2019 ANNUAL REPORT

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Board members:

This past fiscal year was filled with highly eventful activities, The management of our not the least of which was a change approved by our Board finances and financing are at the close of our 2018-19 fiscal year in June to elect a new of utmost importance to Chairman of the Boards of Directors and Trustees of Michigan all cultural organizations; Opera Theatre and the Detroit Opera House. As such, this will MOT is no exception. not only be my last annual letter, but a farewell to the many Our Finance Committee has friends I have met and made during my tenure. After 17 years been ably chaired as your Chairman, I am excited to turn over the reins to by Enrico Digirolamo Ethan Davidson, who has enjoyed a long history with MOT that and its members include stemmed from his personal relationship with David DiChiera, yours truly, Sandy Duncan, eventually leading to his position as a member of our Board. Herman Frankel, As you know, Ethan is also a director of the William Davidson Lee Barthel, Jim Ciroli, Foundation, which for a number of years has been a key partner Gene Bowen, Tom Toppin with MOT and was the initial funder of our highly successful and Robert Brown. This Studio Artists Program. committee continues to R. Jamison Williams, Jr. As has been typical of those 17 years, the past year has refine the way we look at cash Chairman of the Board been filled with exciting developments, highs and lows. In the needs, cash flow, budgets, the impact of capital campaigns, “lows” category, we mourned the passing of our wonderfully our balance sheet, P&L, bank financing and all matters related talented and much beloved founder, David DiChiera, who died to the financial engine of MOT. Understanding the interplay of on September 18, 2018, after a long struggle with cancer. David these elements gives the committee, and ultimately the Board, mentored me, taught me all about opera and gave me the the tools to make critical decisions relative to MOT’s financial opportunity to Chair this Board. well-being. Their guidance is and will be critical to MOT’s future. On the “high” side, we have enjoyed the continued benefit Finally, my hat is off to the Nominating Committee whose of Wayne Brown’s exemplary leadership. With David’s passing, name belies its importance. Led for many years by Al Lucarelli, the transition from David to Wayne officially ended, although this committee not only vettes and nominates candidates to throughout the entire period of David’s illness, Wayne has been our Boards of Directors and Trustees, but addresses a broad in command and has done an extraordinary job. spectrum of issues which include: recommending members MOT’s mission is to be the premier multi-discipline producer for office, assuring diversity of leadership, selecting candidates and presenter for opera, musical theater and dance in the Great who can bring unique skill sets to the Board, populating our Lakes region. We have been faithful to that mission and have many Board committees, making sure Directors and Trustees continued to produce extraordinary stage productions. At the understand and comply with attendance and financial same time, the Studio Artists have stretched our geographic requirements, improving communication and understanding of and demographic reach by acting as ambassadors for the how our company operates, and integrating its two boards as company, participating not only in our main stage operas but much as possible. taking smaller productions to various locations throughout the The end result of the activities of these committees has Detroit metropolitan area. been to set a solid platform from which MOT can move forward Fundraising, of course, is always a top priority for and assure its viability as one of the major cultural organizations organizations like ours. We must produce excellent work, but of this city and state. The future of MOT is bright. Our Board that takes funding, the vast majority of which today comes from membership is younger and more diverse than ever. Change individuals, corporations and foundations, both in the form of and adaption never ends for a vibrant organization. We will annual giving and in response to capital campaigns. Without change and adapt. these contributions, we cannot exist. The days of governmental In closing, I am immensely grateful for the confidence assistance are over and ticket revenue cannot cover the costs you have placed in me, and I am certain you will be equally of production for any opera company in America. As such, a supportive of Ethan. I am thankful for the support of MOT’s primary focus of this past year has been our ongoing capital amazing and committed staff, especially Patricia Walker whose campaign. At this writing, we are about $15 million short of our importance to this organization cannot be overstated. Finally, original goal of $50 million. With your help, we will do our best I am indebted to Wayne Brown whose leadership has been to meet this goal. inspiring; I will miss the many meetings we had, his calm, steady In anticipation of the change in Chairmanship, we continued hand and his ability to turn the page and move forward, always to refine our organizational structure, adding the positions prepared for the next challenge. of three Vice Chairs to enhance our governing leadership: It has been the privilege of a lifetime working with all of you. Joanne Danto, Ankur Rungta and Peter Oleksiak, each of With much appreciation, I remain, whom brings their own special skill sets and experiences to strengthen our Board. Yours very truly, We also continued to work on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, an effort spearheaded by Julia Darlow and Ankur Rungta, and we have now formed a permanent committee to continue to make sure we live up to our Rick Williams obligations in these important areas.

2 Michigan Opera Theatre

FROM THE PRESIDENT

November 14, 2019

The 49th Annual Report of Michigan During this past year, MOT was Opera Theatre conveys a range of significant the recipient of an extraordinary milestones for our organization — including $4 million grant from the William artistic highlights, board engagement, Davidson Foundation for programming staff development, audience growth, and and facilities, a $1 million grant from favorable financial results. As we continue the Knight Foundation, and $600,000 to advance toward the observance of our from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. 50th Anniversary, MOT can be proud of the Additional major support by corporations progress that the organization continues and foundations included the Ford Motor to make as a cultural pillar in Southeast Company (Fall Opera Season), General Michigan. Motors (Spring Opera Season), Lear (Dance Our organization, the City of Detroit, Season), the Community Foundation and the Opera world faced a defining for Southeast Michigan, the National moment in late September of 2018 upon Endowment for the Arts, Michigan Council learning that Michigan Opera Theatre for Arts and Culture, and Opera America Wayne S. Brown, Founder Dr. David DiChiera had passed away. — along with the generous support of President and Chief Executive Officer Per his request, a memorial service was held numerous individuals. (A detailed listing can at the Detroit Opera House, where his family be found on page 34.) was joined by close friends, performers, Four years ago, MOT launched its audience members, staff, and board Campaign for a Bold Future. I am pleased to members (current and past) from around the acknowledge that at the end of fiscal year ‘19, country. As he would have it, days later MOT gifts and pledges reached $35 million of our observed its opening Gala Performance with $50 Million Goal. The Campaign is designed the remarkable soprano Renée Fleming — to assist our organization in achieving its accompanied by the Michigan Opera Theatre Strategic Goals: Orchestra under the baton of Stephen Lord. • Enhance opera, dance, and community The 2018-19 season featured masterworks programming. of the opera repertoire, including a new co- • Attract new patrons and increase their production of Tchaikovsky‘s Eugene Onegin annual support. (with the opera companies of Atlanta, Hawaii, • Reinvest in key infrastructure. Seattle, and Kansas City); as well as works • Continue building the board. of our time, such as the Midwest premiere • Strengthen Michigan Opera Theatre’s of The Summer King, an opera based on financial position. the life of Negro League baseball-great Josh Gibson by composer Daniel Sonenberg, MOT strives to make progress in with libretto by Sonenberg and Mark Campbell, addressing the above goals. Thanks to the co-commissioned with the Pittsburgh Opera. growing support from our community The performances took place in partnership through ticket sales, special events, and with the Detroit Tigers and were preceded fundraising activities, we seek to strengthen by a community-wide initiative celebrating the organization’s financial health in order to Arts and Sports. Yes, strategic partnerships continue to serve the community for years continue to play an essential role with to come. In addition to achieving a balanced MOT programming in our community, operating budget for the year, I am pleased to including, in addition to the Detroit Tigers, share that MOT continues to pursue ways to the University Musical Society, the generate new sources of revenue. This step is Charles H. Wright Museum of African- required in order to bridge the annual gap in American History, and others. A highlight of the cost to mount productions, offset in part the Dance Season featured an evening with through earned income and contributions. Prima Ballerina Alessandra Feri followed Our aspiration is to remain inspired by the by a bi-annual presentation by Alvin Ailey vision of our founder. As we approach our American Dance Theater, as well as the 50th Anniversary, MOT remains committed annual Detroit Opera House holiday tradition to providing innovative programming for all! of The Nutcracker performed by BalletMet of Columbus, Ohio.

Wayne S. Brown President and CEO

Annual Report 2019 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020 July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020

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

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

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

4 † Deceased Michigan Opera Theatre In Memoriam

Michigan Opera Theatre is saddened by the passing of MOT Trustees and Directors this past year. Their commitment and enthusiasm for the arts and the cultural life of our community will be missed.

Dr. David DiChiera, Founder April 8, 1935 - September 18, 2018 Board of Directors 1974-2018 Board of Trustees 1976-2018

William C. Brooks Irving Nusbaum August 21, 1933 - October 1, 2018 November 27, 2018 Board of Trustees 1995 - 2018 Board of Trustees 2004 - 2018

Hon. John Dingell Douglass Diggs July 8, 1926 – February 7, 2019 Jan 4, 1964 – May 17, 2019 Board of Trustees 1999 - 2019 Board of Trustees 2015 - 2019

Annual Report 2019 5 Remembering David DiChiera BY BUD LIEBLER

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

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

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

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

WORLD PREMIERE OF DAVID DiCHIERA’S CYRANO 2007

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

Annual Report 2019 7 Year in Review

ichigan Opera Theatre (MOT) is committed to creating exceptional, compelling, and innovative opera and dance Mexperiences for the diverse audiences and communities that it serves. To achieve our objectives, we produce and present a wide variety of opera and dance repertoire on the stage of the Detroit Opera House and at community venues, engage talented artists from around the world, and plan related education and engagement programs that bring communities together and afford people the opportunity to experience opera and dance on many HANSEL AND GRETEL levels. In total, 38,746 adults attended opera and dance performances by received at least one of these state-wide resident artists of the Michigan Opera Michigan Opera Theatre, and roughly accolades for an opera composed within Theatre Studio in a production of 15,138 children under 18 years old the past fifty years—a critical reflection Leonard Bernstein’s Candide after experienced opera and dance at the on the successes of MOT’s commitment Voltaire’s picaresque satire. Co- Detroit Opera House, in the community, to presenting contemporary, relevant production partner the Macomb Center and at their school. In addition, more works. Also presented on the stage of for the Performing Arts hosted two fully than 220,000 patrons attended musical the Detroit Opera House were Rossini’s staged performances, and a presenting theater performances, conferences, and timeless comedy The Barber of Seville, partnership was renewed with the workshops at the Detroit Opera House and the fairytale opera Hansel and Gretel Berman Center for the Performing Arts in during FY19. by Engelbert Humperdinck, performed West Bloomfield, which also hosted two In keeping with our vision, the using larger-than-life puppets by designer performances. The MOT Studio has been 2018–2019 season featured classic Basil Twist. categorized by Marc Scorca, President opera and dance works, and CEO of OPERA America, as “an which were united by their important dimension to the American origins in literature, newer training infrastructure, and another works and productions, and a element to MOT’s broad community number of special events and service.” collaborations. The season MOT’s 2018–2019 dance series opened with a gala concert by included modern dance alongside opera and Broadway superstar traditional ballets, affording audiences Renée Fleming and the MOT the opportunity to experience different Orchestra. Revenue from dance cultures, challenge assumptions, this performance directly and witness new trajectories in dance benefitted our education and movement arts. Modern dance and community programs programs traced a line through initiatives. Highlighting groundbreaking and stylistically diverse the opera season were choreographers: Martha Graham, Alvin Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Ailey, and Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane. based on Alexander Pushkin’s On another program, Italian ballerina novel in verse, and Ricky Ian assoluta Alessandra Ferri was joined by Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath eminent dancers from around the world with words by lyricist Michael in a cornucopia of favorite danced duets Korie after John Steinbeck. This from classic and modern dance, which production was also especially RENEE FLEMING featured members of the MOT Orchestra exciting in that it won Encore as soloists. BalletMet of Columbus, Ohio, Michigan’s Wilde Award for returned for our twentieth consecutive Best Opera and Best Performance in In March, our regional opera series — presentation of The Nutcracker, an Opera, which went to Katharine with dedicated support from the William incorporating a ballet corps of young Goeldner for her portrayal of Ma Joad. Davidson Foundation, the Andrew dancers from across Metro Detroit, We are especially proud that this marked Mellon Foundation, and the Community which continues to delight audiences at the fourth consecutive Wilde Awards Foundation for Southeast Michigan — the Detroit Opera House every holiday for which MOT and its artists have now in its fifth season, featured the season. Our ongoing partnership with

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

Annual Report 2019 9 Eugene Onegin October 13 – 21, 2018

2018 Fall Opera Season Sponsor

MUSIC Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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

WORLD PREMIERE Maly Theatre – Moscow, Russia March 29, 1879

CONDUCTOR ORIGINAL PRODUCTION STAGE DIRECTOR CHORUS MASTER Stephen Lord Tomer Zvulun Stephanie Havey Suzanne Mallare Acton

CHOREOGRAPHER SET DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN Logan Pachciarz Erhard Rom Isabelle Bywater Robert Wierzel

HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGN ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR STAGE MANAGER Joanne Weaver Joshua Horsch Allie Wagner Ken Saltzman

REPETITEUR SUPERTITLES TRANSLATION RUSSIAN LANGUAGE COACHES Jean Schneider Jeremy Sortore Elena Repnikova & Irina Mishura

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

10 Michigan Opera Theatre 2018-19 Opera Season

“I gotta tell ya it blew me away! If you live in or CAST near Detroit you have to go see this!” (In order of vocal appearance) — BOB FROM HUNTINGTON WOODS

Tatyana...... Corinne Winters Olga...... Carolyn Sproule Madame Larina...... Katharine Goeldner Nurse Filippyevna...... Meredith Arwady Vladimir Lensky...... Jamez McCorkle Eugene Onegin...... Iurii Samoilov Monsieur Triquet...... Matthew DiBattista Captain...... Harry Greenleaf* Zaretsky...... Allen Michael Jones* Prince Gremin...... Steven Humes

*Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist

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

Annual Report 2019 11 The Barber of Seville November 10-18, 2018

2018 Fall Opera Season Sponsor

MUSIC Gioachino Rossini

LIBRETTO Cesare Sterbini, based on Pierre Beaumarchais’s French comedy

WORLD PREMIERE Teatro Argentina – Rome, Italy February 20, 1816

CONDUCTOR STAGE DIRECTOR CHORUS MASTER Christopher Allen Christopher Mattaliano Suzanne Mallare Acton

SET DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGN Allen Moyer James Scott Kendall Smith Joanne Weaver

ASST. DIRECTOR STAGE MANAGER REPETITEUR SUPERTITLES TRANSLATION Daniel Ellis Ken Saltzman Jean Schneider Christopher Mattaliano

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

12 Michigan Opera Theatre 2018-19 Opera Season

CAST “MOT’s Barber of Seville is grand and delicious!” (In order of vocal appearance) — DAVID KILEY, ENCORE MICHIGAN Fiorello:...... Harry Greenleaf* Count Almaviva:...... Alek Shrader Figaro:...... Lucas Meachem Rosina:...... Daniela Mack Dr. Bartolo:...... Andrew Shore Don Basilio:...... Wayne Tigges Berta:...... Cheyanne Coss* Sergeant:...... Harry Greenleaf* *Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist

Supernumeraries Charles Arnett...... Ambrogio Jake Falls...... Young Lover Ashley Kalchik...... Floozie #1 Patrick Marano...... Figaro’s customer Amanda Nummy...... Floozie #2 Bob Oren...... Notary Jill Pavlat...... Aunt Samantha Reichling...... Young Lover Reed Winfrey...... Nephew

“Don’t miss this amazingly joyful expression of amusing and deceitful disguises and unexpected developments”. — DINA WINTERS, THE GROSSE POINTE NEWS

“Truly exceptional!” — RUTH ZAROMP, THE DETROIT MONITOR

Annual Report 2019 13 Sat., March 9 – 7:30 PM Sun., March 10 – 2:30 PM Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Sat., March 16 – 7:30 PM Sun., March 17 – 2:30 PM Berman Center for the Performing Arts

CANDIDE THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE VERSION Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN Book Adapted from Voltaire by HUGH WHEELER In a New Version by JOHN CAIRD Lyrics by RICHARD WILBUR Additional lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM, JOHN LATOUCHE, LILLIAN HELLMAN, DOROTHY PARKER and LEONARD BERNSTEIN

WORLD PREMIERE Chelsea Theater Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music – Brooklyn, New York December 19, 1973

CONDUCTOR DIRECTOR CHORUS MASTER Daniel Black Keturah Stickann Suzanne Mallare Acton

LIGHTING WIG & MAKEUP ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER DESIGN DESIGN CONDUCTOR Ken Saltzman James Sale Joanne Weaver Tessa Hartle

This project is supported in part by an award from: 2019 Spring Opera Season Sponsor

14 Michigan Opera Theatre “The voices were melodic and beautiful. The cast made the story come alive with spirit and candor. Bravo!” — DAVID IN ROCHESTER

CAST Voltaire: Richard Marlatt Candide: Michael Day* Cunegonde: Monica Dewey Dr. Pangloss/King Hermann: Harry Greenleaf* Maximillian/ French Officer/Sailor/Immigrant/Senore/King Ivan: Allen Michael Jones* Paquette/Immigrant: Cheyanne Coss* Old Lady: Katherine DeYoung* King of El Dorado/Inquisitor/Crony/James’ Assistant/ Rowing Prisoner/King Stanislas/Chorus: Paolo Pacheco Martin/Baron/James the Anabaptist/ Drill Sergeant/King Achmed/Chorus: David Moan Grand Inquisitor/Vanderdendur/Corporal in Bavarian Army/ Rowing Prisoner/King Charles/Chorus: Seth Johnson Cacambo/Guitar-Playing Senore/Captain in the Bavarian Army/ Don Issacar/King Theo/Chorus: Fred Buchalter Governor/Inquisitor/Crony /King of Bavaria/Viennese Ambassador, Rowing Prisoner/Chorus: Matthew Konopacki Bavarian Infantry Man/Slave with No Limbs/ Drummer/Minister/ Undercover Man from Inquisition/Chorus: Brandon Motz Queen of El Dorado/Crony/Dancer/Bavarian Infantry Man/Galley Captain/ Chorus: Kristina Reigle Baroness/Crony/Dancer/El Dorado Sheep/Bavarian Infantry Man/Rowing Prisoner/Chorus: Sandra Periord *Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist

CANDIDE (NATIONAL THEATRE VERSION) Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Annual Report 2019 15 Hansel and Gretel

APRIL 6-14, 2019

MUSIC Engelbert Humperdinck

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

WORLD PREMIERE Deutsche Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar – Weimar, Germany, December 23, 1893

2019 Spring Opera Season Sponsor

The J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund Production Sponsor

CONDUCTOR PRODUCTION Stephen Lord Basil Twist

ASSOC. DIRECTOR ASSOC. PUPPET CHORUS MASTER Kimberley S. Prescott DIRECTOR Suzanne Mallare Acton Kate Brehm

LIGHTING DESIGN WIG & MAKEUP DESIGN COSTUME REALIZER Gordon Olsen Joanne Weaver Melissa Graff

ASST. CONDUCTOR SUPERTITLES REPETITEUR STAGE MANAGER Stefano Sarzani Dee Dorsey Jean Schneider Ken Saltzman

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

16 Michigan Opera Theatre 2018-19 Opera Season

“This inspired, breathtaking MOT production gives the art of puppetry a triumphant return!” CAST — PATRICE NOLAN, ENCORE MICHIGAN (In order of vocal appearance) Gretel...... Deanna Breiwick “Superb!” Hansel...... Emily Fons — ROSEMARY IN HARPER WOODS Gertrude...... Mary-Hollis Hundley Peter...... Russell Braun The Sandman...... Katherine DeYoung* The Dew Fairy...... Cheyanne Coss* The Witch...... Matthew DiBattista *Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist Puppeteers Torri Lynn Ashford, Kate Brehm, Lute Breuer, Sean Burpee, Dorothy James, Carrie Morris, Joel Orr, Justin Perkins

Annual Report 2019 17 The Grapes of Wrath MAY 11-19, 2019

MUSIC Ricky Ian Gordon

LIBRETTO Michael Korie based on the novel by John Steinbeck

WORLD PREMIERE First performed by Minnesota Opera in St. Paul on February 10, 2007

CONDUCTOR DIRECTOR Michael Christie James Robinson PHOTO: KEN HOWARD

ASSOC. DIRECTOR CHORUS MASTER Richard Gammon Suzanne Mallare Acton

SET DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN WIG & MAKEUP Allen Moyer James Schuette Christopher Akerlind DESIGN Joanne Weaver

SUPERTITLES REPETITEUR STAGE MANAGER Dee Dorsey Tessa Hartle Ken Saltzman

This project is supported in part by an award from Elaine Fontana 2019 Spring Opera Conductor Sponsor Season Sponsor

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

18 Michigan Opera Theatre 2018-19 Opera Season

CAST (In order of appearance) “A powerful, humbling and Rosasharn...... Deanna Breiwick outstanding performance!” Ma Joad...... Katharine Goeldner — BRET AND SUSANNA, GROSSE POINTE PARK Pa Joad...... Levi Hernandez Uncle John...... Robert Orth “Sensational in every way!” Connie Rivers...... Harry Greenleaf* — CORINNE, BINGHAM FARMS Ruthie Joad...... Natalie Nikolajevs Winfield Joad...... Cooper Bush Noah Joad/Prison Guard...... Hugh Russell Al Joad...... Michael Day* Tom Joad...... Tobias Greenhalgh Jim Casy...... Geoffrey Agpalo Muley Graves/Grampa/Contractor of Migrant Workers/ Patrol Guard...... Dennis Petersen Pete Fowler/Ragged Man/Bill...... Matthew Konopacki Joe/Pump Guy 1...... Paolo Pacheco Fred/Pump Guy 2...... Kevin Starnes Hank/Lou...... Brent Doucette Senator...... Robert Skylis Muley’s Wife...... Madison Montambault Granma...... Deborah Nansteel Man in Suit/Inspector...... Allen Michael Jones* Constable/Joe...... Brandon Spencer Traffic Cop/Peach Checker...... Frank Pitts A Trucker/Jim...... Matthew Daniels Pump Guy 3...... Richard Jackson Mae...... Katherine DeYoung* Val...... David Moan Bill/Commissary Clerk...... Branden C.S. Hood Cropper Woman...... Jenny Cresswell Cropper Husband/George...... Camron Gray Deputy...... Gregory Ashe Cabin Mistress...... Kaswanna Kanyinda Washroom Guard...... Seth Johnson Jake...... Brandon Motz Soprano...... Sandra Periord Boy in Barn...... Bennett Vesprini *Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist

Annual Report 2019 19 2018-2019 Dance 2018-19 Dance Season Season Sponsor

Michigan Opera Theatre and New York Live Arts present Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company Bill T. Jones Janet Wong Co-Founder & Artistic Director Associate Artistic Director

Featuring

The Company Vinson Fraley, Jr., Barrington Hinds, Chanel Howard, Shane Larson, Penda N’diaye, Marie Lloyd Paspe, Christina Robson, Carlo Antonio Villanueva and Huiwang Zhang

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

Production Staff Hillery Makatura, Lauren Libretti, Veronica Falborn and Justin Johnson

In A Letter to My Nephew Conceived and Directed by Bill T. Jones Choreography by Bill T. Jones with Janet Wong and the Current and Original Cast Original Score Composed by Nick Hallett Décor by Bjorn Amelan Lighting Design by Robert Wierzel* Costume Design by Liz Prince Projection Design by Janet Wong Sound Design by Samuel Crawford *Denotes Member of the United Scenic Arts Union (USA)

Presented in partnership with University Musical Society

BalletMet The Nutcracker November 24-25, 2018

Artistic Director Executive Director Edwaard Liang Sue Porter

Rehearsal Director Rehearsal Director Susan Dromisky Andres Estevez

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

20 Michigan Opera Theatre 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 Mary Hollis Hundley, soprano Jeffrey Cirio Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra Herman Cornejo Alessandra Ferri Soloists: Marcelo Gomes Eliot Heaton, violin Ricardo Graziano Andrea Yun, cello Kate Honea Brian Bowman, clarinet Misa Kuranaga Patricia Terry-Ross, harp MS. JOANNE DANTO & Oksana Maslova DR. ARNOLD WEINGARDEN Ivan Moshchuk, piano KEVIN DENNIS & JEREMY ZELTZER Sponsors

March 15-17, 2019 Alvin Ailey, Founder Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita

Robert Battle, Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director

COMPANY MEMBERS Riccardo Battaglia Jacquelin Harris Jamar Roberts Hope Boykin Michael Jackson, Jr. Samuel Lee Roberts Jeroboam Bozeman Megan Jakel Kanji Segawa Clifton Brown Yazzmeen Laidler Glenn Allen Sims Khalia Campbell Yannick Lebrun Linda Celeste Sims Sarah Daley-Perdomo Michael Francis McBride Courtney Celeste Spears Ghrai DeVore Rachael McLaren Constance Stamatiou Solomon Dumas Chalvar Monteiro Jermaine Terry Samantha Figgins Akua Noni Parker Fana Tesfagiorgis Vernard J. Gilmore Danica Paulos Christopher R. Wilson Jacqueline Green Belén Pereyra-Alem Daniel Harder Jessica Amber Pinkett

Matthew Rushing, Rehearsal Director & Guest Artist

Bennett Rink, Executive Director SHIRLEY K. SCHLAFER FOUNDATION Jacqueline Green and Jamar Roberts. Residency Sponsor Photo by Andrew Eccles

Annual Report 2019 21 Dance Education

ichigan Opera Theatre’s commitment to dance education continued to benefit from new and Mon-going partnerships during the 2019 season. Michigan’s own Eisenhower Dance Detroit hosted the annual Detroit Opera House Summer Intensive. This one- week intensive pushed more than 30 metro-Detroit dancers to their limit with challenging choreography in modern, jazz, contemporary, and repertory from Eisenhower Dance Detroit; taught by professional dancers from Eisenhower Dance Detroit. After an intense week the students showed friends and family what they had learned at an informal THE AILEY EXPERIENCE showing in the DOH Boll Hall. This program continues to grow year after year and can only be expected to continue that trend. Detroit. This weekend workshop is designed to expand on MOT invited over 100 metro-Detroit and Canadian students Alvin Ailey’s life-long commitment to bringing dance to the into the Opera House for a chance to dance on the Detroit people. The Ailey Experience workshop gives dancers the Opera Stage with the highly talented BalletMet Columbus opportunity to study with leading instructors and former Alvin as part of Nutcracker production. Each season MOT holds Ailey American Dance Theater company members. Over 150 auditions for local students 8 years old and up to fill the young participating Metro-Detroit dancers learned the rich history of childrens’ cast of the BalletMet’s Nutcracker. These students Ailey’s signature style and how he changed the perception of are separated by age, height and years of experience. Dmitri American modern dance. Workshop classes included Horton Suslov, BalletMet’s Coordinator of Performance Ensemble and Technique, Ailey Classics, and Hip Hop. MOT was happy to Darielle Eberhard BalletMet Academy Faculty then teach the work with Ailey instructors Lisa Johnson-Willingham, Amos different groups actual choreography from the show. Local Machanic, and Antonio Jefferson and see so many members of Rehearsal Directors, Jo Ann Cusmano and Judith Molina work our community share the love for dance. with the BalletMet representatives to find the best for the To enhance our audience’s experience, each dance cast and costumes. The most unfortunate part of the process company that is presented on the Detroit Opera House stage is not having enough casting teaches a master class for spots and costumes for all dancers of our community. who audition. The 70 dancers We cherish the opportunity who are selected have the to offer instruction from opportunity to rehearse and the professionals while they perform with a professional are visiting Detroit. Classes ballet company on the Opera are taught by dancers, House stage with the Michigan ballet masters, and even Opera Theatre Orchestra. artistic directors of the The Spring brought Alvin professional companies. Ailey Dance Foundation This not only provides high- Teaching Artists to Detroit caliber instruction for local for their 2-week Revelations dancers, but also exposure Residency. Students at both to a professional company Western International High and an opportunity to ask School and Martin Luther King, Jr. High School worked with questions and connect with those they are inspired by. Also, the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Teaching Artists, learning these master classes are free if the dancer has a ticket to the about Mr. Ailey and the company. The Alvin Ailey Revelations corresponding company’s performance. Residency helps students explore and create dance movement, Ballet Detroit and Inner City Dance Scope continue to call enrich vocabulary, prompt poetry and journal writing, and the Detroit Opera House their home for dance training. Both uses narrative reports, critical reviews, and biographies. This hold regular dance classes for students of all ages during the program was extremely well received in both schools and evenings and weekends. In addition to regular classes that the students grew right before our eyes. Students that would typically run parallel to the school year, Ballet Detroit hosted a barely even walk into the room on the first day were writing successful summer intensive of 50-plus students from all over poems and creating and performing movement by the end. the U.S., Italy and China. New this season, MOT worked with the Ailey School and their Ailey Extension division as hosts to AILEY Experience

22 Michigan Opera Theatre Administration & Staff

Wayne S. Brown TOURING ARTISTS OF COMMUNITY PRODUCTION President and Chief Executive Officer PROGRAMS Soprano: Clodagh Earls ADMINISTRATION Mezzo-Sopranos: Aja Dier, Olivia Johnson Elizabeth Anderson, Production Coordinator DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS Tenor: David Moan and Artistic Administrator Richard Leech, Director of Resident Artist Baritones: Branden C.S. Hood, Kathleen Bennett, Production Administrator Programs DeVonte King Ken Saltzman, Stage Manager Nancy Mims, Director of Human Resources Pianist: Joseph Jackson Nan Luchini, Hailli Ridsdale, Assistant Stage Rock Monroe, Director of Safety and Security, Percussionist: Marwan Aman-Ra Managers DOH and DOHPC Laura Nealssohn, Director of MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE MUSIC Communications CHILDREN’S CHORUS STAFF Suzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Music Angela Nelson-Heesch, Director of Suzanne Mallare Acton, Director Director and Chorus Master Development Dianna Hochella, Assistant Director, Molly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel Manager David W. Osborne, Director of Production Principal Chorus Conductor Jean Posekany, Orchestra Librarian Andrea Scobie, Director of Education Jane Panikkar, Preparatory Chorus Jean Schneider, Repetiteur Patricia Walker, Chief Administrative Officer Conductor TECHNICAL AND DESIGN STAFF Arthur White, Director of External Affairs Twannette Nash, Chorus Administrator Daniel T. Brinker, Technical Director Joseph Jackson, Principal Chorus ADMINISTRATION Monika Essen, Property Master and Scenic Accompanist William Austin, Executive Assistant Artist Maria Cimarelli, Preparatory Chorus Timothy Lentz, Archivist and Director, Heather DeFauw, Assistant Lighting Designer Accompanist Allesee Dance and Opera Resource Library and Assistant Technical Director Emily Crombez, Theory Teacher Catherine Nicolia-Staples, Archivist Kevin Neuman, Assistant Technical Director Bryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Allesee Dance Dee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator COMPUTER SERVICES and Opera Resource Library Shane O’Connor, Technical Assistant Chris Farr, Network Administrator PATRON SERVICES John Grigaitis, Information Technology COSTUMES Development Manager Suzanne M Hanna, Costume Director Jocelyn Aptowitz, Development Associate, Rosemarie Di Rita, Wardrobe Mistress Individual Giving DANCE Susan A. Fox, First Hand Christy Gray, Development Administrator Jon Teeuwissen, Artistic Advisor to Dance Maureen Abele, Emily Christianson, Colin Knapp, Manager of Donor Engagement Kim Smith, Dance Coordinator Kristina Hales, Mary Ellen Shuffett, Maery Simmons, Assistant Manager – Patricia Sova, Stitchers CRM Operations FINANCE Sonya Thompson, Development Resource Kimberley Burgess, Rita Winters, MAKEUP AND HAIR Coordinator Accountants Elizabeth Geck, Assistant Wig and Makeup Kathy Kercorian, CFO Designer Marketing/Public Relations Giulia Bernardini, Corene Bridges, Mitchell Carter, Website Coordinator Erika Broderdorf, Kristine Clifton-Higgins, DETROIT OPERA HOUSE John Grigaitis, Photographer Shannon Koslowski, Kacilee Legato, HOUSE MANAGEMENT Michael Hauser, Marketing Manager Julia Marsh, Cedasha Randolph, Paige Parks, Randy Elliott, House Manager Erica Hobbs, Communications Manager Erin Puffpaff, Briana Robins, Jon Rosemond, Marketing Operations Shannon Schoenberg, Denitra Townsend, FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Associate Carol Taylor, Makhia Walker, Dayna Winalis, Juan Benavides, Building Engineer Maery Simmons, Assistant Manager Sierra Wingerter, Jessica Wood Jesse Carter, Senior Building Engineer CRM Operations Dennis Wells, Facilities Manager STAGE CREW David Bradley, Building Maintenance Ticket Office John Kinsora, Head Carpenter Tunisia Brown, Box Office Manager Frederick Graham, Jr., Head Electrician CATERING AND SPECIAL EVENTS Evan Carr, Keontay Carter, Patron Services Pat McGee, Head Propertyman Holly Clement, Events Manager Associate, Ticketing Chris Baker, Head of Sound Bridgette Leising, Associate Director of Sales, Mary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe Detroit Opera House EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY Robert Martin, Head Flyman PROGRAMS Tiiko Reese-Douglas, Events Assistant Gary Gilmore, Production Electrician Mark Vondrak, Associate Director of Jennifer Consiglio-George, Events Community Programs IATSE Local #38, Stage Crew SAFETY AND SECURITY Matthew Murray, Education and Community IATSE Local #786, Wardrobe Programs Coordinator Darrin Cato, Stage Door Sergeant A.M. Hightower, Control Center Officer MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO Lt. Lorraine Monroe, Supervisor Michael Sherman, Principal Coach/ Demetrius Newbold, Control Center Officer Accompanist Kenneth Blue, Stage Door Officer Edward Graves, Tenor Avery Boettcher, Soprano Darren Lekeith Drone, Baritone Katherine DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano Allen Michael Jones, Bass

Annual Report 2019 23 Program Summary 2018-19 Season MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO

MOT STUDIO ARTISTS

n four short years, Michigan Opera and others enjoyed performances training and mentorship from Mr. Leech ITheatre Studio has become not only from these special artists in mainstage and Ms. Hartle, as well as frequent in- a highly respected and unique young productions, as featured artists in our depth work with acclaimed coaches artist program in the world of opera, but regional production, and in myriad Martin Katz and Kathleen Kelly. Among an important and cherished part of the settings throughout Southeast Michigan. the other guest clinicians and artists who fabric of the MOT family. The presence Among the most exciting up-and-coming offered coaching and master classes and talent of the Studio Artists on our talent in opera today, the Studio Artists were composer Ricky Ian Gordon, famed stages and in our community continue gained valuable performance experience sopranos Renée Fleming and Erie Mills, to help shape the ways in which MOT while continuing to hone their skills Russian mezzo-soprano Irina Mishura, is perceived as an artistic institution, a through master classes and training director Mathew Ozawa, conductor and program innovator, and a with an array of world-class coach David Aronson, voice specialists valued community partner professionals, guest artists, Jason Ferrante and Sylvia Greenberg, — just as David DiChiera coaches, directors, and and coaches Nicholas Roehler and envisioned it. Additionally, conductors. Keun-A Lee. Instruction in Italian as our Studio Artists go As Director of Resident and Russian languages, dance styles, out into the world, they Artist Programs, celebrated stage movement, theatrical make-up, do so with the support tenor Richard Leech Alexander Technique, and media training and pride of their adopted continued to lead the Studio were also a part of their season activities, company, and as their and, in collaboration with as well as the production of audition careers flourish, become Director of External Affairs, videos and opportunities to audition grand ambassadors of MOT, Arthur White, the areas of for several company directors and artist Detroit, and Southeast Community Programs and managers. Michigan. RICHARD LEECH Audience Engagement. In The Studio Artist Program continued For the 2018-2019 her third year as Principal to serve as a central component of MOT’s season, Michigan Opera Theatre once Coach/Accompanist, Tessa Hartle, enhanced presence in the community again engaged five Studio Artists, seeing through her coaching with the Studio through productions in the Detroit Opera the return of tenor Michael Day and and her collaboration and performances House, community venues, concerts, baritone Harry Greenleaf, and welcoming with Studio and Community Programs, and special events. In its initiative the addition of soprano Cheyanne Coss, continued to fill vital roles in both to annually produce full-scale opera mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung, and programs. Throughout the season Studio outside of the Detroit Opera House bass Allen Michael Jones. MOT patrons Artists received advanced individual in venues throughout metro Detroit,

24 Michigan Opera Theatre MOT’s community productions are now and alumni Studio Artists performed and Briana Hunter was selected as The selected and mounted specifically for the at festivals including, Opera Theatre Mother for the world premiere Janine Studio Artist Program; for the 2018-19 of Saint Louis, Opera Santa Fe, Opera Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, season Leonard Bernstein’s Candide was Maine, Des Moines Metro Opera, The first with Glimmerglass and then with presented at the Macomb Center for the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, Washington National Opera. She was Performing Arts and The Berman Center NY, The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice also the subject of a feature article in for the Performing Arts, and Gian Carlo in Phoenecia, NY, and The American February’s Opera News. Bravi to all of our Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Studio Artists! was presented at Macomb Center for Austria. the Performing Arts, The War Memorial The many other in Grosse Pointe, and at Most Holy performances of Redeemer Church in Southwest Detroit. our Studio alumni Among the more than 50 other during the season community performances featuring the are too numerous Studio Artists were concerts and events to list, but included at The War Memorial (Arts at the Alger the continued series), The Detroit Yacht Club, The success of mezzo- Whitney, Cranbrook House, The Detroit soprano Raehann Club, Macomb County Community Brice-Davis in the College, Oakland University, Wayne State US and Europe, University, Anton Art Center, and The singing Mahler Scarab Club. They also participated in Symphony #8, dozens of Overture to Opera and Opera Berlioz Damnation Club events in homes, schools, libraries of Faust, Eboli in and community centers throughout Verdi’s Don Carlo, Metro Detroit. and Verdi Requiems Beyond their performances with at many important MOT, Studio Artists Cheyanne Coss and venues including Allen Michael Jones appeared with the Carnegie Hall. Angela DSO at Orchestra Hall as part of their Theis also made her Educational Series serving 6,000 youth. Carnegie Hall debut In cooperation with MOT, Cheyanne singing Poulenc’s Coss also appeared in concert with the Gloria and Forrest’s Flint Symphony and as Pamina in The Reqiem for the Living, Magic Flute with Toledo Opera and Opera Grand Rapids. In the summer leading The Michigan Opera Theatre Studio program is supported up to our 18-19 season, our current by a grant from the William Davidson Foundation.

Annual Report 2019 25 2018-2019 Season

OTCC’s 2018-19 season presented A Winter Fantasy, the annual not only invaluable experience working began in May, 2018 with holiday concert and fundraiser, on the with an international cast, conductor auditions for one hundred Detroit Opera House stage. Rounding out and director, but also the experience in young singers from southeast the fall season, the children were invited singing the opera in German. MMichigan counties and Windsor, Ontario to perform concerts at First Presbyterian In April, 2019 MOTCC presented the of which sixty-eight were invited to Church of Royal Oak on December 9 Michigan premiere of Dean Bury’s The participate in the program. Tuition and First United Methodist of Northville Secret World of Og. This operatic version, was $600 for the Preparatory Chorus on December 14. Two singers from based on a classic children’s book by the and $700 for the the Principal chorus Canadian icon Pierre Berton, offered Principal Chorus. Six gained additional our young singers more opportunities children received stage experience, to be cast in featured roles. With the scholarships from the singing the title role support of the Worthington Family following sponsors: of “Amahl” in Amahl Foundation, our Student Ticket Sponsor, the Rotary Club of and the Night Visitors more than 2,200 students attended the Taylor sponsored the at Macomb Center for student dress rehearsal. For the Saturday full tuition for singers the Performing Arts, public performance, we had 600 in the from Taylor; MOTCC the Grosse Pointe War audience. alumni raised funds Memorial, and Holy Comments from teachers: to sponsor one full Redeemer Church. “Some of my students have never been to scholarship and a Thirty-four singers the Opera House and they really enjoyed partial scholarship from the Principal the performance, especially from their for two Preparatory Chorus were selected peers!” Choristers; and the to perform Alan and Eleanor in the MOT Israel scholarship fully mainstage MOTCC MEMBERS SINGING IN AMAHL funded a Preparatory production AND THE NIGHT VISITORS and a Principal of Hansel and Chorister. Without Gretel, with the help from these generous donors, nine featured as “Puppeteers” it would have been impossible for the and eight featured as children to participate. “Gingerbread”. It was a Our singers had a variety of public demanding schedule for these performances throughout the year. Their singers in that the rehearsals first appearance was at the pre-concert and performances were in reception for the Renée Fleming Gala addition to their responsibilities in September, 2018. They also sang a of their own MOTCC spring short program at the open house for opera. What a unique the Center for Financial Planning, Inc. opportunity it was for those in November. On December 2, MOTCC who participated, providing

26 Michigan Opera Theatre “This opportunity helped me encourage my students to audition and become members of the MOTCC. It’s an invaluable learning experience to see that kids can do the entire show with such high performance and production values. Thank you!” These amazing performance opportunities continued into May with MOTCC singers participating in the final mainstage offering of the season, The Grapes of Wrath. Two Principal girls sang leading roles as “Ruthie” and “Ruthie understudy,” and three Prep boys also sang leading roles as “Winfield” and “Winfield understudy,” and “Boy in the Barn” understudy. This was a very difficult score and the children handled it like pros. In addition to the performing opportunities, we encourage our young beamed their flashlights back toward the A Winter Fantasy raised $5,500 with singers to give back to the community by patients to show their support. basket raffles netting $2,300. We are volunteering in outreach activities. This so grateful to our sponsors, including year, we provided three events: Detroit Edison Public School Academy; the Center for Financial Planning, Inc. April, 2019 as Music Literacy Sponsor, The Jewish Rotary Kids Coalition Against Hunger; Our final outreach of the season was News our Media Sponsor, and Kyyba, November 2018 at the Detroit Edison Public School our first ever production sponsor. With This humanitarian food relief Academy. Fourteen of our singers who contributions from parents, families organization’s mission is to significantly had lead roles in The Secret World of and the above sponsors, we raised over reduce the number of hungry children Og visited the school and discussed the $21,000 in support of the program. in the USA and feed starving children synopsis, sang a few numbers from the The staff is proud of the opportunities throughout the world. Thirty MOTCC show, talked about their experience MOTCC is able to provide. Through singers and their families volunteered singing in The Secret World of Og and music and theory classes, performances, to package food for distribution at the then answered questions from the and outreaches, we are achieving our Rotary District 6400 Feed the World Day students. goals of fostering the creativity, personal at Wayne County Community College. Throughout the 2018-19 season, expression, social growth and artistic It made such an impact on our kids, our parents assisted in fundraising excellence of our young people. knowing they were working together activities. Our silent auction during to feed children in the community and around the world.

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

Annual Report 2019 27 EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 2018-2019

MOT’s Department of Education and Community Programs NEW INITIATIVES has continued its work of bringing opera into communities all Last season, the Department over Michigan with a wide variety of engagement programs. In of Education and Community the past year, Education and Community Programs provided Programs introduced a performances, workshops, master classes, lectures, summer programming series in programming, and other events, serving over 25,000 people support of our mainstage across the state and showcasing opera at schools, libraries, productions entitled Page senior centers, and community gathering spaces. to Stage, as each opera in MOT’s season was based on a literary masterwork. From TOURING PERFORMANCES FOR YOUTH a “Great American Novel” Last season, MOT produced a brand-new version of Jack & (The Grapes of Wrath) to the Beanstalk for audiences in grades K-5. This production, a Russian classic (Eugene JACK AND THE BEANSTALK conceived in partnership with the Charles Wright Museum Onegin) to a Grimm Brothers of African American History, has a West African setting and fairy tale (Hansel & Gretel), the season offered a wide range of incorporates West African instruments, dance, and storytelling literary influence. To celebrate these works, MOT collaborated traditions to tell the classic story. One school partner told us with bookstores, book clubs, and The Library Network, a that this new production of Jack, “allowed our students to public library cooperative serving over 70 libraries in southeast witness a diverse experience that they will never forget! They Michigan, to present a series of lecture-performances which were smiling, laughing, dancing, and staring in awe! Thank you engaged audiences and offered background and context to for giving our students an experience to remember.” each production through the lens of its source material. MOT’s production of I, Too, Sing America continued into its Opera Goes to Church is a new collaborative partnership second year. This multi-media presentation, commissioned between Michigan Opera Theatre, local churches, and other last year as part of MOT’s Take Me Out to the Opera initiative, sacred spaces in metro Detroit, modeled after the very combined opera with poetry, narrative, and video to bring the successful program launched by the Cincinnati Opera. MOT stories of six legendary African American artists and athletes offers these free concert performances at the designated host to middle and high school students. Altogether, MOT’s touring churches, and brings Studio Artists and members of our Touring productions gave 38 performances and reached over 10,000 Ensemble to perform operatic selections, spirituals, gospel students across Michigan. music, classical music, as well as traditional sacred music. Opera Goes To Church kicked-off this past April 2019 at the famed Plymouth United CULTURAL PASSPORT Church in Detroit. It WITH DETROIT PUBLIC was not only a great SCHOOLS celebration of all music, Michigan Opera Theatre, in but the congregation partnership with the Detroit Institute responded so positively of Arts, the Detroit Symphony to the beauty, magic Orchestra, and the Detroit Public and wonder of the Schools Community District, and operatic selections. For others, worked this past season to many, it was their first fully develop and implement the up-close and in-person Cultural Passport program. This experience with opera, program works to ensure that all and so many learned elementary-aged students within that the stories of these Detroit Public Schools Community operas are all of our District have access to the arts, and stories: we all experience provides young people in grades love, joy, happiness, loss, K-5 with three field trips to arts disappointment, and organizations throughout the city betrayal. When these each school year. This season saw the heightened emotions full implementation of that program intersect with great for the first time, with 4,500 students music, nothing stirs attending MOT productions, many the emotions as deeply experiencing live opera and dance and passionately as performances for the first time. opera can. CULTURAL PASSPORT

28 Michigan Opera Theatre AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT Michigan Opera Theatre’s audience engagement and adult education programs continued to set the standard among companies of our size in the United States. The total number of Opera Clubs (private, invited events), Overtures to Opera (public, open, no ticket), and other engagement initiatives totaled 77 events, connecting more than 7,000 individuals to Michigan Opera Theatre and its productions in communities from Ann Arbor to Clinton Township, and throughout CREATE AND PERFORM IN REHEARSAL Detroit and the metro area. This was of Time, which focused on students’ dreams and plans for their made possible in part through our third year of futures, and how they can work to make the world a better the Ambassadors program, which enables opera advocates place for future generations. to leverage their own passion to introduce the art form to diverse audiences and build new regional relationships for MOT. MOT was pleased to continue its valued partnerships with the CONCERTS Detroit Yacht Club, the Scarab Club, and the Grosse Pointe Summer Serenade concerts were held this past year at Grand War Memorial, while forging new relationships with partners Circus Park, the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, and the Detroit like the Senate Theatre and the Plymouth United Church. Zoo. These outdoor concerts, sung by Studio Artists and MOT continued our holiday tradition with appearances at members of the Touring Ensemble, combined opera favorites Detroit’s annual Noel Night, while our OperaHERE podcast, with well-known Broadway pieces. MOT’s Studio Artists produced by our partners at WDET (Detroit’s NPR radio presented a concert in collaboration with the Detroit Symphony station), doubled its audience during this season, reaching Orchestra’s Educational Concert Series entitled Mozart and more than 2,000 listeners. the Opera, which served 6,000 young people. Additionally, the Mary Thompson Foundation funded 13 American Songbook concerts throughout the year, which enabled Michigan SUMMER PROGRAMS Opera Theatre to have a presence in senior centers. Held in 20 students participated in MOT’s annual 3-week Operetta multiple communities including Wyandotte, Dearborn, and Workshop, directed by Molly Bock with music direction Grosse Pointe Farms, these concerts are always met with an by Joseph Jackson. This program served young people overwhelmingly positive response from audiences. One senior ages 10 to 18, building their skills in singing, acting, stage center employee wrote to us, calling the performance “truly movement, healthy vocal technique, and auditioning. Their incredible!” and “unforgettable!” final performance of Iolanthe was presented in Boll Hall for an audience of more than 200 family members and friends. Operetta Workshop was followed by Create and Perform, a two- week program in which students ages 8-18 collectively create their own stories, music compositions, and dances. This program served 18 students under the direction of Madelyn Porter and Maria Cimarelli. Students wrote and performed an original PAGE TO STAGE AT PAGES BOOKSTORE IN NORTHWEST DETROIT. piece called A Matter STUDENTS AT MOST HOLY REDEEMER SCHOOL ENJOY A VISIT FROM MOT ARTISTS. Annual Report 2019 29 2018-2019 EVENTS AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 CONCERTS, PERFORMERS, AND EVENTS:

Concerts and Performers: Weddings: “Aladdin” (Broadway in Detroit) Acton Wedding and Reception Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Beverly Barnes Wedding Shower (Michigan Opera Theatre) Rachel Eckert Wedding and Reception “Amahl and the Night Visitors” (Michigan Higginson – Saffel Wedding Ceremony Opera Theatre) and Reception BalletMet / The Nutcracker (Michigan Hugo Wedding and Reception Opera Theatre) Jackson Wedding and Ceremony “The Barber of Seville” (Michigan Opera Kalahasty Engagement Party Theatre) Morgan – Caldwell Wedding Ceremony “Candide” (Michigan Opera Theatre) Naylor – Opland Wedding and Reception Easter Jazz Spectacular - featuring Robinson – Barsamian Wedding Norman Brown, Hiroshima and Boney Reception James Ruffolo Wedding Ceremony and “Eugene Onegin” (Michigan Opera Reception Theatre) Samantha and Bhatt Sangeet Wedding Alessandra Ferri: Art of the pas de Deux reception (Michigan Opera Theatre) Times and Schostak Wedding and Renee Fleming Recital (Michigan Opera Reception Theatre) “The Grapes of Wrath” (Michigan Opera Miscellaneous Events: Theatre) Ballet Detroit “Hansel and Gretel” (Michigan Opera Bravo Bravo! Fundraiser (Michigan Theatre) Opera Theatre) “Jack in the Beanstalk” (Michigan Opera Cabaret 313 Theatre) Culture Source Meeting and Luncheon Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Dance Film Series (Michigan Opera Company (Michigan Opera Theatre) Theatre) Live from Here with Chris Thiele Deloitte Auto Show Preview Party (National Public Radio Live Broadcast) Detroit Academy of Doctors “Phantom of the Opera” (Broadway in Detroit Public Television Detroit) Detroit Service Learning Academy “The Secret World of Og” (Michigan Eisenhower Dance Summer Intensive Opera Theatre) Fiat Chrysler Automotive Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night Fourth Wall Theatre Workshop Shen Yun General Motors Corporation / Maritz Too Hot to Handel (Rackham Choir) Presentation and Workshop “Wicked” (Broadway in Detroit) Google Reception A Winter Fantasy (Michigan Opera Inner City Dance Scope Theatre Children’s Chorus) Learning at the Opera House Lorenzo Cultural Center Graduations and Ceremonies: Mitch Album Book Release Event College for Creative Studies – Detroit National Black MBA Welcome Reception Detroit Edison High School MOT Annual Trustees Meeting Henry Ford Academy - Detroit (Michigan Opera Theatre) International Academy – Bloomfield MOTVA Annual Meeting (Michigan Hills Opera Theatre) Martin Luther King High School - Detroit National Endowment for the Arts Mercy High School – Farmington Hills Meeting and Luncheon University Prep Academy - Detroit National Society of Black Engineers Wayne State University Law School - Peking Opera Reception Detroit Preservation Detroit Annual Downtown Wayne State University White Coat Theatre Tour Ceremony –Detroit Quicken Loans Intern Mentoring Event Ties Like Me Networking Event Ulta Media Vincentz Networking Reception WJR Detroit Tigers Opening Day Event WRCJ Live Radio Broadcasts (Michigan Opera Theatre)

30 Michigan Opera Theatre The Detroit Opera House Master Plan Phase 1A he magnificent Detroit Opera House, built in 1922, Twas last renovated in 1996. In the 23 years that have passed since the grand opening of this jewel of Detroit, as hundreds of thousands of guests have enjoyed performances, wear and tear on amenities and building systems have begun to take a toll. Long deferred maintenance needs to be addressed now, and accessibility issues create challenges to patrons. To begin a plan to address these concerns, in 2017-18 Michigan Opera Theatre embarked upon a facilities master planning process and developed a 179-page master plan in conjunction with architects, Albert Kahn and Associates, and through a dialogue with invited stakeholders. The facilities master plan project continued to develop during the 2018-19 season, with generous support by the William Davidson Foundation. Over the last year, Michigan Opera Theatre was able to identify the most pressing priorities and work with architects to design solutions to be undertaken in the immediate future. Referred to as “Phase 1A” of the master plan, which acknowledges the need to continue to design and develop deferred maintenance priorities in later “phases”, these current priorities include a complete redesign and replacement of the building’s HVAC and mechanical systems; new and additional elevators that will serve the auditorium including the upper balcony as well as the rooftop venue; accessible restrooms for main floor patrons; replacement of the old seats in the auditorium; and redesigned rooftop space that offers cover from the elements. Members of the Michigan Opera Theatre management team and the Board have been working with architects through the design phase on these specific areas of need. The design phase will be completed by the end of the 2019 calendar year. At that time, the team will begin construction planning with an expectation that phased construction elements may begin as early as the spring of 2020, working around planned performances. It is expected that this phase of the master plan should be complete by the end of 2021 calendar year. As the work on the Master Facilities Plan has developed in conjunction with the Historic Path to a Bold Future campaign--a campaign that remains $15 million away from achieving its total $50 million goal (as of this printing)--it has become evident that the cost of the work required to maintain this historic structure will cost approximately $15 million. For that reason, this project will serve as the focus of how the final $15 million of the campaign will be applied. Michigan Opera Theatre intends to complete the campaign over the next two years and use these funds for the necessary renovations of the Detroit Opera House.

Annual Report 2019 31 MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE ORCHESTRA 2018-2019

Violin Andrea Yun* Horn Eliot Heaton, Concertmaster Andrew Pelletier, Principal Laura Leigh Roelofs, Assistant Bass Carrie Banfield-Taplin Concertmaster Derek Weller, Principal Victoria Haltom, Principal Second Clark Suttle Trumpet Emily Barkakati * David Ammer, Principal Anna Bittar-Weller* Harp Gordon Simmons Kevin Filewych* Patricia Terry-Ross, Principal Molly Hughes* Trombone Bryan Johnston* Flute Brittany Lasch, Principal Henrik Karapetyan* Laura Larson, Acting Principal Greg Near Velda Kelly* Beth Kirton* Oboe Percussion Daniel Stachyra* Nermis Mieses, Principal John Dorsey, Principal Jenny Wan* Sally Heffelfinger-Pituch Andrew Wu* Timpani English Horn Alison Chang, Principal Viola Sally Heffelfinger-Pituch, Principal John Madison, Principal *These musicians may rotate seating Jacqueline Hanson* Clarinet during the season. Scott Stefanko* Brian Bowman, Principal Barbara Zmich-McClellan* J.William King Detroit Federation of Musicians Local #5 American Federation of Musicians Cello Bassoon Nadine Deleury, Principal Francisco Delgado, Principal Yuliya Kim* Gregory Quick Daniel Thomas*

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHORUS 2018-2019 Suzanne Mallare Acton, Chorus Master

Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Brandy Adams Andrea Apel Gregory Ashe Joseph Edmonds Carol Ambrogio-Wood Yvonne Friday Fred Buchalter Kurt Frank Alaina Brown Rachel Ann Girty Dorian Dillard Branden C. S. Hood Clair Chardon Olivia Johnson Brent Doucette Matthew Konopacki Jenny Cresswell Kaswanna Kanyinda William Floss David Moan Fidelia Darmakasih Hillary LaBonte Camron Gray Paolo Pacheco Rebecca Eaddy Madison Montambault Richard Jackson, Jr Frank Pitts Suzanne Grogan Kristina Riegle Seth Johnson Brett Pond Sandra Periord Diane Schoff Adrian Leskiw Brandon Spencer Kimberley Sanders Tiffanie Waldron Bradley Miller Kevin Starnes Corinthia Sims Chantel Woodard Brandon Motz Terrence Stewart Heidi Bowen Zook Antona Yost David Roberts David Twigg Robert Skylis Justin Watson Brett Thompson

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

32 Michigan Opera Theatre 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 21, 2019, more than $37 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 Anne 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

Annual Report 2019 33 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 William Davidson Foundation

$2,000,000 and above Mr.† & Mrs. Douglas Allison Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel The Skillman Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Barthel John S. & James L. Knight Foundation The State of Michigan Community Foundation for Southeast Lear Corporation Karen & R. Jamison Williams Michigan McGregor Fund Marvin, Betty and Joanne Danto Dance Endowment & Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation

$1,000,000 and above Mr. & Mrs. Robert Allesee Mrs. Barbara Frankel Masco Corporation Mr.† & Mrs. Eugene Applebaum & Mr. Ronald Michalak Matilda R. Wilson Fund † AT&T Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Frankel Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Bank of America Hudson-Webber Foundation Foundation Mr. & Mrs. John A. Boll Sr. JPMorgan Chase & Co. National Endowment of the Arts DTE Energy Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos Dr. & Mrs. Sam B. Williams Mrs. Margo Cohen Feinberg & Mr. Mrs. Linda Dresner Levy The Andrew W. Mellon Robert Feinberg & Mr. Edward Levy, Jr. Foundation Compuware Corporation Mandell L. & Madeleine H. Berman Foundation Contributors to Michigan Opera Theatre Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose generosity is vital to the company’s financial stability, and necessary to sustain MOT’s position as a valued cultural resource. The following represents total gifts received between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

FOUNDATION, CORPORATE, $50,000 - $99,999 $10,000 - $24,999 Henry E. and Consuelo Wenger & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT J. Addison Bartush and Marion M. AVL Michigan Holdings Corporation Foundation Bartush Family Foundation (Don Manvel) The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation $500,000+ J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund DTE Energy Foundation MGM Grand Detroit The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation The Kresge Foundation Fifth Generation, Inc. Michigan Humanities Council Ford Motor Company Fund Marvin and Betty Danto Family Ida and Conrad H. Smith Endowment Ralph L. and Winifred E. Polk William Davidson Foundation Foundation for MOT Foundation Penske Corporation Kyyba Kidz Foundation The Samuel L. Westerman $250,000+ The State of Michigan Making Waves USA, LLC Foundation Community Foundation for Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC The Mary Thompson Foundation Southeast Michigan Worthington Family Foundation Michigan Council for Arts and $1,000 - $4,999 John S. and James L. Knight Cultural Affairs 4th Wall Theatre Company, LLC Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Milner Hotels Foundation Albert Kahn Associates DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Moroun Family Foundation Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $100,000+ The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family OPERA America AOM, LLC The Dolores And Paul Lavins Foundation The Rattner and Katz Charitable Arts Midwest Foundation Hudson-Webber Foundation Foundation The Ashley General Motors Corporation Masco Corporation Center For Financial Planning Lear Corporation Matilda R. Wilson Fund $5,000 - $9,999 Comerica Incorporated Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher MGM Resorts Foundation Allegra Print & Imaging Dance Theatre of Harlem Foundation National Endowment of the Arts Duran Healthcare Advisory Detroit 300 Conservancy Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation Flagstar Foundation Detroit Industrial School Detroit Rotary Foundation

† Deceased 34 Michigan Opera Theatre FOUNDATION, CORPORATE, & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT continued…

Detroit Zoological Society Joyce Cohn Young Artist Fund Northern Trust Bank Techmode Edward C And Linda Dresner Levy Key Private Bank Pepsico Foundation Inc. UBS Financial Services, Inc. Foundation Lee & Maxine Peck Foundation Planterra UHY LLP Forte Belanger Matrix Human Services Real Integrated VDV Concessions, LLC Fox Run Retirement Community Morgan Stanley Sigmund and Sophie Rohlik Wayne State Univ. Music Dept. Grosse Pointe War Memorial Moroch Partners LP Foundation Young Woman’s Home Association Huron Valley Council for the Arts Neogen Corporation Smith Family Foundation Your Cause, LLC James & Lynelle Holden Fund Nerds Xpress, LLC Somerset Collection Charitable Josephine Kleiner Foundation Network For Good Foundation

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT Françoise Colpron-Schwyn Brock & Katherine L. Plumb Ronald & Zvjezdana Martella & James Schwyn Prof. Sara A. Pozzi Ph. D Mr. Dexter C. Mason $100,000+ Julia Donovan Darlow & Hershel & Dorothy Sandberg Benjamin Meeker & The Estate of Robert C. & John C. O’Meara Mark & Lois Shaevsky Meredith Korneffel RoseAnn B. Comstock Shauna Ryder Diggs Susan Sills-Levey & Michael Levey Dr. Lisa Meils Mrs. Linda Dresner Levy Mr. Michael Einheuser Frank & Susan Sonye Van Momon & Pamela L. Berry & Mr. Edward Levy, Jr. Marianne Endicott Dr. Gregory Stephens E. & Dolores A. Mutchler Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos Alex Erdeljan Ms. Danielle R. Stewart Dr. & Mrs. Peter Nickles Richard Sonenklar & Dr. Raina Ernstoff & Ronald Switzer & Jim McClure Barbara Nusbaum Gregory Haynes Mr. Sanford Hansell Joel & Shelley Tauber Juliette Okotie-Eboh, Ph.D. Lloyd Fell & Kathleen Lieder Thomas & Kae Terrell Richard & Debra Partrich $50,000 - $99,999 Dr. Marjorie M. Fisher Norman Thorpe Spencer & Myrna Partrich Richard & Mona Alonzo Carl & Mary Ann Fontana John & Barbara Tierney Daniel & Margaret Pehrson Joanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden Dean & Aviva Friedman Dr. John Weber & Dr. Dana Zakalik John & Terry Rakolta Ethan & Gretchen Davidson Priscilla R. Greenberg PhD David & Bernadine Wu David & Jacqueline Roessler Audrey Rose Karen & R. Jamison Williams James & Nancy Grosfeld Mary Lou Zieve Mr. Robert Hage Anthony & Sabrina Rugiero Laurence & Barbara Schiff $20,000 - $49,999 John & Kristan Hale $2,500 - $2,999 Donald & Kim Schmidt Mr. & Mrs. John A. Boll Sr. Addison & Deborah Igleheart Kenn & Liz Allen Alan Schwartz Ms. Edith S. Briskin Kent & Amy Jidov Sarah Allison Rosalind Sell Robert Brown & Geraldine Ellen Kahn Beverly Avadenka Arlene Shaler Ford-Brown Thomas & Deborah Krikorian Mark & Caprice Baun John & Arlene Lewis Ms. Debra Bernstein-Siegel Sheila Sloan James & Elizabeth Ciroli Mrs. Phyllis F. Snow Avern Cohn & Lois Pincus Stephan & Marian Loginsky Paul & Lee Blizman Joseph & Barbra Bloch Ms. Mary Anne Stella Kevin Dennis & Jeremy Zeltzer James LoPrete Richard & Gwen Bowlby Jeffrey Tranchida & Noel Baril Mrs. Elaine Fontana Stephen & Paulette Mancuso Betty Bright Mr. James G. Vella Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mrs. L. William Moll Thomas & Dorothy Carson Marilyn Victor Mr. Ronald Michalak Donald & Antoinette Morelock Michael & Mary Chirco Inge A. Vincent Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel Ms. Anne Moroun Allan & Joy Nachman Philanthropic Gloria Clark Bradley Wakefield & Michael & Barbara Kratchman Fund William & Kelly Connell Meghann Rutherford Alphonse Lucarelli Graham & Sally Orley Peter & Rochelle Cooper Stanley Waldon Susanne McMillan Charlotte & Charles Podowski Helen Daoud Ms. Margaret Winters Ali Moiin & William Kupsky Waltraud Prechter Jerry & Maureen D’Avanzo Joan Young & Thomas Schellenberg Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Paul & Amy Ragheb Walter & Lillian Dean Roy & Maureen Roberts Irvin & Pamela Reid Carolyn Demps & Guy Simons $1,000 - $2,499 Ms. Patricia H. Rodzik Mrs. Carolyn L. Ross Mrs. Karen V. DiChiera Nina & Howard Abrams Ankur Rungta & Mayssoun Bydon Bernard & Donna Rubin Lisa DiChiera & John Kane Mr. James Anderson Ms. Merle H. Scheibner Dr. Mildred Ponder Stennis Debbie Dingell Ms. Deborah L. Anthony Jesse & Yesenia Venegas Dr. Harold M. Arrington Dorothy Tomei Ms. Mary J. Doerr Mrs. Chacona Baugh C. Thomas & Bernie Toppin Kenneth & Frances Eisenberg Cecilia Benner $10,000 - $19,999 Barbara Van Dusen Fern Espino & Tom Short Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Mr. Stanislaw Bialoglowski Ms. Anne Wilczak Robert & Margo Feinberg Maurice & Linda Binkow Stephen & Jana Brownell Ned & Joan Winkelman Oscar & Dede Feldman Herbert Danziger Adrienne & Robert Z. Feldstein Eugene & Roselyn Blanchard Enrico & Kathleen Digirolamo Richard & Joanne Brodie $3,000 - $4,999 Robert & Amy Folberg Mr. Charles D. Bullock Dilip & Sonal Dubey Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Barbara Garavaglia Edward & Judith Christian Mr. Cameron B. Duncan Richard & Susan Bingham Glendon M. Gardner & Douglas & Minka Cornelsen Paul & Mary Sue Ewing Ms. Nicole A. Boelstler Leslie Landau Harvey & Edith Covensky Richard & Aurora Goetz Bob & Rosemary Brasie Yousif & Mara Ghafari Dr. Devon Hoover Keith & Eileen L. Gifford Daniel & Susan Drucker Dr. Lynne Carter Mr. George Evans Donald Manvel Dr. Mary Carol Conroy Allan Gilmour & Eric Jirgens Ms. Mary C. Mazure Dr. Judie R. Goodman Mr. John Fleming Lawrence & Doris David Burke & Carol Fossee Mr. Cyril Moscow † Carolyn Gordon Dr. David DiChiera Ms. Sharlene F. Gage William & Wendy Powers Dr. & Mrs. Saul Forman Samuel & Toby Haberman Mrs. Alice B. Haidostian Thomas M. Gervasi Matthew & Mona Simoncini Harvey & Lois Freeman Eugene & Donna Hartwig Mr. Lawrence Glowczewski Joe Skoney & Luisa Di Lorenzo Ralph & Erica Gerson Gerhardt & Rebecca P. Hein Mr. William Greene William Smith Derek & Karen Hodgson Doreen Hermelin Robert & Ann Greenstone Mr. Richard D. Ventura Mr. William Hulsker Ms. Una C. Jackman Mr. Mark J. Harbeck Gary Wasserman & Charles Kashner Ann Katz Don Jensen & Leo Dovelle Myke & Tonya Hawkins Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic Fay & Allen Herman $5,000 - $9,999 Gary & Gwenn Johnson Chak & Beth Lai Paul & Nancy Hillegonds Mr. & Mrs. Robert Allesee Mr. George Johnson Arthur & Nancy Liebler Eleanor & Alan Israel Pernilla & Daniel Ammann Ms. Jill Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel N. Maisel Mrs. Esther Jaruga Thomas & Gretchen Anderson Maxwell & Marjorie Jospey The Hon. Jack & Dr. Bettye Richard & Involut Jessup Gene P. Bowen Linda & Thomas Klein Arrington Martin David & Theresa Joswick Elizabeth Brooks Mark Kolins & Maria Abrahamsen Eugene & Lois Miller Robert & Julia Kelly Kevin Browett Paul Lavins Phillip & Dawn Minch Ida King Wayne Brown & Brenda Kee Melvin Lester Xavier & Maeva Mosquet Mado Lie Joyce Urba & David Kinsella Ilse Calcagno Mr. George & Mrs. Jo Elyn Nyman William & Jean Kroger Mr. Thomas Cohn Mary Alice Lomason Mr. Jonathan Orser Ms. Denise Lutz Al & Susan LaCroix David Osborne & Suzanne Acton Ms. Florine Mark Mr. Lawrence Larson Ms. Susan Peslar Annual Report 2019 35 Meria Larson Colin Knapp & Frank Kong William & Jacqueline Lockwood IN TRIBUTE Congressman Andrew & Mary Levin Gregory Knas Mrs. Mary Loria Mr. Ron Lipson Express Employment Professionals Mr. John Lovegren & In memory of Gerard Beneteau Stephen Lord Troy & Rochester Hills Mr. Daniel Isenschmid Anita Krebs Tamara Luchini Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Levin John & Vivienne Lucksom Mr. Joe Luther Ms. Lynne M. Metty Bridget MacDonald In memory of Bill Brooks Barbara Frankel & Ronald Michalak Robert & Terri Lutz Dr. James L. Moseley Ms. Margaret MacTavish Mr. Loreto A. Manzo Ms. Nicole New Steven & Jennifer Marlette In memory of Marvin Frankel Ms. Janet Groening Marsh Walter & Elizabeth Newgeon Mr. Jeffrey D. Marraccini Ellsworth & Janet Levine, Ms. Christy George & Tatyana Matish George & Nancy Nicholson Mr. John McElroy C. Torgler, Lewis & Cindi Wagner Ms. Mary McGough Mrs. Rosalva Parada Patrick & Patricia McKeever Ms. Patricia A. McKanna Peter & Teresa Roddy Brian & Lisa Meer In memory of Nicholas Kondak Ms. Laurie Mickiewicz James Rodgers & Kathleen Mrs. Carmen R. Mejia-Sosa Mrs. Diane Binkowski, Mr. George Bruce Miller Brozowski-Rodgers Ms. Evelyn Micheletti Hirth, Mrs. Christine Mason, Mrs. Sylvia P. Whitmer Dr. Anne Missavage & Mr. Robert Ms. Charlotte Singewald Chuck & Alice Moss Borcherding Gabriel & Martha Stahl Brian & Toni Sanchez Murphy In memory of Eduardo Munoz Manuel & Nora Moroun Ms. Lois Norman Perou Peter Oleksiak $500 - $749 Mr. Ronald Northrup Mr. & Mrs. Nestor A. Kleer Ms. Linda Orlans James & Catherine Allen Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nuyen Anne Parsons & Donald Dietz Robert & Catherine Anthony Jennifer L. Pajak In memory of Eduardo and Katty Mark & Kyle Peterson Dennis Archer & Mr. D. Sean Panikkar Munoz Perou Peter & Marguerite Polidori Trudy Duncombe Archer Mr. Michael Parisi James & Cristina Sunstrum Mrs. Janet Pounds Angie & Rick Armstrong Charles & Mary Parkhill Fred & Erika Baer In memory of James Michael Ryan Rob & Linda Powers Nicole Patrick Ms. Shelzy Ryan Rip & Gail Rapson Emily Belcher Ms. Haryani Permana Dr. Monique Reeves Mr. Brian Benson Phil Phillips In memory of Maritza Sabbagh- Mr. Dennis C. Regan & William & Marcia Betz Richard Rattner & Linnea Lannon Kozora Miss Ellen M. Strand Ms. Kanta Bhambhani Ms. Paula Rausch Andrea Guttilla, Norman & Solange Jeanne Reichert Ms. Barbara A. Blanock Benjamin & Florence Rhodes Messelian, Ms. Lucille Sabbagh, Ms. Cheryl Reynolds Gerald & Marceline Bright Adam D. Rubin, M.D, Lakeshore Dr. & Mrs. Michael Wayne Brenda & Howard Rosenberg Dr. & Mrs. Ronald T. Burkman Professional Voice Center In memory of Hector & Catherine George & Aphrodite Roumell Mrs. Beverly H. Burns Charles & Adam Russman Glenn & Joan Carpenter Somerville William & Marjorie Sandy Professor Alvin & Mrs. Harriet Ms. Lee A. Somerville Mary Schlaff & Sanford Koltonow Tonino & Sarah Corsetti Saperstein Dr. Christina Shanti James & Christine Cortez Johanne & Claus Schaefer In memory of Deborah Weathers Ms. Cynthia Shaw Cristina DiChiera & Neal Walsh Drs. Franziska & Robert Schoenfeld Alaina & Aria Williams Terry Shea & Seigo Nakao Dr. Joshua Dilworth Diane & Morton Scholnick Ms. Bethany Shorb Mr. Leonard R. Dimsa Mr. David Schon In honor of Suzanne Acton Mr. Zon Shumway Donald & Anne Ditmars Marc & Naomi Shaberman Mr. George Evans Mr. Michael Smith & Ms. Margo Downes Herbert & Melody Shanbaum In honor of Joanne Danto and Mrs. Katie Williams Smith Eugene & Elaine Driker Mrs. Cynthia B. Shaw & Dr. Alan Eiser Arnie Weingarten Ms. Theresa Spear & Mr. Tom Kirvan Ms. Carole Slotkin Mr. Jeff Douma James Eng Patrick & Carol Sheehy Mr. Theodore J. St. Antoine Mr. Robert E. Epstein Donald & Joyce Sherman In honor of Douglass Diggs James & Cristina Sunstrum Mrs. Shirley M. Flanagan Ted & Mary Ann Simon Joanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden Lorna Thomas, M.D. Ms. Sue Force Mr. & Mrs. Anthony R. Skwiers Michele & Scott Toenniges Daniel & Susan Fox Ms. Carole Slotkin In honor of Feodora Earls Mathew & Barbara Vanderkloot Daniel & Katharine Frohardt-Lane Mr. Carl R. Smith Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Gerrit & Beate Vreeken Lawrence & Ann Garberding Wesley & Sheila Smith Lawrence & Irene Garcia In honor of Marvin Frankel William Waak Ms. Janet Stevens Ms. Mary E. Sestok Robert & Liina M. Wallin William & Janet Goudie Gretchen Thams & James Bowman William & Martha Walsh Philip & Martha Gray Buzz Thomas & Daniel Vander Ley In honor of Priscilla and John Kenneth & Marilyn Way Verna Green Alice & Paul Tomboulian Kirlin Ms. Leslie Wise Anonymous Stuart & Barbara Trager Stephen & Jana Brownell Jose & Jocelyne Yanez Kristina K. Gregg Anne Marie Turnage Ellen Hill Zeringue & Giacinta Gualtieri Leo & Jennifer Wasageshik In honor of Dr. William Kupsky and Dr. Ali Moiin Anthony Zeringue Jamie Hall, MD Prof. Michael Wellman Gregory & Julia Hays David Kupsky Law Group LLC, Meredith Weston-Band & Mrs. Elizabeth S. Kupsky $750 - $999 Mr. Stephan Hodge Jeffery Band Joshua & Judith Lowitz Adler Beth Hoger & Lisa Swem Mrs. Jennifer R. Whip In honor of Donald Morelock Ali & Hanaan Alhimiri Anonymous Christopher & Susan Wilhelm Gerson & Beverly Geltner Robert & Elaine Appel Mario & Jane Iacobelli Ms. Kathryn Wilson Ms. Geraldine Atkinson Nezha Jioudi Mr. Curtis Wolfe In honor of Patricia Nieman Vernon & Hilary Blevins Geraldine & Jacqueline Keller Mrs. Cathy C. Wood Ms. Helen C. Bauer Frank & Jenny Brzenk Shelley & Eric Kerr Mr. David D. Woodard Ms. Joyce E. Delamarter Steve & Judith A. Kesler In honor of Ruth Rattner Dr. Ruth A. Worthington Lila Silverman Mr. Terry Dewey Mr. Daniel W. Ketelaar Thomas & Cynthia Yates Howard & Nedra Downing Mr. & Mrs. Gerd H Keuffel Mr. Dominick Zaccone Ms. Carole Hardy Harvey & Aileen Kleiman Dr. Susan E. Harold M.D. Justin & Joanne Klimko Michael & Margaret Keefe Drs. Richard & Valmy Kulbersh Charles H. Keys & Ms. Laura Lamberti Mrs. Mary L. Elwart-Keys Barbara Levin

36 † Deceased Michigan Opera Theatre AVANTI SOCIETY

Ensuring the Future

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

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

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

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

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

Annual Report 2019 37 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)

iversity, Equity and Inclusion are Barbara Kratchman, Sara Pozzi, Dessential values of Michigan Opera and Fern Espino, along with staff Theatre. The intent to recognize, representatives Wayne Brown, celebrate and encourage the diversity Arthur White, and Andrea Scobie, within the organization and community spent two days visiting the Lyric is not new to MOT in our 48-year history, Opera of Chicago. Over the course of but taking steps to formalize it began the visit, the DEI task force met with with the formation of the DEI Taskforce Lyric staff to discuss best practices, in 2018. challenges, and strategy around DEI, Under the leadership of board and observed Lyric’s EmpowerYouth! member Julia Darlow, the Task Force Program, which is rooted in principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

DEI and Education DEI is at the heart of the educational work DE&I TASK FORCE MEMBER SARA POZZI undertaken at MOT. Our goal is to be responsive to community interest and need. The majority of young people served through our programming come from underserved schools where over 70% of the student DE&I TASK FORCE MEMBER DEXTER MASON. population qualifies for free and reduced presented a report of its work at MOT’s lunch. Eighty percent of youth last annual meeting in November, 2018. served over the last two MOT STUDIO ARTISTS At MOT’s most recent Board of Directors seasons have been young people of color, such as our productions of How Nanita meeting, Task Force members Sara Pozzi with programming taking place in other Learned to Make Flan (set in Mexico and and Dexter Mason presented an overview communities: Detroit, composed by Enrique Gonzalez-Medina), of DEI to the Board, and the Task Force Dearborn, Pontiac, and Flint. I, Too, Sing America (multi-media piece was reformed as a standing committee of One foundational goal of MOT’s commissioned by MOT in 2018, focusing the Board. education work is to broaden and on African American trailblazers), During the past year, the Task Force deepen access to the arts for our and our new production of Jack & the studied DEI challenges and progress communities, particularly those which Beanstalk (conceived with Charles Wright throughout the opera and music worlds have historically been denied access. Museum of African American History and and within MOT. In May of 2018, DEI We look to tell diverse and timely incorporating West African instruments, task force members Julia Darlow, stories through our educational tours, dance, and storytelling traditions). Each of our touring operas for the last three seasons have been directed by female directors or directors of color. MOT has worked to develop and present sensory-friendly and inclusive family programming with 4th Wall Theatre Company and the Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan, and continues to partner with non- arts organizations like the Downtown Boxing Gym and the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. Additionally, Director of Education Andrea Scobie currently serves on the Detroit Public School Community District task force around bilingual education. MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF EUGENE ONEGIN

38 Michigan Opera Theatre Spring 2020 at the Detroit Opera House

Opera Series Dance Series AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

Gianni Schicchi Malandain Ballet and Buoso’s Ghost Biarritz Giacomo Puccini February 15 — Detroit Premiere! Performed in Italian with English supertitles This French contemporary dance company is known for their celebration At the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts of sensuality and humanity. February 29 – March 1 — Featuring the five resident artists of the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio. This opera features sweeping melodies with a slapstick plot.

Champion Dance Theatre Terence Blanchard of Harlem Performed in English with English supertitles March 14 – 15 — The 17 member, March 28 – April 5 — Michigan Premiere! multi-ethnic company performs A gut-wrenching and life changing forward-thinking repertoire that includes opera about the power of self-acceptance, treasured classics, neoclassical works forgiveness, and redemption. and innovative contemporary works.

Pagliacci American Ballet Ruggero Leoncavallo Theatre Performed in Italian with English supertitles “Swan Lake” May 9 – 17 — Pagliacci chronicles the April 16 – 19 — This stunning behind-the-scenes fallout among a traveling production is set to a gorgeous score by troupe of clowns in Southern Italy. Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, performed live by the MOT Orchestra. A co-production with University Musical Society.

The 2019-2020 Dance Season Presenting Sponsor for is made possible by generous gifts from American Ballet Theatre Joanne and Richard Brodie and the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Foundation. 2020 Spring Season Sponsor

MichiganOpera.org or 313.237.7464