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04 Board of Directors05 From the Board Chairman06 Welcome from the General Director

& President07 Requiem08 Program Note10 Remembering Jack Mulroney12 Artists14 Orchestra15 Chorus18 The Picture of Giving20 Leadership Giving24 Annual Giving28 Planned Giving29 Corporate Council31 Administration32 Up Next: Madame Butterfly33 2020–2021 Season

Onstage Publications, Advertising: 937-424-0529 | 866-503-1966, korlowski@onstagepublications.com | onstagepublications.comThis program is published in association with Onstage Publications, 1612 Prossser Avenue, Kettering, OH 45409. This program may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. JBI Publishing is a division of Onstage Publications, Inc. Contents © 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Table of CONTENTS

“Verdi’s Requiem … is in my heart. And the fact that we can perform here, with

my chorus and my orchestra, it’s very moving, and it’s very rewarding for all the orchestra and chorus to work on something

so important in the history of music.”

–Corrado Rovaris

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Peter Leone Chairman of the BoardCharles C. Freyer Vice ChairCaroline J. MacKenzie Kennedy Vice ChairDr. Eugene E. Stark, Jr. SecretaryThomas Mahoney TreasurerDavid B. Devan* President

Sandra K. BaldinoWillo CareyKatherine ChristianoDon Cooney Carol S. Eicher Mikael Eliasen Allen R. Freedman Charles C. FreyerBeth W. Glynn Alexander HankinFrederick P. HuffCarole H. Johnson Caroline J. MacKenzie KennedyBeverly Lange, M.D.Peter LeoneThomas MahoneySarah Marshall Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. Immediate Past ChairmanAgnes MulroneyScott F. RichardCarolyn Horn SeidleJonathan H. Sprogell Dr. Eugene E. Stark, Jr.Barbara Augusta Teichert Maria TraftonDonna WechslerKelley Wolfington

Dennis AlterH.F. (Gerry) Lenfest †Stephen A. Madva, Esq. Chairman EmeritusAlan B. MillerAlice W. Strine, Esq.Charlotte Watts

Daniel K. Meyer, M.D.Stephen A. Madva, Esq.James B. StrawC. Christopher CannonAlan B. MillerJack Mulroney †

Board of DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

MEMBERS

HONORARY MEMBERS

PAST CHAIRS

* Ex officio † Deceased

List as of January 2020

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Dear Friends, One tenet of Opera Philadelphia’s mission is that, on behalf of our audiences, we “identify extraordinary artists … and provide opportunities for them to create their most imaginative and inspired work.” This season, we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris’ debut with our company. Corrado has, as Opera News wrote, “presided over a striking evolution at Opera Philadelphia.” He and our outstanding Chorus Master Elizabeth Braden receive—and deserve—plaudits for the world-class music we enjoy today. Yet they would be quick to credit the extraordinary artists of Opera Philadelphia’s Orchestra and Chorus, who have contributed so much to the company’s artistic trajectory. These musicians’ skills took years to develop and must be constantly honed by practice and training. Their work is more taxing—even physically—than one might suppose. On top of that they had to navigate the “gig economy” long before anyone heard of Uber. Corrado’s care for, and fierce pride in, our Orchestra and Chorus may not always shine through his professional demeanor. But the challenges he set this season testify to his confidence in them; and they have amply justified that confidence. In September’s O19 a Baroque-sized contingent brilliantly displayed the crisp intensity required for Handel’s Semele. Then they and a battalion of their colleagues returned the next night and tore up Prokofiev’s The Love of Three Oranges. (We could tell Corrado enjoyed that.) Our Orchestra and Chorus deftly handled the personality-transition between these pieces over nine performances in eleven days. Now we’re about to hear the players, the singers—including our wonderful principals Leah Crocetto, Daniela Mack, Evan LeRoy Johnson, and In-Sung Sim—Liz, and Corrado grapple with the variety and depth of emotions Verdi’s Requiem calls forth. And I can’t wait for Madame Butterfly in the spring. We dedicate these performances to Jack Mulroney, who served as the company’s chairman for nineteen years and who recruited Corrado as our music director. (A tribute to Jack by Opera Philadelphia’s former General & Artistic Director, Robert Driver, appears on pages 14–15 of this program.) At the same time, we offer our great gratitude to Jack’s wife of 46 years Agnes, who has provided us (and me) sage counsel over her many years on our Board, and who has generously underwritten Corrado’s engagement with Opera Philadelphia. Thank you, Jack and Agnes, for making Opera Philadelphia possible. Thanks, as well, to the many other volunteers and donors who have helped us support these extraordinary artists—since that’s largely where your donations go—engage with audiences in our city. As we explore how best to serve artists and audiences in 2020 and beyond, I invite you to join us in following, as you can, the example Jack and Agnes have set for us. With gratitude for your patronage and enthusiasm,

Peter Leone Chairman

From the BOARD CHAIRMAN

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Dear Friends, Welcome back to the Academy of Music for the second half of our 2019-2020 season. This weekend, we inaugurate a new winter tradition at Opera Philadelphia by presenting significant vocal concerts that celebrate the amazing talents of the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus, under the direction of Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris and Chorus Master Elizabeth Braden. We are thrilled to spotlight Maestro Rovaris and the members of the orchestra who we so often hear—but do not see—in this building. In these two performances, they move up from the pit to take center stage alongside our incredible chorus and four very talented soloists. Opera Philadelphia last performed Verdi’s Requiem in 1986. The stage was the Philadelphia Spectrum, former home of the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, and the tenor performing with our orchestra and chorus was the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. A lot has changed in 34 years since that Requiem. We sadly lost Mr. Pavarotti in 2007, and the Spectrum was demolished in 2011, but, amazingly, 15 members of the orchestra and one chorister who performed that Requiem are performing it again this weekend. The four principal singers on our stage have a delightful blend of experience with Verdi and with Philadelphia audiences. Soprano Leah Crocetto graces our stage for the first time since her striking 2015 company and role debuts as Elisabeth de Valois in Verdi’s Don Carlo. Mezzo Daniela Mack returns following her knockout performance in Handel’s Semele, and this is her first time singing Verdi! Daniela is also reunited with her Carmen costar, tenor Evan LeRoy Johnson, while dynamic bass In-Sung Sim joins us for his company debut. These performances, and the many amazing experiences planned for 2020, would not be possible without the support and hard work of so many generous individuals. I extend special thanks to the Opera Philadelphia Board of Directors, the artistic team led by David Levy, the tireless Opera Philadelphia staff, the Academy of Music team led by Anne Ewers, our many patrons and donors, and the entire community that continues to support Opera Philadelphia.

David B. Devan General Director & President@ddevan

From the GENERAL DIRECTOR

R E Q U I E MDedicated to the Memory of Jack Mulroney

Concert Performance

Music / Giuseppe Verdi

Conductor / Corrado RovarisUnderwritten by Mrs. John P. Mulroney

Soprano / Leah CrocettoUnderwritten by Dr. Beverly Lange and Dr. Renato Baserga

Mezzo-soprano / Daniela MackUnderwritten by the many individuals who made

gifts in memory of Ben Alexander

Tenor / Evan LeRoy Johnson

Bass / In-Sung Sim*

Chorus Master / Elizabeth Braden

Stage Manager / Lisa Anderson

*Opera Philadelphia debut

Principal support has been provided by Agnes Mulroney, in loving memory of Jack Mulroney and his 19 years of service to Opera Philadelphia.

The Academy Series is underwritten, in part, by Judy and Peter Leone.

The running time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

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The cellos exhale a hushed, sorrowful groan like someone’s last breath. It’s a sound so quiet, you’re not sure if the performance has started. The full orchestra begins to whisper as the chorus chants “Requiem aeternam” (Grant them eternal rest) devoutly. The men of the chorus declare that hymns will be sung to honor God, but the chorus returns to its reverent plea as the orchestra again mourns soulfully. Then, like a beam of light, the soloists enter, one by one, triumphant, astonished, and in adoration. The music is filled with grandeur as the chorus joins the soloists excitedly, as all continue their prayer

“Kyrie eleison” (Have mercy upon us).

That’s the beginning of Giuseppe Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, a concert work for four soloists, a chorus of 100, and orchestra. While he was not a religious man, Verdi filled this work with emotional impact and religious fervor.

Before penning his own full requiem, Verdi organized the composition of a musical death mass in 1869 in honor of Gioachino Rossini. Twelve other now-obscure Italian composers each

set a section of the text to honor the bel canto master. Due to logistical challenges, the Messa per Rossini was not premiered and feared lost until it was discovered in 1970 by musicologist David Rosen. The premiere of this requiem waited until 1988.

The Messa per Rossini is notable as Verdi composed the final section, Libera Me, which he incorporated and revised for his 1874 Messa da Requiem, the piece you will hear today. Verdi was reluctant to write a requiem mass but reversed his opinion upon the death of one of his favorite writers, Alessandra Manzoni, the author of the classic historical novel, I promessi sposi. Believed to be the most widely read novel in the Italian language, it is said to have helped unify the Italian language from dialects within the various Italian states. Verdi felt that, much like Rossini, Manzoni deserved to be memorialized for the significance of his contributions to Italian culture.

Requiem’s text comes from the Roman Catholic liturgy and is a Mass to honor those who have died. Composers throughout the centuries have turned to this sacred text as a source of inspiration.

Verdi’s Requiem: The Story in the Musicby michael boltonOpera Philadelphia Vice President of Community Initiatives

PROGRAM NOTE

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Most musical settings of the requiem use the text in some fashion, some verbatim and others incorporating other texts to make a statement on death, the afterlife, nationalism, or politics. Many requiems from the past 200 years use orchestra, chorus, and soloists to bring the text to musical life.

It’s no wonder that the dramatic text has been a popular choice for composers to set to music. There are limitless possibilities to explore both the heights of salvation and depths of damnation. Verdi’s Messa da Requiem is almost the opposite of an opera, which has various characters, a plot, sets, and costumes. There are no characters or conflicts needing resolution. The Requiem pulls us in and then holds our attention even without any staging, costumes, or even characters. Verdi does tell a story, with some of the most operatic music ever written. He examines various stages of mourning as our “protagonists,” consisting of soloists, chorus, and orchestra, move through various emotional states – solemnity, grief, fear, anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, denial, desire for salvation, and acceptance. Verdi’s drama unfolds musically and keeps attendees engaged through the very end.

Perhaps the most dramatic moment comes in the last 15 minutes when the soprano has a full operatic scena. The audience lays witness to her internal conflict as she works through her emotions, almost in conversation with a choir filled with celestial angels, purgatorial souls, and full orchestra.

The soprano begins rather desperately, almost angrily demanding that she be rescued from eternal death. By the very end, she has peacefully resigned herself to her own fate. Throughout this final movement of the Requiem, we hear the gamut of emotions: anger, fear, penitence, and piousness. In the end she almost welcomes her own death chanting in the musical purity of the key of C major. The movement is as emotionally exhausting for the audience as it is for the singers.

The orchestra, chorus, and singers tell a story filled with whirlwind emotions

– moving through profound loss, terror, and anger, and ending with a sense of eternal peace – that begins and ends in the same tranquility. While it’s not a typical operatic plot with conflict and resolution, we still have been part of a story all told through music.

Giuseppe Verdi circa 1870

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It is so very appropriate that Opera Philadelphia is honoring the memory of its past President and Chairman, Jack Mulroney, during this production of Verdi’s Requiem, that great musical hymn in honor of the deceased.

It was thirty years ago, in the spring of 1991, that Jack described to me how “an angel appeared before him.” It was a time of great crisis for the opera company, the demise of which appeared inevitable due to a high deficit and drastically reduced ticket sales.

Jack’s angel was not a grand baroque opera “deus ex machina” figure descending from a theatrical heaven to suddenly make all right in Philadelphia’s operatic world; the angel appeared to him across his backyard fence in the form of his neighbor Mel Lashner, a well-known bankruptcy lawyer, who fortified Jack with the knowledge and confidence necessary to embark on the great crusade to save the opera company. Now, thirty years later, we are all witnesses to the magnificent result of Jack’s courageous leadership.

I first met Jack at my final interview in December 1990; he ended the interview with a crisp “I think I can work with you.” When I got home and reported on my meeting with Jack to my wife,

Monica, she said, “He is going to hire you.” Fortunately, she was right. It was the beginning of a wonderful 13-year partnership. From the very outset of our working together I was always comfortable in discussing any business or artistic matter with Jack.

Before the 1999–2000 season, I heard that Jack was approaching retirement. I requested a meeting with Jack, who confirmed his imminent retirement from Rohm and Haas. My opening greeting was something to the effect of

Remembering Jack Mulroneyby robert b. driverFormer General & Artistic Director at Opera Philadelphia, 1991–2012

PROGRAM NOTE

Jack and Agnes Mulroney

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“Congratulations, Jack, but I do not see you on a golf course.”

He agreed, so I went on to propose that he come to the Opera to oversee the company’s business administration. He immediately accepted with pleasure and I added the caveat that, of course, I would not insult him with a financial offer, saying “you won’t be lowering your contribution, will you?” He laughed and said no, he would be doubling it! Thus, Jack became our Executive Director, happily turning the tables and reporting to me. Shortly thereafter I decided we should share responsibility equally. His new position as President gave me the ability to spend more time on artistic matters, but as always, we worked closely together on budgeting and fundraising.

One of Jack’s first missions in his new position was to negotiate the move from our Walnut Street offices to Academy House. It was such a thrill to be able to go through a door on our office level to the rehearsal hall of the Academy of Music. We were really home now!

In our joint “Letter from the Directors” in the April 2004 program for Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, starring Bill Burden as Nadir, Nathan Gunn as Zurga, and Mary Dunleavy as Leila, Jack and I announced the appointment of Maestro Corrado Rovaris as our first Music Director, beginning the coming fall season.

Sadly, Jack would be taken from us on a Friday evening that September, but not before he had sealed the deal

with Maestro Rovaris by telling him “You come and take care of our opera company and we will take care of you and your family.” Opera Philadelphia is so fortunate that Agnes Mulroney immediately stepped forward by joining the Board and securing Jack’s pledge to Maestro Rovaris.

I am eternally grateful that my last business meeting with Jack on that fateful Friday afternoon ended with our joking about how Jack’s operatic fantasy was to be Nathan Gunn in Pearl Fishers, to which I replied “then I must be your best operatic friend Bill Burden as Nadir!”

We had a good laugh, secure in the knowledge that neither of us would be appearing anywhere shirtless and singing.

The sudden loss of Jack came as a terrible shock to his family and to the entire Philadelphia community where he was an important presence. Here again the greater Philadelphia community and Board of Directors came to the rescue. Stephen Madva stepped in as Chairman of the Board, a position he would hold for the next eight years, and the William Penn Foundation funded the search for Jack’s replacement. That intense nationwide search ended with the appointment of David Devan as Executive Director.

Today Opera Philadelphia is in the excellent hands of General Director & President David Devan, Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris, and Board Chairman Peter Leone.

The angels are smiling!

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Corrado Rovarisconductor

Corrado Rovaris made his Opera Philadelphia debut in 1999 and was appointed as the Jack Mulroney Music Director, the company’s first, for its 30th Anniversary Season in 2005.

Born in Bergamo, Italy, Maestro Rovaris graduated from the Conservatory of Milan with degrees in composition, organ, and harpsichord. From 1992 through 1996 he was the Assistant Chorus Master of the Teatro alla Scala and made his debut on the podium with Il filosofo di campagna by Galuppi in a production by Associazione Lirica e Concertistica Italiana.

Celebrated for his vibrant and expressive performances, Maestro Rovaris brings a warm presence to the podium. He opened Opera Philadelphia’s current season with The Love for Three Oranges in Festival O19 and will return to conduct Madame Butterfly this spring. He also conducts Don Pasquale at both the Seville Opera and the New National Theater Tokyo, L’elisir d’amore at the Opéra de Lausanne, and he returns to the Santa Fe Opera this summer to conduct a new production of Il barbiere di Siviglia directed by Stephen Barlow.

Maestro Rovaris was awarded knighthood by the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2015 and the Franco Abbiati Prize in 2016.

Maestro Rovaris’ engagement as the Jack Mulroney Music Director has been made possible by Mrs. John P. Mulroney.

Elizabeth Bradenchorus master

Elizabeth Braden is Chorus Master at Opera Philadelphia, a position she has held since the 2004–2005 season. During her tenure she has prepared the chorus for more than 40 productions, ranging from traditional favorites like La bohème and Carmen, to new works and world premieres including Kevin Puts’ Silent Night, Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain, and Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking the Waves. In 2017 she made her Opera Philadelphia conducting debut with the world premiere of David Hertzberg’s The Wake World. Earlier this season she prepared the choruses for two Festival O19 productions, The Love for Three Oranges and Semele, and she will again prepare the chorus for Madame Butterfly later this spring. Ms. Braden is also the conductor of the Penn Chorale at the University of Pennsylvania. She recently made her debut as the conductor of this ensemble with a concert that included works by Melissa Dunphy and Samuel Barber. Ms. Braden has prepared choruses for opera productions at The Curtis Institute of Music, most recently a production of Sweeney Todd, and served for many years as Director of Music at Wallingford Presbyterian Church. She has led the choir in concerts of such works as the Fauré Requiem, Duruflé Requiem, and Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. Ms. Braden received a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University with a concentration in piano and voice, and a M.M. in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College.

ARTISTS

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Leah Crocetto sopranoUnderwritten by Dr. Beverly Lange and Dr. Renato Baserga Adrian, Michigan2015 Don Carlorecent: Leonora, Il trovatore, Seattle Opera; Soprano, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, Los Angeles Philharmonic; Desdemona, Otello, Washington National Operanext: Aida, Aida, Opera Australia

ARTISTS

Evan LeRoy Johnson tenorPine Island, Minnesota

2019 La bohème; 2018 Carmen recent: Cassio, Otello, Bavarian State Opera;

Prince, Rusalka, Glyndebourne; Don José, Carmen, Oper Frankfurtnext: Edgardo, Lucia di Lammermoor, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Daniela Mack mezzo-sopranoUnderwritten by the many individuals who made gifts in memory of Ben Alexander Buenos Aires, Argentina2019 Semele; 2018 Carmen; 2017 Elizabeth Creerecent: Rosina, The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera; Soloist, Messiah, National Symphony Orchestra; Charlotte, Werther, Florida Grand Opera next: Rosina, The Barber of Seville, Palm Beach Opera

In-Sung Sim bassYeo-Su Jeon-Nam, South Korea

Opera Philadelphia debutrecent: Lodovico, Otello, The Royal Opera, London; Fiesco, Simon

Boccanegra, Israeli Opera; Timur, Turandot, Teatro Comunale di Bolognanext: Raimondo, Lucia di Lammermoor, The Royal Opera, London

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VIOLIN 1Dayna Hepler, ConcertmasterIgor Szwec, Asst ConcertmasterMeichen Liao BarnesCharles ParkerDiane BarnettDonna GranthamElizabeth KaderabekTess VarleyPeter Filochowski PalysRebecca AnselNatasha ColkettCatherine Kei FukudaGared CrawfordMadison MarcucciBrandon GarbotLisa Vaupel

VIOLIN IIEmma Kummrow, PrincipalPaul ReiserSarah DuBoisHeather Zimmerman Messé Luigi MazzocchiSamantha CrawfordRebecca HarrisJoseph KauffmanAndrea LevineYu-Hui Tamae LeeSeula LeeAlexandra Cutler-FetkewiczJennifer LeeChristof Richter

VIOLAJonathan Kim, PrincipalCarol Briselli, Asst PrincipalJulia DiGaetaniEllen TrainerElizabeth Jaffe

Ruth FrazierYoshihiko NakanoJuliette JavaheriKathleen FosterSteven HeitlingerHannah NicholasRenee Warnick

CELLOBranson Yeast, PrincipalVivian Barton Dozor, Asst PrincipalJennie LorenzoBrooke BeazleyDavid MoultonGlenn FischbachRose BartJean KimElizabeth ThompsonDavid Jang

BASSMiles B. Davis, PrincipalAnne PetersonStephen GroatDaniel McDougallBrent EdmondsonDouglas MappHeather LardinFred Weiss

FLUTE David Cramer, PrincipalEileen GryckyKimberly Trolier

OBOE Geoffrey Deemer, PrincipalNick Masterson

CLARINET John Diodati, PrincipalAllison Herz

BASSOON Erik Höltje, PrincipalEmeline ChongJon GaarderDarryl Hartshorne

FRENCH HORN John David Smith, PrincipalAngela Cordell BilgerKaren SchubertRyan Stewart

TRUMPET Brian Kuszyk, PrincipalSteven HeitzerFrank FerraroRobert Skoniczin

TROMBONE Robert Gale, PrincipalEdward CascarellaPhil McClelland

TUBA Paul Erion, Principal

TIMPANI Martha Hitchins, Principal

PERCUSSION Ralph Sorrentino, Principal

BANDA: TRUMPET Andrew KisslingEric SchweingruberThomas CookDarin Kelly

ORCHESTRA The Opera Philadelphia Orchestra is underwritten by Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs., and by Caroline Mackenzie Kennedy.

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SOPRANO Erin AlcornJennifer AllenbyAmy L. ArmstrongAbigail ChapmanVeronica Chapman-SmithSheryl Heather CohenNatalie Dewey Rachel DoehringValerie V. GaySuzanne GeraceNoël Graves-WilliamsValerie Haber Evan KardonCara LathamCarole LatimerKelsey LewisJessica Matthews Jorie MossKara Mulder Jessica Mary MurphyChristine Nass Aimee PilgermayerEvelyn Santiago Rachel SigmanAmy Spencer Julie Snyder

ALTO Tanisha AndersonJennifer BeattieRobin BierMarissa Chalker Patricia Conrad Annalise DzwonczykJoanna GatesEve HyzerHeather JonesLauren Kelly Heidi Kurtz

Megan McFaddenMeghan McGintyMargaret MezzacappaMaren Montalbano Natasha NelsonBeatrice OsborneEllen Grace PetersPaula Rivera-Dantagnan Rebecca RoyKarina N. SweeneyKaitlyn Tierney

TENOR Benjamin T. BermanCorey Don BonarDaveed BuzagloSang B. Cho Matthew CoulesJosh EflinStephen DagrosaChristopher HodsonChristopher HosterSteven HumesMichael JonesA. Edward Maddison Fernando MancillasCortlandt MatthewsNathaniel McEwenToffer Mihalka Siddhartha MisraAlex MorenoChristopher Paul SierraGeorge Ross SomervilleHayden SmithDaniel Taylor Tyler TejadaKevin VondrakCory O’Niell WalkerSteven Williamson

BASS Gregory CantwellJeff ChapmanLucas DeJesusMichael EberhardMatthew FisherMatthew Adam FleisherKreg GodfreyJames Osby Gwathney, Jr.Mark HightowerChris HodgesMark HosseiniSteven E. HyderMatthew MaisanoMark MalacheskyBrenton Mattox-ScottJohn MeyerJohn David Miles Frank Mitchell Cody MüllerRobert Phillips Josef SamargiaPeter SchertzAnthony SharpTim Stopper D’quan Isaiah TysonJackson Williams

CHORUS

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ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION STAFF Assistant Chorus Master...................................................................Robert WhalenPrincipal Pianist...............................................................................Grant LoehnigAssistant Librarian............................................................................Nathan LoftonSupertitles Author..........................................................Chadwick Creative Arts, LLC Supertitles Operator.............................................................................Tony SolitroTechnical Director.......................................................................Stephen DickersonHead Props..........................................................................................Paul LodesHead Electrician............................................................................Ali Blair BarwickFlyman...............................................................................................Steve Wolff

Opera Philadelphia thanks the following labor organizations whose members, artists, craftsmen, and craftswomen greatly contribute to our performances:

American Federation of Musicians / Local 77American Guild of Musical Artists / The American Guild of Musical Artists, the union of professional singers, dancers, and production personnel in opera, ballet, and concert, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, represents the Artists and Staging Staff for all purposes of collective bargaining.International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees / Local 8Theatrical Wardrobe Union / Local 799, I.A.T.S.E.United Scenic Artists / Local 829, I.A.T.S.E.Box Office and Front of House Employees Union / Local B29, I.A.T.S.E.Highway Truck Drivers and Helpers / Local 107, Teamsters

A Commitment to Safety: The safety and comfort of visitors, artists, volunteers, and staff at the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Merriam Theater are of paramount importance. In the event of an emergency, audience members will be advised of appropriate procedures by ushers and security staff. At this time, please take note of the exit nearest you. A red, illuminated EXIT sign should be visible, with an arrow indicating the direction of the exit door. Should an emergency arise, you will be directed to leave the auditorium and further instructions will be provided as to the safest and quickest way to exit the building. Patrons who need special assistance should contact an usher. Smoking is prohibited on the Kimmel Center campus. Accessibility: The Academy of Music is wheelchair accessible from the east lobby entrance on Broad Street. Seating is available on the Parquet and Balcony levels, with accessible restrooms located on the Canteen level. Assistive listening devices are available for loan. A limited number of ADA-compliant parking spaces are available in the Kimmel Center garage. Coat Check & Restrooms: A complimentary coat check is located on the ground floor of the Academy of Music. Restrooms are located on all levels of the Academy of Music. Food and Beverage: Concessions by Chef Jose Garces and Garces Group are available to Academy of Music and Merriam patrons at satellite bars located in the lobbies and upper levels. Water fountains are located on all levels of the Academy of Music.

FACILITIES

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The

PICTUREof

GIVING

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Without you, the picture of giving remains incomplete. Curtains remain closed, arias are unsung, and potential is unrealized. But your generosity kindles a passion for opera so powerful,

it reverberates down Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, through every city block.

P I C T U R E O P E R A . O R G

To

S TAGEits groundbreaking

F E S T I V A L&

S E A S O N A L L I N E U P

along with community and educational programs

O P E R A P H I L A D E L P H I A

relies on annual donations from generous patrons like you.

What can you

G I V ET O D AY

that will make all the difference tomorrow?

With YOU the show WILL go on.

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Opera Philadelphia gratefully acknowledges the individuals and institutions whose support allows us to stage our groundbreaking festival and seasonal lineup, and to share programs that encourage civic dialogue and enhance arts education. With you the show will go on.

L E A D E R S H I P C I R C L E $1,000,000 +Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino Judy and Peter Leone Mrs. John P. Mulroney Barbara Augusta Teichert The William Penn Foundation Wyncote Foundation

$500,000–$999,999Judith Durkin Freyer and Charles C. Freyer The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Disosway Foundation, Inc. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation The Wallace Foundation

$200,00–$499,999Mr. John R. Alchin and Mr. Hal Marryatt John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Dr. Heidi L. Kolberg and Dr. F. Joshua Barnett Carolyn Horn Seidle Jean and Gene Stark Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation

$100,000–$199,999Anonymous (2) Katherine and Andrew ChristianoFEDORA–GENERALI Prize for Opera 2019 David Haas Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Huff Karma Agency Ms. Caroline J. Mackenzie Kennedy The Lenfest Foundation Mr. Thomas Mahoney Sarah and Brad Marshall Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs. Charlotte and Bob Watts

C H A I R M A N ’ S C O U N C I L $50,000–$99,999Mr. Peter A. Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey Mr. Allen D. Black and Mr. R. Randolph Apgar Ady L. Djerassi, M.D., and Robert Golub, M.D. Beth and Gary Glynn Hamilton Family Charitable Trust William Randolph Hearst Foundation Independence Foundation Donald and Gay Kimelman Dr. Beverly Lange and Dr. Renato Baserga OPERA America Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

PNC The Presser Foundation Scott F. Richard and Mamie Duff Dr. Renée Rollin Robert L. Turner

$25,000–$49,999Anonymous Cunningham Piano Company Carol S. Eicher Eugene Garfield Foundation Allen R. and Judy Brick Freedman Venture Fund for New Opera Linda and David Glickstein The Dorrance H. Hamilton Charitable Lead Trust Mark and Helene Hankin Family Mazzotti/Kelly Fund-BBH of The Philadelphia Foundation Nancy and Al Hirsig Feather O. Houstoun Mrs. Sheila Kessler Joel and Sharon Koppelman Carol and Howard Lidz Estate of Sonja E. Lopatynskyj Jacqueline Badger Mars National Endowment for the Arts Ellen Steiner Andrew J. Martin-Weber Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wechsler Wells Fargo Foundation

Opera Philadelphia’s Leadership Circle and Chairman’s Council members are committed to ensuring that the future of opera is right here in Philadelphia. Their collective generosity underwrites more than half of Opera Philadelphia’s artistic expenses each season.

CAROLINE J . MAC KENZIE KENNEDYDEVE LOPMENT COMMIT TEE CHA I R

For more information, contact Eva James Toia, Director of Major Gifts, at 215.893.5906 or etoia@operaphila.org.

L E A D E R S H I P G I V I N G

For more information, contact Rebecca Ackerman, Director of Individual Giving and Advancement Services, at 215.893.5904 or ackerman@operaphila.org.

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G E N E R A L D I R E C T O R ’ S C O U N C I L$15,000–$24,999 Anonymous Myron and Sheila S. Bassman Connelly Foundation Dianne and Don Cooney Thomas P. Gallagher Gray Charitable Trust The Samuel P. Mandell Foundation The McLean Contributionship David and Susan Rattner Dr. Elida Rouby Katie Adams Schaeffer and Tony Schaeffer Howard and Sarah D. Solomon Foundation Mr. Jonathan H. Sprogell and Ms. Kathryn Taylor Kenneth Swimm

Universal Health Services Wells Fargo Private Bank

$10,000–$14,999 Anonymous (2) Ira Brind and Stacey Spector Mark and Peggy Curchack Ms. Joan DeJean David B. Devan and Rev. David A. Dubbeldam Glenmede Trust Company Jeffrey R. Jowett William Lake Leonard, Esq. Anne Leone and Daniel Ludwig In memory of Joseph G. LeoneMr. William A. Loeb Tracy and Pascal Maeter Mr. and Mrs. James M. Matarese Dean and Zoë Pappas Family FoundationThe Philadelphia Cultural Fund

Louise and Alan Reed Mrs. Linda Richardson Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rollins Bud and Betty Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sheller Robert V. Taglieri and Timothy J. Moir Mrs. Ethel Benson Wister Mrs. Kelly Wolfington in honor of Richard I. Wolfington, Sr. Kelley Wolfington and Richard Wolfington, Jr.

ALICE STR INE AND DON COONEYCO -CHA IRS

For more information, contact Rebecca Ackerman, Director of Individual Giving and Advancement Services, at 215.893.5904 or ackerman@operaphila.org.

Members of the General Director’s Council play a pivotal role in the future of Opera Philadelphia. Council members may align their support with areas of special interest, such as sponsoring Emerging Artists, supporting community programming that furthers arts education, or funding Opera Philadelphia’s innovative new works.

You complete the Picture of Giving.

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Clockwise from top: Andrew Wechsler and Anna Fre with Board member Donna Wechsler and Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris; Board member Caroline Mackenzie Kennedy (left) with Ric and Mindee Harris; Board member Sarah Marshall and Brad Marshall; General Director's Council member Lorraine Alexander with Board member Agnes Mulroney; Board Chairman Peter Leone with Board member Maria Trafton and Jack Trafton.

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Clockwise from top: Leadership Circle members John Alchin and Hal Marryatt (center left and right) with Peter and Molly Kiriacoulacos and General Director and President David B. Devan; Leadership Circle member Dudley Johnson with Elaine and Ken Kirby, Leadership Circle member Gary Glynn, and Board member Carole Johnson; Board member Kathy Christiano and Drew Christiano with Leadership Circle members Rafael Gomez and Frederick Haas; Ospite ambassador Robin Angly with Pheobe Coles and Pheobe Barnard.

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$7,500–$9,999 Anonymous (2) Mr. John Aglialoro and Ms. Joan Carter The Bellevue Hotel Mr. and Mrs. Julian A. Brodsky Dr. Stanley Muravchick and Ms. Arlene Olson Tom and Jody O’Rourke Suzanne and Robert Welsh

$5,000–$7,499 Anonymous (2) Mrs. Carolyn Aller Alpin J. and Alpin W. Cameron Memorial Fund Ms. Robin Angly and Mr. Miles Smith Drs. Jean and Robert Belasco Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bergen Robert Bryan and Julie J. Bryan Dr. Lamberto and Barbara Donnelly Bentivoglio Drs. Bruce and Toby Eisenstein Dr. Frank F. Furstenberg and Ms. Nina Segre † Thomas S. Heckman and Mary Jo Ashenfelter Ms. Mariko Ikehara and Mr. Jeffrey P. Cunard Mr. Kenneth Klothen and Ms. Eve Biskind

Liddy and John Lindsay Dr. and Mrs. Michael B. Love Mr. James P. Macelderry and Ms. Marilyn S. Fishman Susan and Graham McDonald Leonard Mellman and Deborah GlassMr. and Mrs. R. Anderson Pew Dr. and Mrs. Joel Porter Eileen RosenauBud and Betty Shapiro Drs. Richard and Rhonda Soricelli Jill and William Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. James B. Straw Peter † and Jeralyn SvandaMr. Vince Tseng and Mr. Geoffrey Mainland Victory Foundation Laura A. Williamson Ms. Linda Wingate and Dr. William Liberi Robert and Christine Winn Mr. Robert Zimet

$3,500–$4,999 Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Bohn Georgyn G. Fest Joan and Frederick Cohen Mr. and Mrs. William A. Graham, IV

Bruce and Robin Herndon Ms. Rhoda K. Herrold Terri and Thomas Klein Anne Silvers Lee and Wynn Lee Carol A. Westfall

$2,500–$3,499 Anonymous (2) Brett and Nan Altman Lydia Alvarez in memory of Isabelle Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Paul Anderson Ms. Susan Asplundh Eileen Baird Harlow R. Case Dr. Claire Boasi Beaty Bock and Jonathan Miller Mr. Michael F. Cade and Mr. Mayron Lizardo Lopez Ruiz Drs. Judith and Jeffrey Carpenter Mr. Mark Cornish Dr. Frank Craparo Tobey and Mark Dichter Mark Duckett and Stan Gaddy Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Fanelli, Jr. Arthur F. FergusonEduardo Glandt and George Ritchie

The Patron Program is comprised of committed opera enthusiasts whose collective generosity provides vital support for Opera Philadelphia’s productions and community programs.

Patrons enjoy access to VIP benefits in the opera house including champagne intermission receptions and a VIP coat check, as well as invitations to exclusive events throughout the season, and priority ticketing services.

DONNA WEC HSLERCHA IR

Official Sponsor,

Patron Program

PAT R O N P R O G R A M

25For more information, contact Rebecca Ackerman, Director of Individual Giving and Advancement Services, at 215.893.5904 or ackerman@operaphila.org.

What does the future sound like?

Stanley Goldfarb M.D. Joan and William Goldstein Ms. Juliet J. Goodfriend and Dr. Marc R. MoreauMs. Carolyn L. Green and Mr. Michael T. Blakeney Dr. and Mrs. Henry J. Greenwood and Ms. Marilyn Greenwood Dr. and Mrs. Leonid Hrebien Ms. Lisa R. Jacobs Dr. and Mrs. Peter M. Joseph Mr. and Mrs. John Karamatsoukas Mr. Matthew Karstetter and Ms. Ellen Rosenberg Mr. Gilbert Klein Abelardo Lechter and Lynne Lechter, Esq. Ellen Berman Lee Fran and Leon L. Levy

Mr. and Mrs. Norman M. McCausland Dwight and Christina McCawley Shelley McGehee Mr. Joseph A. McNally and Ms. Christine Lindstrom Helen E. PettitDr. Alessandro Pocai Mr. and Mrs. Bert Redgrave Dr. David J. Richards Ms. Susan Rock Dr. Joel Rosenbloom Mr. David Sacker and Ms. Darcy Hayes Joyce Seewald Sando Mr. and Mrs. Curtis E. Sawyer Dr. and Mrs. Richard N. Taxin Tech Impact Mr. Kim D. Tomlinson and Dr. Laura Stanton

David Tran and Shawn Leavitt The Rev. and Mrs. Richard L. Ullman Laurie Wagman in memory of Irvin J. BorowskyPeter J. Wender Dr. Leah Whipple Mr. Thomas E. Wiener

† Deceased

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Even when every seat in the house sells out, this dazzling blend of theatrical, orchestral, and vocal splendor requires considerable support from within our community.

Play an active role in bringing great opera to Philadelphia while enjoying exclusive benefits that enhance your opera experience when you make a membership gift of $100 or more.

M E M B E R S E N J O Y : • Early access and savings on ticket purchases • Invitations to member-only recitals and lectures • Behind-the-scenes events like dress rehearsals and backstage tours • And much more!

$1,000–$2,499 Anonymous (3) Sarah Alderfer Eugene and Virginia Beier Mr. Peter A. Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey in memory of Benjamin Alexander Ms. Ellen S. Berelson, Ph.D. and Mr. Lawrence Franks Mrs. Joanne Berwind Ms. Susan Bienkowski Ms. Andrea Biondo Drs. Deidre and Michael Blank Judith and William Bollinger Nancy and George Brodie Elizabeth A. R. and Ralph S. Brown, Jr. Mrs. Elaine Camarda William B. Carey Rick and Flo Celender Ms. Michelle Davidson Anna Marie DeVito Mrs. Ineke M. Dikland Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Robert and Monica Driver Barbara Eberlein and Jerry Wind Dave R. Eder Ms. Ester G. Fox in memory of Benjamin Alexander Mr. Timothy Fraser Stephanie French Jim and Kay Gately Stephen and Susan Garza Mr. Andrew R. Gelber in memory of Sylvia Gelber

Ms. Phyllis S. Gitlin Deborah E. Glass Mr. Donald A. Hamme, III and Dr. Christina Gregory David and Ann Harrison, Esqs. Dr. Mark Hemling and Mr. John Marazzo Ms. Susan M. Hendrickson, Esq. Ms. Susan Henry Drs. Christina L. and Richard J. Herring Laura and Bernard Jacobson Gene Kaufman and Terry Eder-Kaufman Corey Kinger Ms. Laura LaRosa Cheryl Lawson and Jennifer Higdon Robert and Elizabeth Legnini Mr. Joseph J. Leube, Jr. Maribeth and Steven Lerner Mr. and Mrs. David Levy Merle and Marvin Levy Jeremiah and Leslie Marks Edward and Roberta Martin Mr. John Mastrobattista Drs. Joseph and Jane McGowan William Merritt and Karen Mileti Alan Muchler / Ronald Andrews Michael Mullen Dr. and Mrs. Michael Naidoff Dr. and Mrs. A. H. Nishikawa Denise and Volker Oakey Kate Olver and Jeremy Young Mr. and Mrs. Mario Palumbi

W. Larz Pearson and Rick Trevino Mrs. Zoë S. Pappas Ms. Jane G. Pepper Ms. Jane DiRenzo Pigott Dr. Maya Ponte Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rubenstein The Rev. Canon Dr. Alan K. Salmon Nancy and Barry Sanders Ms. Sherrie Raiken Savett Anne Faulkner Schoemaker Henry and Yumi Scott Dr. Cecilia Segawa Seigle Michael Jay Skloff Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Smith George R. Smith Mr. Joseph and Dr. Detta Tate Eva and John ToiaPenelope and Thomas Watkins Kathleen and Nicholas Weir Mr. Thomas C. Woodward Christine G. Yoon

VIVACE Ambassadors Sarah AlderferAlexander HankinBrian HyltonRaheem GhouseDeependra LoganiElena ShomosZachary SmithClint WalkerKelly Zhou

M E M B E R S H I P

For more information, contact Guest Services at 215.732.8400 or membership@operaphila.org.

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Anonymous (5)Lorraine and Ben † AlexanderEleanor M. Allen †Mary Jo Ashenfelter and Thomas S. Heckman Mr. Kenneth H. BarrMyron and Sheila S. BassmanMr. and Mrs. Robert BergenMs. Jane A. BerrymanDr. Claire BoasiDr. Rita B. BocherMrs. Sheila BuckleyConstance G. Burton †Dr. and Mrs. Elaine Cassalia †Dr. Maria Elisa Ciavarelli †Miss Lucy ClemensJoan and Frederick CohenDianne and Don CooneyMr.† and Mrs. Arthur CovelloMs. Ginny L. CoyleMr. W. Kenneth Cressman and Mr. Lloyd ChristyMs. Joan DeJeanMs. Virginia Del Sordo †Robert and Monica DriverEddie and Rachel EitchesMr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Fanelli, Jr.Ms. Joanne D. Fidler †Aron and Joan Fisher Ms. Harriet Forman †

Judith Durkin Freyer and Charles C. FreyerMr. Timothy V. GardockiMs. Sylvia Green †Dr. Mark H. Haller †Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton †Gail HauptfuhrerStephen T. JanickJeffrey R. JowettMrs. Sheila KesslerMr. Michael KnightMr. Tom LaportaAnne Silvers Lee and Wynn LeeGabriele LeeMarguerite and Gerry † LenfestMrs. Renee T. Levin †Karen and Michael LewisCarol and Howard LidzMr. William A. LoebSonja E. Lopatynskyj †Mr. Larry Thomas MahoneyDrs. Joseph and Jane McGowan Eugene C. Menegon †Mrs. Lois MeyersMrs. Ellen Cole Miller †Mr. Siddhartha MisraMrs. Naomi Montgomery † Constance C. MooreMsgr. Felix M. O’Neill †Helen PettitMr. William Reily †

Dr. Scott F. RichardMr. Laurence T. Robbins †Dr. Renée RollinJeffrey and Kendell SaundersMr. and Mrs. Morton F. Steelman †Ms. Lee SteinbergMs. Ellen SteinerMr. Kenneth R. SwimmCharlotte WattsDr. and Mrs. Andrew WechslerEster C. Weil †Mr. George P. White †Drs. Anne and Jim WilliamsonRichard and Kelley Wolfington

† Deceased

List as of January 2020

There are many ways you can help Opera Philadelphia now and in the future. If the Opera has played a significant role in your life, we encourage you to ensure our future by making a gift to Opera Philadelphia in your will or estate plan and joining our Legato Society. Informing us of your intentions allows us to recognize your generosity today as well as plan for the future.

For more information, contact Rebecca Ackerman, Director of Individual Giving and Advancement Services, at 215.893.5904 or ackerman@operaphila.org.

C HARLES C . FREYERCHA IR

How will you be remembered?

L E G AT O S O C I E T Y

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P L A N N E D G I V I N G S P O T L I G H T

Our Opera Legacy by donna wechsler

It was 22 years ago that my husband Andy and I moved to a city that had opera as one of its cultural gems. As is often the case, you don’t know what you are missing until you have found it. Opera Philadelphia was our first commitment to this remarkable art form. A recreational pursuit soon gave way to a passion to make sure that the legacy of opera in Philadelphia is preserved. My many years on the Opera Philadelphia Board of Directors and our persistent support signifies our commitment to this goal.

Our love for opera was developed in Philadelphia but now our opera experience is wide-reaching, and we have been fortunate to attend performances in North America, and Eastern and Western Europe. Perhaps our strangest episode was hearing Rigoletto sung in Italian with Czech supertitles. However, Opera Philadelphia is home and it is at its performances that we experience beauty, joy, sadness, and awe. We are honored to be connected to the artists that perform here and the amazing staff that makes it all work.

Our lives have been enriched by the wonderful collection of singers, musicians, and composers who are part of Opera Philadelphia’s family. We want to do our part to ensure that Opera Philadelphia

will have a legacy and that its family and influence will continue to grow. To that end, we have made a generous commitment as part of our own legacy in the hope that it will allow Opera Philadelphia to continue to enchant future generations, to evolve and to achieve its full potential now and in the years to come.

Donna Wechsler with Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris

Opera Philadelphia Board of Directors and Legato Society Member

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Brand Communications Partner

Official Piano Service Provider

Official Piano

Season Media Partner

Season Media Partner

Preferred Hotel

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, EITC contributions, or to join Opera Philadelphia’s Corporate Council, contact Vanyah Harrigan, Manager of

Institutional Giving, at 215.893.5932 or harrigan@operaphila.org.

Official Sponsor, Patron Program

Festival Media Partner

C O R P O R AT E C O U N C I L

The Corporate Council generously supports Opera Philadelphia’s artistic and educational programming through contributions and in-kind donations.

S E A S O N S P O N S O R S

E I T C A P P R O V E D The Opera is a recognized Educational Improvement Organization, eligible for EITC

C O R P O R AT E C O U N C I L S P O N S O R S

Affairs To Be RememberedBallard Spahr LLPCenter City Film and VideoCRW Graphics

Glenmede Trust Company PECOPNC Tech Impact

Termini Bros. BakeryUniversal Health Services Xfinity

30 OPERAPHILA .ORG/VIVACE

VIVACEJoin Opera P hiladelphia’s community for

young professionals with a membership gif t, season pass, or single ticket purchase!

31

VIVACEJoin Opera P hiladelphia’s community for

young professionals with a membership gif t, season pass, or single ticket purchase!

LEADERSHIPDavid B. Devan, General Director & PresidentCorrado Rovaris, Jack Mulroney Music DirectorMichael Bolton, Vice President of Community InitiativesDavid Levy, Vice President of Artistic OperationsFrank Luzi, Vice President of Marketing & CommunicationsJeremiah Marks, Chief Financial OfficerRachel McCausland, Vice President of DevelopmentKen Smith, Chief of StaffLawrence Brownlee, Artistic AdvisorMikael Eliasen, Artistic Advisor

MUSICMichael Eberhard, Artistic AdministratorSarah Williams, New Works AdministratorElizabeth Braden, Chorus Master & Music AdministratorJ. Robert Loy, Director of Orchestra Personnel Grant Loehnig, Head of Music StaffRobert Whalen, Assistant Chorus MasterNathan Lofton, Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager & Librarian

PRODUCTIONJohn Toia, Director of Production Drew Billiau, Director of Design & TechnologyStephen Dickerson, Technical DirectorMillie Hiibel, Costume DirectorMeggie Scache Eltz, Production ManagerLisa Anderson, Production Stage ManagerKatie Holloway, Assistant Costume DirectorBridget A. Cook, Artistic Operations Coordinator

COMMUNITY INITIATIVESVeronica Chapman-Smith, Manager of Out of School Time Initiatives

MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & GUEST SERVICESMichael Knight, Director of Guest ServicesKarina Kacala, Director of Advertising & PromotionsShannon Eblen, Communications ManagerSteven Humes, Manager of Audience DevelopmentKatie Kelley, Design ManagerAli Haegele, Graphic DesignerSiddhartha Misra, Lead Guest Services AssociateCatherine Perez, VIP Services Coordinator Marissa Chalker, Hannah Moloshok, Guest Services Associates Karma Agency, Brand Communications Partner21C Media Group, National Media Representatives

DEVELOPMENTRebecca Ackerman, Director of Individual Giving & Advancement ServicesDerren Mangum, Director of Institutional GivingAdele Mustardo, Director of EventsEva James Toia, Director of Major Gifts Aisha Wiley, Director of ResearchRachel Mancini, Leadership Giving AdministratorVanyah Harrigan, Manager of Institutional Giving EboniJoi McNeill, Development Services Coordinator

FINANCEBrian Ramos, ControllerBethany Sellers, Director of HR & Operations

COUNSELBallard Spahr, LLP, General Counsel

Opera PhiladelphiaADMINISTRATION

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UpNEXT

PUCC IN I

MADAME BUTTERFLYApril 24–May 3, 2020 | Academy of Music

The famous tragedy of the young geisha Cio-Cio San and the American naval officer who pursues, then betrays, her is given a fresh perspective for today’s audiences. Discover the musical masterpiece from Cio-Cio San’s point of view as she transforms from an object of lust to a fully realized woman, wife, and mother. Grounded in the original historical setting of the mid-19th century, Puccini’s achingly beautiful score, conducted by Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris, now soars above a modern-day commentary on power dynamics and western exploitation.

Ted Huffman (Denis & Katya) directs the production described by Opera News as “a treasure that will provide fond memories for a long time.” Soprano Eri Nakamura, “a wonderfully characterful

singer” (Gramophone) makes her company and role debut as Cio-Cio San, and Bryan Hymel (2012’s La bohème) returns to Opera Philadelphia in the role of Lt. Pinkerton.

“Outstanding” tenor (Opera Magazine) Julius Ahn, last seen at Opera Philadelphia in Turandot, portrays Goro. Both making company debuts, baritone Anthony Clark Evans, a Grand Finals Winner at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, sings Sharpless, and mezzo Kristen Choi reprises her “warm and lovely Suzuki” (Washington Post). Wei Wu, a top prize-winner in the Taiwan Vocal Competition, portrays Bonze, and “promising lyric baritone” Takaoki Onishi (Opera News) takes on the role of Prince Yamadori.

T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O WOPERAPH I LA .ORG | 215 .732 .8400

The Academy Series is underwritten, in part, by Judy and Peter Leone.