Aaron Copland THE TENDER LAND Saturday, March 12, 2016, 7:30 PM Sunday, March 13, 2016, 2:30 PM Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, March 19, 2016, 7:30 PM Sunday, March 20, 2016, 2:30 PM Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center Message from Wayne S. Brown Message from David DiChiera n 1978 the City of Midland, Michigan launched a celebration of the elcome to Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of The Tender Iarts and sciences called Matrix under the honorary chairmanship WLand by Aaron Copland (1900-1990), fondly referred to as the of Michigan’s first lady Helen Milliken. I was asked if Michigan Opera Dean of American Composers. This also marks the second year Theatre could produce a work which would provide the festival with of MOT’s Michigan Regional Initiative — a key component of our national recognition. It seemed to me that perhaps the participation strategic plan. Building on a highly successful presentation of Frida of Aaron Copland, the Dean of American composers, could be the by American composer Robert Xavier Rodriquez — an opera about answer. His opera, The Tender Land, which had its world premiere the Mexican-American iconic figure Frida Kahlo, we are pleased by New York City Opera in 1954, had not been revived. If we could to return to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, and to produce a beautiful production with a wonderful cast, he might be inaugurate a new relationship with the Heinz C. Prechter Educational persuaded not only to attend but also to conduct. The artistic team AMEEN HOWRANI and Performing Arts Center on the Downriver Campus of Wayne included broadway director Michael Montel, famous dancer-choreographer Eugene Loring, and County Community College District. designers Robert Joel Schwartz and Thomas Munn. The role of Laurie was sung by soprano Karen Today’s production is an anchor work for members of MOT’s newly established Hunt, an alumna of University of Michigan and Juilliard Opera, whose significant career included Studio Artists Program. Our organization is fortunate to benefit from these highly Houston, Boston, and the Spoleto Festival in Italy. The Mezzo Frances Bible who created a number talented musicians who will help MOT increase its presence among our growing of major roles at City Opera, appeared in the role of Ma Moss and Bass and George Gaynes sang the regional audience. With a combination of local opera clubs (informal gatherings role of Grandpa Moss went on to be a well known actor in both film and television. So, after a series where guests can learn about upcoming productions), open rehearsals, pre- of phone calls in which I described the cast and artistic team Copeland agreed that this was going performance talks, and full productions, MOT is committed to engaging audiences to be a significant revival and he would be happy to conduct. The experience of working with him through multiple forums. was both amazing and challenging but I will leave that for the book which I must one day write. In We are delighted to acknowledge the generosity of foundation, corporate, and 1984, The Tender Land became the centerpiece of our Michigan Opera Theatre In Residence program, individual supporters who have joined us in our quest to share the excitement in which we would spend a week in a Detroit Public School or outside community, rehearsing and and satisfaction of this multidimensional art form called opera. They include the integrating the school or community chorus into the second act. We held residencies at Cass William Davidson Foundation, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Technical High School and Northwestern High School in Detroit, Seaholm High School in Birmingham, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Anchor Bay High School in New Baltimore, and in the communities of Calumet and Escanaba. In addition, we wish to acknowledge the Macomb Center for the Performing And now, 32 years later we revisit The Tender Land as a vehicle for our newly established Arts, our co-producer of the opera The Tender Land, with special appreciation Studio Artists Program. It’s a perfect work for these talented young artists who spend an entire to Dr. James Jacobs, President of Macomb Community College, and Casandra season with us working under the direction of famous tenor Richard Leech and supported by E. Ulbrich, Vice President for College Advancement and Community Relations. resident coach accompanist Gordon Schermer. This opera is ideal because it has a wonderful Finally, special thanks to Anthony T. Arminiak, President of Wayne County role for each of our Studio Artists- soprano Angela Theis as Laurie, mezzo Raehann Bryce-Davis Community College District Downriver Campus, and the Heinz C. Prechter as Ma Moss, tenor Joseph Michael Brent as Martin, and bass Brent Michael Smith as Grandpa Educational and Performing Arts Center for hosting our inaugural presence in Moss, assistant music direction by Gordon Schermer. This program is designed to give these Taylor, Michigan. young singers significant coaching not only with Richard Leech, but master classes with some of We appreciate your support and invite you to join us in the Detroit Opera House the opera world’s most famous teachers such as Martina Arroyo, Diana Soviero, Martin Katz, and for performances of opera, dance, and Broadway presentations. Kathleen Kelly. In addition to being featured in their own production of The Tender Land, they are also performing in the spring season at the Detroit Opera House in both Macbeth and The Magic Flute. These artists are being prepared to make their mark in the opera world and we are very proud of them. Wayne S. Brown President and CEO Michigan Opera Theatre Dr. David DiChiera Founder and Artistic Director, Michigan Opera Theatre 2 THE TENDER LAND • MARCH 2016 michiganopera.org Michigan Opera Theatre MARCH 2016 • THE TENDER LAND 3 Message from James Jacobs, PhD Message from Dr. Curtis L. Ivery Dear Patrons, Dear Patrons, Welcome to the Macomb Center for the Performing It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Arts at Macomb Community College. We’re pleased Wayne County Community College District’s you’ve joined us for this special cultural experience, Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts made possible through partnership with one of the Center (EPAC). Our goal is to provide a variety of region’s cultural treasures, the Michigan Opera cultural experiences to support the discovery and Theatre (MOT). richness of the arts for all of our constituents and community members. Collaboration is a driving philosophy for Macomb Community College and an essential ingredient We are very excited to provide you with the in realizing our mission of education, enrichment opportunity to experience the rarely performed and economic development. We embrace partnership to create meaningful new classic American opera, The Tender Land by Aaron Copland, one of the most experiences and resources for the residents of Macomb County. But, perhaps respected American classical composers of the twentieth century. as importantly, partnership is a key tool in fostering a regional perspective that builds on our strengths, leverages the assets of our neighbors and benefits metro In an effort to bring our patrons world-class programing, the EPAC is thrilled to be Detroit as a whole. working with Michigan’s premier opera company, Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT), to present this production. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring MOT to Today, on our stage, you’ll be enjoying a world-class production of The Tender our community, further strengthening the performing arts offerings throughout Land, an archetypal American opera composed by Aaron Copland, the son of our region. immigrants whose music has often been described as encapsulating the American spirit. Macomb Community College provides a breadth of cultural opportunities We thank you for joining us for a performance and hope this will be one of that span generations, supplement educational objectives and enrich community many visits to Wayne County Community College District’s EPAC, your life. We thank the MOT for embracing our partnership and working with us to community showplace! connect our community members with unique, new experiences. We appreciate your support of the Macomb Center and Macomb Community College, and hope you enjoy the opera. Dr. Curtis L. Ivery Chancellor, Wayne County Community College District James Jacobs, PhD President, Macomb Community College 4 THE TENDER LAND • MARCH 2016 michiganopera.org Michigan Opera Theatre MARCH 2016 • THE TENDER LAND 5 Contents BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2015-2016 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 Kenn and Liz Allen Marianne Endicott Florence McBrien Ronald F. Switzer and Jim F. R. Jamison Williams Robert and Margaret Allesee Alex Erdeljan Eugene and Lois Miller McClure 2-5 Chairman Sarah Allison Fern R. Espino and Thomas Phillip D. Minch Lorna Thomas Welcome Daniel and Pernilla Short Monica Moffat C. Thomas and Bernie Wayne S. Brown Ammann Paul and Mary Sue Ewing Ali Moiin and William Toppin President and CEO Lourdes V. Andaya Margo Cohen Feinberg and Kupsky James G. Vella Joseph Angileri and Julie Robert Feinberg Demetra Monolidis Jesse and Yesenia Venegas 6 Enrico Digirolamo Douse-Angileri Oscar and Dede Feldman Manuel and Nora Moroun Marilyn Victor Boards of Directors Chair, Finance Committee Harold Mitchell Arrington David and Jennifer Fischer Stephen and Barbara Munk Inge Vincent Jonathan and Paula Autry Marjorie M. Fisher E. Michael and Dolores Christopher and Susan and Trustees Cameron B. Duncan Beverly Avadenka Carl and Mary Anne Mutchler Wilhelm Treasurer Lee and Floy Barthel Fontana Allan and Joy Nachman Barbara Williams Mark and Caprice Baun Elaine Fontana Irving Barbara Nusbaum R.