ovation magazine winter 2016

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OVATION!NEWS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF OPERA COLORADO | WINTER 2016

LORI LAITMAN MAY 7|10|13|15|2016

La Fanciulla del West i PUCCINI Don Giovanni i MOZART

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Here at Opera Colorado, we could not be more excited about the huge progress

the company has made over the past three seasons, and the opportunity to now present three operas in the upcoming 2016/2017 season. With the three operas we have selected for this season, the company will deliver a broad perspective of opera repertoire from three centuries, the 19th, 20th and 21st. In November 2016 we will open the season with Puccini’s Fanciulla del West, 20th

century. In the winter of 2017 we will present Laura Kaminsky’s As One, 21st century and to close the season in May we will present Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, 19th

century. All of these operas depict deeply

dramatic and emotional stories, superbly suited for the opera stage. Each delves into the extraordinary physical and emotional challenges of the principal characters. In Fanciulla, we see the challenges of the harsh conditions of the Wild West, the grueling work of mining and the lawlessness of the west – and how all of these affect human

nature. In As One, we follow the story of a transgender person, depicted through two singers in the roles of Hannah Before and Hannah After with a string quartet. This opera highlights the real struggles of self-acceptance when you are different, the pain of physical and mental abuse, and the fi nal genuine acceptance of who you really are. In Lucia we see how the pressures of family interests impact a person, and how the manipulation of a sensitive young woman can lead to a complete mental and physical breakdown.

Surprisingly, Opera Colorado has never presented La Fanciulla del West, so this will be the fi rst time for the company. While this opera is not widely performed in the United States, it contains some of Puccini’s greatest music and it captures the essence of the Wild West. Opera Colorado will present this opera in a unique, new production designed especially for Colorado audiences. The production will feature historical image projections from the archives of the Denver Public Library, giving audiences a unique opportunity to explore the colorful history of mining in Colorado.

Taking an opera production outside of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the winter of 2017, we will present a new opera by Laura Kaminsky, which premiered at the

FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR

“All of these operas depict deeply dramatic and emotional stories, superbly suited for the opera stage.”

GREG CARPENTER, GENERAL DIRECTOR

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Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2014. Performing As One represents our forward thinking commitment to contemporary works with relevant subject matter. This production allows us to step outside of the expanse of The Ellie and offer an intimate opera experience in a smaller venue. It offers us the opportunity to create meaningful discussion and community engagement events around the subject matter, and for the public to interact with the composer, librettist and creative team.

On the other side of the coin, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, is one of the most popular and frequently performed operas. Though it is often performed in the United States, Opera Colorado has only performed it once in the company’s 34-year history, during the 2002/2003 season. This opera truly represents what one thinks of when referring to “grand opera” – its famous sextet and thrilling arias sung by the principal characters make this opera truly “grand” in every sense of the word.

Opera Colorado is thrilled to welcome some of today’s outstanding opera stars to Colorado for all three 2016/2017 productions. Both productions at The Ellie offer audiences the opportunity to hear artists making their debuts at Opera Colorado. The casts were chosen for their ability to handle the vocal and physical demands of the very challenging roles, especially Anna Christy, singing Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor and Melissa Citro, singing Minnie in La Fanciulla del West. Both of these leading roles are tour de force characters with an

extraordinary amount of singing. Another casting fact that excites is each of these mainstage operas will feature the return of a recent Opera Colorado Young Artist in a principal role. Brett Sprague, Young Artist in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, will return as Arturo in Lucia, and Jared Guest, Young Artist in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, will sing the role of Sonora in Fanciulla.

We invite you to join us for Opera Colorado’s world premiere of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter in May, and for the thrilling upcoming 2016/2107 season. Let Opera Colorado transport you to a different time and place with our productions at The Ellie, and take you on an enlightening journey with our production of As One. I look forward to greeting you at one of our upcoming performances. Support from patrons like you provides opportunities and crates possibilities in the performing arts within Denver and throughout our state. As always, thank you for your support of Opera Colorado.

“Opera Colorado is thrilled to welcome some of today’s outstanding opera stars to Colorado for all three 2016/2017 productions.”

Continued from page 4

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$20,000+The Avenir FoundationKen and Donna BarrowNoël and Thomas CongdonJoy DinsdaleDave and Pam DukeThe National Endowment for the ArtsBruce Rosenblum and Lori LaitmanJeremy and Susan ShamosThe Sorel Organization

$10,000-$19,999The Bonfi ls-Stanton FoundationJanet Mordecai FoundationOpera America

$5,000-$9,999Bob and Betsey FeinbergFrancis Goelet Charitable Lead TrustThe Gradison FoundationMichael Hughes and The Hon. Karen BrodyHal and Ann LoganThe Hon. Mary MocharyDaniel L. RitchieGerald and Ann Saul

$2,500-$4,999William and Martha Tracey

$1,000-$2,499Karen BruggenthiesSteven DiltsKenneth FeinbergMr. Ray J. GrovesCynthia and Bill KellyCheryl McGinnis and Ed WoolmanKent Rice and Ann CorriganFrieda Sanidas Leason and Bernhard Leason

$50-$999Walter ArnheimDaniel BelcherCharles Berberich and Marilyn MunstermanLinda BjellandMyron BleicherDonald K. BradenDr. Michael BrazMs. Margaret CaldwellGreg CarpenterDr. Larry and Cynthia ChanRonald D. CoveyMargaret EwellSigrid H. FreeseJoan GlickMs. Juliana HallMrs. Jelica IselyDr. and Mrs. John Charles JerniganJennifert KurtzMs. Margo LopenskePaul Lorton Jr.Ms. Heather MackinnonMuffy MooreJeffrey MorrisClint Morrison and Nancy RosenbergerMs. Josie NobleJanice ParkerMr. Bennett PriceAnagloria RodriguezGershen RosenblumKathy SenieAndrew Sirotnak and Jamie WhiteCamille SpaccaventoShawnet SweetsMs. Barbara ThorngrenAnne WattenbergJamie WhiteCarol WhitleyKenneth Ziebarth

THE SCARLET LETTER SPONSORS

The May 7, 2016 world premiere of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter is a signifi cant milestone in the artistic history of Opera Colorado. We wish to thank the following individuals and foundation for their generous support.

LORI LAITMAN MAY 7|10|13|15|2016The 2015-2016 Season is sponsored by Ken & Donna Barrow. The Scarlet Letter is sponsored by Kenneth and Donna Barrow, Dave and Pam Duke, Noël and Thomas Congdon, Jeremy and Susan Shamos, Joy Dinsdale and Daniel L. Ritchie.

OPERACOLORADO.ORG303.468.2030

Through literary discussion, poetry, music and more – Opera Colorado will explore the themes of The Scarlet Letter.

EVENT SERIES

For a complete list of A-List Events see page 28.

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the artof giving

When you give to Opera Colorado, you make great things happen. You provide opportunities and create possibilities. Every gift—large and small—makes an impact. Gifts from individuals are the single largest source of Opera Colorado’s annual income. Join the many patrons who have made Opera Colorado a philanthropic priority.

For more information on other ways to donate, please contact the Development Department at 303.468.2060 or at [email protected]

Or visit operacolorado.org/support/contribute/

Help Opera Colorado Thrive Today.Those who make gifts of $500 or more to Opera Colorado are recognized as Red Dot Patrons. In appreciation for your generosity, Red Dot Patrons receive special communications and invitations to Opera Colorado events as well as priority seating and access to the donor lounge at

intermission. All donations, no matter the size, are appreciated. Thank you!

If you would like to designate your gift for a particular fund, like education, just let us know. Gifts can be made in honor or memory of someone and will be printed with this recognition in Opera Colorado’s program book.

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Q: WHY OPERA?CHARLES EATON: There’s nothing like being on stage singing. There’s no other feeling like it; like the rush you get. You’re up there, giving it everything you’ve got and you can feel that you’re moving the audience. What you’re doing is affecting them. I want to do that; all the time.EMILY ROBINSON: I’ve done other musical jobs and I enjoyed them all. But, there was never a question in my mind that I wanted to be an opera singer. I told my mom when I was four years old.BENJAMIN WERLEY: It chose me. The fi rst opera I ever saw was Toscawith Greer Grimsley. I was hooked by the end of Act I. The way his voice reached out and grabbed you; it was incredible. I just knew that is what I wanted to do.WILLIAM BRYAN: I come from a musical household. Music has always been a part of my life. Nothing else really makes sense for me. There is nothing else I want to do.DANIELLE LOMBARDI: There is more than just one reason for me. It’s everything - the costumes,

the makeup, working with other artists, getting to create these incredible characters and sing the best music that has ever been written. It’s that and more. I can’t even put it into words.

Q: NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A FEW MONTHS, WHAT THOUGHTS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT BEING A YOUNG ARTIST AND BEING A PART OF OPERA COLORADO?BEN: It’s a unique situation and a good opportunity. We get to devote all of our time to this career and see if we actually have a shot at pursuing this. WILLIAM: To be in a program like this one, where we are not only paid but our housing is provided, that is the best. It is also a unique situation to be able to perform the same role over and over again like we do with our touring productions. You can really dig into a character that way. That is not something that you can do when you only perform a show a couple of times.DANIELLE: The repertoire we get to take on in this program is fantastic. Classic pieces as well as new works. A lot of programs don’t choose standard

opera repertoire for their educational shows so you end up learning a role you will never perform again. That is not the case here – we are performing classics like Hansel and Gretel and Carmen; we are spending our time on roles that matter.EMILY: I really value the way this program places an importance on both performance experience and training. Some programs only focus on the training aspect and you don’t get the actual stage experience. Here it is about the process and the product. It is a great segue into a professional career.CHARLES: I don’t think you can place too much importance on the value of the mainstage experience we get in this program. To be able to cover roles and learn from the seasoned professionals is such a great opportunity. Then we also have our own roles in the mainstage productions. Those are things that we can put on our resumes and in the early part of our careers that is huge.

Q: TELL ME ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW.CHARLES: I am obsessed with dogs. I was biking the other day and passed a dog so I had to stop so I could pet it. I was talking with a friend and I hung up on them so I could play with a dog that walked by. I miss my dog…BEN: I grew up racing sailboats with my family. It was a great way to grow up.WILLIAM: When I was 19 years old, I was a competitive slam poet. I

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside an opera singer’s head? Opera Colorado’s Young Artists have been in residency with the company for half the season now, which makes it a perfect time for you

to get to know them a bit more and fi nd out what they think about being a Young Artist thus far. Cherity Koepke, Director of the Young Artists, interviewed them for a few sound bites.

After a day of rehearsals, I sat with the Young Artists and began talking to them about their past few months at Opera Colorado. I started with a very simple question. Why opera? Turns out, the answer to that question is not so simple.

continues on page 14

THE YOUNG ARTISTS SOUND BITESCHERIT Y KOEPKE, DIRECTOR YOUNG ART ISTS PROGRAM

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made it to some pretty high level competitions; wore a beret and everything.DANIELLE: When I was 10 years old, I sang “The Bare Necessities” while dressed as Bam-Bam. It was for a talent show. Well, I got really nervous and I kept scrunching my skirt up in my hands and the hemline got higher and higher. I’m much better with costumes now.EMILY: I don’t have pierced ears because I like how soft my earlobes are.

Emily Louise Robinson (Soprano) is from Windsor, CT. Emily received her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and her Master’s Degree from New England Conservatory. Emily completed a Performer’s Certifi cate from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, where she performed the title role of Thomas Pasatieri’s Frau Margot and Beatriz in Daniel Catán’s Rapaccinni’s Daughter.

Danielle Lombardi(Mezzo-Soprano) Danielle is from Erie, PA, and received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Oberlin Conservatory. She is a graduate of Rice University’s The Shepherd School of Music. Roles include Annio in La Clemenza di Tito, 1st Trio Member in Trouble in Tahiti, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Mrs. Herring in Albert Herring, Ericlea in Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria, and Sandman in Hänsel und Gretel.

Benjamin Werley (Tenor) is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his Master’s in Vocal Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he had previously completed a BM in Vocal Performance. Ben sang the role of Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni while he was a participant in the Merola Opera Program.

Charles Eaton(Baritone) Originally from CT, Charles recently received his Master of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. In 2013, Charles received his Bachelors of Music at the University of Connecticut, where operatic credits included Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), Thomas Putnam, (The Crucible) and Willis Parkham (An Embarrassing Position).

William Lee Bryan (Baritone) is a native of Saint Paul, MN. He completed his Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Florida State University in 2015, where he performed the title role in Don Giovanni, Apollo in Handel’s Apollo e Dafne, and Rappaccini in Daniel Catán’s La Hija de Rappaccini.

OPERA COLORADO YOUNG ARTISTS

And with that little nugget of information, my interview with the Young Artists came to a close. As you can see, this group of artists is incredibly devoted to their art form and works hard to pursue

their dream career. You will have many more opportunities to hear them sing throughout the remainder of this season and we encourage you to follow their journey.

As I ended the interview, all fi ve of them had one last comment that they wanted me to include. They feel incredibly supported here. The way the community rallies around them and takes an interest in their work is unexpected. They want you to know how much your support means to them – and to all of us at Opera Colorado. Thank you and please keep it coming.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE YOUNG ARTISTS AND THEIR UPCOMING PERFORMANCES,VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG.


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Save up to 25% when you purchase a two-show subscription available NOW starting at just $38! Single tickets available April 1 starting at $25.

The Ballad of Baby Doe - 60th AnniversaryTosca | The Impresario | Later the Same Evening

by ARI PELTO

??WHAT IS A MUSICDIRECTOR, REALLY

In 2015 I was appointed Music Director of Opera Colorado; the fi rst in the history of the company. This happened at a time when some prominent companies were cutting their artistic leaders. So, what is a Music Director, really? What do they do? Is it necessary to have one?

To the last question, I say yes. That is, if you want to have an opera company that has a coherent vision, that strives to have an identity and that commits to achieving artistic goals, goals that are worth striving for. That all might sound obvious, but, in fact a company can in fact very well choose not to strive for any or much of that. It can function in a more or less simpler way, by putting on some shows in its season, selling tickets and trying to survive in the complicated world of the arts in the 21st century.

In my view that’s not enough. Art, to me, represents the greatest achievement of mankind; the greater the art, the greater the achievement. Great opera is at the pinnacle of that achievement. That means, for those of us involved in creating it we have a responsibility to do it on the highest level. This is the pact we have made with the

continues on page 24

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L-R: Karen Sugar, Lori Laitman, Beth Greenberg, Laura Claycomb

FEATURINGKaren Sugar, CEO and Founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, has spent the majority of her adult life working for social justice, women’s rights, human rights; working with women and families living in poverty, creating solutions and programs that enhance human security and women’s empowerment.

Lori Laitman, Composer of The Scarlet Letter, has been described as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers” by Fanfare Magazine. To date, she has composed three operas, an oratorio, choral works, and over 250 songs, setting texts by classical and contemporary poets.

Beth Greenberg, Director of The Scarlet Letter, is renowned for her work with the New York City Opera. For the Lincoln Center company she directed original mainstage productions of Tales of Hoffmannand Turandot, as well as many revivals including Der Rosenkavalier, Tosca, La Traviata and La bohème.

Laura Claycomb, Hester Prynne Lead Character in The Scarlet Letter, has fi rmly established herself as one of the fi nest operatic coloratura sopranos of her generation, best known for her ethereal high notes, impeccable musicianship, and dramatic stage presence.

This event is a part of Opera Colorado’s A-List Event Series in support of the world premiere ofThe Scarlet Letter.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE ARTS:A C O N V E R S A T I O N

Moderated by Karen Sugar, CEO and founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund and featuring guest speakers Lori Laitman, Composer of The Scarlet Letter and Beth Greenberg,

Director of The Scarlet Letter join Opera Colorado for an afternoon of lively discussion on the issues facing women in the arts today.

“I am happy to be brought into this world of the arts as the moderator of this panel discussion. In the beginning, I didn’t quite understand the power of performing arts as a platform for social change for women. The intersection of philanthropy, the arts and empowerment is extremely important and powerful. It is complex and I’m not sure many people understand it.

My hope is to expand the discussion to a global conversation about women in the arts, its importance to the empowerment process, and the impact of the arts on social movements, especially in indigenous cultures. In Uganda, a post-conflict region, we host a drama festival and this year will be our ninth annual festival. It is amazing to see how theatre and performing arts can bring about change, healing and recovery.

Storytelling is an incredibly important part of culture, not only in Western countries but on stages all around the globe. The arts, drama and theatre can be an effective tool for social change, and that includes issues brought up in The Scarlet Letter, many of which are still relevant to women today and have been used ever since to look at women’s roles and the idea of beauty and sexuality. I hope to help people make these connections between art and social change.”

– Karen Sugar, Founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund

LUNCHEON | TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 | 12-1:30PMKevin Taylor’s at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House | 14th & Curtis Streets, DenverGeneral Admission $30

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISITOPERACOLORADO.ORG/WOMENS-EMPOWERMENT.

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In August, Opera Colorado’s Education Department experienced growth and was

able to hire a part-time Education & Community Engagement Assistant to help tackle the steadily growing demands. Performances across Colorado by the Opera Colorado Young Artists, in-school performances and classroom programs, and multiple, interactive fi eld trips offered at the Ellie

Caulkins Opera House connect students to opera.

A recent graduate of the arts administration program at Butler University and the newest member of Opera Colorado’s team, Nicole Vasconi gave us few thoughts about her role.

“When I accepted this job in August, I knew I liked opera and that I was invested in arts education and community engagement. What I did not anticipate was just how much working with Opera Colorado would expand my love for opera and my understanding of its cultural vitality. Most importantly, it has shown me new ways in which opera can elevate people’s lives; whether they are an eighth grade student seeing opera for the fi rst time, or a 90-year-old volunteer who has attended the opera all their life. Bearing witness to this has cemented my appreciation and love for practicing this art form, which makes me even more excited to get Opera Colorado’s programs into schools and all over Colorado!”

STAFF CORNERGETTING TO KNOWOPERA COLORADONEW EDUCATION & COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT NICOLE VASCONI

OPENING NIGHT DINNER AT

Celebrating the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter !Wear your favorite color red for this exciting dinner and the post-performance party with the cast. Enjoy an all-inclusive dining experience before the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter. Cocktails being at 5PM followed by a three-course meal. After the performance, join Opera Colorado back at Kevin Taylor’s for a sweet and savory party.

Sat., May 7, 2016 | 5PM | Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House, located in the lower level of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th and Curtis Streets, Denver

$125 per person per dinner. Hosted Prosecco all evening. Hosted wine and beer with dinner, and a cash bar. Tickets to the opera sold separately.

Purchase Opening Night Dinner online at operacolorado.org/opening-night-dinner or callPatron Services at 303.468.2030.

O V A T I O N ! W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

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geniuses who have given us the masterpieces that we are privileged to share with the public.

Ok, enough highfalutin language!

WHAT IS A MUSIC DIRECTOR?WHAT DOES S/HE DO?

The fi rst order of business is to fi gure out what we want to produce. In our case, this happens in collaboration, sometimes a daily collaboration, with Greg Carpenter, Opera Colorado’s General Director. Once we have decided on programing, we have our casts and production teams to choose. How and what we choose has everything to do with what I described above, our identity. A particular aesthetic we believe in.

Casts and productions change with many moving parts.• Sometimes we have a favorite singer

back, or might bring back a popular production, but on the whole, it’s new and different each time.

• Nearly every year we have a fresh crop of Young Artists, who will be

with us for a season, sometimes two, and then we send them out into the wider world with a hearty handshake. The Orchestra and Chorus are constant. Give or take small changes or additions, depending on the needs of the piece, they are with us for every show.

WHAT ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTALISTS?The orchestra plays, literally

and fi guratively, a central role in opera. Every phrase, every emotion is expressed in equal parts by the singers on the stage and the players in the pit. They are one.

As a guest conductor, you can be the fun uncle. You spend a limited period with a single group. You don’t have to make them eat their vegetables. Let them eat cake and ice cream! As Music Director you have to provide a more well-rounded diet. After all, you’re going to see them again in a few weeks, and they need to be in good shape.

You may have heard the notion

that conducting is to some extant about psychology. It’s true. Every orchestra has it’s own personality. This one tends to be more open, another more reticent. One is boisterous, the next well-mannered, quiet, effi cient. Some love poetry, others mathematics…

The psychology involves how one handles those differences. If you ask the clarinet to play with a hard, aggressive sound (because that reflects what the character on stage is expressing) and that player meanwhile takes pride in their lusciously sweet tone, you better do it in a way that makes them feel

that they are being challenged to do something different and exciting and not just disregarding their natural strengths. When you describe what the character on stage is feeling and expressing, it clicks. They are empowered to use their imagination. The more every player in the orchestra knows about what they are part of expressing on stage, the more compelling the performance.

Opera Colorado is unique and distinctive. I see it as my job to heighten that distinction and uniqueness one production at a time.

Ari Peltoconducting arehearsal for Aida in November 2015.

“Art, to me,represents thegreatest achievement of mankind; the greater the art, the greater the achievement.”


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LA FANCIULLA DEL WESTGIACOMO PUCCININOVEMBER 5|8|11|13|2016The Ellie Caulkins Opera House

ARI PELTO ConductorEMMA GRIFFIN DirectorMELISSA CITRO MinnieMARK RUCKER Jack RanceJONATHAN BURTON Dick JohnsonMICHAEL CORVINO Jake WallaceHAROLD WILSON AshbyMATTHEW DI BATTISTA Nick

Opera Colorado’s new production of Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West transports The Girl of the Golden West from the California gold rush to Colorado, celebrating the state’s rich mining history. Through collaborations with the Denver Public Library and History Colorado, historical photos will become a powerful video backdrop for the wild and tempestuous story.

Sung in Italian with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat.

Sunday, November 13th performance is Audio Described for the visually impaired.

LUCIA DE LAMMERMOORGAETANO DONIZNETTIMAY 6|9|12|14|2017The Ellie Caulkins Opera House

In Donizetti’s dark dramatic opera, young Lucia is caught in the middle of a feud between her family and the man she loves. Forced by her brother to forsake her love and marry for money, she loses more than her happiness. She loses her mind. After she kills her bridegroom, Lucia plunges headlong into madness in one of opera’s most horrifying and musically gorgeous scenes. A stunning evening of grand opera, this Opera Colorado production will feature traditional costumes and sets.

Sung in Italian with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat.

Sunday, May 14th performance is Audio Described for the visually impaired.

ARI PELTO ConductorKETURAH STICKANN DirectorANNA CHRISTY LuciaERIC BARRY EdgardoTIMOTHY MIX EnricoMATTHEW TREVINO Raimondo

AS ONEMUSIC & CONCEPT BY LAURA KAMINSKYLIBRETTO BY MARK CAMPBELL& KIMBERLY REEDFILM BY KIMBERLY REEDWINTER 2017

This new, 75-minute chamber operadepicts the experiences of its sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. Two singers, a baritone and a mezzo-soprano, both portray the character Hannah. Inspired in part by the life experiences of acclaimed filmmaker Kimberly Reed, As One’s rich libretto – and evocative melodies and harmonies – make it an unforgettable work.

Sung in English with English subtitles.Tickets on sale July 31, 2016.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE OPERAS, VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG/2016-2017.

DON’T MISS THE THRILLING 2016/2017 SEASON

FROM ONE LEADER TO ANOTHERThank you – your work has never been more valuable than it is today and we’re proud to support

such a worthy organization in our community.

AXA Advisors and 4Corner Business Services salutes Opera Coloradoand the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter.

JAVIER TAFOYA, MBA Financial [email protected] Tel: (303) 892-5700, ext 4337

AXA Advisors, LLC1675 Broadway, Suite 1700 Denver, CO 80202

PHIL ZAVALA, MBA Principal [email protected] Tel: (720) 414-2740

4Corner Business Services3001 E. Brighton Blvd., Suite 253 Denver, CO 80216

axa.comSecurities off ered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-554-1234), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services off red through AXA Advi-sors, LLC an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Annuity and insurance products off ered through AXA Network, LLC, which does business in CA as AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC in UT as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC, in TX as AXA Network Insurance Agency of Taxes, Inc., and in OPR as AXA Network of Puerto Rico, Inc. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice.

G U I D A N C E YO U C A N T R U S T S TA R T S W I T H A CO N V E R S AT I O N

JOIN US TUESDAY NIGHTS BEFORE PERFORMANCESInside OC is Opera Colorado’s Young Professionals Club that features networking opportunities and the chance to learn more about opera. Members gather to share their enthusiasm for music, the performing arts and opera, and to experience oneof Colorado’s premier performing arts companies in a unique way.

Enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks from 5:30-7PM. Following the networking event, attend the opera with your friends at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at 7:30PM.

Look for upcoming information about the Inside OC summer kick-off at the Denver Athletic Club on May 31, 2016. You don’t want to miss this grand roof-top party.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016INSIDE OC SUMMER KICK-OFFTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016LA FANCIULLA DEL WESTTUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017LUCIA DI LAMMERMOORFor more information on Inside OC pricing, please visitoperacolorado.org/insideoc

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FOR MORE AND UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS, PLEASE VISITOPERACOLORADO.ORG

MUSIC AT NOON ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRALA concert-style experience, this program features highlights from the operatic and musical theatre repertories performed by Opera Colorado’s Young Artists.

Tue., April 12, 2016 | 12PMSt John’s Cathedral1350 Washington St., Denver

Free event, tickets not required.

A-LIST EVENTSLAM POETRY OPEN MIC!OPERA COLORADO IN COLLABORATION WITH SLAMNUBAEnjoy the premiere of poetry written and performed by students in response to the music and themes of The Scarlet Letter. Join in as an audience member or present your own slam poetry based on the themes of The Scarlet Letter.

Tue., April 12, 2016 | 7PMMercury Café Jungle Room2199 California St., Denver

Free event, RSVP online required.

A-LIST EVENT | LUNCHEONWOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE ARTS: A CONVERSATIONLuncheon and panel discussion of the issues facing women in the arts today. Moderated by Karen Sugar, CEO and founder of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, with Lori Laitman, composer and Beth Greenberg, director of The Scarlet Letter.

Tue., April 19, 2016 | 12PMKevin Taylor’s at theEllie Caulkins Opera House

General Admission $30

YOUNG ARTISTS PERFORMANCE CHERRY CREEKSHOPPING CENTEREnjoy a free performance by Opera Colorado’s Young Artists. The performances take place in the Kaiser Permanente Grand Court, and will feature a program of greatest hits from opera and musical theatre.

Sat., April 23, 2016 | 1:30PMCherry Creek Shopping Center


MEET THE ARTISTSCome to the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during the lunch hour to hear discussions about the production of the The Scarlet Letter with general director Greg Carpenter, the artists, conductor Ari Pelto, composer Lori Laitman and director Beth Greenberg.

Wed., April 27, 2016 | 12PMThe Studio Loft at the Ellie CaulkinsOpera House


YOUNG ARTISTS FAREWELLEnjoy a special farewell performance on a Sunday afternoon. Take advantage of this last opportunity to hear the 2015-2016 Young Artists sing. Observe first-hand their development over the course of their residency. Help us send them off in style as they take the next steps in their careers.

Sun., May 22, 2016 | 2PMThe Studio Loft at the Ellie CaulkinsOpera House

Free for Red Dot Patron and above donorsGeneral Admission $10

PATRON DAYBe the first to get your single tickets for 2016-2017 performances. Street parking is free downtown on Sundays. Come to Patron Day at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to enjoy free refreshments, purchase single or season tickets, and make exchanges – all with no handling fees.

Sun., July 31, 2016 | 11AM-3PMEllie Caulkins Opera House

DONOR EVENTSITZPROBE BRUNCH AND REHEARSALSitzprobe n. German: A first on-stage rehearsal of an opera—with singers and musicians but without scenery or costumes.

Enjoy a buffet brunch at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House, then come to this exclusive insiders’ experience – the Sitzprobe rehearsal.

La Fanciulla del WestSun., October 30, 201612:30PM Brunch | 2PM Rehearsal

Free for Red Dot Patron and above donors.$35 per person for all other donors.

HAPPENINGS AT OPERA COLORADO

LEAD THE TROOPS. That was a tall order for Shen Yun principal dancer Cheryl Lin. She was dancing the roles of

Mulan and Mu Guying, both an-cient Chinese women who valiantly

fought to defend their families and homeland.

At first, Cheryl struggled. Her per-sonality didn’t fit with the characters,

and her dance movements couldn’t keep up.

But then her understanding of the women deepened. She realized that they risked everything be-cause they felt loyalty and respon-

sibility, which she then saw as a kind of beauty.

Cheryl’s new understanding allowed her to express the inner meaning of the dance

through her movements, a unique component of classical Chinese dance known as “bearing” or “yun.”

Shen Yun performanc-es emphasize this inner meaning, which connects deeply with the audience.

“[In Shen Yun,] a dance move is taught as a story or a picture. For instance, when an arm makes a stroke, it is like a wild goose flying across the sky between the blue sea and white clouds,” said Cheryl.

This is how Shen Yun dancers express inner meaning through “yun.” When they dance, the air around them seems electrified.

To Cheryl, performing classical Chi-nese dance now is like mastering a high art.

“I feel like I have just created a Chinese painting. I use every line, every point, and rich colors to form a beautiful scene.”

www.ShenYun.com/Denver 1-888-316-4234 Perfect Holiday Gift

ALL-NEW 2016 SHOW | WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Becoming Mulan

“Simply astounding to watch and a pleasure to the ear.” — Opera Online

March 4–6 The Buell Theatre

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STAFF Greg Carpenter General Director

ARTISTIC

Ari Pelto Music Director, designee

ADMINISTRATION

Mike Hurdle Director of Finance & Administration

DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Camille Spaccavento Director of External Affairs & Marketing Kathleen Dammen Annual Fund Manager Joyce de Roos Volunteer Coordinator Molly Epstein Group Sales Associate Nicholas Geyer Digital Marketing Assistant Manager Rachel Perez Marketing Manager Leah Podzimek Corporate and Foundations Manager Resnicow + Associates Public Relations

EDUCATION

Cherity Koepke Director of Education & Community Engagement Betsy Schwarm Pre-Performance Lecturer Nicole Vasconi Education & Community Engagement Assistant

PATRON SERVICES

Tom Kirkpatrick Patron Services Manager Indea Jaramillo Patron Services Assistant Genevieve LeBlanc Patron Services Assistant Don Oppliger Patron Services Assistant Vanessa Pacheco Patron Services Assistant

PRODUCTION

Katie Preissner Production Manager Ann Piano Costume Director

YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

Cherity Koepke Director Alaina DeBellevue Resident Coach Accompanist Emily Louise Robinson soprano Danielle Lombardi mezzo-soprano Benjamin Werley tenor Charles Eaton baritone William Lee Bryan baritone

DIRECTORY TICKETS OPERACOLORADO.ORG 303.468.2030

BOX OFFICE LOCATION 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 303.778.1500 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE 14th and Curtis Streets, Denver

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex,owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Division of Arts & Venues

LOST AND FOUND 720.865.4220

DINING AT DPAC Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 303.640.1012

Limelight Supper Club 720.227.9984

ONLINE RESERVATIONS Restaurantkevintaylor.com

BOARDOFFICERS

Michael BockChairman

Marcia RobinsonPresident

Michael HughesChair Emeritus

Kevin O’ConnorVice President

Martha TraceyTreasurer

Carol Crossin WhitleySecretary and Vice President

DIRECTORS

Bruce Allen

Kenneth Barrow

Suzanne Dost Bucy

Ellie CaulkinsLifetime Honorary Chair

Dr. Larry Chan

Mary Conroy

Dirk deRoos

The Honorable Kenneth M. Laff

William Maniatis

Tracy McCarthy

Muffy French Moore

Kent RiceEx-Officio

Gerald Saul

Merrill Shields

Shirley Smith

Byron Watson

Larry Zimmer

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Sheila Bisenius

Nellie Mae Duman

Hugh Grant

Michael Hughes

Dr. Charles Kafadar

Jeremy Kinney

Loring W. KnoblauchLifetime Honorary Director

Pamela Merrill

Jeremy Shamos

Susan Shamos

Harry Sterling

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ovation magazine winter 2016

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