THE CINCINNATI OPERA GUILD NEWSLETTER

Any subject is good for opera if the

composer feels it so

intently, he must sing it out.

Gian Carlo Menotti

Editor: Janet McDaniel

Fall Edition - 2019

It was a very busy and successful summer season with many sold out performances. The Opera also introduced the DipJar* which Guild members volunteered to staff before each opera and during intermission. While stationed at the DipJar, I heard many positive comments about each opera. One opera lover told me, “I can always find something to complain about. This year I found nothing to complain about.”

Cincinnati Opera is the second oldest opera company in the nation!! And now, the Cincinnati Opera’s 100th Anniversary of presenting great opera to Cincinnati is upon us. Opera staff are preparing many special events for this historic

Karlee Hilliard achievement. This will present many volunteer opportunities for Guild members to participate. President of the Cincinnati Opera Guild

Dear Guild Members, The Education Department will also be introducing new programs for schools and the community during the 2019 – This past spring the Guild celebrated its 60th Anniversary 2020 season for which they will need volunteers. with a “birthday party” in the President’s Garret. At the party, we introduced our 3 newest members and welcomed The Opera Guild is vital to the success of these programs guests Patty Beggs, Evans Mirages and Sneja Tomassian and events. who celebrated with us.

The Executive Committee

President: Karlee Hilliard Past President: Virginia Cover Save the Date: Members At Large: Wendy Hites Schedule of Opera Guild Meetings Patrick Korb Opera Guild General Meeting Alex Lukondi Cincinnati Opera Garret Honorary: Suzanne Hasl November 7, 2019 12:00 Education and Engagement: Opera Guild Executive Board Meeting Robert von Gerds Aria Conference Room Sooncha Lee November 21, 2019 12:00 Meet & Greet: Ellen Saenger Opera Guild Executive Board Meeting Nancy Virgulak Aria Conference Room December 19. 2019 Shelby Wood 12:00 Meetings and Program: Opera Guild Executive Board Meeting Lois Brenner Aria Conference Room January 16, 2020 Membership: Richard Zinicola 12:00 Julie Alamin Cincinnati Opera Guild General Meeting Newsletter: Janet McDaniel Cincinnati Opera Garret February 6, 2020 Photographer Sarajane King 12:00

Social and Fundraising: Opera Guild Executive Guild Meeting Marianne Doll Aria Conference Room February 20, 2020 Volunteer Engagement: 12:00 Sarajane King

Sandy Porada Cincinnati Opera Guild General Meeting

Cincinnati Opera Garret March 5, 2020 12:00

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Opera Guild Executive Guild Meeting production. Columbus’ Ballet Met, the Columbus Symphony, the Columbus Academy of the Performing Arts Aria Conference Room and Opera Columbus joined in a multi-disciplinary March 19, 2020 celebration of the performing arts in their production of 12:00 Twisted 3. This presentation included masterful choreography as well as an abbreviated version of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. This event took place during the final week Cincinnati Opera Guild General Meeting of September. Cincinnati Opera Garret Cincinnati Opera invites the public to hear excerpts of two April 2, 2020 new works in October and November. On October 23rd, 12:00 Cincinnati Opera will present Fierce, a new work composed by William Menefield and librettist Sheila Williams. The Opera Guild Executive Guild Meeting work was inspired by the lives of the teenage girls who helped to create it. This work will receive its world premiere Aria Conference Room during the centennial season of Cincinnati Opera. Opera April 16, 2020 Fusion: New Works will join Cincinnati Opera in presenting 12:00 Awakenings on November 11th. The opera is based on the true story of Dr. Oliver Sacks’ treatment of a group of catatonic patients who had survived an outbreak of sleeping Cincinnati Opera Guild General Meeting sickness in 1920. The work is composed by Tobias Picker Cincinnati Opera Garret with a libretto by Aryeh Lev Stollman. Both presentations May 7, 2020 will be in the Wilks Studio at 7:30 p.m. Free tickets are required, however both are currently sold out. Call the 12:00 Opera Box Office at (513) 241-2742 nearer to the event dates to see if tickets have become available. Opera Guild Executive Guild Meeting Aria Conference Room May 21, 2020 12:00 It’s a Rap General Meetings are on the 1st Thursday and Executive Opera Raps are interesting and informational discussions Committee meetings are on the 3rd Thursday of the that greatly enhance and enrich the experience for month. audience members. They also present opportunities to introduce the Opera Guild to potential members. These events are free but tickets are required and can be obtained by calling the box office at 513-241-2742. Volunteers are desired for these events as well to welcome all attendees Opera in our Community and to help direct them to the appropriate location of the The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart’s charming comedy was event. In addition, volunteers, wearing an easily identifiable presented by the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music purple lanyard and volunteer badge, are able to respond to in mid-September. During the same week, Elise Quagliata basic questions about the guild and collect tickets. sang Carmen in Kentucky Opera’s season opening 3

but has experience with Chicago Opera Theater and Opera Philadelphia. Jane works to bring stellar performances not only to the standard repertoire during Cincinnati’s opera season but also to Opera Fusion: New Work

This Photo by programs where Guest Speakers we provide composers and The Guild’s May Meeting welcomed as guest speakers the librettists a forum Cincinnati Opera’s Artistic Coordinator, MJ Lynn and Artistic to workshop and Administrator, Jane Hulbert. MJ has previously worked as refine new opera. the Summer Operations and Digital Content Coordinator for the Office of the Dean of Special Programs at Skidmore With the departure of Marcus Küchle and Evans Mirageas College. MJ has a classical music background with piano and joining us full time in January, the artistic and production organ performance, and holds a degree in anthropology and departments met to assess the skills each brought to the archeology. MJ’s talent is focused on making sure artists table. They identified areas where the departments’ efforts have the best possible experience within our Company from overlapped and have chosen to create a new Music booking flights and accommodations to hospitality during Coordinator position. Alyssa Mehnert joined the staff on th their stay in our community. May 6 and will work closely with our partner organizations such as the Cincinnati Ballet and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she will manage our chorus and the logistics of the workshops for Opera Fusion:New Works. Evans has assumed the role of Co-Artistic Director for Opera Fusion:New Works with Robin Guarion from CCM.

Jane and MJ shared some behind the scenes insights into how the team works to bring the most outstanding singers to Cincinnati. Gaining the correct VIsas and travel documents for international singers, making travel arrangements for singers performing throughout the world, and being prepared for emergency phone calls at all hours from singers who are experiencing difficulties at an airport as they travel to work in Cincinnati. They shared that, unlike Chicago and Philadelphia, short-term corporate housing can be difficult to find in Cincinnati. However, performers want to come to Cincinnati because the company is a warm, caring group of people who sincerely prioritize the artists. All of us can thank our artistic department for creating and maintaining these wonderful relationships. Jane works closely with Evans Mirageas to ensure that the finest artists are contracted for every role in mainstage and community events. Jane teaches piano and voice privately 4

of 2019. Currently, efforts are concentrated on developing materials essential to the new Ambassador program. A new Dates of Notable Events level of annual membership is available at $100. Benefits include an invitation to all Guild functions and meetings, October 29, 2019 Stephen Costello Meet at training as an Ambassador volunteer, the newsletter and 5:00 listing in the program book. At the $300.00 membership

Stephen Costello Concert at 7:30 level, members receive invitations to a cast party, donor dress rehearsal, 20% Opera Shop discount card, Delizioso November 11, 2019 Opera Fusion: New Works Workshop dining discount card from restaurant partners and a season November 22, 2019 Opera Gala Set Up poster. November 23, 2019 Opera Gala: Love Letters to Patty December 5, 2019 Opera Guild Holiday Party

February Special Opera Guild Event

April Membership Recruitment Event

April 17, 2020 Triptych - Taft Theatre

June 14, 2020 Opera for All - Washington Park Concert

June 18, 2020 Centennial Ball – Opening Night This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

New Members to the Opera Guild Membership The Opera Guild welcomed three new members in September: Marina Abanto, Marianne Doll and Alex Lukondi.

Alex Lukondi has been a Cincinnati Opera subscriber for twenty years and is a well-traveled super! Alex has performed as a super in twenty-four opera productions in Cincinnati, Dayton Opera, Kentucky Opera in Louisville and Opera Columbus.

Prior to retirement, Alex was the Director of Marketing for Richard Zinicola, Co-Chair of Membership various businesses in the hospitality industry. Most recently he served as Director of Corporate Marketing for Penn If you know of someone who would like to join the Opera Station and Arby’s as well as serving in this capacity in a Guild, please contact Julie Alamin or Richard Zinicola. travel and tourism business and a small airline. Currently, he supports his wife, Tina, with her business, a children’s Membership brochures are available through Karlee Hilliard theater and dance company with operations throughout or Joe Peacock. A new directory is being developed to go Greater Cincinnati. along with the new Guild Ambassador Handbook for the Fall

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Marianne Doll joined the Opera Guild this summer with the medical area. She focused the latter part of her career much enthusiasm. She has lived in Cincinnati all her life and in the clinical research area of drug development. has always appreciated the rich art culture and, of course, With the community, Marina’s involvement has been Music Hall. She vividly remembers seeing Carmen and primarily focused in the arts, music, research fundraising, Rigoletto with her Mother at the Zoo but did not renew her and diversity areas. She has served on various boards and experience with the opera for forty years. Always a lover in volunteer capacities for Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, of Musical Theater, it is hard to imagine that she never saw Friends of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Taft Museum, another opera until the 2013 season. However, Marianne Cincinnati Inter-ethnic Council, and the Lymphoma came to the marvelous production of Aida and was hooked! Leukemia Society. She became a subscriber six years ago and has attended many opera raps trying to learn as much as possible. Now, Marina is very happy to be a part of the vibrant Opera Guild as a member of the Guild, Marianne is most appreciative of with individuals she has known for a while and the lovely the opportunity to make up for lost time. There is such a people that she has recently met. As a new member, she wealth of knowledge to be shared by the members and looks forward to promoting the gift of opera within the experienced in the meetings and volunteer events. Cincinnati community!

When not enjoying the arts, Marianne has worked for the past twenty-six years for the R.G. Sellers Company as a food broker calling on Kroger and other retailers. She lives in Mt. Airy and spends her time traveling and celebrating with her friends, nephew, nieces and god children. As Social Chair, Marianne is eager to celebrate the 100th Opera Season with you all!

Marina Abanto is a native of Cincinnati. Marina was exposed to the arts and music from her Italian and Peruvian born parents at an early age. Her mother was a soprano and her knowledge of opera was a gift from Marina’s Italian grandfather. Her experience of live Italian opera was first witnessed at the Cincinnati Zoo at a very young age. This Marina Abanto Alex Lukondi Marianne Doll was an extremely memorable event as well as the New York Metropolitan Opera performance of The Barber of Seville Broadcasts about during her senior year of college thanks to her cousin Nelson Abanto who was a patron of MET at that Opera time. Thereafter, her mother and she attended Don’t forget to tune in to WGUC on many Music Hall opera performances and her mother’s Friday evenings following the six This Photo by annual Christmas gift from Marina was our opera o’clock symphony to hear Evans Mirageas highlight years of subscription. Cincinnati Opera history. Usually these reflections are Marina studied classical piano for nine years preparing to heard between 5:30 – 7:00. The “100 Fridays with Evans” audition for the University of Cincinnati's College will continue with a brief review of highlights from the 1979 Conservatory of Music while her brother studied Spanish – 1982 seasons in the coming months. As Cincinnati Opera classical guitar like her father. However, she just changed prepares to celebrate its centennial, be sure to enjoy these her mind in pursuing a musical career and decided to go in broadcasts, which will include reminiscences of the company throughout the century.

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Social and Fundraising Committee

Marianne Doll is the creative and talented chair leading the efforts of the Social and Fundraising Committee. Her imaginative and creative efforts are sure to present events that will be unique and enjoyable as well as welcoming to all members.

Opera Guild Kick Off Luncheon Ginny Cover Lois Brenner Sooncha Lee

Meet and Greet gatherings arranged for the 2019 productions were planned at a Kick-Off Luncheon held in April at the home of Shelby Wood. Under the leadership of Ellen Saenger, Nancy Virgulak and Shelby Wood, these award-winning events welcome artists and celebrated their talented contributions to the summer festival. At the luncheon, the dates for the Meet and Greet events were shared and guild members determined the dishes that were contributed to the event. This annual event will be held in the spring and information will be forthcoming in the newsletter as the event is planned. If you would like additional information regarding the award winning “Meet and Greets,” contact the co-chair, Ellen Saenger, at Marilyn Ott [email protected] or Nancy Virgulak at [email protected]. Judging by the smiles in the photographs below, the luncheon was a lovely event and greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all.

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Patrick Korb Judy Thompson Pianist Carol Walker and Soprano Shannon Cochran

Lois Brenner Elizabeth Kuresman Julie Heard Ellen Saenger Shelby Wood Nancy Virgulak

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Meet and Greet Gatherings Cincinnati Opera Enthusiast Yum!! These photographs of sweet and savory treats reflect another festive year of the eagerly anticipated Cincinnati Opera’s “Meet and Greet” award winning gatherings. These events provide a setting in which guild members have an opportunity to converse with the artists and artistic teams as each opera production is preparing for its performance. Prior to the arduous work that each production entails, the group enjoyed delectable treats in a relaxed and collegial setting.

Adele and Andrew Lippert

Adele Lippert is easily recognized as a long-time Opera Guild member. Guild members certainly shared in her pride as her grandson, Andrew, performed as a supernumerary this past summer in Cincinnati Opera’s outstanding production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Looking at his smile, Andrew seems to be an enthusiastic participant! Passing

her love of this art form to the next generation is a very special gift.

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Opera Guild Turns 60!

A Birthday Celebration On May 16, 2019, Opera Guild members joined to th celebrate the 60 anniversary of its founding. Held in the President’s Garret, the celebration of the Guild was enjoyed greatly as members reflected on past accomplishments and considered future innovations. Special guests included Sneja Tomassian, Patty Beggs and Evans Mirageas who joined the members of the guild for these festivities

Ellen Saenger Karlee Hilliard Patrick Korb Joe Peacock Marina Abanto

Ginny Cover Rob Von Gerds Sneja Tomassian Julie Heard

Sooncha Lee Karlee Hilliard Patty Beggs Alex Lukondi

Suzanne Hasl Tom Osterman Jemannie Luong Rob Von Gerds Julie Alamin

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the possible “star is born” appearance of Matthew White, our last-minute replacement for Romeo, and to the much anticipated performance of our favorite soprano Nicole Cabell in the role of Juliette. Margaret was a personal friend of my family long before she joined the Opera Guild. She and her husband, Roger, were members of our tennis club, and we were Margaret Smith also neighbors. Both Margaret and Roger were also long-time subscribers and supporters of the Opera and the arts in Cincinnati. Margaret’s accomplishments were extraordinary, and as Roger said yesterday, she had a prestigious and successful career in addition to raising their four sons. She and Roger also enjoyed a long, supportive marriage that involved family, travel, work, discovery, education and art appreciation. Theirs was a true partnership in the very best sense of the word. We will miss her terribly.

With this loss, the arts community is greatly diminished and the best of Margaret’s zeal will remain within us as we continue to support the ideals she exemplified.

This letter was sent to Guild members by Patty Beggs Patty also wrote of the loss of Gibby Carey who we lost on when the news was received of our loss of Margret Smith. September 24, 2019. No words are more eloquent than her reflections not only of an opera aficionado but of a friend. I have some very sad news to share with you. Gibby Carey, the extraordinary I am so sorry to let you know that our gentleman, raconteur, operaphile, dear Guild Board Member, Margaret writer, marketer, friend and human Smith, passed away this weekend after being passed away this morning. Gibby suffering a stroke. The last opera she was was my first Cincinnati Opera Chairman able to attend was Romeo et Juliette, and boss, and was very much on my and when I spoke with her prior to the mind yesterday at our annual meeting. performance, she was looking forward to He, along with Larry Kyte and Jim de 11

Blasis, took a chance on this very green Please keep Gibby’s family and friends in your newbie to the opera business and hired thoughts. He’ll be deeply missed by so many of us me 35 years and 18 days ago. in this community and beyond.

Over the years, he remained a dear mentor and guiding light, and I continued to learn from him through our very last conversation. His legacy will inspire me and so many others for decades to come. Gibby joined the Opera board while we were still performing at the Zoo. He was a freshly- minted P&G brand manager or “YP”, who in true Procter firebrand fashion went to work to assist with such There is no half singing in the shower. activities as our pre-opera talks, ticket You are either a rock artist or an opera diva. sales, and fundraising. He told a hilarious story about his brush with Josh Groban Italian opera royalty, when during the pre-global days of the late 1960s, he called Puccini’s heir in Italy, but neglected to consider the time change. Needless to say, a rudely awakened Senor Puccini was not much interested at 3 am in the idea Gibby was pitching Opera Fusion (granting our small company the right to reprint at no cost the copyrighted Castor and Patience libretto of La Bohème). Several years The Opera Fusion: New Works presentation featuring ago we captured on video a number of excerpts from our upcoming world premiere, Castor and Gibby’s colorful Cincinnati Opera Patience took place in September. remembrances, and hope to use those during the coming 100th Anniversary Castor and Patience, with music by Gregory Spears (Fellow year. Travelers) and a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith, tells the story of African American cousins Gibby was elected President of the who find themselves at odds over the fate of a historic board in 1979, and Chairman from parcel of land they have inherited in the American South. 1982-1985. He then continued to serve The work has been commissioned by Cincinnati Opera in on the board in various capacities honor of the company’s 100th anniversary and will be including the Advisory presented at The School for Creative and Performing Arts Board, Presidents’ Council, and New during the 2020 Season. Century Campaign Cabinet. Excerpts of Awakenings are being presented on November 11th at the Wilks Studio at 7:30. For additional information, read the article, Opera in the Community in this newsletter. 12

materials, preparing supplies, assisting with activities etc. New Opportunities The OPERA Express (Schools: Grades 1-12, Public Education and Volunteers Performances: All ages) Director of Education and Engagement Ebony Menefield is  Volunteers will assist with passing out tickets and busy!! There are many new educational opportunities to greeting patrons (*Public performances only) promote the opera in our community. These new ventures initiate new occasions for members of the guild to volunteer. Below is a list of educational happenings Opera Raps and the associated requirements for volunteers:  Volunteers needed to greet patrons  Volunteers may be needed to take tickets, Stories, Singing and Snacks! (Preschool, Ages 3-5) depending on venue  Volunteer needed to purchase snacks (will be told  The number of volunteers needed varies by venue the items to be purchased and number of

students) o Education department will provide For more information, you can contact Ebony Menefield at volunteer with Kroger gift card for food [email protected] and watch your email for purchase. opportunities to volunteer! o Volunteer will need to return receipt to o education department for expense tracking  Depending on fruit selected for that particular program, some food preparation may be needed  i.e. washing, cutting, placing into bags or containers  Volunteer will assist CO staff and Teaching Artist with distribution of snack

Opera Storybook Hour (Grades K-3)  Volunteer(s) will assist with craft activity

o The number of volunteers needed varies by each craft activity  Volunteers may be needed to assist with preparing materials for activities o Placing feathers in bags, cutting yarn/fabric, ensuring glue bottles are clean and ready to be reused etc.

Custom Workshops/Residencies (All grades and ages)  Volunteers may be called on for different duties, including but not limited to: shopping for Sarajane and Richard King and Rob von Gerds and Julie Heard volunteer at Read Across America Day at Roll Hill Elementary

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foyer of Music Hall for Opera Evenings. As the Opera staff was very small, members of the Guild were also responsible Meet Your Presidents for mailings. This required not only bringing the materials home and stuffing envelopes but sorting by zip codes and delivering stamped envelopes to the post office. Much of this was accomplished with the help of Suzanne’s daughters.

Guild members volunteered in the schools to promote the Opera. As a member of the OVI Board, Suzanne witnessed many changes within Opera Guilds. Many have been absorbed by the professional staff. Many guild members continued to support the efforts of Cincinnati Opera by becoming specialists in other tasks such as educational

outreach activities. During this centennial year, the newsletter will present the Opera Fusion and the company’s collaboration with CCM thoughts of past presidents of the Cincinnati Opera Guild. receives Suzanne’s enthusiastic support. She enjoys the The presidents of the Opera Guild are iconic figures in this new productions and is aware of the support given to these organization. According to Webster, an icon is an object of presentations by younger audiences. She also welcomes uncritical devotion. Questions were sent to each of the the Young Professionals joining the Guild in order to plan past presidents to encourage reflection of past events. Having younger members become passionate accomplishments and their thoughts regarding new about this art form is essential to the continued health of initiatives. Enjoy and smile as you reminisce with them. the organization.

Suzanne Hasl Many changes have occurred to Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Opera since Suzanne Hasl and her husband, Robert, became involved with these organizations. They have emerged from their small offices in the rear of South Hall to their current modern and comfortable facilities. Suzanne Hasl and Robert were always lovers of the opera. Suzanne loves the works of Verdi, Donizetti and Puccini. Before becoming subscribers, they attended many operas at the Zoo. As Cincinnati Opera transitioned to Music Hall, Suzanne was asked to deliver posters within her Tom Osterman neighborhood as the Guild was working in neighborhood groups at that time. The members of the Guild were also Ruthann Sammarco asked me if I wanted to be in the Guild responsible for selling subscriptions. in 1997 and I joined. In the spring of 1998, Ruthann and Lynn Grace asked me if I would be the President of the Guild as Fundraising was an essential component of the Guild’s we were enjoying lunch. I told them that I have no focus during the 1970’s. During these years, Opera Balls or connections and no clout. Their comments were simple: Galas were held in the Music Hall Ballroom. One of these "We have the connections and the clout. We want galas was held in the lobby of the Carew Tower = fun but someone to run the Guild." So, I accepted. very loud!! Members of the Guild also decorated the 14

We were down to about 10 members at the time. At my gap at the last minute. As emcee for the evening dinner, I first meeting as President, Chris Milligan was to speak to the made a comment about the food and said the name of the group. I introduced him as Chris Milligan. . .apologizing near caterer that had withdrawn. I knew I blundered because I the end of the meeting. It was the first of many gaffes I could see Liz Knuppel, the coordinator, rushing to the made - like calling Elsa Sule. . . Solveiga. I mixed up the podium and pointing out my error. I quickly recouped and names of the two. Word began to get around that the new announced that Broadway catering was the caterer and President was prone to gaffes and they were too funny to everyone "laughed" while applauding. I told Broadway's miss, and as a result, our members began to return. We owner the gaffe was perfect since they were not paying that went from 10 to 60 in two years and a number of gaffes. I much attention until it dawned on them that I had fouled wasn't doing anything special but we returned the meetings up. Our beloved Dr. Bob Hasl approached me afterward to having fun which was the point of gathering people in and said I was the only guy he knew that could screw up a support of the Guild. After all, if you are volunteering to situation and make it have greater impact while correcting support something like the Opera you do have to make it it. fun and enjoyable. So, what special contributions occurred during my I met some incredibly great people, not just in the Guild but tenure. 1) We increased the membership six-fold and had also on the Board, Guild presidents, (ex-officio) members of some great talent return to the Guild membership. 2). We the board, and I presented the Guild report to the board at had two unusually successful balls, The Big Party and their monthly meetings. I always marveled, and still do, that Caberet Faberge, which led to successful balls in 2001, 2002 Patty Beggs gets the best staff imaginable. In fact, I have and 2003. And 3) Laying out the Presidential succession always thought Patty Beggs was a great CEO and that is pattern for the next 5 to 6 Presidents, namely Ruthann saying something considering I worked 34 years at P&G Sammarco, Marlesa Gray. Jocelyn Dunphy, Julie Heard, Rich under incredible CEO's. Lauf etc. . . 4) Opera Raps were begun then, starting small in the home of Suzanne Hasl, as I recall, and Opera Raps are My first act, even before my first meeting, was to ask Joanie still a fixture I think of the Opera’s Education Lotts to lunch at the Celestial and over lunch asked her to department. 5) With the help of Jeanne Etienne Rape, chair the 2000-year centennial ball. She agreed but had to Martha Seaman and others, the "Meet and Greet " was finish chairing The American Steamboat at the Tall Stacks formed - not as grand as it is today but welcoming of the that year. Thus, the ball in 2000 was called "Cabaret stars none the less. 6) I made it a key point in bringing back Faberge," with the Grand Duke of Austria as special guest to the meetings the many past Opera Guild members as was a huge success, as was the 1999 ball, "The Big Party," honorary members. Why let all that talent not remain co-chaired by Barbara Hahn and Patrick Korb. Patrick had active in the Guild. . And I was selected for the Charlotte served 8 years at President of the Guild and, as I thanked Shockley award which was a special thrill. him for his contributions to the Guild and Opera, he was reminded that he was not walking off into the sunset. This I was incredibly fortunate to be a small part of something so was announced in front of the entire membership. There significant to the people of Cincinnati in general, to the arts was no way I was going to let the talent Patrick brought to and to Cincinnati Opera. One of the classic illustrations of the Guild get away. In fact, even when some Guild the Opera's impact on Cincinnati, besides being 100 years Members moved to other towns, I would not remove them old and second in age only to the Met, is the components of from our roster. I never liked to lose any talent, much less the Opera - Patty Beggs and Evans and their staffs along talent in the arts. with all the staff people that make it hum. The fact that all the Presidents of the Opera still return and remain engaged My last gaffe was likely the funniest of all. At one of the even after some served their three-year terms long ago. last Prelude dinners, served before each opera, the caterer They continue to return and support the Opera and the withdrew and a new Caterer, Broadway Catering, filled the

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Guild. They are the group leading the volunteer charge with its programs and Young Professionals group

Likely my favorite opera is Boheme. It was the first opera I saw when I first went to the Opera over 50 years ago in New

Orleans. The Times-Picayune had a lead story in the arts section with this headline "Are you an Opera Snob or a Slob?" I learned I was a slob because i called the Opera, La

Boheme...... Madame Boheeem and I referred to the lead in Madame Butterfly not as Cio Cio San (Cho Cho San) but as the following: See oh See oh San. Fortunately, over the last 22 years, I have learned and have enjoyed a great deal. My favorite male artist was Norman Treigle and my favorite female artist was Monsarrat Caballe.

The CCM collaboration and partnering with the Opera producing the fusion Operas is such a great idea that the Guild needs to support it in every way. One way would be to form a "Fusion Future" group and meld many of the past guild members, honorary guild members and CCM graduates. The mission of this group would be to form a combination fund raising and energizing group that would make the costs of those Fusion Operas a part of such a collaboration..

A word on collaboration. One of the great engines that powers the Arts in Cincinnati is collaboration. The regions great success in the arts has "collaboration" among the many arts organizations as one of its components. I was at a concert:nova event several years ago on a Sunday where the bassoon section was featured. Some or maybe all were performers with the Symphony and other musical organizations. There happened to be a man from Austin, Texas, visiting Cincinnati who was in attendance. He mentioned to me that he had never seen such collaboration among the arts. He said that their famous sector in Austin rarely if ever collaborated pointing out that he thinks the rivalries are hurting them when they should be doing what Cincinnati is doing.

All the pictures inserted in this newsletter, other than the ones of Opera Guild members and activities, were found on the Internet and

used only in this publication for the enjoyment of the Cincinnati Opera

Guild members.

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