Opera Lafayette 19/20 NYC Season Brochure
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<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong><br />
REAWAKENING MASTERPIECES FOR 25 YEARS
<strong>Opera</strong><br />
<strong>Lafayette</strong><br />
Ryan Brown, Artistic Director<br />
Diana Hossack, Executive Director<br />
BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Dorsey C. Dunn, Co-Chair<br />
Nizam P. Kettaneh, Co-Chair<br />
Adrienne Jamieson, Treasurer<br />
Stephen E. Kitchen, Secretary<br />
Annelyse Allen, At-Large Member<br />
Cheryl Gorelick, At-Large Member<br />
Ross Ain<br />
Walter R. Arnheim<br />
Catia G. Chapin<br />
Marifé Hernandez<br />
Susan A. Lynner<br />
Leonard H. Ralston<br />
Daniel B. Silver<br />
JoAnn Willis<br />
LIFE MEMBERS<br />
OF THE BOARD<br />
Yoko Arthur<br />
Joel Brenner<br />
Marie-Hélène Forget<br />
Bill Gradison<br />
J. Cari Elliott Gradison<br />
Louis Hering<br />
Vivianne C. Lake<br />
Sophia Lynn<br />
Chris O’Flinn<br />
Joan Simon<br />
Brian Vogel<br />
NEW YORK<br />
ADVISORY<br />
COMMITTEE<br />
Janet Desforges<br />
James David Draper<br />
Francis Dubois<br />
Jean-Paul Fouchécourt<br />
Anne Mackinnon<br />
Ishtar Méjanès<br />
Catherine S. Michaelson<br />
Annie Pampanini<br />
Theodora Simons<br />
Dear Friends,<br />
Over the last 25 years we have often described <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s work as bringing<br />
operatic history alive, the “avant old guard,” or making old things new. As the best of our<br />
performances and recordings show, we have done so with an emotional warmth and<br />
suppleness of expression, a careful consideration of words and poetry, and a constant<br />
sense of adventure.<br />
Those values are also found in Amy Severson’s watercolors created to tell families the stories of the operas<br />
we perform, three of which are included in this brochure. As her works show, every opera is a collaborative<br />
effort in which we achieve things none of us could have imagined doing alone, from the musical to the<br />
visual. We try to sing as one as we take new operatic journeys, and this season we ask you to join us for three<br />
new productions, including one modern premiere!<br />
Our first program, John Blow and Anne Kingsmill Finch’s Venus and Adonis (1683), an English chamber<br />
opera inspired by 17th-century French models, highlights some of the extraordinary talents of the next<br />
generation while recapturing the intimacy which has been a hallmark of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s performances<br />
from the beginning. In Washington, we return for these special performances to what is now The George<br />
Washington University Flagg Building , Corcoran School of the Arts and Design; in New York we make our<br />
debut in the extraordinary warm acoustics and ambiance of El Museo del Barrio, on 5th Avenue’s Museum<br />
Mile.<br />
Our second program, the centerpiece of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s season, is a production of Beethoven’s Leonore<br />
(1805), the composer’s first version of his opera Fidelio. Following <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s celebrated modern<br />
premiere and DVD of Gaveaux and Bouilly’s 1798 Léonore, ou L’Amour conjugal, these performances<br />
highlight both the 18th-century roots and revolutionary appeal of Beethoven’s masterpiece. With Leonore,<br />
we return to The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater and then perform and film Beethoven’s original<br />
version in New York at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.<br />
Our final program is a unique recreation of a popular crowd-pleaser. Revisiting the original spirit of<br />
18th-century opéra-comique, <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> translates and updates Philidor’s 1761 Le Maréchal ferrant<br />
(The Blacksmith) to the American West. The opera explores and celebrates rural themes and audience<br />
participation, traveling from opera houses in southwestern Colorado to Washington and New York.<br />
Perhaps no other <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> season has featured such a variety of opera. Following these emotional,<br />
dramatic, and comic journeys, however, all three operas conclude in a final unifying chorus: Venus and<br />
Adonis’ chorus mourns lost love; Leonore’s celebrates virtue and freedom, and The Blacksmith’s extols us to<br />
“Strike while the iron’s hot.”<br />
Come forge some wonderful memories and sing along with us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary!<br />
Ryan Brown
<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>/<strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong> 25th-Anniversary <strong>Season</strong><br />
Venus and Adonis (1683)<br />
JOHN BLOW, composer | ANNE KINGSMILL FINCH, librettist<br />
NOVEMBER 21 AND 23 + , <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
Flagg Building, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, The George Washington University<br />
500 17th Street NW, Washington, DC<br />
NOVEMBER 22, <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
El Museo del Barrio | 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, New York, NY<br />
Leonore (1805)<br />
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, composer | JOSEPH SONNLEITHNER, librettist<br />
FEBRUARY 26, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
Eisenhower Theater at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC<br />
MARCH 2, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College | 695 Park Ave, New York, NY<br />
Le Maréchal ferrant (The Blacksmith) (1761)<br />
FRANÇOIS ANDRÉ DANICAN PHILIDOR, composer<br />
English translation by NICK OLCOTT, from the French libretto by FRANÇOIS-ANTOINE QUÉTANT<br />
May 11, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
Terrace Theater at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC<br />
May 14 + , <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
El Museo del Barrio | 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, New York, NY<br />
+<br />
indicates that an <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> benefit will be held in conjunction with these two performances.<br />
For more information, contact Katherine Offutt, Development and Special Events Associate, 212.634.9388 ext. 606 or KatherineOffutt@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org.
JOHN BLOW<br />
Venus and Adonis<br />
NOVEMBER 21 & 23, <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
FLAGG BUILDING, CORCORAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AND DESIGN<br />
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | WASHINGTON, DC<br />
NOVEMBER 22, <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
El Museo del Barrio | New York, NY<br />
Venus and Adonis painting by Amy Severson.
Venus and Adonis (1683)<br />
JOHN BLOW, composer<br />
ANNE KINGSMILL FINCH, librettist<br />
November 22, <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
El Museo del Barrio, New York<br />
Performance sung in English<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> opens its 25th-anniversary season featuring the 21st-century’s next generation of leadership in early<br />
music and dance. These brilliant young artists present Venus and Adonis, the French-inspired chamber opera which<br />
prefigured Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.<br />
In librettist Anne Kingsmill Finch’s version of this pastoral myth, Venus, the goddess of Love, encourages her lover Adonis<br />
to heed the call of the hunt, which he does only reluctantly. Created for the English court, where Venus was played by<br />
the king’s mistress and Cupid by their daughter, this ultimately tragic tale is interspersed with humorous scenes that<br />
poke fun of courtiers while extolling the virtues of shepherds and true love.<br />
Single Tickets: $25 - $105<br />
Purchase: <strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org | 212.634.9388, ext. 1
Thomas Dunford<br />
Julia Bengtsson<br />
Lea Desandre<br />
ARTISTIC TEAM<br />
Thomas Dunford, Guest Music Direction<br />
Julia Bengtsson *, Choreography / Stage Direction<br />
Anna Kjellsdotter *, Costumes<br />
Douglas Williams<br />
Sarah Shafer<br />
Véronique Filloux<br />
CAST<br />
Lea Desandre, Venus<br />
Douglas Williams, Adonis<br />
Sarah Shafer *, Cupid<br />
Cupids, Hunters: Véronique Filloux,<br />
Patrick Kilbride, Daniel Moody *,<br />
and Jonathan Woody<br />
Patrick Kilbride<br />
Daniel Moody<br />
Jonathan Woody<br />
DANCERS<br />
Julia Bengtsson<br />
Matthew Ting<br />
MUSICIANS<br />
Thomas Dunford, lute and continuo<br />
Loretta O’Sullivan, cello and continuo<br />
Violaine Cochard *, harpsichord and continuo<br />
Ryan Brown and Jacob Ashworth, violins<br />
Kyle Miller, viola<br />
Anthony Manzo, bass<br />
Nina Stern, recorder<br />
Meg Owens, oboe and recorder<br />
* <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> debut<br />
Venus and Adonis by Antonio Canova. Photo by Rama.
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN<br />
Leonore<br />
FEBRUARY 26, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
Eisenhower Theater at The Kennedy Center | Washington, DC<br />
MARCH 2, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College | New York, NY<br />
Leonore painting by Amy Severson.
Leonore (1805)<br />
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, composer<br />
JOSEPH SONNLEITHNER, librettist<br />
March 2, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, New York<br />
Performance sung in German with English supertitles<br />
The centerpiece of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s 25th-anniversary season is Beethoven’s Leonore (1805), the composer’s first version<br />
of his opera Fidelio. The company’s first opera sung in German and its largest production to date, these performances<br />
are the culmination of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s Leonore Project, which aims to recapture the origins of this touchstone of the<br />
operatic canon.<br />
The story of bravery and injustice speaks to us today. A wife disguised as a man seeks to rescue her husband, wrongfully<br />
imprisoned and awaiting his death. The score, filled with heartbreaking arias, delightful love duets, and transcendent<br />
choral and instrumental works, is recognized as among the most powerful opera compositions.<br />
This season’s production of the Beethoven Leonore follows the company’s <strong>20</strong>17 modern premiere of Gaveaux and<br />
Bouilly’s Léonore, ou L’Amour conjugal (1798), which was released earlier this year on DVD on the Naxos label. Drawing<br />
from memories of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s acclaimed performance or after watching the DVD, audiences will have a unique<br />
opportunity to hear the close relationship between these two works.<br />
Single Tickets: $25 - $135<br />
Purchase: <strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org | 212.634.9388, ext. 1<br />
Hunter.cuny.edu/kayeplayhouse | 212.772.448<br />
Beethoven’s Leonore is supported by the Wage Foundation.
Oriol Tomas<br />
Laurence Mongeau<br />
Ryan Brown<br />
ARTISTIC TEAM<br />
Oriol Tomas, Stage Director<br />
Laurence Mongeau, Set and Costume Designer<br />
Rob Siler, Lighting Designer<br />
Ryan Brown, Conductor<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> Orchestra and Chorus<br />
Nathalie Paulin<br />
Pascale Beaudin<br />
Jean-Michel Richer<br />
Norman Patzke<br />
Stephen Hegedus<br />
Keven Geddes<br />
CAST<br />
Nathalie Paulin, Leonore<br />
Jean-Michel Richer, Florestan<br />
Stephen Hegedus *, Rocco<br />
Pascale Beaudin, Marcelline<br />
Norman Patzke # , Pizarro<br />
Keven Geddes, Jaquino<br />
Alexandre Sylvestre, Don Fernando<br />
Alexandre Sylvestre<br />
* <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> debut<br />
# US debut
FRANÇOIS-ANDRÉ DANICAN PHILIDOR<br />
Le Maréchal ferrant<br />
(The Blacksmith)<br />
MAY 11, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
Terrace Theater at The Kennedy Center | Washington, DC<br />
MAY 14, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
El Museo del Barrio | New York, NY<br />
Le Maréchal ferrant painting by Amy Severson.
Le Maréchal ferrant (1761)<br />
(The Blacksmith)<br />
FRANÇOIS ANDRÉ DANICAN PHILIDOR, composer<br />
English translation by NICK OLCOTT<br />
Adaptation by NICK OLCOTT and RYAN BROWN<br />
from the French libretto by FRANÇOIS-ANTOINE QUÉTANT<br />
May 14 + , <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<br />
El Museo del Barrio, New York<br />
Arias will be sung in French, but text and American songs will be performed in English.<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> presents the modern premiere of Philidor’s Le Maréchal ferrant (The Blacksmith) (1761), bridging city<br />
and country and celebrating rural themes and audience participation. The company will rehearse and present the debut<br />
performance in the Mancos <strong>Opera</strong> House in southwestern Colorado before bringing the performances to Washington,<br />
DC and New York.<br />
For the first time <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> translates an 18th-century French opéra-comique to be sung and spoken in English,<br />
recapturing the humor and immediacy of the original by adapting the story to the late <strong>19</strong>th-century American West<br />
and integrating American folk songs into the plot where French folk songs were originally sung. The folk songs include<br />
familiar tunes like “Buffalo Gals” which invite audience participation as well as ones with insightful social commentary<br />
like “When I was Single” and “Darlin’ Corey”. Prepare to sing along with our cast!<br />
Single Tickets: $25 - $1<strong>20</strong><br />
Purchase: <strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org | 212.634.9388, ext. 1<br />
Philidor’s Le Maréchal ferrant (The Blacksmith) is supported in part by <strong>Opera</strong> America.<br />
+<br />
Le Maréchal ferrant (The Blacksmith) will be a part of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s annual NY Benefit. To learn more about attending the 25th Anniversary<br />
Performance and Candlelight Awards Dinner, contact Katherine Offutt, Development and Special Events Associate, 212.634.9388, ext. 606 or<br />
KatherineOffutt@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org.
Nick Olcott<br />
Lisa Schlenker<br />
Marsha LeBoeuf<br />
ARTISTIC TEAM<br />
Nick Olcott, Direction and Translation<br />
Nick Olcott and Ryan Brown, Adaption<br />
Lisa Schlenker *, Scenic Design<br />
Marsha LeBoeuf *, Costume Design<br />
Keri Thibodeau *, Lighting Design<br />
Laurent Deleuil<br />
Pascale Beaudin<br />
Véronique Filloux<br />
CAST<br />
Laurent Deleuil *, Marcel<br />
Pascale Beaudin, Claudine<br />
Véronique Filloux, Jeannie<br />
Jack Swanson *, Cody<br />
Frank Kelley *, Slim MacBride / Banjo<br />
Jonathan Woody, Eustis<br />
Jack Swanson<br />
Frank Kelley<br />
Jonathan Woody<br />
MUSICIANS<br />
Ryan Brown, violin<br />
Gary Cook *, guitar/banjo<br />
Doug Balliett, contrabass<br />
Ryan Brown<br />
Gary Cook<br />
Doug Balliett<br />
* <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> debut<br />
The first blacksmith shop in West Union, Custer County, Nebraska. Photo by Solomon D. Butcher.
Tickets<br />
In honor of our 25th anniversary season, <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> is offering 25% of our ticket inventory for only $25.<br />
Single Ticket Prices<br />
Venus and Adonis Leonore The Blacksmith<br />
Gold $105 $135 $1<strong>20</strong><br />
Silver $80 $105 $93<br />
Bronze $60 $80 $70<br />
Green $50<br />
25 Club $25 $25 $25<br />
Single tickets may be purchased through <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s Box Office: <strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org | <strong>20</strong>2.546.9332, ext. 1<br />
Subscribe!<br />
Buy tickets to multiple productions, and you receive several subscriber benefits that save you money and enhance your<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> experience.<br />
Save!<br />
• <strong>20</strong>% when you buy tickets to all three productions or 10% when you buy tickets to two productions.<br />
• $5.00 / ticket as <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> waives per ticket administration fees for subscribers.<br />
• Discounts on tickets for Community Engagement events.<br />
Seats!<br />
• Sit in the best seats in the house. We seat subscribers first.<br />
• Enjoy your seats from season to season. When you renew, every effort is made to provide subscribers with the same<br />
seat(s) in the same venue or comparable seats in new venues.<br />
Service!<br />
• Resolve any ticket issues by contacting <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> without the hassle of calling our various venues.<br />
• Reduce your incoming email. We will not send advertisements about our productions to our subscribers.<br />
Smile and Enjoy!<br />
• Participate in online lectures presented by Ryan Brown. NEW!<br />
• Access to information about upcoming productions.<br />
• Receive an informative email in advance of each performance with information that will enhance your evening.
Community Engagement<br />
Offering Experiences for All Stages of Life<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> is committed to inspiring a public appreciation for forgotten repertoire through audience engagement<br />
programs for people of all ages. Throughout the years, <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> has been consistently increasing its community<br />
engagement efforts, and during our 25th anniversary we present a culmination of these efforts.<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> Starts with Oh!<br />
Last season, <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> piloted a family program, which unravels the many elements of opera through play and<br />
immersive activities for families. Each atelier is centered around the story of an upcoming <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> production<br />
and explores a different element of what makes opera magical. With the help of teaching artists and visiting performing<br />
artists and designers, families will sing, dance, design, and more!<br />
Carousel of Languages<br />
1309 Madison Ave, New York, NY<br />
Sunday, January <strong>19</strong>, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 3:00 p.m. – Designed to Empower: Leonore<br />
Saturday, April 4, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong>, 3:00 p.m. – How the West Was Sung: Le Maréchal ferrant (The Blacksmith)<br />
Left: A participant of <strong>Opera</strong> Starts with Oh! dresses as royalty. (@<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> Richard Corman) Center: Theorbist Arash Noori watches on as Emma Jaster tells an opera story for a rapt audience of families at <strong>Opera</strong><br />
Starts with Oh! at Carousel of Languages in New York. (@ <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> Richard Corman) Right: Choreographer/Dancer Julia Bengsston teaches children and adults a baroque dance at <strong>Opera</strong> Starts with Oh! at The Hill<br />
Center at the Old Naval Hospital in Washington, DC (@<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> Ersian François)
Members of The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts’ Youth Production Arts Program gather around artists<br />
choreographer/stage director Seán Curran and Ryan Brown after a dance master class. (@<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> Ersian François)<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> for Tweens and Teens<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> has been introducing early opera<br />
to youth in middle and high schools for many<br />
years. Most recently, we have partnered with<br />
Bowie High School, Paul Public Charter School,<br />
and Woodrow Wilson High School. We work with<br />
each school to design a unique program based on<br />
the focus of the teacher and the class curriculum.<br />
Past programs have been designed around female<br />
empowerment for our production of Gaveaux’s<br />
Léonore, ou L’Amour conjugal, the European<br />
perspective of the American Indian in the 1800s<br />
and its impact on <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s production<br />
of Rameau’s Les Sauvages, and encouraging<br />
children to take a stand against bullies building<br />
on the Bible’s iconic story featured in Stradella’s<br />
La Susanna. If you are interested in presenting<br />
an in-school program, contact Ersian François,<br />
Artist Services and Community Engagement<br />
Manager, at ErsianFrancois@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org or<br />
212.634.9388, ext. 608.<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> for Young Adults<br />
While <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> is committed to preserving historically<br />
significant works, we also believe that these works should be<br />
presented in imaginative ways to illuminate its relevance to our<br />
modern world. Through our established partnership with Stanford<br />
in Washington, we have been able to engage in meaningful<br />
conversations with young adults about what the arts mean to their<br />
generation through intimate concerts and talks, pre-show lectures,<br />
and post-performance conversations. And, sometimes we just<br />
have fun, like at <strong>Opera</strong>Toberfest!<br />
Members of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s Young Patrons at Old Europe in Washington, DC at<br />
<strong>Opera</strong>Toberfest.
<strong>Opera</strong> for Adults<br />
Pre-performance discussions with Ryan Brown are a long-standing company tradition<br />
that regularly attract standing-room-only audiences to learn more about the opera<br />
being performed, its musical and historical relevance, and hear insider updates about<br />
the evening’s production and performance. This event takes place one-hour before<br />
nearly every <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> performance. (This season the only exception is the<br />
Saturday, November 23, <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> performance of Venus and Adonis.)<br />
These pre-performance discussions are so popular that this season <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> is<br />
offering an online discussion provided by Ryan approximately one-month before each<br />
production. Donors of $100 and above are invited to attend one of the season’s live events, and subscribers are invited<br />
to participate online during the live event. The event will be available to download for everyone who is interested in<br />
learning more.<br />
Ryan Brown gives a pre-performance discussion at<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> also performs at local events and in public performances throughout the Washington, DC and NY metro<br />
areas. We have presented season preview programs, performed in private homes, Embassies, and branches of DC Public<br />
Library, and been invited to perform for such prestigious events as “France in the White House” presented by The White<br />
House Historical Association.<br />
Ryan Brown and Soprano Jaely Chamberlain Turner, an <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> Young Artist alum,<br />
performed at the seminar "France in the White House" presented by The White House<br />
Historical Assocation.<br />
This season we are expanding our community offerings to<br />
include events in advance of performance day and presented<br />
in venues throughout various New York and Washington,<br />
DC neighborhoods. These events are intended for our<br />
regular patrons who are attracted to gaining a more holistic<br />
understanding of our season’s operas. These events are also<br />
designed with opera novices in mind. We want to connect<br />
people from other arts and humanities disciplines, and even<br />
other sectors, to opera, and pique their interest in opera as it<br />
relates to their advocation or vocations. Visit our Calendar of<br />
Events at <strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org to learn about upcoming activities.<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> believes that in the right setting opera IS for everyone. If you are interested in partnering with us, please<br />
contact Diana Hossack, Executive Director, at DianaHossack@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org or (212) 634-9388, ext. 602.
Recordings<br />
Building a Legacy<br />
Central to <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s mission is creating a legacy of the forgotten repertoire the company brings back to life. In<br />
<strong>20</strong>05, <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> released its first CD on the Naxos label, and now has 12 commercial audio recordings. In <strong>20</strong>18,<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> released its first DVD, and now has two video recordings on the Naxos label. In <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong><br />
published two illustrated books. These books complement <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s discography and further bolsters the legacy<br />
of baroque opera to new audiences. Visit <strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org to purchase these items.<br />
Illustrated Retellings<br />
As told by Kelley Rourke and illustrated by Amy Severson<br />
Radamisto (<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>)<br />
George Frideric Handel, composer<br />
Nicola Francesco Haym, librettist<br />
Based on L’amor tirrannico by Domenico<br />
Lalli and after L’amour tyrannique by<br />
Georges de Scudery<br />
La Susanna (<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>)<br />
Alessandro Stradella, composer<br />
Giovanni Battista Giardini, librettist<br />
Based on Susanna and The Elders from<br />
The Book of Daniel<br />
DVDs<br />
Les Fêtes de l’Hymen et de l’Amour, ou<br />
Les Dieux d’Égypte (<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong>)<br />
Jean-Philippe Rameau, composer<br />
Louis de Cahusac, librettists<br />
Cover: Louis Forget<br />
Léonore, ou L’Amour conjugal (<strong>20</strong>18)<br />
Pierre Gaveaux, composer<br />
Jean-Nicolas Bouilly, librettist<br />
Also available on Blu-ray<br />
Cover: Pierre-Etienne Bergeron
CDs<br />
L’épreuve villageoise (<strong>20</strong>16)<br />
André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, composer<br />
Pierre Desforges, librettist<br />
Cover: Louis Forget<br />
Les Femmes Vengées (<strong>20</strong>15)<br />
François-André Danican Philidor,<br />
composer<br />
Michel-Jean Sedaine, librettist<br />
Cover: Louis Forget<br />
Lalla Roukh (<strong>20</strong>14)<br />
Félicien David, composer<br />
Michel Carré and Hippolyte Lucas, librettists<br />
Cover: Louis Forget<br />
Le Roi et le fermier (<strong>20</strong>13)<br />
Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny, composer<br />
Michel-Jean Sedaine, librettist<br />
Cover: Restored 1780 set designs for Le Roi et le fermier • Photo by<br />
J.M. Manaï<br />
Le Magnifique (<strong>20</strong>12)<br />
André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, composer<br />
Michel-Jean Sedaine, librettist<br />
Cover: The Composer André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry by Jean-Baptiste<br />
Stouf (1724-1826) Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul<br />
Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation<br />
Inc. Gift, <strong>19</strong>69 (69.77) • Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art<br />
Sancho Pança (<strong>20</strong>11)<br />
François-André Danican Philidor, composer<br />
Antoine-Alexandre-Henri Poinsinet,<br />
librettist<br />
Cover: Louis Forget<br />
Le Déserteur (<strong>20</strong>10)<br />
Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny, composer<br />
Michel-Jean Sedaine, librettist<br />
Cover: The Deserter Pardoned by George Moreland (1763-1804)<br />
(The Holburne Museum of Art, Bath, UK / The Bridgeman Art Library<br />
Zélindor, roi des Sylphes (<strong>20</strong>09)<br />
François Rebel and François Francœur,<br />
composers<br />
Text by François-Augustin Paradis de Moncrif<br />
Cover: Louis Forget<br />
The Tragedy of Armide (<strong>20</strong>08)<br />
Jean-Baptiste Lully, composer<br />
Philippe Quinault, librettist<br />
Rinaldo and Armida by Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)<br />
(Louvre, Paris, France, Lauros / Giraudon / The Bridgeman Art Library)<br />
Rameau <strong>Opera</strong>tic Arias (<strong>20</strong>07)<br />
Featuring Jean-Paul Fouchécourt<br />
Cover: Carol Rosegg<br />
Oedipe à Colone (<strong>20</strong>06)<br />
Antonio Sacchini<br />
Cover: Oedipus and Antigone by Johann-Peter Krafft (1780-1856)<br />
(The Art Archive / Musée du Louvre Paris / Dagli Orti)<br />
Orphée et Euridice (<strong>20</strong>05)<br />
Christoph Willibald Gluck<br />
Cover: Orpheus Leading Eurydice from the Underworld, 1861 by Jean<br />
Baptiste Camille Corot (1796-1875) (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston,<br />
Texas, USA / Bridgeman Art Library)
Mission<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>, which performs its entire season in New York City and Washington, DC, is renowned for its performances<br />
of both forgotten works that were popular and significant to the cultural history of the 17th through <strong>19</strong>th centuries, and<br />
early opera which is already part of the modern canon. Each program incorporates the latest research and musicological<br />
expertise, uses period instruments and artists performing at the highest level, and as appropriate, includes dance –<br />
an important, yet often neglected element of baroque opera. This attention to detail ensures that each rediscovered<br />
gem adheres closely to the way the composers originally intended their masterpieces to be heard. While preserving<br />
these historically significant works, <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> stages each performance in imaginative and inventive ways which<br />
illuminate the music’s original appeal as well as its relevance to our modern world. Central to the company’s mission<br />
is building a legacy of the timeless repertoire <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> brings back to life. This is achieved through an extensive<br />
discography, mounting revivals, and inspiring a public appreciation for this repertoire through its audience engagement<br />
programs for audiences of all ages.<br />
Supporting <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong><br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s ability to reawaken masterpieces, engage with the community, and generate a legacy of recorded<br />
works relies in great part on the patronage and generous support of individual, foundation, and corporate donors, to<br />
whom we are deeply grateful. You can support <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> in many ways:<br />
Benefits<br />
Each year <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> presents an annual benefit in both Washington, DC and New York City. These events<br />
typically showcase an <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> production, create a festive and fun atmosphere, and raise about <strong>20</strong>% of<br />
the company’s annual budget. The dates for the 25th Anniversary Benefits are:<br />
Saturday, November 23, <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong><br />
Celebrating 25 Years of Bravos and Bouquets<br />
associated with Venus and Adonis by John Blow<br />
Flagg Corcoran, School of the Arts and Design | The Westin Georgetown<br />
Ryan Brown at first performance of Violins of <strong>Lafayette</strong> at the Corcoran’s Salon Doré (@ <strong>19</strong>94 Naomi Reddert)<br />
Thursday, May 14, <strong>20</strong><strong>20</strong><br />
25th Anniversary Performance and Candlelight Awards Dinner<br />
associated with Le Maréchal ferrant (The Blacksmith) by Françoise André Danican Philidor<br />
El Museo del Barrio | The Burden Mansion<br />
“Trotting Cracks at the Forge" Currier & Ives / Museum of the City of New York. 57.300.114
Sponsorship<br />
If you are interested in helping <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> on a specific<br />
project, such as a production, a recording, or an illustrated<br />
retelling for our family program, we also welcome sponsorship<br />
giving and would be pleased to discuss upcoming projects with you.<br />
Donations of Stock<br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> accepts stock donations through a Fidelity<br />
brokerage account. Please notify <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> staff when<br />
donating stock.<br />
Watch for an<br />
exciting<br />
announcement<br />
about a new<br />
matching<br />
campaign!<br />
Employee/Retiree Matching Gift Program<br />
If your employer offers matching gifts, your dollars can go twice as<br />
far in supporting <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>.<br />
Bequests<br />
One sentence in your will can help ensure that your legacy supports <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s future for years to come.<br />
In Name Of<br />
Recognize a departed loved one with a contribution to <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> in his or her name, or celebrate a<br />
milestone with a gift in honor of someone special. For additional questions or inquiries of these and other<br />
possibilities, please contact Katherine Offutt, Development and Special Events Associate, at 212.634.9388,<br />
ext. 606 or KatherineOffutt@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org.<br />
House an Artist<br />
Learn more about how you can house one of our artists in Washington, DC or New York City. If you are interested<br />
in housing an artist, contact Ersian François, Artist Services and Community Engagement Manager, at<br />
212.634.9388, ext. 608 or ErsianFrancois@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org.<br />
Cover Captions: Line 1 (left to right): Countertenor John Holiday in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s performance of Vivaldi's Catone in Utica (@ <strong>20</strong>15 Louis Forget); Cellist Loretta O'Sullivan, a member of the <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong><br />
Orchestra (@ <strong>20</strong>16 Jana Huntnerova); Tenor Aaron Sheehan and dancer Benny Olk in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production of Actéon by Charpentier (@ <strong>20</strong>13 Louis Forget); and Soprano Lucía Martín Cartón in <strong>Opera</strong><br />
<strong>Lafayette</strong>'s co-production with Heartbeat <strong>Opera</strong> of Stradella’s La Susanna (@<strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> Louis Forget)<br />
Line 2 (left to right): Soprano Nathalie Paulin in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production <strong>Opera</strong> and the French Revolution (@ <strong>20</strong>16 Louis Forget); Mezzo-sopranos Hagar Sharvit and Caitlin Hulcup (seated) as Lauren<br />
Kravitz takes a leap with the help of her partner, both members of the Seán Curran Dance Company in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production of Handel's Radamisto (@ <strong>20</strong><strong>19</strong> Louis Forget); Tenors Karim Sulayman and<br />
Jeffrey Thompson in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> production of Grétry's Le Magnifique (@ <strong>20</strong>11 Louis Forget); and Soprano Sophie Junker and child actor Sofia Brunetti in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production of Chabrier's Une<br />
Éducation manquée (@ <strong>20</strong>16 Louis Forget)<br />
Line 3 (left and right): Jeffrey Thompson in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production of Le Roi et le fermier by Monsigny (@ <strong>20</strong>12 Louis Forget); Carly Fox Horton of the New York Baroque Dance Company in <strong>Opera</strong><br />
<strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production of Rameau's Les Fêtes de l'Hymen et de l'Amour ou Les Dieux d'Égypte (@ <strong>20</strong>14 Louis Forget); Ryan Brown, violinist, for <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s La forêt enchantée by Geminiani (@<strong>20</strong>18 Tina<br />
Buchman); and Chitra Kalyandurg of Kalanidhi Dance in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>'s production of Lalla Roukh by Félicien David (@ <strong>20</strong>13 Louis Forget)
Annual Giving<br />
Annual contributions are the lifeblood of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>. Mailed cash or checks, gifts made online, and all “general”<br />
donations support important operational and programming expenses. Check out our new contributor benefits below.<br />
Friend<br />
($99 or less)<br />
Supporter<br />
($100 - $499)<br />
Subscription to Reflections - a newsletter X X<br />
Invitations to <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> events X X<br />
Listing in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> program books X X<br />
Invitation to attend live recording of Ryan Brown discussion on upcoming opera<br />
Listing in <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong>’s annual report newsletter<br />
25% discount on <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> DVDs, CDs, and illustrated opera retellings<br />
Reserved seating for Ryan Brown’s pre-performance discussion<br />
Invitation to a working <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> rehearsal<br />
Annual choice of one free <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> DVD, CD, or illustrated opera retellings<br />
Authographed copy of choice of <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> merchandise<br />
Invitation for two to one performance reception per season<br />
Invitation to dinner with Ryan Brown<br />
Two complimentary tickets for one <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> performance<br />
Listing in Benefit program books<br />
Invitation to a private salon performance<br />
Recognition on supertitles display<br />
Backstage access following performances<br />
Special gift from <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong> related to an seasonal production<br />
X<br />
X
Donor’s Circle<br />
($500 - $999)<br />
Patron’s Circle<br />
($1,000 - $2,499)<br />
Sustainer’s Circle<br />
($2,500 - $4,999)<br />
Trustees’ Circle<br />
($5,000 - $9,999)<br />
Benefactor’s Circle<br />
($10,000 - $<strong>19</strong>,999)<br />
Leader’s Circle<br />
($<strong>20</strong>,000+)<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X X<br />
X X X X X<br />
X X X X X<br />
X X X X<br />
X X X X<br />
X X X<br />
X X X<br />
X<br />
X<br />
X<br />
X<br />
X<br />
X<br />
X
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>Lafayette</strong><br />
921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC <strong>20</strong>003<br />
NY <strong>20</strong>2.634.9388 | DC <strong>20</strong>2.546.9332<br />
<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>@<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org<br />
<strong>Opera</strong><strong>Lafayette</strong>.org