Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Mixtape by Minnesota Opera

APRIL 8, 2018

A P P R E C I AT I O N That’s a R.A.P.! Honorary Chairs Karen Bachman and Jane Confer R.A.P. Welcome Committee Peggy Bonneville Ann Fankhanel Megan Mehl Kay Ness Linda Singh Stephanie Walvatne That’s a R.A.P.! Host Sponsors Karen Bachman and Dr. Robert Fisch Mary and Gus Blanchard Shari and David Boehnen Peggy and Ken Bonneville Jane and Ogden Confer Julia W. Dayton Sara and Jock Donaldson Vicki and Chip Emery Ann Fankhanel Bonnie and Bill Frels Judith Garcia Galiana and Alberto Castillo Ruth and John Huss Milla and Phil Isaacson Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson Kathleen and John Junek Jeninne McGee Kay Ness Kimberly and Barton Reed Mary Schaffner and Robert Lee Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock Linda and Jesse Singh Nadege Souvenir and Joshua Dorothy Virginia L. and Edward C. Stringer Mary Vaughan H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol Stephanie and Craig Walvatne Margaret Wurtele SPECIAL THANKS Sharon Bloodworth Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Moore R.A.P. Amici

T H A N K YO U F O R YO U R S U P P O R T OF THE RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM!

R E S I D E N T A R T I S T M I X TA P E CAST LIST ANDRES ACOSTA, tenor (2017–2018) ANA DE ARCHULETA, artist manager (2001–2002) FLOYD ANDERSON, Artistic Administration Director MATT BOEHLER, bass (2001–2004) AARON BREID, pianist/conductor (2011–2015) OCTAVIO CARDENAS, stage director (2008–2012) CHRISTOPHER COLMENERO, tenor (2016–2017) CHRISTIE CONOVER, soprano (2013–2014) DANIEL ELLIS, stage director (2012–2014) NADIA FAYAD, mezzo–soprano (2016–2018) JAMIE–ROSE GUARRINE, soprano (2005–2007) JESSICA HALL, pianist (2015–2018) MARY EVELYN HANGLEY, soprano (2016–2018) JENI HOUSER, soprano (2015–2016) DALE JOHNSON, Artistic Director KELLY MARKGRAF, baritone (2006–2007) ERIC MCENANEY, pianist (2009–2013) DANIEL MONTENEGRO, tenor (2002–2004) RODOLFO NIETO, bass–baritone (2009–2011) ALLEN PERRIELLO, Head of Music NICKOLAS SANCHES, Development Officer (2014–2016) BENJAMIN SIEVERDING, bass (2015–2017) RYAN TAYLOR, President & General Director (2000–2001) WM. CLAY THOMPSON, bass (2017–2018) CHRISTIAN THURSTON, baritone (2017–2018) DAVID RADAMÉS TORO, stage director (2015–2018) JAMES VALENTI, tenor (2000–2002) VICTORIA VARGAS, mezzo–soprano (2010–2014) DAVID WALTON, tenor (2015–2017) KARIN WOLVERTON, soprano (2002–2004) LINDSAY WOODWARD, pianist (2015–2018) ADRIANA ZABALA, mezzo–soprano (1999–2001) CHRISTIAN ZAREMBA, bass (2013–2015) Minnesota Opera’s Resident Artist Program offers a full season of employment for talented artists beginning their professional careers. From late August through May, Resident Artists gain valuable experience in assignments ranging from ensemble, understudy, and comprimario to leading roles in mainstage performances. Including singers, coaches, conductors, stage directors, and administrators, this program bridges the gap between an artist’s academic education and professional career. Years listed in parentheses above indicate dates alumni participated in MN Opera’s Resident Artist Program.

PROGRAM Ride of the Valkyries Richard Wagner (1813–1883) from Die Walküre Arranged for 2 pianos, 8 hands by Camille Chevillard (1859–1923) Stars from Les Miserables

Claude–Michel Schönberg (b. 1944)

O mio babbino caro Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) from Gianni Schicchi Doowopera Arrangement Granada

Agustín Lara (1897–1970)

Truck Drivers from The Grapes of Wrath

Ricky Ian Gordon (b. 1956)

Don’t You Know? Bobby Worth (1912–2002) Adapted from “Quando m’en vo” from La bohème by Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) My Way (A Mi Manera) English words by Paul Anka (b. 1941) Original French words by Gilles Thibault (1927–2000) Music by Jacques Revaux (b. 1940) and Claude Francois (1939–1978) Ah! a tal colpo inaspettato from Il viaggio a Reims I

Overture from Il barbiere di Siviglia

Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868)

Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) Arranged by Carl Czerny (1791–1857)

Nessun dorma Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) from Turandot Unchained Melody (Senza Catene)

Lyrics by Hy Zaret (1907–2007) Music by Alex North (1910–1997)

Hab’ mir’s gelobt Richard Strauss (1864–1949) from Der Rosenkavalier One Star from The Grapes of Wrath Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso from La rondine

Ricky Ian Gordon (b. 1956)

Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924)

ARTIST

BIOGRAPHIES

ANDRES ACOSTA Cuban-American tenor Andres Acosta joined the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist program at the beginning of the 17–18 season. Andres closes the season at Minnesota opera covering the role of Nicias in Massenet’s Thaïs. He then returns to Minnesota Opera in the role of Timothy Laughlin in Gregory Spears’ new opera, Fellow Travelers, in June of 2018. Andres is a Merola Opera Program alum. He received an Encouragement award as a Central Regional Finalist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and won second place in the Dorothy Lincoln-Smith Competition. Andres earned his master’s degree in music from the Jacobs School of Music where he studied with acclaimed soprano Carol Vaness.

ANA DE ARCHULETA Former Minnesota Resident Artist Ana De Archuleta has firmly established herself as one of the most sought after managers in the operatic field. Representing a thriving roster of vocalists, conductors, and directors worldwide, ADA Artists can be seen at the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, English National Opera, Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Salzburg Festival, the Aix-enProvence Festival, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Washington National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. She is a business member of OPERA America and the American Symphony league, and was invited to be a member of the 2015–2016 Women’s Opera Network Steering Committee and a panelist for the National Endowment of the Arts 2017 Arts Works Opera Grants.

MATT BOEHLER Matt Boehler, bass, has appeared as a principal artist with The Metropolitan Opera, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, and

Canadian Opera Company, as well as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and New York Festival of Song, among many others. As a frequent collaborator in the world of new music, Matt’s discography features many world premieres. A Minneapolis native, he trained as an actor at Viterbo College, a singer at Juilliard, and a composer at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Upcoming singing engagements include debuts at the Ravinia Festival and Utah Opera; upcoming writing commissions include works for soprano Marnie Breckenridge, as well as Washington National Opera.

AARON BREID An inspiring and versatile musician, Aaron Breid is rapidly garnering acclaim as an operatic and symphonic conductor. In the last five years, Maestro Breid has stepped in to conduct more than a dozen performances of Turandot, Carmen, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Così fan tutte, and The Ballad of Baby Doe with Minnesota Opera, Central City Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera Omaha, and Virginia Opera. 2017– 2018 season highlights include performances as Guest Conductor with the Omaha Symphony, Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers, Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, and UNO’s Chamber Orchestra, in addition to serving as Cover Conductor for Washington National Opera’s The Little Prince and North Carolina Opera’s Samson et Dalila. Mo. Breid will return to Washington National Opera to cover performances of Silent Night and Faust in the 2018-2019 season.

OCTAVIO CARDENAS Born in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, stage director Octavio Cardenas has been captivating audiences with his visionary, visceral, and physical style of directing. Upcoming productions include Puccini’s La rondine for Minnesota Opera. Octavio currently works as a freelance director and serves as the CONTINUED>

Head of the Directing Staff at Des Moines Metro Opera and has also been on the directing staff at the Chautauqua Opera. He joined the Minnesota Opera Artists Program for four consecutive seasons: 2008–2012, working on all main stage productions and directing Andrew Sinclair’s production of Pearl Fishers. Other directing credits include the world premiere of Bless Me Ultima based on the award-winning book by Rodolfo Anaya. Mr. Cardenas received his M.F.A. in Theatre from UCLA; a master’s degree in English from the University of South Carolina; and a B.A. in Music from Centenary College in Louisiana.

CHRIS COLMENERO Christopher Colmenero, tenor, is an emerging artist currently based in Minneapolis. His educational achievements include an Artist Diploma in Voice/Opera from the Mannes College of Music and B.M./M.M degrees in Voice/Opera from the Purchase College Conservatory of Music. He returned to Purchase College as a guest artist in 2016 to sing Judge Danforth in the Purchase Opera spring production of Miller/Ward’s The Crucible. Christopher was a Resident Artist with Minnesota Opera during the 2016–2017 season and performed the roles of Benvolio in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette and Froh in Wagner’s Das Rheingold. Christopher made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2015 with the Cecilia Chorus of New York and was a featured soloist in a Beethoven concert of Choral Fantasy, Mass in C and the Act 2 Finale of Fidelio singing the role of Florestan. Upcoming performances include performing the roles of the Governor, Vanderdendur, and Ragotski in South Dakota Symphony Orchestra’s 2018 production of Bernstein’s Candide.

CHRISTIE CONOVER Soprano Christie Conover fuses a rich, warm sound, personal grace, and dramatic sincerity to create what have been called standout performances. She has performed lead roles with Komische Oper Berlin, Minnesota Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera San Jose, and others. Christie has performed concerts with the Colorado Symphony, Colorado Music Festival, Grand Junction Symphony, Billings Symphony, Helena Symphony, and Bakken Trio.

This season she reprises the role of Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Micaëla (Carmen), and performs in numerous concerts with orchestras in Colorado and Montana. She fondly remembers her two seasons with the Minnesota Opera and the many friends she still holds dear from that time.

DANIEL ELLIS Stage Director Daniel Ellis was a Resident Artist from 2012– 2014 and has gone on to make an international career with companies around the globe. Recently, he directed the European debut of David McVicar’s Wozzeck at the Grand Théâtre de Genève and will remount the production in 2019 with the Finnish National Opera. He has directed Kosky/Andrade’s production of Die Zauberflöte for Opera Philadelphia’s “O” Festival, Cincinnati Opera, and Komische Oper in Berlin. Last year, Daniel participated in Opera Philadelphia’s Double Exposure Project working with composers-inresidence, David T. Little and David Hertzberg on two new operas. Daniel’s production of Griffelkin with Minnesota Opera’s Project Opera won 3rd place in the 2014 American Prize for Directing Competition.

NADIA FAYAD Mezzo-soprano, Nadia Fayad, is quickly gaining recognition for her rich and earthy sound, with expressive musicality in her lower register. This is her second year in the Resident Artist Program at Minnesota Opera where she has performed Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro, Gertrude in Roméo et Juliette, Flosshilde in Das Rheingold, Chloe in L’arbore di Diana, and Tina in the world premiere of Dinner at Eight by William Bolcom. Ms. Fayad has been an apprentice with the Santa Fe Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera. She received a master of music degree from Rice University and bachelor of music from the Eastman School of Music.

JAMIE-ROSE GUARRINE Jamie-Rose Guarrine has performed on the stages of Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Chicago CONTINUED>

ARTIST

BIOGRAPHIES

Opera Theater, Utah Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Madison Symphony, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, and Santa Fe Symphony, among many others. Recent role highlights include Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, and the title role in in Lucia di Lammermoor. She has been seen previously at Minnesota Opera in productions of Le nozze di Figaro, Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man, The Fortunes of King Croesus, and Arabella.

JESSICA HALL Oregon native Jessica Hall enjoys an active career in Minneapolis and around the United States with a diverse background including roles as pianist, assistant and offstage conductor, coach, and chorus master on the music staff of more than 40 opera productions with Minnesota Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Memphis, Brava! Opera Theater, USC Opera, Opera UCLA, Pacific Opera Project, Rogue Opera, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, and Aspen Opera Theater, among others. She has played under noted conductors Osmo Vänskä, Michael Christie, Joseph Colaneri, George Manahan, David Agler, Brent McMunn, Steven Osgood, Nicholas Fox, Anne Manson and Robert Spano, and worked in the vocal departments at USC, UCLA, Chapman University, Pasadena City College, and Scripps College.

MARY EVELYN HANGLEY Originally from Long Beach, New York, soprano Mary Evelyn Hangley is finishing up her tenure as a Resident Artist with Minnesota Opera. She has appeared as Contessa Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, Musetta in La bohème, and Woglinde in Das Rheingold among other roles with the company. She has been seen at prestigious summer music festivals including The Glimmerglass Festival and the Merola Opera Program, a division of the San Francisco Opera Center. When a colleague fell ill during Conrad Susa’s Transformations the San

Francisco Chronicle noted Mary Evelyn “came to the rescue, giving a vibrant vocal performance from the pit”. This summer Mary Evelyn returns to The Glimmerglass Festival to sing the role of Anna Sørensen in Kevin Puts’ Silent Night.

JENI HOUSER This season, Jeni Houser debuts with Austin Lyric Opera as Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos and Central City Opera as the Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte and returns to Minnesota Opera for Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro and La Charmeuse in Thaïs. Previous performances include Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte, and Mrs. Grady in The Shining (Minnesota Opera), Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte (Cincinnati Opera), Amy in Little Women and Olympia in Les contes d’Hoffman (Madison Opera), Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Mill City Summer Opera, Madison Opera), and Susanna in Marcos Portugal’s Le nozze di Figaro (On Site Opera).

KELLY MARKGRAF Baritone Kelly Markgraf, lauded as a singing actor of depth and versatility, has collaborated with some of the world’s most esteemed conductors including Gustavo Dudamel, Charles Dutoit, Alan Gilbert, Giancarlo Guerrero, Michael Tilson Thomas, David Robertson, Robert Spano, and Edo de Waart at the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. Recent highlights: West Side Story under Paavo Jarvi with the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo; As One with Hawaii Opera Theatre, Opera Colorado and San Diego Opera; Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti with the Tucson Symphony; and Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs at The Santa Fe Opera (premiere). Chamber music: Alice Tully Hall with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, OK Mozart, Chamber Music Northwest, and Music@ Menlo festivals.

ERIC MCENANEY Eric McEnaney enjoys a multifaceted career as one of America’s foremost opera pianists and vocal coaches, having assisted on the musical preparation of more than 100 productions for companies throughout the country. He maintains active associations with Florentine Opera Company as Principal Pianist and Coach and Minnesota Opera as Master Coach, and has worked as a guest coach for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Central City Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Southwest, and Minnesota Orchestra, among others. Dr. McEnaney holds advanced degrees in piano performance and collaborative piano and maintains a private coaching studio in Minneapolis, where he also resides.

DANIEL MONTENEGRO A graduate of San Francisco’s prestigious Adler Fellow Opera Program, American tenor Daniel Montenegro is recognized for his flexible and distinctive voice and a varied repertoire of bel canto, verismo, and contemporary roles. He recently made his Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and San Diego Opera debuts as Luis in El Pasado Nuca se Termina. Recent seasons include Giovanni (La Hija de Rappaccini) with Gotham Opera, his European opera debut at the Théâtre du Châtelet as Mario in Daniel Catán’s Il Postino alongside Plácido Domingo, and significant role and company debuts including Roderigo (Otello) with San Francisco Opera, Alfredo (La traviata) with New Orleans Opera and Minnesota Opera, Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) with Washington National Opera, Pong (Turandot) with San Francisco Opera and Dallas Opera, and Roméo (Roméo et Juliette) with Tulsa.

RODOLFO NIETO Bass-baritone Rodolfo Nieto can be seen performing theater, musical theater, and opera throughout the region. Recently he has performed the role of Leon Czolgosz in Assassins and Dr. Carrasco/Knight of Mirrors in Man of La Mancha, both with Theatre Latté Da; El Duende in Des Moines Metro Opera’s production of María de Buenos Aires; Starbuck in

110 in the Shade with Theatre in the Round; the Marine in Safe at Home with Mixed Blood Theatre; and Sciarrone in Tosca with Minnesota Opera. Rodolfo is also a musician who promotes the music of México and Latin America to the public through bilingual concerts.

NICKOLAS SANCHES In 2014, Minnesota Opera was changed forever when Dale Johnson and Floyd Anderson hired Nick as the Resident Artist Administrator. Shortly after, he graduated with his master’s degree in arts administration from the Florida State University, and is now the proud Development Officer at Minnesota Opera. Nick is a former operatic tenor that had to quit because he couldn’t grow long extravagant tenor hair; he’s worked at Costco for nine long years, and once held the title of the fastest cashier in the Midwest; he was a former French professor at Florida State, and received five out of five chili peppers on ratemyprofessor. com. Nick prefers red wine in the winter, and white in the summer. He can do the splits and was once escorted out of a bar in Miami for wearing white after Labor Day.

BENJAMIN SIEVERDING Bass Benjamin Sieverding is a recent graduate of the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program, where he performed several roles including Colline in La bohème, Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette, and Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte. This season includes a return to Minnesota Opera as Prison Warden George Benton in Dead Man Walking, an appearance with the South Bend Chamber Singers in Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle, and a debut with the Madison Symphony Orchestra in Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass. Additional credits include performances with Minnesota Orchestra, Madison Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Philadelphia, and The Santa Fe Opera. Upcoming engagements include debuts with Opera in the Heights and Florentine Opera.

ARTIST

BIOGRAPHIES

WM. CLAY THOMPSON American bass Wm. Clay Thompson is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting young singers of today, having been credited with a “strong, rich, and warm color, yet the ability to cross over into bass-baritone repertoire.” A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Mr. Thompson is a firstyear Resident Artist with Minnesota Opera. This season with Minnesota Opera, Mr. Thompson has sung The Notary in Don Pasquale, Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro, Second Prison Guard in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, and Count Ceprano in Rigoletto. Clay has also covered the title role in Don Pasquale, Don Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro), Warden Benton (Dead Man Walking), and Sparafucile (Rigoletto). Finishing out the season, Clay will also sing Palémon in Thaïs.

CHRISTIAN THURSTON Baritone Christian Thurston joins the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program this season, singing Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, Marullo in Rigoletto, and Nicias’ servant in Thaïs. Mr. Thurston is a native of Rotorua, New Zealand. He is a graduate of the New Zealand School of Music and the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. At MSM, he performed the roles of Count Homonay in Strauss’ Der Zigeunerbaron, Harasta in Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen, Pandolfe in Massenet’s Cendrillon, Azolan in Susa’s Les Liaisons dangereuses, and Miller in Verdi’s Luisa Miller.

DAVID RADAMÉS TORO David Radamés Toro applies his skills as a musician and mime to produce inventive and evocative opera. This is Mr. Toro’s last season with Minnesota Opera as a member of the Resident Artist Program. During his tenure, he assisted on all mainstage productions, wrote and directed two Resident Artist Cabarets, and taught weekly classes in

movement and acting. His future projects include assistant directing Central City Opera’s production of Il Trovatore and acting as associate director for Dinner at Eight with Wexford Festival Opera.

JAMES VALENTI James was a Resident Artist from 2000–2002 and was educated at The Academy of Vocal Arts and Westminster Choir College. The 6’5” tenor has gone on to perform at the world’s most prestigious opera houses including The Met, La Scala Milan, Royal Opera Covent Garden, Paris Opera, Teatro Colón Buenos Aires, Sydney Opera House, and many others. His repertoire spans the Italian and French repertoire and he’s performed alongside stars like Angela Gheorghiu, Anna Netrebko, Leo Nucci, Thomas Hampson, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Mr Valenti has returned to Minnesota Opera numerous times, most notably as Rudolph Valentino in The Dream of Valentino, Werther, and Roméo et Juliette. He also gave a recital with The Schubert Club in 2013. James considers Minnesota like a second home close to his heart.

VICTORIA VARGAS Victoria Vargas has sung with many prestigious companies throughout the country with her most recent years being with Minnesota Opera. She has sung sixteen roles with Minnesota Opera with the largest being the title role in Carmen. Mrs. Vargas’ concert work highlights include working with Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, La Jolla Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. She has placed at the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions seven times and has placed at several other competitions across the country. Ms. Vargas holds a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to her performance career she has been on faculty at the MacPhail Center of Music since 2012 and Carleton College since 2015.

DAVID WALTON David is performing across the country as an up-and-coming lyric tenor. Recent appearances include Ernesto in Don Pasquale with Minnesota Opera, Albert in Albert Herring with Union Avenue Opera, and Belmonte in Die Entführung aus dem Serail with Madison Opera. He received a 2017 Sullivan Foundation Grant, 2nd place in the Marcello Giordani International Competition, and the Opera Birmingham Competition. Upcoming roles include Almaviva in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia with The Glimmerglass Festival, Tonio in La fille du régiment at Opera Carolina, and a return to Minnesota Opera as “Happy” Felsch in the world premiere of The Fix.

KARIN WOLVERTON Minnesota native Karin Wolverton enjoys a successful career on both the concert and opera stage. A frequent guest of MN Orchestra and MN Opera, she also performs throughout the United States and is a frequent recitalist performing with many local concert series. Next season finds her with two new role debuts: Tatyana in Eugene Onegin and Foreign Princess in Rusalka. She will also reprise the role of Anna for MN Opera’s remount of Silent Night. When not singing, she can be found chasing her seven-year-old son about the house and daydreaming of her summer garden plans.

LINDSAY WOODWARD Pianist Lindsay Woodward is known for her spirited performance as both soloist and collaborator. In her third season as a coach with Minnesota Opera’s Resident Artist Program, she serves as répétiteur for each of the productions this season. She returns to Minnesota Opera after spending summer 2017 as a coaching fellow with Wolf Trap Opera. Previously, Ms. Woodward has been a coaching fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and a member of Utah Opera’s Resident Artist Program. She received her master of music in accompanying from Manhattan School of Music.

ADRIANA ZABALA Mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala created the title role in the world premiere of Sister Carrie at Florentine Opera, as well as new roles in Dinner at Eight, The Manchurian Candidate, Steal a Pencil for Me, Doubt, and Volpone. This season she debuts with San Diego Opera as Paula in Florencia en el Amazonas, and returns to Madison Opera in the same role. She recently sang in her 15th production with Minnesota Opera, as Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, a role she reprises at Opera Colorado in 2019, and debuted with Berkshire Opera Festival as the Composer in Ariadne Auf Naxos. Zabala has performed at Seattle, Arizona, Utah, Austin, Nashville Operas, as well as Opera Carolina, Opera Saratoga, and the Opera Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain, among others. She has been a soloist with orchestras throughout the country, and has appeared in recital at famous halls such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. She is a proud member of the voice faculty at the University of Minnesota.

CHRISTIAN ZAREMBA A member of the Minnesota Opera’s Resident Artist Program in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons. Mr. Zaremba is currently completing a successful debut season with the Metropolitan Opera as Angelotti in Tosca and has, since leaving Minneapolis, had a chance to perform with some of the country’s finest companies. He has sung principal roles with The Glimmerglass Festival, as a Filene Artist at Wolf Trap Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, Portland Opera, Opera Omaha, and Austin Opera. Next season he looks forward to returning to the Met as well as making several debuts in houses that include The Lyric Opera of Kansas City and The Opera Theater of St. Louis.

TEXTS

T R A N S L AT I O N S

O mio babbino caro My dear father O mio babbino caro, My dear father, mi piace è bello, bello; I like him, he’s beautiful, beautiful; vo’andare in Porta Rossa I want to go to Porta Rossa a comperar l’anello! and buy the ring! Sì, sì, ci voglio andare! Yes, yes, I want to go! e se l’amassi indarno, And if my love is in vain, andrei sul Ponte Vecchio, I would go upon Ponte Vecchio, ma per buttarmi in Arno! only to jump in the Arno! Mi struggo e mi tormento! I long for him and torment myself O Dio, vorrei morir! O God, I’d like to die! Babbo, pietà, pietà! Father, have pity, have pity!

text Giovacchino Forzano

trans. by Giuseppe Cusmano

Granada Granada Granada, tierra soñada por mí, Granada, land of dreams for me, Mi cantare se vuelve gitano My song becomes gypsy-like Cuando es para tí. when it is for you. Mi cantar hecho de fantasia, Mi cantar flor de melancolía Que yo te vengo a dar.

My song made of fantasy, My song a melancholy flower That I come to give to you.

Granada, Granada, Tierra ensangrentada blood-stained soil En tardes de toros, In bull fight afternoons, Mujer que conserva el embrujo Women who preserve the enchantment De los ojos moros. Of Moorish eyes. Te sueño rebelde y gitana, I dream of you rebellious, a gypsy, Cubierta de flores, Covered with flowers Y beso tu boca de grana, And I kiss your scarlet mouth, Jugosa manzana Juicy apple Que me habla de amores. That speaks to me of love affairs Granada manola cantada En coplas preciosas, No tengo otra cosa que darte Que un ramo de rosas.

Granada, manola singing In precious verses, I have nothing else to give to you Than a bouquet of roses.

De rosas de suave fragancia Que le dieran marco a la virgen morena.

Of roses of sweet fragrance That framed the dark virgin.

Granada, Granada, Tu tierra está llena Your land is full De lindas mujeres, Of lovely women, De sangre y de sol. Of blood and sun.

text Agustín Lara

Ah! a tal colpo inaspettato

trans. Plácido Domingo

Ah! This unexpected shock All

Ah! A tal colpo inaspettato, Palpitando va il mio core... Cruda sorte! Il tuo rigore troppo, oh dio! Penar mi fa.

Ah! This unexpected shock, my heart palpitates… Cruel fate! Your rigor too, makes you miserable. Oh god!

Madame Cortese Signori, ecco una lettera, Gentlemen, here is a letter, Venuta da Parigi; coming from Paris. prendete, sì leggete, Take, read, conforto vi darà. it will comfort you. All Prendete, sì leggete, Take, read, conforto ci darà. it will comfort us. “A giorni il Re ritorna, “The day the King returns, gran feste si daranno, grand festival will be given, rapidi qui verranno quickly here will come stranieri in quantità. strangers in quantity. Da quello che preparasi From what you prepare a corte ed in città, at court in the city, ben si può giudicare well you can judge che festa si farà; what a party it will be; spettacol più giocondo, a more playful spectacle, mai visto si sarà; will never be seen; chi a Reims non poté andare who in Remis could not go qui si consolerà. here is consoled. T’abbraccio, o mia dolcissima I embrace you, my sweet one amabile metà”. lovable half. Countess Folleville Amici, ah! non tardiamo; Friends, ah! We are not late; Parigi è la mia patria; Paris is my homeland; là v’offro alloggio e tavola, there I offer you accommodations and food, e quanto occorrerà. and how much will it take.

All Partiamo.—Ah! sì, il desio, Let’s begin. Ah! Yes, the desire, che ci divampa in seno, that blazes in us, in parte pago almeno in part I pay at least alfine si vedrà. at last we will see. Tra dolci e cari palpiti, Between sweet and dear heartbeats or torno a respirar; or coming back to breathe; farà un vivace giubilo I will make a lively quest’anima brillar. soul shine. Destino maledetto, Damned fate, non ce la puoi ficcare, you cannot stand it, e tutti, a tuo dispetto, and everyone, in your spite, andiamo a giubilar. let’s rejoice.

text Luigi Balocchi trans. Myrtle Lemon

Nessun dorma No one sleeps Nessun dorma, Nessun dorma! No one sleeps! No one sleeps! Tu pure, o Principessa, You too, O Princess! nella tua fredda stanza, In your chaste room guardi le stelle watching the stars which che tremano d’amore e di speranza. tremble with love and hope! Ma il mio mistero e chiuso in me, But my secret lies hidden within me, il nome mio nessun sapra! no one shall discover my name! No, no, sulla tua bocca lo diro’ Oh no, I will reveal it only on your lips, quando la luce splendera’! when daylight shines forth Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio and my kiss shall break che ti fa mia! the silence which makes you mine (Il nome suo nessun saprà! e noi dovrem, ahime, morir!)

(No one shall discover my name! And we will have to die!)

Dilegua, o notte! Depart, oh night! Tramontate, stelle! Fade away, you stars! All’alba vincero’! At dawn I shall win! text Giuseppe Adami trans. Jason Siegal

Unchained Melody (Senza Catene) Non ho più catene ma solo piange il cuor lontano no da te. Non ho più catene perché so che il tuo amor e so per me

I have no more chains but only cries for my heart to be close to you. I have no more chains because I know I know that you love me.

E so che un di ti rivedrò. And I know that one day I’ll see you again, Ti stringero ancor. will hold you again.

Guardo il ciel e so, dove sei cosa fai. E dovunque andrai senti rai.

Look at the sky, and I know where you are too and wherever you go, you will hear

I sospiri miei che per ter sol per te. Parlano d’amor, del mio amor.

They will speak about love, about my love

Non ho più catene ma solo piange il cuor lontano da te. Non ho più catene perché so che il tuo amor è so per me.

I have no more chains but only cries for my heart to be close to you. I have no more chains because I know I know that you love me.

E so che un di ti rivedrò. And I know that one day I’ll see you again, Ti stringero ancor. will hold you again.

text Alex North trans. Carlos Marín

Hab’ mir’s gelobt I made a vow Octavian Marie Theres’! Marie Therese! Marschallin Hab’ mir’s gelobt, I made a vow Ihn lieb zu haben in der richtigen Weis’. to love him rightly, as a good woman should. Dass ich selbst I promised Sein Lieb’ zu einer andern noch lieb hab! even to love the love he bore another! Hab’ mir freilich nicht gedacht, But in truth, I did not think dass es so bald mir aufgelegt sollt’ werden! this task would come so soon! Es sinddie mehreren There are many Dinge auf der Welt, so dass sie ein’s things ordained in this world nicht glauben tät’, that we should scarce believe could be wenn man sie möcht’ erzählen hör’n. if we heard others tell of them. Alleinig wer’s erlebt, but the one whom they will someday wound der glaubt daran und weiss nicht wie— believes in them, and knows not how. da steht der Bub’ und da steh’ ich, There stands the boy, and here stand I; und mit dem fremden Mädel and with his new-found love dort wird er so glücklich sein, love this day he will have happiness, als wie halt Männer das Glücklichsein verstehen. such as a man thinks is the best in the world. In Gottes Namen. In God’s Name.

Mir ist wie in der Kirch’n, heilig ist mir und so bang; und doch ist mir unheilig auch! Ich weiss nicht, wie mir ist. Ich möcht’ mich niederknien dort vor

Sophie I feel as one at worship, holiest thoughts fill my soul; and yet possessed by a thought most unholy. I don’t understand what I feel. At this lady’s feet I gladly would kneel,

der Frau und möcht’ ihr was antun, yet willingly would I harm her as well. denn ich spür’, For I feel sie gibt mir ihn und nimmt mir that she gives him to me, and yet was von ihm zugleich. robs me of part of him. Weiss gar nicht, wie mir ist! I’m strangely distraught! Möcht’ alles verstehen I wish to know everything und möcht’ auch nichts verstehen. yet fear to know the truth. Möcht’ fragen und nicht fragen, now longing to ask, now fearing wird mir heiss und kalt. I am both hot and cold. Und spür’ nur dich und weiss nur eins: I know only this one thing: dich hab’ ich lieb. that I love you. Octavian Es ist was kommen und ist was g’schehn, What wondrous thing has come to pass? Ich möcht’ Sie fragen: I would willingly ask her: darf’s denn sein? Can it be? und grad’ die Frag, die spür’ ich, And it is just that question dass sie mir verboten ist. that I know I cannot ask her. Ich möcht’ Sie fragen: I would willingly ask her: warum zittert was in mir? Why is my soul trembling so? Ist denn ein grosses Unrecht geschehn? Has a great wrong, a foul deed be done? Und grad’ an die darfich die Frag’ nicht tun – And I may not ask the question of her. und dann seh’ ich dich an, Sophie, And then I gaze on your dear face, Sophie, und seh’ nur dich und spür’ nur dich, and see only you, know only you. Sophie, und weiss von nichts als nur: And know this one thing Sophie, dich hab’ ich lieb. that I love you. Octavian Spür’ nur dich, spür’ nur dich allein I can see only you, you alone und daß wir beieinander sein! and that we are together! Geht all’s sonst wie ein Traum dahin Everything else like a dream fades vor meinem Sinn! from my senses! Sophie Ist ein Traum, kann nicht wirklich sein, This is a dream, it can’t be real, daß wir zwei beieinander sein, that we two are together, beieinand für alle Zeit together for all time und Ewigkeit! and eternity! Octavian War ein Haus wo, da warst du drein There a house was, and you were in it. und die Leut’ schicken mich hinein, and people send me inside mich gradaus in die Seligkeit! straight into bliss! Die waren g’scheit! They were clever!

Sophie Kannst du lachen! Mir ist zur Stell’ You can laugh? I stand here so nervously bang wie an der himmlischen Schwell’! As though I were at the gates of heaven! Halt’ mich, ein schwach’ Ding wie ich bin, Hold me, weak creature that I am sink’ dir dahin! I’m sinking into your arms! Faninal Sein schon aso, die jungen Leut! This is how they are, the young folk!

text Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Harry Graf Kessler

trans. Bärenreiter edition

Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso I drink to your smile Ruggero Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso, I drink to your smile, bevo al tuo sguardo profondo, I drink to your deep gaze, alla tua bocca che disse il mio nome! to your mouth that speaks my name! Magda Il mio cuore è conquiso! My heart is conquered! Ruggero T’ho donato il mio cuore, I give you my heart, o mio tenero, dolce mio amore! oh my tender, my sweet love! Custodisci gelosa il mio dono Keep my gift close perchè viva sempre in te! for it will always live in you! Magda È il mio sogno che si avvera! This is my dream come true! Se potessi sperare I can only hope che questo istante non muore, that this moment does not die, che il mio rifugio saran le tue braccia, that my refuge will be your arms, il tuo amore, your love. sarei troppo felice I would be too happy nè più altro vorrei dalla vita, to want nothing more from life che godere l’ebbrezza infinita enjoying the infinite intoxication che il tuo bacio mi può donar! that your kiss can give me! Ruggero Piccola ignota t’arresta! Nothing should stop you! No, questo istante non muore; No, this instant does not die; a me ti porta il clamor d’una festa It gives me the clamor of a party ch’è una festa di amore e di baci! a party of love and kisses! Nè più altro vorrei dalla vita Nor would I want more from life che godere la gioia infinita enjoying the infinite intoxication che il tuo bacio mi può donar! that your kiss can give me!

Lisette Dimmi le dolci parole Tell me the sweet words che la divina tua musa ricama that your divine muse embroiders per colorire di grazia la trama plotting with the grace di gioconde canzoni. of playful songs. Non son quelle le parole Were those not the words che il mio cuor sospirò? that my heart sighed? Dille ancora! Ah, dille ancor! Tell her again! Ah, tell her again! Prunier Ogni tuo bacio è una strofa, Your kiss is a stanza, ogni tuo sguardo è una facile rima. every look is an easy rhyme. Tu sei la sola - perchè sei la prima - You are the only one, because you are the first, che ha parlato al mio cuore. who spoke to my heart. All Guarda! Fermo! Vedi là! Look! Stop! See there! È l’amor che non ragiona! It is love that has no reason! Che non nasconde! That does not hide! Fate piano! State attenti! Be quiet! Be careful! Al poeta, la corona! To the poet, the crown! Per le muse, la ghirlanda! To the muses, the garland! Non lasciamoci scoprire! Do not let us discover! Sugli amori fiori e fronde! The flowers and fronds of love! Sian sorpresi nel momento We will be surprised in the moment del più dolce giuramento, of the sweetest oath, sull’amore fronde e fior! of love’s fronds and flowers! Magda Ah! Potessi sperare, Ah! I can only hope che questo istante non muore, that this moment does not die, sarei troppo felice, è il mio sogno. I would be too happy, in my dream. Ah! È il mio sogno che s’avvera! Ah! My dream that has come true! Fa che quest’ora si eterni! Let this hour be eternal! Vedi son tua, e per sempre! Yours, now and forever! Io son tua! Sempre con te! I am yours! Always with you! Ruggero Questo istante non muore, This moment does not die, a me ti porta il clamor d’una festa it gives me the clamor of a party ch’è festa d’amore, che e festa di baci! a party of love, a party of kisses! Deve quest’ora segnar It will mark this, l’avvenire d’amore e per sempre, the future of love forever, sempre con te! always with you! Lisette

Ah! Le dolci parole, che la divina tua grazia ricama, ah, dille ancor! Saro felice! Le mie virtù son poche, te le dono, felice per sempre sarò! Ah, per sempre felice sarò con te!

Il tuo bacio è una strofa; il tuo squardo è una rima, tu sei la prima che parla al mio cuor, tu sei la sola che parla al mio cuore! Le tue virtù le raccolgo e più poeta sarò. L’anima mia ne ravvolgo, e più poeta sarò con te!

Ah! These sweet words that your divine grace embroiders, ah, tell her again! I’m going to be happy! My virtues are few, I’ll give them to you, and I’ll be happy forever! Ah, I’ll be forever happy with you! Prunier Your kiss is a stanza, your look is a rhyme, you are the first to speak to my heart, the only one who speaks to my heart! I will collect your virtues, and more poet I shall be. I renew my soul, and more poet I shall be, with you!

All Intrecciamo i quattro cuori We will intertwine these four hearts con i fior, con i fior! with the flowers, the flowers! Soffochiamo i quattro amor con i fior! We adorn this love with flowers! Pel poeta una corona... For the poet a crown… soffochiamo di fior. adorned with the flowers! Per le muse una ghirlanda. For the muses a garland. Non lasciamoci scoprire! Do not let us discover! Sian sorpresi nel momento We will be surprised in the moment! dal più dolce giuramento! of this, the sweetest oath! State attenti! Fate piano! Be careful! Be quiet! Fior! fior! fior! Coi fior! Coi fior! With Flowers! Ah! gettiam! Fronde e fior! Ah! Fronds and flowers! Soffochiamo i quattro amor con i fior! We adorn the four lovers with flowers! text Giuseppe Adami trans. Myrtle Lemon

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MINNESOTA OPERA STAFF

OFFICERS

ADMINISTRATION

DIRECTORS Richard Allendorf

Robert Lee

Patricia Beithon

Jeninne McGee

Sharon Bloodworth

Michael McNamara

Shari Boehnen

Leni Moore

Alberto Castillo

Kay Ness

Jay Debertin

Jose Peris

Terrance Dolan

Elizabeth Redleaf

Sara Donaldson

Connie Remele

Sidney W. Emery

Mary H. Schrock

Maureen Harms

Linda Roberts Singh

Mary Ingebrand-

David Smith

Pohlad

Nadege Souvenir

Philip Isaacson

David Strauss

J Jackson

Virginia Stringer

Diane Jacobson

Greg Sullivan

John C. Junek

Norrie Thomas

Christl Larson

H. Bernt von Ohlen

Mary Lazarus

William White

Cynthia Y. Lee

Margaret Wurtele

DIRECTORS EMERITI Karen Bachman John A. Blanchard, III Burton Cohen Julia W. Dayton Mary W. Vaughan

HONORARY DIRECTORS Dominick Argento Philip Brunelle Liz Kochiras

TEMPO BOARD LIASON Kara Eliason Dorsey

TEMPO BOARD OFFICERS Chair | Thomas Bakken Vice Chair | Kara Eliason Dorsey Secretary | Emily Engel Treasurer | Veronica Mason

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Carrie Anderson Thomas Bakken Elizabeth Brenner Laura Chaffee Kamruz Darabi Kara Eliason Dorsey Katie Eiser Emily Engel Sarah Fowler Mark Giga Alison Jarzyna

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Artistic Director | Dale Johnson Music Director | Michael Christie Assistant Conductor | Jonathan Brandani Head of Music | Allen Perriello Company Manager | Roxanne Stouffer Artist Administration Director | Floyd Anderson Resident Artists | Andres Acosta, Nadia Fayad, Jessica Hall, Mary Evelyn Hangley, David Radamés Toro, Wm. Clay Thompson, Christian Thurston, Lindsay Woodward

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PRODUCTION

MINNESOTA OPERA VOLUNTEERS Julia Alvarez Lynne Beck Gerald Benson Peter Brandenhoff Debra Brooks Alexis Haley Brown Renee Brown-Goodell Michelle Cadieux Jerry Cassidy Ann Drivas Judith Duncan David Earp Billy Fabec Erin Farste Andy Flamm Jane Fuller Joan Gacki Diane Gerlach Ryan Gilmer Jessica Grams Sarah Grecula Merle Hanson Catherine Heck Morgan Heck Kerry Hinze Stephanie Hynes Tim Jones Ryan Kantor Robin Keck Bebe Keith Kathleen Kitchen Laura Kucera Mary Lach Angela LaCombe Mollie Laidly Jerry Lillquist Joyce Lillquist Melanie Locke Tom Logeland Suzan Lynnes Jasmine Magner Mary McDiarmid Sylvia Michels Barbara Moore Douglas Myhra Andrea Nicholson Candyce Osterkamp Heidi Pagano Pat Panshin Pat Panshin Sydney Phillips Gabrielle Sacha Laura Schaubschlager Michele Schluender Kari Schutz Mickaylee Shaughnessy Mary Sheehy Amy Sirivie Janet Skidmore Wendi Sott Norm Tiedemann Stephanie Van D’Elden Barbara Willis

2 018–19 S E ASON LA RONDINE Oct. 6–14, 2018

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Mar. 16–24, 2019

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