Edmonton Opera magazine - Rigoletto

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RIGOLETTO

4 Message From The General Director

18 Synopsis

5 Building Rigoletto

20 Program Notes

6 Partners and Sponsors

24 The Marriage of Figaro Preview

9 Sustainability Fund

25 Artists’ Profiles

11 Director’s Circle

30 Community Arts Events Listings

12 Friends of Edmonton Opera

15 Endowment Fund

16 Conductor and Director Messages

17 Composer Bio

35 Edmonton Opera Chorus and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

41 Edmonton Opera Board and Staff

42 Upcoming Events

Cast and Production Credits

Administration Office: 15230-128 Ave., Edmonton, AB T5V 1A8 Ph: 780-424-4040 Fax: 780-429-0600 Email: info@edmontonopera.com www.edmontonopera.com

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Edmonton Opera and the University of Alberta acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant territory.

Message from THE GENERAL DIRECTOR Welcome to our 2019/20 season featuring Rigoletto, The Marriage of Figaro, and Candide! If one wanted a byline or slogan that would link the opera titles in our season, I would be compelled to insist on, “Power — and the results of its imbalance.” When one examines the use or misuse of power in these operas, we find a key to their relevancy in our society. Despite these pieces being written between 168–260 years ago, they shine a brilliant light on how humanity deals with the imbalance of power leading to either tragic or comedic results.

With its sublime music and perfectly flawed characters, Verdi’s Rigoletto remains as one of the most popular operas in the dramatic canon. The “spine” of this piece is so strong that it remains universally relevant no matter the approach a creative team takes. With this presentation, we take you on a journey to the ‘near future’ — an undetermined time, a world of corruption where terrible things happen behind closed doors. This opera really is a thriller in every sense, with Verdi building dramatic momentum and dialing up the tension to the final moment.

We are very proud to welcome back Director Rob Herriot, Conductor Judith Yan, Scenery Designer Camellia Koo, and Costume Designer Deanna Finnman, and introduce Lighting Designer Bonnie Beecher. Along with an incredible cast, these artists bring all the essential musical and dramatic elements together to create the very relevant and visceral world of Rigoletto.

Rigoletto really does “resonate beyond the final note.” As a great work of timeless art, Rigoletto allows us to reflect on the past, the world today, and our direction should things not change. It challenges us in every way.

– Tim Yakimec

MODERN GIFTS | JEWELRY | FINE PENS | FLOWERS

DOWNTOWN SOUTH COURTYARD ENTRANCE 10150 100 STREET 780 420 6311 THEARTWORKS.CA

HANDMADE IN BROOKLYN BY KLEINREID. WHILE VISITING WITH JAMES AND DAVID AT THEIR 1920s APARTMENT IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, WE LEARNED THE GLAZE IS INSPIRED BY ONE OF THEIR FAVOURITE CANYON HIKES IN THE MOJAVE DESERT.

TheArtworks_Opera_Oct2019_KleinReid.indd 1

4 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

2019-10-05 2:19 PM

G N I D L I BVEURD

• Installation of the scenery.

• Design presentations.

Our new production of Rigoletto has been years in the making and we’re excited to finally debut this fresh interpretation of Verdi’s tragic tale of revenge and corruption!

Two years ago, Edmonton Opera selected a creative team from across Canada to develop a new concept and designs for the opera.

Scenery and costumes were then constructed at the Edmonton Opera Centre in north Edmonton.

Special thanks to our amazing team of carpenters, welders, scenic painters, costume departments, and everyone who helped bring this opera to life!

The production you’re about to experience is the cumulative work of over 200 individuals. Thank you to all of the dedicated staff and volunteers at Edmonton Opera who make this work possible!

• Scenery model.

• Costume sketch of Rigoletto.

PARTNERS and SPONSORS SEASON SPONSORS

The Rob Hood Fund

PRODUCTION SPONSOR MARRIAGE OF FIGARO PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Larry Eberlein

RIGOLETTO SPONSORS OPENING NIGHT

TUESDAY EVENING

FRIDAY EVENING

Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler

SPONSOR OF THE EDMONTON OPERA CHORUS www.wittenlaw.com

GOLD PARTNERS

STUDENT DRESS PARTNER

OPERA AL FRESCO SPONSOR

EMERGING ARTISTS PARTNER

MEDIA SUPPORTERS

6 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS

780.439.6060

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Production photographs of Edmonton Opera’s Rigoletto provided by Nanc Price Photography.

Edmonton Opera gratefully acknowledges the Kucey Dental Group, who offers complimentary emergency dental services for EO artists, and Dr. Teaan van Zilj, who offers medical services for EO artists.

Edmonton Opera is grateful for the support of these sponsors, suppliers and media partners.

For more information about supporting Edmonton Opera, please call 780.288.2510 or email development@edmontonopera.com.

Remembering Larry Eberlein The Eberlein family would like to sponsor this opera season in memory of our father, Larry Eberlein.

Larry had been a subscription holder and supporter of the Edmonton Opera for 50 years. He had a great love for opera, and for the Edmonton Opera in particular.

The opera became especially important to him in his later years as his sight and mobility changed.

The music sustained him through those difficult years. Thank you Edmonton Opera for the music.

Tim Yakimec, Edmonton Opera’s General Director, will miss seeing Larry and Ellen at the Jubilee, and had this to share: “It’s always inspiring and humbling to hear stories about how much opera has enriched someone’s life. Larry was an outstanding community builder and we in turn express our deep appreciation for everything that he has done for Edmonton Opera and countless other charities.

Thank you for making Edmonton such a wonderful place to live and for inspiring all of us to give back however we can.”

Edmonton Opera is proud to recognize Larry Eberlein as a season sponsor this year.

RIGOLETTO 7

Escape Rigoletto’s world of greed, corruption and violence. Come home to the serenity of Creekwood Collections.

LivetheCollections.com

In the Chappelle neighbourhood of West Heritage Valley

Sustainability Fund We wish to thank the following Sustainability Fund individuals, corporations and foundations who have committed to Edmonton Opera’s sustainability.

EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SUSTAINABILITY FUND HAVE COMMITTED A MINIMUM OF $25,000 OVER FIVE YEARS. INDIVIDUALS

Jim & Monica Allen James Archibald & Heidi Christoph Bruce & Carol Bentley Robert & Michelle Bessette Jennifer Brown Jim & Sharon Brown John Cameron Carol & David Cass Richard S. Cook Judy Cosco Darren & Laurel Durstling Hans & Susanne Forbich Bruce Hagstrom Mark & Nancy Heule Laurence Jewell

Dianne Kipnes Irving Kipnes Ashif & Zainul Mawji Phil Milroy & Jane Russell Dr. Thomas & Melanie Nakatsui Jack & Esther Ondrack Sir Francis Price Hon. Marguerite Trussler Maureen & Randall Purvis Arnold & Grace Rumbold Angus & Heather Watt James & Sheila Wheatley Ed Wiebe & Marcia Johnson Bill & Paulette Winter Glenn & Sandra Woolsey

CORPORATIONS & FOUNDATIONS

Al-terra Engineering Ltd. Clark Builders Dentons Canada LLP Kasian Architects Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Ledcor Group of Companies Melcor Developments Ltd.

PCL Constructors Inc. Qualico Shelley & Guy Scott Family Foundation Sorrell Financial Standard General Inc. Wheaton Family Foundation

THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SUSTAINABILITY FUND, TO OBTAIN 50 GIFTS, HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. THE SECOND STAGE, TO REACH 100 GIFTS, IS NOW IN PROGRESS. For more information on the SUSTAINABILITY FUND, please contact the Program Concierge, Gwen Horvath, at gwen.horvath@edmontonopera.com or at 780.288.2510.

Getting you closer to your happy place. atb.com/community

Edmonton Opera DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE The Director’s Circle recognizes those patrons whose significant financial support and ongoing commitment enable Edmonton Opera to continue to produce award-winning and compelling art in our community.

Bravo and thank you!

For more information about the Director’s Circle or to become a member, please call Gordana Bosiocic at 780.996.2744.

SEASON SPONSORS Creekwood Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Larry Eberlein The Rob Hood Fund LEGACY GIFTS Estate of Josephine (Joan) Anne Bensted Estate of Risha Milo

LEADERS $5,000-$9,999 Trudy Callaghan Dr. Frederic & Alma Gojmerac Joan Lopatka & Bill Rutledge The Overhead Door Co. of Edmonton Marjorie Purdy

PATRONS $3,000-$4,999 Tricia Abbott MAESTROS Frank Calder $10,000+ City Lumber Corporation Allard Foundation Jeffrey Jansen Anonymous Dr. Lawrence Jewell Bennett Jones Dr. Christine Kyriakides Eberlein Family Charity Foundation Steven & Day LePoole Grace & Arnold Rumbold Foundation Judy & Stuart Mackay The Summit Foundation Rod & Heleen McLeod Arliss Miller Sean Robitaille & Tatyana Tsoy Alan Rose Chris & Vivian Varvis Dr. P.J. White & Patty Whiting Ralph James Wood

BENEFACTORS $1,750-$2,999 Darlene Acton Anonymous Douglas K. Bingham & Sheila Janki-Bingham David & Patricia Cassie Marian Clarke Elaine Coachman Sandi Ann Darrell Michael Day & Marieke Kortbeek Carrie Doll Consulting Ltd. Robert Edmunds Peter & Astrid Griep Averton Group Dr. Jill Konkin Gabor Gyenes & Erika Mullner Brian Kucey & Elena Hernandez-Kucey Stephen & Lynn Mandel Peggy & John Marko Alan Mather Carman & Averie McNary Ken & Gerda Miller Dr. Kyle & Colleen Murray Eleanor Olszewski Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff Mary Ritchie & Bill Johnston Dave & Michele Rumbold Dr. Sudhakar Sivapalan David Steer Donald & Jacqueline Smith Joyce Walton Gord Wiebe Ralph James Wood

FRIENDS of SUSTAINERS

Edmonton Opera

Devon J. Mark & Allen Vander Well Colleen McKenna Irene Mertz Labonte Shauna Miller & James Gillespie Terry Moroz Les Moss Kevin & Robyn Mott John Oberg Dr. Hanne Ostergaard Fred & Helen Otto Wesley M. Pedruski Mary Phillips-Rickey Edmond & Orla Ryan Shawn Russett Allison Seymour Doug & Devika Short Nance & Michael Smith Rosalind Sydie Dennis Todoruk & Susan Stauffer Linda Uniat Hon. Allan H Wachowich James & Karen Webb

Barbara Prodor Tom Redl Trevor Robertson Carolynne E. Ross Shauna Scott Gerry & Barbara Sinn Edward Smith Pat & Jim Strong TELUS Cares William Tonn Frank Van Veen Christopher & Elizabeth Ward Joan Welch

Margaret J. Friedman Keith Garner Azza Ghali Gerda Goetz Laura Graham Charles & Ann Grant Susan Green Ted Greer Debby Hagen Dr. Mary Ellen Haggerty Marylee Hansen Dr. Tatsuyuki Hayashi Ghislaine Hebert Lesley Heppleston Cathryn Heslep MEMBERS Dr. Judith Hibberd ($100-$249) Donna Holowaychuk Jill Hoogewoonink Carmen Alton Mike Hruska Sam Attia Bonny & Earl Hubert Diana M. Bacon Brenda Inglis Nicole Bartolay Kathryn Ivany Doreen & Carl Betke Erik & Franziska Jacobsen Calvin Binnema Janet Jansen Julia Boberg Peter Jarvis Grace Bokenfohr Vern Johnston Phyllis Bryant GUARDIANS Daniel Jurijew Joseph Buijs ($250-$499) Joanne Burek & Lee Stickles Ken Keenleyside Thomas Bradley Adele Khulbe Edna Cabalo Brenda Dale Shirley Kirkpatrick Troy & Amara Carriere SUPPORTERS Tony de Jong Kim & Jay Krushell Terry & Karen Carson ($500-$999) Sterling Derk Anna Laberge Petrea Chamney Beth Allard-Clough Dr. Jerrold & Lisa Diamond John P. Chang Gregory & Sonja Leduc Cory Almquist Curtis Dorfman Doug & Joan Longley Elisebeth Checkel Andree Aston Marla Frketich Lawrence Lyman Cory Chisholm Zenia Awrysh Gord Gilroy Richard & Jean Lyne Donald Chisholm Enzo Barichello Walter Goetz Lowell & Donna Lyseng Chung Chu Margaret Bateman Darren Gray Brenda MacDonald Don A. Cimino Shawn Beamish June Greig Louise MacGregor Janet M. Clark Sheryl & Bob Bowhay Dr. R & Barbara Henderson Mary Clonfero DeEtte Mack Linda Medland Davis Leroy & Barb Hiller Stephen & Kate Madsen Roger & Carol Cohen Edmonton Cultural Trust Kristina Hoffmann Morris Maduro Joseph & Marta Collier Foundation Lynne Kest Patching Sharon Marcus & Tim Crisall & Stefanie Ivan Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Arthur Kingston Judah Busheikin Sharon & Milton Davies Lorna Gawlinski David & Sandra Kraatz Joan H Marshall Jennifer Dechaine Alice Harrison Lyn Krutzfeldt Joseph A. Matties James & Gail DeFelice Jeremy Herbert Libuse Kuzel Bryce McLellan Dan & Lorna Dennis Douglas & Dorothy Hollands Richard Loken & Jacquie McLellan Wendy Doughty & Barry James Margaret Newton Margaret Ann MacLeod & Jim Klingle Pavel & Sylva Jelen Lynda Lyttle John Ritchie Toby Dragland Wendy Kinsella Zoltan & Brigitte Meszoly Juliet McMaster Frank & Muriel Dunnigan Brandon Kot Ronald & Carole Middleton Tim Eckert Laquita Mitchell Karen Kvill Janet Millar Natalia Mogilyanskaya Christina Elliot Dr. Zaheerali Lakhani Bryce Milliken Gail Moores Martin & Jacqueline Elton Mary LeMessurier Fund Kathleen Mulder Gregory Nakatsui Tom & Heather Etsell for the Arts Joan Pitfield Karea Naylor Alfred & Coleen Falk Neil & Jean Lund Dwayne & Gaylene Kathleen Ness Luba Feduschak Kelly MacFarlane & Pohranychny Dr. Hanne Ostergaard Angela Fialkov Christopher Mackay Jason Portas Connie Otto Lois A. Field Jeremy Main ($1,000-$1,749) Anonymous Brad Armstrong Jocelyn Bahrey Jonathan Chia Jennifer Cleall John Day John & Ann Dea Imperial Equities Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Fenna Family Fund Nickcole Fleshman Gift Funds A. R. Grynoch & P. V. Sing Caroline Howarth & John Adria Marcel Jacob Dr. Jill Konkin Hilliard & Nancy Macbeth Rod MacLean Denis & Ruth McGettigan Graham McLennan Dr. Edward & Geri Papp Fay Plomp Dr. Nancy Price James and Vivian Redmond Dr. Richard A. Wiznura

12 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

Kelly Palmer Kun Park Jennifer Parker Sharon Pawlyk Iris Perry Carlie Persson Kyle Powell Sonja and David Powley Gregory Preston Dr. Sandeep Randhawa Carlos Raposo & Judy Strachan Eugene & Jeanne Ratsoy Sharla & Dorian Rauschning Todd Reade Vera Resera Jordan Rice Barbara Romanowski Hilary Rose Matthew Rose Eugene J. Rudnisky Marea Ruggles Tom & Bev Sawyer Thomas Schuelke Nicholas & Charlotte Spillios Megan Stock Sublime Inspection Ltd. Jean Sult Andrea Szutiak Louis Te Marc Thauvette Kaitlyn Theroux Glen & Jacqueline Thoman Karen Marie Trace Elizabeth Turnbull Matthew Turzansky Cheryl Lee Ulledal Dennis Vance Terry & Michelle Veeman Trudy Velichka Shawna Vogel Hon. Allan H. Wachowich Michael Walters John Wanchulak Lorrill Waschuk Cristina Weiheimer Natalie Wilson Joshua Wintonyk Andrea Wheaton James Wolfli & Annika Nordhagen Alyssa Wynnychuk Noel Xavier David M. Yee Wayne & Susan Youngward Marian Zaharia Gerhard & Inge Zmatlo

IN HONOR OF

IN MEMORY OF

DIANNE KIPNES Barry James Marshall & Debby Shoctor

ORVILLE CHUBB Lisa Allen & Christian Gordon Patricia McCaig Marea & James Ruggles PETER CAFFARO Arliss Miller Sir Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler

MARY LEMESSURIER The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation

MORLEY WORKUN William Cherniawsky Sue Currie Michael Day & Marieke Kortbeek John Dickey Robert & Janet Fraser Joan & Able Goldstein Cairine Miner Michael Moschopedis & Bonnie Moschopedis Barry & Maureen Schloss Alyson Turner

SEAN LIVINGSTONE Merle Harris ALINE PRATCH Pratch Family Foundation EIRA SPANER The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation

NORMA JAMIESON Greg & Sonja LeDuc Lynda Lyttle Barbara Romanowski Len & Kitty Schmidt MARK TAYLOR Sarah Taylor

Sincere thanks go to those individuals who, through their gifts, have demonstrated their belief in making opera a vital part of our cultural community. To donate or for additional information, please call Gordana Bosiocic at 780.996.2744 or email gordana.bosiocic@edmontonopera.com.

Only 2019/20 season donations and/or pledges processed up to September 30, 2019, are listed. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our donor information.

If we have made an error or omission, please call Gordana Bosiocic at 780.996.2744. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Although space limitations allow us to list only charitable contributions of $100 or more, we gratefully acknowledge all donations. Each gift, regardless of size, helps to make Edmonton Opera performances possible. Thank you!

FRIENDS OF THE OPERA

BENEFITS

MEMBER

GUARDIAN

SUPPORTER

SUSTAINER

BENEFACTOR

PATRON

LEADER

$100+

$250+

$500+

$1,000+

$1,750+

$3,000+

$5,000-$10,000

Tax receipt Acknowledgment in Intermezzo magazine Poster from our current season (upon request)

• •

CD of a classic opera recording (upon request) Exclusive VIP event (per season) Invitation for two to each dress rehearsal and VIP reception Two tickets at 30% off for each mainstage production Two invitations to the exclusive VIP Lounge VIP courtesy Jubilee parking during performances Tour of the Opera Centre Two complimentary Opera Brunch tickets Exclusive invitation to rehearsals

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

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Edmonton Opera’s Director’s Circle (donations of $1,750 or more) is our way of providing special recognition to our generous individual donors for their outstanding and sustained annual support. Director’s Circle members enjoy a number of exclusive opportunities throughout the season, to enhance their overall operatic experience. Please contact Gordana Bosiocic, Event Manager and Donor Relations, at gordana.bosiocic@edmontonopera.com or 780.996.2744 for more information about becoming a DC member.

The Sustainability Fund is comprised of dedicated individuals, corporations and foundations who have committed to a five-year, $10,000-per-year contribution, ensuring the sustainable future of Edmonton Opera. For more information about Sustainability Fund experiences and commitments, please contact Gwen Horvath, Director of Fund Development, at gwen.horvath@edmontonopera.com or 780.288.2510.

RIGOLETTO 13

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edmontonopera.com/encore 14 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 at 2:30 pm 780.428.1414 / 1.800.563.5081 WinspearCentre.com salutetovienna.com/edmonton Produced by Attila Glatz Concert Productions.

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ENDOWMENT FUNDS

Edmonton Opera applauds the following visionaries for contributing to or establishing a legacy of support for the future of opera in our community. Many of these contributions have been matched by the Canada Cultural Investment Fund.

EDMONTON OPERA’S ENDOWMENT FUNDS Sam & Sonia Azer Family Fund Jim & Sharon Brown Fund Canada Cultural Investment Fund Dr. David Cook Fund for Edmonton Opera Edmonton Opera Endowment Trust Fund Edmonton Opera Staff Contributions Fund

Andy & Marianne Elder Fund Filipkowski Fund Frederic & Alma Gojmerac Family Fund Irving Guttman Opera Endowment Fund Tom Hall Fund The Dianne and Irving Kipnes Opera Fund Oline & Roderick Markine Family Fund Naqvi Family Fund

John & Barbara Poole Family Fund Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler Family Fund Russell & Dwight Purdy Memorial Fund Arnold & Grace Rumbold Fund Otto & Elfi Werner Fund Bill & Paulette Winter Fund Ralph & Gay Young Fund

In Memory of Howard Irving: J.E. Cote Richard Fraser Larry Judge John Karvellas Alec & Irene Murray Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler In Memory of Oline Markine: Francis Price & Marguerite Trussler

ENDOWMENT DONORS & ARIA LEGACY MEMBERS Kris Aasen Tricia Abbott Darlene Acton Peter & Barbara Allen Anonymous (2) Rebecca Anderson Bill & Dorothy Astle Sam & Sonia Azer Enzo Barichello Joanne Beaton Garner Beggs Alan & Alice Bell Bennett Jones Robert Bessette Danisha Bhaloo Douglas & Sheila Bingham Larrie & Eleanor Boddy Jelena Bojic Dr. Grace Bokenfohr Gordana Bosiocic Katherine Braun Greg Brown Jennifer Brown Joyce Buchwald F. Calder John Cameron David & Carol Cass Marian W. Clarke Mary Teresa Clonfero Erin Clyde Richard S. Cook Cameron Development Corporation Montana Craft Michael Day & Marieke Kortbeek

John & Ann Dea Brian Deedrick Laurel Deedrick-Mayne Glenda Dennis Betty Lou Docherty Maggie Dower Marianne & Andy Elder June Emery Russell Farmer Ivan & Ksenia Fedyna Deanna Finnman Laura Fitzgerald Karin Fodor Hans & Susanne Forbrich Richard Gain Sandra Gajic Martin Galba Katie Gallin E. W. Gauk & Julianna Nagy Barbara Gitzel Fred & Alma Gojmerac Karen Good Mikael Gustafsson Gabor Gyenes & Erika Mullner Phillip & Virginia Halloran Alex J. Hamilton Mary-Lou Hamilton Alison Hardy PenĂŠlope Haro-Aranda Louise Hayes Brian & Jeanne Hetherington Mark & Nancy Heule Jennifer Hinnell Warner & Keith Warner

Andrew Hladyshevsky Karen & Pam Hofmann John & Susan Hokanson Douglas & Dorothy Hollands Jill Hoogewoonink Nick Horobec Caroline Howarth & John Adria Gwen Horvath W.H. Hurlburt Lauren Hyatt Brenda Inglis Jeffrey Jansen Laurence Jewell Bill Johnston Robert & Erika Juthner-Krtschan Ken Keenleyside Madison Kerr Daniel & Millie Kim HaNeul Kim & John Yun Debra King The Dianne & Irving Kipnes Foundation Donna Kittle Betty Kolodziej Juri & Helle Kraav Rohan Kulkarni Megan Kumpula Libuse Kuzel Christine Kyriakides Shelagh Lam Tara-Lee LaRose Florence Lede Mary LeMessurier

Stephen & Day LePoole Kendra Litwin Franklin C. Loehde Constantino & Barbara Loutas Brenda MacDonald Judy & Stuart MacKay Amanda MacRae Cameron MacRae Joanne Madeley Bertrand Malo Greg & Patrece Maluzynsky Stephen & Lynn Mandel Andrae Marchak Devon J. Mark & Allen Vander Well Roderick & Oline Markine Peggy & John Marko Alan Mather Julian Mayne Jeff McAlpine Jeff McCune Rod & Heleen McLeod Bob & Bev McNally Hugh McPhail & Yolanda Van Wachem Grace Megli-Turner Axel Meisen Mickey Melnyk Laurie Mereu Arliss Miller Victoria Modine Valorie Morgan Kevin & Robyn Mott Kyle & Colleen Murray

E.W. Gauk & Julianna Nagy Dr. Thomas & Melanie Nakatsui John Neilson Jack & Esther Ondrack Dr. Edward & Geri Papp Keir Pearson Wesley M. Pedruski Mary Phillips-Rickey Patti Pon Barbara Poole Dr. Clarence H. Preitz Francis Price Protostatix Engineering Consultants Leonard Ratzlaff David Rayner Ingrid Raypold Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP Clayton Rodney & Raymond Cameron Daniel Rojek Analee Roman Hilary & Robert Rose Arnold & Grace Rumbold Celyne Runzer Barry Schloss & Maureen Hemingway-Schloss Naomi Schmold & Craig Corbett Richard Schulz Don Scott Kelly Sheard Gabe & Connie Shelley

Richard Sims Michael & Nance Smith Katie Soles Elaine Solez Sheri Somerville Michael Spassov Darren Staten Ivan Steiner Catherine Szabo Team TELUS Cares Lauren Tenney Michael & Elizabeth Thain Karen Trace Hon. Marguerite Trussler David Lorne Tyrell Chris & Vivian Varvis Stella Varvis The Watson Family Fund Leslie Watson Angus Watt Cristina Weiheimer Joan Welch Brianna Wells Ed Wiebe & Marcia Johnson William F. Lede Family Foundation Robert A. Wilson Adrienne E. Wong Noel Xavier Tim Yakimec Serene Yau Laura Young Stacy Young Gerhard & Inge Zmatlo Vonnie Zupan RIGOLETTO 15

CONDUCTOR’S Notes Verdi’s Rigoletto starts with one of the most remarkable preludes in the repertoire, one that

could be compared to the 90-second modern-day movie trailer: 34 perfect measures of music, where the entire story without words, is explicitly told.

It starts with the almost inaudible incantation of “La maledizione” (The curse) by the trumpets (a melodic motive that you will hear repeated throughout by Rigoletto, “Quel vecchio maledivami”). With each incantation of this curse, the supporting harmony in the woodwinds is more twisted and complex, before the violins enter in a terrifying fortissimo, ripping the humanity and dignity of the father and daughter protagonists in an act of unspeakable violence. The final 10 measures of the prelude is a display of resignation and despair, without redemption nor hope.

The entire work contains signatures of Verdi’s genius, where his sense of tonality and his obsessive details of articulation and dynamics permeate throughout this masterpiece. Keys of C major and E major accompany Rigoletto’s daughter, Gilda, represent her purity and innocence, while scenes in the lascivious atmosphere of the court and the alleyways are shrouded in the darkness of A flat and G flat major.

It is an honour to have this opportunity to collaborate with Edmonton Opera again. I would like to add a special note of appreciation to Mr. Connor Hoppenbrouwers, Edmonton Opera’s Summer Community Engagement Assistant, for his immense and valuable assistance in the preparation of the orchestral parts, where much effort was made at restoring Verdi’s original dynamics and details of articulation.

– Judith Yan

DIRECTOR’S Notes A World Where No One is Safe Verdi’s Rigoletto is a masterpiece. It is chock full of memorable arias, beautiful duets and a

quartet that is one of the finest ever composed. The story, a dark one, is knitted together with extremely complex characters who are a thrill for any director to dissect and examine. When the designers and I started our process to create this production we were very well aware of the #MeToo movement and how this story might be problematic in today’s world. I set out to interview women of all ages to see what their take was on this dilemma. The overwhelming response was; This is a story that we must continue to tell so as to remind us that the problems that arise in the story are the problems of today. Presenting a work such as Rigoletto is not to condone the actions of the characters, but to remember that these are people that exist in our world right now and that these behaviors in our society need to stop. The other thought-provoking element about Rigoletto is its examination of the parent/child relationship. Instead of doomed lovers we follow the tragic tale of the loss of a child. From a design perspective we didn’t want to romanticize the story with lush period surroundings but rather shine a harsh neon light into the world to fully expose its evils where one man holds the power and no one is safe.

– Rob Herriot

16 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

Edmonton Opera presents

RIGOLETTO

October 19, 22 & 25, 2019 Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo Premiere: March 11, 1851, Venice

Giuseppe Verdi was born in 1813 in the small Italian village of Le Roncole. At a young age, Verdi began assisting the local church organist and later in high school studied humanities and had formal music lessons.

He received financial support and encouragement from the wealthy Antonio Barezzi, and applied to study at the Milan Conservatory in 1832. Verdi was refused by the Conservatory and instead began studying under Vincenzo Lavigna, a former musician and conductor at the famous La Scala Opera House in Milan. In 1836 after completing his studies, Verdi returned to Busseto and married Margherita Barezzi (Antonio’s daughter). He composed and conducted with Busseto Philharmonic Society over the next few years.

In 1839 Verdi wrote his first opera Oberto, which premiered at La Scala in Milan and was well received. Shortly after, however, Verdi’s family was hit by tragedy. Within a short period of time his wife and two young children died.

Verdi nearly abandoned composing, but his colleagues encouraged him to continue writing.

Inspired by a story, he began writing again and was met with the great success of his opera Nabucco when it premiered in 1842. Over the course of the next eleven years, from 1842-1853, Verdi composed a series of sixteen operas.

During this period known as his “galley years,” Verdi created famous works including Rigoletto (1851), Il Trovatore (1853), and La Traviata (1853) that remain remarkable pieces of opera history today.

Achieving such great success with his work, Verdi became world renowned as the leading Italian opera composer. He wrote six new operas after La Traviata including the popular pieces Don Carlos (1867), Aida (1871), Otello (1887) and his last opera Falstaff (1893). In 1901, at the age of eightyseven, Verdi had a stroke while in Milan and passed away a few days later. Orchestras and musicians came from every corner of Italy for his funeral in Milan. With 300,000 people lining the streets, Verdi’s funeral remains the largest public assembly in Italy’s history.

Conductor Director Set Designer Lighting Designer Costume Designer Fight Choreographer Repetiteur/Chorusmaster Understudy Coach

Judith Yan Rob Herriot Camellia Koo Bonnie Beecher Deanna Finnman Jean-Pierre Fournier Peter Dala Leanne Regehr

The Cast

Rigoletto Gilda Duke Of Mantua Maddalena Monterone/Sparafucile Marullo Borsa Giovanna Countess Ceprano Count Ceprano Usher

James Westman Sharleen Joynt Matthew White Krista de Silva Aaron Dimoff Tyler Fitzgerald Matthew Dalen Joyanne Rudiak* Isabel Davis* David Conway* Connor Hoppenbrouwers*

Understudies

Rigoletto Gilda Duke

Johnathon Kirby Andrea Lett Ernesto Ramirez

*non-equity member

with members of the Edmonton Opera Chorus & Supernumeraries and The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Apprentice Stage Manager Apprentice Stage Manager

Ha Neul Kim Anna Davidson Al Gadowsky / Erin Valentine Hunter Luth Steven Sobolewski

There will be a 20-minute intermission after Act I. The performance is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes in duration, including intermission.

Edmonton Opera is a professional company operating within the jurisdiction of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

Edmonton Opera is a proud member of Opera.ca and Opera America.

RIGOLETTO 17

RIGOLETTO BRIEF SYNOPSIS The story of Rigoletto, a jester, takes place among the sordid court of Duke of Mantua. The Duke’s predatory ways and Rigoletto’s mocking of an anguished father make them the target of a curse. Rigoletto is unaware that his beloved daughter Gilda is being pursued by the Duke. The courtiers, angered by Rigoletto’s taunts, vow revenge and kidnap his daughter. Rigoletto rushes to rescue Gilda, whereupon he discovers his traumatised and crying daughter. Rigoletto swears vengeance against the vile Duke and arranges for him to be assassinated by Sparafucile. Through a tragic turn of events, Gilda is murdered instead. Monterone’s curse is fulfilled and Rigoletto is left broken.

SYNOPSIS ACT ONE

ACT TWO

The Duke of Mantua is at a party in honour of the Count and

The Duke realizes that his courtiers abducted Gilda, thinking she was Rigoletto’s ‘mistress.’ Though initially upset, he goes to meet Gilda in his chambers. Rigoletto enters the palace, searching for Gilda. He pleads with the courtiers for help, but they mock him. Gilda enters, distraught. She tells Rigoletto about being taken by force from their home and is visibly traumatized by what has just transpired in the Duke’s chambers.

Countess Ceprano, where he boasts about being a womanizer and flirts with the Countess. Rigoletto, the Duke’s jester, makes fun of the Count because his wife is being pursued right in front of him.

Everyone expresses their dislike for Rigoletto, but he brushes it off knowing he is under the Duke’s protection. Count Ceprano rallies the other courtiers to get revenge on Rigoletto.

Monterone enters and accuses the Duke of defiling his daughter.

Rigoletto mocks Monterone, who in turn curses Rigoletto and the Duke.

Rigoletto is approached by Sparafucile, an assassin. He offers his services in case Rigoletto ever needs to have someone murdered.

Rigoletto visits his daughter Gilda, who is kept hidden and has limited contact with the outside world. When she asks permission to go out, Rigoletto says he has many enemies and is afraid someone would hurt Gilda to punish him. He leaves, telling Giovanna to make sure his daughter is safe.

Alone, Gilda reveals to Giovanna that she has fallen for a young man at church. It turns out the man she loves is none other than the Duke in disguise. He visits her at home and lies to Gilda about being a poor student. As the two express their love for one another, footsteps are heard and the Duke is forced to flee.

A group of masked men creeps up on Rigoletto. They tell him they are going to play a trick on Count Ceprano and abduct his wife, Rigoletto decides to play along. Little does he know; the courtiers intend to kidnap Gilda. Rigoletto eventually realizes what’s really happening, but by then the men have already abducted Gilda and left.

Monterone is brought through the court. He is angry that his curse has not had the desired effect. Rigoletto declares revenge on the Duke.

ACT THREE Rigoletto has contracted Sparafucile to kill the Duke.

Sparafucile uses his sister Maddalena to lure the womanizer into a desolate inn. Rigoletto brings Gilda to witness the Duke’s infidelity, because she was convinced he loved only her. Gilda is upset. Rigoletto tells her to go home and disguise herself as a young man, so she can escape from the city.

As a storm hits, Sparafucile is all set to kill the Duke, but Maddalena has developed feelings for him. She pleads with her brother to spare him, eventually coming up with the idea of a substitute victim. Sparafucile agrees that if a stranger shows up by midnight, they will kill him and try to pass the body off as the Duke’s.

Gilda has been listening to this entire conversation. Overwhelmed with love for the Duke, she decides to sacrifice her life for his. Dressed as a man, she approaches Sparafucile, who murders her and places her body in a sack.

Rigoletto returns and tells Sparafucile he would like to dispose of the body himself. Just as the body is about to be thrown in the river, Rigoletto hears the Duke singing in the distance. Horrified, he opens the sack to discover his dying daughter. Gilda draws her final breath and Rigoletto exclaims that he has been ruined by the curse of Monterone.

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RIGOLETTO PROGRAM NOTES Verdi’s Inspiration

Adapting Le roi s’amuse

Giuseppe Verdi based Rigoletto on Victor Hugo’s play

The plot of Verdi’s Rigoletto follows Hugo’s Le roi

Le roi s’amuse (The King amuses himself), which was met with such disdain for its content that it closed after a single performance.

So, what themes could have been so problematic to have brought down the celebrated Victor Hugo in a single night?

s’amuse very attentively, whereby the significant changes come down to the following two things: location and character names.

Verdi moves the action of a royal court from the King of France to that of the Italian Duke of Mantua. Names of characters have been changed to reflect the Italian setting.

At the time of the original production of Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse, France had undergone years of social upheaval during two revolutions, the Napoleonic era, and the reinstatement of the monarchy with the Bourbon Restoration under King Louis Phillipe I. The monarchy was enjoying a resurgence in popularity among the public, with some calling King Louis Phillipe “Citizen King” in the early years of his reign.

It was precisely this current love for the monarchy that proved to be Le roi s’amuse undoing. Despite Hugo’s intention to level a critique of ultimate power using the caddish ways of the detested King Francis I, the play’s attempted assassination of a lascivious King at the behest of Hugo’s protagonist Triboulet was too much for the audience and censors.

Despite Hugo’s immediate efforts to rewrite the play the same evening and a lawsuit to allow him to restage it, the play was not seen again for 50 years.

Verdi, Piave and the censors Despite the many years since the original staging of Victor Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse, the subject matter and its reputation was still something Verdi and Librettist Francesco Maria Piave dealt with as they set out to stage their operatic adaptation. After several rewrites and changing the character of the King to a Duke of an extinct aristocratic lineage, the opera was finally approved by censors and had its opening night at La Fenice on March 11, 1851.

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24 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

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Artists’

PROFILES JUDITH YAN Conductor

Judith Yan is currently Principal Conductor of Opera on the Avalon (OOTA). She has served as the Staff Conductor of San Francisco Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and National Ballet of Canada and recently completed a fruitful 8-year tenure as Artistic Director of Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO).

Equally adept at opera, ballet, and symphony, recent performances include La Traviata for Edmonton Opera, La Boheme for Vancouver Opera, An American Dream for Seattle Opera, Rite of Spring for GSO, Tosca for OOTA, Swan Lake for Korean National Ballet, and La Bayadere for West Australian Ballet (WAB). She looks forward to the 2020/21 season which includes Sleeping Beauty and Dracula with WAB, performances with OOTA and GSO, and a Kentucky Opera debut with Orfeo.

ROB HERRIOT Director

Rob returns to Edmonton Opera after previous productions of Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Turandot, Magic Flute, Daughter of the Regiment, Pirates of Penzance, Mikado and HMS Pinafore.

Other productions across North America include Barber of Seville, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, La Bohème, Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Pasquale, Albert Herring, Marriage of Figaro, Fairy Queen, Tartuffe and Don Giovanni and Beatrice and Benedict. Other productions include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast for Rainbow Stage, Canada’s largest outdoor summer theatre. Rob is always happy to work with Edmonton Opera and its wonderfully creative team.

CAMELLIA KOO Set Designer

Camellia has collaborated with Edmonton Opera on The Tales of Hoffmann, Maria Stuarda, Carmen, Hansel & Gretel and HMS Pinafore. Other opera collaborations include Against the Grain, Boston Lyric Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Helikon Opera (Moscow), Pacific Opera Victoria, and Tapestry New Opera. Theatre collaborations include the Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival, and the National Arts Centre. Camellia has received six Dora Mavor Moore Awards, a Chalmers Award grant, 2016 Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award for Costume Design and finalist for the 2018 Siminovitch Prize.

RIGOLETTO 25

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Artists’

PROFILES BONNIE BEECHER Lighting Designer

Bonnie is a lighting designer from Toronto. She has designed over 350 productions for theatre, opera and dance across Canada and internationally. Her recent opera productions include Louis Riel and Hadrian for The Canadian Opera and Echnaton for The Dortmund Opera in Germany. Other recent work includes The Crucible (Stratford), SEX (Shaw), She Wore Red (Dortmund Ballet, Germany), Portal (Acosta Danza, Cuba), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Ballet Im Reveir, Germany), The Runner (Human Cargo), The Tempest (The Citadel) and The Penelopiad (The Grand). Upcoming works include Mary Poppins and ROOM (The Grand), Paradise Lost (The Centaur), Maria Stewart (Karlsruhe Ballet, Germany) and The Devils Disciple (Shaw).

DEANNA FINNMAN Costume Designer

Deanna’s 19-year association with Edmonton Opera as head of the wardrobe department and resident costume designer has included costume design credits for Don Giovanni, HMS Pinafore, Elektra, Cinderella, Carmen, The Magic Flute, Lakmé, Pirates of Penzance and Fidelio. Her designs for Edmonton Opera’s South Pacific, The Emperor of Atlantis and The Mikado have earned Sterling Awards for best costume design. Most recently she designed costumes for Edmonton Opera’s production of Hansel & Gretel.

PETER DALA

Repetiteur/Chorusmaster Peter Dala began his conducting career 30 years ago with the Basel Ballet. He conducted for seven years at the Hungarian State Opera and the National Ballet of Hungary.

As Edmonton Opera’s chorusmaster from 1996 to present and resident conductor from 2001 to present, he prepared the chorus for roughly 50 operas, has played over 50 operas as repetiteur and has conducted over 30 operas. In 2001 he began his affiliation with Alberta Ballet and was named music director in 2005. He has conducted over 40 different productions for them.

LEANNE REGEHR Understudy Coach

Pianist Leanne Regehr is widely recognized for her intuitive ability to collaborate with other musicians across an extensive range of repertoire. She is a répétiteur with Edmonton Opera, and her dedication to the development of young singers has been shown through her work as a faculty member with Opera NUOVA and Cowtown Opera Summer Academy, and as a Coaching Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. Leanne completed her Doctor of Music in Piano Performance at Northwestern University and is currently based in Edmonton where she serves on the faculties of the University of Alberta and The King’s University, and enjoys her freelance career as a vocal coach, recital partner, and adjudicator.

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Artists’

PROFILES JAMES WESTMAN Rigoletto

Baritone James Westman’s passion and musicianship bring an extra dimension to his performances on opera can concert stages worldwide. Current and future projects include Rigoletto for San Antonio Opera and l’Opéra de Montréal, Germont in La traviata for Edmonton Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria, Britten’s War Requiem for the Colorado Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Carmina Burana for Chicago’s Grant Park Festival, the title role in Nabucco for Opéra de Québec, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 for the Vancouver Symphony. A Decca, Opera Rara, CBC and BBC recording artist, he has appeared for the New York Philharmonic, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, St. Louis Symphony and opera companies of Houston, San Francisco, Boston, Wexford, and Cologne.

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SHARLEEN JOYNT Gilda

Coloratura soprano Sharleen Joynt’s exciting 2019-2020 season begins with Gilda in Rigoletto for Edmonton Opera followed by Flight for Pacific Opera Victoria, a New Year’s Gala for the Hong Kong Philharmonic and Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos for Calgary Opera. She recently made her Opera Philadelphia debut as Winnie in Sky on Swings, has appeared at Vancouver Opera as Musetta in La bohème, and in Messiah with the Charleston Symphony. In great demand as Cunegonde in Bernstein’s Candide, she has been featured in the role at the Ravinia Festival, Anchorage Opera, Tanglewood Music Festival and the Orlando Philharmonic. The Ottawa native’s credits include the Metropolitan Opera, Leipzig, Karlsruhe, and Heidelberg operas, Victoria Symphony, and the Bach Society of St. Louis.

MATTHEW WHITE Duke of Mantua

Tenor Matthew White recently made critically acclaimed debuts as Roméo in Gounod’s Roméo et Juiliette with Cincinnati Opera and Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with the Princeton Festival. This season includes the tenor soloist in Stravinsky’s Pulcinella with Dallas Opera, Rodolfo in La bohème with Opera Naples, and a return B.F. Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Tulsa Opera. On the concert stage he will debut with the Florida Orchestra as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah. A graduate of Philadelphia’s prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts, Mr. White performed Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, the title role in Massenet’s Werther, Roberto in Puccini’s Le Villi, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Avito in Montemezzi’s L’amore dei tre re, and Faust in Lili Boulanger’s Faust et Helene.

KRISTA DE SILVA Maddalena

Canadian singer, Krista de Silva, began her musical career as a Masters Graduate of the Schulich School of Music (McGill). She has performed with l’Opéra de Montréal in the title role of Carmen, Calgary Opera (Ballad of Baby Doe, What Brought Us Here), Edmonton Opera (La Traviata), Regina Symphony Orchestra (Candide). She Just returned from Macedonia where she sang Dido with Polifonia. Krista premiered the role of Sadia, in the opera version of Luc Plamondon’s Starmania with l’Opéra de Québec (most recently in 2016) and l’Opéra de Montréal. Other roles include, Concepcion (l’Heure Espagnole), Idamante (Idomeneo), Dido (Dido and Aeneas), Carmen (La Tragédie de Carmen) and Mignon (Mignon).

AARON DIMOFF

Monterone/Sparafucile Aaron’s burgeoning career has begun attracting notice across Canada. 2018 saw him performing as a finalist in the COC Centre Stage competition in Toronto, as well as Marcheses D’Obigny in Edmonton Opera’s La Traviata, and Sacristan in Calgary Oprea’s Tosca. Past operatic credits include Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, British Major in Silent Night, Father in Hansel and Gretel, Collatinus in The Rape of Lucretia, Der Sprecher in Die Zauberflote. The 2020 season begins with Aaron as a guest artist in the Glenn Gould School’s production of L’heure Espangole, followed by Kamouraska with Voicebox: OIC, and with the Okanagan Symphony for Beethoven’s 9th.

TYLER FITZGERALD Marullo

Tyler Fitzgerald holds a diploma in piano performance, and a degree in classical voice from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. He has performed with many of the major opera companies and symphony orchestras across Canada in a variety of repertoire that includes Opera, musical theatre, rock, even classic Country and Western.

In 2016, Tyler made his European debut as Count Ceprano in Rigoletto with the Staatstheater in Mainz and in the summer of 2017, sang the role of Baron Scarpia in Tosca, by Puccini in Rheinsburg, Germany. Recent performances include: concerts with the Calgary Bach Society, Escamillo in Carmen with Cowtown Opera, Alberto in Figaro’s Wedding, Masetto (Don Giovanni) with Edmonton Opera, and Stevens in Rattenbury with Pacific Opera Victoria.

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Artists’

PROFILES MATTHEW DALEN Borsa

Canadian tenor Matthew Dalen has performed with opera companies and symphonies throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. Praised in Opera Canada magazine for his “warm tone and good connection to text” Matthew is an exciting young artist. He has performed multiple roles with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as a Gerdine Young Artist, and is a proud alumnus of Opera NUOVA. He is a graduate of the Yulanda M. Farris Young Artist Program in Vancouver, and is currently a member of L’Atelier Lyrique of Opera de Montréal. You can see Matthew next in Die Zauberflöte with Opera de Montréal this May.

JOHNATHON KIRBY Rigoletto (Understudy)

Johnathon Kirby is a bass-baritone from Newmarket Ontario who is building a national reputation for his vocal skill, stage presence and energetic enthusiasm for every project he is a part of. Johnathon joined the Calgary Emerging Artist program from 2016-2018. Ending his 2017-2018 season, Johnathon returned to Toronto to perform Figaro in The Barber of Seville with Opera Five, receiving critical acclaim for his performance and a DORA award nomination for best performance of an individual. He can next be heard with Manitoba Opera in their production of Carmen as Morales and Dancaire. www.johnathonkirby.com

ANDREA LETT

Gilda (Understudy) Praised for her “clear voice soaring to stratospheric heights” (Opera Canada), soprano Andrea Lett makes her Edmonton Opera debut understudying the role of Gilda. A 2017 Apprentice at Santa Fe Opera, her roles have included Zerlina (Manitoba Opera) Musetta (Saskatoon Opera) Königen der Nacht (Manitoba Underground Opera), and Gretel (Saskatoon Opera). Ms. Lett was engaged at San Francisco Opera as a principal cover for the world premiere of John Adams and Peter Sellars’s Girls of the Golden West. Upcoming performances include Soprano Soloist in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah, and the Soprano Soloist in Beethoven’s 9th with the Regina Symphony Orchestra.

ERNESTO RAMIREZ

Duke of Mantua (Understudy) Mexican tenor Ernesto Ramirez is garnering rave reviews for his distinctive Italianate sound, “wonderfully fluid line and brilliant high notes,” combined with his “suave, nuanced lyricism.” Recent highlights include his debut as Rodolfo in La bohème with Pacific Northwest Opera and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Opera de Leon, Mexico. In 2018, Ernesto debuted as Don Jose in Carmen with Opera Kelowna, followed by performances with Kitchener Waterloo Symphony. Ernesto sang Stefano with Calgary Opera’s Filumena and joined Julie Nesrallah in A Night at the Opera on tour in Ontario. Now based in Toronto, Ernesto’s “resplendent tenor” has been heard in performances of Verdi’s Requiem with Brott Music Festival and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Niagara Symphony and Kingston Symphony.

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Artists’

PROFILES HA NEUL KIM Stage Manager

As a graduate of the University of Alberta’s technical theatre production program with a specialization in stage management, Ha Neul has worked at theatres and major special events across Canada. She is delighted to mark the 2019/20 season as her 18th with Edmonton Opera, taking over as Stage Manager in 2007. These past 18 years have been an incredible experience, being involved in over 40 productions and in the company’s artistic operations. Ha Neul also enjoys the opportunity to mentor Assistant Stage Managers and Apprentice Assistant Stage Managers for each EO production, and teaches a class in opera stage management at the University of Alberta.

ANNA DAVIDSON

Assistant Stage Manager

AL GADOWSKY

Assistant Stage Manager Previously at Edmonton Opera, Al has assistant stage managed La Traviata, Les Feluettes, Turandot and The Merry Widow. Other stage and assistant stage management credits include Anne of Green Gables the MusicalTM, Atlantic Blue, Jesus Christ Superstar, Million Dollar Quartet, and Mamma Mia! (Charlottetown Festival); The Humans (Citadel/ Canadian Stage); Crazy For You (Citadel/ Theatre Calgary); Matilda, The Silver Arrow: The Untold Story Of Robin Hood, West Side Story, Alice Through The Looking Glass, and Avenue Q (Citadel Theatre). He is a graduate of the BFA Stage Management program at the University of Alberta. Al would like to thank his family and friends for their continuing love and support.

Anna is thrilled to be back at the Opera this season.

Recent Edmonton Opera credits include: The Misadventures of Count Ory, Hansel & Gretel, Elektra, La Cenerentola, and Turandot. She has worked as a stage manager or ASM for The Citadel Theatre, Northern Light Theatre, Shadow Theatre, Workshop West, Theatre Network, Concrete Theatre, and L’Uni Theatre. She is a graduate of the Theatre Production Program at MacEwan and the Theatre Performance Program at Red Deer College.

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Edmonton Symphony ORCHESTRA Chief Conductor: Alexander Prior Conductor: Judith Yan VIOLIN I

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buy tickets for this must-see christmas show at johncameron.com December 19 - 22 38 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

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Celebrating 40 years Four decades of reliability and innovative solutions in subdivision servicing, project management, general contracting, sewer and water transmission mains, and all types of heavy equipment projects.

www.raywalt.ca Raywalt Construction is proud to be a sponsor of The Edmonton Opera

Hit the Right Note, Every Time Good business happens when you work with a advisor who listens to your needs. At MNP, we work closely with a wide range of businesses in every sector to compose industry-specific business solutions that hit the right note, every time.

MNP is proud to support our community and sponsor the Edmonton Opera.

Contact Dustin Sundby, Regional Managing Partner, at 780.451.4406 or dustin.sundby@mnp.ca

RIGOLETTO 39

We believe we can all do something.

Listen. Believe. Support. sace.ca

Under 30?

Experience grand opera for less!

Enjoy $20 rush tickets for you and a guest all season long, plus a free drink at Tuesday performances!

Join today at edmontonopera.com/explorers

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40 EDMONTON OPERA 2019/20 SEASON

Donations help us to offer no-fee services and support to thousands of individuals who are affected by sexual assault and abuse in our city every year.

sace.ca/donate

EDMONTON OPERA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020 SEASON Craig D. Corbett, Chair Francis Price, Vice Chair Ken Keenleyside, Treasurer Richard Cook, Past Chair Irv Kipnes, Chair Emeritus

Enzo Barichello Garner Beggs Robert Bessette Tom Bradley

Frank Calder Mary Clonfero Hans Forbrich Melanie Nakatsui

Bernie Robitaille Daniel Rojek

EDMONTON OPERA STAFF EXECUTIVE Tim Yakimec, General Director*

FINANCE Debra King, CFO Serene Yau, Accountant

COMMUNITY RELATIONS Cameron MacRae, Director of Marketing & Communications Matt Trodden, Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator Madison Kerr, Marketing Coordinator Montana Craft, Patron Services Associate & Receptionist

FUND DEVELOPMENT Gwen Horvath, Director of Development Mary-Lou Hamilton, Director of Strategic Partnerships Jennifer Hinnell, Development Manager, Grants and Foundations Gordana Bosiocic, Event & Development Manager Carissa Fedoruk, Fund Development Assistant

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION Ha Neul Kim, Director of Artistic Operations, Resident Stage Manager* Peter Dala, Resident Conductor & Chorusmaster* Leanne Regehr, Understudy Coach

PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL Clayton Rodney, Production & Technical Director* Alison Hardy, Assistant Production Manager* Levon Bilodeau, Drafting Assistant Megan Kumpula, Head of Properties & Head Scenic Artist Andrée Simard, Scenic Artist Lisa Ruelling, Scenic Artist Nicole Scherrer, Scenic Artist Tiffany Martineau, Scenic Artist Mikael Gustafsson, Head Scenic Carpenter & Shop Supervisor Connor MacDonald, Assistant Head Properties / Scenic Carpenter Vincent Meseck, Head Welder Scott MacLean, Assistant Head Welder Kieran Thomas, Scenic Carpenter Hannah Bailey, Scenic Carpenter

Breanna Thomas, Scenic Carpentry Intern – training program Deanna Finnman, Head, Wardrobe & Resident Wardrobe Designer* Brenda Inglis, First Assistant Wardrobe* Kathryn Neuman, Stitcher Danine Regenwetter, Stitcher Christa Hoefling, Stitcher Michelle Warren, Stitcher Emma Allarie, Stitcher Nancy Malott, Stitcher Viola Peters, Stitcher Morgan Mackintosh, Cutter Judy Darough, Cutter Joanna Johnston, Dyer Kellan McDonald, Production Assistant Deyan Vulkov, Production Assistant Dorian Oliver-Lyons, Production Assistant Mia MacVicar, Production Assistant Taralyn Bieganek, EO Facilities Jeff Yee, EO Facilities

PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL STAGE CREW Geoff Bacchus, Head Stage Carpenter* Jeff Connors, Assistant Head Stage Carpenter Al Kliss, Head Fly* Randy Tomiuk, Assistant Head Fly Bud Race, Head Electrics* Kelsey Miller, Assistant Head Electrics Megan Kumpula, Head Properties Connor MacDonald, Assistant Head Properties Danine Regenwetter, Head Wardrobe Dresser Kathryn Neuman, Assistant Head Wardrobe Dresser Cathy Nicoll, Head Make-up* Noreen Jani, Assistant Head Make-up* Osase Emokpae, Make-up Leanne Scott, Make-up Rebecca Klassen, Wigs & Hair Chelsea Kerr, Wigs & Hair Nancy Horn, Wigs & Hair Alison Hardy, Supertitle Cuer*

* Denotes 10 years or more of service to Edmonton Opera RIGOLETTO 41

Upcoming

EVENTS

GIVING TUESDAY | December 3, 2019 Start your holiday season off on the right note, with a gift that can make a difference!

Visit edmontonopera.com for more information about how your generous donation will have an impact.

OPERA 101 | January 15, 2020 | 7 p.m.

Learn all about one of Mozart’s most enduring operas through a multidisciplinary panel discussion held at CKUA downtown. The Marriage of Figaro Opera 101 is free to attend, RSVP required on Eventbrite.

OPERA BRUNCH | January 26, 2020 | 11 a.m.

The talented cast of The Marriage of Figaro invites you to this intimate recital at Chateau Lacombe accompanied by a delectable brunch buffet! Your ticket includes a welcome mimosa, exquisite brunch offerings selected by the Chateau Lacombe’s executive chef, and performances by cast members including Edmonton born soprano Caitlin Wood last seen in last season’s performance of Count Ory. STUDENT DRESS REHEARSAL | January 30, 2020 | 11 a.m.

Students of all ages can experience the magic of live opera at our special matinee performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Featuring live music performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, this field trip is sure to captivate your students’ imaginations! Get your tickets today by emailing education@edmontonopera.com.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | February 1, 4, and 7, 2020 Everyone’s favourite barber is back in Mozart’s, The Marriage Figaro. A chaotic upstairs-downstairs comedic opera full of sordid hijinks. This oft-performed classic features some of the most recognisable operatic music ever written that will satisfy all your operatic cravings! Tickets are now available from $29.

VALENTINE’S GALA | February 12, 2020 Everything you love about opera – lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, and unforgettable music – will come together in a spectacular celebration at our Valentine’s Gala! This annual fundraiser features gourmet culinary offerings, a selection of fine wines, and live entertainment at the Shaw Conference Centre.

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