Fall 2015

AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

THE PASSENGER Nov. 14, 18, 21 & 22, 2015

The 2015 Fall Opera Season is made possible with support from Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Ford Motor Company REVIVING 5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION

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MI_SY2016_Bravo_F01.indd 1 2015/10/6 18:50:27 Fall 2015 Contents The Official Magazine of Michigan Opera Theatre ON STAGE

Jillian Zylinski, Editor The Passenger...... 6 Kathleen Bennett, Contributing Editor Feature Story: Contributors A 70-Year Commemoration...... 20 John Grigaitis Michael Yashinsky

Publisher MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE Echo Publications, Inc. Royal Oak, Michigan Boards of Directors and Trustees...... 5 www.echopublications.com Volunteer Information...... 25 Tom Putters, President Toby Faber, Advertising Sales Director Avanti Society...... 27

Physicians’ services provided by Community Programs and Dance Education...... 28 Henry Ford Medical Center. Administration and Staff...... 30 Pepsi-Cola is the official soft drink and juice provider of the Detroit Opera Michigan Opera Theatre Contributors...... 31 House. General Information...... 34 Cadillac Coffee is the official coffee of the Detroit Opera House.

Sanders Fine Chocolates is the official chocolatier of the Detroit Opera House.

Steinway is the official piano of the Detroit Opera House and Michigan Opera Theatre. Steinway pianos are DAILY DINNER DEALS provided by Steinway Piano Gallery TUES-SAT, 4PM-CLOSE of Detroit, exclusive representative for Steinway and Sons in Michigan.

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Michigan Opera Theatre is a nonprofit cultural organization, whose activities are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other individuals, corporations, and foundations. Michigan Opera Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 3 WELCOME

elcome to Michigan Opera y transition into the role of WTheatre’s production of MArtistic Director gave me the The Passenger. This monumental opportunity to focus on an artistic work represents one of the largest initiative that I believed to be very productions to be mounted on the important for the future of our Detroit Opera House stage, and we company and for the future of the are fortunate that MOT is one of four operatic art form we so dearly love. companies to mount the work in the Audiences of course cherish the United States. works from centuries past that make AMEEN HOWRANI All of us associated with MOT are up the greatest part of the repertoire appreciative of the steadfast support that the Ford Motor experienced in our opera houses — from Mozart to Puccini Company Fund has provided as our fall opera season we are happy to see them again and again. But remember sponsor. This relationship spans a 43-year period. In the that these operas when premiered were always new and very aggregate, Ford Motor Company’s cumulative support to often innovative in their musical and dramatic styles. Yet the MOT is in excess of $12 million. audiences were willing and anxious to experience new works When David DiChiera and I discussed the opportunity just as today we don’t hesitate to see a movie that we have to share Mieczysław Weinberg’s Holocaust-themed opera never seen. They were operas of their time, and today we The Passenger with our community, we knew that it would must be open to experience, and perhaps embrace, new operas require significant resources. However, we also knew that that reflect our time. To this end, beginning with the 2013-14 it could serve as a significant opportunity to bring people season we launched a three-year program entitled Opera of Our of diverse backgrounds and experiences together through Time. We began with A View from the Bridge by William Bolcom a forum in our community, in tandem with the opera. We about 1950’s America in an Italian-American neighborhood then sought to engage organizations throughout Southeast near the Brooklyn Bridge dealing with illegal immigrants and Michigan to join us on this journey. The end result is that a dysfunctional family. The following season we presented MOT is joined by 55 community partners and more than 50 Frida by Rodriguez about the fascinating life of Frida Kahlo individuals, who are participating in an extensive number the famous Mexican painter and wife of Diego Rivera. It was of events throughout the entire run of this monumental particularly exciting to present this work in conjunction with work. We are appreciative to all who have contributed to this the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit exhibit at the community-wide initiative. Detroit Institute of Arts. The Passenger marks the third opera supported by a And now in our 2015-16 season we present the third in three-year MOT initiative, Opera of Our Time, launched in our Opera Of Our Time initiative with The Passenger by 2013-14 with A View From the Bridge (William Bolcom) and Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-1996). The composer was a followed in 2014-15 by Frida (Robert Xavier Rodriguez). Polish Jew who escaped to Russia when his family perished We are appreciative to Maxine and Stuart Frankel for in a Nazi concentration camp. In Russia he was mentored their 2:1 challenge grant of $150,000, which was matched by Shostakovich and became a very successful and prolific by 36 individuals who have enabled MOT to satisfy the composer of operas, symphonies, and chamber music. But requirements of this unique opportunity. even in Russia he was imprisoned and subjected to Stalin’s Through a new challenge grant of $600,000 from the persecutions. His lifetime ambition, however, was to compose Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, MOT has been given the an opera about the Holocaust in remembrance of his family. opportunity to support the third year of the Opera of Our Shostakovich introduced him to a novel written by Zofia Time initiative, and also to present other new operas in our Posmysz, a survivor of Auschwitz. This novel called Pasazcrka community in the 2016-17 and the 2017-18 seasons. We are finally gave him the opportunity to express in music of extremely grateful for the opportunity to invest in new works luminous beauty and tragic power his own story and the stories reflective of our time, and invite members of our community of those who struggled to be free of the greatest inhumanity. to help us meet this remarkable challenge by lending your Unfortunately the Russian government would not allow the support in order that we may continue this important work to be performed, and it was not until 2010, 14 years after initiative. the composer’s death, that The Passenger had a fully staged Finally, we are appreciative for the collective energy and premiere in Austria. Shostakovich considered the The Passenger financial support of the Friends of Polish Art, the General a masterpiece, and in his own words, “A hymn to humanity Consul to Chicago from Poland, and individual contributors and it is a work that is needed today.” And so it is now, decades for their support of this project. In addition, we are grateful later as we observe the 70th anniversary of the liberation to the Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation for their of Auschwitz and the 100th anniversary of the Armenian support of the Berman Panel and numerous community genocide, that this work, which has gained the freedom and briefings over the past month. widespread reverence it so richly deserves, is finally able to We invite you to sit back and experience the power of The fulfill that pressing need. We must always remember and be Passenger. May we all take note of its numerous messages, vigilant against the capacity of man’s inhumanity towards man. and “Let Us Not Forget!”

Dr. David DiChiera Wayne S. Brown Founder & Artistic Director President & CEO

4 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2016 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

R. Jamison Williams Margaret Allesee Marianne Endicott Nora Moroun Directors Emeritus Chairman Pernilla Ammann Paul E. Ewing Stephen Munk Dale Austin Joseph Angileri Jennifer Fischer Charlotte Podowski J. Addison Bartush Wayne S. Brown Lee Barthel Barbara Frankel Paul Ragheb Shelly Cooper President and CEO Richard A. Brodie Herman Frankel Ruth Rattner Marjorie M. Fisher Elizabeth Brooks Dean Friedman Roy S. Roberts Jennifer Nasser Enrico Digirolamo Robert Brown Richard G. Goetz Bernard Rubin Audrey Rose Chair, Finance Committee James Ciroli John P. Hale Ankur Rungta William Sandy Gloria Clark David Handleman Elham Shayota Richard Webb Cameron B. Duncan Joanne Danto Danialle Karmanos Terry Shea Treasurer Julia Donovan Darlow Barbara Kratchman Matthew Simoncini Ethan Davidson Thomas M. Krikorian Richard Sonenklar C. Thomas Toppin David DiChiera Harry Lomason II Lorna Thomas Secretary Shauna Ryder Diggs Alphonse S. Lucarelli Jesse Venegas Sonal Dubey Donald Manvel George Vincent Michael Einheuser Ali Moiin

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2015-2016 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

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

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org † Deceased BRAVO • Fall 2015 5 THE PASSENGER Nov. 14, 18, 21 & 22, 2015 Music Libretto Mieczysław Weinberg Alexander Medvedev, based on the novel of the same name by Zofia Posmysz World Premiere First performed at the Bregenz Festival, Austria, on July 22, 2010

Conductor Original Stage Director Revival Stage Director Chorus Master Steven Mercurio David Pountney Rob Kearley Suzanne Mallare Acton

Set Designer Costume Designer Original Lighting Associate Lighting Hair and Makeup Johan Engels Marie-Jeanne Lecca Designer Designer Designer Fabrice Kebour Michael Clark Joanne Weaver Choreographer Fight Director Assistant Director Stage Manager Jeff Michael Rebudal Christopher Barbeau Cynthia Stokes Ken Saltzman Supertitles Supertitle Operator Paul Hopper based on the English Dee Dorsey translation by David Pountney

Additional Musical Preparation by Gordon Schermer Russian Diction Coach, Elena Beck

A coproduction of Bregenzer Festspiele, Austria, Teatr Wielki Opera Narodowa Warszawa, English National Opera ENO, London, and Teatro Real, Madrid. The Passenger is used by arrangement with Peermusic Classical, New York and Hamburg, Publisher and Copyright Holder. The Projected Enlish Title translation used in this production is owned by Houston Grand Opera: Patrick Summers, Artistic and Music Director; Perryn Leech, Managing Director Sponsors

The 2015 Fall Opera Season is made possible with support from The Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation Ford Motor Company Panel Discussion Sponsor

6 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre THE PASSENGER

never told him of her past for fear of losing him. She tells him Cast how she’d felt drawn to Marta, whose pride and contempt she longed to break. The steward returns, announcing the passenger In order of vocal appearance in Cabin 45 is a British woman traveling alone to Brazil. The Walter...... David Danholt* couple breathes a sigh of relief, though Walter wonders if there’s more to the story. Liese...... Daveda Karanas* Steward...... Stephen Lusmann SCENE 2: Roll-call, Auschwitz, early morning Senior Overseer...... Géraldine Dulex* A group of SS officers watches the female prisoners line up. The men boast they are making history at Auschwitz, purging First SS Officer...... Jeff Byrnes† the Third Reich of its enemies, but complain the killing isn’t Second SS Officer...... Brent Michael Smith† efficient enough. At roll call, the prisoners’ numbers are called. Third SS Officer...... Joseph Michael Brent† The Chief Women’s Overseer and Liese talk about enlisting Marta to help manage the other prisoners. Marta doesn’t trust Marta...... Adrienn Miksch* Liese and wonders what she wants from her. Old Woman...... Lauren Skuce Gross* Yvette...... Angela Theis† SCENE 3: Women’s barracks, evening A transport of new prisoners arrives. An old woman raves Vlasta...... Kristin Eder that they are all about to go up the chimney as smoke. Marta Krzystina...... Ashley Maria Bahri Kashat and Krzystina try to calm everyone. Bronka prays for strength Bronka...... Liubov Sokolova* and protection for her family. Krzystina rails that God has forgotten them all, which Bronka and Yvette find blasphemous. Hannah...... Courtney Miller* The door crashes open and Katja, a Russian partisan, is Katja...... Anna Gorbachyova* thrown in. Marta calls for water and a candle. A Kapo finds Kapo...... Géraldine Dulex* a note in Polish that Katja brought in. Liese admires Marta’s control over her fellow inmates and, knowing her to be a Pole, Tadeusz...... Marian Pop orders her to read the note. Marta recognizes it as a message Elderly Passenger...... Stephen Lusmann between members of the resistance, but reads it as a love note, Violinist...... Henrik Karapetyan substituting the name of her own sweetheart Tadek (Tadeusz). Satisfied for the time being, Liese exits. Katja thanks Marta for Actors...... Harry David, David Melcher (Fight Captain), saving her life. Back on the ship, Liese tells Walter she later Zeb Mientkiewicz (alternate), discovered Marta’s lie. Walter remains silent as the curtain falls. Mina Richards, Joseph Wright ACT II * Michigan Opera Theatre debut SCENE 1: A storeroom for confiscated goods, Auschwitz, † Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist morning Liese watches prisoners sort items confiscated from other prisoners: musical instruments, clothing, shoes, etc. An officer asks Liese to choose a violin so one of his prisoners can play SYNOPSIS the Kommandant’s favorite waltz. Liese finds an instrument, and the officer leaves, saying he’ll send the prisoner to collect SETTING: An ocean liner sailing for Brazil in the early 1960s, it. When the prisoner appears, Liese points him to the violin with flashbacks to Auschwitz concentration camp in the mid and exits.The violin player is Tadeusz, Marta’s fiancé before she 1940s was imprisoned. They are stunned to see each other still alive. Marta says she must look ugly and worn, but Tadeusz says she ACT I is beautiful. They reminisce about their past life together but SCENE 1: Ocean liner, day freeze when Liese returns. Tadeusz confesses that they were a German diplomat Walter Kretschmer and his wife Liese are couple, “in that world that still knows of engagements.” Liese headed to Brazil for a three-year posting. In high spirits, they insinuates that she will break the rules for them, and tears bid Germany and Europe farewell. Walter remarks upon Liese’s up the confiscated note before she exits again. Katja enters youth during the war years, and says Brazil will do her good. and warns the couple not to trust Liese. She tells Tadeusz Suddenly, Liese blanches at the appearance of a passenger who that Marta saved her life by misreading the note Tadeusz had resembles a prisoner from Auschwitz where, unbeknownst given her. A loudspeaker blares music that Tadeusz says is the to her husband, Liese served in the SS. Flashing back to Kommandant’s favorite waltz. Auschwitz, an officer appears and orders Liese to regain her composure, calling her Aufseherin, the term for a female SS SCENE 2: Workshop in men’s barracks, Auschwitz, day overseer. Back in her cabin, Liese tries to shake the fear that Tadeusz reads a note from a member of the resistance: Kiev the woman on deck was a prisoner named Marta, whom she has been liberated from the Nazis. As Liese enters, he hides the believed to have been executed at Auschwitz. She summons note. She scrutinizes a medallion and recognizes the portrait the ship’s steward and bribes him to look into the passenger’s engraved on it as Marta. Liese tries to entice Tadeusz to let her identity. Walter joins his wife, ready to go dancing, but as they set up a meeting between him and Marta, but Tadeusz refuses. exit their cabin, the stranger appears in the hallway. Liese drags In another flash forward to the ship, Liese tells Walter that Walter back inside and confesses that she was an SS overseer Tadeusz—in fact all the prisoners—were “blinded by hate.” at Auschwitz. Blindsided, Walter is furious. Liese admits she

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 7 ARTIST PROFILES

Synopsis continued… Suzanne Mallare Acton David Danholt Chorus Master Walter SCENE 3: Women’s barracks, evening As Chorus Master David Danholt The women congratulate Marta on her of MOT, Suzanne attended The Opera twentieth birthday. Marta reflects on what Acton has received Academy and The she would choose if God let her choose wide critical acclaim Royal Danish Academy how and when she would die. There are for her choral of Music. He is gifts: a carrot and onion from Yvette, direction involving currently studying a scarf from Vlasta, and roses secretly more than 125 with voice coach Klavs Lewinsky. Recent delivered from Tadeusz. Liese enters and productions in seven engagements include a role debut tells Marta that Tadeusz refused her offer languages. Conducting credits include as Erik in Der Fliegende Holländer in to arrange a meeting with Marta; Marta Frida, West Side Story, Il Barbiere di Wisconsin. Future engagements replies she’s certain Tadeusz had good Siviglia, Music Man, Pirates of Penzance, include Walter in The Passenger at reason. Liese stalks out angrily. Yvette The Mikado, Daughter of the Regiment, Florida Grand Opera in Miami in gives Bronka a French lesson, conjugating Carmen, La Traviata, Les Pêcheurs de 2016, Erik in Fliegende Holländer in the verb “to live.” The women describe Perles and Carmina Burana with The Seattle in 2016, and Intermezzo by R. their longing for home. Katja sings a song Medium for MOT; My Fair Lady and Stauss at Concertgebouw Amsterdam. of her grandmother’s. The loudspeaker La Traviata for Dayton Opera; The In 2013-2014 he performed as blares numbers for the evening’s Merry Widow and Madame Butterfly Claudio in Wagner’s Das Liebesverbot selection. A Kapo, Liese, and officers for Artpark; and Tosca for Augusta at Oper Leipzig and in Bayreuth, with machine guns appear to collect the Opera. As founding Director of the Arindal in Wagner’s Die Feen at women whom have been selected: Vlasta, MOT Children’s Chorus, Ms. Acton was Oper Leipzig, Mozart’s Requiem with Hannah, Yvette, and Katja among them. instrumental in developing the inaugural Danish Radio Sinfonietta, and Katja urges her friends not to forget the 2007- 08 season. She is also the Artistic Handel’s Messiah with Kristians dying or forgive the Germans. Marta faces and Music Director of metro Detroit’s and Symphony Orchestra. Recent off with Liese, who tells her she’ll be Rackham Choir. engagements include Dvorˇák’s selected soon enough, saying she’s spared Stabat Mater with Sønderjylland’s her to hear Tadeusz’s concert. Christopher Barbeau Symphony Orchestra, Beethoven’s 9. Fight Director Symphony and Missa Solemnis, and SCENE 4: Ocean liner, day Currently the fight director and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. In August The steward informs Liese and Walter stunt coordinator for Michigan Opera 2014 David Danholt won the 1st that though the passenger in Cabin 45 Theatre, Village prize in the 3rd International Wagner is a British citizen, she’s not English and Shakespeare Festival, Competition in Seattle. may be Polish. Again, Liese defends and the Michigan her service at Auschwitz. They head Classical Repertory Géraldine Dulex to the salon, where Liese dances with Theater, Master Kapo/Overseer the Captain while an elderly passenger Christopher Barbeau Géraldine Dulex teases Walter. The passenger from Cabin has been involved is thrilled to reprise 45 requests a tune from the orchestra in stunt work for the role of Overseer/ leader, who strikes up the same waltz 42 years with 28 Kapo at Michigan that Tadeusz was ordered to perform— feature films, over 600 stage credits Opera Theatre, after the Kommandant’s favorite. Liese and and many appearances as a stunt appearing in the The Walter are distraught, and Liese insists performer. Formerly the fight master Passenger at Lyric on confronting the passenger. She for the Michigan Renaissance Festival, Opera of Chicago. Géraldine lives in approaches, but then falls back in fear as he holds a 3rd degree black belt in New York City, where she is a company the passenger stares her down. Aikido, a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu member with Broken Box Mime Theater Jitsu, and was the 1975 National Junior (IT Award Outstanding Ensemble SCENE 5: The concert, Auschwitz épée champion. Mr. Barbeau holds a 2014), with whom she performed in An officer orders Tadeusz to play the BA from the University of Michigan in Topography and the recent ABOVE waltz. Instead, Tadeusz plays Bach’s English literature, History, Philosophy BELOW. Géraldine also appeared in Chaconne in D Minor. Before Tadeusz can and Physics. Twenty-six years ago he Cosmicomics and Garden of Delights with finish the beautiful piece, an officer seizes created and currently directs the Ring NYC’s New Stage Theater, and has been and smashes the violin, and Tadeusz is of Steel Action Theatre, with which seen in over a dozen Chicago theater dragged off to his death. he teaches a variety of classes at all productions, including Dead Man’s Cell levels for schools across the nation, Phone (Steppenwolf) and in the title role EPILOGUE: The bank of a river and provides instruction in theatrical of the American Premieres of Howard Marta vows to keep the memory of combat and stunts. He has worked with Barker’s Minna (Trap Door) and Emilio those murdered at Auschwitz alive: “If opera singers for the past 16 years and Williams’s Tables and Beds (Stage 773). one day your voices should fall silent, serves as a regular guest artist at Cornell Originally from Switzerland, she is then we are all extinguished.” and for both the National Educational a recipient of a Foerderbeitrag from Theater Association’s Michigan and Canton Zug for her solo show Fawn, This synopsis appeared in the International Thespian Festivals. which premiered at the Edinburgh program of Lyric Opera of Chicago Fringe Festival. Ms. Dulex has a B.S. and is used by permission. from Northwestern University.

8 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Kristin Eder Anna Gorbachyova Vlasta Katja EXPERIENCE Kristin Eder, mezzo-soprano, last Siberian-born soprano Anna appeared with MOT in 2014’s Elektra. Dr. Gorbachyova is making her debut with DETROIT Eder is featured in the role of Electre on MOT. Ms. Gorbachyova graduated with the 2015 GRAMMY nominated recording distinction from the Royal Academy of Milhaud’s L’Orestie d’Eschyle. This past Opera in London in season, she made her 2012. From 2002 solo debut at Carnegie until 2006 she Hall, singing Mahler’s studied at the Ural Das Lied von der Erde State University with the Blue Period in the Faculty Ensemble. Dr. Eder of International has appeared as a Relations and guest soloist with the Music College named after P.I. organizations such as the Tallahassee Tchaikovsky in Ekaterinburg. Her recent Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois engagements include Lady Madeline in Symphony Orchestra, the Toledo Usher House and Madeline in La chute Symphony, the Bozeman Symphony, the de la Maison Usher at Welsh National Oakland Choral Society, the University Opera in 2014, and The First Nymph in Musical Society, and the Adrian Rusalka at Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma. Symphony. Her operatic roles include Later this season, she will participate Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, Jo in Little in the Mozart Academy of the Festival Women, the title role in Gluck’s Armide, d’Aix en Provence, will reprise the role of Dido and the Sorceress in Dido and Katja in The Passenger at Florida Grand Aeneas, Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro, Opera, and will perform in Handel’s Mercedes in Carmen, and Florence Pike Alexander’s Feast with the American in Albert Herring. Dr. Eder teaches in the Bach Soloists in San Francisco. Future voice departments at the University of engagements include participation in the Michigan and Adrian College. Mozart Academy of the Festival d’Aix en Provence, reprising the role of Katja in Johan Engels The Passenger at Florida Grand Opera, Set Designer and singing in Handel’s Alexander’s Feast Johan Engels won the Golden with the American Bach Soloists in San Schikaneder Australian Music Theatre Francisco. Ms. Gorbachyova sang The Award for Mathis der Maler in 2012, Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte at Theater an der Wien, and TMA Award the Royal Academy Opera, the title role for Lulu in 2013. Mr. Engels studied in Le Rossignol by Stravinsky in Lyon Fine Arts and Design National Opera in 2012, and Musetta at the University in La Bohème at Theater an der Wien in of Pretoria and has 2013. designed extensively for opera, ballet, Daveda Karanas and theatre in South Liese Africa. Some of his In the 2015-2016 season, mezzo- design credits include soprano Daveda Karanas will be seen as Park. Dine. Ride. Enjoy! The Passenger (English National Opera, Liese in The Passenger at both Michigan Warsaw, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera Theatre Dine at Coach Insignia and receive Opera of Chicago); Maskarade (Royal and Florida Grand complimentary Renaissance Center valet. Opera House); Chorus (Houston Grand Opera following Receive Detroit People Mover tokens Opera); Osud (Vienna State Opera); her successful role to and from the Opera House. Turandot (Salzburg Festival); Anything debut at the Lyric Enjoy the show!

Goes (Grange Park Opera); Montemezzi’s Opera of Chicago Must present dated Opera House L’amore dei tre re, Zemlinsky’s Der in the same role. * tickets to receive discounts. Kreidekreis, Johann Strauss’ Simplicius, Recently, she made a Pfitzner’s Die Rose vom Liebesgarten, major role debut as Kundry in Parsifal  313.567.2622 L’étoile, Agrippina (Zürich Opera); at the Lyric Opera of Chicago under  CoachInsigniaDetroit.com Parsifal (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Don Andrew Davis. She then debuted at the Dining Room attire is business casual or country Carlos, (Washington National Opera Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as Mother club casual. All attire welcomed in the Lounge. and Canadian Opera Company); Mathis Marie in Dialogues of the Carmelites der Maler (Theater an der Wien); Faust and with the Auckland Philharmonia 248.646.0370 (Paris National Opera). as Brangäne in concert performances of TheEpicureanGroup.com

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 9

ThirdPage Vertical.indd 1 9/23/2015 12:48:56 PM Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. Other recent Festival Tallinn), Cello Rising (Europa the Wiener Staatsoper, the Bregenzer engagements include Parsifal at Lyric Cantat Torino), Ariadne auf Naxos Festpiele, the Teatro Alla Scala, the Arena Opera of Chicago; Khovanshchina at Prologue (Royal Academy Opera), Edgar di Verona, and the Théâtre Royal de Oper Frankfurt; Tristan und Isolde at the (ETO), Nabucco, La la Monnaie. In 2006, Fabrice Kebour Canadian Opera Company; Bluebeard’s traviata (Richmond designed the opening and closing Castle at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino; Theatre), The ceremonies of the 15th Asian Games in Aida at Arizona Opera, Vancouver Opera, Marriage of Figaro Doha and in 2011 he was selected for and Glimmerglass Festival; Der Ring (Threestone), the Prague Quadrennial of Performance des Nibleungen and Madama Butterfly at Idomeneo (Floral Design and Space exhibit “Light Speaks” San Francisco Opera. Ms. Karanas is a Opera), Antiphony showing a retrospective of outstanding winner of the 2008 Metropolitan Opera (W11), and (as world renowned lighting designers. Mr. National Council Auditions and a former director/adaptor)The Mozart Show Kebour received a nomination for best Adler Fellow at the San Francisco Opera (Covent Garden Festival) and The lighting design at the Moliere Award in where she made her mainstage debut as Beggar’s Opera (Handel House Museum/ 2005, 2009 and 2011, as well as for the Mamka in Boris Godunov. Prior to her RAM). As Associate/Assistant/Revival Wales Theatre Awards in 2015. residency at San Francisco Opera, she Director Mr. Kearley has worked with made debuts with the Boston Symphony companies at home and abroad including Marie-Jeanne Lecca Orchestra conducted by James Levine Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Costume Designer in Schönberg’s Moses und Aron and the Grand Opera, Bregenz Festival, The Marie-Jeanne Lecca was born and Chicago Opera Theater in Il ritorno Royal Opera Covent Garden, English educated in Bucharest and is now based d’Ulisse in patria conducted by Jane National Opera, Opera North, Théâtre in London. She has designed costumes Glover du Châtelet, for opera companies throughout the Théâtre Athenée, Opera Comique, Opera UK and in Europe, including for Menna Ashley Maria Bahri Kashat de Lyon, Canadian Opera Company, State Opera, Zurich Opera, Bavarian Krystyna Lincoln Center Festival, Juilliard School, State Opera, the Bolshoi, Op6ra Bastille, Ashley Maria Bahri Prague State Opera, Prague National Deutsche Oper Berlin, Bregenz Festival, Kashat, a Michigan Theatre, Manchester International Op6ra de Lyon, English National Opera, native, recently made Festival, English Touring Opera, and Royal Opera House, Welsh National, and her MOT debut in the Teatro Comunale Bolzano, for Salzburg Festival. Ms. Lecca received the the company’s 2013 directors including Christopher Alden, Martinu Medal for Julietta and The Greek production of La Tim Albery, and Chen Shi-Zheng. He Passion. She was nominated for a BAFTA Traviata. She is has particularly enjoyed long working for her costume design of Amahl and the the first Chaldean relationships as Associate, Collaborateur, Night Visitors and was a member of the American soprano to receive a Master and Revival Director with David British team that won The Golden Triga of Music in Voice Performance at The Pountney and Yoshi Oida, and long at the 2003 Prague Quadrennial. Manhattan School of Music in New associations with the Bregenz Festival, York City. Currently, she studies under Opera North, and Opera de Lyon. Both Stephen Lusmann the direction of Patricia Misslin in New as a performer and director, Rob has Older Passenger/Steward/Commander York and Edie Diggory in Michigan, worked on the world premieres of works Stephen Lusmann has enjoyed a and privately trains at the Metropolitan by Reich, Berio, Weinberg, Länger, successful international career singing Opera under the direction of assistant Mackey, Wainwright, Zorn, Maxwell- more than forty conductor Robert Morrison. Mrs. Davies, and Weir. leading baritone roles Kashat performed Verdi’s “Requiem” in with major opera Bloomfield Hills and also gave a recital Fabrice Kebour houses, including the at Shenandoah Country Club in West Lighting Designer Oper der Stadt Bonn, Bloomfield, to support Michigan Opera Fabrice Kebour has designed lighting Opera de Monte Carlo, Theatre. Recent credits include the role for more than 200 productions since Stadttheater Luzern, of Salude in Manuel de Falla’s opera La 1987. In 1989, Mr. Kebour was accepted Washington National vida breve in New York, her debut at for a United Scenic Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Cincinnati the Barre Opera House in a concert Artists internship Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, and performance, and recitals in New Platz, in New York, which Glimmerglass Opera among many Lake George, and Woodstock, NY. allowed him to work others. As an active concert soloist he Additonally, Mrs. Kashat attended the with some of the has performed at Carnegie Hall and Bel Canto Institute in Florence, Italy, leading American Alice Tully Hall and with numerous where she won four performance awards. lighting designers of symphony orchestras and festivals in Mrs. Kashat received a Bachelor of the day, both Off and the United States and Europe. On Music in Voice Performance at Oakland On Broadway. Over the past 20 years, recordings, Mr. Lusmann may be heard University. Mr. Kebour’s lighting designs have in Richard Strauss’ opera Der Friedenstag been seen in France, Germany, Austria, and Operngala. He has also recorded Rob Kearley Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Japan, the CDs of Logan Skelton’s songs: E.E. Revival Director Middle East, and England, as well as Cummings: An American Circus, Ohr As Director Rob Kearley’s productions the USA and Canada. He has designed Songs, Clyburn Songs, and Anderson include Le Portrait de Manon (Wexford for top houses such as La Comédie Songs. His students are having Festival) Faust (Opera North & Birgitta Française, the Opéra National de Paris, tremendous success performing

10 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre professionally in opera, concert, with MOT, after most collaborator for many award-winning musical theater, and young artist recently conducting recordings, arrangements and film programs throughout the United States, last spring’s Faust. projects, most notably “Christmas in Canada, Europe, and on Broadway. In An internationally Vienna with the Three Tenors.” For the addition they are winning prestigious acclaimed conductor stage, he has conducted more than 50 international vocal competitions and are and composer whose operas in seven different languages in members of university voice faculties. He musical versatility many of the world’s best loved opera is an Associate Professor of Music at the encompasses the houses. His most recent symphonic University of Michigan, a Fort Worth symphonic and operatic worlds, he was composition, “A Grateful Tail,” based on Opera Studio voice teacher, has taught at Music Director of the Spoleto Festival a love of dogs, had its world premiere in Music in the Marché in Mondavio, Italy and Principal Conductor of the Opera Prague and is available on Eros Sound and is a voice teacher at the Seagle Music Company of Philadelphia for five years. Recordings. Colony. Mr. Mercurio is also a sought-after

Jeff Michael Rebudal Choreographer Jeff Michael Rebudal is the Artistic Director of New York- and Detroit- based Rebudal Dance and is an original founding member What’s in a Song? of the critically Martin Katz acclaimed Seán CURATOR AND PIANIST Curran Company. Mr. Rebudal’s Including appearances by opera and theatre Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano choreography credits Jesse Blumberg, baritone include L’Etoile (New Janai Brugger, soprano York City Opera, Opéra de Montréal, David Daniels, countertenor Glimmerglass Opera, Bergen National William Ferguson, tenor Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Austin Lyric Frederica von Stade, Opera), Romeo et Juliette, La Traviata, mezzo-soprano La Rondine, A Little Night Music and Friday, January 8 // 8 pm The Merry Widow (Michigan Opera Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre Theatre), and Carmen (Cincinnati

Opera), in which the Metropolitan SUPPORTED BY Opera News described the dances as Maurice and Linda Binkow “…delightful choreography…. a bright moment.” His past scholarship titled Photo by Robert Recker The Role of Dance and Choreography in Contemporary Opera was funded with a Wayne State University Research Grant. Mr. Rebudal recently Jamie Barton choreographed Two Gentlemen MEZZO-SOPRANO of Verona for The Old Globe. His choreography has also been presented Martin Katz at Joyce SoHo, Danspace Project, PIANO Lincoln Center, NYC Downtown Sunday, January 10 // 4 pm Dance Festival, Cunningham Studio, Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre and DUMBO Dance Festival, among other venues such as the Cultural PROGRAM Center of the Philippines in Manila Includes works of Turina, and Anargyrios & Korgialenios Theatre Chausson, Schubert, Dvořák, of Helioupolis in Greece. Mr. Rebudal and Rachmaninoff is an Associate Professor and Head of Dance at Wayne State University MEDIA PARTNER and has an M.F.A. from the American WRCJ 90.9 FM University and a B.A. from the University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa. Photo by Stacey Bode

Steven Mercurio Conductor TICKETS ON SALE NOW This fall marks American maestro UMS.ORG / 734.764.2538 Steven Mercurio’s 22nd production UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN | ANN ARBOR

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 11 Adrienn Miksch Boston Lyric Opera, and Ohio Light Scottish Opera. Productions there Marta Opera. A Wisconsin native, Ms. Miller is featured a Janácˇek cycle in collaboration Adrienn Miksch’s current and future a University of Michigan alumna. with Welsh National Opera. He directed engagements include reprising the role of the world premiere of David Blake’s Marta in Mieczysław Marian Pop Toussaint in 1977 (ENO) and went on to Weinberg’s The Tadeusz become ENO’s Director of Productions Passenger at Florida Permanent resident singer of the in 1980, directing over 20 operas. He Grand Opera, Staatstheater Kassel, Mr. Pop’s roles have has directed many world premieres, Countess in Le nozze included Marcello in including three by Peter Maxwell Davies di Figaro at Festival La Boheme, Gabriel for which he also wrote the libretto, and Hall in Osaka, Japan, von Eisenstein in has translated operas into English from Mendelssohn’s Die Fledermaus, and Russian, Czech, German, and Italian. Symphony No. 2 at Budapest Figaro in Il barbiere As a freelance director, from 1992 he International Choir Festival, and di Siviglia, Scarpia worked regularly in Zurich, at Vienna multiple roles with the Hungarian State in Tosca, and the State Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper as Opera. Most recent engagements include title role in Verdi’s well as opera houses in America and Chrysothemis in Elektra, and Csáki Rigoletto. Hailed by the Oregonian for Japan, and in the UK, he has a long- Lóra in Ferenc Erkel’s György Dózsa “a rich, agile voice and high notes that standing association with Opera North. Hungarian State Opera, Maddalena could nearly part your hair,” baritone He received a Janácˇek medal for his Andrea Chenier, Amelia in Simon Marian Pop’s future roles include Janácˇek cycle in Wales and Scotland, and Boccanegra and Zandonai’s Francesca a reprisal of the title role of David a Martinu° medal for his productions of da Rimini (title role) Szeged National DiChiera’s Cyrano de Bergerac with Julietta and The Greek Passion (Opera Theatre, Santuzza Cavalleria Rusticana Baltimore Opera. Mr. Pop created the North and Bregenz Festival). His The Miskolc Opera, Leonora La Forza del role of Cyrano in the opera’s world productions have twice won an Olivier Destino in concert Kassai Szimfonikusok premiere at Michigan Opera Theatre, award. Recent engagements include Saul and Winnie in Dellaira’s The Secret and sang subsequent performances og David in Copenhagen, The Passenger Agent Armel Festival and Center for with Opera Company of Philadelphia (Houston, New York and Chicago); Contemporary Opera NYC. In concert, in the 2007-08 season. Last season he Kommilitonen, his third opera written she has appeared at Carnegie Hall and in returned to Theater Basel for Valentin in collaboration with Peter Maxwell Tokyo, Toronto, Milan, Verona, Napoli, in Faust and sang Carmina Burana Davies (Royal Academy of Music and and Hanover. Ms. Miksch graduated with the St. Petersburg Philharmonia. US premiere at the Juilliard School, from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music In recent seasons, Mr. Pop has joined New York); a new Philip Glass opera, and went on to the Opera Studio of the Theater Basel for his role debut as Posa Spüren der Verirrten, for the opening of Hungarian State Opera. in Don Carlo, Lescaut in Manon, Taddeo a new opera house in Linz which won in L’italiana in Algeri, and Pantalone in the Schickaneder Prize for best opera production in 2013, and Die Zauberflöte Courtney Miller Prokofiev’s The Love for Three Oranges. Hannah A frequent guest at the Staatsoper for the lake stage in Bregenz, where he Award-winning mezzo soprano Stuttgart, the baritone’s numerous roles was Intendant from 2003-13. Since 2011 Courtney Miller has been praised by with the company have included his he has been Chief Executive and Artistic the Washington Times for her “excellent signature performances of Figaro in Il Director of WNO, where he has directed sense of comic barbiere di Siviglia, Beckmesser in Die Berg’s Lulu, Rossini’s Guillaume Tell, Mosè timing” and by the Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and Ulisse in Egitto and Pelléas et Mélisande. He is Virginia-Pilot for in Monteverdi’s Il ritorno d’Ulisse in a CBE, a Chevalier in the French Ordre her “lovely mezzo Patria. Mr. Pop’s concert performances des Arts et Lettres, has the Cavalier’s timbre.” This season, have included Mahler’s Symphony No. Cross of the Order of Merit of the Ms. Miller will debut 9 in Bucharest and an Aria Evening in Republic of Poland and was awarded at Michigan Opera Bayreuth, Germany. He also participated the Ehrenkreuz des Bundes Osterreich Theatre as Hannah in in a tour of La Cenerentola and Viva la in 2014. He was recently awarded an The Passenger, Madison Opera as Meg Mamma with the Musical Theatre of Honorary Fellowship of the Royal in Little Women, and perform Ravel’s Brasov, which visited Austria, Germany, Welsh College of Music and Drama and Shéhérazade with Brevard Sinfonia. As the Netherlands and Great Britain. Cardiff University in recognition of his a Virginia Opera Emerging Artist in contribution as an artist and cultural 2013-15, her roles included Meg Page David Pountney leader. in Falstaff, Second Lady in The Magic Original Stage Director Flute, Dryade in Ariadne auf Naxos, David Pountney became Lauren Skuce Gross Mercédès in Carmen, Page in Salome, and internationally Old Woman Flora in La Traviata. Other highlights known through his Dramatic soprano include Suzuki in Madame Butterfly with production of Katya Lauren Skuce Gross Glimmerglass Festival, Mrs. Ford in Sir Kabanova at the 1972 made her Carnegie John in Love with Odyssey Opera, and Wexford Festival. Hall debut in 2001 Sister Helen in Dead Man Walking with Between 1975 and with the Orpheus Boston Opera Collaborative. Ms. Miller 1980, he was Director Chamber Orchestra has worked with Chautauqua Opera, of Productions for and has since been

12 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre distinguished for her versatility on both Requiem (all at Latvian National Opera), Resort. Of his Edgardo Lei, a coauthor the opera and concert stage. She has Countess in The Queen of Spades (Grand of the Allegri con Fuoco blog, said performed with the Teatro Municipal Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg), “Tenor Joseph Michael Brent made de Santiago, Hong Kong Opera, Florida Charlotte in Werther (Lisbon), Larina me weep too, his sound is beautiful, Grand Opera, Portland Opera, Ann in Eugene Onegin (Oper Leipzig), round and tender but also agile and Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera Amneris in Aida (Royal Albert Hall, powerful. Brent is truly a romantic hero, of Kansas City, Bard Music Festival, London), Yvpraksiya Romanovna with a handsome stage presence and Kentucky Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, in The Enchantress (Erfurt), Nurse an expressiveness to match.” Mr. Brent Utah Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis, in Eugene Onegin (Warsaw), Bronka also made two concert debuts, adding Boston Baroque, Syracuse Opera, New in The Passenger (Chicago). both Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 York City Opera and many more. Ms. and Mozart’s Requiem to his repertoire. Skuce Gross has appeared in solo recital Joanne Weaver Recent summer seasons have seen Mr. at the Kennedy Center, Kravis Center in Wig and Makeup Designer Brent in company debuts with Pittsburgh Palm Beach, and Alice Tully Hall. She is Born in England, Joanne Weaver came Opera Theatre and Capitol City Opera a frequent artist with many of the most to the United States in the late 1980s. in Atlanta as Camille in The Merry prestigious chamber music organizations She began apprenticing with what was Widow, the Martina Arroyo Prelude in the country. A Sullivan Award winner, then Washington to Performance Program as E.T.A. she was the United States representative Opera, now Hoffmann in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, in the 2003 Cardiff Singer of the Washington National and La Musica Lirica as Rodolfo in World Competition. She received the Opera. Ms. Weaver La Bohème. He earned his Doctor of prestigious Prix du Public in the Montreal has since designed Musical Arts degree from the University International Singing Competition and at many Opera of Georgia in the fall of 2014 with a in April 2007 she was the first place companies throughout dissertation on selected vocal works of winner of the International Concert the United States, Giovanni Paolo Bottesini. During his Alliance Competition in both the aria including Glimmerglass Opera, Central tenure as a student at the University of and art song categories. Time Out New City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Lyric Opera Georgia Mr. Brent sang all of the lead York Magazine printed “we’re ready to of Kansas City, and Des Moines Metro tenor roles between the spring of 2010 crawl on our knees over a mile of gravel Opera. Her notable MOT credits include and 2014, including Rodlofo in La to hear Lauren Skuce read the phone Frida, The Merry Widow, Faust, Margaret Boheme, E.T.A. Hoffmann in Les Contes book.” Garner, Cyrano, and Pearl Fishers. d’Hoffmann, Tamino in Die Zauberflöete, Weaver has been invited to design wigs Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, Don Jose in Liubov Sokolova for Sarasota Opera’s upcoming Spring Carmen, Frederick in Pirates of Penzance, Bronka season, which will complete the Verdi and Ralph Rackstraw in H.M.S. Pinafore. Liuba Sokolova was born Cycle they began in 1989. He is a native New Yorker, a proud in Chelyabinsk, Russia and graduated graduate of the Frank Sinatra School from the St. Petersburg State of the Arts, holds an undergraduate Rimsky-Korsakov degree from the conservatory of music Conservatoire (classes at Purchase College SUNY in double with Professor Michigan Opera Theatre bass performance. He was a student of N.A. Serval) in 1993. Studio Artists Metropolitan Opera veteran, baritone In the same year she Frederick Burchinal. joined the Mariinsky Joseph Michael Brent Opera Company as 3rd SS Officer Jeff Byrnes a trainee. In 1995 Joseph Michael Brent is a member of 1st SS Officer she completed a post-graduate study the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio. His Baritone Jeff Byrnes is excited to at the St. Petersburg Conservatoire roles in Michigan return to Michigan Opera Theatre this (classes with Professor A.N. Kiselev). Opera Theatre’s season as a Studio Artist. Last season, With the Mariinsky Theatre, Ms. 2015 -16 season Jeff performed the Sokolova has toured to Germany, Finland include Martin in role of Old Servant (Savonlinna Festival), Portugal, France, Aaron Copland’s in Elektra and The Spain, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, The Tender Land, Bonze in Madama Israel, Japan, Italy, the USA (Washington, 3rd SS Officer Butterfly. Prior to New York, Los Angeles), and South in Mieczysław joining MOT, he America. Ms. Sokolova’s foreign Weinberg The performed the role engagements include Bregenz Passenger, Malcolm in Verdi’s Macbeth, of Owen Hart in Festspiele, where she sang Azucena and first armored man in Mozart’s The Dead Man Walking in Il trovatore, Amneris in Aida; Erda Magic Flute. In 2015, Mr. Brent made with Dayton Opera, and he covered in Das Rheingold and Siegfried (Aalto both role and company debuts as Mayor Germont in La Traviata and Balstrode Theater Essen), Ulrica Arfvidsson Upfold in the Bronx Opera’s production in Peter Grimes with Des Moines Metro in Un ballo in maschera(Theater Sankt- of Albert Herring, Edgardo in the New Opera. Other operatic highlights include Gallen), Erda in Siegfried, Countess York Opera Exchange production of Leporello in Don Giovanni and the title in The Queen of Spades, Waltraute Lucia di Lamermoor, and Pinkerton role in The Mikado with the Natchez in Götterdämmerung, solo in Verdi’s in Madame Butterfly at the Quisisana Opera Festival, and Figaro in Le Nozze

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 13 ARTIST PROFILES

di Figaro, Sprecher in Die Zauberflöte, at Dayton Opera, Des Moines Metro Brent Michael Smith and Pilate in St. John Passion with Opera, and the Seagle Music Colony. 2nd SS Officer CCM Opera. He was a regional finalist He is a graduate of the University of As a Studio Artist with Michigan in the Rocky Mountain Region of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Opera Theatre this season, Brent sang Metropolitan Opera National Council Music and Louisiana State University. Colline in La Bohème and will sing the auditions in 2014, and he was awarded This season at MOT, he appears as Grandpa in The Tender Land, among the Encouragement Award in the New Schaunard in La Bohème and Top in The other roles. Orleans district in 2010. Jeff has also Tender Land. He was an participated in the young artist programs Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera this summer, where his performance as Billy Jackrabbit in La fanciulla del West received critical acclaim by Opera News as a “standout.” Colorado Music Buzz SUPPORTINGSUPPORTING praised him for “making the most of his brief appearances.” THE ARTS This year, Brent sang Harry Hopkins in THE ARTS the world premiere of Daron Hagen’s A Woman in Morocco, as a part of Kentucky Opera’s American Opera Initiative, and was an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera where he covered Charles V/The Monk in Don Carlos as well as sang in scenes from Fidelio, L’italia in Algeri and I Lombardi. In 2014, Brent sang the role Jim Larkens in Kentucky Opera’s production of La fanciulla del West, as well as Doctor Grenvil in their touring production of La Traviata. Additionally he made his debut with Central City Opera, as an Apprentice Artist, singing Antonio in HonigmanHonigman celebrates celebrates the the their production of Le nozze di Figaro. Brent sang Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors with the University MichiganMichigan Opera Opera Theatre’s Theatre’s of Northern Iowa, where he received his Master of Music degree under the tutelage of John Hines. He received his 2015-20162015-2016 season. season. Bachelor’s in music in piano performance from Hope College (Holland, MI). While at Hope, he studied voice with Linda Dykstra and sang Harry Easter in Street Scene. Brent is a first-place winner in the Grand Rapids Opera Competition (2012).

Angela Theis Yvette Soprano Angela Theis will perform several roles this year at Michigan Opera Theatre through her engagement as a Studio artist, including Laurie in The Tender Land and Papagena in The Magic Flute. Previously, she has appeared with WWW.HONIGMAN.COMWWW.HONIGMAN.COM the company as Marzelline in Fidelio, Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro, and the High Priestess in Aida. A highlight of her career was when Dr. David DiChiera

14 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre DONORS IN SUPPORT OF THE PASSENGER THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF FRIENDS OF POLISH ART chose her to sing his compositions at Szymanowski Circle Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Glembocki his 2013 Kresge Eminent Artist award $5,000-$10,000 Mary Kalinski presentation and his 2015 tribute Friends of Polish Art Alina Klin, Ph.D. – Wayne State University concert at the Detroit Opera House. Polish Studies Outside of her Chopin Circle Lodge 1758 Gdynia Sobieski at the Polish native Detroit $1,000-$4,999 National Alliance American Council for Polish Culture Matt & Carolyn Meleski area, Ms. Theis John E. Hantz Michael & Jo Obloy has performed In Memory of Jane and Bernard Malski Wallace & Joann Ozog Adina in L’elisir Daniel & Jolanta Misteravich Henryk Pawlowski d’amore and Henrietta V. Nowakowski Michael Penrod / John Slater Mabel in Pirates Thomas M Schemanski, Stella G. Szczesny In Memory of Zbigniew Płonka & Family, of Penzance In Memory of Suzanne Marie Sloat, Kraków, Poland (Eugene Ray Okonski Polish American Central Citizens Committee Polish American Congress, Michigan Opera), Clorinda in La Cenerentola Paderewski Circle Division and Frasquita in Carmen (Opera $500-$999 PAC of Michigan Charitable Foundation Roanoke), Johanna in Sweeney Todd American Polish Cultural Center Officers and Members of Polish Falcons of (Syracuse Opera), and Pamina in Ms. Jacqueline Jadwiga Kolowski America Nest 31 The Magic Flute School Programs Tour Mrs. Barbara Lemecha Polish Falcons District XIII (The Metropolitan Opera Guild). Polish-American Federal Credit Union Polish Falcons District XIII Ladies Mrs. Stella Rozycki Commission The Boston Globe praised her for Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Siegel Polish Falcons District XIII Legion of Honor “a bright, bold, and beguilingly In Memory of B. John and Jane S. Surma Polish National Alliance District X sung Zerlina” in Mozart’s Don Ms. Mary Ellen Tyszka Polish National Alliance District X – Giovanni. In 2013, Ms. Theis won the Halina Stępkowicz Ujda Women’s Division Audience Choice Award at the 2013 Polonaise Chorale Meistersinger Competition in Austria. Moniuszko Circle Aleksandra Porter $100-$499 Barbara W. Rzadca Ms. Theis completed a postgraduate Drs. Munther & Beth Ajlouni Julia A. Serafin, PFA Nest 31 fellowship in Salzburg, Austria, and Anonymous Leonard Skowronski holds degrees from New England Ann & Wladyslaw Bankowski Dr. & Mrs. Henry Szkolnicki Conservatory and University of Council 122 of The Polish National Alliance In Memory of Margaret Tocco Notre Dame. In Memory of Maria Dabrowska, Prisoner of Estelle Wachtel-Torres, M.D., Literary Ravensbrück Concentration Camp Competition In Memory of Katherine Dmuchowski- In Memory of Halina S. Ujda and Edward W. Bulman (Frank & Zofia Dmuchowski) Stępkowicz Mr. & Mrs. Robert Flanagan

Mieczysław Weinberg, composer Mieczysław Weinberg was born in Warsaw, Poland on December 8, 1919. His father worked as a composer and bandleader in a travelling Yiddish theater, and his mother was a leading Yiddish theater actress. Mieczysław, known at home as Moisey, began writing music in early childhood, and joined his father’s band at the age of ten as a pianist. Two years later he entered the Warsaw Conservatory. Weinberg’s talent as a pianist was recognized at an early age, and were it not for the outbreak of World War II, he would have been remembered as one of the great piano virtuosos of the twentieth century. In 1939 Weinberg fled Warsaw for the Soviet Union on foot, leaving his family behind. His parents and little sister Esther stayed behind, and were interned in the Lodz Ghetto, later perishing in the Trawniki concentration camp in Poland. Weinberg fled first to Minsk and then, in advance of the invading Nazi armies, to Tashkent. In 1943, he sent the score of his First Symphony to Dmitri Shostakovich, who was so impressed that he arranged for Weinberg to be officially invited to Moscow. For the rest of his life, Weinberg remained in Moscow, and he and Shostakovich became close friends and colleagues. Weinberg’s music is often programmatic, terse and intense, depicting the sounds of World War II and the loss of innocence. At other times it is meditative, reflecting his philosophy of universal harmony and unity through melodic and harmonic clarity and proportion. He regarded his opera The Passenger as his most important work, followed by his final Symphony No. 21, “Kaddish,” written in commemoration of the burning of the Warsaw Ghetto where many of his close relatives died. When The Passenger was discussed within the Union of Composers of the Soviet Union, one of the musicians said that the opera was written with the “blood of the heart.” The music lacks any empty space, and nothing is superfluous. Everything is from the composer, what he lived through and experienced; everything is true and expressed with passion. The opera was set to premiere at the Bolshoi in Moscow in 1968, but it was postponed indefinitely; marked as “abstract humanism,” contrary to the principles of Socialist Realism valued by Stalin’s government. Weinberg died in Moscow in 1996, and never saw his opera The Passenger performed.

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 15 THE PASSENGER UNITING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY Michigan Opera Theatre is honored to partner with a growing number of organizations and individuals, whose joint mission is to explore universal themes examined in The Passenger. This opera teaches us the danger of denying the humanity of others and the importance of remembering all victims of genocide. Each partner is helping to educate about The Passenger through a series of events and dialogues.

“The combined power of all these people is extraordinary. Art can unite. Music can make a difference; Opera can serve as a catalyst for productive dialogue. We honor our community partners who are joining us on this journey with The Passenger.” —Wayne Brown, President & CEO of Michigan Opera Theatre

ORGANIZATIONS Adat Shalom Synagogue • Arab American National Museum • Arab American Women’s Business Council • Armenian Mirror-Spectator • The Berman Center for the Performing Arts • The Bottle Crew • The Carr Center • Center for Neurological Studies • Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce • Chaldean Foundation • Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History • Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago • Contract Professionals, Inc. • Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network • Detroit Jewish News • Detroit Public Television / WRCJ 90.9 FM • Farmington Community Library • Ferndale Public Schools • Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning • Friends of Polish Art • Grant Elementary/Middle School • Gender-Identity Network Alliance • Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan • Hadassah Greater Detroit • Hartford Memorial Baptist Church • Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan • Heritage of Armenian Culture Radio Program • Holocaust Memorial Center • InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit • International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit • Italian Film Festival • Jewish Book Fair • JCC SAJE (Seminars for Adult Jewish Enrichment) • Jewish Gay Network • Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network • Legacy Preservation Services • The Maple Theater • Michigan Philharmonic • Michigan Veterans Task Force • Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation • National Arab Orchestra • National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section • Northville District Library • Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine • On My Own of Michigan • Pickles and Rye Deli • Planterra Conservatory • Ruth Ellis Center • Scarab Club • Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit • Temple Israel • Tri-County Educational Center Ferndale • University of Detroit Mercy • University of Michigan • Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan • WAY Charter Schools • Wayne State University • Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach • WISDOM • Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit • Yad Ezra

INDIVIDUALS Renee Ahee • Dan Alpert • Edmond Azadian • Professor Robert Berg • Nancy Bechek Bluth • Dr. Sabrina Black • Roz Blanck • Leonard Borman • Gerald Brisson • Edie Broida • Alexander Citron • Linda Collins • Roz Lullove Cooperman • Nada Dalgamouni • LaNesha Debardelaben • Edward Deeb • Nadine Deleury • Dave Devereaux • Judy Dolan • Charlene Dwyer • Dr. Herbert Eagle • Carole Ebner • Rabbi Dorit Edut • Isra El-bashir • Kathryn S. Grabowski • Charles Ezra Ferrell • Jeff Forrester • Susan Friedman • Susan Gertner • Linda Gillom • Mark Gutman • Dr. Fatma Müge Göçek • Maria Harris • Hannah Hartley • Terry Hollander • Tim Hoy • Rev. Charmaine Johnson • Michael Ibrahim • Gail Katz • Velda Kelly • Rabbi Joseph Krakoff • Susan Lerch • Gary Lichtman • Carol Lipsitt • Judy Loebl • Kristie Lohmeier • Lea Luger • Dr. Howard Nathan Lupovitch • Susan Lutz • Susan Marwil • Lee Miller • Dan Misteravich • Gail Mitchell • Juanita Moore • Wendy Mutch • Mindy Nathan • Maj. Melvin H. Patton • Adina Pergament • Jerry Peterson • Shane Pliska • Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard • Oliver Ragsdale, Jr. • Faith Robinson Renner • Dr. Jennifer Rike • Pietro Sarcina • Dr. Sam Scheinfield • Sgt. Stephanie Shannon • Sharona Shapiro • Diane Shultz • Michelle Sider • Spencer Silk • Meredith Skowronski • Linda Soberman • Dr. Guy Stern • Beth Stewart • Carol Surma • Omari Taylor • Judith R. Trepeck • John Zaretti • John Zielinski • Linda Zlotoff

16 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre PARTNER STATEMENTS

The Passenger reminds us that humanity has the capacity The Arab American Women’s Business Council is proud to for devastating cruelty, but collaborating on this project has partner with the Michigan Opera Theatre in its production also reminded us that there are so many wonderful, inspiring of The Passenger and many other diverse community people in our city, who work tirelessly to make the world a organizations for important dialog and bridge building in better place. The power of this group is amazing and it’s stark contrast to the human hatred our world is experiencing been an honor to be a part of it! today. NADINE DELEURY AND VELDA KELLY RENÉE AHEE Chamber Music at the Scarab Club AAWBC Chief Executive Officer

It is such an honor and pleasure to be able to participate in I support The Passenger and the work of the partners something so great! because of its universal theme. We are all “passengers” in The Passenger really highlights the historical perseverance life with various “obstacles” to overcome. of human survival — A lesson that we should never forget. SUSAN BENSON FRIEDMAN JOHN ZIELINSKI Lakehouse Studios This Opera is important to National Council of Jewish Women, for one of our guiding principles states, “The It is heartening to see the outpouring of interest and to be continuity of the Jewish people must be assured from part of the joint efforts by everyone involved in support of the generation to generation through Jewish education, culture, love of music and the repudiation of violence, of oppression, values, and respect among all streams of Judaism.” of intolerance. Bravo MOT and bravi tutti! SUSAN GERTNER JOHN ZARETTI Executive Director President, Verdi Opera Theatre of Michigan National Council of Jewish Women

I am working on The Passenger Community Partners Project “It is important to remember our past so that we can plan to help my children practice kindness. My hope is that they our future.” can help end the cycle of hatred and violence that seems DR. SAM SCHIENFIELD to be consuming the world today. We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust; and The Passenger opera is an Friends of Polish Art supports The Passenger because it is a artful remembrance of man’s inhumanity to man. major artistic achievement by a Polish composer based on CHARLENE DWYER the work of a Polish author and survivor of the Nazi German Silverkey Productions camp at Auschwitz and because The Passenger presents Polish themes as well as the universal theme of humanity’s The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American need for vigilant compassion and the moral resolve to resist History is proud to join the Michigan Opera Theatre and the evils of tyranny. its partners in supporting The Passenger that highlights CAROL SURMA man’s inhumanity to man. Over 100,000,000 Africans were President, Friends of Polish Art extinguished during the Trans-Atlantic Enslavement Trade. King Leopold II of Belgium was responsible for the deaths The Passenger is a powerful opera that asks us to remember and mutilation of 10 million Congolese Africans during the the past as we determine our future. late 1800’s. The Native American population numbered We examine the lessons of the Holocaust, while 10,000,000 and was decimated to 300,000. The German celebrating heroism and resistance to inhumanity. Nazis murdered 6,000,000 Jews in gas chambers. Today, Together, we are reminded that it is up to us to learn let’s learn, unite, and defeat forces of genocide. from the past, protect and honor our diverse cultures and CHARLES FERRELL personal stories. Director, Public Programs BERNARD OFFEN Holocaust Survivor, Auschwitz Prisoner, B7815 I believe that we all have the responsibility to combat evil in this world. The message “Never Again” must not be It is our belief in the power of the human spirit to overcome forgotten. It must be repeated in all ways and in all places. It any obstacle; in order to grow, thrive and ultimately triumph. is our obligation to ourselves and to humanity. Our unyielding belief that standing up for others when SHARONA SHAPIRO they can’t or acting as a voice for the voiceless aligns with the message of The Passenger. It is not a choice but an Hadassah is proud to be part of a community that values obligation to fight for what is right. We are humbled and and remembers “never to forget” man’s inhumanity to man grateful to be a part of this community movement. and works towards tolerance and respect. KRISTIE LOHMEIER NANCY BECHEK BLUTH Contract Professionals, Inc President, Hadassah Greater Detroit The Passenger is so important today to spread the message This opera reminds us that humanity acts inhumanly at times that we all need to work together to fight the hate and fear and we must work hard to stop the cycle which continues to in our world, and bring diverse people together to dialogue threaten our efforts for a more compassionate world. and increase respect and understanding! LEA A. LUGER GAIL KATZ Yad Ezra, Executive Director InterFaith Leadership Council

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 17 PARTNER STATEMENTS

For over a five year period, I filmed survivors at the We have all at some point been “The Passenger” on this concentration camps. Each, in their own way, said that journey of life and experienced pain and suffering. This they needed to stay alive so the story of the Holocaust phenomenal production represents the voices of those who could be told. Our partner collaboration, of organizations have sacrificed that we may remember our history and be a and individuals, speaks volumes that we are working voice of hope, liberty and justice for future generations. together to teach the lessons of the Holocaust. By doing It has been a great joy to be a member of the planning so, we continue to generate dialogue that will protect our committee for The Passenger as we have been privileged future within a mutual connection. The collaboration and to engage with one another’s cultures and contribute to the dedication of the MOT has been a powerful experience that rebirth and reconnection of our global community. will always stay with me. DR. SABRINA D. BLACK ROSALIND LULLOVE COOPERMAN Author, “Live Right Now” Creator of Community Partner Initiative The Oakland University William Beaumont School of The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM) exists Medicine (OUWB), the newest medical school in Southeast to enhance the quality of life for all affected by bleeding Michigan, offers a unique liberal arts approach toward disorders, many who were directly impacted by HIV/ teaching the science of medicine and is therefore grateful AIDS. Our community understands the significance to the Michigan Opera Theatre for allowing us to be a of collaboration and unity in the face of fear and community engagement partner in the MOT’s presentation misunderstanding — we are grateful to the Michigan of The Passenger. Our event was hosted on November 11, Opera Theatre’s leadership in supporting diversity through Veterans Day. The program at OUWB included a focus on partnership. the victims of the Holocaust and on the health issues of SUSAN LERCH the concentration camp liberators because the men and Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan women in our armed forces, to this day, serve not only those in combat but also civilians who suffer from the effects of Our diverse community also includes individuals who suffer inhumanity. with close head injuries. The acceptance of every individual, ROBERT FOLBERG, MD including those with disabilities, speaks of our humanity. Founding Dean The lessons of the Holocaust have taught us that every individual has the right to be part of the community. We are The Passenger was the catalyst for a diverse ethnic group proud to be among the partners. of individuals and organizations to come together with a DR. RANDALL BENSON common goal. Forums were created to discuss the lesson Center for Neurological Studies of man’s inhumanity to man so that it will never be forgotten and not to be repeated. The Passenger, its message and Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan the terrific energy of the MOT has generated an environment is honored to be a community partner of Michigan Opera across the area to bring better understanding of our shared Theatre’s The Passenger. Every meal Gleaners distributes concerns. Let the dialogue continue. makes a difference for all of life’s passengers, making it SPENCER A. SILK easier to study, find work, recover from illness, or face Board Member, On My Own difficult challenges. No one should have to go hungry, and together we’re reaching our neighbors with the nutritious The powerful artistry of The Passenger and the dialogue food they need to achieve a brighter future. it fosters exemplify and illuminate the shared struggles OMARI TAYLOR and the mutual challenges faced by immigrants and Gleaners communities around the world. For the last 10 years, the Arab American National Museum has empowered Arab The Maple Theater is always excited to partner with the Americans to tell their own stories in their own words, and MOT. We are thrilled to be participating in this event. The then presented those real-life experiences within the context Passenger has brought us together and the collaboration of of American society. In the spirit of understanding and all partners will keep the dialogue of our humanity alive in respecting the range of human experience, it is our honor our community. and pleasure to support this production. RUTH DANIELS Arab American National Museum Maple Theater The Michigan Philharmonic is proud to partner with the It is a privilege to work with MOT for an event at the Michigan Opera Theatre on the MOT’s groundbreaking University of Detroit Mercy about the themes and realities performance of The Passenger commemorating the 70th of the Holocaust. “The Passenger” will imbue the audience anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The opera is a with the realization of what happens when humankind joins musical expression of the tragic events of that time as well a horrific movement, leading to the death and destruction of as joyous celebration of life and forgiveness. This opera so many fellow human beings. performance is an illustration of how the arts can move PROFESSOR GAIL MITCHELL us to remember, to think and to act on behalf of victims of University of Detroit Mercy genocide around the world both past and present. Bravo! BETH STEWART Executive Director

18 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre ®ROBERTOCOIN

POIS MOI COLLECTION

430 North Old Woodward Birrmingham 248.642.2650

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 19 THE PASSENGER

Photos: Robert Kusel/Lyric Opera of Chicago

20 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre The concentration and extermination camp complex known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the death factories created by the Nazis, was in operation from 1940 to 1945. On January 27, 1945 the Soviet army entered the camp and liberated the 7,000 prisoners who still remained alive there, most of them sick and on the point of death. That day is still marked around the world as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. BY MICHAEL YASHINSKY A 70-Year Commemoration

2015 is the 70th year since the liberation of Auschwitz, a site that forever remains burned in the world’s historical memory as representing the height of man’s potential for inhumanity towards his fellow man. To pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the Nazi Holocaust, which claimed the lives of six million Jews and five million other victims of Nazi persecution, Dr. David DiChiera chose to present this opera, in this significant year, at Michigan Opera Theatre.

Detroit is a particularly worthy place to host such an opera (MOT will be the third American company to do so, after Houston Grand Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago). Our metropolitan area has been home to many Holocaust survivors since the end of the Second World War. We encourage those who wish to learn more about their stories to visit the Holocaust Memorial Center, located in Farmington Hills and an accompanying website, www.portraitsofhonor.org. There, Detroit-area survivors tell of their lives before, during, and after the catastrophe that, in most cases, took nearly their entire families away.

In honor of these esteemed Michigan residents, the precious survivors all over the world, and the millions of souls whose flame was extinguished in the Holocaust… In honor of the millions who fought or worked on behalf of the Allied forces, to free Europe from the fist of tyranny (many of whom, of course, were from Detroit or worked in its factories of war materials, in the time when our city was proudly called “the arsenal of democracy”)… To all of them, we dedicate this production of The Passenger, an enduring reflection on memory, resistance, and loss.

“If one day your voices should fall silent, If they should fall still, Then we are all extinguished… Do not forget them, never ever!” —The character of Marta in the epilogue to The Passenger

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 21 Echoes of the Past and The Passenger

THIS YEAR, TWO NEWS STORIES have closely A German woman, not yet named, has also mirrored the plot unfolded in The Passenger, been charged this year for her participation as, like Liese in the opera, two elderly people in genocide. She is a 91-year old accused of in Germany have been forced to come to terms having served as a radio operator at Auschwitz. with their former membership in the SS. Standing Her trial is likely to take place next year. for “Schutzstaffel” [protection squadron], this was the infamous organization in control of the The cases are setting a new precedent for Nazi police force and the concentration camp bringing former Nazis to trial in Germany, where system. legal inaction in this domain had been the norm for years. 6,500 SS members served at In July of 2015, at 94 years of age, German the camp, and only 49 of them have ever been courts sentenced former SS man Oskar Gröning convicted of war crimes. to four years in prison for his participation in crimes against humanity as an “accessory to 2015 marks 70 years since the liberation of murder in at least 300,000 cases” at Auschwitz. Auschwitz and 100 years since the Armenian There, from 1942 to 1944, he had served Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. principally as a bookkeeper, making accounts We are witnessing these ongoing trials in of the money stolen from arriving prisoners and Germany, and horrific atrocities taking place forwarded on to the Nazi government. Gröning throughout Africa and the Middle East. It is had formerly endeavored to keep this history evident that this is a crucial time for producing concealed, stating in an interview that once at a works like The Passenger, that we may further dinner with his wife and in-laws, after discussion examine genocide and the ways in which it arose of his past, he stamped his fist on the table continues to impact our fragile world. and shouted, “This word and this connection are never, ever, to be mentioned again in my American author William Faulkner perhaps put it presence, otherwise I’ll move out!” best, in his 1951 novel Requiem for a Nun. As is clear from the cycles of our human society, and The parallel to Liese’s agitated behavior with from The Passenger, in which characters move her husband aboard the ship in The Passenger, freely from one historical period to another and as she is wracked with the sins of her past and back again, their memories ever affecting their must finally reveal them, is striking. present lives, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

22 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Unfading Voices: The Many Languages of The Passenger

When the curtain rises on The Passenger, composer Mieczysław Weinberg’s memory opera of the Holocaust, a former Nazi guard at Auschwitz and her husband are en route to a new life in Brazil. The man sings jubilantly, piercing the sea air with his tenor: “Das Ufer in der Ferne ist nicht mehr zu sehn. Und wir sind ganz allein, ganz allein” [The faraway shore can no longer be seen. And we are all alone, all alone.]

Sung as it is in German, the lines echo the Nazi ideals of superiority and separation. He and his wife are rarefied people, alone at the top. Meanwhile, other passengers drift to and fro behind the couple. A waiter soon comes forward to offer drinks. An audience of hundreds watches them from the seats of the opera house. These two are clearly not alone, much as they would like to be. Nor do only people surround them. They are soon closed in by the haunting, insisting echoes of the past, the voices of the concentration camp.

In Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of The Passenger, which uses a multilingual version of the libretto, those voices float to us in the characters’ native languages— seven in total, surely more than in any other opera in the standard repertory. After the opening aboard the ship, we descend into the memory of the guard, the barracks of Auschwitz. Women prisoners murmur to each other in the dark. German gives way to the caresses of French, the rich stew of Polish and Russian and Czech, the homey poetry of Yiddish.

In one quietly moving scene, the French teenager Yvette teaches a fellow inmate, the middle-aged Russian Bronka, a lesson in her native language. “When you have finally reached Dijon,” Yvette sings, assuring Bronka she will bring the woman back to meet the girl’s family once they are liberated, “you will have to speak French or they’ll laugh at you.” And she proceeds to teach her conjugations, in a bright voice full of impossible hope, “Je vis, tu vis, elle vit,” insisting that Bronka repeat after her. “I live, you live, she lives.”

The opera presents to us something like a historical photograph, refracted through art and through memory. There in Auschwitz, the “cemetery of the world,” men, women, and children came as captives from wooden shtetls and grand cities, from mansions and orphanages. They spoke in every language of Nazi-occupied Europe, and struggled to understand each other and their overseers. So it was in Auschwitz, and so it is in this astonishing opera, which prompts us all to reflect on the present as we hear testimony, in so many tongues, of the horrors of the past. In its internationalism, it may speak more directly to us, the people of Detroit, who come from every land, who represent every color and creed, who speak so many languages so beautiful and so varied. Detroit’s International Institute covers 93 ethnicities represented in the metropolitan area, many of whose communities came to America seeking refuge from oppression and strife all over the world.

Weinberg, the librettist Alexander Medvedev, and the writer of the original story Zofia Posmysz (herself a survivor of Auschwitz), chose as an epigraph for their opera the words of the French poet Paul Éluard, “As the echo of her voice fades away, we also fail and fade.”

That the voices of the Holocaust’s victims may not so fade, the creators of The Passenger gave us an opera rich with sound and memory, its characters speaking to us in their multiplicity of languages. Seventy years since the liberation of Auschwitz, sufferers of persecution like them cry out still today. Let us listen.

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 23 Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra — The Passenger VIOLIN I CELLO BASS CLARINET PERCUSSION Laura Leigh Roelofs Nadine Deleury, Principal J. William King John Dorsey, Principal Acting Concertmaster Stefan Koch Lynn Koch Velda Kelly Daniel Thomas ALTO & TENOR Cary Kocher Andrew Wu Katri Ervamaa SAXOPHONES Dan Maslanka Acting Assistant Irina Tikhonova Jeffrey Heisler David Taylor Concertmaster Nancy Chaklos Bryan Johnston Eugene Zenzen BASSOON TIMPANI Charlotte Merkerson Roger Maki-Schramm, Alison Chang, Principal Beth Kaufman BASS Acting Principal Molly Hughes Derek Weller, Principal Gregory Quick HARP Jenny Wan Clark Suttle Phelan Young Patricia Terry-Ross, Principal Emily Barkakati Greg Sheldon Jaqueline Nutting Jon Luebke CONTRABASSOON GUITAR David Ormai Robert Stiles Phelan Young Al Ayoub Joseph Deller FLUTE HORN PIANO VIOLIN II Amanda Blaikie, Principal Andrew Pelletier, Principal Jean Schneider Victoria Haltom, Principal Dennis Carter Susan Mutter Daniel Stachyra Laura Larson David Denniston CELESTE Anna Bittar-Weller Tamara Kosinski Dale Grisa Judith Teasdle PICCOLO Kristi Crago Sherri Marttila Laura Larson STAGE BANDA Janet Sullins TRUMPET GUITAR Elizabeth Rowin OBOE David Ammer, Principal Gerald Jensen Constance Markwick Nermis Mieses, Principal Gordon Simmons Henrik Karapetyan Stephanie Shapiro Derek Lockhart ACCORDION Bethany Moses Sally Heffelfinger-Pituch Pamela McGowan TROMBONE VIOLA ENGLISH HORN Tyler Vahldick, Principal PIANO John Madison, Principal Sally Heffelfinger-Pituch Greg Near Dale Grisa Scott Stefanko Kathleen Grimes CLARINET BASS TROMBONE BASS Catherine Franklin Brian Bowman, Principal John Rutherford Robert Stiles James Greer Lisa Rasciatore DRUMS Julianne Zinn J. William King TUBA Geoff Kinde Barbara Zmich-McClellan Neal Campbell Eb CLARINET Detroit Federation of Musicians Lisa Rasciatore Local #5 American Federation of Musicians

Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus — The Passenger Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Brandy Adams Yvonne Friday Gregory Ashe Matthew Daniels Alaina Brown Janet Geisler Fred Buchalter Joseph Edmonds Claire Chardon Helen Hass Darren DeWitt Kurt Frank Fidelia Esther Darmahkasih Julia Hoffert Michael Fowler Branden Hood Deanna Johnson Mimi Lanseur Mark Istratie Matthew Konopacki Desiree Nicole Johnson Rachel McIntosh Richard Jackson Miroslav Manovski Hillary LaBonte Anna Nadasky Adrian Leskiw Blair Mellow Sheena Law Amanda O’Toole Brad Lieto David Moan Leslie Mason Diane Schoff Brad Miller Pette Moore Jessica Pistor Tiffanie Waldron Carrick Secorski Paolo Pacheco Jennifer Zabelsky Tamara Whitty Jason Thomas Bradley Schick Heidi Bowen Zook Jeffrey Wilkinson Kevin Starnes David Twigg Justin Watson The American Guild of Musical Artists is the official union of the Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus. Norm Weber

24 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteers

Dear Friends of Michigan Opera Theatre, Greetings from the MOT Volunteer Association Some of the world’s (MOTVA) as we begin our 2015-2016 Season! most creative minds I have been an opera lover for many years and Michigan Opera Theatre is very important to me. suffer from one of That’s why I have been a proud MOT volunteer for nearly 30 seasons. I am very proud to be a small part the most devastating of our world-class company which showcases some conditions… of the most diverse opera and innovative dance se- ries in the country. As we are all aware, these performances require the col- laboration of many, especially those who help out behind the scenes. Our founder, Dr. David DiChiera, has often said, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our company.” If you are not yet a volunteer, please consider joining us! Volunteering is a great way to meet other interesting and involved people. Our key vol- unteer groups do everything from ushering and guiding tours, to hosting events and planning sold-out fundraisers. Your tax-deductible MOTVA membership entitles you to participate in our individual volunteer groups. For membership information please view the MOTVA webpage at www.michiganopera.org/working-with-us/ volunteer, or call Christina Wagner at (313) 237-3236. Christina would be very happy to discuss volunteer opportunities with you, and connect your interests with the appropriate volunteer group. To those of you who currently support us through generous gifts of time and resources, I offer my sincere thanks. Be a source of hope. Help find I hope you enjoy the 2015-2016 season. We look forward to working a cure for bipolar disorder. with you and thank you for your interest and involvement in the Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association. What makes a person bipolar, prone to manic highs and depressed lows? We are advancing Terry Shea, President, MOTVA research on the personalized treatment of this illness that affects close to 6 million Americans. MOTVA Executive Committee BravoBravo! Terry Shea, President 2015 Co-Chairs Cheryl McIlhon, Vice President Megan Davis Nancy Moore, Secretary Olga Gamburg Steven Marlette, Past President Will Robinson Dodie David, Past President Betty Brooks, Past President Make your donation at: Gloria Clark, Past President 2015 OPERAtors PrechterFund.org/help Gwen Bowlby, Treasurer Helen Arnoldi-Rowe 1-877-UM-GENES Gwen Bowlby MOTVA Board of Directors Gloria Clark and Committee Chairs Dodie David Dominic Arellano, Marianne Endicott Young OperaHouse Council Sisinio Ferandos Helen Arnoldi-Rowe, Divas/Divos Alan Israel Kathie Booth, Ushers Amy Jidov Gloria Clark, Opera League Delphine Kerney Dodie David, Opera League Glen & Linda Moon Leo Dovelle, Boutique John Novak Don Jensen, Special Events and Soirees Amy Jidov, Special Events Annette Marchesi, Publicity Myrna Mazure, Operations & Ambassadors Cheryl McIlhon, Dance Council Curtis Posuniak, Board Member

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 25 Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus UPCOMING (MOTCC) is a ground breaking ensemble PERFORMANCES: and first of its kind for Metro Detroit children. Founded in 2007, the MOTCC with children ranging from 8-16 years A Winter Fantasy: old has charmed audiences of all ages, embracing diverse cultures and traditions in Holiday Concert & Fundraiser an extensive range of genres from folk songs Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 3 PM to opera. Come see the MOTCC perform! Ring in the season with beautiful choral music sung by the MOTCC. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. to register for silent auction at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults 18 and older, $50 for box seats, $15 for ages 5 and older, and free for children 4 and younger. Tickets include entrance to the concert, silent auction, and a variety of delectable desserts.

Silent auction online bidding will be available December 5-11 with final bidding at A Winter Fantasy on December 13. Please visit MOTCC Principal and Prep Choruses www.motcc.org to register and bid.

Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus Principal Chorus Mary Jordan Preparatory Chorus The Mikado — MOTCC Melody Balos JT Langlas Neah Bloch Shiloh Beaton Molly Levin Amelia Borys Children’s Opera Alexandra Beck Rebecca Lucksom Adrielle Caldwell By: Gilbert and Sullivan Ryan Blankenburg Emily Mackinnon Emily Cooper Synopsis: This beloved, hilarious Brooke Bugajewski Reagan Marinucci Savannah Da Silva Gilbert & Sullivan operetta has been Miranda Cancelosi Stephanie Martin Conor Field re-imagined for a younger generation. Lacey Cooper Emma McDonald Madison Flint Be prepared for an explosion of fun Armando Crespo Elliana Michaels Kyla Gryczan Portteia Davidson Rachel Miltimore Mackenzie Jackson and color on stage with Japanese anime Xaneveya Davidson Nadia Morman-Williams Cosette Keil mixed with Candyland. Kristen D’Souza Katherine Moses Mia Martin Student Dress Rehearsal Edward Eichenhorn Amber Ohlsson Kathryn Migrin Friday, April 29, 2016 Jaeden Footitt Matteo Papadopoulos Natalie Nannoshi Jehnya Footitt Owen Pichla Ava Roessler 11 a.m. at the Detroit Opera House Katherine Fuller Samantha Radman Elina Sauve Tickets (must be purchased in advance): Soleil Garcia-Johnson Kevyn Roessler Lehli Sauve $10/Student; 1 FREE Chaperone ticket Lilly Geer Laura Rosales Anna Schultz for every 10 tickets, if purchased the Nina Georgeff Raquel Segars Clara Schwyn day of rehearsal: $15 students; $25 Jayla Granger Caitlin Simonds Bridget Shene adults Memphis Griffin Lauren Trainor Chloe Szymanski Emma Guzman Noah Trudeau Piper Teasdle Public Performance: Alexander Honablue Benjamin Ward Isabella Vesprini Saturday, April 30 Emma Huber Natalie Watson Hazel Ward 2:30 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House Aspen Jacobsen Violet Whitmore Arsh Wasnik Tickets: Adult: $30, Children: $15 Natalie Wilson Liam Zafarana Brigitte Zook For more information about the MOTCC and to order tickets MOTCC Staff visit www.motcc.org or contact MOTCC Suzanne Mallare Acton, Director Chorus Administrator, Twannette Nash Dianna Hochella, Assistant Director, Principal Chorus Conductor at [email protected] Annie Klark, Preparatory Chorus Conductor Twannette Nash, Chorus Administrator Joseph Jackson, Principal Chorus Accompanist John Pavik, Preparatory Chorus Accompanist

26 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Ensuring the Future a gift that outlives you—that touches future generations in your absence—to Imagine experience and enjoy the world of opera. That’s the goal of the Avanti Society, Michigan Opera Theatre’s Planned Gift Recognition Program. The Avanti Society represents a designated group of friends of Michigan Opera Theatre who have made plans to include the organization in their estate plans—whether by will, trust, insurance, or life income arrangement. Membership in the Avanti Society is open to all. Members of the Avanti Society receive a beautifully designed lapel pin, recognition at the annual Avanti Evening and invitations to special events and performances, and are listed as members in our program books throughout each season.

AN AVANTI FOR TOMORROW The growth of Michigan Opera Theatre’s permanent Endowment Fund ensures the growth and future vitality of one of the region’s greatest cultural assets. You are invited to create your own legacy— your Avanti—through Michigan Opera Theatre.

Estate of Mr. Douglas Allison Estate of Miss Halla F. Claffey Estate of Ms. Anne E. Ford Estate of Ms. Rema Frankel Estate of Richard Sloan

THE AVANTI SOCIETY MEMBERS Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee Mr. Lawrence W. Hall* Mr. Joshua Rest Mrs. Adel Amerman* Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Halperin* Mr. & Mrs. James Rigby* Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya* Ms. Heather Hamilton Mr. Bryan L. Rives Dr. Agustin Arbulu* Mr. Kenneth E. Hart* Ms. Patricia Rodzik* Mr. & Mrs. Chester Arnold* Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Hartwig* Ms. Joanne B. Rooney Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein M r. & Mrs. Giles L. Ross Mr. & Mrs. Brett Batterson* Ms. Nancy B. Henk Aphrodite & George Roumell Mr. & Mrs. Mandell Berman Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Ms. Susan Schooner* Mr. & Mrs. Art Blair* Dr. Cindy Hung* Drs. Heinz & Alice Platt Schwarz* Mr. Robert Bomier Drs. Heidi & Dale Jacobs Mrs. Frank C. Shaler* Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Ms. Kristin Jaramillo* Ms. Laura Sias Mr. & Mrs. Roy E. Calcagno* Mr. Donald Jensen* Mr. & Mrs. Harold Siebert Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Carson Mr. Patrick J. & Mrs. Marge Slezak D r. & Mrs. Victor J. Cervenak* Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic Ms. Anne Sullivan Smith Prof. Kenneth Collinson Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klein# Ms. Phyllis Funk Snow* M r. & Mrs. Robert C. Comstock Mr. & Mrs. Erwin H. Klopfer* # M r. & Mrs. Richard Starkweather* Dr. Robert A. Cornette* M r. & Mrs. Daniel Kolton Mr. Stanford C. Stoddard Mr. & Mrs. Tarik Daoud* Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krolikowski* Dr. Jonathan Swift & Mr. Thomas A. Mr. Thomas J. Delaney Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex Dotson St. Charles* Dr. David DiChiera Mr. Stephen H. Lord Mr. Ronald F. Switzer* Mrs. Karen VanderKloot DiChiera* Ms. Jane McKee* Mr. Edward D. Tusset* Ms. Mary Jane Doerr Drs. Orlando & Dorothy Miller* Mr. & Mrs. George Vincent* Mrs. Charles M. Endicott* Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire Mrs. Amelia H. Wilhelm* Mr. & Mrs. Herb Fisher* Demetra & Theodore Monolidis Mr. & Mrs. Walter P. Work* Ms. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Munk Mr. & Mrs. Larry Zangerle Michalak* Ms. Surayyah Muwwakkil Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel* Mr. Jonathan F. Orser Avanti Logo & Pin Design Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Freeman Ms. Julie A. Owens Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire Mrs. Jane Shoemaker French Mr. Dale J. Pangonis* Dr. & Mrs. Byron P. Georgeson* Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Parkhill Keys: Priscilla R. Greenberg, Ph.D.* Mr. Richard M. Raisin* * Founding Members Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hagopian Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner*

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 27 EDUCATION & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Michigan Opera Theatre’s Department of Education and Community Programs offers a variety of educational programming and workshops in opera and dance for students and audiences of all ages. To learn more about any of these programs go to www.MichiganOpera.org.

TOURING ENSEMBLE I, Too, Sing America by Dr. Emery Stephens (Grades 7-12) Taking opera to the community, last season The MOT This interactive lecture / recital highlights the achievements Touring Ensemble presented more than 100 performances of African-American musicians. Dr. Emery Stephens, for students, seniors, and adults throughout the state Assistant Professor of Voice at Wayne State University and of Michigan, bringing opera to over 20,000 individuals. Alvin Waddles, Award-Winning Concert Pianist give a Performances are 30-45 minutes in length and include history lesson on how various genres of music were created a Q&A session with the cast immediately following the and the world events surrounding their creation. (Subjects: performance. Our 15-16 Touring season will include a variety World History, African-American History, Social Studies, of performances which are listed below. Humanities, Music) FEATURED: Create & Perform: How Nanita Learned to Make Flan A program in which students ages 8-18 use improvisation to by Enrique Gonzalez-Medina. (Grades K-6) create their own unique musical drama. This program can be This multi- conducted as an in-school residency, based on any classroom cultural chamber curriculum. opera performed in English and Spanish COMING SOON: displays some of the La Pizza Con Funghi struggles of Hispanic by Seymour Barab (Grades 9-12 & Adult) immigrants. Nanita’s This spoof on Italian opera will tickle your funny bone! papa is a shoemaker Voluptua is in love with Scorpio. In order to be free to marry who works so hard him, she plans to poison her husband, Count Formaggio. Her he doesn’t even have maid, Phobia, warns the count of his wife’s plans and for her time to make his own loyalty, she must lose her life. Eventually, of course, so must daughter a pair of all the other members of the cast. This opera is sure to keep shoes. Now Nanita’s you laughing. First Communion is coming up, but how can she appear before Our Lady of ALSO OFFERED EACH SEASON: Guadalupe in bare feet? So Nanita decides make the shoes for herself. But somehow, her odd little creations turn out to be Opera & Broadway Revues: From the American Songbook enchanted, and they sleep walk her far, far away. When she Classics of Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern to the operatic awakens, poor Nanita is lost. How this feisty heroine finds favorites of Bizet, Puccini, and Verdi, our Opera & Broadway her way back home is sure to delight all youngsters, as will revues continue to delight audiences of all ages! A favorite the recipe for magical flan. (Subjects: English Language Arts, in a variety of venues including: Schools, Libraries, Senior Spanish, Humanities, Social Studies, Arts Education — Music Living Communities, Theaters, and Community Centers. & Theater) Opera in the Parks: Michigan Opera Theatre hosts outdoor Little Red Riding Hood Grand Opera concerts throughout the Metro Detroit area. by Seymour Barab (Grades K-6) Recent concerts include venues such as Grand Circus Park, Seymour Barab’s Little Red Riding Hood is a delightful Campus Martius Park, and the Detroit Zoo. adaptation of the fairy tale classic, in which the scary wolf is transformed into a comedic character, and Little Red learns Operetta Workshop: Coming this summer! Students learn why she should have listened to her mother and kept her singing, acting, healthy vocal care, and stage movement. promises. Barab uses just the right mix of tradition; although This workshop culminates in a final performance of a kids know how the story should end, they’ll sit on the edge selected Gilbert & Sullivan operetta on the Main Stage of the of their chairs. (Subjects: English Language Arts, Humanities, Michigan Opera Theatre. Social Studies, Arts Education — Music & Theater) To learn more about any of these programs go to www.MichiganOpera.org.

28 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre DANCE EDUCATION MASTER CLASSES All classes are held in the Detroit Opera House Margo V. Cohen Dance Studio. FREE with ticket to corresponding dance performance. Class fee is $25 without corresponding ticket. Pre-registration required: [email protected]. For information: (313) 237-3251

BalletMet Columbus Ballet master class – Ages 11 to 15 Beginner/Intermediate level Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Eisenhower Dance Modern maser class – Ages 14 and older Intermediate/Advanced level Saturday, January 23, 2016 – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dance Theatre of Harlem Ballet maser class – Ages 14 and older Intermediate to advanced levels Satruday, February 13, 2016 – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

American Ballet Theatre Ballet maser class - Ages 14 and older Intermediate and advanced levels Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy Dance Film, Refreshments, Get Involved! Michigan Opera and Discussion Theatre Volunteer Association Dance lovers from all over Detroit come together for Dance Council dance films, popcorn, drink, and discussion on Tuesday evenings. All dance films take place at the Detroit Opera Do you love dance and have a desire to support House in the Ford Center for Arts and Learning. A $10 the arts by volunteering? Become a member of the donation is payable at the door, and this includes the film MOTVA Dance Council. This is a group dedicated to presentation, refreshments and beverages. No reservations sharing dance and building audiences at the Detroit are required. For more information, call 313.237.3251. Opera House. The Dance Council is in need of highly motivated dance lovers with new ideas willing to Film Dates - programming TBD host gatherings, come up with new fundraising ideas, Nov. 10, 2015 and most of all enjoy dance in Detroit. For more Jan. 5, 2016 information please contact [email protected] Feb. 2, 2016

Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 29 Administration & Staff Wayne S. Brown MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE STUDIO DETROIT OPERA HOUSE PARKING CENTER President & Chief Executive Officer Angela Theis, Soprano Robert Neil, Manager Raehann Bryce-Davis, Mezzo-soprano Paul Bolden, Event Supervisor for Parking David DiChiera Joseph Michael Brent, Tenor Founder & Artistic Director Jeff Byrnes, Baritone Brent Michael Smith, Bass PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS Gordon Schermer, Pianist Margarite Fourcroy, Chief Patron Officer ADMINISTRATION TOURING ARTISTS OF COMMUNITY Elizabeth Anderson, Production and Artistic Richard Leech, Director of Resident Artist Programs PROGRAMS Coordinator Dewan Mitchell, Director of Bookings & Events Betsy Bronson, Maria Cimarelli, Kathleen Bennett, Production Administrator Management Dan Greig, Joseph Jackson, Brad Lieto, Ken Saltzman, Stage Manager Rock Monroe, Director of Safety & Security, DOH Annie Klark, Betty Lane, Dianne Lord, Michael Peters, Nan Luchini, Assistant Stage & DOHPC Pette Moore, Madelyn Porter, Managers David W. Osborne, Director of Production Amanda Rodriguez Sabelhaus, Karl Schmidt, Nancy Krolikowski, Production Volunteer Shawn Taffinder,Director of Catering & Special Emery Stephens, Brittania Talori, Mark Vondrak, Jessica Essix, Production Intern Events Alvin Waddles Jason Warzecha, Director of Theatre & Parking MUSIC Center Operations COMPUTER SERVICES Suzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Music Director John Grigaitis, Information Technology Manager & Chorus Master ADMINISTRATION Chris Farr, LAN Administrator Jean Schneider, Repetiteur William Austin, Executive Assistant Molly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel Manager Timothy Lentz, Archivist & Director, Allesee DANCE Beth Kaufman, Librarian Dance & Opera Resource Library Kim Smith, Dance Coordinator Dodie David, Human Resources Volunteer TECHNICAL & DESIGN STAFF Consultant FINANCE Daniel T. Brinker, Technical Director Bryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Allesee Dance & Derrick Lewis, Controller Monika Essen, Property Master & Scenic Artist Opera Resource Library Kimberly Burgess-Rivers, Rita Winters, Heather DeFauw, Assistant Lighting Designer & Accountants Assistant Technical Director PATRON SERVICES Lisa Berg, Technical Assistant Dee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator Felicia Burgess, Tunisia Brown, Patron & Ticket DETROIT OPERA HOUSE Services Associates HOUSE MANAGEMENT COSTUMES Mitchell Carter, Website Coordinator Randy Elliott, House Manager Crystal Ceo, Account Executive, Real Integrated Suzanne M. Hanna, Costume Director Craig P. Wickham, Wardrobe Master Advertising FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Susan A. Fox, First Hand Rosalind Lullove Cooperman, Tim McCloud, Facilities Electrician Jessica M. Herron, Stitcher/Crafts Creator of Community Partner Initiative Johnny Benavides, Building Engineer Patricia Pratt, Maureen Abele, Mary Ellen Shuffett, Leo Dovelle, Boutique Manager Dennis Wells, Facilities Manager Stitchers Christy Gray, Patron Services Associate, Jesse Carter, Senior Building Engineer Development Timothy Johnson, Building Maintenance MAKEUP & HAIR Kimberly Gray, Patron Services Manager, Bernard Williams, Building Maintenance Ticket Office Elizabeth Geck, Assistant Wig & Makeup Designer John Grigaitis, Photographer Erika Broderdorf, Crew Leader CATERING & SPECIAL EVENTS Giulia Bernardini, Kori C. Fields, Francie Paul, Michael Hauser, Marketing Manager Angela Donaldson, Catering & Special Events Kathi Kucharski, Corporate, Foundation & Cedasha Randolph, Jessica Reschke, Manager Shannon Schoenberg, Denitra Townsend, Government Grants Manager Edna Robinson, Culinary Manager Sean Martinez, Patron Services Associate, Makhia Walker, Dayna Winalis, Jessica Wood, Demetrius Skeens, Catering and Special Events Wig & Make-up Crew Development Coordinator Laura R. Nealssohn, Communications Consultant STAGE CREW Christina Wagner, Patron Services Manager, SAFETY & SECURITY John Kinsora, Head Carpenter Individual Giving Lt. Lorraine Monroe, Supervisor Frederick Graham, Jr., Head Electrician Michael Yashinsky, Audience Development Associate Willie Wicks, Stage Door Officer Pat McGee, Head Propertyman Stephani Yates, Special Events Manager Darrin Cato, A.M. Hightower, Henry Ruiz, Head Sound Jillian Zylinski, Communications Manager Delonie Knott, Demetrius Newbold, Robert Martin, Head Flyman Sgt. Daryl Stuckey, Eric Strickland, Control Gary Gilmore, Production Electrician COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Center Officers Mary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe Mark Vondrak, Associate Director of Community Shannon Ferguson, Medic Programs IATSE Local #38, Stage Crew Colin Knapp, Audience Engagement Associate IATSE Local #786, Wardrobe Pette Moore, Program Coordinator Austin Stewart, Audience Engagement Coordinator

30 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Michigan Opera Theatre Donor Honor Roll Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous donors who made major general operating support and restricted gifts of $25,000 and above between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Their support plays an integral part in the company’s financial stability which is necessary for producing quality grand opera, dance and award-winning educational activities. $1,000,000 and above William Davidson Foundation $200,000 and above $150,000 and above Ford Motor Company Fund Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan DTE Energy Foundation McGregor Fund $100,000 and above $50,000 and above $35,000 and above Mrs. Elaine Fontana Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson Herman and Sharon Frankel Mandell and Madeleine Berman Marvin & Betty Danto Family Barbara Frankel and Ron Sally Mead Hands Foundation Foundation Foundation Michalak Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos General Motors Foundation Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Richard Sonenklar and Gregory Oliver Dewey Marcks R. Jamison and Karen Williams Foundation Haynes Foundation The Kresge Foundation Masco Corporation Foundation Shirley K. Schlafer Foundation Lear Corporation J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde $25,000 and above Matilda R. Wilson Fund Michigan Council for Arts and Fund Mr. and Mrs. John Boll, Sr. Worthington Family Cultural Affairs DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Foundation Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation Contributors to Annual Campaigns Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual donors whose contributions were made between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Their generosity is vital to the company’s financial stability, which is necessary to sustain MOT’s position as a valued cultural resource.

FOUNDATION & $5,000 - $9,999 James and Andrea Balcerski Mrs. Elaine Fontana Alphonse Lucarelli GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Alice Kales Hartwick Foundation Ms. Lindsey Barile Mr. & Mrs. Joe Fontana Mr. Jim Luckey Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation Mr. Ken Barrett Ford Motor Company Fund Donald Manvel GOVERNMENT Herbert and Elsa Ponting Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, Barbara Frankel and Ronald Jack Martin and Bettye Foundation P.L.L.C. Michalak Arrington-Martin Michigan Council for Arts and Louis & Nellie Sieg Fund Ms. Debra Bernstein-Siegel Herman and Sharon Frankel Mr. Joey G Maruskin Cultural Affairs Young Woman’s Home Ms. Marta Blaga Dean and Aviva Friedman Mr. Bill Mcdad National Endowment for the Arts Association Paul and Lee Blizman Mr. Antonio Gagnon Ms. Rebecca McGrane Ms. Elizabeth Brazilian Ms. Carolyn Gammichia Mr. David McNulty FOUNDATION $1,000 - $4,999 Robert and Geraldine Brown Gasper Financial Group Jeff and Amy Messano Arts Midwest Touring Fund Wayne Brown and Brenda Kee Steve and Stephanie Gasper Dr. & Mrs. Alireza Meysami $1,000,000+ Detroit Industrial School Mr. Otto Buj Karen Gaudette MGM Grand Detroit William Davidson Foundation Drusilla Farwell Foundation Mr. Howard W. Burdett, Jr General Motors Foundation Mr. Phillip D. Minch James & Lynelle Holden Fund Jeff and Susan Cancelosi Ms. Laura Gerlants Ali Moiin and William Kupsky $100,000 + Legacy Foundation Natalka Cap Mr. Ehren Gonzales Joe and Myra Moreland Mandell and Madeleine Berman Michigan Humanities Council Mr. Richard D. Cavaler Lee and Brenda Gonzales Ms. Lisa Morin Foundation Lee & Maxine Peck Foundation Ms. Shirley Cetner James and Nancy Grosfeld Mr. Doyle Mosher Community Foundation for Sigmund and Sophie Rohlik Frederick and Gloria Clark Mr. & Mrs. David Grossman Stephen and Barbara Munk Southeast Michigan Foundation Mr. Eric Clement Samuel and Toby Haberman Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mylod The Kresge Foundation Village Club Foundation Avern Cohn and Lois Pincus John and Kristan Hale Allan and Joy Nachman McGregor Fund Mr. Gordy Coleman Heather Hamilton Ms. Payam Naghshtabrizi CORPORATE SUPPORT Mr. Daniel A Collins Mr. Bryan L Hardaway Mr. Fred Nederlander $30,000 – $99,999 $100,000 + Conifer Holdings Ms. Dana Harper Netlink Marvin & Betty Danto Family DTE Energy Foundation Mr. Steve Cosgrove Mr. & Mrs. Corey Harris Mr. Michael Neuman Foundation Ford Motor Company Fund Crain Communications Inc. Doreen Hermelin Nexlink Communications Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher General Motors Foundation KC and Ashely Crain Derek and Karen Hodgson Northern Trust Bank Foundation Lear Corporation Maryann Cromwell Rich and Tracey Homberg Graham and Sally Orley Sally Mead Hands Foundation Alma Crossley Dr. Devon Hoover Robert and Marcie Orley J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde $50,000 - $99,999 Joanne Danto and Arnold Dr. Kairi L. Horsley Spencer and Myrna Partrich Fund Masco Corporation Foundation Weingarden Mr. Monte Huber Penske Corporation Julia Darlow and John O’Meara Ms. Minden Humphrey Mr. D. Roe Peterhans $10,000 - $29,999 $5,000 - $9,999 Ethan and Gretchen Davidson Rick and Elanah Hunger Platinum DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Comerica Charitable Foundation Kevin Dennis and Jeremy Ms. Kelle Ilitch Mr. David Plunkett Detroit Public Schools MGM Grand Detroit Zeltzer Andrey Ilyasov Charlotte and Charles Podowski Foundation Quicken Loans Chris and Trish Dewald Mr. Arthur Itkis Mrs. Waltraud Prechter Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Dilip and Sonal Dubey Kent and Amy Jidov W. James and Patti Prowse Family Foundation $1,000 - $4,999 Cameron Duncan Chacona Johnson Paul and Amy Ragheb Ann and Gordon Getty Antonio’s Cucina Italiana Ms. Maggie Durant Mr. George Johnson Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Foundation KinderMorgan Foundation Eclipse Creative Peter and Danialle Karmanos Anthony and Suzanne Rea Hudson-Webber Foundation Target Stores Mrs. Natalia Emelianov Mrs. Alla Khankin Claude and Sandi Reitelman Knight Detroit Opera Fund of the Wolverine Packing Company Mr. Sean Emery Ms. Emily Krajniak Ms. Alina Rits Community Foundation Marianne Endicott John and Mary Krakowiak The Ronald & Fifi Levin Family Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation $500 - $999 Mr. Brian Enright Ms. Mary Kramer Fund Ralph L. and Winifred E. Polk IATSE Local 38 Ms. Aleksandra Epshteyn Mr. Jack Krasula Mr. Brian Roney Foundation Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Ms. Alla Epshteyn Michael and Barbara Kratchman Ms. Prudence Rosenthal Sage Foundation Olga Epshteyn Arthur and Nancy Ann Ms. Renee M Roth Shirley K. Schlafer Foundation OPERA BALL 2014 Fern Espino and Tom Short Krolikowski Bernard and Donna Rubin Ida & Conrad H. Smith Robert and Margaret Allesee Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Essad Lear Corporation Ankur Rungta and Mayssoun Endowment for the Michigan Mr. Joseph Amine Mr. Ernie Essad Ronald and Fifi Levin Bydon Opera Theatre Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Ms. Taffey Everett Linda and Edward Levy Edith Ruscillo Mary Thompson Foundation Miss Samira Arkashevsky Paul and Mary Sue Ewing Mr. Derrick Lewis Dr. Alla Sakharova Samuel L. Westerman Foundation Ms. Kristen Armstrong Ms. Candice Faranso Arthur and Nancy Liebler Hershel and Dorothy Sandberg Matilda R. Wilson Fund John and Linda Axe Carl and Mary Anne Fontana Stephan and Marian Loginsky Saroki Worthington Family Foundation Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 31 John Schaefer Dr. Mary Carol Conroy Linda & Thomas Klein Mrs. Sophie Pearlstein Mr. John Lovegren & Mr. Daniel Mr. Adam Schneider Drs. Laura & Jeffrey Corrigan Dr. Melvin A. Lester Mr. & Mrs. Mark Peterson Isenschmid Ms. Patrice Schreiber Mrs. Virginia Curatolo Ms. Mary B. Letts Miss Alma M. Petrini Ms. J.D. Marhevko Jane and Frances Schulak Dr. Nell K. Duke & Mr. David Dr. & Mrs. Stephan J. Loginsky Dr. & Mrs. Peter J. Polidori Mr. & Mrs. Steven Marlette Ms. Olga Selektor Ammer Mr. Donald Manvel Ms. Wally Prechter Ms. Janet Groening Marsh Ms. Sandra Seligman Dr. Raina Ernstoff & Mr. Sanford Mark-Lis Family Fund - Mrs. Dr. & Mrs. Michael Prysak Ms. Mary McGough Sellers Buick GMC Hansell Florine Mark Mr. & Mrs. Rip Rapson Patricia A. & Patrick G. McKeever Arlene Shaler Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd C. Fell Juliane & Donald McCann Dr. Irvin Reid & Dr. Pamela Rob & Mary Michielutti Nedda and Elham Shayota Mr. & Mrs. Carl B. Fontana Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Miller Trotman Reid Ms. Laurie Mickiewicz Mr. & Mrs. R Shirmer Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Freeman Dr. & Mrs. Van C. Momon, Jr. Reverend Henry Roodbeen Ms. Barbara Mitchell Ms. Wendy Silverman Mr. & Mrs. Dean Friedman Mrs. Theodore Monolidis Mrs. Norman Rosenfeld Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Moss William Smith Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Giancamilli Allan & Joy Nachman Mrs. Gerald F. Ross Robin & Gene Newman Richard Sonenklar and Gregory Mr. & Mrs. David Handleman Philanthropic Fund Mr. & Mrs. George Roumell, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. George Nicholson, III Haynes Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein Dr. & Mrs. Barry Nemon Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley Sears Ms. Lois Norman Southern Screw Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Dr. & Mrs. Peter Nickles Mrs. Steven Sell Mr. & Mrs. Richard F. O’Brien Ms. Mary Ann Stella Dr. Devon Hoover Dr. Juliette Okotie-Eboh Mr. & Mrs. Dante Stella Randall L. Pappal Mr. Leon Stetsenko Mr. William Hulsker Mr. & Mrs. Graham A Orley Ms. Mary Anne Stella Ms. Haryani Permana Gregory Stone Mr. & Mrs. Addison Igleheart Mr. & Mrs. Richard Partrich Dr. & Mrs. Mack C. Stirling Dr. Cyrus Piraka & Mrs. Alicia Christine Strumbos Mr. & Mrs. Kent J. Jidov Drs. Caroline & Wallace Peace Mr. & Mrs. John P. Tierney Piraka Mr. Levi Stubbs Mr. Patrick J. Kerzic & Mrs. Mr. Kenneth Robinson Mr. & Mrs. Gerrit Vreeken Richard & Meryl Place Fund Ms. Marisa Stutz Stephanie Germack Kerzic Ms. Patricia H. Rodzik Mr. William Waak David Potter C. Thomas and Bernie Toppin Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kesler Capt. & Mrs. David Roessler IV Mrs. Fern Walch Mr. Dennis C. Regan & Miss Ellen Mrs. Kylia Van Delden Dr. & Mrs. Edward Klarman Mrs. Irving Rose Mr. & Mrs. Leo S. Wasageshik M. Strand Ms. April Wagner Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kratchman Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Whitman Mrs. Jeanne F. Reichert Jason and Megan Warzecha Mr. Charles E. Letts, Jr. Mrs. Luigi Ruscillo Mr. & Mrs. John A Wise, Jr. Maurcine & Lloyd Reuss Ms. Linda Watson Mr. Alphonse S. Lucarelli Dr. & Mrs. Hershel Sandberg Mr. Gary Wozniak Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin D. Rhodes Westin Book Cadillac Mr. & Mrs. Martin Maisel Mrs. Barbara Saperstein Mr. James E. Rodgers Williams, Williams, Rattner & The Hon. Jack & Dr. Bettye Dr. Barbara & Mr. Laurence Schiff ANNUAL FUND DONORS Dr. John Romani & Dr. Barbara Plunkett P.C. Arrington Martin Mr. & Mrs. Alan E. Schwartz Anderson R. Jamison and Karen Williams Ms. Mary C. Mazure Ms. Laura Sias & Ms. Kathy LUMINARY Charles & Nicola Rooney World Heritage Foundation Mr. Phillip D. Minch Coburn $500-$999 Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Rose Mr. Maxim Yankelevich Mr. Jonathan Orser Mr. & Mrs. David S. Snyder Anonymous (2) Mrs. Kate A. Rosevear Mrs. Luba Yoffee Ms. Susan Peslar Mr. & Mrs. Richard Soulen Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Anthony IV Ms. Mary P. Rossio Ms. Amy Suzanne Zimmer Mr. & Mrs. Brock E. Plumb Ms. Betsy Duncan Spong Mrs. Chester Arnold Mrs. Alexander Rota Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Mrs. Margaret E. Stark Dr. & Mrs. John Barnwell Charles & Adam Russman INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT — Dr. Boyd Richards & Mr. Joshua J. Mrs. Norman J. Tabor Mrs. Cecilia Benner Deane & Barry Safir OPERA Ronnebaum Dr. Jeffrey V. Tranchida & Mr. Ms. Kanta Bhambhani Drs. Franziska & Robert Mrs. Carolyn L. Ross Noel Baril Dr. & Mrs. Eric Billes Schoenfeld IMPRESARIO Mr. & Mrs. Hugh C. Ross Dr. & Mrs. Stanley H. Waldon Dr. & Mrs. Evan & Nickole Black Mr. David Schon $10,000+ Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ross Ms. Carmen Wargel & Dr. Ryan Dr. & Mrs. David Bloom Dr. Christina Shanti Mr. & Mrs. Richard Alonzo Dr. & Mrs. William H. Salot Fringer Mr. & Mrs. Jack Bourget Mr. Zon Shumway Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson Mr. Merton Segal Mrs. Phyllis C. Webb Professor & Mrs. Dale E. Briggs Mrs. Helen T. Slater A. A. Moroun, Nora Moroun, and Mark & Lois Shaevsky Mrs. Amelia H. Wilhelm Mr. & Mrs. Frank Brzenk Mr. Theodore J. St. Antoine Lindsay Moroun (The Moroun Mrs. Frank Shaler Dr. & Mrs. Christopher D. Evelyn Burton Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Stahl Family Foundation) Mrs. Cynthia B. Shaw & Mr. Tom Wilhelm Lorraine Clay Mr. Duane L. Tarnacki Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Kirvan Dr. Lucia Zamorano Mr. Barry Corden Dr. Gretchen M. Thams Ronald Michalak Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sonye Mrs. Morton Zieve Mr. & Mrs. Tonino Corsetti Mr. & Mrs. Norman Thorpe Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel Dr. Gregory Stephens Mr. & Mrs. David J. Zmyslowski Mr. & Mrs. James Cortez Mr. Scott & Ms. Michele Toenniges Mrs. Susanne McMillan Dr. & Mrs. Gerald H. Stollman Windsor Industrial Mr. & Mrs. Paul Tomboulian Mr. Richard A. Sonenklar & Mr. Mr. Ronald F. Switzer & Mr. Jim F. CAMERATA CLUB Dr. Donald Ditmars Mrs. Dorothy Alice Tomei Gregory Haynes McClure $1,000-$2,499 Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Driker Ms. Karen Van Arsdale Mr. Richard D. Ventura Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Terrell Joshua & Judith Lowitz Adler Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence F. Darlene S. Vasi Dr. Lorna Thomas Ms. Deborah L. Anthony DuMouchelle Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Wagner BENEFACTOR Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Toppin Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Applebaum Dr. Patricia L. Edwards Jean & Alan Weamer $5,000-$9,999 Dr. & Mrs. Ned Winkelman Mr. & Mrs. John Axe The Hon. Sharon Tevis Finch Prof. Michael Wellman Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee Dina & Eric Winter Mr. & Mrs. Dean Bedford, Jr. Mrs. Barbara A. Fisher & Mr. Dr. Ruth A. Worthington Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Xavier Mosquet Mr. Stanislaw Bialoglowski William Gould Dr. & Mrs. Jose E. Yanez Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Mr. & Mrs. Larry Zangerle Mr. & Mrs. Maurice S. Binkow Dr. Evelyn J. Fisher Mr. J. Addison Bartush+ Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Blackney Mrs. Shirley M. Flanagan SUPPORTER Mr. & Mrs. Mark Alan Baun DONOR Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Bright Dr. Yvonne Friday & Mr. Stephen $250-$499 Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Brodie $2,500-$2,999 Miss Helen H. Cannon Black Anonymous (6) Mr & Mrs. Robert Brown Mr. & Mrs. James M. Balcerski Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Cornelsen Ms. Carol Friend Mr. & Mrs. David Adams Mr. Wayne S. Brown & Ms. Carolyn M. Blackmore & Dr. Dr. & Mrs. William Cosgrove Mr. & Mrs. Daniel E. Frohardt- Bradford C. Anderson Ms. Brenda Kee Nicholas C. Bell Leslie Desmond & Philip Lane David & Sandra Anderson Mrs. Ilse Calcagno Mr. & Mrs. Eugene W. Blanchard Stoffregen Ms. Sharlene F. Gage Mr. & Mrs. Fred Baer Mr. Thomas Cohn Mr. & Mrs. G. Peter Blom Mrs. Laurel Elsea Ms. Kathleen Gahan Dr. Gregory A. Banazak Dr. David DiChiera Mr. Jim Bonahoom Mr. John Fleming Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Garberding Dr. Leora Bar-Levav Mr. Cameron B. Duncan Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Bowerman Dr. & Mrs. Robert Folberg Barbara J. Geck Mr. & Mrs. C. Robert Barnard Mrs. Charles M. Endicott Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Dr. & Mrs. Saul Forman Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gilmore Mr. & Mrs. Fred Barnes Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Finkiewicz Mr. & Mrs. Bob Brasie Mr. & Mrs. Burke Fossee Mr. Philip L. Gray & Family Mr. Walter Baughman Dr. Marjorie M. Fisher Mrs. Betty Bright Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Garcia Mrs. Patricia Greenwood Mr. & Mrs. James D. Beauvais Mr. & Mrs. Richard Goetz Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Carson Thomas M. Gervasi Giacinta A. Gualtieri Mr. Floyd Bell & Ms. Lynne Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hamel Mr. & Mrs. Frederick H. Clark Mrs. Ruth Glancy Jamie Hall, MD Drs. Gary & Carolyn Berg Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Krikorian Mr. Edward Cody Mr. Robert Hage Drs. Julia & Gregory Hays Mr. & Mrs. William Betz Esq Mr. Paul Lavins Mrs. Robert Comstock Ms. Nancy B. Henk Ms. Sara L. Hill & Mr. George Mr. Svein K. Bjorkly Ms. Denise Lutz Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cooper Mrs. David B. Hermelin Vutetakis Ms. Marie Blanarova Mr. Robert Lutz Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D’Avanzo Mr. Michael E. Hinsky Mr. Paul C. Hillegonds Ms. Barbara A. Blanock Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Mancuso Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. David Mr. Stanley Hirt Mr. Paul Horn Ms. Terry P. Book Mrs. Richard McBrien Mr. & Mrs. Walter K. Dean Mr. Daniel Howes & Ms. Margarite Mr. & Mrs. Mario Iacobelli Dr. Anne James Boyd Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Mr. & Mrs. Dilip Dubey Fourcroy Mr. & Mrs. Frank M Jerneycic Mr. & Mrs. James Brooks Kupsky Mr. & Mrs.Kenneth A. Eisenberg Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Jessup Mr. Dennis Johnston Jody Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Moroun Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Ewing Mr. & Mrs. John Kendrick III Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Johnston Ms. Joann F. Brooks Dr. Stephen A. Munk & Dr. Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Feldman Ms. Ida King Dr. & Mrs. Michael T. Keefe Mrs. Milena T. Brown Barbara Munk Adrienne & Robert Z. Feldstein Dr. Mark Kolins & Ms. Maria B. Ms. Geraldine B. Keller Barbara Brownlee Mr. Joseph R. Papp Mrs. Alfred J. Fisher Jr. Abrahamsen Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kelly Norman Bucknor & Xuehai Li Dr. Charlotte & Mr. Charles Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Frankel Al & Susan LaCroix Mr. William P. Kelly Mr. Donald Budny Podowski Dr. & Mrs. Clifford Furgison Ms. Zaida Q. Lakotish Mrs. Rebecca L. Kennedy Dr. & Mrs. Roger C. Byrd Mr. & Mr. William H. Powers Jr Dr. Glendon Gardner & Ms. Leslie Mr. David Lebenbom Ms. Lee Khachaturian Ms. Barbara Cadaret Mr. Ankur Rungta & Mrs. Landau Mr. & Mrs. John D. Lewis Mr. David Kinsella & Ms. Joyce Ms. Nettie Calhoun Mayssoun Bydon Dr. & Mrs. Michael Geheb Mr. Robert Littman Urba Mr. & Mrs. Philip Campbell Ms. Elham Shayota Mr. & Mrs. Keith E. Gifford Mrs. Tamara Luchini Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Kleiman Jeff & Susan Cancelosi Mrs. Richard Van Dusen Mr. Allan D. Gilmour Mr. Joe Luther Mr. & Mrs. Justin Klimko Mr. Raymond Carney Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Gordon Hon. & Mrs. George G. Matish Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Knas Mr. Otis J. Chandler SUSTAINER Mr. William Greene & Mr. Peter Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Matthews Ms. Margot Kohler Mr. & Mrs. L. B. Chappuis $3,000-$4,999 McGreevy Edward & Carolyn May Mr. & Mrs. William Kroger Mrs. Margaret Chorney Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Mr. & Mrs. David H. Hill Ms. Patricia McKanna Express Employment Professionals Mr. & Mrs. Reginald L. Ciokajlo Dr. Harold Mitchell Arrington Eleanor & Alan Israel Dr. Lisa Meils Troy & Rochester Hills Mr. Ronald Citkowski Paul & Lee Blizman Ms. Una Jackman Mr. Bruce A. Miller Mr. Lawrence Larson Mr. & Mrs. John P. Connolly Mr. Gene Bowen Jospey Foundation, Marjorie & Miss Surayyah Muwwakkil Mrs. Meria Larson Frank & Robyn Coppola Mr. & Mrs. Paul Chosid Maxwell Mr. Geoffrey Nathan & Ms. Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex L. Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Michelle Mr. Dan Clancy Mrs. William L. Kahn Margaret Winters Dotson Costello Hon. & Mrs. Avern L. Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Norman D. Katz Dr. Mary L Otto Dr. Stanley Levy Elaine & Michael Dadabbo 32 BRAVO • Fall 2015 www.MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre Mr. & Mrs. Norman Dancy Dr. Joseph Lapides & Ms. Arlene Mr. & Mrs. Anthony R. Skwiers Ignite Sushi Bar & Lounge Salon on 5 William & Pamela Day Gorelick Mrs. Alma J. Snider Johnny’s Noodle King Salon Xpressions Mr. Richard de Bear Mr. Don LeDuc & Ms. Susan Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sosnowski Kuzzo’s chicken & waffles Security company Mr. & Mrs. Armando Delicato Coley Dr. Gino Sovran Mario’s Six Salon Dr. Ralph E. Delius & Ms. Judy Ms. Corrine Lemberg Nadine & Ken Sperry Market District – Greektown Skincare for Your Soul Malburg Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Levin Mr. & Mrs. Allan Stillwagon Casino Smokey G’s BBQ Dr. Frank DeMarco Dr. & Mrs. Dan Levitsky Dr. Gregory Stone MGM Grand Catering Detroit Source Audio Systems llc Dr. R. Dimitrijevic Mr. George C. Levy Ms. Kimberly Stout Peteet’s Famous Cheesecakes St. John Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dionne Mr. Norman Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Strayer Pie Five Pizza Thrift on the Avenue Conrad & Judith Donakowski Dr. & Mrs. John H. Libcke Dr. & Mrs. Choichi Sugawa Prime29 Steakhouse West The Townsend Hotel Mr. & Mrs. Howard Downing Mr. David A. Lilly Edward & Natalie Surovell Bloomfield Trish’s Garage Mr. John Dreifus Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Lindgren Highway Service Company Prism Tubby’s Submarines Mr. & Mrs. Daniel S. Drucker Mr. & Mrs. Michael Linebaugh Mr. Robert Sweeten & Ms. Mary R.U.B BBQ PUB Tux on 9 Mr. Douglas F. Duchek Ms. Judith Locher Margaret Sweeten Small Plates Detroit Twigs & Branches Floral Mr. & Mrs. Don F. Duggan Mr. & Mrs. William D. Lockwood Dr. Geneva Tatem Subway Restaurants Two Moons Farms Jacquelin Eckhous Mrs. Mary Loria Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tenkel TAP at MGM Grand Detroit Uber Dr. Alan Eiser Mr. Joseph A. Lucido Beth Ann & John Tesluk Treat Dreams VIP Tanning – Troy Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Elkus Ms. Margaret MacTavish Ms. Ruth P. Thrash Vicentes Cuban Cuisine The Westin Book Cadillac – Mr. James Eng Ms. Vera C. Magee Ms. Pamela Torraco Wingstop Detroit Mr. F. Jose Engel Drs. Phoebe & Harris Mainster Mr. John M. Toth Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria Cucina Wet House Printing Dr. & Mrs. N.C. Engleberg Michael Malian, MD Dr. Diane Traenkle Wolfgang Puck Steak Younique Cosmetics Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Ensign Clara & Federico Mariona Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Trager Yum Delish Yusef Place Two Mrs. Mary V. Ensroth Mr. David M. Mark Drs. Daniel & Lisa Turner Yum Village Mr. George Evans Ms. Jennifer Marling Ms. Suzanne Twomley BravoBravo! In-Kind Donors Zarpka’s Purses & Accessories Michael Faunt & Mirit Naim Dr. Crystal R. Martin Mr. Michael Usher $2 Car Wash Mary Kaye & Mason Ferry Dr. & Mrs. David Massignan Dr. & Mrs. Al Utecht 3Dogs1Cat BravoBravo! Media Partners Ms. Judith Fietz Mrs. Arlene Maul Miss Lisa M. Varnier ABM Onsite Services After 5 Detroit Drs. Julie B. Finn & Bradley Mrs. Carol A. McKenna Mr. & Mrs. Tony Ventimiglia Allegra Print·Signs·Marketing YELP! Rowens Dr. & Mrs. John McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. George Voegeli RenCen WDET Dr. Lydia H. Fischer Mr. & Mrs. James McLennan Carol Ward Ambassador Duty Free Clear Channel (Channel 955 and Mr. & Mrs. James E. Fisk Mr. & Mrs. Donald McMechan Mr. Donald K. Wedding Amici’s Pizza Fresh 100) Ms. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick Ms. Kathleen McNamee & Mr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Weiermiller Amy Kaminsky Productions Metro Times Dr. Michael Flores Linos Jacovides Ms. Janet B. Weir Antonio Shades D Ms. Sue Force Mrs. Marilyn Meadowcroft Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Sandra Weitz Bashar Beauty Bar BravoBravo! Libations Susan A. & Daniel M. Fox Ms. Patricia Meldrum Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wemhoff BL Visuals Amsterdam Vodkas Mrs. Ruth Frank Ms. Lynne M. Metty John Wertman Blumz by JRDesigns Bookies Bar & Grille Carol Gagliardi & David Flesher Dr. & Mrs. Anthony B. Michaels Mr. & Mrs. James Wessel-Walker Brian Jeffried- DJ God Father Brown Forman Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence T. García Mr. & Mrs. Donald & Barbara Mr. Robert Westveer Busted Bra Shop Chandon by Moet Mr. John Gaylord Mick Dr. & Mrs. Fred W. Whitehouse Canine to Five Hangar One Vodka Jennifer Gernaey Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Migdal Mr. Allen Wierzbicki, CPA Cream Blends LLC Jack Daniels Gershenson Family Support Fund Mr. Anthony Mikoy Mr. George Williams Dawna Piper Jack Daniels Tennesee Fire Dr. Marilyn Gerwolls Ms. Anita L. Miller LWA Prop Fund DawnyDLew - MUA Jim Beam Daniel & Sally Gilbert Mr. Dennis Mirku Dr. & Mrs. Timothy A. Williams Digital Traveler LLC National Wine & Spirits Mr. Robert T. Goldman Dr. Anne Missavage & Mr. Robert Mr. Manuel A. Wilson Display Group Palm Bay International Fine Wine Nathaniel Good Borcherding Christine Winder & Russell Dwight G. Stackhouse Author & Spirits Mr. & Mrs. William R. Goudie Lucille Monark Chavey Energen Electric Proximo Spirits Ms. Shirley M. Gray Ms. Janice Black Moore Mrs. Stanley J. Winkelman & Mr. Erin Maureen Designs Southern Wine & Spirits Ms. Remona Green Dr. James L. Moseley Robert A. Krause Eric Hobson Photography Stella Artois Maria A. Guadiana Germano & Ann Mularoni Ms. Daniela Wittmann Extreme Valet LLC Svedka John Guest & Rachel Sherman Brian & Toni Sanchez Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Jon Wojtala FIAT Chrysler Automobiles Three Olives Mrs. Carol Guither Theodore & Anna Niforos Mr. David D. Woodard First Merit Mortgage Media Partners Mr. Nizami Halim Ms. Patrice Shaughnessy Nolan Mr. & Mrs. Thomas V. Yates Fowling Warehouse After 5 Detroit Mr. & Mrs. David Hammond Mr. Ronald Northrup Mr. Mike Zanzarella Frameable Faces Channel 955 Dr. Natan HarPaz Mrs. Henrietta V. Nowakowski Mr. & Mrs. Milton Zussman Funky Stuff 13 Fresh 100 Mr. Harland Harris Ms. Theresa Oney Google Drive BravoBravo! $50,000 — Fox 2 Detroit Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey K. Haynes Ms. Janet Page Great Lakes Beverage Metro Times Ms. Barbara Heller Ms. Diane Paratore Presenting Sponsor Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Fiat Chrysler Automobiles WDET 101.9 FM Mr. Norman Herbert Ms. Jenine C. Parchmon Greek Town Casino Yelp! Dr. & Mrs. Martin M. Herman John & Sandra Parr BravoBravo! Sponsors Greis Jewelers Ms. Linda Herritage Ms. Monica Parrish Groom N Go $10,000 INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT — Miss Patricia Hinojosa Mrs. Maria Payan-Salas MGM Grand Detroit Hidden Thread Consulting Beth Hoger & Lisa Swem Mrs. Lucy Peck Hongiman Miller Schwartz & DANCE Ms. Denise M. Hogstrom Mrs. Karen Perraut $3,000 - $5,000 Cohn LLP $25,000 + Ms. Kalaida Holmes Dr. Claus Petermann General Wine & Liquor Ice Dreams Sculptures LLC John A. & Marlene L. Boll Mr. & Mrs. Jan Homan Mrs. Janet Pounds Honigman Miller Schwartz & Iconic ID Foundation Charles & Janet Hook John & Nancy Price Cohn Issa Jewelers The Marvin & Betty Danto Family Tim & Senga Hornsey Prof. Martha Ratliff Greek Town Casino Java Master Foundation Dr. Kairi L. Horsley Mr. Richard Rattner & Ms. Linnea Kindred Hospital Detroit/Rosann Jazz & Spirit Dance Theatre Mr. & Mrs. James L. Howlett Lannon Barker J. Beverly Hills $10,000 - $24,999 Jean Wright & Joseph L. Hudson Hope & Larry Raymond Lake Victoria Medical Associates K & M Estate Sales Nora & Matty Moroun Jr. Fund Darrel & Loretta Reece TransformED Foundation Levitation Staging Drs. Karen & Alan Hunt Mr. Patrick Reid Vibra Hospital of SE MI Little Flower Soap Shop $5,000 - $9,999 Mr. & Mrs. Richard Jeryan Mr. & Mrs. Jack D. Relyea Virdian Group LLC Love Joi Jewelers MGM Grand Detroit Mrs. Arthur Johnson Ms. Sania Rempel LT Studio Dr. & Mrs. Leonard B. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Leslie Roach $1,000 - $2,500 Luxe of Birmingham $2,500 - $4,999 Ollie M. Johnson Mrs. M. Jane Roberts Labor Edge Maggianos Susan & Richard Bingham Mrs. Frieda Johnston Jack A. & Aviva Robinson Fund Ambassador Duty Free Market Birmingham Kevin Dennis & Jeremy Zeltzer Mr. & Mrs. Adam M. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Roddy Detroit Medical Center MGM Grand Detroit Dr. David DiChiera Dr. Zema L. Jordan Mr. Bernardo A. Rojas First Merit Bank Microsoft Somerset Collection Linda Dresner Levy & Edward Mr. & Mrs. David Joswick Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Rose Talmer Bank MixBricktown Levy, Jr. Drs. Anthony & Joyce Kales Mr. & Mrs. Frank Ross Team Wellness Center Monica R. Shaler Barbara Frankel & Ron Michalak Ms. Agatha P. Kalkanis Mr. Daniel G. Rusecki The Ashley Apartments Mon Jin Lau Maxine & Stuart Frankel Stephen & Mercy Kasle Mr. James Ryan Westin Book Cadillac Motor City Soap Co. Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Sumer Katz-Pek Mrs. Sandra Samson MP Fashion Dr. Judie Rosalyn Goodman Mr. & Mrs. Alan Jay Kaufman Mrs. Claus Schaefer BravoBravo! Participating Neiman Marcus Ms. Mary C. Mazure Ms. Sheila Keefe Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schiffer Restaurants New D Media Arts Mr. Daniel J. Kehoe Mr. & Mrs. Alan L. Schlang Addison Eatery Olga Gamburg Photography $1,000 - $2,499 Mr. Donald Kehrig, Jr. Harold & Jia Schock Angelina Italian Bistro The Original Selfie Station Mrs. Carolyn Demps Ms. Emer Kenny Mr. & Mrs. Michael Schouman Biggby Coffee The Peacock Room Mr. Lawrence Glowczewski Mr. & Mrs. Gerd H Keuffel William & Mary Schwark Bistro 555 Pegasus Entertainment Mr. Lawrence John Dr. & Mrs. Robert N. Kienle Mr. J’s Sports Bar & Grill Bookies Bar & Grille Pewabic Pottery Mrs. Florence Morris Mrs. Mary F. Knauer Paul Vandevert & Caroline Serfass Cake Crumbs The Perfect Host LLC Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Mr. Mario J. Kocaj Marc & Naomi Shaberman Cheli’s Chili Bar Pink Calayx Jewelry Susan Sills-Levey & Michael Levey Eric Krukonis & Susan Murray Marilyn Shapiro & Joseph Weiss Craft Creative Catering Post Net Cheryl & James McIlhon Mrs. Carolynne Kubert Mr. & Mrs. Patrick D. Sheehy The Crepe Royal Oak Pretty Pretti Boutique $999 and below Drs. Richard & Valmy Kulbersh Dr. & Mrs. Donald Sherman Detroit Beer Company Prime29 Steakhouse West Maggie & Bob Allesee Mr. Albert J. Kurt Mr. & Mrs. George Shirley Dominos Pizza Downtown Bloomfield Ms. Nancy Brigham Prof. Lawrence La Fountain Mr. & Mrs. James K. Shirley Falafill – Detroit Rave Yoga Gloria & Fred Clark Mr. Ronald T. Laing Ms. Marci Shulman Fountain Bistro Real 2 Reel Entertainment Media Dodie & Larry David Cecilia J. Lakin, J.D. Dr. & Mrs. Paul Siatczynski Garrett Popcorn Shops Group Amy & Kent Jidov Alene & Graham Landau Scott Silveira, MD Greektown Casino Red Coat Tavern Mr. Laurence N. Shear Ms. Rita A. Simon Greendot Stables Saks Fifth Avenue Michigan Opera Theatre www.MichiganOpera.org BRAVO • Fall 2015 33 IN TRIBUTE In Honor of Ron Switzer’s Juliette Okotie-Eboh In Honor of Dr. Ali Moiin’s In Memory of Anthony Dario April 1, 2015 – Birthday Mrs. Gerry Ross Birthday Tomei September 30, 2015 L. Sue & Alan Buratto Mr. & Mrs. William Sandy Elizabeth Kupsky Ronald Switzer & Jim McClure In Honor of Mr. Alvin Waddles William and Janis Wetsman Adult Learning Institute In Memory of Charles Muscat In Memory of Al Cimarelli In Memory of Gloria Donoher Len & Josi Busuttil In Honor of Joanne Danto’s Esther & Ron Milan Robert Thibodeau & Richard Birthday Karasinski In Honor of Carol Halsted Gail Danto & Arthur Roffey Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya In Honor of Dr. David In Honor of Rick Williams DiChiera’s 80th Birthday James & Sandy Danto Kathy & Dan Mills In Memory of Mary Mitchell Mrs. Ara Berberian Ms. Susan Tijerina In Memory of Patricia O. In Memory of Robert S. Kozar, Junker Mr. Russel Boismier In Honor of the Wedding Reverend Paul F. Chateau a lover of opera of Arthur White & Everton Ms. Margaret Beck Jeannette Kozar Mrs. Claire Harding Ms. Barbara Mitchell Swearing Desmond J. Lewsley Miss Surayyah Muwwakkil Richard Sonenklar &Gregory Mary Anne Pilette Mrs. Barbara Nussbaum Haynes General Information PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING & LOST & FOUND CONCEALED WEAPONS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES Lost and Found is located in the Safety and Be advised that, for purposes of Michigan Photography or recording during any Security Department. Please see an usher if you Compiled Laws, Section 28.425o(1)(f), this is performance is strictly prohibited. You are have misplaced an article, or call (313) 961-3500 an entertainment facility which has a seating welcome to take photographs in the lobby before if you have already left the theater. Items will be capacity of more than 2,500 individuals. It is or after a performance and during intermission. held in Lost and Found for 30 days. therefore against the law to carry a concealed As a courtesy to our guests, please switch all pistol on the premises. electronic devices to silent mode and refrain PARKING from using them during the performance. We encourage all our guests to take advantage RENTAL INFORMATION of the Detroit Opera House Parking Center, The Detroit Opera House is available for rent by IN CASE OF EMERGENCY located next to the Detroit Opera House. Pre- your organization. Please call (313) 961-3500, Doctors and parents are advised to leave paid parking is available for all guests and can and ask to speak with the Director of Booking & their seat location (located on ticket) and our be purchased with tickets online or through Events Management. emergency number, (313) 237-3257, with the Detroit Opera House ticket office. This their service or sitter in case of an emergency. facility is reserved specifically for Detroit Opera TICKET INFORMATION Please observe the lighted exit signs located House patrons during regularly scheduled The Detroit Opera House ticket office hours throughout the theater. In the event of an performances. Entrances and exits are located are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. emergency, please remain calm and walk – on both John R. Street and Grand River Ave. Call On performance days, hours are 10 a.m. through do not run – to the nearest exit. Our ushers are (313) 237-7464 for more information. the first intermission of the performance, except trained to lead you out of the building safely. A weekends, when the ticket office will open two trained Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is ACCESSIBILITY hours prior to curtain time. Tickets are available onsite during most events. Please see an usher or Accessible seating locations for patrons in online at www.MichiganOpera.org. Tickets for staff member to contact the EMT. wheelchairs are located in all price ranges on the all public events at the Detroit Opera House orchestra level. When purchasing tickets, please are also available through all TicketMaster RESTROOMS ask about these locations if you require special outlets, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or at www. Ladies’ restrooms are located off the Ford Lobby accommodations. TicketMaster.com. (Broadway Street entrance), down the stairs; and Assisted Listening Devices are available on on the third floor (Madison Street entrance) – a first-come, first-served basis. Please see an DETROIT OPERA HOUSE TOURS press “3R” on the elevator to reach this facility. usher to request this service, or visit the Guest Come join the Opera House Ambassadors for a Gentlemen’s restrooms are located under the Services desk located in the Vincent Lobby backstage tour of the Detroit Opera House! Learn Grand Staircase and also on the third floor (Madison Street entrance). Although this is a about the history of the Opera House and its (Broadway Street side) – press “3” on the elevator complimentary service, we will hold a piece restoration, meet the people behind the scenes, to reach this facility. All third floor restrooms of personal identification while you are using tour the stage and see how it operates. Tours are are wheelchair accessible. A unisex, wheelchair the device. Please contact the ticket office at $10 per person, for groups of 20 or more. For accessible restroom is located in the Cadillac (313) 237-7464 should you desire special more information, please call (313) 237-3279, or Opera Café. consideration. visit www.MichiganOpera.org.

NO SMOKING CHILDREN IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION The Detroit Opera House is a smoke-free facility. Children are welcome; however, all guests are Website...... www.MichiganOpera.org Ash receptacles are provided at the exterior of all required to hold a ticket, regardless of age. In all EMERGENCIES...... (313) 237-3257 entry doors for those who wish to smoke. cases, babes in arms are not permitted. Michigan Opera Theatre...... (313) 961-3500 General Information...... (313) 961-3500 USHERS SERVICES Lost and Found...... (313) 961-3500 Ushers are stationed at the top of each aisle. If Concessions stands are located on all levels. you have a question or concern, please inform Please note that food and drinks are not Ticket Office...... (313) 237-SING (7464) an usher, who will contact management. permitted in the auditorium at any time. Coat Theater Rental Information...... 313) 961-3500 If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Check is located at the Guest Services desk in the Detroit Opera House Fax...... (313) 237-3412 usher, please call the house manager at Vincent Lobby (Madison Street side). Please note Press and Public Relations...... (313) 237-3403 (313) 237-3252. that the Detroit Opera House does not accept Detroit Opera House responsibility for any personal articles that are Parking Center...... (313) 965-4052 LATE SEATING not checked at the coat check. Latecomers may be seated only during an appropriate pause in the program. Late seating policies are at the discretion of the production, not Opera House management.

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