2013 - 2014 Annual Report | Opera Philadelphia

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WRITTEN BY FRANK LUZ I | DES IGNED BY THE KARMA AGENCY | PR INTED BY CRW GRAPHICS

“Things are looking up, operatically speaking, in the City of Brotherly Love.”

O P E R A N E W S

“Opera Philadelphia has become the most skillful calibrator of populist appetites and the need of the art form to progress.”

T H E P H I L A D E L P H I A I N Q U I R E R

“From the formerly traditional grand opera company comes an opera production engine with a multi-stranded approach.”

W R T I - F M

ON THE COVER: Alfredo Tejada as Ramón Ruiz Alonso in Ainadamar. Photo by Kelly & Massa

Audience members enjoyed a Balkan wedding reception following performances

of Svadba-Wedding. Photo by Dominic Mercier.

B O A R D o f D I R E C T O R S

O F F I C E R S

DANIEL K. MEYER, M.D.Chairman

DAVID B. DEVAN*President

FREDERICK P. HUFFVice Chair

JOEL M. KOPPELMANVice Chair

ALICE W. STRINE, ESQ.Vice Chair

SCOTT F. RICHARDSecretary

THOMAS MAHONEYTreasurer

STEPHEN A. MADVA, ESQ.Chairman Emeritus

C O M M I T T E E C H A I R S

JOEL M. KOPPELMANBranding

WILLO CAREYCommunity Engagement

JONATHAN H. SPROGELLFinance

FREDERICK P. HUFFGovernance

PETER LEONEInstitutional Advancement

M E M B E R S

Benjamin Alexander Sandra K. Baldino F. Joshua Barnett, M.D., J.D. Willo Carey Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq. Ady L. Djerassi, M.D. Ehab Hammad Mark Hankin Frederick P. Huff Caroline Kennedy Joel M. Koppelman Beverly Lange, M.D. Ellen Berman Lee Gabriele W. Lee Peter Leone Stephen A. Madva, Esq. Thomas Mahoney Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. Agnes Mulroney Scott F. Richard Harold Rosenbluth Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D. Jonathan H. Sprogell James B. Straw Alice W. Strine, Esq. Kenneth R. Swimm Maria J. Trafton Charlotte Watts Donna Wechsler

H O N O R A R Y M E M B E R S

Dennis AlterAlan B. Miller H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest

Photo by Dominic Mercier

* Ex officio

It was perhaps the most exciting and varied season in the company’s history, beginning with the grandeur of Verdi’s Nabucco in the Academy of Music, then shifting to the intimate American Premiere of Svadba-Wedding at the new FringeArts theater. In February, we returned to the Academy for a stunning production of Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar, and in March we were treated to the Curtis Opera Theatre’s emotional rendering of Dialogues of the Carmelites in the Aurora Series at the Perelman Theater.

The variety of excellent experiences continued with an April production of Mozart’s classic Don Giovanni at the Academy, followed immediately by a May co-production of Salome in Verizon Hall with The Philadelphia Orchestra. In June, we wrapped the season in style with the East Coast Premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon’s new chamber opera, A Coff in in Egypt, starring the legendary Frederica von Stade.

It was an ambitious season, one in which we brought even more operatic experiences to a variety of audiences through our annual Opera on the Mall broadcast, by hosting an international simulcast of Tod Machover’s robot opera Death and the Powers at The Franklin Institute, by staging scenes from operas being written by our Composers in Residence at an event titled Double Exposure, by participating in community concerts like Make Music Philly and the annual Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day at the Kimmel Center, and by serving more than 5,000 schoolchildren throughout the region with in-school programs.

That ambitious artistic vision was spotlighted in the March issue of the opera industry’s leading publication, Opera News. In an extensive article, the magazine hailed Opera Philadelphia’s arrival as a national center of operatic excellence and vitality. As the article states, “One would think it’s impossible to find such an exciting opera company in such close proximity to New York. But this one seems to be defying the force of gravity.”

How does an opera company defy gravity? It does it with inspired leadership, dedicated staff, talented artists, strong strategic partners, an opera-loving community, and a family of devoted philanthropic supporters. Your patronage is what has enabled us to imagine a future for opera that is vibrant and relevant, and we cannot thank you enough.

In the pages ahead, we present our 2013-2014 Annual Report. It is both a look back at the excitement of our 39th Season and a look ahead at what the 40th Anniversary Season and beyond has in store for those of us who love opera in Philadelphia.

Best Regards,

Daniel K. Meyer, M.D.Chairman

Dear Friends,

As Chairman of Opera Philadelphia, I couldn’t be more pleased with our recently-concluded 39th Season.

“Opera Philadelphia’s David Devan says his company’s goal is ‘to get as many people seeing opera as possible.’

His populist portfolio ranges from full-on productions at the 2,500-seat Academy of Music to an a cappella opera with

six cast members in a 225-seat former pumping station.”

A M E R I C A N T H E AT R E

“Opera companies aren't what they used to be. The art form is not standing still.

It's growing, uncontrollably, by leaps and messy bounds.”

L O S A N G E L E S T I M E S

Ainadamar photos by Kelly & Massa.

Photo by Gene Smirnov

al

As Opera Philadelphia prepares to turn 40, opera itself no longer looks or sounds the same as it did 40 years ago. Of course, we still produce grand opera like the Company Premiere of Verdi’s Nabucco, with nearly 200 musicians and singers, on the grand stage of the Academy of Music. But opera can also give us a far more intimate—yet no less overwhelming—artistic experience like the virtuosity of the six female singers performing a cappella for 50 minutes in Svadba-Wedding. When I first saw Svadba in a rehearsal hall in Toronto in 2011, I knew I wanted to bring it to Philadelphia, but I knew it needed a venue even more intimate than the Perelman Theater. The new black box theater of FringeArts was ideal, and thus Opera in the City was born this year!

Technology is also changing our operatic stage. Now, we can set up a picnic blanket and watch an opera on a big screen in front of Independence Hall, at the annual Opera on the Mall broadcast. Or, we can watch a global simulcast from another city, as we did this year with Death and the Powers.

This was a season in which we erected an opera stage above The Philadelphia Orchestra in Verizon Hall, for a stunning co-production of Salome. We engaged the rising young singers of Curtis Opera Theatre in a co-production of Dialogues of the Carmelites, and formed a personal connection with Frederica von Stade, a great artist in a late but great stage of her career, as she created a new role for the operatic canon in A Coffin in Egypt.

As the stages of opera continue to develop, Opera Philadelphia will continue to explore artistic innovation with these commitments at heart:

OUR COMMITMENT TO ART ISTS—from the most talented emerging singers to the most outstanding established singers in the business—has ensured that our productions, heralded as “indeed grand” by Opera News, offer unique audience experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OPERA—ranging from the grand repertory of Nabucco and Don Giovanni to pioneering new works like Svadba-Wedding and A Coff in in Egypt— is establishing Philadelphia as a go-to place for opera lovers from far and wide.

AND OUR COMMITMENT TO PHI LADELPHIA—through our annual Opera on the Mall broadcast and in-school programs like Hip H’opera—is bringing opera to thousands of new people each season.

As we proudly look back at the stages of our 39th Season, I thank you for making all of this possible and I encourage you to come along for the next stage of our journey.

D AV I D B . D E VA NG E N E R A L D I R E C T O R & P R E S I D E N T

As we move towards our 40th season at Opera Philadelphia and a new stage in our life as a company, we find the stages of opera are constantly developing and changing.

I spend a lot of time in my role as General Director thinking about bringing outstanding productions with the finest artistic talents to our stages. But this past year, I found myself considering the stages themselves—the spaces where the artists perform and the places where we, as an audience, engage with artists—more and more.

T H E

S T A G E

H I S T O R I C

The Academy of Music dates back to

1857, when Verdi’s Il trovatore first

shook the rafters of America’s oldest

opera house. This season, we added to

the history of the Academy with the

Company Premiere of another Verdi

masterpiece, Nabucco, and brought new

perspective to one of history’s greatest

operas, Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

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GIUSEPPE VERD I

NABUCCO SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 6 , 2013 | ACADEMY OF MUS IC

“A taste of what grand opera may have been like during Verdi’s time.” OPERA MAGAZINE

“Corrado Rovaris delivered a rewarding, spirited account of the score.”OPERA NEWS

CAST

SEBASTIAN CATANA/NABUCCO

CSILLA BOROSS/ABIGAILLE

MORRIS ROBINSON/ZACCARIA

ADAM DIEGEL/ISMAELE

MARGARET MEZZACAPPA/FENENA

MUSA NGQUNGWANA/HIGH PRIEST OF BAAL

ANGELA MORTELLARO/ANNA

JOHN VISCARDI/ABDALLO

CREATIVE TEAM

CORRADO ROVARIS/CONDUCTOR

THADDEUS STRASSBERGER/DIRECTOR & SET DESIGN

MATTIE ULLRICH/COSTUME DESIGN

MARK MCCULLOUGH/ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN

JAX MESSENGER/LIGHTING DESIGN

ELIZABETH BRADEN/CHORUS MASTER

PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS

MRS. JOHN P. MULRONEY

ALICE AND WALTER STRINE (ORCHESTRA)

ESTATE OF MARIA ELISA CIAVARELLI (CHORUS)

ARTIST UNDERWRITERS

MR. RICHARD B. WORLE Y AND MS. LESLIE ANNE MILLER (SEBASTIAN CATANA AND CSILLA BOROSS)

DRS. BEVERLY LANGE AND RENATO BASERGA

(CORRADO ROVARIS)

KENNETH B. AND PAMELA R. DUNN (MORRIS ROBINSON)

SCOTT F. AND ROBERTA C. RICHARD

(ADAM DIEGEL)

DR. HEIDI L. KOLBERG AND DR. F. JOSHUA BARNETT (MARGARET MEZZACAPPA)

The Opera Philadelphia chorus sings “Va, pensiero (The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves)” in Nabucco,

a co-production with Washington National Opera and Minnesota Opera. Photo by Kelly & Massa13

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

DON G IOVANNI

APRI L 25–MAY 4 , 2014 | ACADEMY OF MUS IC

Amanda Majeski and David Portillo “merited any international stage vocally.”

OPERA NEWS

“Michelle Johnson might be a star in the making.” L IKELY IMPOSSIB I L I T IES

CAST

ELLIOT MADORE/DON GIOVANNI

MICHELLE JOHNSON/DONNA ANNA

AMANDA MAJESKI/DONNA ELVIRA

DAVID PORTILLO/DON OTTAVIO

JOSEPH BARRON/LEPORELLO

CECELIA HALL/ZERLINA

WES MASON/MASETTO

NICHOLAS MASTERS/COMMENDATORE

CREATIVE TEAM

GEORGE MANAHAN/CONDUCTOR

NICHOLAS MUNI/DIRECTOR & SET DESIGN

DAVID BURDICK/COSTUME DESIGN

JAPHY WEIDEMAN/LIGHTING DESIGN

R. COLBY DAMON/CHOREOGRAPHER



JOEL AND SHARON KOPPELMAN

ESTATE OF MS. ELLEN COLE MILLER


JACOBS BURNS FOUNDATION, INC. (CREATIVE TEAM)

ARTIST UNDERWRITERSJUDY AND PETER LEONE

(AMANDA MAJESKI)

CHARLOTTE AND BOB WATTS (MICHELLE JOHNSON)

NICHOLAS AND KATHLEEN CHIMICLES &

GRAY CHARITABLE TRUST (ELLIOT MADORE)

MR. JONATHAN H. SPROGELL AND MS. KATHRYN TAYLOR

& BNY MELLON WEALTH MANAGEMENT (JOSEPH BARRON)

MR. THOMAS MAHONE Y (CECELIA HALL)

MR. AND MRS. JOHN D. ROLLINS (DAVID PORTILLO)

Michelle Johnson as Donna Anna and Elliot Madore in the title role of Don Giovanni,

a production from Cincinnati Opera. Photo by Kelly & Massa15

T H E

S T A G E

A D V E N T U R O U S

We like to call February the “adventure slot” on the Academy of Music schedule. It ’s the time when we take new journeys into opera with American Repertoire like Silent Night, Oscar, and Cold Mountain. This year’s adventure came from Spain, as Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris led a dazzling new production of Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar.

The Aurora Series at the Perelman Theater is an ideal home for adventurous chamber opera because it allows us to form a personal connection with great artistry. In June, we marveled as the great Frederica von Stade created a new role for the operatic canon in Ricky Ian Gordon and Leonard Foglia’s A Coff in in Egypt.

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OSVALDO GOL I JOV

A INADAMAR FEBRUARY 7–16 , 2014 | ACADEMY OF MUS IC

“Opera Philadelphia scored a major success with its riveting, imaginative and visually striking new production of Ainadamar.”

OPERA NEWS

“Easily among the most stimulating theatrical events, operatic or not, so far this season.”

THE PH I LADELPHIA INQUIRER

Members of Compañía Antonio Gades perform in Ainadamar, a co-production from the Fundación Ópera de Oviedo,

Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada, and Festival Internacional de Música de Santander. Photo by Kelly & Massa

CAST

MARÍA HINOJOSA MONTENEGRO/MARGARITA XIRGU

MARINA PARDO/FEDERICO GARCÍA LORCA

SARAH SHAFER/NURIA

ALFREDO TEJADA/RAMÓN RUIZ ALONSO

JUSTINE ARONSON/FIRST SOLO NIÑA

KELLY ANN BIXBY/SECOND SOLO NIÑA

PATRICK GUETTI/JOSÉ TRIPALDI

ANDREW BOGARD/MAESTRO

JOHN VISCARDI/TORERO

COMPAÑÍA ANTONIO GADES/GUEST FLAMENCO DANCE TROUPE

CREATIVE TEAM


LUIS DE TAVIRA/DIRECTOR

PHILIPPE AMAND/SET & LIGHTING DESIGN

TOLITA AND MARÍA FIGUEROA/COSTUME DESIGN

STELLA ARAUZO/CHOREOGRAPHER

JULIÁN DE TAVIRA/VIDEO DESIGN



MS. BARBARA AUGUSTA TEICHERT

MEMBERS OF OPERA PHILADELPHIA’S GENERAL DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL


THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS (PRODUCTION)

GABRIELE LEE (CREATIVE TEAM)

ARTIST UNDERWRITERSMR. AND MRS. EMILIO GRAVAGNO

(CORRADO ROVARIS )

MRS. SANDRA K. BALDINO (COMPAÑÍA ANTONIO GADES)

MR. AND MRS. FREDERICK P. HUFF (MARÍA HINOJOSA MONTENEGRO)

MR. AND MRS. JAMES B. STRAW (MARINA PARDO)

MR. PETER BENOLIEL AND MS. WILLO CARE Y (SARAH SHAFER)

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R ICKY IAN GORDON | L EONARD FOGL IA

A COFF IN IN EGYPT

JUNE 6–15 , 2014 | P ERE LMAN THEATER

“Frederica von Stade is regal in A Coffin in Egypt.” LOS ANGELES T IMES

“A ferocious character study.” THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

CAST

FREDERICA VON STADE/MYRTLE BLEDSOE

CAROLYN JOHNSON/ELSIE & CLERK

DAVID MATRANGA/HUNTER BLEDSOE

KATE BIANCO/JESSIE LYDELL

BEN SHEAFFER/CAPTAIN LAWSON

VERONICA CHAPMAN-SMITH/GOSPEL QUARTET

JULIE-ANN GREEN/GOSPEL QUARTET

TAIWAN NORRIS/GOSPEL QUARTET

FRANK MITCHELL/GOSPEL QUARTET

CREATIVE TEAM

TIMOTHY MYERS/CONDUCTOR

LEONARD FOGLIA/DIRECTOR

RICCARDO HERNANDEZ/SET & COSTUME DESIGN

BRIAN NASON/LIGHTING DESIGN


DANIEL PERELSTEIN/SOUND DESIGN


WYNCOTE FOUNDATION (AURORA SERIES)

AARON COPLAND FUND FOR MUSIC (IN-PART)

ARTIST UNDERWRITERS

DR . H EI DI L. KOLBERG AND DR . F. JOSH UA BARNET T (FREDERICA VON STADE)

Myrtle Bledsoe (Frederica von Stade) hears the singing of a gospel quartet (Frank Mitchell, Julie-Anne Green,

Taiwan Norris and Veronica Chapman-Smith) in A Coffin in Egypt, a co-production with Houston Grand Opera

and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Kelly & Massa21

T H E

S T A G E

U N E X P E C T E D

What is opera supposed to sound like?

What happens when we move outside of

the traditional opera house? This season,

we launched Opera in the City, a series of

site-specific works designed to do different

things with opera. First up: The American

Premiere of a Serbian a cappella opera, staged

in a renovated water pumping station,

and followed by a dance party. “Different”

would be an understatement. “Awesome”

would be right on the mark. 23

“This is clearly not your father’s opera. It’s actually more like your hipster nephew’s opera.”

WRTI - FM

“A brilliant idea.” THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

“The score is mesmerizing.” THE CLASS ICAL REV IEW

ANA SOKOLOV IC’ Ć

S VADBA -WEDD ING NOVEMBER 2–7 , 2013 | F R INGEARTS

CAST

JACQUELINE WOODLEY/MILICA

SHANNON MERCER/DANICA

LAURA ALBINO/LENA

VIRGINIA HATFIELD/ZORA

ANDREA LUDWIG/NADA

KRISZTINA SZABÓ/LJUBICA

CREATIVE TEAM

DÁIRINE NÍ MHEADHRA/MUSIC DIRECTOR

MARIE-JOSÉE CHARTIER/STAGE DIRECTION

MICHAEL CAVANAGH/ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION

MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO/SET & COSTUME DESIGN

KIMBERLY PURTELL/LIGHTING DESIGN

JOHN HESS/RÉPÉTITEUR & INSTRUMENTALIST

PRODUCTION UNDERWRITER

KNIGHT FOUNDATION

Jacqueline Woodley (center) with Andrea Ludwig, Virginia Hatfield, Krisztina Szabó, Laura Albino and

Shannon Mercer in Svadba-Wedding, from Queen of Puddings Music Theatre. Photo by Dominic Mercier25

T H E

S T A G E

S H A R E D

Opera Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Orchestra have

individually contributed to the fabric of Philadelphia

culture for more than a century. Longtime friends, our

two organizations had never teamed up on a co-production.

That finally changed in May, as audiences enjoyed

a groundbreaking blend of the distinctive sound of

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Opera Philadelphia’s

dynamic theatrical presentation.

In this same spirit of partnership, we took the stage

of the Perelman Theater in March to stand alongside

the martyrs of Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites with

the young stars of Curtis Opera Theatre.

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OPERA PH I LADE L PH IA | THE PH I LADE L PH IA ORCHESTRA

R ICHARD S TRAUSS

SA LOME MAY 8 & 10 , 2014 | VER I ZON HAL L

“When Salome is this fully realized, it’s disturbing in ways only great art can be.”


“Let’s hope this is the first of many such collaborations.” PHI LADELPHIA C ITY PAPER

CAST

CAMILLA NYLUND/SALOME

BIRGIT REMMERT/HERODIAS

JOHN MAC MASTER/HEROD

ALAN HELD/JOCHANAAN

ANDREW STAPLES/NARRABOTH

CECELIA HALL/PAGE OF HERODIAS

WAYNE TIGGES/FIRST NAZARENE

KEITH MILLER/FIRST SOLDIER

DONOVAN SINGLETARY/SECOND SOLDIER

DOMINIC ARMSTRONG/FIRST JEW

ROY HAGE/SECOND JEW

JOSEPH GAINES/THIRD JEW

COREY BIX/FOURTH JEW

NICHOLAS MASTERS/FIFTH JEW

ERIC DUBIN/SECOND NAZARENE & CAPPADOCIAN

ALLISON SANDERS/SLAVE

CREATIVE TEAM

YANNICK NÉZET-SÉGUIN/CONDUCTOR

KEVIN NEWBURY/DIRECTOR

VITA TZYKUN/PRODUCTION DESIGN

D.M. WOOD/LIGHTING DESIGN


WYNCOTE FOUNDATION

THE ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION

THE PRESSER FOUNDATION

THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION

THE PEW CENTER FOR ARTS & HERITAGE

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra and a cast of opera singers in Salome. Photo by Dominic Mercier 29

CURT IS OPERA THEATRE

FRANC IS POULENC

D IA LOGUES OF THE

CARMEL I T ES MARCH 5–9 , 2014 | P ERE LMAN THEATER

“A drop-everything-and-go occasion.” THE PH I LADELPHIA INQUIRER

Sarah Shafer “has enlightened and enlivened every role and score I’ve seen her tackle.”

OPERA NEWS

CAST

JARRETT OTT & JAMEZ MCCORKLE/MARQUIS DE LA FORCE

RACHEL STERRENBERG & ALIZE ROZSNYAI/BLANCHE

ROY HAGE & SPENCER LANG/CHEVALIER

SHIR ROZZEN/MME. DE CROISSY

HEATHER STEBBINS/MME. LIDOINE

JAZIMINA MACNEIL & LAUREN EBERWEIN/MOTHER MARIE

SARAH SHAFER & ASHLEY MILANESE/SISTER CONSTANCE

NIAN WANG/MOTHER JEANNE

LIN SHI/SISTER MATHILDE

MINGJIE LEI/FIRST OFFICER

DENNIS CHMELENSKY/SECOND OFFICER

JOHNATHAN MCCULLOUGH/JAILER

SEAN PLUMB/THIERRY

VARTAN GABRIELIAN/JAVELINOT

ELENA PERRONI AND ASHLEY ROBILLARD/SISTERS

CREATIVE TEAM


JORDAN FEIN/DIRECTOR

LAURA JELLINEK/SET DESIGN

MIKE INWOOD/LIGHTING DESIGN


MIKAEL ELIASEN/CURTIS OPERA THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR


WYNCOTE FOUNDATION (AURORA SERIES)

THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION

THE HORACE W. GOLDSMITH FOUNDATION (CURTIS OPERA THEATRE SEASON)

Dialogues of the Carmelites produced by the Curtis Institute of Music and presented in association with

Opera Philadelphia and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Cory Weaver31

T H E

S T A G EC I V I C

About 4,000 of our friends and neighbors gathered together to enjoy Nabucco, Verdi’s landmark Italian opera about the struggle for independence, while surrounded by the physical landmarks of our own nation’s successful bid for independence. Opera on the Mall is the ultimate big-screen operatic block party, held in the shadow of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. What could be more Philly?

33

“Our city’s outstanding opera company continues to push the boundaries of its genre.”

UWISHUNU.COM

“A very cool event.”

PHI LADELPHIA MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 28 , 2013

INDEPENDENCE NAT IONAL H I S TOR ICAL PARK

Photos by Dominic Mercier

T H E

S T A G E

D I G I T A L

We live our lives in high definition. How does opera fit in our binge-watching, on-demand, Tweet-along world? Developing new opera and experimenting with new ways to experience opera are daily activities at Opera Philadelphia. In February, we took part in a global experiment in 21st-century opera as a live performance of Death and the Powers, the “robot opera” by acclaimed American composer/inventor Tod Machover, was simulcast from The Dallas Opera to more than 10 locations in Europe and the U.S., including The Franklin Institute here in Philadelphia.

37

Miranda (Sara Heaton) in a scene from Death and the Powers from MIT Media

Lab and the Dallas Opera. Photo by Jonathan Williams

TOD MACHOVER | ROBERT P INSKY

DEATH AND THE POWERS

FEBRUARY 16, 2014GLOBAL S IMULCAST | THE FRANKL IN INST ITUTE

“The judicious use of technology has helped the opera grow new connections to the community.”


“Exploring the world of audience interaction through technology.”

PBS NEWSHOUR

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T H E

S T A G E

D E V E L O P M E N T A L

Sometimes, you get to peek behind the curtain and witness the earliest stages of opera. Double Exposure was an Opera from the Lab initiative, spotlighting new operas by two of Opera Philadelphia’s Composers in Residence, Lembit Beecher and Missy Mazzoli. Scenes from operas they are currently writing were each staged twice, by two different teams of singers and musicians led by two stage directors. It was opera’s version of a reality TV show: a mashup of America’s Got Talent, Top Chef, and Project Runway. The resulting mini-productions in Philadelphia and New York City were vivid, imaginative, and allowed both the composers and the audience to see how different directors and performers may interpret the same pieces of music.

Stages of operatic development were also on display throughout the city in May, as Opera Philadelphia and The Bearded Ladies, Philadelphia’s experimental cabaret troupe, began to develop ANDY: A Popera. Inspired by the life, fame, and philosophy of Andy Warhol, the cabaret/opera hybrid unfolds in three stages, with the first stage debuting in May as a series of short pop-up performances at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary, First Friday, and local grocery stores. Here, audiences impacted the creative process, as the artists gauge what works in front of people, which scenes light up audiences, and which ones need to be reworked or cut.

41

L EMB I T BEECHER | M ISSY MAZZOL I

DOUBLE EXPOSUREMARCH 21, 2014 AT FR INGEARTS

MARCH 23, 2014 AT NAT IONAL OPERA CENTER

“Mazzoli's voice is like a 21st-century refraction of the Smetana/Janacek nexus.”


“What could be more exciting than being a part of an opera as it is being developed?”

EXAMINER.COM

Photos by Dominic Mercier

CAST

CREATIVE TEAMDANIEL FISH/DIRECTOR TEAM 1

KENSHO WATANABE/CONDUCTOR TEAM 1

BÉNÉDICTE JOURDOIS/PIANIST TEAM 1

STEPHANIE HAVEY/DIRECTOR TEAM 2

EDWARD POLL/CONDUCTOR TEAM 2

MATTHEW BROWER/PIANIST TEAM 2

UNDERWRITERTHE ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION

T EAM 1

ASHLEY MILANESE

JULIA DAWSON

JOHNATHAN MCCULLOUGH

THOMAS SHIVONE

JOANNA GATES

JENNIFER BEATTIE

T EAM 2

MELINDA WHITTINGTON

LAUREN EBERWEIN

SEAN PLUMB

ANDRÉ COURVILLE

VERONICA CHAPMAN-SMITH

HEIDI KURTZ

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THE BEARDED LAD I ES | OPERA PH I LADE L PH IA

ANDY: A POPERAMAY 2014 | PH I L LY POP -UP TOUR

“It’s cabaret. It’s opera. It’s a larger-than-life biography.”


“Opera Philadelphia is pushing further into the world of popular culture in its search for unusual subjects.”

THE NEW YORK T IMES

“Audiences will have a chance to see this work-in-progress as it develops.”

THE NEW YORK T IMES

Photos by Kate Raines/Plate 3 Photography

CASTSEAN LALLY/DR. PETER P. NEVER

LIZ FILIOS/JULIA WARHOLA

KRISTEN BAILEY/EDIE SEDGWICK

SCOTT MCPHEETERS/CANDY DARLING

JENNIFER KIDWELL/VALERIE SOLANAS

JOHN MILES/BARITONE

WILLIAM LIM/TENOR

KARINA SWEENEY/MEZZO-SOPRANO

LUCY DHEGRAE/SOPRANO

CREATIVE TEAMJOHN JARBOE/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

HEATH ALLEN/MUSIC DIRECTOR

JOHN JARBOE & SEAN LALLY/WRITERS

SALLY OLLOVE/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & DRAMATURG

OONA CURLEY/SCENIC DESIGN

MIKE INWOOD/LIGHTING DESIGN

COLETTE FU/POP-UP DESIGN

REBECCA KANACH/COSTUME DESIGN

DANIEL PERELSTEIN/SOUND DESIGN

KATE RAINES/DEVELOPMENT PROCESS DEVISER

UNDERWRITERSKNIGHT FOUNDATION

THE PHILADELPHIA CULTURAL FUND

SAMUEL S. FELS FUND

45 45

T H E

S T A G E

C O M M U N I T Y

In order for opera to reflect its community it must engage that community in the creative process. This year, students from four Philadelphia high schools—Esperanza Academy Charter School, Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, Mastery Charter School-Lenfest Campus, and South Philadelphia High School – participated in year two of Hip H’opera, a collaborative, three-year partnership between Opera Philadelphia and Art Sanctuary that combines classical music style with hip-hop sounds to create a compelling new operatic experience. Students shared their stories of family, struggle, neighborhood, and future dreams, and those writings inspired the music and libretto for We Shall Not Be Moved, a new opera by composer Daniel Bernard Roumain and librettist Marc Bamuthi Joseph that will premiere in a future season. In May, students from the four schools joined Roumain and Joseph on the stage of the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts to perform a selection from the in-progress opera alongside student poetry, music, and dance.

Opera Philadelphia also brought classical voices into the community, reaching more than 19,000 attendees through the Sounds of Learning™ in-school program and at a number of neighborhood concerts and special events with partners like the National Museum of American Jewish History, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, the Dell Music Center, and The Barnes Foundation. From Make Music Philly, the annual free celebration of music on the first day of summer, to pop-up performances in city libraries sponsored by the Knight Foundation, to the Kimmel Center’s annual Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day, opera was in our hearts and in our community throughout the year.

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DANIE L BERNARD ROUMA IN | MARC BAMUTH I JOSEPH

WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED: THE HIP H’OPERA PROJECT

MAY 2, 2014 | ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

“It helps me process my feelings through rhymes and bars.” NYDIM, GRADE 9

KENSINGTON CREAT IVE AND PERFORMING ARTS H IGH SCHOOL

“Being here is a great experience for me because I love to sing, dance, and write music.”

KEVIN, GRADE 12 SOUTH PHI LADELPHIA H IGH SCHOOL

“Everyone has a gift; you just have to be around the right type of people who will motivate you to show that gift off to the world.

I believe Hip H’opera is that program!”

NAIOMY, GRADE 12 ESPERANZA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

“It helps me process my feelings through rhymes and bars.” NYDIM, GRADE 9

KENSINGTON CREAT IVE AND PERFORMING ARTS H IGH SCHOOL

“Being here is a great experience for me because I love to sing, dance, and write music.”

KEVIN, GRADE 12 SOUTH PHI LADELPHIA H IGH SCHOOL

“Everyone has a gift; you just have to be around the right type of people who will motivate you to show that gift off to the world.

I believe Hip H’opera is that program!”

NAIOMY, GRADE 12 ESPERANZA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

CAST & CREATIVE TEAMDANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN/COMPOSER

MARC BAMUTHI JOSEPH/LIBRETTIST

ALLISON SANDERS/SOPRANO

JENNIFER BEATTIE/MEZZO-SOPRANO

ROY HAGE/TENOR

BRIAN MAJOR/BARITONE

TIM RIBCHESTER/COLLABORATIVE ACCOMPANIST

CAMERON CEPHAS/PERCUSSION

NINA “LYRISPECT” BALL/SPOKEN WORD ARTIST

STUDENT PERFORMERSLARISSA LUCAS/MASTERY CHARTER SCHOOL-LENFEST CAMPUS

SAMUEL SANJURJO/ESPERANZA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

SAKIEMA WOOD/SOUTH PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL

ESPERANZA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL DANCE ENSEMBLE

UNDERWRITERSKNIGHT FOUNDATION

WYNCOTE FOUNDATION

Members of the Esperanza Academy Charter School Dance Ensemble. Photo by Phillip Todd 49

GREAT CHORUSES F ROM THE OPERA

JUNE 7, 2014 | VER IZON HALL

“A feast of free fun for the whole family.” PHI L LY.COM

“The organ has 7,000 pipes, representing 125 distinct voices— or ranks —making it the largest mechanical organ in the country.”

WHYY-FM

4TH ANNUAL FRED J. COOPER MEMORIAL ORGAN DAY

Photo by Diane Mattis

CREATIVE TEAMELIZABETH BRADEN/CHORUS MASTER

THOMAS SHEEHAN/ORGANIST

LINDA HENDERSON/REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST

UNDERWRITERWYNCOTE FOUNDATION

CHORUS

AMY ARMSTRONG

KATHRYN AVERY

VERONICA CHAPMAN-SMITH

KATHERINE DUFENDACH

JACKIE DUNLEAVY

SUZANNE GERACE

NOËL GRAVES-WILLIAMS

JULIE-ANN GREEN

ALYSON HARVEY

DAWN HOFFMAN

REBECCA HOKE

CAROLE LATIMER

CHRISTINE NASS

AIMEE PILGERMAYER

REBECCA SILER

LISA THOMAS

REBECCA WHITLOW

SOP RANO

MARGARET CALDWELL-BLANCHARD

RENÉE CANTWELL

MARISSA CHALKER

JOANNA GATES

CHELSEA KEANE

HEIDI KURTZ

RAFFAELLA LO CASTRO

MAREN MONTALBANO

REBECCA OEHLERS

ELLEN GRACE PETERS

PAULA RIVERA-DANTAGNAN

KARINA SWEENEY

TERESA WASHAM

MEZZO-SOP RANO

STEVEN BRADSHAW

SANG B. CHO

RYAN FLEMING

CHRISTOPHER HOSTER

ALI JAVAHERI

DAVID KOH

ALVIN EDWARD MADDISON

TOFFER MIHALKA

DONLEROY MORALES

BEN PERKINS

DANIEL TAYLOR

STEVEN WILLIAMSON

T ENOR

ENNIO BRUGNOLO

MATTHEW CAMPBELL

GREGORY CANTWELL

PETER CHRISTIAN

STEPHEN DAGROSA

LUCAS DEJESUS

STEVEN GEARHART

CHRISTOPHER HODGES

AARON HOKE

JOHN DAVID MILES

FRANK MITCHELL

GARRETT OBRYCKI

JAMES OSBY

ROBERT PHILLIPS

LOURIN PLANT

ANDREW SKITKO

BASS

51

S T A G E

T H E

F I R S T

I S

Y O U R

S U P P O R T

Dorothy Hanrahan, Board Chairman Daniel K. Meyer, M.D., Jonathan Wright, and Board

Member Ellen Berman Lee arrive for the opening night of Nabucco. Photo by Dominic Mercier

In opera, those who give their hearts are heroes. Even when every seat in the house sells out, this dazzling blend of theatrical, orchestral, and vocal splendor requires considerable philanthropic support. The Opera Philadelphia donor family brings star singers, thrilling productions, and engaging educational programs to our community. Bravo!

53

$1,000,000+

Estate of Mark H. Haller

Wyncote Foundation

The William Penn Foundation

$500,000+

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage

The Pew Charitable Trusts

$100,000+

Anonymous

The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation

Knight Foundation

Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest

Judy and Peter Leone

Estate of Ellen Cole Miller

Mrs. John P. Mulroney

The Presser Foundation

Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs.

Ms. Barbara Augusta Teichert

Mr. Richard B. Worley and Ms. Leslie Anne Miller

$50,000+

Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino

Barra Foundation, Inc.

The CHG Charitable Trust

Independence Foundation

Ms. Lisa D. Kabnick and Mr. John H. McFadden

Dr. Heidi L. Kolberg and Dr. F. Joshua Barnett

Joel and Sharon Koppelman

National Endowment for the Arts

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

PNC

Charlotte and Bob Watts

$25,000+

Drs. Renato and Beverly Baserga

Mr. Peter Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey

Gray Charitable Trust

Nicholas and Kathleen Chimicles

Estate of Dr. Maria Elisa Ciavarelli

Ady L. Djerassi, M.D., and Robert Golub, M.D.

Rita and Philip Harper

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Huff

Jacob Burns Foundation, Inc.

Gabriele Lee

Mr. Thomas Mahoney

The McLean Contributionship

Annette and Chuck Pennoni

Scott F. and Roberta C. Richard

Estate of Laurence T. Robbins

Mr. and Mrs. James B. Straw

Mr. Jonathan H. Sprogell and Ms. Kathryn Taylor

Wells Fargo

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT & MAJOR GIF TSCHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL

Our most passionate followers happen to be the ones leading us to greatness. Opera Philadelphia’s Chairman’s Council is a dedicated group of philanthropists committed to ensuring that the future of opera is right here in Philadelphia. We are sincerely grateful to the following supporters, whose collective generosity underwrote more than half of our artistic expenses this season, including productions in the Academy of Music, the nationally lauded Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater, the successful launch of Opera in the City, our historic first co-production with The Philadelphia Orchestra in Verizon Hall, our annual Opera on the Mall broadcast at Independence National Historical Park, and our award-winning education and community programs that collectively reached more than 19,000 people this season.

TOP: Board Member Dr. Josh

Barnett and his wife, Dr. Heidi

Kolberg; Michael Gorman, husband

of Frederica von Stade (center);

Board Member Nick Chimicles

and his wife, Kathleen Chimicles.

Photo by Michael Branscom

54

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Board Member Peter Leone and his wife, Judy Leone; Board Member Ady L. Djerassi, M.D. with Allen and Petra Todd at the DUENDE Gala.

Photos by Sofia Negron. Composer Osvaldo Golijov, Chairman’s Council member Barbara Teichert, and General Director and President David B. Devan at the opening night of

Ainadamar; Chairman’s Council member Fred Haas with Dorothy Hanrahan, Jesse Ordonio, and Christina Haas in the Academy of Music Ballroom. Photos by Dominic Mercier

55 55

ANNUAL FUND SUPPORTOpera Philadelphia relies on the generosity and enthusiasm of Annual Fund donors to bring unforgettable operatic experiences to Philadelphia. Members of the Opera’s three Annual Fund programs—the General Director’s Council, Patron Program, and Friends of the Opera—contributed more than $790,000 in fiscal year 2014, an increase of 10% over the previous year. Through their support, our incredible family of Annual Fund donors ensures that Opera Philadelphia’s thrilling productions, star singers, and award-winning community initiatives continue to thrive for years to come. To get involved, visit operaphila.org/support.

General Director’s Council members Linda and David Glickstein and Al Hirsig with General Director and President David B. Devan. Photo by Dominic Mercier

PLATINUM $15,000+Judith Durkin FreyerEugene Garfield FoundationLinda and David GlicksteinHamilton Family FoundationNancy and Al HirsigThe Samuel P. Mandell FoundationMrs. Constance C. MooreJeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joe NeubauerMr. and Mrs. John D. RollinsMs. Patricia S. ScottDr. and Mrs. Andrew WechslerWells Fargo Private Bank

DIAMOND $10,000+Mr. John R. Alchin and Mr. Hal MarryattLorraine and Ben AlexanderDr. Luther W. BradyDianne and Don CooneyDavid B. Devan and David A. DubbeldamAnn and Gordon Getty FoundationMr. and Mrs. Mark HankinMrs. Gretel HellendallMrs. Sheila KesslerEllen Berman LeeMr. and Mrs. Harold RosenbluthKenneth and Sheila Swimm

General Director’s Council members Chuck and Judy Freyer at the Season

Prelude event in September 2013. Photo by J.R. Blackwell

General Director’s Council member Don Cooney and Composer in Residence

Missy Mazzoli. Photo by Dominic Mercier

GENERAL DIRECTOR’S COUNCILBenjamin Alexander and Kenneth Swimm, Co-Chairs

Members of the General Director’s Council play a pivotal role in the future of Opera Philadelphia and enjoy intimate gatherings with General Director David B. Devan, Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris, and principal artists. This year, Council members pooled their resources to become a production underwriter of Ainadamar, joining Chairman’s Council member Barbara Teichert. The Council celebrated at a festive pre-opera dinner, which included the composer, Osvaldo Golijov, as an honored guest. Other Council activities included a Strategy Session, led by Mr. Devan, which involved a discussion of the company’s groundbreaking audience research study, and Opening Night Cast Parties after each production. The Council’s annual Dinner with Principal Artists was held after a matinee performance of Don Giovanni, where members enjoyed dining with cast members including Elliot Madore, Michelle Johnson, Joseph Barron, Amanda Majeski, Cecelia Hall, Wes Mason, David Portillo, Nicholas Masters, and conductor George Manahan.

57

PATRON PROGRAMDonna Wechsler, Chair

The Patron Program is a vital force behind Opera Philadelphia’s world-caliber artistic and community programming. Patron Program members enjoy premium benefits at the Opera House throughout the year, including Champagne Intermission Receptions and VIP coat check, and they are invited to exclusive social events with the stars. Patrons kicked off the year with the Season Prelude, which featured a preview recital and gourmet meal at the suburban oasis of Toto Schiavone and Claire DiLullo. Other Patron Program highlights included a Meet the Artists reception with the cast of Don Giovanni at the elegant Center City home of Robert Taglieri and Timothy Moir, and the Director’s Salon, a reception and talk with A Coff in in Egypt composer Ricky Ian Gordon, librettist/director Leonard Foglia, and beloved mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. Board Member Nicholas Chimicles and his wife, Kathleen, hosted the Salon at the Aronimink Golf Club, which also served as a birthday celebration for Ms. von Stade.

Patron Program members Harriet Potashnick and Marshall Levine in the Academy of Music Ballroom. Photo by Dominic Mercier

GOLD $7,500+Mr. and Mrs. Julian A. BrodskyMr. Robert DevoeKenneth B. and Pamela R. DunnEthel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial FundWilliam and Nadine HainesStephen T. Janick and Russell E. PalmerWilliam Lake Leonard, Esq.OPERA AmericaPhiladelphia Cultural FundDr. Renée RollinRobert Taglieri and Timothy Moir

SILVER $5,000+Anonymous

James and Nancy Abbott

Mr. and Mrs. Harris C. Aller, Jr.

Alpin J. and Alpin W. Cameron Memorial Fund

Drs. Jean and Robert Belasco

Cecile and Eugene Block

Robert Bryan and Julie J. Bryan

Estate of Virginia Del Sordo

Drs. Bruce and Toby Eisenstein

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence O. Houstoun

Donald and Gay Kimelman

The Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund

Stephen A. Madva and Denise C. Creedon

Dr. Stanley Muravchick and Ms. Arlene Olson

Tom and Jody O’Rourke

Mr. and Mrs. R. Anderson Pew

Dr. and Mrs. Joel Porter

Ms. Harriet Potashnick and Mr. Marshall Levine

David and Susan Rattner

Ms. Carolyn Horn Seidle

Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Sella

Dr. Stephen G. Somkuti

Ms. Kira Sterling and Mr. Timothy Sterling

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Wiener

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams

Ethel Benson Wister

58

BRONZE $2,000+Anonymous (2)

Drs. Ronald D. and Marcia Abraham

Mr. John Aglialoro and Ms. Joan Carter

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Anderson

Brett and Nan Altman

Dr. Valerie Arkoosh and Mr. Jeffrey Harbison

Myron and Sheila S. Bassman

Frances and Michael Baylson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bergen

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick N. Biesecker II

Dr. Claire Boasi

Beaty Bock and Jonathan Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Bohn

Irvin Borowsky and Laurie Wagman

Ms. Annie Burridge and Mr. Paul Richichi

Madeleine and James Carlson

Drs. Judith and Jeffrey Carpenter

Georgette Ciukurescu

Joan and Frederick Cohen

Dr. and Mrs. Frank Craparo

Dr. Richard Davidson

Mr. James J. Donohue Esq. and Ms. Carol Mager

Barbara M. Donnelly and Dr. Lamberto Bentivoglio

Mark Duckett and Stan Gaddy

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Fanelli, Jr.

James Feussner M.D., J.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Freedman

Mr. and Mrs. David Friedman

Jim and Kay Gately

Mr. Robert H. Gerlach

Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Goldfarb

William and Joan Goldstein

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Graham, IV

Ms. Carolyn L. Green and Mr. Michael T. Blakeney

Pauline Gray and Edward S. Barnard

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

David and Ann Harrison, Esqs.

Bruce and Robin Herndon

Ms. Rhoda K. Herrold

Matthew and Karen Hoffer

Victor and Joan Johnson

Mr. Jeffrey Jowett

Abelardo and Lynne K. Lechter, Esq.

Maribeth and Steven Lerner

Karen and Michael Lewis

Liddy and John Lindsay

William Lockwood

Mr. William A. Loeb

Mr. Wayne R. Lorgus

Dr. and Mrs. Michael B. Love

Harriet and Shelly Margolis

Mr. and Mrs. David G. Marshall

Leonard Mellman and Deborah Glass

Ms. Evalind Minor

Mutual Fire Foundation

Denise and Volker Oakey

Anna C. O’Riordan, M.D.

John Pcsolar and Alan Sandman

Kelley S. Reilly

Dr. and Mrs. A. Gerald Renthal

Dr. David J. Richards

Mr. David Sacker and Ms. Darcy Hayes

Joyce Seewald Sando

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis E. Sawyer

Mr. David Schellenberg

Drs. Daniel Schidlow and Sally Rosen

Henry and Yumi Scott

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sheller

Dr. William Sigmund and Mr. Vito Izzo

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Smith

Ms. Dorothy M. Sopp

Drs. Richard and Rhonda Soricelli

Stacey Spector and Ira Brind

Dr. Laura Stanton and Mr. Kim Tomlinson

Ms. Kathleen Stephenson and Mr. James E. Colberg

Dr. and Mrs. Michael D. Strong

Dr. and Mrs. Richard N. Taxin

Mr. and Mrs. Jay H. Tolson

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Ullman

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Wheatley

Dr. Leah Whipple

Drs. Anne and Jim Williamson

Ana-Maria Zaugg and David Anstice

LEFT: Patron Program Member Allen Freedman, soprano Michelle Johnson, Chairman’s Council member Susan Sherman, President of the Independence Foundation, and Ms. Johnson’s husband, Brian Major. Photo by J.R. Blackwell. RIGHT: American Repertoire Council Director Nathan Gunn with Board Member and Patron Program Chair Donna Weschler. Donna is also a member of the Encore Society. Photo by Dominic Mercier

59

PATRON TRAVEL PROGRAM TR I P TO SANTA FE

In July 2013, members of Opera Philadelphia’s Patron Program joined Board Chairman Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. and General Director and President David B. Devan on a Patron Travel Program trip to The Santa Fe Opera, one of America’s premier summer opera festivals. Patrons attended the World Premiere of Oscar, Theodore Morrison’s opera about the trial and imprisonment of Oscar Wilde, co-commissioned by Opera Philadelphia and The Santa Fe Opera. The group of 23 donors had premium tickets to Oscar and attended the Opening Night Dinner prior to the performance, where they were recognized from the podium by Santa Fe Opera General Director Charles MacKay. Other memorable events included an intimate dinner on The Santa Fe Opera grounds with the cast of Oscar and dinner at one of Santa Fe’s most spectacular private homes.

Opera Philadelphia Patrons with the cast of Oscar on the grounds of The Santa Fe Opera. Photo by Christina Deemer60

FRIENDS OF THE OPERAJoan Goldstein, Chair

Friends of the Opera are essential contributors to Opera Philadelphia and enjoy an enhanced connection to the art form through behind-the-scenes events. The Friends Vocal Recital and Appreciation Reception, the signature event of the program’s calendar, was held at the National Museum of American Jewish History and featured two principal artists from Nabucco, mezzo-soprano Margaret Mezzacappa and bass-baritone Musa Ngqungwana. Friends also enjoyed the General Director’s Backstage Tour of the Academy of Music, invitations to dress rehearsals, and seven Between the Notes lectures.

PARTNER $1,000+Dorothy and Stanley AbelsonAnonymousMs. Susan AsplundhDr. John F. BayleyMr. and Mrs. Richard L. BazelonMr. Allen D. Black and Mr. Randolph ApgarDrs. Hester and Martin BlackMr. Michael F. Cade and Mr. Mayron Lizardo Lopez RuizMrs. Elaine CamardaAnne M. and William B. CareyLouis N. Cassett FoundationMrs. Mary E. Chomitz and Mr. Morton A. CollierJoseph Cunningham and Bruce BarnesMrs. Ineke M. DiklandDolfinger-McMahon FoundationLois and John DursoMr. John H. Erickson and Mr. Harry I. ZaleznikDr. and Mrs. Henry J. Greenwood and Ms. Marilyn GreenwoodDr. Brett GutscheDr. Mark Hemling and Mr. John MarrazzoLinda E. HowardDr. and Mrs. Leonid HrebienMr. Stephen JonesDr. Richard B. KentThomas Klein and Terri Seewalk KleinCheryl Lawson and Jennifer HigdonIn honor of Joseph and Katherine LeoneFran and Leon L. LevyMerle and Marvin LevyB.A. (Mackie) and Charlotte MacLeanDr. Britta MattsonMr. and Mrs. George MorrisMr. Andrew Mulroney

Ms. Christine L. MulroneyDr. and Mrs. Donald NathansonDr. and Mrs. A. H. NishikawaKay and Jeremiah O’GradyMr. Gresham O’Malley, IIIMr. Steve Oh and Ms. Patricia BlahoMr. and Mrs. Bernard J. PoussotDr. Mary R. W. ReardonMr. and Mrs. Bert RedgraveMichael Sanyour and Laurada ByersSusan and Paul ShamanDr. and Mrs. Robert SharrarDr. and Mrs. Robert G. SomersThe Stainrook Foundation

Mr. Thomas C. Woodward

SUSTAINER $500+Anonymous (3)Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. AgulnickIn memory of Isabelle M. FergusonAsplundh FoundationBrian, Theresa, and Max BakerMr. and Mrs. Walter BakerDrs. Deidre and Michael BlankMr. and Mrs. Richard A. BlumenthalDr. and Mrs. Joseph BohenMr. Will Sears Bricker, IILynn and Jerri BurketMr. Yuming A. ChiuDr. Karen J. ClarkMr. Patrick Connolly and Ms. Karen CarvalhoDr. and Mrs. Michael ConradMr. Mark CornishMr. Peter S. CressmanAnn Csink and John LinckDr. Adrian DanaMr. and Mrs. Claude DeBottonMr. and Mrs. Nicholas F. DiArenzoMr. and Mrs. Mark S. DichterMr. Robert B. Durham, Jr.

General Director and President David B. Devan leads Patrons Joan Johnson and Donald and Gay Kimelman on the General Director’s Tour of the Academy of Music. Photo by J.R. Blackwell

61 61

Ms. Carol S. EicherMr. Thomas FaraccoMr. and Mrs. Anthony FiorenzaMr. and Mrs. Henry FoehlMs. Helen H. FordMr. Vernon Francis and Mrs. Camille PagliaFraser Advanced Information SystemsMr. and Mrs. Randall P. GaboriaultMr. Andrew R. Gelber (in memory of Sylvia Gelber)Mr. Marco GeorenoDeborah E. GlassMr. Jerry GrabeyMr. and Mrs. W.D. Gillen, Jr.Joanne T. GreenspunMs. Eileen Grycky and Mr. Michael KellerMs. Cheryl Gunter and Mr. Paul A. RabeMr. Donald A. Hamme, IIIMr. Timothy HarrisCharles Head, Jr. and John FaggottiMs. Helen H. FordMr. and Mrs. Dale HeistMr. and Mrs. Raymond HelversonMr. and Mrs. Joseph J. HillTerry and Paul HirshornMarjorie and Joel Jensen

Dr. and Mrs. Peter M. JosephDr. and Mrs. Richard P. KluftJohn A. Kotyo, M.D.Ms. Dolores S. KuenzelMs. Carol L. LabelleLucinda and Charles LandrethDr. and Mrs. J. Frederick LauciusMr. and Mrs. Wynn E. LeeMs. Lonnie LevinMr. and Mrs. David LevyMr. and Mrs. Robert A. LukensDr. Colin F. MackayDr. & Mrs. Larry MapowDr. Joel Marmar and Ms. Alexis Berg Marmar, Esq.Edward and Roberta MartinDr. Britta MattsonDwight and Christina McCawleyMcGowan AssociatesMr. and Mrs. Robert L. McNeil IIIMr. Benjamin F. MinickMr. and Mrs. Gordon MoskowitzEric OwensMr. and Mrs. Mario PalumbiDr. and Mrs. William P. PotsicMr. Daniel T. Regan

Mr. Philmore RobertsonDr. Keith M. RobinsonMrs. Theresa Romeo-Aponte and Mr. Harry AponteMr. and Mrs. Daniel R. RossThe Reverend Dr. Alan K. SalmonMs. Margot SavoyAnne Faulkner SchoemakerMr. James L. SmithDr. and Mrs. Stanton N. SmullensMr. and Mrs. Edward L. ThomasDr. and Mrs. Rocco P. TrioloMrs. Rita TurnerMr. and Mrs. Anthony ValeMs. Lynne Van BuskirkMr. John VenturaMs. Carol A. Westfall

Ms. Nancy B. Wingo Dr. Sook Hee Lee Yoo and Dr. John Yoo

LEFT: Friends of the Opera Chair Joan Goldstein (center) with her husband William Goldstein (left) and Patron Program member Len Mellman.RIGHT: Friends of the Opera members John Ventura, Benjamin Minick, and David Eskin with Mezzo-soprano Margaret Mezzacappa at the Friends Vocal Recital and Appreciation Reception. John is also a member of the Opera’s Volunteer Program. Photos by J.R. Blackwell

FRIENDS OF THE OPERA (CONTINUED)

ENCORE SOCIET YMembers of the Encore Society help to ensure the advancement of opera in Philadelphia by directly funding the company’s future artistic and educational programming through the inclusion of the Opera in their estate plans. The Opera is especially proud to honor two members this season: Maria Elisa Ciavarelli, whose estate underwrote the magnificent chorus in Nabucco; and Ellen Cole Miller, whose estate provided production underwriting support for Don Giovanni. Additional Encore Society membership highlights this past season included the annual Encore Society member luncheon, where several members of the Society enjoyed an intimate meal in the Private Dining Room at XIX Restaurant before taking in the final orchestra dress rehearsal for Don Giovanni. This year, the Opera welcomed an unprecedented 10 new members into the Encore Society, whose collective commitments will ensure that opera will have a bright future in our city, and we are honored to celebrate their extraordinary future commitments with them today. To learn more, please visit operaphila.org/encore-society.

ENCORE SOCIETY MEMBERS

Anonymous (3)Ben and Lorraine AlexanderMs. Jane A. BerrymanDr. Claire BoasiConstance G. Burton†

Dr.†and Mrs. Elaine CassaliaMr. Lloyd ChristyDr. Maria Elisa Ciavarelli†

Dianne and Don CooneyMr. and Mrs. Arthur CovelloMs. Ginny L. CoyleDr. Kenneth R. Cundy†

Ms. Virgnia Del Sordo†

Mr. Robert DevoeMs. Harriet Forman†

Ms. Sylvia Green†

Mrs. Gail HauptfuhrerDr. Mark H. Haller†

Mr. Stephen T. JanickMrs. Sheila Kessler

Dr. Thomas KnadigMr. Michael KnightDr. and Mrs. Paul KruegerMr. Tom LaPortaMarguerite and Gerry LenfestReneé T. LevinMr. William A. LoebMrs. Lois MeyersMs. Ellen Cole Miller†

Ms. Constance C. MooreMr. William Reily†

Dr. Scott F. RichardMr. Laurence T. Robbins†

Morton F. Steelman†

Ms. Lee SteinbergMrs. Charlotte WattsDr. and Mrs. Andrew WechslerEster C. Weil†

Mr. George P. White†

†Deceased

Chairman’s Council and Encore Society members Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest with Romulo L. Diaz, Jr., Honorary Chair of the DUENDE Gala. Photo by Sofia Negron

General Director’s Council and Encore Society member Connie Moore with Patron Program members Richard and Marion Taxin. Photo by J.R. Blackwell

Board Member Alice Strine, Esq., with Encore Society member Dr. Claire Boasi. Photo by Sofia Negron

63

CORPORATE COUNCILThe Corporate Council generously supports Opera Philadelphia’s artistic and educational programming through contributions and in-kind donations. To learn more, please visit operaphila.org/corporate-council.

SEASON SPONSORS

Official Airline Official Sponsor of Opera Philadelphia’s Patron program

Season Media Partner Intermission Reception Sponsor Brand Communications Partner

Official Automotive Dealership Official Hotel

Board Member Jonathan Sprogell, bass-baritone Joseph Barron (Leporello in Don Giovanni), and Elizabeth Morgan of BNY Mellon Wealth Management. Photo by J.R. Blackwell

COUNCIL MEMBERSARAMARKBank of AmericaBNY Mellon Wealth ManagementCenter City Film & VideoGlaxoSmithKlineKalnin Graphics

Menchey MusicMorgan StanleyNational Penn Investors TrustPECOSavona RestaurantVaralli RestaurantCatering By Design

Cunningham Piano CompanyDonovan Interior Systems, Inc.Evantine DesignExelon Business ServicesMAC CosmeticsMontgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads, LLP

Moonstruck RestaurantTermini Bros. BakeryTrattoria San NicolaUberUniversal Health Services

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S O U N D S O F L E A R N I N G ™ S U P P O R TEach year, 5,000 students attend their first opera at the Academy of Music for FREE through Opera Philadelphia’s Sounds of Learning™ program, a unique arts education experience that weaves the study of a current production into the core school curriculum. After several weeks of stimulating classroom

studies and activities, students attend a final dress rehearsal at the Academy of Music. More than 140,000 students and teachers have participated in Sounds of Learning™ since its founding in 1991.

* Opera Philadelphia is especially grateful to businesses who participate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which grants lucrative tax credits to eligible businesses that donate to approved educational programs like Sounds of Learning™.

WELLS FARGO

UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES*

HAMILTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

EUGENE GARFIELD FOUNDATION

THE ARAMARK CHARITABLE FUND

GLAXOSMITHKLINE

THE HIRSIG FAMILY FUND OF THE PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION

MORGAN STANLEY FOUNDATION

ETHEL SERGEANT CLARK SMITH MEMORIAL FUND

ALPIN J. AND ALPIN W. CAMERON MEMORIAL FUND

THE MCLEAN CONTRIBUTIONSHIP

MUTUAL FIRE FOUNDATION*

LOUIS N. CASSETT FOUNDATION

To learn more, please visit OPERAPHI LA.ORG/SOUNDS-LEARNING

OPERA PHILADELPHIA THANKS THOSE WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR SUPPORT TO SOUNDS OF LEARNING™ :

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OPERA PH I LADE L PH IA’ S 2013 -2014 GALA CE LEBRATES

On Saturday, October 26, Opera Philadelphia hosted its 2013-2014 gala,

DUENDE, at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. The evening’s 250 guests

enjoyed a Spanish-themed cocktail hour with tapas and sangria, an elegant

seated dinner, and live and silent auctions. The event, which celebrated Opera

Philadelphia’s heart-stopping production of Ainadamar, included a musical

recital and a lively Flamenco performance by Pasión y Arte.

DUENDE raised more than $150,000 to support Opera on the Mall, Opera

Philadelphia’s annual free public HD broadcast at Independence Historical

National Park.

The Opera would like to thank the event’s Honorary Chairman Romulo L.

Diaz, Jr., and members of the gala committee: Nancy Abbott, Eric Allen,

Willo Carey, Joan Goldstein, Sharon Koppelman, Ellen Berman Lee,

Timothy Moir, Kelley Reilly, and Stephen G. Somkuti, M.D.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: General Director’s Council member John Alchin with Board Member Joel Koppelman and his wife, Gala Committee Member Sharon Koppelman; Chairman’s Council members Rita and Phil Harper; Board Chairman Daniel K. Meyer, M.D. with DUENDE Honorary Chairman Romulo L. Diaz, Jr. Board Member and Patron Program Chair Donna Wechsler with her husband, Dr. Andrew Wechsler, and Keith Straw with her husband, Board Member James Straw. Photos by Sofia Negron

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O P E R A P H I L A D E L P H I A S TAT E M E N T O F F I N A N C I A L P O S I T I O N M a y 3 1 , 2 0 1 4 , 2 0 1 3 a n d 2 0 1 2

ASSETS 2014 2013 2012CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $2,672,600 $3,057,851 $3,542,278

Unconditional promises to give 4,067,662 2,832,304 2,466,146

Prepaid expenses and other 1,428,236 1,107,481 660,110

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 8,168,498 6,997,636

6,668,534

Marketable securities $173,640 $151,915 $85,597

Unconditional promises to give 1,785,938 3,536,962 3,538,438

Beneficial interest in remainder trust 279,209 266,531 254,428

Property and equipment, net 450,648 303,542 263,771

Security deposits 8,900 9,080 14,680

2,698,335 4,268,030 4,156,914

TOTAL ASSETS $10,866,833 $11,265,666 $10,825,448

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETSCURRENT L IABIL IT IES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses $594,772 $363,467 $332,986

Deferred revenue 1,296,210 1,158,606 1,138,350

Mortgage payable, current portion 36,427 34,630 32,922

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,927,409 1,556,703 1,504,258

NONCURRENT L IABIL IT IESMortgage payable, net of current portion 95,961 132,388 167,018

TOTAL LIABILITIES $2,023,370 1,689,091 1,671,276

NET ASSETSUnrestricted $2,506,823 $ 2,212,435 $2,041,494

Temporarily restricted 6,261,658 7,289,158 7,087,696

Permanently restricted 74,982 74,982 24,982

TOTAL NET ASSETS 8,843,463 9,576,575

9,154,172

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $10,866,833 $11,265,666 $10,825,448

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O P E R A P H I L A D E L P H I A S TAT E M E N T O F A C T I V I T I E S Y e a r s e n d M a y 3 1 , 2 0 1 4 , 2 0 1 3 a n d 2 0 1 2

OPERATING REVENUES & SUPPORT 2014 2013 2012Ticket sales $2,216,676 $2,492,256 $2,229,436

Contributions 8,684,397 7,113,679 6,982,276

Special events, net 143,352 160,542 147,034

Other income 43,195 105,796 105,992

Investment return designated for operations (2,505) 605 (46)

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES & SUPPORT 11,085,115 9,872,878 9,464,692

OPERATING EXPENSESProgram services 8,701,678 7,852,552 7,242,652

Management and general 1,053,049 1,084,073 945,403

Fund-raising 1,057,225 781,430 608,142

TOTAL EXPENSES 10,811,952 9,718,055 8,796,197

CHANGE IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS 273,163 154,823 668,495

OTHER CHANGESInvestment return, net of amounts designated for operations 21,225 16,118 2,882

CHANGE IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS 294,388 170,941 671,377

UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS, BEGINNING 2,212,435 2,041,494 1,370,117

UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS, ENDING $2,506,823 $2,212,435 $2,041,494

P R I VAT E S U P P O R T / 7 7 . 2 9 %

T I C K E T S A L E S / 2 0 %

P U B L I C S U P P O R T / 1 . 0 5 %

S P E C I A L E V E N T S / 1 . 2 9 %

O T H E R E A R N E D I N C O M E / . 3 7 %

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B E H I N D

T H E

S T A G E

OPERA PH I LADE L PH IA A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

DAVID B. DEVANGeneral Director & President

CORRADO ROVARISJack Mulroney Music Director

MIKAEL ELIASENArtistic Advisor

NATHAN GUNNDirector, American Repertoire Council

GARY GANSKYChief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President

ANNIE BURRIDGESenior Vice President, Institutional Advancement

DAVID LEVYSenior Vice President, Artistic Operations

MICHAEL BOLTONVice President of Community Programs

MUSIC

MICHAEL EBERHARDArtistic Administrator

ELIZABETH BRADENChorus Master & Music Administrator

J. ROBERT LOYDirector of Orchestra Personnel & Orchestra Librarian

SARAH WILLIAMSNew Works Administrator

COLLEEN HOODAssistant Director of Orchestra Personnel & Assistant Orchestra Librarian

LEMBIT BEECHERComposer in Residence

MISSY MAZZOLIComposer in Residence

ANDREW NORMANComposer in Residence

DAVID T. LITTLEComposer in Residence

PRODUCTION

ALEXANDER FARINOProduction Manager

DREW BILLIAUTechnical Production Manager

CHRISTOPHER HANESTechnical Director

MILLIE HIIBELCostume Director

ELIZABETH LARSEN-SILVAProduction Coordinator

MARKETING

RYAN LEWISDirector of Marketing

LUCY CLEMENSDirector of Audience Services

KARINA KACALAMarketing Manager

MICHAEL KNIGHTAssistant Director, Audience Services & Group Sales

DEVELOPMENT

CHRISTINA DEEMERDirector of Annual Giving

ADELE BETZDirector of Events

DERREN A. MANGUMManager of Institutional Giving

JENNIFER DUBINAssociate Director, Annual Fund & Development Services

RACHEL MCCAUSLANDManager, Leadership & Legacy Giving

SARAH JOHNSONDonor Services Coordinator

COMMUNICATIONS

FRANK LUZIDirector of Communications

KATIE DUNEMultimedia Communications Coordinator

ADMINISTRATION

KEN SMITHAssistant to General Director & Board Relations Coordinator

MAURICE MARIETTIPersonnel Manager

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

ADRIENNE BISHOPCommunity Programs Assistant

F INANCE

MAUREEN MCHALESenior Accountant

COUNSEL

MONTGOMERY, MCCRACKEN, WALKER & RHOADS LLPGeneral Counsel

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T O M O R R O W ’ S

S T A G E

The 40th Anniversary Season at Opera

Philadelphia looks to the future while

celebrating Philadelphia’s operatic heritage.

Five outstanding new productions form a

journey—a carefully sequenced collection

of the classic and the daring, the sublime

and the surreal. It is an open dialogue

between opera’s biggest stars, its greatest

fans, and its grandest stage. Simply put,

it is opera at its most unforgettable.

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S E P T. 2 6 – O C T. 5 , 2 0 1 4T H E B A R B E R O F S E V I L L E

M A R C H 4 – 8 , 2 0 1 5

C U R T I S O P E R A T H E AT R E

A R I A D N E A U F N A X O S

F E B . 6 – 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

O S C A R East Coast Premiere

J U N E 5 – 1 4 , 2 0 1 5

C H A R L I E P A R K E R ’ S YA R D B I R D World Premiere

A P R I L 2 4 – M AY 3 , 2 0 1 5D O N C A R L O

“Expect more interesting projects from Opera Philadelphia. As innovation rolls out of that shop, arts groups all over the city might find themselves

looking to a 400-year-old genre for lessons on how to negotiate an uncertain future, fearlessly and with an eye refixed on evolution.”


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A C A D E M Y H O U S E

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S U I T E 2 1 0

P H I L A , PA

1 9 1 0 2

O P E R A P H I L A . O R G

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Documents

2013 - 2014 Annual Report | Opera Philadelphia