Dayton Opera closes season in grand fashion with Puccini’s exotic … · 2018-05-14 · piece,...
Transcript of Dayton Opera closes season in grand fashion with Puccini’s exotic … · 2018-05-14 · piece,...
Spring
2018
Opera Ball …….3
President’s
Letter………..... 4
Membership
Notes ………….7
Coming Events .8
shed a tear or two over sweet Liu and her hopeless love. Her
‘Tu, che di gel’ (“You who are girdled by ice”) softens every
heart but Turandot’s.
Dayton Opera Artistic Director Thomas Bankston has
assembled some of the finest vocalists, all of whom have
graced the Dayton stage in the past, to bring Puccini’s
masterpiece to life in the world-class Schuster Performing
Arts Center. Dayton Opera is thrilled to welcome back
soprano Kara Shay Thomson in the title role of this sweeping
Dayton Opera closes season in grand fashion
with Puccini’s exotic
blockbuster Turandot Can passion ignite ice? Who is the mysterious,
ardent stranger who so unwisely seeks the hand of
beautiful, forbidding Princess Turandot? Will they
solve the riddles they pose each other—with love
and life itself as the prize?
You will learn the answers to these burning
questions when Dayton Opera presents Turandot,
the fourth and final opera of the season.
Plunge into the dazzling, faraway universe of
Puccini’s last and most luxuriant work. It’s a
world of palatial splendor, set in China’s
Forbidden City in legendary old Peking.
Along the way, you’ll encounter some of Puccini’s
most vivid and unforgettable characters—
passionate, single-minded Calaf; haunting, self-
sacrificing Liu, who has long secretly loved Calaf;
aged Timur, Calaf’s dethroned father; and chilling
Princess Turandot, whose regal allure has enticed
uncounted hapless suitors to a swift and grisly
decapitation.
Puccini’s swan song is his grandest and most
exotic opera, splashed against the spectacle of
ancient Imperial China. Despite the opera’s scenic
splendor, it will be Puccini's glorious melodies that
will leave you breathless, including the
passionately yearning ‘Nessun dorma’ (“Nobody
sleeps”), perhaps best known as Luciano
Pavarotti’s signature aria.
Audiences will laugh in
sympathy with Ping, Pang
and Pong as they weigh
their precarious court lives
against their desire for a
peaceful retreat to the
country. Perhaps you will
Turandot May 18, 8 p.m. May 20, 3 p.m.
Director: Johnathan Pape Philharmonic Conductor:
Neal Gittleman
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production. Only a few months have passed since her
gripping performance as Magda Sorel in Dayton
Opera’s The Consul last October. Prior to this 2017-
2018 season, Thomson performed the title role of
Dayton Opera’s production of Tosca to rave reviews
in November 2013. The New York Times praises her
presence and vocal prowess with the following recent
review: “From the first phrases sung by Kara Shay
Thomson, a compelling American soprano with a
plush, vibrant, powerful voice, you do not know
whether to pity or fear her.” These performances in
the title role of Turandot are her first outing in this
most challenging of dramatic soprano roles.
In the 2013 production of Tosca, Thomson’s love
interest on stage, in the role of Cavaradossi, was tenor
Jonathan Burton. Burton returns to Dayton Opera to
play Thomson’s on-stage love interest once again, this
time in the role of Calaf, the unknown prince who has
come to capture Turandot’s heart. Most recently,
Burton helped the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
open its 2016-2017 as the star tenor soloist in the
Season Opening Spectacular Vive La France. “Mr.
Burton has an exciting squillo in his full-bodied tenor
that is riveting.” (James Sohre, Opera Today)
Also returning to Dayton Opera is soprano Chloé
Olivia Moore, who will sing the captivating role of
Liu, the slave girl whose love for Calaf brings to the
forefront the kind of love triangle that often injects the
passion and the tragedy into any good opera. Moore
returns to Dayton after making her Dayton Opera
debut as Leila in the April 2015 production of Pearl
Fishers and most recently having performed the lead
role of Nedda in the tragic I Pagliacci in 2016. Known
for her unique timbre and depth with unusual
flexibility and speed, Moore’s voice has been
described as having “an amber mellowness, like a
warm cognac.” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
Just this past March, bass Harold Wilson delighted
audiences with his seriousness and his levity in the
role of Basilio in The Barber of Seville. Praised as
singing with “an impressive focus, carrying power and
quiet charisma” by the New York Times, Wilson takes
the stage for the fourth time with Dayton Opera, this
time in the role of Timur, an old blind exiled king and
the father of Calaf. Wilson has built an impressive
résumé over the last 16 years, with performances
spanning the globe and including roles in such
magnificent opera houses as Deutsche Oper Berlin
and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Three young opera stars familiar with the Dayton
Opera stage return to play Puccini’s comedic trio Ping,
Pang and Pong. Former Dayton Opera Artist-in-
Residence baritone Kenneth Stavert returns to the
stage in the role of Ping. Tenor Robert Norman, who
most recently performed the role of Nika Magadoff in
The Consul this past October, takes on the role of
Pang. And Dayton Opera 2017-2018 Artist-in-
Residence tenor Michael Anderson takes the stage
with Dayton Opera one last time this season in the role
of Pong.
Also joining the cast is baritone Bradley Mattingly in
the role of Mandarin, and debuting in this production
is University of Dayton faculty member tenor David
Sievers as the Emperor Altourn.
Dayton Opera welcomes the return of Johnathon Pape
to the Gem City to man the helm as stage director of
this electrifying production of Turandot. Pape
previously directed Dayton Opera productions of
Carmen in 1999, Don Giovanni in 2000, The Barber
of Seville in 2001, and most recently, The Daughter of
the Regiment in 2011. Pape’s directing career spans
theater, musical theater and opera, and he has staged a
wide range of productions throughout the United
States and abroad. In 2011, Pape joined the faculty of
The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he serves
as director of opera studies, and in 2017, he instituted
the Boston Conservatory Summer Opera Intensive, a
three-week training program in Valencia, Spain.
Puccini’s luxurious score will be provided by the
impeccable Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra under the
direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Neal
Gittleman. The ever-versatile members of the Dayton
Opera Chorus, under the direction and leadership of
Chorus Master Jeffrey Powell, take to the stage again
to add their choral expertise. Adding to the vocal
power in this production are auxiliary singers from the
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus and from the
University of Dayton. Dayton Opera is also pleased to
welcome several chorus members from Kettering
Children’s Choir under the direction of Chorale
Director Bruce Swank.
An opera that fills the stage with Imperial guards,
executioners, priests, mandarins, dignitaries, wise
men, handmaids, soldiers, standard-bearers, and the
populace of Peking, Turandot closes this season of
The Great Ones in grand style.
Want to learn even more about Turandot? Come one
hour prior to both performances to hear pre-
performance talks presented by University of Dayton
Music Professor Dr. Sam Dorf inside the Mead
Theatre.
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Lois and Roger Sutherland arrive at Opera Ball 2018.
It was a brilliant clear evening as more than 150
guests arrived at the Opera Guild of Dayton’s Opera
Ball 2018, Singin’ in the Rain. The only evidence of
actual rain came from the gorgeous and dramatic
Fractal Rain sculpture that greeted guests as they
arrived at the stunning Dayton Metro Library Main
Branch in downtown Dayton.
While they enjoyed cocktails, wine and hors
d’oeuvres, guests browsed the silent auction items
and chatted with friends. Cell phones were busy as
bidders checked their bid status in hopes of winning
their selections.
The Bob Gray Orchestra played pleasing
background music as the sun began to set and the
glorious interior lighting provided by The Light
Fantastic came up. The mood was set for a fantastic
and unforgettable experience.
Following the triumphant Call to Dinner, President
and CEO of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
Paul Helfrich gave a toast to recognize and celebrate
the lives and contributions of some of the Dayton
Opera supporters who have passed away during the
past year, including Bill Lockwood, Bruce Kline and
Steve Wargo. Next, guests enjoyed former Dayton
Opera Artist-in-Residence Michael Anderson, who
sang two arias in his magnificent tenor voice and
then explained how Artist-in-Residence programs
are vital for young singers as they transition from
students to professionals. Following Michael’s
performance, Charley Schuerholz, from Schuerholz
Printing, took the stage to engage the audience in a
pledge drive to support this critical endeavor. If you
missed the chance to make a contribution, you can
always visit the Guild’s website and donate to this or
any other Opera-related program the Guild supports.
Elite Catering served a multicourse gourmet feast
while the music continued and conversations flowed.
Charley took the mike again as dinner wound down to
conduct the live auction of vacations, a Roberto Coin
gold bracelet, supernumerary roles in this fall’s
production of Rigoletto and the stunning home-scaled
version of Terry Welker’s Fractal Rain sculpture.
As the dancing portion of the evening began,
everyone’s attention was drawn upward to Fractal
Rain. Arthur Murray Studio dancers Olivia Frederick,
Ramon Gaitan, Tsali Helton and Amanda Horn started
high atop the Grand Staircase and performed a stylistic
program to “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,”
working their way down the steps and through the
crowd. Music continued as guests made their way to
the dance floor.
Chair Kathie Thornburg and your great committee, we
applaud you for giving us such an unforgettable night!
Arthur Murray Dancers, left to right, Amanda Horn and Olivia
Frederick with Arthur Murray Studio owner Barbara Haller.
Song and dance fill downtown Dayton library at 2018 Opera Ball
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Tenor Michael Anderson, former
Dayton Opera Artist-in-Residence
(L to R) Carol Endres, Dana Kane and
Carol Erwine mingle at Opera Ball 2018
Artist Terry Welker discusses his
sculpture, Opera Rain.
Opera Ball photos from Ashley Mauro and Suzanne Crippen; captions by Suzanne Crippen.
This has been a very productive spring for the Opera
Guild of Dayton, with many wonderful events having
occurred since my last report to you.
The biggest event was our major annual fundraiser,
the Opera Ball – Singin’ in the Rain – held on
Saturday, April 28. Over
150 guests gathered at the
beautiful new Dayton Main
Library for a festive evening of
good food and wine, wonderful
silent and live auctions, and
amazing entertainment, including
performances by Michael
Anderson, one of Dayton Opera’s
2018 Artists-in-Residence and by
the Arthur Murray Dance Team,
led by Barbara Haller. The silent auction featured over
75 items and the exciting live auction featured 10
items, including trips to Africa, Italy and many other
wonderful places, a beautiful gold Robert Coin
designer bracelet from James Free and a one-of-a kind
crystal chandelier designed by renowned artist, Terri
Welker, who originally created a larger version of this
piece, Fractal Rain, for the Dayton Main Library
which was the inspiration for our theme, Singin’ in the
Rain. We also had a 50/50 raffle and an education plea
in support of our Artist-in-Residence program.
Thanks to Chair Kathie Thornburg and her dedicated
committee – Dolores Anderson, Daina Arnett, Bob
Beecher, Suzanne Crippen, Susan Daly, Dana Kane,
Sue Falter, Nancy Farkas, Laura Fike, Bernadine
Greenwood, Ann Herr, Betty Holton, Diane
Buchanan Johnson, Amy Lombardo, Melinda
Nutter, Geri Prada, Jane Reynolds, Kimberly
Robinson, Moniqua Suits, Carolyn Szoke, Edna
Vanderkarr, Penny Wolff and Susie Weaver.
This was a very special evening which will not be
soon forgotten.
On Thursday, February 8, 70 guests enjoyed a
wonderful Membership Luncheon at Dayton
Country Club. The menu featured a cheese and
spinach quiche with berry mousse for dessert.
Entertainment was provided by Dayton Opera’s
Artists-in-Residence, and to end the luncheon, 12
door prizes were raffled off to our guests. A big
thank you goes to Margarete Jennings, event chair
and her committee: Toni Winger, Judy Hudson, Pat
Ferguson, Linda Rountree, Dana Kane, Amy
Lombardo, Brenda Phillips and Bernadine
Greenwood.
On March 24 we held our annual High School Vocal
Competition. There were 21 student entries and five
prizes were awarded. The first, second, and third
place winners were also invited to perform at the
Tri-State College Vocal Competition on April 8.We
thank Dr. David Sievers and his committee for all
this very successful educational outreach.Our Tri-
State College Vocal Competition and Stars of
Tomorrow Luncheon took place on Sunday, April 8.
from the president
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Preceding the competition which was held at the Kettering Adventist
Church, the Stars of Tomorrow luncheon was held across the street at
Moraine Country Club. The luncheon was attended by 26 guests.
Thank you to Helen Miller for chairing the luncheon.
Twenty-seven applications for the competition were received from
college students in the tri-state region. These were reviewed by
preliminary judges, Jeffrey Powell and Jerry Reaper, and narrowed
down to six finalists who performed for a very appreciative audience.
Lisa Rogali and Elena Villalon of University of Cincinnati tied for first
place and Alana Bell of Oberlin won second place. Thank you to our
Chair Martha Ann Cordasco-Reaper, co-Chair, Jamie Cordes, and to
Kathie Brown, managing vice president of education for the Guild.
The annual membership campaign is in full swing. You should have
received the newly designed membership form in the mail in the past
few weeks. Each and every one of you is so important to the success of
the Guild and I sincerely hope that you will renew your membership for
another year as we continue to support Dayton Opera and educational
outreach. You can do this by filling out the form and mailing it back or
by going online to the Guild’s web page. Do it now and you help keep
the excitement of opera vibrant and alive in Dayton.
Looking ahead, we will be holding our Annual Meeting and Brunch on
Wednesday, June 13 at Dayton Country Club; our Garden Party on
Sunday, June 24 at the home of Barbara and Tim Haller; and our first
2018 Gourmet on the Go event, a Tapas and Tasting at El Meson on
Thursday, June 7. We hope to see you then.
President: Nancy Farkas
Executive Vice President: Bernadine Greenwood
Managing Vice Presidents:
Development: Penny Wolff
Education: Kathy Brown
Fundraising: Carolyn Szoke
Assistant Jane Reynolds
Marketing/Communications:
Suzanne Crippen
Assistant Diane Buchanan Johnson
Membership: Margarete Jennings
Special Events/Hospitality:
Helen Miller
Corresponding Secretary: Linda Menz
Board Advisor: Sue Falter
Recording Secretary: Maria Castleman
Treasurer: Dolores Anderson
Members at Large: Barbara Stewart Bostick
Betty Holton
Past President: Penny Wolff
Contributors: Suzanne Crippen
Nancy Farkas
Diane Buchanan Johnson
Angela Whitehead
Toni Winger
Proofreader: Amelia Lombardo
Photography: Suzanne Crippen
Tri-State College Vocal
Competition celebrates 30 years
It takes a dedicated committee to
stage the Opera Guild of Dayton’s
annual Tri-State College Vocal
Competition.
Of the 27 competition entries, 15
recordings were selected and given
to the preliminary judges, Jeff
Powell and Jerry Reaper. These
judges were then faced with
selecting six contestants to
participate in the competition.
The final competition judges were
Tom Bankston, artistic director of
Dayton Opera, serving his
twentieth year as a judge; Dr.
Denise Ritter Bernardini,
associate professor of voice at the
University of Toledo; and Ms.
Myra Merritt, on the faculty and
staff in the College of Musical
Arts at Bowling Green State
University.
While the judges checked their
notes and reviewed the finalists,
the audience was entertained by
the winners of the High School
Competition, sponsored by the
Norma J. Ross Youth
Foundation. These winners were
News & High Notes
Tri-State
College Vocal
Competition
Chair Martha
Ann Reaper.
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Lauren Maynus, from Ursuline Academy, who won
first place; Reed Gneeper, from The School of
Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, who won
second place; and Alaya Hinesman, from Stivers
School for the Arts, who won third place.
In the college competition, there was a tie for first
place between sopranos Lisa Marie Rogali and Elena
Villalon, both students from the University of
Cincinnati. They were thrilled to receive $2,000 each.
Our second place winner was Elana Bell, a mezzo
soprano who recently graduated from Oberlin College
and Conservatory, who received $1,500. Other
finalists were baritone Alex Kapp from the University
of Louisville, soprano Madelaine Matej from Case
Western Reserve University and soprano Virginia
Mims from Indiana University.
Each year the audience selects the winner for the Fran
Michael Audience Favorite Award of $400, which was
presented to Lisa Marie Rogali. The Guild’s 30th
competition once again highlighted the purpose of this
event, to support and encourage the vocal education of
young singers by providing the opportunity to win
competition awards.
Tri-State College Vocal Competition judges, left to right, Tom
Bankston, Myra Merritt, and Dr. Denise Ritter Bernardini.
Tri-State College Vocal
Competition winners, left to
right, Elana Bell, Elena Villalon,
and Lisa Marie Rogali
It was a brilliant clear evening as
more than 150 guests arrived at
the Opera Guild of Dayton’s
Opera Ball 2018, Singin’ in the
Rain. The only evidence of actual
rain came from the gorgeous and
dramatic Fractal Rain sculpture
that greeted guests as they
arrived at the stunning Dayton
Metro Main Library in downtown
Dayton.
While they enjoyed cocktails,
wine and hors d’oeuvres, guests
browsed the silent auction items
and chatted with friends. Cell
phones were busy as bidders
checked their bid status in hopes
of winning their selections.
The Bob Gray Orchestra played
pleasing background music as
the sun began to set and the
glorious interior lighting
provided by The Light Fantastic
came up. The mood was set for a
fantastic and unforgettable
experience.
Following the triumphant Call to
Dinner, President and CEO of
the Dayton Performing Arts
Alliance Paul Helfrich gave a
toast to recognize and celebrate
the lives and contributions of
some of the Dayton Opera
High School Vocal Competition
Dr. David Sievers chaired the Opera
Guild of Dayton’s High School Vocal
Competition on March 24 at Sears
Recital Hall on the University of
Dayton campus. More than 20 young
singers from as far away as Columbus
and Cincinnati performed with skill,
poise and grace.
The judges were challenged to select
just three winners from this field of
talented vocalists. These judges were
Dr. Minnita Daniel-Cox, soprano and
coordinator of the voice area at the
University of Dayton; Dr. Andrea
Chenoweth Wells, artist-in-residence at
the University of Dayton; and Sarah
Bucher, soprano and private voice
teacher.
Winning first place was soprano
Lauren Maynus, a junior at Ursuline
Academy in Cincinnati. Baritone Reed
Gnepper, a junior at the School for the
Creative and Performing Arts in
Cincinnati, earned second place; and
Soprano
Lydia Yax
from School
for the
Creative and
Performing
Arts in
Cincinnati
performing
“Art is
Calling for
Me” with
John
Benjamin at
the piano.
third place went to Alaya Hinesmon,
a senior at Stivers School for the Arts
in Dayton. Honorable mentions were
awarded to soprano Caroline Cruise,
a senior from Olentangy Liberty High
School in Columbus, and baritone
David Lewis, a junior at Stivers
School for the Arts.
Many others worked hard to support this event. Accompanists Andrea
Arese-Elias, John Benjamin and Kathy Reichenberger and other
pianists played for the vocalists. Judy Hudson helped entrants check in
for the event. Nora Stang provided a delicious lunch for the volunteers.
Suzanne Crippen took photos during the competition. Patrick Crippen
First place, Lauren Maynus,
Ursuline Academy, Cincinnati
Second place: Reed Gnepper,
School for the Creative and
Performing Arts, Cincinnati
Third place: Alaya Hinesmon,
Stivers School for the Arts,
Dayton
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handled spur-of-the-moment tasks. Five University of
Dayton student volunteers helped with many details
throughout the day and included: Mariah Berryman, Mary
Catherine Donovan, Megan Green, Jillian Mitchell, and
Alaina Saliba. And Guild Vice President of Education
Kathy Brown lent her organizational skills to make the
Competition successful.
The Guild would like to express sincere appreciation to
Jenell Ross, of Ross Motors, who continues to provide the
cash award for this competition from the Norma J. Ross
Youth Foundation.
High School Vocal Competition winners, left to right, Alaya
Hinesmon, Reed Gnepper and Lauren Maynus. Right, Dr. David
Sievers
The Guild held its annual
Membership Luncheon on
Thursday, February 8, at the
Dayton Country Club. The event
chased away many “winter
blahs” with the guest
camaraderie and entertainment
by the talented Dayton Opera
Artists-in-Residence.
Membership Notes
Membership Campaign
How quickly a year can go by. It’s time again to renew your Opera Guild of Dayton membership.
Membership Chair Margarete Jennings has revamped the form, which many of you have probably
received in the mail. If not, go to the Guild’s website and join online or print a copy of the new
form. Please fill in the form completely, especially noting the Guild activities that interest you.
www.operaguildofdayton.org/join-the-guild
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REMEMBRANCE FUND DONATIONS
The Remembrance Fund helps support the Guild’s High School and Tri-State College Vocal competitions. A gift
to honor a birthday, an anniversary or a loved one or to promote an event helps the dreams of talented young people
come true. To contribute, call Evie Lewis, 937/299-4825.
In memory of Steve Wargo
Four donations
In memory of Richard Hauser
One donation
COMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE
May 18, 8 p.m., May 20, 3 p.m.
TURANDOT The Benjamin & Marian Schuster
Performing Arts Center
1 West Second St.,
Dayton, OH 45402
June 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ANNUAL MEETING Dayton Country Club
555 Kramer Rd.
Dayton, OH 45419
Friday, September 7
BRAVO! CHAMPAGNE
BRUNCH & FASHION SHOW Sinclair College, Ponitz Center
444 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45402
Red Book Updates
Karen Dempsey Volk 5200 Beaconwood Court
Dayton, OH 45429
937-760-0016
Sharon Busch 1363 Meadow Bridge Dr.
Beavercreek, OH 45432
937-672-5631
New address:
Carolyn Szoke 933 Congress Ave
Glendale, OH 45326
New email:
Kathy Brown
BRAVO! Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show
When we think of the Opera Guild of Dayton, we think of excellence in
performance and creativity. When we think of one of its fundraisers, the
BRAVO! Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show, we think of beauty, grace,
charm and fashion. On Friday, September 7, the Guild will present BRAVO!
2018. This year’s theme is “Around the World.” BRAVO! Chair Hyacinth
Paul promises the event will be filled with fun, glamourous fashion and
delight. Save the date and plan to attend this event. Additional information
will be available on the Guild’s website. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Congrats Carlos Santelli!
The 2014 Tri-State College Vocal Competition winner,
tenor Carlos Santelli, recently was one of five winners in
the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions.
Carlos performed with Dayton Opera in its recent
production of The Barber of Seville. History was made at
that MET event when his wife, mezzo-soprano Ashley
Dixon, also was among those five winners. This was the
first time a married couple has won the competition in the
same year. They had the opportunity to sing on the stage
at the MET and to perform with the MET orchestra. The
Guild applauds them on their achievement.
Membership Notes
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SPECIAL EVENTS
GOURMET ON THE GO June 7, 2018, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Tapas and Tasting
El Meson
903 East Dixie Dr.
West Carrollton, OH 45449
Cost: $55 per person
Enjoy the exotic flavors of Spain with a selection of tapas prepared by the creative staff at El Meson—the tapas will
be paired with fine wine. Mix and mingle in the colorful and friendly atmosphere of this favorite area eatery.
Visit the Guild’s website to pay online or contact Charlotte Brown at 937/884-7350 with questions. You may also
mail your check, made out to Opera Guild of Dayton, to Charlotte Brown, 6520 Montgomery County Line Road,
Englewood, Ohio 45322.
GARDEN PARTY June 24, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Home of Barbara and Tim Haller
5132 Cedar Brook Court
Springboro, Ohio 45066
On-street parking with shuttle service will be available.
Visit the Guild website to buy tickets and pay with a credit card.
Single: $47 ($20 tax deductible)
Grant Patron: $78 ($50 tax deductible) (Prices include 4 percent service fee.)
Call Amy Lombardo at 937/581-2552 to make reservations and pay by check.
Single: $45 ($20 tax deductible)
Grand Patron: $75 ($50 tax deductible)
Make checks payable to The Opera Guild of Dayton and send to Amy Lombardo, 1320 Camden Trace,
Beavercreek, OH 45434.
Membership Notes
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