Glory Denied Program - Annapolis Opera

- 2 -

There are so many compelling stories of the
human condition just waiting to be told, and
one of them has made its way from life to
book to stage. Glory Denied takes us back
to a dark time in our history as it recalls the
collective national and familial upheavals
of that tumultuous era. It is a story about
war, yes, but also about time and loss. It
is a story about family and the devastation
wrought on the home front, as well as in
faraway places of mortal combat.
As Allan Kozinn of the New York Times described it, “How is this for
a story with operatic potential? A prisoner of war held for nearly
a decade returns home to find that his wife has moved on, his
nation has changed beyond recognition, and he is unable to find
his bearings in the society he fought to defend. It is Monteverdi’s
“Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria” in reverse: the story of the returning
warrior, but in this thoroughly modern version, everything has gone
wrong, and redemption is out of reach.”
Is redemption out of reach in this tale? Although set in the 1970s,
the questions engendered by this story are timeless and important.
Wars have not ceased and, as Tolkien wrote long ago, “We all long
for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at
its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most human, is still
soaked with the sense of exile.”
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
President
A Message from
the President
- 3 -

Welcome to Annapolis Opera’s production of
Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied. This production
marks not only this opera’s debut in
Annapolis, but also our commitment to
continuing to expand the breadth of stories
we share with our community.
Premiered in 2007 with over 40 productions
performed throughout the United States,
Glory Denied is one of the most frequently
produced operas of the 21st century.
This riveting tale focuses on the real-life
story of Colonel Jim Thompson, America’s
longest-held prisoner of war. We follow his
suffering during captivity and the personal struggles he meets upon
his liberation to a seemingly unrecognizable country and a forever
changed family.
Tom Cipullo’s poignant score captures the heart and complexities of
a story made up of individuals, who Cipullo describes as, “ordinary
people” placed “in an extraordinary situation.” From soaring melodies
that melt with sorrow, to angular harmonies that capture gutwrenching
torment, this opera compels all of us to consider more
deeply the loss and sorrow so many families have endured in wartime.
What an honor, and it is, to lead this fine cast in our powerful
production directed by my dear friend and colleague, Dean Anthony.
I hope you’ll also stay for our post-performance panel discussion
that delves into the many topics this opera explores, all of which
resonate deeply in Annapolis.
Thank you for joining us today and for supporting Annapolis Opera.
I look forward to seeing you for the rest of our 23/24 season!
Craig Kier
Artistic and Music Director
A Message from
the Maestro
- 4 -

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen, President
Kathryn Dahl, Vice President
Michael Lehr, Treasurer
Paula Abernethy, Secretary
Betty Austin
Georgianna Crosby
Thomas DeKornfeld
Richard Hack
Richard Krimm
Cary Melnyk
Andrew Noel
Melissa Osmond
Kimberly Ross Page
Lyn Songy
William Tham
Robert Young
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Hon. Westley Moore, Governor of Maryland
Hon. Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Executive
Hon. Gavin Buckley, Mayor, City of Annapolis
Dr. Nora V. Demleitner, President, St. John’s College, Annapolis
Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President, Anne Arundel Community College
ADVISORY TRUSTEES
Anna Greenberg
Leah Solat
David Stern
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
Victoria Mangum, Artistic Programs Manager
Maura Dullea, Operations and Marketing Associate
- 5 -

ANNAPOLIS AREA ATTORNEYS
GREENBELT OFFICE
6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 820
Greenbelt, Maryland 20770
(301) 441-2420
(301) 982-9450 (fax)
ANNAPOLIS OFFICE
888 Bestgate Road, Suite 402
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 266-9909
(410) 266-8425 (fax)
VIRGINA OFFICE
950 N. Washington Street,
Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 270-9600
www.mhlawyers.com
Brent M. Ahalt
Jennifer M. Alexander
Garth E. Beall
Michael L. Brown
C. Ryan Cohill
Danielle M. Cruttenden
Lindsey K. Erdmann
Justin P. Fasano
Justin M. Ginsburg
Steven L. Goldberg
Christopher L. Hamlin
Charles H. Henderson
Gregory R. Hislop
Milton D. Jernigan, II
Robert J. Kim
Kelly S. Kylis
Andryse P. Leukeu
Daniel F. Lynch, III
John P. Lynch
Aaron D. Neal
Janet M. Nesse
Craig M. Palik
Christopher P. Ruyter
Mark W. Schweitzer
Christopher M. Shank
Esther A. Streete
Matthew C. Tedesco
Kevin M. Tracy
James C. Tuomey
Alexander P.R. Ward
Business • Banking & Finance • Litigation
Estates & Trusts • Bankruptcy • Real Estate
Land Use & Zoning • Construction
Employment • Tax • Family • Criminal Defense
- 6 -

15th Season
Rigoletto
Oct 20 | Oct 22
Opera Baltimore Gala
Feb 3
Eugene Onegin
Feb 28 | Mar 1 | Mar 3
The Impresario
Apr 10 | 12 | 14
OperaBaltimore.org/tickets
- 7 -

O Solar Mio!
www.mccauleylyman.com
- 8 -

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.
- 9 -

s
FRIDAY | MARCH 15, 2024 at 7:30PM
SUNDAY | MARCH 17, 2024 at 3PM
GAETANO DONIZETTI
LIBRETTIST: FELICE ROMANI
Jealousy, Temptation, and a Magic Elixir
Prove That True Love Will Find a Way!
ANNAPOLISOPERA.ORG FOR TICKETS | MARYLAND HALL
SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 10, 2024 at 11AM
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK
LIBRETTIST: LAURA FUENTES
What Sweet Treats Lie Ahead in
This Beloved Fairytale,
With a New Twist?
- 10 -

support the Opera
Donating to us has never been easier!
Scan the code below for your OPERAtunity
to contribute to the Annapolis Opera today!
Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who provided housing,
transportation, hospitality, and helped with this production
in numerous ways!
Thank you to our
Volunteers
Paula Abernethy & Rick Sullivan
Patricia Aquilina
Kathy Clatanoff
Kathy Kirkland
Noreen Lynch
Cary Melnyk & Tim McDonough
Chris Nelson
Andy Noel
Melissa & Stephen Osmond
Colleen & Lester Prosser
Martha & John Schwieters
Lyn Songy
Chris & Kathy Swekel
Sharon Taylor
Susan Wilkenson & Jim Lay
Robert Young
- 11 -

Ruby Society
The Ruby Society
The Ruby So
The Annapolis Opera is proud to recognize the members of The Ruby
Society who, through their generosity, have committed to keeping worldclass
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.
“We support the opera because the programs presented have enriched
our lives in many ways. In addition, we want to encourage and support the
community connections that are created through this art form.”
– Susan Zimmerman & William Tham
“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.
Contact Kathy Swekel at the Annapolis Opera office, 410.267.8135, for
more information about The Ruby Society and how you can join.
members
MEMBERS
ROBERT & LORRAINE
VOM SAAL
PETE & JANE
CHAMBLISS
MEMBERS
COLLEEN & LESTER
PROSSER
THE HELENA
FOUNDATION
NORMAN FISHER
& DORIS FISHER
FOUNDATION
SUSAN ZIMMERMAN
& WILLIAM THAM
DAVID & CAROL
STERN
- 12 -
MARTHA & JOHN
SCHWIETERS

Enjoy the show? Your ticket is where the fun begins!
Grab a bite to eat after the show.
15% off your next meal! 1
1
Your proof of purchase from the Annapolis Opera or any of our Adventure Annapolis partners
gives you access to special savings at Blackwall Hitch Annapolis. Offer valid within 14 days
from the date on your show ticket.
- 13 -

TOM CIPULLO’s
GLORY
DENIED
CAST IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE:
CRAIG IRVIN
Older Thompson
MATTHEW HILL
Younger Thompson
ÖZNUR TÜLÜOĞLU
Younger Alyce
COLLEEN DALY
Older Alyce
- 14 -

CREATIVE TEAM:
CONDUCTOR | Craig Kier
DIRECTOR | Dean Anthony
PRODUCTION MANAGER | Chris Brusberg*
PROJECTIONS & SCENIC DESIGNER
Tláloc López-Watermann
LIGHTING DESIGNER | Malory Hartman
WIG/MAKE-UP DESIGNER | Priscilla Bruce
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR | Elizabeth D’Antonio
PRINCIPAL COACH | JoAnn Kulesza
STAGE MANAGER | Carson Gilmore
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER | Allison Bailey
SUPERTITLE OPERATOR | Christopher J. Hartung
Glory Denied is based on the original book by Tom Philpott
*Represented by United Scenic Artists,
Local USA 829 of the IATSE
- 15 -

Performance
FALLEN COMRADE CEREMONY
Honor Guard
TABLEAU I – IN CAPTIVITY—Colonel Floyd James Thompson (Jim),
America’s longest-held prisoner of war, reflects on his years as a
captive during the Vietnam War. He sees himself as a young man
and recalls episodes from his nine-year ordeal including escape
attempts, torture, the overwhelming loneliness of five years in solitary
confinement, and being forced to sign a propaganda statement.
Through it all, he finds the strength to survive in memories of his
wife and their family as he recalls every letter his beloved Alyce
sent to him before his capture. As Thompson thinks on his idealized
wife, Alyce receives the news that his surveillance plane was shot
down. Denied any reliable information about his status, Alyce is
fearful and bitter, and soon begins a relationship with another man
(Harold), eventually moving in with him and telling her children that
their father is dead. Alyce refuses to have Jim’s name released to
the public as Missing in Action, or inscribed on a P.O.W. bracelet, a
popular solidarity symbol at the time, and consults a lawyer to have
Jim legally declared dead. As the act nears its conclusion, Thompson
finds comfort in the 23rd Psalm and on his last word (“forever”), he
is freed from prison, leading to an inevitable reunion with Alyce.
TABLEAU II – WELCOME HOME—A number of American P.O.W.s are
released and Jim returns home, but the Pentagon honors another
man, Everett Alvarez, as the longest-held prisoner. Excerpts from
the Paris Peace Accords interrupt the pre-war memories of Jim
and Alyce. Jim reads a letter of welcome from President Nixon, the
text noting ominously, “Some things about America may appear to
have changed since your departure.” Alyce meets Jim and confesses
her new relationship. She offers to disappear if that is what he
wants, but only after he hears her out. Jim decides to attempt
reconciliation. He notes how life has changed during his captivity,
at first mentioning improvements in material items and civil rights,
- 16 -

ut inevitably concluding with disdain for the new permissiveness
and for his wife’s infidelity. Soon, the couple begins to fight, and Jim
complains, “You’re not the Alyce I left.” For her part, Alyce asserts
her independence, refusing to be the docile obedient wife. She tells
of what her life was like during his absence, of the callous behavior
of neighbors and family, of late-night crank calls from malicious
strangers, of her fear and loneliness. Jim, now a local hero, is
asked to speak at the church where he and Alyce were married,
and addresses the congregation hopefully, ignoring the fact that his
dream of home and family has been shattered. Jim sits alone, he
has separated from Alyce for good. Illness has ended his military
career, and he asks himself over and over, “What to do today?” He
finds consolation in the phrase, “One day at a time,” just as he did
when he was a prisoner. Jim tries to stay positive and confident, but
bitter feelings keep intruding. The years pass and Jim has suffered a
stroke, he lives alone estranged from his children, and he struggles
to forgive, but concludes, “Everyone else had a bracelet.”
DISCUSSION ON GLORY DENIED
Jan Scruggs, Moderator
Tom Philpott, Author
Tom Cipullo, Composer
Dean Anthony, Stage Director
The Annapolis Opera is proud to partner with Hospice of the
Chesapeake’s Veterans Program by supporting its critical initiative with
this production. This unique program provides support for Veterans in
hospice care including a formal ceremony of gratitude and appreciation
for their military service. This ceremony brings together family and
friends for what is often the first and last opportunity for recognition.
- 17 -

To have such TRUTH to grasp in the storytelling of Glory Denied is
something that has had an amazing impact on my life. Knowing full
well that my thoughts alone would never be enough on this journey,
I longed for the opportunity to cultivate and develop a relationship
with composer Tom Cipullo, and author Tom Philpott, as I needed
to fully understand how this TRUTH affected each of them. That
relationship has now spanned ten years. Glory Denied, to this day,
has been the most powerful experience I have had as a director and
human. I will forever be humbled.
Being born in the early 1960’s, my view of the Vietnam War was much
like Jim Thompson’s son. In one of the interviews in Tom Philpott’s
book, Jim Jr. said, as a nine-year-old, he did not want to think about
a war, he just wanted to go outside and play. Sadly, I think that was
a recurring theme for many Americans at that time. We know the
history, we know the stories, but in this production, we get to live
one couple’s complete story. The path that both Jim and Alyce take
is difficult to process and one that I do not feel any of us can even
attempt to step in. All we can do is tell it.
Tom Cipullo has given us the characters of Jim and Alyce in a cast
of four. Younger and Older. It is a gift as a director, and a challenge
at the same time. We see them in various stages of life, but also,
see them out of the reality, much like a Greek Chorus. Interviews.
Interrogations. Struggling with an immense amount of paperwork
that inundated daily life. Raising children. Isolation. Change. Distance.
Finding hope and survival in any way possible. Freedom. Moving on.
Survival. Survival is what they were both striving for, and I only strive
to respect their story.
A quote from Alyce Thompson: “He went through HELL, but so did I.”
Dean Anthony
Stage Director
A Message from
the Stage Director
- 18 -

A Note from the Composer
Glory Denied may be the first opera adapted from an oral history. As such,
it presents no linear narrative. Virtually all of the dialogue in the opera is
taken literally from actual statements by the real people involved. On those
few occasions where, for dramatic purposes, words have been changed or
statements conflated, the composer has taken care not to alter the intent of
the speaker.
Glory Denied has four singing roles. Jim and Alyce Thompson are each played
by two singers. Thus, young Alyce presents the character as Jim remembers
her from letters written long ago. Older Alyce is the person she has become
since his capture. Likewise, the older Jim reflects back on his imprisonment
while the younger represents his character during the ordeal. On occasion,
the singers may assume the voices of other figures as well (i.e. Pentagon
spokesman, Army General, Vietnamese guard, etc.).
In 2001, while in residence at the MacDowell Colony, I came across the New
York Times review of Tom Philpott’s Glory Denied. Immediately, I was intrigued.
“Indeed, it is not too much to say,” the review by Richard Bernstein stated,
“that Glory Denied …encapsulate[s] something of the moral essence of the
Vietnam War and the imperishable bitterness of the war’s legacy.”
For years, I had wanted to create a music drama that would address
contemporary issues, one that would take ordinary people and place them in
an extraordinary situation. This story, with all its suffering, heroism, selfishness,
and dignity, struck me as completely and overwhelmingly operatic. Of course,
crafting the libretto would present a huge number of challenges. How might I
reflect the difference between Alyce and Jim’s memories of her? I settled on
having two singers play twin versions of the character. One would represent
Jim’s idealized vision, while the other would show what Alyce was actually
doing and thinking while Jim was a prisoner. Two versions of Alyce led me to
consider having Colonel Thompson portrayed by two singers. Young Jim would
live through these events, while the older character would recall them from a
distance. Perhaps the biggest challenge in writing the work was how to make
Alyce a real, comprehensible, three-dimensional person. Some of her actions
during Jim’s ordeal were nothing short of shocking. Still, when Alyce sings,
her music must be so beautiful and persuasive that people will say, “Yes, if
I had been alone with four children—the last born the day my husband was
captured—perhaps I could have done that too.” I am no moral relativist. I
believe strongly that behavior can be right or wrong. But my own memories of
the time remind me that many good people did things they regret during the
Vietnam era. It was as if there was a great madness in the land, and everyone,
it seems, simply did the best they could.
Glory Denied is, above all, the story of an American family during one our
nation’s most turbulent eras. My hope is that those new to opera will find
in the work’s ensembles and arias a bridge to a fascinating, complex, and
formative time for our country.
The opera Glory Denied is dedicated to my dear friend Steven Burke. Finally, I
would like to express my deepest appreciation to Tom Philpott. His generosity
of spirit is truly an inspiration.
Tom Cipullo
Composer
- 19 -

About the Performers
COLLEEN DALY | Older Alyce
HOMETOWN: Ellicott City, MD
PREVIOUS: Governess, The Turn of the Screw (Opera
Baltimore); Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte; Violetta, La traviata
(Opera Delaware); Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte (Intermountain
Opera); The Baker’s Wife, Into the Woods; Violetta,
La traviata; Musetta, La bohème (Annapolis Opera);
Persephone, REV. 23 (PROTOTYPE Festival, White Snake
Projects); Micaela, Carmen (Tulsa Opera, Baltimore
Concert Opera, Syracuse Opera); Musetta, La bohème
(Lyric Opera of Baltimore, Des Moines Metro Opera)
UPCOMING: Soprano Soloist, L’Éternel (The Washington Chorus & National
Philharmonic); Soprano Soloist, Pierrot Lunaire (Atlantic Reed Consort)
MATTHEW HILL | Younger Thompson
HOMETOWN: Laurel, MD
PREVIOUS: Pilade, Ermione (Washington Concert
Opera); Pygmalion, Pygmalion (American Bach Soloists);
Belshazzar, Belshazzar (American Bach Soloists); Jack,
Into the Woods (Annapolis Opera), Tenor soloist, Haydn’s
The Creation (Staunton Music Festival); Condulmiero,
Maometto II (Washington Concert Opera)
UPCOMING: Evangelist, St John Passion (American Bach
Soloists); Tenor soloist, St Matthew Passion (Washington
National Cathedral); Tenor soloist, Fanny Hensel’s Oratorium nach Bildern der
Bibel (The Polyphonists & Georgetown Chorale)
CRAIG IRVIN | Older Thompson
HOMETOWN: Waukee, IA
PREVIOUS: Scarpia, Tosca (Madison Opera); Jack
Torrance, The Shining (Atlanta Opera); Wolf/Cinderella’s
Prince, Into the Woods (Tulsa Opera); Maximillian,
Candide (Atlanta Opera); Jochannan, Salome (Madison
Opera); Older Thompson, Glory Denied (Knoxville Opera)
UPCOMING: Pirate King, Pirates of Penzance (Kentucky
Opera); Pirate King, Pirates of Penzance (Glimmerglass
Opera); Giove, La Calisto (Glimmerglass Opera)
ÖZNUR TÜLÜOĞLU | Younger Alyce
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
PREVIOUS:Aspasia, Mitridate (Opera Neo); The Pigeon,
Don’t Let the Pigeon Sing Up Late! (Washington National
Opera); Barbarina, Le nozze di Figaro (Annapolis Opera);
Sandrina, La finta giardiniera (The Hungarian State
Opera); Sandrina, La finta giardiniera (Opera Neo);
Micaela, Carmen (Loudoun Lyric Opera); Mrs. Coyle,
Owen Wingrave (Maryland Opera Studio); Arminda, La
finta giardiniera (Maryland Opera Studio)
UPCOMING: Gilda, Rigoletto (Mobile Opera); The Young Woman, A.E Reverie
(Chautauqua Opera); Camila, Pepito (Chautauqua Opera); Sandman, Hansel and
Gretel (Chautauqua Opera)
- 20 -

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. Since becoming the Director of the Maryland
Opera Studio (MOS) at the University of Maryland,
Kier has expanded the footprint of the program’s
activities, connecting the MOS curriculum and
programming to areas across campus and beyond.
In 2020, Kier was named Artistic and Music Director of Annapolis Opera
where this season, he leads performances of The Magic Flute, Glory Denied,
and The Elixir of Love. In 2023, he joined the College of Art and Humanities
Dean’s office as Director of the Presidential Initiative, Arts for All, and
currently serves as Advisor for the Maryland Opera Studio.
Recent conducting highlights for Kier include productions with San Francisco
Opera’s Merola Opera Program, Wolf Trap Opera, Arizona Opera, Houston
Ballet, the Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company, Anchorage Opera,
Indianapolis Opera, and Opera Saratoga. From 2010-2013, he was Associate
Conductor 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 appearances with
Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, the Glimmerglass
Festival, Central City Opera, Opera Birmingham, Opera Santa Barbara, and
the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman.
Kier began his career as part of Seattle Opera’s music staff, serving in a variety
of roles including Assistant Conductor, Coach/Accompanist, and Chorus
Master. He also served on the music staff of The Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati
Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opera Colorado, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
DEAN ANTHONY | Stage Director
HOMETOWN: St. Louis, MO
PREVIOUS: Falstaff (Knoxville Opera); Sweeney
Todd (Opera Tampa); The Marriage of Figaro (Opera
Omaha); The Turn of the Screw, Into the Woods, La
traviata (Brevard Music Center)
UPCOMING: The Marriage of Figaro (Opera Roanoke);
Cendrillon (Knoxville Opera); Flight, La bohème,
Threepenny Opera (Brevard Music Center)
- 21 -

About the Artistic Staff
CHRISTOPHER BRUSBERG | Production Manager
HOMETOWN: New York City, NY
PREVIOUS: Lighting Design Credits: The Marriage of Figaro (Annapolis Opera);
The Marriage of Figaro (Tri-Cities Opera & Syracuse Opera); Idomeneo (NYU
Steinhardt); Léandre et Héro/Io (Opera Lafayette); The Boy Who Kissed the
Sky (Company One)
UPCOMING: Elixir of Love (Annapolis Opera); EMERGE125 NYC Fall Showing
& Spring Season
CARSON GILMORE | Stage Manager
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA
PREVIOUS: Stage Manager/Assistant Director Credits: Rigoletto (The Atlanta
Opera); Glory Denied (Opera Roanoke and Knoxville Opera); The Comet/
Poppea (The Industry); La traviata (Fort Worth Opera); Carmen (Pacific
Opera Project); Lohengrin (Utah Festival Opera); Our Town (Utah Festival
Opera); Pelléas and Mélisande (Opera Southwest); Le nozze di Figaro (Opera
Delaware); Stage Director Credits: Le nozze di Figaro (Celestial Opera
Company); La corona (Pacific Opera Project); Così fan tutte (Mission Opera);
The Queen of Spades (Independent Opera Company); Carmen (Vox Visceralis)
UPCOMING: Stage Manager/Assistant Director Credits: Die Fledermaus
(CSULB, Long Beach, CA); Stage Director Credits: Carmen (Opera Southwest);
Lucia di Lammermoor (Vox Visceralis)
ALLISON BAILEY | Assistant Stage Manager
HOMETOWN: Webster City, IA
PREVIOUS: Assistant Stage Manager Credits: Die Zauberflöte (Annapolis
Opera Company); La bohème (Berkshire Opera Festival); Falstaff (Aspen Music
Festival and School); Stage Manager Credits: Don Giovanni (Maryland Opera
Studio); Production Assistant Credits: ELEKTRA (Washington National Opera)
UPCOMING: Stage Manager Credits: Svadba (Peabody Institute), Avaaz
(Olney Theatre Center)
Orchestra
ANNA LUEBKE | Violin
SETH GOODMAN | Viola
DAVID AGIA | Cello
ERICA SPEAR | Flute
EMMA SELMON | Clarinet
JOSHUA THOMPSON | Horn
COREY SITTINGER | Percussion
MADELINE JARZEMBAK | Harp
JOANN KULESZA | Piano
- 22 -

Production Staff
MAURA DULLEA
Operations & Marketing Associate
VICTORIA MANGUM
Artistic Assistant
DRESSERS
Elizabeth D’Antonio
Carol Tabak
PRODUCTION SCENERY
Provided by Knoxville Opera
COSTUMES
Designed by Glenn Avery Breed &
Provided by Wardrobe Witchery
PERFORMANCE RIGHTS
E. C. Schirmer Music Company
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Rachel Buxton, Graphic Design
Maryland Hall Lighting & Stage Crew
Special Guests
JAN CRAIG SCRUGGS | Moderator
HOMETOWN: Annapolis, MD
Jan Craig Scruggs is a United States Army veteran
who served in the Vietnam War and received the
Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the
Army Commendation Medal, with ‘Valor’ during his
tour of duty, leaving the Army in 1970.
Flowing from his experiences and his professional
expertise in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Scruggs
imagined a national memorial engraved with the names of the Americans
fallen in the Vietnam War. Mr. Scruggs founded and was the President of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which built the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982. It is the most visited memorial in
Washington, DC with 5 million visitors annually. He has since worked
tirelessly to further veterans’ causes, dedicated his life to the memorial,
and fought for a National Vet Center Program. Visit FounderOfTheWall.com.
TOM PHILPOTT | Author
Tom Philpott is a retired syndicated news columnist,
former Navy Times editor and freelance writer. He
covered the US military as a journalist for 42 years.
Launched in 1994, his weekly news column, “Military
Update,” appeared in daily newspapers near military
bases for 25 years. At its peak, it reached two million
readers.
He also wrote monthly for American Legion Magazine
and was a contributing editor for Military Officer’s Magazine. Mr. Philpott’s
freelance articles appeared in numerous magazines including The New
Yorker and Readers’ Digest. He was a reporter and editor for Army Times
Publishing Co. from 1977–1993.
Philpott, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of St. Vincent College, served a
tour in the US Coast Guard as an information officer before starting his
journalism career.
- 23 -

Special Guests
TOM CIPULLO | Composer
Hailed by the American Academy of Art & Letters for
music of “inexhaustible imagination, wit, expressive
range and originality,” composer Tom Cipullo is the
winner of numerous awards, including a Guggenheim
Fellowship (2012) the Arts & Letters Award from
the American Academy of Arts & Letters (2013), and
fellowships from Yaddo, the MacDowell Colony, the
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Liguria
Study Center (Italy). The New York Times has called
his music “intriguing and unconventional,” and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
has called him “an expert in writing for the voice.”
Cipullo’s first opera, Glory Denied, is one of the most frequently produced
of 21st-century American operas with over 35 productions to date. The
Fort Worth Opera recording on Albany Records was cited by Opera News
as among the best of 2014. Cipullo’s second opera, After Life (libretto by
David Mason), was commissioned by Music of Remembrance and has been
called “a finely wrought exploration of the role of art in times of grave crisis
(Washington Post).” After Life is the winner of the 2017 the Domenick Argento
Chamber Opera Composition prize from the National Opera Association.
Recent projects include the opera Mayo, winner of the 2016 Pellicciotti
Opera Composition Prize, and a chamber opera, The Parting, commissioned
by Music of Remembrance and premiered in Seattle in May 2019. Both After
Life and The Parting are recorded on Naxos as part of that label’s American
Opera Classics series. Visit TomCipullo.net.
- 24 -

Thank you
to our Sponsors
SYLVIA AND JAMES EARL
NORMAN AND DORIS FISHER
FOUNDATION
The Ruby Society
- 25 -

Annapolis Opera gratefully acknowledges
our members and supporters.
January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ($100,000 & ABOVE)
Sylvia & James Earl
MAESTRO CIRCLE ($50,000–$100,000)
Anne Arundel County, Office of the County Executive
THE RUBY SOCIETY ($30,000 PLUS OVER 3 YEARS)
Pete & Jane Chambliss
Norman Fisher
& Doris Fisher Foundation
Lester & Colleen Prosser
IMPRESARIO CIRCLE ($10,000 PLUS)
Arts Council of Anne Arundel County
Maryland State Arts Council
John & Martha Schwieters
David & Carol Stern
Robert & Lorraine Vom Saal
William Tham & Susan Zimmerman
DIVA CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999)
T. Averill Architect
Joy Chambers
& Peter Bungay
CovingtonAlsina
Kathryn Dahl
Collot Guerard
Rosalie Lijinsky
RBC Wealth Management
Joyce Pratt
& Jeffrey K. Harris
Leah & Norman Solat
Mark Sylvester
COMPOSER CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999)
Calvin & Betty Austin
Murray and Teddy Blank
Barbara L. Bohl-Watkins
Dea Code Family
Foundation
Thomas DeKornfeld
& Nina Fisher
CONCERTMASTER CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499)
Paula Abernethy
Rev. Dr. Carletta Allen
Peggy Brennecke
Georgianne Clark
Georgianna Crosby
David R. Lewis Family
Foundation
Thomas J. DeKornfeld Sr.
DLA PIPER
Jib & Katherine Edwards
Richard & Carole Falk
Ashley & Sergio Galindo
Susan Goldberg
Mark & Mary Doran Brown
Anna E. Greenberg
Richard & Cheryl Hack
Lisa & Richard Hillman
George & Madeleine Hughes
Cary Melnyk & Tim
McDonough
Valerie Gutterson
Sarah Johnson
Craig & Rebecca Kier
Michael & Katherine Lehr
David B. Lindauer
John Maneval
Chris Nelson
Oculus CAS, LLC
Stephen & Melissa Osmond
Kimberly & Bernard Page
Tony J. Parasiliti
Jan Paul & Ellen
von Seggern Richter
- 26 -
Linda Orff
Shannon & Edward
Sausville
Sims & Campbell
Kathy & Chris Swekel
M&T Charitable Foundation
Joan Ruhl
Jan & Rebecca Scruggs
Maxine Silber
Lyn Songy
Michael & Melanie Teems
Drs. Mark Davis & Ann Tran
Martin & Barbara
Wasserman
Carl & Katherine Wick
Margaret H. Wilson
Robert & Christine Young
Jean M. Zajac

ARIA CIRCLE ($500–$999)
Joel & Mary Bergsman
Ann Burchard
Enser & Marguerite Cole
Robert & Denise Daly
Bob DeMoyer
Robert Duckworth
Gayle V. Filo
Jeffrey Jacobs
David V. Haas
Robert Hecht
David Herron
Elizabeth & Stephen
Hiltabidle, Jr.
Crystal Kjelsberg
Patricia Koopersmith
Lawrence & Debra McGhee
Lydia N. Morrow
Rocco & Karen Pangallo
Edgar H. Parker
Tom & Missy Pasta
Christopher & Anita Rizek
Jack Rolfe
Glen & Janis Rotner
Marilyn Rouvelas
Thomas Simcik
Gwyn W. Smith
Jan E. Taylor
Stephan & Tamara Tymkiw
CHORUS CIRCLE (UP TO $499)
Herbert & Sally Abeles
Stephanie A. Abramson
Philip & Susan Allen
Virginia Amundon
Annapolis Striders, Inc
Gilpin W. Bartels
Susan L. Benac
Joanne K. Benton
Gisela Berns
Patsy Blackshear
David S. Bliden
& Susanne Brogan
Shirley M. Bolton
John & Jill Breen
Kim Burke
Alice G. Chambers
James W. Cheevers
Tara B. Clifford
Ted & Pat Connell
Stanley & Eileen Cornett
Dominic & Jan Cossa
Kathryn Crothers
Mary Crook
Jim DeKornfeld
Anne DeMajistre
Mark & Diane DiNardo
Steve & Carol Dreyfuss
Pamela T. Duncan
Angela W. Eggleston-
Howard
Alicia Estes
Dennis & Kathy Faleris
Alexandra M. Fotos
Patricia A. Frese
Candice Friday
Laura George
Gale Gillespie
Jody & Amira Goldsmith
Neil H. Greenberger
Sarah E. Griffith
Michael C. Halbig
Ian & Amy Hanigan
Clarence & Patricia Harris
Christopher Hartung
Marilyn Haskel
Elizabeth J. Hepler
Aimo & Carole Hill
Anthony & Kathleen
van Hover
Tatiana Karpova
Robert & Shelley Katz
Todd & Melissa Keller
Shirley F. Kirby
Ann Kjelsberg
Timothy Kjer
Chaim Klein
Ruth A. Milazzo Knox
John & Elizabeth Knupp
Dan & Sue Konick
Betsy Kowalchek
Kathleen Kryza
Cecil & Ingrid Lemon
Nancy Libson
Glynis Long
Carol P. Lynch
Melissa Mackey
Andy & Tina Manatos
Mary Matzen
David & Judy Mauriello
Mary McKiel
Elizabeth McWilliams
Genevieve McWilliams
Odysseus Mikalis
Francis Mondimore
Edwin G. Moses
Margaret Murray
Paul & Ruby Naas
Van & Marilyn Nield
Gary O’Connor
Edgar & Jeanne Paglee
Theodore & Evangeline
Pedas
Chatry & Yolanda Perry
Jep Poole
Clay & Carol Richards
Julia Rose
William & Juliana Rottkamp
Everett & Barbara Santos
Robert W. Sherer
Laurence Skinner
Anne E. Smith
Walton D. Stallings
Bill Stebbins
& Louise Chrissos
Marcia Stein
Richard Sterba
Ellen Stone
Patrick L. Stone
Anne K. Stratton
Tom Strikwerda
Donald & Leona Tartasky
Gordon & Christine Trapnell
Judith Templeton
Laura & Kirk Wade
Freida O. Weise
Cynthia Wells
Charles Wheeler
Telly & Sandy
Manolatos Williams
Malcolm & Cecelia Wyatt
Alan & Janet Wolf
Peter Wolfe
Francis Wright
Shane H. Yanagisawa
George Zannos
& Marilyn Serlin-Zannos
Beth Zeidman
Delores Ziegler
Rochelle G. Zohn
- 27 -

- 28 -

410-987-2003 | HospiceChesapeake.org
443-837-3376 | ChesapeakeSupportiveCare.org
Advanced illness care decisions
are overwhelming,
but you have a choice.
We are your hometown advanced
illness care team that has served our
community and your families and
friends for over 40 years.
We are there when you need us.
!
palatepleasers.com!
Gourmet-To-Go!
Fine Catering!
Bakery
- 29 -

- 30 -

- 31 -

Bridging the
CONFIDENCE GAP
We assist clients, particularly women, in every
aspect of their financial lives with a new approach.
One based on education, compassion, and an
ongoing relationship.
C O V I N G T O NAL S I NA. C O M
PROUD TO SUPPORT
410.457.7165 | info@CovingtonAlsina.com
67 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
CovingtonAlsina is a Registered Investment Advisor.