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2015 annual report - Michigan Opera Theatre
DEBORAH VOIGT, The Merry Widow CATALINA CUERVO, Frida 2015 ANNUAL REPORT CHRISTINE GOERKE, Elektra FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Friends, This past year has been filled with positive changes that will serve our organization well in the coming year. Here are some highlights: • Wayne Brown successfully completed his first full year as our CEO with a flurry of new initiatives and management changes. • The Board approved a new Strategic Plan defining MOT’s goals and objectives for the next decade. Thanks to the Strategic Planning Committee of Sandy Duncan, Al Lucarelli, Barbara Kratchman, Jim Prowse, Wayne Brown, David DiChiera and the undersigned. • The Strategic Plan recommended MOT begin a Capital Campaign to assure sustainability and strengthen our financial core. That recommendation was followed by the formation of a Campaign Working Committee and the engagement of CCS, a national fundraising consultant. At this writing, much progress has been made and the Campaign will be launched next year. R. Jamison Williams, Jr. Chairman of the Board • We continue to reshape our Board of Directors consistent with our objectives of increasing diversity, broadening our geographic presence and bringing on the “next generation” of supporters. We thank the following long-serving members who have retired or moved away: Gloria Clark and James Prowse. We welcomed the following new Directors: Pernilla Ammann, Enrico Digirolamo, Michael Einheuser, Jesse Venegas and Trustees: Daniel and Pernilla Ammann, Jonathan and Paula R. Autry, Enrico and Kathleen Digirolamo, Michael Einheuser, Chris and Beth Kaufman, and Jesse and Yesenia Venegas. Many thanks to the Nominating Committee for its excellent work in this area. The Committee consisted of its Chair, Al Lucarelli, and Betty Brooks, Wayne Brown, Julia Darlow, Ethan Davidson, David DiChiera, Fern Espino, Paul Ewing, Barbara Frankel, David Handleman, Don Manvel, Charli Podowski, Ruth Rattner, and Ankur Rungta. • Director and Trustee engagement continues to build with the formation of committees aimed at prioritizing the needs of our physical plant, refining governance procedures and improving marketing. I am excited for the future of MOT. The legacy of achievement by our founder, David DiChiera, supported over 45 years by legions of committed board members, trustees, patrons and staff, has resulted in a solid foundation on which to build MOT’s “Second Act.” With respect for, and appreciation of, all of you who have helped us on our journey, I remain, Yours truly, R. Jamison Williams, Jr. Chairman of the Board 2 Michigan Opera Theatre FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends, I am delighted to share with you that our 2014-15 season was filled with artistic triumphs and, most importantly, that the company is fiscally sound. During our first season of working together, it has been an honor for me to work closely with Founder and Artistic Director David DiChiera, Board Chairman R. J. Williams, and a dedicated and enthusiastic Board of Directors to advance the work of our unique and compelling organization. The season began with the dynamic leadership of three co-chairs, Gretchen Davidson, Elanah Hunger and Karen Williams, for the 2014-15 Annual Gala that was designed around a three-day Opening Weekend, inclusive of the annual ball, the opening opera production of Strauss’ Elektra with soprano Christine Goerke, and a Sunday afternoon community open house at our magnificent theater with free, behind the scenes tours for families that attracted more than 400 individuals. In 2015, the board approved a new strategic plan to guide our work. The plan calls for several key initiatives that will sustain operations and expand capacity — and most importantly that will continue to build this remarkable opera company. We will invest in artistic initiatives; engage and enroll new audiences to ensure a vibrant future; and we will invest in key staff positions, expand our operating capacity and reinvest in our most valuable asset, the Detroit Opera House. Wayne S. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer The spring 2015 production of Robert Rodriguez’ opera Frida touched on many of these points. With participation of key leaders in the region’s Latino community. With performances in three venues — the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, the Berman Center for the Performing Arts and the Detroit Institute of Arts — the production received rave reviews and attracted more than 9,100 audience members outside of the Detroit Opera House. A relatively recent MOT initiative was the development of Opera Clubs, which grew from four to fourteen in distinct Detroit-area neighborhoods, and an additional six clubs throughout Southeast Michigan. This unique audience development tool was recognized by Opera America, the service organization for opera companies throughout the nation, for its bold and unique design to engage audiences. The year included the development of new alliances with partner organizations in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Flint, supported by corporate sponsorships and the Southeast Michigan Community Foundation. In closing, I am proud to observe that as a result of several years of prudent financial steps taken by the Finance Committee, combined with recent aggressive measures to secure new resources for sponsorships and underwriting, MOT achieved a balanced budget in 2014-15 and ended the year with positive results. Thank you for your investment in our work to make high quality opera, musical theater, dance, and education/community programs available in Southeastern Michigan. Because of all of you, the 2014-15 season was a great year! Warm regards, Wayne S. Brown President and Chief Executive Officer Annual Report 2015 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015 July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 Mr. R. Jamison Williams, Chairman Mr. Wayne S. Brown President and CEO Mr. Cameron B. Duncan, Treasurer Mr. C. Thomas Toppin, Secretary Mrs. Robert A. Allesee Mrs. Daniel Ammann Mr. Joseph Angileri Mr. Lee Barthel Mr. Richard A. Brodie Mrs. William C. Brooks Mr. Robert Brown Mr. Wayne S. Brown Mrs. Frederick H. Clark Ms. Joanne Danto Julia Donovan Darlow Mr. Ethan Davidson Dr. David DiChiera Mr. Enrico Digirolamo Mrs. Sonal Dubey Mr. Michael Einheuser Mrs. Charles M. Endicott Mr. Paul E. Ewing Mrs. David Fischer Mrs. Barbara Frankel Mr. Herman Frankel Mr. Dean Friedman Mr. Richard G. Goetz Mr. John P. Hale Mr. David Handleman Mrs. Peter Karmanos Mrs. Michael Kratchman Mr. Thomas M. Krikorian Mr. Harry A. Lomason II Mr. Alphonse S. Lucarelli Mr. Donald Manvel Dr. Ali Moiin Mrs. Manuel Moroun Dr. Stephen Munk Dr. Charlotte Podowski Mr. Paul Ragheb Mrs. Ruth Rattner Mr. Roy S. Roberts Dr. Bernard Rubin Mr. Ankur Rungta Ms. Elham Shayota Mr. Terry Shea Mr. Matthew Simoncini Mr. Richard Sonenklar Dr. Lorna Thomas Mr. George C. Vincent Chairmen Emeriti Mr. Robert E. Dewar † Mr. Lynn A. Townsend † Directors Emeriti Mrs. Donald C. Austin Mr. J. Addison Bartush† Mrs. Peter Cooper Mr. Frank W. Donovan† Dr. Marjorie M. Fisher Mr. James H. Gram† Mrs. William Johnston† Ms. Jennifer Nasser Mr. David Pollack† Mrs. Irving Rose Mr. William Sandy Mr. Frank Stella † Mr. Robert VanderKloot † Mr. Richard Webb Mr. George M. Zeltzer † Mr. Mort Zieve † BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015 July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 Mr. & Mrs. Kenn Allen Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee Mrs. Douglas F. Allison Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Ammann Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Julie Douse-Angileri & Joseph Angileri Dr. Harold M. Arrington Mrs. Edward Avadenka Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Mr. & Mrs. Mark Alan Baun Mrs. Ara Berberian Mr. & Mrs. Mandell Berman Ms. Debra Bernstein-Siegel Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bloch Mr. & Mrs. John A. Boll, Sr. Mr. Gene P. Bowen Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Betty J. Bright Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Brodie Mr. & Mrs. William C. Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Robert Brown Brenda Kee & Wayne S. Brown Ms. Mayssoun Bydon & Mr. Ankur Rungta Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Celani Mr. & Mrs. Michael Chirco Mr. & Mrs. Frederick H. Clark The Hon. & Mrs. Avern L. Cohn Mr. Thomas Cohn Ms. Joanne Danto & Dr. Arnold Weingarden Mr. & Mrs. Tarik S. Daoud Julia Donovan Darlow & The Hon. John C. O’Meara Mr. & Mrs. Jerry P. D’Avanzo Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. David Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson Mr. Kevin Dennis & Mr. Jeremy Zeltzer Dr. David DiChiera Mrs. Karen VanderKloot DiChiera Mr. & Mrs. Enrico Digirolamo The Hon. John Dingell & The Hon. Debbie Dingell Ms. Mary Jane Doerr Sonal & Dilip Dubey Mr. Cameron B. Duncan 4 Mr. Michael Einheuser Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Eisenberg Mrs. Charles M. Endicott Mr. Alex Erdeljan Dr. Fern R. Espino & Mr. Thomas Short Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Ewing Margo Cohen Feinberg & Robert Feinberg Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Feldman Mr. & Mrs. David Fischer Dr. Marjorie M. Fisher Mr & Mrs. Carl B. Fontana Mrs. Elaine Fontana Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ron Michalak Herman & Sharon Frankel Mr. & Mrs. Dean Friedman Mrs. James Garavaglia Ambassador & Mrs. Yousif Ghafari Mr. & Mrs. Richard G. Goetz Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Grace Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Haberman Mrs. Berj H. Haidostian Mr. & Mrs. John P. Hale Mr. & Mrs. David Handleman Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Hartwig Mrs. David B. Hermelin Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Mr. & Mrs. Alan Israel Mrs. Una Jackman Mr. Don Jensen & Mr. Leo Dovelle Mr. & Mrs. Kent Jidov Mr. & Mrs. Gary Johnson Mrs. William Kahn Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos Mr. Patrick J. Kerzic & Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kratchman Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Krikorian Dr. Melvin A. Lester Mr. Charles E. Letts Jr. & Ms. Mary Barton Jolliffe Ms. Linda Dresner Levy & Mr. Edward Levy Dr. & Mrs. Kim K. Lie Mr. & Mrs. A. C. Liebler Mr. & Mrs. Harry A. Lomason II Mr. & Mrs. James H. LoPrete Mr. Alphonse S. Lucarelli Mrs. Denise Lutz Mr. Donald Manvel Ms. Florine Mark Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Martella The Hon. Jack Martin & Dr. Bettye ArringtonMartin Mrs. Richard McBrien Mr. & Mrs. Eugene A. Miller Ms. Monica Moffat Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Monolidis Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Moroun Drs. Barbara & Stephen Munk Mr. & Mrs. E. Michael Mutchler Mr. & Mrs. Allan Nachman Mr. & Mrs. Irving Nusbaum Dr. Juliette Okotie-Eboh Ms. Linda Orlans Mr. & Mrs. Graham Orley Mr. &. Mrs. Richard Partrich Mr. & Mrs. Spencer Partrich Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Pehrson Dr. Robert E. L. Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Brock E. Plumb Dr. Charlotte & Mr. Charles Podowski Mrs. Heinz Prechter Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ragheb Mr. & Mrs. John Rakolta, Jr. Mrs. Ruth Rattner Dr. & Mrs. James Rigby Mr. & Mrs. Roy S. Roberts Ms. Patricia H. Rodzik Mrs. Irving Rose Mrs. Rosenfeld Mrs. Carolyn L. Ross Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Rugiero Dr. & Mrs. Hershel Sandberg Mr. & Mrs. Donald Schmidt Mr. & Mrs. Alan E. Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. Mark Shaevsky Mrs. Frank C. Shaler Ms. Elham Shayota Mr. Terry Shea Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Simoncini Mr. William H. Smith Ms. Phyllis Funk Snow Mr. & Mrs. David Snyder Mr. Anthony L. Soave Mr. Richard A. Sonenklar & Mr. Gregory Haynes Ms. Mary Ann Stella Mrs. George Strumbos Dr. Jonathan Swift Mr. Ronald F. Switzer & Mr. Jim F. McClure Dr. Lorna Thomas Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Toppin Mr. James Vella Mrs. Steven I. Victor Mr. & Mrs. George C. Vincent Amelia H. Wilhelm Dr. & Mrs. Christopher D. Wilhelm Mr. & Mrs. R. Jamison Williams Mrs. Sam B. Williams The Hon. Joan E. Young & Mr. Thomas L. Schellenberg Mrs. Morton Zieve Trustees Emeriti Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Applebaum Dr. & Mrs. Agustin Arbulu Dr. & Mrs. Donald C. Austin Mrs. James Merriam Barnes† Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cooper Mr. † Mrs.† Robert E. Dewar Mr. Marvin A. Frenkel Dr. † & Mrs.† Robert Gerisch Mrs. Aaron Gershenson † Mr. † & Mrs. † James Gram Mrs. Katherine Gribbs † Mrs. Robert Hamady † Mr. & Mrs. Preston Happel Mrs. & Mrs. E. Jan Hartmann Mr.† & Mrs.† Maxwell Jospey Dr.† Zophia and Mr.† Mitchell Kafarski Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klein Mrs. Walton Lewis † Mrs. Jesse Mann † Mrs. Wade H. McCree Jr. † Mr. & Mrs. Jules L. Pollone Mrs. Ralph Polk† Mr.† & Mrs.† David Pollock Mr. & Mrs. William Sandy Mr.† & Mrs.† Fred Schneidewind Mr. † & Mrs. Richard Starkweather Mrs. Mark C. Stevens † Mrs. Lynn Townsend † Mr.† & Mrs.† Robert VanderKloot Mr. & Mrs. Paul Victor Mr.† & Mrs.† Alvin Wasserman Amelia H. Wilhelm Mrs. R. Alexander Wrigley Founding Members Mr.† & Mrs.† Lynn A. Townsend, Founding Chairman The Hon. & Mrs.† Avern L. Cohn Dr. & Mrs. John DeCarlo Dr. & Mrs. David DiChiera Mr.† & Mrs.† Aaron H. Gershenson Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. Graves Mr. † & Mrs.† John C. Griffin Mr. & Mrs. Harry L. Jones The Hon.† & Mrs. † Wade McCree Jr. Mr. Harry J. Nederlander Mr. E. Harwood Rydholm † Mr. & Mrs. Neil Snow Mr. & Mrs. Richard Strichartz Mr. † & Mrs. † Robert C. VanderKloot Dr. † & Mrs. Sam H. Williams Mr. † & Mrs. † Theodore O. Yntema Michigan Opera Theatre Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra VIOLIN I Laura Roelofs Acting Concertmaster Velda Kelly Andrew Wu Acting Assistant Concertmaster Bryan Johnston Charlotte Merkerson Beth Kaufman Molly Hughes Emily Barkakati CELLO Nadine Deleury Principal Sarah Cleveland Diane Bredesen Daniel Thomas VIOLIN II Victoria Haltom Principal Daniel Stachyra Henrik Karapetyan Anna Bittar-Weller Kevin Filewych FLUTE Amanda Sparfeld Principal Laura Larson VIOLA John Madison Principal Scott Stefanko Kathleen Grimes Barbara Zmich BASS Derek Weller Principal Clark Suttle OBOE Nermis Mieses Principal Sally Heffelfinger-Pituch ENGLISH HORN Sally Heffelfinger-Pituch CLARINET Brian Bowman Principal J. William King BASSOON Pawel Wnuk Principal FRENCH HORN Andrew Pelletier Principal Carrie Banfield-Taplin TRUMPET David Ammer Principal Gordon Simmons TROMBONE Greg Near TIMPANI Alison Chang Principal Detroit Federation of Musicians Local #5 American Federation of Musicians Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus Brandy Adams Carol Ambrogio Wood Gregory Ashe Blake Bard Monique Bates Heidi Bowen Zook Alaina Brown Fred Buchalter Elizabeth Cedroni Alexandria Clark Zachary Coates* Kate Connolly Darren DeWitt Claire DiVizio* Clodagh Earls* Joseph Edmonds Michael Fowler Kurt Frank Annual Report 2015 Yvonne Friday Nicole Greenidge Joseph Julia Hoffert Mark Istratie Richard Jackson, Jr. Crystalyn Jass Kirkpatrick Nicole Joseph Mimi Lanseur Jerrold Lee Adrian Leskiw Bradley Lieto Aynsley Martindale Brad Miller David Moan Pette Moore Anna Nadasky Ashly Neumann Sasha Noori Paolo Pacheco Jessica Pistor Bradley Schick Diane Schoff Carrick Secorski Tami Snyder-Knutson Morris Thomas Lucy Thompson David Twigg Tiffanie Waldron Justin Watson Norman Weber Tamara Whitty Jeffrey Wilkinson *apprentices 5 2014-15 Season Overview David DiChiera Celebrating Women F or our 44th season of opera I chose a series of works entitled “Divas Exposed.” Since the beginnings of opera, composers have been inspired by complex, fascinating and often powerful women, and through the ages tremendously talented women have given life to these heroines on the operatic stage. One of the most shining and in-demand “divas” in today’s opera scene is American soprano Christine Goerke, who is set to take on the ultimate Wagnerian role of Brünnhilde in the Met’s upcoming restaging of the Ring Cycle. But before that, she returned to the Detroit Opera House after 2013’s Fidelio to take on one of the most challenging roles in the soprano repertoire — Elektra by Richard Strauss. A company premiere it also provided an opportunity to showcase our Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. Rather fittingly taking place around Halloween (a coincidence!), the scenery was bathed in fake blood as the axe-wielding, vocally blazing Goerke stalked the stage and filled the hall with her huge high notes. It was a thrilling start to the season, to say the least. Puccini’s rightfully well-loved Madame Butterfly followed, and proved once again to be the romantic, emotional, gorgeoussounding treat that audiences crave. One of opera’s virtues is its ability to transport us to intriguing realms very far from our own place and time, and this Butterfly, with its picturesque, haunting evocation of Japan as Puccini imagined it, certainly did that. The role was shared and beautifully performed by Moldavian soprano Inna Los and Italian soprano Donata d’Annunzio Lombardi. We opened the spring season in March reflecting the addition of a fifth production, and it not only featured a colorful female 6 Elektra Madame Butterfly protagonist and a dynamic soprano playing her, but also celebrated an actual woman of recent history. At the same time as the historic Detroit Institute of Arts exhibit exploring Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s time in Detroit while Rivera painted the Detroit Industry murals, MOT produced Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s contemporary opera Frida, about the stormy life and stunning art of Kahlo. Colombian soprano, Catalina Cuervo, turned in a highly convincing portrayal in this co-production with the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts that toured throughout the three counties, selling out every show at the Macomb Center, West Bloomfield’s Berman Center for the Performing Arts, and the DIA itself. I was proud of the collaboration and of our contribution to the “Frida Fever” that took hold of the metropolitan area this spring. Soprano superstar Deborah Voigt, who had just released a well-received memoir entitled Call Me Debbie, made her company debut with us in April singing and dancing her way through The Merry Widow. As Hanna, she brought warmth and vitality and Giselle The Merry Widow Faust her signature earthiness, even agreeing to meet audience members after performances to sign copies of her book. This was also a personally exciting time, as the opening night happened to be my birthday, and some of my closest friends, supporters, and colleagues gathered before the performance to mark the event with a grand dinner and speeches. At the end, I was presented Michigan Opera Theatre bodied intensity,” as the Detroit Free Press put it. Her winning turn showed us that MOT has successfully fostered the strength of opera in our area and given chances to local artists who have gone on to international recognition in the musical and theatrical world. Our 19th dance season likewise shone a light on local artists, as well as featuring magnificent companies from afar. The perennial favorite Giselle brought the Houston Ballet to our stage for the very first time. The Nutcracker This acclaimed American company, under the leadership of their artistic director, noted Australian choreographer Stanton Welch, gave a romantic and beautifully danced representation of the supernatural story. The reign of the story ballet continued later that month of November with The Nutcracker, presented by BalletMet Columbus. That company once Eisenhower Dance Too Hot to Handel again elicited enchantment from this beloved score, bringing fantastic light to the darkening days of the season. Light returned, in eye-popping, dazzling color, with the Eisenhower Dance Company’s Light Show, performed in late January. This local company had the bright idea of partnering four dancers with four lighting designers to create uniquely personal multimedia dance works. The one-night-only performance demonstrated the spirit of innovation that continues to be such a hallmark of our city. Alvin Ailey It’s always exciting when one of America’s great dance companies returns. Alvin Ailey with a remarkable gift: a trip with my entire American Dance Theater has certainly family to the mountains of Calabria in Italy endeared itself to Detroit audiences through where my mother and father grew up before its years of performing at our theatre. emigrating to America. I truly “felt the love” Appropriate for being produced in March, that night, rather like the happy and dewyWomen’s History Month, and as a fine link eyed characters of the evening’s operetta. to our season’s theme, the company’s new The opera season closed with Gounod’s Faust. Soprano Caitlin Lynch returned to her work, “Odetta,” was danced to the music of that influential African-American folksinger. hometown of Detroit to sing the psychologiWith its focus on social issues to which cally layered role of Marguerite. I was proud Odetta committed herself in her life, the to have a singer native to our community piece showed us that dance can be not only starring in this production marked by “fullAnnual Report 2015 beautiful, but also meaningful and important on a human level. The year at MOT was rounded out with an array of special events and performances. Our Too Hot to Handel, the gospel reimagining of Handel’s Messiah conducted by Suzanne Mallare Acton, again had ’em rocking, rolling, and hallelujah-ing in the aisles in what has become a Detroit holiday tradition. Our Community Programs department, in conjunction with the Frida production, set out to engage younger Latin-American audiences in Detroit with a sweet and spicy new production of Enrique Gonzalez-Medina’s children’s opera How Nanita Learned to Make Flan, directed with great sabor by Michael Yashinsky. The show toured to schools around Southwest Detroit, further connecting our community in the appreciation of art. Broadway in Detroit’s Wicked returned to the DOH and was the smashing blockbuster that we have come to expect it to be as well as multi-week run of “The Book of Mormon.” The MOT Children’s Chorus produced The Very Last Green Thing for its annual performance, sung entirely by the youngsters and introduced by a lesson on environmental issues from the Michigan Science Center. This was the last season of Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, founder and director of Michigan Opera Theatre’s Department of Community Programs. For more than 45 years, she committed herself and our company to providing exciting arts education and sharing the gift of music with young and the young at heart. She has touched the lives of so many, and of course I myself owe so much to her. In this year of women, here is one truly worth honoring, which we did in a special ceremony in July marking her retirement. The year, in total, was a celebration—of women; of MOT’s rich history, innovating present, and marquee-bright future; and of our community. We are so proud to call this wonderfully diverse city “home,” and proud that our fellow Detroiters are ever more recognizing us as a treasured neighbor— albeit one that can get rather loud at times. Such is opera! 7 Music Richard Strauss Libretto Hugo von Hoffmansthal World Premiere Dresden, 1909 In German with English supertitle translations Presented in one act One hour and 45 minutes Conductor Steven Mercurio Director Nicholas Muni Assistant Director Michael Yashinsky Set and Costume Design Dany Lyne Lighting Design Nicholas Muni Wig & Makeup Design James D. Geier Stage Manager Ken Saltzman Supertitle Translation Nicholas Muni Original concept by Nicholas Muni for the Cincinnati Opera. October 18-26, 2014 By arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. The 2014 Fall Opera Season is made possible by Ford Motor Company. 8 This production is made possible through additional support from the Ford Motor Company. Christine Goerke’s performances generously sponsored by Elaine Fontana Michigan Opera Theatre 2014-15 Opera Season “Christine Goerke was off-the-charts incredible. Conductor Steven Mercurio had the orchestra sounding pretty darn good most of the time. And if you Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of Richard Strauss’ “Elektra,” well, to paraphrase George Bernard Shaw, the angels will weep.” don’t go see —Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press Cast In order of vocal appearance Klytemnestra...................................... Jill Grove* Elektra..................................... Christine Goerke Chrysothemis............................ Jennifer Check* Orest..........................................Thomas Gazheli Aegisth................................... Richard Margison Tutor of Orest.......................Zachary Coates†*@ 5th Maidservant.............................Jessica Dold* The Overseer............................Elizabeth Byrne* 1st Maidservant............................. Melissa Parks 2nd Maidservant..............................Diane Schoff 3rd Maidservant.............................Kristin Eder* 4th Maidservant...................... Sequina DuBose* The Trainbearer.............................Jenny Cook*† Old Servant................................... Jeff Byrnes*†# Young Servant................................... Blake Bard† * Michigan Opera Theatre debut † Barbara Gibson Young Artist Apprentice @ DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Young Artist # Joyce Cohn Young Artist Annual Report 2015 9 Music Giacomo Puccini Libretto Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica In Italian with English supertitle translations Presented in two acts Approximately three hours Conductor Stephen Lord Director Bernard Uzan Assistant Director Courtney Kalbacker Chorus Master Suzanne Mallare Acton Set Design Paul Shortt Costume Design Dean Brown Lighting Design Michael Baumgarten Wig & Makeup Design Cindy Ludwig Stage Manager Ken Saltzman Supertitles Dee Dorsey November 15-23, 2014 Scenery and costumes originally designed for the Cincinnati Opera The 2014 Fall Opera Season is made possible by Ford Motor Company. 10 Michigan Opera Theatre 2014-15 Opera Season Cast In order of vocal appearance Pinkerton................... Noah Stewart (15, 19, 22) Adam Luther (21, 23)* Goro................................................... Julius Ahn Suzuki...................................Kimberly Sogioka* Sharpless..................................... Michael Mayes Cio-Cio-San..................... Inna Los* (15, 19, 22) Donata D’Annunzio Lombardi (21, 23) Imperial Commissioner......... Zachary Coates†@ Registrar........................................... Blake Bard† The Bonze.......................................Jeff Byrnes†# Prince Yamadori....................... Zachary Coates† Kate Pinkerton................................Jenny Cook† Yakuside........................................ Gregory Ashe Cousin........................................... Alaina Brown Mother..........................................Brandy Adams Aunt.............................................. Nicole Joseph Sorrow............. Morgan Armstrong (15, 19, 22) Lily Renaud (21, 23) * Michigan Opera Theatre debut † Barbara Gibson Young Artist Apprentice @ DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Young Artist # Joyce Cohn Young Artist Annual Report 2015 11 Music Franz Lehár Libretto Victor Leon and Leo Stein World Premiere Vienna, 1905 English lyrics by Sheldon Harnick Conductor Gerald Steichen Director Kelly Robinson Assistant Director Gerard Theoret Chorus Master Suzanne Mallare Acton Choreographer Jeffrey Rebudal Set Design Michael Yeargan Costume Design Susan Memmott-Allred Lighting Design Kendall Smith Wig & Makeup Design Joanne Weaver Stage Manager Ken Saltzman Supertitles Dee Dorsey Scenery and costumes designed originally for Utah Symphony and Opera, and constructed by Utah Symphony and Opera Production Studios. April 11-19, 2015 The 2015 Spring Opera Season is made possible with support from the General Motors Foundation. 12 12 BRAVO • Spring 2015 DeRoy Testamentary Foundation April 18 Performance Sponsor Deborah Voigt’s performances generously sponsored by Richard Sonenklar Michigan Opera Theatre 2014-15 Opera Season Cast In order of vocal appearance Count Danilo Danilovitch........Roger Honeywell Hanna Glawari........................... Deborah Voigt* Baron Mirko Zeta........................ Richard Suart* Valencienne.............................Amanda Squitieri Camille de Rosillon....................... Aaron Blake* Vicomte Cascada.......................... Adrian Rosas† Raoul St. Brioche..............................David Moan Njegus............................................ Jason Graae* Kromov........................................Timothy Bruno Pritchitch .................................... Darren DeWitt Bogdanovitch......................... Zachary Coates†@ Olga.............................................Clodagh Earls† Sylviane...................................... Claire DiVizio† Praskovia.........................................Diane Schoff Grisettes................ Angela Cavazos, Helen Haas Maria Idunate, Ashley Kalchik Mary Malaney, Patty Malaney Dancers..................................Nicholas Gottron, Samuel H. Horning, Brandon Koepsell * Michigan Opera Theatre debut † Barbara Gibson Young Artist Apprentice @ DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Young Artist Annual Report 2015 13 Music Charles Gounod Libretto Jules Barbier and Michel Carré World Premiere Paris, March 19, 1859 Conductor Steven Mercurio Director Bernard Uzan Assistant Director Kathleen Stakenas Chorus Master Suzanne Mallare Acton Set Design Paul Steinberg Costume Design Malabar, Ltd. Lighting Design Donald Thomas Wig & Makeup Design Joanne Weaver Stage Manager Ken Saltzman Supertitles Roberto Mauro Sung in French with English supertitles May 9-17, 2015 The 2015 Spring Opera Season is made possible with support from the General Motors Foundation. J. Ernest and Almena Gray Wilde Fund Production Sponsor 14 Ida Conrad H. Smith Endowment for Michigan Opera Theatre May 16 Performance Sponsor Michigan Opera Theatre 2014-15 Opera Season Cast In order of vocal appearance Faust............... Russell Thomas (May 9, 13, 16)* David Miller (May 17) Méphistophélès...Matt Boehler (May 9, 13, 16)* Jamie Offenbach (May 17) Marguerite............Caitlin Lynch (May 9, 13, 16) Sarah Joy Miller (May 17) Valentin........................................John Viscardi* Siebél.....................................Kimberly Sogioka Wagner.................................. Zachary Coates†@ Martha............................................ Susan Nicely * Michigan Opera Theatre debut † Barbara Gibson Young Artist Apprentice @ DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Young Artist Annual Report 2015 15 Cast In order of vocal appearance Frida Kahlo.............................................Catalina Cuervo* Diego Rivera...........................................Ricardo Herrera* Cristina Kahlo........................................ Alexa Lokensgard MUSIC: Robert Xavier Rodriguez BOOK: Hilary Blecher LYRICS AND MONOLOGUES: Migdalia Cruz Schoolgirls, Frida’s teenage enemies............Claire DiVizio† Diane Schoff, Clodagh Earls† Aynsley Martindale Cachuchas, Frida’s teenage male school companions......................... Brian Leduc Zachary Coates†, David Moan World Premiere: Philadelphia, 1991 Sung in English and Spanish An Opera in two acts Alejandro.....................................................Corey Roberts Conductor: Suzanne Mallare Acton Director: Jose Maria Condemi Choreographer & Assistant Director: Marco Pelle Production Design: Monika Essen Lighting Design: Christopher Maravich Sound Design: Thunder Audio Inc. Wig & Makeup Design: Joanne Weaver Stage Manager: Ken Saltzman Mixing Engineer: Toby Phillips Audio Technical Director: Greg Snyder Supertitles: Dee Dorsey Revolutionaries.........................................Zachary Coates† Claire DiVizio†, Clodagh Earls†, Brian Leduc, Aynsley Martindale, David Moan, Adrian Rosas† Corey Roberts, Diane Schoff By arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. Scenery constructed by West End Studios, Detroit, Michigan Dimas’ Mother................................................ Leah Dexter Petate Vendor............................................... Adrian Rosas† Bus Passengers...........................................Zachary Coates† Clarie DiVizio†, Leah Dexter, Clodagh Earls† Brian Leduc, Aynsley Martindale, David Moan, Adrian Rosas†, Diane Schoff Lupe Marin (Diego’s ex-wife).......................... Leah Dexter Guillermo Kahlo (Frida’s father).................. Adrian Rosas† Wedding Guests........................................Zachary Coates† Clarie DiVizio†, Clodagh Earls†, Brian Leduc, Aynsley Martindale, David Moan, Diane Schoff Communists.............................................. Angela Cavazos Leah Dexter, Clodagh Earls†, Aynsley Martindale, David Moan, Corey Roberts, Adrian Rosas†, Lila Weinstein Costumes constructed in part and coordinated by Michigan Opera Theatre Costume Shop. Traditional Tehuana costumes were constructed in the region of Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, under the direction of Teresa Lopez Jimenez. Mr. Rockefeller.........................................Zachary Coates† Masks by Victoria Shaheen Mr. Ford......................................................... Brian Leduc Fabrics provided by Haberman Fabrics Mrs. Ford....................................................Claire DiVizio† Frida is a co-production of Michigan Opera Theatre and the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, presented in partnership with The Berman Center for the Performing Arts and the Detroit Film Theatre of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Mrs. Rockefeller............................................. Diane Schoff Guests of the Fords and Rockefellers..................... Leah Dexter, Clodagh Earls† Alexa Lokensgard, Aynsley Martindale Corey Roberts, Adrian Rosas† Calaveras.................................................... Clodagh Earls† Aynsley Martindale, David Moan Leon Trotsky................................................... Brian Leduc Natalia Trotsky.............................................. Diane Schoff Frida’s female lovers........................................ Leah Dexter Clodagh Earls† Edward G. Robinson...................................... David Moan Nicholas Murray..........................................Corey Roberts Dancers..................................................... Angela Cavazos Marco Pelle, Lila Weinstein * Michigan Opera Theatre debut Barbara Gibson Young Artist Apprentice † 16 Michigan Opera Theatre M ichigan Opera Theatre’s mainstage season was complemented by the unique and highly-anticipated co-production of Robert Xavier Rodriquez’s Frida, a contemporary opera based upon the life of Mexican artist and icon, Frida Kahlo. The opera, performed at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts (Macomb County), The Berman Center for the Performing Arts (Oakland County), and the Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit Film Theatre, represented a landmark cross-county collaboration, one which was, subsequently, nationally recognized. To support the production, the opera company developed reciprocal relationships with myriad community partners, an effort to serve an expanded audience. The opera was presented in tandem with a special exhibition at the DIA, “Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit.” From film screenings, to art exhibits and restaurant appearances, promotional efforts reached the far corners of Metropolitan Detroit, and beyond. Michigan Opera Theatre’s Frida benefitted by extraordinary support from title sponsor, DTE Energy Foundation, as well as sponsors, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Opera of Our Time Fund, and a grant from Karen and Rick Williams. Performances at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts were made possible by the generosity of the Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation. “Community engagement is a principal theme for Michigan Opera Theatre. Through the opera, Frida, three new partnerships reflect a new era for artistic collaboration in Southeastern Michigan.” “Macomb Community College’s new partnership with MOT is a unique opportunity to amplify the impact of one of our region’s cultural treasures.” —Dr. James Jacobs, president, Macomb Community College “Frida” is the most delicious presentation by Michigan Opera Theatre this season, and it is because of the supreme recipe of visual stimulants, gorgeous vocals and Macomb to Oakland County and Detroit. It’s a recipe for success that won’t be long forgotten by new and veteran opera audiences. accessibility for audiences from —Sam White, Digital Media SUNDAY MARCH 22, 2015: Matinee performance of Frida Berman Center for the Performing Arts 6600 West Maple Road at Drake Road, West 2:30 p.m. Bloomfield For tickets: michiga nopera.org or 313.237 .SING THURSDAY MARCH MacombCenter for the Performin g Arts 26, 2015: Student / Senior Dress Rehearsal Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute John R Street entranc of Arts e 3:00 p.m. For tickets: michiga nopera.org or 313.237 Special $10 student .SING rate available, with valid I.D by calling 313.833 FRIDAY MARCH 27, Michigan Opera Theatr e in collaboration with the Macomb Center for Performing Arts presents the Midwe st Premiere of the colorful and explos ive production of... .4005 2015: Rivera in America documentary televise d on WTVS, Channe Detroit Pubic Televisi l 56 on 10:00 p.m. SATURDAY MARCH 28, 2015: Performance of Frida Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute John R Street entranc of Arts e 7:30 p.m. For tickets: michiga nopera.org or 313.237 .SING “Frida” Title Sponsor MacombCenter nity events are scheduled for the Performin Many complimentary commu g Arts support of “Frida”. throughout Michigan in “Frida” Co-Prod Find one near you! ucer SUNDAY MARCH 1, 2015: Woods Opera Club - Detroit The Berman Founda or Sherwood Forest / Palmer nt Coordinat tion MOT Audience Engageme Performance Featuring Arthur White, Sponsor 3:00 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m Detroit Film Theatre Performance Sponsor 2015: Macomb Community College the Lorenzo Cultural Center, Macomb Opera Club – At Township Hall Road (M-59) - Clinton nt Coordinators 44575 Garfield Road at MOT Audience Engageme and Michael Yashinsky, Featuring Arthur White WEDNESDAY MARCH 4, 11:00 a.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m FRIDAY MARCH 6, 2015: Student / Senior Dress Rehearsal g Arts Performin Macomb Center for the Township 44575 Garfield Road - Clinton 11:00 a.m. or 313.237.SING For tickets: michiganopera.org by calling Macomb Center available, with valid I.D Special $10 student rate box office, 586.286.2222 SATURDAY MARCH 7, 2015: of Frida Gala Red Carpet opening Performing Arts Macomb Center for the Township 44575 Garfield Road - Clinton performance and afterglow: gala, For tickets to the 5:30 p.m. 586.266.2095 pera.org or 313.237.SING [email protected] or performance only: michigano For tickets to the 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2015: Frida Matinee performance of Performing Arts Macomb Center for the Township 44575 Garfield Road - Clinton 2:30 p.m. or 313.237.SING For tickets: michiganopera.org WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2015 Overture to Frida Musical Society co-presented by University Complimentary Preview, of Art University of Michigan Museum at University - Ann Arbor 525 South State Street, 7:00 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m Annual Report 2015 2015: THURSDAY MARCH 12, ROBERT X AVIER Macomb Center performances to Frida Overture presented by The Whiting Preview,by ntary possible Complimemade The Whiting - Flint 1241 East Kearsley Street 36 7:00 p.m. hewhiting.com or 810.237.73 For reservations: cdillard@t RODRIGUEZ Featuring Catalina Cuervo as Frida Sung in English and Spanish SUNDAY MARCH 22, 2015: ce of Frida With additional support A month long seriesMatinee performan Arts Center for the Performing 14, 2015: Berman of SPECI Y MARCH SATURDAprovide AL EVENTDrake Road, West Bloomfield Hills d from Opera Club - Bloomfield antici pated 6600 West Maple Road at S leading up to the highly Birmingham / Bloomfield nt Coordinatorpremiere atp.m. the Macomb Cente MOT Audience Engageme Arts, for theNG Featuring Arthur White, the Berman2:30 Performing pera.org orr313.237.SI michigano Cente tickets: For r for the Performing Arts 7:00 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 and the Detroit Film Theat For reservations: awhite@m 26, 2015: THURSDAY MARCH SUNDAY MARCH 15, 2015: Kahlo in Detroit Diego Rivera and Frida Exhibition opens Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Avenue dia.org info: For tickets and WEDNESDAY MARCH 18, re. Michigan Opera Th collaboration Student / Senior Dress Rehearsal Institute of Arts Film Theatre at the Detroit Detroit FOR TICKETS entrance John R &Street INFO : 313.or237. 3:00 p.m. NG SING 313.237.SI For tickets: michiganopera.org or mich by calling 313.833.4005 iganope available, with valid I.D ratera.o Special $10 student rg - Detroit or Rosedale Park Opera Club Engagement Coordinat Arthur White, MOT Audience Featuring Rick and Karen Williams 3:00 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m 2015: Overture to Frida Complimentary Preview The Mexicantown Mercado 2826 Bagley Street, - Detroit 7:00 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015: ary televised on WTVS, Rivera in America document Detroit Pubic Television 10:00 p.m. Macomb Center for Perform presents the Midwest Premie colorful and explosive produc Channel 56 SATURDAY MARCH 28, 2015: Performance of Frida the Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit Film Theatre at John R Street entrance 7:30 p.m. or 313.237.SING For tickets: michiganopera.org FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015: – Grosse Pointe Farms Grosse Pointe Opera Club nt Coordinator MOT Audience Engageme Featuring Arthur White, 7:30 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m ROBER “Frida” Title Sponsor for the Performing Arts SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2015: Featu ces Macomb Center performan made possible by S “Frida” Co-Producer – Detroit Indian Village Opera Club nt Coordinator MOT Audience Engageme Featuring Arthur White, 7:00 p.m. 71 otopera.org or 313.965.42 For reservations: awhite@m Performance of Frida g Arts Berman Center for the Performin Drake Road, West Bloomfield 6600 West Maple Road at 7:30 p.m. or 313.237.SING For tickets: michiganopera.org MacombCenter A month long series o anticipated premiere Arts, the Berman With additional support provided from The Berman Foundation Performance Sponsor Detroit Film Theatre Performance Sponsor FOR TICKE or Rick and Karen Williams 17 Dance November 1-2, 2014 2014-15 SEASON Eisenhower Dance November 28-30, 2014 “Michigan Opera Theatre’s dance season two performances of “Giselle,” officiall full length ballet to the Detroit Opera H The production is fabulous — lovingly the astute direction of Stanton Welch.” — Patty Nolan, Detroit Theater Giselle 18 Michigan Opera Theatre n opened last night with the first of ly signaling the triumphant return of House after several seasons of austerity. y danced by the Houston Ballet under ” Examiner In complement to the mainstage dance season, the Detroit Opera House was home to myriad dance education and outreach programs in Fiscal Year 2015. Michigan’s own, Eisenhower Dance hosted a summer intensive. This one-week intensive pushed metro-Detroit dancers to their limit with challenging choreography in ballet, contemporary, modern, and Eisenhower Dance Repertory. Classes were taught by Eisenhower dancers, Lindsay Chirio, Andrew Cribbett, Katharine Larson, and Molly McMullen. After an intense week, the students showcased five pieces that they had learned at an informal showing in the DOH Daimler Chrysler Black Box Theatre, before friends and family. In August, American Ballet Theatre presented their worldrenowned ABT National Training Curriculum teacher training seminar at the Detroit Opera House. ABT’s National Training Curriculum aims to assist beginning through advanced teachers in training dance students to use their bodies correctly, focusing on kinetics and coordination, as well as anatomy and proper body alignment. This unique program helps teachers advise students correctly to gain rich knowledge of classical ballet technique and the ability to adapt to all styles and techniques of dance. Dance Education July 2014-June 2015 • Detroit Opera House Summer Dance Intensive with Eisenhower Dance – August 4-9, 2014 – Contemporary Ballet, Jazz, Modern • American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum teacher training – Pre-Primary through Level 3 - August 18-26, 2014 • Master Classes – Houston Ballet – November 1, 2014 – Ballet Met – November 29, 2014 –Eisenhower – January 31, 2015 – Ailey – March 21, 2015 – Alvin Ailey Company Residency – March 2-15, 2015Detroit School of the Arts – Dance Film Series – Pre-performance Dance Talks Annual Report 2015 19 2014-2015 EVENTS AT THE Detroit Opera House T he Detroit Opera House played host to over 182,700 guests attending countless productions and special events. The Broadway in Detroit season included The Book of Mormon, and the return of the ever-popular Wicked, which exceeded all attendance and revenue expectations; nearly 82,000 guests attended the run of this blockbuster! Additionally, the Opera House hosted several one-night performances by stars such as Neil Degrasse Tyson, Brit Floyd, David Sedaris, and John Mellencamp during the season’s schedule. As always, the season included myriad weddings, corporate engagements, and graduations, totaling more than 680 events this fiscal year. Thanks to a generous gift from Lee & Floy Barthel, the Detroit Opera House Sky Deck saw an amazing transformation in its third year of operation with the addition of a paver flooring system and greenery, giving the over 9,000 sq. ft. event space a new look. This year the Sky Deck hosted more than 38 events including public days for baseball fans, public yoga classes, corporate events, private celebrations, and even the Wedding of Michigan Opera Theatre’s foundations and government grants manager, Kathi Kucharski. The Detroit Opera House Sky Deck received national and local press with its new additions, and was named “Detroit’s Best Bar Location with a View” by Thrillist Media Group Detroit. 20 Michigan Opera Theatre CONCERTS, PERFORMERS AND EVENTS: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Michigan Opera Theatre) BalletMet Columbus: “The Nutcracker” (Michigan Opera Theatre) “Book of Mormon” (Broadway in Detroit) Brit Floyd Cedric the Entertainer “Danger at My Door” Gospel Musical Cedric the Entertainer Easter Jazz Spectacular: Fourplay, Hiroshima and Incognito Eisenhower Dance: “The Light Show” “Elektra” (Michigan Opera Theatre) “Fans of American Idol: World Aids Day” Concert “Faust” (Michigan Opera Theatre) Festival of Praise Tour: Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin Houston Ballet: “Giselle” (Michigan Opera Theatre) “Madame Butterfly” (Michigan Opera Theatre) Joel McHale John Mellencamp “The Merry Widow” (Michigan Opera Theatre) Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Michael Franks and Rachelle Ferrell Nephew Tommy Comedy Tour “Oh, Freedom” (Charles Wright Museum 50th Anniversary) David Sedaris Shen Yun “The Very Last Green Thing” (Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus) The Very Last Green Thing Annual Report 2015 “Things Your Man Won’t Do” (Gospel Musical) “Too Hot to Handel” (Rackham Choir) Neil Di Grasse Tyson “Wicked” (Broadway in Detroit) Wild Kratts Live! (Detroit Public Television) GRADUATIONS: Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine (Detroit) College for Creative Studies (Detroit) Concordia University Consortium College Preparatory High School (Detroit) International Academy Martin Luther King High School (Detroit) Mercy High School (Farmington Hills) Plymouth Educational Center Preparatory High School (Detroit) Wayne State University Pharmaceutical School (Detroit) Wayne State University Law School (Detroit) MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS: ABM Industries Alana St. Laurent Photo Workshop All Seasons Independent Living American Red Cross Aquest Wealth Strategies Art X Detroit Arts Experience (Kresge Foundation) Ballet Detroit Bloomfield Hills Middle School Bloomfield Township Senior Services Blue Cross , Blue Shield of Michigan BravoBravo! Fundraiser (Michigan Opera Theatre) The Burgundy Ball Cabaret 313 CCC Information Systems Central Michigan University Cheers to H.E.L.P. Classic Car Club Coette Club Compuware Corporation Cranbrook Educational Community Dell Computers Dance Film Series (Michigan Opera Theatre) Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Detroit Historical Society Detroit Industrial School Detroit Labs Detroit Passport to the Arts Disaronno International Downtown Detroit Partnership Winter Stakeholder’s Meeting Ernst and Young Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Google Holiday Event Holy Cross Church Inner City Dance International Facilities Management Association International Law Section Lathrup Village Red Hatters Learning at the Opera House Lochbridge Strategy Computer Consultants Lorenzo Cultural Center M-1 Rail Project Mercedes Benz Metropolitan Detroit Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Membership Meeting Michigan Opera Theatre Annual Trustee’s Meeting Michigan Opera Theatre Family Day Open House Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association Fundraiser Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association Annual Meeting Morse Elementary School Northville Community Center Okemos High School 27th Annual Opera Ball (Michigan Opera Theatre) Pearl Vodka Preservation Detroit Price Waterhouse Coopers “Read to a Child” Sigma Investment Counselors The Somerset Collection Summer in the City Ted X Detroit Theda Delta Chi Fundraiser Ties Like Me Networking Event Tutor Time Vista Maria “A Winter Fantasy” (Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus) WJR Detroit Tigers Opening Day Broadcast WRCJ Live Radio Broadcasts (Michigan Opera Theatre) YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Youthville Detroit 21 305report West(including Big Beaver Rd., Ste. Financial notes are an important part of audited financial statements. The complete audit notes) can 200 be Troy, Michigan 48084 obtained by writing to Michigan Opera Theatre, 1526 Broadway, Detroit Michigan 48226, Public Relations Department. 248.244.3000 doeren.com 305 West Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 200 Troy, Michigan 48084 248.244.3000 doeren.com Independent Auditor’s Report INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT To the Board of Directors of Board Michigan OperaofTheatre and Independent Subsidiary Auditor’s Report To the of Directors Michigan Opera Theatre and Subsidiary Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements Report on the Statements To the ofConsolidated Directors of Financial WeBoard have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Michigan Opera Theatre and Subsidiary, Opera which comprise theand consolidated statements of financial position as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, Michigan Theatre Subsidiary We and have the accompanying consolidated financialexpenses statements of Michigan Opera Theatre and theaudited related consolidated statements of unrestricted revenues, and other changes in unrestricted net assets, changes in net assets and cash flows for the years of thenfinancial ended, and the related notes to the Subsidiary, which comprise the consolidated statements position as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements consolidated financial statements. and the related consolidated statements of unrestricted revenues, expenses and other changes in unrestricted net changesResponsibility in accompanying net assets and consolidated cash flows for the years then ended, and the related to and the We assets, have audited the financial statements of Michigan Opera notes Theatre Management’s for the Consolidated Financial Statements consolidated financial statements. Subsidiary, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in and the relatedwith consolidated of unrestricted revenues, expenses and otherthis changes unrestricted accordance accounting statements principles generally acceptedFinancial in the United States of America; includesinthe design, Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Statements net assets, changesand inmaintenance net assets of and cashcontrol flowsrelevant for thetoyears then ended, and the related notes to the implementation, internal the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated consolidated financial that statements. financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this Auditor’s Responsibility Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. presentation ofisconsolidated financial statements free fromaccepted material due to We conducted our audits in accordance auditingthat standards generally the United Stateswhether of Management responsible for the with preparation andarefair presentation ofinmisstatement, these consolidated financial fraud or error. America. standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain about statements inThose accordance with accounting principles generally accepted inreasonable the Unitedassurance States of America; this whether consolidated financial statements are free fromofmaterial includes thethe design, implementation, and maintenance internalmisstatement. control relevant to the preparation and fair Auditor’s Responsibility presentation of consolidated statements thatevidence are freeabout fromthematerial whether due to An audit involves performingfinancial procedures to obtain audit amounts misstatement, and disclosures in the fraudconsolidated or error. financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the Our assessment responsibility to express anmisstatement opinion on ofthese consolidated financial statements based ouroraudits. of theisrisks of material the consolidated financial statements, whether due toonfraud We conducted our those audits inassessments, accordancethewith auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of error. InResponsibility making risk auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation Auditor’s America. standards that we plan statements and perform the audits to audit obtain reasonable assurance about and fairThose presentation of therequire consolidated financial in order to design procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal whether the consolidated financial freeconsolidated from materialfinancial misstatement. Our responsibility is to express anstatements opinion onare these statements based on our audits. control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of We conducted our audits with auditing standards generally accepted the UnitedasStates accounting policies used in andaccordance the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by in management, well asof An audit involves performing procedures toplan obtain evidence about amounts and disclosures the America. Those standards require that and audit perform the audits tothe obtain reasonable assurance in about evaluating the overall presentation of thewe consolidated financial statements. consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. assessment of that the the risks ofevidence materialwemisstatement ofsufficient the consolidated financial statements, We believe audit have obtained is and appropriate to provide a basis forwhether our auditdue to opinion. fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures to in the the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit consolidated Opinion financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the procedures that arerisks appropriate in themisstatement circumstances, for the purpose of expressing anwhether opinion due on the assessment of the of material of but the not consolidated statements, to In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above presentfinancial fairly, in all material respects,the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also position Michigan Opera Theatre and Subsidiary as of Juneconsiders 30, 2015 and 2014, and the relevant to the fraudfinancial or error. In of making those risk assessments, the auditor internal control includes evaluating the ofofaccounting used and the reasonableness significant results of their operations andpresentation their cash flows for years policies then ended, in conformity with accounting entity’s preparation and appropriateness fair thetheconsolidated financial statements in order toofdesign audit principles generally accepted in the United States of America. accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the the consolidated statements. effectiveness financial of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Troy, Michigan October 29, 2015 statements. consolidated financial Insight. Oversight. Foresight.® Known Internationally as Moore Stephens Doeren Mayhew, P.C. An Independent Firm Associated With Moore Stephens International Limited. 22 Michigan Opera Theatre Insight. Oversight. Foresight.® MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014 Assets 2015 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (notes 1 and 10) Investments (notes 1, 2 and 10) Accounts receivable - net (notes 1 and 16) Government grants receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets (note 1) Pledges receivable, net (notes 1, 3 and 16) Land, buildings and equipment, net (notes 4 and 6) Deferred financing costs (note 5) Total assets (note 6) $ 1,134,343 4,068,995 28,876 79,000 376,452 288,374 45,178,378 36,117 2014 $ 1,951,502 1,868,623 221,818 27,592 259,621 368,439 46,265,258 54,175 $ 51,190,535 $ 51,017,028 $ $ Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities: Accounts payable (note 16) Accrued liabilities Deferred revenue (note 1) Deferred compensation (note 11) Bonds and notes payable (note 6) 944,460 325,522 851,161 1,487,117 4,961,150 Total liabilities Net assets: Unrestricted - undesignated Temporarily restricted (notes 1 and 8) Permanently restricted (notes 1, 2, 3 and 9) Total net assets Total liabilities and net assets 1,188,322 375,849 1,069,102 1,445,568 5,259,220 8,569,410 9,338,061 38,552,487 598,138 3,470,500 37,202,739 1,005,728 3,470,500 42,621,125 41,678,967 $ 51,190,535 $ 51,017,028 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements Annual Report 2015 -3- 23 MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF UNRESTRICTED REVENUES, EXPENSES AND OTHER CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014 2015 Operating revenues and support: Admissions and performance fees Rental income (note 13) Building lease income (note 14) Concessions Restoration fees Interest and dividend income (note 2) Set rental income (note 13) Parking income Administration fees Miscellaneous Net assets released from restrictions $ Total operating revenues and support $ 2,974,882 426,352 221,715 970,502 463,263 46,640 1,418,564 86,954 121,669 125,000 9,559,328 6,855,541 5,070,281 233,917 1,667,259 18,058 5,632,133 4,499,282 230,407 1,662,720 18,058 5,238,175 Total operating expenses 12,621,648 11,648,642 Deficiency from operations (3,062,320) (4,793,101) 4,521,320 60,000 (43,496) 3,084,748 142,950 135,063 Operating expenses: Production - season Production, other performances and community programs Depreciation Amortization General and administrative expenses Nonoperating income (expenses): Contributions and sponsorships (note 16) Government grants Realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments (note 2) Fund-raising benefits (net of direct expenses of $483,842 in 2015 and $302,720 in 2014) Development expenses Interest expense (note 6) Bank commissions, fees and amortization of bond issuance costs 527,632 (416,584) (233,582) (3,222) Total nonoperating income Increase (decrease) in net assets - unrestricted Net assets - unrestricted - beginning Net assets - unrestricted - ending 24 3,144,013 415,810 267,551 1,182,004 721,678 64,413 23,250 1,546,527 123,613 67,879 2,002,590 2014 $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 510,798 (535,872) (241,763) (3,803) 4,412,068 3,092,121 1,349,748 (1,700,980) 37,202,739 38,903,719 38,552,487 $ 37,202,739 Michigan Opera Theatre MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014 Unrestricted net assets: Total operating revenues Net assets released from restrictions Total operating expenses Total nonoperating income, net 2015 2014 $ 7,556,738 2,002,590 (12,621,648) 4,412,068 $ 6,730,541 125,000 (11,648,642) 3,092,121 Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets Temporarily restricted net assets: Contributions and grants Net assets released from restrictions 1,349,748 1,595,000 (2,002,590) (Decrease) increase in temporarily restricted net assets (407,590) Change in net assets Net assets - beginning Net assets - ending Annual Report 2015 942,158 (1,700,980) 427,600 (125,000) 302,600 (1,398,380) 41,678,967 43,077,347 $ 42,621,125 $ 41,678,967 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements 25 Karen VanderKloot DiChiera: Celebrating A Lifetime Commitment to Arts For All F iscal Year 2015 marked the end of an era, as the founder and director of Michigan Opera Theatre’s award-winning Department of Community Programs, Karen VanderKloot DiChiera retired from the organization. In celebration of her myriad contributions to the foundation of Michigan Opera Theatre, and her lifetime commitment to inclusive arts education, Karen DiChiera was honored at a special tribute on the stage of the Detroit Opera House. Nearly 200 guests, including family, friends, and former students, celebrated a remarkable, 45 year career, with song, comedy, and special remembrances. The evening, hosted by friend and former Karen VanderKloot Learning at the Opera House DiChiera instructor, Lamar Richardson, also included a special video tribute, and presentation by Michigan Opera Theatre chairman of the board, Rick Williams, president and chief executive officer, Wayne Brown, and founder and artistic director, David DiChiera, in which Karen DiChiera was offered a plaque, honoring her vast contributions to the opera company, and the announcement that the lobby of the Ford Center for Arts and Learning would be named in her honor. Karen VanderKloot DiChiera is presented with plaque honoring her contributions to Michigan Opera Theatre. Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, David DiChiera, Rick Williams, Wayne S. Brown, and emcee, Lamar Richardson Karen VanderKloot DiChiera Lisa DiChiera, Violetta Walsh, Julian Kane, John Kane, Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, David DiChiera, Cristina DiChiera, Neil Walsh Cristina DiChiera, Lisa DiChiera, and DiChiera grandchildren, Violetta Walsh and Julian Kane 26 Michigan Opera Theatre A Grand Affair: David DiChiera’s 80th Birthday Celebration Dodie David, Michigan Opera Theatre Trustee Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, presents David DiChiera with a special proclamation. Also pictured: Wayne S. Brown, Aidan Kane, Julian Kane, Violetta Walsh, and Ron Raines. David DiChiera’s grandchildren, Aidan and Julian Kane, sign a birthday card. T he opening evening of Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow was complemented by an 80th birthday tribute dinner to the company’s founder and artistic director, David DiChiera. This special evening began with a cocktail reception in the Herman and Barbara Frankel Lounge, followed by an Italian themed dinner, created by Forte Balanger, in Marlene L. Boll Hall. Two hundred guests, including family, friends, and Michigan Opera Theatre patrons attended the grand celebration. The evening held many surprises for David (which we all know is difficult to accomplish), including the surprise appearance of David’s dear friends, Ron Raines and Dona D. Vaughn, who served as emcees for the evening, sharing personal stories and celebrating David’s extraordinary life. At the conclusion of dinner, Members of Michigan Opera Theatre’s Board of Directors present Michigan Opera Theatre’s Board of Directors David DiChiera with a special birthday gift. surprised David with a trip to Italy for his family. At the conclusion of the program, guests proceeded to the auditorium for the opening night performance of The Merry Widow. Before the opera began, Michigan Opera Theatre president and chief executive officer, Wayne Brown, greeted the audience with a welcome message and introduced a short video tribute to David DiChiera. Following the video, David joined Wayne on stage, where he was presented with a birthday cake (wheeled on stage by DiChiera’s Surprise guests, Dona D. Vaughn grandchildren), and serenaded by Ron and Ron Raines, toast DiChiera’s birthday. Raines, and the entire Opera House Ron Raines, David DiChiera, Lisa DiChiera, and audience with “Happy Birthday.” The Dona D. Vaughn. pre-curtain festivities were capped off by a special appearance by Detroit’s mayor, Mike Duggan, who presented David with a Proclamation from the City of Detroit. Kudos to the Event Committee: Bill Austin, Marlene Boll, Gloria Clark, Dodie David, Laura Nealssohn, Christina Wagner, and Jason Warzecha. Annual Report 2015 27 MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE CHILDREN’S CHORUS (MOTCC) Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus – Principal Chorus and Prep Chorus MOTCC’s 2014-15 season began with a successful audition period in which 70 children from five southeast Michigan counties and Windsor, Ontario were selected to participate. Tuition for the program was $500 for the Preparatory Chorus and $600 for the Principal Chorus. Even before the season’s official start date, the children were already making public appearances. In July, they were invited to perform several selections at the annual Metro Detroit Youth Day held on Belle Isle, and in August a dozen singers from MOTCC sang and recorded a Farm Rich Foods commercial which was aired nationally. After orientation in August, regular Monday rehearsals were held from September through May with additional Saturday rehearsals during the months of January-April. Rehearsals included intensive work on music theory, with some students in level 5 theory class. In October, MOTCC Prep Chorus sang to the guests as they arrived at MOT’s 2014 Opera Ball. The Principal Chorus participated in the Family Day Celebration giving a sneak preview of our annual A Winter Fantasy concert music. They also performed in The Nutcracker with BalletMet at the Detroit Opera House on Saturday, November 29. On Sunday, December 7, MOTCC presented A Winter Fantasy—the annual holiday concert and fundraiser. The children sang a variety of repertoire selected to challenge the young singers in the learning process, practice their performance skills and display their progress. Support from family and friends made this the most successful MOTCC fundraiser to date. Parent volunteers were crucial in organizing, promoting and running a silent auction and raffle resulting in raising 28 $23,000 that evening. In January, 2015, the Principal Chorus was invited to perform in the “Sunday Afternoon Live” concert series at First Congregational Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. Their performance was a major success! Per the director of the program: I am still in wonder at the beautiful singing from MOTCC on Sunday! I have told several people that the quality of the performance by the children can only be compared with the high standards of the boys that sing in the great cathedrals of England. I was very impressed with the beautiful quality of tone, the obvious talent and intelligence of the children, the polite manner in which they conducted themselves, and the excellent programming. The audience loved it! Everyone I talked with during the reception had nothing but highest praise for the program, and everyone was urging me to have you come again. You made a lot of friends for MOTCC! On April 25, 2015, the Preparatory and Principal Choruses presented The Very Last Green Thing—an opera for young people by young people, with a timeless environmental message of the importance of protecting our environment. The MOTCC was joined by the Michigan Science Center in a presentation of their show “Go Green!” about conservation. Prior to the main stage show, MOTCC hosted an Earth Day Celebration inviting area environmental organizations to present information about their organizations and/or present a family friendly activity. Each participant demonstrated ways of sustainability and environmental awareness. Presentations varied with each group: • Belle Isle Conservancy discussed habitat and brought displays on how to protect wildlife. • Disabled American Veterans brought literature regarding their clothing recycling program. • Michigan Science Center, in addition to performing their “Go Green!” show about recycling and protecting the environment, gave several interactive demonstrations about the environment. • Arts and Scraps brought a variety of recycled objects and created a hands on activity by creating robots with the children. • The Greening of Detroit brought tree seedlings and each child was instructed how to plant and nurture the seedlings. • Whole Foods offered a display about healthy eating and organic foods. • Sierra Club of SE Michigan had a display with contacts/ photos of events and information on how to join the Sierra Club. • Citizen’s Climate Lobby of Michigan had literature/display boards explaining their organization and contacts. • On May 17, the Principal Chorus was invited by the Gaylord Arts Council to perform a concert at the Gaylord High School Auditorium, which was the final public performance of the season. Throughout the 2014-15 season, the children were invited to sing The National Anthem and/or God Bless America for several Detroit Tiger games at Comerica Park. Special performances for the Detroit Tigers included the Kids’ Opening Day game, Strike Out Bullying, and Negro Leagues Weekend. In addition to MOTCC’s performance schedule, we maintained a very active outreach schedule. In September the children volunteered to help one of our partners, The Greening of Detroit, plant 113 trees in a Detroit neighborhood. In December the singers presented a mini-concert for the community at Troy Beaumont Hospital in Sterling Heights. In Celebration of Martin Luther King Day, MOTCC helped to prepare food, serve lunch and lead a craft activity at Cass Community Services. In April the Prep Chorus performed at Arts and Scraps, and several from both choruses sang at lunch time for the Connor Soup Kitchen and helped the staff with cleanup. We are very proud of all the accomplishments of these talented young singers! Michigan Opera Theatre A New “Face” In Cyber Space: MOT’S New Website M ichigan Opera Theatre engaged Real Integrated to redesign and develop the MOT website early in 2015. The website launched toward the end of April, to positive reviews from both the internal MOT team and MOT patrons alike. Roughly six months into the new website, we wanted to provide a quick summary of some project goals, how we’ve achieved them, and some data behind these assertions. Two of the biggest complaints about the old website were the challenge for users to take action (specifically to buy tickets or donate), and general concerns over the ability to access information. These issues were remedied through a new design that helped drive users to their destination with significantly fewer clicks (in many cases, users are one-click away from tickets as soon as they arrive on the homepage). The new design also streamlined organization of the website sections, and brought everything into an easy-to-use menu system (again, bringing critical data within one or two clicks once the user arrived on the homepage). A big enhancement was the addition of a modular content model, meaning show and event pages can now be setup well in advance of all content being final. As new pieces of content become available (reviews, playbills, additional cast photos, etc.), they can be added to the page quickly and in a way that immediately integrates with the existing look and feel. The website is also now fully responsive, meaning the experience Annual Report 2015 scales from a large desktop screen down to the smallest mobile devices. This helps address a critical MOT goal of engaging a more youthful audience (who may be more likely to access the website from a mobile device). In conjunction with a recent Tessitura upgrade (the ticket purchase system MOT uses), this means users can now buy tickets from their mobile device much easier than before. Another major improvement to the website was the migration to the WordPress development framework. This has brought improvements to website administration and content management. In conjunction with the new design and some recent updates, MOT now has easier access to getting critical news onto the website without developer support. Analytics data from the past thirty days, when compared to the same period last year, shows a significant uptick in overall traffic, new users, and unique page views. Users are spending more time on the site, and leaving the site less often. In short, the new website is doing a much better job than the old one at attracting new users, retaining existing ones, and providing the information patrons seek. Below you will note the blue line indicates this year’s data, the orange is the previous year. 29 Michigan Opera Theatre Donor Honor Roll Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous donors who made major general operating support and restricted gifts of $25,000 and above between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Their support plays an integral part in the company’s financial stability which is necessary for producing quality grand opera, dance and award-winning educational activities. $1,000,000 and above William Davidson Foundation $200,000 and above Ford Motor Company Fund $100,000 and above Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation General Motors Foundation R. Jamison and Karen Williams The Kresge Foundation Lear Corporation Masco Corporation Foundation Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs $150,000 and above Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan DTE Energy Foundation McGregor Fund $50,000 and above Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Marvin & Betty Danto Family Foundation Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund $35,000 and above Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson Barbara Frankel and Ron Michalak Richard Sonenklar and Gregory Haynes $25,000 and above Mr. and Mrs. John Boll, Sr. DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation Mrs. Elaine Fontana Herman and Sharon Frankel Sally Mead Hands Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karmanos Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation Shirley K. Schlafer Foundation Matilda R. Wilson Fund Worthington Family Foundation † Deceased Contributors to Annual Campaigns Michigan Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous corporate foundation government and individual donors whose contributions were made between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Their generosity is vital to the company’s financial stability, which is necessary to sustain MOT’s position as a valued cultural resource. FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT GOVERNMENT Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs National Endowment for the Arts FOUNDATION $1,000,000+ William Davidson Foundation $100,000 + Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan The Kresge Foundation McGregor Fund $30,000 – $99,999 Marvin & Betty Danto Family Foundation Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Sally Mead Hands Foundation J. Ernest & Almena Gray Wilde Fund $10,000 - $29,999 DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Detroit Public Schools Foundation Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation Hudson-Webber Foundation 30 Knight Detroit Opera Fund of the Community Foundation Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation Ralph L. and Winifred E. Polk Foundation Sage Foundation Shirley K. Schlafer Foundation Ida & Conrad H. Smith Endowment for the Michigan Opera Theatre Mary Thompson Foundation Samuel L. Westerman Foundation Matilda R. Wilson Fund Worthington Family Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Alice Kales Hartwick Foundation Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation Herbert and Elsa Ponting Foundation Louis & Nellie Sieg Fund Young Woman’s Home Association $1,000 - $4,999 Arts Midwest Touring Fund Detroit Industrial School Drusilla Farwell Foundation James & Lynelle Holden Fund Legacy Foundation Michigan Humanities Council Lee & Maxine Peck Foundation Sigmund and Sophie Rohlik Foundation Village Club Foundation CORPORATE SUPPORT $100,000 + DTE Energy Foundation Ford Motor Company Fund General Motors Foundation Lear Corporation $50,000 - $99,999 Masco Corporation Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Comerica Charitable Foundation MGM Grand Detroit Quicken Loans $1,000 - $4,999 Antonio’s Cucina Italiana KinderMorgan Foundation Target Stores Wolverine Packing Company $500 - $999 IATSE Local 38 Tuesday Musicale of Detroit OPERA BALL 2014 Robert and Margaret Allesee Mr. Joseph Amine Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Miss Samira Arkashevsky Ms. Kristen Armstrong John and Linda Axe James and Andrea Balcerski Ms. Lindsey Barile Mr. Ken Barrett Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. Ms. Debra Bernstein-Siegel Ms. Marta Blaga Paul and Lee Blizman Ms. Elizabeth Brazilian Robert and Geraldine Brown Wayne Brown and Brenda Kee Mr. Otto Buj Mr. Howard W. Burdett, Jr Jeff and Susan Cancelosi Natalka Cap Mr. Richard D. Cavaler Ms. Shirley Cetner Frederick and Gloria Clark Mr. Eric Clement Avern Cohn and Lois Pincus Mr. Gordy Coleman Mr. Daniel A Collins Conifer Holdings Mr. Steve Cosgrove Crain Communications Inc. KC and Ashely Crain Maryann Cromwell Alma Crossley Joanne Danto and Arnold Weingarden Julia Darlow and John O’Meara Ethan and Gretchen Davidson Kevin Dennis and Jeremy Zeltzer Chris and Trish Dewald Dilip and Sonal Dubey Cameron Duncan Ms. Maggie Durant Eclipse Creative Mrs. Natalia Emelianov Mr. Sean Emery Marianne Endicott Mr. Brian Enright Ms. Aleksandra Epshteyn Ms. Alla Epshteyn Olga Epshteyn Fern Espino and Tom Short Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Essad Mr. Ernie Essad Ms. Taffey Everett Paul and Mary Sue Ewing Ms. Candice Faranso Carl and Mary Anne Fontana Mrs. Elaine Fontana Mr. & Mrs. Joe Fontana Ford Motor Company Fund Barbara Frankel and Ronald Michalak Herman and Sharon Frankel Dean and Aviva Friedman Mr. Antonio Gagnon Ms. Carolyn Gammichia Gasper Financial Group Steve and Stephanie Gasper Karen Gaudette General Motors Foundation Ms. Laura Gerlants Mr. Ehren Gonzales Lee and Brenda Gonzales James and Nancy Grosfeld Mr. & Mrs. David Grossman Samuel and Toby Haberman John and Kristan Hale Heather Hamilton Mr. Bryan L Hardaway Ms. Dana Harper Mr. & Mrs. Corey Harris Doreen Hermelin Derek and Karen Hodgson Rich and Tracey Homberg Dr. Devon Hoover Dr. Kairi L. Horsley Mr. Monte Huber Ms. Minden Humphrey Rick and Elanah Hunger Ms. Kelle Ilitch Andrey Ilyasov Mr. Arthur Itkis Kent and Amy Jidov Chacona Johnson Mr. George Johnson Peter and Danialle Karmanos Mrs. Alla Khankin Ms. Emily Krajniak Michigan Opera Theatre John and Mary Krakowiak Ms. Mary Kramer Mr. Jack Krasula Michael and Barbara Kratchman Arthur and Nancy Ann Krolikowski Lear Corporation Ronald and Fifi Levin Linda and Edward Levy Mr. Derrick Lewis Arthur and Nancy Liebler Stephan and Marian Loginsky Alphonse Lucarelli Mr. Jim Luckey Donald Manvel Jack Martin and Bettye Arrington-Martin Mr. Joey G Maruskin Mr. Bill Mcdad Ms. Rebecca McGrane Mr. David McNulty Jeff and Amy Messano Dr. & Mrs. Alireza Meysami MGM Grand Detroit Mr. Phillip D. Minch Ali Moiin and William Kupsky Joe and Myra Moreland Ms. Lisa Morin Mr. Doyle Mosher Stephen and Barbara Munk Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mylod Allan and Joy Nachman Ms. Payam Naghshtabrizi Mr. Fred Nederlander Netlink Mr. Michael Neuman Nexlink Communications Northern Trust Bank Graham and Sally Orley Robert and Marcie Orley Spencer and Myrna Partrich Penske Corporation Mr. D. Roe Peterhans Platinum Mr. David Plunkett Charlotte and Charles Podowski Mrs. Waltraud Prechter W. James and Patti Prowse Paul and Amy Ragheb Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Anthony and Suzanne Rea Claude and Sandi Reitelman Ms. Alina Rits The Ronald & Fifi Levin Family Fund Mr. Brian Roney Ms. Prudence Rosenthal Ms. Renee M Roth Bernard and Donna Rubin Ankur Rungta and Mayssoun Bydon Edith Ruscillo Dr. Alla Sakharova Hershel and Dorothy Sandberg Saroki John Schaefer Mr. Adam Schneider Ms. Patrice Schreiber Jane and Frances Schulak Ms. Olga Selektor Ms. Sandra Seligman Sellers Buick GMC Arlene Shaler Nedda and Elham Shayota Mr. & Mrs. R Shirmer Ms. Wendy Silverman William Smith Richard Sonenklar and Gregory Haynes Annual Report 2015 Southern Screw Ms. Mary Ann Stella Mr. Leon Stetsenko Gregory Stone Christine Strumbos Mr. Levi Stubbs Ms. Marisa Stutz C. Thomas and Bernie Toppin Mrs. Kylia Van Delden Ms. April Wagner Jason and Megan Warzecha Ms. Linda Watson Westin Book Cadillac Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett P.C. R. Jamison and Karen Williams World Heritage Foundation Mr. Maxim Yankelevich Mrs. Luba Yoffee Ms. Amy Suzanne Zimmer INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT — OPERA IMPRESARIO $10,000+ Mr. & Mrs. Richard Alonzo Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Davidson Mrs. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Michalak Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel Mrs. Susanne McMillan Mr. Richard A. Sonenklar & Mr. Gregory Haynes Mr. Richard D. Ventura BENEFACTOR $5,000-$9,999 Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Mr. J. Addison Bartush+ Mr. & Mrs. Mark Alan Baun Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Brodie Mr & Mrs. Robert Brown Mr. Wayne S. Brown & Ms. Brenda Kee Mrs. Ilse Calcagno Mr. Thomas Cohn Dr. David DiChiera Mr. Cameron B. Duncan Mrs. Charles M. Endicott Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Finkiewicz Dr. Marjorie M. Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Richard Goetz A. A. Moroun, Nora Moroun, and Lindsay Moroun (The Moroun Family Foundation) Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hamel Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Krikorian Mr. Paul Lavins Ms. Denise Lutz Mr. Robert Lutz Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Mancuso Mrs. Richard McBrien Dr. Ali Moiin & Dr. William Kupsky Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Moroun Dr. Stephen A. Munk & Dr. Barbara Munk Mr. Joseph R. Papp Dr. Charlotte & Mr. Charles Podowski Mr. & Mr. William H. Powers Jr Mr. Ankur Rungta & Mrs. Mayssoun Bydon Ms. Elham Shayota Mrs. Richard Van Dusen SUSTAINER $3,000-$4,999 Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya Dr. Harold Mitchell Arrington Paul & Lee Blizman Mr. Gene Bowen Mr. & Mrs. Paul Chosid Mr. Dan Clancy Hon. & Mrs. Avern L. Cohn Dr. Mary Carol Conroy Drs. Laura & Jeffrey Corrigan Mrs. Virginia Curatolo Dr. Nell K. Duke & Mr. David Ammer Dr. Raina Ernstoff & Mr. Sanford Hansell Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd C. Fell Mr. & Mrs. Carl B. Fontana Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Freeman Mr. & Mrs. Dean Friedman Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Giancamilli Mr. & Mrs. David Handleman Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Dr. Devon Hoover Mr. William Hulsker Mr. & Mrs. Addison Igleheart Mr. & Mrs. Kent J. Jidov Mr. Patrick J. Kerzic & Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kesler Dr. & Mrs. Edward Klarman Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kratchman Mr. Charles E. Letts, Jr. Mr. Alphonse S. Lucarelli Mr. & Mrs. Martin Maisel The Hon. Jack & Dr. Bettye Arrington Martin Ms. Mary C. Mazure Mr. Phillip D. Minch Mr. Jonathan Orser Ms. Susan Peslar Mr. & Mrs. Brock E. Plumb Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Dr. Boyd Richards & Mr. Joshua J. Ronnebaum Mrs. Carolyn L. Ross Mr. & Mrs. Hugh C. Ross Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ross Dr. & Mrs. William H. Salot Mr. Merton Segal Mark & Lois Shaevsky Mrs. Frank Shaler Mrs. Cynthia B. Shaw & Mr. Tom Kirvan Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sonye Dr. Gregory Stephens Dr. & Mrs. Gerald H. Stollman Mr. Ronald F. Switzer & Mr. Jim F. McClure Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Terrell Dr. Lorna Thomas Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Toppin Dr. & Mrs. Ned Winkelman Dina & Eric Winter Mr. & Mrs. Xavier Mosquet Mr. & Mrs. Larry Zangerle DONOR $2,500-$2,999 Mr. & Mrs. James M. Balcerski Ms. Carolyn M. Blackmore & Dr. Nicholas C. Bell Mr. & Mrs. Eugene W. Blanchard Mr. & Mrs. G. Peter Blom Mr. Jim Bonahoom Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Bowerman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Mr. & Mrs. Bob Brasie Mrs. Betty Bright Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Carson Mr. & Mrs. Frederick H. Clark Mr. Edward Cody Mrs. Robert Comstock Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D’Avanzo Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. David Mr. & Mrs. Walter K. Dean Mr. & Mrs. Dilip Dubey Mr. & Mrs.Kenneth A. Eisenberg Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Ewing Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Feldman Adrienne & Robert Z. Feldstein Mrs. Alfred J. Fisher Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Frankel Dr. & Mrs. Clifford Furgison Dr. Glendon Gardner & Ms. Leslie Landau Dr. & Mrs. Michael Geheb Mr. & Mrs. Keith E. Gifford Mr. Allan D. Gilmour Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Gordon Mr. William Greene & Mr. Peter McGreevy Mr. & Mrs. David H. Hill Eleanor & Alan Israel Ms. Una Jackman Jospey Foundation, Marjorie & Maxwell Mrs. William L. Kahn Mr. & Mrs. Norman D. Katz Linda & Thomas Klein Dr. Melvin A. Lester Ms. Mary B. Letts Dr. & Mrs. Stephan J. Loginsky Mr. Donald Manvel Mark-Lis Family Fund - Mrs. Florine Mark Juliane & Donald McCann Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Miller Dr. & Mrs. Van C. Momon, Jr. Mrs. Theodore Monolidis Allan & Joy Nachman Philanthropic Fund Dr. & Mrs. Barry Nemon Dr. & Mrs. Peter Nickles Dr. Juliette Okotie-Eboh Mr. & Mrs. Graham A Orley Mr. & Mrs. Richard Partrich Drs. Caroline & Wallace Peace Mr. Kenneth Robinson Ms. Patricia H. Rodzik Capt. & Mrs. David Roessler IV Mrs. Irving Rose Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Rubin Mrs. Luigi Ruscillo Dr. & Mrs. Hershel Sandberg Mrs. Barbara Saperstein Dr. Barbara & Mr. Laurence Schiff Mr. & Mrs. Alan E. Schwartz Ms. Laura Sias & Ms. Kathy Coburn Mr. & Mrs. David S. Snyder Mr. & Mrs. Richard Soulen Ms. Betsy Duncan Spong Mrs. Margaret E. Stark Mrs. Norman J. Tabor Dr. Jeffrey V. Tranchida & Mr. Noel Baril Dr. & Mrs. Stanley H. Waldon Ms. Carmen Wargel & Dr. Ryan Fringer Mrs. Phyllis C. Webb Mrs. Amelia H. Wilhelm Dr. & Mrs. Christopher D. Wilhelm Dr. Lucia Zamorano Mrs. Morton Zieve Mr. & Mrs. David J. Zmyslowski CAMERATA CLUB $1,000-$2,499 Joshua & Judith Lowitz Adler Ms. Deborah L. Anthony Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Applebaum Mr. & Mrs. John Axe Mr. & Mrs. Dean Bedford, Jr. Mr. Stanislaw Bialoglowski Mr. & Mrs. Maurice S. Binkow Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Blackney Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Bright Miss Helen H. Cannon Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Cornelsen Dr. & Mrs. William Cosgrove Leslie Desmond & Philip Stoffregen Mrs. Laurel Elsea Mr. John Fleming Dr. & Mrs. Robert Folberg Dr. & Mrs. Saul Forman Mr. & Mrs. Burke Fossee Mr. Daniel Howes & Ms. Margarite Fourcroy Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Garcia Thomas M. Gervasi Mrs. Ruth Glancy Mr. Robert Hage Ms. Nancy B. Henk Mrs. David B. Hermelin Mr. Michael E. Hinsky Mr. Stanley Hirt Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Jessup Mr. & Mrs. John Kendrick III Ms. Ida King Dr. Mark Kolins & Ms. Maria B. Abrahamsen Al & Susan LaCroix Ms. Zaida Q. Lakotish Mr. David Lebenbom Mr. & Mrs. John D. Lewis Mr. Robert Littman Mrs. Tamara Luchini Mr. Joe Luther Hon. & Mrs. George G. Matish Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Matthews Edward & Carolyn May Ms. Patricia McKanna Dr. Lisa Meils Mr. Bruce A. Miller Miss Surayyah Muwwakkil Mr. Geoffrey Nathan & Ms. Margaret Winters Dr. Mary L Otto Mrs. Sophie Pearlstein Mr. & Mrs. Mark Peterson Miss Alma M. Petrini Dr. & Mrs. Peter J. Polidori Ms. Wally Prechter Dr. & Mrs. Michael Prysak Mr. & Mrs. Rip Rapson Dr. Irvin Reid & Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid Reverend Henry Roodbeen Mrs. Norman Rosenfeld Mrs. Gerald F. Ross Mr. & Mrs. George Roumell, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley Sears Mrs. Steven Sell Mr. & Mrs. Dante Stella Ms. Mary Anne Stella Dr. & Mrs. Mack C. Stirling Mr. & Mrs. John P. Tierney Mr. & Mrs. Gerrit Vreeken Mr. William Waak Mrs. Fern Walch Mr. & Mrs. Leo S. Wasageshik Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Whitman Mr. & Mrs. John A Wise, Jr. Mr. Gary Wozniak 31 ANNUAL FUND DONORS LUMINARY $500-$999 Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Anthony IV Mrs. Chester Arnold Dr. & Mrs. John Barnwell Mrs. Cecilia Benner Ms. Kanta Bhambhani Dr. & Mrs. Eric Billes Dr. & Mrs. Evan & Nickole Black Dr. & Mrs. David Bloom Mr. & Mrs. Jack Bourget Professor & Mrs. Dale E. Briggs Mr. & Mrs. Frank Brzenk Evelyn Burton Lorraine Clay Mr. Barry Corden Mr. & Mrs. Tonino Corsetti Mr. & Mrs. James Cortez Windsor Industrial Dr. Donald Ditmars Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Driker Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence F. DuMouchelle Dr. Patricia L. Edwards The Hon. Sharon Tevis Finch Mrs. Barbara A. Fisher & Mr. William Gould Dr. Evelyn J. Fisher Mrs. Shirley M. Flanagan Dr. Yvonne Friday & Mr. Stephen Black Ms. Carol Friend Mr. & Mrs. Daniel E. FrohardtLane Ms. Sharlene F. Gage Ms. Kathleen Gahan Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Garberding Barbara J. Geck Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gilmore Mr. Philip L. Gray & Family Mrs. Patricia Greenwood Giacinta A. Gualtieri Jamie Hall, MD Drs. Julia & Gregory Hays Ms. Sara L. Hill & Mr. George Vutetakis Mr. Paul C. Hillegonds Mr. Paul Horn Mr. & Mrs. Mario Iacobelli Mr. & Mrs. Frank M Jerneycic Mr. Dennis Johnston Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Johnston Dr. & Mrs. Michael T. Keefe Ms. Geraldine B. Keller Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kelly Mr. William P. Kelly Mrs. Rebecca L. Kennedy Ms. Lee Khachaturian Mr. David Kinsella & Ms. Joyce Urba Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Kleiman Mr. & Mrs. Justin Klimko Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Knas Ms. Margot Kohler Mr. & Mrs. William Kroger Express Employment Professionals Troy & Rochester Hills Mr. Lawrence Larson Mrs. Meria Larson Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex L. Dotson Dr. Stanley Levy Mr. John Lovegren & Mr. Daniel Isenschmid 32 Ms. J.D. Marhevko Mr. & Mrs. Steven Marlette Ms. Janet Groening Marsh Ms. Mary McGough Patricia A. & Patrick G. McKeever Rob & Mary Michielutti Ms. Laurie Mickiewicz Ms. Barbara Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Moss Robin & Gene Newman Mr. & Mrs. George Nicholson, III Ms. Lois Norman Mr. & Mrs. Richard F. O’Brien Randall L. Pappal Ms. Haryani Permana Dr. Cyrus Piraka & Mrs. Alicia Piraka Richard & Meryl Place Fund David Potter Mr. Dennis C. Regan & Miss Ellen M. Strand Mrs. Jeanne F. Reichert Maurcine & Lloyd Reuss Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin D. Rhodes Mr. James E. Rodgers Dr. John Romani & Dr. Barbara Anderson Charles & Nicola Rooney Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Rose Mrs. Kate A. Rosevear Ms. Mary P. Rossio Mrs. Alexander Rota Charles & Adam Russman Deane & Barry Safir Drs. Franziska & Robert Schoenfeld Mr. David Schon Dr. Christina Shanti Mr. Zon Shumway Mrs. Helen T. Slater Mr. Theodore J. St. Antoine Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Stahl Mr. Duane L. Tarnacki Dr. Gretchen M. Thams Mr. & Mrs. Norman Thorpe Mr. Scott & Ms. Michele Toenniges Mr. & Mrs. Paul Tomboulian Mrs. Dorothy Alice Tomei Ms. Karen Van Arsdale Darlene S. Vasi Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Wagner Jean & Alan Weamer Prof. Michael Wellman Dr. Ruth A. Worthington Dr. & Mrs. Jose E. Yanez SUPPORTER $250-$499 Anonymous (6) Mr. & Mrs. David Adams Bradford C. Anderson David & Sandra Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Fred Baer Dr. Gregory A. Banazak Dr. Leora Bar-Levav Mr. & Mrs. C. Robert Barnard Mr. & Mrs. Fred Barnes Mr. Walter Baughman Mr. & Mrs. James D. Beauvais Mr. Floyd Bell & Ms. Lynne Lewis Drs. Gary & Carolyn Berg Mr. & Mrs. William Betz Esq Mr. Svein K. Bjorkly Ms. Marie Blanarova Ms. Barbara A. Blanock Ms. Terry P. Book Dr. Anne James Boyd Mr. & Mrs. James Brooks Jody Brooks Ms. Joann F. Brooks Mrs. Milena T. Brown Barbara Brownlee Norman Bucknor & Xuehai Li Mr. Donald Budny Dr. & Mrs. Roger C. Byrd Ms. Barbara Cadaret Ms. Nettie Calhoun Mr. & Mrs. Philip Campbell Jeff & Susan Cancelosi Mr. Raymond Carney Mr. Otis J. Chandler Mr. & Mrs. L. B. Chappuis Mrs. Margaret Chorney Mr. & Mrs. Reginald L. Ciokajlo Mr. Ronald Citkowski Mr. & Mrs. John P. Connolly Frank & Robyn Coppola Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Michelle Costello Elaine & Michael Dadabbo Mr. & Mrs. Norman Dancy William & Pamela Day Mr. Richard de Bear Mr. & Mrs. Armando Delicato Dr. Ralph E. Delius & Ms. Judy Malburg Dr. Frank DeMarco Dr. R. Dimitrijevic Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dionne Conrad & Judith Donakowski Mr. & Mrs. Howard Downing Mr. John Dreifus Mr. & Mrs. Daniel S. Drucker Mr. Douglas F. Duchek Mr. & Mrs. Don F. Duggan Jacquelin Eckhous Dr. Alan Eiser Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Elkus Mr. James Eng Mr. F. Jose Engel Dr. & Mrs. N.C. Engleberg Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Ensign Mrs. Mary V. Ensroth Mr. George Evans Michael Faunt & Mirit Naim Mary Kaye & Mason Ferry Ms. Judith Fietz Drs. Julie B. Finn & Bradley Rowens Dr. Lydia H. Fischer Mr. & Mrs. James E. Fisk Ms. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick Dr. Michael Flores Ms. Sue Force Susan A. & Daniel M. Fox Mrs. Ruth Frank Carol Gagliardi & David Flesher Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence T. García Mr. John Gaylord Jennifer Gernaey Gershenson Family Support Fund Dr. Marilyn Gerwolls Daniel & Sally Gilbert Mr. Robert T. Goldman Nathaniel Good Mr. & Mrs. William R. Goudie Ms. Shirley M. Gray Ms. Remona Green Maria A. Guadiana John Guest & Rachel Sherman Mrs. Carol Guither Mr. Nizami Halim Mr. & Mrs. David Hammond Dr. Natan HarPaz Mr. Harland Harris Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey K. Haynes Ms. Barbara Heller Mr. Norman Herbert Dr. & Mrs. Martin M. Herman Ms. Linda Herritage Miss Patricia Hinojosa Beth Hoger & Lisa Swem Ms. Denise M. Hogstrom Ms. Kalaida Holmes Mr. & Mrs. Jan Homan Charles & Janet Hook Tim & Senga Hornsey Dr. Kairi L. Horsley Mr. & Mrs. James L. Howlett Jean Wright & Joseph L. Hudson Jr. Fund Drs. Karen & Alan Hunt Mr. & Mrs. Richard Jeryan Mrs. Arthur Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Leonard B. Johnson Ollie M. Johnson Mrs. Frieda Johnston Mr. & Mrs. Adam M. Jones Dr. Zema L. Jordan Mr. & Mrs. David Joswick Drs. Anthony & Joyce Kales Ms. Agatha P. Kalkanis Stephen & Mercy Kasle Dr. & Mrs. Sumer Katz-Pek Mr. & Mrs. Alan Jay Kaufman Ms. Sheila Keefe Mr. Daniel J. Kehoe Mr. Donald Kehrig, Jr. Ms. Emer Kenny Mr. & Mrs. Gerd H Keuffel Dr. & Mrs. Robert N. Kienle Mrs. Mary F. Knauer Mr. Mario J. Kocaj Eric Krukonis & Susan Murray Mrs. Carolynne Kubert Drs. Richard & Valmy Kulbersh Mr. Albert J. Kurt Prof. Lawrence La Fountain Mr. Ronald T. Laing Cecilia J. Lakin, J.D. Alene & Graham Landau Dr. Joseph Lapides & Ms. Arlene Gorelick Mr. Don LeDuc & Ms. Susan Coley Ms. Corrine Lemberg Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Levin Dr. & Mrs. Dan Levitsky Mr. George C. Levy Mr. Norman Lewis Dr. & Mrs. John H. Libcke Mr. David A. Lilly Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Lindgren Mr. & Mrs. Michael Linebaugh Ms. Judith Locher Mr. & Mrs. William D. Lockwood Mrs. Mary Loria Mr. Joseph A. Lucido Ms. Margaret MacTavish Ms. Vera C. Magee Drs. Phoebe & Harris Mainster Michael Malian, MD Clara & Federico Mariona Mr. David M. Mark Ms. Jennifer Marling Dr. Crystal R. Martin Dr. & Mrs. David Massignan Mrs. Arlene Maul Mrs. Carol A. McKenna Dr. & Mrs. John McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. James McLennan Mr. & Mrs. Donald McMechan Ms. Kathleen McNamee & Mr. Linos Jacovides Mrs. Marilyn Meadowcroft Ms. Patricia Meldrum Ms. Lynne M. Metty Dr. & Mrs. Anthony B. Michaels Mr. & Mrs. Donald & Barbara Mick Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Migdal Mr. Anthony Mikoy Ms. Anita L. Miller Mr. Dennis Mirku Dr. Anne Missavage & Mr. Robert Borcherding Lucille Monark Ms. Janice Black Moore Dr. James L. Moseley Germano & Ann Mularoni Brian & Toni Sanchez Murphy Theodore & Anna Niforos Ms. Patrice Shaughnessy Nolan Mr. Ronald Northrup Mrs. Henrietta V. Nowakowski Ms. Theresa Oney Ms. Janet Page Ms. Diane Paratore Ms. Jenine C. Parchmon John & Sandra Parr Ms. Monica Parrish Mrs. Maria Payan-Salas Mrs. Lucy Peck Mrs. Karen Perraut Dr. Claus Petermann Mrs. Janet Pounds John & Nancy Price Prof. Martha Ratliff Mr. Richard Rattner & Ms. Linnea Lannon Hope & Larry Raymond Darrel & Loretta Reece Mr. Patrick Reid Mr. & Mrs. Jack D. Relyea Ms. Sania Rempel Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Leslie Roach Mrs. M. Jane Roberts Jack A. & Aviva Robinson Fund Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Roddy Mr. Bernardo A. Rojas Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Rose Mr. & Mrs. Frank Ross Mr. Daniel G. Rusecki Mr. James Ryan Mrs. Sandra Samson Mrs. Claus Schaefer Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schiffer Mr. & Mrs. Alan L. Schlang Harold & Jia Schock Mr. & Mrs. Michael Schouman William & Mary Schwark Mr. J’s Sports Bar & Grill Paul Vandevert & Caroline Serfass Marc & Naomi Shaberman Marilyn Shapiro & Joseph Weiss Mr. & Mrs. Patrick D. Sheehy Dr. & Mrs. Donald Sherman Mr. & Mrs. George Shirley Mr. & Mrs. James K. Shirley Ms. Marci Shulman Dr. & Mrs. Paul Siatczynski Scott Silveira, MD Ms. Rita A. Simon Mr. & Mrs. Anthony R. Skwiers Mrs. Alma J. Snider Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sosnowski Dr. Gino Sovran Nadine & Ken Sperry Mr. & Mrs. Allan Stillwagon Dr. Gregory Stone Ms. Kimberly Stout Michigan Opera Theatre Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Strayer Dr. & Mrs. Choichi Sugawa Edward & Natalie Surovell Highway Service Company Mr. Robert Sweeten & Ms. Mary Margaret Sweeten Dr. Geneva Tatem Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tenkel Beth Ann & John Tesluk Ms. Ruth P. Thrash Ms. Pamela Torraco Mr. John M. Toth Dr. Diane Traenkle Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Trager Drs. Daniel & Lisa Turner Ms. Suzanne Twomley Mr. Michael Usher Dr. & Mrs. Al Utecht Miss Lisa M. Varnier Mr. & Mrs. Tony Ventimiglia Mr. & Mrs. George Voegeli Carol Ward Mr. Donald K. Wedding Mr. & Mrs. Richard Weiermiller Ms. Janet B. Weir Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Sandra Weitz Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wemhoff John Wertman Mr. & Mrs. James WesselWalker Mr. Robert Westveer Dr. & Mrs. Fred W. Whitehouse Mr. Allen Wierzbicki, CPA Mr. George Williams LWA Prop Fund Dr. & Mrs. Timothy A. Williams Mr. Manuel A. Wilson Christine Winder & Russell Chavey Mrs. Stanley J. Winkelman & Mr. Robert A. Krause Ms. Daniela Wittmann Mr. & Mrs. Jon Wojtala Mr. David D. Woodard Mr. & Mrs. Thomas V. Yates Mr. Mike Zanzarella Mr. & Mrs. Milton Zussman BravoBravo! $50,000 — Presenting Sponsor Fiat Chrysler Automobiles BravoBravo! Sponsors $10,000 MGM Grand Detroit $3,000 - $5,000 General Wine & Liquor Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn Greek Town Casino Kindred Hospital Detroit/ Rosann Barker Lake Victoria Medical Associates TransformED Foundation Vibra Hospital of SE MI Virdian Group LLC $1,000 - $2,500 Labor Edge Ambassador Duty Free Detroit Medical Center First Merit Bank Talmer Bank Team Wellness Center The Ashley Apartments Westin Book Cadillac Annual Report 2015 BravoBravo! Participating Restaurants Addison Eatery Angelina Italian Bistro Biggby Coffee Bistro 555 Bookies Bar & Grille Cake Crumbs Cheli’s Chili Bar Craft Creative Catering The Crepe Royal Oak Detroit Beer Company Dominos Pizza Downtown Falafill – Detroit Fountain Bistro Garrett Popcorn Shops Greektown Casino Greendot Stables Ignite Sushi Bar & Lounge Johnny’s Noodle King Kuzzo’s chicken & waffles Mario’s Market District – Greektown Casino MGM Grand Catering Detroit Peteet’s Famous Cheesecakes Pie Five Pizza Prime29 Steakhouse West Bloomfield Prism R.U.B BBQ PUB Small Plates Detroit Subway Restaurants TAP at MGM Grand Detroit Treat Dreams Vicentes Cuban Cuisine Wingstop Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria Cucina Wolfgang Puck Steak Yum Delish BravoBravo! In-Kind Donors $2 Car Wash 3Dogs1Cat ABM Onsite Services Allegra Print·Signs·Marketing RenCen Ambassador Duty Free Amici’s Pizza Amy Kaminsky Productions Antonio Shades D Bashar Beauty Bar BL Visuals Blumz by JRDesigns Brian Jeffried- DJ God Father Busted Bra Shop Canine to Five Cream Blends LLC Dawna Piper DawnyDLew - MUA Digital Traveler LLC Display Group Dwight G. Stackhouse Author Energen Electric Erin Maureen Designs Eric Hobson Photography Extreme Valet LLC FIAT Chrysler Automobiles First Merit Mortgage Fowling Warehouse Frameable Faces Funky Stuff 13 Google Drive Great Lakes Beverage Great Lakes Wine & Spirits Greek Town Casino Greis Jewelers Groom N Go Hidden Thread Consulting Hongiman Miller Schwartz & Cohn LLP Ice Dreams Sculptures LLC Iconic ID Issa Jewelers Java Master Jazz & Spirit Dance Theatre J. Beverly Hills K & M Estate Sales Levitation Staging Little Flower Soap Shop Love Joi Jewelers LT Studio Luxe of Birmingham Maggianos Market Birmingham MGM Grand Detroit Microsoft Somerset Collection MixBricktown Monica R. Shaler Mon Jin Lau Motor City Soap Co. MP Fashion Neiman Marcus New D Media Arts Olga Gamburg Photography The Original Selfie Station The Peacock Room Pegasus Entertainment Pewabic Pottery The Perfect Host LLC Pink Calayx Jewelry Post Net Pretty Pretti Boutique Prime29 Steakhouse West Bloomfield Rave Yoga Real 2 Reel Entertainment Media Group Red Coat Tavern Saks Fifth Avenue Salon on 5 Salon Xpressions Security company Six Salon Skincare for Your Soul Smokey G’s BBQ Source Audio Systems llc St. John Thrift on the Avenue The Townsend Hotel Trish’s Garage Tubby’s Submarines Tux on 9 Twigs & Branches Floral Two Moons Farms Uber VIP Tanning – Troy The Westin Book Cadillac – Detroit Wet House Printing Younique Cosmetics Yusef Place Two Yum Village Zarpka’s Purses & Accessories BravoBravo! Media Partners After 5 Detroit YELP! WDET Clear Channel (Channel 955 and Fresh 100) Metro Times BravoBravo! Libations Amsterdam Vodkas Bookies Bar & Grille Brown Forman Chandon by Moet Hangar One Vodka Jack Daniels Jack Daniels Tennesee Fire Jim Beam National Wine & Spirits Palm Bay International Fine Wine & Spirits Proximo Spirits Southern Wine & Spirits Stella Artois Svedka Three Olives Media Partners After 5 Detroit Channel 955 Fresh 100 Fox 2 Detroit Metro Times WDET 101.9 FM Yelp! INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT — DANCE $25,000 + John A. & Marlene L. Boll Foundation The Marvin & Betty Danto Family Foundation $10,000 - $24,999 Nora & Matty Moroun $5,000 - $9,999 MGM Grand Detroit $2,500 - $4,999 Susan & Richard Bingham Kevin Dennis & Jeremy Zeltzer Dr. David DiChiera Linda Dresner Levy & Edward Levy, Jr. Barbara Frankel & Ron Michalak Maxine & Stuart Frankel Foundation Dr. Judie Rosalyn Goodman Ms. Mary C. Mazure $1,000 - $2,499 Mrs. Carolyn Demps Mr. Lawrence Glowczewski Mr. Lawrence John Mrs. Florence Morris Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner Susan Sills-Levey & Michael Levey Cheryl & James McIlhon $999 and below Maggie & Bob Allesee Ms. Nancy Brigham Gloria & Fred Clark Dodie & Larry David Amy & Kent Jidov Mr. Laurence N. Shear In Memory of Patricia O. Junker Ms. Margaret Beck Mrs. Claire Harding Desmond J. Lewsley Mary Anne Pilette In Honor of Ron Switzer’s Birthday L. Sue & Alan Buratto In Memory of Charles Muscat Len & Josi Busuttil In Honor of Dr. David DiChiera’s 80th Birthday Mrs. Ara Berberian Mr. Russel Boismier Reverend Paul F. Chateau Ms. Barbara Mitchell Miss Surayyah Muwwakkil Mrs. Barbara Nussbaum Juliette Okotie-Eboh Mrs. Gerry Ross Mr. & Mrs. William Sandy William and Janis Wetsman In Honor of Joanne Danto’s Birthday Gail Danto & Arthur Roffey James & Sandy Danto In Memory of Robert S. Kozar, a lover of opera Jeannette Kozar In Honor of Dr. Ali Moiin’s Birthday Elizabeth Kupsky In Memory of Al Cimarelli Esther & Ron Milan In Honor of Rick Williams Kathy & Dan Mills In Honor of the Wedding of Arthur White & Everton Swearing Richard Sonenklar &Gregory Haynes In Memory of Anthony Dario Tomei Ronald Switzer & Jim McClure In Memory of Gloria Donoher Robert Thibodeau & Richard Karasinski In Memory of Mary Mitchell Ms. Susan Tijerina IN TRIBUTE April 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015 In Honor of Mr. Alvin Waddles Adult Learning Institute In Honor of Carol Halsted Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya 33 Ensuring the Future Imagine a gift that outlives you—that touches future generations in your absence—to experience and enjoy the world of opera. That’s the goal of the Avanti Society, Michigan Opera Theatre’s Planned Gift Recognition Program. The Avanti Society represents a designated group of friends of Michigan Opera Theatre who have made plans to include the organization in their estate plans—whether by will, trust, insurance, or life income arrangement. Membership in the Avanti Society is open to all. Members of the Avanti Society receive a beautifully designed lapel pin, recognition at the annual Avanti Evening and invitations to special events and performances, and are listed as members in our program books throughout each season. AN AVANTI FOR TOMORROW The growth of Michigan Opera Theatre’s permanent Endowment Fund ensures the growth and future vitality of one of the region’s greatest cultural assets. You are invited to create your own legacy— your Avanti—through Michigan Opera Theatre. THE AVANTI SOCIETY MEMBERS Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Allesee # Mr. Doug Allison Mrs. Adel Amerman* # + Dr. Lourdes V. Andaya* Mr. & Mrs. Agustin Arbulu* Mr. & Mrs. Chester Arnold* Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barthel Mr. & Mrs. J. Addison Bartush* # Mr. & Mrs. Brett Batterson* Mr. & Mrs. Mandell Berman Mr. & Mrs. Art Blair* Mr. Robert Bomier Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowlby Mr. & Mrs. Roy E. Calcagno* Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Carson Dr. & Mrs. Victor J. Cervenak* Prof. Kenneth Collinson Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Comstock # Dr. Robert A. Cornette* # Mrs. Mary Rita Cuddohy Mr. & Mrs. Tarik Daoud* # Mr. & Mrs. Marvin I. Danto Mr. Thomas J. Delaney Dr. David DiChiera # Mrs. Karen VanderKloot DiChiera* # Ms. Mary Jane Doerr # Dr. & Mrs. Charles H. Duncan* Mrs. Charles M. Endicott* # Mr. & Mrs. Herb Fisher* Mrs. Anne E. Ford Ms. Pamela R. Francis* Ms. Barbara Frankel & Mr. Ronald Michalak* # Mr. & Mrs. Herman Frankel* # Mrs. Rema Frankel* # Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Freeman Mrs. Jane Shoemaker French 34 Dr. & Mrs. Byron P. Georgeson* Priscilla R. Greenberg, Ph.D.* # Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hagopian Mr. Lawrence W. Hall* Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Halperin* Ms. Heather Hamilton Mr. Kenneth E. Hart* Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Hartwig* Dr. & Mrs. Gerhardt A. Hein Ms. Nancy B. Henk Mr. & Mrs. Derek Hodgson Dr. Cindy Hung* Drs. Heidi & Dale Jacobs Ms. Kristin Jaramillo* Mr. Donald Jensen* Mr. Patrick J. & Mrs. Stephanie Germack Kerzic Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klein# Mrs. Josephine Kleiner Mr. & Mrs. Erwin H. Klopfer* # Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Kolton Misses Phyllis & Selma Korn* Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krolikowski* Mr. Max Lepler & Mr. Rex Dotson Mr. Philip Leon Mr. Stephen H. Lord Ms. Jane McKee* Drs. Orlando & Dorothy Miller* Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire Demetra & Theodore Monolidis Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Munk Mr. Jonathan F. Orser Ms. Julie A. Owens Mr. Dale J. Pangonis* Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Parkhill Mr. Richard M. Raisin* Mrs. Ruth F. Rattner* # Mr. Joshua Rest Mr. & Mrs. James Rigby* Mr. Bryan L. Rives Ms. Patricia Rodzik* Ms. Joanne B. Rooney Mr. & Mrs. Giles L. Ross Aphrodite & George Roumell Ms. Susan Schooner* Drs. Heinz & Alice Platt Schwarz* Mrs. Frank C. Shaler* Mr. Stephan Sharf Ms. Laura Sias Mr. & Mrs. Harold Siebert Mrs. Marge Slezak Ms. Anne Sullivan Smith Ms. Phyllis Funk Snow* Mr. & Mrs. Richard Starkweather*#+ Mr. Stanford C. Stoddard Dr. Jonathan Swift & Mr. Thomas A. St. Charles* Mr. Ronald F. Switzer* Mr. Edward D. Tusset* Mr. & Mrs. George Vincent* # + Mrs. Amelia H. Wilhelm* # Mr. & Mrs. Walter P. Work* Mr. & Mrs. Larry Zangerle Mr. & Mrs. George M. Zeltzer* Avanti Logo & Pin Design Ms. Monica Moffat & Mr. Pat McGuire Keys: * Founding Members # Touch the Future donors + Avanti Society Sponsors Italics = deceased members Michigan Opera Theatre Administration & Staff Wayne S. Brown President & Chief Executive Officer David DiChiera Founder & Artistic Director DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, Director of Community Programs & Learning at the Opera House Margarite Fourcroy, Chief Patron Officer Dewan Mitchell, Director of Bookings & Events Management Rock Monroe, Director of Safety & Security, DOH & DOHPC David W. Osborne, Director of Production Shawn Taffinder, Director of Catering & Special Events Jason Warzecha, Director of Theatre & Parking Center Operations COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Mark Vondrak, Associate Director of Community Programs Pette Moore, Program Coordinator Dolores Tobis, Marketing Manager TOURING ARTISTS OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Betsy Bronson, Maria Cimarelli, Dan Greig, Joseph Jackson, Brad Lieto, Annie Klark, Betty Lane, Dianne Lord, Pette Moore, Madelyn Porter, Amanda Rodriguez Sabelhaus, Karl Schmidt, Emery Stephens, Brittania Talori, Mark Vondrak, Alvin Waddles COMPUTER SERVICES John Grigaitis, Information Technology Manager Chris Farr, LAN Administrator ADMINISTRATION William Austin, Executive Assistant Timothy Lentz, Archivist & Director, Allesee Dance & Opera Resource Library Dodie David, Human Resources Volunteer Consultant Bryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Allesee Dance & Opera Resource Library DANCE Kim Smith, Administrative Assistant PATRON SERVICES Felicia Burgess, Tunisia Brown, Patron & Ticket Services Associates Mitchell Carter, Website Coordinator Crystal Ceo, Account Executive, Real Integrated Advertising Leo Dovelle, Boutique Manager Christy Gray, Receptionist & Administrative Assistant Kimberly Gray, Ticket Services Assistant Manager John Grigaitis, Photographer Michael Hauser, Marketing Manager Kathi Kucharski, Foundation & Government Grants Manager, Database Consultant Kimberly A. Mogielski, Patron & Ticket Services Manager Laura R. Nealssohn, Communications Consultant Simona Shuboni, Patron Services Research Associate Christina Wagner, Annual Fund Manager & Volunteer Liaison Arthur White, Audience Engagement Coordinator Michael Yashinsky, Audience Development Associate Stephani Yates, Dance Patron Circle Campaign Manager & Project Manager, BravoBravo! Jillian Zylinski, Communications Coordinator DETROIT OPERA HOUSE HOUSE MANAGEMENT Randy Elliott, House Manager FINANCE Derrick Lewis, Controller Kimberly Burgess-Rivers, Rita Winters, Accountants FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Tim McCloud, Facilities Electrician Johnny Benavides, Building Engineer Dennis Wells, Facilities Manager Jesse Carter, Senior Building Engineer Timothy Johnson, Building Maintenance Bernard Williams, Building Maintenance CATERING & SPECIAL EVENTS Angela Donaldson, Catering & Special Events Manager Edna Robinson, Culinary Manager Demetrius Skeens, Catering and Special Events Coordinator SAFETY & SECURITY Lt. Lorraine Monroe, Supervisor Willie Wicks, Stage Door Officer Darrin Cato, A.M. Hightower, Delonie Knott, Demetrius Newbold, Sgt. Daryl Stuckey, Eric Strickland, Control Center Officers Shannon Ferguson, Medic DETROIT OPERA HOUSE PARKING CENTER Robert Neil, Manager Paul Bolden, Event Supervisor for Parking PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION Elizabeth Anderson, Production Coordinator Kathleen Bennett, Production Administrator Ken Saltzman, Stage Manager Brian August, Hailli Ridsdale, Nan Luchini, Assistant Stage Managers Nancy Krolikowski, Production Volunteer MUSIC Suzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Music Director & Chorus Master Jean Schneider, Repetiteur Molly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel Manager Emily Barkakati, Librarian TECHNICAL & DESIGN STAFF Daniel T. Brinker, Technical Director Monika Essen, Property Master & Scenic Artist Alex Gay, Assistant Lighting Designer & Assistant Technical Director Aaron Tacy, Assistant Lighting Designer Lisa Berg, Technical Assistant Dee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator COSTUMES Suzanne M. Hanna, Costume Director Lisa Morin, Wardrobe Mistress Craig P. Wickham, Fitting Assistant Susan A. Fox, First Hand Katherine Nelson, Stitcher Jessica M. Herron, Stitcher/Crafts MAKEUP & HAIR Elizabeth Geck, Assistant Wig & Makeup Designer Kristine Clifton-Higgins, Crew Leader Jessica Brandenberg, Erika Broderdorf, Stephanie Coleman, Amber Harris, Aubrey Harris, Miranda Jennings, C. Michelle Styles, Jennifer Szakal, Denitra Townsend, Makdia Walker, Dayna Winalis, Wig & Make-up Crew STAGE CREW John Kinsora, Head Carpenter Frederick Graham, Jr., Head Electrician Pat McGee, Head Propertyman Henry Ruiz, Head Sound Robert Martin, Head Flyman Gary Gilmore, Production Electrician Mary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe IATSE Local #38, Stage Crew IATSE Local #786, Wardrobe Annual Report 2015 35 Wayne S. Brown, President and CEO David DiChiera, Founder and Artistic Director 36 Michigan Opera Theatre
