Remembrances

Wherever there’s an opera company, there’s an opera family. It’s a family of supporters, volunteers, singers, stage professionals, staff members, and fans. Each member does their part to sustain the company and animate its mission. Since the summer of 2019, we have lost a number of dear members of the Cincinnati Opera family. This list is incomplete, but it’s our attempt at recognizing and remembering some who have left us. If we have missed someone, please let us know. Also, the asterisk (*) at the end of the entry indicates membership in the Society of Angels, a giving legacy program that supports Cincinnati Opera’s endowment. See page 86 for more information.

Albert Dierckes (1938–2021) was a chemical engineer and spent most of his career at P&G. He enjoyed attending performances with his wife, Nancy. Albert was a member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild. the Guild in its early days.

Marianne Doll (1957–2020) was a lifelong Cincinnati resident. As a member of the Cincinnati Opera

Marcello Giordani (1963–2019) made a single but spectacular appearance on the Cincinnati Opera Tosca ily, the acclaimed tenor delighted audiences in more than 240 performances at the Metropolitan Opera.

Tom Hammons (1951–2020) sang 12 roles on the Cincinnati Opera stage across nearly four decades. Tosca and Dr. Bartolo in The Barber of Seville. In 2007, he appeared in Nixon in China as Henry Kissinger, a role he created for the opera’s world premiere in 1987 and for which he won a Grammy Award in 1988. Tom was also a regular at the Met, appearing in more than 200 performances.

Mort Harshman cates, fans, and supporters of the company.

Maria Krocker-Tuskan (1926–2020) worked as a and made a generous bequest to Cincinnati Opera in their estate plan.

Lorrie Laskey (1934–2020) was a member of the the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Richard Lauf of the Cincinnati Opera Board. A gifted raconteur, writer, and former P&G strategist, Rich and his wife, In 2020, Rich contributed a chapter to the book Cincinnati Opera: A Centennial Celebration. * Tom Lippert (1932–2021) was a generous Cincin wife, Adele, attended many Cincinnati Opera fund

Susie Louiso (1942–2022) was a frequent collabora rector of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, where she worked alongside her husband, Jack. A lifelong opportunities to young people.

William “Bill” McKim (1940–2022) was an English his wife, Karen.

Issam “Sam” Minkarah (1931–2021) was a regular former Guild President Ellie Minkarah. Born in Bei

Herta Moore (1920–2021) was a centenarian and a dedicated Cincinnati Opera subscriber for more than distanced opera celebration to her in honor of her 100th birthday.

Gloria Morelli (1930–2019) and Arnold Morelli the Cincinnati arts community. They attended many Cincinnati Opera performances, and they seldom chestra and Cincinnati Ballet. *

Mark “Marco” Panuccio (1973–2021) made many appearances with Cincinnati Opera, including leading roles in Nixon in China (Chairman Mao) and Lucia di Lammermoor (Edgardo). A graduate of CCM, became a Cincinnati holiday tradition. Pops con

Solveiga Rush (1930–2020) was a professor of art member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild. A lifelong bution to Cincinnati Opera in her estate plan. *

REMEMBRANCES

Frank Stewart (1931–2020) was an attorney and leader in the arts community. His estate plan included a bequest to Cincinnati Opera in memory of his late wife, Cynthia, a great fan of the company.

Mary “Carol” Thaman (1928–2020) was a devoted patron of the arts and supporter of Cincinnati Opera. A lover of classical music, opera, and theatre, Carol was also an advocate for Catholic education throughout her life. *

Judith Thompson (1938–2021) was a member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild. An adventurer and avid traveler, Judy particularly loved France, and “La vie en rose” was sung at her memorial service in honor of her favorite destination.

Tony Totten (1956–2020) was the owner and operator of Tony Express Trucking. For more than 30 years, he hauled goods for all of Cincinnati’s leading arts organizations, including the Opera. He served 20 years as Cincinnati Opera’s freight coordinator.

Marcella Trice American teacher at Cincinnati Country Day School. In her 27 years with CCDS, she also served as interim head of the Lower School. She was widely recognized for lifelong volunteerism and civic engagement. Marcella served several terms on the Cincinnati Opera Board.

Clayton “Clay” Wagenlander (1954–2021) was the founder of Pebble Creek Group, an audiovisual company and a regular producing partner for Cincinnati Opera events and productions. We are pleased to continue partnering with Clay’s son, Matty, for audiovisual needs.

Carl Westmoreland (1937–2022) was a founding member of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. An inspiring orator, Carl was passionate about Black history and served as a consultant for our 2005 production of Margaret Garner.

Catherine Wolters (1934–2021) was a longtime member of the Cincinnati Opera Guild. She was an avid supporter of Cincinnati’s arts community, a devoted educator, and a champion of civil rights and access to adult basic education.

Arthur Woodley (1949–2020) was a gifted bass who sang traditional and new operas, including The Shining and Champion. His last Cincinnati Opera appearance was as Daland in the 2018 production of The Flying Dutchman.

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