From walking down the aisle to hosting an annual fundraiser, the theater is all yours. Michigan's premier venue is unmatched, offering versatile spaces for any celebration. Home to world-class performances and legendary productions, the historic Detroit Opera House offers a backdrop of elegance and drama. Between our exclusive lounges, main stage, grand lobby, and 360° panorama-view Sky Deck, this iconic venue is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Discover why we’re Detroit’s destination for show-stopping experiences.
A message from Patty Isacson Sabee
Welcome to our 24/25 Season!
We are thrilled to host you at the glorious Detroit Opera House with a much fuller series of programs than last year, producing four powerful operas on our main stage and doubling the number of dance companies we present. We are delighted to embrace so many new and renewing subscribers and to see our dance fans join us for opera—and vice versa.
In our 54th season, we are proud to open with the news that Yuval Sharon, our Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director, has renewed his relationship with Detroit Opera through the 27/28 season. A visionary leader, he continues to build on this company’s legacy of innovation and sets the stage for ever more creative and unexpected ways to transform our experience of opera and dance.
And while he has been busy with dynamic projects here and abroad, he somehow found the time to write a book! A New Philosophy of Opera was published in September to critical acclaim and animated discussion in many major media outlets. I encourage you to explore what the Washington Post describes as “an infectious ode to opera.” We look forward to continued engagement and conversations with you about our role in the bright, bold future of our beloved art form.
We hope you find many transformative moments in our productions this season. Your generosity is crucial to our work, as is the leadership support of The William Davidson Foundation in sponsoring the 24/25 season at Detroit Opera. We are proud to have earned their investment in the vitality of our community.
On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, and hundreds of eclectic, opinionated, and creative workers from the Detroit region and beyond, we are so delighted to share the enchantment of this season with you.
Patty Isacson Sabee President & CEO, Detroit Opera
FEB 22, 2025 / SAT / 7:30PM
FEB 28, 2025 / FRI / 7:30PM
MAR 02, 2025 / SUN / 2:30PM
MUSIC GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL
LIBRETTO GIACOMO ROSSI
Handel’s Baroque blockbuster is viewed through the lens of a child’s fantasy in a contemporary pediatric ward. The young patients venture on a heroic journey, where knights, sorcerers, monsters, and magic are used as a salve for unimaginable challenges. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo leads the talented cast in Louisa Proske’s reimagined production, conducted by Detroit Opera Music Director Roberto Kalb.
BY
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EVAN ZIMMERMAN
A message from Jon H. Teeuwissen
Welcome to Dance @ Detroit Opera!
The 24/25 season features an eclectic mix of six worldclass companies, four of them accompanied by live music. Our dance season presents the widest possible spectrum of dance styles, including modern dance, classical ballet, and contemporary ballet.
Mark Morris Dance Group opens the fall season with The Look of Love, a loving tribute to one of pop music’s greatest songwriting teams, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Mark Morris has been described as “indisputably the most musical” choreographer by The New York Times. Many in the audience will be familiar with Bacharach’s music, but his songs sound completely fresh in new arrangements by Ethan Iverson, sung and played live. Fourteen selections include “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” “Walk on By,” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” the latter recorded in the 1960s, first by Dionne Warwick and then by Aretha Franklin. This piece is bound to be loved by “Anyone Who Had a Heart.”
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, celebrating its 50th-anniversary season, presents an evening of great classical works, but with a comic twist. This all-male ensemble—also known as the Trocks—dances both the male and female roles, offering some seriously proficient pointe work in excerpts from classics such as Swan Lake. They pay homage to and parody well-known choreography by the likes of George Balanchine and Merce Cunningham. The Trocks perform an exaggerated, hilarious version of iconic ballerina Anna Pavlova’s most famous ballet solo, The Dying Swan. This signature piece is serious fun!
Complexions Contemporary Ballet debuts at the Detroit Opera House just in time for its 30th anniversary. Co-founded by two former Ailey dancers as “a concept in dance,” Complexions originally featured dancers from the major New York-based companies such as Joffrey, Ailey, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. What started as a project evolved into a well-respected, inventive contemporary ballet company that tours internationally. The repertoire features choreography by Dwight Rhoden that melds classical and contemporary ballet. The first half of the program, danced to classical music, includes my favorite Rhoden pas de deux, Ave Maria, and will feature a live performance by soprano Brianna Robinson, one of Detroit Opera’s 24/25 Resident Artists. A brand-new spoken-word piece by Aaron Dworkin will be performed to Global Warming by Michael Abels, co-composer of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar. The second half, Love Rocks, is choreographed to the music of Lenny Kravitz. I promise that you will leave the opera house feeling the love!
Jon H. Teeuwissen Artistic Advisor for Dance
Volunteers are the heart of all we do.
For lovers of opera, dance, theater, history, and community.
Join Detroit Opera’s volunteer community and share your gifts and talents. Have fun and make friends while participating in a multitude of opportunities all supporting Detroit Opera’s mission.
Our volunteers are ambassadors for Detroit Opera and the city of Detroit, warmly welcoming patrons from near and far to the beautiful, 100-year-old Detroit Opera House for an experience they will cherish forever.
Easily sign up for events using our online volunteer portal.
Detroit Opera Youth Chorus presents
DECEMBER 15, 2024
@2:00PM AT DETROIT OPERA HOUSE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT DETROITOPERA.ORG
Operetta Remix
This summer, Operetta Remix, a camp for aspiring artists ages 13-18, performed at DO with a company of 24 students. The students worked with experienced opera and theater professionals to develop their skills in singing, acting, stage movement, healthy vocal technique, and audition practice. The repertoire included pieces from the operetta, opera, and musical theater canon.
Create & Perform
Making a successful return to our summer programming, Create & Perform recently welcomed students ages 8-12 for an innovative two-week program. These young artists created their own stories, dances, and music compositions, culminating in a performance at Detroit Opera titled Wonderland: No Town Like Motown
Questions about summer programs?
Contact Director of Education Branden Hood at bhood@detroitopera.org or Associate Director of Education Mark Vondrak at mvondrak@detroitopera.org
The Future of Opera. Built in Detroit.
Introducing our National Circle giving society
If you are a proud champion of all things “Detroit-made” and an advocate of operatic distinction and innovation on a national—and even international—level, then you belong in our newly established National Circle giving society.
Through your generous annual gift of $25,000 or more, you will be making a resounding statement demonstrating your profound passion for our art form and unwavering belief in its potential to affect meaningful change. It is a vote of confidence in our intention to present a broad spectrum of operatic experiences—from the traditional, time-honored gems of the repertoire to living-and-breathing contemporary creations and re-imaginings—that bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, and inspire timely and important conversations.
It’s Your Turn to Be in the National Spotlight
To learn more about the National Circle and associated donor benefits, please contact Juliano Bitonti Stewart, Director of Development, at 313.965.4271 or jstewart@detroitopera.org.
“We want to be very inclusive in creating the National Circle because it’s all about supporting Detroit Opera on a national stage. So if you care about Detroit, if you care about opera, and if you care about the integral role Detroit Opera plays in shaping the future of both of those important things, then we would like to welcome you to be a part of what we’re doing.”
Barbara Walkowski, National Circle Founding Chair
SAT DEC 07, 7:30PM
PRE-PERFORMANCE
TALK @6:30PM
SUN DEC 08, 2:30PM
PRE-PERFORMANCE
TALK @1:30PM
No photography or video is allowed during the performance. Please silence all phones.
BY
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RACHEL NEVILLE
30 TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
FOUNDING CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson
PRINCIPAL CHOREOGRAPHER
Dwight Rhoden
ARTISTIC ADVISORS ............................... Carmen de Lavallade & Sarita Allen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Muadi B. Dibinga
RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER .............................................. Jae Man Joo
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ........................................... Monica Montaño
COMPANY MANAGER Bex Silberfein
PRODUCTION AND LIGHTING SUPERVISOR ........................ Harrison Hoffert
STAGE MANAGER .............................................................. Ron Vodicka
PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE Jillian Davis
THE COMPANY
Alberto Andrade Bilgude Ariunbold Aeron Buchanan Christian Burse
Michael Cherry Jillian Davis Angelo De Serra
Chloe Duryea Vincenzo Di Primo Joe González Aristotle Luna*
Marissa Mattingly Miguel Solano Lucy Stewart
Candy Tong Manuel Vaccaro April Watson
*Apprentice
DETROIT OPERA ORCHESTRA
David LaMarche, Conductor
30 (2024)
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Global Warming by Michael Abels*
Spoken-word: “Ode to the Dance of Revolution,” written and performed by Aaron Dworkin
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: Christine Darch
Performed by The Company
Detroit Opera Orchestra
David LaMarche, conductor
CHOKE (2006)
Choke is originally a duet for two men that highlights opposing qualities and competitive energies.
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: “Summer” from Vivaldi ’s The Four Seasons
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: DRSquared
Performed by Christian Burse and Marissa Mattingly
Detroit Opera Orchestra
Daniel Stachyra, violin
David LaMarche, conductor
POCKET SYMPHONY (2023)
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: “Frost” from Sven Helbig’s Pocket Symphony *
Lighting Design: Matt Taylor
Costume Design: Christine Darch
Performed by Kobe Atwood Courtney, Michael Cherry, Vincenzo Di Primo, Chloe Duryea, Miguel Solano, and Lucy Stewart.
Detroit Opera Orchestra
David LaMarche, conductor
ELEGY (2020)
In loving memory of Dolores Rhoden and Yvonne Richardson. Unconditional Love. Believer. Matriarch. Fighter. Forever In Our Hearts.
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Adagio sostenuto from Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14 (“Moonlight”)
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: Christine Darch
Performed by Jillian Davis
John Etsell, piano
AVE MARIA (1995)
Dedicated to the loving memory of Virginia Childs
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Vladimir Vavilov, attr. Giulio Caccini, transcribed by David Carp
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: Christine Darch
Performed by April Watson and Joe González on Saturday, December 7th
Performed by Chloe Duryea and Bilgude Ariunbold on Sunday, December 8th
Detroit Opera Orchestra
Brianna J. Robinson, soprano David LaMarche, conductor
BOLERO (2024)
Dedicated in Loving Memory of Judith Jamison
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: Ravel’s Bolero*
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: Christine Darch
Performed by The Company
Detroit Opera Orchestra
David LaMarche, conductor
Ms. Jamison, your legacy lives on in all of us. You taught us the importance of emphasizing the collective and the power of a common purpose. Bolero illustrates the fight within the journey to that state of unity. Deeply human, Bolero digs into the psyche of the human condition and uses the struggles, challenges and triumphs as the inspiration, with Love as a cornerstone, just as Ms. Jamison did.
Bolero was made possible by the generous support of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fund. Special thanks to Tom Mossbruker & Jean Philippe Malaty
*Music Credits:
Bolero: By arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., Sole Agent in the US, Canada and Mexico for Durand S.A. Editions Musicales, a Universal Music Publishing Group company, publisher and copyright owner. Global Warming: Music by Michael Abels. Published by and presented with the permission of Subito Music Corporation. Pocket Symphony: “Frost” from Pocket Symphonies. Composed by Sven Helbig. Presented under license by G. Schirmer, Inc. o/b/o Bosworth Music GMBH, copyright owners.
~ INTERMISSION ~
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD EXCERPT
(2023)
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Music: U2*
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: Christine Darch
Performed by The Company
“Where the Streets Have No Name” “I Will Follow”
“Every Breaking Wave” “Vertigo”
“With or Without You”
“Pride”
*Music Credits:
Where The Streets Have No Name, Every Breaking Wave, Vertigo, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, With Or Without You, I Will Follow, Two Hearts Beat As One, Invisible, Until the End of the World, Pride (In the Name of Love) Performed by U2, Written by Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd.
“30” ODE TO THE DANCE OF REVOLUTION
Under the canopy of constellations
Theater of movement
Complexions in ardent embrace
On a stage for those who listen
To the secrets where echoes
Reside.
Resonant calls
Coveting the flame that beckons
Decades of dance
Spoken through points of time
Tipping and boiling
The passions of citizenry.
Desmond and Dwight
Architects of the zephyr
Forging a hurricane
Of change to tradition
Molding the scent of music
Into odyssey of form.
Each gesture
A bold declaration of existence
Upon a widened canvas
Of Marley floors
And strokes of genius.
A tempest of persistence
Swept into relentless inquiry
Delving into clues
Informing the core of struggle
That fuels revolution And gives rise
To perseverance.
Unyielding ballet
Amidst chaos
Anchor of defiant evolution
At the precipice of art
Where longing
Meets the discipline.
A congregation
In rite of unity
Where bodies articulate
The prose of peace
In rhythm
A potent plea
For connection.
Dwight and Desmond
Ignited a beacon
30 years in the making
Through cacophony
Doubt
Relentless trials
Each descent a recovery
Each ascent a vow.
A kinship of races
From discord to harmony
From singular to grace
Complexions
I have found my place.
—Aaron P. Dworkin, Resident Poetjournalist
DETROIT OPERA ORCHESTRA
Detroit Federation of Musicians, Local #5, of the American Federation of Musicians
VIOLIN I
Daniel Stachyra* Interim Concertmaster
Yuri Popowycz* Acting Assistant Concertmaster
Henrik Karapetyan*
David Ormai
Beth Kirton*
Molly Hughes*
Will Thain
Emily Barkakati*
Valissa Willwerth
VIOLIN II
Emelyn Bashour* Principal
Jenny Wan*
Velda Kelly*
Courtney Lubin
Andrew Wu*
Melody Wootton
Judith Teasdle
Chase Ward
VIOLA
John Madison* Principal
Scott Stefanko*
James Greer
Jacqueline Hanson*
Julianne Zinn
Joseph Deller
CELLO
Ivana Biliskov* Principal
Benjamin Maxwell*
Andrea Yun*
Lauren Mathews
Megan Yip
Robert Paddock
BASS
Derek Weller* Principal
Clark Suttle*
Jean Posekany
Greg Sheldon
FLUTE
Shantanique Moore
Brandon LePage
Francesca Leo Piccolo
OBOE
Eli Stefanacci* Principal
Yuki Harding
Oboe d’amore
CLARINET
Roi Karni* Principal
Sandra Jackson
E-flat Clarinet
Bill King* Bass Clarinet
BASSOON
Daniel Fendrick* Principal
Gregory Quick*
Liam Jackson Contrabassoon
SAXOPHONE
Joseph Lulloff
Soprano/Tenor Saxophone
Jeffrey Heisler
Soprano Saxophone
HORN
Colin Bianchi* Principal
Carrie Banfield-Taplin*
Susan Mutter
Nicholas Culver
* Detroit Opera Core Orchestra Members Members of the violin sections occasionally rotate.
TRUMPET
David Ammer* Principal
Mark Davis*
Derek Lockhart
Neil Mueller
Piccolo Trumpet
TROMBONE
Mark Broschinsky Acting Principal
Dustin Nguyen*
Jihong Son
Stefan Stolarchuk
Bass Trombone
TUBA
David Zerkel
TIMPANI
Eric Stoss* Principal
PERCUSSION
John Dorsey* Principal
Ronald Strnad
Keith Claeys
Dan Maslanka
HARP
Juan Riveros Acting Principal
PIANO, HARPSICHORD, CELESTE
John Etsell
Hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends dance tradition through a groundbreaking approach to the art. Complexions was founded in 1994 by master choreographer Dwight Rhoden and the legendary Desmond Richardson; its foremost innovation is to remove boundaries, not reinforce them. The company blends methods, styles, and cultures from across the globe, and the result is a continually evolving form of dance that reflects the movement of our world—and all its cultures—as an interrelated whole.
Complexions’ artistic directors and company members teach master classes around the world to dancers of all levels, bringing the company’s inventive vision of human movement to five continents, over 20 countries, and over 20 million television viewers. The company has also performed at major dance festivals throughout Europe. These include Italy’s Festival of Dance; France’s Isle De Dance Festival and Maison De La Dance Festival; the Holland Dance Festival; Switzerland’s Steps International Dance Festival; Poland’s kódźBiennale, Warsaw Ballet Festival, and Kraków Spring Ballet Festival; and Spain’s Dance Festival of Canary Islands.
Complexions has toured extensively throughout the Baltic Regions, Korea, Brazil, Japan, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Israel, Russia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Serbia, Jamaica, and Australia.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet has received The New York Times Critics’ Choice Award, among numerous other awards. It has appeared in theaters across the U.S., including the Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, New Victory Theater (New York City), the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts (New Orleans), Paramount Theatre (Seattle), the Music Center (Los Angeles), Winspear Opera House (Dallas), Cutler Majestic Theatre (Boston), Music Hall (Detroit), and the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.) as part of the 2017 Ballet Across America. Prominent theaters abroad that have hosted Complexions include the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kremlin Theatre (Moscow), The Mikhailovsky Theater (St. Petersburg), and the Melbourne Arts Center. Over the past three decades, the company has witnessed a world becoming more fluid, more changeable, and more culturally interconnected than ever before. Today, Complexions Contemporary Ballet represents one of the most recognized and respected performing arts brands worldwide.
DWIGHT RHODEN CO-FOUNDER, CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL CHOREOGRAPHER
Dwight Rhoden has established a remarkably wide-ranging career, earning distinction from The New York Times as “one of the most sought out choreographers of the day.” Dwight began dancing at age 17, and has performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Ballets Jazz Montréal, and as a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
In 1994, alongside Desmond Richardson, he founded Complexions Contemporary Ballet, bringing their unique brand of contemporary ballet to the world, forging a center for innovation and cutting-edge programming. Dwight’s choreography has been the linchpin of the company’s repertory development. In three decades, he has created more than 100 ballets for Complexions, as well as for numerous other companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Arizona Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, BalletMet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Joffrey Ballet, Miami City Ballet, New York City Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadanco!, Mariinsky Ballet, Zenon Dance Company, Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet, among many others.
Dwight has also choreographed for So You Think You Can Dance, E! Entertainment’s Tribute to Style, Amici (Italy), Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, Mozart: Her Story—The New Musical , and collaborated with artists including Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Paul Simon, Nina Simone, and many more.
A recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts Award, the Choo San Goh Award for Choreography, and the Ailey School’s Apex Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from the Boston Conservatory in recognition of his extensive contributions to the field of dance.
Currently he is Adjunct Professor at Howard University and Artistic Professor of Dance at Chapman University.
DESMOND RICHARDSON CO-FOUNDER, CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Desmond Richardson is an iconic American dance professional who is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, currently celebrating its 30th-anniversary season. Desmond is a Broadway Tony Award nominee, TED Talk guest artist and speaker, and guest choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance and Amici (Italy).
Desmond is a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and has graced the covers of various publications; he was the first African American principal dancer of American Ballet Theater, a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Frankfurt Ballet, and a featured guest performer nationally and internationally.
He has received the Capezio, Rosey Roosevelt Thompson, Bessie and Dance Magazine awards, and received an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Desmond and his collaborator Dwight Rhoden are co-creators of Mozart: Her Story—The New Musical with producers Tegan Summer, Patricia Klausner, and Christopher Sepulveda; the show has been performed at Carnegie Hall and in London. Desmond’s character Ted appeared in the third season of The Other Two, the HBO Max hit series.
AARON P. DWORKIN RESIDENT POETJOURNALIST
Aaron P. Dworkin is a poetjournalist, social entrepreneur, author, filmmaker, and Professor of Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts, and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron is a best-selling writer and author. Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, the Arts, and Mental Health was published in August; he has also published two poetry collections, a children’s book, science-fiction novel, and The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives. Aaron founded the Institute for Poetjournalism and originated the term “poetjournalism,” which is defined as “the research, creation, and distribution of writing that evokes an emotional connection to news related subjects or other relevant ideas utilizing elements of sound, meter, rhythm and/or creative illustration.” He has performed his poetry as a spoken-word artist at organizations ranging from Carnegie Hall to Detroit’s Wright Museum of African-American History and Orchestra Hall. He serves as Poetjournalistin-Residence of the City of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial, the Rodham Institute, Fisher Foundation, Wright Museum, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Grantmakers in the Arts, Ovation TV, and Shar Music. Aaron’s Emmy awardwinning film An American Prophecy was honored by numerous festivals, while his digital art project, Fractured History, has exhibited to rave reviews. Aaron is also a leading social entrepreneur. He founded the globally-recognized Sphinx Organization, whose mission is transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. He serves as host of the nationally-broadcast video series Arts Engines, with a weekly viewership of over 100,000. He is a soughtafter global thought leader and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, excellence in arts education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, as well as inclusion in the performing arts. Website: patreon.com/poetjournalist
DAVID LAMARCHE CONDUCTOR
David LaMarche has been working as a conductor in the dance field for more than 38 years. He served as music director for the Dance Theatre of Harlem from 1993 to 1998 and has guest conducted New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, the Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, L’Opera di Roma, and Het National Ballet. Orchestras he has directed include the Houston Symphony, the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Paris Opera Orchestra, the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Moscow Radio Orchestra, and the Orchestre Lamoreux. David is currently in his 25th year on the staff of American Ballet Theatre. He is music director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and an adjunct faculty member of the Juilliard School. LaMarche is a graduate of Boston University and resides in New York City.
ALBERTO ANDRADE DANCE ARTIST
Alberto is from Queens, New York. He started his training at Sugarloaf Ballet, then went on to train at the Colburn School and the Milwaukee Ballet School. He attended summer programs including the School of Pennsylvania Ballet, the School of American Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, Ellison Ballet, and the Milwaukee Ballet School. He previously danced with Milwaukee Ballet 2 and American Contemporary Ballet. Alberto joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in January 2023.
BILGUDE ARIUNBOLD DANCE ARTIST
Originally from Mongolia, Bilgude trained as a ballet dancer at the Mongolian Conservatory from 2005 to 2012. In 2009, while still a student, he was chosen to join Mongolia’s State Academic Theater of Opera and Dance, where he performed as a soloist until 2015. He then joined Wise Ballet Theatre in South Korea as a principal dancer (2015–21). Bilgude studied choreography for three years at Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture, where he created and performed his own choreography called (Energy). He joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in January 2024.
AERON BUCHANAN DANCE ARTIST
Aeron began his formal training at age 10 at Maryland Youth Ballet, but his passion for dance has been there since birth. His mother was a former dancer and studio owner, and Aeron’s love of movement came naturally. He trained at the Washington Ballet and then at Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA), graduating in 2017. He spent summers attending programs such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. After graduating from BSA, he attended year-round programs at Boston Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet before joining Cincinnati Ballet’s second company. He joined Nashville Ballet as an Apprentice in 2020 and was promoted to Company Artist there in 2022. During his time with the company, he was featured in works by Jermaine Spivey, Jennifer Archibald, Justin Peck, Jiří Kylián, and Matthew Neenan. Aeron joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2024.
CHRISTIAN BURSE DANCE ARTIST
Christian was born in Austin, Texas, where she began her dance journey at age two. She completed her early dance training at RISE Dance Company, where she received a diverse dance education. She continued her dance training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas, and Dance Industry Performing Arts Center. She attended multiple summer intensives at the Complexions Academy and the Juilliard School. She has received awards from the National YoungArts Foundation and was named a 2020–21 Texas Young Master. Christian joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2021.
MICHAEL CHERRY DANCE ARTIST
Michael was born and raised in Springfield, Virginia. He earned his BFA in Dance, with a minor in Arts Management, from George Mason University. He has danced in works created/set by Camille A Brown, Alejandro Cerrudo, Doug Varone, Manuel Vignoulle, Rafael Bonachela, Rena Butler, Fiona Jopp, Susan Shields, Shaun Boyle-Darcy, and Christopher d’Amboise. He has attended the Juilliard School’s summer dance intensive, Complexions summer and winter intensives, as well as LINES summer dance intensive. He is thrilled to be in his first season dancing with Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2024.
JILLIAN DAVIS DANCE ARTIST, ASSISTANT REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
Jillian is from Pennsylvania and began her ballet training at age three. She studied extensively with Risa Kaplowitz and Susan Jaffe at Princeton Dance and Theater Studio in Princeton, New Jersey. She has been a Company Artist with Complexions since 2014 and has been a part of several Dwight Rhoden world premieres. Additionally, she is a Co-Assistant Rehearsal Director and a Production Associate with the company. Jillian is also a choreographer assistant with Jae Man Joo and Dwight Rhoden. Jillian is a Master Faculty member for Complexions Academy, where she teaches winter and summer intensives. She also teaches at master classes throughout the U.S. Instagram: @jillange93
ANGELO DE SERRA DANCE ARTIST
Angelo grew up in Sassari, Sardinia, Italy. He began his professional training at age 14 with ABT ballet teacher Sharon Podesva. He attended summer intensives at the Royal Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and Academie Princesse Grace. At age 17, he was awarded Senior Male Classical Top Six at Youth America Grand Prix Italy, and a year later won first place in the Classical Soloist category of the Expression International Dance Competition in Florence, where he received a scholarship to the Alvin Ailey School. After moving to Cannes, France, he graduated from PNSD-Rosella Hightower and joined Cannes Jeune Ballet.
He then attended the Ailey School in New York City, where he also attended intensives at the Complexions Academy. Angelo joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet as an Apprentice Artist in 2022 and was promoted to Company Artist in 2024. Instagram: @angelodeserraa
VINCENZO DI PRIMO DANCE ARTIST
Vincenzo grew up in Adrano, Sicily, Italy and graduated from the Vienna State Opera Ballet Academy. Vincenzo has performed with some of the world’s top dance companies, including Royal Ballet of London, and has danced in works choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan, Crystal Pite, Marius Petipa, Peter Wright, Frederick Ashton, Morgann Runacre-Temple, Nacho Duato, Natalia Horecna, Dwight Rhoden, Justin Peck, Jae Man Joo, Ricardo Amarante, and Jenn Freeman, among others. Among his awards are Prize winner and Contemporary Prize at the Prix de Lausanne, Gold Medal and Nureyev prize at Grand Prix de Paris, Outstanding Artistry Prize at Youth America Grand Prix New York, and Bronze Medal at the Beijing International Ballet Competition. In 2019, he was a contestant and finalist on the Italian TV show Amici and was included in Dance Magazine ’s “25 to Watch” in 2021. Vincenzo joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2019.
CHLOE DURYEA DANCE ARTIST
Chloe received her early dance training near her hometown of Haslett, Michigan. While in high school, she attended American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive as a National Training Scholar on full scholarship. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Ballet, with Highest Distinction, from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she also studied kinesiology. At Indiana University, she was featured in works by Twyla Tharp, Dwight Rhoden, and as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty. Chloe has performed with the Ruth Page Civic Ballet and the Indianapolis School of Ballet, performing the pas de deux in George Balanchine’s Nutcracker. She has danced professionally with Elements Contemporary Ballet, James Sewell Ballet, and has performed at the Cannes Dance Festival. Since joining Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2023, Chloe has performed works by Dwight Rhoden, Justin Peck, and Ricardo Amarante, and has also performed at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.
JOE GONZ Á LEZ DANCE ARTIST
Joe is from Boston, Massachusetts, where he trained at Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts and Boston Arts Academy. He has participated in Boston Conservatory’s summer intensive, American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, and at Springboard Danse Montreal. He earned his BFA from Boston Conservatory. Joe has commissioned works for dance companies as well as universities and other educational institutions. Joe toured nationally and internationally as a performing artist with Philadanco!, Anna Myer & Dancers, Prometheus Dance, #DBdanceProject, and WaheedWorks, and was the 2020–21 DanceVisions Artist in Residence at Performance Garage. He is founder and artistic director of Jo-Mé Dance and has served on the faculty at Temple University, Georgian Court University, and Boston Arts Academy. He joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2022. Instagram: @j.gonzalez.dance
MARISSA MATTINGLY DANCE ARTIST
Marissa grew up in Tampa, Florida, where she trained in a variety of dance styles beginning at age three. She studied ballet and contemporary dance more intensively at age 13, when she began training at All American Dance Factory and Classical Ballet School under the direction of Terri Howell and Julio Montano and participated in many ballet competitions. She is a four-time Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) finalist, and performed in the Universal Ballet Competition (UBC) 2022 finals gala as a Legacy Award winner. She attended her first Complexions summer intensive in 2021, and was invited to take part in the company’s two-week trainee program in 2022. She joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in August 2022, at age 17. Since then, she has performed in numerous ballets by Dwight Rhoden, including the world premieres of Endgame and For Crying Out Loud at the Joyce Theater. Instagram: @marissa_mattingly_
MIGUEL SOLANO DANCE ARTIST, ASSISTANT REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Miguel began his dance journey at age 17. After early training in Colombia, he moved to New York City to complete his studies at the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet on a full scholarship, performing with Kirkland’s studio company. Miguel has performed with Awaken Dance Theater, Thomas/Ortiz Dance, RudduR Dance, and Connecticut Ballet. He has collaborated with esteemed choreographers including Earl Mosley, Christopher Rudd, Francesca Harper, Ricardo Amarante, Jenn Freeman, Darrell Moultrie, Larry Keigwin, Nadege Hottier, Larissa Calero, Eve Chan, and Ted Thomas. In addition to his performance career, Miguel is a faculty member at Complexions Academy, where he teaches intensives and leads master classes globally. Miguel joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2018 and became Assistant Rehearsal Director in 2023. Instagram: @miguellsolano
LUCY STEWART DANCE ARTIST
Lucy grew up near Denver, Colorado, dancing at Colorado Ballet and Kinetic Arts Dance Studio. She spent summers training with American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, Complexions, and Colorado Ballet. Lucy attended numerous Complexions summer intensives from 2017 to 2021, in addition to the preprofessional program in New York in 2019 and 2020. She studied dance at the Juilliard School from 2020 to 2022 before joining Complexions for their summer tour that year. She has studied with leading dance artists including Ohad Naharin, Francesca Harper, Tiler Peck, Rena Butler, James Whiteside, Karole Armitage, Matthew Neenan, Jae Man Joo, Jenn Freeman, and Ricardo Amarante, and has performed Set and Reset by Trisha Brown. In summer 2024, Lucy danced with Traverse City Dance Project and taught at Complexions’ Florida summer intensive.
CANDY TONG DANCE ARTIST
Candy was born in San Francisco, California. She trained at San Francisco Ballet School under full scholarship and received her BFA in Dance Performance from the University of California, Irvine, completing the program in just two and a half years. Candy began her dance career at age 18 with English National Ballet in London, where she performed and toured with the company. Before joining Complexions, Candy was part of the inaugural Complexions pre-professional program in 2017 before joining the company professionally a year later. Alongside her dance career, Candy is a certified personal trainer and comprehensive Pilates instructor through third-generation master instructor Diane Diefenderfer of Studio Du Corps. She is a signed model with State Model Management and has been featured on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar magazine. As an entrepreneur, Candy is a fashion designer and founder of the dancewear company Candy Tong Collection. Candy has been a Company Artist with Complexions Contemporary Ballet since 2018.
MANUEL VACCARO DANCE ARTIST
Manuel was born in the small Sicilian city of Modica, Italy. His passion for dance began as soon as he learned how to walk. He began dance studies at age six in Sicily; at age 10, he was admitted to the Rome Opera House dance school, where he studied for four years. In 2018, he began studies at the Rosella Hightower dance school in France. From 2019 to 2022, he studied at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia, from which he received his diploma in professional dance and ballet teaching. Manuel joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet Academy in 2023.
Instagram: @manuel_vaccaro_
APRIL WATSON DANCE ARTIST
April began her dance training at age eight at University North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Preparatory Program. In 2016, April graduated from University North Carolina School of the Arts High School Program. She spent summers with School of American Ballet, Houston Ballet, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Charlotte Ballet, Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Joffrey of Chicago, all on scholarship. After graduating from UNCSA, she spent two years in Los Angeles, studying under the direction of Debbie Allen as an Artist in Residence on scholarship. April joined Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2019 and is also on the Complexions Academy faculty.
Instagram: @wca
ARISTOTLE LUNA APPRENTICE
Aristotle grew up on the Salt Spring and Orcas Islands in the Salish Sea, and began dancing full-time at age 10 under the direction of Anthony the Dancer. He soon became a member of the Island Inspiration All Stars, a dance collective from Orcas Island. Studying and performing in ballet, contemporary, tap, hiphop, salsa, jazz, and aerial acrobatics, he danced and performed in more than 150 shows, including Billy in Billy Elliot. Aristotle graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, completing his BFA in dance in May 2024. He began as a trainee with Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 2022, while still in college. Additional training includes Ariel Serrano at the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Homer Bryant of the Chicago MultiCultural Dance Center, and an apprentice-residency with Dance Now! Miami. Summer intensives include Jacob’s Pillow, Orsolina28, Hubbard Street, Houston Ballet, and Interlochen. Aristotle is thrilled to be performing fulltime with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. In his spare time, Aristotle is an avid capoeirista and Charles Mingus devotee.
COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Everick Brown, Dwight Rhoden, Desmond Richardson, Carl Nelson, Sarah Picot, Felicia Swoope
NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Debbie Allen, Angela Bassett, Wren T. Brown, Susan Jaffe, Carmen de Lavallade, Lisa Niemi Swayze, Courtney B. Vance, Pauletta Washington
COLLABORATORS
Publicist: Lisa Labrado
Photographers: Rachel Neville, Steve Vaccariello Company, Taylor Craft, PhotosbyDrizzy, The Gingerb3ardman Photography
Accompanists: Ai Isshiki, Dan Meinhardt, Alice Hargrove
Videographer: Jacob Hiss
REPRESENTATION
Margaret Selby, Selby/Artists MGMT 262 West 38th Street, Suite 1701 New York, NY 10018
Because of your dedication and support, Detroit Opera continues to provide meaningful artistic experiences for our community and inspires audiences of the future.
Please consider a gift to Detroit Opera this season. Your generosity will ensure that our community has access to the highest caliber of dance performances, like Complexions Contemporary Ballet for years to come!
Charitable contributions generate a significant portion of our overall funding and are investments in the future of performing arts in our community. Without donations, opera and dance cannot thrive in southeast Michigan.
Thank you for all the ways you support us!
Thank you to our donors Detroit Opera Honor Roll
Detroit Opera gratefully acknowledges these generous donors for their cumulative lifetime giving. Their transformative support has played a vital role in the history of Detroit Opera since being founded by Dr. David DiChiera as Michigan Opera Theatre in 1971, the building of the Detroit Opera House in 1996, and the metamorphosis into Detroit Opera in 2022 under the leadership of Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director Yuval Sharon.
Their leadership plays an integral part in the company's viability, underwriting quality opera and dance performances as well as award-winning community.
$10,000,000+
The William Davidson Foundation
Ford Motor Company Fund
The State of Michigan
$5,000,000+
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
General Motors
The Kresge Foundation
Stellantis
$2,000,000+
Mr.* & Mrs. Douglas Allison
Mr. Lee & Mrs. Floy Barthel
Marvin, Betty & Joanne Danto Dance Endowment and Marvin & Betty Danto Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Lear Corporation
Linda Dresner & Ed Levy Jr.
Masco Corporation
McGregor Fund
The Skillman Foundation
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
$1,000,000+
AT&T
Bank of America
Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Foundation
Mr.* & Mrs. John A. Boll Sr.
Compuware Corporation
Estate of Robert & RoseAnn Comstock
DTE Energy Foundation
The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Mrs. Margo Cohen Feinberg & Mr. Robert Feinberg
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Mrs. Barbara Frankel* and Mr. Ronald Michalak
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Frankel*
General Motors Corporation
Hudson-Webber Foundation
JPMorgan Chase
Paul Lavins
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
Dr. & Mrs. Sam B. Williams*
Matilda R. Wilson Fund
Every effort has been made to accurately reflect donor names and gift levels. Should you find an error or omission, please contact Angela Nelson-Heesch at anelsonheesch@detroitopera.org or 313.237.3438
KEY
* Deceased
Contributors to Detroit Opera
Detroit Opera gratefully acknowledges these generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose contributions to Detroit Opera were made between July 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. The generosity of our donors is vital to sustaining Detroit Opera’s position as a valued cultural resource.
Foundations, Corporate & Government Support
$1,000,000+
William Davidson Foundation
State of Michigan
$500,000-$999,999
John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation
$250,000-$499,999
The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Ford Foundation
Gilbert Family Foundation
The Mellon Foundation
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
Individual Support
$100,000-$249,999
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Ford Philanthropy
General Motors
$50,000-$99,999
Hudson Webber Foundation
Milner Hotels Foundation
$25,000-$49,999
Applebaum Family Foundation
Kresge Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Matilda R. Wilson Fund
$10,000-$24,999
Detroit Children’s Choir
Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation
DTE Energy Foundation
Geoinge Foundation
Masco Corporation
MGM Grand Detroit
OPERA America
Penske Corporation
Ralph L. and Winifred E. Polk Foundation
Louis and Nellie Sieg Fund
Ida and Conrad H. Smith Endowment for MOT
The Mary Thompson Foundation
The Williams Family Fund
Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation
$5,000-$9,999
C&N Foundation
James & Lynelle Holden Fund Honigman LLP
The National Circle
Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation
Somerset Collection
Charitable Foundation
Strum Allesee Family Foundation
The Samuel L. Westerman Foundation
$1,000-$4,999
Joyce Cohn Young Artist Fund
Marjorie And Maxwell Jospey Foundation
Josephine Kleiner Foundation
Elmira L. Rhein Family Foundation
Sigmund and Sophie Rohlik Foundation
Rugiero Promise Foundation
Introduced in 2024, members of the National Circle are Detroit Opera’s leading supporters in this pivotal moment, playing an essential role in bringing the transformative power of opera to audiences in our city and across the country. Through their annual support of $25,000 or more, these donors have an unwavering belief in our art form’s ability to affect meaningful change.
$100,000+
Ethan & Gretchen Davidson
Leslie Lazzerin*
Linda Dresner & Ed Levy Jr.
Ms. Vivien McDonald*
David & Christine Provost
Gary Wasserman & Charles Kashner
$50,000-$99,999
Richard Alonzo
Ruth Rattner
Mr. David W Schmidt
Mr. Cyril Moscow
$25,000-$49,999
Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya
Elaine Fontana*
Susanne McMillan
James & Ann Nicholson
Matthew & Mona Simoncini
Mrs. Phyllis Funk Snow*
The DiChiera Society
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
Jesse & Yesenia Venegas
Ms. Barbara A. Walkowski
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
DiChiera Society members honor the legacy and vision of our company’s founder, David DiChiera, while bolstering our future as one of the most significant and innovative opera and dance organizations in the country under the leadership of the Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director, Yuval Sharon, with an emphasis on community engagement, accessibility, and artistic risk-taking.
$10,000-$24,999
Mr. Joseph A. Bartush
Gene Bowen
Richard & Joanne Brodie
Wayne Brown & Brenda Kee
Enrico & Kathleen DiGirolamo
Ms. Nina S. Drolias
Carl & Mary Ann Fontana
Ms. Nancy B. Henk
Patty Isacson Sabee & David Sabee
Mary Kramer
Denise Lewis
Jack Martin & Bettye Arrington-Martin
Ms. Mary C. Mazure
Ali Moiin & William Kupsky
Donald & Antoinette Morelock
William & Wendy Powers
Waltraud Prechter
Dr. & Mrs. Samir M. Ragheb
Irvin & Pamela Reid
Michael Wellman
$5,000-$9,999
Ms. Christine Ammer
Dr. Harold Mitchell Arrington
Ms. Mary Barton Letts
Richard & Susan Bingham
Nicole A. Boelstler
Ms. Violet Dalla Vecchia
Maria & David Duey
Marianne Endicott
Fern Espino & Tom Short
Paul & Mary Sue Ewing
Michael Fisher
Ms. Laurie R. Frankel
Bharat & Lynn Gandhi
Ralph & Erica Gerson
Allan Gilmour & Eric Jirgens
Toby Haberman
William Hulsker & Aris Urbanes
John & Arlene Lewis
Stephan & Marian Loginsky
Robert & Terri Lutz
Don Manvel
Ronald Michalak
Ms. Evelyn Micheletti
Phillip Minch
Mary Moll
Robert & Susan Morris
George & Jo Nyman
Prof. Sara A. Pozzi, Ph.D
Ms. Stephanie M. Prechter
Ms. Pam E. Rodgers
Evan & Kelsey Ross
Janice Ross
Ankur Rungta & Mayssoun Bydon
Mary Schlaff & Sanford Koltonow
Terry Shea & Seigo Nakao
Frank & Susan Sonye
Ms. Mary Anne Stella
Mr. Peter C. Stern
Dr. Lorna Thomas, MD
Barbara Van Dusen
Mr. Lewis Wagner
Ned & Joan Winkelman
Ellen Hill Zeringue
$2,500-$4,999
Nina Abrams
Thomas & Gretchen Anderson
D. L. Anthony
Gregory & Mary Barkley
Douglas & Sandra Bitonti Stewart
Paul & Lee Blizman
Bob & Rosemary Brasie
Ronald & Mildred Burkman
Dr. Lynne Carter
Albert & Janette Cassar
Dr. Mary Carol Conroy
Maurice & Carolyn Cunniffe
Walter & Lillian Dean
Carolyn Demps & Guy Simons
Cristina DiChiera &
Neal Walsh
Ms. Lisa Maria DiChiera
Ms. Mary Jane Doerr
Marla Donovan
Ms. Judith Ellis
Marjory Epstein
Raina Ernstoff & Sanford Hansell
Michael & Sally Feder
Yvonne Friday & Stephen Black
Clifford & Zoe Furgison
Glendon Gardner
Robert & Christine Hage
Mrs. Beverly Hall Burns
Ms. Carole Hardy
Barbara Heller
Doreen Hermelin
Roberto Kalb & Mane Galoyan
Barbara & Michael Kratchman
Max Lepler & Rex Dotson
Arthur & Nancy Liebler
Amy McCombs
Mary McGough
Friends of Detroit Opera
Van Momon & Pamela L. Berry
Xavier & Maeva Mosquet
Brian Murphy & Toni
Sanchez-Murphy
Geoffrey Nathan
Peter & Barbara Nickles
Sally Orley
Mr. Jonathan F. Orser
Brock & Katherine Plumb
The Estate of Magdalena Predeteanu
Ted & Carrie Pryor
Leon & Debbe Saperstein
Rosalind Sell
Mark & Lois Shaevsky
Laura Sias*
Susan Sills
Michael & Stacey Simmons
Susan A. Smith
Dr. Gregory E. Stephens
C. Thomas & Bernie Toppin
Jeff & Amy Voigt
Stanley Waldon
Bret & Susanna Williams
Every gift helps to ensure that opera and dance thrive in our community, and that we share the indescribable experience we feel when the curtain rises. Friends of Detroit Opera are among our most loyal and crucial supporters and receive exclusive benefits with annual gifts of $500 or more.
$1,000-$2,499
Nell Duke & David Ammer
Ms. Geraldine Atkinson
Peggyann & Ramon Berguer
Mr. Stanislaw Bialoglowski
Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Bleznak
Constance Bodurow
Marsha Bruhn
Patricia Cosgrove
Tonino & Sarah Corsetti
James & Elizabeth Ciroli
Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs
Alex Erdeljan
Burke & Carol Fossee
Joseph Fontana & Nada Jurisich-Fontana
Carol Gagliardi & David Flesher
Mr. Thomas M. Gervasi
Stuart Grigg
Mr. Lawrence Glowczewski
Mr. Nathaniel Good
Mary Ellen Hoy & Jim Keller
Marc Keshishian & Susanna Szelestey
Richard & Involut Jessup
Gregory Knas
William & Jean Kroger
Jeff & Joanne Kukes
Mr. Loreto A. Manzo
Patrick & Patricia McKeever
Eugene & Lois Miller
Craig & Shari Morgan
Ms. Maryanne Mott
Harold Munson & Libby Berger
Allan & Joy Nachman
George & Nancy Nicholson
Joshua & Rachel Opperer
Coleen Pellerito
Mark & Kyle Peterson
Mr. Shane Pliska
Michael & Charlene Prysak
Rip & Gail Rapson
Ms. Alice Rea
Kingsley & Lurline Sears
Alvin & Harriet Saperstein
Gabriel & Martha Stahl
Dr. Andrew James Stocking
Ann Steglich
Manuel Tancer & Claire Stroker
Andrew J. Sturgess
John Lovegren & Daniel Isenschmid
John & Susan Zaretti
Katina Zaninovich
Torben Winther & Linda Hall
$750-$999
Frank & Jenny Brzenk
Ms. Vera C. Magee
John & Marie McElroy
Walter & Elizabeth Newgeon
Barbara Roden
Michael Schon
Joseph & Rosalie Vicari
Dennis & Jennifer Varian
$500-$749
Dr. Antonia Abbey
Mr. David A. Agius
Robert & Catherine Anthony
Ms. Allison Bach
Eugene & Roselyn Blanchard
Barbra Bloch
Ms. Terry P. Book
Anne Missavage & Robert Borcherding
Gretchen Thams & James Bowman
Amy & Tyler Bouque
Grethen Thams & James Bowman
Dr. Cynthia Browne, MD
Marceline Bright
Jonathan Cohn & Daniela Wittmann
Leonard Dimsa & Nicholas Tapl
Mr. John R. DiLodovico
Daniel & Susan Drucker
Mr. M. Brennan Farrell
Todd Gordon & Susan Feder
Daniel H. Ferrier
Sue Force
Erin & John Gianopoulos
John Gierak & Dona Tracey
Joseph & Lois Gilmore
Gil Glassberg & Sandra Seligman
Mr. Robert Theodore Goldman
Larry Gray
John & Kristan Hale
Mr. Gary M. Hawkins
Paul & Nancy Hillegonds
Elizabeth Hoger & Lisa Swem
Jane Iacobelli
Ms. Jill Johnson
Kimberly Johnson
Shawn Rieschl Johnson & Christian Kirby
Mr. Dennis Johnston
Geraldine & Jacqueline Keller
Ms. Lee Khachaturian
Justin & Joanne Klimko
Mr. Alex Koprivica
Ms. Cynthia Kratchman
Mary Jane Kupsky
Albert Kurt
Lori Maher
Mr. Russell Moore
Natasha Moulton-Levy
Ms. Nancy K. Murray
Ronald Northrup
Ms. Monica E. Parrish
Bertram & Elaine Pitt
Concetta Ross*
Julie Finn & Bradley Rowens
Drs. Adam & Rebecca Rubin
Marjorie Sandy
Michael Schon
Maj. Carl R. Smith
Dr. Geneva Tatem
John M. Toth
Gifts in Tribute
Suart & Barbara Trager
Rennard & Daphne Tucker
Ms. Janet Beth Weir
Ian D. Wiesner
Rita Winters
Janice Zeltzer
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the families, friends, colleagues, businesses, and groups who generously made gifts to Detroit Opera in honor of or in memory of the special peoples in their lives, whose names are listed bold below.
IN HONOR OF
Abbie E Wisusik
Michelle Tornopilsky
Allan & Joy Nachman
Eliot & Elizabeth Bank
Andrew Berg
Anne & Robert Berg
Ann Katz
Ruth Rattner
Bill & Ali Moiin
William & Elizabeth S. Kupsky
Brenda Kee
Ruth Rattner
Carl & Mary Ann Fontana
Mrs. Nina Dodge Abrams
Thomas E. Barron
Michael J. Bartoy
Andre Boulanger
Barbara E. Camph
Wilson Curle
Pamela Fontana
Cynthia Gitt
Peter Gude
Patty Isacson Sabee
Theresa Johnson
Ms. Mary Kramer
William Kupsky
Allen A. Lewis
Holton Shipman
Sarah Siwek
Teresa Taranta
Sara Valenti
Robert Wittenberg
Ellen Jacobowitz
Ann Conrad
Sandra A. Jacobowitz
Gary Wasserman
Rodger & Loree Wasserman
Harriet Berg
Mr. Richard D. Cavaler
John Estell
Katina Zaninovich
Lisa DiChiera
Ruth Rattner
Lois Shaevsky
Everett & Margery Jassy
Mary Kramer
Amy McCombs
Mark & Lois Shaevsky
Sandy Duncan
Wayne Brown & Brenda Kee
Shunbin Xu
Ali Moiin & William Kupsky
Dr. Willaim Kupsky
Mary Jane Kupsky
IN MEMORY OF
Florence, David, & Joyce Schon
Michael Schon
Anne Strciker
Torben Winther & Linda Hall
Aphrodite Roumell
Allan & Joy Nachman
Armando Delicato
Jacqueline Shuster
Barbara & Michael Kratchman
Jeff & Joanne Kukes
Barbara Frankel
Wayne Brown & Brenda Kee
Beate M. Vreeken
Karen & Matthew Cullen
Cameron "Sandy" Duncan
Ethan & Gretchen Davidson
Gary Wasserman & Charles Kashner
Devon Hoover
Dr. Cynthia Browne, MD
Patricia Cosgrove
Stephan & Marian Loginsky
Donald Epstein
Marjory Epstein
Elaine Fontana
Bryan Pukoff
George & Eleanor Bodurow
Constance Bodurow
Heather Gehring
Shawn Rieschl Johnson & Christian Kirby
Dr. Charles B. Smith
Dr. Peggie J. Hollingsworth
Enrico & Olga Petrini
Miss Alma M. Petrini
Joseph Katulic
Stuart Grigg
Karen Hodgson
Stephan & Marian Loginsky
Dawn Minch
Stephan & Marian Loginsky
Harry Cook
Ms. Susan Chevalier
Pauline Fucinari
Mr. Anthony Delsener
Alphonse S. Lucarelli
Waltraud Prechter
John P. McMullin
Alexander Ford
Tori Murphy
Margaret Winters
Elizabeth Porter
Nancy Rade
Paula Lisa Cole
Pauline Virginia Fucinari
Martha Chamorro
Dr. David Fucinari
Carole Ireland
Phyllis Snow
Lisa Gross
Carole Heinrich
Kathleen Kennedy
Sarisa Zoghlin
Kevin Dennis & Jeremy Zeltzer
Vreevious
Bradley & Rachel Benigni
Every effort has been made to accurately reflect donor and honoree and memorial names for gifts received between July 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. Should you find an error or omission, please contact Angela Nelson-Heesch at anelsonheesch@detroitopera.org or 313.237.3438
Capital Campaign for the Detroit Opera House
The Detroit Opera Board of Directors began the first phase of fundraising for the Detroit Opera House capital improvements in January 2020. This multiphase capital campaign grew from recommendations identified in the facilities master plan completed by Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. Scheduled facility improvements and upgrades will shape the patron experience at the opera house for years to come. We extend heartfelt thanks to the following donors who made contributions that enabled capital improvements to begin.
LEADERSHIP GIFTS
Ethan & Gretchen Davidson
William Davidson Foundation
National Endowment for the Humanities
Matthew & Mona Simoncini
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS
Naomi André
Michael Azar
Nancy Azizi
Lee & Floy Barthel
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Gene P. Bowen
Elizabeth Brooks
Mr. Elliott Broom
Wayne S. Brown & Brenda Kee
Mrs. Judith Christian
James & Elizabeth Ciroli
Hon. Avern Cohn* & Ms. Lois Pincus
John & Doreen Cole
Mr. Adam Crysler & Dr. Oxana Crysler
Joanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden
Ms. Julia Donovan Darlow & Hon. John C. O'Meara
Kevin Dennis & Jeremy Zeltzer
Shauna Ryder Diggs, MD
Enrico & Kathleen Digirolamo
David & Carol Domina
Mr. Cameron B. Duncan*
Ms. Wendy L Ecker
Mr. Michael Einheuser
Marianne T. Endicott
Alex & Lil Erdeljan Foundation
Fern Espino & Tom Short
Carl & Mary Ann Fontana
Mrs. Barbara Frankel* & Mr. Ronald Michalak
Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel
Samuel* & Toby Haberman
John & Kristan Hale
Dr. Devon Hoover*
Eleanor & Alan Israel
Robert Jesurum & Christine Petrucci
The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation
Ms. Velda Kelly
Mary Kramer
Michael & Barbara Kratchman
Denise Lewis
Alphonse S. Lucarelli*
Don Manvel
Marvin, Betty & Joanne Danto Family Foundation
McGregor Fund
Benjamin Meeker & Meredith Korneffel, MD
Ali Moiin & William Kupsky
Donald & Antoinette Morelock
Allan & Joy Nachman Philanthropic Fund
James & Ann Nicholson
Peter Oleksiak
Ms. Linda Orlans
Penske Corporation
Mr. Shane Pliska
Prof. Sara A. Pozzi, Ph.D.
Waltraud Prechter
Paul & Amy Ragheb
Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner
Ankur Rungta & Mayssoun Bydon
Terry Shea & Seigo Nakao
The Skillman Foundation
Mr. Richard Slama
SOLO World Partners LLC
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
The State of Michigan
Lorna Thomas, MD
Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Toppin
Jesse & Yesenia Venegas
R. Jamison & Karen Williams
Ellen Hill Zeringue
Listing reflects gifts and pledges as of August 31, 2024, in alphabetical order.
Avanti Society Members Setting the Stage for Tomorrow
Found in many Italian opera texts, the word avanti means “ahead” or “forward,” and the Avanti Society— Detroit Opera’s planned gift recognition program—is a group of thoughtful donors whose generosity is defined by foresight. By including Detroit Opera in their estate plans, members are leaving lasting gifts which will bring the transformative power of opera and dance to audiences in our community and around the country, well beyond our own lifetimes.
Those listed below have chosen to include Detroit Opera in their estate plans to secure the future of American Opera unfolding in Detroit. Thank you, Avanti Society Members!
Douglas* & Sarah Allison
Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya§
Mr. & Mrs. Agustin Arbulu§
Mr.* & Mrs. Chester Arnold§
Dr. Leora Bar-Levav
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel
Mr. & Mrs. Brett Batterson§
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby
Mrs. Doreen Bull
Mr.* & Mrs. Roy E. Calcagno§
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E.Carson
Dr.* & Mrs. Victor J. Cervenak
Father Paul F. Chateau
Mary Christner
Mr. Gary L. Ciampa
Hon. Avern Cohn* & Ms. Lois Pincus
Prof. Kenneth Collinson
Douglas & Minka Cornelsen
Dr. Robert A. Cornette§#
Mr. Thomas J. Delaney
Walter & Adel Dissett
Ms. Mary J. Doerr#
Mrs. Helen Ophelia Dove-Jones
Marianne T. Endicott§#
Mr. Wayne C. Everly
David & Jennifer Fischer
Mr. & Mrs. Herb Fisher§
Derek & Pamela Francis
Mrs. Barbara Frankel* & Mr. Ronald Michalak§#
Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel§#
Dr. & Mrs. Byron P. Georgeson§
Albert & Barbara Glover
Robert Green
Mr. Ernest Gutierrez
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hagopian
Mr. Lawrence W. Hall§
Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Halperin§
Ms. Heather Hamilton
Charlene Handleman
Preston & Mary Happel
Mr. Kenneth E. Hart§
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Hartwig§
Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein
Fay & Allen Herman
Derek & Karen* Hodgson
Andrew & Carol Howell
Dr. Cindy Hung§
Eleanor & Alan Israel
Ms. Kristin Jaramillo§
Mr. Donald Jensen§
Mr. John Jickling
Mr. Patrick J.* & Mrs.
Stephanie Germack Kerzic
Josephine Kessler
Edward & Barbara Klarman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klein#
Mr. & Mrs. Erwin H. Klopfer§#
Myron & Joyce LaBan
Paul Lavins
Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex Dotson
Linda Dresner & Ed Levy Jr.
Mr. Hannan Lis
Florence LoPatin
Mr. Stephen H. Lord
Ms. Denise Lutz
Laura & Mitchell Malicki
Ms. Jane McKee§
Bruce Miller
Drs. Orlando & Dorothy Miller§
Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire
Drs. Stephen & Barbara Munk
Mr. Jonathan F. Orser
Ms. Julie A. Owens
Mr. Dale J. Pangonis§
Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Parkhill
Mr. Richard M. Raisin§
Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner§#
Ms. Deborah Remer
Dr. Joshua Rest
Mr. & Mrs. James Rigby§
Mr. Bryan L. Rives
Ms. Patricia Rodzik§
David & Beverly Rorabacher
Dulcie Rosenfeld
Professor Alvin & Mrs. Harriet Saperstein
Ms. Susan Schooner§
Mark & Sally Schwartz
Arlene Shaler§
Ms. Ellen Sharp
Ms. Edna J Pak Shin
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Siebert
Mrs. Loretta Skewes
Ms. Anne Sullivan Smith
Mr.* & Mrs. Richard Starkweather§#+
Ms. Mary Anne Stella
Mr. Stanford C. Stoddard
Mr. Ronald F. Switzer§ & Jim McClure
Lillie Tabor
Peter & Ellen Thurber
Alice* & Paul Tomboulian
Jonathan & Salome E. Walton
Susan Weidinger
Mr. Andrew Wise
Larry* & Mary Lou Zangerle
We express profound thanks to these Avanti Society members whose planned gifts to Detroit Opera have been realized.
Robert G. Abgarian Trust
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Allesee#
Serena Ailes Stevens
Mr. & Mrs. J. Addison Bartush§#
Mr. & Mrs. Mandell Berman
Margaret & Douglas Borden
Charles M. Broh
Milena T. Brown
The Gladys L. Caldroney Trust
Charlotte Bush Failing Trust
Mary C. Caggegi
Allen B. Christman
Miss Halla F. Claffey
Ms. Virginia M. Clementi
Robert C. & RoseAnn B. Comstock
Mary Rita Cuddohy
Marjorie E. DeVlieg
Nancy Dewar
James P. Diamond
Dr. David DiChiera
Mrs. Karen V. DiChiera
Dr. & Mrs. Charles H. Duncan§
Mr. Wayne C. Everly
Dr. Evelyn J. Fisher
Mrs. Anne E. Ford
Ms. Pamela R. Francis§
Mrs. Rema Frankel
Barbara Lucking Freedman
The Edward P. Frohlich Trust
The Priscilla A.B. Goodell Trust
Freda K. Goodman Trust
Priscilla R. Greenberg, Ph.D.§#
Maliha Hamady
Patricia Hobar
Mary Adelaide Hester Trust
Ms. Nancy B. Henk
Gordon V. Hoialmen Trust
Carl J. Huss
Mr. John Jesser
H. Barbara Johnston
Maxwell & Marjorie Jospey
Mrs. Josephine Kleiner
Misses Phyllis & Selma Korn§*
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krolikowski§
Mr. Philip Leon
Dores & Wade McCree
Lucie B. Meininger
Helen M. Miller
Ella M. Montroy
Ronald K. Morrison
Ruth Mott
Elizabeth M. Pecsenye
Clarice Odgers Percox Trust
Thomas G. Porter
Mitchell Romanowski
Ms. Joanne B. Rooney
Concetta Ross
Mr. & Mrs. Giles L. & Beverly Ross
Ms. Merle H. Scheibner
Drs. Heinz & Alice
Platt Schwarz§
Ms. Laura Sias
Mrs. Marge Slezak
Ms. Phyllis Funk Snow§
Edward L. Stahl
Mary Ellen Tappan
Charitable Remainder Trust
Dr. Mildred Ponder Stennis
Margaret D. Thurber
Mr. & Mrs. George & Inge Vincent§#
Herman W. Weinreich
J. Ernest Wilde Trust
Mrs. Ruth Wilkins
Helen B. Wittenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Elizabeth Work§
Joseph J. Zafarana
Mr. & Mrs. George M. Zeltzer§
KEY
§ Founding Members
# Touch the Future donors
* Deceased
Membership in the Avanti Society is open to all who wish to declare their intention for a planned gift to Detroit Opera. Call Juliano Bitonti Stewart to learn more, 313.965.4271.
Orchestra
Detroit Federation of Musicians, Local #5, of the American Federation of Musicians
VIOLIN I
Daniel Stachyra Interim Concertmaster
Yuri Popowycz Acting Asst. Concertmaster
Emelyn Bashour Second Principal
Emily Barkakati
Anna Bittar-Weller
Molly Hughes
Bryan Johnston
Henrik Karapetyan
Velda Kelly
Beth Kirton
Jenny Wan
Andrew Wu
VIOLA
John Madison Principal
Jacqueline Hanson
Scott Stefanko
CELLO
Ivana Biliskov Principal
Benjamin Maxwell
Andrea Yun
BASS
Derek Weller Principal
Clark Suttle
HARP
Open Position Principal
FLUTE
Open Position Principal
Open Position Second
OBOE
Eli Stefanacci Principal
Open Position Second
CLARINET
Roi Karni Principal
J. William King
BASSOON
Daniel Fendrick Principal
Greg Quick
HORN
Colin Bianchi Principal
Carrie Banfield-Taplin
TRUMPET
David Ammer Principal
Mark Davis
TROMBONE
Open Position Principal
Dustin Nguyen
TIMPANI
Eric Stoss Principal
PERCUSSION
John Dorsey Principal
Administration & Staff
LEADERSHIP
Patty Isacson Sabee, President & CEO
Yuval Sharon, Gary L.Wasserman Artistic Director
Roberto Kalb, Music Director
Andrew Berg, Chief Development Officer
Daniel T. Brinker, General Manager, Detroit Opera House & Parking Center
Shawn Rieschl Johnson, Chief Programming & Production Officer
Alexis Means, Director of Operations & Patron Experiences
Holly Clement, Senior Manager of Events & Rentals
Jennifer George-Consiglio, Manager of Venue Operations
Michael Hauser, Curator of History & Architecture
Kathie Booth, Volunteer Coordinator
USHERS
Max Aghili, Christine Berryman, Ellen Bishop, Kathie Booth, Lori Burkhardt, Randall Davis, Erin G-Doakes, Suzanne Erbes, Pamela Fergusson, Jo-Ann Hale, Sue Hargrave, Myrna Mazure, Ennis Mcgee, Steven McReynolds, Heddie O’Connor, Bill Ried, Kimberly Ried, Edna Rubin, Ida Vance, Sheryl Weinan-Yee
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Please observe the lighted exit signs located throughout the theater. In the event of an emergency, remain calm and walk, do not run, to the nearest exit. Ushers and security personnel are trained to assist. An emergency medical technician (EMT) is on-site during most events. Contact an usher or staff member if you need medical assistance.
GUEST SERVICES:
Vincent Lobby and Broadway Lounge
There are a variety of amenities for your comfort and use located in both guest services locations. Wheelchairs, booster seats*, earplugs, assisted listening devices, feminine hygiene products, basic first aid items, and more are complimentary and available for your convenience. Coat check is also available. The Vincent Lobby is located on the Madison Street side of the building and the Broadway Lounge is located on the Broadway Street side of the building.
*Limited quantity
PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING, AND CELL PHONE USE
Photography and/or recording during any performance is strictly prohibited. Photographs taken in the lobby areas, before or after a performance, and during intermission are welcome. As a courtesy to all guests, please turn off all electronic devices and refrain from use during the performance.
RESTROOMS
Women’s restrooms are located off the Ford Lobby (Broadway Street entrance) and down the stairs, and on third floor (Madison Street entrance). Men’s restrooms are located under the Grand Staircase and on the third floor (Broadway Street side). There are two sets of elevators or stairs available to access all third-floor restrooms. All third-floor restrooms are wheelchair accessible (women’s restroom, press 3R in the elevator). There are single-use unisex wheelchair accessible restrooms on the first floor of the Broadway Street side of the building and the Madison Street side of the building. There is also a wheelchair accessible women’s restroom on the Broadway Street side of the building.
NO SMOKING
The Detroit Opera House is a non-smoking facility. This includes e-cigarettes, vapes, and other “smokeless” products.
USHERS
Ushers are stationed throughout the building to assist patrons as needed. Please direct questions, concerns, and feedback to them during your visit. Enjoy volunteering? Please go to guest services or the Detroit Opera website, detroitopera.org/volunteers, for information on becoming a volunteer.
LOST AND FOUND
During the performance, lost and found is located in guest services. Unclaimed items are logged and taken to the Safety and Security office after each performance. To inquire about a misplaced or lost item, please call 313.961.3500. Items left over 30 days will be discarded or donated.
RECORDING IN PROGRESS
Entry and presence on the event premises constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded, and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with Detroit Opera and its initiatives. By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event.
