A NOTE FROM DEBORAH SANDLER KEMPER
Welcome to Turandot and the thrilling conclusion of our 2024–2025 season! This visually stunning production, which originally premiered in 2011 in the inaugural season of the Kauffman Center, is a true feast for the eyes. Paired with Puccini’s timeless and powerful score, it promises an unforgettable experience. Between the breathtaking set, our superstar cast, and the GRAMMY®-nominated Lyric Opera Chorus, all underpinned by the extraordinary Kansas City Symphony, you’re in for a night of extraordinary music and drama. Thank you for being here and for being part of the magic of live opera.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to return to four full productions at the Kauffman Center next season—something our audiences have long awaited! Subscriptions play a vital role in sustaining Lyric Opera, second only to contributed revenue. By subscribing, you help us plan with confidence, reduce marketing costs, and ensure that more resources go directly into creating world-class performances like the one you’ll see tonight. If you’re not yet a subscriber, we invite you to deepen your connection to this remarkable art form. If you are, we encourage you to renew early to secure your place for another incredible season.
Thank you for your support of this Kansas City institution. We are grateful to share these unforgettable performances with you!
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 2024–2025
OFFICERS
Anthony Durone, President
Richard English, Vice President
Scott Blakesley, Secretary
Mark Benedict, Treasurer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Iván Batlle
Richard P. Bruening
Tom Butch
Casey Claps
Rita Cortés
Dr. Melinda Estes
Michael D. Fields
Christina Hager
COUNSEL
Kenneth V. Hager
Mary Leonida
Mira Mdivani
Edward P. Milbank
Thomas E. Nanney
Andrew Robb
Jug Stanovcic
Wade Kerrigan, Ex-Officio
AUXILIARY MEMBERS
Pam Bruce, Ex-Officio | President, Lyric Opera Circle
Lisa Pruch, Ex-Officio | Ball Chair, Lyric Opera Circle
Drewbie Price, Ex-Officio | President, Orpheus KC
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This free event series uses opera to discover our shared humanity, on and off the stage. We invite the culturally curious to explore the “here and now” implications of our productions, featuring live music and stimulating conversation. No prior opera knowledge necessary!
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This free series provides audiences with fresh insights from regional scholars and industry professionals to enrich appreciation and understanding of the operas in our season. Both established operagoers and curious newcomers alike are sure to make discoveries.
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FOR SCHOOLS
Lyric Opera offers several comprehensive educational experiences in which students in grades K–12 and their teachers are invited to unlock the potential of opera through a variety of programs deliverable in schools or community spaces. The 2024–2025 programs include:
• The Haberdasher Prince—a touring opera for elementary schools
• Narrative Storytelling Workshop an interactive recital for secondary schools
• Student Dress Rehearsals an opportunity for school groups to attend the final dress rehearsal of our mainstage operas
FOR FAMILIES
Maya and the Magic Ring
In this new opera for families, a young girl named Maya discovers a dazzling ruby ring in her grandmother’s belongings. She rubs the jewel and accidentally releases a genie, leading to chaos. Realizing she is in a pickle, Maya must choose her final wish carefully. Join Lyric Opera of Kansas City for this hilarious story of family and magic, touring Kansas City community spaces where families gather in March and April 2025.
Visit kcopera.org/learning to view our entire menu of programs, learn more, and register.
Resident Artists are chosen by national audition. The program bridges graduate training to professional careers by providing performance opportunities, coaching, and career training.
BETHANY JELINEK (Soprano)
Bethany Jelinek, soprano, is a passionate performer and a dynamic competitor from Dallas, TX. In 2024, Jelinek was a semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and was a finalist in the inaugural Heartland Sings Vocal Competition. She was awarded the 2023 Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award from the Dallas Opera Guild Biennial Lone Star Vocal Competition, the 2022 Roy and Sue Johnson Opera Theatre Award, and the 2021 Thomas Hayward Memorial Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Singer at Southern Methodist University where she received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in vocal performance. Recent credits include Micaëla (Carmen), Female Chorus (The Rape of Lucretia), Abigail Williams (The Crucible), and Fiordiligi (Cosí fan tutte).
VIRGINIA REED (Mezzo-Soprano)
New York native, Virginia Reed was a recent finalist in the Southeast Region of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Versed in lyric repertoire, recent roles include Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), the title role in La Cenerentola, Sesto (La clemenza di Tito), Olga (Eugene Onegin) and Der Komponist (Ariadne auf Naxos). Reed was a scholarship recipient in the 2022 3rd Internationale Opernwerkstatt Waiblingen, performing with the Wurttemberg Philharmonic under Maestro Vlad Iftinca. She has worked as a Young Artist with Wolf Trap Opera, Central City Opera, and Janiec Opera Company at Brevard Music Center. Reed is a champion of concert and oratorio work, having performed as a choral artist with the Oratorio Society of New York at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
DANIEL J. LEE (Tenor)
Tenor Daniel J. Lee, a native of South Korea, graduated in 2024 with a Performer Diploma and Artist Diploma in Voice Performance with Performance Fellowship at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied with Carol Vaness, Kevin Murphy, and Gary Arvin. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Voice Performance from Seoul National University as a student of Yonghoon Lee.
Lee performed the role of Don Basilio (Le nozze di Figaro) at Aspen Music Festival in Summer, 2024. Lee has also been a Young Artist at Summer Opera Tel Aviv. Other credits include Roméo (Roméo et Juliette), Ruggero (La rondine), Rodolfo (La bohème), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore), and Ferrando (Cosí fan tutte). Recent soloist concert work includes Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and Verdi’s Requiem.
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RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM CONT.
ALEX SMITH (Baritone)
Baritone Alex Smith received his Master of Music in Voice from the Yale School of Music in the spring of 2024, under Adriana Zabala. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with Lorraine Manz. During his time at Yale, Mr. Smith performed the roles of Musiklehrer (Ariadne auf Naxos), Junius (The Rape of Lucretia), Raimbaud (Le comte Ory), Father Trulove (The Rake’s Progress), and Marco (Gianni Schicchi). In the summer of 2023, he attended The Glimmerglass Festival as a Young Artist where he performed in the chorus of La bohème and Roméo et Juliette, in addition to covering roles in Roméo et Juliette
MATTEO GENERANI (Coach-Accompanist)
Matteo Generani is an acclaimed Italian pianist, recognized for winning several competitions such as the Villa Oliva National Piano Competition (Italy, 2018), White Lake Young Artist Solo Performance (Michigan, USA, 2019), and Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra Piano and Orchestra Competition (Missouri, USA, 2020). He performs across Europe and the United States, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. Matteo co-founded the Medhelan Duo with violinist/violist Doriano Di Domenico and the Neo-Art Piano Duo with pianist Regina Tanujaya. In May 2020, he premiered and recorded the complete set of Études Op. 23 by Giovanni Albini. He looks forward to a CD and streaming release of his recording of piano works by Giuseppe Martucci, slated for December 2024 on the Naxos label. Matteo also serves as the festival coordinator and assistant to the artistic director of the Piano Lieven Foundation, and as co-artistic director of Classical Music Express.
The Haberdasher Prince photo by Andrew Schwartz for Lyric Opera of Kansas City
There
An opera in three acts
Music by Giacomo Puccini, posthumously completed by Franco Alfano Words by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni
PRINCIPAL CAST
Princess Turandot
Calàf
Liù
Timur
Ping
Pang
Pong
A Mandarin
Emperor Altoum
Prince of Persia
Handmaidens
* Lyric Opera Debut
Wendy Bryn Harmer*
Diego Torre, Angelos Samartzis*+
Brittany Olivia Logan*
David Soar *
Alex Smith^
Zhengyi Bai*
Daniel J. Lee*^
Seungchan Hong*
Genaro Méndez*
Kevin Thomas Smith
Lauren Auge@, Sarah Baxter, Deanna
Ray Eberhart Von Fange@, Anna Mans, Julia Scozzafava@, Kelli Van Meter@
^ Lyric Opera Resident Artist + Saturday evening performance only @ Past Resident Artist/Apprentice
Turandot was first performed at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, 1926. Presented in Italian with English titles projected above the stage.
Running time: Two hours and forty-five minutes with two intermissions
SPONSORED BY:
With public support from the State of Missouri and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. Turandot is sponsored, in part, by the Lyric Opera Circle.
The Saturday evening performance of Turandot is sponsored, in part, by James and Laurie Rote.
Scenery and Costumes constructed by Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Additional Costumes constructed by Kansas City Costume Company.
English titles written by Jeremy Sortore
The Pre-Opera Talk speaker for Turandot is Dr. Andrew Granade
Stage crew provided by IATSE Local 31
Wardrobe crew provided by The Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 810
CREATIVE TEAM
CONDUCTOR
DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
SET DESIGNER
COSTUME DESIGNER
LIGHTING DESIGNER
WIG AND MAKE-UP DESIGNER
MARTIAL ARTIST COORDINATOR
ADULT AND CHILDREN’S CHORUS MASTER
REHEARSAL ACCOMPANISTS
MUSIC LIBRARIAN
PROPS SUPERVISOR
LIGHTING SUPERVISOR
COSTUME COORDINATOR
WIG AND MAKE-UP ASSISTANT
WIG AND MAKE-UP CREW
TITLES OPERATOR
STAGE MANAGER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
HEAD SCENIC ARTIST
CHILD COORDINATORS
HEAD CARPENTER
HEAD PROPSMAN
HEAD ELECTRICIAN
HEAD FLYMAN
HEAD SOUND ENGINEER
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR
WARDROBE ASSISTANT
*Lyric Opera Debut
Carlo Montanaro
Garnett Bruce
Kristen Barrett
R. Keith Brumley
Mary Traylor
James Sale
David Zimmerman
Sensei Antoine Sanders, Sr.* Piotr Wiśniewski
Matteo Generani, Piotr Wiśniewski
Elena Lence-Talley
Gavin Merrill
Selena Gonzalez-Lopez
Nancy Robinson
Oran Wongpandid
Katie Wasicko
Sarah Zsohar
Alayna Powell
Zoe Steenwyk, Jess Tibboles
Ellie Brown
Bethany Elliot
Jennine Coleman, Victoria Schmidt
Kyle Deckman
Steve Cochran
Dan McMahan
Evan Suellentrop
Grant Conrad
Desiree Baird Story
Amanda McCarty
CHORUS
SOPRANO
Lauren Auge@
Emily M. Bennett
Victoria Botero
Nicole Burkhart
Catherine Dowling
Bethany Jelinek^
Virenia Lind
Kathryn Long
Anna Mans
Aimee McCormack@
Alexis Merry@
Kristin Newbegin
Mary Lou Pagano
Kelli Van Meter@
Marci Ziegler@
MEZZO–SOPRANO
Rebecca Allen
Sarah Baxter
Ashley Beth Burnett
Madelin Cain*
Gwendolyn DeLaney
Deanna Ray Eberhart Von Fange@
Jennifer Forman
Madeline Friesen*#
Julia Elise Hardin
Lindsay James
Allyssa Kemp*
Anna Patterson*
Julia Scozzafava@
Jennifer Weiman
Emma WitbolsFeugen
Kaitlyn York*
*Lyric Opera Debut
#Current Apprentice Artist
TENOR
Tytus Abrahamson@
Riley Buck*
Aaron Bunnell*
Nico Caruso*
Drew Duncan*
Hunter Eisenmenger
Andrew Flanagin
Alexander Goering
Truman Grant
Trent Green
David Helder
Jonathon Moldovan*
Jedd Schneider
Kevin Thomas Smith
Brian Sussman
BASS/BARITONE
Matt Black
Powell Brumm
David Brian Clark
Phil Eatherton
Cameron Ferguson*
Riley Findley@
Colt Hoselton*
Spencer McIntire*
Terry Murphy@
Evan J. Nelson
Matthew Scrivner
Nathan Whitson
Ron Witzke
Ryan Wornall*
^ Current Resident Artist @ Past Resident Artist/Apprentice
CHILDREN’S
CHORUS
Chase Calabro*
Sarit Chaisanguanthum*
Evan Daggett
Elena Green
Josie Green
Ana Herschend*
Elleanor Hirth*
MARTIAL ARTISTS
Quarieb Muhammad*
Alicia Sanders*
Lucy Holman*
Bridget Mackenzie
Geo Malter*
Sadie Mayer*
Nora McMaster
Autumn Nicholes*
Cecily Stroh*
Jeremiah Isaiah Sanders* Latonya West*
Martial artists provided by Omega Karate Academy
SUPERNUMERARIES
Nancy Brockschmidt
Steven Brockschmidt
Matt Brun
Deborah Carr
Mark Ferrell
Erik Hoar
Josh Keen
R. Crosby Kemper
Erin Klubek
Daniel Mackenzie
Laura Mackenzie
Roshan Paiva
D. Craig Robinson
Jeff Ronk
Kevin Smith
Mark Spencer
Ernesto Suárez
James Symmonds
Jeremy Walter
*Lyric Opera Debut
KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
MATTHIAS PINTSCHER, Music Director
FIRST VIOLINS
Jun Iwasaki, Concertmaster, Miller Nichols Chair
Stirling Trent, Associate Concertmaster
Sunho Kim, Assistant Concertmaster
Anne-Marie Brown
Michael Brown
Betty Chen
Anthony DeMarco
Susan Goldenberg*
Tomoko Iguchi
Dorris Dai Janssen
Aaron You-Xin Li#
Chiafei Lin
Vladimir Rykov
Alex Shum*
SECOND VIOLINS
Tamamo Someya Gibbs, Principal
Carter Coleman, Associate Principal
Kristin Velicer, Acting Associate Principal
Minhye Helena Choi
Mary Garcia Grant
Kazato Inouye
Rena Ishii
Paul Kim
Stephanie Larsen
Jinyou Lee
Sodam Lim
Ayrton Pisco#
VIOLAS
MingYu Hsu, Principal
Duncan Steele, Associate Principal
Jessica Nance, Assistant Principal
Kent Brauninger
Sean Brumble
Marvin Gruenbaum
Jenifer Houck
Duke Lee
Jesse Yukimura
CELLOS
Mark Gibbs, Principal, Robert A. Kipp Chair
Susie Yang, Associate Principal, Richard Hill Chair
Alexander East, Assistant Principal
Maria Crosby
John Eadie
Lawrence Figg
Sally Kim#
Meredith McCook
Allen Probus
DOUBLE BASSES
Evan Halloin, Acting Principal
Richard Ryan, Acting Associate Principal
Nils Aardahl
Lena Goodson+
Joseph Nunez
Keith Wymer+
FLUTES
Michael Gordon, Principal, Marylou and John Dodds
Turner Chair
Shannon Finney, Associate Principal
Alejandro Lombo+
Kayla Burggraf^
PICCOLO
Alejandro Lombo+
Kayla Burggraf^
OBOES
Kristina Fulton, Principal, Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair
Alison Chung, Associate Principal
Matthew Lengas
ENGLISH HORN
Matthew Lengas
CLARINETS
Raymond Santos, Principal, Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair
Trevor Stewart+, Acting Associate Principal
John Klinghammer
E-FLAT CLARINET
Trevor Stewart+
BASS CLARINET
John Klinghammer
SAXOPHONE
Zach Shemon
BASSOONS
Ann Bilderback, Principal, Barton P. and Mary D.
Cohen Chair
Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal
Maxwell Pipinich
CONTRABASSOON
Thomas DeWitt
HORNS
David Sullivan, Acting Principal, Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair
Elizabeth Gray, Acting Associate Principal
David Gamble
Stephen Multer, Associate Principal Emeritus
Benjamin Bacni+
TRUMPETS
Julian Kaplan, Principal, James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair
Shea Kelsay+, Acting Associate Principal
Hyojoon Park+
George Goad^
TROMBONES
Evelyn Carlson, Principal
Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal
Jahleel Smith+
BASS TROMBONE
Jahleel Smith+
TUBA/CIMBASSO
Joe LeFevre, Principal, Frank Byrne Chair
TIMPANI
Timothy Jepson, Principal, Michael andSusan Newburger Chair
PERCUSSION
David Yoon, Acting Principal
Justin Ochoa+, Acting Associate Principal, Adrian and Nancy Kay Hertog
Family Chair
HARP
Katie Ventura+, Acting Principal
LIBRARIANS
Elena Lence Talley, Principal
Fabrice Curtis, Acting Associate Principal
DAVID T. BEALS III ASSISTANT CONDUCTORS
Luke Poeppel
Daniel Wiley
Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel
Tyler Miller, Stage Manager
Mark Watson, Assistant Stage Manager
Kristina Banton, Lighting Designer
* Non-Rotating Musician # New Member + One-Year Member
^ On Leave of Absence
Cimbasso provided by Jarrett McCourt.
CONDUCTOR’S NOTES
By Carlo Montanaro
Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot is among the most celebrated and monumental works in opera. Premiered in 1926 after the composer’s death, this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and transformation is set in ancient China. It captivates audiences with its striking orchestration, evocative melodies, and profound emotional depth.
Musically, Turandot stands as one of Puccini’s most daring and imaginative compositions. It seamlessly blends the grandeur of Italian opera with elements inspired by Eastern music, producing a distinctive and mesmerizing atmosphere. The orchestration is lush and expansive, featuring an array of unconventional instruments that enhance the mystical ambiance of the story.
A defining characteristic of the opera’s score is its integration of pentatonic scales, whole-tone harmonies, and modal melodies, lending an “oriental” quality to the music. Though Puccini never traveled to China, he incorporated authentic influences, most notably the folk tune “Mo Li Hua” (“Jasmine Flower”), which recurs throughout the opera. This fusion of Eastern motifs with Italian operatic traditions gives Turandot its unique identity.
The orchestral writing is both powerful and expressive. The opening scene, depicting an execution, is marked by bold, percussive passages that convey an atmosphere of cruelty and tension. In contrast, moments associated with the character of Liù introduce lyrical and delicate melodies, underscoring her gentleness and devotion. These contrasts highlight the emotional complexity of the opera, reinforcing the dramatic arc of its central characters.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Turandot is its unfinished state. Puccini passed away in 1924, leaving the climactic duet incomplete. Composer Franco Alfano later completed the opera using Puccini’s notes, though at the premiere, conductor Arturo Toscanini famously halted the performance at the point where Puccini’s original composition ended, paying tribute to the maestro.
Today, Turandot continues to be a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire. Its sweeping orchestration, compelling narrative, and unforgettable arias make it a testament to Puccini’s genius, ensuring its place as one of the most extraordinary works in opera history.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
By Garnett Bruce
By the 1920s, when Puccini was working on Turandot, he had watched a world torn apart by the Great War, with unimaginable chaos and consequences ripping apart the fabric of society. Masked by the fantasy of a far-away kingdom (and a riddle scenario from the commedia dell’arte tradition) the romantic composer needed to remind his audiences about the strength of love. In the months before he died in 1924, he wrestled with the final duet between the Princess and the unknown suitor. La Scala and Puccini’s publisher Ricordi selected a contemporary composer, Franco Alfano, to complete the opera based on some thirty sketches Puccini left behind. Since the 1926 premiere, several other endings have been tried, but we keep returning to the one we know best. The Alfano ending is written in the same era, using the “love” theme from “Nessun dorma,” expanded to full chorus and blazing trumpets. At its core, Turandot is not just a tale of royal intrigue but a profound exploration of love conquering fear and hatred.
The opera is punctuated by Chinese melodies, instruments, and lore, providing Puccini an exotic angle for his European audience. A souvenir music box yields the hymn the children sing, and the Persian fable adapted by eighteenthcentury playwright Carlo Gozzi sets up the Princess’s three riddles. As performers and producers 100 years later, it is incumbent on us to work past the stereotypes of previous generations now that we know more. To that end, we have worked to honor the Chinese inspirations behind these ideas as well as the Italian, French, and Persian ones. Trying to be aware of our own cultural bias, we’ve re-examined our sources and expanded the detail and the fantasy built into these characters and hope our process respects and reflects the rich traditions of all the influences threaded through the opera. We set the mood through movement, through scenery and light, through costume and make-up, which will ultimately lead us from the darkness of the night to the dawn of the new era where love reigns supreme. Emperor Altoum leads his people into the mysterious garden to learn the name everyone has been seeking. The Princess answers, “His name is Love!”
ACT I
Peking, in the mythic past. Outside the Imperial Palace, a mandarin reads an edict to the crowd: “Any prince seeking to marry Princess Turandot must answer three riddles. If he fails, he will die. The most recent suitor, the Prince of Persia, is to be executed at the moon’s rising.” Among the onlookers are the slave girl Liù, her aged master, and the young Calàf, who recognizes the old man as his long-lost father, Timur, vanquished King of Tartary. Only Liù has remained faithful to him, and when Calàf asks her why, she replies that once, long ago, Calàf smiled at her. The mob cries for blood but greets the rising moon with a sudden fearful silence. As the Prince of Persia goes to his death, the crowd calls upon the princess to spare him. Turandot appears in her palace and wordlessly orders the execution to proceed. Transfixed by the beauty of the unattainable princess, Calàf decides to win her, to the horror of Liù and Timur. The three ministers of state, Ping, Pang, and Pong, appear and also try to discourage him, but Calàf is unmoved. He reassures Liù, then strikes the gong that announces a new suitor.
ACT II
Within their private apartments, Ping, Pang, and Pong lament Turandot’s bloody reign, hoping that love will conquer her and restore peace. Their thoughts wander to their peaceful country homes, but the noise of the crowd gathering to witness the riddle challenge calls them back to reality.
In the royal throne room, the old emperor asks Calàf to reconsider, but the young man will not be dissuaded. Turandot arrives. She recounts the story of her beautiful ancestor, Princess Lou-Ling, who was abducted and killed by a conquering prince. In revenge, Turandot has turned against men and determined that none shall ever possess her. Trumpets then herald the beginning of the riddles. Turandot poses her first question to Calàf: “What is born each night and dies each dawn?” “Hope,” Calàf answers correctly. Turandot continues, “What flickers red and warm like a flame, yet is not a flame?” After a moment’s thought Calàf replies, “Blood.” Shaken, Turandot delivers the third riddle: “What is like ice but burns, and if it accepts you as a slave, makes you a king?” Tense silence prevails until Calàf triumphantly cries, “Turandot!” The crowd erupts in joy, and the princess vainly begs her father not to give her to the stranger. Hoping to win her love, Calàf offers Turandot a challenge of his own: if she can learn his name by dawn, he will forfeit his life.
ACT III
At night in the Imperial Gardens, Calàf hears a proclamation: “On pain of death, no one in Peking shall sleep until Turandot learns the stranger’s name.” Calàf is certain of his victory, but Ping, Pang, and Pong try to bribe him to leave the city. As the fearful mob threatens him to learn his name, soldiers drag in Liù and Timur. Calàf tries to convince the crowd that neither of them knows his secret. When Turandot appears, commanding Timur to speak, Liù replies that she alone knows the stranger’s identity and will never reveal it. Soldiers torture her, but she remains silent. Impressed by her fortitude, Turandot asks what gives Liù the strength to resist. It is love, she replies. When the torture intensifies, Liù tells Turandot that she, too, will know the joys of love. Then she snatches a dagger and kills herself. The crowd forms a funeral procession, and Timur follows as they take away her body. Turandot remains alone to confront Calàf, who impetuously kisses her. Knowing emotion for the first time, Turandot weeps. Calàf, now sure of winning her, reveals his identity.
Turandot declares she knows the stranger’s name: “It is Love.”
ARTISTS
WENDY BRYN HARMER
PRINCESS
TURANDOT (Soprano)
Recent Senta, The Flying Dutchman, Staatsoper Hamburg
Kitty Hart, Dead ManWalking, The Metropolitan Opera Marilyn, The Righteous, Santa Fe Opera
Upcoming
Miss Jessel, The Turn of the Screw, Santa Fe Opera Leonore, Fidelio, Utah Opera
Soprano Soloist, Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony, Seattle Symphony
DIEGO TORRE CALÀF (Tenor) (FRIDAY AND SUNDAY)
Recent Cavaradossi, Tosca, Opera Australia
Canio, Pagliacci, Seattle Opera
Radamès, Aida, Boston Lyric Opera
Upcoming
Don José, Carmen, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
Don José, Carmen, Opera Australia
Calàf, Turandot, Opera Australia
ANGELOS SAMARTZIS CALÀF (Tenor) (SATURDAY)
Recent Calàf, Turandot, Saarländisches Staatstheater Radamès, Aida, Saarländisches Staatstheater Des Grieux, Manon Lescaut, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts Alfredo, La traviata, Greek National Opera Werther, Werther, Danish National Opera
BRITTANY OLIVIA LOGAN LIÙ (Soprano)
Recent Marguerite, Faust, Wolf Trap Opera
Musetta, La bohème, Opera Maine
Upcoming Countess Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro, Wolf Trap Opera Musetta, La bohème, Pittsburgh Opera Strawberry Woman, The Gershwins®’ Porgy and Bess, The Metropolitan Opera
DAVID SOAR TIMUR (Bass)
Recent Zuniga, Carmen, San Francisco Opera
Judge Turpin, Sweeney Todd, Opernhaus Zürich Fafner, Das Rheingold, Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Upcoming
Titurel, Parsifal, San Francisco Opera
Rocco, Fidelio, Utah Opera
ARTISTS CONT.
ALEX SMITH PING (Baritone)
Recent
Fiorello, The Barber of Seville, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Maya and the Magic Ring, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Upcoming
Le Dancaïre, Carmen, Charlottesville Opera
Sergeant of Police, The Pirates of Penzance, Charlottesville Opera
Prince Yamadori, Madame Butterfly, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Slim, Of Mice and Men, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
ZHENGYI BAI PANG (Tenor)
Recent
Prince Nilsky, The Gambler, Salzburger Festspiele Monostatos, The Magic Flute, San Francisco Opera
Prince Charmant, Cendrillon, Opera Orlando
Upcoming Monostatos, The Magic Flute, The Metropolitan Opera Fourth Jew, Salome, Lyric Opera of Chicago Madwoman, Curlew River, Opéra national de Lorraine
DANIEL J. LEE
PONG (Tenor)
Recent
Roméo, Roméo et Juliette, Jacobs School of Music
Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni, Jacobs School of Music
Ruggero, La rondine, Jacobs School of Music
Don Basilio, Le nozze di Figaro, Aspen Music Festival
Playful String, The Haberdasher Prince, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Unicorn, Maya and the Magic Ring, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
SEUNGCHAN HONG A MANDARIN (Baritone)
Recent
Baritone Soloist, Accademia Verdiana in New York, Teatro
Regio di Parma
Tonio, Pagliacci, Regina Opera
Upcoming
Baritone Soloist, Beethoven Christ on the Mount of Olives, Masterwork Chorus
Scamozza, Rossini Perduto, Long Island Concert Orchestra
GENARO MÉNDEZ
EMPEROR ALTOUM (Tenor)
Recent
Nadir, The Pearl Fishers, Wichita Grand Opera
King Kaspar, Amahl and the NightVisitors, Opéra Louisiane
Tenor Soloist, El Mesías, Reno Chamber Orchestra
Recitalist, Salt Creek Song Festival
CREATIVE TEAM
CARLO MONTANARO CONDUCTOR
Recent
Conductor, Madame Butterfly, Staatsoper Berlin
Conductor, Manon, Staatsoper Hamburg
Conductor, Pagliacci, Seattle Opera
Upcoming
Conductor, Turandot, Hungarian National Philharmonic Conductor, Italian Gala, Klangvokal Festival Dortmund
Conductor, Rigoletto, The Santa Fe Opera
GARNETT BRUCE DIRECTOR
Recent Director, Falstaff, Palm Beach Opera Director, La bohème, Utah Opera Director, Turandot, LA Opera
Upcoming
Director, Le comte Ory, Merola Opera Program
Resident Stage Director, Butler Opera Center, University of Texas
KRISTEN BARRETT ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Recent
Stage Manager, Leonora, Chicago Opera Theater
Stage Manager, La bohème, Opera Theater of St. Louis Director, Rigoletto, OperaDelaware
Associate Director, Everest, Barbican Centre Director, Le comte Ory, Opera Southwest
R. KEITH BRUMLEY SET DESIGNER
Recent
Set Designer, Don Giovanni, The Atlanta Opera
Set Designer, Sweeney Todd, Austin Opera
Set Designer, Don Giovanni, Opera Omaha
Set Designer, Tosca, Pittsburgh Opera
Set Designer, Carmen, Austin Opera
Upcoming
Set Designer, La bohème, Austin Opera
MARY TRAYLOR COSTUME DESIGNER
Recent
Costume Designer, Così fan tutte, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Costume Designer, The Abduction from the Seraglio, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Costume Designer, Turandot, Austin Opera
Costume Designer, Don Giovanni, Jacobs School of Music
Costume Designer, Don Giovanni, Opera Omaha
CREATIVE TEAM CONT.
JAMES SALE
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Recent
Lighting Designer, Carmen, Palm Beach Opera
Lighting Designer, Tosca, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Lighting Designer, Falstaff, Palm Beach Opera
Lighting Designer, La bohème, Utah Opera
Lighting Designer, Sweeney Todd, Utah Opera
Upcoming
Lighting Designer, La bohème, Austin Opera
DAVID ZIMMERMAN WIG AND MAKE-UP DESIGNER
Recent
Wig and Make-Up Designer, The Barber of Seville, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Wig and Make-Up Designer, La bohème, The Dallas Opera
Upcoming
Wig and Make-Up Designer, The Turn of the Screw, Santa Fe Opera
Wig and Make-Up Designer, Die Walküre, Santa Fe Opera
Wig and Make-Up Designer, Cinderella, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
PIOTR WIŚNIEWSKI
CHORUS MASTER
Recent
Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor, Cavalleria rusticana | Pagliacci, The Sound of Music, Roméo et Juliette, Journey toValhalla, The Barber of Seville, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Conductor, Maya and the Magic Ring, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Upcoming
Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master, Cinderella, Madame Butterfly, Porgy and Bess, Of Mice and Men, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to the individual contributors who help support the Company’s productions and programs.
We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between March 1, 2024—March 15, 2025.
*Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball +Includes giving to the Special Gifts Campaign
RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY
($50,000+)
Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer*
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening
Virginia & Charles Clark+
Barnett & Shirley Bush Helzberg*+
Joan Horan*+
Ingram Family Foundation*
Mr. Edward P. Milbank*
Mr. Michael Waterford
MAESTRO'S CIRCLE
($25,000 - $49,999)
Ann Baum, G. Kenneth and Ann Baum
Philanthropic Fund*
Matt & Kate Beem+
Dr. Gary Grunewald Charitable Fund
Ken & Marilyn Hager*
Paul & Elizabeth Uhlmann+
BEL CANTO
($10,000 - $24,999)
Mrs. Raymond Backstrom
Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle*+
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Baty*
Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim Mongeau
Thomas & Mary Beth Butch
Gary & Ann Dickinson Family
Charitable Foundation
Anthony & Meredith Durone*+
Elsberry Family Foundation*
Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris+
Michael D. Fields*
Joyce G. Holland
Kirk Foundation
Walter & Gayle Richardson
Jill Ingram Reynolds*
James & Laurie Rote*
Stephen & Dolores Schroff
John & Marny Sherman*
Mr. J. Michael Sigler*
Ms. Connie K. Walker*+
IMPRESARIO
($5,000 - $9,999)
M. Wayne Alexander & John Braum
Scott & Joyce Blakesley
Robert & Pamela Bruce*
Christopher & Lisa Cella
Casey Claps
Rita Cortés
Mrs. Una Creditor
Richard & Lauren English*+
Trudy & Jack Gabriel*
Kurt & Linnell Gretzinger*
Richard Gutknecht
Christina Hager
Yong Y. Han, M.D.
Ellen & Irv Hockaday
Charlie Huggard
Dana Koehn*
Mary Leonida*+
Merrill Charitable Foundation
Donald & Linda Milligan
Tom & Kathy Nanney
Don & Pamela Raffurty
Michelle & Chuck Ritter*
Andrew & Brittany Robb
Jug & Rachael Stanovcic*
H. Wayne & Melanie Thompson
LYRIC OPERA ANGEL
($3,000 - $4,999)
Anonymous
Andy & Kathy Anderson*
Craig Armstrong
Andrew & Peggy Beal*
Ann & Terry Bender*
Gary & Suzy Bennett
Jerry & Meghan Carpenter*
Nan Chapman*
Robert L. Claassen
Bernard & Mary Ann Craig
Bernard & Nicole Craig
Tim & Deanna Diebolt*
Michael & Karen Douglas
Marilyn A.W. & Norman E. Gaar, Esq.*
Dr. & Mrs. James K. Gentry*
John & Sharon Hoffman
Caleb & Julia Jackson
Mary Lou James & James Taylor
Dr. Robert E. & Dr. Rebecca Johnson
Julia & Greg Malter*
Graham & Helen Marcott
Mr. & Mrs. John Middelkamp*
Drs. Margaret & Barry Nickell
George & Suzy Pagels
Dr. Ronald & Donna Patton*
Ms. Lisa Flynn Pruch*
Dennis & Palle Rilinger
Deborah Sandler Kemper & Crosby
Kemper*
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schellhorn*
Suzanne Shank & John Lohmeyer*
Juliette Singer & Ian Spinks*
Megan Toal
Fr. Paul Turner
Dr. Linda E. Voigts & Mr. Gene Voigts
Lynne & Carl Weilert*
Dr. Edward A. Wortham, Jr.
Dr. Michael J. & Cindy S. Wurm*
ARIA SOCIETY
($1,500 - $2,999)
Sharon Barry*
Erik Bergrud & Kimberlee Ried*
George & Dara Bock*
Peter & Lynne Brown*
Richard & Nicole Browne*
Gerard & Judy Bukowski
Wendy Burrell*
Dr. Suzanne C. Crandall*
Bill Dickinson & Barbara Loots
Randy & Edie Downing*
Peggy & Terry Dunn*
Steven & Carolyn Faenger*
Rev. & Mrs. William J. Fasel
Darold & Melinda Frenzen*
George & Frances Gerritz*
Dr. John and Mrs. Ellen Goheen
Bruce & Kathy Gordon
Michael Hunter & Sherry Love*
Kirk & Gretchen Ivy*
Craig Kemp
John & Julia Kirk Duty
Mrs. William Kort*
Bev Leonard*
Mr. Robert Lunn
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Mayer
Patricia E. Cleary Miller, PhD
Barbara Nelson*
Debra & Allen Parmet
Vernon & Trish Church Podlasek*
Joseph & Kelly Privitera*
Curt Roberts & Ora Reynolds*
Carmen Sabates & Doug Peavey*
Bruce & Nancy Schall*
Betty Scott*
Darren Sextro & John Rensenhouse*
Dr. Christopher & Lisa Sirridge*
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Slaughter*
Kelton W. H. Smith
Barbara Spilker*
Steve & Linda Taylor*
Howard & Irene Weiner
Jeff & Danielle Whitman*
Dr. & Mrs. John Yungmeyer*
VIRTUOUSO
($1,000 - $1,499)
Roger Bond & Victoria Hermes-Bond
Ms. Joyce Castle
Greg & Sue Chamberlain Klein
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Copaken*
James & Diana Cusser*
Dr. Michael De Priest & Ms. Barbara
Braznell
Ellen Feldhausen
Dr. Karen Florio
Donna Gould Cohen
Carol Grantham
Robert Haas
Lisa Merrill Hickok*
Gary Hobin
Harold & Vicki James
Steve Joss
Kristina Klug*
Jenny Manka*
Andrew McDonald
Karen Mische*
Edward & Chris Null
Dr. Sieglinde Othmer*
Anne Petrie
Ms. Lucinda Rice-Petrie*
Dr. Christopher & Lisa Sirridge*
Lawrence & Pamela Scott*
Karen Seaberg
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence P. Sullivan
Clyde & Katie Wendel
Jean Wise
Sophia C. Zetmeir
Karl & Beth Zobrist
COMPRIMARIO
($500 - $999)
Robert & Ruth Abbott
Christopher & Sharon Bradford
Ronald & Kathleen Bremer
Robert & Silvy Brookby*
Rita Burnett-Ferguson
Arden & Mary Ann Carr
Dr. Akin & Ayca Aktas Cil*
Mr. C. L. Cocke
Craig Coen & Jeffrey Bellamy
Mr. H. Hurst Coffman
Dr. Patricia Mary Cox
Don & Patricia Dagenais
Pat & Liz Daniels
Dr. & Mrs. John M. Davis
Roger Dirks & Cynthia Capellari
Michael Dunaway*
Mr. Kenneth Eiler
Mr. & Mrs. David Embry*
Warren & Jenny Erdman*
Michael & Melanie Fenske*
Barbara Fessler*
Connie & Antoni Firner
Michael Fischbach
Alexandra Fontana
Dan & Mary Carol Garrity*
Mark & Nancy Gilman
Michael & Judy Graf
Ms. Roberta Gumbel
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Hall III
Christine Hands
Drs. Robert & Jane Henney*
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Higgins
Mr. & Mrs. William Hirsch
William & Margo Humenczuk
Bruce & Cynda Johnson
Jolle Kirpensteijn
Gerald Knoll & Dorothy Colgan
Jon Kowing
Petra Kralickova*
Nicholas & Charlotte Liddeke*
Michael & Julie McCann*
P. Alan McDermott
Patricia Meads
Kathy & Bill Migneron
JoZach Miller & Peter Bali*
Ed Moore*
Susan Nelson
Andrea Norris & Thomas Beisecker
Bill Pallucca
Gigi & Gary Rose*
Dr. & Mrs. Nelson R. Sabates*
Jon Scheinman & Anita Toby Grow
Patricia Ann Scott*
Michael Shaw
Greg & Ann Smith
Lora Smith*
Mark Trenton Smith*
James & Margaret Stadler*
Ms. Linda S. Stevens*
Kathleen Sutton*
Robert & Phyllis Thomen
Tracey Tilley*
Carol Dziadik Turner & Daniel Turner
Maarten van Swaay
Jeff & Alisha Walker*
Mrs. Barbara Weary
William & Judith Webb
Deborah Wilkinson
Marcus Williams
Dean Zollman & Jackie Spears
CHORUS
($250 - $499)
David Actenberg & H. Alice Jacks
Richard & Emily Ballentine
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Barksdale *
John & Janet Bennett
W. Michael Brown
Matthew & Nancy Buchmann*
Jeffrey & Diane Buczkowski
Donna Carper*
Dennis Cooley
James R. Cook
Dr. & Mrs. Steve Crouch
Doug & Terri Curran
Cathy Daicoff
Jerry L. Daniels
Jo Anne & Bill Dondlinger*
Carla Dyer*
Jon & Avis Erickson
William & Eileen Everett*
Molly Fisher
Olga Ganzen*
Charles & Barbara Gorodetzky
Mr. & Mrs. Winston Grantham
Mr.& Mrs. George E. Handley
Susan & Zack Hangauer
Roger Hiatt & Patricia Haegelin-Hiatt
Charles & Barbara Haviland*
Drs. John & Anna Kenney*
Jim David Koger
Greg & Nancy Koons*
Angela Kramer*
Dr. Jan-Marie & Bradford Kroh*
Rodney & Margaret LaMothe
Jane Lee
Michael & Marcy Mazzarella
Matt & Christy Mayo*
Douglas & Nina McKenna
Ann Nigro*
Mark & Lynne O’Connell
Ms. Maggie Presson
Ms. Carolyn Price *
Mr. Hal Douglas Quinn*
James Ralstin
Scott & Jeannette Redick*
Bridget Richards*
Edward & Charlotte Ronan
Thomas & Patty Ruehle
Richard & Beverly Rush
John Schreiman*
Ms. Dorie R. Sheppard*
William Smith
Fred & Abigail Tempel
Ms. Beverly Thomas
Mrs. John D. Turner*
Sandra Vogel
Mr. Hal vonBohnhoff
Diana Whitney
Richard Wieland
Robert Wilshire & Patricia McDonald
John Younger
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank our valued individual, community, and corporate partners whose generous contribution of time, resources, and talents have been essential to our success. We deeply appreciate your dedication to bringing opera to life throughout the Kansas City region. Thank you!
Asian American Chamber of Commerce Kansas City
Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle
Chicano Center for the Arts
Classical KC
The Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, Soileh Padilla Mayer, Head Consul
Cupini’s
High Touch Technologies
Husch Blackwell
Kansas City Chinese American Association
Kansas City Chinese Association
Kansas City Public Library
Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
Kansas City Young Audiences
Kansas State School for the Blind
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Lawrence Arts Center
Latinx Education Collaborative
Lyric Opera Community Advisory Council
Mid-Continent Public Library
Midwest Trust Center
Mr. Edward P. Milbank
Monarca Art Space
Moreno Denton Language Services
newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble
The Museum of Kansas City, Paul Gutiérrez
Rainy Day Books
RC Williams Company
Carmen Sabates
Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church
Swoon Cookie Crafters
Turn the Page KC
Victory Hills Baptist Church
Wandering Vine at the Castle, Carla & Dan Dyer
Thank you to all of our school partners and teaching artists this season!
MATCHING GIFT & CORPORATE SHARE COMPANIES
A. Zahner Company
Baird Foundation, Inc.
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Helzberg Diamonds
Merrill Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Sanofi-Aventis
The Sosland Foundation
LIFETIME GIVING
Lyric Opera of Kansas City is proud to honor the leadership and extraordinary support of the following individuals and institutions that have given generously to the Lyric over many years. Their cumulative gifts of $100,000 or more help bring our mission to life by making transformational opera experiences possible in our city. We are grateful for their investment and unwavering belief in the power of opera.
*Deceased
Anonymous
Ann & Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation
Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation
Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum
Philanthropic Fund
ArtsKC Regional Arts Council
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Sydney Backstrom & Raymond* Backstrom
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Barnett and Shirley Helzberg Foundation
Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle
Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer
The Breidenthal-Snyder Foundation, Inc.
Drs. Doug & Mary* Brothers
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening
City of Kansas City, Missouri
Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Virginia & Charles Clark
Columbian Bank and Trust Company
Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, Bank of America, Trustee
Mrs. Una & Dr. Morton* Creditor
Cyr Family Charitable Fund
Pat & Don Dagenais
David T. Beals III Charitable Trust, Bank of America, Trustee
Mrs. Ann Dickinson*
DST Systems, Inc.
Mr. Richard & Mrs. Maureen* Durwood
E. Kemper Carter & Anna Curry Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Anne & Howard Elsberry
Elsberry Family Foundation
Enid & Crosby Kemper Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Estelle S. & Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation
Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris
Craig & Dawn Evans
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Francis Family Foundation
Dr. Michael and Ginger Frost
Trudy & Jack Gabriel
H & R Block Foundation
Ken & Marilyn Hager
Hall Family Foundation
Hallmark Corporate Foundation
Helen & Sam Kaplan Charitable Foundation
Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr.
Richard Hill*
Joyce G. Holland
Joan Horan
Husch Blackwell LLP
Mrs. Beth Ingram
Ingram Family Foundation
Jack & Glenna Wylie Charitable Foundation
J.B. Reynolds Foundation
John W. & Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust, Bank of America, Trustee
John Kander
Mr. Elvin B. Klein
Lyric Opera Circle
Lyric Opera Guild
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Endowment Fund
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - William
Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Our Next Act Endowment
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Polsky Fund
Mabee Foundation
Marion & Henry Bloch Family Foundation
Master Craftsmen Foundation
Mrs. Sandra & Mr. Albert* Mauro
Caroline French McBride*
Carl & Lee* McCaffree
McCownGordon Construction
Thomas & Jean McDonnell
Metropolitan Performing Arts Fund
LIFETIME GIVING CONT.
Mr. Edward P. Milbank
Missouri Arts Council/Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund
Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee
Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation
R.C. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
R.C. Kemper, Jr. Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Walter & Gayle Richardson
Michelle & Chuck Ritter
Mrs. Sarah & Mr. Landon* Rowland
Kenneth & Roswitha Schaffer
Vera & Mike* Seeley
Sherman Family Foundation
Mr. J. Michael Sigler
Rheta Sosland
The Sosland Foundation
Sprint Foundation
Richard J. Stern*
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts
Stilwell Financial, Inc.
The Sunderland Foundation
Steve & Linda Taylor
Theater League
Thomas & Sally Wood Family Foundation
Mrs. Jody & Mr. Jack* Tillotson
Mrs. Carol & Mr. C. Humbert* Tinsman
Mr. Michael Waterford
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation
William T. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
William T. Kemper FoundationCommerce Bank Trust
Turandot photo by Cory Weaver for Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING
Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to the foundations, corporations, organizations, and government entities that help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between March 1, 2024 to March 15, 2025.
*Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball
+Includes giving to the Special Gifts Campaign
OPERA PRESENTING SPONSORS:
LYRIC OPERA UNDERWRITERS
($100,000+)
R.C. Kemper, Jr. Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Lyric Opera Circle
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Endowment Fund
Lyric Opera of Kansas City –Our Next Act Endowment
Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation
Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Sherman Family Foundation
The State of Missouri
The Sunderland Foundation
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
($25,000 - $49,999)
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
E. Kemper Carter & Ann Curry Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Francis Family Foundation
Hallmark Corporate Foundation
J.B. Reynolds Foundation*
Kearney Wornall Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - William
Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund
National Endowment for the Arts
Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation
William T. Kemper FoundationCommerce Bank Trust
BEL CANTO
($10,000 - $24,999)
Cyr Family Charitable Remainder Trust
Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation
H & R Block Foundation
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Polsky Fund
Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm
The Sosland Foundation
IMPRESARIO
($5,000 - $9,999)
DeBruce Foundation*
FCS Family Office, Molly & Tom Freeman+
High Touch Inc*
Jack F. & Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation - Midwest Trust*
Orpheus KC*
Thomas and Sally Wood Family Foundation
CORPORATE & COMMUNITY COUNCIL ($3,000 - $4,999)
Arvest Bank
Commerce Bank, n.a.*
Halls KC*
Husch Blackwell LLP*
JE Dunn Construction Company
R.A. Long Foundation
RubinBrown LLP*
CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SPONSORS ($250 - $2,999)
Aristocrat Motors*
EPR Properties
JoAnn Meierhoff Charitable Foundation
John and Bernice Hamra Foundation*
Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund
Missouri Humanities, Missouri
Humanities Trust
TruPay
Uncover KC
MEMORIAL GIFTS
In Honor of Beth Ingram
Jack & Trudy Gabriel
J. Michael Sigler & Greg Oborny
In Memory of Donna Carper
Jeanette Redick
Jill Ingram Reynolds
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Circle
In Memory of Rev Lewis
Hal Von Bohnhoff
In Honor of Floyd Pentlin
Phyllis Klocek
In Memory of Lee McCaffree
Peter & Lynne Brown
Kirk Carpenter
Terrence & Peggy Dunn
John & Robin Moore
H. Jonathan Pratt
Jill Ingram Reynolds
Greg & Lisa Marie Schoofs
In Memory of Ann Dickinson
Gary & Ann Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation
In Honor of Rita Cortes
Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund
In Honor of Edward P. Milbank
Trudy & Jack Gabriel
In Memory of William B. Kort
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Circle
Hope Beyond Hunger.
Addiction. Homelessness.
Scan the QR code to learn more about their story. Needs Met. Lives Transformed. Hope Lives Here.
SEP 3-22
Spencer Theatre
An uplifting and heartfelt musical featuring gorgeous songs like the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly”
OCT 8-27
Copaken Stage
A spellbinding journey through the life of iconic songstress Billie Holiday
NOV 23-DEC 28
Spencer Theatre A CHRISTMAS CAROL
MAY 6-25
Spencer Theatre
Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning Christmasof
An enchanting romp through Regency-era England
A quietly powerful play by Kansas City, KS playwright, Nathan Louis Jackson, highlighting the enduring power of family bonds
FEB 11-MAR 2
Copaken Stage
Fewer Treatments. Better Outcomes.
The future of cancer care is here. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute will be the first and only health care provider in Kansas City to perform MRI-Guided Radiation. This advanced therapy allows us to see tumors as we treat them, resulting in pinpoint precision, fewer treatments, reduced side effects and better outcomes.
APPRENTICE ARTIST PROGRAM
Lyric Opera’s Apprentice Artist Program gives university vocal students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and training on their way to becoming professional opera singers. Throughout the season, our Apprentice Artists gain practical career experience working alongside the industry’s most notable singers, conductors, and directors. Learn more about our artist development programs at kcopera.org/learning.
MADELINE FRIESEN (Mezzo-Soprano)
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Mezzo-soprano Madeline Friesen’s recent roles include Le Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro. Friesen also studied the role of Béatrice in Béatrice et Bénédict in a scenes program at The University of North Texas. She has performed as the alto soloist in the world premiere of Milcžinsky’s Oratorium during a tour of the Czech Republic with University of North Texas’s Fantasmi. Madeline is a native of Olathe, Kansas and received her bachelor’s degree in voice performance from The University of North Texas where she studied with Professor Molly Fillmore. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in voice performance at The University of Missouri-Kansas City, studying with Dr. Aidan Soder.
Roméo et Juliette photo by Don Ipock for Lyric Opera of Kansas City
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521 N Jefferson St. Raymore, MO 64083 816-265-0859 or 866-991-7189 Toll Free
Jeffrey Adams
Season Opener with pianist Behzod
Abduraimov in collaboration with Park University ICM SEPT. 20, 2024
Ingrid Stölzel: A Musical Portrait OCT. 12, 2024
Thanksgiving with NAVO NOV. 30, 2024
NAVO Chamber Orchestra with pianist Steven Spooner and violinist Véronique Mathieu
FEB. 22, 2025
The Art of Cello with Daniel Veis MAR. 22, 2025
Frontier String Quartet APR. 2025
Season Finale Fest with violinist Maria Ioudenitch MAY 7, 9, 11, 2025 TENTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON 2024 - 2025
LYRIC OPERA PATRON SERVICES
Phone: (816) 471-7344
E-mail: patronservices@kcopera.org
Mail: Lyric Opera Patron Services, 1725 Holmes St., KCMO 64108
Regular Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Weekend Performance Day Hours (mainstage only): For performance weekend hours, please visit kcopera.org.
Ticketing & Patron Services representatives are available at the Kauffman Center box office beginning ninety minutes before every performance and through the first intermission.
GROUP TICKETS
BRING A GROUP TO THE OPERA!
Group orders of ten or more seats receive up to a 25% off discount, subject to standard facility fees. To book your group today and learn about options to amplify the experience, call Ticketing & Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 or visit kcopera.org/groups.
OPEN YOUR WORLD.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
The Kauffman Center is equipped with advanced life-safety early alert systems. Each performance hall is designed with emergency exits in case of an evacuation. In the event of severe weather, shelter in place inside the hall, not in a lobby area, and await further instructions.
In the event of an emergency, the performance will be interrupted. Horns and strobes will sound. Emergency instructions will be delivered from the stage.
Please remain seated as staff use an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of the alarm.* Should an evacuation be necessary, lighted red (Muriel Kauffman Theatre) and green (Helzberg Hall) exit signs will lead patrons to one of eight emergency exit paths.
Patrons with mobility limitations and/or those who are not able to navigate stairs should remain in the venue near one of the marked “Emergency Evacuation Assistance” areas. First responders will evacuate those requiring assistance immediately upon their arrival.
Elevators, primary entrances and the Brandmeyer Great Hall staircase are NOT used in the case of an emergency evacuation.
For more information on emergency evacuation procedures, visit kauffmancenter.org/policies
*Kauffman Center’s emergency egress plan, which includes an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of an alarm, was developed with the assistance of the Kansas City, MO Fire Marshall’s Office.
2024-2025 Signature Series:
Visit KCJO.org for ticket information
Fri. Oct. 11th, 7pm UNFORGETTABLE
ft. Sachal Vascandani
Sat., Nov. 16th, 7pm BRIGHT SIZE LIFE
ft. Rod Fleeman
Tues., Dec. 10th, 7pm A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Selections from Charlie
Sat., March 1st, 7pm ALWAYS & FOREVER
ft. Lucy and Bram Wijnands
Sat., April 5th, 7pm LEVEL UP!
Selections from Classic Video
Sat., May 31st, 7pm GLAMOUR OF OLD HOLLYWOOD
ft. Brenna Whitaker
2024-2025 Concerts Including Works of Brahms, Parry, Rachmaninoff, Holst and many others along with American spirituals and gospels 2025 performance of Bach's immortal MASS IN B MINOR with chamber orchestra and soloists
PARK UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR MUSIC
When Stanislav loudenitch first started the Park International Center for Music, he began with a simple concept. Find exceptional music teachers, and give them the time, tools, focus, and dedication needed to transform exceptional students into masters themselves. An internationally-recognized Van Cliburn gold medalist, Ioudenitch assembled a team that shared his world-class skills and his passion for teaching. Other outstanding programs have great master instructors. But no other American conservatory lets those masters devote the time to their students like they do at Park ICM.
Come experience the birth of our international stars. Visit ICM.PARK.EDU for our concert schedule today.
Stanislav loudenitch Artistic Director /Piano Studio
Ben Sayevich Violin Studio
Daniel Veis Cello Studio
Peter Chun Viola Studio
BUILDING ENGAGED AND PASSIONATE OPERA AUDIENCES FOR TODAY AND THE FUTURE
BUILDING ENGAGED AND PASSIONATE OPERA AUDIENCE FOR TODAY AND THE FUTURE
Orpheus KC is a supporting organization of Lyric Opera of Kansas City and offers lovers of the arts opportunities to get involved, connect with likeminded enthusiasts, and support Lyric Opera.
JOIN TODAY
Membership benefits include: 35% discount on single tickets
Exclusive access to special events
Behind-the-scenes tours
Season subscription discounts
VISIT US
Visit Orpheus KC’s Boutique in Brandmeyer Hall before Lyric Opera performances or during intermission. We will be featuring works by local artists.
GRAB YOUR SEATS.
BECOME A LYRIC OPERA SUBSCRIBER TO RECEIVE 20% OFF THE SINGLE TICKET PRICE.
You’ll also guarantee your seats for all of the shows before tickets go on sale to non-subscribers, receive 20% off additional tickets you purchase throughout the season, and receive additional discounts at participating opera companies all over North America. When you purchase a subscription to Lyric Opera, you also investing in art of the highest caliber in our Kansas City community. Get all four operas starting at $104.
Purchase online by visiting kcopera.org/subscribe, or call Ticketing and Patron Services at (816) 471-7344.
SCAN ME
Classically Opera
The Lyric Opera Ball Thank you for making The Lyric Opera Ball 2025 a huge success!
LYRIC OPERA STAFF
LEADERSHIP
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Jeffrey Walker, Chief Financial Officer
Danny Boteler, Controller
Amy Tungol, HR & Payroll Specialist
Melanie Chapman, Staff Accountant
Melissa Roberts, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
Brad Trexell, Director of Artistic Administration
Piotr Wiśniewski, Head of Music Staff & Chorus Master
Michaela Martens, Resident Artist Voice Teacher
LEARNING
Neal Long, Director of Learning
Emily Bridges, Manager of School Programs
Laura Blankenship, Manager of Community Programs
PRODUCTION
Tracy Davis-Singh, Director of Production
Rafael Toribio, Technical Director
Sarah Zsohar, Artist Services Manager
Selena Gonzalez-Lopez, Assistant Technical Director/Lighting Supervisor
DEVELOPMENT
Ashley Parks, Chief Development Officer
Rebecca Ballinger Clark, Manager of Institutional Giving
Laurie Eck, Manager of Development Operations & Donor Research
Laura Bowling, Development Concierge
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Gregory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications
Amanda Schuster, Senior Manager of Ticketing & Patron Services
Emily Stott, Manager of Marketing Operations
Mason McBride, Manager of Digital Communications
Enrique Zabala, Graphic Design Specialist
Gabriella Swoboda, Assistant Manager of Ticketing and Patron Services
Ellen McDonald, Publicity Consultant
Ticketing & Patron Services Representatives: Catherine Cone, Jocalyn Clardy, Baylee Dolph, Rowan Frazier, Josephine Meyers, Dennis Pearson, and Brianna Volkmann
LEGAL COUNSEL
Wade Kerrigan, Husch Blackwell, LLP, General Counsel
For me, it’s not just...
‘I’m the doctor and you’re the patient.’ We’re partners.”
- Raed Al-Rajabi, MD Physician Medicine Clinical Oncology
I don’t know any other way to treat my cancer patients than to become their partner. To be available to them whenever they need me. And that’s not just when they’re sitting across from me at an appointment. Cancer is a unique journey. And for me and all of my team, the only way to undertake it is together.
To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-1227 or visit KUCancerCenter.org to learn more.