Opera Colorado -- The Flying Dutchman, February 24-March 3, 2024

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to an exciting new production of The Flying Dutchman! Settle in and prepare for an operatic voyage that will take you deep into the heart of Wagner’s visionary world. In this opera, haunting melodies and sweeping orchestral waves converge to tell the tale of the legendary Dutchman, cursed to roam the oceans for eternity. We last presented a concert production of The Flying Dutchman in 2008 and full production in 1996, so Wagner’s return to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House is long overdue. Director Kathleen Smith Belcher and designer Alan E. Muraoka’s innovative take on this wellknown story is truly worth the wait.

Don’t forget to save your seats for what will be a special season finale. In May, we present Saint-Saëns’s rare gem Samson and Delilah, a sparkling example of French grand opera full of everything you love about a performance at the Ellie—powerful voices, lush orchestration, and invigorating dance. Katherine Goeldner makes her Opera Colorado debut as Delilah, and audience favorites Rafael Davila, Nmon Ford, and Christian Zaremba return to round out a truly stellar cast.

If this tale of biblical proportions isn’t enough to look forward to, we recently announced our upcoming 2024-25 Season! We’ll kick things off next November with the delightful comedy Daughter of the Regiment, then bring back one of opera’s biggest blockbusters, La bohème. Finally, we end the season with Verdi’s revenge thriller Il trovatore. Season packages are available now at operacolorado.org, and tickets to individual shows will go on sale this summer.

If you are seeking a night of glamour, our current season culminates in a spectacular gala on Saturday, May 11. All proceeds will support our mission to connect our community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and educational programming that is accessible to all. Tables and tickets are available at operacolorado.org/gala.

Thank you for your support of everything we do. Enjoy the spectacle of The Flying Dutchman.

Sincerely,

Greg Carpenter

The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director

Richard Koseff Board Chair

Ari Pelto Music Director

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FAMILY DAY: SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024 | 10:00 A.M & 1:30 P.M.

We welcome our community to the opera house for a day of family-friendly events, including performances of the 2023-24 touring production of Cinderella by our Artists in Residence.

FREE EVENT

Reserve your tickets in March 2024.

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SAMSON AND DELILAH OPENING NIGHT DINNER

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 | 5:30 P.M.

Make your opening night experience even more special and join us before the performance for dinner at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House. These events include prosecco and mingling, an elegant threecourse meal with wine pairings, and intermission receptions with complimentary prosecco.

$150 GENERAL ADMISSION

Ticket includes Opening Night Dinner only. Performance tickets are sold separately.

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OPERA COLORADO GALA

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

MAJ Dino G. Maniatis and Dr. Kristin A. Freestone, Gala Chairs

Come celebrate forty-one years of world-class opera at the 2024 Opera Colorado Gala. Join us for an elegant evening of dinner, libations, and a live performance by soprano, Sharleen Joynt, and the 2023-24 Artists in Residence.

All proceeds support our artistic initiatives, and our Education & Community Engagment Programs.

For more information or to RSVP, visit operacolorado.org/gala or contact Sara Buhr at 303.468.2027 or sbuhr@operacolorado.org.

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LAMONT OPERA THEATRE

PRESENTS:

A MiDsummeR NiGhT’s DreaM

BY BENJAMIN BRITTEN

T HE 2023-24 SEASON ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

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

Kerby Baier | soprano

Sponsored by Joyce de Roos and Donald K. Braden

Saane Halaholo | soprano

Sponsored by Ken & Barbara Laff and Laurence & Cynthia Chan

Melanie Dubil | mezzo-soprano

Sponsored by Joy & Chris Dinsdale

Randy Ho | tenor

Sponsored by Jason & Nathaly Ambos and Richard Garvin

Alexander Granito | baritone

Sponsored by Robin & Eric Yaeger

Turner Staton | bass-baritone

Sponsored by Gayle & Gary Landis

PAINT AND SIP

Thank you to Painting with a Twist in Lakewood which partnered with us to create our own versions of the brand-new sets for The Flying Dutchman, designed by Alan E. Muraoka. Check out the results...

WORLD PREMIERE

The Righteous

Gregory Spears

Tracy K. Smith

July 13, 17, 26, 30

August 7, 13

LA TRAVIATA

Giuseppe Verdi

DON GIOVANNI

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

WORLD PREMIERE THE RIGHTEOUS

Gregory Spears

Tracy K. Smith

DER

ROSENKAVALIER

Richard Strauss

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE

Gaetano Donizetti

DAUGHTER REGIMENT OF THE

A SALUTE TO LOVE

Revel in the light-hearted tale of how the most important battle is the one for the heart. Orphaned Marie is raised in the camaraderie of the French regiment until a wealthy woman, claiming to be her aunt, takes her away to become a proper lady.

Where will Marie’s loyalties lie?

LA BOHÈME

LIFE IS SHORT, LIVE IT FULLY

In an attic in the Parisian Latin Quarter, the room is petite, but the personalities are grand. Puccini’s best-known opera uses sweeping melodies to paint a picture of life, full of complicated relationships and nights at the café on a starving artist’s budget.

The Flying Dutchman

FEBRUARY 24 | 27 | MARCH 1 | 3 | 2024

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

AN OPERA IN THREE ACTS BY RICHARD WAGNER

There will be one twenty-five-minute intermission between acts one and two.

CAST IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE

Daland Harold Wilson

Steersman Jonathan Johnson

Dutchman Olafur Sigurdarson

Mary Dana Beth Miller

Senta Marcy Stonikas*

Erik Chad Shelton

Conductor Ari Pelto

Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor Sahar Nouri

Stage Director Kathleen Smith Belcher

Répétiteur Willem Van Schalkwyk

Scenic Designer Alan E. Muraoka*

Costume Designer Madison Booth

Lighting Designer Kendall Smith*

Wig and Makeup Designer Ronell Oliveri

Opera Colorado Chorus

Opera Colorado Orchestra

*Opera Colorado debut

Scenery built by San Diego Opera Scenic Studio

Additional Scenery built by Theatrical Builds LLC

Costumes built by Opera Colorado Costume Shop

Projected titles originally for Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Additional scenery created by Matthew Staver and Rassman Design

Opera United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound and Projection designers in Live Performance

SYNOPSIS

CHARACTERS

• Senta (soprano): Daland’s daughter

• Mary (mezzo-soprano): Senta’s aunt figure and owner of The Holländer bar

• Erik (tenor): Senta’s suitor and a truck driver

• Steersman (tenor): a member of Daland’s crew

• The Dutchman (baritone): a ghostly sea captain

• Daland (bass): a struggling ship captain and Senta’s father

SETTING

A modern-day coastal town in North America.

ACT I

Daland and his crew dock their ship to wait out a raging storm at sea. The Steersman keeps watch while others go to sleep but quickly falls asleep himself, missing the arrival of the Dutchman’s ghostly ship. The Dutchman enters and explains his curse: he has made a pact with the devil and is condemned to sail without rest until he finds redemption through the love of a faithful woman. Daland and his crew wake and are intrigued by the Dutchman and his treasures.

The Dutchman learns that Daland has a daughter, and offers his riches in exchange for hospitality and his daughter’s hand in marriage. Daland, delighted with the prospect of new wealth, agrees, and the Dutchman contemplates a love strong enough to break his curse as he boards Daland’s ship.

ACT II

A group of women gather at the local watering hole, the Holländer, and tease Senta while she daydreams about the legend of the Flying Dutchman. She recounts the story to the group and proclaims herself to be the one who will love the Dutchman and break his curse. Just then, Erik, an unsuccessful yet unrelenting suitor of Senta, enters and explains that Daland and his crew are arriving.

The women exit, leaving Erik and Senta alone. He expresses his love and intention to marry her, but Senta is more interested in greeting her father. Erik is frustrated at Senta’s

reluctance and her interest in the legendary Dutchman. She brings Erik to the portrait of the Dutchman and asks him to contemplate his sad tale. Erik warns Senta about a dream he had where Daland introduced Senta to the Dutchman himself and they sailed off together. Senta is overjoyed at this thought and Erik, not receiving the reaction he hoped for, leaves gloomily.

Next, Daland and the Dutchman enter and the Dutchman and Senta are immediately fixated on each other. Daland asks Senta if she would be willing to give the wayfaring stranger hospitality and even take him as her husband; she quickly agrees without knowing his true identity. Daland leaves the two alone. Senta and the Dutchman are happy to have met and pledge to love and be true to one another. Daland reenters and is delighted to hear of his daughter’s engagement and announces that they must celebrate.

ACT III

The women try to convince the Dutchman’s crew to join in the festivities, but their efforts are in vain. Instead, the ghostly specters frighten Daland’s crew.

Senta enters, quickly followed by Erik who questions the rumors of Senta’s engagement to the Dutchman and laments his broken heart. When Senta tells Erik she must never see him again, he recounts a memory where Senta had once promised her love to him. The Dutchman overhears Erik’s story and believes Senta no longer loves him. Senta calls out to him as he flees, but the heartbroken Dutchman continues to retreat to the sea. He claims it is best Senta will not face condemnation like him since she has not pledged her love before God. Senta continues to convince the Dutchman of her loyalty, much to Erik’s chagrin.

The Dutchman reveals his identity as the man behind the legend, thinking his cursed nature will further scare Senta. She runs after him to pledge her loyalty as the others try to stop her. She chooses to leave her life behind to join the Dutchman, a sacrifice that ultimately redeems him.

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.

Richard Wagner (1813–1883) did not invent the tale of the Flying Dutchman. Stories of a doomed sailing ship and its cursed captain are found in the legends of numerous seafaring lands. In fact, Wagner originally set his opera on the coast of Norway by the North Sea because he was influenced by a recent experience of sailing through that area during a horrendous storm.

Heinrich Heine (1777–1856) tells the general story in his novella From the Memoirs of Herr von Schnabelewopski (1831). Fortunately, Wagner gave his operatic version a less unwieldy title! The Flying Dutchman was first staged in Dresden, Germany on January 2, 1843. Wagner, who was serving as the city’s royal music director at the time, both wrote the libretto and conducted the performance.

The piece tells of a ship captain and his crew, condemned to sail the seas forever until the captain—known only as the Dutchman—finds a woman who will be faithful to him. As Wagner and Heine tell it, such a peerless woman is found: Senta. Alas, the Dutchman doubts her promises and leaves to resume his endless voyage. The despairing Senta swears she has been true to him to the very end, proving that statement with her final action.

The Flying Dutchman was Wagner’s fourth opera, though his earliest that is still performed today. When it premiered, the composer was not quite thirty. His most innovative stylistic ideas were still decades in the future, though his fondness for orchestral richness and long, flowing vocal lines was already in place. Wagner à la The Flying Dutchman is a bold step along the road to Wagner à la the Ring Cycle.

Frequently heard as an orchestral showpiece, the widely familiar overture makes this clear. Indeed, no one is singing, but the melodies are there, especially the rolling, turbulent themes that perfectly evoke a storm at sea. Love themes appear that will later reemerge in the opera, and there is even a jolly sailor’s chorus. That chorus does not belong to the Dutchman’s own crew, as they have nothing about which to be jolly. However, it does present an appreciated bit of verve and high spirits in an otherwise dark and troubled tale.

It is, however, the voices that make Wagner’s vision complete. In his care, vocal parts provide not only beautiful singing and words to advance the plot, but also insights into the

PROGRAM NOTES

characters. Why do they do what they do, and how do they feel about it?

The Dutchman and Senta both have arias reflecting on his plight: cursed to sail the seas unendingly until he can find a faithful woman. The Dutchman is anguished; for him, it is a deeply personal pain. Senta, however, envisions the eternal fidelity that could redeem him. Musically speaking, it prepares us for her actions, just as his music sets the stage for his loss of faith.

However, the opera is not solely concerned with the two characters around whom the action revolves. Senta’s father, Daland, also has an aria. Tender, rather than turbulent, it is more songlike than would be Wagner’s trademark in future years. He is not commanding Senta, but instead cajoling her to accept the Dutchman’s request for her as his bride. Within minutes, the match is made.

Beyond the central romance, there are the ladies of the village and the fellows of the sailing ships. In act two’s “Spinning Song,” flowing phrases suggest the rotation of spinning wheels as the young women muse upon their loves “out on the seas.” They tease Senta for her attachment to the young hunter Erik (a trucker in our new production), who will find that he cannot compete with the mysterious ship’s captain. The ringing high notes of Erik’s act three “Cavatina” are no match for Germanic majesty.

There is neither majesty nor mystery to the local sailors. These jaunty fellows are all youthful exuberance longing to return to their sweethearts. Having been anticipated in the overture, the Steersman’s chorus becomes even more vibrant with voices. The Dutchman’s crew also has a chorus, though one more tumultuous than joyous. It was the captain who was cursed, but they are trapped in the same turmoil.

With The Flying Dutchman, Wagner made his first lasting mark on the opera world. He imagined opera as not merely an elaborate vocal display standing upon a story, but rather a drama told through music. Wagner preferred Germanic substance to Italianate sparkle. He never entirely conquered the opposing view, but certainly made a strong case for his own.

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

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.

Projected titles originally for Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spanish translations by Gina Razón.

ARTISTS

MADISON BOOTH | Costume Designer

Madison Booth earned her MFA in costume design at the University of Maryland, College Park, and moved to Colorado in 2021. Madison is currently the Assistant Costume Coordinator for Opera Colorado as well as a freelance costume designer. Her work on operatic design includes Gianni Schicchi, Proving Up, and La bohème with Opera Steamboat, and Otello (principal costumes) with Central City Opera. Her work has been seen in Colorado theatrical designs such as Cinderella with the Arvada Center, Amerikin with Curious Theatre Company, Rent with the University of Denver, Little Women with Theatreworks UCCS, The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Phamaly Theatre Company, and Fourteen Funerals with BETC. Madison has also designed for short films as well as being the resident stylist for Electric Root.

JONATHAN JOHNSON | Steersman

Rising young tenor Jonathan Johnson’s many recent engagements have included Sweeney Todd (Anthony Hope) at Opera Omaha; The Love of Three Oranges (The Prince) with Opera Philadelphia (where he was named as one of their Emerging Artists); Silent Night (Jonathan Dale) with Utah Opera; Pagliacci (Beppe) and Die tote Stadt (Gaston/Victorin) with Opera Colorado; the title role in Candide with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, and Des Moines Metro Opera; Lucia di Lammermoor (Arturo) at Lyric Opera of Chicago; and Falstaff (Fenton) at San Diego Opera. He has also appeared with the Detroit Symphony in Messiah and with Cincinnati Symphony for Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri. Hailing from Macon, Georgia, Mr. Johnson is a graduate of the Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He holds a master’s degree and Professional Artist Certificate from the A.J. Fletcher Institute of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and earned a Bachelor of Music from Townsend School of Music at Mercer University.

DANA BETH MILLER | Mary

Dana Beth Miller’s recent successes include Suor Angelica (La Badessa) and Die Walküre (Grimgerde) with Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera’s acclaimed Ring Cycle (Grimgerde, cover), and The Handmaid’s Tale (Offred’s Mother)

with Boston Lyric Opera. A former principal in Germany’s Deutsche Oper Berlin ensemble, her appearances include two complete Ring Cycles (Erda) with both Simon Rattle and Donald Runnicles, Falstaff (Dame Quickly), La Gioconda (La Cieca), David Alden’s Peter Grimes (Mrs. Sedley), Un ballo in Maschera (Ulrica) and Il trovatore (Azucena). Past season highlights include the artist’s UK debut with English National Opera in Aïda (Amneris), Das Rheingold (Erda) at Arizona Opera, Falstaff (Dame Quickly) with Opera Colorado, Un ballo in Maschera (Ulrica) at Florida Grand Opera, and in David McVicar’s celebrated new production of Wozzeck (Margaret) at Grand Theatre du Geneve in Switzerland, where she also sang Les Troyens (Anna) under the baton of Charles Dutoit.

ALAN E. MURAOKA | Set Designer

Alan E. Muraoka has worked in the entertainment industry as a production designer and art director for film and television, as well as a theatrical set designer for Ned Rorem’s Our Town and Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking for Central City Opera, Ricky Ian Gordon’s Orpheus and Eurydice for Long Beach Opera, Tobias Picker’s Thérèse Raquin, Philip Glass’s Fall of the House of Usher, and the world premiere of Stewart Copeland’s The Invention of Morel at Chicago Opera Theater. Recent projects include John Corigliano’s The Ghost of Versailles in a season that included the “Beaumarchais Trilogy,” Il barbiere di Siviglia and Figaro 90210 for Chautauqua Institute. Alan also works as a production designer in film and television and is currently designing the television series New Amsterdam for NBC/Universal. Alan is a member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

SAHAR NOURI | Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor

Iranian conductor and pianist, Sahar Nouri, returns to Opera Colorado for a ninth season, serving as the company’s Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor. Ms. Nouri is the Music Director of the Lamont Opera Theatre at the 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. 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.

RONELL OLIVERI | Wig and Makeup Designer

Ronell Oliveri has been designing wigs and makeup for opera, theater, ballet, and film for the past twenty years for such companies as Minnesota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Central City Opera, and The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Currently she is the resident wig and makeup designer for Opera Colorado and Opera Omaha. 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. She was a Prime Time Emmy nominee as key makeup artist for her work in television. Her work can also be seen in several Broadway shows including Wicked, All The Way, and Waitress. Recent engagements include Boston Lyric Opera’s Cavalleria rusticana, Opera Omaha’s Don Pasquale, and Central City Opera’s 2023 summer festival. Upcoming engagements include Opera Omaha’s The Last Dream of Frida and Diego, Pacific Symphony’s La bohème, Opera Columbus’s Eugene Onegin, and Opera Colorado’s Samson and Delilah.

ARI PELTO | Opera Colorado Music Director and Conductor

Ari Pelto was appointed in 2015 as Opera Colorado’s first-ever music director. His “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 highly-praised debut with New York City Opera, conducting La traviata, after which he became a regular, returning for productions of Madame Butterfly, La bohème, and Carmen. Recent successes include performances of The Nutcracker with Atlanta Ballet and The Flying Dutchman with Utah Opera.

OLAFUR SIGURDARSON | The Dutchman

In the 2022-23 Season, Olafur’s engagements included Peter Grimes (Captain Baltrode) at Teatro alla Scala; Das Rheingold (Alberich) and Tristan and Isolde (Melot) at Bayreuth Festival; Tosca (Baron Scarpia) at Leipzig Opera; and the title roles in Rigoletto and Macbeth at Prague Opera. Other remarkable highlights of the season include Lohengrin (Telramund) at Teatro Comunale di Bologna and Parsifal (Klingsor) with Bergen National Orchestra. His recent season appearances include debuts in a new Das Rheingold (Bitterolf) with Bayreuth Festival; Lohengrin (Telramund) at Grand Theater Liceu; Siegfried (Alberich) and the title role Rigoletto at Gothenburg Opera; The Flying Dutchman (Dutchman) in a house debut with Leipzig Opera, the title role in Macbeth with National Theater in Prague; Peter Grimes (Captain Baltrode) and the title role in Don Pasquale at the Finnish National Opera; and Luisa Miller (Miller) at the English National Opera. His other appearances include a debut at Wexford Festival in Don Quichotte (Sancho), a return to Prague National Theater in Lohengrin (Telramund), the title roles in Wozzeck and The Flying Dutchman at the Finnish National Opera, Das Rheingold (Alberich) at Gothenburg Opera. He was also seen in the title role in Falstaff at Opera Omaha and Opera Colorado.

CHAD SHELTON | Erik

Opera News praises tenor Chad Shelton for one of his trademark roles, claiming that his “Don José was the dramatic heart of this production; this was a performance that grew in complexity as he struggled to reconcile the forces of loyalty, lust and fate. Shelton owned the final scene, as his character descended into despair fueled by psychotic obsession. His bright tone amplified the intensity of the last gripping moments.” In the 2021-22 Season, he returned to the Metropolitan Opera in Aucoin’s Eurydice (Loud Stone) and Dean’s Hamlet (Third Player), both company premieres, as well as returns to the production of Elektra. He also joined Houston Grand Opera, his home company in Dialogues des Carmélites (Father Confessor). He has joined the Opéra National de Lorraine numerous times and is a frequent leading presence with Houston Grand Opera. He is acclaimed for his performances of contemporary works and triumphed in leading tenor roles in the world premiere of O’Regan’s The Phoenix and Adams’ Nixon in China (Chairman Mao) with San Diego Opera. He is the recipient of a Richard Tucker Foundation Career Grant and the Richard F. Gold Career Grant from the Shoshana Foundation. He holds a Master of Music

ARTISTS

degree and Artist diploma from the Yale University School of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree from Louisiana State University.

KATHLEEN SMITH BELCHER | Stage Director

Stage director Kathleen Smith

Belcher is currently engaged in her twenty-first year as a member of the directing staff at the Metropolitan Opera. Among others, she has worked extensively with the San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and the San Diego Opera. Belcher assisted Peter Sellars on the world premiere of John Adams’s Dr. Atomic in San Francisco and helped to remount the production for the Netherlands Opera (Amsterdam) and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Woody Allen, Michael Mayer, Bartlett Sher, Susan Stroman, and Julie Taymor are just a few of the directors with whom she has collaborated. As a member of the Metropolitan Opera directing staff, she has collaborated on numerous “Live in HD” broadcasts, including the Emmy-winning production of Don Pasquale. In the 2022-2023 Season, Belcher helmed Le comte Ory at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Lohengrin at The Metropolitan Opera, and debuts with Pacific Symphony for Rigoletto. The 2021-2022 Season took Belcher to Florida Grand Opera and Orlando Opera for Rigoletto, as well as to The Metropolitan Opera for Porgy and Bess, La bohème, and Rigoletto.

KENDALL SMITH | Lighting Designer

Mr. Smith has been working professionally for the past forty years, both as a designer for the stage and as a consultant for numerous theatre projects. His work has been seen in concerts, dance, opera, and the stage, along with various industrials and galas. His dance work includes designing A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Giselle for Royal New Zealand Ballet and Dangerous Liaisons for Queensland Ballet. He lit Andrea Bocelli’s U.S. premier opera performance and has worked with Luciano Pavarotti, Denyce Graves and Ruth Ann Swenson. As the Resident Lighting Designer for Michigan Opera since 1989 he has lit over eighty productions. He has worked with regional opera companies such as Florida Grand Opera, Virginia Opera, San Diego Opera, Ft. Worth Opera, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. His work has been seen at many regional theatres including Oregon Shakespeare, Indiana Repertory, Pioneer Theatre Company, and North Shore Music Theatre. Mr. Smith has been spending the last three years consulting, renovating and upgrading a variety of theatres in the California Bay area. He is a member of USA 829.

MARCY STONIKAS | Senta

A graduate of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, soprano Marcy Stonikas is a recipient of the prestigious Richard F. Gold Career Grant from the Shoshanna Foundation, as well as a winner of the George London Foundation Vocal Competition and First Prize Winner in the Wagner Division of the Gerda Lissner Foundational Vocal Competition. She is an alumna of the Young Artist Program at Seattle Opera. In the 2022-23 Season, Ms. Stonikas returned to the Metropolitan Opera, making her company stage debut as Convict while covering the leading role of Ekaterina in Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Her notable operatic engagements include the title roles in Turandot, Fidelio, Ariadne auf Naxos, Turn of the Screw (Miss Jessel), and Hansel and Gretel (Gertrude) in multiple appearances with Seattle Opera; Elektra (Chrysothemis) with Minnesota Opera; and The Flying Dutchman (Senta) with Cincinnati Opera.

HAROLD WILSON | Daland

In the 2022-23 Season, bass Harold Wilson returned to the Metropolitan Opera for their productions of Aida, Der Rosenkavalier, and Peter Grimes (Hobson). In the 2021-22 Season, Mr. Wilson returned to the Metropolitan Opera for multiple productions, including Boris Godunov, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, The Rake’s Progress, and Elektra (Guardian). During the summer, he triumphed at Bard Summerscape in the central role of Strauss’ Die Schweigsame Frau (Sir Morosus). Mr. Wilson has been a part of over a dozen productions at the Metropolitan Opera, including Roméo et Juliette, Boris Godunov, Don Carlos, Turandot, Macbeth, and The Flying Dutchman. As a member of the Deutsche Oper Berlin for five seasons, his notable performances included Pelléas et Mélisande (Arkel), Lucia di Lammermoor (Raimondo), Die Zauberflöte (Sarastro), and Carmen (Zuniga). His previous performances with Opera Colorado include The Barber of Seville (Basilio), La fanciulla del West (Ashby), and Aida (Ramfis).

I spent my summers on the Gulf Coast of Florida. There is a fishing village, Cortez, that has been in existence for generations. Decade after decade, this insular community distrusts the “snowbirds” and summer tourists but is financially dependent upon them for existence. They continue to work the seas and the nets, trying to make a viable living as commercial fishermen.

It seemed to me these people probably passed down stories very much like the myth of the Dutchman for generations, and superstitions around these myths have worked themselves into everyday life. Women, who for many years were expected to stay home and wait for their fathers, boyfriends, and husbands to come home after a day or several days at sea, were excluded from some of the very rituals they helped to support. These women are just as strong and salty as the men they waited for–as is Senta.

When looking at The Flying Dutchman with a feminist gaze, we can see a lot of red flags. Why does Daland basically sell off his only daughter to a man he has known for five minutes?

If Senta is supposedly “boy crazy,” why does she only speak of being true and faithful–“treu” in German–as opposed to mentioning being in love, or “liebe?” The Dutchman

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

is portrayed as a figure of male authority and control while Senta is depicted as a woman who is willing to sacrifice everything for love.

This power dynamic raises questions about how women are often expected to submit to male authority and the consequences of defying societal norms. I think there is nobility in Senta recognizing the pain someone else is suffering and knowing she could end that person’s pain by making a sacrifice for them. Senta’s deep faith and empathy lead her to make a very deliberate choice to end the pain and sorrow of another.

If we start to look at Senta not as a “crazy-in-love” woman who is raging against her father’s will but as a giving, loving, almost Christ-like figure in her willingness to give her life to free others from their pain, we can see her in a new light and with deeper empathy.

Kathleen Smith Belcher Stage Director for The Flying Dutchman

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS DID YOU KNOW?

The Flying Dutchman is sponsored by The Crawley Family Foundation.

Music Director Ari Pelto is sponsored by Mike & Julie Bock.

Special Thanks to The Flying Dutchman Holländer Society Sponsors:

Admiral Level: The Divine Family; Ayliffe & Fred Ris; Gerald & Ann Saul

Captain Level: Mythology Distillery; Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club; Tax Time, LLC; Peter & Kathy Van Arsdale

First Mate Level: Douglas Barnert & Ruth Jacoby; David & Elizabeth Budd; Joyce de Roos; Stephen & Dorothy Gregory

The portrait of the Dutchman in act two is based on a real-life photograph of Olafur Sigurdarson in costume that was transformed into a multimedia work of art!

Thank you to Matthew Staver and Rassman Design for contributing to the magic of The Flying Dutchman.

PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

Photography is allowed in the lobby before the performance. We encourage you to share any photos you take with us on our social media.

Photography and video are not permitted during the performance.

We honor and acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations. We acknowledge the land and history of this space we are fortunate to gather in today.

CHORUS, ORCHESTRA, & PRODUCTION STAFF

OPERA COLORADO ORCHESTRA

FLUTE AND PICCOLO

Susan Kerbs Townsend, Principal

Elizabeth Sadilek-Labenski

Olga Shilaeva

OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN

Sarah Bierhaus, Principal

Max Soto

Amy Kolb

CLARINET

Michelle Joseph Orman, Principal

Heidi Mendenhall

BASSOON

Charles Hansen, Principal

JJ Sechan

HORN

Michael Yopp, Principal

Marian Hesse

Devon Park

Colleen Shaffer

Lauren Varley

TRUMPET

Leslie Scarpino, Principal

Colin J.A. Oldberg

TROMBONE

Sterling Tanner, Principal

Andy Wolfe

Jeremy Van Hoy

TUBA

Patrick Young, Principal

HARP

Janet Harriman, Principal

TIMPANI

Peter Cooper, Principal

PERCUSSION

Mark Foster, Principal

Carl Dixon

VIOLIN

Byron A. Hitchcock, Concertmaster

Margaret Soper Gutierrez, Principal Second

Jackson Bailey

Michelle Davis

Angela Dombrowski

Emily Holmstead

Robyn Julyan

Regan Kane

Isaac Kay

Christine Menter

Ava Pacheco

Gyongyer Petheo

Veronica Sawarynski

Takanori Sugishita

Robyn Sosa

Benjamin Tomkins

Leena Waite

Tori Woodrow

VIOLA

Matthew Dane, Principal

Michael Brook

Margaret Dyer Harris

Mary Harrison

Sarah Richardson

Lora Stevens

CELLO

Andrew Kolb, Principal

Sarah Biber

Charles C. Lee

Erin Patterson

David Short

Jeff Watson

BASS

David Crowe, Principal

Jeremy Nicholas

Jason Thompson

Yu-Chen Yang

OPERA COLORADO CHORUS

SOPRANO

Jenna Abbott

Frannie Barrows

Micayla Bellamy

Lauren Bumgarner

Courtney Caston

Maura Grace

Alyssa Jackson

Sarah Kochevar

Laurel McCloskey

Anna McMahon

Stephanie Medema

MEZZO-SOPRANO

Jennifer Beatty

Elizabeth Gangware

Claire Leborgne

Ellen Moeller

Jessica Muniz

Maya Munoz

Jill Skinner

Leah Tafoya

Jenny Thompson

TENOR

Matt Cantwell

Lorenzo Granado

Alexis Haro

Randy Ho

Alejandro Izurieta

Justin Kerr

Danny McDonnall

Sibo Msibi

Jack Richard

Norman Spivy

Joey Taczak

Luke Thatcher

Keith Williamson

Anthony Wirtz

Joshua Zabatta

BARITONE

Zachary Biggs

Shane Delavan

Alexander Granito

John Hansen

Michael Hansen

Chris Lilley

Jacob Miller

Mason O’Brien

Scott Perry

Patrick Saiff

Jerome Sibulo

Turner Staton

Rex Tien

SUPERNUMERARIES

Tiffany Krumland

Troy Krumland

Dave Lewis Jr.

Katy McQuaid

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION STAFF

Kendra Green, Stage Manager

Matt Haney, Assistant Director

Marcie Friedman, Assistant Stage Manager

Benjamin Kulwanoski, Assistant Stage Manager

MUSIC STAFF

Cody Garrison, Chorus Music Rehearsal Accompanist

Oleg Bellini, Resident Collaborative Pianist

Angie Dombrowski, Orchestra Manager

Elle Wells , Orchestra Librarian

DESIGN STAFF

Brian Elston, Assistant Lighting Designer

TITLE SYSTEM STAFF

Beth Nielsen, Title Operator: In-Seat

Benjamin Swain, Title Operator: Over-Stage

Gina Razón, Spanish translations

TECHNICAL STAFF

Michael Wingfield, Technical Director

Amanda Short, Assistant Electrician

Dave Youngs, Shop/Production Carpenter

Greg Killpack, Assistant Carpenter

Hillary Clark, Head Property Master

Jeff Riedel, Head Flyman/ Rigger

Karen Thurow, Lighting Console Programmer

Keven Soll, Assistant Properties Master

Michael Boswell, Head Carpenter

Rita Richardson, Head Electrician

Thomas Berning, Head Audio Engineer

John Adams, Production Purchasing Agent

COSTUMES

Alison Milan, Costume Director

Madison Booth, Costume Coordinator

Amanda Bouza, Stitcher

Andy Bruening, Stitcher

Domino Douglas, Craftsperson/ Stitcher

Celeste Fenton, First Hand

Ted Stark, Draper/Tailor

Elizabeth Woods, Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor

Sarah Zinn, Draper/Tailor

WARDROBE

Carolyn Miller, Wardrobe Supervisor

Elizabeth Woods, Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor

Amanda Bouza, Dresser

Domino Douglas, Dresser

Jane Rusk, Dresser

Sara Rutherford, Dresser

Amanda Walsh, Dresser

Valerie Amburn, Volunteer Dresser

Leslie Cady, Volunteer Dresser

Vicky Gits, Volunteer Dresser

Kathy Heider, Volunteer Dresser

Jan Heimer, Volunteer Dresser

WIGS AND MAKEUP

Lisa Pedraza, Assistant Wigs and Makeup Coordinator

Jenny Hager, Wigs and Makeup Principal Assistant

Whitney Wolanin, Wigs and Makeup Assistant

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE CREW

Derek Tovar, Props Head

Dave Wilson, Electrics Head

Allen Olmstead, Head Carpenter

Francisco Mara, Sound Head’

VOLUNTEERS

Ellie Caulkins

Dino Maniatis

Jeff Brown

Robert Kahn

Thomas Gaffney

Barbara Kolkmeier

This is not your first time singing the Dutchman. What do you like about playing this role and how do you relate to the character?

I was fortunate to get The Flying Dutchman into my repertoire in 2014 and have revisited the role in a few different productions since. It is impossible not to get completely enthralled by the magical music Wagner gives the story and characters; he moves the storyline forward in such a brisk and exciting way. It really is an edge-of-your-seat ride. The Dutchman himself is a wonderful opportunity for me to explore the many layers of his journey, musically and emotionally. Perhaps, I see myself in this character. I grew up by the sea in Iceland, I have been away from my homeland for years and years, and I hope for a nice opera contract at least every seven years that brings me close to the Dutchman. Whatever it is, I am a lucky boy getting to put his coat on.

Icelandic baritone Olafur Sigurdarson returns to Opera Colorado after portraying the title role in Falstaff in 2018. While he is no stranger to playing the Dutchman, this is his first time performing the role in the Mile High City. An expert on the works of Wagner, Olafur is a wonderful addition to this cast. Meet the man, the myth, the legend...

How did you get involved in opera? Was music part of your life as a child in Iceland?

With music being a huge part of my life from early on, I came quite late to opera. My dad is a professional musician, as was my grandfather. Their work kept me close to the Icelandic music industry, be it classical, rock, pop, or theater. I then spent years working in my father’s recording studio in Reykjavík, while studying music myself with the violin as my main instrument.

Singing is also a big part of Icelandic culture. I sang a lot as a kid, on albums and in choirs. However, I only took up formal singing studies at the age of twenty-one. After that, there was no turning back.

You are quite the Wagner expert and have even performed in multiple seasons at the Bayreuth Festival. What do you like about Wagner and performing his work?

I would be the last person to refer to myself as an expert. Nevertheless, Wagner has become a huge presence in my life and career. It has changed my life to be able to sing every summer at the Bayreuth Festival. Wagner gave us baritones some of the most magnificent roles and music in operatic history. He was fascinated with old sagas which relate directly to my background coming from Iceland. As soon as I sang my first Wagner opera, it really felt like coming home, both vocally and dramatically. Associating Wagner with simply being loud and too big is a grave mistake. He has given us some of the most delicate and beautiful musical moments possible. What’s not to like?

“Wagner gave us baritones some of the most magnificent roles and music in operatic history...As soon as I sang my first Wagner opera, it really felt like coming home, both vocally and dramatically.”

You were last in Colorado in 2018 to play the title character in Falstaff. What do you like about Colorado and what are you excited to do during your free time here?

Well, the only thing better than singing at Opera Colorado is getting to sing at Opera Colorado again, right? I had the most fantastic time working on Falstaff in 2018. Lasting friendships were made, and I have kept in touch with many of my gorgeous friends and colleagues since. It really means a lot when a company invites you to return, something I treasure greatly. I was able to enjoy the Colorado spring in 2018 with some spectacular locations visited. I am excited to return earlier in the year this time around and to enjoy both the city of Denver and hopefully some trips outside when possible. Oh, and a cheeky breakfast at the Delectable Egg might be in the cards!

What do you like to do besides sing?

I have always enjoyed traveling and, thankfully, my job allows me to do a lot of it. My wife and I love cooking and are constantly looking for new and interesting experiences. I do enjoy taking my camera for walks and hikes as often as possible, and Colorado is, most certainly, the place to be. Another one of my hobbies is fishing. There is only one downside to singing at the Bayreuth Festival every summer–the fishing there isn’t as good as in Iceland.

You have “mum’s 2nd favourite baritone” on a few social media accounts. Who is her favorite?

I can’t tell you enough how much I love this question! It so happens that a young Icelandic baritone, Fjölnir Olafson, is, without doubt, my mum’s favourite. I have been fortunate enough to perform with him on many occasions. He was, for example, Sciarrone to my Scarpia in Tosca, both in Germany and in Iceland. On top of this, he is a successful lawyer in Reykjavík. Oh, and he happens to be my son. When it comes to mum, I didn’t stand a chance!

PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATT STAVER OLAFUR SIGURDARSON IN OPERA COLORADO’S 2018 PRODUCTION OF FALSTAFF

WE

COME

TO YOU

TOURING PRODUCTIONS

Touring productions are the perfect introduction to opera for your students. These abridged, hour-long operas are sung in English. Students and community groups experience a fully-staged production with costumes, props, and sets, all followed by a Q&A with the Artists in Residence.

Cinderella | November - May | 2023-24

Inspired by the traditional fairytale, Rossini’s Cinderella has several unexpected twists. Is a bracelet as trusty as a glass slipper? Find out in this opera!

Elixir of Love | January - May | 2024

Is there a magic potion for love? Set in old-west Colorado, this production is sure to charm and delight audiences of all ages.

STORYTIME SESSIONS

January - May | 2024

Focused on early literacy through the arts, this program gets little ones excited about books and reading!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about Opera Colorado’s work in arts education at operacolorado.org/education.

YOU COME TO US

BACKSTAGE WORKSHOPS

May 9, 10 | 2024

Explore the world backstage at interactive stations created to provide hands-on learning opportunities.

STUDENT DRESS REHEARSALS

Join us for the final rehearsal before a performance’s opening night, featuring full costumes, wigs and makeup, spectacular sets, and a live orchestra!

Saint-Saëns’s Samson and Delilah | May 2 | 2024

Indulge in a performance of stunning visuals, epic dance, and some of opera’s most evocative music. This opera will literally bring the house down.

Performed in French.

“We enjoyed the singing, the diversity of the cast, and how the actors told the story with their voices and bodies, even though we couldn't understand the Italian.”

–Teacher feedback after the Student Matinee of Don Giovanni

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 January 10, 2024. 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

Don and Maron Hindman

Marcia and Dick Robinson

Patrick Spieles

Dan and Marie Welch

BENEFACTOR

$25,000-$49,999

Jeff V. Baldwin

Linda Bjelland

Mr. Chip Horne and Dr. Jan Kennaugh

Jeremy and Susan Shamos

Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson

AMBASSADOR

$11,000-$24,999

Anonymous

Patrick Chambers and Tanya Mathews

Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan

Mrs. Joyce de Roos

Dave and Pam Duke

Elizabeth & Matthew Dyer

Edie and Joe Fogliano

Richard Garvin

Donna Hamilton

Rehan Hasan

Russell Hedman and Juwon Bahn

Agatha Kessler and Curtis Fentress

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Kinney

Richard Koseff

Judy La Spada

Jim and Patience Linfield

Maj. Dino Maniatis and Mrs. Kristin Freestone-Maniatis

Dr. and Mrs. William N. Maniatis

Jeanie and Randal Martines

Robert R. Montgomery and Nancy Hawkins

Lynnette Morrison

Kevin O’Connor and Janet Ellen Raasch

Ann and Gerald Saul

Ronald Y. Otsuka

Valerie Wassill and Kevin Rudolph

Robin and Eric Yaeger

ARTIST CIRCLE

CONDUCTOR

$6,000-$10,999

Edward Balkin

Jane and Bart Burnett

Emily and Mark Bussey

Merle Chambers

Ms. Kathryn Codo

Mary and Tom Conroy

Dr. Eric Coomer

Robert and Lenore Damrauer

Karen Fukutaki, M.D.

Richard Garvin

Ms. Judy Johnston

Gary and Judith Judd

Diana and Mike Kinsey

Mark and Kristin McKissick

Dr. Monica I. Minkoff

Muffy Moore

Mrs. Alice Perlmutter

Zondra Rae Pluss

The Ponzio Family

Ayliffe and Fred Ris

Louise Lavendar Rouse

Prem and Stephanie Subramanian

Charles I. Thompson

Diane K. Wengler and Steven Morrissett

Ann Wise

Ms. Carole J. Yaley

COMPOSER

$3,000-$5,999

Robin E. Black

Donald K. Braden

Suzanne D. Bucy

Mr. and Mrs. George P. Caulkins, III

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cesafsky

Dr. Cynthia K. Crews and Mr. Charles W. Henry

Sally Haas

Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin III

Tom Kirkpatrick and Djuana Strauch

Veronica A. McCaffrey and Barbara A. Frank

James Monroe, III and Marie Shannon Monroe

Ralph & Trish Nagel

Dr. Harold S. Nelson

Bob Nelson

Jon J. Olafson and Jerry Brindisi

Bonnie Perkins

Christine and Harry Phillips

Bruce Polkowsky and Bill Powell

The Ponzio Family

Nijole and Walter Rasmussen

Cynthia and Alexander Read

Myra and Robert Rich

Diane Russell

Mr. and Mrs. Charley Samson

Helen Scott Santilli

Fern B. Seltzer and Andrew Heymsfield

Drs. Morris and Ellen Susman

Mr. John Trigg

William Vaniman and Frances G. Matthews

Mr. Byron S. Watson

Erin Wenzel

Larry and Brigitte Zimmer

LIBRETTIST

$1,200-$2,999

Hartman Axley

Mr. Douglas W. Barnert and Mrs. Ruth Jacoby

Peter Batty and Paula Kechichian

Pamela D. Beardsley

Brian Bennett and Bev Daniels

Lawrence Berliner and Barbara Anderson

Sheila Bisenius

Leslie Coover Cady

Nancy and Roger Celius

Barbara and Roger Chamberlain

Mr. David J. Chavolla

Alexander J. Conley and Alysia D. Marino

Bob and Georgi Contiguglia

Dr. Alan Cooper

Susan Cotter

Lauren Crist-Fulk

Lois N. Eckhoff

Dr. Stacy Fischer and Dr. Henry Fischer

Mr. and Mrs. John Gallagher

Gary and Rebecca Gantner

David and Katy Garon

Stephen and Dorothy Gregory

Mark Groshek MD and Carl Clark MD

Beverlee B. Henry

Ginny Hersch

Richard Hilty and Lesley Arbour

Mr. William T. Hoffman

Christine Hollander and Michael McGee

John N. Kabalin, MD.

Dr. Lawrence Kim and Nhung Van

John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich

Penny Lewis

Maria Coquillard and Marvin Madorsky, CPA

Evan and Evi Makovsky

V.W. McKnab and Margaret Jurado

Henry B. Mohr

Mr. Mike and Lisa Morgan

Marilyn Munsterman

Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian

Dr. and Mrs. Calvern E. Narcisi

Gail and Rick Nordheim

Mr. Ari Pelto and Ms. Wendy Fisher

Profs. Jean-Pierre Habicht and Gretel H. Pelto

Ms. Julie G. Pogachefsky

Rick Poppe & Jana Edwards

Ms. Marcia Ragonetti

T. R. Reid

Juan and Alicia Rodriguez

Ms. Deborah M. H. Rohan

Carol L. Rust

Mr. John Shott

Ms. Nancy J. Siegel

Susan and Harold Skramstad

Dr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Smith

Ms. Judith Zee Steinberg

Diana Terry

Dr. and Mrs. James Todd

Ms. Kathleen R. Tower

Dr. Peter and Mrs. Kathy Van Arsdale

Peter and Darcie Weiser

Ms. Cia A. Wenzel

Marie Belew Wheatley

Carol Whitley

Mark and Pati Wilkins

Mary and Ken Willis

PATRON CIRCLE

ASSOCIATE

$600-$1,199

Mrs. Diane Barrett

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Benedict III

Samantha Bergen

Mr. John and Mrs. Anne Blair

Brewster and Helen Boyd

Elise Brenninkmeyer

Mr. Ian T. Caiozzi and Mrs. Neha Patel

Carol G. Canon

Mrs. Ella May Carpenter

George Case

Mr. David Clark

Everett B. Clark

Ms. Kathleen R. Clifton

Sue Cole

Dr. and Mrs. James D. Crapo

Ms. Cheryl M. Cruickshank

George and Yonnie Dikeou

Ms. Marian O. Dines

Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski

Reine and Matthew Erzinger

Donald G. Ezell

Frances and Richard Frey

Dr. and Mrs. Burton Golub

Ms. Renee Gross

Mr. Richard Gustafson

Ms. Lynn E. Harrington

Mrs. Jaclyn Haugen

Jerry and Patty Hauptman

Mrs. Mary Hayes

Carl F. Heller and Maureen F. Hallacy

Bernice Hernandez

Ms. Erin R. Hittle

Ruth Hopfenbeck

Rachelle and William Horton

Karen Howland and Gregory Mudge

“ We didn’t know we were making memories, we were just having fun.”

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Michael E. Huotari and Jill R. Stewart

Betsy & Michael Huseby

Steve and Chryse Hutchins

John Dennis Hynes and Virginia Medelman

Mr. Daniel Isaman

Jon & Roxanne Isenhart

Dr. Susan Rae Jensen and Mr. Tom Trainer

Joe Kelso

Roberta and Mel Klein

Victoria Levine

Patty Lorie

Sandra Mazarakis and Neil Burris

Jim and Carole McCotter

James P. McElhinney

J. Virginia Messick

Jerri Lynn Modrall and Eric E. Doering

Sue and Bill Mohrman

William and Bonnie Moninger

Mary E. Moser

Mr. Lawrence Moskow

Margaret and John Moyer

Dr. Mary Kenny Moynihan and Dr. Michael Moynihan

Lisa & Pat Nicholson

Nancy & Paul Oberman

Bonnie M. Orkow

Theresa and Norman Parker

Mr. Max Paulson

Linda Plaut

Armando Quiroz

Ms. Karen Ritz

Doug Rooney

Mr. Paul Ruotolo

Mr. Grover L. Sardeson

Ms. Ruth E. Schoening

Steven E. and Jane Schonfeld

Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Antoinette Shaller

Mrs. Marlene P. Siegel

Mrs. Jennifer Sobanet

Vicki Sterling

Dr. Laimute Stewart

Linda M. Strauch

Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland

Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Sullivan

Jerry and Debi Tepper

Dr. and Mrs. Fredrik P. Tolin

Sharon and John Trefny

Francisco Varela and Timothy Wilson

Dr. Keith Ward and Ms. Barbara Roidl

Ms. Robin Stewart and Mr. Kirk Weber

Robert and Jacklyn Writz

Pam and Martin Zadigian

SUPPORTER

$300-$599

Anonymous

Brian Thomas Beagle

Dr. and Mrs. Henry J. Beckwitt

Janet Bishop

Richard Bottjer and Sara Peyton

Alan J. Boyer

Ms. Jay Breen

Ms. Janet C. Bruchmann

Gordon & Ron Butz

Edwin T. Callahan and Dulcy E. Wolverton

Tom & Cheryl Cox

Jim and Sara Culhane

Carolyn E. Daniels

Ronald L. Deal

Antonia Dell

Timothy James Donahue

Peter and Marian Downs

Laurie and Ben Duke III

Amy Feaster

Ms. Carolyn Francis

Ms. Cynthia Gaertner

Ms. Randy Ganter

Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Garfein

Alan G. Gass

Mrs. Carol & Dr. Fred Grover

Ms. Rosemarie Halchuk

The Honorable Alfred and Mrs. Dori Harrell

Mr. and Mrs. Phil G. Heinschel

Richard and Sandra Hilt

Mr. and Mrs. Graham Hollis

Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle

Drs. Terri Lynn and David Ingram

The Johnson-Milne Family

James and Christine Jorgensen

Rex Kramer and Cindy Crater

Dianna Kunz

Mr. Richard S. Leaman

Frieda Sanidas Leason

Mr. Lester Lockspeiser

Karen and Alan Loeb

Thomas Long

Clifford Lopate

Bob Mahoney and Pat Monroe

Dr. John Masserini

Dr. and Mrs. Charles F. Metzger

Dr. and Mrs. David A. Norris

Kelli O’Brien & Michael Kolotylo

Mr. and Mrs. Denny O’Connell

Kent & Ruth Obee

Jack Peters

Emily and Kelly Pitts

Andrew R. Pleszkun

Robert and Mary Quillin

Richard Replin and Elissa Stein

Steven and Joan Ringel

Mary Scarpino

John and Patricia Schmitter

Gary D. Schrenk

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Shaklee

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Shelton

Edie and William Sonn

David Stauffer

Mr. Gordon W. Stenger

Deborah T. Sycamore

Prof. and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz

John Taubman

Ms. Jana Tompkins

Normie and Paul Voilleque

Lois K Williams

Scott and Karen Yarberry

Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Yost

Gene and Linda Young

Mr. Mark G. Zardus

Charlotte Ziebarth

MEMBER $100-$299

Anonymous

James and Lorraine Adams

Tucker and Dan Adams

Ms. Karen Adkins and Mr. Brian Moore

Danica Anderson

Ms. Susan Anderson

Alice and Lee Anneberg

Mrs. Donna Antonoff

Dr. Jay April

Ms. Cherlyn S. Bailey

Don Bain

Steve and Lisa Bain

Cathy and John Bartle

Kirk and Patti Bateman

Ms. Jennifer N. Bater

Ellen & Donald Bauder

Mr. Brian A. Baxter

Mrs. Joan Beam

Ms. Mariette H. Bell

Matthew Benitez

C. F. Benoit

Mrs. Claire E. Benson

Roy C. Bergstrom

Robert Bernhardt

Ms. Sandra D. Besseghini

Ms. Carol N. Betz

Ms. Dori Biester

Marie and Howard Blaney

Ms. Donna Boender

Libby Bortz

Joe and Gwen Bowers

Mr. William Bradford

Jon and Becky Bradley

Mr. and Mrs. Norman R. Brethouwer

Darrell Brown and Suzanne McNitt

Mr. Robert A. Brown

Ms. Karen M. Bruggenthies

Mr. Douglas F. Burns

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Burton

Dr. Francine Butler

Michael Canges and Nina Iwashko

Mr. Gregory A. Carpenter

Virginia Chrisco

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cirelli

Linda and Gray Clark

Christina E. Clayton

Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Close

Ms. Ethel K. Clow

Medschool Coach

Mr. Matthew O. Cole

Ms. Jennifer L. Colgan

Karen Connolly

Mr. Curtis Cook

Dr. David J. Cooper and Evelyn W Cooper

Aubrey Copeland, MD

Vicki Cowart and Chris Hayes

Brian D. Crane

Matthew Dane

Mr. Raphael Dangelo

Ms. Joan Daniels Manley Houlton

Mrs. Marge Demarino

Mrs. Marleen Diamond

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Doucette

Steven and Betsy Duff

Ms. Arline Echandia

Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Eckel

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Eckerling

Kammi and Paul Eckhoff

Mr. John W. Ekeberg

Ted and Vivian Sheldon Epstein

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Evans

Ms. Judith H. Fahrenkrog

Ms. Shirley Feldkamp

Ms. Anna Ferrari

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce F. Fest

Mr. Scott Finlay

Elizabeth A. Fischer and Don Elliott

Dr. and Mrs. Larry S. Fisher

Scott Foster

Terry Frazier and Kathy Wells

L. Richard and Sigrid Halvorson Freese

Kristin and Heiko Freitag

Keith French

Ms. Ingrid Fretheim

Mary K. Friedl

Jan Friedlander and Cynthia G. Kristensen

Dr. Ruben Gamboa

Mr. and Mrs. Caleb F. Gates, Jr.

Dr. Tim Gensler

Jennifer Ruth Gentry

Herman Goellnitz

Mr. Matthew Grove

Ronald and Elnore Grow

Mr. Timothy Harris

Mrs. Deborah A. Havas

Mr. Richard A. Haynes

Lizz Helmsen

Mr. Owen Herman

Rebecca L. Hersey

Susan Hessner

Mr. and Mrs. John Higgins

Mary C. Hill

Dr. Marilyn J. Hitchens

Sarah C. Hite

Ms. Mary S. Hoadley

Mr. Saul D. Hoffman and Ms. Susan Parker

Ms. Mary Ellen Holmes

Mr. Jason Huck

Katherine Hurlbut

Mr. William P. Hurlbut

Mr. Dennis R. Hurt

Ken Rose and Nancy Hurwitz

Ms. Nancy Hyde

Megan Immerfall

Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Johnson

Edward Karg and Rick Kress

Beverly Karst

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Keatinge

Mr. and Mrs. Jhon M. Kehmeier

David Kelly

Ms. Patricia C. Kelly and Mr. Thomas E. Dufficy

Allen Kemp

Gloria Kennedy

Bonnie Kipple

Barbara and Kiplund Kolkmeier

Mrs. and Mr. Svetlana Komisarchik

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kreutzer

Ms. Lois A. Labanoski

Ms. Barbara Ladon

Tracy and Dan Lampl

Connor Larr

Ms. Melinda S. Leach

Nancy A. Leonard

Mr. David Lichtenstein

Judy and Dan Lichtin

Gina M. Liggett

Don and Ingrid Lindemann

Alexander Lindsay

John A. Lockwood, Esq.

Mr. James S. Macdonald

Janet G. MacFarlane

Dr. Melissa Malde

Ms. Cyndi Mancinelli

Mr. and Mrs. James E. Manuel

Mr. Gregg E. Marshall

Ellen M. Martin

Mr. and Mrs. William Mathews

Mr. Stephen D. McGavran

Mrs. Hannelore McKinnon

Jan McNally

Tom and Mary Meade

Dr. Kurt and Dr. Marilyn Metzl

Ms. Janice Michael

Ms. Carol Mikesh

Mr. Christopher Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Miller

Mr. John R. Miller

Mr. Val and Ms. Meredith Milshtein

Ms. Betty Minor

Richard Minot

Chris and Karen Mohr

Mrs. Robbie E. Monsma

Douglas G. Moran and Laura B. Moran

James Morera

Warren Morrow

Denny Muirhead

Mark A. Nachtigal

Dr. and Dr. Hans Neville

Rudi Hartmann and Kathy Newman

Mr. Raymond Ollett

Bernard Olshausen

Stephanie and Roger Oram

Sheila Pack

Ms. Sonya S. Palmer

Mr. David and Dr. Renee Parkhurst

Ms. Mary A. Parmelee

Dr. Lynn Parry

Roxane Pecchio

Jan Peck

Ms. Kathy Peeters

Daniel Perez Vazquez

Dennis G. Peterson

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Plowshay

Rich and Kim Plumridge

Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Poehlmann

Ms. Melinda Quiat

Kate Raabe

Lauren A. Raheb

Ms. Barbara Rende

Mr. Nicholas A. Richie

Ms. Jennie Ridgley

Karyn K. Rieb

Dr. Richard D. Roark

Mr. Gregory Roebuck

Ms. Patricia A. Romero

Ms. Linda F. Rosales

Mary Ann Ross

Ms. Diane Rubinstein

Jon K. Rupp

Karen Sandstead

Sandy and Frank Sargent

Ms. Kim Savit

Mr. Bryan Penny and Mr. Matt Savoie

Kathleen Sawada

Ms. Erika L. Schafer

Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Schuchman

Betsy Schwarm and Rick Glesner

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Segan

Mr. Billy Seiber

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Siegel

Ms. Patricia K. Simpson

Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White

Mr. Frank W. Spaid

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Squires

Mr. James W. Stalley Jr.

Mr. Paul Stanislawski

Darla Staton

Mr. and Mrs. Lyle B. Stewart

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Stinson

Jenene and James Stookesberry

Christopher J. Swahn

Jim and Sue Swanson

William Bradford and Chin Tan

Linda Tarpeh-Doe

Juanita S. Tate

Ms. Lois Thornton

Janice Tilden

Mr. Michael M. Tinetti

Mr. John B. Trueblood

Charles and Deborah Turner

Mr. and Mrs. Kent Verbal

Marta and Bernd Wachter

Mr. Michael Walker

Nancy and William Wehner

Dr. Adriana Weinberg

Ann and Decker Westerberg

Sandra L. White

Katie Wilson

Mr. Matthew Wolchak

Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf

Sara Wondra

Constance and Lawrence Wood

Allison and William Woolston

Margaret Worth

Kathleen and John Zaffore

Judith Graham and Jeffrey Zax

Joseph Zmugg

GOVERNMENT AND FOUNDATIONS

Anonymous

The Anschutz Foundation

The Bagby Foundation for The Musical Arts

Thomas and Diane Barrett Foundation

David B. and Gretchen W. Black

Family Foundation

Bardsley Foundation

Bliss Family Foundation

BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Bucy Family Fund

Caulkins Family Foundation

Charityvest

Charlotte and Norman Codo

Charitable Trust

Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Gives Foundation

The Crawley Family Foundation

Deane Family Fund

The Denver Foundation

Sidney E. Frank FoundationColorado Fund

Denver Lyric Opera Guild

Denver Post Community Foundation

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Joseph F. and Edith A. Fogliano Trust

Genesee Mountain Foundation

Virginia W. Hill Foundation

Jeanne Land Foundation

Jewish Community Fund of Greater Kansas City

Johnson Foundation of The Rockies

Kenneth King Foundation

Kunz Family Fund

Landis Family Foundation

Lindmor Fund

Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation

MDC Richmond American Foundation

Merle Chambers Fund

Morgan Stanley

Nagel Foundation

Network for Good

Leonard and Alice Perlmutter

Charitable Foundation

Pledgeling Foundation

William D. Radichel Foundation

The Read Foundation

Riley & Cooper Fund

Rose Community Foundation

Gloria Sankel Trust

Schwab Charitable

Shamos Family Foundation

The Schramm Foundation

Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation

Tulsa Community Foundation

Vanguard Charitable

Welch Charitable Fund

Wilkins Charitable Giving Fund

CORPORATE ALLIANCE

5280 Magazine

Kaladi Coffee

Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club

Residence Inn by Marriott – Denver City Center

TRIBUTES

In honor of Ellie Caulkins

Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Caulkins

Mr. David J. Chavolla

Laurie and Ben Duke III

In honor of Chris & Joy Dinsdale

Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld

Lisa and Raju Patel

Amanda Precourt

Anna and John J. Sie Foundation

In honor of Barbara and Ken Laff

Michael Canges and Nina Iwashko

Diana Terry

Ms. Melinda Quiat

In honor of Dino Maniatis

Sameed Afghani

Karen M. Sumner

In honor of the Opera Colorado Staff

Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White

In honor of Marcia Robinson

John and Lisa Robinson

In honor of the Ross Family

John and Patricia Schmitter

In honor of Violet Santangelo

Chris Santangelo

In honor of Erin Wenzel

T. R. Reid

In memory of Glory Balbinder

Rozanne A. Kobey

In memory of Noël Congdon

Marcia and Dick Robinson

In memory of Dirk DeRoos

Mr. Miles Smith

In memory of Dr. Stephen L. Dilts

Mr. Stan Elofson

Chris and Karen Mohr

Mrs. Joyce de Roos

The Honorable and Mrs. Kenneth Laff

Ms. Ruth E. Schoening

Gene and Linda Young

In memory of Dr. Jacqueline Frischknecht

Mr. Chuck Lawhead and Mr. Ronald Broome

In memory of Dr. Lowell Hansen

Hansen Ms. Catherine Wachter

In memory of Eve and Harvey Lust

Prof. and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz

In memory of John David Marsh

Megan Mayle

In memory of Hugh and Peggy McGee

Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle

In memory of Domenic Meylor

Mary Burns-Klinger

In memory of Laura Moran

Douglas G. and Laura B. Moran

In memory of Robert Klages Reiber

Lawrence Berliner and Barbara Anderson

In memory of William A. Richey

Mary E. Moser

In memory of Don and Barbara Ridgway

Ms. Kathryn Taylor

In memory of Alicia Rodriguez

Rosemary and Richard Harral

Joyce B. Hutchens

Diego Rodriguez

Vicki Stinnett

In memory of William E. Russell

Jane Russell

In memory of Marlis Smith

Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White

In memory of Harry Sterling

Vicki Sterling

In memory of James R. Wade

Gordon & Ron Butz

Linda S. Chorney

Nancy J. Farley

L. Richard and Sigrid Halvorson Freese

Joanne L. Goldberg-Ahillas

Griffiths Law Pc

The Iris Group

Judge and Mrs. John P. Leopold

Barbara Ruh

CRESCENDO SOCIETY

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

Sheila Bisenius

Ellie Caulkins

Barbara and Roger Chamberlain

Ms. Donna E. Hamilton

Ms. Lynn E. Harrington

Ms. Lisa R. James

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

Merrill Sields and M. Ray Thomasson

Jenene and James Stookesberry

Mr. Robert Van Buskirk

Mrs. Carol C. Whitley

Larry and Brigitte Zimmer

DENVER PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is owned and operated by Denver Arts & Venues for the City and County of Denver.

CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER

Mike Johnston, Mayor

DENVER ARTS & VENUES

Ginger White, Executive Director

Molly Wink, Deputy Director

DENVER ARTS & VENUES, ARTS COMPLEX OPERATIONS

Mark Heiser, Venue Director

Jody Grossman, Assistant Venue Director, Booking

Todd Medley, Facilities Superintendent

Kelly Graham, Safety, Security and Garage Operations Manager

Carol Krueger, Patron Services Manager

artscomplex.com | 720.865.4220

For immediate assistance & security 720.865.4200

SPONSORS

THE 2023-24 SEASON

Music Director Ari Pelto is sponsored by Mike & Julie Bock

This production of The Flying Dutchman is sponsored by The Crawley Family Foundation

THE HOLLÄNDER SOCIETY

ADMIRAL LEVEL

The Divine Family

Ayliffe & Fred Ris

Gerald and Ann Saul

CAPTAIN LEVEL

Mythology Distillery

Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club

Tax Time, LLC

Peter & Kathy Van Arsdale

FIRST MATE LEVEL

Douglas Barnert & Ruth Jacoby

David & Elizabeth Budd

Joyce de Roos

Stephen & Dorothy Gregory

EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Opera Colorado’s Education & Community Engagement Programs are made possible through the generous support of the following donors:

Pamela Beardsley

Denver Lyric Opera Guild

Sidney E. Frank Foundation –Colorado Fund

Genesee Mountain Foundation

Marcia Ragonetti

Marilyn Munsterman

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)

Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

Carol Whitley

Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation

The 2023-24 Opera on Tour productions of Cinderella and Elixir of Love and the Student Matinee of Don Giovanni are sponsored by the Genesee Mountain Foundation.

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

Opera Colorado recognizes the following organizations for their generous support:

Official Artist Housing Partner

Media Partners

T HE 2023-24 SEASON ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

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

Kerby Baier is sponsored by Joyce de Roos and Donald K. Braden

Saane Halaholo is sponsored by Ken & Barbara Laff and Laurence & Cynthia Chan

Melanie Dubil is sponsored by Joy & Chris Dinsdale

Randy Ho is sponsored by Jason & Nathaly Ambos and Richard Garvin

Alexander Granito is sponsored by Robin & Eric Yaeger

Turner Staton is sponsored by Gayle & Gary Landis

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OPERA COLORADO

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 Madeleine Snow at 303.468.2060.

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 legacy and builds a bright future for decades to come.

YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US...

• PRESENT high-quality opera experiences that reflect the multicultural fabric of our community

• SERVE over 45,000 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

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

SCAN THE QR CODE:

NEW DONOR LEVELS

As the cost of producing opera continues to rise, your generous support ensures that Opera Colorado can maintain the artistic excellence you’ve come to love. To sustain the exceptional quality of three mainstage productions and bring you even more unforgettable moments, we are modestly increasing our donation levels. Join us in preserving the magic of opera for years to come.

PATRON CIRCLE PRODUCER CIRCLE

MEMBER $100 $150-$399

• Your name listed in mainstage season program books

• Closer to the Art emails before each mainstage production to gain behind-the-scenes insight and learn something new about Opera Colorado

• Exclusive pre-sale opportunities to ticketed events throughout the season

SUPPORTER $300-$599 $400-$699

All previous benefits, plus:

• Invitation to an exclusive backstage tour of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House where you will peek into dressing rooms, step on stage, and explore all this historic building entails

• Special access to Artists in Conversation events, where you will learn more about upcoming productions from the artists themselves

ASSOCIATE $600-$1,199 $700-$1,499

All previous benefits, plus:

• Access to the Chambers Grant Salon Donor Recognition Lounge and complimentary prosecco during intermission

• Complimentary admission to select Artist in Residence concerts

• Complimentary admission, and discounted guest admission, to Sitzprobe Event and Rehearsal

ARTIST CIRCLE

LIBRETTIST $1,200-$2,999 $1,500-$3,499

All previous benefits, plus:

• Invitation to a private Master Class with a leading industry artist and members of the Artists in Residence program

• Continental breakfast conversation with the director and/or designer of one of the mainstage productions, followed by a rehearsal in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

COMPOSER $3,000-$5,999 $3,500-$6,999

All previous benefits, plus:

• Invitation to a Sitzprobe Rehearsal and Dessert Reception

• Invitation to the Meet the Maestro event, with Opera Colorado’s Music Director, Ari Pelto

CONDUCTOR $6,000-$10,999 $7,000-$11,999

All previous benefits, plus:

• Complimentary parking for your Opera Colorado mainstage performances

• Invitation for two to final dress rehearsals of Opera Colorado mainstage productions

AMBASSADOR $11,000-$24,999 $12,000-$24,999

All previous benefits, plus:

• Invitation to a private cocktail reception with The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director, Greg Carpenter, followed by a run-through rehearsal of a mainstage production

• Private curated tour of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for you and your guests

BENEFACTOR $25,000-$49,999

All previous benefits, plus:

• Invitation to an intimate dinner with Opera Colorado’s Music Director and General & Artistic Director

• Behind-the-scenes access to rehearsals at the Opera Colorado Opera Center

VISIONARY $50,000+

All previous benefits, plus:

• Private concert in your home or other chosen location

OPERA COLORADO STAFF

LEADERSHIP

Greg Carpenter, The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director

Ari Pelto, Music Director

SENIOR TEAM

Jennifer Colgan, Director of Marketing & Communications

Tom Kirkpatrick, Chief Financial Officer

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

Jordanna Rose, Director of Artistic Operations

Erin Wenzel, Director of Development

STAFF

Sara Buhr, Associate Director of Development

Samantha Cantu, Patron Services Manager

Clair Clauson, HR Manager

Angelica DiIorio, Marketing Manager, Advertising & Content

Kendra Green, Resident Stage Manager

Megan Immerfall, Bookkeeper

Ben Karasik, Production Manager

Robin Lander, Patron Services & Office Coordinator

Kassandra Mestemaker, Education & Community Engagement Manager

Alison Milan, Costume Director

Laura Norton, Digital Marketing Manager

Madeleine Snow, Individual Giving & Donor Events Manager

MUSIC STAFF

Sahar Nouri, Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor

Nathan Salazar, Principal Repertoire Coach

Cody Guy Garrison, Chorus Repetiteur

Daniel Belcher, Artist in Residence Program Voice Teacher

Oleg Bellini, Resident Collaborative Pianist

2023-24 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Kerby Baier, soprano

Saane Halaholo, soprano

Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano

Randy Ho, tenor

Alexander Granito, baritone

Turner Staton, bass-baritone

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Richard Koseff, Chair

Chevis F. (Chip) Horne, President

Dr. Laurence K. Chan, Vice President

Judy LaSpada, Vice President

Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD, Secretary

Mark Bussey, Treasurer

Elizabeth Caswell Dyer, Chair Emeritus

DIRECTORS

Jeff V. Baldwin

Edward Balkin

Eleanor N. Caulkins, Lifetime Honorary Chair

Joseph Fogliano

Maria Garcia Berry

Richard Garvin

Mark Heiser, Ex-Officio

Don Hindman

Kelly Ann Hodges

Laurence D. Kaptain, Ex-Officio

Hon. Kenneth Laff

Jim Linfield

MAJ. Konstantinos (Dino) G. Maniatis

William N. Maniatis, MD

Dr. John Masserini, Ex-Officio

Kevin O’Connor

The Honorable Jon J. Olafson

Ronald Otsuka

Marcia Robinson, Lifetime Honorary President

Keith Ward, Ex-Officio

Valerie M. Wassill, MD

Daniel G. Welch

Linda Weise, Ex-Officio

Diane Wengler

Robin Kolsky Yaeger

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Michael Bock

Hugh Grant

Jeremy Kinney

Mary French Moore

Gerald Saul

Jeremy Shamos

Susan Shamos

Merrill Shields

Martha Tracey

VOLUNTEERS

Bob Bloom

Marilyn L. Brock

Mr. Jeffrey A. Brown

Leslie Coover Cady

Joyzelle Davis

Mrs. Joyce de Roos

Tom L. Gaffney

Ms. Kathryn Heider

Ms. Jan Heimer

Mr. Robert M. Kahn

Kristin Kelly

Mr. Kiplund Kolkmeier

Ms. Heather MacKinnon

Ms. Regina Rajewich

Ms. Michaele G. Reddy

Ms. Donna Ries

Mr. Grover L. Sardeson

Ms. Judith Taubman

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 ColoradoArtsPub.com

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 303.778.1500 info@operacolorado.org

PATRON SERVICES

Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 303.468.2030 customerservice@operacolorado.org operacolorado.org

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