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SILENT NIGHT
CARMENOctober 15-23, 2016
November 12-20, 2016
THE 2016 FALL OPERA SEASON IS MADE POSSIBLE BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
BRAVOFall 2016
CELEBRATING THEDiCHIERA LEGACY16 | 17 SEASON
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Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 3
ContentsON STAGECarmen ................................................................................................................ 6FEATURE STORY: Finding the Real Carmen ........................................... 8
Silent Night .......................................................................................................10FEATURE STORY: Straight from the Front ............................................12
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE
Boards of Directors and Trustees............................................................... 4
Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus ..........................................15
Artist Profiles ...................................................................................................20
Education and Community Programs ....................................................24
Administration and Staff .............................................................................25
Michigan Opera Theatre Contributors ...................................................27
General Information .....................................................................................30
Fall 2016
The Official Magazine of Michigan Opera Theatre
Laura Nealssohn, EditorKathleen Bennett, Contributing Editor
ContributorsJohn GrigaitisAustin Stewart
PublisherEcho Publications, Inc.Royal Oak, Michiganwww.echopublications.comTom Putters, President
Physicians’ services provided by Henry Ford Medical Center.
Pepsi-Cola is the official soft drink and juice provider of the Detroit Opera House.
Cadillac Coffee is the official coffee of the Detroit Opera House.
Sanders Fine Chocolates is the official chocolatier of the Detroit Opera House.
Steinway is the official piano of the Detroit Opera House and Michigan Opera Theatre. Steinway pianos are provided by Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit, exclusive representative for Steinway and Sons in Michigan.
President Tuxedo is the official provider of formalwear for the Detroit Opera House.
Comet Interactive is the official media production company of the Detroit Opera House.
Michigan Opera Theatre is a nonprofit cultural organization, whose activities are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other individuals, corporations, and foundations. Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
bRAvO
† Deceased4 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2017July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016-2017July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017
R. Jamison Williams Chairman
Wayne S. Brown President and CEO
Enrico Digirolamo Chair, Finance
Committee
Cameron B. Duncan Treasurer
C. Thomas Toppin Secretary
Margaret AlleseePernilla AmmannJoseph AngileriLee BarthelRichard A. BrodieElizabeth BrooksRobert BrownJames CiroliJoanne DantoJulia Donovan DarlowEthan DavidsonDavid DiChieraShauna Ryder DiggsSonal Dubey
Michael EinheuserMarianne EndicottPaul E. EwingJennifer FischerBarbara FrankelHerman FrankelDean FriedmanRichard G. GoetzJohn P. HaleDavid HandlemanDanialle KarmanosBarbara KratchmanThomas M. KrikorianHarry Lomason II
Alphonse S. LucarelliDonald ManvelAli MoiinNora MorounStephen MunkCharlotte PodowskiPaul RaghebRuth RattnerRoy S. RobertsBernard RubinAnkur RungtaElham ShayotaTerry SheaMatthew Simoncini
Richard SonenklarLorna ThomasJesse Venegas
DIRECTORS EMERITUSDale AustinShelly CooperMarjorie M. FisherJennifer Nasser Audrey RoseWilliam SandyRichard Webb
Kenn and Liz AllenRobert and Margaret
AlleseeSarah AllisonDaniel and Pernilla
AmmannLourdes V. AndayaJoseph Angileri and Julie
Douse-AngileriHarold Mitchell ArringtonJonathan and Paula AutryBeverly AvadenkaLee and Floy BarthelMark and Caprice BaunGinny BerberianMandell and Madge
BermanDebra Bernstein-SiegelJoseph and Barbra BlochJohn and Marlene BollGene P. BowenRichard and Gwen BowlbyBetty J. BrightRichard and Joanne BrodieWilliam and Elizabeth
BrooksRobert and Geraldine
BrownWayne S. Brown and
Brenda KeeThomas and Vicki CelaniMichael and Mary ChircoJames and Elizabeth CiroliFrederick and Gloria ClarkAvern and Lois CohnThomas CohnWilliam and Kelly ConnellPeter and Shelly CooperJoanne Danto and Arnold
WeingardenHelen DaoudJulia D. Darlow and John C.
O’MearaJerry and Maureen
D’AvanzoLawrence and Dodie DavidEthan and Gretchen
DavidsonKevin Dennis and Jeremy
ZeltzerDavid DiChiera
Karen VanderKloot DiChiera
Douglas Diggs and Shauna Ryder Diggs
Enrico and Kathleen Digirolamo
John and Debbie DingellMary Jane DoerrDilip and Sonal DubeyCameron B. DuncanMichael EinheuserKenneth and Frances
EisenbergMarianne EndicottAlex ErdeljanFern R. Espino and Thomas
ShortPaul and Mary Sue EwingMargo Cohen Feinberg and
Robert FeinbergOscar and Dede FeldmanDavid and Jennifer FischerMarjorie M. FisherCarl and Mary Anne
FontanaElaine FontanaBarbara Frankel and Ron
MichalakHerman and Sharon
FrankelDean and Aviva FriedmanBarbara GaravagliaYousif and Mara GhafariRichard and Aurora GoetzArnold and Carolyn
GordonReva GraceSamuel and Toby
HabermanAlice Berberian HaidostianJohn and Kristan HaleDavid and Rose
HandlemanEugene and Donna
HartwigDoreen HermelinDerek and Karen HodgsonAlan and Eleanor IsraelUna JackmanDon Jensen and Leo
Dovelle
Kent and Amy JidovGary and Gwenn JohnsonEllen KahnPeter and Danialle
KarmanosPatrick J. Kerzic and
Stephanie Germack Kerzic
Michael and Barbara Kratchman
Thomas and Deborah Krikorian
Melvin A. LesterLinda Dresner Levy and
Edward LevyKim and Mado LieArthur and Nancy LieblerHarry and Mary Alice
Lomason IIJames and Marion LoPreteAlphonse S. LucarelliDenise LutzDonald ManvelFlorine MarkRonald and Zvezdana
MartellaJack Martin and Bettye
Arrington-MartinFlorence McBrienBenjamin Meeker and
Meredith KorneffelEugene and Lois MillerPhillip D. MinchMonica MoffatAli Moiin and William
KupskyManuel and Nora MorounStephen and Barbara MunkE. Michael and Dolores
MutchlerAllan and Joy NachmanIrving Barbara NusbaumJuliette Okotie-Eboh Linda OrlansGraham and Sally OrleyRichard and Debra PartrichSpencer and Myrna
PartrichDaniel and Margaret
PehrsonRobert E. L. Perkins
Brock and Katherine PlumbCharles and Charlotte
PodowskiWaltraud PrechterPaul and Amy RaghebJohn and Terry RakoltaRuth F. RattnerJames and Marguerite
RigbyRoy and Maureen RobertsPatricia H. RodzikDavid and Jacqueline
RoesslerAudrey RoseDulcie RosenfeldCarolyn L. RossBernard and Donna RubinAnthony and Sabrina
RugieroAnkur Rungta and
Mayssoun BydonHershel and Dorothy
SandbergDonald and Kim SchmidtAlan and Marianne
SchwartzMark and Lois ShaevskyArlene ShalerElham ShayotaTerry SheaMatthew and Mona
SimonciniWilliam H. SmithPhyllis F. SnowAnthony L. SoaveRichard A. Sonenklar and
Gregory HaynesMary Ann StellaChristine StrumbosJonathan SwiftRonald F. Switzer and Jim
F. McClureLorna ThomasC. Thomas and Bernie
ToppinJames G. VellaJesse and Yesenia VenegasMarilyn VictorInge VincentChristopher and Susan
Wilhelm
Barbara WilliamsR. Jamison and Karen
WilliamsJoan Young and Thomas L.
SchellenbergMary Lou Zieve
TRUSTEES EMERITIEugene and Marcia
ApplebaumAgustin Arbulu Donald and Dale AustinMarvin A. FrenkelPreston and Mary HappelE. Jan and Pat HartmannRobert and Wally KleinWilliam and Marjorie SandyRoberta StarkweatherPaul and Janet VictorAmelia H. Wilhelm
FOUNDING MEMBERS Mr.† & Mrs.† Lynn A.
Townsend, Founding Chairman
Mr. & Mrs.† Avern L. CohnDr. & Mrs. John H. DeCarloDr. & Mrs. David DiChiera Mr.† & Mrs.† Aaron H.
GershensonMr. & Mrs. Donald C.
GravesMr.† & Mrs.† John C. Griffin Mr. & Mrs. Harry L. JonesThe Hon.†& Mrs.†Wade H.
McCree, Jr.Mr. Harry J. NederlanderMr. E. Harwood Rydholm† Mr. & Mrs. Neil SnowMr. & Mrs. Richard
StrichartzMr.† & Mrs.† Robert C.
VanderKlootDr.† & Mrs. Sam B. WilliamsMr.† & Mrs.† Theodore O.
Yntema
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 5
Welcome to the Detroit Opera House (DOH) and the 2016/17 Michigan Opera Theatre
(MOT) Fall Season — sponsored by our friends at the Ford Motor Company. This season promises to be an unforgettable experience for artists and audiences as we salute our founder and artistic director David DiChiera for his 46 years as the visionary for opera, musical theatre and dance in the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan. Consistent with our Strategic Plan, the opera season embraces the masterworks of the art form along with works of our time — starting with Bizet’s Carmen and culminating with Cyrano, a contemporary work by our own David DiChiera. In addition to the participation of numerous international and local artists, Michigan Opera Theatre is fortunate to benefit from a dedicated Board of Directors, under the leadership of Board Chairman Rick Williams, along with a committed staff and countless volunteers — all of whom are devoted to presenting exceptional artistic experiences through our programming in the Detroit Opera House and throughout the region. I am delighted to welcome our season subscribers and numerous single ticket buyers for tonight’s performance. Season subscribers enjoy the most generous range of benefits, including preferred seating, the largest discounts, and advance notification for purchasing tickets to special events. We invite our single ticket purchasers to contact our ticket office and apply the value of your ticket stub toward an opera or dance series in order that you too may enjoy generous benefits. We appreciate our family of contributors to MOT, your gifts help to bridge the costs of our productions beyond ticket revenue and support our education and community initiatives. Donors to the DiChiera Society receive special benefits. For more information regarding this donor category, we invite you to call our Patron Services Office at (313) 237-3236. September marked the beginning of the second year of the MOT Studio Artists Program — an initiative that began with the generous support of the William Davidson Foundation. This newly established Resident Artist Program is under the direction of internationally renowned tenor, Richard Leech. Throughout the year, these young artists will be featured on our stage and in various venues throughout the community. Thanks to our devoted audience, MOT has been able to mount a robust opera and dance season in the DOH and performances of Mark Adamo’s opera Little Women at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, along with a co-presentation of the Mark Morris Dance Company in partnership with the University Musical Society in Ann Arbor. This fall we continue to observe the 20th Anniversary of the Detroit Opera House. Our home is a place of pride, and throughout the season we will continue to implement cosmetic changes in order to enhance your performance experience. Please join us for our many program offerings in the Detroit Opera House and community venues throughout the year. We hope that you will share your experiences with your family and friends. We welcome your feedback, and wish to know how we can make your experience more enjoyable. Thank you for coming!
Warm wishes,
Wayne S. BrownPresident & CEO
WELCOME
Join in this season-long tribute to our founder, David DiChiera. Please be sure to mark your calendar, as you won’t want to miss a moment of this historic season!
David DiChiera
CyranoSAT. MAY 13, 2017 – 7:30 P.M.WED. MAY 17, 2017 – 7:30 P.M.SAT. MAY 20, 2017 – 7:30 P.M.SUN. MAY 21, 2017 – 2:30 P.M.Detroit Opera House
The DiChiera Legacy GalaMay 19, 2017On occasion of his retirement, Michigan Opera Theatre will host a weekend tribute to founder, Dr. David DiChiera. This landmark celebration, honoring Dr. DiChiera’s lifetime achievements as composer, opera impresario, and civic visionary, will be anchored by an all-star gala concert. Additional details are forthcoming. Please address any questions to [email protected].
CELEBRATING THEDiCHIERA LEGACY16 | 17 SEASON
MUSIC
Georges Bizet
LIBRETTO
Ludovic Halevy and Henri Meilhac
WORLD PREMIERE
Opera Comique – Paris, FranceMarch 3, 1875
CONDUCTOR
Valerio Galli
STAGE DIRECTOR
Ron Daniels
CHORUS MASTER
Suzanne Mallare Acton
CHOREOGRAPHER
Rosa Mercedes
SET DESIGN
Ricardo Hernandez
COSTUME DESIGN
Constance Hoffman
LIGHTING DESIGN
Kendall Smith
HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGN
Joanne Weaver
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & FIGHT CORREOGRAPHER
Maria Todaro
STAGE MANAGER
Ken Saltzman
SUPERTITLES
Dee Dorsey
A co-production of Michigan Opera Theatre and Houston Grand Opera
October 15-23, 2016
Carmen
THE 2016 FALL OPERA SEASON IS MADE POSSIBLE
BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
NORA AND MATTY MOROUN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
AMBASSADOR BRIDGE DUTY FREE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
IDA AND CONRAD H. SMITH ENDOWMENT FOR MOT
SUNDAY PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
PRODUCTION SPONSOR JOHN AND MARLENE BOLLRICK AND KAREN WILLIAMS
LEAD ARTIST SPONSORS: GINGER COSTA JACKSON AND MARCELO PUENTE
6 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
CastIn order of vocal appearance
Morales (a corporal) ......................... Harry GreenleafMicaela (a peasant girl) .........Cecilia Violetta LopezDon José (a corporal)........................Marcelo Puente
(October 15, 19, 22)Alok Kumar (October 23)
Zuniga (Don Jose’s commanding officer) ......Brent Michael Smith+
Carmen (a gypsy) ................... Ginger Costa Jackson (October 15, 19, 22)
Sandra Piques Eddy (October 23)Frasquita ( Carmen’s friend) ...............Angela Theis+
Mercedes (Carmen’s friend) . Briana Elyse Hunter+
Escamillo ( a matador) ........ Luis Alejandro OrozcoEl Dancairo ( a smuggler) ........................ Jeff Byrnes+
El Remendado ( a smuggler) ......................................... Joseph Michael Brent+
Additional Cast MembersFlamenco Dancer ...........................Victoria Treglowe
(October 15, 19) Lisa Montes (October 22, 23)
Torero Boy ................................................ Joseph GalbaLillas Pastia (Innkeeper) ............................Rob GrodinSupernumeraries ..............................Timothy Brown,
Christian Darmakasih, Bruce Davis, Bella Dow, Mark Ely, Jennifer Kieffer, Laura Lavely,
Lauren Lenz, George Manning, Jacob Robertson, Joe T. Sanders, Jr., Elina Suave, Paul Snyder,
Marvin Tookes, Lindsey Tycholiz, Wendell Walker, Paul Wenger, Hilary Zabawski
+ Michigan Opera Theatre Studio ArtistAn opera in three acts
Sung in French with English supertitle translationsRunning time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
The last MOT production of Carmen was May 9-17, 2009
CARMEN
SynopsisACT ONEIn a square in Seville, soldiers watch the passing crowd. Micaela arrives in search of her sweetheart, Don José, a corporal. A fellow officer, Morales, tells her José will be along soon; when Morales offers himself as a substitute, she leaves hastily. As the guard changes, children imitate the arriving soldiers, one of whom is José. Girls from the cigarette factory come to smoke and chat. Carmen, a gypsy who works in the factory, flirts with the local men, airing her philosophy of life: “love is a wild bird that cannot be tamed”. José sits apart, distracted. Drawn by
his indifference, Carmen tosses him a flower as the work bell calls the girls back inside. His musings on the bewitching “sorceress” are interrupted by Micaela, who brings news of José’s mother. She has sent him a kiss, which the girl delivers shyly. No sooner has she left than a disturbance is heard in the factory: Carmen is involved in a fight. The girls run out, arguing over who started it. Lt. Zuniga orders José to arrest Carmen. Her wrists bound, she is left alone with José, who forbids her to speak to him. Instead, she flirtatiously sings “to herself” about the rendezvous she might make with “a certain officer” who has taken her fancy. José, intoxicated, agrees to let her escape; when she pushes him to the ground and runs off, he is arrested for his negligence.
ACT TWOA month later, at Lillas Pastia’s Inn, Carmen sings a Gypsy song and dances for the customers. The matador Escamillo arrives, boasting of his exploits. He is attracted to Carmen, who puts off his amorous advances. When the inn closes, Dancaire and Remendado try to convince Frasquita, Mercedes, and Carmen to accompany them on their next smuggling trip. The girls are game, except for Carmen who says she is in love with José and is awaiting his return from prison. The others laugh at her, then depart as José is heard approaching. Carmen sings and dances for him, but when a distant bugle sounds the retreat, he says he must return to the barracks. Carmen mocks his blind obedience, saying he doesn’t love her; he replies by telling her how he has kept the flower she threw, the scent of its wilted blossom conjuring up her image in his prison cell. He refuses her suggestion that he desert the army to join her wild mountain life, but when Zuniga breaks in, looking for Carmen, the jealous José attacks his superior. Carmen summons the other Gypsies, who hold Zuniga captive until they can get away. José, now an outlaw, has no choice but to join their band. The Gypsies rejoice in their life of freedom.
ACT THREEIn the smugglers’ mountain hideout, José regrets that he has betrayed his mother’s hopes. Carmen finds his homesickness and obsessive jealousy tiresome. Telling him he may well leave, she joins her friends, reading fortunes in the cards. Frasquita foresees a lover for herself, Mercedes a rich husband, but Carmen sees only death. When the Gypsies leave José as lookout, Micaela enters, frightened but determined to find him. She hides at the sound of a shot, fired by José as a warning to a trespasser- Escamillo. When it becomes clear that the two men are rivals, they start to fight but are separated by the Gypsies. Escamillo invites them all to his next bullfight and leaves. Remendado discovers Micaela, who has come to beg José to return home to his ailing mother. Carmen dismisses him willingly, but José vows to find her again after he has seen his mother. In Seville’s Plaza de Toros, the crowd gathers for the bullfight, hailing Escamillo. He and Carmen declare their love, and he enters the ring. Carmen’s friends warn that José has been spotted nearby, looking desperate, but she is a fatalist and defiantly remains to face him. He enters and begs her to return to him. She replies that everything is finished between them, and she tosses in his face a ring he once gave her. The crowd is heard cheering Escamillo. When Carmen tries to run past José, he stabs her, then falls by her body in despair.
Courtesy of Opera News
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 7
8 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
Casting the first Carmen was no small task for Georges Bizet. Now, it is hard to imagine a singer not jumping
at the opportunity to perform the role, one that has helped make the careers of no less artists than Regina Resnik, Marilyn Horne, Risë Stevens, Muriel Smith, and Denyce Graves. She is hands down the most famous character in all of opera. Her melodies are immortalized in countless films, commercials, and cartoons, and chances are we’ll go home humming a few of them today. And yet, in nineteenth-century Paris, Carmen was far more scandalizing than she is today. Agreeing to perform the role meant that a singer risked a professional—and perhaps personal—association with the sensual femme fatale.
TOO GREAT A RISKZulma Bouffar, who was the composer Jacque Offenbach’s muse and mistress, first refused the role on account of the story’s fatal conclusion. One gossip columnist in the Paris press revealed that “The librettist did not want her to play the part because it was out of the question for Zulma to be stabbed,” stipulating that the end of the story be rewritten. Bizet was vehemently opposed to any such change. He then approached Marie Rôze, who responded to the composer in writing, confessing that unless the salacious nature of Carmen was moralized in some way, she felt that “the role would not suit me, or, more accurately, that I would not be suited to it.” (Rôze eventually came to a different conclusion after Carmen met success in Vienna, and played the role in as distant locales as Boston, Cincinnati, and possibly Detroit.) Until then, the character Prosper Mérimée fashioned thirty years earlier in his novella had been safely restrained by the written page. Now even the rumor of bringing Carmen to life was impinging upon a successful premiere. Tensions between Bizet, the librettists, and the directors
were running high, and a leading lady had to be found. Exasperated, Camille Du Locle, a co-director of the Opéra-Comique where Carmen would receive its premiere, wrote to Célestine Galli-Marié. She was part of a small, though not insignificant, theatrical dynasty. She was brought up around the Opéra—a competing theatre that produced the grand opéra of Hector Berlioz and Giacomo Meyerbeer—where her father was a singer and singing instructor. He is most remembered for originating Tonio in Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment. Galli-Marié was only ever instructed in singing by their father. In 1862 the directors of the Opéra-Comique discovered Galli-Marié singing The Bohemian Girl at Rouen (under the baton of a nineteen-year old Jules Massenet), and she was contracted on the spot to sing in Paris. Four years later, and after a career primarily spent playing pageboy “trouser roles,” Ambroise Thomas composed the title role in Mignon for Galli-Marié. She claimed that, in this role, she tried to create a living, three-dimensional manifestation of the paintings that inspired her interpretation. It was the first of two roles she would immortalize. Galli-Marié was on holiday in Spain when the first correspondence from Du Locle regarding Carmen arrived. Then thirty-six years old, and just a few months older than Bizet, Célestine Galli-Marié was regarded as an auspicious choice for the role. When news surfaced that she had agreed to play Carmen, one critic wrote: “She is small and alluring, moves like a cat with an expression at once rebellious and full of mischief—there is something capricious, brazen about her whole manner and personality.” Another report came from a fellow actor, alleging that she only agreed to take the role because “She had not read the novel, and knew nothing about this immortal character.” Du Locle and Bizet had found their Carmen.
PUTTING THE FATAL IN FATALEFrom the start, Galli-Marié was an active participant in the final molding of Carmen. She instructed Bizet not to observe too closely the vocal range Thomas used for Mignon, writing Du Locle to tell Bizet that “he should follow instead the higher and partly coloratura Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust.” Clearly Bizet was almost finished drafting the work, and there were only a few scenes left to compose where he could follow this instruction. Then there is the often-repeated story about Galli-Marié and the creation of Carmen’s famous entrance aria, the Habanera, which Charles Pigot, Bizet’s first biographer, told this way: “The popular Habanera that Carmen sings at her entrance was written during rehearsals. Bizet had initially written a song with chorus… but Galli-Marié didn’t find it to her taste. She wanted from the first to have a big effect, to establish the gypsy’s character boldly and definitely… a Spanish song, highly colored and a little bit sexy… Bizet didn’t dare refuse. We know about singers’ demands and their tyranny.” She is painted here as the “diva” with big demands that exhaust the composer, but a more nuanced reading echoes the multi-faceted character study that she brought to Mignon. Galli-Marié was not demanding a showpiece for her voice, but looking for the right music that would catalyze the physical insubordination of Carmen: “caresses of the voice and glance, sensual inflections, provocative looks, sexy gestures….” (Pigot) They settled on adapting a Cuban-inspired dance tune by the Spanish composer Sebastián Yradier, which at the time Bizet believed was a Spanish folksong. When they learned that the actual composer of the melody had died only ten years earlier, Bizet was obliged to acknowledge his source in his score. With its serpentine descending
CARMEN
Finding the Real Carmen by Austin Stewart
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 9
lines, seductive exoticism and layers of rhythmic oomph, Galli-Marié got exactly what Carmen needed to make an unforgettable and realistic entrance. To that effect, journalists at the premiere responded to the “réalisme” of Galli-Marié not too positively. “She has her charms and a distinctive casualness. On this occasion, though, one could criticize her for having gone beyond her natural talents. Instead of being lively, she was base.” Many of the newspapers in 1875 shared this opinion, and blamed Galli-Marié’s realistic representation of a seductive, Romani, cigarette-rolling, gypsy for the work’s initial failure. In short, it was her “exaggerative,” “repulsive,” and insufficiently restrained gestures that “oozed vice.” But this would not stop Galli-Marié from creating a faithful actualization of the Carmen she envisioned. She found time to study flamenco dance while performing Carmen in Barcelona, and began using carnations instead of roses in her hair, as the gypsy women she spoke with in Spain said they were their preferred flower. There is also a legend that on the eve of the 33rd performance of Carmen on 2 June 1875, Galli-Marié had a premonition of Bizet’s death while reading the tarot cards in Act III. She fainted, and the rest of the performance was cancelled. Bizet died that night of a heart attack. While Bizet never witnessed the success of his masterpiece, Galli-Marié become virtually inseparable from the role she unwittingly agreed to create. She gave her final performance of Carmen on December 11, 1890, in a charity performance to raise funds for a monument to Bizet. After fifteen years and nearly 500 performances, Célestine Galli-Marié had become the incomparable embodiment of Carmen: “It is a rare pleasure to see an artist exert herself body and soul to give the spectator the most intense illusion of reality. . . She rendered the passionate, bizarre, dynamic, cruel portrait of this girl of the streets with a power and an ease that compel admiration.”
The October 15th performance is dedicated in memory of Mr. Richard Sloan, MOT Trustee from 1976-2012.
The October 22nd performance is dedicated in memory of Mr. Roger Sherman, MOT Trustee and
Board member from 1993 to 2012.
Richard Sloan was a loyal patron of Michigan Opera Theatre since the company’s founding. Together with his wife Sheila, Richard served as a Trustee from 1976 until 2012. As the President of Suburban Detroit Theatres, Richard was known throughout the community as “Mr. Movie”, and as such his career led him to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Richard was one of Barbara Streisand’s early fans dating back to when she was an 18 year-old singer at the Caucus Club, and she recognized his encouragement on one of her first albums. During his tenure with MOT, Richard saw the company he loved establish its presence in Detroit, grow to tour across the state, and renovate and move into its home at the Detroit Opera House. Richard cared deeply about the arts across the community, supporting and serving local cultural organizations, including the DIA, DSO and the Jewish Ensemble Theatre. In honor of his commitment and all that the Sloans have contributed to the life of Michigan Opera Theatre, the October 15, 2016 performance of Carmen is dedicated to his memory. Richard Sloan, 1924-2014.
Roger Sherman worked with Michigan Opera Theatre in his professional life as Program Manager at WRCJ, and as a dedicated supporter, and as a Director and Trustee from 1993 until 2012. Both Roger and his wife Judie served on numerous Board committees and as chairs of multiple Opera Ball and special event committees. These included the 1993 Triumphal Ball and the first Ball on the stage of the soon to be Detroit Opera House, What it Was…What it Will Be in 1994. Fittingly, Roger’s Trustee service was centered in the Communications and Public Relations sphere. Judie played active roles on Education and Community Outreach and various Development Committees, including her work on the “New Century Fund” and “The Crowning Achievement” Campaigns. In honor of his commitment and all their service together as a couple, the October 22, 2016 performance of Carmen is dedicated to his memory. Roger Fowler Sherman, Sr., 1938-2015. A gift in loving memory of Roger Sherman has been made by Jack and Kathleen Turner.
MUSICKevin Puts
LIBRETTOMark Campbell
WORLD PREMIERENovember 12, 2011, Ordway Theatre
– St. Paul, Minnesota
CONDUCTORDavid Charles Abell
STAGE DIRECTOREric Simonson
CHORUS MASTERSuzanne Mallare Acton
SCENIC DESIGNFrancis O’Connor
COSTUME DESIGNKärin Kopischke
LIGHTING DESIGNMarcus Dilliard
HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNJoanne Weaver
PROJECTIONS DESIGNAndrzej Goulding
SOUND DESIGNC. Andrew Mayer
ASSISTANT DIRECTORAndrew Nienaber
FIGHT DIRECTORChris Barbeau
ORIGINAL FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHYDoug Scholz-Carlson
STAGE MANAGERKen Saltzman
SUPERTITLESDee Dorsey
SCOTTISH DIALECT CONSULTANTMichael J. Barnes
Silent Night, based on the screenplay by Christian Carion for the motion picture Joyeux Noël
produced by Nord-Ouest Production
Commissioned by Minnesota OperaA Minnesota Opera New Works Inititiative Production
by arrangmeent with Aperto Press, publisherBill Holab Music: Sole Agent
Scenery, properties, costumes and media files for this production are owned by Minnesota Opera, Opera
Philadelphia, Cincinnati Opera, and Fort Worth Opera and were constructed by the Minnesota Opera Shops.
November 12-20, 2016
Silent Night
THE 2016 FALL OPERA SEASON IS MADE POSSIBLE
BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
FORD MOTOR COMPANYLEAD ARTIST SPONSORS:
ERIN WALL AND CHAD JOHNSONSTUDENT/SENIOR DRESS REHEARSAL SPONSOR
10 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org
SILENT NIGHT
CastIn order of vocal appearance
Anna Sorensen (an opera singer & Nikolaus Sprink’s lover) ..........................Erin WallNikolaus Sprink (an opera singer & German soldier) ............................Chad Johnson
German General .......................See Program Insert Father Palmer (a Scottish priest) ..............................Daniel BelcherJonathan Dale (a Scottish soldier) ............... John Robert LindseyMadeleine Audebert (wife of Lt. Audebert) ........Briana Elyse Hunter +Lt. Audebert (a French officer) .........Philip AddisWilliam Dale (brother of Jonathan Dale) ...............Jeff Byrnes +Lt. Gordon (a Scottish officer) ....Gabriel PreisserFrench General .....................................Ricardo LugoPonchel (aide-de-camp of Lt. Audebert) ...................................................... Alexandre SylvestreKronprinz (son of Kaiser Wilhelm II) .......................... Joseph Michael Brent +Lt. Horstmayer (a German officer) ......................Kristopher IrmiterBritish Major ........................Brent Michael Smith +
+ Michigan Opera Theatre Studio ArtistAn opera in two acts
Sung in English, German, and French with English supertitle translations.Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes A Michigan Opera Theatre premiere
SynopsisPROLOGUELate summer, 1914. War is declared. In Berlin, the announcement disrupts a performance by opera singers Anna Sorensen and Nikolaus Sprink. In a Scottish church, William convinces his younger brother Jonathan to enlist with him. In the Paris apartment of the Audeberts, Madeleine excoriates her husband for leaving while she is pregnant with their first child.
ACT ONEA battlefield near the French border, just before Christmas. A battle is fought between the German, French, and Scottish troops. William is shot and Jonathan must leave him to die. Back at the Scottish bunker, Father Palmer offers Jonathan solace. In the French bunker,
Lt. Audebert finds the French General in his office, who reprimands him. Audebert laments the loss of his wife’s photograph. He sings of needing sleep, soon echoed by the other soldiers. In the German bunker, Nikolaus reveals his despair. Later, gifts arrive for the German soldiers, courtesy of the Kronprinz. Horstmayer receives word that Nikolaus has been ordered to sing with Anna at the Kronprinz’s nearby chalet. Ponchel brings coffee to Audebert, which reminds Ponchel of having coffee every morning with his mother; the alarm clock he carries rings each day to mark the ritual. Jonathan writes to his mother, not mentioning his brother’s death. Anna and Nikolaus perform for the Kronprinz. Anna has arranged for Nikolaus to spend the night with her, but he insists on returning to the battlefield. She vows to accompany him. The French soldier Gueusselin volunteers to infiltrate the German bunker and heads into no man’s land. The Scottish soldiers drink whiskey and play the bagpipes, and Father Palmer sings a sentimental ballad, which the other soldiers overhear. Nikolaus returns, and the soldiers are stunned to see Anna. When the Scottish song ends, Nikolaus responds with a Christmas song, and a bagpiper joins in. Nikolaus ascends the bunker and slowly moves to the center of no man’s land. Guesselin abandons his plan. The three lieutenants, each waving a white flag, agree to a cease-fire….but only for Christmas Eve. The soldiers cautiously move toward each other, eventually sharing provisions and trading names. Anna appears, inspiring awe among the men. Father Palmer celebrates mass, while Jonathan finds his brother’s body, vowing revenge. Father Palmer urges them to “go in peace”.
ACT TWO The next morning, Jonathan tries to bury his brother. Because the truce is officially over, two German sentries are prepared to shoot him, but Father Palmer and Lt. Gordon intervene. Horstmayer proposes that they bury the dead, and the three lieutenants decide to extend the truce. Father Palmer delivers last rites to the dead and the soldiers form a processional bearing the wagon of bodies away. Anna promises Nikolaus that he will not suffer the same fate. News of the cease-fire has reached headquarters, and the British Major, the Kronprinz, and the French General all react in anger. Horstmayer prepares to return to war, and Nikolaus berates him for his allegiance to the Fatherland. Horstmayer arrests Nikolaus for insubordination, but Anna takes his hand and leads him across no man’s land to the French bunker, where he demands asylum. The British Major admonishes the Scottish soldiers for participating in the truce. They are to be transferred to the front lines. When a German soldier is seen crossing the battlefield, the Major orders him killed, and Jonathan complies. Audebert returns to his office and discovers the French General, who delivers word of his punishment. Audebert informs the General – his father that he has a son. The Kronprinz banishes the German soldiers to Pomerania. As the soldiers are taken away, they hum the Scottish ballad from Christmas Eve. Over a now-empty battlefield, snow begins to fall.
Courtesy of Minnesota Opera
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The Christmas Truce of 1914, as the events at the center of Silent Night are popularly
known, was an outbreak of peace amid the devastation of war along the industrialized battlefields of the Western Front. It is one of the most documented and romanticized non-combat stories of the First World War—football matches, the exchange of cognacs, chocolates, and cigars, and of shared memorial services over the fresh graves in no man’s land. Silent Night is but one example that takes on the subject of the 1914 holiday cease-fire, from novels and histories to Paul McCartney’s 1983 music video for the anti-war song “Pipes of Peace.” Soldiers at the front that winter wrote diaries and letters home, and official records kept by the battalions and regiments establish the timeline of events that took place during that, as one young English private called it, “weird Christmas.” These are a few of those first-hand recollections, many of which have recently come to light in Terri Blom Crocker’s The Christmas Truce: Myth, Memory, and the First World War. “No war today,” announced a December 25, 1914 diary entry for the 16th Queen’s Westminsters infantry regiment, commenting also on the amicable “conversation with enemy between the trenches” that took place. “No shot fired all day,” wrote another diarist for the 1st Royal Warwickshire regiment, while another called it a “curious state of affairs” that occasioned an informal exchange of courtesies between troops. War records and letters sent from both sides of the Western Front convey the sense of relief, even delight, experienced by soldiers during their unexpected holiday in the trenches near the small village of Ploegsteert, Belgium. Following the First Battle
of the Marne in September that had dashed any hopes of a swift conquest, both sides attempted to outflank the other. Eventually the soldiers had to dig in, creating some 475 miles of trenches from the North Sea to Switzerland. Emerging for just a few hours from those foxholes and ditches was a welcomed change. The cease-fires that occurred were not prearranged or coordinated. Similar events were not uncommon during the conflict, but the spontaneity and quantity of those that happened outside Ploegsteert make the Christmas Truce an almost unbelievable story. The idea of a truce on Christmas was first suggested by Pope Benedict XI early in December 1914. As it became obvious that the conflict would not come to a quick end, the pope pleaded with combatant countries to let their “guns fall silent at least upon the night the angels sang,” allowing time for negotiations to lead to an honorable peace. Military leadership on all sides ignored the appeal. Sir John French, commander in chief of the British Expeditionary Force, was the first to order “instant fire” on any German white flag raised on the Western Front. On December 22, Winston Churchill, First Lord of the
Admiralty, sent a similar message to the Royal Navy: “Any white flag hoisted by a German ship is to be fired on as a matter of principle.” Yet while the pontiff ’s request was officially rejected, news of it spread among the soldiers. Roughly two-thirds of the troops along the front participated in some type of cease-fire on that day, with regiments stationed across more than fifteen miles of the twenty-mile front near Ploegsteert reporting no combat. In some cases, as Graham Williams of the Fifth London Rifle Brigade recalled, the armistice was foreshadowed the night before by carol singing: “First the Germans would sing one of their carols and then we would sing one of ours, until when we started up “O Come, All Ye Faithful” the Germans immediately joined in singing the same hymn to the Latin words Adeste Fideles. And I thought, well, this is really a most extraordinary thing—two nations both singing the same carol in the middle of a war.” Germans placed lit Christmas trees, which had been provided to every unit, along the parapets of their dugouts. Rifleman Ernest Morley of London described in a letter home how the truce began in his sector: “[A German] shouted ‘A Merry Christmas English. We’re not shooting tonight.’ We
Straight from the Front: First-hand Accounts of the Christmas Truce of 1914 by Austin Stewart
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yelled back a similar message…. As fighting ceased the two lines looked like an illuminated fête… we had all the candles & lights we could muster stuck on our bayonets above the parapet.” Lt. Michael Holroyd, a British machine gun officer in the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, noted that “the carols of Christmas Eve were followed by friendly exchange of greetings on Christmas morning,” and impromptu meetings were arranged in no man’s land. And they did not go empty handed. A young Private Squire wrote home that the “Germans came out of [their trench] and we met halfway and talked and exchanged souvenirs, our own bullets for theirs, and they also gave some of our fellows cigars of which they said they had plenty and we gave them tins of bully beef as they said they have very little food.” Others reported exchanging local liquors received from home for the holiday, buttons from their uniforms, and sharing photos of family. Another element of the meetings were makeshift football matches. A few games were actually played with teams being chosen and scores recorded, though without a proper soccer ball they were kicking about whatever they could find, and the outcome always favored the regiment reporting the game in their diary. Not all of the interactions between the troops were this lighthearted, however. A number of battalions used the cease-fire as an opportunity to retrieve the bodies of their fallen comrades. Sergeant Richard Lintott recorded in his diary that he found in no man’s land men from both sides “burying some dead which had been lying about since October 21st.” Another English officer was present when “they stuck a bit of wood over the grave–no name on it only ‘Fur Vaterland and Freiheit’ (For Fatherland and Freedom).” The troops also shared prayer services over the dead. These burial services, as brief as they were necessary, were a primary reason for many of the troops to observe the truce. “Our [chaplain] arranged the prayers and Psalms etc., and then our interpreter wrote them out in German. Then the service was read first in English by our own Padre and then in German by a boy who was studying for the ministry. It was an extraordinary and most wonderful sight.”
While the Christmas Truce reflected our better instincts and empathy as humans, it lasted but a few days at most and was not to be repeated the next year. In the end, the desire for peace would not be confused with the need for victory. Bruce Bairnsfather, a British officer and cartoonist whose personal account of wartime in the trenches, Bullets and Billets, became a bestseller in Britain, spoke for many comrades when he wrote, “There was not an atom of hate on either side that day; and yet, on our
side, not for a moment was the will to beat them relaxed. It was just like the interval between the rounds in a friendly boxing match.” But the end of the Great War was nowhere near its last round. Bairnsfather’s report of the day ends with him heading back over the parapet, looking back to see a man in his batallion “who was a bit of an amateur hair dresser in civil life, cutting the unnaturally long hair of a docile Boche [German soldier],” and reminding us that our enemy can also be a friend.
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SOPRANOBrandy Adams*Mysti Byrnes*Claire ChardonFidelia DarmakasihSuzanne GroganNicole JosephMary MartinValerie MartinezSandra PeriordKyle Schreiber*Schyler SheltrownHeidi Bowen Zook
TENORGregory AsheErrin BrooksDarren DeWittMichael FowlerMark IstratieRichard Jackson, Jr.Adrian LeskiwBradley MillerCarrick SecorskiJason Thomas
ALTOAndrea Apel*Yvonne FridayHillary LaBonte*Rachel McIntoshMeggan MuhleAnna Nadasky*Diane SchoffTiffanie WaldronTamara WhittyChantel Woodard
BASSJoseph EdmondsKurt FrankBranden HoodMatthew KonopackiMiroslav ManovskiBlair MellowPette MoorePaolo PachecoGregory StinsonDavid TwiggJustin WatsonNorman Weber
*Gypsy dancers
TENORGregory Ashe
French Soldier #3Errin Brooks
Scottish Soldier #2Mark CraigDarren DeWitt
BagpipeMichael FowlerMark IstratieRichard Jackson, Jr.
Daniel KitzmanAdrian LeskiwBrad LietoBradley MillerSasha Noori
French Soldier #2Carrick SecorskiJason Thomas
German Sentry/Soldier #2Brett ThompsonJeff Wilkinson
BASSKurt FrankJoseph EdmondsMarko FarionMatthew FleisherBrandon Hood
German Soldier #1Matthew Konopacki
Scottish Soldier #1Miroslav ManovskiBlair Mellow
German Soldier #3David Moan
Scottish Soldier #3
Pette MooreConstantine Novotny
GuesselinPaolo Pacheco
French Soldier #1Bradley SchickKen Shepherd Gregory StinsonDaniel Twigg
French SentryJustin WatsonNorman Weber
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHORUS — CARMEN
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHORUS — SILENT NIGHT
14 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
2016 CHORUS SPONSORSBank of America & Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Elizabeth & James CiroliFrançoise Colpron & James Schwyn
Corporate Travel ServiceGretchen & Ethan Davidson
Barbara Frankel & Ron MichalakHerman & Sharon Frankel Foundation
Kristan & John HaleLear Corporation
Richard & Jane Manoogian FoundationMGM Grand Detroit
Ali Moiin & Bill KupskyLindsay & Matthew Moroun
Ann & Jim NicholsonNorthern Trust
Chuck & Charli PodowskiSeligman Family Foundation
Richard Sonenklar & Gregory Haynes
A Special Thank You to Our Chairman R. Jamison “Rick” Williams has been a member of the MOT Board of Directors and a Trustee since 2000 and its board chair since 2003. As Trustees, Rick and his wife Karen have supported our company with their leadership, generosity, and vision, aiming to make a lasting impact. As leadership volunteers, they have played a central role guiding the company through significant challenges. Together, they have championed David DiChiera’s vision to produce and present productions that connect directly and emotionally with diverse audiences, playing a significant role in many of the company’s successes including Cyrano, Frida, The Passenger, and The Tender Land. The Williams are central figures in the great story of this institution. Their influence, expertise, and support has been essential to MOT’s success, survival, and stability. Rick and Karen Williams
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Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus performing in the Saturday October 15 and Saturday October 22 performances of Carmen:Shiloh BeatonAlexandria BeckNatalie CorriganPortteia DavidsonXaneveya DavidsonCavelle Doucet LefebvreGabrielle DusoEddie EichenhornJaeden FootittJehnya FootittKatherine FullerSoleil Garcia-JohnsonMicah HobbsNoah LashMolly LevinMia MartinEmma McDonaldEmma PalmerBeatrix ReillyKevyn RoesslerCampbelle StencelHazel WardArsh WasnikBrigitte Zook
Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus performing in the Wednesday October 19 and Sunday October 23 performances of CarmenMelody BalosStephanie BarrosoRyan BlankenburgAmelia BorysBrooke BugajewskiJessica DeckerKristen D’SouzaNina GeorgeffCharles GraffEmily JohnsonRebecca LucksomRyan LutesKathryn MigrinRachel MiltimoreAmber OhlssonBrooke PacificoMatteo PapadopoulosSamantha RadmanSkylar ReynoldsLaura Estela RosalesNoah TrudeauIsabella VespriniBenjamin WardGrace WatsonNatalie Watson
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus (MOTCC) is a ground breaking ensemble and first of its kind for Metro Detroit children. Founded in 2007, the MOTCC with children ranging from 8-16 years old has charmed audiences of all ages, embracing diverse cultures and
traditions in an extensive range of genres from folk songs to opera. Come see the MOTCC perform! MOTCC Principal and Prep Choruses
UPCOMING MOTCC PERFORMANCES:
A Winter FantasySponsored by Neighborhood SEEN
Holiday Concert and Fundraiser — at the Detroit Opera House
Sunday December 11, 2016 at 3 p.m.Ring in the season with beautiful choral music sung by the MOTCC. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
to register for silent auction at 3 p.m.Tickets are $25 for adults 18 and older,
$50 for box seats, $10 for ages 5 and older, and free for children 4 and younger.
Tickets include entrance to the concert, and silent auction.
The HobbitMOTCC Children’s Opera — at the Detroit Opera House
A fast paced adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel. Music and libretto by
Dean Burry. The Hobbit™ SZC lic. to Michigan Opera Theatre.
Student Dress Rehearsal:Friday April 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
Tickets (must be purchased in advance): $10/Student; 1 FREE chaperone ticket for
every 10 tickets, if purchased the day of the rehearsal: $15 students; $25 adults
Public Performance:Saturday April 29, 2017 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adult, $35 and Children $15 for ages 5 and older and free for children 4 and under.
For more information about the MOTCC and to order tickets, visit www.motcc.org or contact MOTCC Chorus Administrator, Twannette Nash at [email protected]
MOTCC StaffSuzanne Mallare Acton, Director
Dianna Hochella, Assistant Director, Principal Chorus ConductorJane Arvidson Panikkar, Preparatory Chorus Conductor
Twannette Nash, Chorus AdministratorJoseph Jackson, Principal Chorus Accompanist
Maria Cimarelli, Preparatory Chorus Accompanist
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The five artists of Michigan Opera Theatre Studio represent some of the most exciting emerging talent in
opera today. Coming to Detroit from all different areas of the country, these early career opera professionals gain valuable experience in main stage and community productions and myriad other performance settings. Throughout their residency they work to hone their skills through master classes and training with an array of world-class professionals, guest artists, coaches, directors, and conductors. They receive advanced individual training from Director of Resident Artist Programs, celebrated tenor, Richard Leech, Assistant Music director, Suzanne Mallare Acton, and Studio Coach/Accompanist, Tessa Hartle, and others, and importantly, benefit from the guidance and mentorship of Dr. David DiChiera.
Supported by a major grant from the William Davidson Foundation, the program serves as a central component of MOT’s enhanced presence in the community through productions in the Detroit Opera House, community venues, recitals, and special events. MOT’s community productions are now selected and mounted specifically for the Studio Artist Program. This season, the Studio Artists will fill leading and featured roles in MOT’s production of Mark Adamo’s Little Women, as MOT continues to fulfill its community initiative to annually produce full-scale opera outside of the Detroit Opera House in venues throughout metro Detroit. This second season of the Studio Program sees the return of four of our Studio Artists: soprano, Angela Theis; tenor, Joseph Michael Brent; baritone, Jeff Byrnes; and bass Brent
Michal Smith. Joining us is the dynamic and exciting mezzo-soprano, Briana Elyse Hunter. Audiences will enjoy Ms. Hunter and all of our Studio Artists in Carmen, and other productions throughout the season, and as the leads in Little Women at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in March. Please see the Artist Profiles in this program for more information about each of them. Also joining our Studio Artist Program team as staff Coach/Accompanist is Tessa Hartle. As a coach, Maestra Hartle brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the program, and as an accomplished accompanist, this season she will lend her talent to many MOT Studio performances throughout metro Detroit.
Left to right: Jeff Byrnes – baritone, Joseph Michael Brent – tenor, Brent Michael Smith - bass, Angela Theis – soprano, and Briana Elyse Hunter – mezzo soprano.
MOT’s Operatic Adventure Continues!
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THE ARTISTS OF MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO
Michigan Opera Theatre Studio curriculum includes:
Career Development*Master classes
*Audition preparation and support*Vocal study support through private voice instruction
Performances*Main stage and community engagement performances
*Studio and company events*Master class presentations in Detroit Public Schools
Additional Areas of Focus*Stagecraft
*Movement and Dance Styles*Theatrical Makeup
*Stage Combat
Supported by a major grant from the William Davidson Foundation, the program serves as a central component of MOT’s enhanced presence in the community through
productions in the Detroit Opera House, community venues, recitals and special events.
RICHARD LEECHDirector of Resident Artist Programs American tenor Richard Leech is one of the most celebrated tenors of his generation. From the Met to Vienna and Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, for more than three decades he has made his home on the stages of the world’s greatest opera houses and symphonies. Best known for his interpretation of iconic tenor roles such as Rodolfo, Cavaradossi, Pinkerton, Don José, Faust, Roméo, Hoffmann, The Duke in Rigoletto, and Riccardo in Un Ballo in Maschera and he is featured on over twenty recordings and videos. His solo release “from the heart” can be found on the Telarc label. In his leadership role with MOT Studio Mr. Leech is able to utilize all aspects of his broad experience as he oversees the development of some of opera’s most exciting artists and brings their performances to our stage and into our community.
TESSA HARTLE MOT Studio Coach/Accompanist Tessa Hartle has established herself as one of opera’s most valued and in demand young artist coach/accompanists. In addition to joining the team with Michigan Opera Theatre Studio, she will continue to serve on the music staff of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ summer season. Since 2008 she has worked with young artists throughout the U.S. with companies such as Florida Grand Opera, Sarasota Opera, Virginia Opera Association, Des Moines Metro Opera, Aspen Opera Theater Center, Opera North, Urban Arias, and many others. She holds a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan.
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DAVID CHARLES ABELLConductor, Silent Night For conductor Mr. Abell, classical music, opera, film, music, and musical theater all contribute to a diverse career, unified by a serious, yet theatrical approach. David has conducted many of the top British orchestras including the London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and the Bournemouth Symphony. Stateside, he has appeared with the Atlanta, Cincinnati, Boston Pops, and Philly Pops Orchestras. David’s many television and radio appearances encompass a wide repertoire, as do his catalog of recordings. In 2015, he made his English National Opera debut, conducting Sweeney Todd, starring Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel.
SUZANNE MALLARE ACTONChorus Master, Carmen, Silent Night Suzanne Acton has received wide acclaim for her choral direction involving more than 125 productions in seven languages. Conducting credits include West Side Story, Music Man, Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Daughter of the Regiment, Carmen, La Traviata and Carmina Burana with The Medium for MOT; My Fair Lady and La Traviata for Dayton Opera; Merry Widow and Madame Butterfly for Artpark; and Tosca for Augusta Opera. As founding Director of the MOT Children’s Chorus, Ms. Acton was instrumental in developing the inaugural 2007-2008 season. She is also the Artistic and Music Director of metro Detroit’s Rackham Choir.
PHILIP ADDISLieutenant Audebert, Silent Night Canadian baritone Philip Addis is praised for his creamy, bright, smooth voice as much as for his spell-binding, daring, yet sensitive interpretations. A rising star on the international stage, Addis has performed in opera, concerts and recitals throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, and Japan.
CHRISTOPHER BARBEAUFight Director, Silent Night Currently the fight director and stunt coordinator for Michigan Opera Theatre, Village Shakespeare Festival, and the Michigan Classical Repertory Theater, Mr. Barbeau has been involved in stunt work for 42 years with 28 feature films, over 600 stage credits and many appearances as a stunt performer. Formerly the fight master for the Michigan Renaissance Festival, he holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido, a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and was the 1975 National Junior épée champion. Mr. Barbeau holds a BA from the University of Michigan in English literature, History, Philosophy and Physics. Twenty-six years ago he created and currently directs the Ring of Steel Action Theatre, with which he teaches a variety of classes at all levels for schools across the nation, and provides instruction in theatrical combat and stunts. He has worked with opera singers for the past 16 years and serves as a regular guest artist at Cornell and for both the National Educational Theater Association’s Michigan and International Thespian Festivals.
DANIEL BELCHERFather Palmer, Silent Night Grammy Award winning baritone Daniel Belcher has performed in many of the world’s music capitals, including Paris, London, New York, San Francisco, Berlin, Stuttgart, Amsterdam, Geneva,
Toronto, Tokyo, Seoul, and Houston. With a repertoire of more than 60 roles, Belcher has championed roles from the Baroque and those composed expressly for him. He came to international attention in 2004, creating the role of Prior Walter in Peter Eötvös’ Angels in America for the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris for which he was hailed by London’s The Guardian as “possessing the kind of powerhouse stuff that indicates a star in the making.”
RON DANIELSDirector, CarmenA native of Brazil, Mr. Daniels is a founding member of the renowned Teatro Oficina, in São Paulo. He is also a former Artistic Director of The Other Place Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s experimental theater in England. In the 1990s, Mr. Daniels served as Associate Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, MA. Mr. Daniels presently lives in NYC and works as a freelance director. Besides directing at many of the major regional theatres in the U.S., his work in opera has included a number of new productions for Boston Lyric (Re Pastore), Houston Grand Opera (Carmen), Colorado Opera (Tosca), and LA Opera (Madame Butterfly).
MARCUS DILLIARDLighting Designer, Silent Night Marcus has designed for opera and theater across North America, including numerous productions for Minnesota Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Madison Opera, and Portland Opera. Previous designs include Don Giovanni for Lyric Opera of Kansas City, The Barber of Seville for Madison Opera, Gypsy and All is Calm for Theatre Latta Da, To Kill a Mockingbird for the Guthrie Theater, Carmina Burana for Minnesota Dance Theater, and Silent Night for L’Opera de Montreal. Recent projects include Tales of Hoffman and Romeo et Juliette for Madison Opera and Dead Man Walking for Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
ARTIST PROFILES
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SANDRA PIQUES EDDYCarmen, Carmen (October 23) Last season, mezzo soprano Sandra Piques Eddy made her role debut as Charlotte in Werther with Boston Lyric Opera before returning to the Metropolitan Opera roster to cover Maddalena in Rigoletto. Career highlights include numerous appearances to great acclaim as the title role in Carmen, at Portland Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera North (UK), Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Coeur d’Alene and Chicago Opera Theater. Other signature roles include: Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte with Hyogo Performing Arts Center – Japan, Boston Lyric Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, New York City Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Rosina with Vancouver Opera, Opera Omaha, Austin Lyric Opera, Jacksonville Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Crested Butte Music Festival.
VALERIO GALLIConductor, Carmen A Viareggio native, Maestro Galli was born into the cradle of where some of the greatest versimo operas were written, and he is emerging as one of the foremost authoritarians on Puccini and his fellow composers of the era. Mr. Galli launched his career in 2007 at the age of 27 with Tosca, for the 53rd Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago. His opera conducting debut occurred in 2004 with Madama Butterfly. Past conducting engagements include: Rigoletto, Pagliacci, Carmen, Cavalleria Rusticana, La Traviata, andThe Masked Ball. Maestro Galli made his MOT debut with Turandot, in 2014.
HARRY GREENLEAFMorales, Carmen Baritone Harry Greenleaf is a native of Wixom, Michigan and an alumnus of Michigan State University College of Music. He is pursuing
a Master’s of Music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent roles include Top in MOT’s 2016 production of The Tender Land, Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd for Glimmerglass Opera, Sonora in La faniculla del West for Des Moines Metro Opera, Danilo in CCM Opera’s The Merry Widow and as The Forester in CCM’s The Cunning Little Vixen. In 2013 and 2014 he was a Studio Artist with the Wolf Trap Opera Company.
KRISTOPHER IRMITERLieutenant Horstmayer, Silent Night A Grammy nominated artist who has performed in all 50 states and throughout Canada, bass-baritone Kristopher Irmiter is one of the most sought after low voices in the U.S. He has appeared with San Francisco Opera, Opera de Montreal, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Baltimore Opera, Atlanta Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Utah Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Arizona Opera, and Florida Grand Opera among many others. In addition to his accomplished performing credits, Mr. Irmiter has a strong and growing reputation as a teacher and mentor to young singers.
GINGER COSTA- JACKSONCarmen, Carmen Mezzo soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, and a Samling Scholar. Last season she performed the role of Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with the Metropolitan Opera, and the title role in Bizet’s Carmen with the San Francisco Opera. This season, after her engagement with MOT, Ms. Jackson will make her debut at Opera de Paris as Despina in a new production of Cosi fan tutte conducted by Philippe Jordan, Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte with the Seattle Opera, and the role of Rosina with the Santa Cruz Symphony.
CHAD JOHNSONNikolaus Sprink, Silent Night Noted as a “blond hunk with a bright tenor sound”, Chad Johnson has impressed audiences and critics throughout his career. This season’s engagements include Lenski in Eugene Onegin with Florida Grand Opera. Mr. Johnson’s recent tenor roles include Niklaus Sprink in Silent Night with Fort Worth Opera and in his debut with The Wexford Festival; Tonio in La fille du regiment with Mill City Summer Opera; Gerald in Lakmé with Minnesota Opera and Florida Grand Opera; Peregrino in Via Lactea with Opera Bend; Nadir in Les pecheurs de perles with Virginia Opera and Opera Carolina; Ruggero in La Rondine with Fresno Grand Opera; Lysander in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Boston Lyric Opera; Jacquino in Fidelio with Opera Omaha; Emilio in Il sogno di scipione with Gotham Chamber Opera; and Lance in the rarely performed Gluck opera, L’arbre enchante with Fire Island Opera for their inaugural season.
ALOK KUMARDon José, Carmen (October 23) Most recently, Mr. Kumar performed Don José in Bizet’s Carmen in New York, with stage director Bernard Uzan. He returned to Connecticut as the tenor soloist in Dvorak’s Stabat Mater with the Fairfield County Chorale, under the baton of Emmanuel Plasson. Mr. Kumar has appeared with the Santa Fe Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera, Opera Delaware, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, and Portland Repertory Theatre amongst others and has most frequently portrayed leading roles in the opera’s of Bizet, Puccini, and Verdi. As a solo artist, he has appeared with symphonies and orchestras in Spain, California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Massachusetts.
20 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
JOHN ROBERT LINDSEYJonathan Dale, Silent Night In the 2016-2017 season, John Robert Lindsey will debut at Austin Opera as Ben Marco in Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell’s The Manchurian Candidate, a project he was involved in from its inception while a Resident Artist at Minnesota Opera. Other engagements include a reprisal of his role as Jonathan Dale in Silent Night at MOT and Opera San Jose, as well as a role debut as Narraboth in Salome at Opera Fort Collins, and Monostatos in Barrie Kosky’s critically acclaimed silent-movie style Die Zauberflote at Cincinnati Opera.
CECILIA VIOLETTA LOPEZMicaela, Carmen Soprano Cecilia Violetta Lopez has been named one of opera’s “25 Rising Stars” by Opera News. Her recent New York City debut in La Traviata was declared by The New York Observer as “a performance of the leading role of Violetta that is among the loveliest I have witnessed on any stage”. During the 2015 -2016 season, Ms. Lopez returned to Opera Idaho for Violetta, and made a company and role debut with Opera Tampa in three roles: Fiordiligi (Cosi fan tutte), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), and Violetta (La Traviata).
RICARDO LUGOFrench General, Silent Night Puerto Rican bass, Ricardo Lugo, is a versatile international artist in demand on the operatic and concert scene. Having made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Un Barnabotto in La Gioconda, Ricardo has since been involved in multiple productions with the company including Shostakovich’s The Nose, Ariadne auf Naxos, Khovanshchina, Billy Budd, La fanciulla del West, Adriana Lecouvreur, Macbeth, The Gambler, and Salome. In recent seasons, Mr. Lugo has joined
MOT as Timur in Turandot, Alfieri in Bolcom’s A View from the Bridge, and Don Fernando in Fidelio, and has sung Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore with Opera Memphis, Mr. Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor with Boston Midsummer Opera, the Sacristan in Tosca and Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro with Sarasota Opera and with the Princeton Festival.
ROSA MERCEDESChoreographer, Carmen Born in Barcelona, Ms. Mercedes is an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer. Featured by dance companies, dance festivals, and symphonies throughout the U.S. and Europe, her extensive work in opera has been seen on the stages of The Met, Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma, Seattle Opera, Atlanta Opera, Baltimore Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Florentine Opera, Austin Lyric, Dallas Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and Palm Beach Opera. Ms. Mercedes teaches master classes and workshops in movement for singers, including the Young Artist programs at many of today’s leading opera companies.
LUIS ALEJANDRO OROZCOEscamillo, Carmen This season’s engagements for baritone Luis Alejandro Orozco include the title role in Don Giovanni at Bar Harbor Music Festival, his MOT debut as Escamillo in Carmen, Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia in his house debut with Florentine Opera, and a reprisal of his signature role, El Payador, in Maria de Buenos Aires with The Atlanta Opera.
GABRIEL PREISSERLieutenant Gordon, Silent Night Praised for his “matinee idol and charisma”, “a beautiful, luscious baritone”, and “a compelling, commanding stage presence” by publications such as Opera News, the Star Tribune, and the Houston Chronicle,
Gabriel Preisser received rave reviews once again for his performance of Lieutenant Gordon in the world premiere of Kevin Puts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Silent Night with Minnesota Opera. He then reprised this role at Opera Philadelphia, Cincinnati Opera, and here in Detroit with his debut at MOT.
MARCELO PUENTEDon José, Carmen Tenor Marcelo Punte makes his U.S. debut in this MOT production of Carmen. He has had great success as Cavaradossi in Tosca and as Don José in Carmen at the Landestheater Linz, as well as in the role of Rodolfo in La Bohéme at the Oper Stuttgart. Mr. Puente studied voice at the Conservatorio of Cordoba (Argentina) and at the Teatro Colon of Buenos Aires with Maestro Renato Sassola.
ERIC SIMONSONDirector, Silent Night Mr. Simonson’s directorial credits include The Dream of Valentino, Wuthering Heights, Rusalka, and The Handmaid’s Tale, all for Minnesota Opera, as well as its world premiere engagements of Silent Night, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Shining. Additional credits include productions at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Colorado, Boston Lyric, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Huntington Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, NYC’s Primary Stages, LA Theatre Works, The Kennedy Center, Pittsburgh’s City Theatre, Seattle Rep, and San Jose Rep.
KENDALL SMITHLighting Designer, Carmen Kendall Smith has designed lighting for more than 70 productions with MOT, making his debut in 1988 with The Ballad of Baby Doe , and most recently designed lighting for the company’s spring 2015 production of The Merry Widow. His work has been featured in numerous productions by
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 21
respected companies, theaters, and festivals including Florida Grand Opera, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Minnesota Opera, and Walnut Street Theatre.
ALEXANDRE SYLVESTREPonchel, Silent Night A native of Québec, Alexandre Sylvestre studied at the Conservatoire de musique de Montreal where he successfully obtained the “Premier Prix avec Grande Distinction”. Recent and upcoming engagements include Colline in La Bohéme and the premiere of Les Feluettes for Opera de Montreal, Bartolo in The Barber of Seville for Saskatoon Opera, Timur in Turandot for Calgary Opera and Mozart’s Requim for Orchestre Symphonique de Québec. Of special interest is Opera Lafayette’s Leonore project, performances of Beethoven’s original version of Fidelio and the version by Gaveaux on the same subject, in Washington and New York.
ERIN WALLAnna Sorensen, Silent Night Soprano Erin Wall is acclaimed for her musicality and versatility, with an extensive opera and concert repertoire that spans three centuries from Mozart and Beethoven to Britten and Strauss. She has sung leading roles in the world’s great opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, Opera National de Paris, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, and appears in concert with leading symphony orchestras and conductors worldwide. Recent career highlights include the title role in Strauss’ Arabella and Helena in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Metropolitan Opera; a highly acclaimed debut as Clemence in L’amour de loin with the Canadian Opera Company in 2012; the title role of Thais at the Edinburgh Festival; and the 50th Anniversary performance of Britten’s War Requiem with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra led by Andris Nelsons at Coventry Cathederal. Ms. Wall’s discography includes Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder with
the Melbourne Symphony, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, Mahler’s 8th Symphony with the Berlin Staatskapelle conducted by Boulez and the Grammy winning recording of the same work with the San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas.
JOANNE MIDDLETON WEAVERWig and Makeup Designer, Carmen, Silent Night Born in England, Joanne Weaver came to the U.S. in the late 1980s. She began apprenticing with what was then Washington Opera, now Washington National Opera. Ms. Weaver has since designed at many opera companies throughout the U.S., including Glimmerglass Opera, Central City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Des Moines Metro Opera. Her notable MOT credits include The Magic Flute, Macbeth, The Passenger, Frida, The Merry Widow, Faust, Margaret Garner, Cyrano and The Pearl Fishers.
Michigan Opera Theatre Studio ArtistsJOSEPH MICHAEL BRENTRemendado, CarmenKronprinz, Silent Night Joseph Michael Brent is a returning artist in Michigan Opera Theatre Studio program. Recent roles at MOT include 3rd SS Officer in Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s The Passenger, Malcolm in Verdi’s Macbeth, and first armored man in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. In 2015, Mr. Brent made both role and company debuts as Mayor Upfold in the Bronx Opera’s production of Albert Herring and Edgardo in the New York Opera Exchange production of Lucia di Lamermoor. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Georgia in 2014 with a dissertation on selected vocal works of Giovanni Paolo Bottesini. He is a native New Yorker, a proud graduate of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, and holds an undergraduate degree from the conservatory of music at
Purchase College S.U.N.Y. in double bass performance. He was a student of Metropolitan Opera veteran, baritone, Frederick Burchinal.
JEFF BYRNESDancairo, CarmenWilliam Dale, Silent Night Baritone Jeff Byrnes is excited to return to Michigan Opera Theatre this season as a Studio Artist. Most recently at MOT, Mr. Byrnes performed the roles of Schanuard in La Bohème, 1st SS Officer in The Passenger, Old Servant in Elektra and The Bonze in Madame Butterfly. Prior to joining MOT, he performed the role of Owen Hart in Dead Man Walking with Dayton Opera, and he covered Germont in La Traviata and Balstrode in Peter Grimes with Des Moines Metro Opera. Other operatic highlights include Leporello in Don Giovanni and the title role in The Mikado with the Natchez Opera Festival, and Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Sprecher in Die Zauberflöte, and Pilate in St. John Passion with CCM Opera. He was a regional finalist in the Rocky Mountain Region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions in 2014 and received the Encouragement Award in the New Orleans district in 2010. Jeff has also participated in the young artist programs at Dayton Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Seagle Music Colony. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Louisiana State University.
BRIANA ELYSE HUNTERMercedes, CarmenMadeleine Audebert, Silent Night Briana hails from Malvern, Pennsylvania, where she was a student in the Great Valley Schools, a district recognized for their strong music and theatre programs. Ms. Hunter attended Davidson College in North Carolina, and found herself on stage again under the direction of the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as in myriad other productions. She then went on to attend the prestigious Manhattan School of Music for
22 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
Classical Voice, where she performed in main stage productions with the opera department. Since graduating from the MSM, Ms. Hunter has been on the rosters of many notable programs and companies from the U.S. to China,and France, including Sarasota Opera and Santa Fe Opera, where she has been an Apprentice Artist.
BRENT MICHAEL SMITHJoyce Cohn Young Artist Zuniga, CarmenBritish Major, Silent Night As a Studio Artist with Michigan Opera Theatre, Brent’s recent roles include Colline in La Bohème, Second S.S. Officer in The Passenger, the Doctor in Macbeth and the Speaker in The Magic Flute. He was an Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera, where his performance
as Billy Jackrabbit in La fanciulla del West received critical acclaim by Opera News as a “standout.” Mr. Smith sang Harry Hopkins in the world premiere of Daron Hagen’s A Woman in Morocco, as a part of Kentucky Opera’s American Opera Initiative, and was an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera where he covered Charles V/The Monk in Don Carlos as well as sang in scenes from Fidelio, L’italia in Algeri and I Lombardi. He received his Master of Music degree under the tutelage of John Hines. He received his Bachelor’s in music in piano performance from Hope College (Holland, MI). Mr. Smith is a first-place winner in the Grand Rapids Opera Competition (2012).
ANGELA THEISFrasquita, Carmen Soprano Angela Theis has performed several roles this year at Michigan Opera Theatre through her engagement as a Studio Artist, including Laurie in The Tender
Land, 2nd Apparition in Macbeth, and Papagena in The Magic Flute. Previously, she has appeared with the
company as Marzelline in Fidelio, Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro, and the High Priestess in Aida. A highlight of her career was when Dr. David DiChiera chose her to sing
his compositions at his 2013 Kresge Eminent Artist award presentation and his 2015 tribute concert at the Detroit Opera House. The Boston Globe praised her for “a bright, bold, and beguilingly sung Zerlina” in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. In 2013, Ms. Theis won the Audience Choice Award at the 2013 Meistersinger Competition in Austria. Ms. Theis completed a postgraduate fellowship in Salzburg, Austria, and holds degrees from New England Conservatory and University of Notre Dame.
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE ORCHESTRA — CARMEN
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE ORCHESTRA — SILENT NIGHT
VIOLIN IEliot Heaton, Concertmaster +
Laura Roelofs, Assistant Concertmaster +Molly Hughes +
Bryan Johnston +Velda Kelly +Beth Kirton +
Charlotte Merkerson, Concertmaster Emeritus +
Ran Cheng Yuri Popowcyz
Jenny Wan
VIOLIN IIVictoria Haltom, Principal +
Kevin Filewych +Henrik Karapetyan +Anna Bittar–Weller +
Daniel Stachyra +Sherri Marttila
Jacqueline Nutting Judith Teasdle
VIOLAJohn Madison, Principal +
Scott Stefanko +Barbara Zmich-McClellan +
Catherine Franklin James Greer Julianne Zinn
CELLONadine Deleury, Principal+
Miriam Eckelhoefer+Daniel Thomas+
Andrea Yun+Katri ErvamaaStefan Koch
BASSDerek Weller, Principal+
Clark Suttle+Greg SheldonRobert Stiles
FLUTE/PICCOLOLaura Larson, Acting Principal+
Jung-Wan Kang
OBOENermis Mieses, Principal+Sally Heffelfinger–Pituch+
CLARINETBrian Bowman, Principal+
J. William King+
BASSOONGregory Quick, Acting
Principal+Marat Rakhmatullaev
HORNAndrew Pelletier, Principal+
Carrie Banfield+David Denniston Tamara Kosinski
TRUMPETDavid Ammer, Principal+
Gordon Simmons+
TROMBONEDavid Jackson, Acting
Principal+Greg Near+
Bryan Pokorney
TIMPANIAlison Chang, Principal+
PERCUSSIONJohn Dorsey, Principal+
David Taylor
HARPPatricia Terry-Ross, Principal+
VIOLIN IEliot Heaton, Concertmaster +
Laura Roelofs, Assistant Concertmaster+Molly Hughes+
Bryan Johnston+Velda Kelly+Beth Kirton+Andrew Wu+
Ran Cheng Yuri Popowcyz
Jenny Wan
VIOLIN IIVictoria Haltom, Principal+
Anna Bittar–Weller+Kevin Filewych+
Henrik Karapetyan+Daniel Stachyra+
Sherri MarttilaJacqueline Nutting
Judith Teasdle
VIOLAJohn Madison, Principal+
Scott Stefanko+Leslie DeShazor–Adams
Catherine Franklin James Greer Julianne Zinn
CELLONadine Deleury, Principal+
Miriam Eckelhoefer+Daniel Thomas+
Andrea Yun+Katri Ervamaa Stefan Koch
BASSDerek Weller, Principal+
Clark Suttle+Greg Sheldon Robert Stiles
FLUTE/PICCOLOLaura Larson, Acting Principal+
Jung-Wan Kang Brandon LePage
OBOENermis Mieses, Principal+Sally Heffelfinger–Pituch+
Stephanie Shapiro
ENGLISH HORNSally Heffelfinger–Pituch+
CLARINETBrian Bowman, Principal+
Jocelyn Langworthy Elliott Ross
BASSOONSpencer Phillips, Acting
Principal+Roger Maki-Schramm
Susan Nelson
HORNAndrew Pelletier, Principal+
David Denniston Tamara Kosinski
Susan Mutter
TRUMPETDerek Lockhart, Acting
Principal+Gordon Simmons+
Clark Irwin
TROMBONEDavid Jackson, Acting
Principal+Greg Near+
Bryan Pokorney
TUBAMatthew Lyon, Principal
TIMPANIAlison Chang, Principal+
PERCUSSIONJohn Dorsey, Principal+
Keith ClaeysDavid Taylor
BAGPIPETimothy Michling
HARMONICAAndrew Wilson
PIANO / CELESTEJean Schneider
+Michigan Opera Theatre Core Orchestra • Detroit Federation of Musicians Local #5 American Federation of Musicians
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 23
TOURING ENSEMBLETaking opera to the community, last season the MOT Touring Ensemble presented more than 70 performances for students, seniors, and adults throughout the state of Michigan, bringing opera to over 17,000 individuals. Performances are 30-60 minutes in length and include a Q&A session with the cast immediately following the performance. Our 16-17 touring season includes a variety of performances; call today to bring opera to your community! FEATURED:
RumpelstiltskinBy David and Karen DiChiera (Grades K-8)When a “dusty, crusty” old miller aspires to become a man of the noble court, he lies to the Prime Minister saying his daughter can spin straw into gold. But his plan backfires and his daughter is taken prisoner in the palace dungeon! With the help of a mysterious stranger, the miller’s daughter escapes. She will even become queen…but everything has a price! Chock-full of twists, turns, and tricks in every scene, this magical opera is a must-see! (Subjects: English Language Arts, Social Studies, early Math, Arts Education — Visual Arts, Music, and Theater)
La Pizza Con Funghiby Seymour Barab (Grades 9-12 & Adult)This spoof on Italian opera will tickle your funny bone! Voluptua is in love with Scorpio. In order to be free to marry him, she plans to poison her husband, Count Formaggio. Her maid, Phobia, warns the count of his wife’s plans and for her loyalty, she must lose her life. Eventually, of course, so must all the other members of the cast. This operatic parody is sure to keep you laughing. (Subjects: English Language Arts, Humanities, Social Studies, Arts Education — Music & Theater)
CREATE & PERFORM:A program in which students ages 8-18 use improvisation to create their own unique musical drama. This program can be conducted as an in-school residency, based on any classroom curriculum. OPERA & BROADWAY REVUES: From the American Songbook Classics of Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern to the operatic favorites of Bizet, Puccini, and Verdi, our Opera & Broadway revues continue to delight audiences of all ages! A favorite in a variety of venues including: Schools, Libraries, Senior Living Communities, Theaters, and Community Centers. OPERA IN THE PARKS: Michigan Opera Theatre hosts outdoor Grand Opera concerts throughout the Metro Detroit area. Recent concerts include venues such as Grand Circus Park, Campus Martius Park, and the Detroit Zoo.Operetta Workshop: Coming this summer! Students learn singing, acting, healthy vocal care, and stage movement. This workshop culminates in a final performance of a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta on the Main Stage of the Michigan Opera Theatre.
Education & Community ProgramsMichigan Opera Theatre’s Department of Education and Community Programs offers a variety of educational programming and workshops in opera and dance for students and audiences of all ages.
To learn more about any of these programs visit www.MichiganOpera.org
24 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
La Pizza Con Funghi
Wayne S. Brown President & Chief Executive Officer
David DiChiera Founder & Artistic Director
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORSMargarite Fourcroy, Chief Patron Officer Richard Leech, Director of Resident Artist
ProgramsRock Monroe, Director of Safety & Security, DOH
& DOHPCDavid W. Osborne, Director of ProductionShawn Taffinder, Director of Catering & Special
Events Patricia Walker, Chief Administrative Officer
ADMINISTRATIONWilliam Austin, Executive AssistantTimothy Lentz, Archivist & Director,
Allesee Dance & Opera Resource LibraryDodie David, Human Resources Volunteer
Consultant Bryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Allesee Dance
& Opera Resource Library
PATRON SERVICESAshley Bonner, Tunisia Brown, Victoria Spain,
Patron Services Associate, TicketingMitchell Carter, Website CoordinatorCrystal Ceo, Account Executive, Real Integrated
AdvertisingLeo Dovelle, Boutique Manager Christy Gray, Patron Services Associate,
DevelopmentKimberly Gray, Patron Services Manager,
Box OfficeJohn Grigaitis, PhotographerMichael Hauser, Marketing ManagerJessica Keener, Data Resources Coordinator Kathi Kucharski, Corporate, Foundation &
Government Grants ManagerAssia Likomanov, Special Events Manager Laura R. Nealssohn, Communications Consultant John O’Dell, Senior Patron Officer, Marketing &
CommunicationsCathy Talifer, Senior Patron Officer, Development Christina Wagner, Patron Services Manager,
Individual Giving
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY PROGRAMSAndrea Scobie, Manager of Education and
Community ProgramsMark Vondrak, Associate Director of Community
ProgramsAustin Stewart, Audience Engagement
Coordinator
MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIOAngela Theis, SopranoJoseph Michael Brent, TenorJeff Byrnes, BaritoneBrent Michael Smith, BassBriana Elyse Hunter, Mezzo-soprano
TOURING ARTISTS OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMSBrandon Hood, Joseph Jackson, Nicole Joseph, Seo Hee Kang,Mimi Lanseur, Sasha Noori, Paolo Pacheco, Amanda Sabelhaus, Emery Stephens, Brittania Talori, Alvin Waddles
COMPUTER SERVICESJohn Grigaitis, Information Technology ManagerChris Farr, LAN Administrator
DANCEKim Smith, Dance Coordinator
FINANCEDerrick Lewis, ControllerKimberly Burgess-Rivers, Rita Winters,
Accountants
DETROIT OPERA HOUSEHOUSE MANAGEMENTRandy Elliott, House Manager
FACILITIES MANAGEMENTJohnny Benavides, Building Engineer Dennis Wells, Facilities ManagerJesse Carter, Senior Building EngineerBernard Williams, Building Maintenance
CATERING & SPECIAL EVENTSAngela Donaldson, Catering & Special Events
ManagerEdna Robinson, Culinary ManagerDemetrius Skeens, Catering and Special Events
Coordinator
SAFETY & SECURITYLt. Lorraine Monroe, SupervisorSgt. Daryl Stuckey, SergeantDarrin Cato, Stage Door OfficerDemetrius Newbold, Control Center OfficerA.M. Hightower, Control Center OfficerAnthony Dorsey, Medic
DETROIT OPERA HOUSE PARKING CENTERRobert Neil, ManagerPaul Bolden, Event Supervisor for Parking
PRODUCTION
ADMINISTRATIONElizabeth Anderson, Production Coordinator and
Artistic AdministratorKathleen Bennett, Production AdministratorKen Saltzman, Stage ManagerHailli Ridsdale, Nan Luchini, Assistant Stage
Managers Nancy Krolikowski, Production Volunteer
MUSICSuzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Music Director
& Chorus MasterJean Schneider, RepetiteurMolly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel ManagerTessa Hartle, Studio Coach/Accompanist
TECHNICAL & DESIGN STAFFDaniel T. Brinker, Technical DirectorMonika Essen, Property Master & Scenic ArtistHeather DeFauw, Assistant Lighting Designer &
Assistant Technical DirectorDee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator Adrian Sean Polk, Technical Assistant
COSTUMESSuzanne M. Hanna, Costume DirectorRosemarie I. Di Rita, Wardrobe Mistress Emily K. Clapp, Fitting Assistant Susan A. Fox, First HandMaureen Abele, Patricia Pratt, Mary Ellen Shuffett,
Stitchers
MAKEUP & HAIR Elizabeth Geck, Assistant Wig & Makeup DesignerErika Broderdorf and Kristine Clifton-Higgins,
Crew LeadersGiulia Bernardini, Corene Bridges, Stephani Coleman, Kori C. Fields, Valeria Marcano, Alexis Pravato, Cedashe Randolph, Leslie Russell, Carol Taylor, Denitra Townsend, Makhia Walker, Dayna Winalis, Shanté Young
STAGE CREWJohn Kinsora, Head CarpenterFrederick Graham, Jr., Head ElectricianPat McGee, Head PropertymanHenry Ruiz, Head SoundRobert Martin, Head FlymanGary Gilmore, Production ElectricianMary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe
IATSE Local #38, Stage CrewIATSE Local #786, Wardrobe
Administration & Staff
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 25
26 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
$100,000 and aboveMr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel
Mandell and Madeleine Berman FoundationGeneral Motors Foundation
R. Jamison and Karen WilliamsThe Kresge Foundation
Lear CorporationMichigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
$50,000 and aboveFiat Chrysler Automobiles
Marvin & Betty Danto Family FoundationMax M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Masco Corporation FoundationJ. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund
$35,000 and aboveMr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson
Barbara Frankel and Ron MichalakRichard Sonenklar and Gregory Haynes
$25,000 and aboveMr. and Mrs. John Boll, Sr.
DeRoy Testamentary FoundationFred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Mrs. Elaine FontanaHerman and Sharon Frankel
Sally Mead Hands FoundationMr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos
Oliver Dewey Marcks FoundationShirley K. Schlafer Foundation
Matilda R. Wilson FundWorthington Family Foundation
Michigan Opera Theatre Donor Honor RollMichigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous donors for their cumulative life-time giving. Their support has played a key role in the establishment of Michigan Opera Theatre since its founding in 1971 along with the building of the Detroit Opera House. Their leadership has and continues to play an integral part in the company’s viability, underwriting quality opera and dance performances, alongside award-winning
community and educational programs.
$2,000,000 and aboveMcGregor Fund
The Skillman FoundationThe State of MichiganMr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel
Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel
Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganMr. & Mrs. Douglas Allison
Lear CorporationJohn S. and James L. Knight Foundation
William Davidson Foundation
$1,000,000 and aboveMrs. Sam Williams
Masco CorporationMr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee
Mr. & Mrs. R. Jamison WilliamsJPMorgan Chase
DTE Energy FoundationSamuel & Jean Frankel
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Boll, Sr.Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Michalak
National Endowment for the ArtsMandell & Madeleine Berman Foundation
Bank of AmericaAT&T
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene ApplebaumMargo Cohen Feinberg & Robert Feinberg
Hudson-Webber FoundationMatilda R. Wilson Fund
$5,000,000 and aboveFord Motor Company FundGeneral Motors Foundation
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural AffairsThe Kresge Foundation
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC
FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
GOVERNMENT
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
National Endowment for the Arts
FOUNDATION$1,000,000+William Davidson Foundation
$100,000 +Mandell and Madeleine Berman
FoundationCommunity Foundation for
Southeast Michigan The Kresge FoundationMcGregor Fund $30,000 – $99,999Marvin & Betty Danto Family
FoundationMax M. & Marjorie S. Fisher
FoundationSally Mead Hands FoundationJ. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde
Fund
$10,000 - $29,999DeRoy Testamentary
FoundationDetroit Public Schools
FoundationFred A. and Barbara M. Erb
Family FoundationAnn and Gordon Getty
FoundationHudson-Webber FoundationKnight Detroit Opera Fund of
the Community FoundationOliver Dewey Marcks
FoundationRalph L. and Winifred E. Polk
FoundationSage FoundationShirley K. Schlafer FoundationIda & Conrad H. Smith
Endowment for the Michigan Opera Theatre
Mary Thompson FoundationSamuel L. Westerman
FoundationMatilda R. Wilson FundWorthington Family
Foundation$5,000 - $9,999Alice Kales Hartwick
FoundationKaren & Drew Peslar
FoundationHerbert and Elsa Ponting
FoundationLouis & Nellie Sieg FundYoung Woman’s Home
Association
$1,000 - $4,999Arts Midwest Touring FundDetroit Industrial SchoolDrusilla Farwell FoundationJames & Lynelle Holden FundLegacy FoundationMichigan Humanities CouncilLee & Maxine Peck FoundationSigmund and Sophie Rohlik
FoundationVillage Club Foundation
CORPORATE SUPPORT$100,000 +DTE Energy FoundationFord Motor Company FundGeneral Motors FoundationLear Corporation $50,000 - $99,999Masco Corporation Foundation $5,000 - $9,999Comerica Charitable
FoundationMGM Grand DetroitQuicken Loans
$1,000 - $4,999Antonio’s Cucina ItalianaKinderMorgan FoundationTarget StoresWolverine Packing Company
$500 - $999IATSE Local 38Tuesday Musicale of Detroit
OPERA BALL 2014Robert and Margaret AlleseeMr. Joseph AmineDr. Lourdes V. AndayaMiss Samira ArkashevskyMs. Kristen ArmstrongJohn and Linda AxeJames and Andrea BalcerskiMs. Lindsey BarileMr. Ken BarrettBarris, Sott, Denn & Driker,
P.L.L.C.Ms. Debra Bernstein-SiegelMs. Marta BlagaPaul and Lee BlizmanMs. Elizabeth BrazilianRobert and Geraldine BrownWayne Brown and Brenda
KeeMr. Otto BujMr. Howard W. Burdett, JrJeff and Susan CancelosiNatalka CapMr. Richard D. CavalerMs. Shirley CetnerFrederick and Gloria ClarkMr. Eric ClementAvern Cohn and Lois PincusMr. Gordy ColemanMr. Daniel A CollinsConifer HoldingsMr. Steve CosgroveCrain Communications Inc.KC and Ashely CrainMaryann CromwellAlma CrossleyJoanne Danto and Arnold
WeingardenJulia Darlow and John
O’MearaEthan and Gretchen DavidsonKevin Dennis and Jeremy
ZeltzerChris and Trish DewaldDilip and Sonal DubeyCameron DuncanMs. Maggie DurantEclipse CreativeMrs. Natalia EmelianovMr. Sean EmeryMarianne EndicottMr. Brian EnrightMs. Aleksandra EpshteynMs. Alla EpshteynOlga EpshteynFern Espino and Tom ShortMr. & Mrs. Ernest EssadMr. Ernie Essad
Ms. Taffey EverettPaul and Mary Sue EwingMs. Candice FaransoCarl and Mary Anne FontanaMrs. Elaine FontanaMr. & Mrs. Joe FontanaFord Motor Company FundBarbara Frankel and Ronald
MichalakHerman and Sharon FrankelDean and Aviva FriedmanMr. Antonio GagnonMs. Carolyn GammichiaGasper Financial GroupSteve and Stephanie GasperKaren GaudetteGeneral Motors FoundationMs. Laura GerlantsMr. Ehren GonzalesLee and Brenda GonzalesJames and Nancy GrosfeldMr. & Mrs. David GrossmanSamuel and Toby HabermanJohn and Kristan HaleHeather HamiltonMr. Bryan L HardawayMs. Dana HarperMr. & Mrs. Corey HarrisDoreen HermelinDerek and Karen HodgsonRich and Tracey HombergDr. Devon HooverDr. Kairi L. HorsleyMr. Monte HuberMs. Minden HumphreyRick and Elanah HungerMs. Kelle IlitchAndrey IlyasovMr. Arthur ItkisKent and Amy JidovChacona JohnsonMr. George JohnsonPeter and Danialle KarmanosMrs. Alla KhankinMs. Emily KrajniakJohn and Mary KrakowiakMs. Mary KramerMr. Jack KrasulaMichael and Barbara
KratchmanArthur and Nancy Ann
KrolikowskiLear CorporationRonald and Fifi LevinLinda and Edward LevyMr. Derrick LewisArthur and Nancy LieblerStephan and Marian LoginskyAlphonse LucarelliMr. Jim LuckeyDonald ManvelJack Martin and Bettye
Arrington-MartinMr. Joey G MaruskinMr. Bill McdadMs. Rebecca McGraneMr. David McNultyJeff and Amy MessanoDr. & Mrs. Alireza MeysamiMGM Grand DetroitMr. Phillip D. MinchAli Moiin and William KupskyJoe and Myra MorelandMs. Lisa MorinMr. Doyle MosherStephen and Barbara MunkMr. & Mrs. Robert MylodAllan and Joy NachmanMs. Payam NaghshtabriziMr. Fred NederlanderNetlinkMr. Michael NeumanNexlink CommunicationsNorthern Trust Bank
Graham and Sally OrleyRobert and Marcie OrleySpencer and Myrna PartrichPenske CorporationMr. D. Roe PeterhansPlatinumMr. David PlunkettCharlotte and Charles
PodowskiMrs. Waltraud PrechterW. James and Patti ProwsePaul and Amy RaghebMrs. Ruth F. RattnerAnthony and Suzanne ReaClaude and Sandi ReitelmanMs. Alina RitsThe Ronald & Fifi Levin
Family FundMr. Brian RoneyMs. Prudence RosenthalMs. Renee M RothBernard and Donna RubinAnkur Rungta and Mayssoun
BydonEdith RuscilloDr. Alla SakharovaHershel and Dorothy
SandbergSarokiJohn SchaeferMr. Adam SchneiderMs. Patrice SchreiberJane and Frances SchulakMs. Olga SelektorMs. Sandra SeligmanSellers Buick GMCArlene ShalerNedda and Elham ShayotaMr. & Mrs. R ShirmerMs. Wendy SilvermanWilliam SmithRichard Sonenklar and
Gregory HaynesSouthern ScrewMs. Mary Ann StellaMr. Leon StetsenkoGregory StoneChristine StrumbosMr. Levi StubbsMs. Marisa StutzC. Thomas and Bernie ToppinMrs. Kylia Van DeldenMs. April WagnerJason and Megan WarzechaMs. Linda WatsonWestin Book CadillacWilliams, Williams, Rattner &
Plunkett P.C.R. Jamison and Karen
WilliamsWorld Heritage FoundationMr. Maxim YankelevichMrs. Luba YoffeeMs. Amy Suzanne Zimmer
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT — OPERA
IMPRESARIO$10,000+Mr. & Mrs. Richard AlonzoMr. & Mrs. Ethan DavidsonA. A. Moroun, Nora Moroun,
and Lindsay Moroun (The Moroun Family Foundation)
Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Michalak
Mr. & Mrs. Herman FrankelMrs. Susanne McMillanMr. Richard A. Sonenklar & Mr.
Gregory HaynesMr. Richard D. Ventura
BENEFACTOR$5,000-$9,999Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. AlleseeDr. & Mrs. Thomas AndersonMr. & Mrs. Lee BarthelMr. J. Addison Bartush+Mr. & Mrs. Mark Alan BaunMr. & Mrs. Richard A. BrodieMr & Mrs. Robert BrownMr. Wayne S. Brown &
Ms. Brenda KeeMrs. Ilse CalcagnoMr. Thomas CohnDr. David DiChieraMr. Cameron B. DuncanMrs. Charles M. EndicottMr. & Mrs. Daniel FinkiewiczDr. Marjorie M. FisherMr. & Mrs. Richard GoetzMr. & Mrs. Robert HamelMr. & Mrs. Thomas KrikorianMr. Paul LavinsMs. Denise LutzMr. Robert LutzDr. & Mrs. Stephen MancusoMrs. Richard McBrienDr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William
KupskyMr. & Mrs. Manuel MorounDr. Stephen A. Munk &
Dr. Barbara MunkMr. Joseph R. PappDr. Charlotte & Mr. Charles
PodowskiMr. & Mr. William H. Powers JrMr. Ankur Rungta & Mrs.
Mayssoun BydonMs. Elham ShayotaMrs. Richard Van Dusen
SUSTAINER$3,000-$4,999Dr. Lourdes V. AndayaDr. Harold Mitchell ArringtonPaul & Lee BlizmanMr. Gene BowenMr. & Mrs. Paul ChosidMr. Dan ClancyHon. & Mrs. Avern L. CohnDr. Mary Carol ConroyDrs. Laura & Jeffrey CorriganMrs. Virginia CuratoloDr. Nell K. Duke & Mr. David
AmmerDr. Raina Ernstoff &
Mr. Sanford HansellMr. & Mrs. Lloyd C. FellMr. & Mrs. Carl B. FontanaMr. & Mrs. Harvey FreemanMr. & Mrs. Dean FriedmanMr. & Mrs. Andrew GiancamilliMr. & Mrs. David HandlemanDr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. HeinMr. & Mrs. Derek HodgsonDr. Devon HooverMr. William HulskerMr. & Mrs. Addison IgleheartMr. & Mrs. Kent J. JidovMr. Patrick J. Kerzic & Mrs.
Stephanie Germack KerzicMr. & Mrs. Steve KeslerDr. & Mrs. Edward KlarmanMr. & Mrs. Michael KratchmanMr. Charles E. Letts, Jr.Mr. Alphonse S. LucarelliMr. & Mrs. Martin MaiselThe Hon. Jack & Dr. Bettye
Arrington MartinMs. Mary C. MazureMr. Phillip D. MinchMr. Jonathan OrserMs. Susan PeslarMr. & Mrs. Brock E. PlumbMrs. Ruth F. Rattner
Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2016 27
Contributors to Annual CampaignsMichigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose contributions were made between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Their generosity is vital to the company’s financial
stability, which is necessary to sustain MOT’s position as a valued cultural resource.
Dr. Boyd Richards & Mr. Joshua J. Ronnebaum
Mrs. Carolyn L. RossMr. & Mrs. Hugh C. RossMr. & Mrs. Robert RossDr. & Mrs. William H. SalotMr. Merton SegalMark & Lois ShaevskyMrs. Frank ShalerMrs. Cynthia B. Shaw & Mr.
Tom KirvanMr. & Mrs. Frank SonyeDr. Gregory StephensDr. & Mrs. Gerald H. StollmanMr. Ronald F. Switzer & Mr. Jim
F. McClureMr. & Mrs. Thomas TerrellDr. Lorna ThomasMr. & Mrs. C. Thomas ToppinDr. & Mrs. Ned WinkelmanDina & Eric WinterMr. & Mrs. Xavier MosquetMr. & Mrs. Larry Zangerle
DONOR$2,500-$2,999Mr. & Mrs. James M. BalcerskiMs. Carolyn M. Blackmore & Dr.
Nicholas C. BellMr. & Mrs. Eugene W.
BlanchardMr. & Mrs. G. Peter BlomMr. Jim BonahoomMr. & Mrs. Donald J. BowermanMr. & Mrs. Richard BowlbyMr. & Mrs. Bob BrasieMrs. Betty BrightDr. & Mrs. Thomas E. CarsonMr. & Mrs. Frederick H. ClarkMr. Edward CodyMrs. Robert ComstockMr. & Mrs. Peter CooperMr. & Mrs. Jerry D’AvanzoMr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. DavidMr. & Mrs. Walter K. DeanMr. & Mrs. Dilip DubeyMr. & Mrs.Kenneth A. EisenbergMr. & Mrs. Paul E. EwingMr. & Mrs. Oscar FeldmanAdrienne & Robert Z. FeldsteinMrs. Alfred J. Fisher Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Stuart FrankelDr. & Mrs. Clifford FurgisonDr. Glendon Gardner & Ms.
Leslie LandauDr. & Mrs. Michael GehebMr. & Mrs. Keith E. GiffordMr. Allan D. GilmourMr. & Mrs. Arnold GordonMr. William Greene & Mr. Peter
McGreevyMr. & Mrs. David H. HillEleanor & Alan IsraelMs. Una JackmanJospey Foundation, Marjorie &
Maxwell Mrs. William L. KahnMr. & Mrs. Norman D. KatzLinda & Thomas KleinDr. Melvin A. LesterMs. Mary B. LettsDr. & Mrs. Stephan J. LoginskyMr. Donald ManvelMark-Lis Family Fund - Mrs.
Florine MarkJuliane & Donald McCannMr. & Mrs. Eugene MillerDr. & Mrs. Van C. Momon, Jr.Mrs. Theodore MonolidisAllan & Joy Nachman
Philanthropic FundDr. & Mrs. Barry NemonDr. & Mrs. Peter NicklesDr. Juliette Okotie-EbohMr. & Mrs. Graham A OrleyMr. & Mrs. Richard PartrichDrs. Caroline & Wallace PeaceMr. Kenneth RobinsonMs. Patricia H. RodzikCapt. & Mrs. David Roessler IVMrs. Irving RoseDr. & Mrs. Bernard RubinMrs. Luigi RuscilloDr. & Mrs. Hershel SandbergMrs. Barbara Saperstein
Dr. Barbara & Mr. Laurence Schiff
Mr. & Mrs. Alan E. SchwartzMs. Laura Sias & Ms. Kathy
CoburnMr. & Mrs. David S. SnyderMr. & Mrs. Richard SoulenMs. Betsy Duncan SpongMrs. Margaret E. StarkMrs. Norman J. TaborDr. Jeffrey V. Tranchida & Mr.
Noel BarilDr. & Mrs. Stanley H. WaldonMs. Carmen Wargel & Dr. Ryan
FringerMrs. Phyllis C. WebbMrs. Amelia H. WilhelmDr. & Mrs. Christopher D.
WilhelmDr. Lucia ZamoranoMrs. Morton ZieveMr. & Mrs. David J. Zmyslowski
CAMERATA CLUB$1,000-$2,499Joshua & Judith Lowitz AdlerMs. Deborah L. AnthonyMr. & Mrs. Eugene ApplebaumMr. & Mrs. John AxeMr. & Mrs. Dean Bedford, Jr.Mr. Stanislaw BialoglowskiMr. & Mrs. Maurice S. BinkowMr. & Mrs. Paul J. BlackneyMr. & Mrs. Gerald BrightMiss Helen H. CannonMr. & Mrs. Douglas CornelsenDr. & Mrs. William CosgroveLeslie Desmond & Philip
StoffregenMrs. Laurel ElseaMr. John FlemingDr. & Mrs. Robert FolbergDr. & Mrs. Saul FormanMr. & Mrs. Burke FosseeMr. & Mrs. Lawrence GarciaThomas M. GervasiMrs. Ruth GlancyMr. Robert HageMs. Nancy B. HenkMrs. David B. HermelinMr. Michael E. HinskyMr. Stanley HirtMr. Daniel Howes & Ms.
Margarite FourcroyMr. & Mrs. Richard J. JessupMr. & Mrs. John Kendrick IIIMs. Ida KingDr. Mark Kolins & Ms. Maria B.
AbrahamsenAl & Susan LaCroixMs. Zaida Q. LakotishMr. David LebenbomMr. & Mrs. John D. LewisMr. Robert LittmanMrs. Tamara LuchiniMr. Joe LutherHon. & Mrs. George G. MatishDr. & Mrs. Robert E. MatthewsEdward & Carolyn MayMs. Patricia McKannaDr. Lisa MeilsMr. Bruce A. MillerMiss Surayyah MuwwakkilMr. Geoffrey Nathan & Ms.
Margaret WintersDr. Mary L OttoMrs. Sophie PearlsteinMr. & Mrs. Mark PetersonMiss Alma M. PetriniDr. & Mrs. Peter J. PolidoriMs. Wally PrechterDr. & Mrs. Michael PrysakMr. & Mrs. Rip RapsonDr. Irvin Reid & Dr. Pamela
Trotman ReidReverend Henry RoodbeenMrs. Norman RosenfeldMrs. Gerald F. RossMr. & Mrs. George Roumell, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley SearsMrs. Steven SellMr. & Mrs. Dante StellaMs. Mary Anne StellaDr. & Mrs. Mack C. StirlingMr. & Mrs. John P. TierneyMr. & Mrs. Gerrit Vreeken
Mr. William WaakMrs. Fern WalchMr. & Mrs. Leo S. WasageshikMr. & Mrs. Robert F. WhitmanMr. & Mrs. John A Wise, Jr.Mr. Gary Wozniak
ANNUAL FUND DONORS
LUMINARY$500-$999Anonymous (2)Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Anthony
IVMrs. Chester ArnoldDr. & Mrs. John BarnwellMrs. Cecilia BennerMs. Kanta BhambhaniDr. & Mrs. Eric BillesDr. & Mrs. Evan & Nickole BlackDr. & Mrs. David BloomMr. & Mrs. Jack BourgetProfessor & Mrs. Dale E. BriggsMr. & Mrs. Frank BrzenkEvelyn BurtonLorraine ClayMr. Barry CordenMr. & Mrs. Tonino CorsettiMr. & Mrs. James CortezWindsor IndustrialDr. Donald DitmarsMr. & Mrs. Eugene DrikerMr. & Mrs. Lawrence F.
DuMouchelleDr. Patricia L. EdwardsThe Hon. Sharon Tevis FinchMrs. Barbara A. Fisher & Mr.
William GouldDr. Evelyn J. FisherMrs. Shirley M. FlanaganDr. Yvonne Friday & Mr.
Stephen BlackMs. Carol FriendMr. & Mrs. Daniel E. Frohardt-
LaneMs. Sharlene F. GageMs. Kathleen GahanMr. & Mrs. Lawrence
GarberdingBarbara J. GeckMr. & Mrs. Joseph GilmoreMr. Philip L. Gray & FamilyMrs. Patricia GreenwoodGiacinta A. GualtieriJamie Hall, MDDrs. Julia & Gregory HaysMs. Sara L. Hill & Mr. George
VutetakisMr. Paul C. HillegondsMr. Paul HornMr. & Mrs. Mario IacobelliMr. & Mrs. Frank M JerneycicMr. Dennis JohnstonMr. & Mrs. Stephen JohnstonDr. & Mrs. Michael T. KeefeMs. Geraldine B. KellerMr. & Mrs. Robert KellyMr. William P. KellyMrs. Rebecca L. KennedyMs. Lee KhachaturianMr. David Kinsella & Ms. Joyce
UrbaMr. & Mrs. Harvey KleimanMr. & Mrs. Justin KlimkoMr. & Mrs. Gregory KnasMs. Margot KohlerMr. & Mrs. William KrogerExpress Employment
Professionals Troy & Rochester Hills
Mr. Lawrence LarsonMrs. Meria LarsonMr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex L.
DotsonDr. Stanley LevyMr. John Lovegren & Mr. Daniel
IsenschmidMs. J.D. MarhevkoMr. & Mrs. Steven MarletteMs. Janet Groening MarshMs. Mary McGoughPatricia A. & Patrick G.
McKeeverRob & Mary MichieluttiMs. Laurie MickiewiczMs. Barbara Mitchell
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck MossRobin & Gene NewmanMr. & Mrs. George Nicholson, IIIMs. Lois NormanMr. & Mrs. Richard F. O’BrienRandall L. PappalMs. Haryani PermanaDr. Cyrus Piraka & Mrs. Alicia
PirakaRichard & Meryl Place FundDavid PotterMr. Dennis C. Regan & Miss
Ellen M. StrandMrs. Jeanne F. ReichertMaurcine & Lloyd ReussMr. & Mrs. Benjamin D. RhodesMr. James E. RodgersDr. John Romani & Dr. Barbara
AndersonCharles & Nicola RooneyDr. & Mrs. Arthur RoseMrs. Kate A. RosevearMs. Mary P. RossioMrs. Alexander RotaCharles & Adam RussmanDeane & Barry SafirDrs. Franziska & Robert
SchoenfeldMr. David SchonDr. Christina ShantiMr. Zon ShumwayMrs. Helen T. SlaterMr. Theodore J. St. AntoineMr. & Mrs. Gabriel StahlMr. Duane L. TarnackiDr. Gretchen M. ThamsMr. & Mrs. Norman ThorpeMr. Scott & Ms. Michele
ToennigesMr. & Mrs. Paul TomboulianMrs. Dorothy Alice TomeiMs. Karen Van ArsdaleDarlene S. VasiMr. & Mrs. Lewis WagnerJean & Alan WeamerProf. Michael WellmanDr. Ruth A. WorthingtonDr. & Mrs. Jose E. Yanez
SUPPORTER$250-$499Anonymous (6)Mr. & Mrs. David AdamsBradford C. AndersonDavid & Sandra AndersonMr. & Mrs. Fred BaerDr. Gregory A. BanazakDr. Leora Bar-LevavMr. & Mrs. C. Robert BarnardMr. & Mrs. Fred BarnesMr. Walter BaughmanMr. & Mrs. James D. BeauvaisMr. Floyd Bell & Ms. Lynne
LewisDrs. Gary & Carolyn BergMr. & Mrs. William Betz EsqMr. Svein K. BjorklyMs. Marie BlanarovaMs. Barbara A. BlanockMs. Terry P. BookDr. Anne James BoydMr. & Mrs. James BrooksJody BrooksMs. Joann F. BrooksMrs. Milena T. BrownBarbara BrownleeNorman Bucknor & Xuehai LiMr. Donald BudnyDr. & Mrs. Roger C. ByrdMs. Barbara CadaretMs. Nettie CalhounMr. & Mrs. Philip CampbellJeff & Susan CancelosiMr. Raymond CarneyMr. Otis J. ChandlerMr. & Mrs. L. B. ChappuisMrs. Margaret ChorneyMr. & Mrs. Reginald L. CiokajloMr. Ronald CitkowskiMr. & Mrs. John P. ConnollyFrank & Robyn CoppolaMr. & Mrs. Robert & Michelle
CostelloElaine & Michael DadabboMr. & Mrs. Norman DancyWilliam & Pamela Day
Mr. Richard de BearMr. & Mrs. Armando DelicatoDr. Ralph E. Delius & Ms. Judy
MalburgDr. Frank DeMarcoDr. R. DimitrijevicMr. & Mrs. Richard DionneConrad & Judith DonakowskiMr. & Mrs. Howard DowningMr. John DreifusMr. & Mrs. Daniel S. DruckerMr. Douglas F. DuchekMr. & Mrs. Don F. DugganJacquelin EckhousDr. Alan EiserMr. & Mrs. Lawrence ElkusMr. James EngMr. F. Jose EngelDr. & Mrs. N.C. EnglebergMr. & Mrs. Paul S. EnsignMrs. Mary V. EnsrothMr. George EvansMichael Faunt & Mirit NaimMary Kaye & Mason FerryMs. Judith FietzDrs. Julie B. Finn & Bradley
RowensDr. Lydia H. FischerMr. & Mrs. James E. FiskMs. Margaret M. FitzpatrickDr. Michael FloresMs. Sue ForceSusan A. & Daniel M. FoxMrs. Ruth FrankCarol Gagliardi & David FlesherMr. & Mrs. Lawrence T. GarcíaMr. John GaylordJennifer GernaeyGershenson Family Support
FundDr. Marilyn GerwollsDaniel & Sally GilbertMr. Robert T. GoldmanNathaniel GoodMr. & Mrs. William R. GoudieMs. Shirley M. GrayMs. Remona GreenMaria A. GuadianaJohn Guest & Rachel ShermanMrs. Carol GuitherMr. Nizami HalimMr. & Mrs. David HammondDr. Natan HarPazMr. Harland HarrisMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey K. HaynesMs. Barbara HellerMr. Norman HerbertDr. & Mrs. Martin M. HermanMs. Linda HerritageMiss Patricia HinojosaBeth Hoger & Lisa SwemMs. Denise M. HogstromMs. Kalaida HolmesMr. & Mrs. Jan HomanCharles & Janet HookTim & Senga HornseyDr. Kairi L. HorsleyMr. & Mrs. James L. HowlettJean Wright & Joseph L.
Hudson Jr. FundDrs. Karen & Alan HuntMr. & Mrs. Richard JeryanMrs. Arthur JohnsonDr. & Mrs. Leonard B. JohnsonOllie M. JohnsonMrs. Frieda JohnstonMr. & Mrs. Adam M. JonesDr. Zema L. JordanMr. & Mrs. David JoswickDrs. Anthony & Joyce KalesMs. Agatha P. KalkanisStephen & Mercy KasleDr. & Mrs. Sumer Katz-PekMr. & Mrs. Alan Jay KaufmanMs. Sheila KeefeMr. Daniel J. KehoeMr. Donald Kehrig, Jr.Ms. Emer KennyMr. & Mrs. Gerd H KeuffelDr. & Mrs. Robert N. KienleMrs. Mary F. KnauerMr. Mario J. KocajEric Krukonis & Susan MurrayMrs. Carolynne KubertDrs. Richard & Valmy KulbershMr. Albert J. Kurt
28 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
Prof. Lawrence La FountainMr. Ronald T. LaingCecilia J. Lakin, J.D.Alene & Graham LandauDr. Joseph Lapides & Ms. Arlene
GorelickMr. Don LeDuc & Ms. Susan
ColeyMs. Corrine LembergDr. & Mrs. Kenneth LevinDr. & Mrs. Dan LevitskyMr. George C. LevyMr. Norman LewisDr. & Mrs. John H. LibckeMr. David A. LillyMr. & Mrs. Richard T. LindgrenMr. & Mrs. Michael LinebaughMs. Judith LocherMr. & Mrs. William D. LockwoodMrs. Mary LoriaMr. Joseph A. LucidoMs. Margaret MacTavishMs. Vera C. MageeDrs. Phoebe & Harris MainsterMichael Malian, MDClara & Federico MarionaMr. David M. MarkMs. Jennifer MarlingDr. Crystal R. MartinDr. & Mrs. David MassignanMrs. Arlene MaulMrs. Carol A. McKennaDr. & Mrs. John McLaughlinMr. & Mrs. James McLennanMr. & Mrs. Donald McMechanMs. Kathleen McNamee & Mr.
Linos JacovidesMrs. Marilyn MeadowcroftMs. Patricia MeldrumMs. Lynne M. MettyDr. & Mrs. Anthony B. MichaelsMr. & Mrs. Donald & Barbara
MickDr. & Mrs. Stephen MigdalMr. Anthony MikoyMs. Anita L. MillerMr. Dennis MirkuDr. Anne Missavage & Mr.
Robert BorcherdingLucille MonarkMs. Janice Black MooreDr. James L. MoseleyGermano & Ann MularoniBrian & Toni Sanchez MurphyTheodore & Anna NiforosMs. Patrice Shaughnessy NolanMr. Ronald NorthrupMrs. Henrietta V. NowakowskiMs. Theresa OneyMs. Janet PageMs. Diane ParatoreMs. Jenine C. ParchmonJohn & Sandra ParrMs. Monica ParrishMrs. Maria Payan-SalasMrs. Lucy PeckMrs. Karen PerrautDr. Claus PetermannMrs. Janet PoundsJohn & Nancy PriceProf. Martha RatliffMr. Richard Rattner & Ms.
Linnea LannonHope & Larry RaymondDarrel & Loretta ReeceMr. Patrick ReidMr. & Mrs. Jack D. RelyeaMs. Sania RempelMr. & Mrs. Steven & Leslie
RoachMrs. M. Jane RobertsJack A. & Aviva Robinson FundMr. & Mrs. Peter J. RoddyMr. Bernardo A. RojasMr. & Mrs. Sidney RoseMr. & Mrs. Frank RossMr. Daniel G. RuseckiMr. James RyanMrs. Sandra SamsonMrs. Claus SchaeferMr. & Mrs. Charles SchifferMr. & Mrs. Alan L. SchlangHarold & Jia SchockMr. & Mrs. Michael SchoumanWilliam & Mary Schwark
Mr. J’s Sports Bar & GrillPaul Vandevert & Caroline
SerfassMarc & Naomi ShabermanMarilyn Shapiro & Joseph WeissMr. & Mrs. Patrick D. SheehyDr. & Mrs. Donald ShermanMr. & Mrs. George ShirleyMr. & Mrs. James K. ShirleyMs. Marci ShulmanDr. & Mrs. Paul SiatczynskiScott Silveira, MDMs. Rita A. SimonMr. & Mrs. Anthony R. SkwiersMrs. Alma J. SniderMr. & Mrs. Frank SosnowskiDr. Gino SovranNadine & Ken SperryMr. & Mrs. Allan StillwagonDr. Gregory StoneMs. Kimberly StoutMr. & Mrs. Douglas StrayerDr. & Mrs. Choichi SugawaEdward & Natalie SurovellHighway Service CompanyMr. Robert Sweeten & Ms. Mary
Margaret SweetenDr. Geneva TatemMr. & Mrs. Frank TenkelBeth Ann & John TeslukMs. Ruth P. ThrashMs. Pamela TorracoMr. John M. TothDr. Diane TraenkleMr. & Mrs. Stuart TragerDrs. Daniel & Lisa TurnerMs. Suzanne TwomleyMr. Michael UsherDr. & Mrs. Al UtechtMiss Lisa M. VarnierMr. & Mrs. Tony VentimigliaMr. & Mrs. George VoegeliCarol WardMr. Donald K. WeddingMr. & Mrs. Richard WeiermillerMs. Janet B. WeirMr. & Mrs. Robert & Sandra
WeitzMr. & Mrs. Paul WemhoffJohn WertmanMr. & Mrs. James Wessel-WalkerMr. Robert WestveerDr. & Mrs. Fred W. WhitehouseMr. Allen Wierzbicki, CPAMr. George WilliamsLWA Prop FundDr. & Mrs. Timothy A. WilliamsMr. Manuel A. WilsonChristine Winder & Russell
ChaveyMrs. Stanley J. Winkelman & Mr.
Robert A. KrauseMs. Daniela WittmannMr. & Mrs. Jon WojtalaMr. David D. WoodardMr. & Mrs. Thomas V. YatesMr. Mike ZanzarellaMr. & Mrs. Milton Zussman
BravoBravo! $50,000 — Presenting SponsorFiat Chrysler Automobiles
BravoBravo! Sponsors$10,000 MGM Grand Detroit
$3,000 - $5,000General Wine & LiquorHo nigman Miller Schwartz &
CohnGreek Town CasinoKindred Hospital Detroit/
Rosann BarkerLake Victoria Medical
AssociatesTransformED FoundationVibra Hospital of SE MIVirdian Group LLC
$1,000 - $2,500Labor EdgeAmbassador Duty Free Detroit Medical CenterFirst Merit Bank
Talmer BankTeam Wellness CenterThe Ashley ApartmentsWestin Book Cadillac
BravoBravo! Participating RestaurantsAddison EateryAngelina Italian BistroBiggby CoffeeBistro 555Bookies Bar & GrilleCake CrumbsCheli’s Chili BarCraft Creative CateringThe Crepe Royal OakDetroit Beer CompanyDominos Pizza DowntownFalafill – DetroitFountain BistroGarrett Popcorn ShopsGreektown CasinoGreendot StablesIgnite Sushi Bar & LoungeJohnny’s Noodle KingKuzzo’s chicken & wafflesMario’sMarket District – Greektown
CasinoMGM Grand Catering DetroitPeteet’s Famous CheesecakesPie Five PizzaPrime29 Steakhouse West
BloomfieldPrismR.U.B BBQ PUBSmall Plates DetroitSubway Restaurants TAP at MGM Grand DetroitTreat DreamsVicentes Cuban CuisineWingstopWolfgang Puck Pizzeria CucinaWolfgang Puck SteakYum DelishBravoBravo! In-Kind Donors$2 Car Wash3Dogs1CatABM Onsite ServicesAllegra Print·Signs·Marketing
RenCenAmbassador Duty FreeAmici’s PizzaAmy Kaminsky ProductionsAntonio Shades D Bashar Beauty BarBL VisualsBlumz by JRDesignsBrian Jeffried- DJ God FatherBusted Bra ShopCanine to FiveCream Blends LLCDawna PiperDawnyDLew - MUADigital Traveler LLCDisplay GroupDwight G. Stackhouse AuthorEnergen ElectricErin Maureen DesignsEric Hobson PhotographyExtreme Valet LLCFIAT Chrysler AutomobilesFirst Merit MortgageFowling WarehouseFrameable FacesFunky Stuff 13Google DriveGreat Lakes BeverageGreat Lakes Wine & SpiritsGreek Town CasinoGreis Jewelers Groom N GoHidden Thread ConsultingHongiman Miller Schwartz &
Cohn LLPIce Dreams Sculptures LLCIconic IDIssa JewelersJava MasterJazz & Spirit Dance TheatreJ. Beverly HillsK & M Estate SalesLevitation Staging
Little Flower Soap ShopLove Joi JewelersLT StudioLuxe of BirminghamMaggianosMarket BirminghamMGM Grand DetroitMicrosoft Somerset CollectionMixBricktownMonica R. ShalerMon Jin LauMotor City Soap Co.MP FashionNeiman MarcusNew D Media ArtsOlga Gamburg PhotographyThe Original Selfie StationThe Peacock RoomPegasus EntertainmentPewabic PotteryThe Perfect Host LLCPink Calayx Jewelry Post NetPretty Pretti BoutiquePrime29 Steakhouse West
BloomfieldRave YogaReal 2 Reel Entertainment
Media GroupRed Coat TavernSaks Fifth AvenueSalon on 5Salon XpressionsSecurity companySix SalonSkincare for Your SoulSmokey G’s BBQSource Audio Systems llcSt. JohnThrift on the AvenueThe Townsend HotelTrish’s GarageTubby’s SubmarinesTux on 9Twigs & Branches FloralTwo Moons FarmsUberVIP Tanning – TroyThe Westin Book Cadillac –
DetroitWet House PrintingYounique CosmeticsYusef Place TwoYum VillageZarpka’s Purses & Accessories
BravoBravo! Media PartnersAfter 5 DetroitYELP!WDETClear Channel (Channel 955 and
Fresh 100)Metro Times
BravoBravo! LibationsAmsterdam VodkasBookies Bar & GrilleBrown FormanChandon by MoetHangar One VodkaJack DanielsJack Daniels Tennesee FireJim BeamNational Wine & SpiritsPalm Bay International Fine
Wine & SpiritsProximo SpiritsSouthern Wine & SpiritsStella ArtoisSvedkaThree Olives
Media PartnersAfter 5 DetroitChannel 955Fresh 100Fox 2 Detroit Metro TimesWDET 101.9 FMYelp!
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT — DANCE
$25,000 +John A. & Marlene L. Boll
FoundationThe Marvin & Betty Danto Family
Foundation
$10,000 - $24,999Nora & Matty Moroun
$5,000 - $9,999MGM Grand Detroit
$2,500 - $4,999Susan & Richard BinghamKevin Dennis & Jeremy ZeltzerDr. David DiChieraLinda Dresner Levy & Edward
Levy, Jr. Barbara Frankel & Ron MichalakMaxine & Stuart Frankel
FoundationDr. Judie Rosalyn GoodmanMs. Mary C. Mazure
$1,000 - $2,499Mrs. Carolyn DempsMr. Lawrence GlowczewskiMr. Lawrence John Mrs. Florence MorrisMrs. Ruth F. RattnerSusan Sills-Levey & Michael
LeveyCheryl & James McIlhon
$999 and belowMaggie & Bob AlleseeMs. Nancy BrighamGloria & Fred ClarkDodie & Larry DavidAmy & Kent JidovMr. Laurence N. Shear
IN TRIBUTEJanuary 1, 2016 – March 31, 2016
In Memory of Elizabeth Watson
Tracy & Owen BeckleyAnn CooperJoan Emerick & Peter SaldanaStuart Grigg Sharon HurlbertDorothea M. KriegRobert & Jeanette LaMereMarcia PersinHarriet & George PortTom & Diane Schoenith Kathleen SiebertAmy L. SmithSusan SwickardLisa M. VarnierMary Lee VentzkeMary K. WarrenAnnette WatsonBarbara WojcikDavid & Bernadine WuAnne M. YurikAudrey Zupmore
In Honor of Tom & Joyce Heffernan’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
Marcia Louise Closson
In Honor of Joanne Danto & Arnie Weingarden
Marty & Ruthie Seltzer
In Memory of Constance Ann Kimmel
Dave & Jill Wiegman
PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING & COMMUNICATIONS DEVICESPhotography or recording during any performance is strictly prohibited. You are welcome to take photographs in the lobby before or after a performance and during intermission. As a courtesy to our guests, please switch all electronic devices to silent mode and refrain from using them during the performance.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCYDoctors and parents are advised to leave their seat location (located on ticket) and our emergency number, (313) 237-3257, with their service or sitter in case of an emergency. Please observe the lighted exit signs located throughout the theater. In the event of an emergency, please remain calm and walk – do not run – to the nearest exit. Our ushers are trained to lead you out of the building safely. A trained Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is onsite during most events. Please see an usher or staff member to contact the EMT.
RESTROOMSLadies’ restrooms are located off the Ford Lobby (Broadway Street entrance), down the stairs; and on the third floor (Madison Street entrance) – press “3R” on the elevator to reach this facility. Gentlemen’s restrooms are located under the Grand Staircase and also on the third floor (Broadway Street side) – press “3” on the elevator to reach this facility. All third floor restrooms are wheelchair accessible. A unisex, wheelchair accessible restroom is located in the Cadillac Opera Café.
NO SMOKINGThe Detroit Opera House is a smoke-free facility.
USHERSUshers are stationed at the top of each aisle. If you have a question or concern, please inform an usher, who will contact management. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer usher, please call the house manager at (313) 237-3252.
LATE SEATINGLatecomers may be seated only during an appropriate pause in the program. Late seating policies are at the discretion of the production, not Opera House management.
LOST & FOUNDLost and Found is located in the Safety and Security Department. Please see an usher if you have misplaced an article, or call (313) 961-3500 if you have already left the theater. Items will be held in Lost and Found for 30 days.
PARKINGWe encourage all our guests to take advantage of the Detroit Opera House Parking Center, located next to the Detroit Opera House. Pre-paid parking is available for all guests and can be purchased with tickets online or through the Detroit Opera House ticket office. Pre-paid parking must be purchased 72 hours prior to performance date. This facility is reserved specifically for Detroit Opera House patrons during regularly scheduled performances. Entrances and exits are located on both John R. Street and Grand River Ave. Call (313) 237-7464 for more information.
ACCESSIBILITYAccessible seating locations for patrons in wheelchairs are located in all price ranges on the orchestra level. When purchasing tickets, please ask about these locations if you require special accommodations. Assisted Listening Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see an usher to request this service, or visit the Guest Services desk located in the Vincent Lobby (Madison Street entrance). Although this is a complimentary service, we will hold a piece of personal identification while you are using the device. Please contact the ticket office at (313) 237-7464 should you desire special consideration.
CHILDRENChildren are welcome; however, all guests are required to hold a ticket, regardless of age. In all cases, babes in arms are not permitted.
SERVICESConcessions stands are located on all levels. Please note that food and drinks are not permitted in the auditorium at any time. Coat Check is located at the Guest Services desk in the Vincent Lobby (Madison Street side). Please note that the Detroit Opera House does not accept responsibility for any personal articles that are not checked at the coat check.
CONCEALED WEAPONSBe advised that, for purposes of Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 28.425o(1)(f), this is an entertainment facility which has a seating capacity of more than 2,500 individuals. It is therefore against the law to carry a concealed pistol on the premises.
RENTAL INFORMATIONThe Detroit Opera House is available for rent by your organization. Please call (313) 961-3500, and ask to speak with the Director of Booking & Events Management.
TICKET INFORMATIONThe Detroit Opera House ticket office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On performance days, hours are 10 a.m. through the first intermission of the performance, except weekends, when the ticket office will open two hours prior to curtain time. Tickets are available online at www.MichiganOpera.org. Tickets for all public events at the Detroit Opera House are also available through TicketMaster, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or at www.TicketMaster.com.
DETROIT OPERA HOUSE TOURSCome join the Opera House Ambassadors for a backstage tour of the Detroit Opera House! Learn about the history of the Opera House and its restoration, meet the people behind the scenes, tour the stage and see how it operates. Tours are $10 per person, for groups of 20 or more. For more information, please call (313) 237-3279, or visit www.MichiganOpera.org.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATIONWebsite .......................www.MichiganOpera.org EMERGENCIES........................(313) 237-3257Michigan Opera Theatre ..........(313) 961-3500General Information .................(313) 961-3500Lost and Found .........................(313) 961-3500Ticket Office ..............................(313) 237-7464Theater Rental Information ......313) 961-3500Detroit Opera House Fax .........(313) 237-3412Press and Public Relations .......(313) 237-3403De troit Opera House
Parking Center .....................(313) 965-4052
General Information
30 BRAVO • Fall 2016 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre
30+ showrooms | imagine the possibilities
Rozmallin, Suite 60
Henredon Interior Design Showroom, Suite 122
Virginia Tile, Suite 100
Tennant & Associates, Suite 61
Master Suites, Suite 27
Baker Furniture, Suite 60 RJ Thomas, Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90
The Ghiordes Knot, Suites 19 & 20
de Grimme Gallery, Suite 72
Kravet, Suite 105
Duralee, Suite 38
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