill
Mike Hiscocks, in memory of Carol Roberts
Linda J. Hodge
Dr. Ronald Hopkins
Sharon & Donald Jackley
Norman W. & Rose M. Jaffe
Bruce Johansen
Dr. Barbara Johnston
Ms. Mary Teresa Johnston
BELLA VOCE PATRONS
( FUTURE GIFTS)
Dr. & Mrs. William Kern
Dr. Stephen Knafel
Linda L. R. Knight
Richard P. & Meredith B. Kramer
Victoria and Douglas Lane
Larry Layne
Robert M. Lea
Mr. and Mrs. Lou D. Liuzzi
Gloria Lothrop
Mr. Jeff MacKey
Gerrie Maloof
Hon. Nora M. Manella
Sam I. Matsumoto/ Gordon J. Geever Trust
Edward McCann
McCone Grand Opera Fund
Steven D. McGinty
Cynthia McWhirt
The Minturn Family Charitable Foundation
Michael and Lorraine Mohill
Nancy-Gene W. Morrison
Barbara and Maury Mortensen
Mary Jane Myers
Gordon & Rosie Ornelas Olson
Dr. Sophia Pak
Janet Petersen
Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Prusan
Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Pudenz
Jeanne E. Roerig
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick T. Rogers
Mimi Rotter
Lawrence Rubenstein, Ph.D.
Frank D. Rubin
Dr. Jeanne W. Ruderman
Maged Salib
Elizabeth Loucks Samson
Melody & Warren Schubert
Mr. & Mrs. Christof E. Schwab
Dr. Donald Seligman and Dr. Jon Zimmermann
Richard and Ellyn Semler
Olga Sevilla
John Jacob Shaak
Marilyn Shapiro
Lynn Foster Sipe
Melissa Siskowic
Terry & Dennis Stanfill
R. Rhoads Stephenson
Donna Stillo
James and Ellen Strauss
Ms. Amanda F. Susskind
Elisabeth Tamari
Iris & Robert Teragawa
Dr. Elaine Totten and Mr. Barclay Totten
Mrs. Ella Upsher
Dr. Michael Upsher
Larry Verdugo
Barbara and Ken Warner
Michael Weber & Frances Spivy-Weber
Aviva Weiner
Janice and Mitchell Wellsteed, in memory of Robert Tomson
Linda & Robert E. Willett
Wesley and Rachel Williamson
Tana Wong
Passion Meets Purpose
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
LA Opera is supported, in part, by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.
County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
Kathryn Barger
Janice Hahn, Chair
Lindsey P. Horvath
Holly J. Mitchell
Hilda L. Solis
Los Angeles County Dept. of Arts & Culture
Kristin Sakoda, Executive Director
National Endowment for the Arts
Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair
California Arts Council
Danielle Brazell, Executive Director
City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs
Daniel Tarica, General Manager
Concert and Home Rentals
Blüthner Pianos (since 1853)
Neupert Harpsichords (since 1868)
Schiedmayer Celesta (since 1890)
SUPPORTERS
MATCHING GIFTS
LA Opera is pleased to acknowledge the companies that support our company with matching gift programs. Under a corporate matching gift program, cash gifts from eligible employees are matched with company or corporate foundation funds. This additional contribution increases a participating employee’s membership level, enhancing their benefits and privileges of membership.
Please call 213.972.7277 for more information.
AmazonSmile
Amgen Foundation
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Benevity
The Boeing Company
The Capital Group Companies
Charitable Foundation
Chevron Corporation
CNA Foundation
Colony NorthStar
Employees Community Fund of Boeing
Goldman Sachs & Co.
The J. Paul Getty Trust
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Netflix
PPG Foundation
Sempra
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Thrivent
The Walt Disney Company
Congrats, You’ve Picked
Check
LINKS TO PERFORMERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
MULTI - MEDIA PRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE.
UNDERSTUDY UPDATES
THEATER SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING SHOWS AND CONCERTS AROUND TOWN
INSIDER SCOOPS FROM THEATER AND MUSIC PROFESSIONALS
It’s the new way to read the program, it’s
Welcome to The Music Center!
This is your place to experience the magic of live performances and special events, experiencing the joy that moves you, the stories that unite us and the moments that remind us why the arts matter. Across our theatres, on Jerry Moss Plaza and in Gloria Molina Grand Park, there is always something to inspire and connect us all.
We are dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience here. Help us keep The Music Center safe, inclusive and welcoming for everyone by visiting musiccenter.org/guestagreement.
Find out what’s happening next at musiccenter.org—your guide to performances, celebrations and events across our campus.
#BeAPartOfIt
@musiccenterla
General Information (213) 972-7211 | musiccenter.org
Support The Music Center (213) 972-3333 | musiccenter.org/support
TAKE A FREE TOUR!
Step behind-the-scenes of one of the world’s leading performing arts centers. Our free, 90-minute docent-led tours invite you to discover the stories, architecture and art that bring the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Jerry Moss Plaza to life.
Tours run daily—visit musiccenter.org to check the schedule and make a day of it in Downtown L.A.!
2025/2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Robert J. Abernethy
Chair
Cary J. Lefton
Darrell D. Miller
Vice Chairs
Rachel S. Moore
President & CEO
Michael J. Pagano
Secretary
Susan M. Wegleitner
Treasurer
William Taylor
Assistant Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Charlene Achki Repko
Charles F. Adams
William H. Ahmanson
Romesh Anketell
Jill C. Baldauf
Phoebe Beasley
Kristin Burr
Dannielle Campos
Alberto M. Carvalho
Elizabeth Khuri Chandler
Terri B. Childs
William E. Dolan
Amy R. Forbes
Greg T. Geyer
Joan E. Herman
Jeffrey M. Hill
Jonathan B. Hodge
Mary Ann Hunt-Jacobsen
Maria Rosario Jackson
Ronald D. Kaplan
Richard B. Kendall
Lily Lee
Keith R. Leonard, Jr.
Kelsey N. Martin
Elizabeth Michelson
Cindy Miscikowski
Teresita Notkin
Karen Kay Platt
Susan Erburu Reardon
Joseph J. Rice
Beverly P. Ryder
Thomas L. Safran
Maria S. Salinas
Corinne Jessie Sanchez
Mimi Song
Johnese Spisso
Michael Stockton
Jason Subotky
Timothy S. Wahl
Jennifer M. Walske
GENERAL COUNSEL
Rollin A. Ransom
DIRECTORS
EMERITI
Peter K. Barker
Judith Beckmen
Darrell R. Brown
Ronald W. Burkle
John B. Emerson **
Richard M. Ferry
Bernard A. Greenberg
Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr.
Kent Kresa
Mattie McFaddenLawson
Fredric M. Roberts
Richard K. Roeder
Claire L. Rothman
Joni J. Smith
Lisa Specht **
Cynthia A. Telles
James A. Thomas
Andrea L. Van de Kamp **
Thomas R. Weinberger
Alyce de Roulet Williamson
** Chair Emeritus
Current as of 10/21/2025
John McCoy for The Music Center.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's James Gilmer and Samantha Figgins. Photo by Andrew Eccles.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors plays an invaluable role in the successful operation of The Music Center.
Janice Hahn Supervisor, Fourth District
Lindsey P. Horvath Supervisor, Third District
Kathryn Barger Chair, Fifth District
Holly J. Mitchell Supervisor, Second District
Hilda L. Solis
Chair Pro Tem, First District
(From left to right)
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
As a steward of The Music Center of Los Angeles County, we recognize that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh and Chumash Peoples. We honor and pay respect to their elders and descendants — past, present and emerging — as they continue their stewardship of these lands and waters. We acknowledge that settler colonization resulted in land seizure, disease, subjugation, slavery, relocation, broken promises, genocide and multigenerational trauma. This acknowledgment demonstrates our responsibility and commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation and to elevating the stories, culture and community of the original inhabitants of Los Angeles County.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these ancestral lands. We are dedicated to growing and sustaining relationships with Native peoples and local tribal governments, including (in no particular order) the:
• Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
• Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council
• Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians
• Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians-Kizh Nation
• San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
• San Fernando Band of Mission Indians
To learn more about the First Peoples of Los Angeles County, please visit the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission website at lanaic.lacounty.go
Photo Credit: David Franco, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Photographer.
DECEMBER 2025 Happening at The Music Center
MON 1 DEC / 4:00 p.m.
The Music Center Presents Black Planetarium:
Uncharted Anthologies
THE MUSIC CENTER / TMC ARTS
@ Digital Art Space at The Music Center Thru 12/14/2025
MON 1 DEC / 5:00 p.m.
L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony
THE MUSIC CENTER / TMC ARTS
@ Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
TUE 2 DEC / 7:30 p.m.
Paranormal Activity
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
@ Ahmanson Theatre Thru 12/7/2025
THU 4 DEC / 7:30 p.m.
La Bohème
LA OPERA
@ Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Thru 12/14/2025
FRI 5 DEC / 8:00 p.m.
Home Alone in Concert
LA PHIL
@ Walt Disney Concert Hall Thru 12/7/2025
FRI 12 DEC / 8:00 p.m.
Mozart & Sibelius
LA PHIL
@ Walt Disney Concert Hall Thru 12/14/2025
FRI 12 DEC / 8:00 p.m.
Ben Platt: Live at the Ahmanson CENTER THEATRE GROUP
@ Ahmanson Theatre Thru 12/21/2025
Visit musiccenter.org for additional information on all upcoming events. @musiccenterla
Celebrate L.A.'s Diverse Cultures at a FREE Family-Friendly, Holiday Music and Dance Show.
Be a part of a LIVE television broadcast at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. December 24, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Artists photos (from left to right): Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza, Mostly Kosher and Le Ballet Dembaya. Photo Credit: Timothy Norris for The Music Center.
ALVIN AILEY
March 25–29, 2026
This groundbreaking company embodies African American strength and resilience through mixed repertory programs featuring beloved classics and new works, including Alvin Ailey’s soul-stirring Revelations.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion musiccenter.org/ailey | (213) 972-0711
BRING A GROUP AND SAVE! Contact marketing@musiccenter.org for more information.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Caroline T. Dartey. Photo by Andrew Eccles.