New Orleans Opera Association - Hansel and Gretel 2022 Program

HANSEL AND GRETEL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Directors & Advisory Board 7

Everyone Belongs Here 9

Mastersigners 10

Opera in the Garden 13

Summary, Chorus, & Orchestra 15

Synopsis 16

Cast and Creative Team 18

Hansel & Gretel Title Page 20

Donors & Development 23

Staff 32

Support Groups 33

Giving Tuesday 34

Wood Vocal Competition 36

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

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New Orleans Opera Association 2504 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-2278 | Fax (504) 529-7668 neworleansopera.org

Executive Editor

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,

We welcome you to celebrate and enjoy an opera that has been a part of the canon for a century and not seen here on the New Orleans Opera stage for almost thirty years: Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel . This wonderful work, with its themes of hope, perseverance, and resilience, tells a story that is both timeless and universal. Although based on a children’s fairy tale, it resonates with audiences of all ages because of its beautiful score, its rich sense of folkloric tradition, and its cunning and resourceful principal characters. This co-production with Opera San Antonio is conceived and directed by E. Loren Meeker (last seen in New Orleans as director of our Turandot in 2018), whose vision captures all the whimsy one would hope for while remaining true to the underlying pathos inherent in this tale. These performances also mark the first appearance of conductor Daniela Candillari with New Orleans Opera. Her other recent debuts at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Deutsche Oper Berlin mark her as a rising star on the podium.

Hansel and Gretel is a work that is both grand in scale with its Wagnerian orchestration, as well as intimate and powerful in its ability to touch and transform audiences. We hope that this performance will move and uplift you as we enter the holiday season.

Clare Burovac, NOOA General and Artistic Director

Dwayne O. Littauer, NOOA Board President

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

Dr. Constance Gistand 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 Mr. Gregory St. Etienne

Ms. Penny Baumer Development Chair

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

Mrs. Harry C. (Claire) Stahel 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

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 Mrs. 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 invitations to exclusive private receptions, access behind the scenes to rehearsals, champagne re ceptions and more. This list reflects cumulative donations received from August 1, 2022 to the time of this program’s publishing.

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

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Straub 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

Anonymous

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

Dr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Dowling

Mary & Doug Albert, Co-Chairs, Mastersigner Program

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

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. & 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.

OPERA in the Garden

The Fall Opera in the Garden was such a great time! Save the date for the Spring Opera in the Garden: April 23, 2023

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Photos by

Dylan Trân

SUMMARY

Hansel and Gretel, the children of a poor broom maker and his wife, are sent into the woods to collect strawberries. After spending the night lost in the woods, the siblings wake to find a gingerbread house, the home of the Witch.

While the children munch on parts of the house, the Witch emerges and captures them with a spell. She puts Hansel in a cage in order to fatten him up and releases Gretel to assist in preparing the oven. Gretel breaks the Witch’s spell and frees Hansel. When the Witch is tricked into showing Gretel how to use the oven, the siblings push her in.

With the Witch cooked, gingerbread children come back to life and thank Hansel and Gretel for saving them. The broom maker and his wife arrive and all are reunited.

CHORUS & ORCHESTRA

CHILDREN'S CHORUS

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Carol Rausch, Chorus Master & Music Administrator

SYNOPSIS

By Andrew Stephens and Amrita Vijayaraghavan

ACT I

Hansel and Gretel, the children of a poor broom maker and his wife, are left at home alone to complete chores. Hansel complains of hunger and Gretel shows him milk that a neighbor dropped off for their dinner. Uninterested in their work, the two siblings instead dance around the cottage.

Their mother returns and is frustrated that they have not completed their tasks. When she accidentally knocks over the milk that was their only supper, she sends the children out to the woods to pick strawberries.

With the children gone, she rests for a moment until her husband returns home, drunk. Although irritated at his condition, she soon changes her tune when he reveals a sack full of food. When the broom maker learns of the children’s foray into the woods, he warns of the Witch who lives there. The two parents set out to find the children.

ACT II

Gretel constructs a crown of flowers while Hansel searches for strawberries. The children play and eat until night falls. Hansel tries finding the way back home but soon realizes that they are lost. From the shadows of the forest comes sounds that rattle the children. At last, the Sandman emerges through the trees. He calms their nerves and coaxes them into sleep by sprinkling sand into their eyes. While the children sleep, a chorus of angels appears and watches over them.

ACT III

In the morning, The Dew Fairy wakes the children and they share their dreams with one another of being protected by angels. Soon, they notice a gingerbread house with a roof of cake, windows of licorice, and walls decorated with cookies. There is also a fence made of gingerbread children. Hansel and Gretel, unable to resist, begin to nibble on the house.

While they are nibbling, the Witch emerges from the house and captures Hansel with a rope. Introducing herself as Angelica Petitfour, she tells the kids that she loves nothing more than to feed children sweets. Hansel and Gretel are suspicious of this woman and begin to run away.

Before they can get far, the Witch takes out her wand and places a spell on the children. Hansel is put into a cage in order to fatten him up with raisins and almonds. While the Witch goes to collect the food, Hansel instructs Gretel to pretend to obey the Witch. Gretel agrees. When the Witch returns, Gretel is made to perform a dance and asked to set the table in preparation for a meal. Hansel, meanwhile, pretends to be asleep. The Witch, thinking she is alone, excitedly describes how she is going to cook and eat Gretel.

While the Witch works to fatten up Hansel, Gretel steals the wand from her pocket and

frees Hansel. When the Witch asks Gretel to open the oven and check on the cooking gingerbread, Gretel feigns ignorance and asks the Witch to show her how it is best done. In frustration, the Witch leans into the oven. In this moment, Hansel and Gretel spring to action, shoving the Witch into the oven. The siblings dance around the kitchen while the oven emits flames and, at last, explodes!

With the Witch dispelled, the gingerbread children have turned back into human children and start to call out to Hansel and Gretel. Asleep and unable to move, they sing out, asking to be touched. Afraid at first, Gretel bravely touches one on the cheek and he wakes up, still unable to move. Hansel and Gretel then touch all of the gingerbread children. Finally, Hansel finds the Witch’s wands and, saying the magic words, is able to set them fully free.

With the children freed, the father is heard from a distance calling for Hansel and Gretel. He and their mother reunite with Hansel and Gretel. The group of children sift through the debris of the exploded oven and find that the Witch has turned to gingerbread. The father gathers everyone around to explain the punishment of evil deeds done and the miracle that has occured, reminding them that, “When our grief's too great to bear, God will lend his love and care.”

E. Loren Meeker, Stage Director

Recently:

• General & Artistic Director, OPERA San Antonio

• OPERA San Antonio, Rigoletto

• Arizona Opera, Così fan tutte

• Austin Opera, Le nozze di Figaro

Upcoming: • OPERA San Antonio, Romeo and Juliet

• Glimmerglass Festival, La bohème elorenmeeker.com

Emily Fons, Hansel

Recently:

• Inland Northwest Opera, Orfeo e Euridice, Orfeo

• Seiji Ozawa Music Academy, Die Fledermaus, Prince Orlofsky

• Seattle Opera, Le nozze di Figaro, Cherubino

• Santa Fe Opera, The Barber of Seville, Rosina

Upcoming:

• Canadian Opera Company, Le nozze di Figaro, Cherubino

• San Diego Opera, House (World Premiere), Mezzo Soprano soloist emilyfons.com

Chauncey Packer, Witch

Recently:

• Lyric Opera of Chicago, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, Spinner

• Chautauqua Opera, Tosca, Cavaradossi

• ETC of Santa Barbara, Carmen Jones, Joe

Upcoming:

• Metropolitan Opera, Falstaff , Bardolfo

• Metropolitan Opera, Champion , Luis Rodrigo Griffith

• NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Porgy and Bess , Sportin’ Life chaunceypacker.com

Daniela Candillari, Conductor

Recently:

• Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lakmé

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Carmen

• Lyric Opera of Chicago, Fire Shut Up in My Bones

Upcoming:

• Orchestre Métropolitain, Montréal, Concert

• NY Philharmonic, Concert with Yo-Yo Ma

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Tosca danielacandillari.com

Meechot Marrero, Gretel

Recently:

• Deutsche Oper Berlin & Royal Opera House Muscat, Hänsel und Gretel, Gretel

• Edinburgh International Festival, Carmina Burana, Soprano Soloist

• Grand Teton Music Festival, West Side Story, Maria Upcoming:

• Deutsche Oper Berlin, Fidelio, Marzelline

• Deutsche Oper Berlin, La bohème, Musetta

• Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teorema (World Premiere), Odetta

Deborah Nansteel, Gertrude

Recently:

• The Metropolitan Opera, Lucia di Lammermoor, Alisa

• Lyric Opera of Chicago, Florencia en el Amazonas, Paula

• Toledo Opera, Il trovatore, Azucena

• San Francisco Opera, Eugene Onegin and Dialogues of the Carmelites

Upcoming: • Orchestra Iowa, Verdi’s Requiem, soloist

• Opera Omaha, Suor Angelica, Mother Abbess deborahnansteel.com

SeungHyeon Baek, Peter

Recently:

• Maryland Lyric Opera, Lucia di Lammermoor, Enrico

• Opera San José, Il trovatore, Conte di Luna

• Canadian Opera Company, Madama Butterfly, Prince Yamadori

• Opera Orlando, Rigoletto, Rigoletto

Upcoming:

• The Metropolitan Opera, Falstaff, Ford Cover

• The Metropolitan Opera, La bohème, Marcello Cover uiatalent.com/artists/seunghyeon-baek

Nicole Heinen, Dew Fairy

Recently:

• Chautauqua Opera, The Mother of Us All, Henrietta M.

• Chautauqua Opera, Thumbprint, Mukhtar Mai (cover)

• Opera Louisiane, Four Recipes/ Bon Appétit, Soprano Soloist

Upcoming:

• Loyola Opera Theatre, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night

• Florentine Opera, Così fan tutte, Despina

• Opera Illinois League, Recital nicoleheinensoprano.com

Steven C. Kemp, Scenic Designer

Recently (as Set Designer):

• Utah Opera, The Flying Dutchman

• Opera San José, Cinderella

• Curtis Institute of Music, The Turn of the Screw Upcoming (as Set Designer):

• The Atlanta Opera, Candide

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Così fan tutte

• Sarasota Opera, Ernani stevenckemp.com

Erik Teague, Costume Designer

Recently (as Costume Designer):

• Glimmerglass Opera, La bohème

• The Kennedy Center, The Mortification of Fovea Munson

• Synetic Theater, The War of the Worlds erikteaguedesign.com

Ashley Milanese, Sandman

Recently:

• The Metropolitan Opera, Hamlet (Dean), Offstage Voice & Judge

• Opera Omaha, Sweeney Todd, Johanna (cover)

• Teatro Regio Torino, Aida, Sacerdotessa

• Teatro Regio Torino, L'elisir d'amore, Giannetta

• Komische Oper Berlin, Die Zauberflöte, Erste Dame

Upcoming:

• OnSite Opera, Il Tabarro , Giorgetta ashleymilanese.com

Felicity Stiverson, Co-Director/ Choreographer

Recently (as Choreographer):

• Wolf Trap Opera Company, Susannah

• Weston Theater Company, Hair

• Everyman Theater, Sense and Sensibility

• Manhattan School of Music, Orpheus in the Underworld

• Weston Theater Company, West Side Story

Upcoming:

• Nashville Symphony, Music City Christmas felicitystiverson.com

Driscoll Otto, Lighting Designer

Recently:

• Atlanta Opera, Barber of Seville, Lighting Designer

• OPERA San Antonio, Pagliacci, Projection Designer

• Dallas Opera/ Santa Fe Opera, The Golden Cockerel, Projection Designer

Upcoming:

• Utah Opera, Daughter of the Regiment, Lighting Designer

• Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Flying Dutchman, Projection Designer

• Manhattan School of Music, The Cunning Little Vixen, Lighting Designer driscollotto.com

& Gretel

HANSEL

CAST

Hansel – Emily Fons

Gretel – Meechot Marrero Witch – Chauncey Packer Gertrude – Deborah Nansteel Peter – SeungHyeon Baek Sandman – Ashley Milanese Dew Fairy – Nicole Heinen

CREATIVE TEAM

Stage Director - E. Loren Meeker Conductor - Daniela Candillari Co-Director/Choreographer – Felicity Stiverson Scenic Designer - Steven C. Kemp Lighting Designer - Driscoll Otto Costume Designer - Erik Teague Wig & Makeup Designer - Danyale Cook Chorus Master - Carol Rausch Production Manager - Sarah McCall Technical Director - Keith Christopher Costume Director - Danielle Domingue Sumi Stage Manager - Brett Finley 1st Asst. Stage Manager - Kiane D. Davis 2nd Asst. Stage Manager - Elise Bourg Assistant Lighting Designer - Brantley McClendon Property Master - Shelley Irene Dall Scenic Painter - Nathan Arthur Wardrobe Lead - Lesly Davi Rehearsal Pianist - Douglas Sumi Supertitles Prompter - Beth Rota

English translation and Supertitles by Cori Ellison

Used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, sole U.S. and Canadian agent for Schott Music Corporation, New York, NY, publisher and copyright owner.

The role of The Witch is generously sponsored by Arthur A. Crais, Jr.

Conductors for New Orleans Opera are generously sponsored by the Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Fund for the New Orleans Opera Association.

Student Night Out Dress Rehearsals are made possible with generous support from The Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund. Additional production support is provided by Peoples Health.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Thank you to our individual donors for the 2022-2023 Opera season. New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and family foundations for their generous support. This list reflects cumulative donations received from August 1, 2022 to the time of this program’s publishing.

To add your name to the roster of supporters, call Director of Development Joanna Sternberg 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 allowable 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

Prof. Luretta Bybee

Mr. Ernest L. O’Bannon

Mrs. Sally Richardson & Ronald J. Scalise Jr.

Mr. John R. Skinner & Ms. Ann R. Duffy

Ms. Mary Ann Sternberg

Ms. Beth Terry

Patrons: $1,000-$2,499

Anonymous (2)

Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adatto Ms. Helen Armer

Mr. Bill Banta

Mr. Dorian M. Bennett

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Patrons - $500- $999

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Barkerding Mr. Howard Bautsch Dr. Martha J. Beveridge Ms. Cherry Bordelon

Mr. & Mrs. J. Scott Chotin Mr. Donald M. Clement Ms. Deborah De La Houssaye & Mr. William Lake Douglas Ms. Deborah Fagan Dr. & Mrs. J.M. Fortino Ms. Jacqueline Gamble Dr. Robert Hammer Ms. Amanda Helm Mr. David Hinton Mrs. Annette Hudson Mrs. Rosemarie Kaskell Mr. Alex Kelber

Mr. John Kelly Mr. Andrew Kingsley

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Patrons - $250-499

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Representative Mandie Landry Mr. Michael Mancuso Ms. Joanne Mantis Ms. Melissa McKenzie Mr. Eric Nye Dr. Erin O'Sullivan Fleming Dr. & Mrs. John Patterson Ms. Kay Radlauer Mr. Felix Rando Ms. Carol Rausch Mrs. Esther Shefsky Ms. Margaret Shields Mrs. Dauphine Sloan 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. Alex Aho

Mr. & Mrs. Allain C. Andry, III Ms. Christel Antonellis Ms. Paula Armbruster Mr. Matthew Baines Mr. Jack Belsom Ms. Ellen Bellone Mrs. David Bergeron Mr. Victor F. Bergeron Ms. Janie Blackmon Mr. C.J. Blanda Mrs. Judith Bonner Ms. Susan Bourgeois Ms. Charlotte Bracey

Bishop & Mrs. James B. Brown Ms. Aubry Bryan Ms. Felicia Burkes Ms. Clare Burovac Ms. Melissa Burovac Mr. Michael Calhoun 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. Joseph Dagostino 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 Ms. Gamille G. Durkin 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. David Gereighty Ms. Elizabeth Gottfried Ms. Janice Grijns Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Grumich

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Mrs. Shirley Henderson

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Mr. Melvin Jones Mrs. Betty Karam Mr. Arthur M. Kastler

Ms. Sonia Kenwood Ms. Vicki King

Mrs. Gina Klein Dr. Thomas F. Kramer

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Stacey Michael

Dr. Jane Cagan Miller & Mr. Bruce Miller Esq.

Mr. Chester Morrison

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Dr. Lynne Neitzschman

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Ms. Sophia Pappas Ms. Mary Penn Ms. Janice Piazza Mr. Gerald Price Ms. Jane Raiford

Mr. A. Ravi P. Rau

Ms. Brenda Reilly Ms. Courtney Sarpy Ms. Diana Ricou-Smith

Ms. Kathleen Robert

Dr. & Mrs. James W. Robinson Ms. Elizabeth Ryan Ms. Kelly Sampson Ms. Courtney Sarpy

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Scharff Ms. Helen L. Schneidau

Mr. Stanley Schwam

Ms. Margaret Shields Mr. Terrence Sims

Mr. B. Todd Sitzman

Mr. Alan Smason

Mrs. Jacqueline Sperier

Mr. Robert Swedberg Ms. Hilda Thomas

Mr. Howard Thompson Ms. Roberta Trufant

Ms. Virginia Tuman Mr. Thomas D. Turbull

Dr. Virginia Vehaskari

Mr. Richard Velkley

Ms. Donna Vitter

Dr. Robert Weilbaecher Ms. Carmelite Wellman

Mr. James Wesner

Elizabeth & Courtney Wilson

Ms. Janet Wilson

*deceased

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

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· Bequests

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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

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 -

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

Acme Oyster House*

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

$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

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar* Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation

Galatoire’s*

Happy Raptor Distilling* High Hat* Iacavone Kitchen* Josephine Estelle*

Martin Wine Cellar* Merck Foundation

New Orleans Museum of Art*

New Orleans Jazz Market*

NOLA Caye*

Pascal’s Manale Restaurant* 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*

GIFTS

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Mrs. Betty Brooks

Mr. David S. Thomas Jr.

Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Christian

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

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

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

Robert Lyall (continued) Philip & Eleanor Straub Beth Terry Janet Wilson Janis van Meerveld

Audrey Fowler J.C. and J.C. Harmon

Ted Martin Mr. Howard Thompson Varla Jean Merman Alex Aho

Ranney & Emel Songu Mize Janet Wilson

Daniel J. Carroll Jr. & Betty Jo Carroll Hussey

Daniel & Lisa Carroll Dr. Carolyn Ruth Rudnick

Ettinger

Ms. Sharon Hayes-Roth 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

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

Courtney Randall, Development Operations & Special Events Coordinator

Monty Ramos, Administrative Assistant

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 Trâ n, Marketing Coordinator

Jenny Chapman, Support Group Liaison

IATSE STAFF

IATSE Local #39

Keith Christopher, President

Alan Arthur, Business Manager

Ashley Boudreaux, Steward

Fay Martin, Head Props

Neil Ingles, Head Electrics

Al Davis, Head Fly

William Borne, 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 SCENIC STUDIO

Keith Christopher, Technical Director

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!

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

Alan & Julie Gandolfi

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

Mark your calendars:

Giving Tuesday is on November 29, 2022!

As we consider the approaching season of light and celebration for so many, please keep New Orleans Opera in mind with all your upcoming gatherings with friends and loved ones.

The Opera is one of the largest employers of artists in New Orleans and we take pride in our history of bringing the very best of opera to the stage. Help us to ensure the coming year will be one of growth, wisdom, and spectacular performances for us all. Your help on this international day of directed generosity is a statement of your commitment to perpetuate this beautiful art form for decades to come.

Scan this code for more information on how to donate to New Orleans Opera.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE DONALD W. WOOD SR. VOCAL COMPETITION

1st Place

Jennifer Zuckerman

Senior at Lakeshore High School (Mandeville, LA) Teacher: Dr. Alissa Rowe

2nd Place Chantel Collins

Senior at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

3rd Place Aubrey Smith

Junior at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

3rd Place: Kallan Butler

Junior at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts Teacher: Phyllis Treigle

See their winning submissions at www.neworleansopera.org/and-the-winners-are

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FALL 2022 WOOD ADVANCEMENT GRANT RECIPIENTS!

1st Place: 2021 – 2022 Competition

Sophia Lucurto Freshman, Loyola University New Orleans

2nd Place, 2021 – 2022 Competition

Brendan Jones Senior, Devillier Educational Center, Opelousas

Honorable Mention, 2019 – 2020 Competition

Kieva Banks Junior, Loyola University New Orleans

Thank you to the participants, as well as teachers and parents, for their support. The New Orleans Opera Association would like to take this time to thank Ms. Debby Wood and the Wood family. Ms. Wood’s passionate advocacy for opera education, imagination, and forethought in creating the Wood competition has touched many lives. The Wood family’s generosity creates opportunities for young singers and enriches the lives of those that hear them. We cannot thank Debby Wood enough for being part of the New Orleans Opera family!

The New Orleans Opera Association and Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition also thank this year’s judges, international opera singers: André Courville (bass-baritone); Irini Kyriakidou Hymel (soprano), and Ronnita Miller (mezzo-soprano).