Reaching New Heights 2018 ANNUAL
2018 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT1 LA TRAVIATA GIUSEPPE VERDI
“With its new take on Verdi’s La traviata … the company got it right. … Judging by [Patricia Racette’s] work here in her directorial debut, she has a solid future ahead of her as a director if she chooses. Soprano Sydney Mancasola ... [has] a true and well-produced instrument. Sympathetic as the doomed courtesan, she brought out Violetta’s strength as well as her vulnerabilities in a well- rounded performance.” – The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (2018). Photo © Ken Howard (2018). Photo © Ken in La traviata Mancasola Sydney
Major production sponsorship was provided by the William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee, and The Commerce Trust Company, with production underwriting from the Engelhardt Family Foundation. Patricia2 Racette’s engagement was made possible with the generosity2018 ANNUAL of the Shepard REPORT Family Foundation. World Premiere AN AMERICAN SOLDIER HUANG RUO & DAVID HENRY HWANG
“Powerful … haunting music … evocative … CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY & both beautiful and full SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OPERA of raw feeling.” – The Wall Opera Theatre’s mission is to shape the future Street Journal of opera and to connect diverse audiences through its power and beauty.
To accomplish our mission, we produce a world-class opera festival, we champion new works, we build new audiences, we educate and engage our community, and we nurture the finest opera artists, artisans, and administrators of each generation. By doing so, we strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of the St. Louis community.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is funded in part by the Regional Arts Commission, Arts and Education Council, National Endowment
(2018). Photo © Ken Howard Stenson and Mika Shigematsu in An American Soldier (2018).Andrew Photo © Ken for the Arts, and the Missouri Arts Council, with audience building programs supported by The Wallace Foundation. Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges Webster University for its sustaining partnership. Made possible in part by the Fred M. Saigh Endowment at Opera Theatre and by the Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works, which provides support for contemporary opera and related community engagement activities. Leadership support came from the Whitaker Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Berges Family Foundation, and the Ferring Family Foundation, and with an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. The production was made possible with generous support from Emily Rauh Pulitzer and with production underwriting from Clayco, Inc. and Agnes Hsu-Tang & Oscar L. Tang. Generous leadership support for the services of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra THE ANDREW W. was provided by the Taylor Family and the late Jack C. Taylor. MELLON BERGES FAMILY Opera Theatre affirms its ADA compliance and is proud to promote diversity and inclusion in all activities. FOUNDATION FOUNDATION A Message from the A Message from the
General Director Chairman of the Board
As I reflect upon my first months in St. Louis, I feel an overwhelming sense of Ever since the beginning of my term as Board Chairman, each Opera Theatre gratitude to you, the Opera Theatre family, for welcoming me so warmly. season has given me a great sense of satisfaction and personal fulfillment. However, this year was an especially poignant one as we bid farewell to our The 2018 Festival Season was one of beauty, discovery, emotion, and connection. beloved former General Director Timothy O’Leary, who served the St. Louis The season began with a lush new production of Verdi’s La traviata, led by Patricia community tirelessly and faithfully for eleven years. But now, we welcome to our Racette in her directorial debut. Under the brilliant leadership of Artistic Director midst a new and exciting leader in Andrew Jorgensen. His arrival heralds a new James Robinson and Music Director Emeritus Stephen Lord, Blitzstein’s Regina chapter in Opera Theatre’s history. The Board is confident that in Andrew we presented one of the starriest casts ever assembled at Opera Theatre, including the have found Tim’s perfect successor. Andrew’s stellar background, coupled with his return of mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. We presented our 27th world premiere fresh ideas, vision, enthusiasm, and passion for the art form, will surely enhance with Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang’s powerful two-act version of An our great company. American Soldier, and ended the season with Gluck’s uplifting Orfeo & Euridice, which celebrates the victory of love over death. The festivities surrounding the 2018 Festival Season were heightened by the excitement of hosting the 2018 OPERA America Conference. In the final week of the season, Opera Theatre welcomed 730 I am humbled to begin my tenure at Opera Theatre following three extraordinary general directors: Richard attendees from across the world. During the day, the brightest minds in this field met to discuss the future Gaddes, Charles MacKay, and Timothy O’Leary. As my immediate predecessor, Tim served Opera Theatre of the operatic art form. At night, they convened in the Loretto-Hilton Center to watch four stunning tirelessly since 2008. He became known for his ability to unite a community, regardless of any differences in productions. It was humbling and thrilling in equal measure to hear attendees speak with awe about the the room, and for the genuine warmth and connection he brought to every conversation. It is a fitting tribute OTSL experience, from the creativity and boldness found on stage to the warmth and camaraderie found to his leadership and service that his final season was marked by one of Opera Theatre’s most successful under our garden tents. There is no question in my mind that Opera Theatre continues to be seen as an Spring Galas, which celebrated his tenure. Thanks to the establishment of the Next Generation Fund, the important leader for the American opera field. proceeds from this gala will continue to support Opera Theatre through 2020, in large part thanks to the generous Berges-Neidorff Challenge, which raised more than $700,000 in just a few months. The artistic, financial, and critical success of the 2018 Festival Season would not have been possible without the support of thousands: from my extraordinary fellow Board members and our wonderful Guild members I could not be more grateful in this first year for the guidance and leadership of Opera Theatre’s dedicated to countless individual donors, foundations, corporations, and state and federal entities. Nor would this Board of Directors, and in particular for Noémi Neidorff, our wonderful Board Chairman. I owe them all a work be successful without the truly endless dedication of energy and expertise from Opera Theatre’s deep debt of gratitude for the opportunity to become a part of the OTSL team. annual and seasonal staff. I offer my own personal thanks to each and every person who contributed time, knowledge, resources, and talent to serve Opera Theatre’s mission. I am honored to join the Opera Theatre family and look forward to many years in St. Louis. On behalf of Opera Theatre’s artists and staff, thank you for your commitment and support! None of our work would be Noémi K. Neidorff possible without you. Chairman of the Board of Directors
Andrew Jorgensen General Director
About Andrew Jorgensen Andrew comes to St. Louis from the Washington National Opera (WNO) at the Kennedy Center, where he served as acting Interim Executive Director and Director of Artistic Planning and Operations. Prior to his time at WNO, Andrew’s career included positions at such prestigious institutions as the Metropolitan Opera and Columbia Artists Management. He received his undergraduate degree in history from Harvard University and his MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Andrew now lives in St. Louis with his husband Mark and their Tibetan terrier Aria. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 3 Opera Theatre's entire company shared a bow on closing night of the 2018 Festival Season. Photo © J. David Levy The Season SUPPORTING ARTISTS AT ALL STAGES at a Glance The 2018 Festival Season featured exciting appearances by some of opera’s leading voices, "Arresting... including Susan Graham, Kathleen Kim, Susanna Phillips, Jennifer Johnson Cano, Andriana Chuchman, and James Morris. Susan Graham and Jennifer Johnson Cano both received remarkable... early career opportunities at Opera Theatre; their eagerly anticipated returns to St. Louis In 2018, Opera Theatre of performed by an exceptional cast." ARTISTS HIRED demonstrate that Opera Theatre’s mission to Saint Louis celebrated its 43rd – The New York Times IN 2018 identify and nurture the most promising young season, which featured four 340 artists continues to thrive. beautiful new productions, The training and development that Opera Theatre along with the annual Center Stage concert. The world premiere of Huang Ruo and David offers young singers is mirrored backstage, where Henry Hwang’s two-act expansion of An American Soldier brought a powerful, wrenching true aspiring designers, directors, and stage artisans story to light. Marc Blitzstein's seldom-produced Regina brought a star-studded cast to St. receive mentorship and training to advance their Louis, featuring Susan Graham, Susanna Phillips, Ron Raines, and James Morris under the careers while becoming better acquainted with direction of OTSL Artistic Director James Robinson and the baton of OTSL Music Director the logistical challenges of operating a rotating Emeritus Stephen Lord. World-renowned soprano Patricia Racette made a stunning directorial repertory season. debut with Verdi's La traviata, and Gluck's poignant Orfeo & Euridice forged new artistic alliances through a collaboration with St. Louis' own The Big Muddy Dance Company. In 2018, your generosity supported the careers of 340 artists — both onstage and offstage — from The festival was marked by significant milestones across several National artists (60%) Local artists (40%) within the St. Louis region and across the country. fronts, including artistic triumphs, widespread community engagement, strong ticket sales, and tremendous support from donors. Opera Theatre bid an emotional farewell to outgoing General Director Timothy O’Leary and welcomed new General 103% Director Andrew Jorgensen. In addition, Opera Theatre also Achieved of Ticket GARNERING NATIONAL ATTENTION hosted OPERA America’s 2018 Conference, serving once again Revenue Goal The presence of so many acclaimed artists, combined as a national thought leader and convening discussions about the with the exciting world premiere of An American Soldier REVIEWS IN future of the art form. This string of successes would not have 48 and three other beautiful new productions, generated been possible without your support. Thank you for being part of PUBLICATIONS strong results at the box office as well as praise from 32 the Opera Theatre family! the national press. 16 Local 12 National The 2018 Festival Season received significant media coverage from no fewer than 32 publications. The New 4 International York Times alone covered the season with an impressive 20,788 six reviews and features.
TICKETS PURCHASED 49 STATES 7 PROVINCES 17 COUNTRIES
4 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 5 The Season RECORD-BREAKING GENEROSITY FROM YOU, OUR DONORS at a Glance Ultimately, every success that Opera Theatre celebrates is because of the inspiring support of its donors. Thanks to the generosity of a broad and growing base of supporters — individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies — the 2018 Festival Season surpassed its contributed revenue goal and reached its highest number of both new and total donors in over a decade. BUILDING FUTURE AUDIENCES FOR OPERA OPERA THEATRE SAW ITS HIGHEST NUMBER OF DONORS IN Every season, Opera Theatre strives to MORE THAN 10 YEARS introduce more new audiences to opera to INCREASE IN 295 1,000 ensure a future for this art form. In 2018, 26% of 14% YEARLY RETURN New & all ticket buyers were new to OTSL. Not only did OF MILLENNIAL Reinstated Donor the company see success in attracting first-time AUDIENCES Households audiences who were both young and diverse, it SINCE 2013 500 also succeeded in encouraging recent attendees 1,083 to return again. As a result, ticket sales revenue Total Donor Households grew 6.3% between 2017 and 2018. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
DIVERSE BASE OF SUPPORT 54% 42% Dollars raised by 1,565 donors of new audiences were OF YOUNG FRIENDS* Government Millennial or Gen X AUDIENCES WERE 26% SUBSCRIBERS IN 2018 Foundations 6% of 2018 Audiences 21% Individual Were New *Young Friends is a season program for Donors of new audiences were 107% 21% 31% audiences under 45 years of age that Achieved of Operating ethnically diverse offers pre-show social receptions in addition to operatic performances. Support Goal 18% 24% Corporations Family Foundations & THE 2018 OPERA CONFERENCE 730 Donor Advised Funds In the last week of the festival season, Opera Theatre welcomed the 2018 OPERA America Conference to St. Louis. The conference By any measure, the 2018 Festival Season was a resounding success for Opera Theatre of attracted 730 attendees — an all-time record! Saint Louis. However, your investment doesn’t just support OTSL’s six-week festival season; it also makes possible a deep and lasting impact on the St. Louis community and the national OPERA CONFERENCE opera field year-round. ATTENDEES
6 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 7 Serving the FROM SCHOOL TO STAGE: CHAZ'MEN WILLIAMS-ALI Chaz'men Williams-Ali is a St. Louis native who was first introduced to opera through OTSL's Community in-school education programs. His journey continued with the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program, which offers college-level vocal instrution to local high school students. Today, he works as a professional opera singer and was featured in Opera Theatre's 2018 production of 40,000+ Regina. Chaz'men will return to OTSL in the 2019 Festival Season as a principal artist. While the festival season only lasts six weeks, Opera People 1998–2000 Theatre works tirelessly to serve the St. Louis community Participated in Music! Words! Opera! at Kennard Classical Junior Academy year-round. Staff, volunteers, and board members alike Served bring opera into every corner of St. Louis, inviting Attended mainstage productions (52.5%) 2005 people of all ages to discover the beauty of opera and Reached by community programs (47.5%) Accepted to OTSL’s Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program the inspiration of authentic storytelling. 2007 Opera Theatre strives to ensure its year- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Won the Maritz First Prize at the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Spring Recital round programming reflects the same PARTICIPANTS welcoming environment as the festival 34% 5% 2007 season, delivering engaging and accessible AFRICAN-AMERICAN ASIAN Graduated from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School experiences to all audiences, regardless 1% HISPANIC of background, age, and/or musical 56% 2007 CAUCASIAN 4% experience. OTHER Matriculated at the University of Iowa to study vocal performance 2018 INSPIRING THE NEXT OTSL debut as a Richard Gaddes Festival Artist in Regina
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students. Opera Theatre is honored R I V
E R When I was in high school, I was a part of the Monsanto to work with local educators to Arists-in-Training Program. That program took me to a offer a rich and engaging series of programs that can shepherd children performance of La traviata that changed my life and made from a first operatic experience to a me want to be an opera singer. Now, being able to come life-long passion for the art form. back as a professional for Regina and Fire Shut Up in My MISSOURI ILLINOIS Bones really brings me a sense of joy to return to the place where it all started for me in opera.” Metro zip codes served by OTSL's education – Chaz’men Williams-Ali, AIT alumnus and 2019 Principal Artist and community events in fiscal year 2018.
8 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 9 OTSL’S EDUCATION & COMMUNITY Serving the Opera Theatre also reached our ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN 2018 Community community through free public Artists-in-Residence "I realize now that... events with national artists. In 2018, Arts Connection Task Force this is really for anyone..." these community tours included visits Docent Presentations – Krishna Patel, Opera Tastings attendee and Young Friends patron from Tony Award-winning playwright Engagement & Inclusion Task Force and librettist David Henry Hwang, Illuminating Opera internationally lauded composer Kids’ Club MEETING AUDIENCES IN UNEXPECTED WAYS Huang Ruo, and St. Louis native and A Little Lunch Music Opera Theatre is equally committed to helping adults discover (or re-discover) a love of opera star Jennifer Johnson Cano. Meet the Makers Community Tours opera. Thanks to your support, as well as partnerships with several St. Louis organizations, Military Appreciation Performances the company is able to bring free and low-cost events to a diverse range of neighborhoods. Monsanto Artists-in-Training Opera Theatre aims to provide an interesting, accessible entry point to every person, from IT TAKES A VILLAGE Monsanto Artists-in-Training Preparatory Program concerts to networking events to in-depth panel conversations. The impact of these programs Music! Words! Opera! Opera Theatre’s deep work in the was highlighted in a nationally distributed case study from The Wallace Foundation, produced Opera Camp for Kids St. Louis community would not be in partnership with WNET television. Opera on the GO! possible without the support of a large Opera Previews For example, Opera Theatre’s wildly popular Opera Tastings series returned in 2018. This and committed family of volunteers. Opera Tastings culinary concert series pairs live performances with food and drink, curated by local chefs at The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Saint Louis Art Museum Gallery Talks venues across the region. With a low all-inclusive ticket price of $20-25, this event has proven Guild provides crucial, invaluable Saint Louis Art Museum Opera Art Tours effective at encouraging new audiences to try opera for the first time and at deepening support to help realize the company’s Spotlight on Opera engagement from previous casual opera-goers. mission. To each and every member Spring Training Vocal Camp of the Guild who contributed their Student Dress Rehearsals 1,022 time, expertise, and passion in 2018, Young Friends TOTAL BUYERS TO we thank you! OPERA TASTINGS $199,566 73.6% Generated in Festival Season WERE NEW TO OPERA THEATRE revenue from all Opera Tastings attendees since 2015 16,385 = 18.2% Hours Donated by OF NEW BUYERS LATER Guild Volunteers ATTENDED A MAIN 7.8 Annual Staff Positions SEASON PRODUCTION
THANK YOU TO THE SUPPORTERS OF THESE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS! Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank, Trustee Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Guerrerio and Monsanto Fund Trio Foundation of St. Louis Edward Jones Wedgewood Partners, Inc. Allison W. Roberts A Group of Vietnam Veterans Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Collaborative The Saigh Foundation The Wallace Foundation Enterprise Holdings Foundation Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works Kathy Sears, in memory of Frances & Walter Ted Wight, Dielmann Sotheby’s International Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldburg & ErikaGoldburg Mrs. Sanford N. McDonnell Sears and Florentine Friedman Realty Mary Susman & Tom Herm In Memoriam 10 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 11 Serving the Field CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS FROM OPERA THEATRE'S FAMILY
10 5 17 64
Staff Board Community Volunteers Speakers Speakers Partner Opera Theatre’s presence can be felt year-round not just in the local St. Louis community, Speakers but also across the national opera field. Opera Theatre is widely viewed as a leader in creating authentic community partnerships, innovative artistic programming, and young artist development. Opera Theatre’s supporters recognize this and know that their generosity will be felt not only in St. Louis, but by audiences and artists across the country. OTSL’S ARTISTIC FOOTPRINT The productions that Opera Theatre’s audiences enjoy every year at the Loretto-Hilton Center at Webster University don’t just end there. Since 1997, this company's artistic product has traveled THE 2018 OPERA CONFERENCE the nation and the world. From set and costume rentals to re-mountings of OTSL-commissioned world premieres, productions presented first in St. Louis have a long and meaningful life. As host of the 2018 Opera Conference, Opera Theatre embraced the opportunity to provide both hospitality and leadership to the national opera field. Titled “Lifting Many Voices,” this conference focused on issues on which Opera Theatre has often been acknowledged as a critical leader: civic action, equity and inclusion, audience engagement, and innovative season programming. The 2018 Opera Conference was the largest in OPERA America’s history.
2018 OPERA CONFERENCE ATTENDEES CAME FROM
42 STATES 5 PROVINCES 6 COUNTRIES Since 1997, OTSL's commissions and A key part of the conference’s success was the opportunity for visitors to interact with the physical productions Opera Theatre family, who provided support as volunteers, event hosts, and active participants. have traveled to more It is a testament to Opera Theatre’s work that many conference speakers were recruited from than 30 other cities! OTSL’s staff, board, and community partners. Re-stagings of OTSL commissions Production rentals
12 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 13 Serving the Field THE MABEL DORN REEDER FOUNDATION YOUNG ARTIST EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Young Artist Education and Development Programs at Opera Theatre, which were named in recognition of a $2 million gift from The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation in 2010, allow OTSL to dedicate invaluable resources to the training and support of rising talent both onstage and off. This gift helps endow Opera Theatre’s acclaimed Opera Theatre is regularly present in New York City for auditions, guest presentations, and professional development initiatives, which include the Gerdine Young Artist Program, other special events. In 2018, these activities included a preview of An American Soldier at the Richard Gaddes Festival Artist Program, Emerson Behind the Curtain, Administrative Guggenheim Museum’s Works & Process series and a National Press Luncheon attended by 13 Internship Program, graduate study awards for Monsanto Artists-in-Training participants, and national media outlets. the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Prize, which recognizes extraordinary artistic potential. "This is the 30th anniversary of my debut NOTABLE OPERA THEATRE [at OTSL] in Vanessa... Almost every YOUNG ARTIST ALUMNI American singer has a history there. Jamie Barton Christine Brewer It's a place well known for giving young Lawrence Brownlee singers a start." Jennifer Johnson Cano Christine Goerke – Susan Graham, mezzo-soprano and 2018 Principal Artist Evan Leroy Johnson Onstage, young singers begin their OTSL journey as a Gerdine Young Artist, singing in Kate Lindsey the season ensemble while also covering a principal role. The most exceptional of these Amanda Majeski singers may be invited to return as a Richard Gaddes Festival Artist, thereby receiving the Erin Morley opportunity to advance their stage training in a featured role. Every season, young artists also Paula Murrihy Andrew Stenson and Fang-Tao Jiang perform excerpts from receive an average of 18 private coachings from OTSL’s acclaimed music staff and participate Matthew Polenzani An American Soldier at the Guggenheim Museum's Works & in a range of community programs. Morris Robinson Process series in February 2018. Photo © Jacklyn Meduga Alek Shrader 30 OTSL's Young Artist Programs are so Michael Spyres accepted However, nowhere is Opera Theatre’s impact more 352 competitive that less than 3% of all Russell Thomas powerfully or broadly felt than in its support of auditions applicants were offered contracts Corinne Winters young artists, artisans, and administrators. Since the for the 2018 Festival Season! company’s founding in 1976, Opera Theatre has prioritized the development of future practitioners, giving young people from across the country and the world the opportunity to work in a collegial, friendly, 1,007 and encouraging festival format. applications
14 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 15 Serving the Field
OTSL’S YOUNG ARTIST In addition to these artist development DEVELOPMENT programs, Opera Theatre also offers PROGRAMS IN 2018 training for aspiring arts administrators. Administrative Internship Program Every season, eight administrative Larry & Jinny Browning Fund for Technical Backstage, young artisans follow a similar trajectory with Emerson Behind the Curtain internships are made available for Fellowships Emerson Behind the Curtain and Browning Fellowships. Students may work as Emerson Behind the Curtain artists college and graduate-level students Richard Gaddes Festival Artist Program for up to two or three years; afterwards, truly exceptional students are offered the who are interested in pursuing careers Gerdine Young Artist Program advanced training of a Browning Fellowship in recognition of extraordinary potential in non-profit arts management. Many of John D. Levy Master Classes to change the field of technical theater. OTSL’s former interns now hold full-time Monsanto Artists-in-Training Graduate positions at Opera Theatre or other arts Study Awards organizations around the country. Professional Development Awards
“My time in the Emerson program helped to build a deeper understanding of how an opera company works 2018 GERDINE YOUNG 2018 EMERSON BEHIND at an early stage of my career. ARTIST PROGRAM THE CURTAIN PROGRAM That foundation has led me through 30 accepted 22 accepted positions at companies including Opera Theatre of Saint 1 promoted 5 promoted Louis, West Edge Opera, San Francisco Opera, and — from GYA to Gaddes Festival Artist from Emerson artists to Browning Fellows most recently — the Houston Grand Opera as an Assistant 7 alumni hired 7 alumni hired as principal artists as production administration staff Technical Director.” Above: Members of the 2017 class of Browning Fellows. Photo © Eric Woolsey – Roger Chapman, former Emerson Behind the Curtain artist
THESE PROGRAMS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY
Larry & Jinny Browning Fund for Technical Richard Gaddes Fund for Young Singers Stephen H. Lord Fund for Music Richman Memorial Fund Fellowships Colin Graham Master Artist/Artisan Fund Charles MacKay Career Development Fund And gifts made in memory of Mrs. John Sausele, Emerson E. Desmond Lee Fund for Professional Development Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation – Mabel L. Catherine Vail Levy, and Elihu M. Hyndman. Alvin R. Frank Memorial Fund John D. Levy Memorial Master Class Fund Purkerson, M.D., Trustee 16 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 17 Building on OPERATING SUPPORT BY FUND, 2008–2018
Fiscal Responsibility $7M
$6M Opera Conference $5M Events $4M The achievements of the 2018 Festival Season would not be possible without the generosity Education $3M and dedication of Opera Theatre’s extraordinary donors. In the 2018 fiscal year, Opera Productions & $2M Theatre’s contributed revenue exceeded $7.3 million. The company’s endowment also Related Programs increased to an all-time high of $34.96 million as of September 30, 2018. Opera Theatre $1M Unrestricted extends its heartfelt gratitude to every individual who made the following results possible. 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Opera Theatre’s fundraising efforts in 2018 received special support in the form of several $6.4m 79% vs. 45% challenge grants and a record-breaking Spring Gala. in Operating Support, OTSL Donor Average Donor Long-time supporters Alison and John Ferring made a $300,000 challenge gift to or 107% of Total Goal Retention Retention Across Opera Theatre, requiring the company to raise another $300,000 in new and increased National Non-Profits* gifts between 2016 and 2018. The OTSL community responded with an outpouring of Highest numbers of generosity. By the end of the 2018 fiscal year, the Ferring Challenge resulted in $848,022 TOTAL DONORS and from 1,400 new and increased gifts, ranging from $1 to $25,000 — achieving more than NEW AND REINSTATED DONORS 280% of the original goal! in more than 10 years FERRING CHALLENGE (2016–18) * National donor retention statistics as reported by the 2018 Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report, which summarizes data from 13,601 survey respondents. Original Goal OPERA THEATRE'S ENDOWMENT, 2008–2018 $300K $848K = $1,148,022 $35M Total Raised $30M Ferring New & $25M Gift Increased Gifts $20M
$15M As the 2018 Festival Season approached, the Opera Theatre family made special plans to
$10M bid farewell to outgoing General Director Timothy O’Leary. There was much to celebrate:
$5M under his leadership, Opera Theatre marked several milestones, including more than doubling the size of the endowment, commissioning five world premieres as part of the 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 “New Works, Bold Voices” series, and creating an Engagement & Inclusion Task Force to
18 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 19 Building on Statement of Fiscal Responsibility Financial Position
advise the company on questions of community inclusion. Gala Co-Chairs Cathy and Jim Berges and Marsha and Bill Rusnack led a record-breaking Spring Gala to honor Tim’s many accomplishments. The gala raised nearly $1.5 million — the highest amount of gala revenue in company history, achieving 225% of its revenue goal.
2018 SPRING GALA: A TOAST TO TIMOTHY O'LEARY ASSETS As of September 30, 2018 Cash and Cash Equivalents $10,814 Investments $36,233,070 $650K $816K = $1,466,169 Working Capital Reserve $1,640,034 Actual Net Revenue Contributions Receivable $3,386,605 Original Goal Additional Funds Raised Other $1,476,836 Facilities and Equipment $4,065,642 The financial success of the Spring Gala was made possible by a generous $250,000 Total Assets $46,813,001 challenge gift from Cathy and Jim Berges and Noémi and Michael Neidorff. Like the LIABILITIES Ferring Challenge, the Berges-Neidorff Challenge was designed to spur additional new and increased gala support of Opera Theatre. The company beat that challenge by raising Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $205,802 $450,070, or 180% of the original goal. Deferred Revenue $728,624 Annuity Liability $37,400
Thanks to the community’s generosity, Opera Theatre designated $844,252 from the Spring Total Liabilities $971,826 Gala proceeds to establish the Next Generation Fund, which celebrates Timothy O’Leary’s leadership and will support Opera Theatre’s work from 2018 into the 2019 and 2020 Festival Seasons. Net Assets $45,841,175 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $46,813,001
Left: Andrew Jorgensen, Kara O'Leary, and Timothy O'Leary celebrate the start of the 2018 Spring Gala. Right: Timothy O'Leary looks on with emotion during a tribute to his tenure. Photos © Suzy Gorman
2018 ANNUAL REPORT 21 Statement of 2018 Income & Activities Expenses
OPERATING REVENUE AND SUPPORT Year Ended September 30, 2018 2018 INCOME SOURCES Grants and Contributions $3,785,323 Performance Admissions $1,664,408 Release from Restrictions & Designations, 18% Individual Support, 22% Fundraising Events $1,613,138 Other Activities $567,459 Investment Income Including Realized and $800,940 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Other Activities, 5% Net Assets Released from Designations and Restrictions $2,509,400 Corporate Support, 4%
Total Operating Revenue and Support $10,940,668 Performance Admissions, 15% OPERATING EXPENSES Foundation Support, 17% Program Services $8,557,909 General and Administrative $1,098,768 Arts & Education Council Support, 1% Fundraising $1,283,709 Fundraising Events, 15% Government Support, 3%
Total Expenses $10,940,386 For the purposes of breaking down contributions by source, a portion of the Release from Restrictions and Designations has been allocated to the categories from which the original contribution was received (e.g. Corporate, Government, Foundation, Individual). DESIGNATED AND RESTRICTED REVENUE AND SUPPORT Grants and Contributions $2,532,830 Investment Income Including Realized and $987,473 2018 EXPENSES Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Other Activities ($2,772) Fundraising, 12% Net Assets Released from Designations and Restrictions ($2,509,400)
Total Designated and Restricted Revenue and Support $1,008,131 General and Administrative, 10% CHANGE IN NET ASSETS Increase in Operating Net Assets $282 Increase in Board Designated Net Assets $30,671 Increase in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets $24,341 Increase in Permanently Restricted Net Assets $953,119 Program Services, 78% Total Increase in Net Assets $1,008,413
22 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 23 Karen & Mont Levy Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Scharff, Jr. Lee & Alexandra Benham Donors for Lewis Rice Thank YouSondra to SchlesingerOpera Theatre'sLee BohmDonors & The Milford & Lee Bohm Charitable Foundation Danny & Susan Ludeman Mrs. William H. Sheffield Mr. & Mrs. B. A. Bridgewater, Jr. Fiscal Year 2018 MacCarthy Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Sher Pamela Buell John H. Russell Steinway Piano Gallery of St. Louis* Mr. & Mrs. Mark Burkhart Helen S. Shopmaker Stephen Trampe & Jenny Gupta Ces & Judy's Catering Ann & Bill Sullins Trio Foundation of Saint Louis Rev. Ronald C. Chochol Mary Susman & Tom Herm Franklin F. Wallis Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Craft, Jr. This list represents contributions of $1,000 or more made to the Annual Operating Fund UPBrand Collaborative* Phoebe Dent Weil Bertram B. Culver III in the fiscal year of 2018 (October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018). We are immensely Nina Coulter Ware Mr. & Mrs. Tim Wentworth Dr. William H. Danforth grateful to our donors at all levels and to those who supported capital and endowment Dr. Virginia V. Weldon & Francis Austin W. Grant Williams III & Williams Family Charitable Fund of the St. Louis Professor Adrienne Davis projects, but regret that we do not have space here to list them all. Ellen & Bill Yeckley Community Foundation DM3 Fund Patricia G. Hecker & Hecker Family Sponsor Patrons: Producer Patrons: Bill Dolan & Suzanne Bromschwig Dolan Leadership Circle: $100,000+ Directors’ Circle: $10,000-$14,999 Charitable Fund of the St. Louis $7,500-$9,999 Richard & Phyllis Duesenberg Anonymous Donors (2) $50,000-$99,999 Community Foundation Anonymous Donor (1) Ann & HenryBauer Anonymous Donors (3) Bill & Cynthia Durham Arts & Education Council of Greater St. Nancy & Ken Kranzberg Joyce Aboussie Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Louis Mrs. Laurance L. Browning, Jr. & The Mr. & Mrs. Norman Eaker Mercy Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank Pulley Foundation Mrs. Joseph F. Gleason Mr. & Mrs. James G. Berges & Berges Family Trustee Enterprise Holdings Foundation Foundation Adrienne & Russ Patton & Byerly RV Rabbi Dr. Jay & ErikaGoldburg Edward Jones Barbara M. Bryant Sara Epstein Phyllis Brissenden Roy Pfautch Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Langsam Mr. & Mrs. Irl F. Engelhardt & Buckingham Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Fromm Engelhardt Family Foundation The Shepard Family Foundation John Frank Lesser Centene Corporation & Centene Charitable Salvatore Comado Richard Gaddes Foundation The Margaret Blanke Grigg Foundation Stifel Major Brands* The Aaron Copland Fund For Music Beth Glynn Emerson Leigh & Jean Mason Gwendolyn & Steven C. Mizell Agnes Hsu-Tang & Oscar L. Tang Robert Duesenberg Graybar International, Inc. Lelia & David Farr Dr. Robert Packman Missouri Arts Council Webster University* Dorothy & Billy Firestone Janet & Andy Hoyne Alison & John Ferring & Ferring Family Don & Dee Pavelka & Pavelka Fund of the National Endowment for the Arts Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, Inc. Marilyn & Sam Fox Heather Hunt-Ruddy Foundation St. Louis Community Foundation OPERA America, Inc. Edward H. & Rosemary Young Fund of Edes P. Gilbert Dr. Ann Johanson William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Jan Paul Richter & Ellen von Seggern the St. Louis Community Foundation Bank, Trustee & The Commerce Trust Emily Rauh Pulitzer Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Holtman Richter Mr. & Mrs. David W. Kemper Company Marsha & William C. Rusnack Aria Patrons: Mrs. William S. Knowles Mary & Steve Schoolman & Clemence S. Karen & Harry Knopf Lieber Foundation Sally S. Levy & Family $15,000-$24,999 Pam & Jim Krekeler Dr. Jeanne & Rex Sinquefield Joanne & Alan Kohn Armstrong Teasdale LLP Annemarie & Matt Schumacher The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Ann Lee Konneker Ann S. Lux & Lux Family Foundation Wells Fargo Advisors The St. Louis Trust Company Monsanto Fund & Monsanto Company Mr. & Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer Gene Kornblum Mr. & Mrs. John Peters MacCarthy & Ruth Peters MacCarthy Trust Thriess & Lynn Britton Josephine & Richard Weil Noémi & Michael Neidorff Production Underwriter J. David & Lucy S. Levy Dr. & Mrs. John S. Meyer Patrons: $25,000-$49,999 Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Eberlein Sharon & Elliot Zucker Regional Arts Commission Joseph & Carolyn Losos Ameren Gyo Obata & Mary Judge Enterprise Bank & Trust Mr. & Mrs. Sanford N. McDonnell Benefactor Patrons: David & Thelma Steward & Steward Family Dr. & Mrs. William A. Peck Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Bryant, Jr. Robert & Jane Feibel Foundation & Veronica & Randy $5,000-$7,499 McDonnell Anonymous Donor (1) Pinnell Foundation Jack C. Taylor & the Taylor Family Phoebe & Spencer Burke Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Myerson PNC Bank William H. T. Bush& Bush Family Accenture The Wallace Foundation Georgia C. Pettus Fund of the St. Louis Community Husch Blackwell LLP & Mr. & Mrs. Anita & Gene Adam Polsinelli Joseph Conran Whitaker Foundation Foundation Allison W. Roberts David & Melanie Alpers Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D. Bettie S. Johnson World Wide Technology Foundation Caleres The Saigh Foundation Louis D. Beaumont Fund No. 1 of the St. Mrs. Robert L. Rosenheim & Rosenheim Mary Ranken Jordan & Ettie A. Jordan Charitable Family Foundation Clayco, Inc. Charitable Foundation Louis Community Foundation
24 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 25 Robert & Nancy Wagoner John Michael Clear & Isabel Marie Bone Frank J. Guyol III Donors for The Hon. & Mrs. G. H. Walker III Vicki & Brian Clevinger Hastings + Chivetta Architects Peter J. Wender Kevin Counihan & Maryanne Hertel Louis & Marcela Hawn Fiscal Year 2018 Ted Wight, Dielmann Sotheby's Real Mr. & Mrs. Andrew B. Craig III Donna & Robert Heider Estate Diane Dark Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Hempstead Stuart & Susie Zimmerman Peter & Jayne Davis Anne W. Hetlage Guarantors: $1,000-$2,499 Jack & Sherry Delo Gina & Lee Hoagland Anonymous Donors (5) Mr. & Mrs. Arnold W. Donald & Arnold Debra Hollingsworth & Mark Stacye & Hazel Donald Fund of the St. Louis Linda & Bruce Ryder Elaine Coe Elizabeth Mannen Advertisers Printing Company* Community Foundation Alan W. Hopefl Sauce Magazine* Collaborative Strategies* John G. W. McCord William Aitken Dr. James Donnelly & Tracey Temanson Dr. & Mrs. John W. Hubert Mr. & Mrs. Henry L. Schweich Mr. & Mrs. Bert Condie III Mrs. S. Lee A. McMillan & S. Lee Mr. & Mrs. Larry Albus Dr. Majella Doyle & Bob Roth Phyllis R. Hyken McMillan Charitable Foundation Solti Foundation Mrs. P. Terence Crebs Donna & Harvey Allen Quintus L. Drennan, Jr. Impact Group Charitable Foundation Sedgwick Mead, Jr. & Catherine Perry Barbara & Gene Spector Crystal & Patrick Dallas & Excel Business H. Dieter & Karla Ambos Kitty Drescher Margaret & Martin Israel Concepts William D. Merwin The St. Louis Originials* Patricia Anderson Drilling Service Co The Jackes Foundation & Mr. & Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. Dale B. Dendtler Erie Mills & Thomas Rescigno Martin E. Galt III Mary Strauss Robert C. Anderson Mark W. Eggert & Julie Tang Ernst & Young LLP Liz & Brian Mischel Gayle Jackson & Dr. Frederic Kraus Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tancer Anti-Defamation League of St. Louis Mr. & Mrs. Dave Eisenberg Sara & Darryl Fabick Moneta Group Charitable Foundation Andrew Jorgensen & Mark Stuart-Smith Susan & Ben Uchitelle Shannon Bagley & Ryan Tusek Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers Ann Faget Terri Monk, M.D. & B. Craig Weldon, M.D. Kyle Kerr U.S. Bank Tony Bardol Dr. & Mrs. Charles Ettelson Melanie & Anthony Fathman, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Paul Montupet Richard & Shirley Knight Professor Emeritus Charles M. Weiss Anthony Bassett Mr. & Mrs. Greg Evans Feast Magazine* Mr. & Mrs. Nate Moore Helen Kornblum Rita & David Wells Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Benoist Mr. & Mrs. John E. Evans III John Forestner & Brad Alford Mr. & Mrs. William Morris & The Cove Chris Koster & Jennifer Cullen Donna Wilkinson Point Foundation Holly Benson Alan R. Fiddleman Gretta Forrester & Gretta Forrester Gerald M. Kowarsky Family Fund of the St. Louis Community Julia K. Muller & Earl K. Shreckengast Marie-Hélène Bernard Keith & Ann Fischer Patrons: $2,500-$4,999 Stephen E. Kraft Foundation David A. Blanton & David A. Blanton III Anonymous Donor (1) Kitty Pearl Drs. Cynthia Florin & Andrey Shaw Marti & Bob Fowler Charitable Trust Shirley & Norton Kronemer Mrs. Vern Akers Cindy & Sandy Peters & The Peters Family Janice & Bill Forsyth Jeffrey & Lotta Fox Fund Sally Brayley Bliss & Jim Connett Bill Kumke The Amphion Foundation Gerard Frankenfeld Don & Margie Franz Peggy & Jerry Ritter Dr. Michael R. Borts & Dr. Mary Gorman Tom & Linda Langsdorf AT&T Nicole & Keith Freber Ann & Randy Getz RubinBrown LLP Mr. & Mrs. Ken Bower Terry Lay, in memory of Jerry Boyer Mrs. Walter F. Ballinger II Nancy Friedland & James Florczak, in Joe Gfaller & Kraig Turner Dr. Mary Anne Rudloff Martha Brewer & Calvin Bentley memory of Waldo & Lucille Friedland Sally Lefler & Jane Towater Julia B. Bamburg Charitable Foundation Trust Grey Eagle Distributors Alan & Marilyn Sachs & Argo Foundation, Cynthia Kagan Frohlichstein Peggy & Don Lents Gailya & John Barker Inc. Mary I. Brown George Handran Ann M. Fusz / Ellen M. Fusz Fran & Norman Leve BDO USA Kathy Sears, in memory of Frances & Russell Browning & The Russell E. Arnold & Myrna Hershman Browning Family Foundation Walter & Nancy Galvin Mr. & Mrs. Richard Liddy & Liddy Family Dr. & Mrs. Martin Bell Walter Sears & Florentine Friedman Foundation Alfred & Marilyn Holtzer Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Buchowski Joseph E. Geist Pam Belloli & Dave Shimek Dr. David Sewall The Stanley L. & Lucy Lopata Charitable Linda Horne & Daniel Phillips The Hon. Bruce Buckland Bettie Gershman & Gershman Foundation Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Barry Beracha Eve Simon Jeannette R. Huey Mrs. Parks Campbell John & Dora Gianoulakis Charles MacKay Rudi J. Bertrand & Paul A. Williams, M.D. Stephen W. Skrainka Frank Jacobs & Marylen Mann William Carey Goldman Sachs & Company Erin Mahony June R. Bierman James V. & Susan S. Stepleton Diane & Paul Jacobson & JOSAL Mr. & Mrs. V. Raymond Stranghoener Dr. Anne Carman Joan Goodson Linda M. Martinez Elaine & Harold Blatt Foundation Mr. & Mrs. E. R. Thomas, Jr. Judith Chouteau Jan & Ronald Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Richard Marx Buron F. Buffkin & Donn Kleinschmidt, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Kellow M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Mark C. Throdahl Rich Chrismer Greensfelder, Hemker, & Gale PC Dr. John E. Mazuski Mr.& Mrs. Newell S. Knight Amanda Trudell Cambridge & Paul Trademark Wines* Clayton Financial Group Michael L. & Paula E. Gross Pat & Brigid McCauley Cambridge Mr. & Mrs. Ned Lemkemeier Susan & Peter Tuteur Beverly Clarkson Brian Grzelakowski Diane McCullough Mr. & Mrs. Don R. Carlson Joe & Alice Maffit 26 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 27 Donors for Opera Theatre Board of Directors Fiscal Year 2018 (as of September 30, 2018)
Tola Porter & Dr. John McGrath Al & Martha Roux Emil & Marianne Unanue Chairman Members of the Mrs. William H. Sheffield Rus McMahan Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Ruwitch Rowena B. Van Dyke Noémi K. Neidorff Board of Directors Torbjorn Sjögren David McNeel Mrs. Harvey Saligman & The Linda & James Viscardi & Lisa Brubaker Peter F. Benoist Gene W. Spector, M.D. Harvey Saligman Charitable Foundation Brenda K. Melson Wetterau Family Foundation Vice-Chairmen Holly Benson* Frank L. Steeves St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Lelia J. Farr Jack Austin Miller Mr. & Mrs. John D. Weil & Pershing Place Thelma Steward Alice & Peter Sargent Foundation Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer Modruson & Associates LLC William C. Rusnack Barbara Bridgewater Dr. Elizabeth Stroble* Tom & Ulrike Schlafly & Sycamore Chrissie & Bradford K. Werner V. Raymond Stranghoener Mr. & Mrs. James R. Moog Tree Charitable Fund of the St. Louis Mr. & Mrs. Richard Winter Thriess Britton Dr. Donald M. Suggs Cynthia & Rob Nevett Community Foundation Barbara McAfee Wohltman Secretary Jane Clark Mary Susman Dr.& Mrs. Matthew Newman Sandy Schonwald Sally S. Levy Maria Guadalupe Taxman Thomas Sehr & Margaret A. Wayne Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Woods & Heart of Robert H. Craft, Jr.* Lisa & James Nouss Oak Foundation, Inc. Franklin F. Wallis Linda Seibert Treasurer Jamison F. Craft* Martha C. Nussbaum Wunsch Foundation Dr. Mim Shelden & Lou Kinsey Jim Berges Adrienne Davis Phoebe Dent Weil Timothy & Kara Graziano O'Leary F. Lee Zingale Jenny & Walter Shifrin Arnold W. Donald W. David Wells J. Matthew Pantaleoni Donna Zoeller Immediate Past Chairman Mr. & Mrs. Brooks Parriott Moisy & Bonnie Shopper Mrs. Irl F. Engelhardt Spencer B. Burke Life Members Raymond G. Slavin, M.D. Matching Corporations: Mrs. Frederick G. Peil Edes P. Gilbert Mrs. Eugene C. Adam John Howard Percy Marjorie & Kenneth Smith $1,000+ Chairman Emerita Heather Hunt-Ruddy Phyllis Brissenden Bank of America Matching Gifts Program Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Phillips Janie & Sandy Sommer & The Sommer Donna Wilkinson Frank Jacobs Family Charitable Fund Boeing Company Gift Matching Program Richard W. Duesenberg James D. & Joy M. Pierce Bettie Johnson Dr. John A. Sopuch IBM Matching Grants Program Executive Committee Robert M. Feibel, M.D. Dr. & Mrs. John A. Powell Gailya Barker* Mrs. Alan C. Kohn Linda Stark Pfizer Foundation Matching Gift Program Mrs. William B. Firestone Jennah Purk Eugene Kornblum Mr. & Mrs. Bill Stebelski In Memoriam Kim Eberlein Richard Gaddes R B Willoh Company Molly Strassner * In-kind John H. Ferring IV Kenneth Kranzberg Patricia G. Hecker Wade A. Rakes II Georgia Streett Patricia G. Hecker James A. Krekeler Susan & John Rava & Rava Family Fund Mrs. W. R. Konneker J. Kennard Streett Gina G. Hoagland J. David Levy, Jr. Heidi & Win Reed Joseph Losos Drs. Elizabeth & Paul Stroble Debra Hollingsworth Mont S. Levy Mr. Trevor D. Reese, Jr. Charles MacKay Dr. Donald Suggs Danny Ludeman The Regional Business Council Mrs. Ronald A. Holtman Mrs. Robert S. McDorman Mr. & Mrs. Warren G. Sullivan Marti Reichman John H. Russell Steven C. Mizell Matthew Newman, M.D. Peggy Walter Symes Lee & Nancy Reycraft Robert L. Scharff, Jr. Michael Neidorff Roma B. Wittcoff Dr. & Mrs. John W. Tabash Allen & Merry Richon Rex Sinquefield Gyo Obata Maria & Philip Taxman Don J. Riehn & Jon Goeders Ann McFarland Sullins Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D. * Ex-Officio Member Ina Tornallyay & Arthur P. Brigham III Elizabeth & Richard G. Robb Stephen L. Trampe Winthrop B. Reed, III In Memoriam TROCO Custom Fabricators, LLC Mr. & Mrs. John R. Roberts Allison W. Roberts Sarah Trulaske Kathleen S. & John C. Rorris
28 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 29 National Patrons Council Members Guild Board (as of September 30, 2018) (as of September 30, 2018)
Chairmen President Vice Presidents Members of the Margie Knapp Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Craft, Jr. Dr. John E. Forestner Kathy Sears Gailya Barker COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Guild Board Steve Knapp Washington, D.C. Te x a s Washington, D.C. Beverly Whittington Eugenie Bonte Helen McCallie Immediate Past MEMBERSHIP George Handran Mrs. Frederick J. Simon Diane McCullough Council Members Massachusetts Nebraska President Cay Sullivan Jane Brader Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden Carol Carlson Ursula Moeller Dr. Diane & Mr. Paul Jacobson Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tancer Janet Hoyne ARTISTIC SUPPORT Illinois Bill Yeckley Minnesota Arizona Beverly Clarkson Harry Moppins Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Bryant, Jr. John G. W. McCord Professor Emeritus Charles M. Weiss Secretary John Rorris California & Missouri Advisors Cecily Erker Illinois North Carolina Mary Bower Ann Fusz Sara Fabick Damaris Schmitt Mrs. Parks Campbell Drs. Terri A. Monk & B. Craig Weldon Sharon & Elliot Zucker Te x a s Missouri Missouri & New Mexico Treasurer Ellen Fusz Ann Fischer Linda Seibert Suzanne Bromschwig Dolan Ellen von Seggern Richter & Jan Paul Richter Tom Herm Lucy Levy Gerry Frankenfeld Jamie Spencer & William Dolan California & Maryland Oregon Sally Levy Susie Hahn Rowena Van Dyke Drs. Sondra & Milton Schlesinger Tani Wolff Robert H. Duesenberg California In Memoriam Mary Susman Myrna Hershman Missouri Bob Wagoner Ann Holton George Yeh Peggy Walter Symes Inge Jackson Elliot Zucker Mark Kent Sharon Zucker
30 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 31 Annual Staff (as of September 30, 2018) REGINA “★★★★★ MARK BLITZSTEIN …Opera Theatre’s Andrew Jorgensen James Robinson Stephen Lord General Director Artistic Director Music Director Emeritus exhilarating first
ARTISTIC FINANCE OFFICE OF THE production of the opera, ADMINISTRATION Mary Ip GENERAL DIRECTOR Director of Finance cogently directed by Paul Kilmer Erin Waters Ryan Director of Artistic Administration Barry Rowold Executive Assistant to the General Director James Robinson and Stephanie Nigus Accounting Manager PRODUCTION & Manager of Artistic Operations Ronald Rohr authoritatively conducted Madalyn Mentor Accounting & Payroll Administrator OPERATIONS Artistic Coordinator Tina Marvel Stephen Ryan Accounting Clerk Director of Production & Operations by Stephen Lord...” DEVELOPMENT Hans Fredrickson Nicole Ambos Freber MARKETING & Technical Director – The Financial Times Director of Development PUBLIC RELATIONS Vonetta Flowers Michelle Myers Joe Gfaller Production Manager Susanna Phillips and Melody Wilson in Regina Photo © Ken (2018). Howard Associate Director for Strategy Director of Marketing & Public Relations & Organizational Development Kendra Henry Kara Koverman Production & Operations Business Caron House Associate Director for Audience Services Manager Assistant Director of Development Anh Le Eric Woolsey Assistant Director of Marketing Operations Manager Stacey Bregenzer Membership & Development Systems Manager Kim Oswalt Stacy Harris Digital Marketing Manager Costume Shop Manager Cameron James Manager of Special Events Sally Kurt Lucie Garnett Assistant Box Office Manager Receptionist Kaitlyn Neel Development Associate Kelsey Nickerson Public Relations Coordinator Rachel Butchko Constituent Relations Coordinator Sarah Thompson Public Relations Consultant Front cover photo: Susan Graham in Regina. EDUCATION & Michael Simpson Program Book & Front of House Designer Back cover photo: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Rehanna Thelwell and Andrea Núñez Allison Felter Ken Howard in Center Stage. Director of Education & Community Company Photographer Engagement Photos © Ken Howard, 2018 Mia DeJong Education & Community Engagement Coordinator Made possible with leadership gifts from Centene Charitable Foundation, Phyllis Brissenden, and Sally S. Levy & Family. This performance was funded in part by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, Inc., New York, NY.
32 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 5 ORFEO & EURIDICE CENTER STAGE CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK A YOUNG ARTIST SHOWCASE “Ron Daniels’ staging is inventively “There were too many participants to single out contemporary...radiant and robust.” every one, but the standard was high, with many – The New York Times impressive voices…a tour de force.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch Courtney Jameson and Chaz'men Williams-Ali in Center Photo © Ken Stage (2018). Howard (2018). Photo © Ken Howard (2018). Photo © Ken & Euridice in Orfeo Company Dance Andriana Chuchman and members of The Big Muddy
Made possible in part with generous production underwriting from Wells Fargo Advisors Made possible with major production support from Leigh & Jean Mason and with support from the late William H.T. Bush, given in loving and from Adrienne & Russ Patton and Byerly RV. memory of Patricia R. Bush. 210 hazel avenue, st. louis, mo 63119 ExperienceOpera.org
2018 ANNUAL REPORT 8