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FROM the the TO TO ACADEMY HOUSE 1420 LOCUST STREET SUITE 210 PHILA, PA 19102 40th Anniversary Gala Friday, September 12, 2014 | Academy of Music OPERAPHILA.ORG 215.893.3600 FROM the WELCOME On behalf of the entire Gala Committee, we extend our most sincere gratitude to you for joining us tonight in celebration of Opera Philadelphia’s 40th Anniversary. Our city’s love of opera dates back more than 200 years with numerous companies having staged the TO TO opera here since the colonial times. In 1975, the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company and the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company merged to form Opera Philadelphia. And while tonight is about celebrating 40 fabulous seasons, it is also a time to reflect on our city’s long standing love FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 | ACADEMY OF MUSIC affair with grand opera. Today, Opera Philadelphia is consistently hailed as one of the world’s leading instigators of new operatic work, for its dedication to telling American stories written by American composers, and for its fresh approach to producing grand opera from the traditional repertoire. Opera Philadelphia OVERVIEW of the EVENING is also developing the future of this genre through its Composer in Residence program, the nation’s largest, and through its thriving relationship with two of the world’s finest training schools for opera 6:00 P.M. singers, the Academy of Vocal Arts and the Curtis Institute of Music, both of which are located ACADEMY OF MUSIC LOBBY & BALLROOM right here in Center City. Cocktail Reception Tonight, we will enjoy a recital by the husband-and-wife duo of Stephen Costello and Ailyn Pérez. Start of the Silent Auction (see page 68) These immensely talented young superstars were recently dubbed “the Jay-Z and Beyoncé of opera.” Their careers started right here in Stephen’s hometown, where they met and fell in love as students at the Academy of Vocal Arts. They last appeared together on the Academy of Music stage in 2011’s 7:00 P.M. ACADEMY OF MUSIC STAGE Romeo & Juliet, and tonight they join us on this historic stage for a unique and intimate gathering. We’ll then go “From the Stage to the Stars,” as the party spills out onto the Avenue of the Arts for Recital by soprano Ailyn Pérez an evening of music, dinner, and dancing in a tented ballroom with special celebrity guests from and tenor Stephen Costello (see page 11) past, present, and future opera seasons. We’d like to salute tonight’s Honorary Chairs, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Mrs. Lisa 8:00 P.M. TENTED BALLROOM ON BROAD STREET Nutter, and we extend our sincere thanks to the many people who have worked so hard to make this evening a success, chief among them the entire Gala Committee. Your dedication and passion for Elegant Seated Dinner opera in our city have made this an evening to remember. Live Auction (see page 39) Thank you all for joining in the celebration of Opera Philadelphia. Enjoy the evening! 10:00 P.M. TENTED BALLROOM ON BROAD STREET & ACADEMY OF MUSIC LOBBY Dessert and Dancing SANDRA K. BALDINO DENISE C. CREEDON 40th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair 40th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair 11:00 P.M. Conclusion of the Silent Auction STEPHEN A. MADVA SUSAN E. SHERMAN 40th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair 40th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair 3 TRIBUTE BOARD of DIRECTORS OFFICERS MEMBERS It is our great pleasure to join in tonight’s celebration as Honorary Chairs of Opera Philadelphia’s 40th Anniversary Gala, From the Stage to the Stars. DANIEL K. MEYER, M.D. Benjamin Alexander Agnes Mulroney CHAIRMAN Sandra K. Baldino Scott F. Richard For the past four decades, Opera Philadelphia has brought outstanding production FREDERICK P. HUFF F. Joshua Barnett, M.D., J.D. Harold Rosenbluth VICE CHAIR quality, artistry, and educational opportunities to our community. From the stages Willo Carey Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D. of the Academy of Music and the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the JOEL KOPPELMAN Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq. Jonathan H. Sprogell Performing Arts, to pop-up performances in public spaces, in-school programs, and VICE CHAIR Ady L. Djerassi, M.D. James B. Straw free HD broadcasts in front of Independence Hall, our opera company has taken a ALICE STRINE, ESQ. Ehab Hammad Alice Strine, Esq. majestic, centuries-old art form and seamlessly woven it into the fabric of our city. VICE CHAIR Mark Hankin Kenneth R. Swimm SCOTT F. RICHARD Frederick P. Huff Maria Trafton Opera Philadelphia is recognized as one of our nation’s most innovative opera SECRETARY Caroline Kennedy Charlotte Watts companies, for its commitment to staging grand opera on a grand scale and THOMAS MAHONEY Joel M. Koppelman Donna Wechsler for supporting the creation of new American works of art. The company’s TREASURER Beverly Lange, M.D. commitment to artists has resulted in unique audience experiences that cannot STEPHEN A. MADVA, ESQ. Ellen Berman Lee HONORARY MEMBERS be found elsewhere, establishing Philadelphia as a go-to place for opera buffs CHAIRMAN EMERITUS from far and wide. Gabriele Lee Dennis Alter Peter Leone Alan B. Miller The company is one of the jewels that have made Philadelphia a destination for Stephen A. Madva, Esq. H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest Thomas Mahoney lovers of arts and culture, but it is the Opera’s commitment to the children of our community that makes us especially proud. Through the Sounds of Learning™ Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. education program, more than 140,000 Philadelphia areas students have been served with an intensive, in-school, literacy-based music education experience that culminates with a visit to a live opera performance. The innovative Hip H’opera program has made students at four city schools a part of the creative EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP process, with student writings inspiring a new opera that will debut in 2015. th DAVID B. DEVAN GARY H. GANSKY On this 40 Anniversary, we congratulate everyone at Opera Philadelphia who GENERAL DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT helps to bring opera to our community—the Board of Directors, donor family, CORRADO ROVARIS ANNIE BURRIDGE singers, orchestra musicians, chorus members, designers, directors, production and JACK MULRONEY MUSIC DIRECTOR SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT technical staff, stagehands, administrative staff, and volunteers. MIKAEL ELIASEN DAVID LEVY ARTISTIC ADVISOR SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ARTISTIC OPERATIONS Bravi! NATHAN GUNN MICHAEL BOLTON DIRECTOR, AMERICAN REPERTOIRE COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS MICHAEL A. NUTTER LISA NUTTER MAYOR HONORARY CHAIR HONORARY CHAIR 4 5 4 FROM the the TO TO HONORARY CHAIRS Mayor Michael A. Nutter & Mrs. Lisa Nutter BRAVO! GALA CHAIRS Sandra K. Baldino Stephen A. Madva & Denise C. Creedon Susan E. Sherman Chairman GALA COMMITTEE Nancy Abbott Peter Leone Eric Allen Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. Willo Carey Timothy Moir David A. Dubbeldam Kelley Reilly IS PROUD TO SUPPORT Joan Goldstein Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D. OPERA PHILADELPHIA IN ITS Sharon Koppelman Donna Wechsler LANDMARK 40TH SEASON Ellen Berman Lee Nancy Zambelli AUCTION CO-CHAIRS MARKETING CHAIR Joan Goldstein Timothy Moir Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D. IN-KIND SPONSORS 7 40T H PATRONS Anonymous Drs. Rosalie Burns and Herbert J. Goldberg Dr. Stanley Muravchick and Ms. Arlene Olson James and Nancy Abbott Joan and William Goldstein Mr. Norman J. Olson ANNIVERSARY John Alchin and Hal Marryatt Drs. Ellen and Erik Gregorie Eliana Papadakis Ben and Lorraine Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Gravagno Anderson and Daria Pew GALA Dr. Heidi Kolberg and Dr. F. Joshua Barnett Mark and Helene Hankin Kelley S. Reilly Peter A. Benoliel and Willo Carey Ms. Rhoda K. Herrold Scott F. and Roberta C. Richard Joanne M. Berwind Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Huff Dr. David J. Richards SUPPORTERS Dr. Claire Boasi Terri and Thomas Klein Mrs. Emily C. Riley Dr. Luther W. Brady Gabriele Lee John and Theresa Rollins Ira Brind and Stacey Spector Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest Franny and Harold S. Rosenbluth Robert Capanna and Cathryn Coate William Leonard John Pcsolar and Alan Sandman James and Madeleine Carlson Fran and Leon L. Levy Anne Faulkner Schoemaker UNDERWRITING SPONSORS Dianne and Don Cooney Harriet and Shelly Margolis Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sheller Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino David B. Devan Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Martosella, Jr. Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D. Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. and David A. Dubbeldam William J. Meagher, Jr. Keith and Jim Straw Mr. Robert Devoe Leonard Mellman Barbara Augusta Teichert PREMIER SPONSORS Ady L. Djerassi, M.D. and Robert Golub, M.D. Evalind Minor Jay and Hadia Tolson Rita and Philip Harper Drs. Bruce and Toby Eisenstein Constance C. Moore Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wechsler Judy and Peter Leone Ms. Barbara Freedman Suzanne and Ron Naples Gordon Yasinow Susan E. Sherman BENEFACTORS GIFTS AND SPECIAL THANKS Bank of America 1812 Productions Di Bruno Bros. Mr. John H. McFadden Saks Fifth Avenue Robert Taglieri and Timothy Moir Academy of Natural Sciences Domaine Serene William McGowan Eddy Schoenfeld Bud and Betty Shapiro Ronald M. Agulnick, Esq. Evantine Design Ocean Prime Restaurant Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D. Charlotte and Bob Watts Ben and Lorraine Alexander Fork Restaurant Mr. Norman J. Olson Jack Stein The Arden Theatre Company The Franklin Institute Panorama Ristorante Susan Beard Photography CONTRIBUTORS Banfi Vintners William Fretz Pennsylvania Academy Dr. Daniel V. Schidlow of the Fine Arts Dr. Elizabeth M. Bowden The Barnes Foundation Govberg Jewelry Ken and Sheila Swimm Bloomingdale’s Maximilian Fur Grounds for Sculpture The Pennsylvania Ballet Symphony in C Nicholas and Kathleen Chimicles Salon, Willow Grove Rita and Philip Harper Philadelphia Museum of Art The Treemont Joel and Sharon Koppelman Beau Vigne Mr .and Mrs.