Central City Opera 2015 Festival Program by Central City Opera

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Central City Opera is funded in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), created by Metro voters in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations via the .1% retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Central City Opera is also a member of OPERA America. Central City Opera 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 530 Denver, CO 80246 CentralCityOpera.org For ticket information, visit CentralCityOpera.org or call the Central City Opera Box Office at 303.292.6700. The Central City Opera Program is published by Brock Media. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Duplication of the contents without the express written consent of Brock Media is prohibited. Brock Media Co. 603 S. Broadway, Suite A Boulder, CO 80305 GetBoulder.com 2015 Festival illustrations and cover design created by Melissa Rick.

You Tube

Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ccityopera. Pinterest: ccopera #ccooutofthebox #ccopow

25 84 75 64 23 61 31 22 58 70 84 46 26 17 57 14 83 36 33 42 80 40 19 50 63 81 78 65 82 76 69

Administration Advertisers’ Index Annual Fund Donor Privileges Apprentice Artists Profiles Board of Directors and Volunteer Leadership Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Central City Opera Guild Chairman of the Board’s Letter Company Profiles Contributors Credits/Acknowledgements DON QUIXOTE AND THE DUCHESS Education and Community Engagement Festival Offerings Festival Orchestra Festival Schedule Flower Girls LA TRAVIATA L’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour MAN OF LA MANCHA The New Face of Nicholas House The Power of Women (POW!) Project Premium Subscriptions THE PRODIGAL SON Short Works/Lunch & a Song Special Thanks Spotlight on Photographer Mark Kiryluk Studio Artists Profiles Theatre of Dreams Gala Tributes Yellow Rose Society

2 0 1 5

TUE 21 JULY

SAT 25 JULY (cont.)

SAT 1 AUG

THU 6 AUG

8:00 pm

1:15 pm Short Works

8:00 pm

la traviata

12:30 pm Central City don quixote

12:00 pm Ft. Collins don quixote

2:30 pm

Post-Op***

2:30 pm

FRI 7 AUG

WED 15 JULY

la traviata

SUN 26 JULY

11:45 am Lunch & a Song

WED 22 JULY

1:15 pm Short Works

11:45 am Lunch & a Song

man of la mancha

2:30 pm

11:45 am Afternoon at the Opera

OPERA BUS*

1:15 pm Short Works

la traviata

FRI 17 JULY 1:15 pm Short Works

2:30 pm

man of la mancha

OPERA BUS*

11:45 am Lunch & a Song

2:30 pm

TUE 28 JULY

1:15 pm Short Works

SAT 8 AUG

2:30 pm

1:15 pm Short Works

BOOMER BUS*

2:30 pm

12:30 pm Central City don quixote 2:30 pm

man of la mancha

la traviata

THU 23 JULY

SAT 18 JULY

8:00 pm

12:30 pm Central City the prodigal son

man of la mancha

SUN 19 JULY 11:45 am Lunch & a Song

la traviata

TUE 4 AUG 11:30 am TACO** 2:30 pm

2:30 pm

la traviata family matinee 8:00 pm

8:00 pm

THU 30 JULY

Post-Op***

the prodigal son

WED 5 AUG

8:00 pm

12:30 pm Central City

la traviata

FRI 24 JULY man of la mancha

la traviata 12:00 pm Colorado Springs

la traviata

SAT 25 JULY

man of la mancha

the prodigal son

1:15 pm Short Works

FRI 31 JULY

2:30 pm

la traviata

2:30 pm

BOOMER BUS* OPERA BUS*

la traviata

BOOMER BUS*

1:15 pm Short Works 2:30 pm

C C O

man of la mancha

1:15 pm Short Works

2:30 pm

WED 29 JULY

8:00 pm

man of la mancha

SUN 2 AUG

OPERA BUS*

2:30 pm

July 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 9

SAT 11 JULY la traviata

8:00 pm

Post-Op***

Festival Schedule

2015 Festival Schedule

man of la mancha

la traviata

SUN 9 AUG 2:30 pm

One-act venues outside of Central City include: 1st Christian Church in Colorado Springs 1st United Methodist Church in Fort Collins

303.292.6700 CentralCityOpera.org

man of la mancha * Boomer Bus leaves at 10 am and Opera Bus leaves at 10:45 am from Sports Authority (Glendale). Boomer Bus leaves at 10:30 am and Opera Bus leaves at 11:15 am from Simms Steakhouse (Lakewood). **Take a Child to the Opera ***Post-Op follows shows on select Fri & Sat nights in the Little Kingdom Room at the Teller House.

2 0 1 5

Festival Offerings

2015 Festival Offerings Wowing audiences with world-class performances since 1932, Central City Opera is a musical and theatrical experience like no other. The 2015 Festival offers two first-rate productions in our jewel-box theatre nestled in the Rocky Mountain setting of Central City, along with a pair of one-of-a-kind one acts performed in historic venues in Central City and creative spaces from Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs.

The Shows LA TRAVIATA MAN OF LA MANCHA THE PRODIGAL SON DON QUIXOTE AND THE DUCHESS Short Works July 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25, August 2, 7, 8 at 1:15 pm Engaging short scenes for opera veterans or virgins. Williams Stables Theatre. Tickets $15/Subscribers $10.

Opera Notes Free pre-performance talks 45 minutes before Central City main stage shows. Williams Stables Theatre.

Lunch & a Song July 15, 19, 22, August 2 at 11:45 am 30-minute performances preceded by lunch to whet your opera appetite at the historic Teller House. Tickets $30.

Post-Op

Nina Odescalchi Kelly Family Matinee LA TRAVIATA August 4 at 2:30 pm Pre-show activities 11:30 am A kid-friendly matinee with a narratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preview and an autograph session with the singers. Bring a picnic and enjoy fun pre-show activities. Matinee tickets $15 Children/$25 Adults. Pre-show activities $10.

Boomer Bus July 19, 25, August 2 Boomer Bus leaves at 10 am from Sports Authority (Glendale) and 10:30 am from Simms Steakhouse (Lakewood) Board the Boomer Bus for an inside experience of Central City Opera and its historic mining town location, designed with audience members age 50+ in mind. Enjoy a live history presentation (and a glass of champagne) during the ride to Central City, catered lunch, an exclusive behindthe-scenes experience, and one ticket each for Short Works and a main stage opera. Ticket package $95/$180 per couple.

July 24, 25, 31 Cocktails and impromptu performances by Central City Opera stars after select weekend evening shows at the Teller House. Free.

photos: (left) by mark kiryluk (right) by erin joy swank.

5 2 0 1 4

Upgrade to a Premium Subscription for behind-the-scenes access and special benefits today!

For just $100 per person/$180 per couple, you get exclusive invitations to one-OF-a-kind events and benefits when you upgrade your 2-pack subscription of La Traviata and Man of La Mancha to a Premium Subscription: Apprentice Artist auditions and reception in Denver Fall 2015 Exclusive 2016 Festival preview event featuring live performances in Spring 2016 A day behind-the-scenes in Central City during the 2016 Festival Access to the Donor Appreciation Lounge in the Teller House for each performance you attend during the Summer Festival In addition to top notch customer service, premium subscribers can exchange tickets for another performance of the same production at no additional charge, up to 24 hours in advance of ticketed performance.

Visit CentralCityOpera.org/premium to upgrade to a Premium Subscription and get on the invite list before the opportunity is gone! Additional questions? Email boxoffice@centralcityopera.org or call 303.292.6700. 2 0 1 5

General/Artistic Director’s Letter

From the Desk of the General/Artistic Director Pelham G. Pearce

Hello! Thank you for being a part of the 2015 Festival! We are very happy to be nestled back in our home of 83 years in Central City. We have been experimenting over the past few seasons with the way we deliver our product, which resulted in creating one of our offerings in Denver in both 2013 and 2014. While we met thousands of new friends at the Buell and at the Ellie, we determined that the most important thing Central City Opera can provide to you (in addition to a great production) is this truly unique experience here in Central City.

photo © central city opera house association archives.

Pelham G. Pearce was selected in 1996 as Managing Director and named General/Artistic Director of Central City Opera in 1998. During his 19-year tenure, Mr. Pearce has set forth the company’s current artistic mission of balancing traditional and progressive works. Central City Opera’s national/international reputation has been elevated with American premieres such as Gloriana in 2001 and world premieres including the new Chinese opera, Poet Li Bai, in 2007, garnering press coverage all over the world. Nationally, he has served as Chairman of

However, there continues to be a nagging problem. And it is one that we have devised most of our experiments to try and address. The audience for opera/ musical theater is slowly shrinking. It is a problem that we share with all of the performing arts around the world. Consequently, while all of our shows will originate here once again, two of them will travel to other cities in Colorado. We are proud to present Britten’s The Prodigal Son in Colorado Springs in partnership with Opera Theatre of the Rockies. We are also collaborating with Opera Fort Collins and Loveland Opera Theatre on Boismortier’s Don Quixote and the Duchess in Fort Collins. These two productions are 1) short – about an hour, 2) given in non-traditional spaces, 3) performed in English and 4) have a low admission fee. Our goal is that 50% of these audiences will be new to the art form and benefit all of the collaborators. We need your help with this effort. If you like what you see and hear, tell somebody! Let them know this is truly an experience like none other. Assist us in creating the next wave of support for this great art form!

the Grants Review Panel for the NEA, as a juror for the Rosa Ponselle International Voice Competition and Regional Met Auditions, and as a Board Member for OPERA America. In May

Thanks,

of 2013, Mr. Pearce received the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Award for the Arts and Humanities.

Pelham G. Pearce General/Artistic Director

2 0 1 5

Dear Friends, An organization of any kind doesn’t reach the distinguished age of 83 without doing some “soul searching” from time to time. That’s exactly where we, the Board of Directors of Central City Opera (CCO), find ourselves in 2015. After four years of innovation and experimentation, we’re taking stock of what we’ve learned, what worked, what didn’t, and where we can position this company to be 83 years from now. It’s not easy work, but it has provided us the opportunity to ask the question, “Who is Central City Opera today and who should we be in the future in order to best serve our patrons and engage with our communities?”

photo by anne mcgonagle.

Through this process, I’ve been asking myself what Central City Opera has meant to me personally. Since I attended my first performance in the summer of 1984, CCO has grown to be an important part of my life. I’ve come to regard it as a dear companion. As with most relationships, there are highs and lows, but we’ve grown together along the way. Through CCO, I’ve deepened my understanding of opera and been introduced to other lifelong friends with whom I’ve worked to support the company through challenges and celebrated its successes. As we raise the curtain on Central City Opera’s 83rd Festival, I extend a toast to you, our loyal patrons. Together, with your support and our hard work, we will chart our course for the future, continuing to build on the vision of our founders to enrich the lives of those in our community and to sing stories like no other! Warm regards,

Chairman of the Board’s Letter | Board of Directors

From the Desk of the Chairman of the Board Nancy Parker

Board of Directors and Volunteer Leadership Nancy S. Parker, Chairman Maureen K. Barker, President Dr. Gregg Kvistad, Treasurer Michael Huseby, Secretary J. Landis Martin, Chairman Emeritus Pamela Bansbach Lori Stone Bellingham Nancy P. Brittain

Janette W. Chase Barbara Danos The Honorable Robert Fullerton Richard A. Goozh Gail Gordon Judith W. Grant James R. Hilger, Jr. Chevis F. Horne Heath C. Hutchison

Larry J. Manion Hilton G. Martin Anne McGonagle Susan B. Rawley Joanne Sender Phoebe Smedley Timothy White

Jeannie Fuller John Fleming Kelly Edward C. Nichols Daniel L. Ritchie Elizabeth Rostermundt

Donald R. Seawell Robert D. Showalter George Ann Victor

Honorary Board Gerald Bader The Honorable Jack W. Berryhill Edward E. Bolle Robert A. Ellis Barbara Ferguson

Ex-officio Board Margaret Baker – 2015 Central City Opera Guild President Dr. Rebecca Chopp – Chancellor, University of Denver The Honorable Ron Engels – Mayor, City of Central

The Honorable Michael B. Hancock – Mayor, City of Denver The Honorable John W. Hickenlooper – Governor, State of Colorado

National Advisory Council Central City Opera continues to build its National Advisory Council who act as representatives of the Company outside of Colorado, bringing an important national perspective regarding trends throughout the world of opera. Elisabeth Armstrong – Denver, CO and Paso Robles, CA Alice W. Bass – Dallas, TX

Robert A. Ellis – San Francisco, CA Eva Womack – Austin, TX

Regional Advisory Council Nancy Parker Chairman of the Board P.S. Be sure to join us under the tent in the Opera Garden to meet the artists after the show!

Roger Ames Judeth and Doug Comstock Tricia Dickinson William Lynn Dixon Ann and John Draper

Nancy S. Parker Secretary/Treasurer

C C O

Karen Ritz Cynthia Vaughn Linda Weise M. J. Wurster Andrew Yarosh

Endowment Fund Board J. Landis Martin President

Joanne Field Nancy Hemming Tammy and Tom Kenning Nancy Parker Marcia Ragonetti

Jeannie Fuller John W. Low, Esq. Donald E. Scott Julia Secor Robert Unger

2 0 1 5

Pelham G. Pearce, Jr., General/Artistic Director John Baril, Music Director John Moriarty, Artistic Director Emeritus Michael Ehrman, Director/Administrator, Bonfils-Stanton Artists Training Program Paul Curran, Artistic Consultant Administrative Staff Rita Sommers, Director of Operations Nichole Kirkpatrick, Controller Wanda Larson, Office Administrator/Gift Shop Buyer Nancy Maley, Accounting Specialist Box Office Alex C. Dembicki, Box Office Manager Nathan Baker, Box Office Associate Natasha Hoover, Box Office Associate Deb Mountain, Box Office Associate Emily Shurtz, Box Office Associate Molly Epstein, Group Sales Associate Development Scott Finlay, Director of Development William Dehner, Associate Director of Development Alicia Corliss, Development Manager Shira Zimmerman, Grants Officer Historic Properties Jim Johnson, Director of Historic Properties Sam Carrington, Historic Property Maintenance Marketing and Public Relations Valerie Hamlin, Director of Marketing Heather Brecl, Associate Director of Marketing Cindy Sewell Hohman, Marketing Consultant Erin Joy Swank, Website and New Media Coordinator Nancy Rebek, Publicist Melissa Rick, Graphic Design Consultant Education and Community Engagement Deborah Morrow, Director of Education and Community Engagement Emily Murdock, Associate Director of Education and Community Engagement Erin Joy Swank, Production/Stage Manager of Education and Community Engagement Music and Coaching Staff John Baril, Music Director and Principal Conductor, and Conductor - La Traviata Kim Peoria, Orchestra Manager/Assistant to the Music Director Adam Turner, Chorus Master, and Conductor – Man of La Mancha Christopher Zemliauskas, Conductor, Don Quixote and the Duchess and The Prodigal Son Michael Baitzer, Principal Coach/Diction Coach Thomas Getty, Assistant Conductor Sheldon Miller, Assistant Conductor Jay C. Rozendaal, Assistant Conductor Production Staff Karen T. Federing, Director of Production Nathan E. Thompson, Technical Director Diane Lin, Stage Manager, La Traviata Rachel L. Ginzberg, Stage Manager, Man of La Mancha Bryce Bullock, Assistant Stage Manager, La Traviata and Man of La Mancha Corinne Hayes, Assistant Director, La Traviata Jennifer Williams, Assistant Director, Man of La Mancha Kyle Lang, Assistant Director, Don Quixote and the Duchess Eric Nathan Brady, Production Scheduler

Administration

photo by mark kiryluk.

Ellie Engstrom, Properties Master Victoria K. Schilling, Assistant Properties Master Janetta A. Turner, Costume Shop Supervisor Chelsea O’Herron, Assistant Costume Shop Manager/Wardrobe Head Mary V. Rathell, Stitcher/Dresser Blake Bard, Stitcher/Dresser Dave Bova, Wig and Makeup Designer/Supervisor Cat Lawless, 1st Wig and Makeup Assistant Tony Lauro, 2nd Wig and Makeup Assistant Brian LeTraunik, Stage Combat Instructor/Resident Fight Choreographer Melinda Sullivan, Movement Coach/Resident Choreographer Christina J. Lewis, 1st Assistant Lighting Designer Kit Baumer, 2nd Assistant Lighting Designer Directors/Designers/Choreographers Elise Sandell, Director, La Traviata Paul Curran, Director, Man of La Mancha Ken Cazan, Director, The Prodigal Son Peter Harrison, Original Set Designer, La Traviata Alice Marie Kugler Bristow, Original Costume Designer, La Traviata Bettina P. Bierly, Costume Coordinator/Additional Costumes Designer, La Traviata Court Watson, Set and Costume Designer, Man of La Mancha Jess Gersz, Assistant to the Costume Designer, Man of La Mancha Nathan E. Thompson, Set Designer, Don Quixote and the Duchess Janetta A. Turner, Costume Designer, Don Quixote and the Duchess David Martin Jacques, Resident Lighting Designer Dave Bova, Resident Wig/Makeup Designer Festival Services Allison Taylor, House and Festival Services Manager Festival Interns Miranda Bashwinger, Wigs/Makeup Assistant, New York Samantha Burke, Stage Management Production Assistant, La Traviata and Don Quixote and the Duchess, Connecticut Tyler Donovan, PR/Marketing Assistant, Colorado Talia Luna Fischer, Events Assistant, Colorado Emily Gradowski, Gift Shop Assistant, Maryland Chelsea Kuehnel, Props Assistant, Texas Andrew K. Mehraban, Assistant House Manager/Company Management Assistant, Ohio Hayley Parker ,Props Assistant, Colorado Kaley K. Smith, Stage Management Production Assistant, The Prodigal Son and Don Quixote and the Duchess Lindsey White, Office and Music Library Assistant, Missouri Kathryn M. Whitesel, Costume/Wardrobe Assistant, Delaware Laurel Wiley, Stage Management Production Assistant, Man of La Mancha and The Prodigal Son, Colorado Crystal Wilkerson, Costume/Wardrobe Assistant, Texas Cassie Williams, Wigs/Makeup Assistant, New York IATSE/Stagehand Crew Heads David E. Clough, Head Props and Union Steward Mariah Becerra, Assistant Props James Culp, Assistant Props Michael Boswell, Head Carpenter Cindy Maupin, Assistant Carpenter Miles Stasica, Master Electrician Stephen D. Mazzeno, Board Operator Jeff Riedel, Head Flyman Greg Killpack, Assistant Flyman Ted Fiorino, Head Sound 2 0 1 5

Three women who assured the enduring legacy of Central City Opera By Deborah Morrow

They set about realizing their dream, collecting partners who could help restore the badly deteriorated theatre and convincing folks in the New York theatrical world to buy into the enterprise.

Central City Opera has been celebrating the evolving roles of women in our ongoing 2015 community engagement project called POW! The Power of Women. Part of this celebration includes honoring the extraordinary women who were the founders and early supporters of Central City Opera. The company was started by a couple of very creative women entrepreneurs at an extremely difficult time in this country’s economic history – the Great Depression. Ida Kruse McFarlane (18731940) was born and grew up near Central City. In her youth, the area was a bustling mining district, known as the “richest square mile on earth,” but by the 1920s most mines were closed and the population had dwindled to a few hundred. The Central City Opera House, built in 1878 with much fanfare, was barely used through the ‘20s, and was closed altogether in 1927. The McFarlane family owned the opera house but considered it a liability. Ida was a professor of English literature at the University of Denver, and it was her idea that the building should be revitalized as the home of a summer theatre festival. She persuaded her husband and his siblings to donate the opera house to DU in 1931 to be used for theatrical and musical offerings. (DU later turned the theatre over to the Central City Opera House Association, also formed by Ida and Anne Evans.) Anne Evans (1871-1941) was the daughter of John Evans, second Territorial Governor of Colorado and

C C O

founder of the University of Denver. Anne was a forwardlooking community activist, making her mark in the young city of Denver by creating parks, founding the public library system and the Denver Art Museum, collecting and exhibiting Native American arts, and promoting recognition of Colorado pioneers. She was a trained artist, actively involved with the University of Denver’s art school and theatre department. A friend of Ida, she enthusiastically embraced the plan to reopen the historic theatre, but added the twist that it should also be a memorial to Colorado’s pioneers.

At the time of Ida and Anne’s passing, another “angel” appeared to further their dream. Julie Penrose (1870-1956) was the widow of mining magnate Spencer Penrose. The couple had been deeply involved in the development of Colorado Springs, building the Broadmoor Resort and other attractions, as well as founding a prestigious art school and the Fine Arts Center. After Spencer’s death in 1939, Julie embraced Central City Opera as a cause, providing the impetus and means to make much needed improvements in the old Opera House and other buildings nearby. These included the Penrose housing complex, remodeling the Teller House and Williams Stables, purchasing

Education and Community Engagement

The Power of Women

prestigious first summer festival in 1932. Until her death in 1941, Anne dedicated herself to building the reputation of the festival – it quickly became recognized nationally, and helped revitalize the town of Central City.

stage lighting equipment and wiring, and building the “Cast House” with dressing rooms, costume shop and storage. She also provided scholarships for young professional and high school singers, and was involved in the commission of a new opera, The Ballad of Baby Doe, which had its world premiere at CCO in 1956. The generous Penrose legacy continues today through the El Pomar Foundation. The dedication of these three indomitable women echoes through the years in the ongoing stewardship of the historic buildings and mission of Central City Opera. photos: (left) ida kruse mcfarlane, central city opera archives; anne evans in period costume for opening night 1932, denver public library western history collection; dedicated seats by mark kiryluk; julie penrose, el pomar foundation; opening night, 1932, denver public library western history collection.

To learn more about these and other powerful women affiliated with Central City Opera, download the 2015 Opera Insider at centralcityopera.org/insider.

They set about realizing their dream, collecting partners who could help restore the badly deteriorated theatre and convincing folks in the New York theatrical world to buy into the enterprise. Anne took on the fundraising to make this possible, hitting on

the idea of selling theatre seats for $100 each (a small fortune at that time). Purchasers could name their chair in honor of a Colorado pioneer. Names and dates are carved on the seat backs (transferred to new seating in 2000) – the date notes when the honoree arrived in Colorado. These two determined women recruited hundreds of volunteers to accomplish the miraculous reopening of the Opera House in just a year, presenting a

2 0 1 5

Central City Opera Ensemble and Teaching Artists Ensemble members are locally-based professional artists pursuing careers in music. They make themselves available to Central City Opera whenever musicians or teaching artists are needed for events outside the summer Festival. In 2014, these artists performed or presented 167 school programs, workshops, lectures, previews and mentor sessions for 37,000 students, seniors, families and lifelong learners. Sopranos

Tenors

Judeth Shay Comstock* Christie Conover Lindsey French Phoenix Gayles Erin Hackel Emily Murdock* Margaret Ozaki Amanda Raddatz Michelle Diggs Thompson

Jason Baldwin James Baumgardner Max Hosmer Senhica Klee Adam Sattley Baritones/Bass-Baritones

Adam Ewing Ryan Parker Aaron Pearson Chad Reagan Steven Taylor Bradley Thompson Benjamin Wood

Mezzo-Sopranos

Jovahnna Anderson Sarah Barber Jennifer DeDominici* Valerie Nicolosi Marcia Ragonetti Leslie Remmert Soich

Adam Buer – guitar Sara Parkinson - piano Deborah Schmit-Lobis – piano, composer/arranger* Travis Yamamoto – piano Administration

Roger Ames – Resident Teaching Artist* Deborah Morrow – Director of Programs* Carl Morrow – Stage Director, Designer Emily Murdock – Associate Director of Programs, Stage Director* Erin Joy Swank – Production and Stage Manager* * Teaching Artist

Instrumentalists

Steven Aguiló-Arbues – piano*

Education & Community Engagement Donors We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors

Anschutz Foundation Virginia W. Hill Foundation Mabel Y. Hughes Foundation

Magnolia Music Studio Shramm Foundation Henry R. Schwier Charitable Fund

Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

Many thanks to the individuals who support these programs Anonymous Earl D. and Julia A. Banks Nancy Benson Mr. and Mrs. Douglas A. Comstock Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hellerstein

Carl and Deborah Morrow Emily Murdock Marcia Ragonetti Mr. and Mrs. Dale Reed Andrew and Karen Ritz Education Partners

C C O

Mr. and Mrs. Marlis E. Smith Erin Joy Swank Pam and Sonny Wiegand

Central City Opera Guild

photos by anne mcgonagle, erin joy swank and kathy wells.

Since 1974, the Central City Opera Guild has been assisting the opera company with historic preservation, education, cultural and social events, and fundraising. Many outstanding volunteers have given selflessly of their time during the many years of the Guild’s existence. These volunteers make the Guild unique, successful and worthwhile. Guild membership provides a wealth of benefits along with many volunteer opportunities. Our signature events include: Youth Education

Divas/Divos

The Guild’s youth education series strives to promote and introduce children to the art form of opera. Opera & Art is a collaborative event with the Denver Art Museum. This year, CCO Ensemble Artists performed opera scenes based on the “Friends Forever” theme. Opera Inside Out provides a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House. Take a Child to the Opera features a matinee performance of a main stage production. This year’s participants will experience La Traviata.

Mrs. Elisabeth M. Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. John C. Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Barrett D. Baker Mrs. Julia A. Banks Mrs. Louis Philip Bansbach Mr. Daniel Bettinger and Ms. Amy Estes Mrs. Terry Biddinger Ms. Monica Bingham Mr. and Mrs. James Tully Bragg Mrs. Janet P. Cline Mrs. Jan Crewes-Jones Dr. William E. Daniel Ms. Ali Dehncke Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Dinegar Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Ells, Jr. Mr. Daniel Bettinger and Ms. Amy Estes Mrs. Barbara H. Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. John P. Fischer Mr. and Mrs. M Allan Frank Mrs. Jeannie Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller II The Honorable and Mrs. Robert P. Fullerton Mr. and Mrs. Newell M. Grant Mr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Groene Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Groves Ms. Gina Guy Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Hanson Mrs. Cameron Dehncke Heidbrink Dr. and Mrs. William R. Hiatt Mr. and Mrs. Graham Hollis Mrs. Julianne B. Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby Mr. and Mrs. George G. Hutchison III Mr. Kevin Kearney and Dr. Sarah Scott Mrs. Carolyn L. Longmire Mr. and Mrs. Donald D. MacKenzie Mr. and Mrs. J. Landis Martin

Historic Preservation & Maintenance of the 30+ Central City Opera Properties The Victorian-era homes which house CCO singers, production and staff each Festival, get much-needed TLC in the form of cleaning, repairs and renovations from the Guild. Many thanks to Clara Wildbrandt and John Arneson for many skilled hours orchestrating an extraordinary facelift to the interior of the Kimball House! Along with the homes, Guild members plant the beautiful gardens at the Opera House.

Bonfils-Stanton Apprentice Artists and Company Support Each year, the Guild provides monetary support to three Apprentice Artists in the form of awards, including one at the end of the Festival in honor of Mary McGlone. Through the Greet-a-Singer program, artists are met at the airport and helped with transportation to Central City.

Audience Development Guild events fill our yearly calendar. From the entertaining Opera Teaser that previews the upcoming season, to fun social events at members’ homes, to events at the Opera House, there truly is something for everyone. Membership also includes newsletters featuring the latest Guild and Central City Opera offerings. We would love to have you join the Guild and join us in supporting the Central City Opera. Together we do make a difference to this historic opera company. CentralCityOpera.org/guild

Dr. and Mrs. C. Kim McClean Mr. and Mrs. Dirk McDermott Mr. and Mrs. James Edgar McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle Mrs. Patricia C. Millice Ms. Kim I. Morss and Mr. Richard J. Dehncke Mrs. John E. Ness Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Nessinger Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Nichols Ms. Erin P. Nichols Mrs. Joyce Kinsey Paloma Ms. Nancy S. Parker Mrs. Dorothy A. Pearson Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Powell Mrs. Cynthia B. Read Dr. and Mrs. John F. Roberts Ms. Nina Saks and Mr. Richard B. Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Russo Mr. and Mrs. George B. Secor, Jr. Mrs. Marlene Siegel Mrs. Phoebe A. Smedley Mrs. Jane F. Soderberg Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Sparks Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomas Stephens Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Jeffry S. Strauss Dr. and Mrs. Frank W. Van De Water Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Victor II Mr. Leonard N. and Dr. Roberta K. Waldbaum The Wells Family Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wiegand II Ms. Clara Wilbrandt and Mr. John Arnesen Mr. and Mrs. David G. Wilkins Mr. and Mrs. Eric L. Wilson Dr. and Mrs. David Alan Wong Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Wyman

2 0 1 5

IT Y AL C

OP E R

AG U

L’Esprit de Noël

Holiday Home Tour, Patron Preview Party and Marché de Noël, November 13-15, 2014

The 38th Annual L’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour was held in the beautiful Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village. Five elegant homes in this distinguished community were gracefully adorned for the holidays by some of Denver’s finest floral and table designers. Sisters Suzanne Pacetti and Kathy Wells were truly a dynamic duo cochairing this event; together with their committee of wonderful volunteers, they led L’Esprit to its most successful year ever. More than $86,000 was raised for Central City Opera. Thank you to all who donated funds, volunteer hours, and especially to the generous homeowners who graciously opened their homes for our tour!

photos by kathy wells.

Thank you to the 2014 L’Esprit Sponsors Coldwell Banker Devonshire The Chandler Family Land Title Guarantee Company Thurston Kitchen and Bath Belleview Station

Blue Lotus Outdoors The Nessinger Family Lori Rickert State Farm Steele Street Bank Daryl and Kari Stewart

Suzanne Pacetti and Kathy Wells Colorado Expression Magazine The Denver Post The Villager Newspaper

Thank you to our 2014 L’Esprit Stars Stan and Margaret Baker Barbara Ferguson Margo Gilbert Frank Robert and Ginny Fuller

Robert Fullerton and Beverlee Henry Carolyn Longmire Lanny and Sharon Martin Nancy Parker

George and Carol Solich Buzz and George Ann Victor

Thank you to our Florists & Table Designers City Floral Compleat Lifestyles The Ruffly Rose

Save the date

Swank Stems T’Da The Twisted Tulip

for this year’s tour,

November 19-21

For more information, visit lesprithometour.com. 2 0 1 5

La Traviata

La Traviata Music by giuseppe verdi Libretto by francesco maria piave

Performed in Italian with English supertitles at the Central City Opera House.

Conductor John Baril Director Elise Sandell Assistant Director Corinne Hayes Original Set Designer Peter Harrison Original Costume Designer Alice Marie Kugler Bristow Additional Costume Designs Bettina P. Bierly Costume Coordinator Bettina P. Bierly Lighting Designer David Martin Jacques Wig/Makeup Designer Dave Bova Chorus Master Adam Turner Musical Preparation Michael Baitzer, Sheldon Miller Stage Manager Diane Lin Assistant Stage Manager Bryce Bullock Supertitles Thomas Getty

C C O

2 0 1 5

Synopsis Setting: mid-1800s Paris

Act I The courtesan Violetta Valery has been seriously ill, but, believing herself recovered, now celebrates her return to society. Amongst the guests is Alfredo Germont, who has long admired Violetta from afar. After the revelers sing a drinking song, Alfredo finds Violetta alone and pledges his devotion and his concern for her health. Touched by his words, Violetta cautions him that she is incapable of love. The guests depart. Violetta ponders her feelings, weighing the benefits of carefree pleasure as opposed to true love. Alfredo’s distant voice reminds her of his affections. Intermission - 15 minutes Act II For three months, Alfredo and Violetta have shared their love at a country house, but the heart cannot pay the bills. Learning that Violetta has been secretly selling her belongings so as to finance their idyll, Alfredo leaves for Paris to settle the finances. In Alfredo’s absence, his father Giorgio Germont arrives, hoping to persuade Violetta to leave his son, lest scandal ruin the family, and thereby the marital hopes of Alfredo’s sister. Violetta protests the sincerity of her love, but at last agrees that it would be best for Alfredo if they part. She also accepts Germont’s insistence upon secrecy. When Alfredo learns of her abrupt departure, he vows to get her back and finds no consolation in his father’s well-intended words.

C C O

that attracts us at first. Maybe it’s her capacity to love. Maybe it’s how she sacrifices the best relationship she ever found for her beloved’s sake. We understand Violetta by looking at the world around her - how her friends, enemies and “business associates” treat her sheds light on Violetta, and on her Alfredo. The questions this leads us to ask are: How does the world that surrounds these two characters and their great love influence their story? Do we make the world that surrounds us? Or does it make us? How do the people with whom we come into contact transform us? One thing is sure: Violetta has the power to transform all of us in the audience.” – Director Elise Sandell

Violetta’s friend Flora is giving a ball with masked entertainers. Alfredo arrives and challenges Violetta’s escort, Baron Douphol, to a game of cards, which Alfredo wins. While the others dine, Violetta, fearful of the Baron’s anger, warns Alfredo to leave for his own safety. In his fury, Alfredo will not listen, and instead shames her before the crowd by throwing his winnings in her face as payment for her services. The other guests, Germont amongst them, support Violetta, who sadly assures Alfredo that someday he will understand her actions. Intermission - 15 minutes Act III Violetta’s illness has returned. Attended only by her maid Annina, she lies dying. A letter from Germont announces Alfredo’s imminent return, but Violetta is sure he will come too late. Father and son arrive. The lovers dream of their future together, and Germont apologizes for his interference. Joyfully, Violetta declares her pain has ended, but it might just be the end. Synopsis by Betsy Schwarm

La Traviata

“When I think of Violetta Valery, I think of her fame. On the surface, not very much happens in this opera: a terminally ill courtesan who is wellknown and well-liked falls in love, and dies anyway. The same is true of almost everyone…a quiet accountant falls in love, eventually dies. But what makes Violetta special enough to be the charismatic center of this opera? Is it her beauty? Her wit? Does her illness make her special somehow? What made Dumas fils turn the legendary Marie Duplessis into this famous and successful novel? And what made Verdi turn her into an opera? And how does the magic lent to Violetta by Verdi’s music change her in our eyes? Maybe it’s her intelligence that captures us. Maybe it’s her honest cynicism

Cast in Order of Vocal Appearance

Violetta Valery Ellie Dehn Flora Bervoix Molly Jane Hill Marquis D’Obigny Nicholas Ward Baron Douphol Andy Berry Doctor Grenvil Adelmo Guidarelli Gastone Bille Bruley Alfredo Germont Ryan MacPherson Annina Jin-Xiang “JX” Yu Giuseppe Alexander Scheuermann Giorgio Germont Troy Cook Commissioner Gabriel Wernick The conductor’s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation. Assisted listening devices generously donated by Myra B. Levy. New Violetta dress and bodices built by Utah Opera Costume Shop. Chorus men’s formal wear rented from Western Costume Co., CA. The producers wish to thank the TDF Costume Collection for its assistance in this production. Assorted young artist costumes rented from Scaramouche Costumes, NJ.

Central City Opera festival Sponsors Avenir Foundation, Inc. | Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund Lanny and Sharon Martin | Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District presenting Sponsors Bonfils-Stanton Foundation | Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program | Nancy P. Brittain | Central City Opera Guild El Pomar Foundation | The Virginia W. Hill Foundation | Nancy S. Parker | Mr. Donald E. Scott Production Sponsors City of Central | Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation Performance Sponsors Mr. and Mrs. William D. Armstrong | Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Bader, Jr. | Phebe Berkowitz-Tanners and Dr. Paul Tanners Butler Family Fund | Citywide Banks | Kathy & Brad Coors Foundation | Robert A. Ellis and Jane Bernstein | First Western Trust Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust | Lloyd J. King and Eleanor R. King Foundation | Diana W. and F. Michael Kinsey Mr. John W. Kure and Ms. Cheryl L. Solich | LARRK Foundation | Jean and Larry Manion | Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle Phoebe Smedley | Vic and Mary Ann Stabio

2 0 1 5

The Power of Women Project

POW!

CCO began to explore different perspectives on decisions that women make to change their course in life.

The Power of Women Project

Dynamic events highlighting the evolving role of women in society. By Heather Brecl

Courtesans like Violetta had power–they set fashion in dress and the arts, and many had great influence over the men who supported them.

City Opera House this summer. Beginning with an engaging roundtable talk about the sex worker industry in Boulder this March in collaboration with the University of Colorado Women’s Resource Center, CCO began to explore different perspectives on decisions that women make to change their course in life. The discussion continued at the University of Denver at the end of March with a seminar given by Central City Opera Ensemble performers about what drives creative female artists and entrepreneurs. Other POW! Project community partners included Comedienne Debbie Scheer and Sexologist Shanna Katz who shared their perspectives on sex and female empowerment at comedy night at Blush & Blu in downtown Denver. May brought together a group of leading ladies who hold positions of power in their industries, roles that are typically maledominated, at the Leading Ladies Roundtable: Creators, Influencers and Changemakers. 7News Investigator Theresa Marchetta moderated the discussion with Westword Cofounder and Editor Patricia Calhoun, Professional Engineer Lisa Goodbee, Dr. Rev. Melanie Rosa of the United Methodist Church and award-winning poet and author Susan Griffin.

...what drives creative female artists and entrepreneurs. The ongoing collaboration with the Denver Art Museum at Untitled continued this May during “Untitled: Some Assembly Required” with a performance of excerpts from La Traviata in the gallery space, a presentation about what goes on behind-the-scenes at CCO by Director of Production Karen Federing, and the crafting of paper camellias. Denver’s leading ladies in the arts gathered to share their challenges and triumphs at The Power of Women in the Arts Roundtable in June at Colorado Ballet. Visit CentralCityOpera.org/pow for event details, video interviews with powerful women and a chance to win great prizes including 2016 Festival tickets.

Thank you to the following community partners for their collaboration on POW!:

Verdi’s visit to Paris with Giuseppina Strepponi from late 1851 to March 1852 set the stage for what was to become one of the world’s most-beloved operas, La Traviata. While attending a performance of Alexander Dumas fils’s The Lady of the Camellias, Verdi became enraptured by the love story which was inspired by Marie Duplessis, a charming and brilliant courtesan with whom the son of a Duke falls in love but is forbidden to see. In Verdi’s La Traviata, the beautiful and beguiling courtesan is Violetta Valery and it is the nobleman Alfredo Germont who falls for her.Violetta is ill with consumption and their romance ends in tragedy. Their story argues that the highest virtue in a human being is a good heart and should outweigh social distinctions. Verdi and his librettist were creating a character not often seen in opera, a woman (Violetta) who can make her own choices–even

C C O

though she is beholden to and manipulated by men. Her dilemma of whether to give in to Alfredo’s avowed love, or to keep the freedom and power her high status as a courtesan was alien to most women of the time. Their lives were ruled by men; they effectively had no status in society. Courtesans like Violetta had power–they set fashion in dress and the arts, and many had great influence over the men who supported them. (2015 Opera Insider, Deborah Morrow) As the role of women in society continues to evolve, so do their challenges and opportunities. This spring, Central City Opera (CCO) launched The Power of Women (POW!) Project. This series of dynamic events focusing on the empowerment of women was inspired by leading lady Violetta Valery from Verdi’s La Traviata which takes the main stage at the Central

photos by valerie hamlin.

The Power of Women (POW!) Project is sponsored in part by the City of Glendale.

Blush & Blu Bar in downtown Denver – Jody Bouffard and Holly Hatch, Comedienne Debbie Scheer and Sexologist Shanna Katz Patricia Calhoun of Westword Pamela Clifton Colorado Ballet CU Women’s Resource Center – Nadia Brecl Ellie Dehn Denver Art Museum, Untitled DU Women’s Conference Dawn Fay Lannie Garrett of Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret Lisa Goodbee of Goodbee & Associates Susan Griffin, Author of The Book of the Courtesans Liria Duo - Emily Murdock, soprano, and Sara Parkinson, pianist Theresa Marchetta of 7News Robert E Loup Jewish Community Center Rev. Dr. Melanie Rosa of United Methodist Church Elise Sandell

2 0 1 5

Man of La Mancha

Man of La Mancha Written by Dale Wasserman | Music by Mitch Leigh Lyrics by Joe Darion Original Production Staged by Albert Marre Originally Produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James Performed in English.

Conductor Adam Turner Director Paul Curran Assistant Director Jennifer Williams Set and Costume Designer Court Watson Assistant Costume Designer Jess Gersz Lighting Designer David Martin Jacques Wig/Makeup Designer Dave Bova Chorus Master Adam Turner Musical Preparation Michael Baitzer, Thomas Getty, Jay Rozendaal Stage Manager Rachel L. Ginzberg Assistant Stage Manager Bryce Bullock

This play is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

C C O

2 0 1 5

Written by Dale Wasserman | Music by Mitch Leigh Lyrics by Joe Darion Original Production Staged by Albert Marre Originally Produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James “What is it that makes this piece endure and speak to us so clearly 50 years on? The adventures of Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, are some of the best known in literature. The “play within a play” gives both actors and audience wonderful license to explore the themes of fairness, violence, war, false imprisonment and the value of honor in a more in depth manner as the stakes for the prisoners are so high, they simply have nothing to lose. The main character, Miguel de Cervantes, setting up his own defense as a ‘charade’, chooses prisoners at random, giving them roles and allowing them to discuss the injustice of the world around them. They all take to it with gusto. It is no coincidence that this piece came to light as Americans were discussing the necessity and cost of war in Vietnam. The futility of fighting other people’s

Setting: Common room of a prison Scenes: The imagination of Miguel de Cervantes

Quixote and Sancho set out to revive the days of chivalry. Their efforts against the windmills prove unsuccessful, so they continue to a tavern, which Quixote insists is a castle. The barmaid Aldonza endures the amorous attentions of a group of muleteers. Quixote believes she is the great lady Dulcinea and pledges his adoration. Back at Quixote’s country estate, his household has labeled him an old madman. The Padre and Dr. Carrasco agree to bring Quixote home. Sancho tells Aldonza of Quixote’s determined devotion and of his likeable soul. At the inn, Quixote awaits the ceremony he believes will make him a knight. Quixote takes a visiting barber’s shaving basin to be a helmet of magical powers. The barber and the muleteers play along.

C C O

Man of La Mancha draws us easily into its story - prisoners become actors, and we are asked to suspend our disbelief and follow their stories exactly as we do when watching the latest TV drama. The “theatricality” transports us instantly to the 16th century, a time of knights and nobility, chivalry and justice - and we believe it, just as Game of Thrones makes us believe dragons might really exist. Man of La Mancha ultimately asks of us a very big question. Who are we as human beings? What do we believe in? Is that dream really so impossible?” – Director Paul Curran

Synopsis

Part I Prologue: Cervantes is in prison awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition. His belongings are taken and he’s put on mock trial by fellow prisoners. Cervantes defends himself with a tale of Don Quixote. Cervantes becomes the knight; his servant becomes Sancho Panza. Other prisoners also take on roles.

battles and senseless deaths are underlined in the McCarthy-like threat of investigations by the almighty Inquisition - it is clear that no one will escape.

Intermission - 20 minutes Part II The Padre and Dr. Carrasco ask about Quixote’s supposed quest. He says it’s a dream that must be followed. The muleteers harass Aldonza and Quixote battles for her honor. Quixote proves victorious and is formally knighted by the Innkeeper. Aldonza begins to believe in Quixote’s mission. Quixote home again and nearing death, is cheered by Sancho. Aldonza arrives, begging him to restart his quest. Quixote’s spirit is willing, but despite a valiant attempt, he falls dead. Believing that Quixote must live on, Aldonza declares herself to be Dulcinea in truth. Postlude: Back to reality, Cervantes is called to his trial. The other prisoners, deeply affected by his tale, return his precious manuscript and other goods, and send him off with words of support. Excerpted from a synopsis by Betsy Schwarm

Man of La Mancha

Cast

Don Quixote (Cervantes) Robert Orth Sancho Panza Keith Jameson Aldonza Lucy Schaufer The Innkeeper/Governor Adelmo Guidarelli Carrasco/Duke Andy Berry Padre Michael Kuhn Antonia April Martin Barber Alex Scheuermann Pedro, head muleteer Alexander James York Anselmo James Dornier Housekeeper Molly Jane Hill Jose Gabriel Wernick Juan Nicholas DeMeo Paco Makoto Winkler Tenorio Isaac Assor Maria, the innkeeper’s wife Hannah Christine Busch Fermina Cristina Bakhoum Moorish Dancer Maya Kherani Captain of the Inquisition Joshua Arky Guards, Men of the Inquisition, and Gypsies Bonfils-Stanton Apprentice and Studio Artists The conductor’s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation. Assisted listening devices generously donated by Myra B. Levy. Aldonza costumes built by Colin Davis Jones Studios, NY. The producers wish to thank Goodspeed Musicals Costume Collection & Rentals and TDF Costume Collection for their assistance with this production. Thank you to the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities for the use of their knights’ shields.

Central City Opera festival Sponsors Avenir Foundation, Inc. | Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund Lanny and Sharon Martin | Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District presenting Sponsors Bonfils-Stanton Foundation | Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program | Nancy P. Brittain | Central City Opera Guild El Pomar Foundation | The Virginia W. Hill Foundation | Nancy S. Parker | Mr. Donald E. Scott Production Sponsors Pamela and Louis Bansbach | Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie Performance Sponsors Anschutz Foundation | Fred and Jana Bartlit | Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds G. Cannon | City of Glendale Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Corporation | Endeavour Capital | Fuller Real Estate | Mrs. James P. Gordon Judy and Newell Grant | Frederic C. Hamilton | Jeanne Land Foundation | Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation | Northern Trust Bank | Mr. and Mrs. John D. Priester George L. Shields Foundation | Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Unger | Buzz and George Ann Victor

2 0 1 5

Don Quixote and the Duchess Music by Joseph Bodin de Boismortier Libretto by Charles-Simon Favart English Singing Translation by THOMAS GETTY Performed in English in the Atwill Gilman Studio at the Lanny and Sharon Martin Foundry Rehearsal Center in Central City and First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. Conductor Christopher Zemliauskas Director Kyle Lang Set Designer Nathan E. Thompson Costume Designer Janetta A. Turner Wig/Makeup Designer Dave Bova Musical Preparation Jay Rozendaal Thomas Getty Stage Manager Kaley K. Smith Assistant Stage Manager Samantha Burke

C C O

Don Quixote and the Duchess

“Opera can give audiences a vast range of emotional experiences, but few operatic works are meant to simply delight the audience. Within the rich and varied canon of opera, Don Quixote and the Duchess is one such work. Written in the mid-18th century, when the comédie-lyrique form was popularized, the work allows for virtuosic singing while incorporating a dance vocabulary that would have been recognizable to an audience at that time. However, what delighted an 18th century audience may not be the same for audiences today, so in the development of this staging I looked to create a connection between the classicism of the 18th century with that of 1930s pre-civil war Spain. I also wanted to infuse the farcical humor of the time with a modern day sensibility.

Based on a story from Part 2 of the novel “Don Quixote” by Cervantes, the opera Don Quixote and the Duchess is a tale of a cruel befuddlement that ends with the unintended idolization of the hero. Unknowingly faced with a sinister ruse by the household staff of the Duchess, the character of Don Quixote is allowed to develop through the course of the plot by the relevance and profundity of his remarks, which changes the perspective of those who torment him. It is up to the audience to decide if Don Quixote is triumphant in his quest, when he is ultimately honored as a hero or simply a victim of another cruel scheme.” – Director Kyle Lang

Synopsis Setting: 1930s Pre-Civil War Spain

Prologue: Finding that Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are passing through their estate, the Duke and Duchess, being enthusiastic readers of Cervantes, decide to amuse themselves and their guests by playing a prank on the pair. The knight and his servant are told that a damsel is in need of rescue from a monster. That the monster’s cave and subsequent scenes of the knight’s adventures happen to be on the stage of the estate’s theater escapes Quixote’s notice, and he sets out determined to rescue the young lady, named Altisidore. Act I Servants of the Duchess appear in the guise of the monster. Quixote joins in combat and proves victorious. Altisidore is saved, but then is alarmed when the knight declares that he must now continue on his quest. She had hoped that he would remain with her, and allow her to occupy in his heart the place that he has been holding for the legendary Dulcinea. A pageant in an enchanted forest is presented to divert Quixote, though it is Sancho who is more interested in lingering. Supported by Altisidore and the others, he pretends that one of the peasant girls is Dulcinea under enchantment, and the Duke, disguised as “Merlin,” informs Quixote that to free Dulcinea from the enchantment, Sancho must be whipped and Quixote must confront Montesinos, keeper of a magical cave.

Act II Quixote is determined to do as he must for Dulcinea’s sake. However, Altisidore, now disguised as the Queen of Japan, insists that he must return her love. He declines, and then bests a pair of assailants to reach the cave. Montesinos welcomes him, and his captives awaken and are freed. The time has come for Sancho’s sentence to be carried out, a task undertaken eagerly by a chorus of demons. However, Dulcinea’s enchantment is not lifted, and the Queen of Japan declares that this is to punish Quixote for rejecting her. She casts a spell to change Quixote and Sancho into beasts. Act III The guests allege to be amused by the monkey that Sancho seems to be, but the bear form that they declare is Quixote is a more fearful matter. Altisidore tries once more to win Quixote for herself. He remains aloof, and at last, Altisidora realizes that she has lost. Merlin (the Duke) appears again to declare that the game has ended, and that Quixote has earned the respect of all the guests for his courage and loyalty. With a chorus of adulation, they crown him King of Japan and see him off on his further adventures. Synopsis by Betsy Schwarm

2 0 1 5

Don Quixote and the Duchess

Cast

Altisidore Don Quixote Sancho Merlin Montesinos Peasant Girl First Lover, Attendant of the Duchess Second Lover Japanese Man Japanese Woman

Maya Kherani James Dornier Michael Kuhn Joshua Arky Andy Berry Katherine Weber April Martin Cristina Bakhoum Alexander James York Jin-Xiang “JX” Yu

This production features artists of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program. Presented in partnership with Opera Fort Collins and Loveland Opera Theatre.

The conductor’s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation. Assisted listening devices generously donated by Myra B. Levy.

C C O

2 0 1 5

The Prodigal Son

Conductor Christopher Zemliauskas Director Ken Cazan Original Costume Designer Jacqueline Saint Anne/K-Gals, Inc. Wig/Makeup Designer Dave Bova Chorus Master Christopher Zemliauskas Musical Preparation Michael Baitzer, Sheldon Miller Stage Manager Kaley K. Smith Assistant Stage Manager Laurel Wiley

“The story of The Prodigal Son is as universal as the sun coming up in the morning. It is the ultimate story of unconditional love, understanding, forgiveness, and acceptance, in the tradition of the teachings of almost all of the great spiritual figures in recorded history. It is a world of social media, of instant gratification, endless temptation, and stimulation. It also concerns the crash that occurs when that stimulation has passed and the subsequent search for the next empty thrill. Production-wise, a generic costume of overalls and a flannel shirt provide a basis for the farm workers to perform in as they become drinking buddies, courtesans, gamblers, and

itinerants in the big city. The Younger Son is in a contemporary cool shirt and pants and boots. The Father, a corporate farmer, is in a white suit, a beloved, respected, and loving parent and employer. The Elder Son is in a more practical, supervisory outfit. We are using the church space for what it is, occasionally being interactive with the audience, eschewing a stage and set pieces. In 2015, we need to experience the surrounding church in its actual, traditional state along with the contemporary look of the actors who could be parishioners in that church, to tell this eternal, important, and timeless story.” – Director Ken Cazan

Synopsis

Setting: Modern-day farm, road to a big city, house of ill-repute, gambling den

The Prodigal Son Music by benjamin britten Third Parable for Church Performance Text by william plomer from the New Testament Performed in English at St. James United Methodist Church in Central City and at First Christian Church in Colorado Springs.

A group of monks recite a chant before taking on the roles in the story itself. The Tempter declares his plan to bring turmoil into the peaceful lives of the father and sons. Giving thanks for the harvest, the father lauds the value of hard work and sends his elder son and the servants out into the fields. Imagining that he hears an alluring voice, the younger son asks for his share of his future inheritance; his father grants the request. The elder brother is angered by the indulgence, but all bid farewell to the younger son, who sets off for the city. There, the Tempter gleefully succeeds at parting the younger son from his money and introducing

him to a darker side of life. Returning home, the younger son begs for and receives his father’s forgiveness, though the elder brother is angered to see the wanderer welcomed home, at the apparent expense of those – such as the elder brother – who have worked for the good of all. The father advises his elder son on the value of forgiveness, and at last, the family members are reconciled with one another. All join in a hymn of praise before resuming their original roles as monks, for the story is now complete. Synopsis by Betsy Schwarm

Used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, U.S. and Canadian agent for Faber Music Ltd., London, publisher and copyright owner.

C C O

2 0 1 5

The Prodigal Son

Cast in Order of Vocal Appearance

Tempter (Abbot) Bille Bruley Father Matt Moeller Elder Son Nicholas Ward Younger Son Michael Kuhn

This production features artists of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program. Presented in partnership with Opera Theatre of the Rockies.

The conductorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation. Assisted listening devices generously donated by Myra B. Levy. Costumes rented from K-Gals, Inc., CA.

2 0 1 5

John Baril Music Director Kim Peoria Orchestra Manager and Music Librarian Violin

Rachel Segal, concertmaster Takanori Sugishita, 2nd chair first violin René Knetsch, principal second violin Chris Jusell, 2nd chair second violin Angela Dombrowski Steven Erickson Adrienne Finet* James Wyn Hart Cyndi Mancinelli Brett Omara Susie Peek Ingrid Peoria Győngyvér Petheő Veronica Pigeon^ Leslie Sawyer Viola

N. Samantha Headlee, principal Brian Cook, 2nd chair Lora Stevens Sarah Richardson Donald Schumacher Cello

Jonathan Lewis, principal^ Cedra Kuehn, 2nd chair Richard von Foerster* Eleanor Wells Charles Lee Bass

Jill Dispenza, principal Kim Peoria Horn

Carolyn Kunicki, principal Jennifer Galvan* Brian Vance^ Devon Park Stuart R. Mock Trumpet

Leslie Scarpino, principal Mark Hyams Trombone

Bron Wright, principal^ Andy Wolfe Jeffrey J. Craig Tuba

Michael Allen, principal Timpani

Mike Tetreault, principal Percussion

Peter Cooper Nena Lorenz Harp

Janet Harriman, principal Guitar

Alex Komodore Patrick Sutton Clavecin (Don Quixote and the Duchess)

Jay Rozendaal Organ (The Prodigal Son)

Flute and Piccolo

^ = New Artist * = Leave of Absence

Oboe

Jeffrey Stephenson, principal Sarah Bierhaus Clarinet photos by mark kiryluk.

Bassoon

John Arnesen, principal Andy Holmes, 2nd chair Melanie Lançon, principal Barbara Buffington Walker

Festival Orchestra

Sheldon Miller^

The orchestra pit is dedicated to the memory of Julie Penrose and the generosity of the Penrose family and El Pomar Foundation.

Stephanie Zelnick, principal Michelle Orman

2 0 1 5

Michael Baitzer

John Baril

Keith Jameson*

Principal Coach, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Central City Opera: Principal Coach, 2012present; Music Staff 1999-2004 Recently: Assistant Conductor, (Partial Listing) Dialogues of the Carmelites, The Flying Dutchman and Cinderella, Washington National Opera

CCO Music Director Conductor: La Traviata Central City Opera: (Partial Listing) Dead Man Walking, 2014; Il barbiere di Siviglia, 2013; La bohème, 2012 Recently: Così fan tutte, University of Missouri; Carmen, Nevada Opera; Cavalleria Rusticana/I pagliacci, Opera Delaware

Tenor: Sancho Panza, Man of La Mancha Recently: Candide, Candide, Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo; Bardolfo, Falstaff, Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto; Alméric, Iolanta, Metropolitan Opera

Dave Bova

Ken Cazan

Robert Orth

Director: The Prodigal Son Central City Opera: (Partial Listing) Dead Man Walking, The Sound of Music, 2014; Our Town, 2013; Oklahoma!, 2012; Gianni Schicchi, Die sieben Todsünden, Les Mamelles de Tirésias, 2011 Recently: Chair of Vocal Arts and Opera/Resident Stage Director, University of Southern California Thornton School of Music; Fall of the House of Usher, Long Beach Opera and Chicago Opera Theater; West Side Story, Vancouver Opera and Agder Theater

Ryan MacPherson

Wig and Makeup Designer/Supervisor: 2015 Festival Central City Opera: Wig and Makeup Designer/ Supervisor, 2012 to 2014 Recently: Makeup Design, Violet, Broadway; Hair and Makeup Design, Marie Antoinette, Steppenwolf Theatre; What I Did Last Summer, Off Broadway Twitter:@bovaii

Tenor: Alfredo Germont, La Traviata Central City Opera: Aristeus/Pluto, Orpheus in the Underworld, 2010; Hot Biscuit Slim, Paul Bunyan, 2005 Recently: Frederick, The Pirates of Penzance, Portland Opera & Pensacola Opera; Gérald, Lakmé, Baltimore Concert Opera; Hamlet, Hamlet, Moravian Philharmonic Symphony

Baritone: Don Quixote (Cervantes), Man of La Mancha Central City Opera (Partial Listing): Owen Hart, Dead Man Walking; Max Detweiler, The Sound of Music, 2014; Frederik Egerman, A Little Night Music, 2009; Horace Tabor, The Ballad of Baby Doe, 2006 Recently: Simon Powers, Death and the Powers, Dallas Opera; Howie Albert, Champion, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis; Owen Hart, Dead Man Walking, Opera Parallele

Troy Cook

Paul Curran

Elise Sandell*

Lucy Schaufer

Baritone: Giorgio Germont, La Traviata Central City Opera: Captain von Trapp, The Sound of Music, 2014; Ravenal, Show Boat, 2013; Marcello, La bohème, 2012 Recently: Rodrigo, Don Carlo, Opera Philadelphia; Sharpless, Madama Butterfly, Utah Opera; Watty Watkins, Lady Be Good!, Teatro de la Zarzuela

Director: Man of La Mancha Central City Opera: The Rape of Lucretia, 2008; Les Contes d’Hoffmann, 2004; Director and Set Designer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2002; Artistic Consultant, 2006-Present Recently: La donna del lago, Metropolitan Opera; Tristan und Isolde, Teatro La Fenice; Faramondo, International Handel Festival

Director: La Traviata Central City Opera (Partial Listing): Director, Curlew River, 2008; Director, The Face on the Barroom Floor, 2007-2008; Director, Short Works, 2002-2008; Assistant Director, The Rape of Lucretia, 2008; Cendrillon, 2007; and L’incoronazione di Poppea, 2006 Recently: Director, Le nozze di Figaro, Tulsa Opera; Assistant Director, La donna del lago, The Metropolitan Opera; Directing Staff, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Mezzo-Soprano: Aldonza, Man of La Mancha Central City Opera: Elsa Schraeder, The Sound of Music, 2014 Recently: Susanna, The Ghosts of Versailles, Los Angeles Opera; Old Woman, Flight (London premiere), Opera Holland Park; Ma Moss, The Tender Land, Opéra de Lyon Twitter: @lucyschaufer

Ellie Dehn*

Michael Ehrman

Adam Turner

Court Watson*

Soprano: Violetta Valery, La Traviata Recently: Countess/Donna Anna/Fiordiligi, Da Ponte/Mozart’s Heroines, San Francisco Opera; Musetta, La bohème, Teatro Alla Scala/ Metropolitan Opera/ San Francisco Opera; Donna Anna, Don Giovanni, San Diego Opera

Director and Administrator, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Central City Opera: (Partial Listing) Trouble in Tahiti, 2014; Susannah, 2008; The Ballad of Baby Doe, 2006 Recently: Director, Dead Man Walking, Ruddigore and Così fan tutte, Northwestern University; Director, La bohème, Teatro Nacional, Santo Domingo; Director, Die Zauberflöte, Ravinia Festival

Conductor and Chorus Master: Man of La Mancha, Chorus Master: La Traviata Central City Opera: Associate Conductor and Chorus Master, Le nozze di Figaro, Dead Man Walking, The Sound of Music, 2014; Oklahoma!, La Bohème, 2012; Associate Conductor, 2011 Festival; Chorus Master, Les Mamelles de Tiresias, 2011 Recently: Principal Conductor/Artistic Advisor, Sweeney Todd, HMS Pinafore, Virginia Opera; Guest Conductor, Sweeney Todd, Hawaii Opera Theatre; Assistant Conductor, Der Ring des Nibelungen, Seattle Opera

Scenic and Costume Designer: Man of La Mancha Recently: Baden-Baden 1927, Gotham Chamber Opera; King for a Day, Glimmerglass Festival; The Nutcracker, Salzburger Landestheater

Adelmo Guidarelli*

David Martin Jacques

Christopher Zemliauskas

Bass: Doctor Grenvil, La Traviata; The Innkeeper/ Governor, Man of La Mancha Recently: Sacristan, Tosca, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra; Don Magnifico, La Cenerentola, Salt Marsh Opera; Author/Performer, Operation Opera, Lincoln Center

C C O

Resident Lighting Designer: 2015 Festival Central City Opera: Resident Lighting Designer 2007 to 2014, 2000 to 2005 Recently: Showboat, Portland Opera; As One, Brooklyn Academy of Music; Thèrése Raquin, Chicago Opera Theatre

Company Profiles

Company Profiles Kyle Lang* Director: Don Quixote and the Duchess Central City Opera: Director, Short Works scenes, 2012-2014; Assistant Director, Dead Man Walking, 2014; Show Boat, 2013; and Oklahoma!, 2012 Recently: Choreographer, Jenůfa, Des Moines Metro Opera; Choreographer and Assistant Director, La Traviata, Fort Worth Opera; Assistant Director, 2015 Season, San Diego Opera

* Indicates a Central City Opera Debut

Conductor and Chorus Master: Don Quixote and the Duchess, The Prodigal Son Central City Opera: (Partial Listing) Conductor, Our Town, 2013; Conductor, Oklahoma!, 2012; Conductor, Carmen, Amadigi di Gaula, 2011; Chorus Master, Carmen, 2011 Recently: Conductor, Cendrillon, NYU Steinhardt; Conductor, Lakmé, Opera Theatre of the Rockies; Music Director/Pianist, Lucy, Milwaukee Opera Theatre

2 0 1 5

Artists Training Program

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Sponsors and Awards

In 2014, awards were presented to 12 artists for their outstanding performances and training activities, for being exemplary Company members and for demonstrating the potential to achieve significant careers as performing artists.

photo by heather brecl.

Michael Ehrman returns to Central City Opera for his second Festival as Director and Administrator of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program. Ehrman, who has garnered numerous awards and great acclaim for his work with many world-class opera companies, is joined again by Principal Coach Michael Baitzer, one of his generation’s top opera and recital pianists. Mr. Baitzer is responsible for teaching diction classes and co-teaching the audition class for the Program, as well as musical coaching for the singers.

Founded in 1978, the rigorous 10-week Training Program is now a national model for the professional development of young singers. It integrates daily training in diction and movement, individual coaching, and sessions in career management with rehearsals and performance opportunities in the summer’s main stage and surrounding productions. Approximately 30 participants are selected from more than 900 applicants each year. The Apprentices receive career-entry training and roles in productions. The Studio Program is intended for young singers who demonstrate potential to benefit from advanced training.

Training Program Staff Director/Administrator: Michael Ehrman Movement: Melinda Sullivan Principal Vocal/Diction Coach: Michael Baitzer Musical Coaching: Thomas Getty, Sheldon Miller, Jay Rozendaal Acting and Audition Techniques: Michael Ehrman Scene Study: Jennifer Williams, Corinne Hayes Stage Combat: Brian LeTraunik Wig/Makeup: Dave Bova Costumes/Wardrobe: Janetta A. Turner and Chelsea O’Herron Seminars: Administrators and Artists of the Festival

2014 Awards Isaac Bray Tatiana Ogan Evan Johnson Julie Tabash John Nevergall Kelsey Park Evan Bravos Bille Bruley Molly Jane Hill Katherine Weber Michael Kuhn Stephanie Havey

CCO Young Artist Award John Moriarty Award McGlone Award (Guild) Iris Richards Memorial Award John & Ginny Starkey Award Award for Excellence Apprentice Artist Award Studio Artist Award Dorsey Award Lew Cady Memorial Award Carl Mees Memorial Award Adelaide Bishop Award

2015 Sponsorships El Pomar Foundation Taylor Raven Central City Opera Guild Jin-Xiang “JX” Yu Alexander James York Denver Lyric Opera Guild Griffen Hogan Tracy Armstrong Oil and Gas Joshua Arky 2015 awards will be announced at the closing performance of the Festival.

2 0 1 5

Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (1832) Act II, Duet “Come se va contento” Adina - Courtney Ruckman Dulcamara - Griffen Hogan Tracy Musical Director - Tom Getty Stage Director - Corinne Hayes

See the stars of tomorrow in Short Works, featuring Studio Artists from Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program. These 30-minute performances are staged opera scenes from the world’s most popular operas. Hosted by Program Director/Administrator Michael Ehrman. Performed in Williams Stables Theatre. Selections include the following repertoire: Moore’s The Ballad of Baby Doe (1956) Act I, Scene V Augusta Tabor - Tatiana Ogan Sarah - Courtney Ruckman Mary - Emily Barnash Emily - Rachel Weishoff Effie - Taylor Raven Musical Director - Tom Getty Stage Director - Corinne Hayes Berlioz’s Beatrice et Benedict (1862) Act I, Trio “Me marier!” Benedict - Alexander Scheuermann Claudio - Makoto Winkler Don Pedro - Brent Hetherington Musical Director - Tom Getty Stage Director - Michael Ehrman Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi (1830) Act II, Duet “Deserto e il luogo..” Romeo - Tatiana Ogan Tebaldo - Terrence Chin-Loy Musical Director - Jay Rozendaal Stage Director - Jennifer Williams Bizet’s Carmen (1875) Act II, Quintet “Eh bien, vites…Nous avons en tête…” Carmen - Taylor Raven Frasquita - Ashley Fabian Mercédès - Rachel Weishoff Remendado - Alexander Scheuermann Dancairo - Gabriel Wernick Musical Director - Jay Rozendaal Stage Director - Jennifer Williams

Short Works

photo by erin joy swank.

Mozart’s Così fan tutte (1789) Act I, Scene II, Quintets and Trio “Sento dio…Di scrivirmi…Soave sia il vento” Fiordiligi - Emily Barnash Dorabella - Rachel Weishoff Ferrando - Alexander Scheuermann Guglielmo - Isaac Assor Don Alfonso - Griffen Hogan Tracy Musical Director - Sheldon Miller Stage Director - Michael Ehrman Mozart’s Don Giovanni (1787) Act II, Sextet “Sola, sola in bujo loco” Donna Anna - Emily Barnash Donna Elvira - Courtney Ruckman Zerlina - Ashley Fabian Leporello - Brent Hetherington Don Ottavio - Terrence Chin-Loy Masetto - Gabriel Wernick Musical Director - Sheldon Miller Stage Director - Jennifer Williams Donizetti’s Don Pasquale (1842) Act II, Duet “Cheti, cheti immantinente” Dr. Malatesta - Makoto Winkler Don Pasquale - Griffen Hogan Tracy Musical Director - Tom Getty Stage Director - Jennifer Williams

Thomas’ Hamlet (1868) Act I, Duet “Vains regrets!...Doute la lumière” Hamlet - Isaac Assor Ophelie - Ashley Fabian Musical Director - Sheldon Miller Stage Director - Corinne Hayes Bizet’s Les pecheurs de perles (1863) Act I, Duet “C’est toi…Au fond du temple saint” Nadir - Nicholas DeMeo Zurga - Isaac Assor Musical Director - Sheldon Miller Stage Director - Michael Ehrman Weill’s Street Scene (1946) Act I, Sextet “Ice Cream” Lippo Fiorentino - Nicholas DeMeo Greta Fiorentino - Courtney Ruckman Olga Olsen - Taylor Raven Carl Olsen - Brent Hetherington George Jones - Makoto Winkler Emma Jones - Tatiana Ogan Musical Director - Sheldon Miller Stage Director - Michael Ehrman Puccini’s Turandot (1926) Act II, Trio “Olà, Pang” Ping - Gabriel Wernick Pang - Terrence Chin-Loy Pong - Nicholas DeMeo Musical Director - Jay Rozendaal Stage Director - Corinne Hayes

Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (1832) Act I, Duet “Caro elisir! sei mio!” Nemorino - Terrence Chin-Loy Adina - Ashley Fabian Musical Director - Jay Rozendaal Stage Director - Michael Ehrman

2 0 1 5

Apprentice Artists | Studio Artists

Apprentice Artists

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Joshua Arky

Cristina Bakhoum

April Martin

Matt Moeller

Bass Brooklyn, NY Recently: Sarastro, Die Zauberflöte, and Colline, La bohème, Manhattan School of Music; Mock Turtle, Scenes from Susan Botti’s Wonderglass, Vassar Modfest

Mezzo-Soprano Houston, TX Recently: Pitti-Sing, The Mikado, and Resident Artist, 2013-2014 Season, Shreveport Opera; Mezzo-soprano Resident Artist, 2013 Season, Pine Mountain Music Festival

Soprano Burlington, NC Recently: Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Musetta, La bohème, Bar Harbor Music Festival; Soprano Guest Artist, Winter Holiday Concert, Mendelssohn Glee Club of New York City

Baritone Austin, TX Recently: Baron Douphol, La traviata, and William Dale, Silent Night, Fort Worth Opera; Father, Hansel and Gretel, Performance Santa Fe

Andy Berry

Bille Bruley+

Bass Cabin John, MD Recently: Simone, Gianni Schicchi, and Bartolo, Le nozze di Figaro, Yale Opera; Bass, The FairyQueen, dell’arte Opera Ensemble

Tenor Montgomery, TX Recently: Prunier, La rondine and The Orthodox, The Last Savage, Indiana University; Peter Quint, The Turn of the Screw, Baylor University Twitter: @billebruley

Nicholas Ward*+

Katherine Weber +

Baritone Pontiac, MI Recently: Father, Beauty and the Beast, Opera for the Young; Trio Baritone, Trouble in Tahiti, Central City Opera; Ko-Ko, The Mikado, Toledo Opera on Wheels

Soprano Holmen, WI Recently: Kitty (cover), Dead Man Walking, Central City Opera; Soloist, A Place for Us: A Celebration of the Arts at Viterbo; Viterbo University/PBS; Hanna Glawari, The Merry Widow, Indiana University

Hannah Christine Busch

James Dornier*

Alexander James York

Jin-Xiang “JX” Yu

Mezzo-Soprano Southfield, MI Recently: Second Lady, The Magic Flute; Queen of the Fairies, Iolanthe; and Mistress Quickly, Falstaff, DePaul Opera Theatre

Tenor Gramercy, LA Recently: Don Basilio (cover), Le nozze di Figaro and Trio Tenor, Trouble in Tahiti, Central City Opera; Alfred, Die Fledermaus, New England Conservatory

Molly Jane Hill*

Maya Kherani+

Mezzo-Soprano Centennial, CO Recently: Eunice Hubbell, A Streetcar Named Desire, Opera Santa Barbara; Maddalena, Rigoletto, Livermoore Valley Opera; Dinah, Trouble in Tahiti, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Soprano The Woodlands, TX Recently: La Fée, Cendrillon, BU Opera Institute; Trio Soprano (cover), Trouble in Tahiti, Central City Opera; Meera, River of Light, Houston Grand Opera HGOco

Michael Kuhn+

Christopher Longo

Tenor Crofton, MD Recently: Tobias (cover), Sweeney Todd, and Second Nazarene, Salome, Virginia Opera; Rustighello, Lucrezia Borgia, Loft Opera

Tenor Tampa, FL Recently: George (cover), Our Town, and Chevalier de la Force, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Eastman Opera Theatre 2014; Prince, Rusalka, Florida State Opera

Baritone Muskego, WI Recently: Joseph DeRocher, Dead Man Walking, Northwestern University; Belcore, L’elisir d’amore, La Musica Lirica; Harry Easter, Street Scene, Lawrence University

Soprano Yichun, China Recently: Domina, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Bloody Mary, South Pacific, Queens College; Constance, Dialogues des carmélites, Aaron Copland School of Music

Studio Artists

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program Isaac Assor Baritone New Rochelle, NY Recently: Gamekeeper, The Cunning Little Vixen, Manhattan School of Music Summer Voice Festival; Aeneas, Dido and Aeneas, Columbia University Bach Society; Bass Soloist, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Eastman Repertory Singers

Emily Barnash Soprano St. Petersburg, FL Recently: Mrs. Patrick DeRocher, Dead Man Walking, Northwestern University; Arminda, La finta giardiniera, DePauw University; Dido, Dido and Aeneas, Encore Vocal Arts

* Indicates Past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Apprentice Artist + Indicates Past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Studio Artist

C C O

2 0 1 5

Studio Artists

Studio Artists continued Terrence Chin-Loy

Nicholas DeMeo

Tenor Coral Springs, FL Recently: Bill, Flight, Mannes Opera; Don Basilio, Le nozze di Figaro, Opera Theatre of Yale College; Rinuccio, Gianni Schicchi, Opera on the Avalon Twitter: @TChinLoy

Tenor Ormond Beach, FL Recently: Borsa, Rigoletto, Opera in the Heights; Apprentice, 2014 Season, Caramoor Opera; Pang, Turandot, Shreveport Opera

Ashley Fabian

Brent Hetherington

Soprano Charleston, SC Recently: Sally/Adele(cover), Die Fledermaus, Asheville Lyric Opera; Zerlina (cover), Don Giovanni, Opera Charleston; Susanna, Le nozze di Figaro, College of Charleston Opera

Bass Gladewater, TX Recently: Sarastro, Die Zauberflöte, and The Tutor/King Creon, Medea, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Husband, Amelia Goes to the Ball, East Texas Baptist University Twitter: @brent_heth

Tatiana Ogan*

Taylor Raven

Mezzo-Soprano Fort Collins, CO Recently: Minskwoman, Flight, Mannes Opera; Sister Helen (cover), Dead Man Walking, Central City Opera; Marchesa Melibea, Il viaggio a Reims, Mannes Opera

Mezzo-Soprano Hope Mills, NC Recently: Die Knusperhexe, Hänsel und Gretel; Ruth, The Pirates of Penzance; and Ottavia, L’incoronazione di Poppea, CU Eklund Opera

Courtney Ruckman

Alexander Scheuermann

Soprano Mount Vernon, WA Recently: Pamina, Die Zauberflöte, and Gilda, Rigoletto, Skagit Opera; Soprano Soloist, Messiah and Judas Maccabaeus; Portland Chamber Orchestra

Tenor Merritt Island, FL Recently: Nemorino, L’elisir d’amore; Will Tweedy, Cold Sassy Tree; and Dr. Baglioni, La hija de Rappaccini, University of Houston Moores Opera Center

Griffen Hogan Tracy

Rachel Weishoff

Bass Golden, CO Recently: Leporello, Don Giovanni, Lamont Opera Theatre and Yakima Symphony Orchestra; Emile de Becque, South Pacific, and Bartolo, Le nozze di Figaro, Lamont Opera Theatre Twitter: @GHTracyBass

Mezzo-Soprano Staten Island, NY Recently: Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro; Hermia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; and Hänsel, Hänsel und Gretel, Purchase Opera

Gabriel Wernick

Makoto Winkler

Baritone Suffern, NY Recently: Robin, Ruddigore, and Frank, The Impresario, Northwestern University; Calchas, La Belle Hélène, Franco-American Vocal Academy

Baritone Seaford, NY Recently: Count Almaviva, Le nozze di Figaro, Music Academy International; Papageno, Die Zauberflöte, University of Tennessee Opera Theater; Moralès, Carmen, Knoxville Opera

* Indicates Past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Apprentice Artist 2 0 1 5

gift made through your estate ensures that the magic of Central City Opera continues for generations to come.

Yellow Rose Society

photos: (top) florence quartarano as violetta in la traviata, 1946; (bottom) dorothy coulter, la traviata,1961; (right)jennifer casey cabot as violetta in la traviata, 2007.

For a Future as Brilliant as Our Past A gift made through your estate ensures that the magic of Central City Opera continues for generations to come. YELLOW ROSE SOCIETY MEMBERS

Anonymous (3) Mr. and Mrs. Patrick K. Bains Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Bolle Nancy P. Brittain Kim I. Morss Dehncke and Richard J. Dehncke Mr. and Mrs. David G. Dutton Ms. Arline Echandia Mr. David Ericson Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Fuller Gina Guy Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin Cathey A. Herren Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby Kathryn S. Keller Johanna Elizabeth Kelly Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight Mrs. Ann C. Levy Dr. and Mrs. William Maclay

Hilton G. and Elizabeth A. Martin Lanny and Sharon Martin Mrs. Buddie Mees Nancy S. Parker Bette and David Poppers Pam and Korvin Powell Mr. and Mrs. John D. Priester Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie Steven and Barbara Sande Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Schaefer

Terrence and Elaine Scholes Robert and Lucy Showalter Ruth S. Silver Phoebe Smedley Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomas Stephens Susan Stiff Jenene C. and James S. Stookesberry Jane Alexandra Storm Ms. Barbara N. Walton Mr. Jerry F. Wathen

For more information on planned giving, please contact CCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development Team at 303.292.6500 or at DEV@centralcityopera.org. Remembering members of the Yellow Rose Society who passed away this year: Mary Ruth Y. Duncan | Joan A. Siegel | Christina Bearman Von Wald 2 0 1 5

TAKE A BOW! The Central City Opera (CCO) board and staff join the entire company in saying “thank you” to those generous donors who make outstanding performances possible, like the one you’re about to enjoy. None of this happens without you. Bravo! (The following supporters made gifts to CCO between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015). While space limitations allow CCO to list only those donors of $100 or more, every gift is important and truly appreciated. If your name is listed incorrectly or omitted, you have our sincere apologies. Please contact the CCO office at 303.292.6500 to ensure correction.

* Loyal donors who have made gifts to the Company for the past ten years or more. # Gifts made through Colorado Gives/Community First Foundation + Friends who passed away in the last year Donors in italics are first-time supporters of CCO

Central City Opera Festival Sponsor ($100,000 + ) Lanny and Sharon Martin* Presenting Sponsor ($50,00099,999) Nancy P. Brittain* Nancy S. Parker*# Mr. Donald E. Scott* Production Sponsor ($25,00049,999) Pamela and Louis Bansbach* Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie* Performance Sponsor ($10,00024,999) Anonymous (2)# Mr. and Mrs. William D. Armstrong* Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Bader, Jr.* Mr. and Mrs. John Barker, Jr. Fred and Jana Bartlit Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bellingham Phebe Berkowitz-Tanners and Dr. Paul Tanners Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds G. Cannon Mr. and Mrs. D. Mark Dorman Walt and Mary Ruth+ Duncan* Robert A. Ellis and Jane Bernstein* Mr. and Mrs. John E. Fuller* Mrs. James P. Gordon* Judy and Newell Grant* Frederic C. Hamilton Diana W. and F. Michael Kinsey* Mr. John W. Kure and Ms. Cheryl L. Solich* Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar*

C C O

Jean and Larry Manion* Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Mizel Mr. and Mrs. John D. Priester* Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rawley Phoebe Smedley* Vic and Mary Ann Stabio# Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Unger Buzz and George Ann Victor* Directors Circle ($5,000-9,999) Charles and Joan Albi Nancy Benson Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Bolle* Mr. and Mrs. Collis P. Chandler III Mrs. Janette W. Chase Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dinsdale Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson*# Dr. and Mrs. Donald C. Ferlic Robert P. Fullerton and Beverlee Henry*# Robert S. Graham* Jennifer Heglin* Mr. and Mrs. James R. Hilger* Mr. Chevis Horne and Dr. Jan M. Kennaugh Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby* Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Hutcheson, Jr. Heather and Mike Miller Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Powell Mr. and Mrs. George Secor* Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sender Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Shamos Conductor’s Circle ($2,500-4,999) Anonymous (2)# Margaret and Stan Baker*# Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Billings Tyson Dines III* Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Duke Mr. and Mrs. George G. Hutchison III Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Kenning Gregg Kvistad and Amy Oaks# Tom and Ginnie Maes Hilton G. and Elizabeth A. Martin* Mr. and Mrs. Ed McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Palm Pelham G. Pearce, Jr.*

Mr. Andrew Resnick Andrew and Karen Ritz* Mr. and Mrs. J. William Sorensen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wiegand II*# Eva and Marvin Womack* Dr. Dean Yannias Artists Circle ($1,000-2,499) Anonymous (3)* Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Accetta Hartman Axley* Earl D. and Julia A. Banks* Mrs. Leslie Cady* Mr. and Mrs. Brown W. Cannon, Jr. Ms. Eileen M. Claffy and Mr. Richard Coffey Mr. and Mrs. Douglas A. Comstock Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Danos* Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Dinegar John and Anne Draper Mr. Thomas J. Duggan and Mr. Scott Finlay Mr. and Mrs. Richard Finlon Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fowler Mrs. Thomas Francis Allan and Margot Frank Robert K. and Virginia E. Fuller* Hugh A. Grant and Merle C. Chambers* Mr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Groene Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Hamling Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin* Rox Ann and Fred Haynes* Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hellerstein Jack Hidahl Julie Hughes*# Barton and Katie Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Hal Kepner George and Ruth Krauss Zeze Kreidle Mrs. Elizabeth B. Labrot Ken and Barbara Laff* Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. LaMair Mrs. David F. Lawrence* Mrs. Ann C. Levy* Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Logan, Jr. Carolyn L. Longmire* Jim and Rea Ludke Mrs. Suzanne Matthews Mr. and Mrs. Dirk McDermott

Mr. and Mrs. Evan L. Mecham Mr. Ray Merenstein Mrs. Claudia B. Merthan Robert Montgomery* Carl and Deborah Morrow*# The Morss Dehncke Family Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Murray, Jr. Mr. James V. Neely*# Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Nessinger Bob and Judi Newman Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Nichols* Mr. and Mrs. Gordon R. Parker* Dan and Susan Paulien* Nancy Petry Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Phelps, Jr.* Frederick Poppe and Jana Edwards Mr. John Potter* Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Cynthia Read Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Rifkin Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Ross Sally and Richard Russo* Helen Scott Santilli and Lyn Barber Mr. and Mrs. Don D. Schlup E. Clarkson and Janet Shaw Robert and Lucy Showalter* Ruth S. Silver* Mr. and Mrs. Darin M. Snow Mr. and Mrs. George H. Solich Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Jeffry S. Strauss Mr. G. Jackson Tankersley and Ms. Jennifer Evans Mr. and Mrs. John I. Taylor Mr. Kent Thiry and Ms. Denise M. O’Leary Joyce Thurmer* Mr. Lloyd O. and Mrs. Barbara+ Timblin* Mr. and Mrs. David Tryba Patrice Von Stroh*# Betty and Tom Watt Duain Wolfe# Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Woolley II Benefactor ($500-999) Anonymous (2)*# Mr. Edward F. Altman and Dr. Dina Brudenell Altman Gary D. Autrey#

Ed and Patty Wahtera* Mr. Gregory Weiss Mr. and Mrs. John Wells Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Willis* Mollie Mitchell and John Wilson Joe and Donna Worsham Andrew E. Yarosh# Dr. and Mrs. Ray Yost* Patron ($250-499) Anonymous# Frank J. Adler* Ms. Catherine H. Anderson* Mr. Charles E. Anderson Robert C. Anderson* Mr. Vincent L. Bates* Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Beam Mrs. Joan Berg* Mr. Robert R. Van Wetter and Ms. Elizabeth C. Brew Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Cain* Mark and Margaret Carson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Charles Mr. Christopher T. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Jon B. Clarke* Dr. and Mrs. Charles Cole Polly W. Cox Mr. William B. Dehner and Ms. Emily Busalacchi# Dr. Stephen L. Dilts*# Mr. and Mrs. Laurence S. Donovan Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Downs* Mr. and Mrs. H. Benjamin Duke, III Roger and Carol Dutton Jack Dysart and Carole Milligan Missy and John Eliot* Ms. Frances B. Evans Mr. and Mrs. John P. Fischer* Ms. Christina L. Freyer Mr. and Mrs. David C. Freyer Richard Stieg and Lucille Gallagher Mr. and Mrs. Barry Gatz Reverend and Mrs. B. J. George K. Sue Giovanini# Mrs. Lillian M. Glahn* Mr. and Mrs. Jim Groebe* Linda J. Hargrave, Ph.D Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison Norma and Phil Heinschel*# Ronald and Carolyn Henrikson# Mr. and Mrs. Martin B. Hidalgo Mrs. Rita E. Horiguchi Catherine Cole Janonis# Mr. Jim Johnson Mr. and Mrs. R. Edgar Johnson Kathryn S. Keller# Mr. and Mrs. Doug Kelsall Ms. Nichole Kirkpatrick Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn H. Klein* Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight

Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Leitch Frank and Ginny Leitz Rosalind G. Lidstone* John and Merry Low Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Y. Marchand* Susan Martin and Chet Hampson# Pam and Mo Mathews Darrell Brown and Suzanne McNitt# Mr. and Mrs. Ted Millice* William R. Moninger Ms. Mena Moran Ben and Pattie Nelson Mr. and Mrs. W. Peterson Nelson* Pam and Korvin Powell* Ms. Andrea Richardson and Mr. William A. Stolfus Ms. Sally C. Roach Mr. and Mrs. William E. Russell* Mary Scarpino# David and Ella Schleicher# Ruth E. Schoening* Anton and Clare Schulzki Daniel P. and Boyce Sher Terry and Bonnie Shetler*# Lorraine and Craig Shuler*# Mrs. Marlene Siegel Nancy J. Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Lars O. Soderberg, Jr.* Ms. Eva Spitz Mrs. Willa Mae Stein Marcia D. Strickland* Mrs. Mary G. Symonton* Marta Phipps Linda Tarpeh-Doe Jeanette J. Thrower Mr. Robert Trembly and Ms. Marty Coffin-Evans Mr. Robert C. Tripp Ms. Teresa Van De Bogart Frank and Karen Van De Water Nancy and Jan Westman Ms. Marilyn L. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Grant R. Wimbush Sandra and Jerry Wischmeyer*# Mr. and Mrs. Chatt G. Wright Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Young Associate ($100-249) Anonymous (13)*# Norm and Margaret Aarestad# Mr. Peter Abuisi James and Lorraine Adams# Mrs. Mary Marget Adams Lisa and Rob Adams Ms. Jeanne M. Adkins# Sue Anschutz-Rodgers* Susanne and Michael Anselmi Katharine E. Arnold# Edwin A. Austin* Ron and Carolyn Baer#

Don Bain Mr. and Mrs. Harvey P. Barnard III Jennifer N. Bater# Mix and Karen Beauvais Eunice M. Beeman Ms. Barbara Benedict Mr. James Bishop Janet Bishop Linda Bjelland# Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland# Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bowers* Brewster and Helen Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Eric Bradac Mr. and Mrs. James Brothers# Mr. Jeffrey A. Brown Mr. Bruce H. Bryant Dr. and Mrs. Bill Buchanan Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Budy Jody Burtness Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Burton Sue M. Cannon George and Carol Canon* Gregory Carpenter# Dr. David B. Carrington Mr. and Mrs. Randle W. Case Joseph and Delphine Casey Young and Carolyn Cho# Ms. M.K. Christiansen Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Allan Gray Clark# Mr. Robert L. Clinton and Ms. Elizabeth Byrne# Mrs. Rose M. Clough* Ms. Ethel K. Clow# Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Cocke Mr. Robert H. Coe Drs. Andrea and Kenneth Cohen* Jim and Toni Cohig Mr. David A. Connell Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Conover Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Corcoran# Greg and Alicia Corliss# Ms. Paula Cornelison Mrs. Phyllis J. Cotton* Mr. Edwin H. Crabtree III Malin F. Jones and Jan Crewes-Jones* Ms. Lisa Crispin Nancy Crow and Mark Skrotzki# Lisa and Chris Curwen# Dr. and Mrs. William W. Dahlberg Mr. James Daues Ronald L. Deal* Greg and Allison Decent Mr. and Mrs. Scott E. Deeter Jack and Vicki Dehner# Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dell’Apa David and Dee Bauer DeVries* Frances and Roger Dice Joy Dillon# Mrs. Ruth S. Disher

2 0 1 5

Contributions

Annual Fund Contributions

Individual Donors

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis E. Baldwin*# Jason and Beth Baldwin John Baril and Brian Cook*# Mrs. Janice H. Baucum Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Bauder Mrs. Marjorie F. Braisted+ Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Calkins* Ms. Joyce Castle Edward and Mary Clark Sue Cole Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cross# William E. Daniel* Mrs. Mary Ann G. Davis Nancy DeLauro Ms. Marian Dines and Ms. Joanne Christensen Ms. Barbara Dorsey Max and Joyce Douglas*# Kim Edmiston Dick and Sigrid Freese# Ms. Gloria G. Getty Mr. and Mrs. Vern Goodwin Gina Guy* Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Haggerty Dr. Christopher and Dr. Ulcca Hansen# Sandy and Rosemary Hertz Bruce and Heidi Hoyt# Mr. Kevin Kearney and Dr. Sarah Scott Mr. and Mrs. Sandy F. Kraemer Mr. and Mrs. Brian G. Kusher Bruce and Eileen Leland Mrs. Pat Livingston Katie MacWilliams Brooke and Charles Maloy Ms. Marjorie J. Marks Mereth and Bob Meade Sharon L. Menard Pamela A. Merrill Jane and Skip Netzorg Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Pacetti Dave and Cici Peterson# Bette and David Poppers Ann and Ralph Poucher*# Mr. Thomas J. Powers, Jr.* Mr. and Mrs. Robert Quillin* Charles and Reta Ralph* Mr. and Mrs. John B. Riede Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ringsby Mr. and Mrs. Leo Rostermundt* Ms. Lidanne Sandberg Mr. and Mrs. James W. Sanderson Mr. and Mrs. George G. Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Marlis E. Smith* Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomas Stephens*# Mr. and Mrs. James A. Swanson* Dr. and Mrs. John W. Tabash Frances and Erik Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Kent Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Tyree, Jr. Peter W. Van Etten#

Ms. Gabriele Korndorfer Mr. and Mrs. Wolfgang Lampe Mr. and Mrs. Warren Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Wesley E. Le Masurier Mr. and Mrs. Mark Leonard Ms. Linda W. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Martin Lewis Marie Lindvall# Ron and Jeri Loser Mr. Curtis M.D. Lundberg Mrs. R. T. Lyford, Jr. Frances A. MacAnally* Rev. Bruce MacKenzie Dr. and Mrs. William Maclay Linda and James Macrum Henry Mahlman# Ms. Nancy L. Maley Ms. Joan L. Malm Stephen and Mara Marks Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Marshall Mrs. Marian Matheson Mr. George M. Mathews, Jr.# Ms. Jeanine Matney Catherine B. Maxwell* Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. McCann Charles and Catherine McClean*# Mr. and Mrs. Eric R. McDaniel Mr. and Mrs. David J. McDonnell Virginia and Bill McGehee Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. McGonagle Mr. William W. McIntyre and Mrs. Laura Martin Barbara and Bow McLean Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. McWilliams, Jr. Russell R. Mellon and Lauretta C. Moell* Mr. Richard Miller Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Mills# Mr. and Mrs. J. Garrett Minke Carrie M. Mitchell Ms. Lynne Montague-Clouse Doug and Laura Moran# Andrea J. Morgan# Mr. and Mrs. W. Douglas Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Roger Moyers Emily Murdock# Mrs. Eleanor C. Myers Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Mygatt Sue and Walter Nagel Kimberly Victor Neckers Drs. Harold and Sarah Nelson Mr. Eric Nye and Ms. Carol Frost Mr. and Mrs. Kent Obee* Mr. Paul A. Oberbroeckling and Ms. Rebecca A. Orr John and Betsy O’Conner Mr. and Mrs. J. Kent Oehm Mr. Kenneth E. Ogren Mr. and Mrs. Rupert O’Neal Mr. and Mrs. Shawn O’Neal

Roger and Stephanie Oram# Ms. Marianne Orkin Dr. and Mrs. Joe K. Ozaki Mr. and Mrs. David J. Palenchar* Mrs. Joyce Kinsey Paloma Mary R. Payson* Dr. and Mrs. David S. Pearlman Dorothy A. Pearson Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pecchio Ms. Barbara Pehrson Bonnie C. Perkins Rhona and David Pessel Ms. Jan Pettegrew Mrs. Margaret A. Phannenstiel Ms. Annzo E. Phelps Christine and Gregory Phoebe Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Pierce Fay Plummer Rich and Kim Plumridge Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Pons Kathryn L. Pride* Jim and Virginia Prochnow# Mr. and Mrs. James Proffitt Dr. and Mrs. Richard Raabe, D.D.S. Dr. W. Gerald Rainer Ms. Elisabeth Rebman# T. R. Reid# Ms. Linda W. Rengel Richard Replin and Elissa Stein Mr. and Mrs. James Ricciardelli Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. H. Ripley III Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Ripp Mr. Nasit Ari and Ms. Libby Rittenberg Dr. and Mrs. John F. Roberts Bernard S. Rosen Mary Ann Ross* Richard L. Roth Nancy and Charlie Runion Thomas D. Russell# Kathryn and Tim Ryan Dr. and Mrs. Harvey A. Schuchman Karl and Jocelyn Seller Mr. and Mrs. D. Dale Shaffer Mrs. Christine L. Shore Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Shultz Lois L. Sidebottom* Grant and Tina Simpson Mr. and Mrs. James Sizer Mr. and Mrs. Thomasz Skotnicki Marriott and John Smart# Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smith Ms. Virginia Trumble Smith Rita Sommers* Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Sparks Ms. Anita C. Spring+ * Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Stalf# James B. Steed# Susan Stiff* # Mr. James T. Stokes

Libby Stokes Jenene and Jim Stookesberry Steve and Phyllis Straub# Frank and Sylvia Sullivan Melinda Sullivan# Erin Joy Swank# Mr. and Mrs. Dale S. Sweat, Jr. Professor and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz Vincent and Gay Tagliavore William E. Bradford and Chin Keong Tan# Ms. S. Edie Taylor and Mr. Christopher Price Ms. Colleen W. Thumm Mr. Mark Tilden Bill and Deborah Tryon Howard and Susan Turetzky# Mr. and Mrs. John D. Tyree Dr. Peter and Mrs. Kathy Van Arsdale Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Vickers Ms. Sandra Vinnik Teresa Vogler Bernd and Marta Wachter Roberta and Leonard Waldbaum* Ms. Evelyn Waldron Betty J. Wall and Rolland Fischer Mrs. John James Wallace Ms. Nancy W. Waltz John and Susan Ward Ms. Shirley C. Ward Jim and Bev Warner Mr. Loren E. Warner Carley J. Warren Russ and Margaret Wehner# Sara and Jeff Weil# Hedy and Michael Weinberg Ms. Mary Ann Welch Mr. and Mrs. Troy A. Westergren Katie and David Wilkins# Karl and Beth Williamson*# Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Wintergalen Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Woodward Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Writz, Jr. Martin Maltempo and Vivien Wu# Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Wyman Mr. Ray C. Young Mr. Morton Zeppelin George and Arla Zimmerman Mary Marsh Zulack

2 0 1 5

Contributions

Mr. and Mrs. Werner Doehner Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Dougherty* Thomas and Brenda Douglis# Mr. and Mrs. Richard Downing Dr. and Mrs. David D. Dubois Mr. and Mrs. Baker Duncan* Mr. and Mrs. David G. Dutton* Geoff and Scarlett Ponton de Dutton Mr. Kenneth C. Egan Joseph Elinoff Ms. Christine W. Farrel Ms. Jeanine M. Figur Mrs. Mary Lou H. Flater Fred and Susan Forman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Fox Mr. and Mrs. Jack F. Fox Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Frank Richard M. and Marguerite W. Franklin Ms. Zelda Friednash Ms. Janet C. Gardiner Dr. and Mrs. Cody Garner Mr. and Mrs. Karl Garrett# Caleb and Sydney B. Gates* Ms. Laurena M. Gatlin Lloyd and Mary Gelman Dr. and Mrs. James D. Gibson Ms. Betsy Schwarm Glesner Mr. and Mrs. Larry R. Grace Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Greenholz Ms. Kay Griffel Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Grow Mrs. Margot C. Hackstaff Valerie and Bert Hamlin* Carolyn L. Harrison Jane Hascall Richard L. Hay* Mr. Richard W. Healy David Smalley and Andrea Hein Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Herman Ginny Hersch# Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hilt* Lyman Ho Stephen and Dona Horne# Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Ingalls Mr. and Mrs. Donald Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Kendor P. Jones Dr. and Mrs. Brian Joondeph Jim and Charla Kates* Mr. Robert Keatinge# Ms. Barbara Kelley Mr. and Mrs. Kevin H. Kelley Love King# Mr. and Mrs. Greg Kintzele Bonnie Kipple* Mr. Kenneth J. Kirkland and Ms. Linda Neill Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kiryluk Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kitchen Mr. and Mrs. Kim J. Koehn

Annual Fund Donor Privileges

The Central City Opera (CCO) board, staff, and Company are honored to acknowledge the following donors for their leadership and generous investment in CCO’s cultural and economic impact locally, regionally, and beyond. Gifts listed were received between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

Gifts of $100 - $249 • • • •

While space limitations allow the Company to list only those donors of $100 or more, every gift is important and deeply appreciated. If your name is listed incorrectly or omitted, please accept our sincere apologies and contact the CCO office at 303-292-6500 to ensure correction. Central City Opera Festival Sponsor ($100,000 + ) Avenir Foundation, Inc. Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund* Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District* Presenting Sponsor ($50,000-99,999) Bonfils-Stanton Foundation* Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program* Central City Opera Guild* El Pomar Foundation* The Virginia W. Hill Foundation* Production Sponsor ($25,000-49,999) City of Central Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation* Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation* Performance Sponsor ($10,000-24,999) Anschutz Foundation Butler Family Fund Citywide Banks Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Corporation Kathy & Brad Coors Foundation Mary Ruth Y. Duncan Trust First Western Trust Fuller Real Estate City of Glendale Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust* Lloyd J. King and Eleanor R. King Foundation Jeanne Land Foundation LARRK Foundation MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation National Endowment for the Arts* Northern Trust Bank George L. Shields Foundation

Director’s Circle ($5,000-9,999) A. E. H. Royalty Co. Denver Lyric Opera Guild Denver Post Community Foundation ECA Foundation Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation* The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation The Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation Enid and Crosby Kemper Foundation Kenneth King Foundation Land Title Guarantee Company George Macomber Family Charitable Gift Fund State Historical Fund Xcel Energy Foundation

Laura Jane Musser Fund RDM Communications, Inc. Read Foundation, Inc. Schramm Foundation Henry R. Schwier Charitable Fund directed by Robert Wiegand II Watt Family Foundation of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation W.G. Nielsen and Company

Conductor’s Circle ($2,500-4,999) Baird Private Wealth Management/ The Palm Group Ralph L. and Florence R. Burgess Trust Endeavour Capital Harmes C. Fishback Foundation Trust Forethought Life Insurance Company Innovest Portfolio Solutions, LLC Kanter Kallman Foundation, Inc. MidFirst Bank Peliton Insurance* St. Charles Town Company Thurston Kitchen and Bath

Patron ($250-499) Halvorson-Freese 21st Century Fund Nelson Family Foundation*

Artists Circle ($1,000-2,499) BBVA Compass Chambers Family Fund* Denver Private Wealth Management Gerald H. Phipps, Inc.* The Gilman Family Foundation Catharine Hawkins Foundation Haynes Family Foundation* Lori Rickert Insurance Agency, Inc. Monaghan Foundation

Contributions | Donor Privileges

Annual Fund Contributions

Corporation, Foundation, Association and Government Donors

Recognition in the Festival Program Subscription to E-Newsletter Advance Notice of Ticket Sales Invitation to Pre-Curtain & Intermission Receptions in the Teller House’s VIP Terrace Room

Gifts of $250 - $499 All Benefits Listed Above Plus… • Invitations to CCO Special Events • Complimentary Season Festival Poster (upon request)

Gifts of $500 - $999 All Benefits Listed Above Plus… • Invitation to CCO Apprentice Performances • Invitation to CCO’s Annual Opera Teaser Performance

Benefactor ($500-999) Community First Foundation# Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce Hutchison Incorporated Livingston Family Foundation Women’s Foundation of Colorado

Gold Nugget Society Privileges All gifts to Central City Opera are greatly appreciated. A gift of $1,000 or more goes even further to provide vital General Operating & Festival support for CCO’s full range of activities. Basic Gold Nugget Society Privileges Includes All Annual Fund Donor Privileges Plus… • Invitation to Behind-the-Scenes Tour of CCO’s Historic Opera House • Invitation to Attend “A Day in the Life of an Aspiring Artist”

Artist’s Circle - $1,000 - $2,499

Associate ($100-249) Coldwell Banker Silver Oak, Ltd Ensor-Frio Company Magnolia Music Studio Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc.

Basic Gold Nugget Society Privileges Plus… • Two (2) Complimentary Passes to a Dress Rehearsal Performance

Conductor’s Circle - $2,500 - $4,999 Basic Gold Nugget Society Privileges Plus… • Four (4) Complimentary Passes to a Dress Rehearsal Performance • Two (2) Complimentary Passes to an Apprentice Short Works Performance

Matching Gift Companies Chevron Matching Gift Program The Colorado Health Foundation Covidien Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Tomkins Gates Corporation The Williams Company

Director’s Circle - $5,000 - $9,999 Basic Gold Nugget Society Privileges Plus… • Six (6) Complimentary Passes to a Dress Rehearsal Performance • Four (4) Complimentary Passes to an Apprentice Short Works Performance • Invitation to Attend the Annual Meeting with Special Recognition

Performance Sponsor - $10,000 + Basic Gold Nugget Society Privileges Plus… • Eight (8) Complimentary Tickets to an Opera Performance* • Four (4) Complimentary Parking Passes • Private Pre-Performance Reception Held in a CCO Historic Property • Special Recognition as a Performance Sponsor on Opera House Doors, Supertitles and in the Festival Program and Invitation to Attend the Annual Meeting

*Loyal donors who have made gifts to the Company for the past ten or more consecutive years. #Gifts made through Colorado Gives/Community First Foundation.

*Excludes Opening Night performances; space available basis photo by mark kiryluk.

C C O

2 0 1 5

Central City Opera acknowledges with gratitude the following gifts made in honor or in memory of the persons below. Gifts listed were received between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

In memory of John “Jack” Barker Pelham G. Pearce, Jr.

In honor of McKenna Grace Adams Mrs. Mary Marget Adams Mr. and Mrs. Kirk A. Petre

In memory of Lewis Cady Anonymous Susan Martin and Chet Hampson Melinda Sullivan

In honor of Ann Warner Avila Jim and Bev Warner In honor of Pamela Bansbach Mr. and Mrs. Brown W. Cannon, Jr. In honor of John Baril Gregory Carpenter In honor of Kathryn Mabis Chase Ms. Nancy W. Waltz In honor of Meg Deline Katie and David Wilkins In honor of Sarah Dorothy Louise Dinegar Mr. and Mrs. Randle W. Case Mrs. John James Wallace In honor of Christina Dinegar Dr. and Mrs. David D. Dubois Mrs. John James Wallace In honor of Joy Dinsdale Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson In honor of Education & Community Engagement Programs Anonymous In honor of Barbara Ferguson Ms. Jeanne M. Adkins Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight Women’s Foundation of Colorado In honor of Scott Finlay Anonymous In honor of the Flower Girl Class of 2011 Bruce and Heidi Hoyt In honor of the Flower Girl Class of 2014 Heather and Mike Miller

C C O

In honor of Sophia Ann Fox Mr. and Mrs. Alan Fox

In honor of Jennifer Diane O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Groves

In honor of Justin Grace Mr. and Mrs. Larry R. Grace

In honor of Rebecca Jane O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Groves

In honor of Melinda Smith Haymons Mr. and Mrs. Marlis E. Smith

In honor of Emily Elizabeth O’Neal Mr. and Mrs. Rupert O’Neal

In honor of Charles B. Keller Kathryn S. Keller

In honor of Suzanne Pacetti Greg and Alicia Corliss

In honor of Sandy and Dorothy Kraemer’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Dinegar Mr. and Mrs. Eric R. McDaniel

In honor of Nancy Parker Jim and Toni Cohig Mr. and Mrs. Richard Downing

In honor of Lanny and Sharon Martin Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds G. Cannon Mr. G. Jackson Tankersley and Ms. Jennifer Evans

In honor of Dan Ritchie Women’s Foundation of Colorado In honor of Robert D. Showalter Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight

In honor of Susan Warner McCann Jim and Bev Warner

In honor of Elizabeth Brooke Smedley Anonymous Mr. Chevis Horne and Dr. Jan M. Kennaugh

In honor of Caitlin Ann McCann Jim and Bev Warner

In honor of Wendyann Wilkinson Smith Mr. and Mrs. Marlis E. Smith

In honor of Hannah Margot McDaniel Mr. and Mrs. Randle W. Case Mrs. John James Wallace

In honor of Marigny Carman Strauss The Morss Dehncke Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeffry S. Strauss

In honor of Ericka McDaniel Dr. and Mrs. David D. Dubois

In honor of George Ann and Buzz Victor Bill and Deborah Tryon

In honor of Anne McGonagle Grace Bird

In honor of Kathy Wells Greg and Alicia Corliss

In honor of John Moriarty Phebe Berkowitz-Tanners and Dr. Paul Tanners

In honor of Grace Catherine Wilkins Katie and David Wilkins

In honor of Lindsey Tatum Mygatt Mr. Ronald N. Buss and Ms. Susan M. Dunn Ms. Allison M. Lake Mr. John T. Lake and Mr. Harold V. Winters Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Mygatt Mr. James V. Neely

In honor of Sarah Gorham Wilkins Katie and David Wilkins In honor of Sandy and Jerry Wischmeyer’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Ms. Rosalyn Abrams Buzz and George Ann Victor

In memory of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph R. Gibson Dr. and Mrs. James D. Gibson In memory of Dean Gillespie and Walter Land Jeanne Land Foundation In memory of Rodney Hackstaff Mrs. Margot C. Hackstaff

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Caton Mr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Groene

In memory of Dean and Mary Hand Ms. Paula Cornelison

In memory of James D. Chase Mrs. Janette W. Chase Mr. and Mrs. Scott B. Percival Ms. Nancy W. Waltz

In memory of Bertha Bjorke Haugen Pamela and Louis Bansbach Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson Robert P. Fullerton and Beverlee Henry Nancy S. Parker Pelham G. Pearce, Jr. Buzz and George Ann Victor

In memory of Sally Crabtree Mr. and Mrs. Allan Gray Clark Mr. Edwin H. Crabtree III In memory of Sylvia Czeisler Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. H. Ripley III In memory of Sally Daniel Katharine E. Arnold William E. Daniel

In memory of Deb Hruby Ms. Betsy Schwarm Glesner Carl and Deborah Morrow Andrew E. Yarosh In memory of D. Peter Hughes Nancy and Jan Westman

In memory of Pelham Glenn Pearce, Sr. Central City Opera Guild Mr. and Mrs. John E. Fuller Jean and Larry Manion Lanny and Sharon Martin Nancy S. Parker Rita Sommers Buzz and George Ann Victor In memory of Janet S. Phipps Gerald H. Phipps, Inc. Marta Phipps In memory of Jane Anne Ray Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Burton In memory of Iris Richards Anonymous In memory of Bill and Kay Russell Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Pons In memory of Frances Seifert Pelham G. Pearce, Jr. In memory of Anita “Kris” Spring Jenene and Jim Stookesberry In memory of Anne Evans Freyer Sweeney Mr. and Mrs. David C. Freyer

In memory of Sarkis M. Davidkhanian Pelham G. Pearce, Jr.

In memory of Spot Hultin Mr. and Mrs. James Brothers

In memory of Claire Davis Mr. and Mrs. Kevin H. Kelley Miss Samantha Kelley

In memory of Evelyn Boyd Huseby Pelham G. Pearce, Jr.

In memory of Katherine M. Toltz Mr. and Mrs. Eric Bradac Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Cruger Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Flanagan, Jr.

In memory of Freddie Lincoln Frank and Ginny Leitz

In memory of Joan Brophy Tyree Mr. and Mrs. John D. Tyree

In memory of Lucile Martin Nancy P. Brittain Jean and Larry Manion Nancy S. Parker Pelham G. Pearce, Jr. Buzz and George Ann Victor

In memory of Gordon E. Von Stroh Patrice Von Stroh

In memory of Joan Hamilton Egan Mr. Kenneth C. Egan In memory of Charlie Ferguson Ms. Jeanne M. Adkins Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson In memory of Celeste Fleming Mr. Robert L. Clinton and Ms. Elizabeth Byrne Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson Robert P. Fullerton and Beverlee Henry Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight Lanny and Sharon Martin Mr. and Mrs. W. Douglas Morrison Nancy S. Parker Pelham G. Pearce, Jr. Mrs. Joyce Rosenblum Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. Tommy C. Stewart Ret.

Tributes

In honor of Barbara Zarlengo Anonymous

In memory of The Peter McFarlane Family, Fred McFarlane, George McFarlane, and Yetta McFarlane Watt Family Foundation of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation

In memory of Christina Bearman Von Wald Pamela and Louis Bansbach Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight Lanny and Sharon Martin Nancy S. Parker Mr. and Mrs. W. Thomas Stephens Bill and Deborah Tryon Buzz and George Ann Victor Sandra and Jerry Wischmeyer

In memory of Carl Mees Anonymous

In memory of Shirley Waters Mr. James T. Stokes In memory of Randy Weeks Pelham G. Pearce, Jr. 2 0 1 5

Thanks to the magical lens of a beloved friend of the Opera, Mark Kiryluk, Central City Opera’s legacy lives on through photos. A Denver-based long-time photographer and painter with decades of travel to foreign countries, Mark began his photography career with Central City Opera (CCO) in 1987. His first big arts gig since he painted sets for an opera company while a student at the Bauhaus-influenced Werkkunstschule in Wiesbaden, Germany, Mark began a long career with Central City Opera somewhat unexpectedly. He fell quickly in love with what he captured on the stage as he got more in tune with the technique and lighting during

Tributes - Spotlight on Mark Kiryluk

Spotlight on Mark Kiryluk each dress rehearsal and performance he photographed during the Summer Festival. Starting with black and white photos and very few color, Mark has used his camera and keen eye to archive world-class Central City Opera performances for the past 28 years. His favorite productions include Susannah, Madama Butterfly, The Ballad of Baby Doe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Turn of the Screw and Dead Man Walking. Mark has a special place in his heart for the North American premiere of Gloriana and world premiere of Poet Li Bai which were of historical significance to Central City Opera. He has particularly fond memories of Joyce Castle in Gloriana and has continued to refer to her in their conversations as “Your Majesty.” Also among his favorite endeavors is the photographing of orchestra members who have always been very happy to accommodate Mark. One of his biggest thrills working with CCO was seeing artists rise through the ranks. We are deeply grateful for Mark’s dedication and heart in his photography and will always treasure the gift of his legacy to Central City Opera. Mark and his wife Barbara continue to be patrons and strong supporters of CCO. Mark’s photos can be found in the photo gallery at CentralCityOpera. org. He recently had a one-man show of his personal collection at ABC Custom Framing in Denver, part of which will be included in the permanent collection at History Colorado Center. Mark is represented by Courtyard Fine Art in Traverse City, Michigan.

“Viewing the many images I have taken and trying to decide which I like best is an impossible feat. I never expected to last this long. There are numerous stories and people I have met which made my career as a photographer so interesting. I am eternally grateful to all those who helped me through the years and I thank the staff at Central City Opera who have been so gracious and kind to me. You have all been family to me and I will never forget you. I wish all who work for Central City Opera all the success in the future.” - Mark Kiryluk photos by mark kiryluk. madama butterfly (2010): yunah lee as cio-cio-san, chad shelton as pinkerton dead man walking (2014): jason baldwin as father grenville, michael mayes as joseph de rocher, jennifer rivera as sister helen, thomas hammons as george benton, warden

photos by mark kiryluk. gloriana (2001): joyce castle as queen elizabeth i the ballad of baby doe (2006): joyce castle as augusta tabor

C C O

tribute concert celebrating 30th anniversary of bonfils-stanton foundation artists training program (2008) john moriarty (piano), denyce graves (singing) ken cazan and john moriarty

2 0 1 5

Special Thanks

...this Late-Victorian wood-framed house with fish-scaled gables and Italianate corner columns retained its historical integrity over the years but demanded a much-needed facelift due to harsh mountain conditions and age.

Central City Opera sincerely appreciates the following individuals, corporations, and associations who have contributed much-needed products and services. This list includes gifts made between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

Thanks to a grant from the State Historical Fund, monies raised at Central City Opera (CCO) Guild’s Party for Preservation, professional engineers, architects, and dedicated volunteers, “the Crosby House/Nicholas House” received muchneeded rehabilitation of its exterior last year. Known simply as

Gifts in Kind “Nicholas House,” the property was constructed in 1889 and is part of the Central City/Black Hawk National Landmark Historic District. Once home to the Quiller and Jenkins families (pioneers of Gilpin County), Nicholas House has served as a summer residence for Central City Opera artists and production staff since its acquisition by the organization in 1967. Located at 415 County Road Street, this Late-Victorian wood-framed house with fishscaled gables and Italianate corner columns retained its historical integrity over the years but demanded a much-needed facelift due to harsh mountain conditions and age. Repairs included structural reinforcement, such as foundation repairs, a new roof, drainage replacement, and repointing and capping of the brick chimney. The rehabilitation has given new life to this landmark as it awaits the next opportunity to create living history. The Nicholas House is part of the self-guided walking tours of Central City’s historic structures. To learn more about historic preservation in Central City and around the state of Colorado, visit HistoryColorado.org

5280 Magazine 9News The ART Hotel The Broadmoor Colorado Children’s Chorale Colorado Springs Conservatory Doug and Judeth Comstock Melinda Couzens Mr. Harry Cross Jennifer DeDominici Denver Art Museum Denver Post Community Foundation Christina and Leonard Dinegar Vicki Fogel Mykles Mr. Lawrence P. French and Mr. Gregory Sargowicki Judy Grant Dr. Christopher Hansen Mag Hayden Betsy and Mike Huseby Henry Wurst, Inc. Hyatt Place Denver Cherry Creek Melanie Kirkpatrick Lifestyles Catering Jan Mayer Jean and Larry Manion Lanny and Sharon Martin Anne McGonagle Greg Melton The Mezzanine MidFirst Bank Carl and Deborah Morrow Kim I. Morss Emily Murdock Opera Fort Collins Pacific Office Automation Beki Pineda Deborah Schmit-Lobis Sharon Sirridge The Sorting Table

Barbara Sternberg Erin Joy Swank John and Joyce Swank Terlato Wines International Tesla Motors Tivoli Brewing Company Jenna Wilcox

Special Thanks Roger Baker Cindy Bauer Mary Bell, Mountain Goat Gallery Patricia Calhoun Central City Visitors Center Cholua Brothers Coffee Dave Forsyth Gilpin County Arts Gilpin Historical Society Lisa Goodbee Susan Griffin Jane Hultin Illumen Incom Direct, LLC Kathy Jolly Marnie King Barbara and Mark Kiryluk Wayne Kjorvestad Don Larson Theresa Marchetta, 7News Beth Massey Caffrey, Mission Wear Suzanne Matthews Ray Merenstein Peter Moore, Waters and Odorsio Mena Moran Bob and Judi Newman Suzanne Pacetti Cleo Parker Robinson Polsinelli PC Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center Rocky Mountain PBS

Nicholas House Restoration | Special Thanks

The New Face of Nicholas House

RDM Communications, Inc. Rev. Dr. Melanie Rosa Debbie Scheer St. James United Methodist Church Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs Starwood Properties Susan Stiff Janice Stutters, Seasonally Yours Swallow Hill Music Barbara Thielemann Tommyknockers Holiday Craft Fair University of Denver Shirley Voorhees Kathy Wells Whole Foods Sandy Wischmeyer Zim Consulting, Inc. Marty and Shira Zimmerman

photo by anne mcgonagle.

photos: (top) nicholas house after restoration, by chris haugen, stonehill preservation management. (bottom left & right) before restoration by anne mcgonagle.

C C O

2 0 1 5

Downtown Denver’s edgy City Hall Nightclub pulsed with creative energy on April 24 for the second annual Theatre of Dreams Gala. Black-tie-clad patrons and guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour with signature drinks followed by an elegant sit-down dinner. When dinner was announced, guests entered the three-story concrete and brick atrium and were dazzled by the long candelabra-adorned tables with artistic centerpieces.

Martha Dickinson Baker

Ariana Byrne Kemp

Louisa Louise Benson

Elise Evelyn Korneffel

Madeline Louise Bragg

Phoebe Fischer MacKenzie

Taylor McIntosh Coors

Abigail Anita Rifkin

The evening continued to inspire with entertainment by opera stars Anna Christy and Michael Mayes who treated guests to a variety of opera and musical theatre favorites. The performance culminated with a rousing finale of “The Impossible Dream” as Christy and Mayes were joined on stage by The Spirituals Project Choir of Denver. An after-party attended by Gala guests and an energetic group of young professionals followed with DJ Manos and creative cocktails.

Maryanna Elizabeth DeLine

Lacey Hannah Rifkin

Jennifer Lynn Groene

Madison Meyers Rifkin

Nicole Christine Honnen

Molly Kathleen Maeve Wulf

The organizing committee included a talented group of new and long-time Central City Opera supporters. Gala Platinum Sponsors Citywide Banks Kathy and Brad Coors Foundation El Pomar Foundation Endeavour Capital First Western Trust Bank Lanny and Sharon Martin Northern Trust

Gala Chair Judy Grant

Silver Connoisseurs

Gala Co-Chairs

Joy and Chris Dinsdale Betsy and Mike Huseby The Hutchison Family Jean and Larry Manion Meg and Ed Nichols Nancy S. Parker Nancy Petry Janet Haglund and E. Clarkson Shaw

Gala Committee

C C O

Patron Table Connoisseurs Nancy Brittain Judy and Newell Grant Gregg Kvistad and Amy Oaks Anne and Tom McGonagle Ursula and Alfred Powell

Anne McGonagle Kim Sullivan Kathy Tyree

photos by kathy wells.

Sally Scott Jodi Sorensen Sandy Wischmeyer

Margaret Baker Pam Bansbach Alicia Holt Corliss Lisa Curwen Will Dehner Liz DiLorenzo Christina Dinegar Michelle Dorman Lisa Duke Scott Finlay Harriet LaMair Caitlin McGonagle Priscilla Mead Kim Morss Dehncke Meg Nichols Nancy Parker Jody Phelps Denise Sanderson

Classic Connoisseurs Julia A. and Earl D. Banks Kim and Richard Dehncke Denver Private Wealth Management Tom Duggan and Scott Finlay Ann and Hal Logan Judi and Robert Newman Jody and Bob Phelps Sally and Richard Russo Julia and George Secor Joanne and Harvey Sender Jodi and Bill Sorensen Stephanie and David Tryba Kathy and Tom Tyree George Ann and Buzz Victor

Gala and Dream Event Major Donors The ART Hotel Baker Street Pretzels The Broadmoor Hotel Catering By Design Caterers Melinda Couzens The Denver Art Museum Denver Botanic Gardens Christina and Leonard Dinegar FRIENDS Judy and Newell Grant Greater Than Entertainment Lighting & AV Mag Hayden Betsy and Mike Huseby Industrial Income Trust George Macomber Family Charitable Gift Fund Jean and Larry Manion Jan Mayer MidFirst Bank The Laura Jane Musser Fund Papers and Presents, Wellesley, MA Jody Phelps Terlato International Tesla Motors Judi and Robert Newman Tivoli Brewing Company Barbara Sternberg The Sorting Table Kathy Tyree Whole Foods

Theatre of Dreams Gala | Flower Girls

2015 Flower Girls

Theatre of Dreams Gala

Alexis Caroline Hutchison

The Central City Opera Flower Girl Presentation is the oldest debutante ceremony in Colorado. This special Central City Opera tradition began in 1932, at the grand re-opening of the Opera House, in the midst of the Great Depression. Two strongwilled women with powerful pioneer roots – Anne Evans and Ida Kruse McFarlane – engaged key members of the community and founded the Central City Opera House Association. With great vision, they created a summer music festival, bringing world-class theatrical and opera artists to the stage – a tradition that continues to this day. Two young ladies, who often watched the rehearsals of the inaugural production of the play Camille, were asked to pass out nosegays to

members of the audience at intermission. The audience tossed the nosegays across the footlights at the end of the production, much as the miners had tossed gold coins onto the stage during curtain calls in the 1880s. Prior to each Opera Festival, young women from prominent Colorado families are invited to be Central City Opera Flower Girls. A dynamite blast celebrating the rich mining history of Central City heralds their presentation and the church bells ring while the Flower Girls and their fathers dance the traditional “Yellow Rose Waltz” on Eureka Street in front of the Opera House. Patrons still receive flower nosegays to toss on stage, celebrating the beginning of another Opera Festival.

2 0 1 5

Opera House Policies

Group Sales

Thank you for attending this Central City Opera performance. For the benefit of all patrons, please note the following policies: • Performances begin promptly at the advertised time. Latecomers and those that exit during a performance will not be admitted until the next intermission but can view the performance on closed-circuit television located on the first floor of the Teller House. • Patron use of cellular phones, cameras and recording devices is not allowed in the Opera House. Food and drink are also not allowed in the Opera House. • Please be considerate of other patrons and refrain from talking or making other audible disturbances during the performance. • Unless the performance is cancelled, no refunds are given for any reason, including supertitle malfunction and weather conditions. • Children under six years of age are not permitted in Central City Opera House performances, including Family Matinees. • A ticket is a license and may be revoked and admission refused with a refund of the purchase price. • Casting is subject to change without notice.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 25% discount. Contact the Group Sales Associate, Molly Epstein at 303.619.6196 or mepstein@centralcityopera.org.

Box Office The Denver Box Office is located at 400 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 525, Denver, CO 80246. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Box Office in Central City is located at the Teller House adjacent to the Opera House and is open two hours before each performance. The Central City Opera Box Office number is 303.292.6700 or 1.800.851.8175. Ticketing online is available at www.CentralCityOpera.org/tickets.

Special Thanks to Tom Brock, Publisher Melissa Rick, Program Designer, Production Graphics, Cover Art and Illustrations Mark Kiryluk, Photographer

Program Credits

Gift Shop

Heather Brecl, Editor Valerie Hamlin, Advisor Contributors: John Baril, Heather Brecl, Ken Cazan, Paul Curran, Michael Ehrman, Karen Federing, Betsy Schwarm, Valerie Hamlin, Kyle Lang, Deborah Morrow, Nancy Parker, Pat Pearce, Elise Sandell, Rita Sommers, Erin Joy Swank.

Be sure to stop by the Central City Opera Gift Shop, located in the Teller House adjacent to the Opera House to find CCO 2015 Festival apparel and souvenirs, stylish opera hats and unique gifts.

Contributing photographers: Heather Brecl, Anne McGonagle, Erin Joy Swank, Kathy Wells.

Restrooms are located off the Opera House Patio and on the lower floor of the Teller House. Should first aid become necessary, please contact the nearest usher.

Credits and Acknowledgements

2 0 1 5