The Barber of Seville Brings Laughs, Love to Opera Stage

Winter 2018

From the President 2 News & High Notes 3-4 Membership Notes 4-5 Remembrance Fund 5 Where Are They Now? 6

Vic Bonneau, president of Electrical Power Integrated Systems at Opera Ball presenting sponsor GE Aviation, and his wife, Karen, at last year’s ball Opera Ball to swing The Barber of Seville brings under ‘Fractal Rain’ at downtown library laughs, love to Opera stage Put on your dancing shoes and head “Figaro! Figaro! FI-GA-RO!” Mis- old guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Buoyed by to downtown Dayton to the beauti- chief and matchmaking run rampant Rossini’s bubbling music, this zany fully renovated Dayton Metro Main when opera’s most famous barber romance sweeps you along through Library this spring returns to Dayton. unexpected twists and turns until an for the Opera Guild Figaro not only ending that leaves everyone smiling OPERA of Dayton’s 2018 THE cuts hair, he also from ear to ear. After a famously BALL Opera Ball, “Singin’ BARBER OF is a schemer and a disastrous opening night that left 2018 in the Rain”—frac- SEVILLE matchmaker like the composer in tears, Gioachino April 28 tal rain, that is. The March 2, 8 p.m. no other. When Rossini’s The Barber of Seville has 6:30 p.m. – “Fractal Rain” mo- March 4, 3 p.m. the ardent young become the most famous comic opera 11:30 p.m. bile, created by Ket- Director: Count Almavi- ever written. Dayton Metro tering architect and Kathleen va needs a hand Under the leadership of Artistic Main Library artist Terry Welker, Clawson wooing high-spir- Director Thomas Bankston, Dayton hangs above the Philharmonic ited Rosina, he Opera is thrilled to welcome back library’s beautiful Conductor: turns to Figaro to director Kathleen Clawson for her Grand Staircase. The artwork’s light- Clinton Smith help him outwit 11th engagement with Dayton Opera. play draws the eyes and imagination of Rosina’s selfish See BARBER page 6 See OPERA BALL page 7 from the president Guild members urged to get involved The Opera Guild of Dayton held its annual Holiday President Coffee on December 14 at the Dayton Racquet Club. By Nancy Farkas holding it at this larger venue, we were able to open it up to Executive Vice President all Guild members, not just the Executive Committee and Bernadine Greenwood Nancy Farkas Board of Directors. The Holiday Coffee marked the beginning of the Guild’s Managing Vice Presidents “The Holiday new policy of welcoming Guild members to its regular and Development: Penny Wolff special meetings, as well as encouraging their participation Coffee marked Education: Kathy Brown in all of our special events. the beginning Fundraising: Carolyn Szoke Members will receive email invitations to the month- Assistant Jane Reynolds of the Guild’s ly Board of Directors meetings at Dayton Country Club, where they will be able to learn about our ongoing activities new policy of Marketing/Communications: and also join board members at lunch following the meet- Suzanne Crippen welcoming Guild ings. The Guild hopes this will generate more involvement Assistant Diane Buchanan Johnson members to in the organization. There will be a special treat at the February 14 Board of Membership: Margarete Jennings its regular and Directors meeting, where two stars from Dayton Opera’s Special Events/Hospitality: special meetings, upcoming production of The Barber of Seville—mezzo- Helen Miller as well as soprano Alyssa Martin and tenor Carlos Enrique Santelli— Corresponding Secretary: Linda Menz will be available to answer your questions. Alyssa will play encouraging Board Advisor: Sue Falter the role of Rosina and Carlos will play the role of Count their Almaviva. This is particularly exciting for the Guild, as Recording Secretary: Maria Castleman participation in both of these artists are past winners of the Guild’s Tri-State Treasurer: Dolores Anderson College Vocal Competition. The Guild is so proud to see all of our special Members at Large: them moving forward so successfully in their careers. events.” Barbara Stewart Bostick Also coming up soon is the popular annual Membership Luncheon, which will take place on February 8 from Betty Holton 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Moraine Country Club. Please mark Past President: Penny Wolff your calendars and RSVP to Margarete Jennings as soon as possible. OPERA NOTES On March 24, the Guild will host the High School Vocal Editor/Designer Competition at Sears Recital Hall on the University of Heather Martin (MartinInk) Dayton campus, followed on April 8 by the Stars of Tomor- Proofreader row Luncheon at Moraine Country Club and the Tri-State Amy Lombardo College Vocal Competition at Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church. You won’t want to miss these important Photography Guild events. Suzanne Crippen, Kim Coughnour (Red Leaf Photography) Contributors Suzanne Crippen, Nancy Farkas, Angela Whitehead, Toni Winger CONTACT US 126 North Main St., Suite 210 OPERA GUILD OF DAYTON MISSION Dayton, OH 45402 | 937/224-3521, x1099 The Opera Guild of Dayton encourages and promotes opera in the Greater Dayton area and supports operaguildofdayton.org Dayton Opera through fundraising, marketing and educational activities.

2 | OPERA NOTES Winter 2018 operaguildofdayton.org NEWS & HIGH NOTES New Artists-in-Residence to entertain and educate Dayton Opera is pleased to welcome four young opera singers to its 2017–2018 Artists-in-Residence Program: soprano Olivia Yokers, mezzo-soprano Noragh Devlin, tenor Michael Anderson and baritone Alex- ander Harper. The four singers arrived in Dayton in December to perform in Handel’s Messiah and in the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) New Year’s Eve Concert. They began their official residency this January, joined by their new music director and accompanist, Carol Walker. This winter the singers and Walk- er, in cooperation with The Muse Machine, are touring local schools to introduce students to opera. They are presenting OMG—It’s Opera, written and directed by Luke Dennis, development director at WYSO 91.3 FM. The four young artists also will appear in Dayton Opera productions and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra concerts. They and their accompanist performed in the Philharmonic’s Chamber concert “Bernstein Song- fest” on January 28 at the Dayton Art Dayton Opera is proud to welcome four accomplished performers to its 2017–2018 Artists-in-Residence program. These rising stars will perform in local productions and in an educational program at several Dayton-area Institute. Three of them will perform schools, helping young people learn to appreciate the art of opera. Top left, Olivia Yokers (soprano); top right , See ARTISTS page 7 Noragh Devlin (mezzo-soprano); bottom left , Michael Anderson (tenor); bottom right, Alex Harper (baritone) Vocal competition celebrates 30 years of spotlighting young talent

The Opera Guild of Dayton is proud contrasting arias (each performed in to announce its 30th annual Tri-State its original language), two letters of Stars of Tomorrow Luncheon College Vocal Competition. Of the recommendation from music profes- April 8, 11 a.m., Moraine Country Club many events the Guild sponsors this sionals and a $25 application fee. Pre- Cost: $30, payable to Helen Miller, 9512 is always a community favorite. This liminary judges evaluate the recorded Pheasantwood Trail, Centerville, OH 45458 year invitations to apply were sent to performances and invite six finalists students at 357 colleges throughout to the competition. Tri-State College Vocal Competition Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The finalists perform before a panel April 8, 1:30 p.m. Any student age 18 to 23 who is a of nationally known judges and an en- Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church resident of or attends a college in the thusiastic audience, with the first and Cost: Free tri-state area may apply by submitting second place winners receiving cash a good quality CD recording of two See COMPETITION page 7 operaguildofdayton.org OPERA NOTES Winter 2018 | 3 NEWS & HIGH NOTES New Opera Season to feature drama, comedy, symphony Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is Dayton Opera’s Season Opening MORE SEASON DETAILS TO COME Spectacular in the Dayton Performing The spring issue of Opera Notes will feature Arts Alliance’s 2018–2019 “Season an in-depth look at the five “Season of Vistas” of Vistas.” In a stunning collabo- productions Dayton Opera is bringing to its ration between Dayton Ballet and stage for the 2018–2019 season. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Beethoven's Ninth Symphony performance presents Beethoven in a Rigoletto bold, groundbreaking style. In No- The Pirates of Penzance vember, the Opera presents a fully staged production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Opera Star Recital heart-wrenching drama Rigoletto, Salome followed in March by Gilbert and Sullivan’s rollicking comedy The Opera Star Recital. The season closes Pirates of Penzance. Also in March in May with a semi-staged production In November Dayton Opera will present Ryan Speedo Green will deliver an of Richard Strauss’s Salome. Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. MEMBERSHIP NOTES In Review: Holiday gathering open to all Guild members

Opera Guild of Dayton President Nancy Farkas and the Guild’s Exec- utive Committee hosted a Holiday Coffee at the Dayton Racquet Club in downtown Dayton at the Ketter- ing Tower on Wednesday, December 13. This was the first time that the invitation was extended to all Guild members and the Dayton Opera team on the staff of the Dayton Per- forming Arts Alliance. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the extraordinary views of our beautiful city. Nancy also presented Dayton Op- era Artistic Director Tom Bankston with a check for the next installment of the Guild’s annual commitment to support Dayton Opera. About 60 members attended the Opera Guild of Dayton members (left to right) Geri Prada, Tim Connair and Kathy Brown coffee. enjoy the Guild’s holiday gathering at the Dayton Racquet Club.

4 | OPERA NOTES Winter 2018 operaguildofdayton.org MEMBERSHIP NOTES

WITH SYMPATHY Membership Luncheon set for February Mix, mingle and learn about the Op- era Guild of Dayton’s latest initiatives 2018 MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON at the annual Membership Luncheon Thursday, February 8 in February. Join fellow members and 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. bring a friend or two for a chance to shake off the winter doldrums, eat a Reservations: Contact Margarete Jennings, delicious lunch prepared by Chef Da- [email protected] or call 937/469-3633— vid Glynn and then relax while Dayton or click on Events at operaguildofdayton.org. Opera Artists-in-Residence entertain Cost: $30 you after the meal. REMEMBRANCE FUND DONATIONS

The Remembrance Fund helps Samuel & Judith Hudson support the Guild’s High School and John & Ronda Jo Marshall Tri-State College Vocal competitions. Lois Sutherland Steve Wargo and Sandra Ingberg A gift to honor a birthday, an anni- George & Helen Vawter at Opera Ball 2016 versary or a loved one or to promote an event helps the dreams of talented The Opera Guild of Dayton was young people come true. To contrib- Irmagard Powell saddened to learn of the death on ute, call Evie Lewis, 937/299-4825. Paul & Dolores Anderson January 12 of its dear friend and James & Sue Falter generous supporter Steve Wargo. In memory of Steve attended so many Guild Betty J. Holton Carlie Delphinich functions over the years, includ- Leora Kline ing the Opera Ball. He also was a James & Sue Falter supernumerary during some of the Bruce Kline Mary Lou Riley Opera’s productions. Steve and his Betty J. Holton James & Sue Falter partner, Mike Houser, also hosted the annual Emeritus Picnic and held many fundraising dinners in their unforgettable homes. The Guild offers condolences Final Print Edition to Mike and the many others who share in this loss. We will miss Starting this spring Opera Notes Steve and his electrifying smile, will be ALL DIGITAL! enthusiasm, generosity and gra- cious hospitality. If you are a member and would like to A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on February 17 at St. continue receiving a print copy for no Mary’s Catholic Church. Imme- charge, email Suzanne Crippen, diately following the service, a [email protected]. Nonmembers celebration of life will be held at Miami Valley Golf Club. can receive print copies for $25 per year. operaguildofdayton.org OPERA NOTES Winter 2018 | 5

Where Are They Now? Elizabeth Dehn tours the world Elizabeth Dehn, known profes- Staatsoper Italy. Ellie returned to Dayton to sing sionally as “Ellie,” has leveraged her in Munich, with the Dayton Philharmonic Or- Oberlin College studies into a suc- Germany; chestra in War Requiem. cessful and exciting vocal career in San Francisco She has been acknowledged by the United States and abroad. Opera; Los critics as a versatile and an accom- As the winner of the Opera Guild Angeles Opera; plished soprano in a variety of roles, of Dayton’s Tri-State College Vocal Houston Grand including Violetta, Donna Anna and Competition in the early 2000s, she Opera; San Musetta. However, she has emerged has performed at many of the most Elizabeth ‘Ellie’ Dehn Diego Opera; as a specialist in the works of Mo- renowned opera houses, including the Santa Fe Opera zart. Metropolitan Opera in New York; Te- in New Mexico; Santa Cecilia, Italy; Coming up on her schedule is the atro alla Scala in Milan, Italy; Royal and the opera houses of Geneva, role of Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni Opera House in London; Bayerische Switzerland; Rome; and Bologna, this April with the Dallas Opera.

BARBER continued from page 1

Kathleen is no stranger to Dayton tion as Rosina is mezzo-soprano carrying power and quiet charisma” audiences, having appeared three times Alyssa Martin. Hailed by Opera the bass Harold Wilson makes his as a guest soloist with the Dayton News as “vocally distinctive,” Martin third appearance on the Dayton Opera Philharmonic Orchestra and having is attracting attention as a standout stage, this time in the role of Basilio. directed for Dayton Opera since 2009. young singer. Rounding out the three You can see Wilson this season in Kathleen lives in New Mexico, where lead roles for this production, as well May, as Timur in Turandot. she is a professor at the University of as making a Dayton Opera debut, is Three of Dayton Opera’s 2017– New Mexico and heads the degree tenor Carlos Enrique Santelli in the 2018 Artists-in-Residence also will program in musical theatre. She also role of Count Almaviva. Martin and appear in The Barber of Seville. Mez- is assistant director of the Apprentice Santelli have recently been Appren- zo-soprano Noragh Devlin will make Program for singers at Santa Fe Opera. tice Artists at the renowned Santa Fe her Dayton Opera main stage debut as Clinton Smith, music director Opera and are past winners of the Berta, a servant to Bartolo and confi- of Orchestra Seattle and the Seat- prestigious Opera Guild of Dayton dante of Rosina. Tenor Michael Ander- tle Chamber Singers, will take the Tri-State College Vocal Competition. son will make his debut with Dayton podium for the first time at Dayton Bass-baritone Thomas Hammons Opera in the role of the Sergeant. Bari- Opera to conduct the Philharmonic returns to Dayton Opera for his 10th tone Alexander Harper will perform for this production. Smith is on the production, in the role of Bartolo, the role of Fiorello. Dayton native Jake music staff of Santa Fe Opera and has having last performed at The Benja- Lockwood will appear in the role of served on the music staffs of opera min and Marian Schuster Performing Ambrogio, servant to Bartolo. companies across the country. Arts Center in The Consul this past The ever-versatile men of the Day- For the lead role of Figaro, Dayton October. A versatile singing actor, ton Opera Chorus, under the direction Opera welcomes to the stage for the Hammons has an active repertoire of and leadership of Chorus Master Jef- first time baritone Jarrett Ott. Ott was more than 60 roles spanning a variety frey Powell, will take the stage again recently named one of 25 Rising Stars of genres from the classical buffo to add their choral expertise. by Opera News, which described his repertoire to the world of contempo- Whether you’re an opera lover or voice as having an “often ravishing, rary music to modern musical theater. an opera newbie, this classic comedic airy vocal finish.” Also making her Praised in the New York Times as gem is sure to lift your spirits out of Dayton Opera debut in this produc- singing with “an impressive focus, the winter blues!

6 | OPERA NOTES Winter 2018 operaguildofdayton.org

OPERA BALL continued from page 1 everyone who enters. dance melodies. The evening will begin with The Guild has many wonderful cocktails, time for conversation and sponsors that make evenings like shopping at the expansive silent auc- this possible, says Opera Ball Chair tion. A gourmet dinner by Elite Cater- Katherine Thornburg. This year ing will follow. Next the live auction they include Arthur Murray Dance will offer a unique selection of luxury Studio’s Barbara Haller with Diane items, including a smaller-scale resi- and Bob Johnson, Marion’s Piazza, dential “Fractal Rain”-like sculpture, Sebaly Shillito + Dyer law firm, which Welker will install. Arthur SS+D Financial, Inc. and Jon and Murray Dance Studio dancers will Diana Sebaly, Heidelberg Distribu- perform a special number on the tors, GE Aviation, Lee Monnin and Grand Staircase before attendees are Terry Welker. A huge thanks goes out invited to dance the night away while to everyone who makes Opera Ball so Every year the Opera Ball draws hundreds of guests the Bob Gray Orchestra plays favorite wonderful. and raises much-needed funds for opera in Dayton.

ARTISTS continued from page 3 in Dayton Opera’s production of The Mezzo-soprano Noragh Devlin geant in The Barber of Seville and Barber of Seville, and Michael Ander- has been called “gifted” by Opera will return in May to sing the role of son will perform in Turandot. News and praised for her “powerful, Pong in Turandot. rangy mezzo-soprano” by the New Baritone Alexander Harper is About the Artists York Times. She is a graduate of the a native of Richmond, Virginia. He Soprano Olivia Yokers, a native Manhattan School of Music. In ad- graduated from Virginia Common- of Hamilton, Ohio, made her DPAA dition to performing various operatic wealth University and earned his debut in Green Eggs and Ham in the roles on stage, she has recorded three master’s degree from the University Philharmonic’s PhilharMonster con- commercial CDs and will sing the of Cincinnati College-Conservatory cert last October. This past year she role of Berta in The Barber of Seville. of Music. Prior to being an Art- was a Herndon Emerging Young Art- Tenor Michael Anderson is from ist-in-Residence with Dayton Opera, ist with Virginia Opera. She earned Little Silver, New Jersey, and lives Alex performed with Dayton Opera as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in in New York City. He has master’s Morales in last May’s production of music from Indiana University and and bachelor’s degrees in music Carmen and as Assan in the Opera’s won the Opera Guild of Dayton’s from the Manhattan School of Mu- October production of The Consul. Tri-State College Vocal Competition sic. Michael will make his Dayton He will perform the role of Fiorello in in 2013. Opera debut in the role of the Ser- The Barber of Seville.

COMPETITION continued from page 3 awards. Audience members are invit- remaining finalists win $150 for their Music lovers who want to mingle be- ed to participate in the competition participation. There’s no charge to fore the event can gather for the Stars by selecting their favorite performer, attend the competition, hosted at Ket- of Tomorrow Luncheon at Moraine who also receives a cash award. The tering Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Country Club.

operaguildofdayton.org OPERA NOTES Winter 2018 | 7 126 North Main St., Suite 210 Dayton, OH 45402 937/224-3521, x1099 operaguildofdayton.org

Working to win new friends for opera. COMING EVENTS February 8 MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Dayton Country Club 555 Kramer Road Dayton, OH 45419

March 2, 8 p.m. March 4, 3 p.m. THE BARBER OF SEVILLE The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center 1 West Second St. Dayton, OH 45402

March 24 HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL COMPETITION University of Dayton 300 College Park Drive Dayton, OH 45409

April 8 11 a.m. STARS OF TOMORROW Moraine Country Club 4075 Southern Boulevard Kettering, OH 45429 1:30 p.m. TRI-STATE COLLEGE VOCAL COMPETITION Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church 3939 Stonebridge Road Kettering, OH 45419

May 18, 8 p.m. May 20, 3 p.m. TURANDOT The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center 1 West Second St.

Dayton, OH 45402 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!