The Marriage of Figaro Program

THE ANNAPOLIS OPERA CELEBRATES OUR
GOLDEN eason
W. A. Mozart’s
March 17 & 19, 2023 | MARYLAND HALL

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A MESSAGE FROM THE
president
Welcome to Mozart’s comic masterpiece,
The Marriage of Figaro, Annapolis Opera’s
final stage production of our Golden
Season, celebrating 50 years of rich history
in Annapolis. From La bohème to Lost in the
Stars, to the brilliant retrospective gallery
exhibit and the Golden Gala, it has indeed
been an incredible time to honor and
remember all those who worked tirelessly
to bring us to where we are today.
As they say in the industry, “it’s not over until it’s over!” Join us
on the weekend of April 15th for the Voices of Our Time concert
featuring The Voice finalist, and Metropolitan Opera performer, John
Holiday. Mr. Holiday has taken the vocal world by storm, performing
at renowned venues across the globe. Following on Sunday, April
16th, the 35th Annual Vocal Competition is a wonderful opportunity
to hear some of the most talented rising stars in the classical vocal
world. This exciting event is free of charge!
All of what we have achieved and what we hope to accomplish in
the future is only possible through the dedication, passion, and
energy of our staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers, artists, donors,
and patrons. Special recognition goes to our Ruby Society members
for their continued generosity and support.
Thanks to all of you for making our 50th Anniversary unforgettable!
Cary Melnyk
President
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
maestro
Welcome to The Marriage of Figaro, the
final mainstage production of Annapolis
Opera’s 50th Anniversary Season! I can
think of no better way to conclude our
season’s mainstage productions than with
this magnificent work.
Created by arguably the greatest of operatic
creative teams, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
and Lorenzo da Ponte’s The Marriage of
Figaro—the first of their three storied
collaborations—places comedy at the
center of a probing exploration of deeply
human stories amongst society’s classes.
Premiered in 1786, The Marriage of Figaro centers around the feudal
practice of droit du seigneur or jus primae noctis, (“right of the first
night”). The practice of privileged men taking advantage of women
reveals itself not only here, but throughout the entire opera. We
witness the full breadth of humanity in real—and therefore, deeply
complicated—relationships navigate through these power dynamics.
Mozart created one of the most compelling scores of all time,
simultaneously exploring and honoring the individuality of every
person onstage. His vivid orchestration and unforgettable melodies
capture the subtleties and lunacies of these stories, all with an eye
toward the possibility of more just behavior.
What an honor and joy to lead this fine cast, many of whom are
making their Annapolis Opera debut, in our production of The
Marriage of Figaro. I hope you enjoy the performance! We’ve surely
enjoyed creating this production and have done all we can to bring
Mozart’s masterful score to life for you.
As we near the end of our 50th Anniversary season, I invite you to join
us on April 15 and 16th as John Holiday, the renowned countertenor,
makes his Annapolis Opera debut in a one-night only performance
and we present the final round of our Annual Vocal Competition.
And I hope you will join us next season for our 51st season!
Craig Kier
Artistic and Music Director
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Cary Melnyk, President
Kathryn Dahl, Vice President
Michael Lehr, Interim Treasurer
Paula Abernethy, Secretary
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
Betty Austin
Melvin Bender
Barbara Bohl-Watkins
Joy Chambers
Georgianna Crosby
Richard Hack
Richard Krimm
Andrew Noel
Melissa Osmond
Kimberly Ross Page
Leah Solat
Lyn Songy
William Tham
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Hon. Westley Moore, Governor of Maryland
Hon. Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive
Hon. Gavin Buckley, Mayor, City of Annapolis
Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President, Anne Arundel Community College
Nora V. Demleitner, President, St. John’s College, Annapolis
ADVISORY TRUSTEES
Thomas DeKornfeld Patrick Lee, Jr.
Anna E. Greenberg David Stern
Catherine Hollerbach
LIFT EVERY VOICE TRUSTEES
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen Patsy Blackshear
Betty Austin
Terry Eberhardt
STAFF
Craig Kier, Artistic and Music Director
Kathy Swekel, General Director
Jane Weaver, Director of Development
Victoria Mangum, Artistic Programs Manager
Maura Dullea, Operations and Marketing Associate
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j
ANNAPOLIS AREA ATTORNEYS
GREENBELT OFFICE
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SATURDAY, APRIL 15 AT 7:30 PM
FEATURING COUNTERTENOR
JOHN HOLIDAY
join usfor the thrilling final weekend of our GOLDEN SEASON
MARYLAND HALL | ANNAPOLISOPERA.ORG
SUNDAY | APRIL 16, 2023 AT 3 PM
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
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Helping your wealth plan perform a curtain call
Every great performance depends on planning, preparation and commitment.
The same is true when managing your finances. RBC Wealth Management can
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Call today for a complimentary consultation.
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Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. 22-AO-02049 (08/22)
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THE ENCORE SOCIETY
The Encore Society acknowledges the generosity of those who have made
an important commitment to leave a lasting legacy of live opera in Annapolis
through their estate. Planned gifts are a powerful way to make an ongoing
impact on the cultural life of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, and the
Annapolis Opera is grateful for the many donors who have chosen to include
us in their estate plans.
Not only do members enjoy access to exclusive events, but these gifts have
the potential to provide valuable tax and income benefits now and in the
future.*
Contact Kathy Swekel: 410.267.8135 | kswekel@annapolisopera.org
*Please consult with your financial or legal advisor to determine which type
of gift is best for you.
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IT’S WHAT MAKES US WANT TO GIVE
that makes us feel alive.
“Serving our community is a cornerstone of Zachary’s Jewelers.
The Annapolis Opera is a vital cultural asset that we are proud to support.”
Steve Samaras, Owner
ZACHARYSJEWELERS.COM
is proud to support the Annapolis Opera
in their 2022-2023 Season
Bravo to 50 years of utilizing creativity to
share unique perspectives and encourage greater
understanding of what makes us all different.
Bring extraordinary perspectives, ideas and creative solutions to
grow your organization with CTT's services.
www.chesapeakethinktank.com
info@chesapeakethinktank.com
443-249-3339
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Paula Abernethy & Rick Sullivan
Patrice Blymyer
Peggy Brennecke & Mark Hyman
Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen
Helen Chin
Georgianne Clark
Kathy Clatanoff
Kathryn Dahl
Thomas DeKornfeld
Collot Guerard
Kathy Kirkland
Cary Melnyk & Tim McDonough
Missy McTamney
Melissa & Stephen Osmond
Colleen & Lester Prosser
Martha & John Schwieters
Margery Sinclair
Ann Smith
Lynn Songy
Dawn & Joe Stern
Joan & Buzz Stillinger
Leah Solat
William Tham
& Susan Zimmerman
THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDED HOUSING,
TRANSPORTATION, HOSPITALITY, AND HELPED WITH THIS PRODUCTION
IN NUMEROUS WAYS!
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The Ruby Society
The Ruby Soc
The Annapolis Opera is proud to recognize the members of The Ruby
Society who, through their generosity, have committed to keeping
world-class opera in Annapolis. They are passionate about the
power of great music to enrich the cultural life of our community.
They appreciate the importance of opportunities for people of all
ages to experience the magic of live opera performances, and have
given generously to ensure it’s future.
Ruby Society
The Ruby Society
“We support the opera because the programs presented have
enriched our lives in many ways. In addition, we love supporting
the annual Vocal Competition, which encourages young singers to
achieve their best.” – Sylvia and Jim Earl, The Helena Foundation
“We believe that supporting the opera and it’s mission to help the
next generation of performers reach their potential enriches all
of Annapolis.” – David and Carol Stern
The Ruby Society honors those donors who support the opera with
a gift of $30,000 or more over a three-year period. Ruby Society
members enjoy special benefits and access to special events
throughout the season.
MEMBERS
Contact Kathy Swekel at the Annapolis Opera office, 410.267.8135,
MEMBERS
for more information about The Ruby Society and how you can join.
members
SYLVIA & JIM EARL
THE HELENA
FOUNDATION
MEMBERS
THE HELENA
FOUNDATION
COLLEEN & LESTER
PROSSER
THE HELENA
FOUNDATION
NORMAN FISHER
& DORIS FISHER
FOUNDATION
MARTHA & JOHN
SCHWIETERS
SUSAN ZIMMERMAN
& WILLIAM THAM
DAVID & CAROL
STERN
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ROBERT & LORRAINE
VOM SAAL

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THANK YOU TO OUR
singer sponsors
NORMAN AND DORIS FISHER FOUNDATION
JAN PAUL RICHTER AND
ELLEN VON SEGGERN RICHTER
CHRIS AND SIRIUS SWEKEL
Annapolis Opera extends a special thanks to our Singer Sponsors.
These sponsors directly support singers in the opera’s productions,
while creating a personal connection.
To learn more about becoming a sponsor contact
Kathy Swekel—410.267.8135 | kswekel@annapolisopera.org
m
THANK YOU TO OUR
corporate sponsors
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A NOTE FROM THE
stage director
“The cleverest character in comedy is the clown, for he who would make
people take him for a fool, must not be one.” – Miguel de Cervantes
“Every human being is a clown but only few have the courage to
show it.” – Charlie Rivel
Mozart and da Ponte’s The Marriage of Figaro is an unparalleled
achievement in music theater —it is transcendent and yet deeply human.
We see ourselves reflected in these characters —their triumphs and
failures, their petty quarrels and profound loves. We cheer for them,
hoping that they’ll be their best, but we’re ready to forgive them each
time they fall short, sure that next time they’ll get it right.
Da Ponte’s libretto for The Marriage of Figaro is drawn from the second
of a trilogy of plays by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais, a
contemporary of the composer and librettist. Beaumarchais’ Figaro plays
draw heavily from the Italian theater tradition of commedia dell’arte—
traveling theatre troupes that relied on established stock characters
and familiar situations to add structure to improvised dialogue. Over
centuries, many of these characters have been woven indelibly into our
cultural fabric—playful Harlequin, melancholy Pierrot—and we see the
fingerprints of commedia all over popular culture, from The Simpsons to
Parks and Recreation.
The Marriage of Figaro is built on these 16th century archetypes: In
Susanna, we see the wit and heart of Colombina; in Figaro, the cynicism
of Brighella tempered by the buoyant joy of Harlequin; in Bartolo, full of
hot air and self-importance, Il Dottore. We often think of the commedia
characters as caricatures, as cartoons, clowns; but truly, the most
remarkable thing about this cast of characters is how recognizable they
are as people. Dame Jane Glover, in her insightful book Mozart’s Women,
speaks of the composer’s need for profundity and buffoonery in equal
measure. The Marriage of Figaro exists in the vibrant space between, and
in that space—we find humanity.
Corinne Hayes
Stage Director
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W. A. MOZART
the Marriage
CAST:
Efraín Solís
FIGARO
Helen Zhibing Huang
SUSANNA
Rachel Blaustein
COUNTESS ALMAVIVA
Kevin Godinez
COUNT ALMAVIVA
Elizabeth Sarian
CHERUBINO
Andrew Adelsberger
BARTOLO
Hannah Shea
MARCELLINA
Brian Wallin
DON BASILIO/DON CURZIO
Öznur Tülüoglu
BARBARINA
Christopher Hartung
ANTONIO
Amanda Densmoor
BRIDESMAID
Denique Isaac
BRIDESMAID
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of Figaro
CREATIVE TEAM:
CONDUCTOR, Craig Kier
DIRECTOR, Corinne Hayes
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,
Brandon Shaw McKnight
CHOREOGRAPHER, Sarah Oppenheim
SCENIC DESIGNER, Jefferson Ridenour
COSTUME DESIGNER, Patty Hibbert
ASSISTANT LIGHTING
DESIGNER, Malory Hartman
WIG/MAKE-UP DESIGNER, Priscilla Bruce
MUSICAL PREPARATION, JoAnn Kulesza
STAGE MANAGER, Kyle Conn
ASSISTANT STAGE
MANAGER, Sarah Greenberg
PRODUCTION MANAGER & LIGHTING
DESIGNER, Chris Brusberg
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR,
Elizabeth D’Antonio
SUPERTITLE OPERATOR, Claire Iverson
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ACT I—Figaro, servant to Count Almaviva, is about to marry Susanna, the
Countess’s maid. He measures a room for a bed, but Susanna is concerned
that the room is too close to the Count’s chamber. She explains to Figaro
that Almaviva is pursuing her. Figaro vows to thwart the Count’s plans.
Once Figaro leaves, Doctor Bartolo and Marcellina enter. Marcellina is angry
at Susanna for stealing Figaro away from her, while Bartolo is angry at
Figaro for making a fool of him in the past. Marcellina and Susanna are
sarcastically polite with one another until Marcellina and Bartolo leave.
Cherubino, a young page, enters, seeking advice from Susanna. Count
Almaviva caught him alone with the gardener’s daughter, Barbarina, and
he is now to be sent away. He is besotted by all women, he explains, and
cannot help himself. Before Susanna can offer advice, they are interrupted
by the arrival of Almaviva himself. Cherubino hides while Almaviva attempts
to set up a tryst with Susanna. The Count himself is forced to hide when
yet another voice is heard at the door. It’s Don Basilio, the music teacher,
who references Cherubino’s supposed crush on the Countess. In a rage,
the Count reveals himself to an amused Basilio. He states that he is
sending Cherubino away and relates the scene in the gardener’s daughter’s
chambers. As he does, Almaviva discovers a hiding Cherubino. Almaviva is
fuming, as Cherubino has overheard him propositioning Susanna. He vows
to get rid of the lad by giving him a military commission. Figaro returns,
accompanied by festive townspeople. He asks the Count to join him and
Susanna in marriage. Almaviva stalls him.
ACT II—In Countess Rosina’s chambers, the Countess grieves for the loss
of her husband’s love and attention, and she and Susanna discuss Count
Almaviva’s roving eye. The Countess believes her husband no longer loves
her, while Susanna wants him to leave her alone. Susanna tells the Countess
that she and Figaro have a plan: Almaviva will receive a letter from Basilio
informing him that his wife has taken up a lover. At the same time, Susanna
will set up a rendezvous with Almaviva but will send a disguised Cherubino
in her place. Cherubino enters with a song of love for the Countess and a
commission letter that the Count forgot to seal and is taken aback when
the women begin to undress him. Having locked the door, they have time
to hide Cherubino and Susanna when Almaviva unexpectedly arrives to
speak with his wife about the letter from Basilio, written and planted by
Figaro. Noticing the Countess’s agitation, Almaviva is instantly suspicious.
He jealously demands entry into the locked inner room where Cherubino
is hiding, but the Countess refuses to open it, claiming Susanna is inside
trying on her wedding dress. Almaviva, taking the Countess with him, leaves
the room to get a crowbar. After they leave, Susanna locks herself into the
room and Cherubino exits the Countess’s chamber through the window.
Unaware of the switch, the Countess confesses everything to her husband
upon their return. She is shocked when Susanna exits the locked room.
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Almaviva begs forgiveness for his suspicions. Figaro arrives to gather up
the group for the wedding. He is followed by Antonio, the gardener, who
is upset that someone jumping from the Countess’s balcony has crushed
his flowers. Upon prompting from the women, Figaro claims it was he who
jumped. The gardener shows him Cherubino’s dropped commission, which
Figaro claims he was holding to get the Count’s seal. Marcellina, Bartolo,
and Basilio enter, and Almaviva, still suspicious, hears their claim that
Figaro is obliged to marry Marcellina to pay off an outstanding debt.
ACT III—Acting on her lady’s insistence, Susanna approaches Count
Almaviva. He once again asks her to meet him in the garden. She agrees.
On her way from the room, the Count overhears Susanna telling Figaro that
his legal troubles will soon be over. He is furious at the apparent deception.
Marcellina and Bartolo, their attorney Don Curzio in tow, confront Figaro,
who tells them that being of noble birth—though stolen away by thieves
as an infant—he can only marry with the consent of his family. To prove
his tale, he shows the crowd his birthmark. Immediately, Marcellina and
Bartolo recognize the mark as belonging to their son, and the three joyfully
reunite. Figaro embraces his long-lost mother as Susanna rejoins the crowd,
having just secured the money to pay off his debt from the Countess. She
misunderstands the embrace and rages at Figaro. Marcellina explains the
situation, and everyone is happy. Everyone that is, except the Count, who
is sure he’s still being played. As the group leaves, Susanna stays behind to
speak to the Countess. The Countess dictates a letter from Susanna to the
Count. She plans to surprise Almaviva in the garden herself. Figaro returns
to gather everyone for the wedding. During the dancing, Susanna slips the
Count her letter.
ACT IV—In the garden, Figaro meets the gardener’s daughter Barbarina,
whom Almaviva has entrusted to return the brooch Susanna pinned to
the letter. Figaro assumes Susanna is cheating on him and invites Bartolo
and Don Basilio to join him for her public humiliation. As they leave, the
Countess and Susanna appear, each dressed as the other. Cherubino is also
in the garden meeting with Barbarina. He spies the Countess and, thinking
she is Susanna, leans in to kiss her. Instead, he kisses Almaviva, who swats
Figaro. The Count declares his love for Susanna, who is really the Countess,
while Figaro tells the Countess, who is really Susanna, about the tryst.
Susanna forgets to disguise her voice, and Figaro figures out that it’s her
under the Countess’s cloak. Their embrace is noticed by the Count, who is
about to expose them when his wife takes off her own disguise. Almaviva is
ashamed and apologizes to his wife for both his jealousy and his infidelity.
They all return to the celebration.
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ABOUT THE
performers
ANDREW ADELSBERGER | Bartolo
HOMETOWN: Kensington, MD
PREVIOUS: Judge/Ensemble, Lost in the Stars
(Annapolis Opera), Benoit/Alcindoro, La bohème
(Annapolis Opera), Dulcamara, L’elisr d’amore
(Permian Basin Opera); Sacristan, Tosca (Annapolis
Opera); Don Magnifico, La Cenerentola (Opera
Fort Collins); Major General Stanley, The Pirates
of Penzance (Young Victorian Theater); Gianni
Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi (Hubbard Hall Opera
Theater), Charles Guiteau, Assassins (NextStop
Theater); Death, The Emperor of Atlantis (InSeries, Washington, DC); Dr.
Bartolo, Il barbiere di Siviglia (Opera Fort Collins, Ashlawn Opera, Maryland
Opera Studio)
RACHEL BLAUSTEIN | Countess Almaviva
HOMETOWN: Olney, MD
PREVIOUS: Nannetta, Falstaff (Maryland Lyric
Opera); Laura Brown, The Hours workshop (The
Metropolitan Opera); The Monument cvr; Rise
(Washington National Opera); Soloist, Mozart
Requiem (New Choral Society); Autonoe, The
Lord of Cries (Odyssey Opera); Ruth, Awakenings
(Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); Micól Finzi-Contini,
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (New York City
Opera); Lauretta, Gianni Schicchi (Tulsa Opera);
Frasquita, Carmen (Chicago Opera Theater)
UPCOMING: Micól Finzi-Contini, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (Florence, Italy)
AMANDA DENSMOOR | Bridesmaid
HOMETOWN: Bogor, Indonesia
PREVIOUS: Meera, This Is Not That Dawn (Catalyst
New Music), Valentina Scarcella, Later the Same
Evening (Maryland Opera Studio), Queen of the
Night, Die Zauberflöte (Maryland Opera Studio),
Servilia, La clemenza di Tito (Opera Steamboat)
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KEVIN GODINEZ | Count Almaviva
HOMETOWN: San José, Costa Rica
PREVIOUS: Masetto and Don Giovanni, Don
Giovanni (Costa Rica National Opera and
Chicago Summer Opera, respectively); Marchese
d’Obigny and Giorgio Germont, La traviata
(Costa Rica National Opera and Academy of
Vocal Arts, respectively); Enrico, Il campanello
di notte (University of Costa Rica Opera); Peter
(Der Vater), Hänsel und Gretel (International
Opera Festival San Luis Potosí, México); Silvio, I
pagliacci (University of Costa Rica Opera); Gianni Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi
(International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia, México); Marcello and
Schaunard, La bohème (Academy of Vocal Arts and Opera in Williamsburg,
respectively); Dottore Malatesta, Don Pasquale (Academy of Vocal Arts)
UPCOMING: Don Giovanni (Cover), Don Giovanni (Academy of Vocal Arts);
Soloist, Duruflé’s Requiem (Greater Philadelphia Choral Society)
CHRISTOPHER HARTUNG | Antonio
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
PREVIOUS: John Smith, These Mountains and
Valleys (Berk’s Opera Company); Chorus, Il
trovatore (Washington National Opera); Mr. Darcy,
Pride & Prejudice (Peabody Opera); Chrous, La
bohème (Annapolis Opera); The Steward, Into
the Woods (Annapolis Opera); Chorus, Un ballo in
maschera (Maryland Lyric Opera)
UPCOMING: Gianni Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi (Berk’s
Opera); Chorus, Otello (Maryland Lyric Opera)
HELEN ZHIBING HUANG | Susanna
HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA/Beijing, China
PREVIOUS: Zerlina, Don Giovanni (North Carolina
Opera); Monica, The Medium (Nashville Opera);
Soprano Soloist, Messiah (Alabama Symphony
Orchestra); Amour, Orphée (Washington Concert
Opera); Setsuko Kobayashi, An American Dream
(Kentucky Opera); Pamina, The Magic Flute (The
Glimmerglass Festival)
UPCOMING: Le Rossignol, Le Rossignol
(West Edge Opera)
- 21 -

ABOUT THE
performers
DENIQUE ISAAC | Bridesmaid
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
PREVIOUS: Rapunzel, Into the Woods (Annapolis
Opera), Bess Study Cover, Porgy and Bess (Des
Moines Metro Opera), Miss Jessel, Turn of the
Screw (Opera Baltimore)
UPCOMING: Female Lead, Dear Mr. Duncan (World
Music Collective)
ELIZABETH SARIAN | Cherubino
HOMETOWN: Plainview, NY
PREVIOUS: Mama, Harvey Milk Reimagined (Opera
Theater of Saint Louis); Suzuki (cover), Madama
Butterfly (The Atlanta Opera); Nireno, Giulio Cesare
(The Atlanta Opera)
UPCOMING: Siébel, Faust (Opera Baltimore); Rinaldo
(cover), Rinaldo (The Glimmerglass Festival)
HANNAH SHEA | Marcellina
HOMETOWN: Harrisburg, PA
PREVIOUS: Third Maid, Elektra; Mercédès, Carmen
(Washington National Opera); Alto Soloist, Mozart
Requiem (National Symphony Orchestra); Alto
Soloist, Handel Messiah (Chattanooga Symphony
& Opera); Old Lady, Candide (Rapides Symphony
Orchestra); Bernice, Katie: The Strongest of the
Strong (Houston Grand Opera); La tasse chinoise,
L’enfant et les sortilèges; Nelda, Taking Up Serpents
(Rice University)
UPCOMING: Edith Thibault, Bel Canto; Alto Soloist, Bach Magnificat (Aspen
Music Festival)
POST-PERFORMANCE conversation
We invite you to join Annapolis Opera’s Artistic and Music Director, Craig
Kier, with members of the cast for a brief conversation following the Sunday
matinee performance. This conversation will commence shortly after the
performance concludes. Guests are encouraged to move downstage to the
front of the theater where the Q & A will be held. We look forward to seeing
many of you after the performance!
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EFRAÍN SOLÍS | Figaro
HOMETOWN: Santa Ana, CA
PREVIOUS: Germano, La Scala di Seta (Opera
Santa Barbara); Jailer, Dialogues of the Carmelites
(San Francisco Opera); Figaro, Le Nozze di Figaro
(Opera San Jose); Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro
(Opera Delaware)
UPCOMING: Dandini, La Cenerentola (Hamburg
Staatsoper); Dulcamara, The Elixir of Love (Hawaii
Opera Theater); Papageno, The Magic Flute (Santa
Rosa Symphony)
ÖZNUR TÜLÜOGLU | Barbarina
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
PREVIOUS: Sandrina, La finta giardiniera (Opera
Neo & The Hungarian State Opera); Micaela,
Carmen (Loudoun Lyric Opera); Mrs. Coyle, Owen
Wingrave (Maryland Opera Studio); Arminda, La
finta giardiniera (Maryland Opera Studio)
UPCOMING: Aspasia, Mitridate (Opera Neo)
BRIAN WALLIN | Basilio/Don Curzio
HOMETOWN: New Brighton, MN
PREVIOUS: Brighella, Ariadne auf Naxos (Arizona
Opera); Tamino, The Magic Flute (Opéra de
Montréal); L’Abate di Chazeuil, Adriana Lecouvreur
(Baltimore Concert Opera); Male Chorus, The Rape
of Lucretia (An Opera Theatre)
UPCOMING: Frederic, Pirates of Penzance (Pacific
Opera Project)
CHORUS
Alex Blenman
James Carpenter
Bailey Galindo
Allan Gervacio
JP Gorski
David Hancock
Patricia Hengen
Rebecca Hollerbach
James Huchla
Kellen Johnson
Clare Lillig
Frank Lyman
Carol Lord Openhym
Brandon Shaw McKnight
Donna Tatro
- 23 -

ABOUT THE
artistic staff
CRAIG KIER | Artistic Director & Conductor
American Conductor Craig Kier has received
high praise for his “Tesla-like intensity” and
“impeccable orchestral support” while leading
performances throughout the United States and
on international stages.
Maestro Kier was appointed Artistic and Music
Director of the Annapolis Opera in 2020 and has
been the Director of the Maryland Opera Studio
(MOS) since 2014. Productions since the beginning
of his tenure with MOS have included Mozart’s
Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, La finta giardiniera, and
La clemenza di Tito, Handel’s Ariodante, Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen,
Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges, Blitzstein’s Regina, Rossini’s L’occasione fa
il ladro, Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia and Owen
Wingrave, Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and Poulenc’s Dialogues
of the Carmelites.
Kier’s 2022-2023 season includes productions of Puccini’s La bohème, Kurt
Weill’s Lost in the Stars, and Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro with Annapolis
Opera. He also leads productions of La bohème, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and
Missy Mazaoli’s Proving Up with Maryland Opera Studio and returns to Brevard
Music Center. Last season, he led Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and John Musto’s
Later the Same Evening with the Maryland Opera Studio and La cenerentola,
and Into the Woods with Annapolis Opera. In the 2019-2020 season, he led
Tosca with Annapolis Opera, was scheduled to return to the Brevard Music
Center to conduct their season opening concert and Die Entführung aus
dem Serail, returned to Houston Ballet to lead gala performances and The
Nutcracker, which he has done since 2011, and continued his association
with the National Symphony Orchestra, assisting Gianandrea Noseda. In the
2018-2019 season, he made his San Francisco Merola Opera Center debut,
Indianapolis Opera debut, and returned to Opera Birmingham and Houston
Ballet. At the University of Maryland, he served as Artistic Director of the yearlong
Kurt Weill Festival, conducting performances of The Road of Promise,
Mahagonny Songspiel, and Street Scene.
Recent season highlights include conducting debuts with Wolf Trap Opera
leading Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, Brevard Opera Center leading La
cenerentola, Anchorage Opera leading Don Pasquale, Arizona Opera leading
Madama Butterfly, and Opera Saratoga leading Verdi’s Falstaff.
From 2010-2013, Kier was Associate Conductor under Patrick Summers
at Houston Grand Opera. During his time with the company he led
dozens of performances including Madama Butterfly, Il barbiere di
Siviglia, Die Fledermaus, Trial by Jury and the world premiere of Huang
Ruo’s Bound. Additional guest engagements for Kier include La bohème
- 24 -

KIER (continued) with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Il barbiere di Siviglia with
Atlanta Opera, Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars with the Glimmerglass Festival,
The Sound of Music with Central City Opera, Thomas’ Hamlet and La Traviata
with Opera Birmingham, L’italiani in Algeri with Opera Santa Barbara, and
The Music Man at Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman.
CORINNE HAYES | Stage Director
HOMETOWN: St. Louis, MO
PREVIOUS: Director, Le nozze di Figaro (Miami
Music Festival); Director, TWA (Maryland Opera
Studio); Director, La rondine (Miami Music Festival);
Director, Carmen (Shreveport Opera); Director,
Rigoletto (Opera Mississippi); Assistant Director,
Candide (Washington National Opera); Assistant
Director, The Little Prince (Washington National
Opera)
UPCOMING: Director, Don Giovanni (Maryland Opera Studio); Director,
L’incoronazione di Poppea (Miami Music Festival)
BRANDON SHAW MCKNIGHT | Assistant Director
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
PREVIOUS: Brandon, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t
Cope (B’more Broadway Live); Director/Performer,
Handel’s Messiah Staged (bshawmcknight
productions); Assistant Stage Manager, The
Turn of the Screw (Opera Baltimore); Stage
Manager, Maometto Secondo (Teatro Nuovo);
Matthew Kumalo, Lost in the Stars (Annapolis
Opera); Choreographer, Much Ado About Nothing
(Spotlighters Theatre); Stage Manager, Blue (Toledo Opera)
UPCOMING: Assistant Director, Carousel (Opera North), Assistant Director,
Carmen (Opera North)
CHRISTOPHER BRUSBERG | Production Manager & Lighting Designer
HOMETOWN: New York City, NY
PREVIOUS: Into The Woods, La Cenerentola, La bohème, Lost in The Stars
& Tosca (Annapolis Opera); La Cenerentola (Remount) (Tri-Cities Opera &
Syracuse Opera); Summer Season 2022, EMERGE125 (NYC), What Happens
If I Don’t (English Premier) & Hotel Good Luck, Cherry Arts (Ithaca), can i
touch it? (NPN Rolling Premier) (Company One); L’heure Espangnol (Wolf
Trap/NOI); Susannah (Boston Conservatory); Black Snow (Montclair State
University); Die Zauberflöte (Manhattan School of Music); Dido And Aeneas
(NYU Steinhardt)
UPCOMING: Marriage of Figaro (Tri-Cities Opera); Idomeno (NYU Steinheart),
Sister Act (Lyric Stage Co of Boston); EMERGE125 Summer Dance Series, The
Boy Who Kissed the Sky (Company One)
- 25 -

ABOUT THE
artistic staff
KYLE CONN | Stage Manager
HOMETOWN: New York City, NY
PREVIOUS: Mornings at Seven (Theatre at St. Clements); Ms. Trial (New World
Stages); Bridges: A New Musical (The Times Center); Women on Fire (Royal
Family); Monuments (The Times Center); Mexodus and The Till Trilogy (Mosaic
Theater); Pass Over (American Shakespeare Center); Comedy of Errors (Elm
Shakespeare Company); SOVA Awards (televised from the Guggenheim, Stage
Manager); Joy Behar’s A Crisis in Queens (Sunlight Studios, PSM); Orfeo (Yale
University, PSM); Rocco, Chelsea, Adriana, Sean, Claudia, Gianna, Alex (HERE
Arts Center, ASM); Wicked (Oriental Theater, Production Assistant)
UPCOMING: Doriclea (Yale University)
p
s
SARAH GREENBERG | Assistant Stage Manager
HOMETOWN: Alexandria, VA
PREVIOUS: Stage Manager, Pergolesi! (Opera Lafayette); Stage Manager,
Proving Up (Maryland Opera Studio); Assistant Stage Manager, La bohème
(Maryland Opera Studio); Stage Manager, The History of Empires (La MaMa)
UPCOMING: Stage Manager, I Was Looking at the Ceiling and then I Saw the
Sky (INSeries)
SARAH OPPENHEIM | Choreographer
HOMETOWN: Modesto, CA
PREVIOUS: Everyone His Own Bastard Heartabeast (dida e.V. Raum für
Kultur); Found a Penknife in My Unionsuit Flap (dida e.V. Raum für Kultur);
Beseech the Spleen & Melancholy the Spine (The Creek and The Cave); The In
The End Elimination Project (Chelsea Hotel Rooftop); Hold This Deep for Safe
(Bookcourt); It’s Not Here, Either (Mayflower Square Apartment Complex);
Snake Telegram (The Clarice, Dance Place, Joe’s Movement Emporium);
Skirt The Wall (Kennedy Center; DNI (U.S. Botanic Garden); Drama-Rama
(National Gallery of Art); Wren Print Cess Pool Cutty Sark (Dance Place);
Restoration Restoration Hard Tear (dance film); Grass.Specter (Dance Place)
UPCOMING: Don Giovanni (Maryland Opera Studio); Many Extra Only More
(Extra Space Storage)
PATTY HIBBERT | Costume Designer
Hometown: Fryeburg, ME
PREVIOUS: Turandot, Carmen, Così fan tutte, Carmen, The Merry Widow,
Eugene Onegin, Pirates of Penzance, Die Fledermaus, La bohème, The
Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola, The Marriage of Figaro, Madama Butterfly,
Rigoletto, Don Pasquale, The Magic Flute, The Counsel, La Giaconda, Matilda,
Cinderella, Something Rotten, Little Women, King and I, Young Frankenstein,
Barefoot in the Park, Into the Woods, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Lucky
Stiff, Nunsense, Clue, Mousetrap, Anastasia
UPCOMING: Les Liaisons Dangereues, Murder on the Orient Express,
Nunsense, Arsenic and Old Lace, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
- 26 -

production
MAURA DULLEA
Operations and Marketing Associate
VICTORIA MANGUM
Artistic Assistant
DRESSERS
Judith Cummings, Linda Serpico,
Juliet Shore, Carol Tabak,
Lorraine vom Saal
ANNAPOLIS
symphony orchestra
VIOLIN I
Nicholas Currie, Acting Concertmaster
Abby Armbruster, Acting Associate
Concertmaster
Qian Zhong, Acting Assistant
Concertmaster
Paul Bagley
VIOLIN II
Kristin Bakkegard, Acting Principal
Megan Gray, Acting Associate Principal
Sally Stallings Amass
Yan Izquierdo
VIOLA
Sarah Hart, Principal
Derek Smith, Associate Principal
Susan Taylor Dapkunas
CELLO
Pie Lu, Acting Principal
April Studeny, Acting Associate
Principal
BASS
Patrick Raynard, Acting Principal
JOSÉ-LUIS NOVO
Artistic Director & Conductor
- 27 -
STAFF
SET CONSTRUCTION
Set Rental, OperaDelaware
Scenic Construction, Robert Parker
Scenic Painter, Erica Harney
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Antonio Adams, Lighting Operator
Rachel Buxton, Graphic Design
Lucy Haag, Wig & Makeup Assistant
Maryland Hall Staff
FLUTE
Kimberly Valerio, Principal
Genevieve Eichman
OBOE
Fatma Daglar, Principal
Michael Homme
CLARINET
Robert DiLutis, Principal
Elise Bond
BASSOON
Bryan Young, Acting Principal
Lynn Moncilovich
HORN
Alex Kovling, Principal
Steven Barzal
TRUMPET
Christopher Buchanan, Acting
Principal
Thomas Bithell
TIMPANI
Curt Armbruster, Principal
MIRIAM FOGEL
Orchestra Manager
OLIVIA REN
Librarian
With 61 years of artistic excellence, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, under
the direction of Maestro José-Luis Novo is recognized as the largest performing
arts organization in Maryland’s capital city. Performing Classics, Pops, Family, and
special events each year, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra continues to rise in
excellence and national reputation. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra reaches
thousands each year with its free “Pops in the Park,” joint concerts with the United
States Naval Academy, and collaborative projects with other arts organizations
and touring headliners. In addition, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra sponsors
numerous award-winning education concerts and outreach programs in community
schools, sharing the joy of music-making with school children.

Annapolis Opera gratefully acknowledges
our members and supporters.
January 1, 2022 – March 1, 2023
THE RUBY SOCIETY ($30,000 PLUS OVER 3 YEARS)
James & Sylvia Earl, The Helena Foundation
Norman Fisher & Doris Fisher Foundation
Lester & Colleen Prosser
John & Martha Schwieters
David & Carol Stern
William Tham & Susan Zimmerman
Robert & Lorraine Vom Saal
CovingtonAlsina
M & T Bank
Joy Chambers & Peter Bungay
Kathryn Dahl
Rosalie E. Lijinsky
Nielsen Development Group
IMPRESARIO CIRCLE ($10,000 PLUS)
Arts Council of Anne Arundel County
Maryland State Arts Council
The Family of Patricia Edwards
Joyce Pratt & Jeffrey K. Harris
Duncan Kennedy
Kurt Weill Foundation
DIVA CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999)
Lyndon Olson
RBC Wealth Management
Jan Paul Richter & Ellen von Seggern Richter
Leah & Norman Solat
Mark Sylvester
Roslyn Zimmerman
COMPOSER CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999)
Calvin & Betty Austin
Patricia Baum
Melvin Bender
Murray & Teddy Blank
Martin Block & Renee Comet
Chesapeake Think Tank
Kenneth Code
Georgianna Crosby
CONCERTMASTER CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499)
Paula Abernethy
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
Barbara L. Bohl-Watkins
Brad Clark
Gladys & Michael Datch
Jib & Katherine Edwards
Alan J. Hyatt
Lee Finney
Jill Kidwell
Craig & Rebecca Kier
Thomas DeKornfeld
& Nina Fisher*
Thomas DeKornfeld Sr.
Mark & Mary Doran Brown
Fidelity Investments
Susan Goldberg
Anna E. Greenberg
Richard & Cheryl Hack
Richard W. Krimm*
Michael & Catherine Lehr
Andy & Stephanie Noel
Joyce Olin & Chris Nelson
Linda P. Orff
Stephen & Melissa Osmond
Kimberly W. Ross Page
Anne Palumbo
Alexander Ray
Julie B. Schuelke
- 28 -
Lisa & Richard Hillman
George & Madeline Hughes
Cary Melnyk & Tim
McDonough*
Tony J. Parasiliti
Edward & Shannon Sausville
Sims & Campbell
Kathy & Chris Swekel
Maxine Silber
Michael & Melanie Teems
Ann Tran & Mark Davis*
Trident Wealth
United Bank
Loretta M. Walz
Margaret H. Wilson
Jean M. Zajac

ARIA CIRCLE ($500–$999)
Robert Bradshaw
Virginia P. Clagett
Enser & Marguerite
Cole
Robert DeMoyer
Robert Duckworth
Mary Ann Elliott
Michael Epstein
Dennis & Kathleen
Faleris
CHORUS CIRCLE (UP TO $249)
Stephanie A.
Abramson
Linda Allen
Karen & Fettah Anadol
Ion Azzola
Katie Bacon
Richard & Mary Ellen
Bartlett
Susan L. Benac
Patricia Bertrand
David Bliden
Shirley M. Bolton
Jill S. Booth
Bernard Bradpiece
J. Robert Bradshaw
John & Jill Breen
Kim Burke
Gisela Burns
Cynthia L. Carlton
Brandt Carrier
Gordon & Jane Cash
Alice Chambers
Prudence Clendenning
Tara B. Clifford
Jessica Cohen
Ted & Pat Connell
Clark Conkling
Timothy Dangel
Norman & Rosemary
Dawley
Gene Deems
Diane Doknovitch
Faith Goldstein &
Jesse Cunitz
Ronald J Gretz &
Braxton Peters
Sarah E. Griffith
Robert & Diane Heaney
Robert & Susan Hecht
Elizabeth & Stephen
Hiltabidle, Jr.
Jeffrey Jacobs
ORCHESTRA CIRCLE ($250–$499)
Bob Arias
Adah Rose Bitterbaum
Patsy Blackshear
Anne W. Brown
Aaron Bueno
James Cheevers
Eileen & Stanley
Cornett
Robert & Denise Daly
Patricia A. Frese
Julie & Charles
Grudzinskas
Timothy Kjer
Michael Kurtz
Cecil & Ingrid Lemon
Robert Libson
Henry & Silvia Driver
Pamela T. Duncan
Katy Edwards
Joanne Evans
Richard & Carole Falk
Sylvia Foster
Alexandra Fotos
Ronald & Camille
Frezzo
Candice Friday*
Jody & Amira
Goldsmith
Charles Green
Neil Greenberger
Peggy Greenwell
Valerie Gutterson
Mary Tran Thanh Hai
Donald & Eleanor
Harris
Christopher Hartung
Peter & Catherine
Hollerbach
Thomas & Laurie
Jarboe
Sara Jones
Bekir Kaplan
Robert & Shelley Katz
Freida Weiss &
Todd Keller
Nathan Keoughan
John & Maria Kersh
Linda Kolosky
IN MEMORIAM
- 29 -
Lawrence & Jeanne
Kelly
Patricia
Koopersmith*
Missy McTamney
Rocco & Karen
Pangallo
Edgar Parker
Clay & Carol Richards
Christopher & Anita
Rizek
Lydia N. Morrow
Edgar & Jeanne
Paglee
Nadine Sielecki
James & Jacqueline
Stradtner
Tom Strikwerda
San Lee
Tim & Eileen Leahy
Margaret F. Balacki
Leffler
Cecil & Ingrid Lemon
David B. Lindauer
Nancy Libson
Noreen Lynch
Melissa Mackey
Andy & Tina
Manatos*
Peter Crilly &
Nadja Maril
Jennifer Marshall
David & Judith
Mauriello
Genevieve
McWilliams
Daniel Mellin
Odysseus Mikalis*
Van & Marilyn Nield
Pablo Penafiel
Robert & Cookie
Pollock
Cyndy Renoff
Paige Rosenfeld
Julia Rotkamp
Joan Ruhl
Debra Saltz
Colleen Sandler
Everett & Barbara
Santos
Jack Rolfe
Glen & Janis Rotner
Marilyn Rouvelas*
Gwyn W. Smith
Jan E. Taylor
Stephan & Tamara
Tymkiw
Martin & Barbara
Wasserman
Jan C. Thorman
& Mike Halbig
David Zinnamon
Rochelle G. Zohn*
Laurence Skinner
Anne E. Smith
Ed & Andy Smith
Edgar A. Smith
Eugene & Mary Smith
Lynette M. Songy
Tony & Vivian Spencer
Pascale Spinney
Ellen Stone*
Patrick L. Stone
Catherine St-Arnaud
Anne K. Stratton
Carolyn Strunk
Carol Tabak
Judith Templeton
Gordon & Christine
Trapnell
Anthony & Kathleen
van Hover
Michael Weinberg
Charles Wheeler
Diane Windell
Peter Wolfe
Ginger Woolridge
Francis & Maureen
Wright
James Wright
Beth Zeidman*
Delores Ziegler
*Gladys Datch —We fondly remember Gladys Datch and her service as a Board Trustee and
volunteer for over 11 years. Gladys brought a huge smile and overwhelming positivity to everything
she did. Her most recent effort was to establish the new Annapolis Opera Guild. Her deep love
of the Annapolis Opera combined with her enthusiasm and dedication to supporting its success
was admired and appreciated by all who knew her. We will miss her.
Joyce Olin—A keen art collector and lover of the outdoors, Joyce was a long-time trustee and
supporter of the opera. Beloved by the St. John’s College community, where her husband Chris
Nelson was President for 30 years, she was a generous and caring community leader.

Specialized Insurance
for The Arts
Bob Middleton | bmiddleton@mdpins.com
410-547-3167 www.artsinsuranceprogram.com
- 30 -

- 31 -

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