WINTER/SPRING 2019 DANCE SEASON B R AVO Alessandra Ferri: Art of the Pas de Deux FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater MARCH 15-17, 2019

Jacqueline Green and Jamar Roberts. Photo by Andrew Eccles

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The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan proudly supports the Michigan Opera Theatre as part of our mission to assist organizations creating a lasting, positive impact on our region.

CFSEM.org 313-961-6675 Winter/Spring 2019 bravo Contents Dance Season ON STAGE The Official Magazine of Michigan Opera Theatre FEATURE STORY: Alessandra Ferri: A Prima Ballerina Assoluta Defined...... 6 Profiles from the Pit...... 7 Erica Hobbs, Editor Alessandra Ferri: Art of the Pas de Deux...... 8 Publisher: Echo Publications, Inc. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater...... 14 Royal Oak, Michigan FEATURE STORY: www.echopublications.com Alvin Ailey: A Cultural Icon Marks its 60th Anniversary...... 24 Tom Putters, President

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Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018-2019 July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019

R. Jamison Williams Margaret Allesee Marianne Endicott Nora Moroun DIRECTORS EMERITUS Chairman Pernilla Ammann Paul E. Ewing Peter Oleksiak Shelly Cooper Lee Barthel Jennifer Fischer Charlotte Podowski Marjorie M. Fisher Wayne S. Brown Richard A. Brodie Barbara Frankel Sara Pozzi Jennifer Nasser President and CEO Elizabeth Brooks Herman Frankel Paul Ragheb Audrey Rose Enrico Digirolamo Robert Brown Dean Friedman Ruth Rattner William Sandy Chair, Finance James Ciroli Richard G. Goetz Bernard Rubin Richard Webb Committee Françoise Colpron John P. Hale Ankur Rungta Joanne Danto Devon Hoover Terry Shea Cameron B. Duncan Julia Donovan Darlow Danialle Karmanos Matthew Simoncini Treasurer Ethan Davidson Barbara Kratchman Richard Sonenklar Kevin Dennis Thomas M. Krikorian Lorna Thomas Gene P. Bowen Shauna Ryder Diggs Alphonse S. Lucarelli C. Thomas Toppin Secretary Sonal Dubey Donald Manvel Jesse Venegas Michael Einheuser Ali Moiin Ellen Hill Zeringue

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018-2019 July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019

Kenn and Liz Allen Douglass Diggs and George Johnson Daniel and Margaret Bradley Wakefield and Robert and Margaret Shauna Ryder Diggs Jill Johnson Pehrson Meghann Rutherford Allesee Enrico and Kathleen Ellen Kahn Charles and Charlotte R. Jamison and Karen Sarah Allison Digirolamo Peter and Danialle Podowski Williams Daniel and Pernilla John and Debbie Dingell Karmanos Sara Pozzi Joan Young and Thomas Ammann Mary Jane Doerr Stephanie Germack Kerzic Waltraud Prechter L. Schellenberg Lourdes V. Andaya Dilip and Sonal Dubey Michael and Barbara Paul and Amy Ragheb Mary Lou Zieve Harold Mitchell Arrington Cameron B. Duncan Kratchman John and Terry Rakolta Ellen Hill Zeringue Beverly Avadenka Michael Einheuser Thomas and Deborah Ruth F. Rattner Lee and Floy Barthel Kenneth and Frances Krikorian Roy and Maureen Roberts TRUSTEES EMERITI Mark and Caprice Baun Eisenberg Melvin A. Lester Patricia H. Rodzik Marcia Applebaum Debra Bernstein-Siegel Marianne Endicott Linda Dresner Levy and David and Jacqueline Agustin Arbulu Joseph and Barbra Bloch Alex Erdeljan Edward Levy Roessler Marvin A. Frenkel Gene P. Bowen Fern R. Espino and Mado Lie Audrey Rose Preston and Mary Happel Richard and Gwen Bowlby Thomas Short Arthur and Nancy Liebler Carolyn L. Ross E. Jan and Pat Hartmann Betty J. Bright Paul and Mary Sue Ewing Stephan and Marian Bernard and Donna Rubin Robert and Wally Klein Richard and Joanne Margo Cohen Feinberg Loginsky Anthony and Sabrina William and Marjorie Brodie and Robert Feinberg Mary Alice Lomason Rugiero Sandy Elizabeth Brooks Oscar and Dede Feldman James LoPrete Ankur Rungta and Roberta Starkweather Robert and Geraldine Ford David and Jennifer Fischer Alphonse S. Lucarelli Mayssoun Bydon Paul and Janet Victor Brown Marjorie M. Fisher Denise Lutz Hershel and Dorothy Amelia H. Wilhelm Wayne S. Brown and Carl and Mary Ann Donald Manvel Sandberg Brenda Kee Fontana Florine Mark Donald and Kim Schmidt FOUNDING MEMBERS Charles D. Bullock Elaine Fontana Ronald and Zvezdana Mark and Lois Shaevsky Mr.† & Mrs.† Lynn A. Michael and Mary Chirco Barbara Frankel and Ron Martella Arlene Shaler Townsend, Founding James and Elizabeth Ciroli Michalak Jack Martin and Bettye Terry Shea Chairman Gloria Clark Herman and Sharon Arrington-Martin Matthew and Mona Mr. & Mrs.† Avern L. Cohn Avern and Lois Cohn Frankel Dexter Mason Simoncini Dr. & Mrs. John H. DeCarlo Thomas Cohn Dean and Aviva Friedman Benjamin Meeker and Sheila Sloan Dr. † & Mrs. David DiChiera Françoise Colpron Barbara Garavaglia Meredith Korneffel William H. Smith Mr.† & Mrs.† Aaron H. William and Kelly Connell Yousif and Mara Ghafari Eugene and Lois Miller Phyllis F. Snow Gershenson Peter and Shelly Cooper Richard and Aurora Goetz Phillip D. and Dawn Minch Richard A. Sonenklar and Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. Joanne Danto and Arnold Carolyn Gordon Ali Moiin and William Gregory Haynes Graves Weingarden Samuel and Toby Kupsky Mary Anne Stella Mr.† & Mrs.† John C. Griffin Helen Daoud Haberman Donald and Antoinette Ronald F. Switzer and Jim Mr. & Mrs. Harry L. Jones Julia D. Darlow and John Alice Berberian Haidostian Morelock F. McClure The Hon.†& Mrs.†Wade H. C. O’Meara John and Kristan Hale Manuel and Nora Moroun Lorna Thomas McCree, Jr. Jerry and Maureen Eugene and Donna E. Michael and Dolores C. Thomas and Bernie Mr. Harry J. Nederlander D’Avanzo Hartwig Mutchler Toppin Mr. E. Harwood Rydholm† Lawrence and Dodie Doreen Hermelin Allan and Joy Nachman James G. Vella Mr. & Mrs. Neil Snow David Derek and Karen Hodgson Barbara Nusbaum Jesse and Yesenia Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ethan and Gretchen Devon Hoover Juliette Okotie-Eboh Venegas Strichartz Davidson Alan and Eleanor Israel Peter Oleksiak Marilyn Victor Mr.† & Mrs.† Robert C. Kevin Dennis and Jeremy Una Jackman Linda Orlans Inge Vincent VanderKloot Zeltzer Don Jensen and Leo Richard and Debra Dr.† & Mrs.† Sam B. Williams Karen V. DiChiera Dovelle Partrich Mr.† & Mrs.† Theodore O. Kent and Amy Jidov Spencer and Myrna Yntema Gary and Gwenn Johnson Partrich

4 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org † Deceased Michigan Opera Theatre WELCOME

elcome to the 2019 winter/spring dance series at ur 2018-19 dance series continues with our the Detroit Opera House. Though Michigan Opera celebration of modern dance as well as a WTheatre has earned an esteemed position among Ospecial program featuring some of the best the nation’s great opera companies, we are also one of the ballet dancers in the world. few opera companies in the country to also present a dance We open with Alessandra Ferri: The Art of the Pas series. Since 1996, the expansive stage of the Detroit Opera de Deux. Ms. Ferri, a legend in the dance world, is one House has welcomed the world’s great of only 11 ballerinas ever to companies, along with the art form’s receive the title prima ballerina most celebrated dancers — a tradition assoluta, a rare honor given to of which we are immensely proud. the best among a generation. MOT’s commitment to dance She performs with principal programming has resulted in the dancers from renowned ballet presentation of companies such companies including American as American Ballet Theatre, Dance Ballet Theatre, English National Theatre of Harlem, Bolshoi Ballet, Ballet, Boston Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Mariinsky Sarasota Ballet. Just in time for Ballet and many others. This year, Valentine’s Day weekend, the we are thrilled to welcome ballet legend Alessandra Ferri program features a series of romantic duets from as well as her esteemed partners in our Valentine’s Day contemporary works and ballet classics like Swan Lake weekend program. We are also excited to welcome back and La Sylphide. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for its 12th visit to the Following the Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company Detroit Opera House, in tandem with its 60th anniversary in October, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is the celebration. next in our series celebrating generations of modern Dance programming is made possible through the dance. Alvin Ailey celebrates its 60th anniversary this continued support and generosity of our sponsors, season, and we are proud to present the company’s partners and patrons. These supporters include the Lear first two-act ballet, Lazarus. Inspired by the life of Corporation, which has sponsored our dance series since founder Alvin Ailey, the work explores the racial 2015, as well as Ms. Joanne Danto & Dr. Arnold Weingarden, inequities of this country, beginning with Mr. Ailey’s annual supporters of our MOT dance series, as well as Kevin experiences when he founded the company in 1958. Dennis and Jeremy Zeltzer. I’m also pleased to acknowledge It is the completion of a trilogy by acclaimed hip-hop the generosity of the Community Foundation for Southeast choreographer Rennie Harris, following Home in 2011 Michigan for their fourth year of supporting our landmark and Exodus in 2015. Lazarus is a poignant work that we collaboration with the University Musical Society. hope will resonate with you long after the performance This support enables us to present significant dance has finished. presentations, along with community and educational Our modern series concludes in May with the dance offerings throughout Southeast Michigan, including presentation of the iconic Martha Graham Dance the upcoming performance of the Martha Graham Dance Company. The company, the oldest modern dance Company in Ann Arbor this spring. company in the country, helped shaped the movement Most of all we are grateful to you, the thousands of for generations to come. We are proud to partner with dance patrons who both attend and support the many University Musical Society to present the company at dance offerings that are presented each season at the the Power Center in Ann Arbor. Detroit Opera House and throughout the region. We invite We invite you to relax and enjoy tonight’s your feedback and welcome your suggestions as to how we performance and hope you can join us for our can make your journey with us even more meaningful. We upcoming presentations as well! remain committed to celebrating the masterworks of dance and look forward to exploring that which we may encounter beyond the traditional dance repertoire. Stephen Lord Thank you for joining us today. We appreciate your Principal Conductor, Michigan Opera Theatre patronage and look forward to your next visit to the Detroit Opera House.

Regards,

Wayne S. Brown President and CEO, Michigan Opera Theatre

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 5 FEATURE STORY BY ERICA HOBBS Alessandra Ferri: A Prima Ballerina Assoluta Defined t 55, Italian dancer of the most influential ballet masters level, above the rest of the prima Alessandra Ferri has enjoyed in ballet history, Petipa is known ballerinas as a result of public and a ballet career longer for choreographing the now iconic critical opinion,” said Sergey Rayevskiy, than most. The renowned dances in ballets like Swan Lake, The artistic director of Ballet Detroit.” Aballerina has performed with the Sleeping Beauty and Giselle. Petipa Since its inception, the title world’s most prestigious companies bestowed the first recorded use of the has been awarded by both ballet including the Royal Ballet, American title to Italian ballerina Pierina Legnani companies and the government, Ballet Theatre and La Scala Theatre in 1894, whom he considered to be oftentimes the latter sanctioning the Ballet, as well as with the best the best in her generation. Legnani decision of the former. It is not used choreographers and dancers in the was renowned for her perfection of in the United States but has been industry. awarded by companies including “Ballet is not my job, it’s the Marinsky Ballet, Bolshoi not my life,” Ferri said. “Being a Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Royal Ballet ballerina is my DNA.” and, in the case of Ferri, La Scala DNA or not, a long, successful Theatre Ballet in Milan. Awarding career is not the only thing governments have included the that sets Ferri apart from other Soviet Union/Russia, South Africa, dancers. She is also one of the the Senate of Berlin and the few to be designated as a prima Queen of England. ballerina assoluta. With Ferri, Pelle said she While many are familiar with goes beyond dancing a role, she the term prima ballerina, when becomes the role. it comes to a prima ballerina “You don’t see Alessandra, assoluta, the title can be as rare you see the character she’s as its recipients. Prima ballerina portraying, you see the feeling, literally translates to “first you don’t see steps,” he said. ballerina” from Italian and, in the “You might have your own idea of United States, is better known Giselle or Juliet, but when you see as someone who is a female her, you just see Juliet, or Giselle principal dancer. These dancers or Carmen; you have an insight on are the best in their companies who they are inside.” who perform the lead roles in When it comes to her ballets, along with their male signature roles, Ferri said she counterparts. Translating to dances them well because she “absolute first ballerina,” a prima identifies with the characters and ballerina assoluta is the best of the choreography. the best, a title so rare that only 11 technique and execution, reputed “The choreography suits you so women have held this honor since it to be the first dancer to perform 32 well that it permits you to embody was first recorded in the 19th century. fouetté turns in a row, a difficult feat that role,” she said. “It’s not just an “Prima ballerina assoluta is given requiring a dancer to use their leg to idea you have to embody through the to those whose art exuberates a level whip themselves around in a circle. choreography, it has to suit you. It’s of achievement in their interpretation But impressive turns are not what very hard to interpret something, if of characters and fame,” said Marco defines a prima ballerina assoluta. In you have to be concentrated on the Pelle, resident choreographer with fact, there are no definitive regulations technical parts.” New York Theatre Ballet and a on who may hold the title or who has While honored by the title, Ferri director and frequent choreographer the authority to bestow it. In fact, said its largest impact has been giving with Michigan Opera Theatre. “They after Legnani, her contemporary her a sense of maturity as an artist and have to have an incredible personality Mathilde Kschessinska received the increasing her confidence on stage. on stage to have been awarded this title from the Imperial Russian Court, “I have total openness and courage title.” a move Petipa attempted to block, and can be totally myself on stage,” The history of the term goes back considering Legnani to be the superior she said. “I haven’t lost touch with the to the late 1800s with renowned dancer. magic of when I dance, so I’m never French dancer and choreographer “Most of them have been named bored of it.” Marius Petipa. Considered to be one after performing at high international

6 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre PROFILES FROM THE PIT

Sally Heffelfinger ichigan Opera Theatre Oboist the Honolulu Symphony where she MSally Heffelfinger Pituch can thank met and married Detroit Symphony Pituch - Oboist opera for her career path. The Vassar, Orchestra Principal Hornist Karl Pituch. Michigan native began her musical Her career continued performing with career playing bassoon as a child but orchestras all over the country including decided to switch to oboe after seeing the Jacksonville and Fort Worth a performance of Amahl and the Night symphonies, as well as the Dallas Opera Visitors in sixth grade. Orchestra. “Amahl plays a wooden flute at the After 17 years, Sally returned to beginning and ending of the opera, her home state in 2000, performing but it’s really the oboe playing the part with MOT as well as the Detroit, Flint, down in the pit,” she said. “It’s a very Ann Arbor and Toledo symphonies. pretty melody, I fell in love with the “The best thing about moving sound.” back to Michigan is that my parents Since then, Sally has honed her were finally able to come to my craft, receiving a bachelor’s degree in performances,” she said. Oboe Performance from the University Outside of music, Sally enjoys of Michigan and studying with former knitting and yoga and has been a Detroit Symphony Orchestra Principal trained dog groomer for more than Oboist Donald Baker. After graduation, 20 years. Sally began her musical career with

Bryan Johnston – hile a student at the University Bryan said he loves to play Puccini Wof Michigan, Michigan Opera and Mozart operas, though one of his Violinist Theatre Violinist Bryan Johnston favorite experiences was performing couldn’t decide if he wanted to in the MOT world premiere of Richard study music or math. Now in his 18th Danielpour’s Margaret Garner in 2005, season with MOT, his decision may be featuring opera star Denyce Graves in surprising: he chose math, a lot of math. the title role. “I finished my doctorate in math in “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Being the spring of 2000, and I started playing in the pit with a voice like that coming with MOT in the fall of 2000,” he said. from the stage was wonderful.” While a devoted math student, Outside of music, Bryan is a self- Bryan practiced violin and performed described nerd who enjoys sci-fi/ throughout his college years, fantasy TV shows and movies. He also continuing to craft the talent he began loves running and heavy metal music at age five. Now he is a professional and has been learning the guitar the violinist — and a computer programmer. past few years. “It means you’re really busy, but you He is originally from Lansing and make it work,” he said. “There are other now lives with his wife, Nancy, in Royal musicians in the pit who are in the same Oak. boat. I think for most of us opera comes first, and you make your day job fit around it.”

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 7 Alessandra Ferri: Art of the Pas de Deux Artistic Direction – Alessandra Ferri and Marco Pelle Conductor – David Lamarche Lighting Design – Brandon Stirling Baker

February 16, 2019

DANCERS Jeffrey Cirio Herman Cornejo Alessandra Ferri Marcelo Gomes Ricardo Graziano Kate Honea Misa Kuranaga Oksana Maslova

Mary Hollis Hundley, soprano

Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra

Soloists: Eliot Heaton, violin Andrea Yun, cello Brian Bowman, clarinet Patricia Terry-Ross, harp Ivan Moshchuk, piano

The 2018–2019 Dance Season is made possible by the Lear Corporation

MS. JOANNE DANTO & DR. ARNOLD WEINGARDEN KEVIN DENNIS & JEREMY ZELTZER Sponsors

8 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALESSANDRA FERRI Program member of Boston Ballet in 2009 and La Sylphide Brandon Stirling Baker Dancers: Oksana Maslova, Jeffrey Cirio (Lighting Designer) was promoted to Principal in 2012. Choreography: August Bournonville Brandon Stirling Baker is a lighting He joined American Ballet Theatre as Music: Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer designer working internationally in a Soloist in 2015 and was promoted the areas of ballet, opera and theater. to Principal Dancer in August 2016. Mirrors that hang from family trees He was nominated for the Benois de Dancer: Marcelo Gomes His lighting la Danse 2017 for his performance Choreography: Nicholas Palmquist can be seen in the Music: Agnes Obel repertories of New of The Son in The Prodigal Son and Piano: Ivan Moshchuk York City Ballet, Colas in La Fille Mal Gardee. In the San Francisco fall of 2017, Cirio was Guest Lead The Dying Swan Ballet, Berlin Principal with English National Ballet. Dancer: Misa Kuranaga He joined ENB as Lead Principal in the Choreography: Mikhail Fokine Staatsballet, Joffrey fall of 2018. Jeffrey has danced a wide Music: Camille Saint-Saëns Ballet, Alvin Ailey Cello: Andrea Yun American Dance Theater, Houston variety of classical, neo-classical and Harp: Patricia Terry-Ross Ballet, Semperoper Dresden, contemporary repertoire world-wide. Concerto Six Twenty Two Opera Philadelphia, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Paul Taylor’s American Herman Cornejo Dancers: Marcelo Gomes, Ricardo (Principal: American Ballet Theatre) Graziano Modern Dance, Los Angeles Dance Choreography: Lar Lubovich Project and many others. Argentine dancer Herman Cornejo Music: W.A. Mozart, Concerto for Clarinet Brandon’s lighting has has been a Principal Dancer with and Orchestra been presented nationally and American Ballet Lighting Design: Craig Miller internationally by major venues Theatre since Clarinet: Brian Bowman including Lincoln Center, Kennedy 2003. Witness Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, He studied Dancers: Alessandra Ferri, Herman Hollywood Bowl, Brooklyn Academy at the Instituto Cornejo of Music, Theatre du Chatelet (Paris), Superior de Arte Choreography: Wayne McGregor Sadlers Wells (London), Maison de del Teatro Colón. Music: Nils Frahm La Danse (Lyon), Teatro Carlo Felice After receiving Lighting Design: Clifton Taylor (Genoa) and the Guggenheim Bilbao a scholarship from the School of White Swan, Pas de Deux (Spain). American Ballet, he was invited by from Swan Lake Brandon received his Bachelor of Julio Bocca to join his company — Dancers: Oksana Maslova, Herman Fine Arts degree from the California Ballet Argentino- at the age of 14. Cornejo Institute of the Arts and studied at the He is a Guest Artist with numerous Choreography: Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov Royal Scottish Academy of Music and companies around the world, such Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Drama in Glasgow, Scotland. as Ballet Estable del Teatro Colón, Black Swan, Pas de Deux Brandon is the Lighting Director Teatro alla Scala, Universal Ballet from Swan Lake for Boston Ballet. He is a recipient of of Korea, National Ballet of Japan, Dancers: Misa Kuranaga, Jeffrey Cirio the 2016 Lotos Foundation Prize and Kremlin Ballet, Dortmund Ballett, Choreography: Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov a 2018 Resident Artist at the Center New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky for Ballet and the Arts at New York Pennsylvania Ballet, Martha Graham Violin: Eliot Heaton University. Dance Company, Ballet Hispánico, After the Rain and Ballet Contemporáneo de Cuba. Dancers: Alessandra Ferri, Marcelo Gomes Jeffrey Cirio In 2012, he began an artistic Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon (Principal: English National Ballet, collaboration with the Italian Prima Music: Arvo Pärt American Ballet Theatre) Ballerina Assoluta Alessandra Ferri, Violin: Eliot Heaton which evolved into new productions Piano: Ivan Moshchuk Jeffrey Cirio, Lead Principal with English National Ballet, began his such as “Cheri,” “Evolution” and “Trio Shall I breathe? ballet training at Concert Dance.” In 2015, he debuted Dancers: Ricardo Graziano, Kate Honea the age of nine. in his role as Artistic Director at the Singer: Mary-Hollis Hundley He competed and “Latin American Stars” Gala, held in Choreography: Marco Pelle won awards in the context of the event BalletNow. Music: “Mild Und Leise”, (Tristan Und In 2017, he started a path as an Isolde), Richard Wagner numerous ballet competitions independent producer through his Le Parc including a bronze newly created corporation, Herman Dancers: Alessandra Ferri, Herman medal at the age Cornejo Creating Art. Cornejo of 15 at the USA Choreography: Angelin Preljocaj Alessandra Ferri Music: Andante from W.A. Mozart’s Piano International Ballet Competition and a gold medal at the 2009 Helsinki (Prima Ballerina Assoluta: American Concerto No. 23 in A Ballet Theatre, Teatro alla Scala, Royal Lighting Design: Clifton Taylor International Ballet Competition, Ballet) Violin: Eliot Heaton among many others. Jeffrey was also Piano: Ivan Moshchuk awarded the coveted Princess Grace Alessandra Ferri is considered to Award in 2009. Jeffrey became a be one of the most talented dramatic

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 9 ALESSANDRA FERRI ballerinas of our time. Born in Milan, Ballet Theatre, Teatro alla Scala, Kate Honea she began her training at the school Kings of the Dance, Complexions (Principal: The Sarasota Ballet) of Teatro alla Scala in Milan and then Contemporary Ballet, The Sarasota Kate Honea, of Longboat Key, attended the Royal Ballet School in Ballet and Washington Ballet. Florida, is a Principal Dancer and London. In 1980, A native of Brazil, Marcelo was Assistant Ballet Mistress at The Alessandra won the born in Manaus and raised in Rio de Sarasota Ballet of Florida under the prestigious Prix de Janeiro, where he began his dance direction of Iain Lausanne and joined studies at the Helena Lobato and Webb. She is currently the Royal Ballet Dalal Achcar Ballet Schools. He set off in her 17th season that same year. In alone at age 12 to study at The HARID with the company 1983, she rose to Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, and has been part of prominence when and subsequently at the schools of The Sarasota Ballet Kenneth MacMillan, artistic director the Paris Opera Ballet, Houston Ballet, since she started her of the Royal Ballet, selected her for Boston Ballet and CU Ballet. Marcelo training in the school leading roles in his ballets Romeo was invited to join American Ballet in 1995. Kate trained at prestigious and Juliet, Manon and Mayerling. Theatre in 1997 at age 18 and was summer programs including School of MacMillan went on to choreograph rapidly promoted to principal dancer American Ballet and American Ballet a number of roles for Alessandra, in 2002 until 2017. He is the subject of Theatre and participated in Pittsburgh making her, at 19 years old, Principal the full-length documentary Anatomy Ballet Theatre’s pre-professional Dancer with the Company. In 1985, of a Male Ballet Dancer. graduate program. Mikhail Baryshnikov, artistic director She began her professional career for American Ballet Theatre, invited Ricardo Graziano with The Sarasota Ballet in 2002 and Alessandra to join the Company, (Principal: The Sarasota Ballet) was promoted to Soloist in 2006, where she danced as a principal until Ricardo Graziano is a Principal then to Principal in 2009. Kate has 2007. She was named Prima Ballerina Dancer with The Sarasota Ballet performed lead and featured roles Assoluta by Teatro alla Scala where she and the Company’s Resident by Sir Frederick Ashton, George danced from 1992 until 2007. Choreographer. Born in Brazil, Ricardo Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Paul Taylor, In 2006 Alessandra was presented started his studies in his hometown Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Hans Van the Cavaliere della Repubblica Honoris of Mogi das Cruzes at the Marcela Manen, Christopher Wheeldon, Twyla by the President of the Italian Republic Campos Escola de Tharp, Matthew Bourne, Jerome Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. She has also Bailados, finishing his Robbins and Martha Graham. Roles received numerous prestigious studies in Germany were created on Kate by Matthew international awards, including the at the Akademie des Hart, Will Tuckett, Dominic Walsh, and Dance Magazine Award, the Benois Tanzes Mannheim. Ricardo Graziano. de la Danse Prix and Olivier Award in He danced 1983 and 2016. She was the Director with Tulsa Ballet in Mary-Hollis Hundley of Dance Programming at the Spoleto Tulsa, Oklahoma (Soprano) Festival in Italy from 2008 to 2014. from 2005-2010 before joining The Mary-Hollis Hundley, soprano, Since 2013, performances include Sarasota Ballet as a Soloist and being The Piano Upstairs (Spoleto, which she spent the 2017-18 season making promoted to Principal in 2011. His company and role debuts as Helena also choreographed), Chéri (Signature repertoire includes works by renowned in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Theatre) Duse (Hamburg Ballet) and choreographers including Jirí Kylian, Woolf Works (Royal Ballet), for which Virginia Opera, Nacho Duato, Hans van Manen, William Zerlina in Opera she won a National Dance Award and a Forsythe, Kenneth McMillan, Val second Olivier Award. on the James’ Don Caniparoli, Frederick Ashton, George Giovanni and as a Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Marcelo Gomes cover for Christine Antony Tudor, Twyla Tharp, David Brewer’s Ariadne auf (Principal: The Sarasota Ballet, Bintley, Sir Peter Wright, Pul Taylor and American Ballet Theatre) Naxos at Kentucky Marcelo Gomes. Opera. During the Marcelo Gomes is a Guest Principal As a choreographer, Ricardo has summer, she returned to the Opera dancer with Sarasota Ballet and a created eight ballets for The Sarasota Theatre of Saint Louis for her second former Principal Dancer with American Ballet, with three additional smaller summer as a Gerdine Young Artist, Ballet Theatre. He works for galas and one ballet for the where she covered Susan Graham in has performed Margaret Barbieri Conservatory. the title role of Blitzstein’s Regina. She most of the leading Ricardo’s ballets have also been spent the remainder of the summer roles in the classical performed at the Jacob’s Pillow as a Resident Artist at Teatro Nuovo, repertoire and Dance Festival, The Joyce Theatre where she covered Jennifer Rowley has worked with in New York City and The National in the title role of Mayr’s Medea virtually every major Choreographic Festival presented by in Corinto. Mary-Hollis with perform choreographer in Ballet West in Salt Lake City. the role of Gertrude in Michigan Opera the last 20 years. Marcelo has also Theatre’s April production of Hansel choreographed ballets for American and Gretel.

10 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALESSANDRA FERRI Misa Kuranaga (Principal: Boston Ballet) Misa Kuranaga began her training at the Jinushi Kaoru Ballet School and later continued at the School of American Ballet. In 2001, Misa joined San Francisco Ballet as an apprentice after winning the professional scholarship award at the Prix de Lausanne. In 2003, Misa was offered a corps de ballet position at Boston Ballet. She quickly rose through the ranks after performing the Sylph in August Bournonville’s La Sylphide as a Some of the world’s most creative corps member. She was promoted to Second Soloist in 2005, Soloist in 2007, minds suffer from one of the most and to Principal Dancer in 2009. Misa is the recipient of numerous devastating conditions — awards and honors including a gold bipolar disorder. medal in the junior division of the Ninth Moscow International Ballet Competition and the gold medal in the senior division of the 2006 USA International Ballet Our scientists and research participants are committed to Competition. She was nominated for finding answers and effective personalized treatments. a Benois de la Danse award for her portrayal of Tatiana in John Cranko’s Onegin and Medora in Ivan Liška’s Le Join us. Be a source of hope. Corsaire in 2017. Right now, gifts are being matched up to $5 million. David LaMarche (Conductor) David LaMarche has been working as PrechterProgram.org a conductor in the dance field for over 30 years. He served as Music Director 734-763-4895 for the Dance Theatre of Harlem from 1993 to 1998 and conducted many of the company’s premieres. In addition, he composed and arranged several scores for the repertory. As a guest, he has conducted for New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, The Paul Taylor Dance Company, He is currently in his 16th year on Odessa National Opera House, the L’Opera di Roma, Het National Ballet, Les the staff of American Ballet Theatre Moscow Ballet and the Connecticut Grand Ballets Canadiens, Ballet British and is Music Director of the Jose Ballet. Oksana’s artistic development Columbia and Ballet West. Limon Company. began early on The orchestras he has directed with rhythmic include the Houston Symphony, the Oksana Maslova gymnastics, which Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago, the (Principal: Pennsylvania Ballet) eventually led her to Pacific Symphony, St. Luke’s Orchestra, an intensive ballet the National Arts Center Orchestra of Ukrainian dancer Oksana Maslova program with Irina Canada, the Tokyo Philharmonic, the is a Principal Dancer with the Sycheva, former Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Moscow Pennsylvania Ballet. She has danced ballerina of St. Radio Orchestra, the Tivoli Festival with companies throughout the Petersburg Ballet. Oksana then went Orchestra and the Orchestre Lamoreux world, including the Grand Rapids on to the Kiev Choreographic College, of Paris. Ballet in Michigan, as well as the

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 11 ALESSANDRA FERRI where she studied under renowned teachers and artists such as Anna Petrenchuk, Evgenyi Kaigorodov, Yana Gladkih and Dmitriy Kaigorodov. After graduating from Kiev, she became a student at the Institute of Culture and Arts, where she received her master’s degree as a choreographer and ballet master. Her repertoire includes leading roles in classics such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Le Corsaire and Don Quixote, as well as neoclassical and modern works.

Marco Pelle (Artistic Direction) Marco Pelle is the resident choreographer with New York Theatre Ballet as well as a director and frequent choreographer for Michigan Opera Theatre. Marco began his career as a choreographer and was introduced to the opera world by MOT Founder David DiChiera. He has choreographed for some of the best ballet dancers in the world, including Italian ballerina Alessandra movie which opened at the Venice honors the 10 most successful Italians Ferri on her comeback show The Film Festival for which he later created in the United States today. He is also Piano Upstairs and Paris Opera a theater version. Marco is a 2016 a 2013 recipient of the SAIE National Ballet étoile Isabelle Ciaravola, who recipient of the PrimiDieci USA Award, Award in Italy for his contribution to performed his work Esprit Libéré. He under the patronage of the Italian the arts. also choreographed Passage, a short Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE ORCHESTRA — THE ART OF THE PAS DE DEUX

VIOLIN I VIOLA FLUTE HORN TIMPANI Eliot Heaton John Madison Laura Larson Carrie Banfield-Taplin Terence Farmer Concertmaster+ Principal + Acting Principal Acting Principal + Acting Principal Laura Roelofs Scott Stefanko Dennis Carter Susan Mutter Assistant James Greer Sean Yancer PERCUSSION Concertmaster + Julianne Zinn OBOE Clinton Webb David Taylor Molly Hughes Catherine Franklin Nancy Ambrose-King Acting Principal + Andrew Wu Leslie DeShazor Acting Principal+ TRUMPET Dan Maslanka Henrik Karapetyan Geoffrey Johnson David Ammer Ran Cheng CELLO Alex Hayashi – English Principal + HARP Yuri Popowycz Andrea Yun Horn Gordon Simmons Patricia Terry-Ross Melody Wootton Acting Principal Charles Saenz Jacqueline Nutting Una O’Riordan CLARINET PIANO Florina Conn Katri Ervamaa Brian Bowman TROMBONE Ivan Moschuk Nathaniel Pierce Principal + David Jackson VIOLIN II Irina Tikhonova Sandra Jackson Acting Principal + + Michigan Opera Theatre Victoria Haltom Eugene Zenzen J. William King - Bass Gary Hellick Core Orchestra Principal + Clarinet Christopher Hernacki Beth Kirton Detroit Federation of BASS Musicians Local #5 Velda Kelly Derek Weller BASSOON TUBA American Federation of Anna Bittar-Weller Principal + Gregory Quick Matthew Lyon Musicians Ashley Dyer Clark Suttle Acting Principal + Phoebe Gelzer-Govatos Greg Sheldon Roger Maki-Schramm Elizabeth Rowin Robert Stiles Susan Nelson Lorrie Gunn

12 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Dance Education

MASTER CLASSES OFFER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Learn from professional dancers when they come to Detroit to perform on the Detroit Opera House stage! This is a great opportunity for intermediate to advanced level dancers looking to learn from the professionals. Classes include a class taught by Marcelo Gomes and a member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Class styles and age restrictions vary from company to company. Information is posted on the Michigan Opera Theatre website. All classes are open to the public and free with a corresponding ticket stub or $25 without a ticket stub and take place in the Margo V. Cohen Center for Dance in the Ford Center for Learning at the Detroit Opera House. Pre-registration is required because of space limitations. For information and to register, please go to www.michiganopera.org/learning/dance-education/. ENJOY DANCE FILM, REFRESHMENTS, AND DISCUSSION! Dance-lovers from all over Detroit come together for dance films, food, drink and discussion on Tuesday evenings. The Dance Film Series continues for its 12th season March 12 at 7 p.m. with dances to music by Leonard Bernstein. The celebration of dance on film will continue in April and May with works to Peter Tchaikovsky and closing with George Balanchine’s ballet, Jewels, performed by the Bolshoi Ballet. We hope you can join us to discuss and enjoy these beautiful ballets. All dance films take place at the Detroit Opera House in the Ford Center for Learning in the Chrysler Black Box Theatre. A $10 donation is payable at the door, and this includes refreshments. No reservations are required. For more information call 313-237-3251 or go to www.michiganopera.org/learning/dance-film-series/.

AUDITIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES The Detroit Opera House is a stop for many major dance companies and programs on their nationwide audition tours. If you are looking for a summer program for your budding dancer, watch for audition dates in early 2019 for summer intensive programs including Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, artÉmotion Summer Intensive, BalletMet Dance Academy’s Summer Intensive and many more. Dates can be found at www.michiganopera.org/working-with-us/ dance-auditions/.

Remembering Irving Nusbaum Michigan Opera Theatre Trustee 2004-2018 Irving Nusbaum was a 14-year member of the Michigan Opera Theatre Board of Trustees. In addition to being a savvy businessman and being the face of New York Carpet World, Mr. Nusbaum was known as a kind and generous philanthropist. Along with MOT, Mr. Nusbaum supported numerous non-profit organizations including Jewish Family Services, the Holocaust Memorial Center, the Yad Ezra kosher food pantry and JARC, an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities. In 2011, he also donated his company’s former headquarters in Southfield to the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan. He will be remembered for his generous support and commitment to MOT. Irving Nusbaum: 1933-2018.

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 13 March 15-17, 2019 Alvin Ailey, Founder Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita

Robert Battle, Artistic Director

Masazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director

The 2018–2019 Dance Season is made Jacqueline Green and Jamar Roberts. possible by the Lear Corporation Photo by Andrew Eccles

SHIRLEY K. SCHLAFER FOUNDATION Residency Sponsor

COMPANY MEMBERS Riccardo Battaglia Vernard J. Gilmore Rachael McLaren Glenn Allen Sims Hope Boykin Jacqueline Green Chalvar Monteiro Linda Celeste Sims Jeroboam Bozeman Daniel Harder Akua Noni Parker Courtney Celeste Spears Clifton Brown Jacquelin Harris Danica Paulos Constance Stamatiou Khalia Campbell Michael Jackson, Jr. Belén Pereyra-Alem Jermaine Terry Sarah Daley-Perdomo Megan Jakel Jessica Amber Pinkett Fana Tesfagiorgis Ghrai DeVore Yazzmeen Laidler Jamar Roberts Christopher R. Wilson Solomon Dumas Yannick Lebrun Samuel Lee Roberts Samantha Figgins Michael Francis McBride Kanji Segawa Matthew Rushing, Rehearsal Director & Guest Artist Bennett Rink, Executive Director Major funding is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; American Express; Bank of America; BET Networks; Bloomberg Philanthropies; BNY Mellon; Delta Air Lines; Diageo North America; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; FedEx; Ford Foundation; Howard Gilman Foundation; Prudential; The SHS Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; Southern Company; Target; The Wallace Foundation; and Wells Fargo.

14 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALVIN AILEY

Program ABOUT THE COMPANY: Friday, March 15 at 7:30pm: 60 YEARS AILEY ASCENDING Lazarus Act 1 & Lazarus Act 2 Revelations CHOREOGRAPHER: Rennie Harris CHOREOGRAPHER: Alvin Ailey hen Alvin Ailey and a small MUSIC & SOUND: Darrin Ross MUSIC: Traditional Wgroup of African-American Rehearsal Director: Nina Flagg Décor and Costumes by Ves Harper dancers took the stage on March Rehearsal Associate: Millie Heckler Costumes for “Rocka My Soul” 30, 1958 at New York City’s 92nd Costumes by Mark Eric redesigned by Barbara Forbes Street Y, the engagement was Lighting by James Clotfelter Lighting by Nicola Cernovitch for one night only, but it turned PREMIERE: PREMIERE: out to be the start of a new era World: New York City Center, 2018 Company: New York, Kaufman Concert Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHM, in the arts. Mr. Ailey envisioned a 1960 company dedicated to enriching World: New York, Kaufman Concert the American modern dance Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHM, 1960 heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African- Saturday, March 16 at 7:30pm: American cultural experience. He Lazarus Act 1 & Lazarus Act 2 Revelations became one of the trailblazers of CHOREOGRAPHER: Rennie Harris CHOREOGRAPHER: Alvin Ailey modern dance, and the work of MUSIC & SOUND: Darrin Ross MUSIC: Traditional his Company grew to encompass Rehearsal Director: Nina Flagg Décor and Costumes by Ves Harper education, community outreach, Rehearsal Associate: Millie Heckler Costumes for “Rocka My Soul” and cultural diplomacy. To date, Costumes by Mark Eric redesigned by Barbara Forbes the Company has gone on to Lighting by James Clotfelter Lighting by Nicola Cernovitch perform for an estimated 25 PREMIERE: PREMIERE: million people at theaters in 48 World: New York City Center, 2018 Company: New York, Kaufman states and 71 countries on six Concert Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHM, continents – as well as millions 1960 more through television, film, World: New York, Kaufman Concert and online. More than 235 works Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHM, 1960 by over 90 choreographers have been part of the Ailey repertory. Sunday, March 17 at 2:30pm: In 2008, a U.S. Congressional Stack Up Juba resolution designated the CHOREOGRAPHER: Talley Beatty CHOREOGRAPHER: Robert Battle Company as “a vital American RESTAGING: Masazumi Chaya Staged by Elisa Clark cultural ambassador to the MUSIC: Earth, Wind and Fire; Grover MUSIC: Original Score Composed by world.” Before his untimely death Washington, Jr.; Fearless Four; Alphonze John Mackey in 1989, Mr. Ailey named Judith Mouzon Costumes by Mia McSwain Jamison as his successor, and over Costumes by Carol Vollet Kingston Lighting by Burke Wilmore the next 21 years, she brought Décor adapted from “Under the Bridge,” PREMIERE: a painting by Romare Bearden Company: New York City Center, the Company to unprecedented Lighting by Chenault Spence 2003; success. Ms. Jamison, in turn, PREMIERE: World: New York City Center, 2003 personally selected Robert Battle Company: New York City Center, to succeed her in 2011, and The 1982; Revelations New York Times declared he “has World: New York City Center, 1982 CHOREOGRAPHER: Alvin Ailey injected the company with new MUSIC: Various Artists life.” Shelter Décor and Costumes by Ves Harper CHOREOGRAPHER: Costumes for “Rocka My Soul” Alvin Ailey American Dance Jawole Willa Jo Zollar redesigned by Barbara Forbes Theater gratefully acknowledges MUSIC: Junior “Gabu” Wedderburn and Lighting by Nicola Cernovitch The Joan & Sandy Weill Global Victor See Yuen PREMIERE: Ambassador Fund, Rehearsal Assistants: Maria Bauman, Company: New York, Kaufman which provides vital support for Jaimé Dzandu, Marjani Forté, Paloma Concert Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHM, Ailey’s national and international McGregor, Samantha Speis, Bennalldra 1960 tours. Williams World: New York, Kaufman Concert Texts by Hattie Gossett, Carl Hancock Hall, 92nd Street YM-YWHM, 1960 Rux, Laurie Carlos, Paloma McGregor, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Text recorded by Carl Hancock Rux and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Lighting by Susan Hamburger PREMIERE: Company: 1992; World: 1988

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 15 ALVIN AILEY

Alvin Ailey Robert Battle Manhattan College. Mr. Battle was named a 2015 visiting fellow for The FOUNDER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Art of Change, an initiative by the Alvin Ailey was born on January 5, Robert Battle became artistic Ford Foundation. He is a sought-after 1931, in Rogers, Texas. His experiences director of Alvin Ailey American keynote speaker and has addressed a of life in the rural South would later Dance Theater in July 2011 after number of high-profile organizations, inspire some of his most memorable being personally selected by Judith including the United Nations Leaders works. He was introduced to dance in Jamison, making him only the third Programme and the UNICEF Senior Los Angeles by performances of the person to head the Company since Leadership Development Programme. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the it was founded in 1958. Mr. Battle has a longstanding association with Katherine Dunham Dance Company, Masazumi Chaya and his formal dance training began the Ailey organization. A frequent with an introduction to Lester choreographer and artist-in-residence ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Horton’s classes by his friend Carmen at Ailey since 1999, he has set many Masazumi Chaya was born in Fukuoka, de Lavallade. Horton, the founder of his works on Alvin Ailey American Japan, where he began his classical of one of the first racially integrated Dance Theater and Ailey II, and at ballet training. Upon moving to New dance companies in the United States, The Ailey School. The Company’s York in December 1970, he studied became a mentor for Mr. Ailey as he current repertory includes his ballets modern dance and performed with embarked on his professional career. Ella, In/Side, Mass, No Longer Silent, the Richard Englund Repertory After Horton’s death in 1953, Mr. and Juba. In addition to expanding Company. Mr. Chaya joined Alvin Ailey Ailey became director of the Lester the Ailey repertory with works by American Dance Theater in 1972 Horton Dance Theater and began to artists as diverse as Ronald K. Brown, and performed with the Company choreograph his own works. In the Rennie Harris, Jessica Lang, and for 15 years. In 1988 he became the 1950s and 60s Mr. Ailey performed in Wayne McGregor, Mr. Battle has Company’s rehearsal director after four Broadway shows, including House also instituted the New Directions serving as assistant rehearsal director. of Flowers and Jamaica. In 1958 he Choreography Lab to help develop the A master teacher both on tour with founded Alvin Ailey American Dance next generation of choreographers. the Company and in his native Japan, Theater to carry out his vision of a Mr. Battle’s journey to the top of he served as choreographic assistant company dedicated to enriching the the modern dance world began in to Alvin Ailey and John Butler. In American modern dance heritage the Liberty City neighborhood of 1991 Mr. Chaya was named associate and preserving the uniqueness Miami, Florida. He showed artistic artistic director of the Company. of the African-American cultural talent early and studied dance at a He continues to provide invaluable experience. He established the Alvin high school arts magnet program creative assistance in all facets of its Ailey American Dance Center (now before moving on to Miami’s New operations. Mr. Chaya has restaged The Ailey School) in 1969 and formed World School of the Arts, under the numerous ballets by Alvin Ailey, the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble direction of Daniel Lewis and Gerri including Flowers for the State Ballet (now Ailey II) in 1974. Mr. Ailey was Houlihan, and finally to the dance of Missouri (1990) and The River a pioneer of programs promoting program at The Juilliard School, under for the Royal Swedish Ballet (1993), arts in education, particularly those the direction of Benjamin Harkarvy, Ballet Florida (1995), National Ballet benefiting underserved communities. where he met his mentor, Carolyn of Prague (1995), Pennsylvania Ballet Throughout his lifetime he was Adams. He danced with The Parsons (1996), and Colorado Ballet (1998). awarded numerous distinctions, Dance Company from 1994 to He has also restaged The Mooche, including the Kennedy Center 2001, and also set his choreography Stack-Up, Episodes, Bad Blood, Hidden Honor in 1988 in recognition of on that company starting in 1998. Rites, and Witness for the Company. his extraordinary contribution Mr. Battle then founded his own At the beginning of his tenure, Mr. to American culture. In 2014 Battleworks Dance Company, which Chaya restaged Ailey’s For ‘Bird’ — he posthumously received the made its debut in 2002 in Düsseldorf, With Love for a Dance in America Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Germany, as the U.S. representative program entitled Alvin Ailey American country’s highest civilian honor, in to the World Dance Alliance’s Global Dance Theater: Steps Ahead. In 2000 recognition of his contributions and Assembly. Battleworks subsequently he restaged Ailey’s Night Creature commitment to civil rights and dance performed extensively at venues, for the Rome Opera House and The in America. When Mr. Ailey died on including The Joyce Theater, Dance River for La Scala Ballet. In 2002 Mr. December 1, 1989, The New York Theater Workshop, American Dance Chaya coordinated the Company’s Times said of him, “you didn’t need Festival, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance appearance at the Rockefeller Center to have known [him] personally to Festival. Mr. Battle was honored as one Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, have been touched by his humanity, of the “Masters of African-American broadcast on NBC. In 2003 he enthusiasm, and exuberance and his Choreography” by the Kennedy restaged The River for North Carolina courageous stand for multi-racial Center for the Performing Arts in Dance Theatre and for Julio Bocca’s brotherhood.” 2005, and he received the prestigious Ballet Argentina. Most recently Mr. Statue Award from the Princess Chaya restaged Bad Blood, Blues Suite, Grace Foundation-USA in 2007. He Love Songs, Masekela Langage, Pas de has honorary doctorates from The Duke, and Vespers for the Company. University of the Arts and Marymount As a performer, Mr. Chaya appeared

16 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALVIN AILEY on Japanese television in both dramatic and musical productions. He wishes to recognize the artistic contribution and spirit of his late friend and fellow artist, Michihiko Oka. Judith Jamison SUPPORTING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR EMERITA Judith Jamison joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965 and quickly became an international THE ARTS star. Over the next 15 years, Mr. Ailey created some of his most enduring roles for her, most notably the tour- de-force solo Cry. During the 1970s and 80s she appeared as a guest artist with ballet companies all over the world, starred in the hit Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies, and formed her own company, The Jamison Project. She returned to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1989 when Mr. Ailey asked her to Honigman celebrates succeed him as artistic director. In the 21 years that followed, she brought Michigan Opera Theatre’s the Company to unprecedented heights—including two historic 2018-2019 season engagements in South Africa and a 50-city global tour to celebrate the Company’s 50th anniversary. Ms. Jamison is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, among them a prime time Emmy Award, an American Choreography Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, a National Medal of Arts, a Bessie Award, the Phoenix Award, and the Handel Medallion. She was also listed in “The TIME 100: The World’s Most Influential People” and honored by First Lady Michelle Obama at the first White House Dance Series event. In 2015 she became the www.honigman.com 50th inductee into the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance. In 2016 she received the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fred and Adele Astaire Awards. As a highly regarded choreographer, Ms. Jamison has created many home for the Ailey company was Bennett Rink celebrated works, including Divining realized and named after beloved EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (1984), Forgotten Time (1989), Hymn chairman emerita Joan Weill. Ms. Bennett Rink became executive (1993), HERE... NOW. (commissioned Jamison continues to dedicate director of Alvin Ailey Dance for the 2002 Cultural Olympiad), Love herself to asserting the prominence Foundation in 2013. Mr. Rink first Stories (with additional choreography of the arts in our culture and she joined Ailey as manager of special by Robert Battle and Rennie Harris, remains committed to promoting the events in 1994, became development 2004), and Among Us (Private Spaces: significance of the Ailey legacy—using director in 1998, and then worked Public Places, 2009). Ms. Jamison’s dance as a medium for honoring the as senior director of development autobiography, Dancing Spirit, past, celebrating the present, and and external affairs from 2007 to was edited by Jacqueline Kennedy fearlessly reaching into the future. 2012. In his tenure overseeing Ailey’s Onassis and published in 1993. In development, Mr. Rink led a $75 2004, under Ms. Jamison’s artistic million capital campaign supporting directorship, her idea of a permanent Ailey’s first permanent home, The

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 17 ALVIN AILEY

Joan Weill Center for Dance which MATTHEW RUSHING Diversity of Dance, CelloPointe, and opened in 2005, and established an REHEARSAL DIRECTOR AND Jennifer Muller The Works. He has endowment to support major program GUEST ARTIST danced in the 2015 #ENDHIV New areas. When the Company celebrated York Gala, Moncler’s 2016 NY Fashion its 50th anniversary in 2008, Mr. Matthew Rushing was born in Los Week, and Kenzox H&M Fashion Show Rink supervised an 18-month Angeles, California. He began his and was featured in commercials for celebration, including events, dance training with Kashmir Blake Quaker Oatmeal and Swarovski. Mr. promotions, collaborations, and in Inglewood, California, and later Battaglia was on faculty at the Ailey special performances, bringing public continued his training at the Los Extension in New York, the Joffrey awareness of the Ailey organization Angeles County High School for the Ballet School in Chicago, and has to new heights. Mr. Rink also oversaw Arts. He is the recipient of a Spotlight taught in several dance studios around “The Next Step Campaign,” which Award and a Dance Magazine Award the United States and Italy. grew the organization’s endowment and was named a Presidential Scholar to $50 million. As Executive Director, in the Arts. He was a scholarship HOPE BOYKIN (Durham, NC) is a Mr. Rink launched a five-year strategic student at The Ailey School and three-time recipient of the American plan in 2014 to realize Robert Battle’s later became a member of Ailey II. Dance Festival’s Young Tuition creative vision, expand Ailey’s During his career Mr. Rushing has Scholarship. She attended Howard educational offerings, and enhance performed as a guest artist for galas University and, while in Washington, technology to extend the reach in Vail, Colorado, as well as in Austria, D.C., performed with Lloyd Whitmore’s of the organization. Central to the Canada, France, Italy, and Russia. He New World Dance Company. Ms. plan has been the expansion of The has performed for Presidents George Boykin was a student and intern at Joan Weill Center for Dance, which H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. The Ailey School. She was assistant attracts more than 200,000 visitors Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as at to the late Talley Beatty and an each year. In the fall of 2017, Ailey the 2010 White House Dance Series. original member of Complexions. Ms. unveiled the Center’s Elaine Wynn During his time with the Company, Boykin was a member of Philadanco and Family Education Wing, providing he has choreographed three ballets: and received a New York Dance and much-needed additional studios and Acceptance In Surrender (2005), a Performance Award (Bessie). She has classroom space to meet the growing collaboration with Hope Boykin and choreographed three works for the demand for Ailey’s programs. The Abdur-Rahim Jackson; Uptown (2009), Company: Acceptance In Surrender building now comprises 87,000 square a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance; (2005), in collaboration with fellow feet and is the largest destination and ODETTA (2014), a celebration of Ailey company members Abdur-Rahim for dance in New York City. Mr. Rink “the queen of American folk music.” Jackson and Matthew Rushing; Go also conceived The Campaign for In 2012 he created Moan, which was in Grace (2008), for the Company’s Ailey’s Future, a $50 million initiative set on Philadanco and premiered at 50th anniversary season with music to support the Center’s expansion The Joyce Theater. Mr. Rushing joined by the award-winning singing group and the ongoing implementation of the Company in 1992 and became Sweet Honey in the Rock; and other long-range strategic priorities. rehearsal director in June 2010. r-Evolution, Dream. (2016), inspired During Mr. Rink’s tenure, the Company by the speeches and sermons of Dr. deepened its presence in New York Martin Luther King, Jr., with original City by establishing a spring season at WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY music by Ali Jackson. Most recently, Lincoln Center to complement its New Ms. Boykin was selected as a 2018–19 York City Center winter season, while RICCARDO BATTAGLIA (Pescara, Urban Bush Women Choreographic also extending its role as America’s Italy) began dancing at the age of Center Fellowship Candidate. Find “Cultural Ambassador to the World” eight at Scuola D’Arte New Step Ms. Boykin on Twitter and Instagram with tours to Africa, Europe, and in his hometown. He is a three- at hbdance and Facebook as South America. In order to reach time winner of the “Expressions” HopeBoykinDance. Ms. Boykin joined audiences beyond live performances, competition held in Florence as part the Company in 2000. the Company has broadened its of the Danzainfiera event and won commitment to creating film and the Tip Tap Show competition in JEROBOAM BOZEMAN (Brooklyn, digital content, including its first-ever Rome. At 19, Mr. Battaglia moved to NY) began his dance training under theatrical movie release as part of the United States and trained at The Ruth Sistaire at the Ronald Edmonds Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great Ailey School as a scholarship student. Learning Center. He later joined American Dance. Mr. Rink is a graduate He has worked with choreographers Creative Outlet, and was granted of Syracuse University and holds a including Danielle Agami, Darrell full scholarships at the Joffrey Ballet B.F.A. in theater. Grand Moultrie, Kevin O’Day, Jennifer School and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Archibald, Kate Skarpetowska, Manuel Mr. Bozeman is a gold-medal recipient Vignoulle, and Ryan Heffington. Mr. of the NAACP ACT-SO Competition Battaglia has been a member of Elisa in Dance. He performed in Elton John Monte Dance, Ailey II, and Visceral and Tim Rice’s Broadway musical Aida Dance Chicago and performed with (international tour in China) and was Lydia Johnson Dance, Earl Mosley’s a part of Philadanco, Donald Byrd’s

18 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALVIN AILEY

Spectrum Dance Theater, and Ailey II. Germany. In 2016 she was featured in SAMANTHA FIGGINS (Washington, During the fall of 2016 Mr. Bozeman the Christian Dior commercial for the D.C.) began dancing at Duke Ellington performed as a guest artist with The fragrance Poison. She was a member School of the Arts under the tutelage Royal Ballet, and Dance Magazine of Ailey II and joined the Company in of Charles Auggins and Sandra nominated him as one of “25 to 2018. Fortune-Greene and attended summer Watch” in 2018. Mr. Bozeman recently intensives at Dance Theatre of received a bachelor’s degree in SARAH DALEY-PERDOMO (South Harlem under the direction of Arthur psychology concentrating in industrial Elgin, IL) began her training at the Mitchell. She continued her education organization from Argosy University. Faubourg School of Ballet in Illinois at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Mr. Bozeman joined the Company in under the direction of Watmora Dance. There she performed works 2013. Instagram: @Jeroboamb Casey and Tatyana Mazur. She is a by George Balanchine, Bill T. Jones, 2009 graduate of the Ailey/Fordham Paul Taylor, and Twyla Tharp. Upon CLIFTON BROWN (Goodyear, AZ) BFA Program in Dance. Mrs. Daley- graduating cum laude, Ms. Figgins began his dance training at Take 5 Perdomo trained at institutions such became a member of Complexions Dance Academy and continued in the as the Kirov Academy, National Ballet Contemporary Ballet, performing first class of the Ailey/Fordham BFA School of Canada, The San Francisco works by Dwight Rhoden, Jae Man Program in Dance. Mr. Brown began Conservatory of Dance, and intensives Joo, and Camille A. Brown. She also his professional career when he joined at Ballet Camp Illinois and Ballet performed at the 2014 DanceOpen the Ailey company in 1999 and served Adriatico in Italy. She is a recipient of a Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ms. as choreographic assistant to Judith Youth America Grand Prix Award and Figgins was featured both on the Jamison. He has also danced with Earl an ARTS Foundation Award. She was cover of Dance Spirit magazine and Mosley’s Diversity of Dance and Lar a member of Ailey II and joined the in Pointe magazine’s “10 Careers to Lubovitch Dance Company, and was Company in 2011. Watch” in 2013. She has worked with a founding member and rehearsal Beyoncé and can be seen in the film director for Jessica Lang Dance. GHRAI DeVORE (Washington, D.C.) Enemy Within alongside Tiler Peck and He was nominated in the U.K. for a began her formal dance training at the Matthew Rushing. Ms. Figgins joined Critics Circle National Dance Award Chicago Multi- Cultural Dance Center the Company in 2014. for Best Male Dancer and received a and was a scholarship student at Black Theater Arts Award as well as The Ailey School. She has completed VERNARD J. GILMORE (Chicago, IL) a New York Dance and Performance summer programs at the Kirov began his training at Curie Performing Award (Bessie). As a guest artist Mr. Academy, Ballet Chicago, Deeply and Creative Arts High School in Brown has performed with Miami City Rooted Dance Theater, American Chicago under Diane Holda. He Ballet, Rome Opera Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theatre, and Alonzo King LINES later studied at the Joseph Holmes Ballet, and Parsons Dance Company. Ballet. Ms. DeVore was a member of Chicago Dance Theater with Harriet He has set the work of Alvin Ailey, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Deeply Ross, Marquita Levy, and Emily Stein. Earl Mosley, and Jessica Lang on Rooted Dance Theater 2, Hubbard He received first place in the all-city various companies around the world. Street 2, Dance Works Chicago, and NAACP ACT-SO competition in 1993. Television appearances as a guest Ailey II. She has received the Danish He attended Barat College under artist include So You Think You Can Queen Ingrid Scholarship of Honor scholarship and tutelage of Rory Dance and Dancing with the Stars. He and the Dizzy Feet Foundation Foster and Eileen Cropley. He then has had the privilege of performing at Scholarship, and she was a 2010 studied as a scholarship student at the White House for President Obama. nominee for the first annual Clive The Ailey School and was a member Mr. Brown rejoined the Company in Barnes Award. Ms. DeVore joined the of Ailey II. In 2010 he performed 2017. Company in 2010. as part of the White House Dance Series. Mr. Gilmore is a choreographer KHALIA CAMPBELL (Bronx, NY) is SOLOMON DUMAS (Chicago, IL) whose work has been a part of the a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia was introduced to dance through Ailey Dancers Resource Fund, Fire High School of Music & Art and AileyCamp. He later began his formal Island Dance Festival 2008, Jazz Performing Arts. She began her training at The Chicago Academy for Foundation of America Gala 2010, formal dance training at Uptown the Arts and the Russell Talbert Dance and he produced the Dance Of Light Dance Academy. Ms. Campbell also Studio, where he received his most project in 2010 and 2015. An excerpt studied at Dance Theatre of Harlem influential training. Mr. Dumas studied of Mr. Gilmore’s work La Muette and as a scholarship student at The at New World School of the Arts and was performed in 2017 as part of Ailey School. In 2012 Ms. Campbell was a fellowship Level 1 student at the “Celebrating the Men of Ailey” was a part of the international tour of The Ailey School. He has performed program. Nimbus Dance Works the musical Aida. She has performed with companies including Garth Fagan performed a new work by Mr. Gilmore with Kymera Dance, Dance Iquail, and Dance; Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A in 2018. Mr. Gilmore is a certified Zena in the 40th anniversary of The Wiz Dance Company; and Labyrinth Dance Rommett Floor-Barre instructor. He at Summerstage. Ms. Campbell also Theater and was a member of Ailey teaches workshops and master classes danced as a guest artist with Richard II. Mr. Dumas joined the Company in around the world. Mr. Gilmore joined Siegal’s Ballet of Difference in Munich, 2016. the Company in 1997.

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 19 ALVIN AILEY

JACQUELINE GREEN (Baltimore, MD) Program in Dance. In 2016 Ms. Harris The Ailey School as a scholarship began her dance training at the age of was named one of the “25 to Watch” student. Mr. Lebrun has performed 13 at the prestigious Baltimore School by Dance Magazine. Most recently works by choreographers Troy Powell, for the Arts. She is a 2011 cum laude she received a 2017 dance fellowship Debbie Allen, Scott Rink, Thaddeus graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA from the Princess Grace Foundation- Davis, Nilas Martins, Dwight Rhoden, Program under the direction of Denise USA. She was a member of Ailey II and and Francesca Harper. He was named Jefferson. During that time she also joined the Company in 2014. one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” received training at the Pennsylvania in 2011, and, in 2013, France-Amérique Regional Ballet, the Chautauqua MICHAEL JACKSON, JR. (New magazine highlighted him as one of Institution for Dance, and Jacob’s Orleans, LA) began his dance training the 50 most talented French in the Pillow Dance Festival. In her career she at age 14 at the Duke Ellington School United States. In November 2016 Mr. has performed works by a wide range of the Arts in Washington, D.C., under Lebrun was a guest performer with of choreographers, including Wayne the direction of Charles Augins. He The Royal Ballet in Wayne McGregor’s McGregor, Jiří Kylián, Elisa Monte, became a member of Dance Theatre Chroma. Mr. Lebrun was a member Ronald K. Brown, and Kyle Abraham. In of Harlem Dancing through Barriers of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2016 she performed as a guest artist Ensemble in 2005. In 2006 he joined 2008. with The Royal Ballet. Ms. Green is a Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and in 2018 Bessie nominee for sustained 2008 joined Philadanco, where he also MICHAEL FRANCIS McBRIDE achievement with the Company, a worked as artistic director of D3. Mr. (Johnson City, NY) began his training 2014 Dance Fellowship recipient of Jackson joined the Company in 2011 at the Danek School of Performing the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, and rejoined in 2015. Arts and later trained at Amber a 2015 Clive Barnes Award nominee, Perkins School of the Arts in Norwich, a 2009 recipient of the Martha Hill MEGAN JAKEL (Waterford, MI) trained New York. Mr. McBride attended Earl Fund’s Young Professional Award, in ballet and jazz in her hometown. Mosley’s Institute of the Arts for two and a 2010 recipient of the Dizzy Feet As a senior in high school, she spent consecutive summers and was also Foundation Scholarship. In 2018 she a year dancing with the City Ballet of assistant to Mr. Mosley when he set performed on BET’s Black Girls Rock San Diego. In 2005 Ms. Jakel was an the piece Saddle UP! on the Company honoring Judith Jamison. She was a apprentice and rehearsal director for in 2007. In January 2012 Mr. McBride member of Ailey II in 2010 and joined the Francesca Harper Project. She performed and taught as a guest the Company in 2011. graduated with honors in May 2007 artist with the JUNTOS Collective in from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program Guatemala. Mr. McBride graduated DANIEL HARDER (Bowie, MD) began in Dance. She was a member of Ailey II magna cum laude from the Ailey/ dancing at Suitland High School’s and joined the Company in 2009. Fordham BFA Program in Dance in Center for the Visual and Performing 2010. Follow him on Instagram at Arts in Maryland. He is a graduate of YAZZMEEN LAIDLER (Miami, FL) mickey.mc. Mr. McBride joined the the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in graduated from New World School Company in 2009. Dance where he was awarded the of the Arts. She trained at Mrs. Traci Jerome Robbins/Layton Foundation Young-Bryon’s Young Contemporary RACHAEL McLAREN (Manitoba, Scholarship and participated in the Dance Theatre and The Ailey School Canada) began her dance training Holland Dance Festival with the School summer intensive. Ms. Laidler at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and as a member of the Francesca received her B.F.A. from University and continued at the Ailey School Harper Project. Mr. Harder has worked of the Arts and was a company in New York under the direction of with and performed works by Nacho member of Eleone Dance Theatre. Denise Jefferson. She has been a guest Duato, William Forsythe, Donald Ms. Laidler is the 2016 award-winning artist with Armitage Gone! Dance McKayle, Debbie Allen, and Christopher Pennsylvania Choreographer, setting and the Francesca Harper Project. L. Huggins. After dancing in the work for Pennsylvania Ballet II. She Ms. McLaren was most recently European tour of West Side Story, Mr. has performed works by Jae Man Joo, a guest artist with Royal Ballet of Harder became a member of Ailey II. Dwight Rhoden, Tommie Waheed- London for Wayne McGregor’s tenth He joined the Company in 2010. Evans, Doug Varone, Juel D. Lane, anniversary season in a production of and Darrell Moultrie, to name a few Chroma. Her theater credits include JACQUELIN HARRIS (Charlotte, choreographers. She has performed ensemble/understudy for the role NC) began her dance training at as a guest artist with Owen/Cox Dance of Ali in the Toronto production Dance Productions Studios under and is a former company member of of Mamma Mia! (Royal Alexandra the direction of Lori Long. Ms. Harris Ailey II. She is thrilled to be joining the Theater/Mirvish Productions). Ms. received a silver ARTS award from company this season. McLaren was a member of Ailey II and the National Foundation for the joined the Company in 2008. She is Advancement of the Arts and was YANNICK LEBRUN (Cayenne, French currently on maternity leave, eagerly a Presidential Scholar in the Arts Guiana) began training in his native anticipating the birth of her daughter, semifinalist. She has studied at Joffrey country at the Adaclam School under affectionately known by the company Ballet School and Jacob’s Pillow the guidance of Jeanine Verin. After as “sweet pea.” Dance Festival. She graduated with graduating high school in 2004, he honors from the Ailey/Fordham BFA moved to New York City to study at

20 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALVIN AILEY

CHALVAR MONTEIRO (Montclair, Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Kirven NJ) began his formal dance training Ballet, Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet, Douthit-Boyd, Ray Mercer, Darrell at Sharron Miller’s Academy for the and The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Grand Moultrie, and others. She Performing Arts and went on to study Ms. Paulos graduated from the has performed as a guest artist at The Ailey School. He received his Professional Performing Arts School with The Black Iris Project and was B.F.A. in dance from SUNY Purchase, in New York, where she trained at a member of Ailey II. From Towson where he performed works by Merce The Ailey School as a scholarship University, she graduated with Cunningham, Helen Pickett, Doug student. Ms. Paulos is a National honors and earned a B.F.A. in dance Varone, Dianne McIntyre, Kevin Wynn, Foundation for Advancement in the performance and choreography. She and Paul Taylor. Since graduating Mr. Arts Level 1 YoungArts finalist award concluded her second season with Monteiro has worked with Sidra Bell winner. In addition to originating Ailey II in 2018 and began touring with Dance New York, Elisa Monte Dance, several roles and being featured in Jussie Smollett, under the creative Keigwin + Company, BODYTRAFFIC, the Company’s repertory, Ms. Paulos direction of Frank Gatson. Ms. Pinkett and most extensively with Abraham. is also very passionate about her role joined the company in fall of 2018. In.Motion. He has assisted Kyle as photographer for the Company’s Instagram: @jessica.a.pinkett Abraham in setting and creating Instagram account, sharing a behind- work for Barnard College, Princeton the-scenes glimpse into the life of JAMAR ROBERTS (Miami, FL) University, Emory University, NYU an Ailey dancer. She has modeled graduated from the New World Tisch School of the Arts, Alvin Ailey and been featured in Elle Magazine, School of the Arts. He trained at the American Dance Theater, and Wendy Double Magazine, Refinery29, and Dance Empire of Miami, where he Whelan’s Restless Creature. Mr. graced the cover of Dance Magazine, continues to teach, and as a fellowship Monteiro was a member of Ailey II and where she was named “25 to Watch” student at The Ailey School. Mr. joined the Company in 2015. in 2015. She was a member of Ailey II Roberts was a member of Ailey II and prior to joining the Company in 2014. Complexions Contemporary Ballet. AKUA NONI PARKER (Kinston, NC) Dance Magazine featured Mr. Roberts began professional dance training BELÉN PEREYRA-ALEM (Lawrence, as one of “25 to Watch” in 2007 and at the Academy of the Dance MA) began her formal dance training on the cover in 2013. He performed in Wilmington, Delaware. After at the Boston Arts Academy, where at The White House in 2010, and as graduating high school she joined she graduated as valedictorian. She a guest star on So You Think You Can Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she was also a member of NIA Dance Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and performed principal roles in George Troupe, at Origination Cultural Arts The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2015 Balanchine’s Agon, Serenade, and Center in Boston. Upon moving to he made his Ailey II choreographic The Four Temperaments, as well as New York City, Mrs. Pereyra-Alem debut with his work Gêmeos, set the title role in Michael Smuin’s St. was closely mentored by Earl Mosley to the music of Afrobeat star Fela Louis Woman. Ms. Parker was also a and danced with Camille A. Brown & Kuti. His first work for the Company, company member with the Cincinnati Dancers for three years, during which Members Don’t Get Weary, premiered Ballet and Ballet San Jose, and had time she performed at The Joyce in 2017. Mr. Roberts won Outstanding the honor of being the first African- Theater, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Performer at the prestigious New American ballerina to dance the role and Dancers Responding to AIDS’ York Dance and Performance “Bessie” of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Ballet San annual events Dance from the Heart Awards and was a guest star with Jose’s The Nutcracker. Since joining and The Fire Island Dance Festival. London’s Royal Ballet. He first joined the Company in 2008, Ms. Parker Mrs. Pereyra-Alem was an apprentice the Company in 2002. has performed featured roles in Mr. for Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Ailey’s Blues Suite, Night Creature, Dance Company, and has performed SAMUEL LEE ROBERTS Masekela Langage, The River, and with Lula Washington Dance Theater, (Quakertown, PA) began his Cry. She has also performed featured Nathan Trice, and Roger C. Jeffrey. dance training under the direction roles in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Wayne She assisted Matthew Rushing of Kathleen Johnston and attended McGregor’s Chroma, and the title role with his ballet Uptown for the Ailey The Juilliard School. He performed in Geoffrey Holder’s Prodigal Prince. company in 2009. Mrs. Pereyra-Alem in the first international show of To see Ms. Parker’s outside projects joined the Company in 2011. Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular and interests, follow her on Instagram in Mexico City and danced with the at onlyupward. JESSICA AMBER PINKETT New York cast from 1999–2004. Mr. (Baltimore, MD) began her dance Roberts performed during the award DANICA PAULOS (Huntington training at Baltimore Dance Tech ceremony at the 2002 Salt Lake City Beach, CA) began dance training under the direction of Stephanie Winter Olympics, worked with Corbin at Orange County Dance Center Powell. Ms. Pinkett is a proud graduate Dances and Keigwin + Company, and continued studying at world from George Washington Carver and was a founding member of renowned institutions such as The Center for Arts and Technology. She Battleworks Dance Company. In May Juilliard School, San Francisco Ballet, is a bronze medal recipient from 2006 Mr. Roberts was named Dance American Ballet Theatre, Kirov the NAACP ACT-SO competition Magazine’s “On the Rise” dancer. Academy of Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet in Dance. Ms. Pinkett has worked He performed several roles in Julie Academy, Hubbard Street Dance with choreographers including Taymor’s film Across the Universe

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 21 ALVIN AILEY and the original opera Grendel. Mr. LINDA CELESTE SIMS (Bronx, NY) company based in the Bahamas. She Roberts joined the Company in 2009. began training at Ballet Hispanico was a member of Ailey II and joined Follow him on Instagram at samuellee. School of Dance and graduated the Company in 2018. Find Ms. Spears me. from LaGuardia High School of on Instagram @bahamaballerina. the Performing Arts. Ms. Sims has KANJI SEGAWA (Kanagawa, Japan) received the 2016 Inspiración Award CONSTANCE STAMATIOU began his modern dance training from Ballet Hispánico, has won (Charlotte, NC) began her dance with his mother, Erika Akoh, and Outstanding Performance at the 2014 training at Pat Hall’s Dance Unlimited studied ballet with Kan Horiuchi New York Dance and Performance and North Carolina Dance Theatre. and Ju Horiuchi in Tokyo, Japan. In Award (“The Bessies”) and most She graduated from NorthWest 1997 Mr. Segawa came to the U.S. recently, she received the 2017 School of the Arts and studied at under the Japanese Government Dance Magazine Award. Ms. Sims has SUNY Purchase before becoming Artist Fellowship to train at The Ailey been featured on the cover of Dance a fellowship student at The Ailey School. Mr. Segawa was a member Magazine and on So You Think You School. In 2009 Ms. Stamatiou of Ailey II from 2000–02 and Robert Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, The received the Leonore Annenberg Battle’s Battleworks Dance Company Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Mo’Nique Fellowship in the performing and from 2002–10. Mr. Segawa worked Show, LIVE with Kelly and Michael, visual arts. She performed at the extensively with choreographer Mark and The Today Show. Ms. Sims has White House Dance Series and has Morris from 2004–11, repeatedly appeared at the White House Series, been a guest performer on So You appearing in Mr. Morris’ various Youth America Grand Prix, Vail Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the productions with Mark Morris Dance International Dance Festival, and Stars, Logo’s Trailblazer Honors, and Group, including as a principal dancer galas in Budapest and Vienna, and The Today Show. Ms. Stamatiou has in John Adams’ Nixon in China at The originated featured roles by Judith also danced in the films Shake Rattle Metropolitan Opera. In addition, Mr. Jamison, Donald Byrd, Alonso King, & Roll and in Dan Pritzker’s Bolden. Segawa has assisted and worked Dwight Rhoden, Ronald K. Brown, Ms. Stamatiou was a member of Ailey closely with choreographer Jessica Mauro Bigonzetti, Jennifer Muller, ll and a guest artist for Dance Grand Lang since 1999. Mr. Segawa joined Karole Armitage, Lynn Taylor Corbett, Moultrie and Caroline Calouche & the Company in 2011. Rennie Harris, Christopher L. Huggins, Co. She is a certified Gyrotonic and and Azure Barton. She teaches master Gyrokinesis instructor and a mother GLENN ALLEN SIMS (Long Branch, classes worldwide and is a certified of two. Follow her on Instagram at NJ) began classical dance training Zena Rommett Floor-Barre instructor. constancestamatiou. Ms. Stamatiou at the Academy of Dance Arts in Ms. Sims joined the Company in 1996 first joined the Company in 2007 and Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and was and is currently the assistant to the rejoined in 2016. a scholarship student to The Ailey rehearsal director. School’s Summer Intensive. Mr. Sims JERMAINE TERRY (Washington, attended The Juilliard School under COURTNEY CELESTE SPEARS D.C.) began his dance training in Benjamin Harkarvy. In 2004 Mr. (Baltimore, MD) of Bahamian Kissimmee, Florida, at James Dance Sims was the youngest person to be descent, began formal training at the Center. He graduated cum laude inducted into the Long Branch High Baltimore School for the Arts under with a B.F.A. in dance performance School’s Distinguished Alumni Hall the direction of Norma Pera. She from the University of South Florida, of Fame. He has been featured on is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham where he received scholarships several network television programs, BFA Program, where she graduated for excellence in performance including BET Honors, Dancing with summa cum laude with degrees and choreography. Mr. Terry was the Stars, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, in dance and communications. a scholarship student at The Ailey and So You Think You Can Dance. Mr. Ms. Spears has attended summer School and a member of Ailey II, and Sims is a master teacher, certified intensives at The Juilliard School, he has performed with Buglisi Dance Zena Rommett Floor-Barre instructor, Cedar Lake, and American Ballet Theatre, Arch Dance, Dance Iquail, and certified pilates mat instructor. Theatre, where she was named the and Philadanco and as a guest artist He has performed as an international National Training Scholar for two on the television show So You Think guest artist for galas in Rome, Italy, consecutive years. She has performed You Can Dance. In 2013 he received and Mexico City, Mexico, as well as works by Ray Mercer, Jae Man Joo, the Distinguished Alumnus Award the White House Dance Series and Marcus Willis, Bridget Moore, and from USF for outstanding service to for the king of Morocco. Mr. Sims Dwight Rhoden. She was recognized the arts. He has made costumes for was featured on the cover of and on the cover of Howard Magazine as the Company, Ailey II, Philadanco, wrote a featured guest blog for Dance a “Rising Young Star” and received Jessica Lang Dance, and The Black Magazine. He has originated featured The Denise Jefferson Memorial Iris Project, to name a few. His roles by Carmen de Lavallade, Scholarship. Ms. Spears is the evening wear has been in Essence Judith Jamison, Lynn Taylor Corbett, recipient of a 2015 Dance Fellowship online as well as shot by the late Bill Mauro Bigonzetti, Rennie Harris, and from the Princess Grace Foundation- Cunningham for the style section of Ronald K. Brown. Mr. Sims joined the USA and is the founder and director The New York Times. Please follow Mr. Company in 1997. of ArtSea Dance, an outreach Terry on Instagram at Jerms83. Mr. program and dance management Terry joined the Company in 2010.

22 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ALVIN AILEY

FANA TESFAGIORGIS (Madison, WI) Paulette Mullings Bradnock Chris Theodore, Property Master is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham Tia Breakley-China Selena M. Campbell, Assistant BFA Program in Dance, with a minor Gunther T. Bright Company Manager in journalism. She began training at Robyn Coles Nicole A. Walters, Assistant Stage Ballet Madison under the direction Sela Thompson Collins Manager of Charmaine Ristow and attended Laura D. Corb Roya Abab, Associate Lighting Interlochen Arts Academy High Paul M. Donofrio Director School. Ms. Tesfagiorgis also trained at Rosalind Hudnell Jesse Dunham, Wardrobe Assistant summer and winter intensives at Earl Jaishri Kapoor Katie Chihaby, Wardrobe Assistant Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, Alonzo Anthony S. Kendall Jorge Lanuza, Flyman King LINES Ballet, and Lar Lubovitch Robert Kissane Henry Wilen, Assistant Electrician Dance Company. Professionally she Natasha Leibel Levine, M.D. Michael Windham, Production has danced with Ailey II, Brian Harlan Anthony A. Lewis Associate Brooks’ Continuum, Alenka Cizmesja’s Leslie L. Maheras Michelle Grazio, Production and Art DeConstructed, Dance Iquail, Lucinda C. Martinez Finance Associate Freddie Moore’s Footprints, and Doris Meister Donald J. Rose, M.D., Director of the Samuel Pott’s Nimbus Dance Works. Johnbull E. Okpara Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, Ms. Tesfagiorgis has been a rehearsal Stanley Plesent, Esq. Hospital for Joint Disease assistant for Hope Boykin, Earl Lata N. Reddy Shaw Bronner, Director of Physical Mosley, Pedro Ruiz, Matthew Rushing, Bennett Rink Therapy and Sylvia Waters. She joined the Richard Speciale Sheyi Ojofeitimi, Physical Therapist Company in 2013. Marc S. Strachan Joan H. Weill CHRISTOPHER R. WILSON (Augusta, Gillian Wynn TOURING CONTACTS GA) is a graduate of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and most Philip Laskawy, Stanley Plesent, Esq., North American Agent recently graduated cum laude from Joan H. Weill, Chairmen Emeriti OPUS 3 ARTISTS the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in Henry McGee, President Emeritus Tel: 212-584-7500 Dance. He has studied at Colton Ballet Gina F. Adams, Simin N. Allison, opus3artists.com School, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Anthony M. Carvette, and The School at Jacob’s Pillow. He Kathryn C. Chenault, Guido Goldman, International Agent began his professional career with Bruce S. Gordon, John H. Schaefer, ASKONAS HOLT LTD. BHdos, the second company of Ballet Lemar Swinney, Honorary Trustees Tel: +44-20-7400-1700 Hispánico and has performed at The askonasholt.co.uk World Monument Fund’s Hadrian ALVIN AILEY DANCE FOUNDATION Gala honoring Queen Sofía of Spain Recipient of the National Medal of Arts PRODUCTION CREDITS as well as the 2017 Essence Festival Bennett Rink – Executive Director Lighting system provided by 4Wall in New Orleans. He has performed Pamela Robinson – Chief Financial Entertainment. works by choreographers Matthew Officer Touring sound system provided by Rushing, Kyle Abraham, Emily Thomas Cott – Senior Director of Gibson Entertainment Services. Molnar, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Marketing and Creative Content Domestic trucking services provided and Eduardo Vilaro, to name a few. by Stage Call Corporation. He has performed as a guest artist ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE with The Black Iris Project and was THEATER Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater a member of Ailey II. Mr. Wilson Matthew Rushing, Rehearsal Director is a proud member of Dance/USA, joined the Company in 2018. Follow Linda Celeste Sims, Assistant to the the national service organization for his tour and dance adventures @ Rehearsal Director professional dance. christopher.r.wilson on Instagram. Dacquiri T’Shaun Smittick, Director of AILEY TOUR MERCHANDISE The Ailey dancers are supported, in Production Ailey Tour Merchandise and part, by Isabelle Mezin, Director of Company AileyShop.com are managed The Judith McDonough Kaminski Business Affairs by The Araca Group. AileyShop.com Dancer Endowment Fund. Gregory Stuart, Company Manager ALVIN AILEY DANCE FOUNDATION Joseph Anthony Gaito, Technical Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ● BOARD OF TRUSTEES Director The Joan Weill Center for Dance Daria L. Wallach, Chairman Kristin Colvin Young, Production Stage 405 West 55th Street, NY, NY 10019 Debra L. Lee, President Manager Tel: 212-405-9000 Stephen J. Meringoff, Al Crawford, Lighting Director AlvinAiley.org Arthur J. Mirante II, Vice-Chairmen Jon Taylor, Wardrobe Supervisor facebook.com/ DJ Adderley, Master Carpenter AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater ● Eleanor S. Applewhaite Marq Gonzalez, Master Electrician Instagram: @alvinailey Robert Battle Russell J. Cowans IV, Sound Engineer

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 23 ALVIN AILEY Alvin Ailey: A Cultural Icon Marks its 60th Anniversary BY ERICA HOBBS

lvin Ailey American Dance cultural experience through modern relations. In 2008, a U.S. Congressional Theater, a favorite among dance. resolution designated the company as Alocal audiences, has been Though Ailey himself “a vital American cultural ambassador performing regularly at the Detroit choreographed nearly 80 works to the world.” Opera House since Michigan Opera for his company, more than 90 Bernstein-Siegel said the Theatre’s second dance series in 1998. choreographers have contributed company’s global appeal is its In addition to being their 12th visit to its repertory, which now includes exploration of humanity, beyond the to the Opera House, this season the more than 235 works. African-American experience. company marks its 60th anniversary, “Alvin Ailey started the company “Anybody who felt enslaved or celebrating a history of pushing to provide a place for his friends under somebody else’s thumb can boundaries, defining modern dance to dance, but it was always a relate to that feeling,” she said. “They and inspiring personal reflection. repertory company,” Bernstein- were Ambassadors for America trying Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1958, Siegel said. “He was always bringing to be better, that we were trying to the company’s work celebrates in white choreographers and brown understand and be better human the uniqueness of the African- choreographers, it wasn’t just his beings through dance.” American cultural experience and the stuff. It transcends boundaries, it’s just As part of their 60th anniversary preservation and enrichment of the about human beings dancing.” tour, the company commissioned their American modern dance heritage. Within the United States, Alvin first two-act ballet, Lazarus, which From works championing Civil Rights, Ailey’s accolades have reached far celebrates the life of their founder like R-evolution, Dream, inspired by and wide. The founder received with a work inspired by his own speeches from Martin Luther King a Presidential Medal of Freedom experiences. It examines Civil Rights Jr., to an ode to Southern gospel and the Kennedy Center Honor for through time and questions how much churches in Revelations, Alvin Ailey Lifetime Contribution to American has changed or hasn’t changed since both explores African-American Culture. He also received the NAACP’s Ailey formed his company in the late experiences and shares the culture Spingarn Award for an outstanding 50s. It is the third in a series of works with the larger world. achievement by an African-American by acclaimed hip-hop choreographer “These are really honest and the Samuel H. Scripps explorations of Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Festival experience as a black person in this Award for a lifetime country,” said Debra Bernstein- contribution to American Siegel, a dance professor at Oakland modern dance. University and an MOT Trustee, “the Internationally, the good, the bad and the ugly.” company has been an Born in rural Texas in 1931, Ailey American ambassador grew up in poverty during a period since its earliest years. of intense racial segregation and In 1962, Alvin Ailey violence against African-Americans, was chosen to go on experiences that would later be an extensive tour of reflected in his creative work. His the Far East, Southeast mother moved them to Los Angeles Asia and Australia as when he was 12, where he was part of President John F. introduced to dance. He studied Kennedy’s progressive and performed with Lester Horton, “President’s Special International Rennie Harris, following Home, about founder of one of the first racially- Program for Cultural Presentations.” the club culture around AIDS, and integrated dance companies in the Since then, the company has taken Exodus, about police brutality and United States, where he trained in numerous tours across the world, activism. styles ranging from classical ballet to including a 10 country tour of Africa In an interview with the New York Native American Dance. Following in 1967 and a tour of North Africa Times, Harris said Lazarus is about Horton’s death in 1953, Ailey took and Europe in 1970. In 1985, Alvin resurrection and Ailey’s continual over the company and began Ailey became the first modern influence on different generations. choreographing his own works. dance company to go on a U.S. “He’s still affecting folk: black, When he founded his own company government-sponsored tour of the brown, white, indifferent, whatever,” five years later, he had a vision of People’s Republic of China since he said. “He’s still affecting the world preserving the African-American the normalization of Sino-American on a massive scale.”

24 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Administration & Staff

Wayne S. Brown MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO SAFETY AND SECURITY President and Chief Executive Officer Tessa Hartle, Studio Principal Coach/ Darrin Cato, Stage Door Officer Accompanist A.M. Hightower, Control Center Officer Stephen Lord Michael Day, Tenor Lt. Lorraine Monroe, Supervisor Principal Conductor Cheyanne Coss, Soprano Demetrius Newbold, Control Center Officer Harry Greenleaf, Baritone Katherine DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano DETROIT OPERA HOUSE David DiChiera (In Memoriam) Allen Michael Jones, Bass PARKING CENTER Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Bolden, Event Supervisor for Parking TOURING ARTISTS OF COMMUNITY Robert Neil, Manager PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS Sopranos: Clodagh Earls, Nicole Joseph, Richard Leech, Director of Resident Artist PRODUCTION Mary Martin Programs Mezzo-Sopranos: Olivia Johnson, Rock Monroe, Director of Safety and Security, ADMINISTRATION Mimi Lanseur, Diane Schoff DOH and DOHPC Elizabeth Anderson, Production Coordinator Tenors: Mark Istratie, Joseph Leppek, John O’Dell, Director of Marketing and Artistic Administrator Sasha Noori David W. Osborne, Director of Production Kathleen Bennett, Production Administrator Baritones: Branden C.S. Hood, Frankie Piccirilli, Chief Development Officer Ken Saltzman, Stage Manager Matt Konopacki, Paolo Pacheco Andrea Scobie, Director of Education Nan Luchini, Hailli Ridsdale, Assistant Stage Pianists: Joseph Jackson, Alvin Waddles Patricia Walker, Chief Administrative Officer Managers Arthur White, Director of External Affairs MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE MUSIC ADMINISTRATION CHILDREN’S CHORUS STAFF Suzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Music William Austin, Executive Assistant Suzanne Mallare Acton, Director Director and Chorus Master Timothy Lentz, Archivist and Director, Dianna Hochella, Assistant Director, Principal Molly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel Manager Allesee Dance and Opera Resource Library Chorus Conductor Jean Posekany, Orchestra Librarian Bryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Allesee Dance Jane Panikkar, Preparatory Chorus Jean Schneider, Repetiteur and Opera Resource Library Conductor Twannette Nash, Chorus Administrator TECHNICAL AND DESIGN STAFF PATRON SERVICES Joseph Jackson, Principal Chorus Daniel T. Brinker, Technical Director Development Accompanist Monika Essen, Property Master and Scenic Hilary Blevins, Manager of Foundations Maria Cimarelli, Preparatory Chorus Artist Christy Gray, Development Administrator Accompanist Heather DeFauw, Assistant Lighting Designer Colin Knapp, Manager of Donor Engagement Rachel Kret, Intern and Assistant Technical Director Assia Likomanov, Director of Corporate Kevin Neuman, Assistant Technical Director Relations and Special Events COMPUTER SERVICES Dee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator Sonya Thompson, Development Resource Chris Farr, Network Administrator Shane O’Connor, Technical Assistant Coordinator John Grigaitis, Information Technology Rachel Wright, Development Coordinator Manager COSTUMES Suzanne M Hanna, Costume Director Marketing/Public Relations DANCE Rosemarie Di Rita, Wardrobe Mistress Mitchell Carter, Website Coordinator Kim Smith, Dance Coordinator Susan A. Fox, First Hand Crystal Ceo, Account Executive, Real Maureen Abele, Margaret Bronder, Integrated Advertising FINANCE Mary Ellen Shuffett, Patricia Sova, Stitchers John Grigaitis, Photographer James Andrews, Controller Michael Hauser, Marketing Manager Kimberley Burgess, Rita Winters, MAKEUP AND HAIR Erica Hobbs, Communications Manager Accountants Elizabeth Geck, Assistant Wig and Makeup Laura R. Nealssohn, Communications Designer Consultant DETROIT OPERA HOUSE Giulia Bernardini, Corene Bridges, Erika Jon Rosemond, Group Sales Associate HOUSE MANAGEMENT Broderdorf, Kristine Clifton-Higgins, Shannon Kozlowski, Kacilee Legato, Ticket Office Randy Elliott, House Manager Cedasha Randolph, Paige Parks, Erin Tunisia Brown, Patron Services Associate, Puffpaff, Briana Robins, Schannon Ticketing Manager FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Schoenberg, Denitra Townsend, Carol Evan Carr, Keontay Carter and Jon Johnny Benavides, Building Engineer Taylor, Makhia Walker, Dayna Winalis, Sierra Rosemond, Patron Services Associate, Jesse Carter, Senior Building Engineer Wingerter, Jessica Wood Ticketing Dennis Wells, Facilities Manager David Bradley, Building Maintenance EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STAGE CREW PROGRAMS CATERING AND SPECIAL EVENTS John Kinsora, Head Carpenter Mark Vondrak, Associate Director of Holly Clement, Events Manager Frederick Graham, Jr., Head Electrician Community Programs Kate Mahanic, Associate Director of Sales, Pat McGee, Head Propertyman Detroit Opera House Chris Baker, Head of Sound Tiiko Reese-Douglas, Events Assistant Mary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe Robert Martin, Head Flyman Gary Gilmore, Production Electrician

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

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 25 Michigan Opera Theatre Donor Honor Roll Michigan 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.

$10,000,000 and above Ford Motor Company Fund $7,500,000 and above $5,000,000 and above General Motors Foundation Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs The Kresge Foundation

$2,000,000 and above Mr.† & Mrs. Douglas Allison William Davidson Foundation McGregor Fund Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel The Skillman Foundation Community Foundation John S. and James L. Knight Foundation The State of Michigan for Southeast Michigan Lear Corporation Mr. & Mrs. R. Jamison Williams

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

$1,000,000 and above Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee DTE Energy Foundation Mrs. Linda Dresner Levy Mr.† & Mrs. Eugene Applebaum Mrs. Margo Cohen Feinberg & Mr. Edward Levy, Jr. AT&T & Mr. Robert Feinberg JPMorgan Chase Bank of America Mrs. Barbara Frankel Masco Corporation & Mr. Ronald Michalak National Endowment for the Arts Mandell & Madeleine Berman † Foundation Samuel & Jean Frankel Mrs. Sam Williams Mr. & Mrs. John A. Boll, Sr. Hudson-Webber Foundation Matilda R. Wilson Fund Covisint Mrs. Danialle & Mr. Peter Karmanos Contributors to Michigan Opera Theatre Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose annual cumulative contributions were made between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Their generosity is vital to the company’s financial stability, which is necessary to sustain MOT’s position as a valued cultural resource.

FOUNDATION, CORPORATE, $25,000 - $49,999 $5,000 - $9,999 Detroit Zoological Society & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT John S. & James L. Knight AVL Michigan Holding Corporation Grand Circus Park Development Foundation DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital Assoc. $500,000+ Community Foundation for Ralph L. & Winifred E. Polk Midtown Mansion LLC United Jewish Foundation Southeast Michigan Foundation Keith Elementary School PNC Bank Henry E. & Consuelo Wenger Ilitch Holdings, Inc. $250,000+ National Endowment for the Arts Foundation Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Lear Corporation Worthington Family Foundation The Samuel L. Westerman Sigmund & Sophie Rohlik Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher MGM Grand Detroit Foundation Foundation Foundation Masco Corporation Foundation The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation Lee & Maxine Peck Foundation Mandell L. & Madeleine H. Berman Matilda R. Wilson Fund Louis & Nellie Sieg Fund 4th Wall Theatre Company Foundation World Heritage Foundation John A. & Marlene Boll Foundation Autoliv The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC $100,000+ Foundation $1,000 - $4,999 Detroit Edison Public School Ford Motor Company Fund Centiero Corporation Academy McGregor Fund $10,000 - $24,999 Detroit Rotary Foundation William Davidson Foundation The Dolores & Paul Lavins Hudson-Webber Foundation Young Woman’s Home Association The Wetsman Foundation Foundation The Rattner & Katz Charitable Arts Midwest Gulf Coast Community Foundation General Motors Corporation Foundation Grosse Pointe War Memorial Esther & George Jaruga Charitable AbbVie, Inc. Vanguard Charitable Foundation $50,000 - $99,999 Michigan Humanities Council Josephine Kleiner Foundation The Kresge Foundation Allen Harold Abramson Trust Northern Trust Bank Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Real Integrated James & Lynelle Holden Fund Affairs Fifth Generation, Inc. Detroit Industrial School Penske Corporation The Gilmour-Jirgens Fund J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund

26 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org † Deceased Michigan Opera Theatre INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Freeman Mr. James Rose Jr Mr. & Mrs. Eugene W. Blanchard Dr. Glendon M. Gardner Mr. Alan E. Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Bowerman $100,000+ Mr. Allan D. Gilmour Mr. & Mrs. Mark Shaevsky Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Bright Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel & Mr. Eric Jirgens Mrs. Arlene C. Shaler Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Brown Jr Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos Mrs. Lori Goldman Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sonye Mr. & Mrs. David Camp Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lavins Mr. Robert Hage Mrs. Anne Stricker Mr. & Mrs. Brian C. Campbell Mr. Edward Levy, Jr. Dr. Devon Hoover Mr. Ronald F. Switzer Mr. & Mrs. Philip Campbell & Mrs. Linda Dresner Levy Mr. & Mrs. Addison Igleheart Mr. & Mrs. Joel D. Tauber Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Simoncini Mr. & Mrs. Kent J. Jidov Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Terrell Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Cornelsen Mr. Anthony L. Soave Mrs. Ellen Kahn Dr. Lorna Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Corrigan Mr. Richard A. Sonenklar Ms. Shelly Kasprzycki Mr. Norman Thorpe Mrs. Patricia Cosgrove & Mr. Gregory Haynes Mr. & Mrs. John D. Lewis Mr. & Mrs. John P. Tierney Ms. Maryann S. Cromwell Mr. & Mrs. R. Jamison Williams Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lutz Mr. Al Timm Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson Mr. Donald Manvel Mr. Herman W. Weinreich Mr. Anthony Delsener $50,000 - $99,999 Ms. Mary C. Mazure Mr. & Mrs. Eric H. Winter Mr. Cameron B. Duncan Hon. & Mrs. Avern L. Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Xavier Mosquet Drs. Dana Zakalik & John Weber Mr. George Evans Ms. Joanne Danto Mr. & Mrs. James B. Nicholson Mrs. Mary Lou Zieve Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Ewing & Dr. Arnold Weingarden Mr. Jonathan Orser Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd C. Fell Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel Dr. Charlotte $2,500 - $2,999 Mr. John Fleming Mr. & Mrs. William H. Powers Jr & Mr. Charles Podowski Dr. & Mrs. J.E. Austin Mr. James Forbes Mr. Stephen R. Polk Ms. Debra Bernstein-Siegel Dr. Yvonne Friday $20,000 - $49,999 Prof. Sara A. Pozzi Ph. D Ms. Carolyn M. Blackmore & Mr. Stephen Black Mr. & Mrs. Richard Alonzo Mr. & Mrs. Jon Rimanelli & Dr. Nicholas C. Bell Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Garcia Mr. John M. Chase, Jr. Mrs. Carolyn L. Ross Mr. Jim Bonahoom Mr. Thomas M. Gervasi Mrs. Gloria A. Clark Mr. Ankur Rungta Mr. Charles D. Bullock Mr. Lawrence Glowczewski Dr. David DiChiera & Ms. Mayssoun Bydon Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Carson Ms. Janet Groening Marsh Mr. & Mrs. Carl B. Fontana Mrs. Barbara Saperstein Mr. & Mrs. Paolo Cavallari Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Haberman Mrs. Barbara Frankel Dr. Gregory Stephens Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D’Avanzo Ms. Nancy B. Henk & Mr. Ronald Michalak Mrs. Dorothy Alice Tomei Mr. & Mrs. Walter K. Dean Mrs. Fay B. Herman Mr. David M. Hempstead, Jr Dr. & Mrs. Stanley H. Waldon Ms. Carolyn Demps Mrs. Doreen B. Hermelin Marvin, Betty and Joanne Danto Dance Endowment & Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation Mr. John Jesser Ms. Virginia Webster-Smith Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Feldman Mr. Daniel Howes Mr. Alphonse S. Lucarelli Mr. Bret Williams Mr. & Mrs. Robert Z. Feldstein & Ms. Margarite Fourcroy Mrs. Susanne McMillan Mr. Charles L. Wilson, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Robert Folberg Mr. & Mrs. William C. Hufford Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky Dr. & Mrs. Ned Winkelman Dr. & Mrs. Clifford Furgison Ms. Dawn Imesch Mr. Gary L. Nielsen Dr. Lucia Zamorano Mr. & Mrs. Keith E. Gifford Mr. & Mrs. Alan Israel Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Mr. & Mrs. Tom Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Jessup Mr. & Mrs. Roy S. Roberts $3,000 - $4,999 Dr. Judie R. Goodman Mr. David Kinsella & Mrs. Joyce Urba Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Toppin Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee Mr. & Mrs. David Handleman Dr. & Mrs. Edward Klarman Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Venegas Dr. Harold M. Arrington Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein Miss Aleksandra Krsteva Mr. & Mrs. James M. Balcerski Mr. & Mrs. Norman D. Katz Mr. & Mrs. Al LaCroix $10,000 - $19,999 Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bingham Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Klein Mr. & Mrs. Chak Lai Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Mr. & Mrs. G. Peter Blom Dr. Mark Kolins Dr. & Mrs. Stephan J. Loginsky Ms. Susan Bartush-Cugliari Mr. Gene Bowen & Ms. Maria B. Abrahamsen Mr. Stephen H. Lord Mr. Wayne S. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Bob Brasie Mr. Gale Kramer Mr. John Lovegren & Ms. Brenda Kee Dr. Lynne Carter Ms. Mary Kramer & Mr. Daniel Isenschmid Mr. Kevin Dennis Ms. Joanne Clark Mr. & Mrs. Andrew S. Levin Ms. Lea Luger & Mr. Jeremy Seltzer Dr. Mary Carol Conroy Mr. Daniel T. Lis Ms. Denise Lutz Ms. Margo Cohen Feinberg Drs. Laura & Jeffrey Corrigan Ms. Carol Lytle Mr. & Mrs. Steven Marlette & Mr. Robert Feinberg Mrs. Virginia Curatolo Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Mancuso Hon. & Mrs. George G. Matish Mrs. Elaine Fontana Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. David Ms. Florine Mark Mr. & Mrs. John L. Mayer Mr. & Mrs. Dean Friedman Ms. Christy Dickinson Ms. Kate Levin Markel Ms. Mary McGough Mr. & Mrs. Richard Goetz Mr. & Mrs. Josh Eichenhorn Mr. Benjamin Meeker Ms. Patricia A. McKanna Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kratchman Mr. Michael Einheuser & Dr. Meredith L. Korneffel Ms. Evelyn Micheletti Mr. Cyril Moscow Mrs. Betty J. Fisher Jr Dr. Lisa Meils Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Miller Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ragheb Dr. & Mrs. Saul Forman Mrs. L. William Moll Ms. Faye Alexander Nelson Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Burke Fossee Dr. & Mrs. Van C. Momon, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Walter Newgeon Mr. William H. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Giancamilli Ms. Lynn Moody Mr. David W. Osborne Mr. David C. Stone Dr. Raina M. Ernstoff Hansell Mrs. Barbara Nickles & Ms. Suzanne Mallare Acton Mr. Richard D. Ventura & Mr. Sanford Hansell Mr. Daniel J. Pienta Ms. Anne Parsons Mr. & Mrs. Paul C. Hillegonds Mrs. Concetta V. Ross Mr. & Mrs. Mark Peterson $5,000 - $9,999 Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Dr. & Mrs. Hershel Sandberg Miss Alma M. Petrini Ms. Denise Allen Mr. William Hulsker Dr. Barbara & Mr. Laurence Schiff Mr. Richard A. Polk Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Ammann Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley Sears Dr. & Mrs. Lori Rapp Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Anderson Ms. Ida King Ms. Susan Sills-Levey Mr. & Mrs. Rip Rapson Ms. Paula Autry Ms. Mary B. Letts & Mr. Michael Levey Dr. Monique Reeves Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Baun Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Liebler Mrs. Lila Silverman Ms. Cheryl Reynolds Mr. & Mrs. Paul Blizman Mr. Loreto A. Manzo Ms. Mary Anne Stella Mr. James Rodgers & Mrs. Kathleen Mrs. Betty Bright Hon. Jack Martin Mr. David P. Sutherland Brozowski-Rodgers Mr. Robert Brown & Ms. Bettye Arrington-Martin Dr. Jeffrey V. Tranchida Mr. & Mrs. George Roumell, Jr. & Mrs. Geraldine Ford-Brown Mr. & Mrs. Phillip D. Minch & Mr. Noel Baril Mr. & Mrs. William Sandy Mrs. Ilse Calcagno Mr. & Mrs. Donald Morelock Dr. Margaret Winters Ms. Debbe Saperstein Ms. Christina Carroll Mr. & Mrs. Allan Nachman Mr. & Mrs. Ed Schulak Mr. & Mrs. James Ciroli Ms. Juliette Okotie-Eboh, Ph.D. $1,000 - $2,499 Mr. Gary Schwarcz Mr. Thomas Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Peter B. Oleksiak Ms. Nina Abrams Mrs. Rosalind Sell Ms. Julia Donovan Darlow Mr. & Mrs. Graham A Orley Dr. & Mrs. Joshua Adler Mrs. Cynthia B. Shaw & Hon. John C. O’Meara Drs. Caroline & Wallace Peace Drs. Ali & Hannan Alhimiri & Mr. Tom Kirvan Mr. Mark Davidoff Ms. Susan Peslar Ms. Deborah L. Anthony Mr. Terry Shea Mr. Douglass Mr. & Mrs. Brock E. Plumb Mrs. Chacona Baugh Ms. Martha Gibiser Shea & Dr. Shauna Ryder Diggs Mr. & Mrs. W. James Prowse Mrs. Kelley Beck Mr. & Mrs. Michael Smith Mr. Peter A. Dow Mr. Wade Rakes II Mrs. Cecilia Benner Ms. Christie Song Mrs. Marianne Endicott Mr. Kenneth Robinson Mr. Stanislaw Bialoglowski Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Stahl Dr. Marjorie M. Fisher & Mrs. Marcia Gershenson Mr. & Mrs. Maurice S. Binkow Ms. Tiffany Stano

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 27 Mr. Scott E. Stinebaugh Ms. Ruth U. Hansen Mr. & Mrs. Tony Ventimiglia In memory of Michael F. Machi Ms. Cathy L. Talifer Ms. Gerri Harmer Mr. & Mrs. Karl P. Walby Ms. Andrea Bercich Mr. & Mrs. Robert Taubman Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey K. Haynes Prof. Michael Wellman Dr. Gretchen M. Thams Ms. Barbara Heller Mr. Jay F. Williams In memory of Sandy Short Mr. & Mrs. Gerrit Vreeken Mr. Paul Hogle Mr. Eric Winter Charles & Diana Edwards Mr. William Waak Mr. Paul Horn Ms. Nicole Withers Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Wagner Mr. & Mrs. Mario Iacobelli Mrs. Cathy C. Wood In memory of Christine Mrs. Fern Walch Ms. Connie Wineman Jacob Mr. David D. Woodard Strumbos Mr. Gary L. Wasserman Ms. Karin Johnson Ms. Kathryn Woodyard Ms. Sarah Deson & Mr. Charles A. Kashner Mr. Raynard Jones Ms. Cindy P. Frenkel Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Way Dr. Anthony Kales IN TRIBUTE Mr. & Mrs. William Wetsman Mr. William P. Kelly In memory of Robert Sweeten Mr. & Mrs. William Wetsman Mr. & Mrs. Eric Kerr In memory of Dr. Stewart G. Ms. Medina M Topalian Mr. & Mrs. John A Wise, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kesler Delbert & Dr. Eldora C. Delbert Mr. Gary Wozniak Mr. & Mrs. Justin Klimko Mr. Robert Delbert In memory of Frank Tarzia Mr. & Mrs. David J. Zmyslowski Mr. Gregory Knas Linda Bischak Etter Mr. Robert C. Koch In memory of David Denn Bill & Susan Scott $750 - $999 Mr. James C. Kors James H & Constance Wineman Mr. & Mrs. Frank Brzenk & Ms. Victoria J. King Family Philanthropic Fund, Connie In honor of Beth Kirton Mr. Daniel Greenberg Mrs. Barbara Levin Wineman Jacob PEO Chapter X Mr. Stephen Hodge Mr. & Mrs. William D. Lockwood Mrs. Rebecca L. Kennedy Mr. Peter M. Lundberg In memory of Phyllis In honor of Barbara Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Kleiman Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Mattison Hefflefinger Kratchman’s birthday Mrs. Meria Larson Ms. Ewa Matuszewski Stephen & Lynn Franko Joshua & Marjorie Yaker Ms. Margaret MacTavish Mr. & Mrs. Patrick G. McKeever Mr. Jeffrey D. Marraccini Mr. & Mrs. James McLennan In memory of Lois Jones Mr. & Mrs. George Nicholson, III Mr. & Mrs. Brian Meer Andrew & Eleanora Soves Dr. Stephen W. Ragsdale Mrs. Sally B. Mikat Mr. Zon Shumway Mrs. Stephanie Miltimore Mr. & Mrs. Allan Stillwagon Ms. Barbara Mitchell Mr. David Wash Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Moroun Dr. & Mrs. Christopher D. Wilhelm Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Moss Drs. Stephen & Barbara Munk $500 - $749 Dr. Brian Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Michael Alberts & Mrs. Toni Sanchez-Murphy Michigan Opera Theatre Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Alioto Dr. Iuliana Niculescu Mr. & Mrs. James W. Allen Ms. Lois Norman Mrs. Melanie I. Ameloot Mr. Ronald Northrup Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Anthony IV Mr. & Mrs. William E. Ohlsson Jr Mr. Theodore J. St. Antoine Ms. Linda Orlans Mr. & Mrs. Robert Appel Mr. & Mrs. David K. Page B R AVO Hon. Dennis Archer Mrs. Jennifer L. Pajak & Hon. Trudy Duncombe Archer Ms. Margot Parker MAGAZINE Mr. & Mrs. Rick Armstrong Drs. Taft & Sherida Parsons Ms. Geraldine Atkinson Ms. Haryani Permana Ms. Neveen F. Awad Mrs. Margo Pickl Ms. Allison Bach Dr. & Mrs. Peter J. Polidori Mrs. Jennifer L. Barber Mr. Garrod S. Post Mr. & Mrs. Nigel Beaton & Mr. Robert A. Hill REACH METRO Ms. Carol Bedient Mrs. Janet Pounds Mr. & Mrs. William Betz Esq Mr. Dale Price DETROIT’S BEST Ms. Kanta Bhambhani Mr. & Mrs. Morton Raban Ms. Barbara A. Blanock Ms. Paula Rausch Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Mr. Dennis C. Regan AUDIENCE! Mrs. Renee D. Bradley & Miss Ellen M. Strand Mr. Keith Brunini Mr. & Mrs. William Remer Ms. Susan Cameron Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin D. Rhodes Dr. Marlene S. Chavis Mr. & Mrs. David Richards Mr. & Mrs. Brandt Crutcher Ms. Diane Riding Reserve your space in Mrs. Abha Dearing Mr. Bernardo A. Rojas Dr. A. L. DiLorenzo Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rooney Bravo magazine now Dr. Donald Ditmars Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. Rose Ms. Mary J. Doerr Mrs. Alexander Rota for the 2019-2020 season Ms. Tiffany Douglas Mr. & Mrs. Barry Safir at the Detroit Opera House Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Driker Ms. Amy Sauve Mr. & Mrs. Vijay H. D’Souza Dr. Karen L. Saxton Mr. Alex Erdeljan & Mr. Wade Gora Dr. Fern R. Espino & Mr. Tom Short Mrs. Claus Schaefer Mr. Charles Ferrell Mr. & Mrs. Morton L. Scholnick Dr. Julie B. Finn Mrs. Helen T. Slater & Dr. Bradley Rowens Ms. Beth Smith Mr. Michael Flores Dr. Terry Smith-Glaser Mr. & Mrs. Daniel M. Fox Mr. & Mrs. Dante Stella Ms. Catherine C. French Dr. Mildred Ponder Stennis Ms. Sharlene F. Gage Mr. Nicholas Stubblefield Mrs. Nicole Gainey Mr. & Mrs. Lee Tavoularis Dr. & Mrs. Byron P. Georgeson Ms. Amanda M. Teeter Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gilmore Mr. & Mrs. Andre D. Tenner echopublications.com Mr. & Mrs. William R. Goudie Mr. & Mrs. Horace Tiggs, IV Ms. Giacinta A. Gualtieri Mr. & Mrs. Paul Tomboulian or call (248) 582-9690 Dr. Bradley S. Haas, MD Mr. Patrick Tortora Dr. Jamie Hall Mr. John M. Toth

28 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 † Deceased www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre AVANTI SOCIETY Ensuring the Future Imagine a gift that outlives you, allowing future generations Avanti Society Members are Invited: to experience and enjoy the world of opera and dance. That’s To an exclusive annual Avanti Society event, previews and the goal of the Avanti Society, Michigan Opera Theatre’s other special events. Michigan Opera Theatre is honored that Planned Gift Recognition Program. so many patrons have chosen to declare their membership in the Avanti Society and designed a small lapel pin for The Italian word “avanti” means “ahead,” or “forward.” The members to wear proudly at Michigan Opera Theatre events. Avanti Society at Michigan Opera Theatre represents a designated group of friends of Michigan Opera Theatre AN AVANTI FOR TOMORROW who have made plans to include the organization in their The growth of Michigan Opera Theatre’s permanent estate plans — whether by will, trust, insurance, or life income Endowment Fund ensures the growth and future vitality of arrangement. Membership in the Avanti Society is open to all. one of the region’s greatest cultural assets. You are invited to create your own legacy — your Avanti — through Michigan In thanks for their generous support, Avanti Society Opera Theatre. members are given special benefits and recognition for their heartfelt commitment to Michigan Opera Theatre. To make your gift, contact Frankie M. Piccirilli, Chief Development Officer, at 313.237.3238 Avanti Society Members are Recognized: or [email protected]. In “Bravo” opera and dance program books and the Annual Report.

AVANTI SOCIETY MEMBERS In recognition of their foresight and commitment, Michigan Opera Theatre profoundly thanks and recognizes the membership of the Avanti Society.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee # Dr. & Mrs. Charles H. Duncan* † Mr. John Jickling Mrs. Frank C. Shaler* Mr.† and Mrs. Doug Allison Mrs. Charles M. Endicott* # Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klein# Mr. Stephan Sharf † Mrs. Adel Amerman* # + Mr. & Mrs. Herb Fisher* Mrs. Josephine Kleiner † Ms. Laura Sias Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya* Mrs. Anne E. Ford † Mr. & Mrs. Erwin H. Klopfer* # Mr. & Mrs. Harold Siebert Mr. & Mrs. Agustin Arbulu* Ms. Pamela R. Francis*† Mr.† & Mrs. Daniel Kolton Mrs. Marge Slezak Mr.† & Mrs. Chester Arnold* Ms. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Misses Phyllis & Selma Korn*† Dr. Anne Sullivan Smith Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Michalak* # Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krolikowski* Ms. Phyllis Funk Snow* Mr. & Mrs. J. Addison Bartush*#† Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel* # Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex Dotson Mr. † & Mrs. Richard Starkweather*#+ Mr. & Mrs. Brett Batterson* Mrs. Rema Frankel* # † Mr. Philip Leon † Mr. Stanford C. Stoddard Mr.† & Mrs. Mandell Berman Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Freeman Mr. Stephen H. Lord Dr. Jonathan Swift † Mr.† & Mrs. Art Blair* Mrs. Jane Shoemaker French Ms. Jane McKee* & Mr. Thomas A. St. Charles* Mr. Robert Bomier Dr. & Mrs. Byron P. Georgeson* Drs. Orlando & Dorothy Miller* Mr. Ronald F. Switzer* Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Priscilla R. Greenberg, Ph.D.* # Ms. Monica Moffat Mr. Edward D. Tusset* Mr.† & Mrs. Roy E. Calcagno* Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hagopian & Mr. Pat McGuire Mr. † & Mrs. George Vincent*#+ Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Carson Mr. Lawrence W. Hall* Demetra & Theodore Monolidis† Mrs. Susan Weidinger Dr.† & Mrs. Victor J. Cervenak* Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Halperin* Drs. Stephen & Barbara Munk Mr. Herman Weinreich Mr. Daniel Kolton Ms. Heather Hamilton Miss Surayyah Muwwakkil Mrs. Amelia H. Wilhelm* # & Ms. Mary Christner Mrs. Charlene Handleman Mr. Jonathan F. Orser Mr. & Mrs. Walter P. Work* Miss Halla Claffey † Mr. Kenneth E. Hart* Ms. Julie A. Owens Mr. & Mrs. Larry Zangerle Ms. Kathy Coburn Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Hartwig* Mr. Dale J. Pangonis* Mr. & Mrs. George M. Zeltzer* † Prof. Kenneth Collinson Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Parkhill Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Comstock# † Ms. Nancy B. Henk Mr. Richard M. Raisin* Avanti Logo & Pin Design Dr. Robert A. Cornette* # Mrs. Fay Herman Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner* # Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat Dr. Cindy Hung & Mr. Jeremy Crites Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Ms. Deborah Remer McGuire Mrs. Mary Rita Cuddohy † Mr. Andrew Howell Dr. Joshua Rest Ms. Mattie Cunningham † Ms. Carol Howell Mr. & Mrs. James Rigby* Keys: Mr.† & Mrs. Tarik Daoud* # Dr. Cindy Hung* Mr. Bryan L. Rives * Founding Members Mr. & Mrs. Marvin I. Danto † Drs. Heidi & Dale Jacobs Ms. Patricia Rodzik* # Touch the Future donors Mr. Thomas J. Delaney Ms. Kristin Jaramillo* Ms. Joanne B. Rooney † + Avanti Society Sponsors Dr. David DiChiera # † Mr. Don Jensen & Mr. Leo Dovelle Mr.† & Mrs. Giles L. Ross † in Italics = deceased members Mrs. Karen V. DiChiera* # Mr. John Jesser † Aphrodite & George Roumell Mr. & Mrs. Walter Dissett Mr. Patrick J.† & Mrs. Stephanie Ms. Susan Schooner* Membership as of August 2018 Ms. Mary Jane Doerr # Germack Kerzic Drs. Heinz & Alice Platt Schwarz*

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 29 Historic Path to a Bold Future The 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 31, 2018, more than $25.7 million has been committed.

$1 Million and above $100,000 - $249,999 Sarah and Doug† Allison AVL — Don Manvel William Davidson Foundation Avern Cohn, Lois Pincus and Thomas Cohn Ford Motor Company Mary Rita Cuddohy† Danialle and Peter Karmanos Gretchen and Ethan Davidson John S. and James L. Knight Foundation DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Lear Corporation Barbara Frankel and Ronald Michalak Linda Dresner Levy and Edward Levy, Jr. Alphonse Lucarelli The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Ali Moiin and William Kupsky Ruth F. Rattner $500,000 - $999,999 Maureen and Roy Roberts Floy and Lee Barthel Mona and Matthew Simoncini Sharon and Herman Frankel Anthony Soave Karen and R. Jamison Williams $50,000 - $99,999 $250,000 - $499,999 Elizabeth and James Ciroli Joanne Danto and Arnold Weingarden Gloria Clark Marvin and Betty Danto Foundation Cameron Duncan Ann E. Ford† Michael Einheuser Rema Frankel† Aviva and Dean Friedman Richard Sonenklar and Gregory Haynes 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

30 BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre General Information

PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING & COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES Photography or recording during any performance is strictly prohibited. You are welcome to take photographs in the lobby before or after a performance and during intermission. As a VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION courtesy to our guests, please switch all electronic devices to silent mode and refrain from using them during the performance.

Greetings from the MOT Volunteer Association. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Doctors and parents are advised to leave their seat location (located on ticket) and our emergency number, (313) 237-3257, I have been a music lover for many years and with their service or sitter in case of an emergency. Please Michigan Opera Theatre is very important to me. observe the lighted exit signs located throughout the theater. Our MOTVA volunteers provide the company a In the event of an emergency, please remain calm and walk – tremendous level of support. We have over 700 do not run – to the nearest exit. Our ushers are trained to lead members who serve as ushers, tour guides, and you out of the building safely. A trained Emergency Medical Boutique volunteers. Our Divas and Divos provide Technician (EMT) is onsite during most events. Please see an artist hospitality, and the Opera League and Dance usher or staff member to contact the EMT. Council members host parties to celebrate events RESTROOMS such as opening night performances. Last year our Ladies’ restrooms are located off the Ford Lobby (Broadway members logged almost 20,000 volunteer hours. Street entrance), down the stairs; and on the third floor (Madison Bravi! Street entrance) – press “3R” on the elevator to reach this facility. Gentlemen’s restrooms are located under the Grand Staircase If you are hearing about our and also on the third floor (Broadway Street side) – press “3” on volunteer programs for the first the elevator to reach this facility. All third floor restrooms are time and you would be interested wheelchair accessible. A unisex, wheelchair accessible restroom is located in the Cadillac Opera Café. in joining us, please give us a call. Volunteering is a great way NO SMOKING to meet other interesting and The Detroit Opera House is a smoke-free facility. involved patrons. Membership information is located on USHERS the MOTVA web page at Ushers are stationed at the top of each aisle. If you have a question michiganopera.org/get-involved/volunteers/ or concern, please inform an usher, who will contact management. or call Colin Knapp at (313) 965-4271 or email If you are interested in becoming a volunteer usher, please call [email protected]. Colin will be happy to the House Manager at (313) 237-3252. speak with you and connect you with a volunteer LOST & FOUND opportunity to meet your needs. Lost and Found is located in the Safety and Security Department. Please see an usher if you have misplaced an article, or call I offer my sincere thanks to all of our current (313) 961-3500 if you have already left the theater. Items will be volunteers. You are THE BEST! held in Lost and Found for 30 days.

Sincerely, SERVICES Concessions stands are located on all levels. Please note that food and drinks are not permitted in the auditorium at any time. Coat Check is located at the Guest Services desk in the Vincent Lobby (Madison Street side). Please note that the Detroit Opera Terry Shea, President, MOTVA House does not accept responsibility for any personal articles that are not checked at the coat check.

MOTVA Committees, Chair(s) IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Dance Films, Larry Glowczewski Website...... www.MichiganOpera.org Divas and Divos, Helen Arnoldi-Rowe EMERGENCIES...... (313) 237-3257 Opera House Tour Guides, Myrna Mazure Opera League, Dodie David Michigan Opera Theatre...... (313) 961-3500 Publicity, Annette Marchesi General Information...... (313) 961-3500 Secretary, Nancy Moore Lost and Found...... (313) 961-3500 Special Events, Gwen Bowlby, Don Jensen & Curtis Posuniak Ticket Office...... (313) 237-7464 Ushers, Kathie Booth Theater Rental Information...... (313) 961-3500 Detroit Opera House Fax...... (313) 237-3412 Past Presidents Steven Marlette, Dodie David, Press and Public Relations...... (313) 237-3403 Betty Brooks, Gloria Clark Herman Frankel | Opera House Parking Center...... (313) 965-4052

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Winter/Spring 2019 31 35+ showrooms | one destination

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