2019–2020 SEASON January 25–February 2, 2020
FEBRUARY
14-23
ROMEO & JULIET Join us for what critics have called, "The Best Kept Theater Secret" in this limited engagement. Following a soldout run in 2014, COLLIDE THEATRICAL reimagines Shakespeare's classic as a modern love story told entirely through different styles of dance – including tap, jazz, and ballet. With a lively score of contemporary and pop hits played by a live string quartet and featuring vocalist Katie Gearty (Dakota Jazz Club), this is one classically cutting-edge retelling you won't want to miss.
Photo by Shelly Mosman
Tickets start at $33
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Beethoven, Bach and Britten Jan 30–31
Paul Watkins, conductor and cello
Symphony in 60: Beethoven Symphony No. 4 Feb 1
Paul Watkins, conductor and cello
Music and the Mind with Sam and Sarah Feb 7
Sarah Hicks, conductor Sam Bergman, host and viola
Ravel Piano Concerto Feb 13–15
Karina Canellakis, conductor Francesco Piemontesi, piano
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WELCOME
RYAN TAYLOR PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR
W
elcome to the Minnesota Opera premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Flight. With any luck, this touching and deeply human comedy and its important message will warm your heart enough to help you get through another long, chilly
Minnesota winter. Looking ahead, we’re already hard at work preparing for our 2020–2021 season, which we will be announcing in just a few short weeks. Our 58th season is set to go down as one of the most exciting in our company’s history. Get ready for a spectacular year of laughter, tears, old favorites, new classics, and definitely a surprise or two. As always, many thanks for your
F E A T U R E S
support and patronage. We are thrilled to share another season of opera with you!
CO N T E N TS 8 Flight 10 Synopsis
Director’s Notes • 11 Flight’s Reprisal Stage Director David Radamés Toro gives us his insight into this delightful comedy with an important message.
Meet the Artist: Cortez Mitchell • 17 Countertenor and Resident Artist alum Cortez Mitchell returns to MN Opera and lets us in on some of the biggest joys and challenges of singing the Refugee.
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Director’s Notes
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Composer’s Notes
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Meet MN Opera
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Cast and Creative Team
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Orchestra and Supernumeraries
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eet the Artist: M Cortez Mitchell
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Five Years of Music Out Loud
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roject Opera Presents P Belongings
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Edward Tulane Preview
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N Opera Board of Directors, M Staff, and Volunteers
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Upcoming Events
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MN Opera Information
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MN Opera Donor Appreciation
27
Special Giving
28
Institutional Giving
LARGE-PRINT AND BRAILLE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PATRON SERVICES OFFICE.
Music Out Loud Turns Five • 18 As MN Opera’s after-school program enters its fifth year, we reflect on what makes it so fun, unique, and enriching.
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F L X : I I
Journey to a Land beyond the boundaries of imagination
“A VISUAL FEAST!” —La Voce di New York
“A PLEASURE TO THE EAR.” “AN EPIC TALE.” MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
—Opera Online
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FLIGHT2019–20
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MUSIC BY
LIBRETTO BY
Jonathan Dove
April De Angelis
WORLD PREMIERE AT GLYNDEBOURNE TOURING OPERA, SEPTEMBER 24, 1998 SUNG IN ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS PROJECTED ABOVE THE STAGE
CAST REFUGEE
CO RT EZ MITCH EL L*
CONTROLLER KAT RINA G A L KA
BILL
CH RIST IA N SAND ERS +
TINA
L ISA MA RIE RO G ALI+
OLDER WOMAN D EANNE MEEK
STEWARDESS
C HRYSTA L E. WIL L IAMS
STEWARD
C H RIST IAN T H URSTO N *
MINSKMAN
N ICH O L AS DAVIS +
CREATIVE TEAM CONDUCTOR
GE OF FR E Y M C D ON A L D Ruth and John Huss Chair
PRODUCTION BY
BR I A N STAU FE N BI E L
REPRISAL STAGE DIRECTOR
DAV I D R A DA M É S TOR O*
SCENIC DESIGN DAV E D U N N I N G
COSTUME DESIGN A L I N A BOKOV I KOVA
LIGHTING DESIGN
HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGN DAV I D Z I M M E R M A N
CHOREOGRAPHER J E N N I F E R M AC K
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
D OU G SC HOL Z- C A R L SON
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR A N D R E W W HI TFI E L D
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR A DA M DA R OS+
RÉPÉTITEURS
PAU L W HI TA K E R
MARY BOX+, ALLEN PERRIELLO, A N D R E W SU N +
PROJECTIONS DESIGN
STAGE MANAGER
DAV I D M U R A KA M I
JA M I E K . F U L L E R
MINSKWOMAN
REN ÉE RAPIER
IMMIGRATION OFFICER AND REW G ILST RA P+
+ MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST *MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST ALUM
SEASON SPONSOR
ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME
is 2 hours and 28 minutes with one intermission approximately 77 minutes into the opera.
This opera contains mature content and scenes of sexual intimacy. Original Production owned by Opera Parallèle
FLIGHT2019–20
Licensed by arrangement with C.F. Peters Corporation, New York
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SYNOPSIS
MAKE YOUR CONNECTION ACT I Dawn. The Controller sits in her tower. People start to arrive at the airport for the Refugee to ‘befriend’: a married couple, Bill and Tina, are going on holiday to rediscover romance; the Older Woman is meeting a young man whom she met in Mallorca — she would like to remain inconspicuous; the Steward and Stewardess go about their business — some of the time. Another couple arrives, almost late for their flight to Minsk, to emigrate; the Minskwoman is pregnant. At the last moment, she refuses to board the plane and her husband leaves without her. The Refugee offers her a magic stone to comfort her. The travelers are preparing to depart when the Controller announces that, because of storms, flights are indefinitely delayed.
ACT II Night. The storm rages. The Controller leaves her tower and wanders about outside. Everyone tries to sleep, but, in pairs or alone, they secretly approach the Refugee, fascinated by his magic stone. He gives them all what each thinks is the unique stone and they make wishes. Bill is restless and seeks out the Stewardess, but finds the Steward instead — they go off to explore the control tower. The women and the Refugee decide to get drunk, and, as they become more garrulous, the women discover that each of them has ‘the’ stone. They vent their anger, with dire consequences for the Refugee. The consequences of Bill and the Steward’s explorations are no less cataclysmic. INTERMISSION
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
ACT III
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Dawn. The storm abates, flights resume. The Minskman returns, unable to face his separation. Bill and the Steward have a surprise for their partners. Tina has a nasty surprise for Bill. The Refugee has a surprise for the women. The Minskwoman has a surprise for everyone. When the Refugee tells his story, even the Immigration Officer has a surprising reaction. Flights are called and under the Controller’s watchful eye, the airport returns to normal…
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
“A man trapped between two worlds, living in a kind of limbo. It made us think about what an extraordinary place an airport is, how full of stories, hopes, and dreams. We wondered what kind of people the refugee might have met, and how he might have tried to enlist their help.” Flight was written in a pre-9/11 world. The audience will not see or hear mention of police dogs, “See something, say something,” or not-so-random security checks. It is a return to a time where travelers did not have phones and screens to occupy their time during a long layover, a family could
In our story, the Refugee acts as the great watcher. Stranded in an airport, he spends his days scavenging for food, asking for money from passengers, and avoiding the authorities. In spite of the labors of day-to-day survival, his music and text fill the opera with an enthusiasm for the airport’s fantastical nature. When a storm grounds all flights, he connects with three couples: Bill and Tina, Minskman and Minskwoman, and Steward and Stewardess. He observes their relationships and personal struggles, then elicits them for help. Also observing the travelers’ comings and goings is the Controller, an embodiment of the airport, who sits cynically in her high tower, sending planes into the air, judging passengers, and arguing with the Refugee, for whose wellbeing she secretly feels responsible.
❝
Concerns about marriage, career, love, and romance may monopolize our thoughts, drawing our attention away from the people surrounding us. The needs of those less fortunate become eclipsed by our personal problems.” We may see ourselves in these three couples. Concerns about marriage, careers, love, and romance may monopolize
our thoughts, drawing our attention away from the people surrounding us. The needs of those less fortunate become eclipsed by our personal problems. These travelers fail to take notice of the Refugee. Even when he attempts to engage them, they don’t know how to interact with him. Think of the homeless person at the street corner. While sitting in the car, we may not know how to engage, to make eye contact, or whether to roll down your window and give him or her a dollar. When we drive away, do we give them a second thought? When a storm strands these people in the airport overnight, their sequester compels them to bond with each other as they delve deep into their personal dilemmas. It takes an act of God for the passengers to bond with the Refugee and protect him in a time of crisis. The show offers no solutions for the Refugee’s crisis for the simple reason that there are no easy answers. He never speaks of his home country and we never learn his name so as not to pinpoint one specific humanitarian crisis and diminish the span and complexity of human rights issues across the globe. What this show asks of its audience is to see themselves in a shared airport experience and leave asking, “What would I do? What can I do?” DAVID RADAMÉS TORO
REPRISAL STAGE DIRECTOR
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
Jonathan Dove’s Flight is inspired by the story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who, when trying to immigrate to Great Britain, lost his papers and was stranded in Charles de Gaulle airport for 18 years. When learning of this story, Dove sensed an almost mythical quality in this man:
wait for their loved ones at the terminal gate, or a person could disappear into anonymity.
FLIGHT2019–20
T
he airport experience is stressful. Getting to the airport on time to check in, getting through security, and landing the ever-coveted overhead luggage space. It is easy to become annoyed with the people around you, the screaming infant on the 6am flight, and the flight delays that may cause you to miss your connection. Though anxiety-inducing, we forget how extraordinary airports can be, acting as a reflection or microcosm of the world they connect. Think of that moment of seeing someone step out of the gate. For a moment, we forget all the anger, mistrust, and unhappiness we may encounter from day to day.
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COMPOSER’S NOTES
TA K I N G F L I G H T
I
have never been as nervous as I was at the dress rehearsal of Flight in 1998. I had written the opera I wanted to see, but I had no idea how an audience would react. Unlike many operas, mine wasn’t based on a hit play, or a best-selling novel, or blockbuster movie (although six years later, the same true story would inspire Spielberg’s The Terminal) — and while I hoped people would relate to the experiences of a group of travelers stranded in an airport, I didn’t know if they would laugh at any of the jokes, or enjoy the music. April De Angelis and I had set out to write a comedy — something I felt was in short supply in twentieth-century opera — but then came across the haunting tale of Mehran Nasseri, the Iranian refugee
❝
who had already been living for nearly a decade in Charles de Gaulle airport and would remain there until 2006. We didn’t try to tell his story, but his predicament had a mythic resonance which we found irresistible — and a magnetism which seemed to draw other stories to it. Flight is now twenty-one years old, and has travelled the world. Each new production has shone a different light on it. It is wonderful to have been given the opportunity to write the piece we wanted to see, and discover that others wanted to see it too — and that everyone finds something different in it. JONATHAN DOVE COMPOSER
It is wonderful to have been given the opportunity to write the piece we wanted to see, and discover that others wanted to see it too — and that everyone finds
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
something different in it.”
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MEET MN OPERA
CARLEY STUBER CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
What I do:
Why I’m excited about Flight:
I lead a team of kind, dedicated, smart, organized, and energetic people who collectively raise the necessary funds to make great opera possible in Minnesota. I meet with amazing friends and donors of MN Opera asking for their support and learning about why they share their time and resources with this company.
In learning more about Flight, the following phrases from other company reviews caught my attention: “belly laughs and a moving meditation on identity and connection,” “refugee living in immigration limbo with a yearning to belong,” and “reflect upon how we treat others and the Other.” I am looking forward to laughing while being moved to consider this perspective by a great cast, including many current and former Resident Artists.
ERIC BROKER What I do:
Why I’m excited about Flight:
In a nutshell, I tell stories about how cool art and Minnesota Opera are to all sorts of people. I do that by developing and executing multi-channel public and media relations plans that integrate programmatic, marketing, and fundraising goals, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the Opera and the greater community.
First off, Flight is a comedy, and I love to laugh. The opera is about everyday people, and the piece offers one warm, interesting musical gesture after the next, all set against a strong rhythmic identity that keeps the piece driving forward. And the birth scene is magical and life-affirming and speaks to the uniqueness and depth of every mind — “New, Wondrous ... You are a world, A perfect world.”
MITRA SADEGHPOUR EDUCATION DIRECTOR
What I do:
Why I’m excited about Flight:
I am responsible for Project Opera (our vocal training program for grades 4-12), summer camps, and community work in preparation for our newly commissioned opera The Song Poet. It will premiere in 2021 and is based on the book of the same name by St. Paul author Kao Kalia Yang, with music by Minnesota composer Jocelyn Hagen.
Flight is a new opera for me, and I love learning about new pieces. The singers we have for the production are wonderful, so I look forward to seeing and hearing them in action!
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
FLIGHT2019–20
Meet MN Opera
Minnesota Opera’s dedicated staff of artists, craftspeople, and administrators are passionate about bringing worldclass opera and opera education programs to Minnesota. Recently, we sat down with three of them to learn more about what they do at the Opera and why they’re excited for this production of Flight.
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C A S T + C R E AT I V E T E A M
ALINA BOKOVIKOVA
JENNIFER MACK
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
EYOTA & STEWARTVILLE, MINNESOTA
COSTUME DESIGN
Minnesota Opera Debut Flight, 2020
Notable Performances
CHOREOGRAPHER
Minnesota Opera Debut Rusalka, 2016
Notable Performances
If I Were You, San Francisco Opera
Sleeping Beauty, St. Paul Ballet & Continental Ballet
Today It Rains, Opera Paralléle
Inferno, James Sewell Ballet
Pelléas et Mélisande, West Edge Opera
Gravity, Christopher Watson Dance Company
Harvey Milk, Opera Paralléle*
The Consul, Arbeit Opera Theatre
L’elisir d’amore, UC Santa Cruz*
The Consul, University of MN Opera Theatre The Rape of Lucretia, Arbeit Opera Theatre* 16 Feet Dance Festival* Dances at the Lakes Festival*
NICHOLAS DAVIS
GEOFFREY MCDONALD
PETERSBURG, TENNESSEE
AACHEN, GERMANY
MINSKMAN
Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Minnesota Opera Debut La rondine, 2018
Notable Performances
CONDUCTOR
Minnesota Opera Debut Flight, 2020
Notable Performances La finta giardiniera, Atlanta Opera
Blue, The Glimmerglass Festival
Sky on Swings, Opera Philadelphia
We Shall Not Be Moved, Opera Philadelphia
Hänsel und Gretel, Opera Saratoga
La fanciulla del West, Santa Fe Opera
Idomeneo, Wolf Trap Opera
Elijah, Newburyport Choral Society*
Il barbiere di Siviglia, On Site Opera*
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Lake Forest Symphony*
Woman with Eyes Closed, Opera Philadelphia*
Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera* Blue, Mostly Mozart Festival*
DAVE DUNNING
DEANNE MEEK
SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
RICHLAND, WASHINGTON
SCENIC DESIGN
Minnesota Opera Debut Flight, 2020
Notable Performances
OLDER WOMAN
Minnesota Opera Debut Little Women, 2002
Notable Performances
Flight, Opera Parallèle
Flight, Des Moines Metro Opera
Flight, Seattle Opera*
Giulio Cesare, Florentine Opera A Little Night Music, Théâtre du Châtelet The Grapes of Wrath, Minnesota Opera A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Teatro alla Scala* Alcina, English National Opera*
KATRINA GALKA
CORTEZ MITCHELL
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
CONTROLLER
Minnesota Opera Debut Flight, 2020
Notable Performances
REFUGEE
Minnesota Opera Debut Le nozze di Figaro, 2006
Notable Performances
Die Weiden, Wiener Staatsoper
The Grapes of Wrath, Minnesota Opera
L’elisir d’amore, Portland Opera
Dido and Aeneas, Urban Opera
Xerxes, The Glimmerglass Festival
Come Ye Sons of Art, Symphony Silicon Valley
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Atlanta Opera
US and Australian Tours, Chanticleer*
Ariadne auf Naxos, Arizona Opera* Les contes d’Hoffmann, Opernhaus Zürich*
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
The Handmaid’s Tale, San Francisco Opera*
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ANDREW GILSTRAP
DAVID MURAKAMI
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
IMMIGRATION OFFICER
Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Minnesota Opera Debut Elektra, 2019
Notable Performances
PROJECTIONS DESIGN Minnesota Opera Debut Das Rheingold, 2016
Notable Performances Elektra, Minnesota Opera
Roméo et Juliette, Wolf Trap Opera
Singin’ in the Rain, McCoy Rigby
Wozzeck, Des Moines Metro Opera
Dead Man Walking, Opera Parallèle
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
The Scare Pair, Los Angeles Opera
Sweeney Todd, Des Moines Metro Opera*
Pastorale, Grand Rapids Symphony*
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera*
Harvey Milk, Opera Parallèle*
C A S T + C R E AT I V E T E A M
RENÉE RAPIER
CHRISTIAN THURSTON
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND
MINSKWOMAN
STEWARD
Minnesota Opera Debut
Minnesota Opera Debut
Flight, 2020
Le nozze di Figaro, 2017
Notable Performances
Notable Performances
Europeras 1 & 2, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Silent Night, Minnesota Opera
Madama Butterfly, Opera San Jose
Rigoletto, Minnesota Opera
Rusulka, Steamboat Opera
Madama Butterfly, New Zealand Opera
Madama Butterfly, Tulsa Opera*
La bohème, Theater Latté Da*
Ariadne auf Naxos, Calgary Opera*
Don Giovanni, Wellington Opera*
Flight, Seattle Opera*
LISA MARIE ROGALI
DAVID RADAMÉS TORO
BERGENFIELD, NEW JERSEY
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
TINA
REPRISAL STAGE DIRECTOR
Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Minnesota Opera Debut
Minnesota Opera Debut Flight, 2020
Notable Performances
La rondine, 2018
The Other Room, Arbeit Opera Theatre
Notable Performances Rigoletto, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
La Calisto, Opera NEO
Le nozze di Figaro, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Brundibár/The Gondoliers, Minnesota Opera (Project Opera)
My Fair Lady, Fuse Productions
The Consul, Arbeit Opera Theatre
Zémire et Azor, Opera Saratoga
Glory Denied, Opera Fayetteville*
Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera*
Rusalka, Cincinnati Opera*
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera*
CHRISTIAN SANDERS
PAUL WHITAKER
WESTCLIFFE, COLORADO
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
BILL
LIGHTING DESIGN
Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Minnesota Opera Debut
Minnesota Opera Debut Roméo et Juliette, 2016
Notable Performances
La rondine, 2018
The Great Leap, Guthrie Theatre
Notable Performances The Ghosts of Versailles, The Glimmerglass Festival
Make Believe, Hartford Stage
The Ghosts of Versailles, Opera Château de Versailles Spectacles
Cinderella, Children’s Theatre Company
Silent Night, Minnesota Opera
Bernhardt Hamlet, Geffen Playhouse*
Fellow Travelers, Des Moines Metro Opera*
Annie, Children’s Theatre Company*
Sweeney Todd, Des Moines Metro Opera*
Twelve Angry Men, Theatre Latté Da*
Harvey Milk, Opera Parallèle*
Lucia di Lammermoor, Nissay Opera*
Little Women, Primary Stages
Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera*
DOUG SCHOLZ-CARLSON
CHRYSTAL E. WILLIAMS
NORTHFIELD, MINNESOTA
PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA
STEWARDESS
Minnesota Opera Debut
Minnesota Opera Debut
La Cenerentola, 1997
Flight, 2020
Notable Performances
Notable Performances
Silent Night, Minnesota Opera
Akhnaten, The Metropolitan Opera
A Little Night Music, Madison Opera
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Birmingham Opera Company
Cymbeline, Great River Shakespeare Festival
Charlie Parker’s Yardbird, Opera Philadelphia
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
Appomattox, Washington National Opera
Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera*
Werther, OperaDelaware
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera*
Charlie Parker’s Yardbird, Seattle Opera* Solo Recital, Sun Valley Opera* Soloist, Seattle Symphony*
BRIAN STAUFENBIEL ORIGINAL PRODUCTION SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Minnesota Opera Debut Das Rheingold, 2016
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
Notable Performances
FLIGHT2019–20
Dead Man Walking, Opera Parallèle Scare Pair, Los Angeles Opera Elektra, Minnesota Opera Harvey Milk, Opera Parallèle* Golden City Suite, San Francisco Jazz Center* Flight, Seattle Opera*
* future performances
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ORCHESTRA + SUPERNUMERARIES MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA VIOLIN I Allison Ostrander Concertmaster Natalia Moiseeva Asst. Concertmaster Julia Persitz David Mickens Colin McGuire Angela Waterman Hanson Heidi Amundson Conor O’Brien
VIOLIN II Laurie Petruconis* Elise Parker+ Elizabeth Decker Melinda Marshall Emilia Mettenbrink Jill Olson Moser
VIOLA
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
Emily Hagen* Susan Janda Laurel Browne Jenny Lind Nilsson
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CELLO
HORN
Hocheol Shin* Sally Dorer Rebecca Arons Kirsten Whitson
Michael Alexander* Charles Hodgson
BASS
TRUMPET John G. Koopmann* Christopher Volpe
Constance Martin*
Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville Chair
Charles Block Nadja Gale
FLUTE Michele Frisch double piccolo* Amy Morris double piccolo
TROMBONE Phillip Ostrander* John Tranter
TUBA Jacob Grewe
TIMPANI Kory Andry*
OBOE Michael Dayton* Jeffrey Marshak double English horn
CLARINET Karrin Meffert-Nelson* Nina Olsen double bass clarinet
BASSOON Coreen Nordling Laurie Hatcher Merz double contrabassoon
PERCUSSION Matthew Barber* Steve Kimball Joel Alexander
SUPERS Hannah Benditt Aiden Campbell Gabrielle Dominique Lois Estell Carmen Mickouiza Ganga Stephen Hage (Super Captain) Christy C. Johnson Joe Johnson Kathleen Kitchen Kevin Klein Diane Kolodziej Theresa McConnon Aamer Zafar Mian Angelina Nguyen Babatunde Oyewo Brandon Sieck Michelle Schwantes Tia Tanzer Adán Varela Vanlice Vee Washington Meng Xiong Alex Yang
HARP Min Kim*
PIANO/CELESTE Mary Box * principal + assistant principal
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M–F, 10am–5pm
MEET THE ARTIST
MeettheArtist
CORTEZ MITCHELL
AS THE REFUGEE
CM He is optimistic, clever,
and lonely.
What are some of the greatest joys and challenges of singing this role? CM My character has some beautiful melodies and a very heartfelt aria. One of the challenges for me was getting comfortable with the sections in less common time signatures like 11/8.
CM I think there is a theme of hope with lots of characters in this show, whether it’s a hope for companionship, renewed love, and, for my character in particular, a new life.
❝
I think there is a theme of hope with lots of characters in this show, whether it’s a hope for companionship, renewed love, and, for my character in particular, a new life.” After 13 seasons singing with Chanticleer, what is it like transitioning from choral music to opera? Are there any interesting differences or challenges? CM I think one of the differences in opera is not having to be concerned
about blending with other singers so much. Opera also gives you a few more tools to deliver a story than the choral setting.
You were MN Opera’s first countertenor Resident Artist. What is it like returning to your old stomping grounds? CM I couldn’t be more excited
to return to the company where I performed my first operatic role, Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. It was an unforgettable and invaluable experience for me.
I’m sure you remember that January in the Twin Cities can be intense! Are you ready? Anything you’re excited to see or do? CM Being from Detroit, I’m familiar
with the cold, but never liked it, and the little tolerance I had has waned being in San Francisco so long. With that being said, you still might find me seeking out some winter fun like snow tubing.
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
Describe the Refugee in three words.
What are the themes or messages of this piece that you hope resonate most with audiences?
FLIGHT2019–20
W
e are so happy to welcome countertenor and Detroit native Cortez Mitchell back to the Minnesota Opera stage. After a stint as our first ever countertenor Resident Artist, he has gone on to enjoy a successful career singing around the world. Now based in San Francisco, Mitchell has spent the last 13 seasons as a part of the renowned choral group, Chanticleer. Recently, he sat down with us to chat about transitioning from choral music to opera, this exciting but challenging role, and this heartwarming opera’s special message of hope.
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O P E R A E D U C AT I O N
Five Years of Music Out Loud Now in its fifth year, Music Out Loud is an opera-based, El Sistema-inspired, free, afterschool program for over fifty 4–8 graders. Students at Folwell Elementary School in Minneapolis and the St. Paul Music Academy, meet Monday through Thursday throughout the school year to learn about singing, acting, and technical theater. For many of them, this is their first time in a staged production with costumes, lighting, and sets. The creative process of developing individual characters provides new and engaging challenges for the students. This fall, the group chose to write their own play about a group of middle-schoolers organizing a climate change protest. Through
the rehearsal and performance process, students were able to use their art to open up broader conversations about their place in the world. In the spring, students will perform the musical Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
SOCIAL E M OT IONAL L E ARN I N G M SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING MAP
In addition, the program’s artistic objectives, as well as its emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and perseverance are important socialemotional learning goals of the program. As José Abreu, founder of El Sistema said, “We’re working on the future here. Most of these kids won’t be full-time musicians, but they will be full-time citizens.” Teaching the skills to succeed in the rehearsal room, the performance stage, and life are what makes Music Out Loud so unique.
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Career Readiness
Exposure to Careers
Relationships to people, artists, and craftsmen
Leading Group Activities
Ensemble/ Teamwork
Peer Teaching
Planning for Success
Leadership
Musical Skills
Learning Constructive Criticism
Performance SelfConfidence
Teamwork
Ensemble Games
perseverance
Making Things Meaningful
Encouraging Creativity
Daily Routine
Rehearsal Process
2
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
3
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MAP MUSIC OUT LOUD’S LEARNING MAP LABELS THE ARTISTIC AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING GOALS OF THE PROGRAM. 1 FOLWELL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS STOP 2 REBECCA BLACKWELL, LEAD TEACHING ARTIST, WORKS ON STAGING AT FOLWELL
FOR A PICTURE AFTER ATTENDING THE STUDENT MATINEE OF THE BARBER OF SEVILLE. ELEMENTARY.
3 TEACHING ARTIST SARA SAWYER LEADS ST PAUL MUSIC ACADEMY STUDENTS THROUGH THE STORY OF THE MAGIC FLUTE.
Project Opera presents
BELONGINGS FEBRUARY 8–13, 2020 AT THE LAB THEATER MUSIC BY Lewis Murphy LIBRETTO BY Laura Attridge STAGE DIRECTOR Mitra Sadeghpour CONDUCTOR Matthew Abernathy Belongings explores the stories of two groups of children across two time periods who are forced to flee their homes because of war. Performers step into the shoes of young people just like them— children and teenagers with the same aspirations and dreams who were simply born into different circumstances. The opera will be performed by Project Opera, a vocal training program for youth ages 8–18. Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.
PERFORMANCES
February 8, 2020 at 1pm and 4pm February 9, 2020 at 12:30pm February 13, 2020 at 7pm
THE LAB THEATER Photo © Sigrid Redpath
700 North First Street | Minneapolis, MN 55401
TICKETS $15 Adults $5 Youth (18 and under) For tickets and more information, visit mnopera.org/belongings.
Perfect if you like Because of WinnDixie, Hansel and Gretel, and Toy Story.
March 21–29 SAT
21
7:30 pm
SUN
22 2pm
THUR
26
7:30 pm
SAT
28
7:30 pm
SUN
29 2pm
Lost hearts can find home again. A toy rabbit’s comfortable life is upturned when he is separated from his loving family, sending him on an adventure all the way from the bottom of the sea to the streets of Memphis. Based on the bestseller by local author Kate DiCamillo, Edward Tulane is perfect for the young and young at heart. Elegantly whimsical, this Minnesota original shows us a true miracle—that if you open your heart, you can find home.
UNDERSTAND EVERY WORD Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.
COMING SOON TO MN OPERA
Mozart
May 2–16 So Hot, He’ll Burn Best seats and prices on May 12, 14, and 16.
Edward Tulane Atolla Jellyfish costume rendering courtesy of Victoria Tzykun.
B O A R D , S TA F F, + V O L U N T E E R S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF F ICE RS Chair | H. Bernt von Ohlen President and General Director | Ryan Taylor Vice Chair | Nadege Souvenir Secretary | Sharon Bloodworth Treasurer | Terrance Dolan
DIRECTORS Vanessa Abbe
Natalie Volin Lehr
Patricia Beithon
Mike McNamara
Rebecca Bernhard
Fayneese Miller, Ph.D.
Sharon Bloodworth
Leni Moore
Shari Boehnen
Jose Peris
Alberto Castillo
Bart Reed
Jane Confer
Mary H. Schrock
Terrance Dolan
David Smith
Sidney W. Emery
Nadege Souvenir
Mark C. Gordon
Norrie Thomas
Maureen Harms Dorothy Horns, MD
Missy Staples Thompson
Diane Jacobson, Ph.D.
Wendy Unglaub
John C. Junek
H. Bernt von Ohlen
Anna Kokayeff, MD
Greg Waibel
Stephanie Kravetz
Craig Walvatne
Mary Lazarus
William White
Robert Lee
PR ES I D E N T ’ S COU NC I L Karen O. Bachman
John Huss
John A. Blanchard, III
Ruth Huss
Susan Boren King
James E. Johnson
Burton Cohen Ellie Crosby
Lucy Rosenberry Jones
Julia W. Dayton
Kevin H. Smith Virginia L. Stringer
HONO RA RY D I REC TO R S Philip Brunelle
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
Liz Kochiras
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TEMPO COUNCIL M EMBERS Carrie Anderson
Raegan Henderson
Sosha Brink
Alison Jarzyna
Jessica Brooks
Janelle Jones
Heber Diaz
Elijah Saiger
Marjahn Golban
Jon Tollefson
Drew Gumlia
Laura Wright
STAFF
VOLUNTEERS
ADMI N I ST RAT IO N
Alison Anderson
President and General Director | Ryan Taylor Creative Advisor | Dale Johnson Board Relations Director | Theresa Murray Chief Financial Officer | Steve Matheson Chief of Human Resources | Jen Thill Controller | Gena Holland Staff Accountant | Chris Olsen Facility Manager | Steve Mittelholtz Systems Administrator | Tony Ngonekeo
Katie Anderson
AR T I ST IC
David Earp
Nina Archabal Josee Axberg Renee Brown Michelle Cadieux Aiden Campbell Ahna Clark Ann Drivas
Chief Artistic Officer | Priti Gandhi Head of Music | Allen Perriello Company Manager | Roxanne Stouffer-Cruz Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master | Andrew Whitfield Artistic Department Coordinator | Jake Fedorowski Associate Conductor | Jonathan Brandani Resident Artists | Mia Athey, Danielle Beckvermit, Mary Box, Frankie Charles, Adam Da Ros, Nicholas Davis, Andrew Gilstrap, Lisa Marie Rogali, Christian Sanders, Andrew Sun
Andy Flamm
E DU C AT IO N
Alison Johnson
Chief Learning Officer | Jamie Andrews Education Director | Mitra Sadeghpour Teaching Artist | Pablo Siqueiros Education Associate | Rebecca Blackwell Project Opera Accompanist | Kathy Kraulik Music Out Loud Teaching Artist | Sara Sawyer
DE V E LOPME NT
Joan Gacki Diane Gerlach Belem Gomez Vega Paul Good Jessica Grams Rachel Gustafson Isra Hassan Tim Jones Emily Judge-Becker Ryan Kantor Julie Karlson Robin Keck Laura Kucera Mollie Laidly
Chief Development Officer | Carley M. Stuber Sr. Major Gifts and Campaign Director | John Kupris Development Director | Mallory Roberts Institutional Gifts Director | Diana Konopka Development Officer | Nickolas Sanches Development Manager | Jeremie Bur Development Operations Coordinator | Jonathan Lundgren Development Associate | Charlotte Summers
Mary Lach
MAR K E T ING /CO MMU NICAT IO NS
Ben Neubecker
Chief Marketing Officer | Darby Lunceford Marketing Director | Katherine L. Castille Associate Marketing Director | Kristin Matejcek Marketing Manager | Amanda Rodriguez Relationship Marketing Associate | Paige Reynolds Senior Graphic Designer | Kristin Backman Associate Communications Director | Eric Broker Communications Manager | Rocky Jones Web and Digital Associate | Valerie Friend Patron Services Director | Greg Campbell Patron Services Manager | Kevin Beckey Associate Patron Services Manager | Karl Annable Patron Services Representatives | Justin Cooke, Carol Corich, Henry Dykstal, Evy Johnson, Emily Ross, Emily Sasik
P R O DU CT IO N Chief Production Officer | Karen Quisenberry Assistant Production Director | Julia Gallagher Production Stage Manager | Kerry Masek Stage Manager | Jamie K. Fuller Assistant Stage Managers | Emily Duffin-Brown, Jerry K. Smith Technical Director | Josh Peklo Resident Artist Assistant Technical Director | Frankie Charles Properties Master | Jenn Maatman Properties Assistant | Ursula Bowen Lighting Coordinator | Ray Steveson, Jr. Tech Lighting Assistant | Erin Belpedio Production Carpenter | JC Amel Scene Shop Foreman/Supervisor | Mark Maurer Master Carpenters | Nate Kulenkamp, Eric Veldey Staff Carpenter | Max Gilbert Lead Scenic Painter | Erica Zaffarano Costume Director | Corinna Bakken Tailor | Yancey Thrift Drapers | Katrina Benedict, Chris Bur First Hands | Helen Ammann, Sara Huebschen, Rebecca Karstad Stitchers | Brigid Borka, Ann Friese, Brandi Mans Wardrobe Supervisor | Molly O’Gara Dyer | Samantha Haddow Hair/Makeup Supervisors | Priscilla Bruce, Manuel Jacobo Hair/Makeup Crew | Lianna Colestock
Jim Matejcek Mary McDiarmid Katie Mclean Barbara Moore Nicole Murray Doug Myhra Mackenzie Newkirk Andrea Nicholson Candyce Osterkamp Pat Panshin Erica Petersen Michele Schluender Amy Sirivie Wendi Sott Cristina Sturm Norm Tiedemann Barbara Willis Madison Young Darcy Zimbrick
Minnesota Opera is a proud member of The Arts Partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Schubert Club.
UPCOMING EVENTS
M I N N E S OTA O P E R A I N F O Minnesota Opera Patron Services 620 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-333-6669
Upcoming events Opera Insights
Belongings
ONE HOUR PRIOR TO EACH PERFORMANCE
FEB. 8–13
Enjoy fun, free, and informative half-hour
groups of children, across two time
lectures, hosted by Minnesota Opera’s
periods, who are forced to flee their
artistic staff in Ordway’s Target Atrium.
homes because of war. Project Opera’s
Come early and get an overview of the
performers step into the shoes of young
characters and music, the historical
people just like them — children and
and cultural context of the opera, and
teenagers with the same aspirations
highlights to watch for during the show.
and dreams who were simply born into
MNOPERA.ORG/OPERA-INSIGHTS
different circumstances.
Belongings explores the stories of two
MNOPERA.ORG/BELONGINGS
Sphinx Virtuosi: For Justice and Peace MAR. 1, 3PM
Edward Tulane MAR. 21–29
A chamber ensemble comprised of the
Lost hearts can find home again. Based
nation’s top Black and Latinx Classical
on the best-seller by local author Kate
string soloists, the Sphinx Virtuosi returns
DiCamillo, this is a story that is perfect for
to St. Paul for the fourth time performing
the young and the young at heart, Edward
music that shows how justice and peace
Tulane is an elegantly whimsical Minnesota
find their way into music without regard
original that shows us a true miracle — if
to time and place. Co-presented by the
you open your heart, you can find home.
Arts Partnership (Ordway, MN Opera,
MNOPERA.ORG/TULANE
Schubert Club, and the SPCO).
Regular Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm. Performances: Weekdays — phones open until curtain. Weekends — phones open at 2pm for evening performances and at 10:30am for matinee performances. Minnesota Opera staff will be available at the Ordway’s Ticket Office 90 minutes prior to curtain. mnopera.org Visit mnopera.org to watch behind-thescenes videos, read synopses, browse digital programs, and more. Join our e-club to receive special offers and opera news. Ticket Policies Tickets are not refundable. Subscribers may make exchanges for a different performance or opera up to one hour prior to curtain. Any ticket may be turned back for a tax-deductible donation up until curtain. Call Minnesota Opera Patron Services at 612-333-6669. Parking Prepaid parking is available for opera patrons at the Lawson Commons Ramp. Call 612-333-6669 or visit mnopera.org to purchase passes. Accessibility For patrons with disabilities, wheelchairaccessible seats are available. Audio description will be available for select performances. Please call 612-333-6669 for details and indicate any special needs when ordering tickets. At the Ordway, accessible restrooms and other facilities are available, as well as braille or large-print programs and infrared listening systems.
BOXOFFICE.ORDWAY.ORG
So hot, he’ll burn. From the world’s most well-known composer, Mozart’s Don Giovanni seamlessly blends dark comedy
Ordway Policies Ordway is a smoke-free facility. Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate break.
smart and otherworldly story of a man
Please have all cell phones and pagers turned to silent mode.
who dares to defy hell itself.
Children under six are not permitted in the hall.
with biting social commentary in this
MNOPERA.ORG/DON-GIOVANNI
Cameras and recording equipment are strictly prohibited in the theater. Please check these items with an usher. Food and beverages are available for purchase prior to the show and during intermission. Water and other beverages are allowed in the theater (hot beverages require lids), but food is strictly prohibited.
SPHINX VIRTUOSI WITH ELAINE ALVAREZ FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE
Sunday, March 1, 3:00PM — Ordway Concert Hall, Saint Paul Tickets start at $16 for adults. FREE for kids and students! ordway.org/sphinx
651.224.4222
The phone number for emergencies is 651-224-4222. Please leave seat locations with the calling party. Lost and Found is located at the Stage Door. Call 651-282-3070 for assistance.
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
MAY 2–16
FLIGHT2019–20
Don Giovanni
For more information, please visit mnopera.org/access.
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M N O P E R A D O N O R A P P R E C I AT I O N
THANK YOU M I N N E S O T A
O P E R A
R E C O G N I Z E S
INDIVIDUAL DONORS WHO HAVE MADE CONSECUTIVE YEARLY GIFTS TO EITHER OUR ANNUAL FUND, FUND-A-DREAM, OR SPECIAL INITIATIVES. THANK YOU FOR MAKING DECADES OF EXCEPTIONAL ART AND OPERA.
20+ YEAR DONORS
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
The following lists donors who have made consecutive gifts of 20 years or more to Minnesota Opera
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Anonymous (3) Paul and Valerie Ackerman Carolyn M. Adams Thomas O. Allen Roland C. Amundson Howard J. Ansel, MD Orn and Margret Arnar H. Brewster and Martha Atwater Kay C. Bach Karen Bachman Ruth and Dale Bachman Thomas and Ann Bagnoli Gail and James Bakkom Carol Barnett Gerald and Phyllis G. Benson Kenneth J. Berglund William Biermaier and David Hanson David and Diane Blake Mary and Gus Blanchard George and Joan Bohlig Susan Boren King Margaret Brandl Debra Brooks and James Meunier Joan Broughton Thomas and Joyce Bruckner Donna Carlson E. Jerome and Linda Carlson George and Joan Carlson Laurie Carlson and William Voedisch Alan and Ruth Carp Darlene J. and Richard P. Caroll Family Fund Rachelle Chase and John Feldman Josephine Chervenak Beverly Christensen George and Louise Clitty Rusty and Burt Cohen Gisela Corbett and Peter Hyman Eleanor Crosby Stephen Davis and Murray Thomas Julia W. Dayton Cy and Paula DeCosse Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Charles M. Denny Jr. and Carol E. Denny Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Thomas* and Mary Lou Detwiler Nancy Dingel Ralph D. Ebbott Hugh and Joyce Edmondson Barbara Eiger Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis* Ann Fankhanel Brian M. Finstad Gail Fiskewold John Flynn and Deborah Pile Salvatore Silvestri Franco Patricia R. Freeburg Joan and William Gacki Michael and Carol Garbisch Paul Garmers Mary Ellen Gee James and Rene Gesell Howard and Heidi Gilbert Nancy J. Gilliland Marcia Glick Charlotte L. Grantier Beverly N. Grossman Alfred and Ingrid Harrison James R. Hartsoe Stephen and Patricia Haynes Donald Helgeson and Sue Shepard Cliffton and Sharon Hill Jean Holten Burton and Sandra Hoverson Ruth and John Huss Mr. and Mrs. Philip Isaacson Edward and Mary Jacobsen Diane and Paul Jacobson Barbara Jenkins Allan and Margaret Johnson Dale A. Johnson Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson Robert and Susan Josselson Arthur Kaemmer Erwin and Miriam Kelen Patty and Warren Kelly Joseph and Carole Killpatrick Janice Kimes Richard A. Kinde Blaine and Lyndel King
Margaret Kinney Donald W. Klass Mrs. James S. Kochiras Kyle Kossol and Tom Becker Robert Kriel and Linda Krach Gail Oliver and James LaFave Kenyon S. Latham Robert L. Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Ilo and Peggy Leppik Benjamin and Helen Liu William F. Long Juanita B. Luis Dr. Joan E. Madden Donald and Rhoda Mains Jeffrey Masco Roy and Dorothy Ann Mayeske David Mayo Barbara McBurney Helen McCrossan Harvey Thomas McLain Robert and Larae McPartlin Margaret A. Michaelson Steven J. Mittelholtz Margot and Bjorn Monson C. Robert and Sandra Morris William and Imelda Muggli Betty Myers Richard and Janet Myers Fritz Nelson and Mina Fisher Merritt Nequette and Nancy Hartung Lucia Newell and Steven Wiese Jay and Helen Newlin Gayle and Timothy Ober Patricia A. O’Gorman Ahmad and Ruth Orandi Derrill Pankow Donald and Kathleen Park James A. Payne Suzanne and William Payne Lana K. Pemberton John and Margaret Perry Robert and Alice Peters Dwight and Marjorie Peterson Gregory and Sharon Peterson Jan and Janet Phillips Mrs. William Phillips Fred and Barbara Pollman Charles and Nicole Prescott Robert and Mary Price
Constance and Lewis Remele James Richardson and Dorothy Horns Ann M. Rock Robert E. Rocknem Thomas and Nancy Rohde Michael and Tamara Root Ken and Nina Rothchild Enrique and Clara Rotstein James Salutz and Margaret Brandl Sampson Family Charitable Foundation Jon L. Schasker* and Debbie Carlson Mary Schertler Mahlon and Karen Schneider Paul L. Schroeder Frederick and Gloria Sewell Frank and Lynda Sharbrough Robert Shearer and Joan Gustafson Cherie and Robert Shreck Kevin and Lynn Smith Jon Spoerri and Debra Christgau Biruta and Andris Spruds Julie and Bruce Steiner Warren Stortroen Stephen Strand Virginia and Edward Stringer Oakley and Susan Surine Curtis L. Swenson Charles and Marlys Taflin Erika and Dan Tallman Joyce Thielen Lindsey Thomas and David Lauth John and Jill Thompson Stephanie C. Van D’Elden Mary W. Vaughan Lily and Richard Weinshilboum Nancy and Frederick Weyerhaeuser Barbara White John and Sandy White J. Andrew and Gary S. Whitford Holey Paul and Carolynn Wiggin Sue Wiltgen John W. Windhorst Jr. Margaret Wurtele Maryann Wycoff
The following lists donors who have made consecutive gifts of 15 years to Minnesota Opera Katherine Anderson Nina Archabal Martha and Dan Aronson Josephine and Gordon Bailey Susanne and Johan Bakken Thomas and Jill Barland John and Julie Beckmann Barbara S. Belk Bender Vocal Studio Bonnie Benson Patricia and Martin Blumenreich Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville Judith and Paul Brandon Allen Brookins-Brown Philip and Ellen Bruner Lela Clark Malcolm and Jean Clark Jane M. and Ogden W. Confer Jeanne and David Cornish Jeffrey and Barbara Couture Sara and Jock Donaldson Thalia Duffield Dr. Donald A. Duncan Vicki and Chip Emery Craig Feathers and Amy Kolan
10+ YEAR DONORS The following lists donors who have made consecutive gifts of 10 years to Minnesota Opera Anonymous Mary Abbe Rolf T. Anderson August Aquila and Emily Haliziw Roberta Armel Jerry Artz Donna and Jerold Bahls John and Elizabeth Beck Wendy Bennett and Kendall Powell Shari and David Boehnen Ed and Mimi Bohrer William and Margaret Bracken Philip Bradley Terrie and John Brandt Renee Campion and David Walsh Katherine L. Castille William and Nancy Child Gary B. Cohen Daniel E. Conrad Helen and John Crosson Mary Davidson Richard and Lois Demers Maureen and John Drewitz Kevin and Janet Duggins Holli and Stefan Egerstrom Maria Eggemeyer Ron Erhardt
Kathleen Fennema Gerald Foley Barbara Gee Raeanna and Walter Gislason Edward and Eileen Gordon Mrs. Myrtle Grette Judy Grimes Susanne Haas and Ross Formell Michelle Hackett Roger Hale and Eleanor Hall Thomas J. Haley Jr. Lowell Hanson Sharon Hawkins Jack and Terri Hawthorne Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson Maurice Henschel Karen and Brian Hopps Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad Ray Jacobsen Ronald and Deborah Jans Margaret and Philip Johnson Robert Thomas Johnson Janet N. Jones Erika Kahler Constance and Daniel Kunin Beatrice Langford Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus Jonathan and Lisa Lewis Janet Lindquist Elizabeth Longhurst and Kim Chapman
Diana Lee Lucker Gerold Luss David MacMillan and Judith Krow Carolyn Mayo Laura McCarten Anne McInerney Velia R. Melrose Anne and Eldon Miller Laurie Miller Robert and Sharon Moeller William Myers and Virginia Dudley Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan Richard and Joan Newmark Nancy and Richard Nicholson Gerald M. Nolte Elizabeth and Neal Nordling Andrew Odlyzko Luis Pagan-Carlo and Joseph Sammartino Muriel L. Parker JoAnn Pasternack Lois Pearson Jerry Peck Jose Peris and Diana Gulden Patricia M. Peterson Lynda Petrie Ona and Wayne Pinsonneault Anne and John Polta Edward and Betty Radcliffe Elizabeth Redleaf Jeanne and Richard Reierson
Herbert and Jane Reiman Sandra Roe Robert Rose Liane Rosel Terry Saario and Lee Lynch Stephen and Karen Sanger A. Truman and Beverly Schwartz Daniel and Marilyn Spiegel Ruth Stricker Dayton Andrew and Carolyn Thomas Vilis and Aija Vikmanis Cindy and Steven Vilks Joanne Von Blon H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol Frank and Frances Wilkinson Donna and Ben Wright Kirsten Zerhusen Paul Zorn and Janet Petri
Leah and Ian Evison William I. and Bianca M. Fine Charitable Trust Daniel E. Freeman Bill and Bonnie Frels Charles J. Frisch Randy Goetz Barbara Golden Jennifer Gross Donald and Marion Hall Craig and Monica Hamer Russell and Priscilla Hankins Laurie Hansen Arthur and Fran Horowitz Judith and Clayton Hovda Jean Johnson Thomas Johnson John and Kathleen Junek Erna and Keith Kostuch Robert and Venetia Kudrle Don and Marlyce Lee John and Rachel Levitt Holly MacDonald and John Orbison Christine Martin Kristin and Jim Matejcek Orpha McDiarmid Family Fund Adele Mehta James and Judy Mellinger John and Sibylle Miller Karla Miller Alfred and Ann Moore David and Leni Moore Family Foundation
David and Judy Myers Imogene and Allan Nelson Ingrid Nelson Coreen Nordling and John Paulson Robert and Tamara Olsen Vivian Orey Steven and Karen Ostovich Daniel Paskewitz Judith Pettit Hans Olaf Pfannkuch Kathleen M. Philipp Dennis M. Ready Paul and Rhoda Redleaf Paul and Mary Reyelts Ann Richter Genevieve and John Ries Ronald Roed Melville and Irene Sahyun Paula Santrach Mary Savina Joseph Schmidt Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock Alan E. Shapiro Eva Shipley Roy and Lana Sjoberg Charles K. Smith Susannah Smith Clifford C. and Virginia G. Sorensen Charitable Trust of The Saint Paul Foundation Nadege Souvenir and Joshua Dorothy George Sparks
Sharon and Thomas Stoffel John J. Stofko, Jr. Charlotte Taylor John and Mary Taylor Katharine E. Thomas Dr. Norrie Thomas Valerie Thompson Catherine Vesley Mary Ellen Vetter Craig and Stephanie Walvatne David L. Ward Hope Wellner Rahn Westby Cathy Wick David and Rachelle Willey Donald Williams and Pamela Neuenfeldt John M. Williams Sharon Woods
FLIGHT2019–20
15+ YEAR DONORS
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
M N O P E R A D O N O R A P P R E C I AT I O N
25
M N O P E R A D O N O R A P P R E C I AT I O N
5+ YEAR DONORS
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
The following lists donors who have made consecutive gifts of 5 years to Minnesota Opera
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Anonymous (2) Carrie and Joshua Anderson Laurie Anderson and Jon Hanson Eleanor Arnason Linda Aronson Patrice Arseneault Suzanne Asher Thomas Bakken Longine Beck William Beeman Carl and Joan Behr Patricia Beithon Sharla and Mark Beithon John and Cindy Beukema Sharon Bigot Lorraine R. Brasket Annetta Bray-Wagner Jan and Eli Briones Roger and Ronnie Brooks Richard Burquist and Robert Murphy Ann and Glenn Buttermann Alberto Castillo and Judith Garcia Galiana David and Wanda Cline Herbert Colwill Susan Conlin Paul Coons Barbara Cracraft Michael and Stacey Crosby Shana Crosson and John Gisselquist Melissa Daul Jay and Rebecca Debertin Susan DeNuccio Lois Dirksen Carol C. Dittberner Eugenia and Joseph Dixon Sean Dorsey and Kara Eliason Dorsey Joan Duddingston Margaret E. Durham Mary Ebert and Paul Stembler Sheryl Ebert Andrea Een George Ehrenberg Katherine and Richard Eiser Karen Folden Iris Freeman and Warren Woessner Frank and Shirley Garner Theresa M. Gienapp James and Jo Glasser Richard and Marsha Gould Dr. Richard Gregory Jan Grimes Thomas and Jacqueline Guglielmi Matthew Haines and Jennifer Marshall
Dana Hazel Mary Healy Elisabeth and John Heefner John and Rosmarie Helling Mindy Henjum Arthur and Joan Higinbotham Heidemarie Hinckley Elfrieda Hintze Sandra Hirsch Linda and John Hoeschler Joseph and Nancy Holmberg Steve Horan Todd A. Hughes Linda Hulbert and Alan Rissman Kathleen and Robert Humphrey Bernard Jacob Mark and Jeanne Jacobson Michelle Jesse Dennis and Carole Johnson Karen Johnson Paul Johnson and Joan Eckberg Paula and Bryce Johnson Arnold and Shirley Kaplan Kristine Kaplan Henry Keen Andrea M. Kircher Terry and Cecelia Kirihara Arthur and Milly Klassen Julie Klimp Kartra and Glenn Kohl Anna Kokayeff Elise Koonmen Rebecca Kopka David and Jane Kostik Robert and Barbara Kueppers Scott and Karla Lalim Christl and Andrew Larson Mary Larson Xan Laurence Cynthia and Lawrence Lee David and Darlene Lee James Leith Laurence and Jean LeJeune Frank Lerman and Carol Simon Natalie Levin and Stephen Gilberstadt Eric and Celita Levinson Tom and Hinda Litman The Longview Foundation William Lough Carol Lundquist Lin Ma Reid and Ann MacDonald Marsha Macey Stuart MacGibbon Joan and Matthew Macheledt Liana Magee and Thomas Kleinschmit William Mahlum and Donna Allan Adam Malamen Diane Malfeld Sally and Don Mason George and Anastasia Maxwell
BECOME A DONOR
Sean McAleer Kris and Bill McGrath Jon and Deb McTaggart Lester and Eileen Meltzer John Michel and H. Berit Midelfort Igor and Dina Mikhailenko John Miller Virginia Miller James Miner Jacqueline Moen and Steven Bailey IvaNell Monson Keith Montgomery Linda Morey Elizabeth Murray Thomas Murtha and Stefanie Lenway Richard and Nancy Nelson Kathryn E. Nettleman From the Family of Richard C. and Elizabeth B. Longfellow Gerald and Rita Newton Margaret J. Nimmo Paula Nordhem and James Calkins Brandon and Melissa Novy Douglas Olson and Charlene McEvoy Stephanie Olson Donna and Marvin Ortquist Lisa Pasquale Craig Peifer and Lawrence Lozano Rolf and Sarah Peters Carol Peterson Dale Pillsbury Joan L Piorkowski Lorraine Potuzak Julie and Leslie Prahl Margaret Redmond and Steven Ring Sigrid Larson and Dave Redpath Robert W. Reilly Arlene Renshaw John Renwick Philip Rickey Jim Rife and Theresa Salerno Scott and Courtney Rile David and J. Susan Robertson Professor Julia Robinson Don and Patricia Romanaggi David and Kathleen Rothenberger Gregg H. Rotvold Andrea and James Rubenstein Thomas and Tricia Ryan David M. Sandoz Kate Saumur Joyce Schmidt William Schmidt Beth and Steve Schneider Mary and Robert Schommer Frank and Ingrid Schroder Edward and Marguerite Senninger Jerald and Leona Shannon Juliana and Bernie Simmons Kathleen K. Simo Madeline Simon Linda and Jesse Singh
Morton and Sylvia Sipress Rhonda Skoby Ursel Smith Linnea Sodergren Nancy St. John Michael Steffes Sandra F. Stenzel Donna Stephenson Mark Stutrud Craig and Janet Swan Irma Thies Marie J. Thomas Susan M. Thurin Avis Tilden Susan Truman Kenneth and Kathryn Valentas Paul and Carolyn Verret John Vilandre Edward and Virginia Vizard Randall Volk William K. Wangensteen Gregory and Ellen Weyandt Deborah Wheeler William White Jeff Wiemiller and Joe Anderson Wendy Wildung Marguerite Wilson Jean and Ray Witter Ruth Wood Wayne Zink and Christopher Schout * in remembrance
Thank you. We sincerely appreciate every gift from 1 to 20+ years. If our records differ from yours, let us know by contacting Jeremie Bur, Development Manager, at 612-342-9574 or at jbur@mnopera.org
and bring innovative opera productions to life. Visit mnopera.org/support to give online.
THANK YOU!
SPECIAL GIVING
through their foresight and generosity, have included the Opera in their wills or estate plans. Anonymous (5) Norton Hintz* and Mary Abbe Paul and Val Ackerman Thomas Allen Cordelia Anderson and John Humleker Dr. and Mrs. Rolf Andreassen* Mary A. Andres Karen Bachman Thomas and Ann Bagnoli Randolph G. Baier* Mrs. Harvey O. Beek* Patricia Beithon Barbara and Sandi Bemis* Dr. Lee A. Borah, Jr.* Susan S. Boren C.T. Bundy II Margaret M. Carasik Joan and George Carlson Robin J. Carpenter* Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS The following endowment funds, created by visionary and generous donors, continue the work of Minnesota Opera for future generations. Art of Singing Endowment Fund
To support exceptional training for Resident Artists by providing learning opportunities with leading artists and experts.
COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS The following lists donors who have made gifts in honor or in memory of a loved one between November 1, 2018 and January 1, 2020. IN HONOR OF:
Matthew Abernathy Dale Borgeson
Susan Boren King and Steve King Rachelle Chase and John Feldman
Julia and Dan Cross Julia W. Dayton Charles M. Denny Jr.* and Carol E. Denny George* and Susan Doty Rudolph Driscoll* Anne P. Ducharme Mary Ebert and Paul Stembler Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis Ester Fesler Daniel E. Freeman Dr. Paul Froeschl Katy Gaynor Nettie Grabscheid* Robert* and Ellen Green Dr. Ieva M. Grundmanis* Michelle Hackett Russell and Priscilla Hankins Julia Hanna* Frederick J. Hey, Jr.* Elfrieda Hintze Jean McGough Holten Charles J. Hudgins* Ruth Jones* Charles and Sally Jorgensen Robert and Susan Josselson Charlotte* and Markle Karlen Mary H. Keithahn Warren and Patty Kelly
Margaret Kilroe Trust* Lyndel and Blaine King Gretchen Klein* Sally Kling Gisela Knoblauch* Liz and Jim Krezowski Robert Kriel and Linda Krach Robert and Venetia Kudrle Helen L. Kuehn* Robert “Jim” J. Lawser, Jr. Jean Lemberg* Joyce and Jerry Lillquist Dawn M. Loven David Mayo Barbara and Thomas* McBurney Mary McDiarmid Mildred McGonagle* Mary Bigelow McMillan* Sheila McNally* Mrs. Walter Meyers* John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort Susan Molder* Edith Mueller* Kay Ness Richard and Joan Newmark Scott J. Pakudaitis Derrill Pankow Debra Paterson Mrs. William S. Phillips
Phyllis Price Brian and Trish Huberty Prokosch Richard G.* and Liane A. Rosel Ken and Nina Rothchild Mary Savina Josef Schermann Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock Frank and Lynda Sharbrough Robert Shearer and Joan Gustafson Joan T. Smith* Drew Stewart Gregory Swinehart and Mitra Walter Anthony Thein Stephanie C. Van D’Elden Mary Vaughan H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol Jean C. Wirsig* Richard Zgodava* William White Philip Oxman and Harvey Zuckman
Barbara White Bemis Fund for Artistic Enhancement
Founders Endowment Fund
Valerie and Paul Ackerman Endowment Fund
The appearances of Katrina Galka, Lisa Marie Rogali, Christian Sanders, and Chrystal E. Williams, regional finalists; Christian Thurston, district finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions are made possible by this fund.
Daniel E. Freeman Endowment Fund To support Minnesota Opera’s education programs.
Dolly Fiterman Fund for New Production Opera Design
To support the creation of new productions by proving funds to engage designers and create new sets.
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad Sheila Morgan
Dale A. Johnson Rachelle Chase
Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson Anonymous Mahlon and Karen Schneider Ronald Sit Carley and Bill Stuber
John and Kathleen Junek Susan McGowan
Joan Jacobs Rubenfeld Memorial Fund To support the attendance of high school students at MN Opera performances.
Minnesota Opera Center Preservation Fund
To support Opera Center building improvements. The Preservation Fund recognizes the legacies of Judson Bemis and Kevin Smith, who through their leadership created the Opera Center.
* in remembrance
To support the attendance of youth at Minnesota Opera performances.
Virginia L. Stringer Endowment of the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program
To support the Resident Artist Program. The appearance of the Resident Artists in this production is made possible this endowment fund.
William Randolph Hearst Endowment for Education and Outreach Programs
To support Minnesota Opera’s education and outreach programs
Natalie Volin Lehr
Edward Foreman, bass
Susan Platon
Coreen Nordling and John Paulson
Raymond Ginn
Jon L. Schasker
Gloria Gross
Audrey Stottler
Helen Hines
Maria Tentoni
Herbert Kahler
Robert James Thompson
Tandyn S. Krenz
Ruth Wallentine
Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation Denise Cronin Brian and Jane Grivna
Joel Puckett
Natalie Puckett Evans
Scott and Courtney Rile Miss Sarah L. Irwin
Mary and Christian Schrock
H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol
J. & I. Zerhusen
Kirsten Zerhusen
Eric John Halvorson
Sandra Mary LeBlanc
To support new and innovate opera performances that honor the spirit, energy, and creativity of the founders in the beginning days of the Center Opera.
For more information on making estate plan arrangements, please contact Mallory Roberts, Development Director, at 612-342-9566.
IN MEMORY OF:
Judson and Barbara Bemis Sandra Roe
Arlene B. Bryant
Maureen and John Drewitz
Dr. Nathan H. and Blanche Camm Barbara Leslie Camm
Harold and Winnie Doran A. Brian Doran
Mildred Finstad and Ruby Spangberg Julia and Brian Finstad
Dr. Gillian Horrocks Janelle N. Jones
John and Sandra Murphy Maureen and John Drewitz Nicholas Butler Barbara Backman Rachelle Chase Sara and Jock Donaldson Matthew Ericson Lisa K. Hanson Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray Colleen O’Shaughnessy Pollack Phyllis Richards Karen Sorenson Shayla Thiel Stern Marilyn Swanson
Hannelore Leipold
Judith and Paul Brandon
Sara Livshitz
Mikhailenko Family
Tom Nee
Cheryl Brown
Erika Kahler Debbie Carlson Lila Olson
Mark Bayuk
Kathy Thompson
Maureen and John Drewitz
Heinrich Wurdak Nicole Wurdak
Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate
The following lists donors who,
FLIGHT2019–20
LEGACY CIRCLE
27
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MINNESOTA OPERA G R A T E F U L LY A C K N O W L E D G E S ITS MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS: $ 1 0 0,0 0 0 +
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
THE ANDREW W.
MELLON FOUNDATION
$ 50,0 0 0 – $ 9 9, 9 9 9
$ 2 5,0 0 0 – $ 49, 9 9 9
Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of the HRK Foundation
$ 1 0,0 0 0 – $ 24, 9 9 9
Hardenbergh Foundation
Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
MAHADH Fund of the HRK Foundation
MINNESOTA OPERAMNOPERA.ORG
$5,0 0 0 – $9,999
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The Aaron Copland Fund for Music Inc. Best Buy Boss Foundation Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation Dellwood Foundation Ernst & Young Faegre Baker Daniels Anna M. Heilmaier Charitable Foundation Hutter Family Foundation
Mayo Clinic Pachel Foundation Rahr Corporation RBC Wealth Management Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner P.A. Sit Investment Associates St. Paul Cultural STAR Travelers Foundation Twin Cities Opera Guild Xcel Energy
$ 2 , 50 0 – $ 4, 9 9 9
$ 2 50 – $ 2 , 49 9
Anonymous Amphion Foundation Kitselman Foundation Margaret Rivers Fund Peravid Foundation The Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation Tennant Foundation
Anonymous Enterprise Holdings Foundation Great River Energy McVay Foundation Onan Family Foundation Romanaggi Foundation USI Insurance Services
For more information about making a corporate or foundation contribution to Minnesota Opera, please contact Diana Konopka at dkonopka@mnopera.org or 612-342-9565.
MINNESOTA OPERA SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR
OFFICIAL HOTEL OF MINNESOTA OPERA
IN-KIND
RESTAURANT PARTNER
SAKURA
HOSPITALITY PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
Alexis Bailly Vineyard
The oldest Bach Society on the continent EST. 1932
Matthias Maute, Artistic Director
- Vivaldi's Motezuma Motezuma, Vivaldi's lost opera on the Aztec ruler, comes to life in this tri-national production. Join us for this semi-staged opera!
Tuesday, Feb. 11 @ 7 PM
Trinity Chapel, Bethany Lutheran College 700 Luther Dr., Mankato, MN
Wednesday, Feb. 12 @ 7:30 PM
repre sent For advertising in Minnesota Opera programs, or with other arts partners we represent:
mary-kate@artsink.org 612.791.3629
Buetow Music Center Auditorium 300 Hamline Ave N., St Paul, MN
Friday, Apr. 3 @ 7:30 PM
First Lutheran Church-Marshall 100 Church St, Marshall, MN Tickets and Info: bachsocietymn.org | 612-440-6219
artsink.org
Theater Latté Da’s re-imagined staging of the beloved opera returns.
Painting: Bonjour Tristesse, Nicholas Harper
LA BOHÈME MUSIC BY GIACOMO PUCCINI LIBRETTO BY LUIGI ILLICA AND GUISEPPE GIACOSA NEW ORCHESTRATION BY JOSEPH SCHLEFKE DIRECTED BY PETER ROTHSTEIN MUSIC DIRECTION BY ERIC MCENANEY
In memory of John Hemann
MAR 11 - APR 26, 2020 • RITZ THEATER • TICKETS ON SALE NOW
St. Philip the Deacon is delighted to celebrate excellence in music and the fair and glorious gifts of the Minnesota Opera.
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