Memoirs of a Tosca Chorister Our own Eva Kuhlman gives a sneak peak behind the curtain

The day I received the “you have been cast in our upcoming production of Tosca” e-mail was one of the happiest in my life. I would be fulfilling a dream that started a few decades ago, when a little girl growing up in Prague, Czech Republic, told her parents that she wanted to take voice lessons because she was “going to be an opera singer”."!I had been singing in different types of choirs for most of my life, so there was a reasonable expectation of the amount of work this was going to take – come January 2014, I would be rehearsing, eating, and sleeping (in that order of importance). What I could not have imagined was just how absolutely thrilling this experience was going to be."

!The ALO Chorus is a mixed group from all walks of life – high-tech marketing gurus, hair stylists, voice and theater teachers – united through love for this amazing art form we call opera. The chorus rules are clear: take a shower, but omit the perfume; don’t go out to the parking garage while in costume; and, obtain permission prior to getting a haircut (no platinum blond pixies in Rome in 1800)."!Learning the music and text is fairly quick; within the first rehearsal week, all is memorized and ready for the next phase, staging, which our fabulous director defines as “long stretches of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.” We gather in church for Te Deum, the momentous ending to Act I. Pink tape on the floor represents the physical boundaries (Act II and III are green and blue, respectively); music stand with flowers becomes the altar; and a painter’s palette marks Cavaradossi’s spot."!Continued, Page 2!

Marilyn Davis Rabkin!!Austin Lyric Opera Guild’s Enrichment Event for Tosca on Wednesday, January 15, was elevated to a new level!"!Members and guests were greeted at the door by the lovely and smiling Loretta Hughes. They proceeded into the beautiful home of our hosts, Jerry and Susan Gatlin. Delicious temptations were found on the formal dining table. Susan Gatlin prepared and presented a mouthwatering and much appreciated roasted and sliced turkey. Other fare included pâté, cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, assorted finger sandwiches, dips and chips, and much more. And the desserts, oh my! There were chocolate truffles to brownies to a “to die for” lemon cake! "As always, the camaraderie and social hour of the members and their guests reached a deafening pitch. We do love to party and share our love of opera! It took several minutes to gather this lively group into the family room of the Gatlin home where the program could begin. Guild President, Polly Barbaro,"!Continued, Page 3

TOSCA ENRICHMENT EVENT

Did you miss the ALO flashmob at Central Market? View the video here!

Eva, in costume during Tosca. Did you recognize her during the production?

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 1

MEMOIRS OF A TOSCA CHORISTER

Top: Mardi Byers as Tosca, with Scott Piper as Cavaradossi. Bottom: Tosca with Scarpia, played by an impressively evil Wayne Tigges. Photos courtesy of Mark Matson.!

Continued, Page 1! !Town folks enter, discussing the day’s happenings; clergy is milling about; the presence of henchmen (or, more affectionately, goons) is creating the requisite unease and tension; and “Tosca’s

BFFs” are dizzy with admiration for their idol. All goes well until I find myself in direct trajectory of the fan that Tosca, in her jealous rage, throws at “the other woman’s” painting by Cavaradossi. Stage directive? Duck."!Over the next few rehearsals, we fine-tune our skills of providing the appropriate emotional background to the principal singers. We mix fervent piety with fear of Scarpia and his minions, and our hearts break with Tosca’s “God will forgive me – for He sees I am weeping.” "!From the moment we move to the Long Center stage, the layers that will make up the finished production are added one by one: we adapt to the physical constraints and slight incline of the set and locate the closest TV screen as a substitute for a direct line of sight to Maestro Buckley; we learn to negotiate the stage movements in full costume; and the transformation is complete when standing in the wig line with your Styrofoam head and applying copious amounts of “Italian” looking foundation to all exposed skin becomes part of the routine. The dressing room is a sight to behold – 24 females transforming themselves into nuns, noble and not so noble town women. Every piece of my clothing has a little name tag on it, which fills me with incredible appreciation for whoever did it. Actually, the entire production process has become a source of immense gratitude and respect for all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes– the dressers, wig and make-up crew, stagehands, prop team, and so many others – to make the splendor on the stage possible. "!The dress rehearsal is the first performance in front of a large audience. There is a brief moment of nerves, but being in a group provides emotional support not granted to solo performers. Smoothly, right on cue, the stage fills up as we arrive at our assigned spots and listen intently for the fourth cannon shot that precedes the chorus entry. Time to make some glorious music."!Opera singer, at last."

Check out the review!

Austin360

Austin Post

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 2

Continued Page 1!welcomed all to the evening’s event. Before introductions of the program’s commentators, Jean LeFebvre thanked our hosts, Jerry and Susan Gatlin, and, of course, Twin Liquors for their continued support of our events. She also thanked the wonderful Guild volunteers who gave of their time, talent and treasure to make this a memorable evening: Lorie Imken, Sue Hoke, Martha Boyd, Loretta Hughes, Mary Lenz, Raquel Frankenberg, Cathy Shuler-Collins, Brenda Wendel, Kelley Lightfoot, Paul Schoenfield and Marilyn Davis Rabkin."Everyone agreed that the program presented by our own Katharine Shields and Stage Director, Michael Cavanaugh, was invigorating, informative, and brought a new life to Puccini’s opera, Tosca. Puccini based his opera on Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language dramatic play, La Tosca. The original play was written in a time of upheaval and violence “in Rome in June 1800, with the Kingdom of Napes’ control of Rome threatened by Napoleon’s invasion of Italy.” During this dangerous time, your fortune or your end was often determined by the ever changing ruling powers. Michael Cavanaugh reminded us that Tosca is timeless because humanity can relate to these changes and upheavals as we have personally witnessed atrocities in other parts of the world today. The discussion often focused on the triangle between Tosca, Scarpia and Cavaradossi. Katharine reminded us that when you research opera, Tosca is always in the top 10 and the villain, Scarpia, is #1.

At the end of the discussion, Hardy Thompson commented to the entire room and especially to Michael and Katharine, “Thank you for one of the most intellectually stimulating discussions ever at an Enrichment Event!”"Mark your calendars, join the fun and get “enriched” by attending the next ALO Guild Enrichment Event for Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love on April 23rd. "

!

TOSCA ENRICHMENT EVENT

Top: Guild President Polly Barbaro, Stage Director Michael Cavanaugh, and our hosts, Susan and Jerry Gatlin Left: The Three Guidos, Stuart Damore, Carol Logan, and Steve Barbaro Middle: Nan and Tom Anson Right: Katharine Shields and JoAnn Hunter Johnson

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 3

GUILD HOLIDAY PARTY

Top: Our host, Larry Peel, toasts with Walter Wilkie. Left: Opera America President/CEO Marc Scorca and Rose Betty Williams celebrate the holidays. Middle: Eric Brenner, a much appreciated Guild member. Right: Shiree Flume and Ken Zink enjoy the evening.

On the evening of December 7, ALO Guild members celebrated the holidays at the home of Larry and Dr. Deborah Peel. Guests enjoyed a scrumptious spread of food provided by volunteers and wine generously provided by Twin Liquors. Membership Vice Presidents Jo Carol Snowden and Gretchen Woellner ensured everyone had a splendid evening. Here’s what some guests had to say:

The music, the setting, the people all filled my heart with joy! Loved the choice of arias and holiday music!"!Many thanks to the singers, the guild members, the trustees, our ALO Guild President Polly Barbaro, Opera America President/CEO Marc Scorca, our Maestro Richard Buckley, and our General Director Joe Specter, his wife Kate and their two beautiful daughters! The party was glorious! – a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and our extraordinary Austin Lyric Opera Guild and Austin Lyric Opera!"

Rose Betty Williams" It was all wonderful: the entertainment, the fellowship and the food. Our favorite? Paul [Schoenfield] and I loved ( !) the Peel’s home. It was magnificent and really set the stage for a memorable evening."

Jean LeFebvre"

I am a new member and really enjoyed the party. It was especially fun to see friends and be in such a lovely environment. The music and arias were fabulous. Everyone was so friendly! A lovely event!"

Margi Feller"

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 4

Clockwise from top: Curby Conoley Tableriou and Nick Tableriou. Top Right: Susan Gatlin and one of our performers (and opera liaison) Erin Hanson. Bottom Right: Meri and Rob Hagelberg, Bottom Middle: Mary Lenz and Gretchen Woellner. Bottom Left: Maestro Richard Buckley and Kate Specter. Middle Left: Deanna Cluck, Polly Barbaro, and Fran Langfitt.!

My favorite part of the dazzling party was the surprise of seeing wonderful "old" friends that I share many memories.  Faith Roberts and Margi and Gene Feller have joined the Guild! I am looking forward to making new memories with them! "

Curby Conoley Tableriou"

I loved hearing singing by Erin Hanson and Sara Ann Mitchell, both in our recent opera, Don Carlo. Some of the guests didn't know Erin, the Guild’s liaison to the opera, played a pants roll, Tebaldo. Sara Ann was in the chorus and had multiple rolls. It was great to see them dressed for the season and making the evening bright."

Susan Gatlin"

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 5

Carol Logan!

You’ve seen us. We wear Opera Ambassador (OA) badges and meet and greet our beloved opera-going public at intermissions or before the operas. OA’s ask our public what they like about the operas. We ask the public what they would like to tell Joe Specter or Richard Buckley about the operas. OA’s want to learn about the Opera going public – are you a single ticket holder? A subscriber? A Donor? Do you belong to the Guild? And just for talking to an OA, an OA will give away a free drink ticket! "

OAs provide feedback that makes the Opera a better place. If you want to be an OA, and it’s not your ticket night, ALO will give you a free ticket to watch the night’s performance. "

Becoming an OA is a loving way to bring the public closer to Austin’s Opera heart. OA’s are good-will ambassadors par excellence. "

To find out more of how you can be an Opera Ambassador, check out the Guild web page: http://www.austinlyricopera.org/aloguild/."

CALLING ALL GUILD AND TRUSTEES TO BE OPERA AMBASSADORS

Craig Kuglen!!Austin was chosen by Opera Volunteers International as the site for their Focus Meeting.  ALO Guild member and OVI Board member, Rose Betty Williams arranged an exciting and

rewarding schedule for the 30 visitors attending the meeting.  "!Tours of the Capitol, the LBJ Library, and the Long Center filled their days.  For ALO Guild members, this was an opportunity to interact with opera guild members from around the country.  A special pre-opera dinner was planned for the Thursday night performance of Verdi’s Don Carlo.  Friday night a dinner at Fonda San Miguel was followed by a trip to Ester’s Follies.  The Guild hosted a breakfast at the Long Center Friday morning and had the opportunity to present some of its successful programs:  the Wine Dinner and Auction, the Educational Outreach Program being developed with ALO, and the Ambassador Program.  The OVI weekend closed with a dinner at the UT Alumni Center and entertainment by the incomparable Claude Ducloux. "!All agree that this was an exceptional weekend that highlighted the best of Austin and ALO."

OVI VISITS AUSTIN

Top: Claude and Susan Ducloux Middle: Jo Anne Christian, Brian Kushner, Donna and Richard Falvo (Chapel Hill, NC) and Stacy Johnson (Buffalo, NY) Bottom:Steve and Lynn Davis, Rose Betty Williams, Amelia Bullock and Bill Krumpack

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 6

Visit the New Website! !Did you know that the Guild now has its own page on the

ALO website?

http://www.austinlyricopera.org/aloguild/

Incorrect Contact Info? !Is your contact information incorrect? Please send updated

information to Marcia Toprac:

mtoprac@earthlink.net

Paula Kothmann!!Austin Lyric Opera gains much strength from the strong friendships built on a common passion for the arts, especially opera. The Opera Family, ALO’s most loyal supporters, often gather before and after opera to discuss the performances, rub shoulders with the artists, and engage with their friends, old and new. All are welcome to join this “Family.”"!One of best ways to meet them is to attend a Pre-Opera Dinner. Newcomers receive a big Texan welcome during the reception, friendly conversation during dinner, and a non-pushy invitation to attend another ALO event. The décor and cuisine reflect the opera, thus preparing your psyche for the performance. The convenient Kodosky Lounge setting ensures that the dinner guests don’t hold up the curtain."!Pre-Opera Dinner Vice Presidents Paula Damore and Suzanne Breitbach carried the Italian theme for Tosca most elegantly: strong reds and voluptuous blooms created a decidedly romantic ambiance. The food awakened the Italian palate with bold flavors savored with Chianti."!Guests had plenty of time to enjoy conversation as well as their food. The short program of announcements included a heartwarming message from Joe Long of happy news from his beloved wife, Teresa Lozano Long. The Longs are previous winners of the Sibley Leadership Award, named for Jane Dunn Sibley. Joe introduced this year’s winners, Sarah and Ernest Butler, during the Dinner. The Butlers are so passionate about opera that they helped open a school in their name, The Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Opera at The University of Texas at Austin. The Butler School and ALO collaborate regularly."!The group enjoyed Tosca then returned to the Kodosky Lounge for desserts and more wine. The after party affords plenty of time for socializing with both attendees and performers. "!The price for this black-tie affair is quite reasonable compared to most events of this caliber: $125/person including dinner and drinks. Steve Barbaro, ALO Guild Treasurer reported that the event grossed $23,000 for ALO. (Rumor has it that Paula Damore keeps costs down by driving to every Michael’s in Austin to get the décor that she needs at the lowest prices possible.)"!The Pre-Opera Dinner team works very hard to ensure that every detail is executed with flair. The ALO Guild is continually engaging new volunteers. If you’d like to be part of the Pre-Opera Dinner Committee or volunteer in other ways, contact Brenda Wendel, VP of Volunteers, at frenchtour@gmail.com."!The next Pre-Opera Dinner will be for The Elixir of Love on Saturday, May 3, 2014. If you don’t want to wait that long to become part of the Opera Family, go to the Guild page at http://www.austinlyricopera.org/aloguild/. We will host many more events and volunteer opportunities. Perhaps you will help to create the next clever dinner with the most enticing themes of “elixirs” and “love.” "

PREPARE YOUR OPERA PSYCHE WITH PRE-OPERA DINNERS

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 7

Calendar"February 22, 2014

Wine Dinner and Auction

Four Seasons Hotel

March 11, 2014

Guild Board Meeting #6

Eleven Plates

April 8, 2014

Guild Board Meeting #7

Eleven Plates

April 23, 2014

Elixir of Love Enrichment Event

Hunter Johnson Home

May 1, 3, 4, 2014

Elixir of Love

Long Center

May 3, 2014

Elixir of Love Pre-Opera Dinner

Kodosky Lounge

May 17, 2014

Guild Spring Award Party

Gardner Home

Austin Lyric Opera Guildhttp://www.austinlyricopera.org/

aloguild/ 3009 Industrial Terrace, Suite 100

Austin, TX 78758 Phone: (512) 472-5927

CONTRIBUTORS !The Libretto is one of the many areas where volunteers make a difference. This newsletter is edited by Madeline Nash and other contributors include:

Polly Barbaro, Angie Bonnici, Craig Kuglen, Paula Kothmann, Eva Kuhlman, Carol Logan, Mark Matson, and Marilyn Davis Rabkin.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTDear Guild members,"!Season 27 is turning out to be quite a year! Both Don Carlo and Tosca were such outstanding productions and received excellent reviews. We have a lot to be proud of when it comes to opera in Austin."!As members of the Austin Lyric Opera Guild, you sit at the center of activity when it comes to supporting our opera. In the last 12 months, 66 of you have joined our group. Our membership now totals 251. With opera subscription

renewals in full swing, we look forward to welcoming more opera friends who want to be part of the Guild during these exciting times."!I don’t want to sound like a broken record (remember those?), but the best way to get the most out of your Guild membership is to become involved in our activities. If you consider the three membership parties, the three enrichment events and three pre-opera dinners associated with the Season’s operas, we entertain and educate over 1,100 people annually. Add to that the 300-odd Wine Dinner and Auction attendees; you are making a positive impact on many peoples’ lives. These events and our opera boutique netted nearly $300,000 last season. We anticipate Season 27 will be another banner year for fundraising. "!In order to pull off such successful events, we need you to step up and give of your time, talents, and enthusiasm. You will see new faces when we announce the Season 28 Guild Board in April, and you will hear more about committees we are developing to support all our various endeavors. Getting involved ensures that these activities will have the necessary support to succeed. Even if your time is limited, there is a place for you to be part of this growing effort to support our beloved opera. "!Don’t wait for next season. Pick up the phone or drop us an email soon. Tell us how you’d like to get involved. As I’ve said many times, you won’t regret it!"!All the best!"!Polly Barbaro"508-317-8499"pollybarbaro@me.com

President of the Guild, Polly Barbaro, at the opening night dinner for Don Carlo.

AUSTIN LYRIC OPERA GUILD " " " " FEBRUARY 2014

" PAGE � 8