New Orleans Opera Association - Barber of Seville 2022 Program

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Directors

& Advisory Board 7

Everyone Belongs Here 9

Mastersigners 10

Director's Note 13

Summary, Chorus, & Orchestra 15

Synopsis 16

Cast and Creative Team 18

Barber of Seville Title Page 20

Donors & Development 23

Staff 32

Support Groups 33

NOLA52 34

In Memoriam 36

This program is produced for the New Orleans Opera Association by:

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(504) 828-1380 | myneworleans.com

New Orleans Opera Association

2504 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 529-2278 | Fax (504) 529-7668 neworleansopera.org

Executive Editor

Janet Wilson

Editor

Topher Danial

Art Director

Ali Sullivan

Senior Account Executive

Brooke Genusa

Production Manager

Rosa Balaguer Arostegui

Production Designer

Meghan Rooney

Chief Executive Officer

Todd Matherne

Copyright 2022 New Orleans Opera Association and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

© New Orleans Opera Association

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the opening production of New Orleans Opera’s 2022-2023 season: The Barber of Seville! We are delighted to begin our 80th season with Rossini’s sparkling comedy—a perfect way to kick off a celebratory year. It blends humor with witty conspiracy and intrigue, charm, and intelligence and, whether this is your first time with this opera or your twenty-first, it’s always a joy to experience.

The story of The Barber of Seville is an old one, and it could easily be our story: a comedy for the ages with a brand-new vision. Our production is set in the French Quarter of antebellum New Orleans. Revisiting it through this lens is a reminder that an opera can speak to us in fresh and unexpected ways each time we return to it. All great art reveals itself to us more deeply when viewed with a new perspective, and we expand the impact of this classic by exploring these innovative adaptations.

We're so grateful to all of you for staying with us through these last tumultuous years, and re-committing to New Orleans Opera. Our success depends on you and your support. Thank you for making a donation, for buying a ticket, or for telling your friends and co-workers about your great experience at the opera. We’ve got an exciting season planned, including Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Schnyder’s Charlie Parker’s Yardbird, and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly in addition to Barber of Seville, and we look forward to sharing each of these four great operas with you.

Clare Burovac, NOOA General and Artistic Director

Dwayne O. Littauer, NOOA Board President

The Barber of Seville |

NOOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer President

Ms. Sonya Moore Vice President

Mrs. Mary Chapman Albert

Mr. Ron Austin

Dr. Nicolas Bazan

Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin

Mr. Peter Brigandi

Mr. Joseph Bruno

Ms. Luretta Bybee

Mrs. Serafina Charbonnet

Mr. Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III

Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Dr. Patrick J. Dowling

Mrs. Diane S. Dupin

Mr. Roch Eshleman

Mr. Tim Fields

Mrs. Pauline Hardin Secretary

Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. Treasurer

Mr. Bruce A. Gordon

Ms. Adrea Heebe Mrs. Rania Khodr

Mrs. Elizabeth Mahorner Landis

Mrs. Christine LeBlanc

Mr. Edward F. Martin

Mr. Jonathan C. McCall Dr. R. Ranney Mize

Ms. Ann Owens

Dr. Everett Robert

Prof. Cynthia Samuel

Mr. Leopold Z. Sher

Mrs. Harry C. (Claire) Stahel Mr. Gregory St. Etienne

Ms. Penny Baumer Development Chair

Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr. Immediate Past President

Mr. Philip Straub

Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine

Dr. Rand Voorhies

Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood

Mr. Joseph Young

EX-OFFICIO

Ms. Joanne Mantis

President, Women’s Guild

Ms. Tricia Barrera

Ms. Bianca Spears

Ms. Ava McClain

Co-Chairs, Sylvain Society

NOOA ADVISORY BOARD

Mrs. Virgene Biggers

Mrs. Margie Breeden

Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Glaser Broekman

Ms. Michelle Butler

Dr. Mark Caldwell

Mrs. Eileen Capritto

Mrs. Kathy Christian

Hon. Jacquelyn B. Clarkson

Ms. Joan Coulter

Dr. R.W. Culver

Mr. Georges Daou

Mrs. Thomas S. Davidson

Mrs. Monique R. Gougisha Doucette

Mrs. Betsy Dowling

Mr. Brooke Duncan

Dr. Charles L. Dupin

Ms. Marlene Duronslet

Mr. Elroy W. Eckhardt

Mrs. Melissa Mason Gordon

Ms. Amanda Green

Mr. Douglas Grundmeyer

Mr. Michael Harold

Mr. Timothy Hemphill

Ms. Melissa Hess

Mr. Neuville Hotstream

Hon. Bernette J. Johnson

Ms. Givonna Joseph

Ms. Rose LeBreton

Barber of Seville

Ms. Lisa Leone

Mr. Frank Maselli

Mrs. Gail McKenna

Dr. Jane Cagan Miller

Mrs. Cindi Mistrot

Mrs. Pat Murrell

Mr. Ernest L. O'Bannon

Dr. Andrew Orestano

Prof. Amy Pfrimmer

Ms. Ashley Pradel

Dr. Byron Scott

Dr. Alan E. Sheen

Mrs. Sonda Stacey

Ms. Diana Stieffel

Dr. Peter M. Tufton

EVERYONE BELONGS HERE

EVERYONE BELONGS HERE.

Yes, everyone . In this theater, we are one community coming together to experience this beautiful art form. Say hi to your neighbor. Welcome them. Welcome one another.

COME AS YOU ARE.

The way you present yourself to the world reflects your own identity. You may wish to dress up to come to the New Orleans Opera. You may wish to dress casually. No matter how you dress, you are welcome here.

YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE IS PERSONAL.

You are allowed to laugh, to gasp, to weep, to react. So are your neighbors. This is live theater. The performers share their energy with you, and in turn, you share your energy with them.

Everyone must engage for the performance to succeed.

WORDS CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT.

If you choose to share your opinions (either via social media, with our staff over the phone, or in person at one of our shows) about our policies, productions, cast members or staff, please refrain from using offensive or hurtful language—especially disparaging language that is commonly used to offend marginalized groups. Ask yourself whether what you have to say contributes to someone's well-being or whether it is deliberately destructive.

SHOW KINDNESS.

Show kindness to yourself, to others, and to our staff. New Orleans Opera is a space where creativity, positivity, and joy are all celebrated. Please leave negativity at the door.

MASTERSIGNERS

Mastersigners are opera lovers committed to the financial stability of the New Orleans Opera. As major supporters, these contributors also receive benefits including invita tions to exclusive private receptions, access behind the scenes to rehearsals, champagne receptions and more. This list reflects cumulative donations received from July 1, 2022 to the time of this program’s publishing.

Grand Opera Circle: $100,000-$499,999

The Estate of J. Robert Pope

Première Circle: $50,000- $99,999

Mr. Edward F. Martin

Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize

Mr. John G. Turner & Mr. Jerry G. Fischer

Platinum Circle: $25,000- $49,999

Anonymous

Mr. Henry Bernstein

Maestro Circle: $10,000- $24,999

Drs. Nicolas & Haydee Bazan

Mrs. Betty T. Brooks*

Mr. Arthur A. Crais, Jr.

Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. Jay Gulotta & Susan Talley

Mrs. Meredith Hathorn & Mr. Rawley M. Penick III

Ms. Adrea Heebe

Mr. & Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen

Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer

Mr. Jonathan McCall

Mrs. Louise H. Moffett

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Priddy

Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel

Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine

Drs. Rand & Terry Voorhies

Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin

Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood

Mr. Joseph Young, Jr. & Dr. Aysen Young*

Mastersigners:

$5,000 - $9,999

Ms. Jo-Ann C. Adams

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Albert

Ms. Penny Baumer

Carol B. & Kenneth J. Boudreaux

Mr. Peter R. Brigandi Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Bruno

Mary & Tim Albert, Chairs of the Mastersigner Program

Drs. Nicolas and Haydee Bazan, Co-Chairs, Maestro Circle

Dr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Dowling

Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Dupin

Mr. Roch Eshleman

Joan Hooper & Julian Feibelman Jr.

Mr. Tim Fields

Prof. Robert Force Mrs. Ellen Frohnmayer

Ms. Joanna Giorlando

Melissa & Bruce Gordon Pauline & Allain Hardin

Mr. and Mrs. Hicham Khodr

Mr. & Mrs. James C. Landis

Mr. & Mrs. V. Price LeBlanc, Jr.

Mr. Donald I. Levy

Ms. Sonya Moore

Ms. Ann Owens

Nina & Lawrence Pugh

Mr. & Mrs. Leopold Z. Sher

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV

Mr. & Mrs. Harry C. Stahel

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Straub

Mr. Bernard Van der Linden

Mr. & Mrs. James Willeford

Special Acknowledgement to Mr. Joseph Young Jr. for founding the Mastersigners in 1981.

A MESSAGE FROM NED CANTY

DIRECTOR OF BARBER OF SEVILLE

I spend a lot of my time and energy trying to get folks to try opera for the first time. While I have a decent sized toolbox to achieve that goal, a lot of my arguments boil down to one basic idea–if you really want to know what opera is, you need to experience it first-hand. Otherwise, all you have is some weird mental hybrid of Bond villains, bad commercials, and (if you’re lucky) some Bugs Bunny in drag. Even if all your associations are positive (maybe you only ever saw "Pretty Woman" and clips of Paul Potts, who knows?) you still don’t know what opera actually is. New Orleans was like that for me before I first visited: a Frankenstein’s monster of bad movie tropes and two-dimensional ad campaigns. It wasn’t until my first visit, in 1994, that I understood how shallow my idea had been. This was a special city, unique and different in ways that I couldn’t begin to describe. As a recovering New Yorker, I always loved how the different waves of immigrants had contributed over the centuries to create a special mix of cultures and cuisines in that city, especially in the Queens neighborhood I lived in. But New Orleans was something else entirely, its architectural heritage not bulldozed to make

way for office buildings but standing proudly in all its eclectic glory. Perhaps that is why it seems to make perfect sense as the setting for an Italian opera based on a French play set in Spain. Or on a more basic level, where else but New Orleans do you set an opera in which a visiting minor noble can find enough musicians wandering the streets at 4 AM to serenade a girl he barely knows but is fully in love with?

I could go on with all the enthusiasm of the curious dilettante I admit to being, blind to how many things I may never understand about fine distinctions of class or status in 19th century New Orleans, but word limits protect you from that horror. Instead, I’ll draw one final parallel between the opera and the city. Like New Orleans, I’ve known Figaro and friends for several decades, and I love them beyond reason, even when they misbehave. I love them, and the opera they inhabit, but I will never fully KNOW them, thank God. Any opera or city worth the effort will always have its secrets, and I will always be the one happily peeling away one layer of the onion to find a dozen unexpected, wonderful, and exhilarating surprises waiting beneath.

Barber of Seville

SUMMARY

The dashing Count Almaviva takes on multiple personas in his quest to win the hand of Rosina, a young woman in the care of an elderly man, Bartolo. Bartolo schemes to marry Rosina and collect her dowry when she comes of age.

With the help of his clever associate Figaro, the Count (known to Rosina as “Lindoro”) makes every effort to get close to the young signorina by first disguising himself as a soldier and then as a music tutor. When Bartolo finally uncovers Figaro and the Count Almaviva’s plans, Bartolo denounces the Count and sends for a notary to wed Rosina himself. Convinced of the Count’s duplicity, Rosina agrees to marry Bartolo. An elated Bartolo rushes off to have the Count arrested.

With Bartolo gone, the Count finds his way back to Rosina. She comes to understand that Lindoro is really the Count Almaviva and that Bartolo has been scheming to secure her fortune. The notary arrives and marries the Count and Rosina. When, at last, Bartolo storms in with the police, it is too late. He accepts the marriage and everyone blesses the couple with wishes of love and happiness.

CHORUS & ORCHESTRA

CHORUS

William Alber

Justin Eifert

David Hinton

Richard Hofler

Jacob Huffty

Fionn Hunter-Green

Jake Jenkins

Larry Lydon

Justin Missakian

Bogdan Mynka

Gregor Rankine

Nathaniel Richard

Grayson Stephens

Mark Anthony Thomas

Brandon Wear

Juan Luis Williams

Carol Rausch, Chorus Master & Music Administrator

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

"Ecco, ridente in cielo"

Count Almaviva

"Largo al factotum della citta"

Figaro

"Una voce poco fa"

Rosina

SYNOPSIS

By Andrew Stephens and Amrita Vijayaraghavan

ACT I

IN FRONT OF BARTOLO’S HOME

In antebellum New Orleans (standing in for Seville, Spain, in today’s production) a band of musicians in the French Quarter— including the young Count Almaviva—attempts to serenade Rosina, a young woman in the care of an elderly man, Bartolo. The Count hopes to secure Rosina’s genuine affection for himself (and not for his money) and has disguised himself as a poor student, “Lindoro.” When this serenade attempt fails, the Count pays the musicians to leave and sulks by himself.

As the Count stews, his former servant Figaro approaches (now the titular town barber, and a popular man about town). The Count learns that Bartolo plans to marry Rosina himself, once she is of age. Assured that Rosina’s interest in “Lindoro” has been piqued, the Count offers Figaro a handsome sum to arrange a meeting with Rosina. Figaro directs the Count to gain entrance to Bartolo’s home by pretending to be a drunken soldier ordered to billet for the evening.

BARTOLO’S HOME

Rosina writes to the Count, whom she still knows as Lindoro. As she leaves the room, Bartolo and the music teacher Basilio enter to discuss the Count’s rumored designs on Rosina. The music teacher suggests that Bartolo cultivate rumors about the Count in order to get him out of the way.

After they exit, Rosina returns with Figaro. He entreats her to write a love note to Lindoro, and finds that she’s already one step ahead of him. Bartolo surprises the two, suspicious of their activities, but Rosina manages to deflect him.

The Count, taking up Figaro’s previous suggestion, enters the house pretending to be a drunk soldier in need of housing. Berta, the housekeeper, summons Bartolo for protection. Bartolo claims an official exemption from the requirement to billet soldiers, but the Count pretends to be too drunk to understand. As Bartolo rummages for proof of his exemption, The Count reveals to Rosina that he is Lindoro and passes a love letter to her.

The Count and Bartolo argue loudly as Basilio and Figaro both enter the room. The noise and commotion of this argument draws in the Officer of the Watch and his troops. As the troops move to arrest the Count, he quietly reveals his true noble identity, prompting the Officer of the Watch to back off. This, in turn, mystifies Bartolo and Basilio, to Figaro’s amusement. The commotion sends everyone into wild confusion.

ACT II

ROOM IN BARTOLO’S HOME WITH PIANO

The Count Almaviva tries his luck a second time by masquerading as “Don Alfonso,” a priest and singing instructor sent to relieve an ailing Basilio. To gain trust, he tells Bartolo that Lindoro is a servant of the Count and that he, Don Alfonso, has intercepted a letter meant for Rosina. As the Count pretends to give Rosina her singing lesson, Figaro arrives to give Bartolo a shave. Untrusting of this new instructor, Bartolo has Figaro shave him in the parlor so that he can watch the lesson.

As this is happening, Basilio arrives to give a lesson. Although surprised, Basilio is soon persuaded by the disguised Count (and a bribe from Figaro) to feign illness. With Basilio gone, Bartolo overhears the Count and Rosina discussing plans to elope, aided by Figaro. In anger, he drives the Count and Figaro from his home.

Basilio returns to admit that he has never heard of Don Alfonso, prompting Bartolo to request a notary so that he can marry Rosina right away. As Basilio leaves to fulfill this order, Bartolo uses the Count’s letter to convince Rosina of the Count’s ill intentions. Rosina, believing this tale, reveals the elopement details and in a fury agrees to marry Bartolo, who rushes off to find the Officer of the Watch.

ROOM IN BARTOLO’S HOME LOOKING OUT ONTO THE SQUARE

After a violent thunderstorm moves through, The Count and Figaro climb into Bartolo’s home with a ladder. There they meet an angry Rosina who soon changes her tune when the truth is exposed, and Lindoro is revealed to be Count Almaviva. As the two lovers embrace, Basilio, along with the notary, arrives to end the celebration. Figaro encourages them to flee Bartolo’s home, but they discover that the ladder has been removed, trapping them inside.

While they wait on Bartolo’s arrival, Figaro persuades the notary to marry Rosina and Count Almaviva. The Count bribes Basilio into acting as a witness. When, at last, Bartolo storms in with the troops, it is too late. He accepts the marriage and everyone blesses the couple with wishes of love and happiness.

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

"Contro un cor"

Rosina

"Don Basilio! – Cosa veggo!"

Quintet

"Amor e fede eterna, si vegga in noi regnar!"

Full ensemble

of Seville

CAST

CREATIVE TEAM

Ned Canty, Stage Director

Recently:

• Seattle Opera, The Falling and the Rising

• Chautauqua Opera, Don Giovanni

• Opera Memphis, Così fan tutte

Upcoming:

• Intermountain Opera Bozeman, The Falling and the Rising

• Opera Memphis, Tosca

• Opera Memphis, Pretty Little Room operabase.com/artists/ned-canty-25679

Raven McMillon, Rosina

Recently:

• Houston Grand Opera, The Snowy Day, Peter

• Houston Grand Opera, Carmen, Frasquita

• Opera Steamboat, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Rosina

• Cincinnati Opera, Castor and Patience, Ruthie

Upcoming:

• Opera Philadelphia, Rigoletto, Gilda

• Cincinnati Opera, La bohème, Musetta ravenmcmillon.com

John Moore, Figaro

Recently:

• Seattle Opera, La bohème, Marcello

• Austin Opera, Lyric Opera Kansas City & Atlanta Opera, The [R] evolution of Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs

• New Zealand Opera, Le nozze di Figaro, Count Almaviva

Upcoming:

• Des Moines Metro Opera, A Thousand Acres (World Premiere), Jess singmoore.com

Emily Senturia, Conductor

Recently:

• Houston Grand Opera, Il barbiere di Siviglia

• Hawaii Opera Theatre, La traviata

• Wolf Trap Opera, Ariadne auf Naxos

• Opera Saratoga, Sky on Swings

Upcoming:

• Florida Grand Opera, Fellow Travelers

• Minnesota Opera, Rinaldo emilysenturia.com

Matthew Swensen, Count Almaviva

Recently:

• Teatro del Maggio Musicale, Così fan tutte, Ferrando (Role Debut)

• Staatstheater Wiesbaden, Die Zauberflöte, Tamino

• Mozart FeierKantata for Tenor and Bass, Perugia, Italy

Upcoming:

• Köln Rundfunk Orchestra, Mendelssohn Lobgesang, Tenor

• Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, The Rake’s Progress, Tom Rakewell (Role Debut)

• Gewandhaus Leipzig Weber, Die Drei Pintos, Don Gomes (Role Debut) matthewswensen.com

Ashraf Sewailam, Doctor Bartolo

Recently:

• The Metropolitan Opera, The Magic Flute, First Priest

• Washington Concert Opera, Maometto Secondo, Maometto

• Seattle Opera, La bohème, Colline

Upcoming:

• Tulsa Opera, L’italiana in Algeri, Mustafa

• On Site Opera at Carnegie Hall, Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Der Tod

• Seattle Opera, A Thousand Splendid Suns (world premiere), Hakim/Driver uiatalent.com/artists/ashraf-sewailam

Adam Lau, Don Basilio

Recently:

• Metropolitan Opera, The Magic Flute , Second Armoured Man

• Seattle Opera, Tosca , Angelotti

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Magic Flute , Sarastro

• The Atlanta Opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs , Kōbun Chino Otogawa

• The Dallas Opera, The Barber of Seville , Don Basilio adampaullau.com

Steven C. Kemp, Scenic Designer

Recently (as Set Designer):

• Chicago Opera Theater, Becoming Santa Claus

• Sarasota Opera, The Daughter of the Regiment

• Opera San Jose, The Marriage of Figaro Upcoming (as Set Designer):

• The Atlanta Opera, Candide

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Cosi Fan Tutti

• Utah Opera, Rigoletto stevenckemp.com

Danielle Domingue Sumi, Costume Designer & Director

Recently:

• Los Angeles Master Chorale, Lagrime Di San Pietro

• Nobles Theatre Collective, Chemical Imbalance

• New Orleans Opera, The Barber of Seville

Upcoming:

• Los Angeles Master Chorale, Music To Accompany A Departure

• New Orleans Opera, Charlie Parker’s Yardbird

• Umbrella Stage Company, The Color Purple danielledominguesumi.com

Kendra Faith Beasley, Berta

Recently:

• CCM Opera, The Marriage of Figaro , Marcellina

• Cincinnati Opera Opera Fusion: New Works, Bulrusher , Vera

• Louisville Symphony, The Ordering of Moses, Alto Soloist

• Various Roles in Robeson/ Moscow with Cincinnati Opera Opera Fusion : New Works

• Glimmerglass, Jungle Book , Raksha

• Glimmerglass, Carmen , Ensemble instagram.com/kfmezzo

Don Darnutzer, Lighting Designer

Recently:

• Florida Grand Opera, A Streetcar

Named Desire , Projection and Lighting Designer

• South Coast Repertory Theatre, What I Learned in Paris , Lighting Designer

• New Orleans Opera, La bohème, Lighting Designer

Upcoming:

• Penumbra Theatre, What I Learned in Paris , Lighting Designer linkedin.com/in/don-darnutzer-21a30673/

Danyale Cook, Wig & Makeup Designer

Recently:

• Opera Idaho, Dead Man Walking , Hair and makeup designer

• Opera Idaho, Carmen , Hair and makeup designer

• New Orleans Opera, La bohème, Hair and makeup designer

Upcoming:

• Opera Idaho, Barber of Seville , Macbeth, Rusalka

• New Orleans Opera, Hansel and Gretel , Madame Butterfly instagram.com/danyalecook

The Barber of Seville |

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

COMPOSER

Gioachino Rossini

LIBRETTIST

Cesare Sterbini, based on a play by Pierre Beaumarchais

DIRECTOR

Ned Canty

CONDUCTOR

Emily Senturia, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair

With The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

CAST

Rosina – Raven McMillon

Count Almaviva – Matthew Swensen

Figaro – John Moore

Doctor Bartolo – Ashraf Sewailam

Don Basilio – Adam Lau

Berta – Kendra Faith Beasley

Fiorello – Guy Tem

Ambrogio – Edward Spots

An Officer – Bogdan Theo Mynka

The appearances of principal singers Raven McMillon, Matthew Swensen and John Moore are generously underwritten by an Anonymous donor.

Additional production support is generously provided by: The Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation and the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF)

CREATIVE TEAM

Scenic Designer – Steven C. Kemp

Costume Designer & Director – Danielle Domingue Sumi

Lighting Designer – Don Darnutzer

Wig & Makeup Designer – Danyale Cook Chorus Master / Music Administrator – Carol Rausch

Production Manager – Sarah McCall

Technical Director – Keith Christopher

Stage Manager – Brett Finley

1st Asst. Stage Manager - Nan Luchini

2nd Asst. Stage Manager – Elise Bourg

2nd Asst. Stage Manager – Kate Bartels

2nd Asst. Stage Manager – Kiane D. Davi

Assistant Lighting Designer – Brantley McClendon Props Coordinator – Shelley Irene Dall

Scenic Painter – Nathan Arthur Wardrobe Lead – Lesly Davi

Rehearsal Pianist & Harpsichordist – William Woodard Supertitles Prompter – Beth Rota Supertitle Creator – Ned Canty

SUPERNUMERARIES

Liz Reyna – Second Line Coordinator

Nicole Bittner

Lara Lignitz

Susan Barrett Smith

Additional costumes provided by Sarasota Opera Association, Inc. Sung in Italian with projected English captions

Running Time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes (one intermission)

Special thanks to Dr. Marcus St. Julien and Loyola University New Orleans for allowing the beautiful French Double harpsichord to be used for this weekend’s performances!

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Thank you to our individual donors for the 2022-2023 Opera season.

New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and fam ily foundations for their generous support. This list reflects cumulative donations received from July 1, 2022 to the time of this program’s publishing.

To add your name to the roster of supporters, call Director of Development Joanna Stern berg at (504) 267-9526, visit neworleansopera.org, or send your check to New Orleans Opera Association, P.O. Box 52108; New Orleans, LA 70152; Attn: Development Office. Many companies will match employee and retiree gifts – ask your employer for a matching form to submit with your check. Contributions to the New Orleans Opera Association are tax-deductible as allow able by law (tax ID number 72-0272897). We are grateful for each contribution and we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these listings as of the printing/publishing deadlines. To make a correction to your listing for future printings or, if you believe you have been omitted from the donor list, please call (504) 267-9526.

Opera Club: $2,500 - $4,999

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Anonymous (2)

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The Barber of Seville |

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Ms. Julie Pfeffer

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Patrons - $250-499

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Ms. Margaret Shields

Mrs. Dauphine Sloan

Ms. Bianca Spears

Dr. & Mrs. Olivier Thelin

Mrs. Katherine Vaughan Mrs. Elizabeth S. Viener

Mr. Robert Waldron

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Wedig

Mr. Arthur Wisdom Mr. Adam Zuckerman

Patrons - $100-249

Mr. Raymond Aceto

Mr. & Mrs. Allain C. Andry, III

Ms. Christel Antonellis

Mr. & Mrs. John Ariail Ms. Paula Armbruster

Mr. Matthew Baines

Mr. Jack Belsom

Mr. Dorian M. Bennett

Mrs. David Bergeron

Ms. Janie Blackmon

Mr. C.J. Blanda

Mrs. Judith Bonner

Ms. Charlotte Bracey Mrs. Xiomara Brewster

Bishop & Mrs. James B. Brown

Ms. Aubry Bryan Ms. Felicia Burkes

Ms. Clare Burovac

Ms. Melissa Burovac

Ms. Susan Canavello

Mr. Dan Carroll

Ms. Sarah Carter

Mr. Leslie Castay

Mrs. Dianne L. Caverly

Mrs. Julie Condy

Ms. Constance Cowart

Mr. Anthony Currera

Ms. Anna Curtis

Mr. Chris Daigle

Mrs. Thomas Davidson

Mr. Matthew Davis

Ms. Ina Davis

Ms. Laura Donnaway

Ms. Judith Doughty Ms. Charla Duhe

Mrs. Patricia Dunbar Murrell

Mr. Ronald Durnford

Mr. & Mrs. Elroy Eckhardt

Mr. & Mrs. Edward D. Edmiston

Ms. Airey Ellis

Mr. Horace English

Ms. Deborah Fallis

Mrs. D. Blair Favrot

Mrs. Diane Fee

Ms. Jody Fhal

Drs. Annette & Julio Figueroa

Mr. John Ford

Mr. Alan Gandolfi

Mr. David Gereighty

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Giaimo

Ms. Elizabeth Gottfried

Ms. Janice Grijns

Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Grumich

Mr. & Mrs. William Haase

Mrs. Carol Hall

Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Harmon

Ms. Amanda Hembree

Mrs. Shirley Henderson

Mr. David Hinton

Ms. Joan Hoffmann

Mr. Melvin Jones

Ms. Givonna Joseph

Mrs. Betty Karam

Mr. Arthur M. Kastler

Ms. Sonia Kenwood

Ms. Vicki King

Mrs. Gina Klein

Dr. Thomas F. Kramer

Dr. Edward Levy

Ms. Elizabeth Liu

Mrs. Helen Malachias

Mrs. Ellen McGlinchey

Mrs. Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe

Dr. Jane Cagan Miller &

Mr. Bruce Miller Esq.

Mr. Chester Morrison

Ms. Rebecca Moseley

Mr. M. Christian Mounger

Dr. Lynne Neitzschman

Dr. James Oakes

Ms. Kay Oplinger

Ms. Sophia Pappas

Ms. Mary Penn

Ms. Janice Piazza

Gerald & Patricia Price

Ms. Jane Raiford

Mr. A. Ravi P. Rau

Ms. Diana Ricou-Smith

Ms. Catherine Robbins

Ms. Kathleen Robert

Ms. Elizabeth Ryan

Ms. Kelly Sampson

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Scharff

Ms. Helen L. Schneidau

Mr. Stanley Schwam

Mr. Terrence Sims

Mr. B. Todd Sitzman

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Mr. Alan Smason

Mrs. Jacqueline Sperier

Mr. Gregory St. Etienne

Joanna Sternberg

Ms. Hilda Thomas

Mr. Howard Thompson

Ms. Roberta Trufant

Ms. Virginia Tuman

Dr. Virginia Vehaskari

Mr. Richard Velkley

Ms. Donna Vitter

Dr. Robert Weilbaecher

Ms. Carmelite Wellman

Mr. James Wesner

Ms. Elizabeth Wilson

Ms. Janet Wilson

*deceased

Barber of Seville

PLANNED GIVING WITH NEW ORLEANS OPERA

Help build the future of opera in New Orleans through your planned gift. When you include the New Orleans Opera Association in your estate plans, you play a significant role in the continued success of top quality opera and opera education for genera tions to come. We are happy to assist you in identifying gift options that suit your financial and philanthropic goals – from a simple bequest in your will to a charitable trust or endowed fund. Planned giving makes great art possible and helps sustain the activities of the Opera As sociation now and into the future. We thank the current Legacy Society members and invite you to join their ranks by notifying the Development Office that you have provided for the Opera Association in your estate plans. You can also request more information about the many kinds of gift options and underwriting opportunities you may choose to support.

Planned giving instruments can include:

· Outright charitable gifts

· Gifts of appreciated property

· Bequests

· Revocable trusts

· Life insurance

· Retirement benefits

· Charitable remainder trusts

JOIN US! Please consider joining the Legacy Society to help ensure the continued tradition of producing grand opera in America’s first city of opera.

Legacy Society Members

as of September 2022

Anonymous (2)

Drs. Stephen J. & Miriam R. Bensman

Dr. Patricia Cook

Dr. Maria J. Falco

Mr. Emmet Geary Jr.

Ms. Jacqueline Mae Goldberg

Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer

Robert Lyall Louise* & Ted Martin

Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize

Dr. Andrew Orestano

Meredith Hathorn Penick Xenia Krinitzky Roff

Alma A. Slatten

Philip & Eleanor Straub

Mrs. Norton L. Wisdom (Susan) Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood

Major Planned Gifts 2008-2022

Bequests & Endowed Funds

Garic K. Barranger

The Estate of Abby Ray Catledge, in memory of her father Bryne Lucas Ray Rose Annette Chisesi

Norma Jean Gross Lois and H. Lloyd Hawkins Jr.

Albert and Rea Hendler

Gerald Kendal

Victor Leglise

The Estate of Guillermo Náñez-Falcón

Mary Nell Porter Nolan

The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund

The Estate of James Robert Pope

Rachel Sainton

William H. Sholes

Lynette Askin Stillwell

James G. Viavant

Jerry Walker Zachary

For more information, or to add your name to this list, contact Director of Development Joanna Sternberg at (504) 267-9526. All inquiries are confidential

Seville

THANK YOU!

INSTITUTIONAL UNDERWRITERS

THANK YOU!

New Orleans Opera Association thanks our business, foundation and government partners for their recent support!

New Orleans Opera works with each business and community partner to create a sponsor ship package that suits your company’s particular needs. Whether you seek opportunities to entertain your clients, corporate visibility at performances, marketing partnerships, or all of the above, New Orleans Opera can assist you. Your sponsorship supports the Opera while provid ing exclusive benefits and visibility for your company.

GOLD CIRCLE - $100,000+

Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Foundation

Louisiana Economic Development

New Orleans Opera Endowment Fund

SILVER CIRCLE - $50,000+

Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Grand Opera Foundation

The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund

The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series

Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Family Fund

BRONZE CIRCLE - $25,000+

City of New Orleans/Arts New Orleans New Orleans Theatre Association

The Selley Foundation Fund

INTERMEZZO CIRCLE - $10,000+

Entergy Charitable Foundation

Erik F. Johnsen Family Foundation

Greater New Orleans Foundation

V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Fund

Lexus of New Orleans

Louisiana State Arts Council/ Louisiana Division of the Arts McCall Fund

Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation

New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fun (NOTCF)

Priddy Family Foundation

Wisdom-Benjamin Foundation

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE - $5,000+

An Anonymous Foundation in support of Opera on Tap-New Orleans

Carol B. and Kenneth J. Boudreaux Foundation

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

National Endowment for the Arts National Endowment for the Humanities

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation

The Doris and Peter Hansen Technical Assistance Fund

Wm. B. Reily & Company, Inc.Luzianne Tea and French Market Coffee

WWOZ

AMBASSADOR CIRCLE - $1,000+

The Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation

Hancock Whitney Bank

Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund

Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation

Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid Specialists

Peoples Health Renaissance Publishing

The Ella West Freeman Foundation

Van der Linden Family Foundation WWNO

We gratefully acknowledge matching and in-kind(*) gifts from the following institutions:

Acme Oyster House*

Addis NOLA*

Ancora Pizzeria & Salumeria* Annunciation Restaurant* Antoine’s*

Applied Materials Foundation

Bistro Daisy* Booth Bricker Fund Brennan’s * Byblos*

Capulet* Café Degas* Café Porche* Chemin a la Mer* Compere Lapin*

Central City BBQ* Criollo*

Dooky Chase Restaurant* Encore* ExxonMobil Foundation Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar* Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation Galatoire’s*

High Hat*

Iacavone Kitchen*

Josephine Estelle*

Martin Wine Cellar* Merck Foundation

New Orleans Museum of Art* New Orleans Jazz Market*

NOLA Caye*

Pascale’s Manale Restaurant*

Peoples Health Restaurant R’evolution*

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Stephanie Varns, CPA*

The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel* Windsor Court Hotel* Ye Olde College Inn*

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Mrs. Betty Brooks

Mr. David S. Thomas Jr.

Mr. Emmet Geary Jr.

Mr. A.J. Capritto

Dr. Aysen Young

Mr. Emmet Geary Jr.

Robert Burovac

Dwayne Littauer

Robert Leake

John K. Roberts, Jr. Airey Ellis

Susan Dawson Katherine Vaughan Anne Heard Alma Dunlap Patrick Breeden Margie Breeden

Patricia Price

Gerald Price

Enoch J. Donaldson

Janice Grijns

Mercedes Vulliet Bonner

Judith & Thomas Bonner

Dale Biggers

Elizabeth & Courtney Wilson

Jules Bellone

Ellen Bellone

Yvonne Coe

Mrs. Charles Kunz

Guillermo Nanez-Falcon Margaret Shields

Carolyn Clawson Prickett

Mr. Edward F. Martin

Deirdre P. Long

Dr. William Long

Daniel J. Carroll Jr. & Betty Jo Carroll Hussey Daniel & Lisa Carroll Phil Frohnmayer Ellen Frohnmayer

Susan Caven Wisdom

Mr. Norton Wisdom

Jerry Hudson

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Straub John & Julia Newsham

Ms. Sally N. Inglis Diane Bennett Hammer MD

Dr. Robert Hammer

Mrs. Betty Brooks

Mr. David S. Thomas Jr. Mrs. Betty Brooks

Mr. A.J. Capritto

Dr. Aysen Young

Mr. Emmet Geary Jr.

IN HONOR OF:

Monty Ramos

Jennifer Rigterink Andrew Kingsley

Liam Griffin Christina Mohammed Robert Lyall

Ray and Rebecca Aceto Mary and Doug Albert Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Dorian Bennett Anthony Bentley Betty Brooks Leslie Castay

Dr. Bernard Jaffe Jonathan McCall Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize Philip & Eleanor Straub Beth Terry

Janet Wilson Janis van Meerveld

Audrey Fowler

J.C. and J.C. Harmon

Ted Martin

Mr. Howard Thompson Ranney & Emel Songu Mize Janet Wilson

Jim & Elizabeth Landis William Lake Douglas & Debbie de la Houssaye

Sonda Stacey Ms. Elizabeth Liu

Clare Burovac Ms. Melissa Burovac Mr. Norman Krasne

Joanna Sternberg

Mary Ann Sternberg Jon & Sue Scharff

New Orleans Louisiana Saints and New Orleans Pelicans Jay Gulotta & Susan Talley

NOOA

Staff

Clare Burovac, General & Artistic Director

Gina Klein, Director of Operations

Artistic & Production

Keith Christopher, Technical Director

Sarah McCall, Director of Production

Carol Rausch, Chorus Master / Music Administrator

Development

Joanna Sternberg, Director of Development

Megan Franich, Major Gifts Officer

Courtney Randall, Development Operations & Special Events Coordinator

Community Partnerships & Education

Tara Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships & Education

Marketing, Communications & Audience Experience

Janet Wilson, Director of External Affairs

Devin Johnson, Patron Services Manager

Dylan Trân, Marketing Coordinator

Jenny Chapman, Support Group Liaison

IATSE STAFF

IATSE Local #39

Keith Christopher, President

Alan Arthur, Business Manager

Brantley McClendon, Assistant Lighting Designer

Fay Martin, Head Props

Neil Ingles, Head Electrics

Alan Arthur, Head Carpenter

Michael Delacerda, Head Sound

IATSE Local #840

Theatrical Wardrobe Union

Shannon Muhleisen, President

Lesly Davi, Secretary/Treasurer

Bonnie Haase, Business Agent

Lesly Davi, Wardrobe Lead

Stephanie Kuhn, Sewing Lead

H. LLOYD HAWKINS

NOOA SUPPORT GROUPS

The Women’s Guild has been in existence since 1947, serving the mission of “Keeping Opera Alive” in New Orleans. The membership of the Women’s Guild is comprised of women who are dedicated to fostering and promoting the cultural aspects of opera, creating fun and exciting fundraising events, as well as educational efforts, in cooperation with the New Orleans Opera Association.

Save these Women’s Guild Event dates!

A Haunting Affair

October 29, 2022, 7:30 to 10:30 PM

Hansel and Gretel Opera Orientation

November 6, 2022, 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Victorian Holiday Tea

December 11, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Murder Mystery at the Guild Mansion January 13, 2023, 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Opera Orientation January 14, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Madame Butterfly Opera Orientation March 12, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Sylvain Society is the New Orleans Opera’s Young Professionals affiliate group. Established in 2017, their purpose is to connect the operatic arts to the Greater New Orleans community through events such as their annual Big Wig Ball fundraiser.

FOUNDING SUSTAINERS

Thank you and welcome to our Founding Opera Sustainers who have committed to making a monthly donation to New Orleans Opera. Please visit our website if you would like to join this special group or would like more information about its levels and benefits!

Mr. Alex Aho

Ms. Margie Breeden

Mrs. Xiomara Brewster

Ms. Clare Burovac

Ms. Melissa Burovac

George & Lee Anne Carter

Mr. Tony Currera

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Edmiston

Ms. Diane Fee

Dr. Mary Frances Gardner

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Giaimo

Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Grumich

Ms. Amanda Hembree

Ms. Gina Klein

Mr. Norman Krasne

Mr. Robert Lyall

Ms. Rebecca Moseley

Ms. Mary Penn

Ms. Hallie Sheck

Mr. Terrence Sims

Mr. Alan Smason

Ms. Bianca Spears

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV

Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Stieffel

Mr. Justin von Andersson

Ms. Janet Wilson

Win Dinner For Two … Every Week for a Year!

New Orleans Opera has teamed up with 52 of the best restaurants in the greater metro area to create a one-of-a-kind raffle: an opportunity to win Dinner for Two for a year!

Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The winner will be announced Sunday, November 20 at the 2:30 matinee of New Orleans Opera’s production of Hansel and Gretel at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. If your name is drawn, you’ll win all 52 gift certificates!

Tickets on sale today through November 20th (or until sold out!)

$100 for One Chance or $500 for Six Chances.

Buy Your Raffle Ticket ( s ) at www.neworleansopera.org/nola-52

IN MEMORIAM

New Orleans Opera Association has lost two great friends in recent months. Please join us in keeping their loved ones close in your hearts.

Betty Turley Brooks

1929-2022

Betty was born in Lubbock, Texas, but made her home in New Orleans after her marriage to Aubrey James Brooks, Jr. (Jim) in 1954. Betty was a passionate devotee of the opera and was one of the founding members of The New Orleans Opera Women’s Guild, where she met some of her closest and lifelong friends. Her generous support of both the Opera Association and the Women’s Guild enabled both organizations to flourish, and her cultured eye and sophisticated aesthetic became the benchmark for design choices at the Opera Guild Home, particularly when decorating for Christmas, which she adored. Betty’s legacy as a friend and supporter of the arts in New Orleans will never be forgotten.

Dr. Aysen Kutalp Young

1932-2022

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Aysen was a world traveler who was fluent in five languages, living all over the world in the first half of her life. Aysen eventually moved to New Orleans to study at Tulane, and she became the first woman to receive a PhD in Political Science from the university. It was there that she met Joseph Young, her husband of 56 years, with whom she supported New Orleans’ arts and cultural organizations for decades. In addition to her professional and philanthropic work, she was also a prolific visual artist and designer, leading the construction of the family’s St. Charles Avenue home and creating over 80 original paintings. Aysen’s dedication to the Opera and her friendships with so many in our family will leave an incredible and lasting void.

NEW ORLEANS OPERA

November 18 & 20, 2022

January 20, 21 &

March 24 & 26,