AN EVENING OF VOCAL FIREWORKS Program

A M I C I E R I VA L I

AN EVENING OF V O CA L F I R E W O R KS T H U R S DAY, AU G U S T 26, 2 O 21 The Mann Center for the Performing Arts

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A M I C I E R I VA L I

AN EVENING OF V O CA L F I R E W O R KS Music by Adolphe Adam, Vincenzo Bellini, Gioachino Rossini, Ambroise Thomas STA R R I N G Lawrence Brownlee Michael Spyres S O LO I STS Toffer Mihalka John David Miles Frank Mitchell George Ross Somerville Cory O'Niell Walker C R E AT I V E Conductor Corrado Rovaris Chorus Master Elizabeth Braden Stage Manager Lisa Anderson Production support has been provided by Ms. Robin Angly

Maestro Corrado Rovaris’ engagement as the Jack Mulroney Music Director has been made possible by Mrs. John P. Mulroney.

The performances of Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres have been underwritten by Judy and Peter Leone.

The Opera Philadelphia Orchestra is underwritten by Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs.

An Evening of Vocal Fireworks: Amici e Rivali runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

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F R O M T H E B OA R D C H A I R M A N Welcome to An Evening of Vocal Fireworks: Amici e Rivali, a summer reunion for our extended Opera Philadelphia family: Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris and our orchestra—last seen surrounded by propane heaters during The Drama of Tosca in May; (the male side of ) our chorus; our hard-working staff; our extraordinary headliners Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres; and you, with whom we’re delighted to be united.

The story of this reunion goes back twenty years. And it reminds us that often we must take an extra step—and disregard advice—to encounter good fortune.

“I remember I was shaving,” while listening to audition CDs, Corrado recalled.

Larry’s agent had, unbeknownst to Larry and against the advice of others in the agency, sent a recording of Larry’s winning performance in the Metropolitan Opera competition. “As soon as I heard him, I was shocked. I told Luca Targetti [then the La Scala casting director, who died last year of COVID], ‘we have to get this guy.’ Some said, ‘He won’t come all the way from America for an audition.’ But I said, ‘if he’s serious about his career he will come.’”

“My agent asked me, ‘Are you sitting down? Someone wants to hear you sing,’” Larry recalled. “The audition was in just a few weeks. I was in the young artists’ program at Seattle Opera in the fall of 2001”—when, we’re reminded, few were flying—“and was living on a stipend. Between my family and my teachers we got the money.” He arranged to sleep on a friend’s couch.

Photo by Kelly & Massa

Larry arrived for the audition in Milan to find stagehands leaning against a no-smoking sign outside the rehearsal room—smoking. “Halfway through I had to stop to clear my throat.

They were like, OK, take a second. Eventually I finished the aria.” Another tenor had no trouble with the smoke. Larry thought it was a “big disaster.” But as soon as the other tenor departed, Corrado and Luca offered Larry the role of Almaviva in The Barber of Seville.

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Corrado took a special interest and arranged to meet Larry “in [former Opera Philadelphia General Director] Robert Driver’s apartment to work a little bit on the role, on the Italian,” for Barber, for l’italiana in Algeri, which Larry was to sing in Milan under Corrado’s baton, and La cenerentola, for which Larry was also engaged at La Scala. Since then, they’ve performed together many times— including on the Opera Philadelphia stage—and become, in Corrado’s words, “like brothers.”

Corrado and Larry have each admired Michael Spyres’ unique combination of vocal color and range for years. But each first worked with Michael in the fall of 2018—Corrado in our O18 production of Lucia di Lammermoor and Larry in a Photo by Kelly & Massa concert in Amsterdam that went viral.

That concert gave Larry the idea for the Amici e Rivali CD. “During our period in Verona for this recording we had so much fun,” Corrado told me. “When you make music with friends it’s a joy.”

I’m told their joy won’t be confined to the stage as they reunite in Philadelphia.

Both Larry and Corrado are avid ping-pong players. They’ve each played David Levy, our Vice President for Artistic Operations, but never each other. “When we were in Verona for the [Amici e Rivali] recording we looked everywhere” for a table, Corrado told me. Larry confided he’d have to practice “so I can give Corrado my best game.”

I don’t know if the ping-pong will go viral. But I invite you to enjoy their reunion on our stage.

Peter Leone Chairman

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B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S OFFICERS Peter Leone | Chairman Charles C. Freyer | Vice Chair Caroline J. Mackenzie Kennedy | Vice Chair Dr. Eugene E. Stark, Jr. | Vice Chair Sandra K. Baldino | Secretary Thomas Mahoney | Treasurer David B. Devan | President (ex officio) MEMBERS

Thomas Mahoney Sarah Marshall Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. Agnes Mulroney Carolyn Horn Seidle Jonathan H. Sprogell Dr. Eugene E. Stark, Jr. Barbara Augusta Teichert Maria Trafton Kathleen Weir

Sandra K. Baldino Lawrence Brownlee Willo Carey Katherine Christiano Don Cooney Maureen Craig Carol S. Eicher Mikael Eliasen Charles C. Freyer Beth W. Glynn Alexander Hankin Valerie Harrison Frederick P. Huff Carole H. Johnson Caroline J. Mackenzie Kennedy Beverly Lange, M.D. Peter Leone

HONORARY MEMBERS Dennis Alter Alan B. Miller H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest† Stephen A. Madva, Esq., Chairman Emeritus Alice W. Strine, Esq. Charlotte Watts

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F R O M T H E G E N E R A L D I R E C TO R Dear Friends, It’s my pleasure to welcome you tonight to “An Evening of Vocal Fireworks.” We are thrilled to be back partnering with the Mann, as we did in May for The Drama of Tosca. Tonight, we have the full venue at our disposal, so whether you are seated in the beautiful TD Pavilion or enjoying an Opera on the Mall-style picnic on the lawn, thank you for joining together to experience live opera once again. It is because of you, our wonderful donors, and the talented artists we work with – especially our Orchestra and Chorus – that we have been able to continue creating art throughout the past year and a half, and that we can be here tonight to enjoy the talents of two of opera’s biggest stars.

Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres are really friends, not rivals, but in 2018, a video of them performing a Rossini tenor duet went viral and established their fame as “dueling tenors.” From there, they teamed up with Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris and their album, Amici e Rivali, was born. That collaboration is the inspiration behind our program tonight of bel canto mastery, of fireworks both on stage and in the sky, reminding us how music can move and excite us all.

This pre-season concert is a taste of what’s to come in the 2021-2022 season as we return to a mix of live performances and continue to explore cinematic art on the Opera Philadelphia Channel. We’ll gather at several different venues this year, including Verizon Hall, the Academy of Music – and on the screens in your home.

Please enjoy this evening of picnics, gathering with friends and loved ones, and incredible opera under the stars. We hope to see you again on the next part of our journey.

David B. Devan General Director & President 7

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Lawrence Brownlee Tenor

Michael Spyres Tenor

Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world's top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry. Captivating audiences and critics around the globe, he has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times), “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian), and “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR). With an ever-increasing presence in opera, recital, and concerts, Lawrence Brownlee has cemented his place as one of the top artists in classical music. He is a regular guest at the world’s most important opera houses including The Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House - Covent Garden, Bayerische Staatsoper, Staats-oper Unter den Linden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opéra national de Paris, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Teatro Real, Opernhaus Zürich, and Wiener Staatsoper.

Born and raised in the Ozarks, Michael Spyres is considered to be the only true baritenor of his generation while also being one of the most sought-after tenors. Michael has been celebrated on the world’s most prestigious international stages in the widest range of repertoire.

His unique career has taken him into every genre from Baroque to Classical to 20th century, while firmly establishing himself as an expert within the bel canto repertoire as well as French grand opera.

In addition to his operatic career Mr. Spyres is equally accomplished within the concert world and has given recitals in 13 countries around the world. This and recent seasons will see him star at The Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Covent Garden, Bayerische Staatoper, Wiener Staatsoper, Salzburger Festspiele, Opernhaus Zürick, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Teatro Real, Festival d’Aix en Provence, Opéra national de Paris, Rossini Opera Festival, and La Scala di Milano.

Lawrence Brownlee's performance has been underwritten by Judy and Peter Leone.

Michael Spyres' performance has been underwritten by Judy and Peter Leone.

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C R E AT I V E

Corrado Rovaris Jack Mulroney Music Director

Elizabeth Braden Chorus Master

Corrado Rovaris made his Opera Philadelphia debut in 1999 and was appointed as the Jack Mulroney Music Director, the company’s first, for its 30th Anniversary Season in 2005.

Elizabeth Braden is Chorus Master at Opera Philadelphia, a position she has held since the 2004–2005 season.

During her tenure she has prepared the chorus for over 40 productions, ranging from traditional favorites like La bohéme and Carmen, to new works and world premieres like Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking the Waves. In 2017 she made her Opera Philadelphia conducting debut with the world premiere of David Hertzberg’s The Wake World. This season, she will prepare the chorus in Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex and Verdi's Rigoletto.

Born in Bergamo, Italy, Maestro Rovaris graduated from the Conservatory of Milan with degrees in composition, organ, and harpsichord. From 1992 through 1996 he was the Assistant Chorus Master of the Teatro alla Scala and made his debut on the podium with Il filosofo di campagna by Galuppi in a production by Associazione Lirica e Concertistica Italiana.

Ms. Braden is also the conductor of the Penn Chorale at the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Braden has prepared choruses for opera productions at The Curtis Institute of Music, most recently for a production of Sweeney Todd. She also served for many years as Director of Music at Wallingford Presbyterian Church.

Celebrated for his vibrant and expressive performances, Maestro Rovaris brings a warm presence to the podium. This season, he will conduct Oedipus Rex + Lilacs and Rigoletto with Opera Philadelphia.

Maestro Rovaris was awarded knighthood by the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2015 and the Franco Abbiati Prize in 2016.

Ms. Braden received a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University with a concentration in piano and voice, and a M.M. in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College.

Maestro Rovaris’ engagement as the Jack Mulroney Music Director has been made possible

by Mrs. John P. Mulroney.

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CHORUS TENOR Corey Don Bonar Sang B. Cho Christopher Hodson A. Edward Maddison Fernando Mancillas Nathaniel McEwen Toffer Mihalka George Ross Somerville Cory O’Niell Walker Steven Williamson

BASS Gregory Cantwell Lucas DeJesus James O. Gwathney Christopher Hodges Mark Malachesky John David Miles Frank Mitchell Robert Phillips Tim Stopper Jackson Williams

LIFE, on a Scale of You.

Foulkeways, a Quaker Life Plan Community, is rich in harmony. Visit or call us today to create your own unique rhythm. foulkeways.org | 215-283-7010 | 1120 Meetinghouse Rd, Gwynedd, PA 10

A R T I S T I C & P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Audio Director ….................................................................................... Joe Hannigan Principal Pianist ….................................................................................. Grant Loehnig Supertitles Author..................................……........................... Chadwick Creative Arts Supertitles Operator ............................................................................….. Tony Solitro Assistant Orchestra Librarian…..........................................................… Nathan Lofton Audio Assistant, Recording Engineer ….............................................… Clark Connor Head Props .............................................................................................…. Paul Lodes Head Electrician ......................................................................................….. Ben Tilley Assistant Electrician ............................................................................Ali Blair Barwick

Orchestral parts for the following Rossini arias provided by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, publisher: "Deh! scusa i transporti” from Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra "Donala a questo core" from Riccardo e Zoraide "Ah si, per voi gia sento" from Otello Arrangement of "Granada" is with kind permission of Ángel Cucco Peña.

Opera Philadelphia thanks the following labor organizations whose members, artists, craftsmen, and craftswomen greatly contribute to our performances: American Federation of Musicians / Local 77 American Guild of Musical Artists / The American Guild of Musical Artists, the union of professional singers, dancers, and production personnel in opera, ballet, and concert, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, represents the Artists and Staging Staff for all purposes of collective bargaining.

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees / Local 8 Theatrical Wardrobe Union / Local 799, I.A.T.S.E. United Scenic Artists / Local 829, I.A.T.S.E. Box Office and Front of House Employees Union / Local B29, I.A.T.S.E. Highway Truck Drivers and Helpers / Local 107, Teamsters

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BEND, DON’T BREAK FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES Be part of the historic Met premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones, the first of four company premieres this season, including Matthew Aucoin’s Eurydice, Brett Dean’s Hamlet, and the original French version of Verdi’s Don Carlos. The season also features new productions of Verdi’s Rigoletto and Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

Peter Gelb GENERAL MANAGER

metopera.org 212.362.6000 Photo: Zenith Richards / Met Opera

Yannick Nézet-Séguin JEANETTE LERMAN-NEUBAUER MUSIC DIRECTOR

O R C H E ST R A VIOLIN 1 Luigi Mazzocchi, Concertmaster Igor Szwec, Associate Concertmaster Meichen Liao-Barnes Leslie Johannessen Elizabeth Kaderabek Diane Barnett Donna Grantham Gared Crawford Rebecca Ansel Natasha Colkett Blake Espy VIOLIN 2 Tess Varley, Principal Robyn Quinnett Joseph Kauffman Sarah DuBois Yu-Hui Tamae Lee Catherine Kei Fukuda Seula Lee Guillaume Combet Samantha Crawford VIOLA Jonathan Kim, Principal Carol Briselli, Assistant Principal Julia DiGaetani Ellen Trainer Elizabeth Jaffe Alexander Knecht Ruth Frazier

CELLO Branson Yeast, Principal Vivian Barton Dozor Brooke Beazley David Moulton Glenn Fishbach Elizabeth Thompson BASS Daniel McDougall, Principal Douglas Mapp Brent Edmondson Tim Ressler FLUTE Prema Kesselman, Principal Kimberly Trolier Frances Tate OBOE Nick Masterson, Principal Evan Ocheret

FRENCH HORN John David Smith, Principal Ryan Stewart Karen Schubert Lyndsie Wilson TRUMPET Darin Kelly, Principal Steven Heitzer Frank Ferraro TROMBONE Bradley Ward, Principal Edward Cascarella Phil McClelland TUBA Paul Erion, Principal TIMPANI Bradley Loudis, Principal

CLARINET John Diodate, Principal Allison Herz

PERCUSSION Ralph Sorrentino, Principal Christopher Hanning David Nelson

BASSOON Erik Höltje, Principal Emeline Chong

HARP Sophie Bruno Labiner, Principal

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S O N G L I ST “Ah si, per voi giá sento,” Otello Music by Gioachino Rossini Otello has returned from battle. He rejects the awards offered to him for victory over Cyprus, but asks, as an African and foreigner, to be accepted as a citizen of Venice by the Doge. His wish is granted, and in this aria, he expresses his gratitude, and sings of how he hopes to find true love in Venice.

“Nel furor delle tempeste…Per te di vane lagrime,” Il pirata Music by Vincenzo Bellini Il pirata was a significant opera in composer Bellini’s career, as it was his first score for the leading Italian opera house La Scala. The opera tells a tale of Gualtiero, a pirate shipwrecked during a storm on the Sicilian coast. Imogene, Gualtiero’s former love, has married his enemy, Ernesto. Not knowing of Imogene’s marriage, Gualtiero confesses that his love of Imogene is as strong as ever, just as his hate for Ernesto glows strong.

"Deh! scusa i transporti” Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra Music by Gioachino Rossini Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra was composed by Rossini only months after Il barbiere di Siviglia and even recycles some passages. In this scene, The Earl of Leicester is condemned to death for acquiescing to Queen Elizabeth’s demands. His rival, Norfolk, visits Leicester in prison falsely telling his enemy that he has begged the Queen to pardon him, instead of having betrayed him.

“Overture,” Il barbiere di Siviglia Music by Gioachino Rossini Il barbiere di Siviglia, or The Barber of Seville, was published in 1816 by composer Gioachino Rossini. Rossini used this same overture, note for note, as the overture to another opera, Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra.

“Largo al factotum,” Il barbiere di Siviglia Music by Gioachino Rossini In one of the most famous opera arias ever written, Figaro, introduces himself, singing about what a great barber he is and the demand for his services, how he is the “factotum,” or jack of all trades for all of Seville.

“Donala a questo core,” Ricciardo e Zoraide Music by Gioachino Rossini In this Act 2 duet from Rossini’s Ricciardo e Zoraide, a disguised Ricciardo, a Christian knight, feigns friendship with King Agorante, the rival for this love Zoraide, to try and avoid being executed by the king.

“Overture,” Raymond ou le secret de la reine Music by Ambroise Thomas Thomas is primarily known as the composer of Mignon and Hamlet. The lighthearted Raymond, our le secret de la reine (Raymond, or the Queen’s Secret) was not as successful, but its overture is occasionally performed. Raymond is a simple country lad who learns that he is the brother of Louis XIV, which lands him in jail, but various plot twists set him free and able to marry his beloved.

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“Mes amis écoutez l’histoire,” Le Postillon de Lonjumeau Music by Adolphe Adam Chapelou, a coachman or “postillon,” sings a song to guests at an inn. It tells of the joyous life of a coachman, in which women flock to him in every town he visits.

“O vin dissipe la tristesse,” Hamlet Music by Ambroise Thomas Hamlet meets with a troupe of actors, hired to perform at the royal court. He sings this drinking song, calling for wine and liquor to erase the desperation he feels from pretending to be insane.

“Asile héréditaire…Amis, amis secondez ma vengeance,” Guillaume Tell Music by Gioachino Rossini Following his father’s murder, Arnold returns to his childhood home, filled with bittersweet memories of a happy childhood and deep sorrow. Swiss confederates arrive, bent on revenge for the arrest of William Tell. Inspired by their passion, Arnold gives a call to arms, determined to free Tell by force.

“Overture,” Tancredi Music by Gioachino Rossini Tancredi is an opera seria (serious or heroic opera) considered one of Rossini’s masterworks.

Set against a backdrop of a feuding countries, Tancredi falsely believes his beloved Amenaide to have been unfaithful with the enemy. Her fidelity is revealed on Tancredi’s deathbed after he is mortally wounded in a successful battle against the Saracens.

“Ah! vieni, nel tuo sangue,” Otello Music by Gioachino Rossini Otello believes that his betrothed Desdemona has betrayed him with Roderigo, who comes to Otello to offer himself as either an enemy, or as a friend and defender.

Othello responds telling Rodrigo he both despises and scorns him. In the best “rivale” moment, both vow to destroy the other.

Notes compiled by Michael Bolton

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Q & A W I T H L A R RY & M I C H A E L

Photo by Shervin Lainez

Tonight’s concert, “An Evening of Vocal Fireworks,” and your album Amici e Rivali, arose from a viral video of your duet “Ah! vieni, nel tuo sangue” from Rossini’s Otello, at a concert in 2018.

What did you make of the response to your performance?

How did this develop into the album Amici e Rivali, conducted by our own Corrado Rovaris, and to the concert we are enjoying tonight?

MICHAEL: This initial concert we sang together in Amsterdam generated such a feeling of camaraderie and we both realized we had to do a project together.

MICHAEL: I was overwhelmed by the response, but when we sang it together in concert, we knew we had something special because there was magic in the air.

LARRY: After nearly 100,000 views and likes [on the video], I began to research if an album like this had ever been done before.

I approached Michael about the idea, and he was on board immediately.

LARRY: The audience showed a great deal of enthusiasm, which was confirmation that people love the music of the bel canto genre. Immediately I thought, there is definitely something here!

MICHAEL: I put my musicology hat on and started digging through all the Rossini repertoire. I quickly surmised that Larry and I had already sung nearly every opera that was needed to compile this album.

MICHAEL: We both love competition, and these tenor duets bring out the best of our singing and competitive nature. I always have to be on my toes when singing around Larry and I could not ask for a more able and good-natured dueling partner.

LARRY: We both said how important it was to have a true master of the bel canto style. I knew we would find this in my longtime friend/colleague/brother, Corrado Rovaris. Maestro Rovaris was ABSOLUTELY the right choice.

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MICHAEL: We recorded Amici e Rivali in a time of true bliss during the summer of 2019 in Verona, Italy and it truly feels like a dream when I think about it. Recording this album was one of the most intense yet joyous weeks of our lives and we are so excited to bring this project to Opera Philadelphia so the U.S. can hear Maestro Rossini's truly incredible music.

I would rather spar with than Larry and we always push ourselves to the limit with this duet.

LARRY: It was the inspiration for the album and so much fun to sing. Dueling high Cs, melismatic passages, and an opportunity to show off our individual strengths!

When you’re not listening to opera, what’s on your playlists?

The album, and much of this performance tonight, is music by Gioachino Rossini, composer of The Barber of Seville and many other beloved operas. Why was Rossini’s music ideal for this project?

MICHAEL: I have some of the most eclectic music tastes that you can imagine and if I am being honest, I have opera on my playlist only because I have to learn so many operas all of the time. I love all kinds of music from rock to country to lo-fi to psychedelic folk, to soul. Some of my favorite musicians and bands are Kishi Bashi, Andrew Bird, M. Ward, J Roddy Walston, Sleepwalkers, Palm Palm, Saib, Akira the Don, Air, Voyou, Django Reinhardt, Roger Miller, John Prine, Colter Wall, Sierra Ferrell, Vulfpeck, St. Lucia, Tame Impala, L'Imperatrice, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and Tom Waits.

LARRY: Rossini was one of few people who wrote male duets for the same voice type.

And since the bulk of the repertoire Michael and I do is Rossini, it made perfect sense to focus on his writings and show his true mastery for the tenor/tenor duet.

MICHAEL: More than any composer in history, Rossini knew the voice and what its limitations were. With that said, Rossini also pushed the limits of the human voice further than any composer and he experimented with what was physically possible. It is evident that Rossini loved tenors by just how many he put into a single opera, like with Armida and Otello where he wrote for six tenors with no mention of a baritone!

LARRY: I have a huge musical library and so many different styles I listen to. Outside of opera, I love gospel, popular song, crooners, vocal jazz, pop, lieder, French chanson, R&B, rock…I just appreciate good music.

With this project, we hope to inspire the next generation of singers and show the world that tenors are more friends than rivals!

To read the entire interview, visit our website by scanning the QR code below, or by visiting operaphila.org/backstage

Which piece do you most enjoy performing together?

LARRY: That one is easy – “Ah! vieni, nel tuo sangue!”

MICHAEL: Without a doubt “Ah! vieni, nel tuo sangue” from Rossini’s Otello is at the top of my list. There is no one in the world 17

Opera Philadelphia is deeply grateful to the members of our Opera family who have joined together to make this evening possible.

Please consider making a gift to Opera Philadelphia today.

In doing so, you’ll help ensure that we can look forward to season after season of groundbreaking opera.

To make a gift to Opera Philadelphia, text FIREWORK to 41444

operaphila.org/donate

A M I C I E R I VA L I

C E L E B RAT I O N !

SPONSORS Opera Philadelphia wishes to thank the following generous sponsors of tonight's Amici e Rivali Celebration

ARMIDA SPONSORS Beth and Gary Glynn Carole and Dudley Johnson Judy and Peter Leone Barbara Augusta Teichert Wyncote Foundation OTELLO SPONSORS Harlow R. Case David Haas Ms. Caroline J. Mackenzie Kennedy Carolyn Horn Seidle Jean and Gene Stark BARBIERE SPONSORS Ms. Robin Angly Ms. Susan Asplundh Mr. Peter A. Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey Sarah and Brad Marshall Joan Mazzotti and Michael Kelly 19

List as of August 9, 2021

THANK YOU Opera Philadelphia expresses our deepest gratitude to the individuals and institutions whose support allows us to bring you An Evening of Vocal Fireworks: Amici e Rivali.

H.F. Lenfest Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation Mr. Thomas Mahoney Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation OPERA America Innovation Grant Pennsylvania Council on the Arts The Presser Foundation Scott F. Richard and Mamie Duff Dr. Renée Rollin Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs.

Robert L. Turner

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino Disosway Foundation, Inc. Judy and Peter Leone Mrs. John P. Mulroney Barbara Augusta Teichert William Penn Foundation Wyncote Foundation Anonymous Judith Durkin Freyer and Charles C. Freyer The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation The Wallace Foundation

Ms. Robin Angly Mr. Peter A. Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL Maureen Craig and Glenn Goldberg Cunningham Piano Company Carol S. Eicher Eugene Garfield Foundation Linda and David Glickstein Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Hamilton Family Charitable Trust Mark and Helene Hankin Family Nancy and Al Hirsig Donald and Gay Kimelman Joel and Sharon Koppelman Estate of Sonja E. Lopatynskyj Anne Leone and Daniel Ludwig Jacqueline Badger Mars Sarah and Brad Marshall Joan Mazzotti and Michael Kelly National Endowment for the Arts PNC Arts Alive Ellen Steiner Vector Group Consulting Charlotte and Bob† Watts Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wechsler

Beth and Gary Glynn National Philanthropic Trust, recommended by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage Carolyn Horn Seidle Jean and Gene Stark Anonymous Mr. John R. Alchin and Mr. Hal Marryatt Katherine and Andrew Christiano David Haas Ms. Caroline J. Mackenzie Kennedy Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation MoStrategy CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL Mr. Allen D. Black and Mr. R. Randolph Apgar Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Huff Independence Foundation John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Dr. Heidi L. Kolberg and Dr. F. Joshua Barnett Dr. Beverly Lange and Dr. Renato Baserga 20

Kathleen and Nicholas Weir Ms. Linda Wingate and Dr. William Liberi Ethel Benson Wister Michael Zisman and Linda Gamble

GENERAL DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL Platinum Patron Myron and Sheila S. Bassman Mr. and Mrs. Julian A. Brodsky Connelly Foundation Dianne and Don Cooney Christian Humann Foundation Ms. Joan DeJean The Samuel P. Mandell Foundation Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joe Neubauer David and Susan Rattner Katie Adams Schaeffer and Tony Schaeffer Truist Universal Health Services Wells Fargo Foundation

PATRON PROGRAM Gold Patron Anonymous Stephen A. Block Dr. Robert N. Braun Drs. Bruce and Toby Eisenstein Mr. James P. Macelderry and Ms. Marilyn S. Fishman Marcus Innovation Fund Drs. Richard and Rhonda Soricelli Ashley and Eli Wald

Diamond Patron Anonymous Al and Laura Dennis Alter Ira Brind and Stacey Spector Mark and Peggy Curchack Ady L. Djerassi, M.D., and Robert Golub, M.D. The Fenner Family Fund Allen R. and Judy Brick Freedman Venture Fund for New Opera Dr. Frank F. Furstenberg and Ms. Nina Segre† Glenmede Trust Company Gray Charitable Trust Feather O. Houstoun Jeffrey R. Jowett Ms. Lisa D. Kabnick and Mr. John H. McFadden Mr. and Mrs. John Karamatsoukas Mrs. Sheila Kessler William Lake Leonard, Esq. In memory of Joseph G. Leone Carol and Howard Lidz Mr. William A. Loeb Susan and Graham McDonald Dr. Stanley Muravchick and Ms. Arlene Olson Tom and Jody O'Rourke PECO Mr. and Mrs. R. Anderson Pew The Pew Charitable Trusts The Philadelphia Cultural Fund Dr. Joel and Mrs. Bobbie Porter Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rollins Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sheller Howard and Sarah D. Solomon Foundation Mr. Jonathan H. Sprogell and Ms. Kathryn Taylor Jeralyn Svanda

Silver Patron Anonymous (2) Aaron Copland Fund for Music Cynthia and George Balchunas Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bergen Ms. Andrea Biondo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bryan CRW Graphics Mr. Jeffrey P. Cunard and Ms. Mariko Ikehara Dr. Lamberto and Barbara Donnelly Bentivoglio Georgyn G. Fest Bonnie and Lon Greenberg Thomas S. Heckman and Mary Jo Ashenfelter Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, Matching Gifts Program Mr. Kenneth Klothen and Ms. Eve Biskind Lucinda and Charles Landreth Liddy and John Lindsay Dr. and Mrs. Michael B. Love The McLean Contributionship Mr. and Mrs. R. Anderson Pew RADAR Nonprofit Solutions Linda Richardson Korman Bud and Betty Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Smith Mr. and Mrs. James B. Straw Mr. Vince Tseng and Mr. Geoffrey Mainland Tolsma Productions Harriet and Larry Weiss Bronze+ Patron Anonymous (2) Joan and Frederick Cohen Mr. Kevin J. Dill, Esq and Dr. Rebecca A. Lewis 21

Joan and William Goldstein Bruce and Robin Herndon Ms. Rhoda K. Herrold Dr. and Mrs. Peter M. Joseph Anne Silvers Lee and Wynn Lee Carol A. Westfall Dr. Leah Whipple

Mr. George J. Ahern Sarah Alderfer Barbara B. and Theodore R. Aronson Karen Bedrosian-Richardson Ellen Berelson and Lawrence Franks Mrs. Joanne Berwind Ms. Susan Bienkowski Drs. Deidre and Michael Blank Dr. Claire Boasi Mrs. Elaine Camarda Mr. Leo M. Carey and Ms. Sonya D. Mouzon Rick and Flo Celender Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Robert and Monica Driver Barbara Eberlein and Jerry Wind Ren Egawa and Rujing Chang Mikael Eliasen John Erickson and Harry Zaleznik James R. Fairburn Jim and Kay Gately Mr. Andrew R. Gelber in memory of Sylvia Gelber Ms. Phyllis S. Gitlin Eduardo Glandt and George Ritchie Deborah E. Glass Mr. George Graham Dr. and Mrs. Henry J. Greenwood and Ms. Marilyn Greenwood Jerry and Marian Haag Erica Harney David and Ann Harrison, Esqs.

Drs. Christina L. and Richard J. Herring Laura and Bernard Jacobson Dr. and Mrs. William Jantsch Theodore Kiefer Mr. Joseph H. Kluger and Ms. Susan E. Lewis M. Leanne Lachman Ms. Laura LaRosa Cheryl Lawson and Jennifer Higdon Mr. Joseph J. Leube, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David Levy Susan M. Long and Andrew J. Szabo Mr. John Mastrobattista Susan McClary Drs. Joseph and Jane McGowan Madelyn Mignatti Lynn H. Miller and James McLelland Mr. Benjamin F. Minick Mr. and Mrs. William Mueller Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Neilson Dr. and Mrs. A. H. Nishikawa Maris A. Ogg and Robert Smith

Bronze Patron Anonymous (3) Lorraine Alexander Brett and Nan Altman Lydia Alvarez in memory of Isabelle Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Paul Anderson Ms. Susan Asplundh Eileen Baird Eugene and Virginia Beier Beaty Bock and Jonathan Miller Drs. Judith and Jeffrey Carpenter Mr. Mark Cornish Dr. Frank Craparo Tobey and Mark Dichter Mr. Robert A. Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Fanelli, Jr. Mr. Arthur F. Ferguson Stephen and Susan Garza Stanley Goldfarb MD Avram Hornik/FCM Hospitality Ms. Lisa R. Jacobs Corey Kinger Terri and Thomas Klein Ellen Berman Lee Leon L. & Frances Levy Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Dwight and Christina McCawley Mr. Joseph A. McNally and Ms. Christine Lindstrom Helen E. Pettit Mr. and Mrs. Bert Redgrave Dr. David J. Richards Dr. Joel Rosenbloom The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Curtis E. Sawyer Dr. and Mrs. Richard N. Taxin The Rev. and Mrs. Richard L. Ullman Dr. R.J. Wallner Peter J. Wender, in honor of Zachary James Mr. Robert Zimet MEMBERSHIP Partner Anonymous (7) Mr. John Aglialoro and Ms. Joan Carter 22

Kate Olver and Jeremy Young Mr. and Mrs. Mario Palumbi Dr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Palumbo Clifford Pearlman and Lynn Marks W. Larz Pearson and Rick Trevino Penn Association of Senior and Emeritus Faculty Ms. Jane G. Pepper John and Gretchen Piasecki Mrs. Louise H. Reed Drs. William C. and Susan H. Regli Bill Robling and Deborah R. Kravetz Mark and Robin Rubenstein Mr. David Sacker and Ms. Darcy Hayes The Rev. Canon Dr. Alan K. Salmon Anne Faulkner Schoemaker Mr. and Mrs. Stuart A. Schwartz Henry and Yumi Scott Dr. Cecilia Segawa Seigle Susan and Paul Shaman Jordan and Eileen Silvergleid George R. Smith Mr. Daniel Szyld and Ms. Kathleen Ross Mr. Joseph and Dr. Detta Tate Eva and John Toia Laurie Wagman in memory of Irvin J. Borowsky Robert Washburn, Esq. and Judith Drasin Penelope and Thomas Watkins Waverly Heights Kenneth and Susan Weiss Tom Woodward Ms. Ana-Maria V. Zaugg and Mr. David W. Anstice

Pauline Candaux and Solomon Katz David and Jennifer Cardy Ms. Ilene Chester Peter Cline Mr. and Mrs. George T. Craven, Jr. Ann Csink and John Linck Thierry Danz Dr. Allitia DiBernardo Dave DiRentis Robert and Florence Dolceamore Ms. Judith Dean and Mr. James D. Crawford Robert and Jean Donato, in memory of Felice Donato Levy Daniel Drecksage and Leslie Sudock Mr. John Driscoll Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Dunn Dave R. Eder Emilio A. Emini and Janet G. Skidmore Thomas Faracco Louis N. Ferrero Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Fiorenza Aron and Joan Fisher Bill and Julie Golderer Mrs. Criswell Gonzalez Ms. Cheryl Gunter and Mr. Paul A. Rabe Linda and Norman Gutzait Jane Hathaway George Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hauser Eileen Kennedy and Robert Heim Kenneth C. and Nancy S. Hellendall Mr. Benton Hess Terry and Paul Hirshorn Maureen Holland and Lisa Campbell Deborah and David Holloway F. John Hagele Ms. Susan Henry Mr. L.S. Illoway Michael Jacobson Joel and Marjorie Jensen Ronald Mack Joseph Samantha Jouin Lynne and Edward Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Ken E. Kirby Robert Kirkpatrick Mrs. Marcia Kowalski Mr. Michael Knight Dr. Judith M. LaLonde and Mr. Peter V. Bodine Laura Lane Dr. and Mrs. J. Frederick Laucius Jessica Lofgren Monica Taylor Lotty and Brendan Lotty

Sustainer Anonymous (7) Janis and Robert Ackerman Scott Alexander Julie and Jim Alexandre Rachele Armstrong Jean W. Arnold Ann McCauley Askew Marilyn P. Asplundh Dr. Samer Badr and Mr. Joshua Lynn Ferris Ms. Christina M. Bauers Mr. Geoffrey Berwind Ying H Bi Helen Bickell Brad and Carrie Boericke B-T Family Fund, in memory of Rocco Triolo Mr. Will Sears Bricker, II Paula Burns 23

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Lukens Maurice and Charlene Marietti Meir and Haia Mazuz Mr. Robert J. McShea, Jr. and Mr. Bill Ward Jacob and Linda Merriwether Mr. Robert E. Mortensen Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Munson Bonnie and Eliot Nierman Arthur S. Patchefsky and Mrs. Marilyn McHenry, Esq. Patricia Perfect Staff-Designated Grant Program of The Barra Foundation Michael Presser Mr. Yves Quintin and Ms. Rosanne Loesch Merle Raab Mr. Philmore Robertson and Ms. Kathryn Caywood Dr. Pamela Rootenberg and Dr. David T. Springer Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Ross Mr. Walter Schlosser Jr. Mrs. Elena E. Shomos and Mr. Zachary Smith Kathy and Bob Siwicki Mr. James L. Smith Kobie Smith Richard Soderquist and Cathy Nodgaard Cynthia Du Pont Tobias and Terrence A. Tobias Mr. John J. Trifiletti Rosemary and Umit Turunc Mrs. Peggy Wachs Mr. Edward Wagner Arnold Weiss Wells Fargo Private Bank Joan P. Wohl Florence and Stephen Zeller List as of August 2021

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C O R P O R AT E C O U N C I L The Corporate Council generously supports Opera Philadelphia’s artistic and educational programming through contributions and in-kind donations.

SEASON SPONSORS

CORPORATE COUNCIL SPONSORS Affairs to Be Remembered, Inc. Ballard Spahr LLP CRW Graphics Deluxe Corporation Foundation Exelon Business Services FCM Hospitality Garces Group Glenmede PECO Termini Bros. Bakery Tolsma Productions Universal Health Services Survey Hero is our online survey partner.

EITC Approved The Opera is a recognized Educational Improvement Organization, eligible for EITC contributions.

For more information, please contact Derren Mangum, Director of Institutional Giving, at 215.893.5924 or mangum@operaphila.org.

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L E GATO S O C I E T Y If you love the special magic of an Opera Philadelphia experience, consider including the Opera in your estate plans. In doing so, you will join a community of supporters that help to ensure great operatic memories for generations to come.

When you bequeath a gift of cash or stock, or make the Opera the beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy, you make a truly meaningful gift that costs nothing now, yet benefits the company later. Plus, estate gifts like these help the Opera weather unforeseen events like COVID-19.

Making a legacy gift admits you into the Legato Society, which brings you closer to the art you love and connects you to others who share your legacy goals.

We are proud to salute our Legato Society members in all Opera Philadelphia performance programs.

To learn more about making a planned gift or about the Legato Society, visit operaphila.org/legato, or contact Michael Bolton, Individual and Planned Giving Officer, at 215.893.5927 or bolton@operaphila.org.

Anonymous (7) Lorraine and Ben† Alexander Eleanor M. Allen† Mary Jo Ashenfelter and Thomas S. Heckman Eileen Baird Mr. Kenneth H. Barr Myron and Sheila S. Bassman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bergen Ms. Jane A. Berryman Dr. Claire Boasi Dr. Rita B. Bocher Mrs. Sheila Buckley Constance G. Burton† Dr. and Mrs. Peter Cassalia† Dr. Thomas A. Childers and Dr. John B. Hall Dr. Maria Elisa Ciavarelli† Miss Lucy Clemens Joan and Frederick Cohen Dianne and Don Cooney Mr.† and Mrs. Arthur Covello Ms. Ginny L. Coyle Mr. W. Kenneth Cressman and Mr. Lloyd Christy† Ms. Joan DeJean Ms. Virginia Del Sordo† Robert and Monica Driver Mrs. Antoinette DuBiel Dr. Bruce Eisenstein Eddie and Rachel Eitches

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Fanelli, Jr. Ms. Joanne D. Fidler† Aron and Joan Fisher Ms. Harriet Forman† Judith Durkin Freyer and Charles C. Freyer Mr. Timothy V. Gardocki Linda Dubin Garfield Sylvia Green† Dr. Mark H. Haller† Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton† Gail Hauptfuhrer Mr. Charles Head, Jr. and Mr. John Faggotti Stephen T. Janick Karl Janowitz Jeffrey R. Jowett Mrs. Sheila Kessler Gabrielle & Ernest Kimmel Mr. Michael Knight Mr. Tom Laporta Gabriele Lee† Anne Silvers Lee and Wynn Lee Marguerite and Gerry† Lenfest Mrs. Renee T. Levin† Karen and Michael Lewis Carol and Howard Lidz Mr. William A. Loeb Sonja E. Lopatynskyj† Mr. Larry Thomas Mahoney Drs. Joseph and Jane McGowan 26

Eugene C. Menegon† Mrs. Lois Meyers Mrs. Ellen Cole Miller† Mr. Siddhartha Misra Mrs. Naomi Montgomery† Constance C. Moore Mgsr. Felix M. O'Neill† Helen Pettit Mr. William Reily† Dr. Scott F. Richard Mr. Laurence T. Robbins† Dr. Renée Rollin Jeffrey and Kendell Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Morton F. Steelman† Ms. Lee Steinberg† Ellen Steiner Mr. Kenneth R. Swimm Mr. Michael Toklish Charlotte Watts Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wechsler Esther C. Weil† George P. White† Drs. Anne and Jim† Williamson Kelley Wolfington and Richard Wolfington List as of July 26, 2021

VIVACE Join Opera Philadelphia’s community for young professionals with a membership gift or single ticket purchase!

O P E R A P H I L A . O R G / V I VA C E

S TA F F LEADERSHIP David B. Devan General Director & President Corrado Rovaris Jack Mulroney Music Director Veronica Chapman-Smith Vice President of Community Initiatives David Levy Vice President of Artistic Operations Frank Luzi Vice President of Marketing & Communications Jeremiah Marks Chief Financial Officer Rachel McCausland Vice President of Development Ken Smith, Chief of Staff Lawrence Brownlee, Artistic Advisor Mikael Eliasen, Artistic Advisor

D’quan Tyson, Lead Teaching Artist Evan Kassof, Teaching Artist Ameenah Muhammad, Teaching Artist Rosemary Schneider, T-VOCE Conductor Jessica Gruver, T-VOCE Accompanist Dan Amadie, Backstage Pass Consultant Laura Rono, Intern MARKE TING, COMMUNICATIONS & GUEST SERVICES Michael Knight, Director of Guest Services Karina Kacala Director of Advertising & Promotions Shannon Eblen, Content Director Steven Humes Manager of Audience Development Jeffrey Mason, Guest Services Manager Hannah Moloshok, Guest Services Associate Abby Weissman, Guest Services Associate Ali Haegele, Graphic Designer Abigail So, Intern

MUSIC Michael Eberhard, Artistic Administrator Sarah Williams Director of New Works & Creative Producer Elizabeth Braden Chorus Master & Music Administrator J. Robert Loy Director of Orchestra Personnel & Librarian Grant Loehnig, Head of Music Staff

DEVELOPMENT Rebecca Ackerman, Director of Individual Giving & Advancement Services Derren Mangum Director of Institutional Giving Adele Mustardo, Director of Events Eva James Toia, Director of Major Gifts Aisha Wiley, Director of Research Michael Bolton Individual & Planned Giving Officer Rachel Mancini Leadership Giving Administrator Vanyah Harrigan Manager of Institutional Giving Catherine Perez Development Services Coordinator

PRODUCTION John Toia, Director of Production Drew Billiau, Director of Design & Technology Stephen Dickerson, Technical Director Millie Hiibel, Costume Director Meggie Scache Eltz, Production Manager Lisa Anderson, Production Stage Manager Katie Holloway, Assistant Costume Director Bridget A. Cook Artistic Operations Coordinator

COUNSEL Ballard Spahr, LLP, General Counsel

COMMUNIT Y INITIATIVES Christa Sechler, Education Manager Kiamesso DaSilva Community Initiatives Coordinator 28

E X T E N D YO U R O P E RA E X P E R I E N C E

SHOP.OPERAPHIL A .ORG

OEDIPUS REX + L I L AC S Verizon Hall | January 21 & 23, 2022 A thrilling concert performance that pairs Americana with Greek tragedy

O N STAG E I N 2022 R I G O L E T TO Academy of Music April 29, May 1, 6, 8, 2022 A highly anticipated return to fully-staged, grand opera at our historic home on Broad Street

Opera Philadelphia is proud to join Art-Reach as an ACCESS Partner!

You can now use Art-Reach’s ACCESS Card, which provides $2 tickets to those from a low-income household or household with disabilities. Attend any program during the 2021-2022 Season with your ACCESS Card.

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE OPERAPHIL A .ORG | 215.732.8400

NEW OPERA starring Sasha Velour and John Holiday TO DAY ' S TO P C O M P O S E R S like Tyshawn Sorey and Caroline Shaw C L ASS I C S like La traviata F R E E P R O G R A M S including Reflection & Re-Vision and Organ Stops A N D P R E M I E R I N G September 24, La voix humaine All streaming at O P E R A P H I L A . T V The Opera Philadelphia Channel has been made possible by the Disosway Foundation, Inc. and by Wyncote Foundation.

USE CODE FIREWORK FOR $5 OFF ANY RENTAL ON THE OPERA PHILADELPHIA CHANNEL OPERAPHIL A .TV 31