Opera Colorado -- Daughter of the Regiment, November 9-17, 2024 by The Publishing House

DONIZETTI’S

NOVEMBER 9, 12, 15, 17 | 2024

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

By T.F. Long

A NOTE FROM OUR TEAM

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to open another season of grand opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with a production that marks a first for Opera Colorado—Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment. This delightful opera, full of heart and humor, adds to our proud tradition of presenting rarely performed or new works, with over thirteen such productions in the last two decades. Bringing this fresh and exciting production to Denver has been a rewarding journey, and we are eager to share it with you.

This season’s Daughter of the Regiment boasts a stellar cast, led by renowned soprano Katrina Galka and tenor Andrew Stenson, along with a brilliant Opera Colorado debut from director Chía Patiño. We know you’ll be captivated by her vision for this beloved comedy, as well as by the vibrant performances of our many talented artists.

Beyond tonight’s performance, there is much to look forward to this season. In February, we’ll present La bohème, one of opera’s most cherished masterpieces. In March, we invite you to join us for Family Day, a special event that shares the joy of opera with audiences of all ages. Our spring offerings include semi-staged performances of Il trovatore on April 26 and May 4, our glittering Gala and concert on May 2, and two performances of Departure, a program that highlights new and rarely heard repertoire, on May 29 and 30.

This season is also a time of transition and celebration for Opera Colorado. As we move towards a more sustainable model, our mission to bring opera to the community remains at the heart of everything we do. This is a year of looking ahead as we pass the baton to new leadership after Greg Carpenter steps down at the end of the season, and we are filled with optimism for the future.

We want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support of Opera Colorado. It is only through your generosity and enthusiasm that we can keep the art of opera thriving in Denver. We hope you enjoy tonight’s performance and look forward to sharing many more unforgettable moments with you this season.

Sincerely,

Greg Carpenter

The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director

Richard Koseff Board Chair

Ari Pelto Music Director

UPCOMING EVENTS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 | 5:00 P.M.

La bohème Opening Night Dinner

Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House

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 three-course meal with wine pairings, and intermission receptions with complimentary prosecco.

$150 per seat Ticket includes Opening Night Dinner only. Performance tickets are sold separately.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 | 7:30 P.M. & SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 2:00 P.M.

Il trovatore in Concert

Join us for two semi-staged performances of Verdi’s revenge thriller Il trovatore. When a woman is wrongfully executed, her daughter Azucena swears vengeance, ultimately igniting a deadly rivalry between two unknowing brothers. Feel the heat from the incendiary drama and masterful score, featuring the famous “Anvil Chorus.” Maestro Ari Pelto will lead a cast of extraordinary singers alongside the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus onstage in this twisted tale of mistaken identity.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

Encore: Celebrating a Brilliant Legacy and a Bright Future

Opera Colorado Gala & Concert

Spend the evening with us at this glittering black-tie event. With the purchase of a gala ticket, you will receive a premium seat at the concert portion and the entire evening experience, which also includes a cocktail reception, live auction, multi-course dinner with wine pairings, and a vibrant afterparty. In addition, enjoy a special tribute to the twenty-year legacy of the Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director, Greg Carpenter. Proceeds from the night support Opera Colorado’s extensive Education & Community Engagement programs. Individual tickets start at $400 and tables and sponsorship packages are also available. For gala tickets, contact Sara Buhr at sbuhr@operacolorado.org or 303.468.2027.

Concert-only tickets are available for opera fans who wish to enjoy the evening’s performance. The program will include vocal and orchestral showstoppers from Carmen, Eugene Onegin, La traviata, and more.

THURSDAY, MAY 29 AND FRI. MAY 30 | 7:00 P.M. Departure

Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Departure is a musical journey that offers a departure from the classic repertoire on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and a departure for our 2024-25 Artists in Residence. Delight in this expertly crafted program featuring pieces you know, and others you’ll discover in this exploration of opera, art song, and musical theatre.

SAVE THE DATE

On Sale Fall/Winter 2025

MONDAY, JANUARY 13 | 7:30 P.M.

Ryan Speedo Green, bass-baritone with Adam Nielsen, piano

In this wide-ranging program, Metropolitan Opera star and Grammy Award winner Ryan Speedo Green showcases his dramatic prowess and range across songs drawn from 19th- and 20th-century European, American, and Russian music, offering a thoughtful meditation on major composers’ responses to mortality.

Tickets at newmancenterpresents.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 | 6:30 P.M.

Final Dress Rehearsal: Hansel and Gretel

Join us for the final dress rehearsal of the touring production of Hansel and Gretel. Stranded in the Magic Forest, things look “Grimm” indeed for Gretel and her brother Hansel. What follows is an enchanted odyssey through a magical forest and a house made of gingerbread. The pair encounters everything from a magical Sandman to a witch with a sweet tooth who really likes kids—well-done, that is! Sung in English and staged traditionally, this enchanting performance is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 | 6:00 P.M.

Sip & Sing

Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club

Our patron-favorite event is back for another season. Join Opera Colorado as we take over Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club, the beloved Denver hotspot, for an evening featuring an exquisite multi-course dinner with wine pairings and a lively performance of cabaret and more by the Opera Colorado Artists in Residence.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22 | 10:00 A.M. & 1:30 P.M.

Family Day

Ellie Caulkins Opera House

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

MAKE AN IMPACT

December 10

This spectacular season at Opera Colorado is full of the dazzle and drama we love about grand opera. Your support is instrumental in elevating this art form and enriching our cultural community.

DID YOU KNOW? OPERA COLORADO...

…Delighted over 45,000 attendees to our performances and events with this classic artform.

…Employed over 400 people to work onstage and behind the scenes to bring alive the magic of opera.

…Reached over 24,000 children (and adults!) through education programs across the state.

…Welcomed 444 families to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for free performances and activities during our annual Family Day.

…Worked with over 100 schools in the 2023-24 Season.

SUPPORT THE ART FORM YOU LOVE

Please consider a special gift to Opera Colorado this Colorado Gives Day and help bring these monumental productions to life. With your help, we can continue to create moments of wonder, emotion, and connection through opera.

The platform is now open! Give today or mark your calendars to donate on December 10:

VISIT coloradogives.org/operacolorado

SCAN the QR code

SHARE OPERA WITH YOUR STUDENTS THIS SEASON

2024-25 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.

Touring Productions are generously sponsored by Genesee Mountain Foundation.

OUR IMPACT

NOW - MAY | 2024-25

The Barber of Seville Barber by day, matchmaker by night, Figaro puts his charm to work as he helps Count Almaviva woo the beautiful Rosina. Filled with some of opera’s most famous tunes, this is a comedy not to miss!

JANUARY - MAY | 2025

Hansel and Gretel

Stranded in the Magic Forest, things look “Grimm” indeed for Hansel and Gretel. They encounter everything from a magical Sandman to a witch with a sweet tooth who really likes kids—well-done, that is!

Opera Colorado’s education programs provide communities throughout the state with access to the arts, bringing the magic of opera to schools and communities across Colorado.

Our education programs serve thousands of students and lifelong learners. The 2023-24 Season included over 30 opera education performances and workshops for mountain and plains communities, libraries, senior groups, and schools serving children and adults with disabilities.

“The performers are a delight to work with, you make it easy to host a performance, you provide good materials ahead of time, the cost is affordable, and it is a great introduction to the opera!”

–Teacher feedback after their students saw a touring production in the 2023-24 Season

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Q&A WITH KATRINA GALKA

We’re excited to welcome Katrina Galka to Opera Colorado this fall to make her company and professional debut as Marie in Daughter of the Regiment. An accomplished soprano, Katrina “thrilled with fine coloratura filigree and pure high notes” as Adina in Elixir of Love (The Oregonian). Learn all about Katrina in the Q&A below.

What is one thing about opera that keeps you interested in this craft?

Well, to put it lightly, let’s just say the neverending pursuit of mastery and excellence. I’m obviously poking some fun at myself here but my drive to sing opera is powered by passion. There are days when it is infuriating just how never-ending the work of this craft is, but most days my reason for singing feels deeply spiritual, and I feel very fueled by the sheer possibility of creating something really special for an audience.

There is something addictive for me about singing something and then saying, “Ok. That was great, but if I tried xyz, would that create more excitement for the audience?”

Ultimately, I’m always asking myself, “How can I create a more magical, transcendent experience for whoever is listening?” And for me, creating magical experiences comes from mastery and excellence of the craft. The more excellent my vocal technique, the longer I can hold a high note, the faster and clearer I can sing a run of coloratura, the more feeling I can imbue in my voice, and maybe, just maybe, I can create a moment that surprises you in the best way possible.

Likewise, the more excellent my acting skills, the more I can make you really believe that I am Marie and the more you believe that, the more you can lose yourself in the story. That is magical for an audience. The cool thing is, you never “arrive” with this kind of magic. Even if I were to create it for someone, it lasts for a moment and then disappears. That chase will always keep me interested, and it’s why I go to the opera. I always hope to be transported by an artist’s excellence and commitment to the moment.

In what ways do you see yourself in your character in Daughter of the Regiment, Marie? How are you different?

I relate to Marie’s “joie de vivre.” She is a character who exudes sunshine, finds the gift in each day, and really loves life, and I relate to that. I see her as being silly, quirky, and totally ok with laughing at herself, which I see in myself. I also relate to her despair and feelings of entrapment when she’s stuck living a life that doesn’t feel right. I have a strong inner compass that can make my life uncomfortable and unpleasant when I’m not following the call of my heart. I see that in Marie, especially in her moments of struggle in act two. At my core, I’d have to say I don’t feel that different from Marie—other than the fact that I haven’t grown up with twentyplus surrogate fathers. I’ll definitely have to give some thought as to how that might change a person!

You’ve posted a few Instagram videos of you practicing barefoot. How much does your shoe choice and body awareness affect your singing?

This question is hilarious to me. I love using Instagram as a way to share joy for singing, and I try to share clips of my singing fairly often. I recently had a couple of clips I wanted to share, and I just happened to be barefoot, so I commented on it to be silly and to add some levity to what I was sharing. As committed as I am to excellence and mastery, I also think that it’s important to have fun and to be silly with our art. We can be light-hearted AND excellent. (Which, side note, I think TOTALLY captures Donizetti’s spirit in his composition of Daughter of the Regiment!)

But you do raise a great point, because body awareness is everything for us as singers, and there is a lot of research that supports that being barefoot is excellent for establishing more functional body patterns. I, myself, have had various struggles related to hypermobility, and because of that I do like wearing a shoe with an exceptionally wide toe box and a flexible sole—à la the barefoot shoe trend. I have a favorite pair of sneakers by Barebarics, and I plan to buy more barefoot style shoes, because my whole body is happier for it! Singing is such a personal act. Every body is different and the demands of singing will affect each body uniquely, so building your own body awareness is absolutely necessary. On an average day, I can easily spend just as much time doing physical bodywork to support my body for singing as I do actually singing.

In addition to your singing career, you’re passionate about mentoring and coaching singers. Can you tell us more about that?

I love helping other singers build their careers from the inside out. I have a “let’s take care of your heart first” approach. What we do as singers is so difficult and so much of our success comes down to our mental game and being able to be resilient in our joy and love for singing. I’m very passionate about helping singers find that joy and self-compassion in what are often very demanding, competitive, and rejection-filled environments. I started doing this work because it was the kind of help I needed when I was starting out, and at the time, I couldn’t find it. So I decided to be that person for other singers. I started my coach training in 2019 and was certified by the International Coaching Federation in 2020 and since then I’ve worked with a lot of professional track opera singers. Some common themes that I work with singers on include working through performance anxiety, age-related fears (feeling either too young or too old), shame around vocal injuries, limitations, or technical blocks, trauma from various industry-centered relationships (i.e. teachers, directors, conductors, colleagues, etc), and a lot of audition strategy.

Congrats on your Opera Colorado debut! What are you looking forward to doing in Denver on your days off?

Thank you so much! I would love to eat at some great restaurants and to enjoy the natural beauty of this area—maybe doing a hike or two—and I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends that live in the area. But if I’m being very honest, I will probably be spending the majority of my downtime resting, mentally rehearsing Daughter of the Regiment, and preparing for my next role debut, Musetta in La bohème with Staatsoper Hamburg.

NOVEMBER 9 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 2024

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE

AN OPERA IN TWO ACTS BY GAETANO DONIZETTI

There will be one twenty-five-minute intermission between act one and act two CAST IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE

Hortensius James Eder*^

Marquise of Birkenfeld Catherine Cook

A Peasant Daniel Miller*^

Sergeant Sulpice Peter Strummer

Marie Katrina Galka*

Tonio Andrew Stenson

Corporal Alex Granito^

Notary Mason O’Brien*

Duchess of Krakenthorp Monét X Change*

Conductor Ari Pelto

Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor Sahar Nouri

Stage Director Chía Patiño*

Répétiteur Lindsay Woodward

Set Designer Boyd Ostroff

Costume Designer Kathleen Trott

Duchess of Krakenthorp

Costume Designer Trevor Bowen

Lighting Designer Joe Beumer Wig and Makeup Designer Ronell Oliveri

Opera Colorado Chorus

Opera Colorado Orchestra

*Opera Colorado debut ^2024-25 Artist in Residence

Chía Patiño is partially supported by OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Stage Directors and Conductors, generously funded by the Marineau Family Foundation.

Costumes provided by Arizona Opera with Original Production Stage Director John de los Santos.

The Duchess of Krakenthorp Costume for this production was constructed at the Minnesota Opera Costume Shop and is owned by Minnesota Opera.

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

Marie: a young woman raised among the camaraderie of the Twenty-first French Regiment.

Tonio: an outsider and Marie’s love interest.

Sergeant Sulpice: one of Marie’s many father figures in the French regiment.

Marquise of Birkenfeld: Marie’s long-lost aunt and an affluent lady with a royal title.

Duchess of Krakenthorp: the dreaded mother of the suitor the Marquise has chosen for Marie.

ACT ONE

Early nineteenth century in the Tyrolean Alps, during Napoleon’s occupation

A group of villagers are worried about the raging war as they prepare for the French army’s advancement. Among them, the Marquise of Birkenfeld is anxious to return home. The tension dissipates when the French soldiers retreat, but Sergeant Sulpice appears with Marie, the regiment’s canteen girl, and the villagers scatter in fear.

Sergeant Sulpice questions Marie about a man he has seen her with, and she reveals his name is Tonio and he is a Tyrolean peasant. At that moment, Tonio is dragged in by French soldiers who accuse him of being a spy, having found him lurking around their camp. Marie saves him from execution by explaining that he once saved her life, and the soldiers quickly change their tune and welcome Tonio as a brother. The soldiers leave, taking Tonio with them, but Tonio escapes and runs back to Marie. The pair confess their love for one another, and Marie explains that Tonio must gain the approval of her “fathers”— the soldiers of the regiment—if they are to marry. Sergeant Sulpice chases Tonio off, who rejoins the soldiers. Marie also leaves, and Sergeant Sulpice is alone with the Marquise of Birkenfeld.

Explaining that she is trying to return home, the Marquise asks Sergeant Sulpice to escort her to her castle. When the Sergeant hears the name Birkenfeld, he connects it to a letter he found with Marie when he discovered her on the battlefield as an infant. The Marquise of Birkenfeld explains that her sister had a baby who was abandoned—it’s Marie! Marie returns and is introduced to her long-lost aunt. Surprised by Marie’s roughness, the Marquise decides

she will take Marie with her to show her how to be a proper lady. Tonio enters and announces that he has joined the regiment. He asks the soldiers for Marie’s hand in marriage, to which they agree, but Tonio’s joy is short-lived. Marie bids a tearful goodbye to her “fathers” as she leaves with the Marquise.

ACT TWO

Birkenfeld Castle

Marie has been living with the Marquise for several months and is deeply unhappy. The Marquise has arranged for Marie to marry the Duke of Krakenthorp and she has called on Sergeant Sulpice’s help to convince Marie to agree to the marriage. The Marquise encourages Marie to show the Sergeant what she has learned by playing a song on the piano. However, Marie transforms the tune into the regimental song.

When Marie is left alone, she wishes she was with Tonio and the regiment. Just as Marie is about to accept her fate, the regiment marches in with Tonio, who is now an officer. Marie and Tonio plead with Sergeant Sulpice to make a case to the Marquise that the two of them should be married. The Marquise angrily denies their wish and dismisses Marie and Tonio, sending them in opposite directions. The Marquise confides in Sergeant Sulpice that she is in fact Marie’s mother and Marie is her illegitimate daughter from an affair with a captain. She asks Sergeant Sulpice once more to convince Marie to marry the Duke of Krakenthorp so the Marquise’s secret can be kept, and Marie’s future and fortune secured.

The Duchess of Krakenthorp enters with her son and the wedding entourage. Marie enters and, now knowing that the Marquise is her mother, embraces her and is prepared to marry the Duke. The regiment storms in, declaring that they will not allow Marie, their daughter, to marry anyone other than Tonio. Marie sings of her commitment to the regiment and how they saved her. The Marquise is deeply moved and reveals that she is Marie’s mother. She gives Marie and Tonio her blessing to marry and everyone rejoices!

Tonio and Marie are in love. His colleagues approve; her aunt does not. Never fear! All obstacles shall be resolved in the sweethearts’ favor with much marvelous music along the way. What more could one ask of opera? Some might suggest high drama and tragedy. However, Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) had already done plenty of that, most famously with Lucia di Lammermoor (1835). Now, in 1840, the Italian-born composer was based in Paris. Taking a cue from French audience tastes, and perhaps also from his own inclinations, he seized an opportunity for operatic good cheer. Welcome La fille du Regiment (Daughter of the Regiment)!

The work premiered February 11, 1840, at the Paris Opéra-Comique. Indeed, Daughter is quite comical. However, in Paris at the time, the genre known as “opéra comique” was specifically a stage drama that combines vocal musical selections having orchestral support with spoken dialog. Before long, Parisians would be calling such works “operettas,” though that would be in relation to Jacques Offenbach (1819–1880). In Donizetti’s time, they were still “operas comique.” If there’s spoken dialog, does it still suit an opera house? Whyever not? Even Mozart composed a few stage works including spoken dialog. Provided the music is first-rate, spoken words ought not be a handicap to acceptance.

Donizetti’s creation is indeed first-rate: an admirable example of bel canto style. Literally, that’s “beautiful singing,” though surely all operas have that. Bel canto goes one step further: not just beautiful, but also at times elaborately flamboyant with a great many notes—even quite high ones—to increase the effect. Donizetti provided effervescent examples of the style for both lovers, sometimes including chorus commentary for emphasis. If the gentlemen of the chorus are actively cheering what the soloist has to say, the audience may be hardpressed to hold back!

Both Tonio and Marie have spacious bel canto spotlights demanding artistry as well as stamina. Tender, reflective passages alternate with brilliant vocal fireworks, increasingly more of the latter as the scene continues. Leading man Tonio’s act one aria “Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête!... Pour mon âme” (Ah, my friends! Such a festive day! ... For my soul) is one of the most notoriously challenging

PROGRAM NOTES

arias in the tenor universe. Its buoyantly flowing phrases are punctuated by nine (yes, nine!) high Cs, the entire aria closing on one final high C held for as long as the tenor can manage. Uproarious applause generally follows!

As for Marie, her act two aria begins with her lamenting a future that seems confined to acceptable feminine behavior, rather than the excitement she has enjoyed with the regiment. Prominent cello lines underscore her sighs. Ah, but then drums and brass announce the approach of the Regiment—her beloved foster fathers! The second half of the scene, “Oh! transport! oh! douce ivresse … Salute a France” (Oh, bliss! Oh, sweet ecstasy!... Glory to France!), inhabits a new and brilliantly lit world. A rush of shimmering trills and roulades express her joy, leading ultimately to a long high trill even higher in effect than Tonio’s.

Daughter was well-received in Paris—at least by the audience, though the most influential of all Parisian music critics had a different opinion. That gentleman was Hector Berlioz (1803–1869). Not merely a journalist, Berlioz was also a respected composer who was likely envious of Donizetti’s triumphs in Paris. When an Italian composer’s operas are reaching the public and a Frenchman’s are not, one can suppose that Berlioz’s review might have been tinged with jealousy.

In the text, librettists Jules-Henri Vernow de Saint-Georges and Jean François Bayard neatly differentiate the characters’ personalities. Donizetti’s music provides extra levels both of subtlety and energy, giving singers and directors much to work with as the characters and the story come to life.

Daughter is not just music layered over a story, or a story loosely related to music. It is a deft blend of music and storytelling. The presence of a happy ending doesn’t diminish the craftsmanship one bit. Tragedy may strike the soul, but Donizetti’s charming romance is a breath of fresh air.

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

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

mas•cu•line \maskyәlәn\ n-s: something that is masculine:

a: a male person

b (1): a noun, pronoun, adjective, or inflectional form or class of the masculine gender

(2): the masculine gender

mas•cu•line: a. male; strong, virile

In recent years, if there is something we cannot deny, it is the number of changes that have shed light on old ideas and stereotypes, including those forced on us by education about gender. Myths. Any confused dictionary will fail as it tries to define genders. I grew up in a country where “men don’t cry,” and “macho-tough” is the way for a boy to become a “man.”

In this comedy, the famous Twenty-first Regiment finds and adopts an abandoned baby girl. This might lead us to believe that Marie will become a manly character. But why can’t we imagine a more feminine regiment? Amid war and loneliness, why wouldn’t an infant bring out—for lack of a better word—the mothers in the soldiers? Can a strong soldier also be a tender, caring father? Simple answer: yes!

And then a second obstacle: as fate would have it, Marie comes from a reputable family, and reputable women can only marry reputable men. Ancient fortunes ignored love and educated their descendants to accept their fates. The Berkenfelds will join the Krakenthorps, and society will be happy. All the fathers will try to save their daughter, but a strong aunt will stop them. Bloodlines will prevail.

And just then, the toughest character softens, and we learn that in her youth she was willing to sacrifice everything for love. The price was too high, and for years, she has accepted her fate as a form of cynical punishment. Sins must be cleansed. Yet she holds the key for change, and at the right moment, she takes the courageous step again: she will not sacrifice Marie to uphold old ideas. She will give the young girl the chance she was denied. This woman becomes the strongest character on stage.

sac•ri•fice v.t. to consecrate ceremonially offering of victim by way of expiation or propitiation to deity; to surrender for sake of obtaining some other advantage; n. anything offered to divinity; anything given up for sake of others.

What are we willing to sacrifice for others? The beauty of this comedy is that every character is willing to change for the sake of the others.

Tonio was willing to sacrifice his life to help a stranger as she recklessly collected flowers in the mountains. While saving the girl from falling to her death, Tonio fell in love. In a time of division and nationalism, this boy and girl will also sacrifice their nationalities; after all, what is the point of upholding tradition if it means sacrificing the gifts that love brings?

The Twenty-first Regiment exchanged their hard-shell hearts for tenderness. This was a good trade, not a sacrifice: they are lovely and proud fathers. Marie was willing to sacrifice her love to help her mother. That sacrifice finally shook the Marquise, and old expectations crumbled, as they should. Because once concepts prove to be archaic, dictionaries should stop defining them. In times of change, it’s not the fittest that survive, but those who understand the change and join the flow of the river. Far behind we will spot a small island where the Duchess will strive for vengeance, and Hortensius will uphold his wine…

— Chía Patiño

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Daughter of the Regiment is generously sponsored by the Crawley Family Foundation.

Additional support provided by TaxTime, LLC.

Media Sponsor: Out Front Magazine

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

JOE BEUMER | LIGHTING DESIGNER

Joe Beumer designs for opera, theatre, and dance nationally and internationally. Recent designs include La bohème (Pacific Symphony), Thumbprint (Portland Opera), Aida (Cincinnati Opera), Tosca (Palm Beach Opera, Utah Opera, Dayton Opera), Speakeasy Times Square (Bond 45 – NYC), Indecent (Playhouse on Park), and Dracula: The Bloody Truth (Great Lakes Theater). Previous designs for Opera Colorado include Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, Cavalleria rusticana, and The Barber of Seville. Upcoming projects include Cavalleria rusticana (Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera), a new production of Der Schauspieldirektor & Iolanta (Göteborg Opera w/ Thomas C. Hase), and the world premiere of State of the Jews (NYC). Additional credits and companies: Harmony (Broadway 2023), The Book of Mormon (Current National Tour), The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol (First National Tour, Los Angeles), Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Opéra de Montréal, and Opéra National Bordeaux. Joe calls Brooklyn home, and he is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829.

CATHERINE COOK | MARQUISE OF BIRKENFELD

American mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook has excelled in a wide range of roles with leading companies throughout the United States. For her performance as the title character in Tobias Picker’s Dolores Claiborne, Opera Today wrote “to say that Ms. Cook was a revelation is an understatement… [and] is possessed of a round mezzo tone of great beauty, admirable control, and potent power in all ranges and at any volume.” Engagements of note for the recent 2023-24 Season included Terence Blanchard’s Champion (Kathy Hagen, cover) with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Cavalleria rusticana (Mamma Lucia) with Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. During the 2022-23 Season, Cook returned to Opera Colorado in Cavalleria rusticana (Mamma Lucia) and debuted in Dialogues of the Carmelites (Mère Jeanne) for San Francisco Opera’s Centennial Season. During the Carmelites run in November 2022, Cook was awarded the San Francisco Opera’s prestigious Opera Medal, the company’s highest honor, in acknowledgment of her thirty-one years of performance with the company. Later that season, Ms. Cook sang selections from Copland’s Old American Songs for the 60th Anniversary Gala of the Golden State Youth Orchestra, appearing with fellow soloist David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

MONÉT X CHANGE | DUCHESS OF KRAKENTHORP

Born and bred in New York City, Monét X Change is an entertainment spitfire and the first double crown winner from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Having earned the title Miss Congeniality on Season 10, she became the first queen of color inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning All-Stars 4. Known for delivering energetic and show-stopping performances,

Monét’s showmanship reflects a tireless work ethic. After her initial appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Monét released a début EP, Unapologetically; traveled around the globe with her one-woman show, Call Me By Monét; hosted her own talk show, The X Change Rate, produced by Yahoo; and began focusing her oftentimes sociopolitical humor as the co-host of the popular podcast Sibling Rivalry with Bob the Drag Queen and Ebony and Irony, with the legendary Lady Bunny. During her run on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: All Winners, Monét shocked audiences with her rendition of “Vi ravviso, o luoghi ameni” from La sonnambula. Monét has been a featured vocalist with the San Francisco Symphony and performed as the Duchess of Krakenthorp in Daughter of the Regiment with Minnesota Opera in 2023. That same year, she appeared with Dayton Opera as a soloist in their concert, Prince Orlofsky’s Grand Masquerade.

JAMES EDER | HORTENSIUS

James Eder is a bass from Columbus, OH. In 2024, he returned to Opera Carolina in their renowned production of Turandot (Timur) and was a soloist in Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor with his hometown Columbus Symphony. James is very excited to be joining Opera Colorado for the 2024-25 Season as an Artist in Residence. On the mainstage, James will perform in Daughter of the Regiment (Hortensius, mainstage and Student Matinee) and La bohème (Alcindoro, Colline cover). He will also sing in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Ambrosio, Bartolo cover) and Hansel and Gretel (Sandman). In 2022 and 2023, James sang in Gianni Schicchi (Simone) with Chautauqua Opera and Opera on the James and Tosca (Sacristan) with Opera Carolina. While in Chautauqua, James also performed in The Mother of Us All (Anthony Comstock). In 2021, James performed in La serva padrona (Vespone) and L’inganno felice (Ormondo) with Sarasota Opera, then reprised the role of Ormondo with Opera Southwest, Nabucco (The High Priest of Baal) with Sarasota Opera, and Another Brick in the Wall (The Judge) with Cincinnati Opera. James earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from The Ohio State University.

KATRINA GALKA | MARIE

This season, soprano Katrina Galka makes her debuts with San Francisco Opera in The Handmaid’s Tale (Janine/ Ofwarren) and Opera Colorado in Daughter of the Regiment (Marie) and returns to Opernhaus Zürich and Staatsoper Hamburg. In the 2023-24 Season, she made her debut at the Teatro alla Scala in Peter Grimes (First Niece), returned to the Staatsoper Hamburg in Die Fledermaus (Adele), and joined Utah Opera in Thaïs (Charmeuse). She also returned to New Orleans Opera to debut the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor and Portland Opera as featured soloist and co-curator of Enchanted Woods: Shakespeare & Song.

Other recent performances include Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Blondchen) with Staatsoper Hamburg, Bayerische Staatsoper, and Opernhaus Zürich; The Magic Flute (Queen of the Night) with Arizona Opera; Rigoletto (Gilda) with Intermountain Opera Bozeman; and Candide (Cunegonde) with the Glimmerglass Festival. On the concert stage, she has twice joined the Las Vegas Philharmonic for Handel’s Messiah, Florida Orchestra for Mozart’s Requiem and an evening of Bernstein favorites, and the Rhode Island Civic Chorale for Messiah and Respighi’s Laude to the Nativity (Angel).

A three-time regional winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Katrina holds a Master of Music from Boston University and a Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, from Southern Methodist University.

ALEX GRANITO | CORPORAL

Alex Granito is a baritone from Orange County, CA. He is delighted to join Opera Colorado for a second year as an Artist in Residence for the 2024-25 Season, during which he will also perform in the Daughter of the Regiment Student Matinee (Corporal) and La bohème (Schaunard). He will also sing in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Figaro) and Hansel and Gretel (Father). In the summer of 2024, Alex was a Studio Artist at Chautauqua Opera and sang in the world premiere of Love, Loss, and the Century Upon Us (Young Man). In the 2023-24 Season with Opera Colorado, Alex sang in the mainstage productions of Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni, cover/Student Matinee), Samson and Delilah (Second Philistine), The Flying Dutchman (Ghost Chorus), and in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Elixir of Love (Belcore) and Cinderella (Dandini). In the summer of 2023, Alex was a fellow at Music Academy of the West where he sang in La bohème (Schaunard). Alex earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Vocal Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he studied under Cesar Ulloa.

DANIEL MILLER | A PEASANT

Tenor Daniel Miller, a native of Arvada, CO, is thrilled to join Opera Colorado’s roster of talented Artists in Residence for the 2024-25 Season. With a robust background in opera performance, Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. This season, Daniel is also performing in the Student Matinee of Daughter of the Regiment (Tonio) and will study cover the role of Rodolfo in La bohème and perform in Opera Colorado’s touring productions of The Barber of Seville (Count Almaviva) and Hansel and Gretel (The Witch). He has previously appeared in a variety of opera and musical theater productions, including Les Misérables (Jean Valjean), The Magic Flute (Tamino), Albert Herring (The Mayor), Little Women (Laurie), and many others.

SAHAR NOURI | CHORUS MASTER AND ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

Iranian conductor and pianist Sahar Nouri has been Music Director of Lamont Opera Theater at University of Denver since 2019. She has also served at Opera Colorado as Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor since 2016. Ms. Nouri is the founder/director of Dandelion Opera Institute. Previously, Ms. Nouri has been part of the music staff at San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra at Bravo! Vail, Opera Parallèle, North Carolina Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, Utah Opera, Aspen Opera Theatre, Opera Steamboat, Merola Opera, Boston Conservatory of Music, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. An active performer, she has given numerous recitals around the US including those alongside international stars Mane Galoyan, Heidi Melton, and Matthew Polenzani. A multi-lingual coach, she has studied in Czechia, Italy, and Austria and is frequently in demand as a language coach.

Ms. Nouri is a former violinist who has performed with the Tehran Philharmonic Orchestra and has won several prizes, for both violin and piano, in national music festivals and competitions in Iran.

MASON O’BRIEN | NOTARY

Mason O’Brien currently attends the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver pursuing a master’s degree in Vocal Performance. Mason grew up in Memphis, TN and received his BM in Vocal Performance (Cum Laude) from the University of Kentucky. His favorite credits include Don Giovanni at Prague Summer Nights (Leporello), A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Lamont Opera (Bottom), La bohème at University of Kentucky Opera Theatre (Colline), Gallantry at TU Opera Theatre (Dr. Gregg), and The Flying Dutchman at Opera Colorado (Chorus). At Lamont, Mason studies voice with Prof. Cathy Kasch and is coached by Dr. Beth Nielsen. Mason is a voice teacher of non-voice majors at the Lamont School of Music and is incredibly proud of his students.

RONELL OLIVERI | WIG AND MAKEUP DESIGNER

Ronell Oliveri has been designing wigs and makeup for opera, theater, ballet, and film for the past 20 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 Primetime 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 Opera Columbus’s Eugene Onegin, Pacific Symphony’s La bohème, and Central City Opera’s 2024 summer festival. Upcoming engagements include Opera Omaha’s The Rake’s Progress and Boston Lyric Opera’s Mitridate

CHÍA PATIÑO | STAGE DIRECTOR

Chía Patiño, an eclectic artist originally from Ecuador, is thrilled to direct Daughter of the Regiment at Opera Colorado. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at The University of Michigan’s Department of Voice and Opera. In the upcoming season, Patiño will also direct the world premiere of The House on Mango Street at Glimmerglass Opera. Her recent engagements include directing operas such as Tosca, Carmen, and La Traviata, as well as musical theater productions Les Misérables and West Side Story. Other notable productions include Cruzar la cara de la luna, a mariachi opera which was performed across multiple U.S. cities and in Paris, and Ñomongeta, the first Guarani opera by Paraguayan composer Diego Sanchez-Haase. Patiño made history in July 2020 by directing the first live performance in the U.S. after the pandemic shutdown with Northern Light Music Festival’s Tosca. Beyond her teaching and directing, Patiño is recognized for her administrative leadership, having served as the Artistic and Executive Director of Ecuador’s Teatro Nacional Sucre from 2009 to 2019, where she oversaw numerous cultural festivals and educational programs.

ARI PELTO | MUSIC DIRECTOR

Appointed Music Director at Opera Colorado in 2015, Ari Pelto has conducted acclaimed performances of La Traviata, Don Giovanni, Madama Butterfly, Aida, La bohème, Falstaff, La fanciulla del West, The Marriage of Figaro, Lucia di Lammermoor, The Barber of Seville, Pagliacci, Otello, Carmen, Rigoletto, Die tote Stadt, Turandot, The Flying Dutchman, and Samson and Delilah for the company to date. Opera Colorado’s contemporary titles include The Shining, the world premiere of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter (a recording of which was released on the Naxos label), and the world premiere of Gerald Cohen’s Steal a Pencil for Me, also recorded. In 2023, Maestro Pelto was appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor at Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera.

After earning his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at Oberlin Conservatory, Ari Pelto studied conducting at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem, and with Imre Palló at Indiana University. He has raised his baton before some of America’s leading symphonic orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony, San Diego Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, and the Virginia Symphony, as well as the country’s most prominent opera orchestras.

ANDREW STENSON | TONIO

American tenor Andrew Stenson, praised by The Wall Street Journal for his “vivid tenor that is both beautiful and full of raw feeling,” is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artists Program. In addition to singing many of the standard lyric tenor roles, Mr. Stenson has created leading characters in two important world premieres—An American Soldier (Danny Chen) with Opera Theater of St. Louis and Bel Canto (Gen Watanabe) with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Mr. Stenson has also performed in Così fan tutte (Ferrando), Candide (title role), The Magic Flute (Tamino), Don Pasquale (Ernesto), Daughter of the Regiment (Tonio), The Barber of Seville (Almaviva), and Silent Night (Sprink) with Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Dallas Opera, Utah Opera, Palm Beach Opera, and Arizona Opera. In Europe, he sang with the Glyndebourne Festival, Wexford Festival, and the opera companies of Toulouse and Bordeaux. Mr. Stenson is in demand as a soloist in the concert and oratorio repertoires, having appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, and in Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival. He has also won top prizes in several major vocal competitions. During the pandemic years, Mr. Stenson participated in several virtual productions produced by Seattle Opera and appeared in their stagings of The Elixir of Love, Don Giovanni, and Tosca, as well as a solo recital.

PETER STRUMMER | SERGEANT SULPICE

Peter Strummer’s memorable performances are frequently lauded in both the international and domestic press. Opera Canada recognized him as “a veteran basso steeped in the Italian buffo tradition, whose every move as Don Magnifico served to enhance the comic drive and pacing of the show.” Opera News praised his “warm, firm, agile” voice. The Denver Post summed up nicely: “Strummer is one of the most meticulous performers I know. His portrayals become highly individual, each formidably different whether as Bartolo or Don Magnifico, Beckmesser or Pasquale.”

Mr. Strummer’s many signature roles include Don Giovanni (Leporello), Cosí fan tutte (Don Alfonso), La Cenerentola (Don Magnifico), the title role in Don Pasquale, Tosca (the Sacristan), La bohème (Benoit/ Alcindoro), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom), La forza del destino (Fra Melitone), Ariadne auf Naxos, (the Musiklehrer), The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro (Bartolo), and The Elixir of Love (Dulcamara). He has been heard in over twelve major symphonic works, including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Dvorak’s Stabat Mater with the Israeli Symphony. His extensive career has taken him to the stages of The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington Opera, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Canadian Opera Company, and many others, including Teatro del la Zarzuela, Madrid, L’Opéra du Montréal, Seattle Opera, Dallas Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, New Orleans Opera, San Diego Opera, to name a few.

ORCHESTRA, CHORUS & PRODUCTION STAFF

OPERA COLORADO ORCHESTRA

VIOLIN

Byron Hitchcock, concertmaster

Zachary Ragent, principal second violin

Jackson Bailey

Evan De Long

Angela Dombrowski

Mary Evans

Margaret Soper Gutierrez

Ryan Jacobsen

Regan Kane

Isaac Kay

Christine Menter

Ava Pacheco

Veronica Sawarynski

Takanori Sugishita

Robyn Sosa

Benjamin Tomkins

Leena Waite

Tori Woodrow

VIOLA

Matthew Dane, principal

Kostadin Dyulgerski

Margaret Dyer Harris

Mary Harrison

Sarah Richardson

Lora Stevens

CELLO

Andrew Kolb, principal

Charles Lee

Trevor Minton

David Short

Jeff Watson

Eleanor Wells

BASS

David Crowe, principal

Kurt Melendy

Jeremy Nicholas

Yu-Chen Yang

FLUTE & PICCOLO

Susan Kerbs Townsend, principal

Elizabeth Sadilek-Labenski

OBOE & ENGLISH HORN

Sarah Bierhaus, principal

Brittany Bonner

CLARINET

Michelle Orman, principal

Heidi Mendenhall

BASSOON

Charles Hansen, principal

JJ Sechan

HORN

Michael Yopp, principal

Lauren Varley

Devon Park

Daniel Skib

TRUMPET

Leslie Scarpino, principal

Ryan Gardner

TROMBONE

Bron Wright, principal

Mason Cooke

Jeremy Van Hoy

TIMPANI

Peter Cooper, principal

PERCUSSION

Mark Foster, principal

Nena Lorenz Wright

Sean Case

PIANO

Lindsay Woodward

ORCHESTRA MANAGER

Angela Dombrowski

ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN

Eleanor Wells

OPERA COLORADO CHORUS

SOPRANO

Lauren Bumgarner

Maria Fabara

Kayla Kramer

Regan Lewis

Anna McMahon

MEZZO-SOPRANO

Mia Kopera

Maya Munoz

Jenny Thompson

Ashley Troester

TENOR

Alexis Haro

Alejandro Izurieta

Joan Marquez

Jack Richard

Norman Spivy

Luke Thatcher

Keith Williamson

Joshua Zabatta

BARITONE

Michele Di Nuovo

Justin Given

John Hansen

Michael Hansen

Skyler McCoy

Luke North

Mason O’Brien

SUPERNUMERARIES

Karen McAuliffe

Tiffany Krumland

Troy Krumland

Dave Lewis Jr.

Daniel McAuliffe

Katy McQuaid

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION STAFF

Kendra Green, Resident Stage Manager

Matthew Schulz, Assistant Director (SMAT Dir.)

Olivia Darling, Assistant Stage Manager and Student Matinee Calling Stage Manager

Lorna Stephens, Assistant Stage Manager

Madeleine Snow, Production Assistant and Student Matinee Assistant Stage Manager

MUSIC STAFF

Cody Garrison, Chorus Music Reh Accompanist

Oleg Bellini, Resident Collaborative Pianist

Angie Dombrowski, Orchestra Manager

Elle Wells, Orchestra Librarian

DESIGN STAFF

Jon Dunkle, Assistant Lighting Designer

TITLE SYSTEM STAFF

Beth Nielsen, Titles Operator: In-Seat

Brooklyn Becker, Titles Operator: Over-Stage

Jeremy Sortore, English Subtitles

Gina Razón, Spanish Translations

TECHNICAL STAFF

Michael Wingfield, Technical Director

Michael Boswell, Head Carpenter

Dave Youngs, Shop/Production Carpenter

Greg Killpack, Assistant Carpenter

Rita Richardson, Head Electrician

Amanda Short, Assistant Electrician

KT Thurow, Lighting Console Programmer

Hillary Clark, Head Property Master

Keven Soll, Assistant Properties Master

Jeff Riedel, Head Flyman/Rigger

Thomas Berning, Head Audio Engineer

John Adams, Production Purchasing Agent

COSTUMES

Alison Milan, Costume Director

Madison Booth, Costume Coordinator

Sarah Zinn, Draper/Tailor

Ted Stark, Draper/Tailor

Celeste Fenton, First Hand

Elizabeth Woods, First Hand

Domino Douglas, Craftsperson/Stitcher

Amanda Bouza, Stitcher

Andy Bruening, Stitcher

WARDROBE

Carolyn Miller, Wardrobe Supervisor

Elizabeth Woods, Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor

Ann Piano, Dresser

Carley Peterson, Dresser

Domino Douglas, Dresser

Jane Rusk, Dresser

Jan Heimer, Volunteer Dresser

Kathy Heider, Volunteer Dresser

Leslie Cady, Volunteer Dresser

Valerie Amburn, Volunteer Dresser

Vicky Gits, 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

Brookanna Ware, 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

ARTIST HOSTS/VOLUNTEERS

Jeff Brown

Thomas Gaffney

Kiplund Kolkmeier

Kevin O’Connor

MONDAY, JANUARY 13 AT 7:30 P.M.

RYAN SPEEDO GREEN ,

BASS-BARITONE WITH ADAM NIELSEN , PIANO

In this wide-ranging program, Metropolitan Opera star and GRAMMY Award winner Ryan Speedo Green showcases his dramatic prowess and range across songs drawn from 19th- and 20th-century European, American, and Russian music, offering a thoughtful meditation on major composers’ responses to mortality. Experience a “powerhouse of a voice that is as strong as it is beautiful” (New York Classical Review) in the intimacy of Hamilton Recital Hall.

Tickets available at NEWMANCENTERPRESENTS.COM

Sponsored by Ellie Caulkins, Muffy Moore, and Marcia Robinson.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY, MAY 4 AT 2:00 P.M.

IN CONCERT

Join us for two semi-staged performances of Verdi’s revenge thriller Il trovatore.

Feel the heat from the incendiary drama and masterful score, featuring the famous “Anvil Chorus,” as Maestro Ari Pelto leads a cast of extraordinary singers alongside the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus onstage in a twisted tale of mistaken identity.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Thank you to all our partners that helped Opera Colorado connect with the community to promote Daughter of the Regiment.

Media Sponsor: Out Front Magazine

Center on Colfax

Clocktower Cabaret

Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association

Denver Gay Men’s Chorus

Denver LGBTQ+ Commission

Mile High Freedom Band

One Colorado

BE SOCIAL @operacolorado

Follow us on social media to be the first to discover new announcements, blog posts, photos of the cast at work, and more!

ACCESS ENGLISH OR SPANISH SUBTITLES AT YOUR SEAT

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. Spanish translations by Gina Razón.

MEET THE ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Every year, Opera Colorado auditions hundreds of emerging artists from the nation’s top graduate schools for its Artist in Residence Program. During their eight-month residency, the selected artists bring opera to schools across the Rocky Mountain region, giving Colorado students a chance to meet opera’s future stars!

The 2024-25 Season’s talented group will perform in touring productions of The Barber of Seville and Hansel and Gretel. In addition to these performances, they will also perform in the Student Matinee of Daughter of the Regiment.

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

Hallie Schmidt, soprano

Hometown: Olympia, Washington

Fun Fact: Marie in Daughter of the Regiment has been a dream role of hers since she started singing, so she is looking forward to playing the role in Opera Colorado’s Student Matinee.

Sponsored by Joyce de Roos and Donald K. Braden

Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fun Fact: If she were an animal, she’d be a chipmunk because they are always curious and a little rambunctious.

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS

The Board of Directors of Opera Colorado and the staff express their deepest appreciation to the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have contributed to the Annual Fund. This listing is current as of Sept. 17, 2024. Although space limitations only allow us to list donors whose gifts were $150 and above, we are deeply grateful for the support of all our dedicated contributors.

PRODUCER CIRCLE

VISIONARY $50,000+

Ken and Donna Barrow

Mike and Julie Bock

Don and Maron Hindman

Jeanie and Randal Martines

Patrick Spieles

BENEFACTOR $25,000 - $49,999

Jeff V. Baldwin

Linda Bjelland

Merle Chambers

Jan Kennaugh and Chip Horne

The Honorable and Mrs. Kenneth Laff

Maj. Dino Maniatis and Dr. Kristin Freestone-Maniatis

Marcia and Dick Robinson

AMBASSADOR $12,000 - $24,999

B. Edward Balkin

Ellie Caulkins

Joy and Christopher Dinsdale

Edie and Joe Fogliano

Richard Garvin

Ms. Donna E. Hamilton

Ms. Kelly A. Hodges

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Kinney

Richard Koseff

Judy La Spada

Gayle and Gary Landis

Jim and Patience Linfield

Dr. William N. Maniatis

Muffy Moore

Lynnette Morrison

Kevin O’Connor and Janet Ellen Raasch

Ann and Gerald Saul

Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson

Prem and Stephanie Subramanian

Charles I. Thompson

Valerie Wassill and Kevin Rudolph

Robin and Eric Yaeger

ARTISTS CIRCLE

CONDUCTOR $7,000 - $11,999

Jane and Bart Burnett

Emily and Mark Bussey

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cesafsky

Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan

Ms. Kathryn Codo

Mary and Tom Conroy

Joyce de Roos

Elizabeth & Matthew Dyer

Karen Fukutaki, M.D.

Dr. Susan Rae Jensen and Mr. Tom Trainer

Gary and Judith Judd

Diana and Mike Kinsey

Dr. Monica I. Minkoff

James Monroe, III and Marie Shannon Monroe

Robert R. Montgomery and Nancy Hawkins

Ronald Y. Otsuka

Zondra Rae Pluss

The Ponzio Family

Ayliffe and Fred Ris

Martha and Will Tracey

Dan and Marie Welch

Diane K. Wengler and Steven Morrissett

Ann Wise

Ms. Carole J. Yaley

COMPOSER $3,500 - $6,999

Suzanne D. Bucy

Mr. and Mrs. George P. Caulkins, III

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

Diane and John Gallagher

Sally Haas

Christine Hollander and Michael McGee

Ms. Judy Johnston

Daniel and Karen McAuliffe

Veronica A. McCaffrey and Barbara A. Frank

Mark and Kristin McKissick

Ralph & Trish Nagel

Dr. Harold S. Nelson

Bob Nelson

The Hon. Jon J. Olafson and Jerry Brindisi

Bonnie Perkins

Harriet P. Peterson

Christine and Harry Phillips

Bruce Polkowsky and Bill Powell

Nijole and Walter Rasmussen

Cynthia and Alexander Read

Myra and Robert Rich

Louise Lavender Rouse

Diane Russell

Mr. and Mrs. Charley Samson

Helen Scott Santilli

Fern B. Seltzer and Andrew Heymsfield

Jeremy and Susan Shamos

Mr. John Trigg

Mr. Byron S. Watson

Linda Weise

Erin Wenzel

Mary and Ken Willis

Brigitte Bastian Zimmer

LIBRETTIST $1,500 - $3,499

Anonymous

Mr. Douglas W. Barnert and Mrs. Ruth Jacoby

Peter Batty and Paula Kechichian

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Berliner

Mr. Charles E. Berry and Mrs. Maria Garcia Berry

Sheila Bisenius

Sara and John Buhr

Sandra Mazarakis and Neil Burris

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

Susan Cotter

Nancy Crow and Mark Skrotzki

Ms. Cheryl M. Cruickshank

Greg and Kristen Diamond

Dave and Pam Duke

Lois N. Eckhoff

Michael and Susan Felicissimo

Dr. Stacy Fischer and Dr. Henry Fischer

Cathy S. Foster

Gary and Rebecca Gantner

Katy and David Garon

Ms. Natalie Greene

Stephen and Dorothy Gregory

Mark Groshek MD and Carl Clark MD

Beverlee B. Henry

Bernice Hernandez

Ginny Hersch

Mr. William T. Hoffman

Dr. Lawrence Kim and Nhung Van

John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich

Penny Lewis

Marvin Madorsky CPA and Maria Coquillard

V.W. McKnab and Margaret Jurado

Henry B. Mohr

Mr. Mike and Lisa Morgan

Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian

Dr. and Mrs. Calvern E. Narcisi

Lisa & Pat Nicholson

Gail and Rick Nordheim

Dr. Edward and Mrs. Chris Null

Nancy & Paul Oberman

Mr. Ari Pelto and Ms. Wendy Fisher

Profs. Jean-Pierre Habicht and Gretel H. Pelto

Mrs. Harriet Pratt Peterson

Ms. Julie G. Pogachefsky

Rick Poppe & Jana Edwards

Armando Quiroz

Mrs. Christina Radichel Caulkins

T. R. Reid

Ms. Deborah M. H. Rohan

Mr. Paul Ruotolo

Carol L. Rust

Mr. John Shott

Ms. Nancy J. Siegel

Susan and Harold Skramstad

Ms. Judith Zee Steinberg

Linda M. Strauch

Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Sullivan

Dr. Kathleen R. Tower

William Vaniman and Frances G. Matthews

Peter and Darcie Weiser

Ms. Cia A. Wenzel

Marie Belew Wheatley

Mark and Pati Wilkins

Pam and Martin Zadigian

PATRON CIRCLE

ASSOCIATE $700 - $1,499

Anonymous

Anthony Berkley & Amanda Gomez

Mr. Ian T. Caiozzi and Mrs. Neha Patel

Mrs. Ella May Carpenter

George Case

Mr. David Clark

Everett B. Clark

Kathleen R. Clifton

Dr. Richard A. Cohn and Mrs. Susan Cooper

Sue Cole

Tom & Cheryl Cox

Brian D. Crane

Dr. and Mrs. James D. Crapo

Ms. Marian O. Dines

Timothy James Donahue

François Dorémieux

Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski

Preschool-Grade 8 co-ed

High School all-girls

Educating Denver since 1864

Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony with Christopher Dragon NOV 22-24

A Colorado Christmas DEC 13-15

Too Hot to Handel DEC 21-22

Itzhak Perlman with the Colorado Symphony JAN 18

Reine and Matthew Erzinger

Donald G. Ezell

Elizabeth A. Fischer and Don Elliott

Frances and Richard Frey

Dr. and Mrs. Burton Golub

Mr. Hugh A. Grant

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Greenholz

Steven and Patricia Gulevich

Rich & Denise Gustafson

Ms. Lynn E. Harrington

Mrs. Jaclyn Haugen

Carl F Heller and Maureen F Hallacy

Ms. Erin R. Hittle

Ruth Hopfenbeck

Rachelle and William Horton

Karen Howland and Gregory Mudge

Mr. Dennis R. Hurt

Ken Rose and Nancy Hurwitz

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby

Steve and Chryse Hutchins

Mr. Daniel Isaman

Mr. Jeremy Johnson

John N. Kabalin, MD.

Anna Belle and Robert Kapelke

Joe Kelso

Roberta and Mel Klein

Kunz Family Fund

Frieda Sanidas Leason

Deanna Rose Leino

Victoria Levine

Lindmor Fund

Patty Lorie

Rhonda and Donald Macy

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

Margaret and John Moyer

Dr. Mary Kenny Moynihan and Dr. Michael Moynihan

Alan E. Muraoka

Kelli O’Brien & Michael Kolotylo

Ms. Diane O’Connor

Bonnie M. Orkow

Theresa and Norman Parker

Frank and Linda Plaut

Robert and Mary Quillin

Steven and Joan Ringel

Ms. Karen Ritz

Doug Rooney

Mary Ann Ross

Elizabeth R. Rumely

Ms. Ruth E. Schoening

Steven E. and Jane Schonfeld

Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Antoinette Shaller

Dr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Smith

Vicki Sterling

Dr. Laimute Stewart

Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland

Tepper Family Foundation

Sharon and John Trefny

Nancy and William Wehner

Robert and Jacklyn Writz

SUPPORTER $400 – $699

Anonymous

Richard Akeroyd

Mr. Paul Alaback and Ms. Carol Brewer

Janet Bishop

Richard Bottjer and Sara Peyton

Ms. Jay Breen

Mark Breese

Ms. Janet C. Bruchmann

Ms. Karen M. Bruggenthies

Mr. Douglas F. Burns

Mrs. Carol W. Byrd

Edwin T. Callahan and Dulcy E. Wolverton

Carol G. Canon

Gerald Nathan Cohen

Jim and Sara Culhane

Carolyn E. Daniels

Ms. Anne Davis

Karen and Charles de Bartolomé

Ronald L. Deal

Antonia Dell

Peter and Marian Downs

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin B. Eastman, Jr.

Gary J Emrich

Jennifer Filipowski

Scott Foster

Ms. Carolyn Francis

Jan Friedlander and Dr. Cynthia Kristensen

Ms. Randy Ganter

Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Garfein

Alan G. Gass

Ms. Rebecca Givens

Maria Gordon

Mrs. Carol & Dr. Fred Grover

Mr. Shad Harsh

John R Heckenlively MD

Owen Herman

Catherine and Graham Hollis

Ms. Mary Ellen Holmes

Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle

James Ingram

The Johnson-Milne Family

James and Christine Jorgensen

Ms. Patricia C. Kelly and

Allen Kemp

Jeffrey M. Koehler

Rex Kramer and Cindy Crater

Mr. Larry Lacert

Mr. Richard S. Leaman

Christine and Stephen Lee

Mr. Lester Lockspeiser

Karen and Alan Loeb

Thomas Long

Mr. James S. Macdonald

Ellen M. Martin

John Masserini and Abraham Kelley

Mr. and Mrs. William Mathews

Manon Merewether

Mr. Lawrence Moskow

Marilyn Munsterman

Dr. and Dr. Hans Neville

Dr. and Mrs. David A. Norris

Kent & Ruth Obee

Emily and Kelly Pitts

Andrew R. Pleszkun

Richard Replin and Elissa Stein

Michelle Russell

Mary Scarpino

John and Patricia Schmitter

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Shelton

Bobbi and Gary Siegel

David Stauffer

Mr. Gordon W. Stenger

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Straub

Prof. and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz

John Taubman

Ms. Jana Tompkins

Laurie and Robert Walcott

Ms. Robin Stewart and Mr. Kirk Weber

Lois K Williams

Mark and Sondra Zardus

Charlotte Ziebarth

Deborah Zippel

MEMBER $150 - $399

Anonymous

Ms. Karen Adkins and Mr. Brian Moore

Paul and Susan Ahlquist

Danica Anderson

Alice and Lee Anneberg

Mrs. Donna Antonoff

Dr. Jay April

Patricia and Vincent Badolato

Ms. Helena Bagdasarova

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

Ms. Mariette H. Bell

Matthew Benitez

C. F. Benoit

Mrs. Claire E. Benson

Mr. Mark Berge

Wednesday Music Party

Ms. Fran Berry

Ms. Sandra D. Besseghini

Ms. Dori Biester

David and Shannon Bird

Marie and Howard Blaney

Ms. Donna Boender

Earline Bohling

Libby Bortz

Joe and Gwen Bowers

Alan J. Boyer

Donald K. Braden

Mr. William Bradford

Chris O. Bradley

Thomas H. Brady

Darrell Brown and Suzanne McNitt

Dean Burton

Dr. Francine Butler

Gordon & Ron Butz

Jessica Cabral

Michael Canges and Nina Iwashko

Mr. Gregory A. Carpenter

Ms. Clare R. Cavanaugh

Virginia Chrisco

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cirelli

Linda and Gray Clark

Patty S. Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Close

Ms. Ethel K. Clow

Medschool Coach

Mr. Gerald N. Cohen

Jennifer L. Colgan

Bonita and Michael Collins

Karen Connolly

Mr. Curtis Cook

Dr. David J. Cooper and Evelyn W Cooper

Aubrey Copeland, MD

Ms. Jane Costain and Mr. Gary T. Moore

Vicki Cowart and Chris Hayes

Ms. Corliss Curtis

Matthew Dane

Ms. Joan Daniels Manley Houlton

John Danio

Mrs. Marge Demarino

Steven and Betsy Duff

Heidi and Rob Eadie

Ms. Arline Echandia

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Eckerling

Kammi and Paul Eckhoff

Mr. John W. Ekeberg

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Evans

Ms. Judith H. Fahrenkrog

Ms. Shirley Feldkamp

Ms. Anna Ferrari

Beverly and Bruce Fest

Mr. Scott Finlay

Ms. Kathryn Finley

Mr. Charles E. Fisher

Dr. and Mrs. Larry S. Fisher

Margaret and Frederick Franko

Terry Frazier and Kathy Wells

L. Richard and Sigrid Halvorson Freese

Keith French

Ms. Ingrid Fretheim

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

Dr. Tim Gensler

Jennifer Ruth Gentry

Gloria Sankel Trust

Herman Goellnitz

Kazuo and Drusilla Gotow

Mr. Matthew Grove

Ronald and Elnore Grow

Mr. Timothy Harris

Dr. Jordan Harrison

Bradley Hartman Bakken

Mrs. Deborah A. Havas

Mr. Richard A. Haynes

Lizz Helmsen

Jessy Hennesy

Susan Hessner

Thomas E. Hinrichs

Ms. Ellen M. Hird

Dr. Marilyn J. Hitchens

Sarah C. Hite

Ms. Mary S. Hoadley

Mr. Saul D. Hoffman and Ms. Susan Parker

Cheryl and James Hogan

Ian J. Hoyman

Mr. Jason Huck

Megan Immerfall

Mrs. Philip Isely

Christine and Michael Janeczko

David Jilk

Dr. Laurence Kaptain and Dolores Arce-Kaptain

Edward Karg and Rick Kress

Beverly Karst

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Keatinge

Mr. and Mrs. Jhon M. Kehmeier

David Kelly

Bonnie Kipple

Patrick Klem

Barbara and Kiplund Kolkmeier

Mrs. and Mr. Svetlana Komisarchik

Ms. Barbara Ladon

Dorothy V. Lamm

Tracy and Dan Lampl

Nancy A. Leonard

Mr. Craig Lewis

Judy and Dan Lichtin

Don and Ingrid Lindemann

Alexander Lindsay

Janet G. MacFarlane

Dr. Melissa Malde

Dana F. Maloney

Ms. Cyndi Mancinelli

Mr. and Mrs. James E. Manuel

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Y. Marchand

Amanda A. Marshall

Mr. Gregg E. Marshall

Marian E. Matheson

Mr. and Ms. Robert McAlister

Ms. Ann McCullough

Mr. Stephen D. McGavran

Mrs. Hannelore McKinnon

Jan McNally

Tom and Mary Meade

Dr. Kurt and Dr. Marilyn Metzl

Ms. Sharon K. Miller

Mr. Val and

Ms. Meredith Milshtein

Richard A. Minot

Lillian and Roger Moment

James Moon

Douglas G. Moran and

Laura B. Moran

James Morera

Carolyn Morse

Denny Muirhead

Susan Olenwine

Mr. Raymond Ollett

Bernard Olshausen

Stephanie and Roger Oram

Sheila Pack

Ms. Sonya S. Palmer

Ms. Mary A. Parmelee

Dr. Lynn Parry

Mr. and Mrs. Travis B. Pate

Mr. Max Paulson

Jill D. Pedicord

Kathy McMahon Peeters

Daniel Perez Vazquez

Mary A. Peters

Dennis G. Peterson

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Plowshay

Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Poehlmann

Kate Raabe

Lauren A. Raheb

Dr. James O. Rasmuson

Mr. Nicholas A. Richie

Ms. Jennie Ridgley

Karyn K. Rieb

Michaelyn Rimar

Mr. Michael L. Ritchie

Janet L. Roberts

Mr. Gregory Roebuck

Patricia A. Romero

Ms. Linda F. Rosales

Jon K. Rupp

Karen Sandstead

Sandy and Frank Sargent

Youlon D. Savage

Ms. Kim Savit

Mr. Bryan Penny and Mr. Matt Savoie

Kathleen Sawada

Ms. Erika L. Schafer

Betsy Schwarm and Rick Glesner

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Segan

Mr. Billy Seiber

Ms. Laura Sheldon

Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White

Ms. Marjorie Stanford

Mr. and Mrs. Lyle B. Stewart

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Stinson

Jenene and James Stookesberry

Brent Strausbaugh

Christopher J. Swahn

Jim and Sue Swanson

Linda Tarpeh-Doe

Juanita S. Tate

Roger L. Tate

Ms. Lois Thornton

Janice Tilden

Mr. John B. Trueblood

John Turner

Charles and Deborah Turner

David Van Buskirk

Stephanie and Jaymie Vaughn

Marta and Bernd Wachter

Mr. Michael Walker

Jill Wayne

Michael Weeda

Dr. Adriana Weinberg

Sandra L. White

Mr. Matthew Wolchak

Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf

Constance and Lawrence Wood

Allison and William Woolston

Margaret Worth

The Zevallos Family

Joseph A. Zmugg

GOVERNMENT AND FOUNDATIONS

Anonymous

The Anschutz Foundation

The Bagby Foundation For The Musical Arts

Bardsley Foundation

Thomas and Diane Barrett Foundation

Bliss Family Foundation

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Bucy Family Fund

Caulkins Family Foundation

Merle Chambers Fund

Charlotte and Norman Codo Charitable Trust

Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Gives Foundation

The Crawley Family Foundation

Deane Family Fund

The Denver Foundation

Denver Lyric Opera Guild

Denver Post Community Foundation

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

Fidelity Investments

Charitable Gift Fund

Joseph F. and Edith A. Fogliano Trust

Sidney E. Frank FoundationColorado Fund

Genesee Mountain Foundation

Virginia W. Hill Foundation

Jewish Community Fund Of Greater Kansas City

Kenneth King Foundation

Jess & Rose Kortz and Pearle Rae Levey Foundation

Kunz Family Fund

Jeanne Land Foundation

Landis Family Foundation

Lindmor Fund

MDC Richmond American Foundation

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

The Schramm Foundation

Schwab Charitable

Shamos Family Foundation

Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

Tepper Family Foundation

Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation

Tulsa Community Foundation

US Charitable Gift Trust

Vanguard Charitable

Welch Charitable Fund

The Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation

CORPORATE ALLIANCE

5280 Magazine

Johnson Storage and Moving Kaladi Coffee

Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club

Residence Inn by Marriott –Denver City Center

Tax Time LLC

HONORARIUM/ MEMORIAL

In honor of Ellie Caulkins

Mr. David J. Chavolla

Laurie and Ben Duke III

Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland

In honor of Mary and Tom Conroy

Jenene and James Stookesberry

In honor of The Honorable

Kenneth and Mrs. Barbara Laff

Ms. Patricia Brown

Diana Terry

In honor of Dino Maniatis

Karen M. Sumner

In honor of Marcia Robinson

John and Lisa Robinson

In honor of Laura Scully and Rick Tisinai

Tiffany Baker

Jennifer Berry

Ellen Horn-Lamb

In honor of Isabella Thompson

Jeff Thompson

In honor of Erin Wenzel

Anonymous

T. R. Reid

In honor of Pierce Wilson, Madi Wilson and Melony Mnatsakanyan

Jodie Wilson

In memory of Noël Congdon

Marcia and Dick Robinson

In memory of Kevin Conwick

Phil and Norma Heinschel

In memory of Dirk DeRoos

Mr. Miles Smith

In memory of Dr. Stephen L. Dilts

Chris and Karen Mohr

In memory of Dr. Jacqueline Frischknecht

Mr. Chuck Lawhead and Mr. Ronald Broome

In memory of Dr. Lowell Hansen

Ms. Catherine Wachter

In memory of John David Marsh

Megan Mayle

In memory of Hugh and Peggy McGee

Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle

In memory of Laura Moran

Douglas G. and Laura B. Moran

In memory of Robert Klages Reiber

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Berliner

In memory of Alicia Rodriguez

Paige and Juan Rodriguez

In memory of William A. Richey

Mary E. Moser

In memory of Violet Santangelo

Chris Santangelo

In memory of Marlis Smith

Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White

In memory of Larry Zimmer

Laura M. Huss

Elaine Merkert

Marcia and Dick Robinson

Robert J. Sterrett

Tom Kirkpatrick and Djuana Strauch

CRESCENDO SOCIETY

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

Anthony Berkley & Amanda Gomez

Linda Bjelland

Sheila Bisenius

Ellie Caulkins

Barbara and Roger Chamberlain

Ms. Donna E. Hamilton

Ms. Lynn E. Harrington

Dr. Charles B. Kafadar

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kahn

Deanna Rose Leino

Jeanie & Randal Martines

Lynnette Morrison

Mrs. Lee Roberts

Mary Ann Rose

Mr. Stephen Seifert

Fern B. Seltzer

Merrill Sields and M. Ray Thomasson

James and Jenene Stookesberry

Mr. Robert Van Buskirk

William & Nancy Wehner

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

Gretchen Hollrah, Executive Director

Jen Morris, Deputy Director

Tariana Navas-Nieves, 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

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

Opera Colorado recognizes the following organizations for their generous support:

Official Artist Housing Partner

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 Sara Buhr at 303-468-2027.

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

Carol Krueger, Patron Services Manager artscomplex.com | 720.865.4220 For immediate assistance & security 720.865.4200

Oliver Poveda Zavala, bass-baritone Sponsored by Gayle & Gary Landis

James Eder, bass Sponsored by Ken & Barbara Laff and Laurence & Cynthia Chan

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 development@ operacolorado.org or 303.468.2060.

SCAN THE QR CODE:

Denver City Center

PRESERVE THE MAGIC

NEW DONOR LEVELS

As the cost of producing opera continues to rise, your generous support ensures that Opera Colorado can maintain our dedication to artistic excellence and accessible programming for all. To sustain the exceptional quality of our mainstage productions, and bring you even more unforgettable moments, we are modestly increasing our donation levels. Your generosity strengthens Opera Colorado and unlocks exclusive benefits, including behind-the-scenes experiences and special events, bringing you even closer to the art you love.

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

• Complimentary admission for two to the Artists in Residence Showcase

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 masterclass 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:

QUESTIONS?

• Private concert in your home or other chosen location PHOTO Opera Colorado/Jamie Kraus

OPERA COLORADO STAFF

LEADERSHIP

Greg Carpenter, The Ellie Caulkins

General & Artistic Director

Ari Pelto, Music Director

SENIOR TEAM

Jennifer Colgan, Director of Marketing & Communications

Ben Karasik, Associate Director of Production

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

Kendra Green, Resident Stage Manager

Megan Immerfall, Bookkeeper

Robin Lander, Patron Services & Office Coordinator

Kassandra Mestemaker, Education & Community Engagement Manager

Alison Milan, Costume Director

Laura Norton, Digital Marketing Manager

Jocelyn Watson, 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

2024-24 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Hallie Schmidt, soprano

Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano

Daniel Miller, tenor

Alex Granito, baritone

James Eder, bass

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Richard Koseff, Chair

Chevis F. (Chip) Horne, President

Dr. Laurence K. Chan, Vice President

Judy La Spada, Vice President

Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD, Secretary

Mark Bussey, Treasurer

DIRECTORS

Jeff V. Baldwin

Edward Balkin

Eleanor N. Caulkins, Lifetime Honorary Chair

Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Ex-Officio

Maria Garcia Berry

Richard Garvin

Mark Heiser, Ex-Officio

Don Hindman

Kelly Ann Hodges

Dr. Susan Rae Jensen

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

Linda Weise, Ex-Officio

Daniel G. Welch

Robin Kolsky Yaeger

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Michael Bock

Hugh Grant

Jeremy Kinney

Mary French Moore

Jeremy Shamos

Susan Shamos

Merrill Shields

Martha Tracey

VOLUNTEERS

Wade Adams

Valerie Amburn

Eric Bard

Matthew Bell

Donald Braden

Jeffery Brown

Karen Bruggenthies

Leslie Cady

Ellie Caulkins

Joyzelle Davis

Martin Eisenberg

Howard Evans

Tom Gaffney

Jen GaNun

David Garon

Victoria Gits

Lisa Goda

Jan Heimer

Gwendolyn Jackman

Robert Kahn

Kristin Kelly

Kiplund Kolkmeier

Susan Landers

Melinda Leach

Dino Maniatis

Kathleen McQuaid

Kevin O’Connor

Elena Peschanskaia

Eva Phibbs

Julie Pogachefsky

Shae Rajewich

Donna Ries

Grover Sardeson

Lori Stevens

Kathryn Wallisch

Marianne Weingroff

Matthew Wolchak

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 follow @operacolorado