2019 Season Brochure

C I N C I N N AT I

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LIFE, OUT LOUD. Opera tells stories on a grand scale. Stories of triumph and tragedy, love and longing, redemptive romance, and bold betrayal. It’s life, larger than life.

Experience Cincinnati Opera’s entire 2019 season with renowned singers, passionate stories, the acclaimed CSO, and spectacular Music Hall. Your summer—and maybe even your life—will never be the same.

Baritone Joseph Lattanzi

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Tenor Frédéric Antoun

Soprano Nicole Cabell

CONTENTS 5 The Marriage of Figaro 7 Romeo and Juliet

Mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb

9 Ariadne auf Naxos

Porgy and Bess

11 Porgy and Bess 13

Blind Injustice

14 Beyond Mainstage 16 Subscriber Perks 17 How to Subscribe 18 Seating Chart & Tips

Romeo and Juliet

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T H E C I N C I N N AT I O

“ COURAGE, DETERMINATION, AND

PASSION AT EVERY MOM

“A NEAR-PERFECT EXAMPLE OF FAST-FLOWING MUSICAL DRAMA”

–The New York Times

“THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL MAGIC”

–Seen and Heard International

“GRAND VISUAL SPECTACLE”

–Cincinnati Enquirer

“THE ESSENCE OF

WONDERFUL ART”

–The Oakwood Register

“MESMERIZING,

BEAUTIFULLY SUNG”

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–Cincinnati Business Courier

PERA EXPERIENCE

“RISKY AND ADVENTUROUS

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AND WELL WORTH THE RIDE!”

–Cincinnati Enquirer

–Opera News

With a voice of thunder, Morris Robinson has thrilled Cincinnati Opera audiences since his 2009 debut. Shown here in our 2015 Il Trovatore, Robinson returns in 2019 as Porgy in Porgy and Bess. The renowned bass also serves as artistic advisor for Cincinnati Opera, working in close collaboration with Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director.

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Figaro Andrew Wilkowske Susanna Janai Brugger

JUNE 13 & 15 at MUSIC HALL

Count Almaviva Joseph Lattanzi

Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte

Countess Almaviva Susanna Phillips Cherubino Rihab Chaieb

...........

Cincinnati Opera opens its 99th season with Mozart’s masterful cat-and-mouse comedy in a “lavish…dream-like period production (The Independent).” Widely considered one of the greatest comic operas, The Marriage of Figaro overflows with music that is simply sublime and a witty libretto that has delighted audiences for generations. The star-studded cast includes soprano Susanna Phillips, a Metropolitan Opera regular, as the Countess, and baritone Joseph Lattanzi as Count Almaviva, following his star turn as Hawkins Fuller in Fellow Travelers.

Doctor Bartolo Kevin Burdette Marcellina Wendy Hill Don Basilio Thomas J. Capobianco Don Curzio Martin Bakari Barbarina Victoria Okafor Conductor Marc Piollet Stage Director Stephen Lawless Scenic & Costume Designer Leslie Travers Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi Choreographer Ogulcan Borova ˆ

On the day of his marriage to the charming Susanna, Figaro discovers that his master, the Count, has taken a fancy to the bride-to-be.

Dismayed, the clever couple enlists the help of the Countess to foil her husband’s unwelcome advances. What should be the best day of their lives turns into a head-spinning series of disguises, dupes, desire, and disorder. Can the servants turn the tables and achieve their happily-ever-after?

A co-production of Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Philadelphia, San Diego Opera, and Palm Beach Opera.

Production constructed by Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Kansas City Costume Company.

Sung in Italian with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours Rated PG

Andrew Wilkowske Janai Brugger Susanna Figaro

Joseph Lattanzi Count Almaviva

Susanna Phillips Rihab Chaieb Countess Almaviva Cherubino

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Charles Gounod

ROMEO AND JULIET

JUNE 27 & 29 at MUSIC HALL Music by Charles Gounod Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré

Juliet knew the rules of her tightly controlled world: she was forbidden to be alone with any man, especially any of the young men in the Montague family. And yet, when his voice beckoned below her window, she answered. It was exciting, and her world was so small. They had met once before at the party, and somehow were now hopelessly in love. And surely love would be enough. ...........

Charles Gounod’s faithful adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers comes to life in a fanciful new production.

Cincinnati Opera favorite Nicole Cabell returns to bring her “faultlessly gleaming soprano” (Financial Times) to the role of Juliet, and FrenchCanadian tenor Frédéric Antoun stars as Romeo in his company debut after performances at Opéra de Paris, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and the Salzburg Festival. We’re pleased to present a new production of Romeo and Juliet that premiered at Minnesota Opera in 2016. The Twin Cities Arts Reader called it a “sparkling and stylish reimagining” with “captivating visuals.”

Romeo Frédéric Antoun Juliet Nicole Cabell Mercutio Hadleigh Adams Friar Laurent Kenneth Shaw Count Capulet Thomas Dreeze Tybalt Piotr Buszewski Duke of Verona Vernon Hartman Stephano Reilly Nelson Gertrude Catherine Keen Conductor Ramón Tebar Stage Director Matthew Ozawa Scenic Designer William Boles Costume Designer Sarah Bahr Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi Choreographer Ogulcan Borova ˆ

ROMEO AND JULIET

Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley A co-production of Minnesota Opera and Cincinnati Opera. Scenery and costumes constructed by Minnesota Opera and Cincinnati Opera.

Sung in French with projected translation Performance length: 3 hours Rated PG

Frédéric Antoun Romeo

Nicole Cabell Juliet

Hadleigh Adams Mercutio

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Richard Strauss

ARIADNE AUF NAXOS

ARIADNE AUF NAXOS

Prima Donna/Ariadne Twyla Robinson Tenor/Baccus Kyle van Schoonhoven

JULY 6, 11, 13 & 14m at SCPA

Zerbinetta Liv Redpath

Music by Richard Strauss Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

Composer Olivia Vote

A gentleman with more wealth than taste commissions two pieces of entertainment as an after-dinner treat for his guests: a tragic opera and a troupe of clowns. But as time grows short, the ensembles receive scandalous news—they must perform onstage simultaneously! Creative tempers flare, pandemonium ensues, and romance blossoms as the zany preamble to the evening’s performance miraculously leads to a transcendent, touching second act. ...........

Richard Strauss’s lighthearted opera within an opera is a knowing wink at the world behind the curtain, combining humor with coloratura fireworks and opulent melodies. Presented at Cincinnati Opera for the first time in almost 60 years, our brand-new production sets the action in 1950s Cincinnati, complete with a colorful cast of characters inspired by recognizable figures. After starring in our 2015 world premiere of Morning Star, soprano Twyla Robinson returns to the School for Creative and Performing Arts stage as the eponymous heroine, singing the dual role of Prima Donna/Ariadne.

Music Teacher Morgan Smith Dancing Master/Scaramuccio David Walton Harlekin Luis Alejandro Orozco Officer/Brighella Jason Vest Lackey/Truffaldin James Eder Najade Alexandra Schoeny Dryade Ellen Graham Echo Melissa Harvey Major-Domo Thomas Hammons Conductor Jun Märkl Stage Director Omer Ben Seadia Scenic Designer Ryan Howell Costume Designer Ryan Park Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Choreographer Ogulcan Borova ˆ

New production by Cincinnati Opera.

Sung in English & German with projected lyrics Performance length: 3 hours Rated PG

Twyla Robinson Prima Donna/ Ariadne

Kyle van Schoonhoven Tenor/Baccus

Liv Redpath Zerbinetta

Olivia Vote Composer

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The Gershwins’

PORGY AND BESS

PORGY AND BESS

Porgy Morris Robinson Bess Talise Trevigne

JULY 20, 25, 27 & 28m at MUSIC HALL

Crown Nmon Ford

Music by George Gershwin Libretto by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin

Sportin’ Life Frederick Ballentine, Jr. Clara Janai Brugger Jake Reginald Smith, Jr.

All was forgiven. The past was done. They had each other, and they were happy. Morning time and evening time, summertime and wintertime...

In each others’ arms, they found peace and unexpected, if fleeting, refuge.

Serena Indra Thomas Maria La’Shelle Allen Mingo Ernest Jackson

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Robbins/Crab Man Larry D. Hylton

For only the second time ever, Cincinnati Opera will present the Gershwins’ great American opera Porgy and Bess on the Music Hall stage. Replete with hits including “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and a touching story of love and perseverance in adversity, it will be presented in a “vibrant” (Chicago Tribune) production by star director Francesca Zambello with costumes by the Tony Award-winning Hamilton costume designer, Paul Tazewell. Grammy-nominated soprano Talise Trevigne makes her company debut as Bess with a voice that’s “high and rich and round” (Washington Post). Bass Morris Robinson, praised for singing with “an extraordinary blend of power and fluidity” (San Francisco Chronicle), leads the cast as Porgy.

Conductor David Charles Abell Production Francesca Zambello Stage Director Garnett Bruce Scenic Designer Peter J. Davison Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Lighting Designer Mark McCullough Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi Choreographer Eboni Adams Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley Scenery originally created for Glimmerglass Festival & Seattle Opera. Costumes from Washington National Opera.

Sung in English with projected lyrics Performance length: 3 hours Rated PG-13 for mature themes

Morris Robinson Porgy

Talise Trevigne Bess

Nmon Ford Crown

Frederick Ballentine, Jr. Sportin’ Life

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BLIND INJUSTICE JULY 22, 24, 26 & 27m at MUSIC HALL’S WILKS STUDIO

WORLD PREMIERE!

Music by Scott Davenport Richards Libretto by David Cote

In collaboration with the Ohio Innocence Project and the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC), Cincinnati Opera presents Blind Injustice, a new work inspired by the 2017 book of the same name by Mark Godsey. Godsey, a former prosecutor and now professor of law at the University of Cincinnati, serves as director of the Ohio Innocence Project, an organization that seeks to free “every innocent person in Ohio who has been convicted of a crime they didn’t commit.”

With music by Scott Davenport Richards and text by playwright David Cote, Blind Injustice tells the true stories of six individuals: Rickey Jackson, Nancy Smith, Clarence Elkins, and the East Cleveland 3—Derrick Wheatt, Laurese Glover, and Eugene Johnson. All were freed by the work of the Ohio Innocence Project.

Blind Injustice will be presented in Music Hall’s intimate Wilks Studio with Joseph Lattanzi leading a vibrant cast, a chorus that includes members of YPCC, and a 12-piece orchestra.

Availability is extremely limited.

Subscribers have early access!

Prosecutor Joseph Lattanzi Clarence Elkins Thomas J. Capobianco Rickey Jackson Eric Shane Derrick Wheatt Sankara Harouna Eugene Johnson Miles Wilson-Toliver Nancy Smith Michelle LaJeunesse Defense Attorney Samuel Levine Ensemble Victoria Okafor Deborah Nansteel Morgan Smith Joseph Parrish Conductor John Morris Russell Stage Director & Dramaturg Robin Guarino Production Designer Andromache Chalfant Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier New production by Cincinnati Opera.

Sung in English Performance length: 2 hours Rated PG-13 for mature themes

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Scott Davenport Richards Composer

David Cote Librettist

Robin Guarino Stage Director & Dramaturg

c Opera Goes to Church/Temple Opera artists, dynamic choirs, and more gather at churches and temples throughout the region for an uplifting concert series. Free!

Opera Insights and Opera Raps Enhance your appreciation of opera with engaging and informative lectures (February-June) and preshow talks designed to enlighten opera devotees and newcomers alike. Free!

BEYOND MAINSTAGE Make the most of your opera summer! Here are just a few of the fun and informative events coming up. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for a full list and details.

x Cabaret Fantastique Toast the start of the season on Friday, June 7 with a cabaret-style performance and intimate dinner on the Music Hall stage. Ticketed.

v Center Stage Join our dynamic group of young professionals who seek to meet fellow opera fans, learn more about opera through social events, and celebrate the arts in Cincinnati.

c Opera in the Park Join us on June 9 in Washington Park for an evening of opera and musical theater favorites under the setting sun, right in our front yard. Free! cincinnatiopera.org ( 5 1 3 ) 2 4 1 -2 74 2

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7 REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE

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1. PRIORITY ACCESS TO THE BEST SEATS

Be at the front of the line for the best seats in

the house.

2. A DISCOUNT ON EVERY TICKET!

Subscribers receive up to 15% off regular prices.

3. RESERVED PARKING

We’ll hold a spot for you! Subscribers can pre-pay

for parking in Washington Park Garage for $15 per

performance. Call for details.

4. THE VIP EXPERIENCE

Subscribers get to see it all and are first in line

for seating selection, season updates, and

special events.

5. YOUR SEATS, EVERY YEAR

Love your seats? Only subscribers may renew

them from one season to the next.

6. FREE AND FLEXIBLE EXCHANGES

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If your schedule changes, it’s easy to exchange

your seats by phone for another performance

or production.

7. BUY MORE AND SAVE

Want to bring a friend? Buy additional seats to

any performance for 15% off regular ticket prices.

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How to Subscribe 1. CHOOSE YOUR DATES Weeknight Series: Figaro on Thu June 13, Romeo on Thu June 27, Porgy on Thu July 25, and Ariadne on your selected date (see Ariadne dates on the right) Weekend Series: Figaro on Sat June 15,

2019 SEASON

The Marriage of Figaro June 13 & 15

Romeo & Juliet June 27 & 29

Romeo on Sat June 29, Porgy on Sat July 20, and Ariadne on your selected date (see Ariadne dates on the right)

Ariadne auf Naxos

Blind Injustice, presented in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio July 22-27, is an optional add-on to your subscription.

Porgy & Bess

July 6, 11, 13 & 14m

July 20, 25, 27 & 28m

Blind Injustice 2. SELECT YOUR SECTION Refer to the chart on the right.

July 22, 24, 26 & 27m Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Matinees (m) begin at 3 p.m.

3. PLACE YOUR ORDER Phone (recommended) (513) 241-2742 Online cincinnatiopera.org

In Person Cincinnati Opera Music Hall | Corbett Opera Center Box Office 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Box Office Hours M-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Illustrations p. 5 The Marriage of Figaro: Tim O’Brien; p. 7 Romeo & Juliet: Jody Hewgill; p. 9 Ariadne auf Naxos: Beppe Giacobbe; p. 11 Porgy & Bess: Aimee Sposito Martini; Photos p. 1 Joseph Lattanzi: Jeff Walton; Frédéric Antoun: Archives/Le Journal de Québec; Nicole Cabell: Erika Dufour; p. 2 Rihab Chaieb: Fay Fox; Porgy and Bess: Philip Newton/Seattle Opera; Romeo and Juliet: Dan Norman/Minnesota Opera; p. 3 Morris Robinson: Philip Groshong; p. 14 Feast Fantastique: Mark Burch; Opera Goes to Church & Opera in the Park: Philip Groshong; Pride Night: Amy Smethurst; p. 15 Music Hall: Philip Groshong

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HELPFUL TIPS ...........

Music Hall Seating Chart

1. If you’re seeking the very best seats, consider the Orchestra or Terrace

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Premium and Zone A seats. You’ll enjoy

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easy access to the lobby, proximity to the stage, and an ideal view.

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2. For the most expansive view of

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the stage, we recommend the center sections of the Balcony or Gallery.

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3. The best values can be found in the sides of the Balcony and Gallery.

Although the view is somewhat

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obstructed, Gallery tickets start at less than $35 per show.

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2 BALCONY

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4. If, for whatever reason, you don’t like your seats—even if it’s in the middle

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of the season—call us. We’re always happy to help find another option.

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5. Ask the box office about add-ons to your subscription. You can purchase tickets to Blind Injustice ($35, based

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on availability); prepay for parking TERRACE

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in Washington Park Garage ($15 per show); RSVP for our season-opening event, Cabaret Fantastique ($250); or

ORCHESTRA

BOX

make a gift to support the future of opera. Call (513) 241-2742.

BOX

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6. Any questions or special requests?

GE STA

Give us a call at (513) 241-2742. We’re here for you!

Price Zones* PREM $708

A $561

B $441

C $329

D $260

E $205

F $137

*Prices already include a 3.5% facility fee for Music Hall and a $5 account maintenance fee.

Prices subject to change.

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Season Presenting Sponsor:

1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Season Funders:

Patricia K. Beggs, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

(513) 241-2742 • cincinnatiopera.org

Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

FIGARO ROMEO & JULIET ARIADNE PORGY & BESS BLIND INJUSTICE

Preferred Healthcare Provider:

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT #6737