Edition 4 | 2018-2019

WHAT'S INSIDE Welcome From the Board Chair �� 5 From the General Director & CEO �� 7 La bohème Principal Coach Nyle Matsuoka Profile �� 8 La bohème: Climbing the Verdant Slope of Youth �� 12 Directors Note...... 15 Staff �� 16 Board �� 17 Title Page �� 21 Production Page ��22 Synopsis ��23 Cast ��24 Creative Team ��26 Chorus ��29 Orchestra �� 31 Postlude ��35 Past Productions ��39 Austin Opera Guild ��50 Thank you to our Donors Board Honorees ��40 Leadership Giving �� 41 Patron Program ��42 Partner Program ��43 In-Kind Donations ��45 Endowment Fund ��46 Bravo Society ��47 Honorarium and Memorial ��48 Corporate Support ��53

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AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 3 PRESENTS La bohème By Giacomo Puccini

PRODUCTION SPONSORS Christopher H. Cheever Mary Ann and Andrew Heller Susanne Tetzlaff and Eric Tiblier Sandra and Alan Williams Tina and Michael Barrett Toni and Paul Burns Paula and Stuart Damore Gail Commagere Mack and Margery Lindsey Jay and Sherrie Stewart

WINE & SPIRIT SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSOR HOSPITALITY SPONSOR

4 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Dear Friends, On behalf of the Board of Trustees, welcome to the final production of Austin Opera’s thrilling 2018-2019 Season. Our productions so far: Otello, Silent Night, and Soldier Songs received considerable critical acclaim, and I couldn’t think of a better way to cap off a stellar season than with Puccini’s classic love story, La bohème. La bohème ranks as one of the most frequently performed operas in the repertoire, holding the title as the most performed opera at the world’s largest opera house, the Metropolitan Opera. Its story about young bohemians in 19th century Paris has stood the test of time, driving its way into popular culture and inspiring movies and musicals like Moulin Rouge and Rent. Austin Opera welcomes 2017 Cardiff Singer of the World finalist Kang Wang making his company debut and celebrated Cuban-American soprano Elizabeth Caballero as the young lovers for this production. As Austin Opera continues to build momentum through artistic excellence, innovation, and collaboration, we are grateful for the people who make it all possible—the artists, staff, partners, volunteers, and you, our enthusiastic and supportive patrons. This season is a testament to each and every one of our opera family members’ commitment to seeing the art form thrive in Austin, Texas. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jeff Kodosky Chair

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 5

WELCOME

Welcome to the finale of our 2018-2019 Season! We are thrilled that you have decided to spend your evening or afternoon with us!

La bohème is one of the most frequently performed operas of all time for good reason. Puccini’s sweeping melodies carry us through the care-free joy, romance, and heart-break of our Parisian protagonists so effectively that it seems futile to resist being swept along their journey—whether it’s the first or tenth time you’ve seen the opera.

The life of a young Parisian artist is highly romanticized in this work, but in reality, making a living as an artist can be extremely difficult. It is for that reason that we have partnered with our good friends at the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) for this production. HAAM is one of few organizations of its kind nationwide, dedicated to providing affordable healthcare to local musicians. Many of the talented artists on our stage and in our orchestra pit have HAAM to thank for their health benefits, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the staff and supporters of this outstanding organization.

In addition to the talented Austin musicians featured in today’s production (including one very well known Austin conductor—Maestro Peter Bay) we are thrilled to present a number of new and returning guest artists. Kang Wang, Noel Bouley, Susannah Biller, and Ashraf Sewailam make their Austin Opera debuts alongside returning stars Elizabeth Caballero, Andrew Lovato and David Small. We are also honored to have stage director Alison Moritz return to direct after her triumphant company debut with The Manchurian Candidate.

Finally, this production marks the final production for our Board President Stephen Jeffrey. While Stephen will remain on our Board, we will dearly miss his leadership, courage, and effervescent optimism at the helm of our organization. Thank you, Stephen!

Many thanks again for joining us,

Annie Burridge General Director & CEO

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 7 AUSTIN OPERA’S PRINCIPAL COACH HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

Mack Brown is not a Wagnerian, and Darrell Royal couldn’t tell you the difference between Verdi and Puccini.

Luckily, Austin Opera has Nyle Matsuoka.

Nyle’s official title is Austin Opera’s Principal Coach and Pianist. What does that mean, I ask him? He laughs and says “Everything. I am the jack of all musical trades, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Nyle, 34, is originally from Twin Falls, a small town in southern Idaho, but one with a strong musical community. Piano lessons started at age 10, and by the time he was 12 he had declared to his very supportive parents and grandparents that he was going to be a concert pianist.

Soon, though, he developed a diverting flirtation with the oboe, and he balanced his passion for both instruments through the beginning of college at Utah State University, where he finally settled on the major of piano performance.

“Even though I eventually chose the piano, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the oboe,” he explains. “The oboe was my conduit to the vocal repertoire. It’s such an incredibly vocal instrument, and it really helped me understand my way around the voice, and how best to support it.”

Nyle also admits that he wasn’t always the biggest fan of a certain type of vocal music called (well, this is a bit awkward) opera. “When I was younger, I couldn’t stand opera. I thought it was this ridiculous, absurd, nonsensical thing,” he admits.

But halfway through college, as he was walking past the campus concert hall, he was stopped in his tracks by a trumpeter playing “Der Hölle Rache,” the Queen of the Night’s famous aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. “I thought, wow, using a body to make this kind of music is fascinating,” he remembers. Sensing his world was about to change, he did what any young music student would do, “I got home, went on YouTube, and started listening to a million different versions of that aria, and that was the beginning of the end for me.”

Nyle came to Austin in 2009 to begin work on a master’s degree in the new collaborative piano program at what is now the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas, under the tutelage of Anne Epperson. It was here in Austin that Nyle’s love of the human voice intensified, and he began exploring the rest of the operatic repertoire.

8 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org “Listening to different instruments and different voices gives me more imagination at the piano as to what kinds of sounds and colors I can create,” he says. “It’s a fun challenge to figure out how to let the music breathe. Pianists can breathe all the time, singers don’t have that luxury. But working together, we can make thrilling music.”

Nyle saw his first Austin Opera productions while he was in graduate school. Prior to leaving Austin to do young artist residencies at Wolf Trap Opera and Arizona Opera, Nyle became well acquainted with the company’s principal coach, Elden Little. After Elden took a faculty position at Michigan State University, Nyle eventually auditioned to replace him, and the rest is Austin Opera history.

Another organization that has been key to Nyle’s decade in Austin is the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). In a city so well known for its live music scene, HAAM is an advocacy organization that ensures Austin’s creative class has affordable access to health care resources. In late 2017, Nyle injured his left collarbone and was unable to play the piano for several months. HAAM stepped in to make the situation easier. “HAAM has been life altering. It’s so important for Austin, where music is such a part of the fabric of the city, to have their help.”

Once Austin Opera begins rehearsal for its mainstage productions, Nyle might play piano in rehearsal for nine hours a day, six days a week. In his “spare” time, he plays outreach events like the popular evenings at Chez Zee, plus recitals and master classes. He also has a busy schedule of private coachings for the company’s principal singers, in addition to the regular students in his coaching studio.

But Nyle enjoys these intense bouts of music when he can immerse himself fully in a piece and work closely with Austin Opera’s world-class conductors on crafting an opera’s musical landscape. This season, he has worked with such luminaries as Steven White, Timothy Myers, and Peter Bay.

The project on his music stand now—Puccini’s classic La bohème—has proved to be a gratifying assignment. “Bohème is such a fun score to play in rehearsal,” he notes. “Puccini’s orchestrations always offer so many interesting colors and options at the keyboard.”

So as the stirring notes of Puccini’s masterpiece linger with you after the performance, know that it was Nyle Matsuoka, the MVP of Austin Opera’s music staff and its principal coach and pianist, who helped organize the musical line of scrimmage.

—Michael Solomon

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 9 10 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org

LA BOHÈME: CLIMBING THE VERDANT SLOPE OF YOUTH

“Today, as of old, every man who enters on an artistic career, without any other means of livelihood than his art itself, will be forced to walk in the paths of Bohemia. The greatest number of our contemporaries who display the noblest blazonry of art have been Bohemians, and amidst their calm and prosperous glory they often recall, perhaps with regret, the time when, climbing the verdant slope of youth, they had no other fortune in the sunshine of their twenty years than courage, which is the virtue of the young, and hope, which is the wealth of the poor.” —Henri Murger, Scènes de la Vie de Bohème

Despite economic challenges, the artistic life continues to draw aspiring artists to walk in Murger’s “paths of Bohemia.” According to data compiled by the National Endowment for the Arts, there are more than two million artists in the U.S. workforce, and just over one-third of them are self-employed.

Stage director Alison Moritz has encountered La bohème many times in her career, but this is her first opportunity to direct the show. Regardless of the period in which a production is set, she feels the opera remains fresh and relevant: “Everyone has a first love,” says Moritz. “Whether that is a creative passion or a romantic passion, everyone has had that experience of being molded by the crucible of feeling so passionately about someone or something.”

The Italian composer Giacomo Puccini had only one real hit to his name when he wrote La bohème (1896). His first opera, Le Villi, was written for an 1883 competition for new one-act operas. Although it did not win, it was later staged and enjoyed modest success at its premiere; however, it was not published until 1887, making it difficult for other opera companies to produce it. Edgar (1889), Puccini’s next opera, was not a success; part of the blame was placed on the librettist. But with Manon Lescaut (1893), Puccini had his first triumph. After his experience with Edgar, he was determined to write his own libretto, but he eventually ended up working with the writers Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, who crafted the story and verses, respectively. Following the success of their first collaborative effort, Manon Lescaut, Puccini continued to work with Illica and Giacosa for La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), and Madame Butterfly (1904), his most enduring operas.

Henri Murger drew from his own experiences as a fledgling writer to write Scenes de la Vie de Bohème, a series of loosely connected portraits of young artists. Puccini and his librettists used some of Murger’s events and characters as a starting point for their opera, which was also colored by their own experiences. Puccini later commented, “I lived that Bohème, when there wasn't yet any thought stirring in my brain of seeking the theme of an opera.”

12 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org Moritz points out that the adventures of the young bohemians speak to a universal human experience: “There is a transitional period in every young person’s life, where you begin to create a family outside of your biological family,” she says. “These are the people who forge your tastes and predilections and the kind of adult you’re going to become. We’ve all had that group of friends, those people who imprint on you so strongly.”

“I’m interested in exploring art as a lifestyle with these characters,” continues Moritz, pointing out that many artists working today put as much energy into curating a social media persona as they put into creating work in another medium. “In the opera, you get a strong sense of the men as artists and women as simply girlfriends. But what they all share is a kind of genius for living, for creating a certain kind of beautiful life, and that feels incredibly relevant to today.”

Moritz believes Rodolfo has to be changed forever by the experience of loving and losing Mimì. “I always wonder what he is going to do next. Is he going to create a work of great genius, or is he going to give up this life and go work for his rich uncle? As soon as you’ve made one decision, you become nostalgic for other iterations of what your life might have been. That’s what makes Bohème so palpably, viscerally engaging.”

Although La bohème received mixed reviews at its opening, it was quickly taken up by opera companies across the world—by 1900, the four-year-old opera had been given in Paris, Buenos Aires, Alexandria, Lisbon, Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Berlin and Prague—and endures as one of the most popular pieces in the repertory.

“Their mind is kept ever on the alert by their ambition, which sounds a charge in front and urges them to the assault of the future,” wrote Murger. “Incessantly at war with necessity, their invention always marching with lighted match blows up the obstacle almost before it incommodes them.” —Henri Murger, Scènes de la Vie de Bohème

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 13

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Puccini’s La bohème still feels perennially fresh today, over 120 years after its premiere. Generations of opera lovers have been swept away by the love story of Mimì and Rodolfo, inspired not only by their passion for one another, but also by the joie- de-vivre of their friends, and by the notion that life itself is a creative act full of both hardship and joy.

As someone who loves opera, it is an exciting privilege to direct La bohème for the first time. In preparing this production, I have been struck over and over again by Puccini’s great humanity and insight into the human condition. One of my favorite hallmarks of the piece is how often two vignettes occur simultaneously to expose different sides of a complicated experience. Each of these moments reminds us of the complexity and ambivalence inherent in modern life.

For example, in Act II, children joyously call out to the toy vendor Parpignol and play games in the street, while the six Bohemians cavort in the Café Momus. Seeing their antics set against the children’s games, we are reminded that these so-called “adults” are still living a youthful existence, fueled by dreams and desires. It is Mimì’s illness that forces them all out of this adolescence and into adulthood.

Watching this transition onstage may make us feel wistful for turning points in our own lives, but we can’t dismiss the charms of La bohème as pure nostalgia. When Henri Murger wrote the stories that inspired the play Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, Europe was in the middle of tremendous turmoil. People were still dealing with the changes to the social order inspired by the earlier Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution was dawning. Later, in 1896, Puccini and his collaborators turned the successful play into an opera, working amidst the anxiety and excitement of the dawning of the 20th century.

The opera’s context, therefore, has always been modernity. The crush of the crowd in Act II, for instance, would have been a new phenomenon as more people moved into the cities. Rodolfo’s gigs writing for the petite press newspapers would be the equivalent of writing for popular blogs today. Tonight, as it has for over a century, the vie Bohème pulses with the spirit of invention and possibility. For the dreamers, makers, artists, innovators, lovers, and friends among us—we salute you!

—Alison Moritz

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 15 STAFF

Annie Burridge, General Director & CEO ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION STAFF FOR LA BOHÈME Nathan DePoint Doug Gessaman Director of Artistic Operations Shane Smith Timothy Myers Master Carpenters Artistic Advisor Patrick Crowley Vincent E. Herod Matt Mason Director of Production & Technical Director Richard Nance Rebecca J. Graham-Forbis Assistant Carpenters Company Manager Larry Jameson Beverly Frittelli Master Flyman Orchestra Manager Ryan Gallagher Cina Crisara Master Electrician Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor Jessica Dunbar Nyle Matsuoka Assistant Master Electrician Principal Coach & Pianist C.J. Swinburn Light Board Operator AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE Jon Vickers, Lead Julie Fiore Thomas Gentry Director of Audience Experience William D.H. Sheffield Follow Spot Operators DEVELOPMENT Dan Jimenez Jennifer Basten Audio Assistant Chief Development Officer Rachel Magee Angela M. Bonnici Property Master Director of Individual Giving Kirk Grander Rhanda Luna G. Austin Wenning Director of Strategic Partnerships Assistant Property Masters Chrissy Nanton Kathy Lang Grants Manager Wardrobe Supervisor Miranda Schultz Joe Adams Development Intern Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor Trinka Withers EDUCATION Lead Dresser Debra Erck Wendy Sanders Director of Education Wig & Makeup Assistant Karl Hesser FINANCE Supertitles Translator Eva Kuhlman David Grant Director of Finance Supertitles Coordinator Lisa Goering INFORMATION SYSTEMS Lissy Barnes-Flint Holton Johnson Assistant Stage Managers Technology and Database Administrator Jean Hritz Stage Management Intern MARKETING Tom Bryne* Melysa Rogen Kandace Eakin* Director of Marketing & Communications David Kroll* Dianne van Hulle Margery Lindsey* Patron Services Manager Chris Morrow Laura Carrisosa Matt O’Flynn Communications Associate Ryan Redfern Ben Schneider Catherine Treviño Supernumeraries Austin Opera Stage Employees are represented by IATSE LOCAL 205

16 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org BOARD

OFFICERS Jeff Kodosky James D. Green, Jr. Kevin A. Kaylakie Chair Secretary Special Funds Chair Stephen S. Jeffrey Susanne Tetzlaff Endowment Board Chair President Legal Counsel Polly Barbaro Elisabeth Juen Waltz Connee B. Sullivan Development Chair Past Chair Finance & Audit Chair Brian H. Powell Michael Erspamer Tina Barrett, Ph.D. Trustees Chair President-Elect Education Chair

TRUSTEES

Ernest Auerbach Colleen Halbrook Kenneth W. Smith Mary Ellen Borgelt Andrew Heller Jay B. Stewart Christopher H. Cheever David Jabour David N. Tobey Jr., M.D. Curby Conoley William W. Krumpack Steven Tyler Paula Damore Carol Logan Joni K. Wallace, D.D.S. Dennis J. Eakin Carlos Lowenberg, Jr. Stephen R. Watson John English Michael S. Metteauer Jim Whorton Laura Gutiérrez-Witt Rosy Moore Eva Womack Rob Hagelberg Jonathan Sessler Cornelia Foster Wood

ADVISORY TRUSTEES

Ray Benson Thomas B. Martin Andrew Schwartz William B. Mitchell

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

Frederick S. Addy Nell Dale, Ph.D. H. Robert Powell Ada Anderson Harvey Evans, D.D.S. Gay Ratliff Sandy Ball Doyle M. Fellers Harriet Rutland Philip W. Barnes David Harrington Katharine Shields Amelia Bullock Lloyd Lochridge Suzanne Shore Paul Burns, M.D. Susan Lubin R. Clint Smith Tana Christie Robert Mettlen, Ph.D. Connie Webb Suzannah Cox Ambassador Lyndon Olson, Jr. Catherine Wildermuth, Ph.D. William B. Paddock

Special thanks to Dr. David N. Tobey, Jr. for his services as company physician

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 17

20 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org PRESENTS La bohème

An opera in 4 acts Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica Sung in Italian with projected English titles

Scenery designed by Michael Yeargan. Costumes designed by Walter Mahoney. Production originated at San Francisco Opera.

PERFORMANCE TIMINGS Act I & II: 65 Minutes Intermission: 20 Minutes Act III: 30 Minutes Intermission: 20 Minutes Act IV: 30 Minutes Total: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes

#LabohemeATX #PucciniATX #ATXOpera

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 21 Presents La bohème An opera in 4 acts Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica

CAST In order of vocal appearance Marcello ��Noel Bouley* Rodolfo ��Kang Wang* Colline...... Ashraf Sewailam* Schaunard �� Andrew Lovato Benoit/Alcindoro ��David Small Mimì...... Elizabeth Caballero Prune Man ��Robbie LaBanca Parpignol ��Brendan Boyle Musetta...... Susannah Biller* Child...... Isabela Madrid* Custom’s House Officer �� Austin Siebert Sergeant �� Stephen Maus

CREATIVE TEAM Conductor �� Peter Bay Stage Director ��Alison Moritz Scenic Designer �� Michael Yeargan Costume Designer ��Walter Mahoney Lighting Designer �� James Sale Wig & Make-up Designer ��Melanie Steele Audio Designer ��Bill Mester Production Stage Manager ��Miranda Wilson Assistant Director ��Rebecca A. Herman Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor ��Cina Crisara Children’s Chorus Master ��Andrea C. Snouffer Principal Coach & Pianist �� Nyle Matsuoka Projected English Titles ��Karl Hesser

*Austin Opera Debut

22 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org SYNOPSIS

PERFORMANCE TIMINGS tells the waiter that Alcindoro will pay Act I & II: 65 Minutes when he returns. The friends leave as a Intermission: 20 Minutes military band approaches. Act III: 30 Minutes Intermission: 20 Minutes ACT III Act IV: 30 Minutes Peddlers pass through the gates at the Total: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes Barrière d’Enfer. Mimì arrives, looking for Marcello, who is living with Musetta ACT I in a tavern. Coughing violently, Mimì tells Rodolfo, a writer, burns his manuscript in Marcello that Rodolfo has abandoned an attempt to warm the garret he shares her. Marcello replies that he is sleeping with Marcello, a painter. The philosopher inside and urges her to leave before she Colline enters, closely followed by the is discovered. Rodolfo comes out and tells musician Schaunard, who has brought Marcello that he will leave Mimì. As she food, wine and cigars. He urges his eavesdrops, Rodolfo complains about friends to accompany him to the Latin her flirtatious behavior, but finally admits Quarter Christmas Eve festivities. Benoit, the real problem: he is deeply in love the landlord, attempts to collect the rent; with her, but he fears that his substandard the friends ply him with wine to encourage living conditions are hastening her demise. him to spill his secrets, then throw him Mimì has a coughing fit and is discovered. out with feigned indignation. Marcello, Marcello goes back to the tavern to join Schaunard and Colline depart; Rodolfo Musetta. Mimì and Rodolfo discuss an says he will join them after finishing an amicable separation but, unable to bear article. A young woman, Mimì, knocks at the thought of being alone in winter, they the door; her candle has gone out. After a agree to stay together until the spring. series of accidents and small deceptions, the two find themselves looking for her ACT IV key in the dark hallway, but instead they Back in the garret, some months later, find each others’ hands. As Rodolfo’s Rodolfo tells Marcello that Musetta has friends call from the courtyard, he replies taken a wealthy lover and that Mimì, that he will meet them later. too, has improved her situation. The men attempt to continue their work, but each ACT II is lost in thoughts of love. Schaunard and The Latin Quarter bustles with vendors, Colline enter. They lunch on bread and urchins and young lovers. Rodolfo buys water, pretending to enjoy a lavish feast, a hat for Mimì and introduces her to his then clear the room for dancing. Musetta friends. Musetta, Marcello’s former lover, interrupts them; she has brought Mimì, enters on the arm of the wealthy Alcindoro. who is deathly ill, to the garret. The Marcello seethes and tries to ignore her friends agree to sell some of their meager as she baits him. Finally, complaining of a possessions to buy medicine, leaving pain in her foot, Musetta sends Alcindoro Mimì and Rodolfo alone to remember the to buy her a new pair of shoes. She and happiness they once shared. Mimì falls Marcello immediately embrace. When the asleep shortly after everyone returns, friends are unable to pay their bill, Musetta assuring Rodolfo that she feels better. He is the last to realize that she has died.

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 23 CAST

KANG WANG Rodolfo tenor (Harbin, China) Austin Opera Debut Recently: Tamino, Die Zauberflöte (Opera North); Alfredo, La traviata (Welsh National Opera); Narraboth, Salome (Metropolitan Opera) Upcoming: Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni (Pittsburgh Opera); The Duke, Rigoletto (Austin Opera); Rodolfo, La bohème (Opera Australia) Kang Wang Tenor @kangwang kangwangtenor.com

ELIZABETH CABALLERO Mimì soprano (Davie, Florida) Austin Opera Debut: Liù, Turandot (2012) Recently: Florencia, Florencia en el Amazonas (Madison Opera); Mimì, La bohème (Metropolitan Opera); Governess, The Turn of the Screw (Seattle Opera) Upcoming: Cio-Cio San, Madama Butterfly (Nashville Opera); Cecilia Valdes, Cecilia Valdes (Teatro de la Zarzuela); Margherita, Mefistofele (Oper Stuttgart) @ecabsop

NOEL BOULEY Marcello baritone (Houston, Texas) Austin Opera Debut Recently: Germont, La traviata (Glyndebourne); Ford, Falstaff (Oper Köln); Sharpless, Madama Butterfly (Deutsche Oper Berlin) Upcoming: High Priest, Samson et Dalila (Washington National Opera); Dutchman, Der fliegende Holländer (Theater Chemnitz, Oper Leipzig, Deutsche Oper Berlin); Scarpia, Tosca (Staatstheater am Gätnerplatz München) Noel Bouley @noelbouley

SUSANNAH BILLER Musetta soprano (Chattanooga, Tennessee) Austin Opera Debut Recently: Madam White Snake, Madam White Snake (Hong Kong Arts Festival); Kitty Packard, Dinner at Eight (Wexford Festival); Rosalinde, Die Fledermaus (Des Moines Metro Opera) Upcoming: Countess, Le nozze di Figaro (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Soloist, Carmina Burana (Memphis Symphony) @billersusannah

ASHRAF SEWAILAM Colline bass (New York, New York) Austin Opera Debut Recently: Queequeg, Moby Dick (Opera San Jose); Zuniga, Carmen (Opera Carolina); Bartolo, Le nozze di Figaro (San Diego Opera) Upcoming: Basilio, Il Barbiere di Siviglia (New Zealand Opera); Ali Baba, Ali Baba (Opera Southwest); Ramphis, Aïda (Virginia Opera)

24 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org CAST

ANDREW LOVATO Schaunard baritone (New York, New York) Austin Opera Debut: Slim, Of Mice and Men (2016) Recently: Harlekin, Ariadne auf Naxos (Austin Opera); Harry, Morning Star (On Site Opera); Connie Rivers, Grapes of Wrath (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis) Upcoming: Morales, Carmen (Seiji Ozawa Academy) @andrew.lovato

DAVID SMALL Benoit/Alcindoro baritone (Austin, Texas) Austin Opera Debut: Figaro, Il Barbiere di Siviglia (1998); Previously at Austin Opera: Capulet, Romeo et Juliette (2015); Senator Thomas Jordan, The Manchurian Candidate (2016); Agent, Ariadne auf Naxos (2018); The British Major, Silent Night (2019) Recently: Germont, La traviata (Irving Symphony); Upcoming: Soloist, Opera Highlights Concert (Corpus Christi Symphony)

AUSTIN SIEBERT Custom’s House Officer/Marcello (cover), Spotlight Artist baritone (Austin, Texas) Austin Opera Debut: Corporal, Daughter of the Regiment (2017) Previously at Austin Opera: Morales, Carmen (2017); Wig Maker, Ariadne auf Naxos (2018); Araldo & Iago cover, Otello: A Festive Staged Concert Event (2018); German Soldier #1/Lieutenant Audebert (cover), Silent Night (2019) Recently: Bass Soloist, Messiah (Austin Symphony Orchestra)

KATHRYN GRUMLEY Mimì (cover) soprano (Phoenix, Arizona) Austin Opera Debut: Chorus, Aïda (2015) Previously at Austin Opera: Nominee’s Wife, The Manchurian Candidate (2016); Kate Pinkerton, Madama Butterfly (2017); Annina, La traviata (2018); Anna Sørenson (cover), Silent Night (2019) Recently: Magda, La rondine (Miami Music Festival) Kathryn Grumley Soprano @operakat602 kathryngrumley.com

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 25 CREATIVE TEAM

PETER BAY Peter Bay became Music Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra in 1998. He is also Music Director of the Hot Springs Music Festival (AR) and the Big Sky Festival Orchestra (MT).

Maestro Bay has appeared with over eighty different orchestras including the National, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, Baltimore, New Jersey, San Antonio, Bochum (Germany), Carinthian (Austria), Lithuanian National, and Ecuador National Symphonies, the Minnesota and Algarve (Portugal) Orchestras, the Louisiana, Buffalo, and Boca del Rio (Mexico) Philharmonics, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Eastman and Aspen Opera Theaters. Summer music festival appearances have included Aspen (CO), Music in the Mountains (CO), Grant Park and Ravinia (IL).

Peter is the primary conductor for Ballet Austin. He made his Austin Opera debut in 2002 with A Streetcar Named Desire, and subsequently conducted La Traviata in 2002, Turandot in 2003, and The Marriage of Figaro in 2005.

A native of Washington, DC, Mr. Bay is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the Peabody Institute of Music. In 1994, he was one of two conductors selected to participate in the Leonard Bernstein American Conductors Program and was also the first prize winner of the 1980 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Young Conductors Competition. He conducted the Hanan Townshend score for the 2016 film “The Vessel” and led performances of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” as part of the Bernstein100Austin celebrations.

Peter was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame in May 2016.

ALISON MORITZ Stage Director (Saint Louis, Missouri) Austin Opera Debut: The Manchurian Candidate (2016) Recently: Taking Up Serpents (world premiere, Washington National Opera); La traviata (Opera Colorado); Candide (Tanglewood Music Festival) Upcoming: Madama Butterfly (Central City Opera); Die Entführung aus dem Serail, (Lyric Opera of Kansas City & Opera Omaha)

JAMES SALE Lighting Designer (Littleton, Colorado) Austin Opera Debut: La Cenerentola (2008) Recently: Candide (Utah Opera & Michigan Opera Theatre) Upcoming: La traviata (Utah Opera) @jamessalelighting

MELANIE STEELE Wig and Make-up Designer (Atlanta, Georgia) Austin Opera Debut: Carmen (2001) Previously at Austin Opera: Daughter of the Regiment, Madame Butterfly, Carmen (2017); Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata (2018); Silent Night (2019) Recently: Local wig supervisor, Hamilton (Fox Theater); Out of Darkness (Atlanta Opera); Bernstein 100 (The Long Center) Upcoming: Local wig supervisor, Les Misérables (Fox Theater); Dialogue des Carmélites (Oberlin Conservatory); Local wig supervisor, Jersey Boys (Fox Theater) Steele Beauty @Melaniedsteele

26 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org CREATIVE TEAM

BILL MESTER Audio Designer (Austin, Texas) Austin Opera Debut: Salome (1999) Previously at Austin Opera: Daughter of the Regiment, Madame Butterfly, Carmen (2017); Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata, Otello: A Festive Staged Concert Event (2018); Silent Night (2019) Recently: Sound design/Audio board operator, Texas Medal of the Arts Awards Show (Texas Cultural Trust); Audio board operator and support, Grimm Tales (Ballet Austin); Audio/visual support, Kronos Quartet (Texas Performing Arts) Upcoming: Audio board operator, Giselle (Ballet Austin); Audio board operator, Broadway Soprano (Austin Symphony Orchestra); Audio Design, Rigoletto (Austin Opera) Stage Tech Austin stagetechatx stagetechaustin.com

REBECCA A. HERMAN Assistant Director (Austin, Texas) Austin Opera Debut: Dialogues des Carmélites (2009) Previously at Austin Opera: Daughter of the Regiment, Madame Butterfly, Carmen (2017); Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata, Otello: A Festive Staged Concert Event (2018); Silent Night (2019) Recently: Director, Lardo Weeping Workshop (LOLA Austin); Director, Les Mamelles de Tirésias (Portland State University) Upcoming: Director, Magic Bullets (Queen City Opera); La Finta Giardiniera (Portland Opera)

CINA CRISARA Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor (Austin, Texas) Austin Opera Debut: Carmen (2017) Previously at Austin Opera: Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata, Otello: A Festive Staged Concert Event (2018); Silent Night (2019) Recently: Conspirare Symphonic Choir, Brahms Requiem (Austin Symphony Orchestra) Upcoming: Rigoletto, Everest, Turandot (Austin Opera)

NYLE MATSUOKA Principal Coach & Pianist (Austin, Texas) Austin Opera Debut: A Masked Ball (2014) Previously at Austin Opera: The Flying Dutchman (2016); Daughter of the Regiment, Madame Butterfly, Carmen (2017); La traviata, Otello: A Festive Staged Concert Event (2018); Silent Night (2019) Recently: Guest Soloist (Magic Valley Symphony) Upcoming: Rigoletto, Everest, Turandot (Austin Opera)

MIRANDA WILSON Production Stage Manager (Fargo, North Dakota) Austin Opera Debut: Silent Night (2019) Recently: Stage Manager, Cruzar la cara de la luna (Houston Grand Opera & El Paso Opera); Assistant Stage Manager, Madame Butterfly (Dallas Opera) Upcoming: Head Props Run Crew Chief, 2019 Season (Santa Fe Opera); Assistant Stage Manager, 2019-2020 Season (Dallas Opera); Assistant Stage Manager, Silent Night (Utah Opera)

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 27

CHORUS

SOPRANO

Carol Brown Lena Hill Alyssa Muir Kathryn Grumley Elise Leung Kotara Katherine O’Rear Jihee Han Myrna Peralez

MEZZO-SOPRANO

Kimberly Clemons Allyssa Kemp Shelby Schisler Rosa Mondragon Harris Maeli Mesilemit Julie Silva Cheryl Kaderli Sarah Steele

TENOR

Michael Kelley Dixon Holton Harrison Johnson Brian Minnick Andy Fleming Jeffrey Jones-Ragona Jason Spradley Robbie LaBanca

BASS

Brenham Sean Adams Ryan Parseghian Robert Veihman Jake Jacobsen Jeff W. Phillips Jay Young Stephen Maus Gil Zilkha

CHILDREN’S CHORUS

Andrea C. Snouffer, director Natalie Jones Veda Ramarapu Ava Lowrey Joelle Sellers Ethan Engledow Isabela Madrid Aman Sulaiman Leah Jenkins Sriki Mechineni Elena Terrazas Kate Jones Ava Moran Casey Wei

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 29

ORCHESTRA

VIOLIN I PICCOLO HARP Joseph D. Smith, Concertmaster **Beverly Frittelli Carly Nelson*, Acting Principal Eugene Gratovich, Associate Concertmaster OBOE ORCHESTRA MANAGER **Vincent Frittelli, Ian Bruce Davidson, Principal Beverly Frittelli Concertmaster Emeritus Julianne Webner, Patrice Calixte Assistant Principal ORCHESTRA ASSISTANT Bruce Colson Jennifer Bernard* Adam “Flash” Graves Ashley Cooper Audrey Lee ENGLISH HORN LIBRARIAN Matthew Lee Julianne Webner Christabel Lin William D. Lewis Yi Ching Fong* CLARINET *Extra Musician VIOLIN II Vanguel Tangarov, Principal Valerie Bugh, Assistant Principal **Charter member since 1987 Elizabeth Douthit, Acting Principal Leigh Mahoney, BASS CLARINET Acting Assistant Principal A special thank you to the Risa Ando Mary Schani* Austin Symphony Orchestra for **Georgeann Dubell-Shockley graciously providing some of Haeni Lee BASSOON the orchestral instruments that Sha Zhu **William D. Lewis, Principal you hear tonight! Helen Bravenec Cooper* Daniel Chrisman, Steve Merson* Assistant Principal ONSTAGE BANDA VIOLA HORN Thank you to Amanda Pierce, Daniel Gee, Acting Principal **Thomas Hale, Principal Executive Director of the Austin Tim Washecka, Jill Smith Rodriguez, Symphonic Band (Richard Floyd, Acting Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Director) for providing us members Sara Driver Roger Simmons for the La bohème Banda. Vincent Marks Ed Tschoepe* **Mary Powers Thank you to the Lake Travis High School Band (Richard Hicks, Martha Carapetyan* TRUMPET Director) for providing us with the **Robert Cannon, Principal banda percussionists. CELLO Tim Shaffer, Assistant Principal Douglas Harvey, Principal Joe Cooper* Sheila V.A. DeWitt* – piccolo **Muriel B. Sanders, (Austin Symphonic Band) Assistant Principal TROMBONE Shirley Gauthier* – piccolo Colin Ferguson Brenda Sansig Salas, Principal (Austin Symphonic Band) Sara Nelson Owen Homayoun, Todd Lester* – trumpet **Dr. Shawn Sanders Assistant Principal (Austin Symphonic Band) **Philip Arno Bruce Wagner* – trumpet BASS (Austin Symphonic Band) Jonathan Rouse, Acting Principal TUBA Jaxon Jedele* – snare drum Christopher R. Flores, Brian Edwards, Principal (Lake Travis High School Band) Acting Assistant Principal Sam King* – snare drum David Milburn* TIMPANI (Lake Travis High School Band) Andrew Potter* **Hsueh-Yung Shen, Principal FLUTE PERCUSSION **Adah Toland Jones, Principal **Beverly Frittelli, Genaro Gonzalez, Principal Assistant Principal Richard Berkley*, Adrienne Inglis* Acting Assistant Principal Kari Klier*

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 31

Beyond the Opera House: Recommended Reading

Henri Murger wrote a series of semi-autobiographical magazine sketches describing the interconnected lives of a group of young artists. Later collected for publication in a single volume, Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, Murger’s work served as the inspiration for Puccini’s opera.

Puccini Without Excuses, William Berger’s “refreshing reassessment,” offers an overview of Puccini’s career and importance; it also includes a brief biography and discussions of each of his operas.

Bohemians, a graphic history edited by Paul Buhle and David Berger, examines the lives and works of counterculture artists on this side of the Atlantic, including Walt Whitman, Josephine Baker, Gertrude Stein and Thelonious Monk.

In Consumptive Chic, Carolyn A. Day considers how perceptions of consumption (or tuberculosis) became tied to 18th and 19th-century concepts of beauty. Illustrated with fashion plates, caricatures, medical images and photos or original garments, Consumptive Chic explores the complex connections between body, beauty and disease.

34 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 35

PAST PRODUCTIONS

Inaugural Production 1997-1998 Season 2008-2009 Season January 9-11, 1987 Andrea Chénier, Giordano La Cenerentola, Rossini Die Zauberflöte, Mozart Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci, Rigoletto, Verdi Mascagni/Leoncavallo Dialogues of the Carmelites, 1987-1988 Season Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini Poulenc Roméo et Juliette, Gounod Un ballo in maschera, Verdi 1998-1999 Season 2009-2010 Season Festival of Stars 1988 Otello, Verdi La bohème, Puccini Salome, R. Strauss L’étoile, Chabrier 1988-1989 Season Tosca, Puccini Hansel and Gretel, Humperdinck La traviata, Verdi Die Fledermaus, J. Strauss II 1999-2000 Season 2010-2011 Season Festival of Stars 1989 Don Giovanni, Mozart Man Who Mistook His Wife Candide, Bernstein for a Hat, Nyman 1989-1990 Season Aïda, Verdi La traviata, Verdi Carmen, Bizet L’italiana in Algeri, Rossini Madama Butterfly, Puccini 2000-2001 Season Flight, Dove La Cenerentola, Rossini Madama Butterfly, Puccini Cold Sassy Tree, Floyd 2011-2012 Season 1990-1991 Season Die Walküre, Wagner Die Zauberflöte, Mozart Il trovatore, Verdi Carmen, Bizet Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti Don Giovanni, Mozart Turandot, Puccini Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini 2001-2002 Season Faust, Gounod 2012-2013 Season 1991-1992 Season A Streetcar Named Desire, Previn Pagliacci, Leoncavallo Aïda, Verdi La fanciulla del West, Puccini Le nozze di Figaro, Mozart La bohème, Puccini Rigoletto, Verdi Faust, Gounod La pietra del paragone, Rossini 2002-2003 Season 2013-2014 Season 1992-1993 Season La traviata, Verdi Don Carlo, Verdi Fidelio, Beethoven Dead Man Walking, Heggie Tosca, Puccini Tosca, Puccini La bohème, Puccini L’Elisir d’Amore, Donizetti Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Mozart 2003-2004 Season 2014-2015 Season Turandot, Puccini A Masked Ball, Verdi 1993-1994 Season Cosi fan tutte, Mozart Roméo et Juliette, Gounod Turandot, Puccini Der fliegende Holländer, Don Giovanni, Mozart Le nozze di Figaro, Mozart Wagner Don Pasquale, Donizetti 2015-2016 Season 2004-2005 Season Strauss/Wagner Concert 1994-1995 Season Tosca, Puccini Aïda, Verdi Faust, Gounod Elektra, R. Strauss Of Mice and Men, Floyd Rigoletto, Verdi Le nozze di Figaro, Mozart Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini Madama Butterfly, Puccini 2005-2006 Season 2016-2017 Season 1995-1996 Season Il trovatore, Verdi The Manchurian Candidate, Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Puts and Campbell Tannhäuser, Wagner Shostakovich Der fliegende Holländer, La traviata, Verdi Don Giovanni, Mozart Wagner 1996-1997 Season La fille du Régiment, Donizetti 2006-2007 Season Die Zauberflöte, Mozart Madama Butterfly, Puccini Madama Butterfly, Puccini The Ballad of Baby Doe, Moore Waiting for the Barbarians, Glass 2017-2018 Season La bohème, Puccini Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini Carmen, Bizet 10 Year Anniversary Gala Ariadne auf Naxos, R. Strauss 2007-2008 Season La traviata, Verdi Simply the Best Concert Carmen, Bizet 2018-2019 Season The Bat, J. Strauss II Otello, Verdi Silent Night, Puts and Campbell Soldier Songs, David T. Little

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 39 Austin Opera remembers Jane Switzer Parker and Alan Hayes Williams. Jane and Alan were valued members of the Austin Opera Board of Trustees and are deeply missed. Their commitment and support have made a lasting impression on the company.

Austin Opera is proud to dedicate this production of La bohème to founding member Jane Parker. Until her passing last spring Jane was the longest serving active member of the Board of Trustees. In addition to providing major financial support, she and her husband Howard hosted stellar events in their beautiful homes and introduced new people to the art form. As the company grew, and the need for generous supporters increased, Jane spearheaded the creation of our most successful giving programs Jane Switzer Parker – the President’s Council & Chairman’s Forum – creating a membership group that has grown to over 200 households. Jane was a talented lyric soprano and shared her love of music & the performing arts as one of the company’s most ardent goodwill ambassadors.

In 2017, Alan and Sandra Williams relocated to Austin from Houston so that they could be more active in the lives of their grandchildren. They were introduced to Austin Opera when they were invited to a Chairman’s Forum concert that spring. They enjoyed the experience and meeting the Austin Opera family and became subscribers and members of the Sponsor’s Circle. Over the next year they participated in a number of activities and events and hosted a Party with the Artists in their home. As they Alan Hayes Williams became more involved so did their commitment and support. In May of 2018 Alan was elected to the Board of Trustees. The Williams’ decided to sponsor Elizabeth Caballero in the role of Mimì in La bohème after hearing her sing at the Chairman’s Forum concert.

40 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org Leadership Giving

The Board of Trustees, artists, and staff of Austin Opera gratefully acknowledge Austin Opera’s leadership giving donors, whose generous annual contributions provide the necessary support for Austin Opera’s continued artistic excellence.

GRAND Mike & Patty Erspamer + ‡ CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE UNDERWRITER’S Andrew & Mary Ann Heller + $10,000 TO $14,999 CIRCLE $100,000+ Jeff & Gail Kodosky + Mary Bakatsa & Anonymous Lowenberg Group, LLC Clark Wilkinson Austin Opera Guild and Carlos & Marianna Paul & Clara Bancroft + Bloomberg Philanthropies Lowenberg + Tina & Michael Barrett + Mr. & Mrs. Brian H. Powell + Thom Brooks UNDERWRITER’S CIRCLE Neil & Nancy Schaffel and Amelia Bullock & $75,000 TO $99,999 Murar Foundation, Inc. + Bill Krumpack + Elisabeth Juen Waltz + ‡, Ken & Paula Smith Gail Commagere Steffen Waltz + ‡, and Dr. Eric Tiblier & Mr. & Mrs. John English Robert W. Garrett + Susanne Tetzlaff Laura Gutiérrez-Witt + Eva & Marvin Womack + Sandra & Alan Williams Margery & Mack Lindsey* Georgia B. Lucas PRODUCER’S CIRCLE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE Foundation of the Austin $50,000 TO $74,999 $15,000 TO $24,999 Community Foundation Patrick & Judy Cantilo Toni & Paul Burns* Sissi & Gerard O’Reilly Christopher H. Cheever Dr. & Mrs. Stuart Damore + Jay & Sherrie Stewart+ John & Marcy Melanson + Marilyn T. Gaddis, Ph.D. & Jonathan Sessler OPERA America George C. Carruthers + Cornelia & John Wood + Hoisington Investment FOUNDER’S CIRCLE Management Co. and $25,000 TO $49,999 Van & Jeanne Hoisington *Founding Donors of Martha P. Rochelle Austin Opera Polly & Steve Barbaro + Whorton Insurance David Booth Services and Mr. & +Includes special Sarah & Ernest Butler Mrs. Jim Whorton + gifts in support of Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Eakin Artistic Excellence

‡Members of the Maestro Society support Austin Opera’s Artistic Planning Cycle with Multi-Year Pledges

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 41 Patron Program

Austin Opera is proud to acknowledge the individuals and foundations that generously support our productions and education programs. We extend our deepest gratitude to members of the Sponsor’s Circle, Chairman’s Forum, and President’s Council who provide essential funding for our productions.

SPONSOR’S CIRCLE Peter Schram* PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL $5,000 TO $9,999 Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Shields + $2,000 TO $3,499 Anonymous Cindy & Gerald Stone* Anonymous Maureen Alexander, M.D. + Connee & Kent Sullivan + ‡ Karen Artzt + Ronny & Valerie Armstrong + Dr. David N. Tobey, Jr. & Bonnie Bain, Jeanette & Ernest Auerbach + ‡ Dr. Michelle Berger* + In Memory of Ann McKain Sandy Ball + Steven Tyler Mary C. Bohls Peter Bay & Eileen Vanderlee Keith & Sheryl Brown + Mela Sarajane Dailey Dr. Joni K. Wallace Dr. & Mrs. G.G. Cloyd Laurence Bjorkman + ‡ Donald R. Wertz* Suzannah Cox* Frances E. Blank Sandra & Walter Wilkie + Jill A. Davis Mary Ellen & Roger Borgelt + Bill Dickson Martha A. Boyd CHAIRMAN’S FORUM Claude & Susan Ducloux Marvin Brittman $3,500 TO $4,999 Angela & Steven Eisert Joe & Tana Christie Sheila & Dan Beckett Zeina El-Azzi & Kenneth Loyde + Bonnie & Jerry Claiborne Richard Boner & Susan Pryor* + Don Elledge Curby Conoley + Suzanne Breitbach Chris & Carol Elms Peter G. Dorson Pierre & Nancy Bulhon Martha & Cliff Ernst Chris & Jenn Ellerman Annie Burridge & Paul Richichi Dr. Harvey Evans & Dr. William David George Dr. & Mrs. Hugh Collins Gloria Evans* + Dianne Smith Goggan Foundation Marilyn Davis + Gail A. Findlay Elena & Everardo Goyanes Dr. William Deaton & Joe & Carol Fisher Jim & Jo Green *+ Mrs. Cecilia Neuhaus Deaton + Bill Gaston, Inc. Rob & Meri Hagelberg + Kenneth W. Egan Alice Glasco Mr. & Mrs. James G. Debra & Marc Erck The William J.J. Gordon Halbrook, Jr. + Julia & Paddy Flanagan Family Foundation Karen Hansen Michael Garza & Roger Kahlbau Manuela Gutt Richard Hartgrove & Scott & Cathy Harris Marion & Joe Haas Gary Cooper Karl Henion Joe S. Ham & Florence S. Ham Mari & Dudley Houghton Col. Harry Jaffers Charitable Trust Stephen & Lauren Jeffrey + Bryce M. Johnson Robert L. Hardgrave Mr. & Mrs. Loren F. Kahle, Jr.* & Drs. Kenneth & JoAnn Judy & David Harris The Kahle Foundation, Inc. Hunter Johnson The Hebel Family Kevin Kaylakie + Carol & Kelley Knutson E. Stephen & Joyce Hunt Allen Kemp & Jo Carol Snowden Diane Lipsitz Dana & Dennis Jakubowicz Dr. Hootan Khatami & Daryl Fox* Drs. Rodney & Cathy Nairn Ida Jeppesen & Ken Zink King Family, Mr. & Mrs. William Paddock* Evonne Jones In Memory of Alfred & Ellen King Craig & Cynthia Pence Mark W. Kernan Dr. Tadd S. Lazarus Wanda A. Reynolds + Mary Kevorkian Carol Angela Logan + Emily Rhea William Lanagan Amy McCaffrey Alyce & Terry Richardson Mike Don Miguel Le Burkien Mr. & Mrs. Michael Metteauer + Mike & Delia Russell Linda & Leonard Leff Ambassador & Mrs. Lyndon L. Dr. David W. Sloan Eric Leibrock Olson, Jr.* Mary Jane Steele Melanie Lewis + Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Parker Bruce Stuckman, Ph.D. M&H Machining, Inc. and Fran & George Ramsey David & Catherine Wildermuth* Diane & Hudson Ingram Charitable Fund* Ren & Flo MacNary

42 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org Partner Program

Anthony & Andrea Makridis The Riebe Pumo Group, Diane & Dick Trabulsi Julia M. Marsden Stephen D. Riebe, ChFC, & UBS Peggy & Don Ugent + Jacqueline Towns McCall Financial Services James Valdes Dr. & Mrs. John McFarlane* Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza + Stephanie & Bill Whitehurst* Colonel & Mrs. Andrew J. Mike & Delia Russell Rose Betty & Allan Williams* McVeigh, III Robert G. Rutishauser* Cynthia Wilson Rosy & John Moore Edward Z. Safady Janice L. Wilson Karen Neeley Dean & Nell Dale Sanders + Custis Wright* Cathy & Don Neville Ronald A. Seeliger Gai & Gerry Newkirk Colette & John Sirhal *Founding Donors of Mr. & Mrs. Mark Nodine Evonne & Tom Smith Austin Opera The Honorable & Drs. Sharon & David Sneed +Includes special gifts in support Mrs. Raymond L. Orbach Dr. Laura Starks of Artistic Excellence The Pacey Family Foundation Jeff Straathof & Mafalda Tan Debbie & Jim Parish Judith Streett & Douglas Gullickson ‡Members of the Maestro Sam R. Perry Sarah & Matthew Streif Society support Austin Opera’s Marcia Raff Dr. & Mrs. Paul E. Stubbs Artistic Planning Cycle with Marcia & Anthony Toprac Multi-Year Pledges

Austin Opera is grateful to members of the Partner Program for their annual contribution. Thank you for your partnership in bringing thrilling performances and engaging programs to our community!

BENEFACTOR GUARANTOR $750 TO $999 Teresa Lyson, M.D. & $1,000 TO $1,999 Reed & Heather Arnos Krys Lyson, M.D. A Friend* Wilhelmina & Exalton Delco Dr. & Mrs. William E. McCaleb* Jennifer Basten Mr. Thomas H. Edwards Prof. A.P.D. Mourelatos* Dana Blanton Margaret Furse Susan & Michael Mullan Aimee & Aaron Borders Floylee Hemphill Goldberger, Cmdr. James F. O'Leary Douglas Bower & In Memory of Dr. Joseph H. Ryan Schooler Bonny Gardner, Ph.D. Goldberger Jean C. St. Clair Mrs. Ronald K. DeFord* Polly & Jay Westbrook John C. R. Taylor, III & The Fruchter Family Fund Peter Flagg Maxson Cass Haecker SUSTAINER $500 TO $749 William K. Wallace Richard & Sherry Wilkison Mr. Mark Gagnon & Jesus Alcantar Ms. Teresa Walden David & Leslie Wolff Dr. & Mrs. Richard R. Anderson Hilary Young Gerald Gilligan Tom & Nan Anson* Michael & Phyllis Herman Emily & Kenneth Ashworth CONTRIBUTOR $250 TO $499 James M. Hicks, M.D. & Mr. Phillip Auth Julie A. Nelson Daniela Bini Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. Roger Kintzel The Brunetti Foundation Mr. Antonio Alfau Paul & Karen Leeke Mr. Philip Cochran Thomas J. Ashbaugh Rex & Roberta Ling Dr. Stanley I. Fisch Ms. Madeleine Aubry Ms. Catherine Lizcano Wendy Logan George Sam & Carol Barclay Mr. Adriel Meditz Bob & Judy Belle Horick John & Heather Beliveau Mr. Phillip Muth Mrs. Robert C. Howe Brian & Mary Berwick Mr. George Schaefer Sara Jarvis Jones Jim & Rosalie Boldin Stephen & Dale Sonnenberg Dr. & Mrs. Craig Kuglen Mr. & Mrs. Steven M. Bowman Michelle T. Strawn Mr. & Mrs. Luis Lidsky Dorothy Brown Leslie Thomas Annette S. Lucksinger Evan & Janis Carton Hardy & Susan Thompson K.C. Cerny & Karen Kerkering Ms. Jyl Cole

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 43 Partner Program Con’t

Mr. & Mrs. W.L. Denson Mrs. Carol Wood Bernd Kuhlmann Ms. Ruth Dyar Paul & Lucia Woodruff Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Lapham Becky & Jim Engle Mr. & Mrs. Joe A. Young Mr. & Mrs. Chong S. Lee Rosemary W. Estes Mary McDonald Jill B. Fatzer DONOR $150 TO $249 Mrs. Joan E. Miller Ms. Diana Ferguson Martin & Armida T. Aleman Milton Miller, II Dr. Sergey Fomel Mr. Donald Gene Anderson Gail Minault Michael & Barbara Gentry Mr. Sam Barclay Ms. Jennifer Moser Mr. Scott Gill Maxine & Mark Barkan Mr. & Mrs. William C. Nelson Ms. Suzanne Gonzalez Mechthild Bernhard Ms. Caroline Nentwich Lino & Carolyn Graglia Mrs. Sue M. Breuer Dr. William Nethercut Ms. Sue Ann Hoke William Blanchard Ms. Michelle S. O'Brien John Hrncir Mrs. Sandra Bosley Lisa Pallmeyer Ms. Jacqueline Johnson Mr. Mark Campbell Ms. Ada G. Pewitt Orion & Jan Knox Mr. Frank Cardenas Dewayne Philips Christopher Colvin & Ms. Ruth Casarez Debbie Pike Behice Kutay Dr. Michael Casey Harriet I. Rutland* Roy & Amanda Leatherberry Scott & Cheryl Christians Robert & Sondra Ryan Marilyn Lindgren Mrs. Cheryl Christians Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Sansom Georgia Lochridge Ms. Julianna D. Chung Ms. Julia Schuler Mr. Peter Lohman & Jack & Susan Clagett Mr. Paul Scripko Ms. Sonda Lomax Ms. Anne S. Clark Dawn H. Shackelford Mr. Reid Long Debbie Volker & Doris Coward Mrs. Carolyn Shelley Mr. Noah A. Longley Dr. Delora Deans John Sharp Linda Masters Mr. & Mrs. Michael Debner John Sheafe Doris & Jim Mohler Dr. & Mrs. F. Ellsworth Peterson Judy Shipway & Leon Grizzard Mr. Clint Nesmith Rev. James L. Empereur Mr. Paul Smith Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Niemiec Ms. Patricia Fernos Kent & Peggy Stewart Pete & Betty Paul Ms. Sheila Fitlin Ms. Kim Stewart Dr. & Mrs. F. Michael Pestorius Mr. Perry Fleckman Carole Stockton David N. Pollack Shiree Flume, M.D. Mr. Richard Suman Drs. Linda G. & James A. Prentice Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Folk, Ph.D. Renee & Eugene Sutton Wayne & Marlette Rebhorn Thomas George Ms. Carolyn Trigg & Joanne & Hamilton Richards Kathy A. Guajardo Mr. Joe Haggard Peter Rieck Patricia & James Hadden Mr. Bryan Uecker Susan & Bryan Roberts Lt. Col. & Mrs. Russel Hain Mr. Robert Wald Mr. & Mrs. Peter Roll Frances & Daniel Hamermesh Ms. Judith Walther Mr. Jeffrey Serra Melissa & Stefan Hardie Dr. Robert Warren Mr. Clemens Sialm & Mrs. Wei Li Mr. & Mrs. David P. Harris Mr. & Mrs. James West Ms. Sandra P. Sigman Mr. & Mrs. James Harris Handy & Barbara Williamson Mrs. Tacy Draper Slade Ms. Ann Marie Harrison Sharon M. Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Chris Sneden Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hearn Peter & Anne Wood Vicky Spradling Loretta L. Hughes Jeanette & Brad Sprague Pat & John Ireland FRIEND UP TO $149 Mrs. Jeannie Strange Ms. Priscilla Jarvis A special thank you to the nearly Ms. Gwen Vu Mr. Todd J. Jermstad 400 Central Texan households Mr. Michael Walters Joanne B. Jones who have made a gift to Austin Louise & Steven Weinberg Jack & Juanita Josel Opera at the Friend level. Anne & George Welder Charles & Alicean Kalteyer*

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy; however, if we have not listed you correctly, please call 512-610-7688.

List as of April 8, 2019.

44 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org In-Kind Donations

Austin Opera is extremely grateful to the following individuals and companies for their generous donations of in-kind goods and services. Please consider patronizing these businesses and thanking them for supporting Austin Opera and the arts in Austin.

Aesthetica MedSpa El Mercado Restaurant & Cantina Negrel Antiques Alphagraphics Enterprise Gai & Gerry Newkirk Andalusia Whiskey Company Michael & Patty Erspamer Norman Creek Vineyards Lissa Anderson Esther’s Follies Northwest Hills Pharmacy ANNEMARIE Extended Stay America Norton Rose Fulbright Armstrong Community Music School Face to Face Spa Ron Oliveira Austin Beerworks Gary Glass & Carol Faget Orangetheory Fitness Triangle Austin Opera Guild & Past Presidents Diana Ferguson Panache Style & Image Consulting Austin Symphony Orchestra John Fibiger Paris in a Bite austiNuts Inc. Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard Parkside Avant Garde Jewelers Fort Worth Opera Larry & Deborah Peel Avis Four Seasons Hotel Austin PL&D/Patrick Landrum Design Ballet Austin Four Seasons Hotel New York Brian & Lynn Powell Paul & Clara Bancroft Raquel Frankenberg Robert & Penelope Powell Polly & Steve Barbaro Marilyn Gaddis Premiere Events Barons Creek Vineyards Gary’s Custom Tailor Robin Jackson Photography Tina & Michael Barrett Dianne Smith Goggan ROXOR Artisan Gin Benold’s Jewelers Grapecreek Vineyards Mario Sanchez Dr. Michelle Berger & Jim & Jo Green Katharine Shields Dr. David Tobey H-E-B Judith Shipway Blanton Museum of Art Andrew & Mary Ann Heller Siena Ristorante Toscana Suzanne Breitbach HELO Austin Evonne & Tom Smith Brick Oven Restaurant Van & Jeanne Hoisington Ken & Paula Smith BSG Security Services Horizon Printing & Mailing Drs. Sharon & David Sneed Annie Burridge & Paul Richichi Houston Grand Opera St. John Outlet Candlewood Suites Hye Meadow Winery LLC Standard of Athletics Capital Cruises Diane & Hudson Ingram Stella & Dot, Anita Benavides Capra & Cavelli Ida Jeppesen Leslie Stephen Gerardo Cartellone Juliet Italian Kitchen Sterling Events Ceasar’s Auto Image Salon Roger Kahlbau & Michael Garza Cindy Stone Charles Di Piazza Architecture Betty & Loren Kahle Strait Music Company Chez Nous – French Bistro Kendra Scott Bruce Stuckman, PhD Chez Zee American Bistro Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt Texas Early Music Project Chocolaterie Tessa KLRU Leslie Thomas Ciclo KMFA Classical 89.5 Eric Tiblier & Susanne Tetzlaff Cielo Bistro Mexico Jeff & Gail Kodosky Marcia Toprac Circuit of the Americas Krystal Transportation & Twin Creeks Country Club Anne Clark Luxury Service Twin Liquors, The Jabour Family Cathy Collins Kurant Events Uchi/Uchiko Curby Conoley L’Occitane En Provence William Wallace Suzannah Cox L7 Salon Elisabeth & Steffen Waltz Cynthia Bloom Collectible Jewelry La Patisserie Westbank Flower Market The Dallas Opera LePa European Esthetics Whim Hospitality Paula & Stuart Damore Patricia Lewellyn Williams Sonoma Arboretum Marilyn Davis Mack Lindsey Cindy Wilson Deborah Main Designs Douglas & Carol Angela Logan Wink Restaurant Dumont Studio LOLA Austin Gretchen Woellner Dennis & Kandace Eakin Maggie Louise Confections Eva & Marvin Womack Eastside Balance Pilates Studio The Metropolitan Opera Cornelia & John Wood element Austin Downtown Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Zoltan David Rosy Moore

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 45 Endowment Fund

We are especially honored to be able to recognize those members of the Austin Opera family who have made a special commitment to the Endowment Fund, in addition to their annual patronage, to ensure that Austin Opera continues to bring the joy of great opera to future generations of audiences.

$1,000,000 OR MORE $25,000 OR MORE The Marilyn Addy Endowment for Artist Excellence Austin Opera General Endowment Fund Mr. & Mrs. Frederick S. Addy Amelia Bullock & Bill Krumpack Mr. & Mrs. Stephen L. Davis The Sarah and Ernest Butler Artistic Director Alfred & Ellen King Society Dr. & Mrs. Ernest C. Butler Mr. & Mrs. William B. Mitchell Estate of Edythe Rose Schmidt Kruger The Kodosky Family Endowment for Artistic Excellence Estate of Willa Stewart Setseck Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. Kodosky In Memory of Helen G. Smith, Richard Tucker, & Aaron Kruger $150,000 OR MORE Chair of the Concertmaster & Wesley Tobey Memorial Fund for the Chorus Performing Young Artists David N. Tobey Jr., M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kushner $10,000 OR MORE $100,000 OR MORE Austin Opera General Endowment Fund Austin Opera General Endowment Fund Jo A. & Billie Jo Graves Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Martin Van & Jeanne Hoisington William Henry Kirchner, III $50,000 OR MORE Mr. & Mrs. Howard W. Parker Brenda & Larry Smith Austin Opera General Endowment Fund Gordon & Loretta Dancer & Family Wesley Tobey Memorial Fund for the Chorus Estate of Aneta S. Mitchell James C. Armstrong Estate of Mary Perry Taylor Jo Anne Martin Christian Memorial Fund Wesley Tobey Memorial Fund for the Chorus Friends of Jo Anne Christian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. Kodosky $5,000 OR MORE Austin Opera General Endowment Fund honoring La Noche de Opera Austin Opera General Endowment Fund Curby Conoley Alfred & Ellen King Dr. & Mrs. Craig Lubin Joanne M. Ravel Peter Schram Estate of Charlotte Schumacher

To learn more about supporting Austin Opera’s Endowment Fund, please call Jennifer Basten, Chief Development Officer, at 512-610-7671.

46 AUSTIN OPERA austinopera.org Bravo Society

The Bravo Society honors the many friends who have helped provide for our future by remembering Austin Opera in their estate plans. Planned gifts help ensure the continuance of great music on the stage for generations to come. If you have already included Austin Opera in your plans, please let us know so that we may thank you and invite you to become a member of this special group.

We take this opportunity to thank and recognize the members of the Bravo Society:

Mr. & Mrs. Frederick S. Addy Olly & Bob Modersohn Lissa Anderson Mrs. W.A. Morrison Andrea & Jack Angelo Jeanette & Ferris Nassour* Jeanette & Ernest Auerbach Joanne Ravel* Charles Edward Cooper* Carol & Charles Reynolds Suzannah Cox Frances & George Ricker Dr. Bill Crouch* Peter Schram, Jr. Dr. Harvey Evans & Gloria Evans Charlotte E. Schumacher* Eve Everett Fish* Willa Stewart Setseck* Drs. Dee & Ben* Fruchter Mary Perry Taylor* Anne N. Gibbs* Reeta Wadzeck Jeanette M. Goodfriend John Whisenhunt* Andrew & Mary Ann Heller David & Catherine Wildermuth Ellen & Alfred King* Ruth Gracy Wise William Henry Kirchner, III* Raymond D. Woods* Edythe Rose Schmidt Kruger* Eva Kuhlman Mike Don Miguel Le Burkien *Deceased Aneta S. Mitchell* For more information about how you can support Austin Opera through a planned gift, please contact Jennifer Basten, Chief Development Officer, at 512-610-7671.

Double Your Donation!

Did you know that over 18 million individuals work for companies that offer matching gift programs, and that an additional $2–$3 billion is donated through matching gifts annually?

Many companies in Austin have matching gift programs – contact your company’s personnel office to find out if your donation can be matched, you’ll make your gift go twice as far while receiving additional donor benefits! •3M •Chevron •Google •Microsoft •Apple •Cirrus Logic •Hewlett- •National •Applied •Cisco Packard Instruments Materials •Dell •IBM •Pfizer •AT&T •Exxon •Johnson & •Silicon Labs Johnson

AUSTIN OPERA 2018-19 SEASON 47 Honorarium and Memorial

HONORARIUM

IN HONOR OF NATHAN DEPOINT Robert Garrett

MEMORIAL

IN MEMORY OF STEPHEN DANIEL BARBARO Marvin J. Brittman Cindy & Gerald Stone

IN MEMORY OF HELEN MURRAY BAXTER Gail & Jeff Kodosky

IN MEMORY OF MARCI KING’S MOTHER, ALENE CITTY Cindy & Gerald Stone

IN MEMORY OF JAMES RUSSELL COCHRAN Cindy & Gerald Stone

IN MEMORY OF MARY JAYNE DAMORE Jo and Jim Green Cindy & Gerald Stone

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELLEN AND ALFRED KING Cindy & Gerald Stone

IN MEMORY OF TOM STRANGE Jeannie Strange

Gifts received from January 8, 2019 to April 8, 2019

Honorariums and memorial contributions are a meaningful way to mark an important occasion or celebrate the passing of someone to whom Austin Opera was an important part of their lives. If you would like to make a gift, which will be recognized in our upcoming program, please call 512.610.7668. You will receive an acknowledgement of your gift, and the recipient, or recipient’s family will receive a gift card, telling them of your thoughtful remembrance.

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Corporate and Foundation Support

Educational Outreach Support

In-Kind Support

Public Support

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

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