Opera Colorado - Bizet's Carmen - May 2022

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Dear Friends,

W

elcome to the grand finale of our 2021-22 Season—and what a season it has been! The excitement was palpable when the curtain rose for Puccini’s Tosca in November and continued in full force during the regional premiere of Moravec and Campbell’s The Shining this past winter. Now, our magnificent season culminates with one of opera’s biggest blockbusters—a grand, opulent production of Bizet’s Carmen.

As we celebrate a triumphant return to live opera, we look forward to another celebration—our 40th Anniversary Season.

There is more to experience in 2022-23 as we honor four decades of service to our community with our biggest season yet. At the heart of our line-up are three mainstage productions with something for everyone: Verdi’s classic Rigoletto, a new production of Korngold’s rarely-performed Die tote Stadt, and the larger-than-life spectacle of Puccini’s Turandot. The 2022-23 Season will feature some of the finest singers, directors, and designers, many of whom will be making their company debut.

Sprinkled among our mainstage offerings are a variety of special programs you won’t want to miss, including a one-night-only, semistaged performance of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana; a recital by internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung; a superb series of Education & Community Engagement programs; and more surprises we will announce soon. Also coming in 2023, a thrilling opportunity to release our third commercial recording, Cohen and Brevoort’s Steal a Pencil for Me, featuring many of the original cast members from Opera Colorado’s 2018 world premiere.

If you have not yet subscribed to our 2022-23 Season, now is the time! You’ll lock in the best prices and seats, along with ensuring you’ll be the first to know about all the excitement in store. Tickets to individual performances will go on sale this summer.

Allow us to take this final moment to express our deepest gratitude to you, our patrons and supporters. You have made our return to the stage a success and ensured our bright future.

We look forward to seeing each of you next season.

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Verdi’s masterpiece opens Opera Colorado’s 40th Anniversary Season. The jaded jester Rigoletto serves the Duke of Mantua and his hedonistic court. Little does Rigoletto know the duke has seduced his naive daughter, Gilda. How far will Rigoletto go to protect his only family?

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Enjoy a special one-night-only, semistaged concert of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana. Rebuked by both the church and her lover, Turridu, the pious Santuzza must decide whose secrets to keep. What consequences lie ahead for the faithless Turridu and the adulterous Lola?

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Q&A WITH KATE ALDRICH

BY SUZANNE WHITNEY Bizet’s smoldering drama is an opera focused on the life, desires, and lovers of one woman: Carmen. She is a heroine unlike any other—sultry, mercurial, and forever free. It takes a special artist to embody Carmen’s true spirit, but American mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich is up to the challenge. Having tackled this coveted role everywhere from Berlin to the Met, she brings a deep knowledge of the role and an admirable commitment to collaborating with each cast member to create a “new Carmen” for every production.

CARMEN IS AN ICONIC CHARACTER AND ONE YOU’VE PERFORMED SEVERAL TIMES. WHO IS SHE TO YOU?

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2021-22 SEASON

She is very, very independent. There is no way to get around that. She knows who she is. I feel like she’s an early feminist. Carmen doesn’t exist to please men or really anybody, but incidentally, she does please men, and so she uses that to get what she needs.

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I also think she’s fatalistic. She has a belief in fate and what the cards say, so to speak. She wants her life to be totally within her control, but in a way, destiny is the only thing stronger than her will.

But Carmen’s character always depends on the production. One thing I never want to say is, well, my Carmen is this or my Carmen is that.

It’s easy to fall into that sort of thing because we feel defensive of the way we view the character as a result of the way we’ve presented it, but it’s a living, breathing process to create the character.

Of course, I have definite ideas about her, but it’s less about “my Carmen.” Carmen really lives within the context of the other actors in the production and within the production itself.

TELL US ABOUT THE REHEARSAL PROCESS AND HOW YOU DEVELOP YOUR CHARACTER? Oh, I love rehearsing. In fact, I’m always kind of sad when rehearsals end. I’m, of course, excited to perform and share it with the audience, but the actual process of rehearsal is so fun, especially when you have a great cast and a great artistic team. There’s almost no end to what you can add to an opera or an aria. In rehearsal, you just find new colors and elements and dimensions. It’s fun to see that come to life, especially when you have people who are constantly digging and finding something new.

Then I carry those discoveries forward the next time I perform Carmen.

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Q&A WITH KATE ALDRICH (continued)

Well, it’s the second act, really. It is like a big party

CARMEN HAS BEEN BELOVED FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS. WHY SHOULD AUDIENCES KEEP COMING BACK?

until Don José comes in and ruins everything! But,

Opera is just this complete art form—it has visual

no, I think there is some sort of magic that happens

art, music, dance, and theater in one production.

from the time Don José sings the flower aria until

It just transcends everything else. I think modern

the time Carmen sings the card aria in act three. The

audiences shy away from opera saying, “Well, I don’t

flower and the cards are the two symbols of her

know about it, so I shouldn’t go. It’s not a place for

destiny. The flower brings the two of them together,

me.” Well, we artists and people backstage at

and the cards tell her how she’s going to die. So those

the opera, we love when people come to the

two bracketed moments feel like one long breath, even

opera for the first time. It’s thrilling for us. I love

though there is an intermission in the middle. It shows

hearing all about their first experience, and more

her “aha moment.” Realizing, of course, this is how it was

often than not, people have positive experiences.

supposed to go. And that’s why I threw the rose.

I’ve found this is especially true for children. When,

And that’s why I waited for him. And that’s why he came

in the past, I’ve performed for students, they were

back. And that’s why maybe this is love.

completely enthralled. If we could all find and listen

Then, the act four duet is so satisfying. I think it’s

to our inner child, we would be far more open to

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOMENT IN CARMEN ?

cathartic. Not for me as a person, but as me playing

experiencing new things.

Carmen. We’ve built this whole production together where she dances around what she needs and expects people to keep up with her. By the time we reach act four, she just says, “I was born free, and I’ll die.” Carmen stands up and says, “this is who I am, and I am not going with you.” Even though, at a certain point, I think she knows this is it. This is the moment the cards were

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“[Carmen] wants her life to be totally within her control, but in a way, destiny is the only thing stronger than her will.”

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Carmen MAY 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 2022 ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

AN OPERA IN FOUR ACTS BY GEORGES BIZET

There will be one twenty-five-minute intermission after act one and one twenty-minute intermission after act two.

CAST IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE A Crone Moralès Micaëla Don José Zuniga Carmen Frasquita Mercédès Lillas Pastia Escamillo Dancaïre Remendado Conductor Stage Director Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Wig and Makeup Design Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor Fight and Intimacy Director Stage Manager

Rachel Sanderson* Joseph Goodale^ Susannah Biller Bruce Sledge* Phillip Lopez^ Kate Aldrich* Catherine Swindle^ Kendra Broom^ Josh Perkins Nmon Ford* Thomas Lynch^ Spencer Lawrence Boyd^ Ari Pelto Keturah Stickann R. Keith Brumley James Schuette and Heidi Zamora J. Isadora Krech Ronell Oliveri Sahar Nouri Samantha Egle Rachel C. Henneberry*

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SYNOPSIS

CHARACTERS

• Carmen (mezzo-soprano)–A fierce and mercurial woman who works as a cigarette girl.

• Don José (tenor)–A corporal of the Spanish Dragoons who falls for Carmen’s charms.

• Escamillo (baritone)–A glamorous toréador or bullfighter who turns Carmen’s head from Don José.

• Micaëla (soprano)–A kind and naive young woman in love with Don José.

• Captain Zuniga (bass-baritone)–The captain of Don José’s platoon.

• Moralès (tenor)–Another corporal in the Spanish Dragoons.

• Dancaïre (baritone)–Leader of the smugglers.

• Remendado (tenor)–A member of the smugglers.

• Frasquita (soprano)–One of Carmen’s friends.

• Mercédès (mezzo-soprano)–One of Carmen’s friends.

• Lillas Pastia, an innkeeper.

• A crone.

SETTING Sevilla, Spain and the surrounding countryside in the 1820s.

ACT I - A busy town square. A guardhouse sits on one side of the town square and the entrance to a tobacco factory borders the other.

OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

Soldiers people-watch in the square as Micaëla arrives fruitlessly looking for Don José. After Micaëla departs, Don José and his company arrive, led by Captain Zuniga.

The men look forward to watching the women who work at the tobacco factory. Don José says that he is not interested in meeting them because he is in love with Micaëla.

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The lunch bell rings, and the cigarette girls exit the factory. The women dance for the onlooking men, holding cigarettes they rolled. The women compare the smoke from cigarettes to the promises of lovers, which fade as quickly as they meet the air. Carmen, the most popular cigarette girl, enters, and sings the “Habanera,” describing the changeability of love. Her song ends with a caution: “If I love you and you spurn me, I’m warning you, you play with fire!” Angry that Don José is ignoring her, Carmen throws a flower at him before she exits. Don José picks up the flower Carmen has left. Just then, Micaëla arrives with a letter from Don José’s mother, instructing him to marry Micaëla. Micaëla leaves and, suddenly, a fight erupts in the factory between Carmen and another worker, Manuelita. Zuniga sends Don José in to investigate, but Carmen refuses to tell what happened. Zuniga orders Don José to tie Carmen’s hands and take her to jail. Carmen tells Don José he will defy the order and let her go free— she claims Don José is in love with her because he kept her flower. Despite Zuniga’s order to take Carmen to jail, she escapes the bonds Don José has loosened and runs away.

Don José goes to jail for helping Carmen escape.

ACT II - At Lillas Pastia’s inn, two months later.

Carmen and her companions, Frasquita and Mercédès, dance and play music to entertain officers at the inn, including Zuniga, who has come to woo Carmen. His attentions annoy Carmen, so he tries to cheer her with the news that Don José was recently released. Just then, they hear a parade passing, celebrating the toréador Escamillo who sings of the glory of the bullfight and the victorious toréador’s ultimate prize—love. Escamillo then declares his love for Carmen. Two smugglers, Dancaïre and Remendado, arrive and enlist Frasquita and Mercédès to help them transport stolen goods. Carmen refuses and declares it is because she is in love with Don José.

The smugglers and their assistants leave to solidify their plans. Don José, newly released from jail, comes looking for Carmen. He declares his love for Carmen, but, when he hears the call for all dragoons to return to camp, she tells him his haste is a sign of false love. To prove his love is true, Don José shows Carmen he kept the flower she threw at him. Carmen retorts if he really loved her, he would run away with her. Undeterred, Don José declares he cannot betray his flag and his honor and starts to leave. Captain Zuniga enters to woo Carmen again and fights with Don José who refuses to leave. At Carmen’s signal, the smugglers lead Zuniga away to his death. Then, Carmen convinces Don José to desert the dragoons and join her life beyond the constraints of social and regimental regulations.

ACT III - A remote hideout in the mountains above the valley where Don José’s home village lies.

The smugglers and their band hide out in the mountains.

Don José is remorseful of the life he lost. Carmen tells him to return home to his mother, the thieving life is not for him. He gets angry and Carmen sees a threat behind his temper, but she takes this calmly, saying fate cannot be changed—it is all in the cards. Taking their cue from Carmen, Frasquita and Mercédès lay out cards to tell their fortunes. Their cards reveal futures of wealth and true love, while Carmen’s foretell death for her and her lover! Carmen resigns herself to the unwavering hand of fate. Dancaïre returns and warns of a company of soldiers ahead on patrol. Carmen, Frasquita, and Mercédès decide to flirt with the soldiers to distract them while the smugglers transport their contraband. Micaëla has come to the smugglers’ hideout in search of Don José, and she prays to God for courage. Meanwhile, Escamillo, the toréador, arrives to woo Carmen. Don José is jealous and challenges Escamillo to a fight. Escamillo’s knife breaks during the fight, and, just as Don José is about to strike, Carmen arrives and stops them. Escamillo is happy to owe his life to Carmen and informs Don José he is welcome to a rematch any time. Before he leaves, Escamillo invites the band of smugglers to come watch him in the bullfight in Sevilla. The smugglers prepare to leave and discover

Micaëla concealed. She pleads with Don José to return home. Carmen also urges him to go. Knowing Carmen will leave him for Escamillo, Don José refuses. Micaëla reveals Don José’s mother is dying. Don José finally gives in, but stops when he sees Carmen running after Escamillo.

Before leaving with Micaëla, Don José tells Carmen to beware, they will meet again!

ACT IV - A square in Sevilla, at the entrance of the amphitheater.

The square is filled with performers and peddlers as a parade of toréadors makes its way into the amphitheater.

Escamillo arrives and declares his love for Carmen, who returns his affection, declaring she has never loved any man with the passion she has for Escamillo. Frasquita

and Mercédès warn Carmen that Don José is hiding in the crowd, and they advise her to leave, but Carmen says she is not afraid. The crowd enters the amphitheater, leaving Carmen alone in the square with Don José. He begs her to come away with him, thinking he can save her from her uncivilized life. Carmen, however, insists their relationship has ended. Carmen tries to enter the amphitheater, but Don José blocks her way. As the crowd cheers the toréador, Carmen throws Don José a ring he gave her, rejecting his love. Finally, Don José realizes Carmen loves Escamillo. In a jealous rage, Don José stabs Carmen with a knife. Don José cries in remorse as the crowd continues to cheer on the toréador, unaware of Carmen’s fate.

PROGRAM NOTES

The Carmen controversy was at least partially due to its composer’s ambition. Bizet was asked to write something for The Paris Opéra-Comique, which for a century had specialized in presenting rather light, moralistic pieces in which virtue is ultimately rewarded. No doubt, the director expected this new work to align with that ideal. However, Bizet chose to spotlight the shady world of smugglers, deserters, factory girls, and other ne’er-do-wells little suited to pristine Parisian tastes of the day. Although he began with a sufficiently ambitious plan to revise the

The opening prelude that introduces act one foreshadows Carmen’s tragic fate with a dark theme used later in the opera to indicate her doom. The act one “Habanera” introduces the audience to the title character as she serenades a gathered throng with her philosophy of love as a wayward, uncontrolled bird. Not himself a Spaniard, Bizet took the trouble to study the musical sounds of the region he planned to represent and brought those moods into the score. Later in that same act, another aria for Carmen, the “Seguidilla,” has her singing sensuously of the pleasure of wine and song and friendship.

The “Toréador Song” from act two introduces the charismatic lead bullfighter who sings of the excitement and rewards of his profession in some of the most recognizable music from any opera. Only the most devout bullfighting purist would obsess over the fact that in the sport, these men are known as toreros, not toréadors. The act two “Danse bohéme” features Carmen and her Roma friends swirling to increasingly frenetic rhythms. Here, as so frequently in this colorful score, Bizet succeeds in vividly evoking a culture much different from his own.

Some audiences are confused by Spanish characters singing in French, but, after all, Mozart’s Don Giovanni is also Spanish, and he sings in Italian. Whatever the language or the cultural references, Carmen is a tale of electrifying energy that has stood the test of time, despite its scandalous beginnings.

Program notes by Betsy Schwarm, author of the Classical Music Insights series.

2021-22 SEASON

Of course, Bizet only wrote the music. Most of the piece’s controversial aspects came from other hands. The original inspiration came from the 1845 novella Carmen

by Prosper Mérimée (1803 – 1870). However, the opera borrows more atmosphere than actual plot. Mérimée’s work has more to do with Don José than with Carmen herself and is told second hand to a narrator by José, who had witnessed and participated in these events. Bizet’s librettists, Ludovic Halévy (1834 – 1908) and Henri Meilhac (1830 – 1897), apparently judged Carmen herself was more interesting than José and kept her at the center of nearly every scene.

standards of the Opéra-Comique, he achieved far more than he expected, blazing a new operatic trail into realism.

The verismo composers of Puccini’s generation owe a debt to Bizet’s pioneering effort.

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If there is any justice in the musical afterlife, Georges Bizet (1838 – 1875) has somehow heard of the eventual success of Carmen. Certainly, he heard no such good news while he still lived. At its premiere on March 3, 1875, the opera was roundly condemned as shocking and vulgar. Audiences loved it, but critics were outspokenly horrified. Bizet, only thirty-six years old, was devastated.

At the time of his death, exactly three months later from a heart condition, he remained convinced Carmen was the greatest failure in the history of opera. He did not survive to experience the accuracy of Tchaikovsky’s prediction, “Ten years hence Carmen will be the most popular opera in the world.”

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THE ARTISTS KATE ALDRICH | Carmen Hailed by the San Francisco Sentinel as “the Carmen of this generation” after her debut with the San Francisco Opera, Kate Aldrich has performed the title role in Bizet’s opera to much critical acclaim in such theaters as the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Metropolitan Opera, Opernhaus Zürich, and Arena di Verona. She commands a wide repertoire which also includes the title role in La Cenerentola, Adalgisa in Norma, Charlotte in Werther, and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier.

Aldrich has performed in other leading theaters throughout the world, including the Gran Teatre de Liceu in Barcelona, Teatro Colon de Buenos Aires, Staatsoper Hamburg, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Teatro Regio di Torino, Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Theatre du Capitole de Toulouse, Opera de Marseille, Opera de Montpellier, Opera de Montreal, and Teatro Sao Carlos in Lisbon, as well as at the Salzburg Festival and Rossini Festival in Pesaro. Recently, Aldrich made her role and house debut as the Foreign Princess in Rusalka at the Theater an der Wien, and then as Princess Eboli in Don Carlos at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie in Liège.

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2021-22 SEASON

SUSANNAH BILLER | Micaëla

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Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as an “artist ready for the big time,” soprano Susannah Biller was a member of the prestigious Adler Fellowship Program with San Francisco Opera. While in San Francisco, she was seen as Frasquita in Carmen, Lolita in the world premiere of John Harbison’s Heart of a Soldier, Kristina in The Makropoulos Case, and Madame Herz in Der Schauspieldirektor. Additional productions with San Francisco Opera include Der Ring des Nibelungen, Serse and Werther. She recently debuted with Madison Opera as Amalia Balash in She Loves Me. She returns to Opera Colorado for the first time since she played Nanetta in Falstaff in 2018. Other engagements include the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Musetta in La bohème with Austin Opera, Kitty Packard in the world premiere of Dinner at Eight with Minnesota Opera and revival of the role at the Wexford Festival, the title role in Madame White Snake on tour with Beth Morrison Projects for the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Norina in Don Pasquale with Minnesota Opera, and Lieschen in Der Ring des Polykrates with The Dallas Opera.

KENDRA BROOM | Mercédès Kendra Broom grew up in California and studied at Manhattan School of Music on the Birgit Nilsson Scholarship and at the Curtis Institute of Music as a Shaun F. O’Malley Fellow. She is a recipient of the Shoshana Foundation’s Richard F. Gold Career Grant. Her recent appearances

include title roles in Pelléas et Mélisande, L’enfant et les sortilèges, and The Rape of Lucretia, with other credits in Le nozze di Figaro (Cherubino), Hänsel und Gretel (Hänsel), and Lakme (Mallika).

She was a featured guest with Curtis Institute’s 20/21 Ensemble, OPERA America’s New Works Forum, WWFM’s Celebrating Our Musical Future, and Opera Philadelphia’s Double Exposure. This season, she returns for a second season as an Opera Colorado Artist in Residence where she is currently also performing in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Rosina) and The Pirates of Penzance (Ruth), and student matinee performance of Carmen (Carmen). She also performed in Tosca (Shepherd Boy) and The Shining (Mrs. Massey).

COLORADO CHILDREN’S CHORALE MARY LOUISE BURKE | Vocal Director EMILY CRILE | Artistic Director

Alice Britton, Saniyah Brooks, Nick Diamond, Finn Donahue, Brian Erickson, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, Samuel Kraus, Aubrey O’Neill, Clara Paterson, Averill Powers, Marion Powers, Max Raphaely, Julia Rippons, Tori Southworth, Gavin Ulmer, Jonah Winburn The Colorado Children’s Chorale has been performing with Opera Colorado since their inaugural performance of Otello in 1983.

Chorale children have appeared in twenty-eight Opera Colorado productions including La bohème, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, Pagliacci, and many others.

SAMANTHA EGLE | Fight and Intimacy Director Samantha is thrilled to be joining Opera Colorado for this production of Carmen!

Her work has been seen on the stages of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Denver Children’s Theatre, Athena Project Festival, Lagoon Theme Park, Upstart Crow, New York Fringe Festival, The BiTSY Stage, Mizel Center for Arts and Culture, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, and numerous other educational institutions in Colorado. She was a Resident Artist as an Intimacy Director at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. in 2019 and an apprentice with Intimacy Directors International. She is the founder of Humble Warrior Movement Arts which produces international

Panamanian-American baritone Nmon Ford stepped into new territory in 2020 by performing the title role in Orfeus: A House Music Opera, written by the artist and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, which ran at London’s Young Vic Theatre.

Recently, he performed in Opera Colorado’s 2021 digital production of The Promise of Living and with Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Seas Symphony under the baton of Robert Spano. No stranger to London, Nmon won exceptional reviews when he appeared as Crown in Porgy & Bess in a co-production between the English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera in the 2018-19 season. Other roles include Jochanaan in Salome with Patricia Racette at Pittsburgh Opera, Don Pizzaro in Fidelio with Christine Goerke at Cincinnati Opera and in concert with Atlanta Symphony, and Iago in Otello with Russell Thomas in the title role. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ford sang often at Hamburg State Opera in Germany and appeared as Scarpia in Tosca, Luna in Il Trovatore, the title role in Billy Budd, The Traveler in Death in Venice, and Thoas in Iphigenie en Tauride under the baton of Simone Young. His awards include First Place in the Wagner Division of the Liederkranz Foundation of New York Competition, as well as major prizes from the Gerda Lissner Foundation and the George London Foundation. His recordings include two GrammyAward winning discs: Naxos’ Songs of Innocence and Experience and Teldarc’s Transmigrations.ge.

J. Isadora Krech is a Berlin and New York based lighting and video designer working in opera and dance. They have collaborated with Opera Colorado, San Diego Opera, Florida Grand Opera, West Edge Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, West Bay Opera, Yale Arts and Ideas Festival, Whitesnake Productions, Firstlook Sonoma, and more. Dance work has been seen in over thirty U.S. states, Norway, Holland, and Germany. Their installations and video art has shown at galleries and festivals in New York, Virginia, Nevada, and California. They have been a guest artist at Williams College, USF, Hollins, and UC Berkeley. Their writing on design aesthetics and performance has been featured in The Brooklyn Rail, Parabasis Blog, On Stage Lighting, InDance Magazine, PLSN, and Stage Directions Magazine. They received a MFA from New York University.

SPENCER LAWRENCE BOYD | Remendado Spencer Lawrence Boyd has sung leading roles in L’elisir d’amore (Nemorino), La tragedie de Carmen (Don José), Die Zauberflöte (Tamino), and Mireille (Vincent), among others. Originally from Canal Fulton, Ohio, Spencer received a bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, a master’s degree from Kent State University, and a doctoral degree from Indiana University. As an Artist in Residence with Opera Colorado for the 2021-22 Season, he performs in the touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Count Almaviva) and The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), and the student matinee performance of Carmen (Don José). He performed in the mainstage productions of Tosca (Spoletta) and The Shining (Lloyd the Bartender and Bill Watson).

JOSEPH GOODALE | Moralès

PHILLIP LOPEZ | Zuniga

Joseph Goodale is a native of Dallas, Texas. He holds a master’s degree in voice performance from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree from Dallas Baptist University.

His previous performances include collegiate productions of Cosí fan tutte (Don Alfonso), My Fair Lady (Henry Higgins), The Fantasticks (El Gallo), and Gianni Schicchi (Marco), in addition to various solo performances. While at SMU, he was an education artist for the Dallas Opera, performing in touring and digital productions of Bizet’s Doctor Miracle (The Mayor). During Opera Colorado’s 2021-22 Season, he performs in the touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Ambrogio/Figaro cover) and The Pirates of Penzance (Major General) and student matinee performance of Carmen (Dancaìre). He performed in the mainstage productions of Tosca (Jailer) and The Shining (Crooner).

Phillip Lopez is from Avon, Illinois, and is a graduate of the Yale School of Music.

He also holds degrees from Wichita State University and Millikin University.

Recent performances include Rigoletto (Montrerone), Don Giovanni (Masetto), The Rake’s Progress (Nick Shadow), Don Quichotte (Sancho), Schubert’s Winterreise, and Florencia en el Amazonas (Riolobo). He has been seen in Le nozze di Figaro (Antonio), An American Soldier (Major Rose/Spc. Austin Haldemann), The Grapes of Wrath (Traffic Cop/Peach Checker), and Madama Butterfly (The Imperial Commissioner), all with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Other roles include Gianni Schicchi, Street Scene (Frank Maurrant), Le nozze di Figaro (Figaro), L’elisir d’amore (Dottore Dulcamara), and Acis & Galatea (Polyphemus). Phillip is excited to be an Artist in Residence at Opera Colorado for the 2021-22 Season, during which he has performed in the touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Don Bartolo) and The Pirates of Penzance (Samuel and Sergeant of Police) and in the mainstage productions of Tosca (Angelotti) and The Shining (Senator).

2021-22 SEASON

NMON FORD | Escamillo

J. ISADORA KRECH | Lighting Design

OPERA COLORADO

virtual and local in-person stage combat and intimacy training.

She is a proud associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union, and a Certified Teacher and Regional Representative for the Rocky Mountain Region with the Society of American Fight Directors.

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THOMAS LYNCH | Dancaïre

RONELL OLIVERI | Wig and Makeup Design

Thomas Lynch received his bachelor’s degree from Westminster Choir College at Rider University and his master’s degree from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

He has participated in young artists programs such as Bel Canto at Caramoor, Seagle Music Colony, and Hawaii Opera Theater. His recent performances include The Great Gatsby (Nick Caraway), Cosi fan tutte (Guglielmo), Eugene Onegin (Commander/Officer), Dialogues of the Carmelites (Marquis de la Force), The Consul (John Sorel), The Manchurian Candidate (Sgt. Raymond Shaw), and Salome (2nd Soldier/John the Baptist cover). Other performances include soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and baritone soloist for Goodall’s Eternal Light: Requiem with the MIT Cambridge Chinese Choral Society. Tom is excited to be returning for a second season with the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program. He performs in the touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Figaro/Ambrogio cover) and The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), and the student matinee performance of Carmen (Escamillo). He performed in the mainstage productions of Tosca

Ronell Oliveri has been designing wigs and makeup for opera, theater, ballet, and film for the past 18 years for such companies as Minnesota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Currently, she is the resident Wig & Makeup Designer for Opera Colorado, Opera Omaha, and Central City Opera. In 2007, she was a Primetime Emmy Award nominee as key makeup artist for her work in television. As a wig and makeup artist her professional credits include engagements with Chicago Lyric Opera, LA Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, and Boston Ballet. Her work can also be seen in several Broadway shows including Wicked, All the Way, and Waitress.

Other recent engagements include Miller Theater’s Proving Up, Boston Lyric Opera’s Cavalleria rusticana, and Opera Omaha’s Montagues and Capulets.

(Sciarrone) and The Shining (Horace Derwent).

OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

SAHAR NOURI | Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor

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Iranian pianist and conductor Sahar Nouri returns to Opera Colorado for a fifth season, serving as the company’s Chorus Master, Assistant Conductor, and Pianist Coach. Ms. Nouri is the newly appointed Music Director of the Lamont Opera Theatre at University of Denver. She is also the founder and director of Dandelion Opera Institute, a summer training program for young, talented opera singers, pianists, and conductors. While being based in Denver, Ms. Nouri continues to serve as guest coach/faculty with various organizations including San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Opera North Carolina, and more.

Previously, Ms. Nouri has been a member of the music staff at Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, Utah Opera, Aspen Opera Center, Opera Parallèle, and Opera in the Heights. Her repertoire includes numerous classic operas as well as many world premieres such as: Prince of Players (Carlisle Floyd), O Columbia! (Gregory Spears), Steal a Pencil for Me (Gerald Cohen), and Today It Rains (Laura Kaminsky). Nouri has done studies in the Czech Republic, Italy, and Austria, and is frequently in demand as a language coach and recitalist.

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ARI PELTO | Opera Colorado Music Director and Conductor Appointed in 2015 as Opera Colorado’s first-ever music director, Ari Pelto’s “breathtaking wizardry in the pit” (The Denver Post) has been widely celebrated, with Pelto in demand at opera houses and concert halls throughout the United States. At the age of twenty-four, Pelto was appointed Assistant Conductor at the Spoleto Festival, and he has since gone on to conduct worldwide. International engagements include performances with Bochumer Philharmoniker and opera productions at New National Theatre of Tokyo and the Teatro Nacional Sucre in Quito, Ecuador. In 2004 he made his highlypraised debut with New York City Opera, conducting La Traviata, after which he became a regular, returning for productions of Madama Butterfly, La bohème, and Carmen. Recent successes include Eugene Onegin at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Lucia di Lammermoor at Virginia Opera, and La Voix Humaine at Chicago Opera Theater.

ALISYA RODRIGUEZ | ArtistiCO Dancer Alisya Rodriguez is a Colorado native who has danced for over nineteen years. She enjoys all forms of dance but is specifically disciplined in Mexican Folk. Her dance roots began under the guidance of Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, Founder of Fiesta Colorado Dance Company. Alisya further advanced her cultural competence and technical dance as a Baile Folklorico Dance Instructor at Escuela Tlatelolco and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and advanced her educational goals by graduating with a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado Denver in 2018. Upon completion of her YTT, she also served as a Yoga and Barre Instructor at CU Denver’s Lola and Rob Student Wellness Center. Alisya is now a proud member of the ArtistiCO Dance Company and furthers her passion for education as an MBA graduate student at Longwood University.

JOSE ROSALES | ArtistiCO Dancer

KETURAH STICKANN | Stage Director

Jose “Chepe” Rosales, CEO of ArtistiCO, is a trailblazing, millennial community leader with a passion for the performing arts and cultural advocacy fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit. As a community collaborator, he partners with Colorado’s most prominent cultures to bring unique and multicultural programming to Denver’s diversity landscape.

His professional expertise in the public and nonprofit sectors has transcended his many accomplishments as a business entrepreneur, dancer, dynamic project manager, community collaborator, nonprofit expert, and producer. He obtained his master’s degree in development and program management from the University of Denver and his undergrad from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He is the co-founder of ArtistiCO, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to cultural dance programming that showcases collective programming featuring Latinx dance artists across North American and Europe through virtual and in-person professional dance presentations. Jose is most proud of his dance career as one of the few American principal dancers in the world-renowned Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez where he toured North America, Latin America, and Europe for five years. Jose was recently awarded the 2021 EY New Wave Leadership Award from Colorado Business Committee for the Arts. Jose is looking forward to his return to the Palacio de Bellas Artes in CDMX after recovering from his traumatic injury.

Keturah Stickann returns to Opera Colorado after directing Lucia di Lammermoor in 2017 and Madame Butterfly in 2014. Her other directing and choreographic credits include L’Orfeo ed Euridice (Florida Grand Opera), Turandot (San Diego Opera), Seven Deadly Sins/ Pagliacci (Virginia Opera), Macbeth (Kentucky Opera), Don Quichotte (San Diego Opera), La Traviata (Chautauqua Opera), Orpheus and Euridice (Vermont Opera Project), Flight (Opera Fayetteville), Don Giovanni (Janiec Opera Company, Virginia Opera), Rigoletto (Opera Memphis, San Diego Opera, Dallas Opera), The Tales of Hoffman (Knoxville Opera), Manon (Knoxville Opera), Don Pasquale (Opera in the Heights), La tragédie de Carmen (Janiec Opera Company), Madama Butterfly (Opera Santa Barbara), La clemenza di Tito (Opera in the Heights), L’Enfant et les sortilèges and Bon Appetit (Emerald City Opera), The Pearl Fishers (Sarasota Opera), Peter Grimes (San Diego Opera), Orfeo (Atlanta Opera, Arizona Opera), The Old Maid and the Thief (Emerald City Opera), Hansel and Gretel (Portland Opera), and Le nozze di Figaro (Emerald City Opera, Opera Pacific). Trained as a classical and contemporary dancer, Ms. Stickann was a performer with Cerulean Dance Theatre, Malashock Dance, The Wally Cardona Quartet, Colleen Halloran Dance, SCW/The Group and Danny Grossman and Dancers.

She received her B.A. in Dance Education and Choreography from Columbia College Chicago and was a 1997 nominee for the Princess Grace Award for excellence in the arts.

CATHERINE SWINDLE | Frasquita Catherine Swindle is from Lubbock, Texas, and is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music with a master’s degree in classical voice. She holds bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and French from Texas Tech University. She was recently awarded second place in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions New England Regional competition after winning the Connecticut District competition. Some concert highlights include, performing Respighi’s Il Tramonto with the American String Quartet and participating in artist Lee Mingwei’s Sonic Blossom installation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other previous credits include Die Zauberflöte (First Lady), Bloch’s Macbeth (Première sorcière), Mozart’s Così fan tutte (Fiordiligi), and Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea (Poppea). During the reminder of her second season in the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence program, she performs in the touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Berta) and The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), and the student matinee performance of Carmen (Micaëla). She also performed in The Shining (Mrs. Grady).

2021-22 SEASON

Bruce Sledge is one of today’s most in-demand lyric tenors and sings a wide variety of repertoire with many international houses. Recently, Mr. Sledge appeared as Paolo Erisso in Maometto Secondo with Washington Concert Opera. In the 2019-20 season, Mr. Sledge made his role debut as Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly in a Metropolitan Opera’s “Live in HD” transmission and Contareno in a new production of Rossini’s Bianca e Falliero in Frankfurt.

He was also seen at UCLA’s Royce Hall as a tenor soloist in Rachel Fuller’s Animal Requiem. Other performances include Jean in Le Prophète with Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lord Percy in Anna Bolena with the Canadian Opera Company, Bacchus in Ariadne auf Naxos with Santa Fe Opera, the title role in Rigoletto with Vancouver Opera, Lorenzo in The Merchant of Venice, and Macduff in Macbeth with Welsh National Opera. Mr. Sledge was a finalist in the 2002 World Voice Masters Competition in Monte Carlo, a finalist in Placido Domingo’s Operalia 2000 World Opera Contest and a national finalist in the 2000 Loren L. Zachary Vocal Competition. In 1998, he was a Western Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions and was awarded first place in the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition.

OPERA COLORADO

BRUCE SLEDGE | Don José

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OPERA COLORADO ORCHESTRA VIOLIN

Byron A. Hitchcock, Concertmaster Margaret Soper Gutierrez, Principal Second Callie Brennan Angela Dombrowski Nina Fronjian Robyn Julyan Regan Kane Annamaria Karacson Jacob Klock Christine Menter Susie Peek Gyöngyvér Petheö Felix Petit Veronica Sawarynski Robyn Sosa Takanori Sugishita Benjamin Tomkins Tori Woodrow

VIOLA

Matthew Dane, Principal Michael Brook Matthew H. Diekman Mary Harrison Sarah Richardson Lora Stevens

CELLO

Andrew Kolb, Principal Charles C. Lee Trevor Minton Jeff Watson Eleanor Wells Carole Whitney

BASS

David Crowe, Principal Jeremy Nicholas Matt Pennington Jason Thompson

FLUTE AND PICCOLO

Susan Townsend, Principal Elizabeth Sadilek

OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN

OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

Sarah Bierhaus, Principal Max Soto

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CLARINET

Michelle Joseph Orman, Principal Heidi Mendenhall

BASSOON

Charles Hansen, Principal Kyle Sneden

HORN

Michael Yopp, Principal Lauren Varley Devon Park Marian Hesse

TRUMPET

Leslie Scarpino, Principal Colin J.A. Oldberg

TROMBONE

Bron Wright, Principal Richard Harris Andy Wolfe

HARP

Janet Harriman, Principal

TIMPANI

Peter Cooper, Principal

PERCUSSION

Mark W. Foster, Principal Carl Dixon Nena Lorenz Wright

ORCHESTRA MANAGER Angela Dombrowski

ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN Eleanor Wells

OPERA COLORADO CHORUS SOPRANO

Deborah Anderson Haley Doty Daniela Guzman Alyssa Jackson Sarah Kochevar Megan Loeffler Stephanie Medema Anna Parks Savannah Scott Amy Thorne

MESSO-SOPRANO

Ariel Aiono-Netzler Kara Goldwire Katelyn Harper-Griffith Bella Mallow Ellen Moeller Jill Skinner Jenny Thompson Blair Whiteside

TENOR

Keanu Aiono-Netzler Alejandro Izurieta Justin Kerr Daniel McDonnall Lars Preece Jack Richard Norman Spivy Joey Taczak Keith Williagmson

BASS-BARITONE

Allen Adair Zachary Biggs Shane Delavan Michele Di Nuvov John Hansen Michael Hansen Patrick Maschka Oliver Poveda Patrick Saiff

PRODUCTION STAFF PRODUCTION STAFF

Rachel C. Henneberry, Production Stage Manager Jordan Lee Braun, Assistant Director Miranda Wilson, Assistant Stage Manager Marcie Friedman, Assistant Stage Manager Lorna Stephens, CSU Stage Management Intern Colleen Kane, ASM Sub Jeremy Sortore, Title Coordinator Beth Nielsen, Title Operator: In-Seat Kathryn Cymerman, Title Operator: Over-Stage

TECHNICAL STAFF

Michael Wingfield, Technical Director Susan Osborn, Head Electrician and Opera Steward Karen Thurow, Lighting Console Programmer Rita Richardson, Assistant Electrician Jon Dunkle, Assistant Lighting Designer Michael Boswell, Head Carpenter Greg Killpack, Assistant Carpenter Dave Youngs, Shop/Production Carpenter Jeff Reidel, Head Flyman/Rigger Hillary Clark, Head Property Master Keven Soll, Assistant Properties Master Thomas Berning, Head Audio Engineer John Adams, Production Purchasing Agent

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE CREW

James Gralian, House Sound Allen Olmstead, House Carpenter Derek Tovar, House Props Dave Wilson, House Electrician

COSTUMES

Ann Piano, Costume Coordinator Alison Milan, Shop Manager and Wardrobe Supervisor Anne Murphy, Assistant Costume Coordinator Madison Booth, Student Matinee Costume Coordinator

DRAPER

Kelly Gregson Sarah Zinn

SHOP ASSISTANTS Madison Booth Amanda Bouza Domino Douglas Carolyn Miller Jessica Montoya Elizabeth Woods

DRESSERS

Austin Burns Domino Douglas Kinsey Kistler

Carolyn Miller Ann Piano Sara Rutherford Amanda Walsh Elizabeth Woods Sarah Zinn

VOLUNTEER DRESSERS Valerie Amburn Leslie Cady Kathy Heider Jan Heimer

WIGS AND MAKEUP

Sarah Annette Opstad Demmon, Associate Wig and Makeup Coordinator Christina Moore, Wig and Makeup Assistant Whitney Wolanin, Wig and Makeup Assistant

SUPERNUMERARIES

Savannah Scott, Manuelita Wade Adams Eric Bard Peter Dearth Thomas Gaffney Katy McQuaid Mark Rossman Oliver Strubbe

ARTIST HOSTS

Jeff Brown Ellie Caulkins Dino Maniatis Kevin O’Connor

ENGLISH OR SPANISH SUBTITLES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Follow these easy steps: Prior to the performance, the screen will automatically display a sponsored message. When singing begins, briefly press the red button to activate subtitles.

• Press once for English.

• Press twice for Spanish.

• Press three times to turn titles off.

Then, simply repeat these steps after intermission.

Pressing the red button too many times or holding the button down may result in a system failure. If you experience difficulty with the system, please contact an usher for assistance.

Opera Colorado does not offer refunds or exchanges in the event of a subtitle system failure.

Please Note: All Sunday matinee performances offer audio description for the visually impaired.

Headsets are available at Coat Check.

English subtitles are written by Jeremy Sortore for Opera Colorado.

Spanish translations by TranslatingSpanish.com.

ANNOUNCING THE

THEATRE COMPANY 2022/23 SEASON SHOWS: THE CHINESE LADY SEP 9 – OCT 16, 2022

SEP 30 – NOV 6, 2022

LAUGHS IN SPANISH JAN 27 – MAR 12, 2023

HOTTER THAN EGYPT FEB 10 – MAR 12, 2023

THE COLOR PURPLE MAR 31 – MAY 7, 2023

THE 39 STEPS

APR 14 – JUN 18, 2023

ADDED ATTRACTIONS:

Sydney Cole Alexander and Matthew Hancock in In The Upper Room • Photo by Adams VisCom

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

THEATER OF THE MIND AUG 31 – DEC 18, 2022

A CHRISTMAS CAROL NOV 18 – DEC 24, 2022

CAMP CHRISTMAS NOV 17 - DEC 24, 2022

COLORADO NEW PLAY SUMMIT FEB 24 – 25, 2023

DON’T MISS YOUR CUE.

denvercenter.org • 303.893.4100 SEASON SPONSORS

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Children entering 2nd-5th grades, who love to sing and perform, should come sing with us!

No experience needed and tuition assistance is available.

ChildrensChorale.org/Audition

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BIG STAGE.

INSIDE OC

OPERA COLORADO’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

Want to mingle with fellow arts-loving young professionals and enjoy unique and immersive opera experiences? Then Inside OC is for you.

PHOTOS OPERA COLORADO / JAMIE KRAUS

As an Inside OC subscriber you receive discounted tickets for the season, access to pre-performance and intermission receptions with complimentary bubbly all night long, invitations to Inside OC parties, and more.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit us at operacolorado.org/insideoc

SPOTLIGHT ON… JORDAN BRAUN Assistant Director

In a production, an assistant director flexibly manages the delicate intersection of on stage and backstage affairs.

Assistant Director Jordan Braun is prepared for anything and has worked on several prior Carmen productions.

What she loves about this opera is its variety, from the characters to the range of talent. She explains, “I like that there are multiple roles for women in the show and they have some strength to their characters. I like that the PHOTOS JORDAN BRAUN

chorus is involved throughout the show and that minor

he goes everywhere with Jordan—including Carmen

with big crowds, as well as individual and duet scenes.

rehearsals. Franklin’s next owner might go to the movies

There is little bit of everything in this show.”

instead of the opera, but Jordan has trained him to be calm

The variety seen in Carmen is mirrored in Jordan’s

and quiet for long periods of time with some of opera’s

wide range of skills and interests. In addition to being assistant director, Jordan helps train service dogs to guide individuals who are blind. Since high school, Jordan has worked with Leader Dogs For the Blind to train several

most iconic melodies in the background. Opera Colorado wishes our furry friend luck in guiding his next owner and thanks Jordan for her amazing work not only on this production, but for her community.

puppies, each beginning training at only a few months old.

Her current puppy, Franklin, is one cultured dog! As part of Franklin’s training to socialize and navigate obstacles,

Written by Angelica DiIorio, Opera Colorado’s Marketing Manager, Advertising & Publications

OPERA COLORADO

young artists. I love that there is typically a dance scene

2021-22 SEASON

characters get to do something and are often played by

21

THANK YOU TO OUR ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE FOR A WONDERFUL SEASON! Catherine Swindle is sponsored by Ken & Barbara Laff, Laurence & Cynthia Chan, and Agatha Kessler & Curtis Fentress.

Kendra Broom is sponsored by Joy & Chris Dinsdale.

Spencer Lawrence Boyd is sponsored

by Robin & Eric Yaeger.

Joseph Goodale is sponsored by Joyce de Roos and Donald K. Braden.

Thomas Lynch is sponsored by Gayle & Gary Landis.

Phillip Lopez is sponsored by Wendy, Dillon & Lillian Cogdal and Maradith & Rusty Wilkins.

Oleg Bellini is sponsored by David & Elizabeth Budd and Suzanne D. Bucy.

PHOTOS OPERA COLORADO /JAMIE KRAUS AND MAT T STAVER

SPECIAL THANKS 2021-22 SEASON SPONSORS Music Director Ari Pelto is sponsored by Mike and Julie Bock.

OPERA COLORADO RECOGNIZES THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT

The Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program is sponsored by Ken & Donna Barrow, with additional support from Patrick Spieles, and Dr. Stephen L. Dilts.

Principal Repertoire Coach Nathan Salazar and Voice Teacher Daniel Belcher are underwritten

by Chris & Joy Murphy.

The Student Matinee performance of Carmen is sponsored by the Genesee Mountain Foundation.

The Artists in Residence for their roles in Carmen are sponsored by Joy and Chris Dinsdale.

The Opera Colorado Orchestra in Carmen is sponsored by the Divine Family.

Official Artist Housing Partner

TRUST COIT. YOU’LL REST EASY. Clean as new, that’s the Coit commitment to you.

• Wood Flooring • Natural Stone • Carpet & Rugs • Upholstery • Tile & Grout • Air Ducts • Window Treatments • Concrete

SATIFACTION

100% GUARANTEE

303-922-9212

June 30-August 7 Boulder’s Chautauqua Auditorium

6 weeks and 22 concerts including: John Adams, Composer-in-Residence including two conducting appearances Midsummer o at fe ures sopran idsson rv -A rd Bi r ife nn Je and mezzo Abigail Nims!

Three Must-Hear Premieres

by Timo Andres, Wang Jie, & Wynton Marsalis A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring Star Trek: TNG’s John de Lancie

For tickets and a full season calendar, visit coloradomusicfestival.org

LET’S GET SOCIAL Follow us on social media to be the first to find out about new announcements, blog posts, challenges to win tickets, production photos, and more!

@operacolorado

CARMEN

WORLD PREMIERE

M. Butterfly

Georges Bizet

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Gioachino Rossini

FALSTAFF Giuseppe Verdi

MUSIC Huang Ruo

TRISTAN UND ISOLDE

LIBRETTO David Henry Hwang

Richard Wagner WORLD PREMIERE

8:30 pm July 30 8 pm August 3, 12, 18, 24

M. BUTTERFLY MUSIC

Huang Ruo LIBRETTO

David Henry Hwang

M.Butterfly Illustration by Benedetto Cristofani

View our Health & Safety Policies

#OpenAirOpera

For tickets and more information visit santafeopera.org or call 505-986-5900

Opening Nights Sponsor 855-674-5401 fourseasons.com/santafe

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS The Board of Directors and staff of Opera Colorado express their deepest appreciation to the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have contributed to the Annual Fund, as of March 22, 2022.

Although space limitations only allow us to list donors whose gifts were $100 and above, we are deeply grateful for the support of all our dedicated contributors.

INDIVIDUALS PRODUCER CIRCLE VISIONARY $50,000+ Ken and Donna Barrow Mike and Julie Bock Ellie Caulkins Marcia and Dick Robinson Patrick Spieles Robin and Eric Yaeger Mr. Youngdon Yun and Ms. Esme Prieto Yun BENEFACTOR $25,000-$49,999 Linda Bjelland Jeff Baldwin Mr. Chip Horne and Dr. Jan Kennaugh Debra J. Perry

OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

AMBASSADOR $11,000-$24,999

26

Merle Chambers Elizabeth and Matthew Dyer Russell Hedman and Juwon Bahn Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Kinney Richard Koseff Judy La Spada The Honorable Kenneth Laff and Mrs. Barbara Laff Gayle and Gary Landis Jim and Patience Linfield Dr. and Mrs. William N. Maniatis Mr. and Mrs. Randal Martines Kevin O’Connor and Janet Ellen Raasch Ann and Gerald Saul Charles I. Thompson Dan and Marie Welch

ARTIST CIRCLE CONDUCTOR $6,000-$10,999 Anonymous Al and Rebecca Bates Mr. Charles E. Berry and Mrs. Maria Garcia Berry Suzanne D. Bucy

Jane and Bart Burnett Ms. Kathryn Codo Dr. Eric Coomer Dr. Alan Cooper Robert and Lenore Damrauer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Fogliano Karen Fukutaki, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Don Hindman Gary and Judith Judd Joe Kelso Diana and Mike Kinsey Robert R. Montgomery and Nancy Hawkins Muffy Moore Lynnette Morrison Raul and Vivian Murciano Dr. Harold S. Nelson Jon J. Olafson and Jerry Brindisi Ronald Y. Otsuka Zondra Rae Pluss Louise Lavendar Rouse Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson Prem and Stephanie Subramanian Martha and Will Tracey Dr. Valerie M. Wassill, MD Ann Wise Larry and Brigitte Zimmer COMPOSER $3,000-$5,999 Robin E. Black Mr. Gregory A. Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. George P. Caulkins, III Mary and Tom Conroy Dr. Cynthia K. Crews and Mr. Charles W. Henry Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Frey Sally Haas Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin III Mike Hughes and The Honorable Karen Brody Ms. Judy Johnston Maj. Dino Maniatis and Mrs. Kristin Freestone-Maniatis Veronica A. McCaffrey and Barbara A. Frank Mark and Kristin McKissick Mrs. Rhea J. Miller James Monroe, III and Marie Shannon Monroe Ralph and Trish Nagel Bob Nelson Bonnie C. Perkins

Christine and Harry Phillips The Ponzio Family Nijole and Walter Rasmussen Cynthia and Alexander Read Myra and Robert Rich Mr. Paul Ruotolo Mr. and Mrs. Charley Samson Helen Scott Santilli Jeremy and Susan Shamos William Vaniman and Frances G. Matthews Mr. Byron S. Watson Erin Wenzel Ms. Carole J. Yaley Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zoellner LIBRETTIST $1,200-$2,999 Mr. Hartman Axley Mr. Douglas W. Barnert and Mrs. Ruth Jacoby Peter Batty and Paula Kechichian Brian Bennett and Bev Daniels Sheila Bisenius Leslie Coover Cady Mr. and Mrs. Roger W. Celius Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cesafsky Barbara and Roger Chamberlain Mr. David J. Chavolla Mr. Alexander J. Conley and Ms. Alysia D. Marino Bob and Georgi Contiguglia Mrs. Joyce de Roos Max and Joyce Douglas Dave and Pam Duke Lois N. Eckhoff Dr. Stacy Fischer and Dr. Henry Fischer Terry Frazier and Kathy Wells George and Sissy Gibson Stephen and Dorothy Gregory Mark Groshek, MD and Carl Clark, MD Mr. J. Lawrence Hamil Beverlee B. Henry Mr. Richard Hilty Mr. William T. Hoffman Christine Hollander and Michael McGee Steve and Chryse Hutchins Therese Ivancovich John N. Kabalin, MD. Dean Laurence Kaptain and Dolores Arce-Kaptain Dr. Lawrence Kim and Nhung Van Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy Lazarus Evan and Evi Makovsky Janice McClary and Jan McNally Dr. James P. McElhinney V.W. McKnab and Margaret Jurado

Pamela Merrill Dr. Monica I. Minkoff Ms. Janet Mordecai Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian Dr. and Mrs. Calvern E. Narcisi Dr. Lynn Parry Mr. Ari Pelto and Ms. Wendy Fisher Diedra O’Kelly and James and Helen Reed T. R. Reid Ayliffe and Fred Ris Juan and Alicia Rodriguez Ms. Deborah M. H. Rohan Carol L. Rust Ms. Barbara Sannwald Ms. Ruth E. Schoening Fern B. Seltzer and Andrew Heymsfield Ms. Judith Zee Steinberg Vicki and Harry Sterling Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland Jerry and Debi Tepper Dr. Akiva M. Thomas and Mr. Ezekial Thomas Ms. Kathleen R. Tower Dr. Peter and Mrs. Kathy Van Arsdale Dr. Keith Ward and Ms. Barbara Roidl Ms. Cia A. Wenzel Mary and Ken Willis

PATRON CIRCLE ASSOCIATE $600-$1,199 Anonymous Ms. Jane Anderson Mrs. Diane Barrett Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Benedict III Mr. John and Mrs. Anne Blair Libby Bortz Brewster and Helen Boyd Gordon and Ron Butz Mr. Ian T. Caiozzi and Mrs. Neha Patel Ms. Grace Campbell Carol G. Canon Mrs. Ella May Carpenter George Case Gertrud Hische and Manfred Chemek Mr. David Clark Everett B. Clark Sue Cole Brian D. Crane Dr. and Mrs. James D. Crapo Nancy Crow and Mark Skrotzki Ms. Cheryl M. Cruickshank

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OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS

28

George and Yonnie Dikeou Ms. Marian O. Dines Carl and Nan Eklund Mrs. J. Theodore Ellis Mr. and Mrs. John Fuller Mr. and Mrs. John Gallagher Gary and Rebecca Gantner Ms. Rebecca Givens Dr. and Mrs. Burton Golub Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Greenholz Ms. Renee Gross Dr. Steven J. Gulevich Mr. Richard Gustafson Jerry and Patty Hauptman Mrs. Mary Hayes Mr. Thomas E. Healy Ms. Karen Howland and Mr. J. Gregory Mudge Michael E. Huotari and Jill R. Stewart Mr. Daniel Isaman Roberta and Mel Klein PJ and Rhonda Kovach John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich Bernard and Frieda Leason Deanna Rose Leino Patty Lorie Bob Mahoney and Pat Monroe Tanya Mathews Sandra Mazarakis and Neil Burris Jim and Carole McCotter Henry B. Mohr Sue and Bill Mohrman Mr. William R. Moninger Mr. Mike Morgan Dr. Mary Kenny Moynihan and Dr. Michael Moynihan Mary and John Muth Nancy and Paul Oberman Kelli O’Brien and Michael Kolotylo Ms. Diane O’Connor Ms. Sarah B. O’Connor Bonnie M. Orkow Theresa and Norman Parker Mr. David and Dr. Renee Parkhurst Profs. Jean-Pierre Habicht and Gretel H. Pelto Linda Plaut Rick Poppe and Jana Edwards Robert and Mary Quillin Armando Quiroz Elaine Renz Steven and Joan Ringel Mr. Joe Ronnenberg Doug Rooney Steven E. and Jane Schonfeld Mr. John Shott Dr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Smith Zach T. Smith Mrs. Jennifer Sobanet

Continued from page 26

Dr. Laimute Stewart Bill and Shirley Stout Ms. Lisa A. Strachan Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Sullivan Sharon and John Trefny Marie Belew Wheatley Mr. and Mrs. Mason B. White Mark and Pati Wilkins Robert and Jacklyn Writz Scott and Karen Yarberry Pam and Martin Zadigian SUPPORTER $300-$599 Anonymous Richard Akeroyd Mr. Paul Alaback and Ms. Carol Brewer Dr. Oksana Bantley Dr. Dennis Barrett Ms. Tamara Barron Brian Thomas Beagle Dr. and Mrs. Henry J. Beckwitt Ms. Mariette H. Bell Kathleen Benegar Charles Berberich and Marilyn Munsterman Janet Bishop Richard Bottjer and Lynn Peyton Ms. Jay Breen Ms. Janet C. Bruchmann Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Budy Edwin T. Callahan and Dulcy E. Wolverton Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Caulkins Alan and In Hye Como Tom and Cheryl Cox Jim and Sara Culhane Carolyn E. Daniels Ronald L. Deal Greg Diamond Peter and Marian Downs Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Matt and Reine Erzinger Amy Feaster Mr. and Mrs. Bruce F. Fest Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Garfein Mr. and Mrs. Caleb F. Gates, Jr. Tamara Gillespie Dr. Brian Greffe and Dr. Mark Donovan Mrs. Carol and Dr. Fred Grover Judge Alfred and Mrs. Dori Harrell Ms. Lynn E. Harrington Ginny Hersch Ms. Erin R. Hittle Mr. and Mrs. Graham Hollis Ruth Hopfenbeck Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle Drs. Terri Lynn and David Ingram Mr. Jon Isenhart

Eric Johnson and Christy Milne James and Christine Jorgensen Mr. Tom Kirkpatrick and Ms. Djuana Strauch Sally and Jim Kneser Rex Kramer and Cindy Crater Mr. Richard S. Leaman Mr. and Mrs. James E. Manuel Mr. and Mrs. T. Scott Martin Marian E. Matheson Mr. and Mrs. William Mathews Dave and Miza McReynolds Tom and Mary Meade Dr. and Mrs. Charles F. Metzger Mr. Lawrence Moskow John and Margaret Moyer Dr. and Mrs. David A. Norris Mr. Mark J. O’Connor Ms. Kimberly S. Opekar Frederick Peters Andrew R. Pleszkun Bruce Polkowsky and Bill Powell Richard Replin and Elissa Stein Karyn K. Rieb Gregory Robbins Mr. Gregory Roebuck Ms. Luana Rubin Ms. Mary Scarpino Mr. and Mrs. Bob Shaklee Mr. and Mrs. David C. Shelton Helen Shreves Mrs. Marlene P. Siegel Dr. Norman Spivy Mr. Gordon W. Stenger David and Carol Stern Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Straub Mrs. Linda M. Strauch Prof. and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz John Taubman Barbara Thorngren Mrs. Richelle Valero Mr. Everett Volk Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Yost Gene and Linda Young Charlotte Ziebarth MEMBER $100-$299 Anonymous James and Lorraine Adams Ms. Jeanne Adkins Ms. Karen Adkins and Mr. Brian Moore Paul and Susan Ahlquist Danica Anderson Ms. Susan Anderson Alice and Lee Anneberg Mrs. Donna Antonoff Don Bain Steve and Lisa Bain Ms. Jennifer N. Bater Ellen and Donald Bauder Mr. Brian A. Baxter

C. F. Benoit Mrs. Claire E. Benson Anthony V. Berkley and Amanda Gomez Drs. Tomas Berl and Diane Pincus Ms. Sandra D. Besseghini Ms. Carol N. Betz Ms. Dori Biester Leah Bobbey and Toby Wright Ms. Donna Boender Ms. Louise T. Bohe Mrs. Donna Bonne Joe and Gwen Bowers E. Candace Boyle and Thomas R. Salas Mr. William Bradford Ms. Deborah A. Brady Mr. Thomas H. Brady Katy Brown Mr. Kenneth Bunch Patricia A. Bunge Mr. Douglas F. Burns Mr. and Mrs. Dean Burton Dr. Francine Butler Michael Canges and Nina Iwashko Mr. Brad Case and Mr. William M. McMechen, Jr. Charles Case and Phillip St. Cloud Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Chilcoat Ms. Ethel K. Clow Gerald Cohen and Caroline Stern Mr. David A. Connell Mr. Curtis Cook Dr. David J. Cooper and Evelyn W Cooper Vicki Cowart and Chris Hayes Colin T. Currans-Sheehan Ms. Lisa Curtis Matthew Dane Mr. Raphael Dangelo Ms. Joan Daniels Manley Houlton Laurie and Ben Duke III Guillaume and Lizeth Durvin Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Eckerling Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Eckhoff Mr. John W. Ekeberg Ted and Vivian Sheldon Epstein Ms. Anne Esson Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Evans Ms. Anna Ferrari Ms. Jeanine M. Figur Ms. Elizabeth A. Fischer and Mr. Don Elliott Dr. and Mrs. Larry S. Fisher Dr. Marc S. and Nancy Frager L. Richard and Sigrid Halvorson Freese Kristin and Heiko Freitag Keith French Deborah Friedman Ms. Cynthia Gaertner Dr. Tim Gensler

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OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS

30

Jennifer Ruth Gentry Steve and Donna Good Kazuo and Drusilla Gotow Dr. Ray L. Gottesfeld Mr. Matthew Grove Ronald and Elnore Grow Ms. Sonja Hahn Mr. Richard A. Haynes Mr. Richard W. Healy Ms. Holly Hedegaard Mr. and Mrs. Phil G. Heinschel Rebecca L. Hersey Dr. Marilyn J. Hitchens Sarah C. Hite Ms. Mary S. Hoaldey Mr. Saul D. Hoffman and Ms. Susan Parker Mr. and Mrs. Douglas L. Houston Mr. Jason Huck Nancy Huff Katherine Hurlbut Ms. Nancy Hyde Emily A. Irwin Mrs. Philip Isely Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Johnson Mr. Kendor P. Jones and Mrs. Sharon Harris Nancy Juday and John Popovich Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kahn Edward Karg and Rick Kress Mr. and Mrs. Robert Keatinge Mr. and Mrs. Jhon M. Kehmeier Ms. Patricia C. Kelly and Mr. Thomas E. Dufficy Bonnie Kipple Ms. Sheri Knox Ms. Cherity Koepke Barbara and Kiplund Kolkmeier Mrs. and Mr. Svetlana Komisarchik Donna C. Kornfeld Dr. and Mrs. Alex Kotch Scott and Margo Krawiec Dianna Kunz Ms. Barbara Ladon D. Langdon Mrs. Lynette M. Larue Ms. Melinda S. Leach Mr. and Mrs. Jay S. Leaver Rowdy B. Lemasters Nancy A. Leonard Paul and Nancy Levitt Ms. Peggy Liao Mr. David Lichtenstein Judy and Dan Lichtin Robert and Gloria Lilly-Cohen Sarita List Mr. John A. Lockwood, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Alan M. Loeb Mr. Michael Lyster Mr. James S. Macdonald Dr. Melissa Malde Mr. Gregg E. Marshall Ms. Tara D. Marshall

Continued from page 28

Ms. Jeanine Matney Ms. Milissa McCarthy Mr. Bobby McCracken Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Miller Mr. John R. Miller Ms. Betty Minor Chris and Karen Mohr Mrs. Robbie E. Monsma Douglas G. Moran and Laura B. Moran Ms. Holly Morgan Warren Morrow Mr. Mark A. Nachtigal Susan and Mark Nagel Dr. and Dr. Hans Neville Rudi Hartmann and Kathy Newman Ms. Tracy Nguyen Ms. Josie Noble Mr. and Mrs. Denny O’Connell Mr. Michael Ogborn Stephanie and Roger Oram Ms. Elizabeth Orr Mr. Thomas Parrott Dr. and Mrs. David S. Pearlman Roxane Pecchio Mr. and Mrs. Neil Peck Ms. Kathy Peeters Dennis G. Peterson Mr. Richard Pfeffer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Plowshay Mr. and Mrs. Mark Plummer Rich and Kim Plumridge Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Poehlmann Mrs. Kathryn L. Pride Kate Raabe Dr. and Mrs. Pablo Ramos Ms. Gloria Rathbun Mr. Reid T. Reynolds and Dr. Pamela P. Hanes Ms. Jennie Ridgley Dr. Richard D. Roark Mr. Shannon Russell Dr. Thomas D. Russell Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sale Morris and Karen Sandstead Ms. Gloria Sankel Sandy and Frank Sargent Mr. Bryan Penny and Mr. Matt Savoie Kathleen Sawada Ms. Erika L. Schafer John and Patricia Schmitter Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Schuchman Mr. Richard Scott Mr. and Mrs. Harry Segan Mr. Billy Seiber Mr. and Mrs. George Sell Mr. Edward B. Seybert Mr. James Shively Ms. Patricia K. Simpson Catherine K. Skokan Edie and William Sonn

Ms. Heather Sowell, M.D. Mr. Frank W. Spaid Ms. Lucie Stanish Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Stemm-Wolf Susan Stiff Mr. and Mrs. Jim Stinson Mr. Barry Sundland Drs. Morris and Ellen Susman Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Swindle Deborah T. Sycamore William Bradford and Chin Tan Ms. Linda Tarpeh-Doe Dr. Juanita and Mr. Thompson Tate Ms. Lois Thornton Mr. Michael M. Tinetti Mr. and Mrs. Sal L. Tripodi Ms. Carol Trotter Mr. Charles C. Turner Francisco Varela and Timothy Wilson Bernd and Marta Wachter Norma and George Wagoner Ms. Laura Wardell Ms. Carley Warren Ms. Enid Watson Ms. Robin Stewart and Mr. Kirk Weber Mr. and Mrs. William W. Wehner, II Dr. Adriana Weinberg Ms. Ann Fails Westerberg Sandra L. White Lois K Williams Mr. Matthew Wolchak Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Wood Allison and William Woolston Ms. Renee Wooster Robert and Kathleen Yeager Judith Graham and Jeffrey Zax

GOVERNMENT AND FOUNDATIONS The Anschutz Foundation Avenir Foundation The Bagby Foundation for the Musical Arts Thomas and Diane Barrett Foundation The Benevity Community Impact Fund David B. and Gretchen W. Black Family Foundation BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Bock Family Fund Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Bucy Family Fund Caulkins Family Foundation Charityvest The Chotin Foundation Charlotte and Norman Codo Charitable Trust Community First Foundation The Crawley Family Foundation

Daniels-Houlton Family Donor Advised Fund Deane Family Fund The Denver Foundation Denver Lyric Opera Guild City of Englewood Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Dorothy and Donald Fleishaker Philanthropic Fund Sidney E. Frank Foundation Colorado Fund Genesee Mountain Foundation Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts Lorraine and Harley Higbie Fund Virginia W. Hill Foundation Ittelson Family Fund Jewish Communal Fund Kenneth King Foundation Jeanne Land Foundation Landis Family Philanthropy Lindmor Fund Miller Family Foundation National Endowment for the Arts William D. Radichel Foundation Jess & Rose Kortz and Pearle Rae Foundation Read Foundation Inc. Rose Community Foundation Gloria Sankel Trust The Schramm Foundation Schwab Charitable Shamos Family Foundation Smart Family Foundation Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation Temple Etz Chaim Rabbi Ari Averbach Tulsa Community Foundation UBS Financial Services Inc. UrbanArias Vanguard Charitable Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation

CORPORATE ALLIANCE Deiter’s Chocolates Denterica Kaladi Coffee Longmont Dental Loft Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club Northern Trust PMG Colorado Young Presidents Organization Gold Rocky Mountain

SPONSORS Ken and Donna Barrow Pamela Beardsley Charles Berberich and Marilyn Munsterman Mike and Julie Bock Donald K. Braden

WORK WITH US APPLAUSE

SERVING UP THE COLORADO EXPERIENCE

Vol. 7, No. 2 January-February 2022

VOLUME XXXII NUMBER 3 FEB – MAR 2022

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

PURGATORY SKI BIKING

SUMMER 2021 JUNE 18–AUGUST 15 A Midsummer Night’s Dream

NOVICES AND PROS HIT THE POWDER

The Odyssey by Homer Adapted by Mary Zimmerman

Pericles

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ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS Suzanne D. Bucy David and Elizabeth Budd Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan The Chotin Foundation Wendy, Dillon, and Lillian Cogdal The Crawley Family Foundation Mrs. Joyce de Roos Dr. Stephen L. Dilts Joy and Christopher Dinsdale The Divine Family Fentress Architects Jack Finlaw and Greg Movesian Genesee Mountain Foundation Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts Mr. Chip Horne and Dr. Jan Kennaugh Mike Hughes and The Honorable Karen Brody The Honorable Kenneth Laff and Mrs. Barbara Laff Gayle and Gary Landis Chris and Joy Murphy Ms. Janet Mordecai National Endowment For The Arts Ann Corrigan and Kent Rice Ann and Gerald Saul Andrew Sirotnak and James White Patrick Spieles Carol Whitley Maradith and Rusty Wilkins Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation Robin and Eric Yaeger

TRIBUTES In honor of Ellie Caulkins Mr. David J. Chavolla Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland In honor of Dr. Larry Chan Mrs. Robin Chotin In honor of Ken and Barbara Laff Ms. Sarah L. Lowery Mr. and Mrs. Frederic B. Rodgers

OPERA COLORADO

2021-22 SEASON

In honor of Sonja Mast Christina L. Mast

32

In honor of the musical arts Ms. Yvonne Behrens In honor of the Opera Colorado Staff Mr. Gregory A. Carpenter Ms. Cherity Koepke In honor of Erin Wenzel T. R. Reid Ms. Cherity Koepke In memory of Itsuko Arita Ms. Miyuki Googins

Continued from page 30

In memory of Janice Baucum Mr. and Mrs. Bill Fitzgerald Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Garfein Mr. and Ms. Howard M. Kirschbaum Ms. Linda Kropf Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lowrey Ms. Sarah B. O’Connor Dr. and Mr. Ann and Mark Ryan Ms. Ruth Vazquez Martha Williams In memory of Mason Cramer Gene and Linda Young In memory of Dirk de Roos Ms. Margaret Stapleton Lepine Mr. Miles Smith In memory of Marilyn Edwards Mr. Lewis Shapiro In memory of Dr. Jacqueline Frischknecht Mr. Chuck Lawhead and Mr. Ronald Broome In memory of Marta Garay Mr. Peter Deblois In memory of Max Grassfiled Dr. Lynn Donaldson In memory of Thomas Holmes Ms. Ariane J. Le Roy and Ms. Kristin K. Harvey In memory of Jim Hutchings Ms. Virginia E. Nemmers In memory of Carole Leight C.T. Blickensderfer In memory of Hugh and Peggy McGee Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle In memory of Norman O’Kelly Diedra O’Kelly James and Helen Reed In memory of Eric Poehlmann Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Poehlmann In memory of Barbara Reed Dr. Mariah Brown Mr. Mark Fogg Tamara Gillespie Ms. Peggy Liao Ms. Dixie Reynolds In memory of Don and Barbara Ridgeway Ms. Kathryn Taylor

In memory of William E. Russell Jane Russell In memory of Morris “Moe” Sandstead Mrs. Donna Antonoff Ms. Paula Hanson Ms. Mary Hey Ms. Nancy Jurcheck Karen Sandstead Ms. Helen Stone In memory of Violet Santangelo Chris Santangelo In memory of Nat and Louise Sherman Mrs. Claire E. Benson

In memory of Harry Siegfried Dr. Monica I. Minkoff In memory of Mr. John Stamper Tom and Mary Meade In memory of Rusty Wilkins Mary and Tom Conroy Gayle and Gary Landis Deanna Rose Leino Martin and Jane Long Margaret Maupin Lynnette Morrison Arthur and Patricia Pansze Jessica and Menandro Peña Nancy A. Rogers Robert and Jacklyn Writz

CRESCENDO SOCIETY The following people have made arrangements to include Opera Colorado in their Estate Plan.

Sheila Bisenius Ellie Caulkins Dr. Stephen L. Dilts Ms. Donna E. Hamilton Ms. Lynn E. Harrington Jeanne E. Hind Dr. and Mrs. Charles B. Kafadar Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kahn Deanna Rose Leino Lynnette Morrison Mrs. Lee Roberts Mary Ann Rose Mr. Stephen Seifert Fern B. Seltzer Jenene and James Stookesberry Mrs. Carol C. Whitley Larry and Brigitte Zimmer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our donor lists. However, if your name is incorrectly listed, please accept our sincere apologies and contact Erin Wenzel at 303.468.2040.

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors in our community. With your support, we can fulfill our mission to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and educational programming that is accessible to all.

Your donation this season honors our forty-year legacy and builds a bright future for decades to come.

YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US...

PRESENT high-quality opera experiences that reflect the multi-cultural fabric of our community SERVE over 55,000 patrons every year DEVELOP audiences by introducing children (and adults!) to their first opera experience TRAIN the next generation of opera performers through our Artist in Residence Program

HOW TO MAKE A GIFT ONLINE: operacolorado.org/support

BY PHONE: 303.468.2060 MAIL A CHECK TO: Opera Colorado 4121 S Navajo St, Ste 100 Englewood, CO 80110 SCAN THE QR CODE:

For questions, please contact Opera Colorado’s Development team at 303.468.2060 or development@operacolorado.org.

DONOR LEVELS & BENEFITS

enrich your opera experience and put you one step closer to the magic. Whether you see us in the Opera House, at schools throughout the Rocky Mountain region, or in a brand new venue, we hope you will support Opera Colorado’s mission to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and educational programming that is accessible to all.

Donations from individuals comprise our largest source of annual income, and YOU can make a major impact. Please review the giving levels and benefits below and consider joining our family of supporters.

PATRON CIRCLE Member ($100-$299) • Closer to the Art emails before each mainstage production, where you will gain behind-the-scenes insight and learn something new about Opera Colorado • Exclusive pre-sale opportunities to ticketed events throughout the season • Your name listed in mainstage Season Program Books

Supporter ($300-$599)

Composer ($3,000-$5,999) All previous benefits, plus: • Invitation to a Sitzprobe Rehearsal and Dessert Reception • Invitation to the Luncheon with the Maestro event

Conductor ($6,000-$10,999) All previous benefits, plus: • Complimentary parking for your Opera Colorado mainstage performances • Two tickets to each final dress rehearsal of Opera Colorado mainstage productions

All previous benefits, plus: • Discounted admission to the Sitzprobe Brunch and Rehearsal • Invitation to an exclusive backstage tour of the Ellie Caulkins

PRODUCER CIRCLE

Opera House, where you will peek into dressing rooms, step on

Ambassador ($11,000-$24,999)

stage, and explore all that this historic building entails

All previous benefits, plus:

Associate ($600-$1,199) All previous benefits, plus: • Access to the Chambers Grant Salon Donor Recognition Lounge and complimentary prosecco during intermission • Complimentary admission to the Artist in Residence concert(s) • Complimentary admission and discounted guest admission to the Sitzprobe Brunch and Rehearsal

• Invitation to a private cocktail reception with the General & Artistic Director, followed by a rehearsal in the Opera Colorado Opera Center • Private curated tour of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for you and your guests

Benefactor ($25,000-$49,999) All previous benefits, plus: • Behind the scenes access to rehearsals at the Opera Colorado

ARTIST CIRCLE Librettist ($1,200-$2,999) All previous benefits, plus: • Complimentary admission to Artists in Conversation events, where you will learn more about upcoming productions from the artists themselves • Invitation to a private Master Class with a leading industry artist and members of the Artists in Residence program • Personal staff liaison to assist you with opera tickets and special event reservations

Opera Center, including VIP access to artists • Invitation to an intimate dinner with Opera Colorado’s General & Artistic Director and Music Director

Visionary ($50,000+) All previous benefits, plus: • Private concert in your home or other chosen location To make a gift, visit operacolorado.org/donate Questions? Feel free to contact our Development Team at 303.468.2060 or development@operacolorado.org.

PHOTOS OPERA COLORADO / MAT T STAVER

As part of the partnership that begins with your donation, Opera Colorado aspires to

LEADERSHIP Greg Carpenter Ari Pelto

VOLUNTEERS Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director

Tom Kirkpatrick Cherity Koepke

Katie Preissner Erin Wenzel

Kiplund Kolkmeier

Eric Bard

Susan Landers

Devanie Blake

Melina Leach

Barbara Bower

Heather MacKinnon

Marilyn Brock

Mana Merrit

Jeffery Brown

Arienne Orozco

Katy Burley

Kelley Patient

Leslie Cady

Marissa Peacock

Wendy Cogdal

Eva Phibbs

Director of Education & Community Engagement, Director of Opera Colorado’s Artist in Residence Program

Christina Collier

Kala Pickett

DIRECTORS

David Cordova

Catharine Poe

Joyce de Roos

Michaele Reddy

Lindsey Dick

Donna Reis

Director of Production & Artistic Services

Stephen Dilts

Ellie Robert

Judith Downes

Eleanor Roberts

Director of Development

Tom Gaffney

Janet Runes

Gay Greenleaf

Grover Sardeson

Dorothy Gregory

Therese Schoen

Sigrid Halvorson

Ruth Schoening

Jeff V. Baldwin Maria Garcia Berry Eleanor N. Caulkins, Lifetime Honorary Chair Dr. Laurence K. Chan Dr. Alan Cooper Joseph Fogliano Mark Heiser, Ex-Officio Don Hindman Kelly Ann Hodges Laurence D. Kaptain, Ex-Officio Hon. Kenneth Laff James Linfield William N. Maniatis, MD MAJ. Konstantinos (Dino) G. Maniatis Vivian Murciano Jon J. Olafson Ronald Otsuka Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD Keith Ward, Ex-Officio Valerie M. Wassill, MD Robin Kolsky Yaeger Larry Zimmer

Music Director

Director of Marketing & Communications Director of Business Operations

STAFF Anthony Berkley

Development Operations Manager

2021-22 SEASON

Henry Siegel

Jan Heimer

Judith Taubman

Sandy Bucceri, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Manager

Sarah Hollander

Feifei Wei

Robert Kahn

Marianne Weingroff

Vee Butler

Patron Services Manager

Isis King

Christiane Woody

Samantha Cantu

Patron Services Associate

Phyllis Knight

Angela Young

Ash Cossey

Patron Services Associate

Stormy Knight

Frank Zoske

Angelica DiIorio

Marketing Manager, Adversting & Publications

Ben Karasik

Production Manager

Suzanne Whitney

Marketing Manager, Digital & Content Manager of Education & Community Engagement

CONTACT OPERA COLORADO ADMINISTRATION Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Opera Colorado Opera Center 4121 S Navajo St, Ste 100 Englewood, CO 80110

Chorus Master, Repetiteur & Assistant Conductor

303.778.1500

Nathan Salazar

Principal Repertoire Coach

PATRON SERVICES

Cody Guy Garrison

Chorus Repetiteur

Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Daniel Belcher

Voice Teacher

303.468.2030 (press 1)

Sahar Nouri

OPERA COLORADO

Irene Sclavenitis

Kathryn Heider

Individual Giving & Special Events Manager

MUSIC STAFF

34

Freese

Leah Bobbey, CFRE

Bethany Wood

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Valeria Amburn

SENIOR TEAM Jennifer Colgan

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

info@operacolorado.org

customerservice@operacolorado.org

2021-22 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Catherine Swindle

soprano

Kendra Broom

mezzo-soprano

Spencer Lawrence Boyd tenor Joseph Goodale

baritone

Thomas Lynch

baritone

Phillip Lopez

bass-baritone

Oleg Bellini

coach-accompanist

OPERACOLORADO.ORG follow @operacolorado

Elizabeth Caswell Dyer, Chair Marcia Robinson, President Michael Bock, Vice President Chevis F. (Chip) Horne, Vice President Richard Koseff, Secretary Judy La Spada, Treasurer Kevin O’Connor, Chair Emeritus

HONORARY DIRECTORS Suzanne Bucy Hugh Grant Jeremy Kinney Pamela Merrill Mary French Moore Gerald Saul Jeremy Shamos Susan Shamos Merrill Shields Martha Tracey

OPERA COLORADO’S PROGRAM BOOKS ARE PRODUCED BY THE PUBLISHING HOUSE Angie Flachman Johnson Publisher Stacey Krull Art Director Wilbur E. Flachman President Emeritus FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION 303.428.9529 or www.ColoradoArtsPubs.com

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We’re proud to serve our community with personal, compassionate care. As your Dignity Memorial® professionals, we’re dedicated to helping families create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.

Proud to support the performing arts in Denver.

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303-233-4611

Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery

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The World’s Largest Carnivore Sanctuary

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