2019 ANNUAL REPORT - Michigan Opera Theatre · 2019. 12. 11. · MOT programming in our community, including, in addition to the Detroit Tigers, the University Musical Society, the

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Board members:

This past fiscal year was filled with highly eventful activities, not the least of which was a change approved by our Board at the close of our 2018-19 fiscal year in June to elect a new Chairman of the Boards of Directors and Trustees of Michigan Opera Theatre and the Detroit Opera House. As such, this will not only be my last annual letter, but a farewell to the many friends I have met and made during my tenure. After 17 years as your Chairman, I am excited to turn over the reins to Ethan Davidson, who has enjoyed a long history with MOT that stemmed from his personal relationship with David DiChiera, eventually leading to his position as a member of our Board. As you know, Ethan is also a director of the William Davidson Foundation, which for a number of years has been a key partner with MOT and was the initial funder of our highly successful Studio Artists Program. As has been typical of those 17 years, the past year has been filled with exciting developments, highs and lows. In the “lows” category, we mourned the passing of our wonderfully talented and much beloved founder, David DiChiera, who died on September 18, 2018, after a long struggle with cancer. David mentored me, taught me all about opera and gave me the opportunity to Chair this Board. On the “high” side, we have enjoyed the continued benefit of Wayne Brown’s exemplary leadership. With David’s passing, the transition from David to Wayne officially ended, although throughout the entire period of David’s illness, Wayne has been in command and has done an extraordinary job. MOT’s mission is to be the premier multi-discipline producer and presenter for opera, musical theater and dance in the Great Lakes region. We have been faithful to that mission and have continued to produce extraordinary stage productions. At the same time, the Studio Artists have stretched our geographic and demographic reach by acting as ambassadors for the company, participating not only in our main stage operas but taking smaller productions to various locations throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Fundraising, of course, is always a top priority for organizations like ours. We must produce excellent work, but that takes funding, the vast majority of which today comes from individuals, corporations and foundations, both in the form of annual giving and in response to capital campaigns. Without these contributions, we cannot exist. The days of governmental assistance are over and ticket revenue cannot cover the costs of production for any opera company in America. As such, a primary focus of this past year has been our ongoing capital campaign. At this writing, we are about $15 million short of our original goal of $50 million. With your help, we will do our best to meet this goal. In anticipation of the change in Chairmanship, we continued to refine our organizational structure, adding the positions of three Vice Chairs to enhance our governing leadership: Joanne Danto, Ankur Rungta and Peter Oleksiak, each of whom brings their own special skill sets and experiences to strengthen our Board. We also continued to work on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, an effort spearheaded by Julia Darlow and Ankur Rungta, and we have now formed a permanent committee to continue to make sure we live up to our obligations in these important areas.

The management of our finances and financing are of utmost importance to all cultural organizations; MOT is no exception. Our Finance Committee has been ably chaired by Enrico Digirolamo and its members include yours truly, Sandy Duncan, Herman Frankel, Lee Barthel, Jim Ciroli, Gene Bowen, Tom Toppin and Robert Brown. This committee continues to refine the way we look at cash needs, cash flow, budgets, the impact of capital campaigns, our balance sheet, P&L, bank financing and all matters related to the financial engine of MOT. Understanding the interplay of these elements gives the committee, and ultimately the Board, the tools to make critical decisions relative to MOT’s financial well-being. Their guidance is and will be critical to MOT’s future. Finally, my hat is off to the Nominating Committee whose name belies its importance. Led for many years by Al Lucarelli, this committee not only vettes and nominates candidates to our Boards of Directors and Trustees, but addresses a broad spectrum of issues which include: recommending members for office, assuring diversity of leadership, selecting candidates who can bring unique skill sets to the Board, populating our many Board committees, making sure Directors and Trustees understand and comply with attendance and financial requirements, improving communication and understanding of how our company operates, and integrating its two boards as much as possible. The end result of the activities of these committees has been to set a solid platform from which MOT can move forward and assure its viability as one of the major cultural organizations of this city and state. The future of MOT is bright. Our Board membership is younger and more diverse than ever. Change and adaption never ends for a vibrant organization. We will change and adapt. In closing, I am immensely grateful for the confidence you have placed in me, and I am certain you will be equally supportive of Ethan. I am thankful for the support of MOT’s amazing and committed staff, especially Patricia Walker whose importance to this organization cannot be overstated. Finally, I am indebted to Wayne Brown whose leadership has been inspiring; I will miss the many meetings we had, his calm, steady hand and his ability to turn the page and move forward, always prepared for the next challenge. It has been the privilege of a lifetime working with all of you. With much appreciation, I remain,

Yours very truly,

Rick Williams

R. Jamison Williams, Jr. Chairman of the Board

2 Michigan Opera TheaTre

FROM THE PRESIDENT

November 14, 2019

The 49th Annual Report of Michigan Opera Theatre conveys a range of significant milestones for our organization — including artistic highlights, board engagement, staff development, audience growth, and favorable financial results. As we continue to advance toward the observance of our 50th Anniversary, MOT can be proud of the progress that the organization continues to make as a cultural pillar in Southeast Michigan. Our organization, the City of Detroit, and the Opera world faced a defining moment in late September of 2018 upon learning that Michigan Opera Theatre Founder Dr. David DiChiera had passed away. Per his request, a memorial service was held at the Detroit Opera House, where his family was joined by close friends, performers, audience members, staff, and board members (current and past) from around the country. As he would have it, days later MOT observed its opening Gala Performance with the remarkable soprano Renée Fleming — accompanied by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra under the baton of Stephen Lord. The 2018-19 season featured masterworks of the opera repertoire, including a new co-production of Tchaikovsky‘s Eugene Onegin (with the opera companies of Atlanta, Hawaii, Seattle, and Kansas City); as well as works of our time, such as the Midwest premiere of The Summer King, an opera based on the life of Negro League baseball-great Josh Gibson by composer Daniel Sonenberg, with libretto by Sonenberg and Mark Campbell, co-commissioned with the Pittsburgh Opera. The performances took place in partnership with the Detroit Tigers and were preceded by a community-wide initiative celebrating Arts and Sports. Yes, strategic partnerships continue to play an essential role with MOT programming in our community, including, in addition to the Detroit Tigers, the University Musical Society, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, and others. A highlight of the Dance Season featured an evening with Prima Ballerina Alessandra Feri followed by a bi-annual presentation by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as the annual Detroit Opera House holiday tradition of The Nutcracker performed by BalletMet of Columbus, Ohio.

During this past year, MOT was the recipient of an extraordinary $4 million grant from the William Davidson Foundation for programming and facilities, a $1 million grant from the Knight Foundation, and $600,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Additional major support by corporations and foundations included the Ford Motor Company (Fall Opera Season), General Motors (Spring Opera Season), Lear (Dance Season), the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the National Endowment for the Arts, Michigan Council for Arts and Culture, and Opera America — along with the generous support of numerous individuals. (A detailed listing can be found on page 34.) Four years ago, MOT launched its Campaign for a Bold Future. I am pleased to acknowledge that at the end of fiscal year ‘19, gifts and pledges reached $35 million of our $50 Million Goal. The Campaign is designed to assist our organization in achieving its Strategic Goals: •Enhanceopera,dance,andcommunity

programming. •Attractnewpatronsandincreasetheir

annual support. •Reinvestinkeyinfrastructure. •Continuebuildingtheboard. •StrengthenMichiganOperaTheatre’s

financial position. MOT strives to make progress in addressing the above goals. Thanks to the growing support from our community through ticket sales, special events, and fundraising activities, we seek to strengthen the organization’s financial health in order to continue to serve the community for years to come. In addition to achieving a balanced operating budget for the year, I am pleased to share that MOT continues to pursue ways to generate new sources of revenue. This step is required in order to bridge the annual gap in the cost to mount productions, offset in part through earned income and contributions. Our aspiration is to remain inspired by the vision of our founder. As we approach our 50th Anniversary, MOT remains committed to providing innovative programming for all!

Wayne S. BrownPresident and CEO

Wayne S. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer

3 AnnuAl RepoRt 2019

† Deceased

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019-2020July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020

R. Jamison Williams Chairman

Wayne S. Brown President and CEO

Enrico Digirolamo Chair, Finance

Committee

Cameron B. Duncan Treasurer

Gene P. Bowen Secretary

Margaret AlleseePernilla AmmannLee BarthelRichard A. BrodieElizabeth BrooksRobert BrownJames CiroliFrançoise ColpronJoanne DantoJulia Donovan DarlowEthan DavidsonKevin DennisShauna Ryder DiggsSonal DubeyMichael Einheuser

Marianne EndicottPaul E. EwingBarbara FrankelHerman FrankelDean FriedmanRichard G. GoetzJohn P. HaleDevon HooverDanialle KarmanosBarbara KratchmanThomas M. KrikorianAlphonse S. LucarelliDonald ManvelAli MoiinPeter Oleksiak

Sara PozziPaul RaghebRuth RattnerAnkur RungtaTerry SheaMatthew SimonciniRichard SonenklarLorna ThomasC. Thomas ToppinJesse VenegasEllen Hill Zeringue

DIRECTORS EMERITUSShelly CooperMarjorie M. FisherJennifer Nasser Audrey RoseWilliam SandyRichard Webb

Kenn and Liz AllenRobert and

Margaret AlleseeSarah AllisonPernilla AmmannLourdes V. AndayaHarold Mitchell ArringtonBeverly AvadenkaLee and Floy BarthelMark and Caprice BaunDebra Bernstein-SiegelJoseph and Barbra BlochGene P. BowenRichard and Gwen BowlbyBetty J. BrightRichard and

Joanne BrodieElizabeth BrooksRobert Brown and

Geraldine Ford-BrownWayne S. Brown

and Brenda KeeCharles D. BullockMichael and Mary ChircoJames and Elizabeth CiroliGloria ClarkAvern and Lois CohnThomas CohnFrançoise ColpronWilliam 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 ZeltzerCristina DiChiera

Karen V. DiChieraLisa DiChiera Shauna Ryder DiggsEnrico and

Kathleen DigirolamoDebbie 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 FeldmanCarl and

Mary Ann FontanaElaine FontanaBarbara Frankel and

Ron MichalakHerman and

Sharon FrankelDean and Aviva FriedmanBarbara GaravagliaYousif and Mara GhafariRichard and Aurora GoetzCarolyn GordonSamuel and

Toby HabermanAlice Berberian HaidostianJohn and Kristan HaleEugene and

Donna HartwigDoreen HermelinDerek and Karen HodgsonDevon HooverAlan and Eleanor IsraelUna JackmanDon Jensen

and Leo DovelleKent and Amy Jidov

Gary and Gwenn JohnsonGeorge Johnson Jill JohnsonEllen KahnPeter and

Danialle KarmanosStephanie Germack KerzicMichael and

Barbara KratchmanThomas and

Deborah KrikorianMelvin A. LesterLinda Dresner Levy and

Edward Levy Mado LieArthur and Nancy LieblerStephan and

Marian LoginskyMary Alice Lomason James LoPreteAlphonse S. LucarelliDenise LutzDonald ManvelFlorine MarkRonald and

Zvezdana MartellaJack Martin and

Bettye Arrington-MartinDexter MasonBenjamin Meeker and

Meredith KorneffelEugene and Lois MillerPhillip D. and Dawn MinchAli Moiin and

William KupskyDonald and

Antoinette MorelockE. Michael and

Dolores MutchlerAllan and Joy NachmanBarbara NusbaumJuliette Okotie-Eboh Peter OleksiakLinda OrlansRichard and

Debra Partrich

Spencer and Myrna Partrich

Daniel and Margaret Pehrson

Sara PozziWaltraud PrechterPaul and Amy RaghebJohn and Terry RakoltaRuth F. RattnerRoy and Maureen RobertsPatricia H. RodzikDavid and

Jacqueline RoesslerAudrey RoseCarolyn L. RossAnthony and

Sabrina RugieroAnkur Rungta and

Mayssoun BydonHershel and

Dorothy SandbergDonald and Kim SchmidtMark and Lois ShaevskyArlene ShalerTerry SheaMatthew and

Mona SimonciniSheila SloanWilliam H. SmithPhyllis F. SnowRichard A. Sonenklar

and Gregory HaynesMary Anne StellaRonald F. Switzer and

Jim F. McClureLorna ThomasC. Thomas and

Bernie ToppinJames G. VellaJesse and

Yesenia VenegasMarilyn VictorInge VincentBradley Wakefield and

Meghann Rutherford

R. Jamison and Karen Williams

Joan Young and Thomas L. Schellenberg

Mary Lou ZieveEllen Hill Zeringue

TRUSTEES EMERITIMarcia ApplebaumAgustin Arbulu Marvin 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


In MeMorIaM

Dr. David DiChiera, FounderApril 8, 1935 - September 18, 2018

Board of Directors 1974-2018Board of Trustees 1976-2018

Michigan Opera Theatre is saddened by the passing of MOT Trustees and Directors this past year. Their commitment and enthusiasm for the

arts and the cultural life of our community will be missed.

William C. BrooksAugust 21, 1933 - October 1, 2018

Board of Trustees 1995 - 2018

Irving NusbaumNovember 27, 2018


Hon. John DingellJuly 8, 1926 – February 7, 2019Board of Trustees 1999 - 2019

Douglass DiggsJan 4, 1964 – May 17, 2019



Michigan Opera Theatre’s founder, long time General Director, and Number One Friend Raiser, the man

whose name will always be synonymous with Michigan Opera Theatre, David DiChiera, passed away of pancreatic cancer on September 18, 2018, just months after the “Grand Salute” Gala in his honor. It was a sad day for everyone in David’s “family” which included his real family, his MOT family, the City of Detroit and, indeed, the international world of opera. For 49 years David DiChiera was opera in Detroit. His indomitable spirit, even after he was diagnosed with cancer, was his hallmark. He believed he could do just about anything, and as far as MOT was concerned, he could, and he did. From converting an

abandoned, partially flooded movie palace in a decaying part of the city into one of the finest and most splendid opera houses in America to producing luminaries like Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Joan Sutherland and Kathleen Battle on its stage, David never let us down. He was a gentle man with a fierce determination. In addition to producing opera, David wrote it, authoring his own full length operatic version of Cyrano and his “Four Sonnets” to verses by Edna St. Vincent Millay, among other works. To say David was “beloved” would be an understatement, although he certainly was. But he was so much more. He was admired, respected and adored by all who knew him. To say he was a visionary and a persuasive genius would be limiting. (The fact that he raised $75 million for the Opera House over the years says all you need to know about his persuasiveness!) He was the true WAYNE BROWN AND DAVID DiCHIERADAVID DiCHIERA AND RICK WILLIAMS

ROBERT DEWAR AND DAVID DiCHIERA

Remembering David DiChieraBY BUD LIEBLER


definition of a Renaissance Man or a “Man for all Seasons,” both mantles he wore with dignity and uncommon grace and modesty. David DiChiera laid the foundation upon which Michigan Opera Theatre continues to build. His vision is our goal post, always challenging and ever moving, just as he was. We will always miss David and we will always honor his legacy and cherish his memory. As he said in the letter he wrote to MOT’s Board, Trustees and Friends after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, “…Your friendship is among my greatest treasures. You will always be in my heart and I hope some part of me will always be in yours.” Suffice it to say that it will. From the Opera House itself to the performers and performances on its stage, the people behind the scenes, and our audiences, “Dr. D” will always be Michigan Opera Theatre’s North Star.

WORLD PREMIERE OF DAVID DiCHIERA’S CYRANO 2007

LEFT: LONG-TIME MOT COMMITTED COUPLES — THE VANDERKLOOTS, THE DEWARS (STANDING L TO R) AND THE TOWNSENDS (SEATED RIGHT)LUCIANO PAVAROTTI WITH DAVID AND KAREN DiCHIERA

DAVID PLAYS ON A PIANO ONCE PLAYED BY RACHMANINOFF AT THE GLESSNER HOUSE MUSEUM, CHICAGO.

LEONA MITCHELL LUCIANO PAVAROTTI


Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT) is committed to creating exceptional, compelling, and innovative opera and dance

experiences for the diverse audiences and communities that it serves. To achieve our objectives, we produce and present a wide variety of opera and dance repertoire on the stage of the Detroit Opera House and at community venues, engage talented artists from around the world, and plan related education and engagement programs that bring communities together and afford people the opportunity to experience opera and dance on many levels. In total, 38,746 adults attended opera and dance performances by Michigan Opera Theatre, and roughly 15,138 children under 18 years old experienced opera and dance at the Detroit Opera House, in the community, and at their school. In addition, more than 220,000 patrons attended musical theater performances, conferences, and workshops at the Detroit Opera House during FY19. In keeping with our vision, the 2018–2019 season featured classic opera and dance works, which were united by their origins in literature, newer works and productions, and a number of special events and collaborations. The season opened with a gala concert by opera and Broadway superstar Renée Fleming and the MOT Orchestra. Revenue from this performance directly benefitted our education and community programs initiatives. Highlighting the opera season were Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, based on Alexander Pushkin’s novel in verse, and Ricky Ian Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath with words by lyricist Michael Korie after John Steinbeck. This production was also especially exciting in that it won Encore Michigan’s Wilde Award for Best Opera and Best Performance in an Opera, which went to Katharine Goeldner for her portrayal of Ma Joad. We are especially proud that this marked the fourth consecutive Wilde Awards for which MOT and its artists have

received at least one of these state-wide accolades for an opera composed within the past fifty years—a critical reflection on the successes of MOT’s commitment to presenting contemporary, relevant works. Also presented on the stage of the Detroit Opera House were Rossini’s timeless comedy The Barber of Seville, and the fairytale opera Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck, performed using larger-than-life puppets by designer Basil Twist.

In March, our regional opera series —with dedicated support from the William Davidson Foundation, the Andrew Mellon Foundation, and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan — now in its fifth season, featured the

resident artists of the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio in a production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide after Voltaire’s picaresque satire. Co-production partner the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts hosted two fully staged performances, and a presenting partnership was renewed with the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield, which also hosted two performances. The MOT Studio has been categorized by Marc Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, as “an important dimension to the American training infrastructure, and another element to MOT’s broad community service.” MOT’s 2018–2019 dance series included modern dance alongside traditional ballets, affording audiences the opportunity to experience different dance cultures, challenge assumptions, and witness new trajectories in dance and movement arts. Modern dance programs traced a line through groundbreaking and stylistically diverse choreographers: Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, and Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane. On another program, Italian ballerina assoluta Alessandra Ferri was joined by eminent dancers from around the world in a cornucopia of favorite danced duets from classic and modern dance, which featured members of the MOT Orchestra as soloists. BalletMet of Columbus, Ohio, returned for our twentieth consecutive presentation of The Nutcracker, incorporating a ballet corps of young dancers from across Metro Detroit, which continues to delight audiences at the Detroit Opera House every holiday season. Our ongoing partnership with

Year in Review

HANSEL AND GRETEL

RENEE FLEMING


the University Musical Society helped enrich the variety of our dance offerings, and increase our capacity to offer dance education programs for youth from Flint, Ann Arbor, and Detroit. The season was complemented by special events, including the return of Too Hot to Handel with the MOT Chorus, and the MOT Children’s Chorus performed the children’s opera The Secret World of Og on the stage of the Detroit Opera House for peers, teachers, and the community. Additionally, members of MOT Children’s Chorus and the MOT Studio joined forces in a new production by Michigan-based designer Moníka Essen of Gian Carlo Menotti’s holiday favorite Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, and Most Holy Redeemer Church in Southwest Detroit, where a performance was given at no cost to more than 500 individuals living in the neighborhood. Our community programs department continued offering its Summer Serenade concert series in venues from Grand Circus Park to the Detroit Zoo, and hosted seventy Opera Clubs and presentations in homes, libraries, and community centers across the region. MOT’s education department toured I, Too, Sing America and Jack and the Beanstalk to thirty-six different schools, performing these works for eight thousand students over the year. In collaboration with the Charles Wright Museum of African American history, our new opera Jack & the Beanstalk: A Tale from Mali set the classic story in the ancient African Mali Empire. With performers acting as traditional griots and the inclusion of West African percussion such as the djembe, this production used opera as the starting point for students to explore an important and sometimes little-known cultural history. Michigan Opera Theatre continues to invest time, talent, and financial resources into the strategic expansion and diversification of our audiences by refining the relevancy of our opera and dance programming. The 2018–2019 season at Michigan Opera Theatre was imbued with our belief that art transcends the commonplace and connects people through cultural exchange and shared experiences. We continue to engage performers, artists, thinkers, and patrons young and old in our quest to create exceptional and compelling artistic experiences, and to expand and diversify our audiences.

ALESSANDRA FERRI: ART OF THE PAS DE DEUX

Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully thanks and acknowledges

these sponsors for their support of the 2018-2019 season:

THE J. ERNEST AND ALMENA GRAY WILDE FUND

Foundation

SHIRLEY K. SCHLAFER FOUNDATION

MS. JOANNE DANTO AND DR. ARNOLD WEINGARDEN

KEVIN DENNIS AND JEREMY ZELTZER

ELAINE FONTANA


MUSICPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

LIBRETTOPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Konstantin Shilovsky, based on Alexander Pushkin’s novel in verse

WORLD PREMIEREMaly Theatre – Moscow, Russia

March 29, 1879

Scenery constructed at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Shop. Costumes executed by Seattle Opera Costume Shop. The scenery for this production is jointly owned by Michigan Opera Theatre, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, The Atlanta Opera, Hawaii Opera Theatre and Seattle Opera.

CONDUCTORStephen Lord

ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONTomer Zvulun

STAGE DIRECTORStephanie Havey

CHORUS MASTERSuzanne Mallare Acton

CHOREOGRAPHERLogan Pachciarz

SET DESIGNErhard Rom

COSTUME DESIGNIsabelle Bywater

LIGHTING DESIGNRobert Wierzel

HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNJoanne Weaver

ASSISTANT CONDUCTORJoshua Horsch

ASSISTANT DIRECTORAllie Wagner

STAGE MANAGERKen Saltzman

REPETITEURJean Schneider

SUPERTITLES TRANSLATIONJeremy Sortore

RUSSIAN LANGUAGE COACHESElena Repnikova & Irina Mishura

2018 Fall Opera Season Sponsor

Eugene OneginOctober 13 – 21, 2018


2018-19 Opera Season

“ I gotta tell ya it blew me away! If you live in or near Detroit you have to go see this!”

— BOB FROM HUNTINGTON WOODS

“In one word….wonderful!” — PAUL FROM GROSSE POINTE


CAST(In order of vocal appearance)

Tatyana ..........................................................Corinne Winters

Olga ................................................................. Carolyn Sproule

Madame Larina ...................................Katharine Goeldner

Nurse Filippyevna ...................................Meredith Arwady

Vladimir Lensky ........................................ Jamez McCorkle

Eugene Onegin ................................................ Iurii Samoilov

Monsieur Triquet ............................... Matthew DiBattista

Captain .........................................................Harry Greenleaf*

Zaretsky ............................................... Allen Michael Jones*

Prince Gremin................................................ Steven Humes

*Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist

MUSICGioachino Rossini

LIBRETTOCesare Sterbini, based on Pierre Beaumarchais’s French comedy

WORLD PREMIERETeatro Argentina – Rome, Italy

February 20, 1816

The Barber of Seville

CONDUCTORChristopher Allen

STAGE DIRECTORChristopher Mattaliano


SET DESIGNAllen Moyer

COSTUME DESIGN James Scott

LIGHTING DESIGNKendall Smith

HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNJoanne Weaver

ASST. DIRECTORDaniel Ellis



SUPERTITLES TRANSLATIONChristopher Mattaliano

2018 Fall Opera Season Sponsor

Scenery and properties constructed by Minnesota Opera Shops. Scenery and Properties designed by Allen Moyer. Scenery and properties for this production are jointly owned by Minnesota Opera, Washington National Opera and Opera Omaha and were

constructed by Minnesota Opera Shops. Costumes constructed by Washington National Opera Costume Studio.

November 10-18, 2018




Fiorello:.....................................................Harry Greenleaf*Count Almaviva: ...........................................Alek ShraderFigaro: ........................................................Lucas MeachemRosina: .............................................................Daniela MackDr. Bartolo: ...................................................Andrew ShoreDon Basilio: ...................................................Wayne TiggesBerta: ..........................................................Cheyanne Coss*Sergeant: .................................................Harry Greenleaf*


SupernumerariesCharles Arnett .................................................... AmbrogioJake Falls .......................................................... Young LoverAshley Kalchik ....................................................Floozie #1Patrick Marano ....................................Figaro’s customer Amanda Nummy ...............................................Floozie #2Bob Oren .....................................................................NotaryJill Pavlat ..........................................................................AuntSamantha Reichling .................................... Young LoverReed Winfrey ..........................................................Nephew

“Truly exceptional!” — RUTH ZAROMP,

THE DETROIT MONITOR

“ Don’t miss this amazingly joyful expression of amusing and deceitful disguises and unexpected developments”.

— DINA WINTERS, THE GROSSE POINTE NEWS

“ MOT’s Barber of Seville is grand and delicious!”

— DAVID KILEY, ENCORE MICHIGAN


Sat., March 9 – 7:30 PM Sun., March 10 – 2:30 PM

Macomb Center for the Performing Arts

Sat., March 16 – 7:30 PM Sun., March 17 – 2:30 PM

Berman Center for the Performing Arts

WORLD PREMIEREChelsea Theater Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music – Brooklyn, New York

December 19, 1973

CONDUCTORDaniel Black

DIRECTORKeturah Stickann


LIGHTING DESIGN

James Sale

WIG & MAKEUP DESIGN

Joanne Weaver

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

Tessa Hartle


CANDIDETHE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE VERSION

Music by LEONARD BERNSTEINBook Adapted from Voltaire by HUGH WHEELER

In a New Version by JOHN CAIRDLyrics by RICHARD WILBUR

Additional lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM, JOHN LATOUCHE,LILLIAN HELLMAN, DOROTHY PARKER and LEONARD BERNSTEIN

2019 Spring Opera Season Sponsor

This project is supported in part by an award from:


CAST Voltaire: Richard Marlatt

Candide: Michael Day*Cunegonde: Monica Dewey

Dr. Pangloss/King Hermann: Harry Greenleaf*Maximillian/ French Officer/Sailor/Immigrant/Senore/King Ivan:

Allen Michael Jones*Paquette/Immigrant: Cheyanne Coss*

Old Lady: Katherine DeYoung*King of El Dorado/Inquisitor/Crony/James’ Assistant/ Rowing Prisoner/King

Stanislas/Chorus: Paolo PachecoMartin/Baron/James the Anabaptist/ Drill Sergeant/King Achmed/Chorus:

David MoanGrand Inquisitor/Vanderdendur/Corporal in Bavarian Army/

Rowing Prisoner/King Charles/Chorus: Seth JohnsonCacambo/Guitar-Playing Senore/Captain in the Bavarian Army/

Don Issacar/King Theo/Chorus: Fred BuchalterGovernor/Inquisitor/Crony /King of Bavaria/Viennese Ambassador, Rowing

Prisoner/Chorus: Matthew Konopacki Bavarian Infantry Man/Slave with No Limbs/ Drummer/Minister/

Undercover Man from Inquisition/Chorus: Brandon MotzQueen of El Dorado/Crony/Dancer/Bavarian Infantry Man/Galley Captain/

Chorus: Kristina ReigleBaroness/Crony/Dancer/El Dorado Sheep/Bavarian Infantry Man/Rowing

Prisoner/Chorus: Sandra Periord*Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist

CANDIDE (NATIONAL THEATRE VERSION)Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.MTIShows.com

“ The voices were melodic and beautiful. The cast made the story come alive with spirit and candor. Bravo!”

— DAVID IN ROCHESTER


CONDUCTORStephen Lord

PRODUCTIONBasil Twist

Hansel and GretelMUSIC Engelbert Humperdinck

LIBRETTO Adelheid Wette, based on the Grimm’s fairy tale

WORLD PREMIEREDeutsche Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar – Weimar, Germany, December 23, 1893

ASSOC. DIRECTORKimberley S. Prescott

ASSOC. PUPPET DIRECTORKate Brehm


LIGHTING DESIGNGordon Olsen

WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNJoanne Weaver

COSTUME REALIZER Melissa Graff

ASST. CONDUCTORStefano Sarzani

SUPERTITLESDee Dorsey



The Witch realized by the Jim Henson CompanyHansel and Gretel is a co-production of Houston Grand Opera and Atlanta Opera


The J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund

Production Sponsor

APRIL 6-14, 2019




Gretel ............................................................ Deanna Breiwick

Hansel ........................................................................Emily Fons

Gertrude ............................................... Mary-Hollis Hundley

Peter .....................................................................Russell Braun

The Sandman ...................................... Katherine DeYoung*

The Dew Fairy ............................................. Cheyanne Coss*

The Witch ...............................................Matthew DiBattista


PuppeteersTorri Lynn Ashford, Kate Brehm, Lute Breuer, Sean

Burpee, Dorothy James, Carrie Morris, Joel Orr, Justin

Perkins

“ This inspired, breathtaking MOT production gives the art of puppetry a triumphant return!”

— PATRICE NOLAN, ENCORE MICHIGAN

“Superb!” — ROSEMARY IN HARPER WOODS


MUSICRicky Ian Gordon

LIBRETTOMichael Korie

based on the novel by John Steinbeck

WORLD PREMIEREFirst performed by

Minnesota Opera in St. Paul on February 10, 2007

The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath is a co-production of Michigan Opera Theatre and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

CONDUCTORMichael Christie

DIRECTORJames Robinson

ASSOC. DIRECTORRichard Gammon


SET DESIGNAllen Moyer

COSTUME DESIGNJames Schuette

LIGHTING DESIGNChristopher Akerlind

WIG & MAKEUP DESIGN

Joanne Weaver

SUPERTITLESDee Dorsey

REPETITEURTessa Hartle



This project is supported in part by an award from Elaine Fontana

Conductor Sponsor

MAY 11-19, 2019

PHO

TO: K

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CAST(In order of appearance)

Rosasharn .................................................................................................Deanna BreiwickMa Joad ................................................................................................Katharine Goeldner Pa Joad ......................................................................................................... Levi HernandezUncle John .........................................................................................................Robert OrthConnie Rivers ..........................................................................................Harry Greenleaf*Ruthie Joad .............................................................................................Natalie NikolajevsWinfield Joad .................................................................................................. Cooper BushNoah Joad/Prison Guard ............................................................................Hugh RussellAl Joad ................................................................................................................Michael Day*Tom Joad ...............................................................................................Tobias GreenhalghJim Casy ..................................................................................................... Geoffrey AgpaloMuley Graves/Grampa/Contractor of Migrant Workers/ Patrol Guard ........................................................Dennis PetersenPete Fowler/Ragged Man/Bill .................................................... Matthew KonopackiJoe/Pump Guy 1 ..........................................................................................Paolo PachecoFred/Pump Guy 2 ......................................................................................... Kevin StarnesHank/Lou..................................................................................................... Brent DoucetteSenator .............................................................................................................. Robert SkylisMuley’s Wife .................................................................................Madison MontambaultGranma ....................................................................................................Deborah NansteelMan in Suit/Inspector .................................................................. Allen Michael Jones*Constable/Joe ....................................................................................... Brandon SpencerTraffic Cop/Peach Checker ........................................................................... Frank PittsA Trucker/Jim ..........................................................................................Matthew DanielsPump Guy 3 ...............................................................................................Richard JacksonMae ........................................................................................................Katherine DeYoung*Val ...........................................................................................................................David MoanBill/Commissary Clerk ....................................................................Branden C.S. HoodCropper Woman ...................................................................................... Jenny CresswellCropper Husband/George ........................................................................Camron GrayDeputy ..............................................................................................................Gregory AsheCabin Mistress ..................................................................................Kaswanna KanyindaWashroom Guard ........................................................................................ Seth JohnsonJake ...................................................................................................................Brandon MotzSoprano ..........................................................................................................Sandra PeriordBoy in Barn ................................................................................................Bennett Vesprini


“ A powerful, humbling and outstanding performance!”

— BRET AND SUSANNA, GROSSE POINTE PARK

“ Sensational in every way!” — CORINNE, BINGHAM FARMS


2018-19 Dance Season 2018-2019 Dance Season Sponsor

Michigan Opera Theatre and New York Live Artspresent

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company Bill T. Jones Janet Wong Co-Founder & Artistic Director Associate Artistic Director

Featuring

The CompanyVinson Fraley, Jr., Barrington Hinds, Chanel Howard, Shane Larson, Penda N’diaye,

Marie Lloyd Paspe, Christina Robson, Carlo Antonio Villanueva and Huiwang Zhang

Music performed byNick Hallett (music director/performer) and Matthew Gamble (baritone)

Production StaffHillery Makatura, Lauren Libretti, Veronica Falborn and Justin Johnson

InA Letter to My Nephew

Conceived and Directed by Bill T. JonesChoreography by Bill T. Jones with Janet Wong and the Current and Original Cast

Original Score Composed by Nick HallettDécor by Bjorn Amelan

Lighting Design by Robert Wierzel*Costume Design by Liz Prince

Projection Design by Janet WongSound Design by Samuel Crawford

*Denotes Member of the United Scenic Arts Union (USA)

Presented in partnership with University Musical Society

The NutcrackerNovember 24-25, 2018

BalletMet

Artistic DirectorEdwaard Liang

Executive DirectorSue Porter

BalletMet’s company dancers are members of the American Guild of Musical Artists, the union of professional singers and dancers who create America’s operatic, choral and dance heritage.

Rehearsal DirectorSusan Dromisky

Rehearsal DirectorAndres Estevez


Alessandra Ferri:Art of the Pas de DeuxArtistic Direction – Alessandra Ferri and Marco PelleConductor – David LamarcheLighting Design – Brandon Stirling Baker

February 16, 2019

DANCERSJeffrey CirioHerman CornejoAlessandra Ferri Marcelo GomesRicardo GrazianoKate HoneaMisa KuranagaOksana Maslova

Mary Hollis Hundley, soprano

Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra

Soloists:Eliot Heaton, violinAndrea Yun, celloBrian Bowman, clarinetPatricia Terry-Ross, harpIvan Moshchuk, piano

MS. JOANNE DANTO & DR. ARNOLD WEINGARDEN

KEVIN DENNIS & JEREMY ZELTZER

Sponsors

March 15-17, 2019Alvin Ailey, Founder

Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita

Robert Battle, Artistic DirectorMasazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director

SHIRLEY K. SCHLAFER FOUNDATION Residency Sponsor

Jacqueline Green and Jamar Roberts. Photo by Andrew Eccles

COMPANY MEMBERSRiccardo Battaglia

Hope BoykinJeroboam Bozeman

Clifton BrownKhalia Campbell

Sarah Daley-PerdomoGhrai DeVore

Solomon DumasSamantha FigginsVernard J. GilmoreJacqueline Green

Daniel Harder

Jacquelin HarrisMichael Jackson, Jr.

Megan JakelYazzmeen Laidler

Yannick LebrunMichael Francis McBride

Rachael McLarenChalvar MonteiroAkua Noni Parker

Danica PaulosBelén Pereyra-Alem

Jessica Amber Pinkett

Jamar RobertsSamuel Lee Roberts

Kanji SegawaGlenn Allen Sims

Linda Celeste SimsCourtney Celeste Spears

Constance StamatiouJermaine Terry

Fana TesfagiorgisChristopher R. Wilson

Matthew Rushing, Rehearsal Director & Guest Artist

Bennett Rink, Executive Director


Michigan Opera Theatre’s commitment to dance education continued to benefit from new and on-going partnerships during the 2019 season.

Michigan’s own Eisenhower Dance Detroit hosted the annual Detroit Opera House Summer Intensive. This one-week intensive pushed more than 30 metro-Detroit dancers to their limit with challenging choreography in modern, jazz, contemporary, and repertory from Eisenhower Dance Detroit; taught by professional dancers from Eisenhower Dance Detroit. After an intense week the students showed friends and family what they had learned at an informal showing in the DOH Boll Hall. This program continues to grow year after year and can only be expected to continue that trend. MOT invited over 100 metro-Detroit and Canadian students into the Opera House for a chance to dance on the Detroit Opera Stage with the highly talented BalletMet Columbus as part of Nutcracker production. Each season MOT holds auditions for local students 8 years old and up to fill the young childrens’ cast of the BalletMet’s Nutcracker. These students are separated by age, height and years of experience. Dmitri Suslov, BalletMet’s Coordinator of Performance Ensemble and Darielle Eberhard BalletMet Academy Faculty then teach the different groups actual choreography from the show. Local Rehearsal Directors, Jo Ann Cusmano and Judith Molina work with the BalletMet representatives to find the best for the cast and costumes. The most unfortunate part of the process is not having enough casting spots and costumes for all who audition. The 70 dancers who are selected have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with a professional ballet company on the Opera House stage with the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. The Spring brought Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Teaching Artists to Detroit for their 2-week Revelations Residency. Students at both Western International High School and Martin Luther King, Jr. High School worked with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Teaching Artists, learning about Mr. Ailey and the company. The Alvin Ailey Revelations Residency helps students explore and create dance movement, enrich vocabulary, prompt poetry and journal writing, and uses narrative reports, critical reviews, and biographies. This program was extremely well received in both schools and the students grew right before our eyes. Students that would barely even walk into the room on the first day were writing poems and creating and performing movement by the end. New this season, MOT worked with the Ailey School and their Ailey Extension division as hosts to AILEY Experience

Detroit. This weekend workshop is designed to expand on Alvin Ailey’s life-long commitment to bringing dance to the people. The Ailey Experience workshop gives dancers the opportunity to study with leading instructors and former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company members. Over 150 participating Metro-Detroit dancers learned the rich history of Ailey’s signature style and how he changed the perception of American modern dance. Workshop classes included Horton Technique, Ailey Classics, and Hip Hop. MOT was happy to work with Ailey instructors Lisa Johnson-Willingham, Amos Machanic, and Antonio Jefferson and see so many members of our community share the love for dance. To enhance our audience’s experience, each dance company that is presented on the Detroit Opera House stage

teaches a master class for dancers of our community. We cherish the opportunity to offer instruction from the professionals while they are visiting Detroit. Classes are taught by dancers, ballet masters, and even artistic directors of the professional companies. This not only provides high-caliber instruction for local dancers, but also exposure to a professional company and an opportunity to ask

questions and connect with those they are inspired by. Also, these master classes are free if the dancer has a ticket to the corresponding company’s performance. Ballet Detroit and Inner City Dance Scope continue to call the Detroit Opera House their home for dance training. Both hold regular dance classes for students of all ages during the evenings and weekends. In addition to regular classes that typically run parallel to the school year, Ballet Detroit hosted a successful summer intensive of 50-plus students from all over the U.S., Italy and China.

Dance Education

THE AILEY EXPERIENCE


Wayne S. Brown President and Chief Executive Officer

DEPARTMENT DIRECTORSRichard Leech, Director of Resident Artist

ProgramsNancy Mims, Director of Human ResourcesRock Monroe, Director of Safety and Security,

DOH and DOHPCLaura Nealssohn, Director of

CommunicationsAngela Nelson-Heesch, Director of

DevelopmentDavid W. Osborne, Director of ProductionAndrea Scobie, Director of EducationPatricia Walker, Chief Administrative Officer Arthur White, Director of External Affairs

ADMINISTRATIONWilliam Austin, Executive AssistantTimothy Lentz, Archivist and Director,

Allesee Dance and Opera Resource LibraryCatherine Nicolia-Staples, ArchivistBryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Allesee Dance

and Opera Resource Library

PATRON SERVICESDevelopmentJocelyn Aptowitz, Development Associate,

Individual Giving Christy Gray, Development AdministratorColin Knapp, Manager of Donor EngagementMaery Simmons, Assistant Manager –

CRM Operations Sonya Thompson, Development Resource

Coordinator

Marketing/Public RelationsMitchell Carter, Website CoordinatorJohn Grigaitis, PhotographerMichael Hauser, Marketing ManagerErica Hobbs, Communications ManagerJon Rosemond, Marketing Operations

AssociateMaery Simmons, Assistant Manager

CRM Operations

Ticket OfficeTunisia Brown, Box Office ManagerEvan Carr, Keontay Carter, Patron Services

Associate, Ticketing

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMSMark Vondrak, Associate Director of

Community ProgramsMatthew Murray, Education and Community

Programs Coordinator

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIOMichael Sherman, Principal Coach/

AccompanistEdward Graves, TenorAvery Boettcher, SopranoDarren Lekeith Drone, Baritone Katherine DeYoung, Mezzo-sopranoAllen Michael Jones, Bass

TOURING ARTISTS OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMSSoprano: Clodagh Earls Mezzo-Sopranos: Aja Dier, Olivia JohnsonTenor: David Moan Baritones: Branden C.S. Hood,

DeVonte King Pianist: Joseph JacksonPercussionist: Marwan Aman-Ra

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHILDREN’S CHORUS STAFFSuzanne Mallare Acton, DirectorDianna Hochella, Assistant Director,

Principal Chorus ConductorJane Panikkar, Preparatory Chorus

ConductorTwannette Nash, Chorus AdministratorJoseph Jackson, Principal Chorus

AccompanistMaria Cimarelli, Preparatory Chorus

AccompanistEmily Crombez, Theory Teacher

COMPUTER SERVICESChris Farr, Network AdministratorJohn Grigaitis, Information Technology

Manager

DANCEJon Teeuwissen, Artistic Advisor to Dance Kim Smith, Dance Coordinator

FINANCEKimberley Burgess, Rita Winters,

AccountantsKathy Kercorian, CFO

DETROIT OPERA HOUSEHOUSE MANAGEMENTRandy Elliott, House Manager

FACILITIES MANAGEMENTJuan Benavides, Building Engineer Jesse Carter, Senior Building EngineerDennis Wells, Facilities ManagerDavid Bradley, Building Maintenance

CATERING AND SPECIAL EVENTSHolly Clement, Events ManagerBridgette Leising, Associate Director of Sales,

Detroit Opera House Tiiko Reese-Douglas, Events AssistantJennifer Consiglio-George, Events

SAFETY AND SECURITYDarrin Cato, Stage Door SergeantA.M. Hightower, Control Center OfficerLt. Lorraine Monroe, SupervisorDemetrius Newbold, Control Center OfficerKenneth Blue, Stage Door Officer

PRODUCTION

ADMINISTRATIONElizabeth Anderson, Production Coordinator

and Artistic AdministratorKathleen Bennett, Production AdministratorKen Saltzman, Stage ManagerNan Luchini, Hailli Ridsdale, Assistant Stage

Managers

MUSICSuzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Music

Director and Chorus MasterMolly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel ManagerJean Posekany, Orchestra LibrarianJean Schneider, Repetiteur

TECHNICAL AND DESIGN STAFFDaniel T. Brinker, Technical DirectorMonika Essen, Property Master and Scenic

ArtistHeather DeFauw, Assistant Lighting Designer

and Assistant Technical DirectorKevin Neuman, Assistant Technical DirectorDee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator Shane O’Connor, Technical Assistant

COSTUMESSuzanne M Hanna, Costume DirectorRosemarie Di Rita, Wardrobe MistressSusan A. Fox, First HandMaureen Abele, Emily Christianson,

Kristina Hales, Mary Ellen Shuffett, Patricia Sova, Stitchers

MAKEUP AND HAIRElizabeth Geck, Assistant Wig and Makeup

Designer Giulia Bernardini, Corene Bridges,

Erika Broderdorf, Kristine Clifton-Higgins, Shannon Koslowski, Kacilee Legato, Julia Marsh, Cedasha Randolph, Paige Parks, Erin Puffpaff, Briana Robins, Shannon Schoenberg, Denitra Townsend, Carol Taylor, Makhia Walker, Dayna Winalis, Sierra Wingerter, Jessica Wood

STAGE CREWJohn Kinsora, Head CarpenterFrederick Graham, Jr., Head ElectricianPat McGee, Head PropertymanChris Baker, Head of SoundMary Ellen Shuffett, Head of WardrobeRobert Martin, Head FlymanGary Gilmore, Production Electrician

IATSE Local #38, Stage CrewIATSE Local #786, Wardrobe

Administration & Staff


In four short years, Michigan Opera Theatre Studio has become not only

a highly respected and unique young artist program in the world of opera, but an important and cherished part of the fabric of the MOT family. The presence and talent of the Studio Artists on our stages and in our community continue to help shape the ways in which MOT is perceived as an artistic institution, a program innovator, and a valued community partner — just as David DiChiera envisioned it. Additionally, as our Studio Artists go out into the world, they do so with the support and pride of their adopted company, and as their careers flourish, become grand ambassadors of MOT, Detroit, and Southeast Michigan. For the 2018-2019 season, Michigan Opera Theatre once again engaged five Studio Artists, seeing the return of tenor Michael Day and baritone Harry Greenleaf, and welcoming the addition of soprano Cheyanne Coss, mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung, and bass Allen Michael Jones. MOT patrons

and others enjoyed performances from these special artists in mainstage productions, as featured artists in our regional production, and in myriad settings throughout Southeast Michigan. Among the most exciting up-and-coming talent in opera today, the Studio Artists gained valuable performance experience while continuing to hone their skills through master classes and training

with an array of world-class professionals, guest artists, coaches, directors, and conductors. As Director of Resident Artist Programs, celebrated tenor Richard Leech continued to lead the Studio and, in collaboration with Director of External Affairs, Arthur White, the areas of Community Programs and Audience Engagement. In her third year as Principal

Coach/Accompanist, Tessa Hartle, through her coaching with the Studio and her collaboration and performances with Studio and Community Programs, continued to fill vital roles in both programs. Throughout the season Studio Artists received advanced individual

training and mentorship from Mr. Leech and Ms. Hartle, as well as frequent in-depth work with acclaimed coaches Martin Katz and Kathleen Kelly. Among the other guest clinicians and artists who offered coaching and master classes were composer Ricky Ian Gordon, famed sopranos Renée Fleming and Erie Mills, Russian mezzo-soprano Irina Mishura, director Mathew Ozawa, conductor and coach David Aronson, voice specialists Jason Ferrante and Sylvia Greenberg, and coaches Nicholas Roehler and Keun-A Lee. Instruction in Italian and Russian languages, dance styles, stage movement, theatrical make-up, Alexander Technique, and media training were also a part of their season activities, as well as the production of audition videos and opportunities to audition for several company directors and artist managers. The Studio Artist Program continued to serve as a central component of MOT’s enhanced presence in the community through productions in the Detroit Opera House, community venues, concerts, and special events. In its initiative to annually produce full-scale opera outside of the Detroit Opera House in venues throughout metro Detroit,

MOT STUDIO ARTISTS

Program Summary 2018-19 Season

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO

RICHARD LEECH


MOT’s community productions are now selected and mounted specifically for the Studio Artist Program; for the 2018-19 season Leonard Bernstein’s Candide was presented at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, and Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors was presented at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, and at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Southwest Detroit. Among the more than 50 other community performances featuring the Studio Artists were concerts and events at The War Memorial (Arts at the Alger series), The Detroit Yacht Club, The Whitney, Cranbrook House, The Detroit Club, Macomb County Community College, Oakland University, Wayne State University, Anton Art Center, and The Scarab Club. They also participated in dozens of Overture to Opera and Opera Club events in homes, schools, libraries and community centers throughout Metro Detroit. Beyond their performances with MOT, Studio Artists Cheyanne Coss and Allen Michael Jones appeared with the DSO at Orchestra Hall as part of their Educational Series serving 6,000 youth. In cooperation with MOT, Cheyanne Coss also appeared in concert with the Flint Symphony and as Pamina in The Magic Flute with Toledo Opera and Opera Grand Rapids. In the summer leading up to our 18-19 season, our current

and alumni Studio Artists performed at festivals including, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera Santa Fe, Opera Maine, Des Moines Metro Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, NY, The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice in Phoenecia, NY, and The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. The many other performances of our Studio alumni during the season are too numerous to list, but included the continued success of mezzo-soprano Raehann Brice-Davis in the US and Europe, singing Mahler Symphony #8, Berlioz Damnation of Faust, Eboli in Verdi’s Don Carlo, and Verdi Requiems at many important venues including Carnegie Hall. Angela Theis also made her Carnegie Hall debut singing Poulenc’s Gloria and Forrest’s Reqiem for the Living,

and Briana Hunter was selected as The Mother for the world premiere Janine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, first with Glimmerglass and then with Washington National Opera. She was also the subject of a feature article in February’s Opera News. Bravi to all of our Studio Artists!

The Michigan Opera Theatre Studio program is supported by a grant from the William Davidson Foundation.


MOTCC’s 2018-19 season began in May, 2018 with auditions for one hundred young singers from southeast

Michigan counties and Windsor, Ontario of which sixty-eight were invited to participate in the program. Tuition was $600 for the Preparatory Chorus and $700 for the Principal Chorus. Six children received scholarships from the following sponsors: the Rotary Club of Taylor sponsored the full tuition for singers from Taylor; MOTCC alumni raised funds to sponsor one full scholarship and a partial scholarship for two Preparatory Choristers; and the Alan and Eleanor Israel scholarship fully funded a Preparatory and a Principal Chorister. Without the help from these generous donors, it would have been impossible for the children to participate. Our singers had a variety of public performances throughout the year. Their first appearance was at the pre-concert reception for the Renée Fleming Gala in September, 2018. They also sang a short program at the open house for the Center for Financial Planning, Inc. in November. On December 2, MOTCC

presented A Winter Fantasy, the annual holiday concert and fundraiser, on the Detroit Opera House stage. Rounding out the fall season, the children were invited to perform concerts at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak on December 9 and First United Methodist of Northville on December 14. Two singers from

the Principal chorus gained additional stage experience, singing the title role of “Amahl” in Amahl and the Night Visitors at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, and Holy Redeemer Church. Thirty-four singers from the Principal Chorus were selected to perform in the MOT mainstage production of Hansel and Gretel, with

nine featured as “Puppeteers” and eight featured as “Gingerbread”. It was a demanding schedule for these singers in that the rehearsals and performances were in addition to their responsibilities of their own MOTCC spring opera. What a unique opportunity it was for those who participated, providing

not only invaluable experience working with an international cast, conductor and director, but also the experience in singing the opera in German. In April, 2019 MOTCC presented the Michigan premiere of Dean Bury’s The Secret World of Og. This operatic version, based on a classic children’s book by the Canadian icon Pierre Berton, offered our young singers more opportunities to be cast in featured roles. With the support of the Worthington Family Foundation, our Student Ticket Sponsor, more than 2,200 students attended the student dress rehearsal. For the Saturday public performance, we had 600 in the audience. Comments from teachers:“Some of my students have never been to the Opera House and they really enjoyed the performance, especially from their peers!”

2018-2019 Season

MOTCC MEMBERS SINGING IN AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS


“This opportunity helped me encourage my students to audition and become members of the MOTCC. It’s an invaluable learning experience to see that kids can do the entire show with such high performance and production values. Thank you!” These amazing performance opportunities continued into May with MOTCC singers participating in the final mainstage offering of the season, The Grapes of Wrath. Two Principal girls sang leading roles as “Ruthie” and “Ruthie understudy,” and three Prep boys also sang leading roles as “Winfield” and “Winfield understudy,” and “Boy in the Barn” understudy. This was a very difficult score and the children handled it like pros. In addition to the performing opportunities, we encourage our young singers to give back to the community by volunteering in outreach activities. This year, we provided three events:

Rotary Kids Coalition Against Hunger; November 2018 This humanitarian food relief organization’s mission is to significantly reduce the number of hungry children in the USA and feed starving children throughout the world. Thirty MOTCC singers and their families volunteered to package food for distribution at the Rotary District 6400 Feed the World Day at Wayne County Community College. It made such an impact on our kids, knowing they were working together to feed children in the community and around the world.

Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams; December, 2018, Twenty-five choristers participated in this program created by Beaumont Children’s Pediatric Family Advisory Council. Many of the pediatric patients are unable to leave their rooms and can feel isolated in the hospital. On December 3, as the patients shined their lights from their hospital rooms, our MOTCC volunteers, who were standing on the ground,

beamed their flashlights back toward the patients to show their support.

Detroit Edison Public School Academy; April, 2019Our final outreach of the season was at the Detroit Edison Public School Academy. Fourteen of our singers who had lead roles in The Secret World of Og visited the school and discussed the synopsis, sang a few numbers from the show, talked about their experience singing in The Secret World of Og and then answered questions from the students. Throughout the 2018-19 season, our parents assisted in fundraising activities. Our silent auction during

A Winter Fantasy raised $5,500 with basket raffles netting $2,300. We are so grateful to our sponsors, including the Center for Financial Planning, Inc. as Music Literacy Sponsor, The Jewish News our Media Sponsor, and Kyyba, our first ever production sponsor. With contributions from parents, families and the above sponsors, we raised over $21,000 in support of the program. The staff is proud of the opportunities MOTCC is able to provide. Through music and theory classes, performances, and outreaches, we are achieving our goals of fostering the creativity, personal expression, social growth and artistic excellence of our young people.


MOT’s Department of Education and Community Programs has continued its work of bringing opera into communities all over Michigan with a wide variety of engagement programs. In the past year, Education and Community Programs provided performances, workshops, master classes, lectures, summer programming, and other events, serving over 25,000 people across the state and showcasing opera at schools, libraries, senior centers, and community gathering spaces.

TOURING PERFORMANCES FOR YOUTHLast season, MOT produced a brand-new version of Jack & the Beanstalk for audiences in grades K-5. This production, conceived in partnership with the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, has a West African setting and incorporates West African instruments, dance, and storytelling traditions to tell the classic story. One school partner told us that this new production of Jack, “allowed our students to witness a diverse experience that they will never forget! They were smiling, laughing, dancing, and staring in awe! Thank you for giving our students an experience to remember.” MOT’s production of I, Too, Sing America continued into its second year. This multi-media presentation, commissioned last year as part of MOT’s Take Me Out to the Opera initiative, combined opera with poetry, narrative, and video to bring the stories of six legendary African American artists and athletes to middle and high school students. Altogether, MOT’s touring productions gave 38 performances and reached over 10,000 students across Michigan.

CULTURAL PASSPORT WITH DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLSMichigan Opera Theatre, in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Public Schools Community District, and others, worked this past season to fully develop and implement the Cultural Passport program. This program works to ensure that all elementary-aged students within Detroit Public Schools Community District have access to the arts, and provides young people in grades K-5 with three field trips to arts organizations throughout the city each school year. This season saw the full implementation of that program for the first time, with 4,500 students attending MOT productions, many experiencing live opera and dance performances for the first time.

NEW INITIATIVESLast season, the Department of Education and Community Programs introduced a programming series in support of our mainstage productions entitled Page to Stage, as each opera in MOT’s season was based on a literary masterwork. From a “Great American Novel” (The Grapes of Wrath) to a Russian classic (Eugene Onegin) to a Grimm Brothers fairy tale (Hansel & Gretel), the season offered a wide range of literary influence. To celebrate these works, MOT collaborated with bookstores, book clubs, and The Library Network, a public library cooperative serving over 70 libraries in southeast Michigan, to present a series of lecture-performances which engaged audiences and offered background and context to each production through the lens of its source material. Opera Goes to Church is a new collaborative partnership between Michigan Opera Theatre, local churches, and other sacred spaces in metro Detroit, modeled after the very successful program launched by the Cincinnati Opera. MOT offers these free concert performances at the designated host churches, and brings Studio Artists and members of our Touring Ensemble to perform operatic selections, spirituals, gospel music, classical music, as well as traditional sacred music. Opera Goes To Church kicked-off this past April 2019 at the famed

Plymouth United Church in Detroit. It was not only a great celebration of all music, but the congregation responded so positively to the beauty, magic and wonder of the operatic selections. For many, it was their first up-close and in-person experience with opera, and so many learned that the stories of these operas are all of our stories: we all experience love, joy, happiness, loss, disappointment, and betrayal. When these heightened emotions intersect with great music, nothing stirs the emotions as deeply and passionately as opera can.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS2018-2019

CULTURAL PASSPORT

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK


AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENTMichigan Opera Theatre’s audience engagement and adult education programs continued to set the standard among companies of our size in the United States. The total number of Opera Clubs (private, invited events), Overtures to Opera (public, open, no ticket), and other engagement initiatives totaled 77 events, connecting more than 7,000 individuals to Michigan Opera Theatre and its productions in communities from Ann Arbor to Clinton Township, and throughout Detroit and the metro area. This was made possible in part through our third year of the Ambassadors program, which enables opera advocates to leverage their own passion to introduce the art form to diverse audiences and build new regional relationships for MOT. MOT was pleased to continue its valued partnerships with the Detroit Yacht Club, the Scarab Club, and the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, while forging new relationships with partners like the Senate Theatre and the Plymouth United Church. MOT continued our holiday tradition with appearances at Detroit’s annual Noel Night, while our OperaHERE podcast, produced by our partners at WDET (Detroit’s NPR radio station), doubled its audience during this season, reaching more than 2,000 listeners.

SUMMER PROGRAMS20 students participated in MOT’s annual 3-week Operetta Workshop, directed by Molly Bock with music direction by Joseph Jackson. This program served young people ages 10 to 18, building their skills in singing, acting, stage movement, healthy vocal technique, and auditioning. Their final performance of Iolanthe was presented in Boll Hall for an audience of more than 200 family members and friends.

Operetta Workshop was followed by Create and Perform, a two-week program in which students ages 8-18 collectively create their own stories, music compositions, and dances. This program served 18 students under the direction of Madelyn Porter and Maria Cimarelli. Students wrote and performed an original piece called A Matter

of Time, which focused on students’ dreams and plans for their futures, and how they can work to make the world a better place for future generations.

CONCERTSSummer Serenade concerts were held this past year at Grand Circus Park, the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, and the Detroit Zoo. These outdoor concerts, sung by Studio Artists and members of the Touring Ensemble, combined opera favorites with well-known Broadway pieces. MOT’s Studio Artists presented a concert in collaboration with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Educational Concert Series entitled Mozart and the Opera, which served 6,000 young people. Additionally, the Mary Thompson Foundation funded 13 American Songbook concerts throughout the year, which enabled Michigan Opera Theatre to have a presence in senior centers. Held in multiple communities including Wyandotte, Dearborn, and Grosse Pointe Farms, these concerts are always met with an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences. One senior center employee wrote to us, calling the performance “truly incredible!” and “unforgettable!”

CREATE AND PERFORM IN REHEARSAL

STUDENTS AT MOST HOLY REDEEMER SCHOOL ENJOY A VISIT FROM MOT ARTISTS.

PAGE TO STAGE AT PAGES BOOKSTORE IN NORTHWEST DETROIT.


Concerts and Performers:“Aladdin” (Broadway in Detroit)Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

(Michigan Opera Theatre)“Amahl and the Night Visitors” (Michigan

Opera Theatre)BalletMet / The Nutcracker (Michigan

Opera Theatre)“The Barber of Seville” (Michigan Opera

Theatre)“Candide” (Michigan Opera Theatre)Easter Jazz Spectacular - featuring

Norman Brown, Hiroshima and Boney James

“Eugene Onegin” (Michigan Opera Theatre)

Alessandra Ferri: Art of the pas de Deux (Michigan Opera Theatre)

Renee Fleming Recital (Michigan Opera Theatre)

“The Grapes of Wrath” (Michigan Opera Theatre)

“Hansel and Gretel” (Michigan Opera Theatre)

“Jack in the Beanstalk” (Michigan Opera Theatre)

Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company (Michigan Opera Theatre)

Live from Here with Chris Thiele (National Public Radio Live Broadcast)

“Phantom of the Opera” (Broadway in Detroit)

“The Secret World of Og” (Michigan Opera Theatre)

Shakespeare’s Twelfth NightShen YunToo Hot to Handel (Rackham Choir)“Wicked” (Broadway in Detroit)A Winter Fantasy (Michigan Opera

Theatre Children’s Chorus)

Graduations and Ceremonies:College for Creative Studies – DetroitDetroit Edison High SchoolHenry Ford Academy - DetroitInternational Academy – Bloomfield

HillsMartin Luther King High School - DetroitMercy High School – Farmington HillsUniversity Prep Academy - DetroitWayne State University Law School -

DetroitWayne State University White Coat

Ceremony –Detroit

Weddings:Acton Wedding and ReceptionBeverly Barnes Wedding ShowerRachel Eckert Wedding and ReceptionHigginson – Saffel Wedding Ceremony

and ReceptionHugo Wedding and ReceptionJackson Wedding and CeremonyKalahasty Engagement PartyMorgan – Caldwell Wedding CeremonyNaylor – Opland Wedding and ReceptionRobinson – Barsamian Wedding

ReceptionRuffolo Wedding Ceremony and

ReceptionSamantha and Bhatt Sangeet Wedding

receptionTimes and Schostak Wedding and

Reception

Miscellaneous Events:Ballet DetroitBravo Bravo! Fundraiser (Michigan

Opera Theatre)Cabaret 313Culture Source Meeting and LuncheonDance Film Series (Michigan Opera

Theatre)Deloitte Auto Show Preview PartyDetroit Academy of DoctorsDetroit Public TelevisionDetroit Service Learning AcademyEisenhower Dance Summer IntensiveFiat Chrysler AutomotiveFourth Wall Theatre WorkshopGeneral Motors Corporation / Maritz

Presentation and WorkshopGoogle ReceptionInner City Dance ScopeLearning at the Opera HouseLorenzo Cultural CenterMitch Album Book Release EventNational Black MBA Welcome ReceptionMOT Annual Trustees Meeting

(Michigan Opera Theatre)MOTVA Annual Meeting (Michigan

Opera Theatre)National Endowment for the Arts

Meeting and LuncheonNational Society of Black EngineersPeking Opera ReceptionPreservation Detroit Annual Downtown

Theatre TourQuicken Loans Intern Mentoring EventTies Like Me Networking EventUlta MediaVincentz Networking ReceptionWJR Detroit Tigers Opening Day EventWRCJ Live Radio Broadcasts (Michigan

Opera Theatre)

2018-2019 EVENTS AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019CONCERTS, PERFORMERS, AND EVENTS:


The magnificent Detroit Opera House, built in 1922, was last renovated in 1996.

In the 23 years that have passed since the grand opening of this jewel of Detroit, as hundreds of thousands of guests have enjoyed performances, wear and tear on amenities and building systems have begun to take a toll. Long deferred maintenance needs to be addressed now, and accessibility issues create challenges to patrons. To begin a plan to address these concerns, in 2017-18 Michigan Opera Theatre embarked upon a facilities master planning process and developed a 179-page master plan in conjunction with architects, Albert Kahn and Associates, and through a dialogue with invited stakeholders. The facilities master plan project continued to develop during the 2018-19 season, with generous support by the William Davidson Foundation. Over the last year, Michigan Opera Theatre was able to identify the most pressing priorities and work with architects to design solutions to be undertaken in the immediate future. Referred to as “Phase 1A” of the master plan, which acknowledges the need to continue to design and develop deferred maintenance priorities in later “phases”, these current priorities include a complete redesign and replacement of the building’s HVAC and mechanical systems; new and additional elevators that will serve the auditorium including the upper balcony as well as the rooftop venue; accessible restrooms for main floor patrons; replacement of the old seats in the auditorium; and redesigned rooftop space that offers cover from the elements. Members of the Michigan Opera Theatre management team and the Board have been working with architects through the design phase on these specific areas of need. The design phase will be completed by the end of the 2019 calendar year. At that time, the team will begin construction planning with an expectation that phased construction elements may begin as early as the spring of 2020, working around planned performances. It is expected that this phase of the master plan should be complete by the end of 2021 calendar year. As the work on the Master Facilities Plan has developed in conjunction with the Historic Path to a Bold Future campaign--a campaign that remains $15 million away from achieving its total $50 million goal (as of this printing)--it has become evident that the cost of the work required to maintain this historic structure will cost approximately $15 million. For that reason, this project will serve as the focus of how the final $15 million of the campaign will be applied. Michigan Opera Theatre intends to complete the campaign over the next two years and use these funds for the necessary renovations of the Detroit Opera House.

The Detroit Opera House Master PlanPhase 1A


ViolinEliot Heaton, ConcertmasterLaura Leigh Roelofs, Assistant

ConcertmasterVictoria Haltom, Principal SecondEmily Barkakati *Anna Bittar-Weller*Kevin Filewych*Molly Hughes*Bryan Johnston*Henrik Karapetyan*Velda Kelly*Beth Kirton*Daniel Stachyra*Jenny Wan*Andrew Wu*

ViolaJohn Madison, PrincipalJacqueline Hanson*Scott Stefanko*Barbara Zmich-McClellan*

CelloNadine Deleury, PrincipalYuliya Kim*Daniel Thomas*

Andrea Yun*

BassDerek Weller, PrincipalClark Suttle

Harp Patricia Terry-Ross, Principal

FluteLaura Larson, Acting Principal

OboeNermis Mieses, PrincipalSally Heffelfinger-Pituch

English HornSally Heffelfinger-Pituch, Principal

ClarinetBrian Bowman, PrincipalJ.William King

BassoonFrancisco Delgado, Principal Gregory Quick

HornAndrew Pelletier, PrincipalCarrie Banfield-Taplin

TrumpetDavid Ammer, PrincipalGordon Simmons

TromboneBrittany Lasch, PrincipalGreg Near

PercussionJohn Dorsey, Principal

TimpaniAlison Chang, Principal

*These musicians may rotate seating during the season.

Detroit Federation of Musicians Local #5 American Federation of Musicians

SopranoBrandy AdamsCarol Ambrogio-WoodAlaina BrownClair ChardonJenny CresswellFidelia DarmakasihRebecca EaddySuzanne GroganSandra PeriordKimberley SandersCorinthia SimsHeidi Bowen Zook

AltoAndrea ApelYvonne FridayRachel Ann GirtyOlivia JohnsonKaswanna KanyindaHillary LaBonteMadison MontambaultKristina RiegleDiane SchoffTiffanie WaldronChantel WoodardAntona Yost

TenorGregory AsheFred BuchalterDorian DillardBrent DoucetteWilliam FlossCamron GrayRichard Jackson, JrSeth JohnsonAdrian LeskiwBradley MillerBrandon MotzDavid RobertsRobert SkylisBrett Thompson

BassJoseph EdmondsKurt FrankBranden C. S. HoodMatthew KonopackiDavid MoanPaolo PachecoFrank PittsBrett PondBrandon SpencerKevin StarnesTerrence StewartDavid TwiggJustin Watson

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE ORCHESTRA 2018-2019

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHORUS 2018-2019

The American Guild of Musical Artists is the official union of the Michigan OperaTheatre Chorus.

Suzanne Mallare Acton, Chorus Master


Historic Path to a Bold FutureThe Campaign for Michigan Opera Theatre

Pursuant to a comprehensive strategic plan, the Board and Trustees of Michigan Opera Theatre have launched a Historic Path to a Bold Future campaign to invest $50 million in exceptional artistic experiences, broad-based community initiatives, enhanced institutional efficiencies, and facilities improvement. This campaign is designed to ensure that the David DiChiera legacy thrives beyond his tenure by positioning MOT for continued artistic success and community engagement well into the future. The following individuals, businesses, and foundations have declared their initial leadership gifts to the campaign. As of October 21, 2019, more than $37 million has been committed.

$1 Million and aboveSarah and Doug† AllisonWilliam Davidson Foundation Ford Motor Company Danialle and Peter KarmanosJohn S. and James L. Knight FoundationLear Corporation Linda Dresner Levy and Edward Levy, Jr.The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

$500,000 - $999,999 Floy and Lee Barthel Sharon and Herman Frankel Karen and R. Jamison Williams

$250,000 - $499,999 Joanne Danto and Arnold Weingarden Marvin and Betty Danto Foundation Anne E. Ford† Rema Frankel† Richard Sonenklar and Gregory Haynes

$100,000 - $249,999 AVL — Don Manvel Avern Cohn, Lois Pincus and Thomas CohnMary Rita Cuddohy† Gretchen and Ethan Davidson DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Barbara Frankel and Ronald Michalak Alphonse Lucarelli Ali Moiin and William Kupsky Ruth F. Rattner Maureen and Roy Roberts Mona and Matthew Simoncini Anthony Soave

$50,000 - $99,999 Elizabeth and James Ciroli Gloria Clark Cameron Duncan Michael Einheuser Aviva and Dean Friedman Kristan and John Hale Donna and Bernard Rubin Ankur Rungta and Mayssoun Bydon Yesenia and Jessie Venegas World Heritage Foundation-Prechter Family Fund † = Avanti Society


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.

Contributors to Michigan Opera TheatreMichigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose generosity is vital to the company’s financial

stability, and necessary to sustain MOT’s position as a valued cultural resource. The following represents total gifts received between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

$10,000,000 and above Ford Motor Company Fund

$7,500,000 and aboveGeneral Motors Foundation

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

$5,000,000 and aboveFiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC

The Kresge FoundationWilliam Davidson Foundation

$1,000,000 and aboveMr. & Mrs. Robert Allesee

Mr.† & Mrs. Eugene ApplebaumAT&T

Bank of AmericaMr. & Mrs. John A. Boll Sr.DTE Energy Foundation

Mrs. Margo Cohen Feinberg & Mr. Robert Feinberg

Compuware Corporation

Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Michalak

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Frankel†

Hudson-Webber FoundationJPMorgan Chase & Co.

Mr. & Mrs. Peter KarmanosMrs. Linda Dresner Levy

& Mr. Edward Levy, Jr.Mandell L. & Madeleine H.

Berman Foundation

Masco CorporationMatilda R. Wilson Fund

Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

National Endowment of the ArtsDr. & Mrs. Sam B. Williams

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

FOUNDATION, CORPORATE, & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

$500,000+The Andrew W. Mellon FoundationFord Motor Company FundWilliam Davidson Foundation

$250,000+Community Foundation for

Southeast MichiganJohn S. and James L. Knight

Foundation

$100,000+The Dolores And Paul Lavins

FoundationGeneral Motors CorporationLear CorporationMax M. & Marjorie S. Fisher

Foundation

$50,000 - $99,999J. Addison Bartush and Marion M.

Bartush Family FoundationJ. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde FundThe Kresge FoundationMarvin and Betty Danto Family

FoundationPenske CorporationThe State of MichiganWells Fargo Clearing Services, LLCWorthington Family Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999DeRoy Testamentary FoundationThe Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family

FoundationHudson-Webber FoundationMasco CorporationMatilda R. Wilson FundMGM Resorts FoundationNational Endowment of the ArtsOliver Dewey Marcks Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999AVL Michigan Holdings Corporation

(Don Manvel)DTE Energy FoundationFifth Generation, Inc.Ida and Conrad H. Smith Endowment

for MOTKyyba Kidz FoundationMaking Waves USA, LLCThe Mary Thompson FoundationMichigan Council for Arts and

Cultural AffairsMilner Hotels FoundationMoroun Family FoundationOPERA AmericaThe Rattner and Katz Charitable

Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999Allegra Print & ImagingDuran Healthcare AdvisoryFlagstar Foundation

Henry E. and Consuelo Wenger Foundation

The Karen & Drew Peslar FoundationMGM Grand DetroitMichigan Humanities CouncilRalph L. and Winifred E. Polk

FoundationThe Samuel L. Westerman

Foundation

$1,000 - $4,9994th Wall Theatre Company, LLCAlbert Kahn AssociatesAntonio’s Cucina ItalianaAOM, LLCArts MidwestThe AshleyCenter For Financial PlanningComerica IncorporatedDance Theatre of HarlemDetroit 300 ConservancyDetroit Industrial SchoolDetroit Rotary Foundation

† Deceased

$2,000,000 and aboveMr.† & Mrs. Douglas Allison

Mr. & Mrs. BarthelCommunity Foundation for Southeast

Michigan

Mr. & Mrs. Herman FrankelJohn S. & James L. Knight Foundation

Lear CorporationMcGregor Fund

The Skillman FoundationThe State of Michigan

Karen & R. Jamison Williams

Marvin, Betty and Joanne Danto Dance Endowment & Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation


INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

$100,000+The Estate of Robert C. &

RoseAnn B. ComstockMrs. Linda Dresner Levy

& Mr. Edward Levy, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Peter KarmanosRichard Sonenklar &

Gregory Haynes

$50,000 - $99,999Richard & Mona AlonzoJoanne Danto & Arnold WeingardenEthan & Gretchen DavidsonKaren & R. Jamison Williams

$20,000 - $49,999Mr. & Mrs. John A. Boll Sr.Ms. Edith S. BriskinRobert Brown & Geraldine

Ford-BrownJames & Elizabeth CiroliAvern Cohn & Lois PincusKevin Dennis & Jeremy ZeltzerMrs. Elaine FontanaMrs. Barbara Frankel &

Mr. Ronald MichalakMr. & Mrs. Herman FrankelMichael & Barbara KratchmanAlphonse LucarelliSusanne McMillanAli Moiin & William KupskyMrs. Ruth F. RattnerRoy & Maureen RobertsMs. Patricia H. RodzikAnkur Rungta & Mayssoun BydonMs. Merle H. ScheibnerJesse & Yesenia Venegas

$10,000 - $19,999Dr. Lourdes V. AndayaStephen & Jana BrownellHerbert DanzigerEnrico & Kathleen DigirolamoDilip & Sonal DubeyMr. Cameron B. DuncanPaul & Mary Sue EwingRichard & Aurora GoetzDr. Devon HooverDonald ManvelMs. Mary C. MazureMr. Cyril MoscowWilliam & Wendy PowersMatthew & Mona SimonciniJoe Skoney & Luisa Di LorenzoWilliam SmithMr. Richard D. VenturaGary Wasserman & Charles Kashner

$5,000 - $9,999Mr. & Mrs. Robert AlleseePernilla & Daniel AmmannThomas & Gretchen AndersonGene P. BowenElizabeth BrooksKevin BrowettWayne Brown & Brenda KeeIlse CalcagnoMr. Thomas Cohn

Françoise Colpron-Schwyn & James Schwyn

Julia Donovan Darlow & John C. O’Meara

Shauna Ryder DiggsMr. Michael EinheuserMarianne EndicottAlex ErdeljanDr. Raina Ernstoff &

Mr. Sanford HansellLloyd Fell & Kathleen LiederDr. Marjorie M. FisherCarl & Mary Ann FontanaDean & Aviva FriedmanPriscilla R. Greenberg PhDJames & Nancy GrosfeldMr. Robert HageJohn & Kristan HaleAddison & Deborah IgleheartKent & Amy JidovEllen KahnThomas & Deborah KrikorianJohn & Arlene LewisStephan & Marian LoginskyJames LoPreteStephen & Paulette MancusoMrs. L. William MollDonald & Antoinette MorelockMs. Anne MorounAllan & Joy Nachman Philanthropic

FundGraham & Sally OrleyCharlotte & Charles PodowskiWaltraud PrechterPaul & Amy RaghebIrvin & Pamela ReidMrs. Carolyn L. RossBernard & Donna RubinDr. Mildred Ponder StennisDorothy TomeiC. Thomas & Bernie ToppinBarbara Van DusenMs. Anne WilczakNed & Joan Winkelman

$3,000 - $4,999Mr. & Mrs. Lee BarthelRichard & Susan BinghamMs. Nicole A. BoelstlerBob & Rosemary BrasieDr. Lynne CarterDr. Mary Carol ConroyLawrence & Doris DavidDr. David DiChiera†

Dr. & Mrs. Saul FormanHarvey & Lois FreemanRalph & Erica GersonDerek & Karen HodgsonMr. William HulskerAnn KatzMrs. Stephanie Germack KerzicChak & Beth LaiArthur & Nancy LieblerMr. & Mrs. Emanuel N. MaiselThe Hon. Jack & Dr. Bettye

Arrington MartinEugene & Lois MillerPhillip & Dawn MinchXavier & Maeva MosquetMr. George & Mrs. Jo Elyn NymanMr. Jonathan OrserDavid Osborne & Suzanne ActonMs. Susan Peslar

Brock & Katherine L. PlumbProf. Sara A. Pozzi Ph. DHershel & Dorothy SandbergMark & Lois ShaevskySusan Sills-Levey & Michael LeveyFrank & Susan SonyeDr. Gregory StephensMs. Danielle R. StewartRonald Switzer & Jim McClureJoel & Shelley TauberThomas & Kae TerrellNorman ThorpeJohn & Barbara TierneyDr. John Weber & Dr. Dana ZakalikDavid & Bernadine WuMary Lou Zieve

$2,500 - $2,999Kenn & Liz AllenSarah AllisonBeverly AvadenkaMark & Caprice BaunMs. Debra Bernstein-SiegelPaul & Lee BlizmanJoseph & Barbra BlochRichard & Gwen BowlbyBetty BrightThomas & Dorothy CarsonMichael & Mary ChircoGloria ClarkWilliam & Kelly ConnellPeter & Rochelle CooperHelen DaoudJerry & Maureen D’AvanzoWalter & Lillian DeanCarolyn Demps & Guy SimonsMrs. Karen V. DiChieraLisa DiChiera & John KaneDebbie DingellMs. Mary J. DoerrKenneth & Frances EisenbergFern Espino & Tom ShortRobert & Margo FeinbergOscar & Dede FeldmanAdrienne & Robert Z. FeldsteinRobert & Amy FolbergBarbara GaravagliaGlendon M. Gardner &

Leslie LandauYousif & Mara GhafariKeith & Eileen L. GiffordAllan Gilmour & Eric JirgensDr. Judie R. GoodmanCarolyn GordonSamuel & Toby HabermanMrs. Alice B. HaidostianEugene & Donna HartwigGerhardt & Rebecca P. HeinDoreen HermelinMs. Una C. JackmanDon Jensen & Leo DovelleGary & Gwenn JohnsonMr. George JohnsonMs. Jill JohnsonMaxwell & Marjorie JospeyLinda & Thomas KleinMark Kolins & Maria AbrahamsenPaul LavinsMelvin LesterMado LieMary Alice LomasonMs. Denise LutzMs. Florine Mark

Ronald & Zvjezdana MartellaMr. Dexter C. MasonBenjamin Meeker &

Meredith KorneffelDr. Lisa MeilsVan Momon & Pamela L. BerryE. & Dolores A. MutchlerDr. & Mrs. Peter NicklesBarbara NusbaumJuliette Okotie-Eboh, Ph.D.Richard & Debra PartrichSpencer & Myrna PartrichDaniel & Margaret PehrsonJohn & Terry RakoltaDavid & Jacqueline RoesslerAudrey RoseAnthony & Sabrina RugieroLaurence & Barbara SchiffDonald & Kim SchmidtAlan SchwartzRosalind SellArlene ShalerSheila SloanMrs. Phyllis F. SnowMs. Mary Anne StellaJeffrey Tranchida & Noel BarilMr. James G. VellaMarilyn VictorInge A. VincentBradley Wakefield &

Meghann RutherfordStanley WaldonMs. Margaret WintersJoan Young & Thomas Schellenberg

$1,000 - $2,499Nina & Howard AbramsMr. James AndersonMs. Deborah L. AnthonyDr. Harold M. ArringtonMrs. Chacona BaughCecilia BennerMr. Stanislaw BialoglowskiMaurice & Linda BinkowEugene & Roselyn BlanchardRichard & Joanne BrodieMr. Charles D. BullockEdward & Judith ChristianDouglas & Minka CornelsenHarvey & Edith CovenskyDaniel & Susan DruckerMr. George EvansMr. John FlemingBurke & Carol FosseeMs. Sharlene F. GageThomas M. GervasiMr. Lawrence GlowczewskiMr. William GreeneRobert & Ann GreenstoneMr. Mark J. HarbeckMyke & Tonya HawkinsFay & Allen HermanPaul & Nancy HillegondsEleanor & Alan IsraelMrs. Esther JarugaRichard & Involut JessupDavid & Theresa JoswickRobert & Julia KellyIda KingJoyce Urba & David KinsellaWilliam & Jean KrogerAl & Susan LaCroixMr. Lawrence Larson

Detroit Zoological SocietyEdward C And Linda Dresner Levy

FoundationForte BelangerFox Run Retirement CommunityGrosse Pointe War MemorialHuron Valley Council for the ArtsJames & Lynelle Holden FundJosephine Kleiner Foundation

Joyce Cohn Young Artist FundKey Private BankLee & Maxine Peck FoundationMatrix Human ServicesMorgan StanleyMoroch Partners LPNeogen CorporationNerds Xpress, LLCNetwork For Good

Northern Trust BankPepsico Foundation Inc.PlanterraReal IntegratedSigmund and Sophie Rohlik

FoundationSmith Family FoundationSomerset Collection Charitable

Foundation

TechmodeUBS Financial Services, Inc.UHY LLPVDV Concessions, LLCWayne State Univ. Music Dept.Young Woman’s Home AssociationYour Cause, LLC

FOUNDATION, CORPORATE, & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT continued…


Meria LarsonCongressman Andrew & Mary LevinMr. Ron LipsonStephen LordTamara LuchiniMr. Joe LutherRobert & Terri LutzMr. Loreto A. ManzoMs. Janet Groening MarshGeorge & Tatyana MatishMs. Mary McGoughMs. Patricia A. McKannaMs. Laurie MickiewiczBruce MillerDr. Anne Missavage & Mr. Robert

BorcherdingManuel & Nora MorounPeter OleksiakMs. Linda OrlansAnne Parsons & Donald DietzMark & Kyle PetersonPeter & Marguerite PolidoriMrs. Janet PoundsRob & Linda PowersRip & Gail RapsonDr. Monique ReevesMr. Dennis C. Regan &

Miss Ellen M. StrandJeanne ReichertMs. Cheryl ReynoldsBrenda & Howard RosenbergGeorge & Aphrodite RoumellWilliam & Marjorie SandyMary Schlaff & Sanford KoltonowDr. Christina ShantiMs. Cynthia ShawTerry Shea & Seigo NakaoMs. Bethany ShorbMr. Zon ShumwayMr. Michael Smith &

Mrs. Katie Williams SmithMs. Theresa Spear &

Mr. Jeff DoumaMr. Theodore J. St. AntoineJames & Cristina SunstrumLorna Thomas, M.D.Michele & Scott ToennigesMathew & Barbara VanderklootGerrit & Beate VreekenWilliam WaakRobert & Liina M. WallinWilliam & Martha WalshKenneth & Marilyn WayMs. Leslie WiseJose & Jocelyne YanezEllen Hill Zeringue &

Anthony Zeringue

$750 - $999Joshua & Judith Lowitz AdlerAli & Hanaan AlhimiriRobert & Elaine AppelMs. Geraldine AtkinsonVernon & Hilary BlevinsFrank & Jenny BrzenkMs. Joyce E. DelamarterMr. Terry DeweyHoward & Nedra DowningMs. Carole HardyDr. Susan E. Harold M.D.Michael & Margaret KeefeCharles H. Keys &

Mrs. Mary L. Elwart-Keys

Colin Knapp & Frank KongGregory KnasExpress Employment Professionals

Troy & Rochester HillsDr. & Mrs. Kenneth LevinMs. Lynne M. MettyDr. James L. MoseleyMs. Nicole NewWalter & Elizabeth NewgeonGeorge & Nancy NicholsonMrs. Rosalva ParadaPeter & Teresa RoddyJames Rodgers & Kathleen

Brozowski-RodgersMs. Charlotte SingewaldGabriel & Martha Stahl

$500 - $749James & Catherine AllenRobert & Catherine AnthonyDennis Archer &

Trudy Duncombe ArcherAngie & Rick ArmstrongFred & Erika BaerEmily BelcherMr. Brian BensonWilliam & Marcia BetzMs. Kanta BhambhaniMs. Barbara A. BlanockGerald & Marceline BrightDr. & Mrs. Ronald T. BurkmanMrs. Beverly H. BurnsGlenn & Joan CarpenterTonino & Sarah CorsettiJames & Christine CortezCristina DiChiera & Neal WalshDr. Joshua DilworthMr. Leonard R. DimsaDonald & Anne DitmarsMs. Margo DownesEugene & Elaine DrikerDr. Alan EiserJames EngMr. Robert E. EpsteinMrs. Shirley M. FlanaganMs. Sue ForceDaniel & Susan FoxDaniel & Katharine Frohardt-LaneLawrence & Ann GarberdingLawrence & Irene GarciaWilliam & Janet GoudiePhilip & Martha GrayVerna GreenAnonymousKristina K. GreggGiacinta GualtieriJamie Hall, MDGregory & Julia HaysMr. Stephan HodgeBeth Hoger & Lisa SwemAnonymousMario & Jane IacobelliNezha JioudiGeraldine & Jacqueline KellerShelley & Eric KerrSteve & Judith A. KeslerMr. Daniel W. KetelaarMr. & Mrs. Gerd H KeuffelHarvey & Aileen KleimanJustin & Joanne KlimkoDrs. Richard & Valmy KulbershMs. Laura LambertiBarbara Levin

William & Jacqueline LockwoodMrs. Mary LoriaMr. John Lovegren &

Mr. Daniel IsenschmidJohn & Vivienne LucksomBridget MacDonaldMs. Margaret MacTavishSteven & Jennifer MarletteMr. Jeffrey D. MarracciniMr. John McElroyPatrick & Patricia McKeeverBrian & Lisa MeerMrs. Carmen R. Mejia-SosaMs. Evelyn MichelettiChuck & Alice MossBrian & Toni Sanchez MurphyMs. Lois NormanMr. Ronald NorthrupMr. & Mrs. Joseph NuyenJennifer L. PajakMr. D. Sean PanikkarMr. Michael ParisiCharles & Mary ParkhillNicole PatrickMs. Haryani PermanaPhil PhillipsRichard Rattner & Linnea LannonMs. Paula RauschBenjamin & Florence RhodesAdam D. Rubin, M.D, Lakeshore

Professional Voice CenterCharles & Adam RussmanProfessor Alvin & Mrs. Harriet

SapersteinJohanne & Claus SchaeferDrs. Franziska & Robert SchoenfeldDiane & Morton ScholnickMr. David SchonMarc & Naomi ShabermanHerbert & Melody ShanbaumMrs. Cynthia B. Shaw &

Mr. Tom KirvanPatrick & Carol SheehyDonald & Joyce ShermanTed & Mary Ann SimonMr. & Mrs. Anthony R. SkwiersMs. Carole SlotkinMr. Carl R. SmithWesley & Sheila SmithMs. Janet StevensGretchen Thams & James BowmanBuzz Thomas & Daniel Vander LeyAlice & Paul TomboulianStuart & Barbara TragerAnne Marie TurnageLeo & Jennifer WasageshikProf. Michael WellmanMeredith Weston-Band &

Jeffery BandMrs. Jennifer R. WhipChristopher & Susan WilhelmMs. Kathryn WilsonMr. Curtis WolfeMrs. Cathy C. WoodMr. David D. WoodardDr. Ruth A. WorthingtonThomas & Cynthia YatesMr. Dominick Zaccone

IN TRIBUTE

In memory of Gerard BeneteauAnita Krebs

In memory of Bill BrooksBarbara Frankel & Ronald Michalak

In memory of Marvin FrankelEllsworth & Janet Levine, Ms. Christy C. Torgler, Lewis & Cindi Wagner

In memory of Nicholas KondakMrs. Diane Binkowski, Mr. George Hirth, Mrs. Christine Mason, Mrs. Sylvia P. Whitmer

In memory of Eduardo Munoz PerouMr. & Mrs. Nestor A. Kleer

In memory of Eduardo and Katty Munoz PerouJames & Cristina Sunstrum

In memory of James Michael RyanMs. Shelzy Ryan

In memory of Maritza Sabbagh-KozoraAndrea Guttilla, Norman & Solange Messelian, Ms. Lucille Sabbagh, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Wayne

In memory of Hector & Catherine SomervilleMs. Lee A. Somerville

In memory of Deborah WeathersAlaina & Aria Williams

In honor of Suzanne ActonMr. George Evans

In honor of Joanne Danto and Arnie WeingartenMs. Carole Slotkin

In honor of Douglass DiggsJoanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden

In honor of Feodora EarlsMrs. Ruth F. Rattner

In honor of Marvin FrankelMs. Mary E. Sestok

In honor of Priscilla and John KirlinStephen & Jana Brownell

In honor of Dr. William Kupsky and Dr. Ali MoiinDavid Kupsky Law Group LLC, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Kupsky

In honor of Donald MorelockGerson & Beverly Geltner

In honor of Patricia NiemanMs. Helen C. Bauer

In honor of Ruth RattnerLila Silverman

† Deceased36 Michigan Opera TheaTre

Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee#

Mr.† and Mrs. Doug AllisonMrs. Adel Amerman*#+Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya*Mr. & Mrs. Agustin Arbulu*Mr.† & Mrs. Chester Arnold*Mr. & Mrs. Lee BarthelMr. & Mrs. J. Addison Bartush*#†

Mr. & Mrs. Brett Batterson*Mr.† & Mrs. Mandell BermanMr.† & Mrs. Art Blair*Mr. Robert BomierMr. & Mrs. Richard BowlbyMr.† & Mrs. Roy E. Calcagno*Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. CarsonDr.† & Mrs. Victor J. Cervenak*Mr. Gary L. CiampaMiss Halla Claffey†

Prof. Kenneth CollinsonMr. & Mrs. Robert C. Comstock#†

Dr. Robert A. Cornette*#

Mrs. Mary Rita CuddohyMs. Mattie Cunningham†

Mr.† & Mrs. Tarik Daoud*#

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin I. Danto†

Mr. Thomas J. DelaneyDr. David DiChiera†#

Mrs. Karen V. DiChiera*#

Ms. Mary Jane Doerr#

Dr. & Mrs. Charles H. Duncan*†

Mrs. Charles M. Endicott*#

Mr. & Mrs. Herb Fisher*

Mrs. Anne E. Ford†

Ms. Pamela R. Francis*†

Ms. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Michalak*#

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel*#

Mrs. Rema Frankel*#†

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey FreemanMrs. Jane Shoemaker FrenchDr. & Mrs. Byron P. Georgeson*Priscilla R. Greenberg, Ph.D.*#†

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen HagopianMr. Lawrence W. Hall*Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Halperin*Ms. Heather HamiltonMr. Kenneth E. Hart*Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Hartwig*Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. HeinMs. Nancy B. HenkMrs. Fay HermanMr. & Mrs. Derek HodgsonMr. Andrew HowellMs. Carol HowellDr. Cindy Hung*Alan & Eleanor IsraelDrs. Heidi & Dale JacobsMs. Kristin Jaramillo*Mr. Donald Jensen*Mr. John Jesser†

Mr. Patrick J.† & Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klein#

Mrs. Josephine Kleiner†

Mr. & Mrs. Erwin H. Klopfer*#

Mr. † & Mrs. Daniel KoltonMisses Phyllis & Selma Korn*†

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krolikowski*Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex DotsonMr. Philip Leon†

Mr. Stephen H. LordMs. Jane McKee*Drs. Orlando & Dorothy Miller*Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat

McGuireDemetra & Theodore Monolidis†

Drs. Stephen & Barbara MunkMr. Jonathan F. OrserMs. Julie A. OwensMr. Dale J. Pangonis*Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. ParkhillMr. Richard M. Raisin*Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner*#

Ms. Deborah RemerDr. Joshua RestMr. & Mrs. James Rigby*Mr. Bryan L. RivesMs. Patricia Rodzik*Ms. Joanne B. Rooney†

Mr.† & Mrs. Giles L. RossAphrodite & George RoumellMs. Merle H. Scheibner†

Ms. Susan Schooner*Drs. Heinz & Alice Platt Schwarz*Mrs. Frank C. Shaler*Mr. Stephan Sharf†

Ms. Laura SiasMr. & Mrs. Harold SiebertMrs. Marge SlezakMr.† & Mrs. Richard Sloan†

Ms. Anne Sullivan SmithMs. Phyllis Funk Snow*Mr. † & Mrs. Richard

Starkweather*#+Mr. Stanford C. StoddardDr. Jonathan Swift†

& Mr. Thomas A. St. Charles*Mr. Ronald F. Switzer*Mr. Edward D. Tusset*Mr. † & Mrs. George Vincent*#+Mrs. Amelia H. Wilhelm*#

Mr. & Mrs. Walter P. Work*Mr. & Mrs. Larry ZangerleMr. & Mrs. George M. Zeltzer*†

Avanti Logo & Pin Design: Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire

Key: *Founding Members#Touch the Future donors+Avanti Society sponsors

AVANTI SOCIETY MEMBERS

Ensuring the Future

In recognition of their foresight and commitment, Michigan Opera Theatre profoundly thanks and recognizes members of the Avant Society.

AVANTI SOCIETY

Imagine a gift that outlives you, allowing future generations to experience and enjoy the world of opera and dance. That’s the goal of The Avanti Society, Michigan Opera Theatre’s planned gift recognition program.

The Italian word avanti means “ahead,” or “forward.” The Avanti Society at Michigan Opera Theatre represents a designated group of patrons Michigan Opera Theatre who have made plans to include the organization in their estates — whether by will, trust, insurance, or life income arrangement. Membership in The Avanti Society is open to all.

Michigan Opera Theatre is grateful for the generosity and foresight of those listed below, who have chosen to declare their intentions and join the Avanti Society.


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are essential values of Michigan Opera

Theatre. The intent to recognize, celebrate and encourage the diversity within the organization and community is not new to MOT in our 48-year history, but taking steps to formalize it began with the formation of the DEI Taskforce in 2018. Under the leadership of board member Julia Darlow, the Task Force

presented a report of its work at MOT’s last annual meeting in November, 2018. At MOT’s most recent Board of Directors meeting, Task Force members Sara Pozzi and Dexter Mason presented an overview of DEI to the Board, and the Task Force was reformed as a standing committee of the Board. During the past year, the Task Force studied DEI challenges and progress throughout the opera and music worlds and within MOT. In May of 2018, DEI task force members Julia Darlow,

Barbara Kratchman, Sara Pozzi, and Fern Espino, along with staff representatives Wayne Brown, Arthur White, and Andrea Scobie, spent two days visiting the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Over the course of the visit, the DEI task force met with Lyric staff to discuss best practices, challenges, and strategy around DEI, and observed Lyric’s EmpowerYouth! Program, which is rooted in principles

of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

DEI and EducationDEI is at the heart of the educational work undertaken at MOT. Our goal is to be responsive to community interest and need. The majority of young people served through our programming come from underserved schools where over 70% of the student population qualifies for free and reduced

lunch. Eighty percent of youth served over the last two seasons have been young people of color, with programming taking place in other communities: Detroit, Dearborn, Pontiac, and Flint. One foundational goal of MOT’s education work is to broaden and deepen access to the arts for our communities, particularly those which have historically been denied access. We look to tell diverse and timely stories through our educational tours,

such as our productions of How Nanita Learned to Make Flan (set in Mexico and composed by Enrique Gonzalez-Medina), I, Too, Sing America (multi-media piece commissioned by MOT in 2018, focusing on African American trailblazers), and our new production of Jack & the Beanstalk (conceived with Charles Wright Museum of African American History and incorporating West African instruments, dance, and storytelling traditions). Each of our touring operas for the last three seasons have been directed by female directors or directors of color. MOT has worked to develop and present sensory-friendly and inclusive family programming with 4th Wall Theatre Company and the Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan, and continues to partner with non-arts organizations like the Downtown Boxing Gym and the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. Additionally, Director of Education Andrea Scobie currently serves on the Detroit Public School Community District task force around bilingual education.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)

DE&I TASK FORCE MEMBER SARA POZZI

MOT STUDIO ARTISTS

DE&I TASK FORCE MEMBER DEXTER MASON.

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF EUGENE ONEGIN


Gianni Schicchi and Buoso’s GhostGiacomo PucciniPerformed in Italian with English supertitlesAt the Macomb Center for the Performing ArtsFebruary 29 – March 1 — Featuring the five resident artists of the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio. This opera features sweeping melodies with a slapstick plot.

ChampionTerence BlanchardPerformed in English with English supertitlesMarch 28 – April 5 — Michigan Premiere! A gut-wrenching and life changing opera about the power of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption.

PagliacciRuggero LeoncavalloPerformed in Italian with English supertitlesMay 9 – 17 — Pagliacci chronicles the behind-the-scenes fallout among a traveling troupe of clowns in Southern Italy.

Spring 2020 at the Detroit Opera House

2020 Spring Season Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor for American Ballet Theatre

MichiganOpera.org or 313.237.7464

Malandain Ballet BiarritzFebruary 15 — Detroit Premiere! This French contemporary dance company is known for their celebration of sensuality and humanity.

Dance Theatre of HarlemMarch 14 – 15 — The 17 member, multi-ethnic company performs forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works and innovative contemporary works.

American Ballet Theatre“Swan Lake”April 16 – 19 — This stunning production is set to a gorgeous score by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, performed live by the MOT Orchestra. A co-production with University Musical Society.

Opera SeriesAT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

Dance SeriesAT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

The 2019-2020 Dance Season is made possible by generous gifts from

Joanne and Richard Brodie and the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Foundation.

Documents

2019 ANNUAL REPORT - Michigan Opera Theatre · 2019. 12. 11. · MOT programming in our community, including, in addition to the Detroit Tigers, the University Musical Society, the