Madison Opera History – Madison Opera
History
Madison Opera was founded in 1961 under the umbrella of the Madison Civic Music Association, which also encompassed the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Originally called The Opera Workshop, it was renamed the Madison Civic Opera Guild in 1962 and led by stage director Arline Johnson and her husband, conductor Roland Johnson. The company’s first full production was
La Bohème
in 1963 at East High School. In the beginning years, the company performed one opera per year, featuring local artists and a budget of $6,000.
Shining
Brow
(1993)
Over the ensuing decades, the company grew along with the city of Madison. It performed in the Wisconsin Union Theater in the 1970s, including a live state-wide telecast of
Manon
in 1977. In 1980, it moved to the newly-renovated Oscar Mayer Theater and expanded to a two-production season. The company commissioned an opera about Frank Lloyd Wright,
Shining Brow
, which premiered in 1993. Shortly afterwards, the Opera separated from the Madison Civic Music Association and the Madison Symphony, becoming an independent financial and artistic entity.
In 2002, the company started Opera in the Park, a free outdoor concert in Garner Park. Featuring solo artists from the upcoming season, the Madison Opera Chorus, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Opera in the Park has grown into a highlight of summer in Wisconsin, drawing the highest per capita attendance of any such opera concert in the U.S.
Opera in the Park
When the Overture Center for the Arts opened in 2004, the company became a resident of Overture Hall, growing its scale of productions and ultimately adding a third production in the Capitol Theater. The company presents a balanced repertoire every year, serving both opera newcomers and opera omnivores.
In 2013, Madison Opera opened the Madison Opera Center, built thanks to the generosity of over 185 donors. Located one block from Overture Center’s stage door, the Opera Center encompasses the company’s offices, rehearsal hall, and costume shop, serving as a site for rehearsals, previews, parties, and much more.
In the past sixty years, Madison Opera has presented over 70 different operas, composed from the 18th to the 21st century, performed in seven different languages. We have shared the magic of opera with generations of our community, as both opera and our city have evolved. Read below to explore our repertoire!
Past Madison Opera Productions
2024/25 Season
2023/24 Season
2022/23 Season
2021/22 Season
2020/21 Season
2019/20 Season
2018/19 Season
2017/18 Season
2016/17 Season
2015/16 Season
2014/15 Season
2013/14 Season
2012/13 Season
2011/12 Season
2010/11 Season
2001 - 2010
1991 - 2000
1981 - 1990
1971 - 1980
1961 - 1970
2024/25 Season
The Barber of Seville
by Gioachino Rossini
November 1 & 3, 2024
Overture Hall
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Figaro |
Benjamin Taylor
Rosina |
Keely Futterer
Count Almaviva |
David Walton
Dr. Bartolo |
Levi Hernandez
Don Basilio |
Alex Taylor
Berta |
Hailey Cohen+
Fiorello |
Lifan Deng+*
Sergeant |
Ryan Nash+*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Rebecca Herman*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
María de Buenos Aires
Music by Astor Piazzolla
Libretto by Horacio Ferrer
January 31 & February 2, 2025
Capitol Theater
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María |
Kelly Guerra*
El Payador |
Laureano Quant*
El Duende |
Kirstin Chávez
Ensemble |
George Abbott III,
Hailey Cohen+,
Lifan Deng+,
Kimberly Grez*,
Eleanor Mayerfeld*,
Tyler Stone*
Dancers |
Miye Bishop, N
athan Castro Llanos*,
Carolyn Fitzgibbons,
Hannah King,
Madeleine Lindbeck*,
Edward Salas,
Alex Trofka
Child María |
Marjorie Pan*
Conducted by
Kamna Gupta*
Directed by
Frances Rabalais
Choreographed by
Lisa Thurrell
with Kanopy Dance and Madison Symphony Orchestra
Don Giovanni
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
May 2 & 4, 2025
Overture Hall
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Don Giovanni |
Charles H. Eaton
Donna Anna |
Katerina Burton
Donna Elvira |
Emily Fons
Zerlina |
Sachie Ueshima*
Leporello |
Jeremiah Sanders*
Don Ottavio |
Andrew Stenson
Masetto |
Lifan Deng+
The Commendatore |
Ashraf Sewailam
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
David Lefkowich
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2023/24 Season
Tosca
by Giacomo Puccini
November 3 & 5, 2023
Overture Hall
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Tosca |
Michelle Johnson
Cavaradossi |
Limmie Pulliam
Scarpia |
Craig Irvin
Angelotti |
Alex Soare*
Sacristan |
Mark Billy*
Spoletta |
William Johnson+*
Sciarrone |
Timothy Krueger+*
Jailer |
Ryan White
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Frances Rabalais*
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Anonymous Lover
by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
February 2 & 4, 2024
Capitol Theater
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Léontine |
Keely Futterer*
Valcour |
David Blalock
Ophémon |
Yazid Gray
Jeannette |
Brianna Murray+*
Dorothée |
Hailey Cohen+*
Colin |
William Johnson+
Ensemble |
George Abbot III
Ensemble |
Megan Gloss
Ensemble |
Lauren Stepka
Ensemble |
Douglas Swenson
Ensemble |
Ryan White
Ensemble |
Alexandra Zulauf
Conducted by
Michelle Rofrano*
Directed by
Stephanie Havey
Choreographed by
Lisa Thurrell
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
Candide
by Leonard Bernstein
April 26 & 28, 2024
Overture Hall
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Candide |
Martin Luther Clark*
Cunegonde |
Jeni Houser
The Old Lady |
Meredith Arwady
Dr. Pangloss / Martin |
Alan Dunbar
Voltaire |
James Ridge*
The Governor of Buenos Aires |
Robert A. Goderich
Maximilian |
Luis Alejandro Orozco*
Paquette |
Hailey Cohen+
Cacambo |
Scott Lewis*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed and Choreographed by
Brian Cowing
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2022/23 Season
Salome
by Richard Strauss
November 4 & 6, 2022
Overture Hall
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Salome |
Amanda Majeski
Jochanaan |
Craig Irvin*
Herod |
Dennis Petersen*
Herodias |
Lauren Decker*
Narraboth |
Chaz’men Williams-Ali*
Page |
Quinn Middleman
1st Jew |
Robert A. Goderich
2nd Jew |
David Blalock
3rd Jew |
George Abbott III
4th Jew |
Evan Mitchell*
5th Jew |
David Guzmán*
1st Nazarene |
Alan Dunbar
2nd Nazarene |
Pedro Valdez*+
1st Soldier |
Andrew Wilkowske
2nd Soldier |
Sam Handley*
Servant |
Lindsey Meekhof*+
Cappadocian |
Ryan White
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed and Choreographed by
Keturah Stickann
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
Trouble in Tahiti
by Leonard Bernstein
The Seven Deadly Sins
by Kurt Weill
February 3 & 5, 2023
Capitol Theater
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Dinah / Anna I |
Rehanna Thelwell
Sam |
Yazid Gray*
Trio Soprano |
Alannah Spencer+
Trio Tenor / Brother |
Pedro Valdez+
Trio Baritone / Brother |
Conor McDonald*
Father |
Robert A. Goderich
Mother |
Alex Taylor*
Anna II |
Kanopy Dance
Dancer |
Miye Bishop*
Dancer |
Carolyn Fitzgibbons*
Dancer |
Stormy Gaylord*
Dancer |
Hannah King*
Dancer |
Edward Salas*
Dancer |
Katie Sovik*
Dancer |
Alex Trofka*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Kristine McIntyre
Choreographed by
Lisa Thurrell
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Marriage of Figaro
by W.A. Mozart
April 28 & 30, 2023
Overture Hall
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Susanna |
Jasmine Habersham
Countess Almaviva |
Elizabeth Caballero
Figaro |
Matt Boehler
Count Almaviva |
Michael Adams
Cherubino |
Kirsten Lippart
Marcellina |
Margaret Gawrysiak
Barbarina |
Alannah Spencer
Dr. Bartolo |
Benjamin Sieverding
Don Basilio |
Tyrese Byrd
Antonio |
David Guzmán
Don Curzio |
Pedro Valdez+
Conducted by
Stephanie Rhodes Russell
Directed by
Dan Rigazzi
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2021/22 Season
Lucia di Lammermoor
by Gaetano Donizetti
November 5 & 7, 2021
Overture Hall
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Lucia |
Jeni Houser
Edgardo |
Andres Acosta
Enrico |
Troy Cook*
Raimondo |
Kenneth Kellogg
Alisa |
Quinn Middleman*+
Arturo |
Justin Kroll*
Normanno |
Tyrese Byrd*+
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Fenlon Lamb
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Symphony Orchestra
She Loves Me
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
February 18 & 20, 2022
Capitol Theater
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Amalia Balish |
Susannah Biller*
Ilona Ritter |
Emily Glick
Georg Nowack |
Ben Edquist
Steven Kodaly |
Andrew Bidlack
Ladislav Sipos |
Alan Dunbar
Zoltan Maraczek |
Jeff Mattsey
Arpad Laszlo |
Walker Stephenson*
Headwaiter |
Robert A. Goderich
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
Orpheus in the Underworld
by Jacques Offenbach
April 29 & May 1, 2022
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Eurydice |
Jasmine Habersham
Orpheus |
Christian Sanders*
Pluto |
Brian Vu*
Jupiter |
Craig Verm
Public Opinion |
Laurel Semerdjian*
Cupid |
Gillian Hollis
Diana |
Emily Secor
John Styx |
Robert A. Goderich
Mercury |
Tyrese Byrd+
Venus |
Kirsten Lippart
Minerva |
Anja Pustaver*+
Juno |
Emily Glick
Mars |
Jake Surzyn*+
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Stephanie Havey*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2020/21 Season
2020/21 Digital Season
Although the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for us to gather in the Overture Center for the Arts for our planned productions Madison Opera did not fall silent in the 2020/21 Season.
Watch Videos from the Season
Featured Artists
Releases
Andres Acosta
Suzanne Beia
Roberto Berrocal
Emily Birsan
David Blalock
Matt Boehler
Lara Bolton
Karen Brown-Larimore
Elizabeth Caballero
Anthony Cao
John Christensen
Sean Corcoran
Alan Dunbar
Ben Edquist
Michael Egel
Chris Farenthold
Emily Fons
Chris Frisco
Scott Gendel
Deborah Gil
Emily Glick
Bobby Goderich
Jasmine Habersham
Jeni Houser
Weston Hurt
Warren Jones
Dale Kaufman
Kenneth Kellogg
Kyle Ketelsen
JJ Koh
Kevin Korth
Jill Krynicki
Lynn Krynicki
Fenlon Lamb
Billy Larimore
Kirsten Larson
Karl Lavine
Jonathan Lipp
Will Liverman
Cecilia Violetta López
Pete Lundberg
Ashley Magnus
Amanda Majeski
Kristine McIntyre
Lee Anne Myslewski
Sidney Outlaw
Nathan Salazar
Rolando Salazar
Doug Scholz-Carlson
Emily Secor
Bethany Self
Scott Seyforth
R. Eric Stone
Andrew Wilkowske
Connie Yun
Live from the Madison Opera Center
“Keep Moving”: Jeni Houser, soprano; David Blalock, tenor; Scott Gendel, piano
“A Tribute to Giorgio Tozzi”: Kyle Ketelsen, bass-baritone; Emily Secor, soprano; Scott Gendel, piano
“An Evening of Friendship”: Emily Fons, mezzo; Amanda Majeski, soprano; Scott Gendel, piano
“An Evening of Holiday Cheer”: Will Liverman, baritone; Suzanne Beia, violin; Scott Gendel, piano
“A Valentine’s Eve Concert:” Emily Birsan, soprano; Karl Lavine, cello; John Christensen, bass; Scott Gendel, piano; Pete Lundberg, piano
Alan Dunbar, baritone; Scott Gendel, piano
Andres Acotsa, tenor; Scott Gendel, piano
Season Finale: Jeni Houser, soprano; David Blalock, tenor; JJ Koh, clarinet; Scott Gendel, piano
Opera Novice
Opera that Flopped
Opera and Politics
Unfinished Operas
The Goddesses
Shakespearean Opera
The Goddesses, Part Two
Opera Traditions Outside Europe
Fairytale Operas
Opera Disasters
Opera Up Close Cocktail Hour
Alumni
Stage Directors
The Chorus
Designers
Alumni, Part Two
Stage Managers
General Directors
Alumni, Part Three
Opera in the Park
Mini-Recital
Guns n’ Rosenkavalier – Andrew Wilkowske, baritone; Lara Bolton, piano
What Makes a Man a Man – Kenneth Kellogg, bass; Kevin Korth, piano
Weston Hurt, baritone; Bethany Self, piano
Cecilia Violetta López, soprano; Nathan Salazar, piano
Ben Edquist, baritone; Cris Frisco, piano
Kirsten Larson, mezzo; Scott Gendel, piano
Elizabeth Caballero, soprano; Roberto Berrocal, piano
Jasmine Habersham, soprano; Rolando Salazar, piano
2019/20 Season
LA TRAVIATA
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
November 1 & 3, 2019
Overture Hall
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Violetta Valery |
Cecilia Violetta López
Alfredo Germont |
Mackenzie Whitney
Giorgio Germont |
Weston Hurt
Flora Bervoix |
Kirsten Larson
Annina |
Emily Secor
Gastone de Letorieres |
Benjamin Hopkins
+*
Baron Duphol |
Brian Major
Marquis d’Obigny |
Stephen Hobe
Dr. Grenvil |
Benjamin Sieverding
Conducted by
John Demain
Directed by
Fenlon Lamb
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
FELLOW TRAVELERS
Music by Gregory Spears
Libretto by Greg Pierce
Based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon
February 7 & 9, 2021
Capitol Theater
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Hawkins Fuller |
Ben Edquist
Timothy Laughlin |
Andres Acosta
Mary Johnson |
Adriana Zabala
Tommy McIntyre |
Sidney Outlaw
Estonian Frank / Interrogator / Senator McCarthy |
Alan Dunbar
Miss Lightfoot |
Emily Secor
Senator Potter / General Arlie / Bartender |
Andrew Wilkowske
Potter’s Assistant / Bookseller / Party Guest / Technician / French Priest |
Stephen Hobe
Lucy |
Cassandra Vasta
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Peter Rothstein
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2018/19 Season
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & PAGLIACCI
Cavalleria Rusticana
by Pietro Mascagni
Pagliacci
by Ruggero Leoncavallo
November 2 & 4, 2018
Overture Hall
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Cavalleria Rusticana
Santuzza |
Michelle Johnson*
Turridu |
Scott Piper
Alfio |
Michael Mayes
Lola |
Kirsten Larson*+
Lucia |
Danielle Wright*
Pagliacci
Canio |
Scott Piper
Nedda |
Talise Trevigne*
Tonio |
Michael Mayes
Silvio |
Benjamin Taylor*
Beppe |
Robert A. Goderich
Villagers |
Benjamin Liupaogo+, Stephen Hobe*+
Conducted by
Joseph Mechavich
Directed by
Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Stephen Sondheim
February 8 & 10, 2019
Capitol Theater
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Desirée Armfeldt |
Emily Pulley
Fredrik Egerman |
Daniel Belcher
Madame Armfeldt |
Sarah Day*
Anne Egerman |
Jeni Houser
Countess Charlotte Malcolm |
Katherine Pracht*
Henrik Egerman |
Quinn Bernegger*
Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm |
Charles Eaton
Petra |
Emily Glick*
Fredrika Armfedlt |
Maddie Uphoff*
Mrs. Nordstrom |
Emily Secor*+
Mrs. Andressen |
Cassandra Vasta
Mrs. Segstrom |
Kirsten Larson+
Mr. Erlanson |
Benjmain Liupaogo+
Mr. Lindquist |
Stephen Hobe+
Frid |
Benjamin Barlow*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
RUSALKA
by Antonín Dvořák
April 26 & 28, 2019
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Rusalka |
Emily Birsan
The Prince |
John Lindsey
The Foreign Princess |
Karin Wolverton*
Vodník |
William Meinert*
Ježibaba |
Lindsay Ammann*
1st Wood Sprite |
Emily Secor+
2nd Wood Sprite |
Saira Frank
3rd Wood Sprite |
Kirsten Larson+
The Hunter |
Benjamin Liupaogo+
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Keturah Stickann*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2017/18 Season
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
November 3 & 5, 2017
Overture Hall
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Carmen |
Aleks Romano*
Don Jos
Sean Panikkar
Micaëla |
Cecilia Violetta López
Escamillo |
Corey Crider
Frasquita |
Anna Polum+
Mercédès |
Megan Le Romero*+
Remendado |
Benjamin Liupaogo*+
Dancaïre |
Erik
arl Larson
Zuniga |
Thomas Forde
Moralès |
Charles Eaton*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
E. Loren Meeker*
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO
by W.A. Mozart
February 9 & 11, 2018
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Konstanze |
Amanda Woodbury
Blonde |
Ashly Neumann*
Belmonte |
David Walton
Pedrillo |
Eric Neuville
Osmin |
Matt Boehler
Pasha Selim |
Brian Belz*
Quartet |
Anna Polum+, Natalie Falconer*, Robert A. Goderich, Ryan White*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Alison Moritz
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS
by Daniel
Catán
April 27 & 29, 2018
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Florencia Grimaldi |
Elizabeth Caballero
Rosalba |
Rachel Sterrenberg
Paula |
Adriana Zabala
Arcadio |
Mackenzie Whitney
Riolobo |
Nmon Ford
Alvaro |
Levi Hernandez
The Captain |
Ashraf Sewailam*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, Kanopy Dance, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2016/17 Season
ROMEO & JULIET
by Charles Gounod
November 4 & 6, 2016
Overture Hall
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Juliet |
Emily Birsan
Romeo |
John Irvin
Mercutio |
Sidney Outlaw
Stephano |
Stephanie Lauricella*
Gertrude |
Allisanne Apple
Friar Lawrence |
Liam Moran
Tybalt |
Chris Carr*
Lord Capulet |
Philip Skinner*
The
Duke of Verona |
Benjamin Sieverding*
Gregorio |
Nathaniel Hill
Count Paris |
James Held*+
Benvolio |
Andrew F. Turner*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD
by Daniel Schnyder
February 10 & 12, 2017
Capitol Theater
Midwest premiere
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Charlie Parker |
Joshua Stewart*
Addie Parker |
Angela Brown
Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter |
Julie Miller*
Doris Parker |
Angela Mortellaro
Chan Parker |
Rachel Sterrenberg*
Rebecca Parker |
Krysty Swann*
Dizzy Gillespie |
Will Liverman
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Ron Daniels*
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 21 & 23, 2017
Overture Hall
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Pamina |
Amanda Woodbury*
Tamino |
Andrew Bidlack*
Papageno |
Alan Dunbar
The Queen of the Night |
Caitlin Cisler
Sarastro |
Nathan Stark
st
ady |
Amanda Kingston*
nd
Lady |
Kelsey Park
rd
Lady |
Anna Parks
*+
Papagena |
Anna Polum*+
Monostatos |
Scott Brunscheen
The Speaker |
Matthew Scollin*
st
Priest/Armored Man |
Robert A. Goderich
nd
Priest/Armored Man |
James Held+
Spirits |
Finn Frakes*, Dylan Juni*, Aberdeen Kurka*, Jacob Monday*, Ethan Staver*, Drew White*
Conducted by
Gary Thor Wedow
Directed by
Dan Rigazzi*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2015/16 Season
LA
BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 13 & 15, 2015
Overture Hall
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Mimì |
Eleni Calenos
Rodolfo |
Mackenzie Whitney*
Musetta |
Emily Birsan
Marcello |
Dan Kempson*
Colline |
Liam Moran
Schaunard |
Alan Dunbar
Benoit/Alcindoro |
Evan Ross*
Parpignol |
William Ottow*+
Customs Officer |
Nathaniel Hill*+
A Sergeant |
Glen Siferd
A Vendor |
Robert Goderich
A Child |
Simon Johnson
/ Emma Dias*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
David Lefkowich
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
LITTLE WOMEN
by Mark Adamo
February 5 & 7, 2016
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Jo |
Heather Johnson
Amy |
Jeni Houser
Beth |
Chelse
a Morris Shephard
Meg |
Courtney Miller*
Laurie |
Eric Neuville*
John Brooke |
Alexander Elliott*
Fr
edrich Bhaer |
Craig Verm*
Cecilia March |
Brenda Harris
Alma March |
Elizabeth Hagedorn*
Gideon March |
Rick Henslin
Mr. Dashwood |
Nathaniel Hill+
Quartet |
Cassandra Koob*, Marie McManama*+, Laura Muller, Kelsey Park*+
Conducted by
Kyle Knox*
Directed by
Candace Evans
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
by Jacques Offenbach
April 15 & 17, 2016
Overture Hall
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Hoffmann |
Harold Meers
Antonia/Giulietta/Stella |
Siân Davies*
Olympia |
Jeni Houser
Four Villains
Morgan Smith*
The Muse/Nicklausse |
Adriana Zabala*
Four Servants
Jared Rogers
Antonia’s Mother |
Kelsey Park+
Luther/Crespel |
Thomas Forde
Spalanzani |
Robert A. Goderich
Schlemil |
Tyler Alessi*
Nathanael |
William Otto
w+
Hermann |
Nathaniel Hill+
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2014/15 Season
FIDELIO
by Ludwig van Beethoven
November 21 & 23, 2014
Overture Hall
Madison Opera Stage Premiere
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Leonore |
Alexandra LoBianco
Florestan |
Clay Hilley
Don Pizarro |
Kelly Markgraf
Rocco |
Matt Boehler
Marzelline |
Alisa Jordheim*
Jaquino |
David Blalock*
Don Fernando |
Liam Moran*
st
Prison
r |
Thomas Leighton*+
nd
risoner |
Luke Hrovat-Staedter*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Tara Faircloth*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
SWEENEY TODD
by Stephen Sondheim
February 6, 7, & 8, 2015
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Sweeney Todd |
Corey Crider*
Mrs.
Lovett |
Meredith Arwady*
Johanna |
Jeni Houser
Beggar Woman |
Emily Pulley*
Tobias Ragg |
Joshua Sanders
Anthony Hope |
Daniel Shirley
Judge Turpin |
Thomas Forde
Adolfo Pirelli |
Robert A. Goderich
Beadle Bamford |
Jared Rogers*
Jonas Fogg |
Rick Henslin
Birdseller |
Michael Etzwiler*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Norma Saldivar
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
April 24 & 26, 2015
Overture Hall
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Rosina |
Emily Fons
Count Almaviva |
John Irvin*
Figaro |
Will Liverman*
Dr. Ba
tolo |
Alan Dunbar
Don Basilio |
Thomas Forde
Berta |
Chelsea Morris*+
Fiorello |
Trevor Martin*
Sergeant |
Glen Siferd
Ambrogio |
Bryan Royston*
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2013/14 Season
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
November 1 & 3, 2013
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia
Tosca |
Melody Moore
Cavaradossi |
Scott Piper
Scarpia |
Nmon Ford
Angelotti |
Ryan Kuster*
Sacristan |
Nikolas Wenzel*
Spoletta |
Scott Brunscheen*+
Sciarrone |
Kenneth Stavert*
A Shepherd |
Nathaniel Johnson*
A Jailer |
Greg Walters
Conducted by
Joseph Mechavich
Directed by
A. Scott Parry
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT
by Gaetano Donizetti
February 7 & 9, 2014
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia
Marie |
Caitlin Cisler
Tonio |
Javier Abreu*
The Marquise of Berkenfeld |
Allisanne Apple
Sulpice |
Nathan Stark
Hortensius |
Douglas Swenson
A Peasant |
Robert A. Goderich
A Corporal |
Chirstopher Apfelbach*
The
uchess of Krakenth
rp |
Katrina Williams Brunner*
A Notary |
Jason Compton
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
David Lefkowich
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
DEAD MAN WALKING
by Jake Heggie
April 25 & 27, 2014
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia
Sister Helen Prejean |
Daniela Mack
Joseph De Rocher |
Michael Mayes
Mrs. Patrick De Rocher |
Susanne Mentzer*
Sister Rose |
Karen Slack*
Owen Hart |
Alan Dunbar
Kitty Hart |
Saira Frank
Jade Boucher |
Jamie Van Eyck
Howard Boucher |
J. Adam Shelton
Father Grenville |
Clay Hilley
Warden George Benton |
Jeffrey Beruan
Motorcycle Cop |
Erik E. Larson*
Prison Guards |
Nikolas Wenzel, Anthony Cao
Older Brother |
Kenny Lyons*
Younger Brother |
Jeremiah Eenigenburg*
A Girl |
Kate Mann*
A Boy |
Aaron Heaps*
Sister Lilliane |
Gillian Hollis*+
Sister Catherine |
Jessie Lyons*+
A Paralegal |
Gail Becker*
A Mother |
Megan Gloss*
Mrs. Charlton |
Jennifer DeMain
Jimmy Charlton |
Simon Johnson*
Anthony De Rocher |
Erik Sherpe
Inmates |
George Abbott III*, Andy Ball*, Scott Brunscheen+, Josh Sanders, Glen Siferd
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2012/13 Season
A MASKED BALL
by Giuseppe Verdi
October 26 & 28, 2012
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia
Amelia |
Alexandra LoBianco*
Gustav III |
William Joy
ner
Oscar |
Caitlin Cisler
Ulrica |
Jeniece Golbourne*
Count Ancka
ström |
Hyung Yun
Count de Horn |
John Arnold+
Count Ribbing |
Thomas Forde*
Cristian
Christiaan Smith-Kotlarek
A Servant |
Robert A. Goderich*
A Judge |
J. Adam Shelton+*
Conducted by
Joseph Mechavich
Directed by
Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, UW-Madison Ballroom Dance Society, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
ACIS & GALATEA
by George Frideric Handel
January 10-13, 2013
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia
Galatea |
Angela Mortellaro*
Acis |
Daniel Shirley*
Polyphemus |
Jeffrey Beruan*
Damon |
J. Adam Shelton+
Ensemble |
John Arnold+, Jennifer DeMain, Jeni
Houser*+, Josh Sanders, Jessica Lee Timman*+
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
David Lefkowich*
with Kanopy Dance and Madison Symphony Orchestra
DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
April 26 & 28, 2013
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia
Don Giovanni |
Kelly Markgraf*
Donna Anna |
Elizabeth Caballero
Donna Elvira |
Caitlin Lynch
Zerlina |
Angela Mannino*
Don Ottavio |
Welsey Rogers*
Leporello |
Matt Boehler
Masetto |
John Arnold+
Il Commendatore |
Nathan Stark*
Conducted by
Joseph Mechavich*
Directed by
Elise Sandell*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2011/12 Season
EUGENE ONEGIN
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
November 4 & 6, 2011
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Eugene Onegin |
Hyung Yun
Tatiana |
Maria Kanyova
Lenski |
Scott Ramsay
Olga |
Jamie Van Eyck
Prince Gremin |
Harold Wilson
Filipevna |
Jane Shaulis*
Madame Larina |
Allisanne Apple
Monsieur Triquet |
Andrew Abrams
Zaretski |
Doug Swenson
Peasant |
Stan Hill
Captain |
Steve Harrison
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Candace Evans
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
GAILILEO GALILEI
by Philip Glass
January 26-29, 2012
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
Galileo |
William Joyner*
Maria Celeste
/Marie de’ Medici /Eos |
Jamie-R
ose Guarrine
Pope
Urban VIII /Simplicio /Cardinal Barberini /Merope’s Father |
Dean Peterson
Salviati /Younger Galileo |
John Arnold*
Sagredo /Duchess Christina |
Saira Frank
Scribe /Maria Maddalena |
Allisanne Apple
Younger Maria Celeste |
Jennifer DeMain
Cardinal 1 / Inquisitor 1 /Oracle 1 |
Alex Edgemon*
Cardinal 2 /Inquisitor 2 /Servant /Oracle 2 |
Darik Knutsen*
Cardinal 3 /Priest |
Errik M. Hood*
Conducted by
Kelly Kuo
Directed by
A. Scott Parry
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA)
by Gioachino Rossini
April 27 & 29, 2012
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia
Angelina |
Daniela Mack
Don
Ramiro |
Gregory Schmidt
Dandini |
Daniel Belcher*
Don Magnifico |
Steven Condy
Alidoro |
Alan Dunbar*
Clorinda |
Amy Mahoney
Tisbe |
Jamie Van Eyck
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Garnett Bruce
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
2010/11 Season
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
November 5 & 7, 2010
Overture Hall
Susanna |
Anya Matanovic
Figaro |
Jason Hardy*
Countess Almaviva |
Melody Moore
Count Almaviva |
Jeff Mattsey*
Cherubino |
Emily Lorini*
Marcellina |
Melissa Parks*
Dr. Bartolo |
Michael Gallup*
Barbarina |
Emily Birsan*
Don Basilio |
James Doing
Antonio |
Justin Neihoff Smith*
Bridesmaids |
Catherine S. Schweitzer, Laura Muller
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
A. Scott Parry
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE THREEPENNY OPERA
by Kurt Weill
February 4-13, 2011
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
Macheath |
James DeVita*
Jenny Diver |
Tracy Michelle Arnold*
Polly Peachum |
Alicia Berneche
Mr. Peachum |
David Barron*
Mrs. Peachum |
my Welk
Tiger Brown |
Richard Henslin
Lucy Brown |
Liz Cassarino
Street Singer /Pastor Kimball /Constable |
Edward Marion
Filch /Crookfinger Jake /Messenger |
Joseph Lullo
Bob the Saw
/Warden Smith
Paul Kennedy
Ready Money Matt |
Alex Cotant
Dolly |
Leslie Cao
Coaxer |
Lisa Bozec Maletic
Betty |
Kristen Hammargren
Molly |
Meghan Randolph
Walt Dreary |
Bart Terrell
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Dorothy Danner
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 29 & May 1, 2011
Overture Hall
Violetta |
Elizabeth Caballero
Alfredo |
Giuseppe Varano*
Germont |
Donnie Ray Albert
Flora |
Jamie Van Eyck
Annina |
Allisanne Apple
Gastone |
Heath Rush
Baron Duphol |
Paul Rowe
Marquis d’Obigny |
Jeremy Kelly*
Dr. Grenvil |
Gregory Brumfield
Giuseppe |
Joshua Sanders*
Messenger |
Anthony Cao
Flora’s Servant
Glen Siferd
Conducted by
John DeMain
Directed by
Garnett Bruce
with Madison Opera Chorus, Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
2001 - 2010
La Bohème, 2007
2009/2010 Season
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
November 6 & 8, 2009
Overture Hall
THE TURN OF THE SCREW
by Benjamin Britten
January 28-31, 2010
The Playhouse
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
by Richard Wagner
April 9 & 11, 2010
Overture Hall
2008/2009 Season
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
November 21 & 23, 2008
Overture Hall
COSI FAN TUTTE
by W. A. Mozart
March 13 & 15, 2009
Capitol Theater
FAUST
by Charles Gounod
May 15 & 17, 2009
Overture Hall
2007/2008 Season
LA
BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 9 & 11, 2007
Overture Hall
THE TENDER LAND
by Aaron Copland
February 27 – March 2, 2008
Promenade Hall
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
by Gaetano Donizetti
May 9 & 11, 2008
Overture Hall
2006/2007 Season
RIGOLETTO
by Giuseppe Verdi
November 17 & 19, 2006
Overture Hall
THE PEARL FISHERS
by Georges Bizet
April 13 & 15, 2007
Overture Hall
2005/2006 Season
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
November 11 & 13, 2005
Overture Hall
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 21 & 23, 2006
Overture Hall
2004/2005 Season
TURANDOT
by Giacomo Puccini
October 22 & 24, 2004
Overture Hall
First production in Overture Hall
THE END OF THE AFFAIR
by Jake Heggie
April 22 & 24, 2005
Overture Hall
2003/2004 Season
ROMEO & JULIET
by Charles Gounod
November 21 & 23, 2003
Oscar Mayer Theatre
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
April 30 & May 2, 2004
Oscar Mayer Theatre
2002/2003 Season
IL TROVATORE
by Giuseppe Verdi
November 22 & 24, 2002
Oscar Mayer Theatre
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
May 2 & 4, 2003
Oscar Mayer Theatre
2001/2002 Season
DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
November 16 & 18, 2001
Oscar Mayer Theatre
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
May 10 & 12, 2002
Oscar Mayer Theatre
2000/2001 Season
THE MUSIC SHOP
by Richard Wargo
BON APPETIT!
by Lee Hoiby
July 14 & 15, 2000
MATC Mitby Theater
LA
BOH
ÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 17 & 19, 2000
Oscar Mayer Theatre
FALSTAFF
by Giuseppe Verdi
May 4 & 6, 2001
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1991 - 2000
Candide, 1993
1999/2000 Season
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
by Stephen Sondheim
July 15-18, 1999
Bartell Theater
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
November 19 & 21, 1999
Oscar Mayer Theatre
BRUNDIBAR
by Hans Krása
January 28 & 29, 2000
MATC Mitby Theater
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
May 12 & 14, 2000
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1998/99 Season
THE FANTASTICKS
by Harvey Schmidt
July 17 & 19, 1998
Civic Center
FAUST
by Charles Gounod
November 20 & 22, 1998
Oscar Mayer Theatre
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 23 & 25, 1999
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1997/98 Season
THE ELIXIR OF LOVE
by Gaetano Donizetti
November 21 & 23, 1997
Union Theater
HELP, HELP, THE GLOBOLINKS!
by Gian Carlo Menotti
February 12, 1998
Oscar Mayer Theatre
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
April 24 & 26, 1998
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1996/97 Season
THE MERRY WIDOW
by Franz Lehár
November 22 & 24, 1996
Union Theater
THE THUNDER OF HORSES
by John Franklin
January 22-25, 1997
Masonic Temple Auditorium
RIGOLETTO
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 4 & 6, 1997
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1995/96 Season
OF THEE I SING
by George Gershwin
November 3 & 5, 1995
Union Theater
THE VERY LAST GREEN THING
by John Franklin
January 26 & 27, 1995
Masonic Temple Auditorium
THE TALES OF HOFFMAN
by Jacques Offenbach
March 29 & 31, 1996
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1994/95 Season
BRIGADOON
by Alan Jay Lerner
November 18 & 20, 1994
Union Theater
THE VERY LAST GREEN THING
by John Franklin
March 8-11, 1995
Masonic Temple Auditorium
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 28 & 30, 1995
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1993/94 Season
CANDIDE
by Leonard Bernstein
November 19 & 21, 1993
Union Theater
AIDA
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 22 & 24, 1994
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1992/93 Season
MAN OF LA MANCHA
by Mitch Leigh
November 20 & 22, 1992
Union Theater
SHINING BROW
by Daron Hagen
April 21, 23, & 25, 1993
Oscar Mayer Theatre
World Premiere
1991/92 Season
KISS ME, KATE
by Cole Porter
November 22 & 24, 1991
Union Theater
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
April 24 & 26, 1992
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1990/91 Season
CAROUSEL
by Richard Rodgers
November 16 & 18, 1990
Union Theater
DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
April 12 & 14, 1991
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1981 - 1990
THE STONED GUEST
by Peter Schickele
Performed November 17, 1985
Memorial Union
The Marriage of Figaro, 1989
1989/90 Season
THE VILLAGE SINGER
by Stephen Paulus
GIANNI SCHICCHI
by Giacomo Puccini
November 10 & 12, 1989
Union Theater
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
April 6 & 8, 1990
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1988/89 Season
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Stephen Sondheim
November 11 & 13, 1988
MATC Mitby Theater
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
April 7 & 9, 1989
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1987/88 Season
THE MERRY WIDOW
by Franz Lehár
October 30 & November 1, 1987
MATC Mitby Theater
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
April 15 & 17, 1988
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1986/87 Season
NOYE’S FLUDDE
by Benjamin Britten
September 20, 1986
Masonic Temple Auditorium
FIDELIO
by Ludwig Van Beethoven
performed in concert
November 8, 1986
Oscar Mayer Theatre
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
by Stephen Sondheim
January 16 & 17, 1987
Masonic Temple Auditorium
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
April 3 & 5, 1987
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1985/86 Season
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
by Pietro Mascagni
PAGLIACCI
by Ruggero Leoncavallo
April 11 & 13, 1986
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1984/85 Season
LA PÉRICHOLE
by Jacques Offenbach
November 17 & 18, 1984
Central High School Auditorium
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
March 29 & 31, 1985
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1983/84 Season
THE GYPSY BARON
by Johann Strauss II
November 19 & 20, 1983
Central High School Auditorium
LA
BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
March 30 & April 1, 1984
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1982/83 Season
THE BARTERED BRIDE
by Bedřich Smetana
March 18 & 20, 1983
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1981/82 Season
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
by Gian Carlo Menotti
December 4 & 5, 1981
Oscar Mayer Theatre
TURANDOT
by Giacomo Puccini
April 2 & 4, 1982
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1980/81 Season
HANSEL AND GRETEL
by Engelbert Humperdinck
December 20 & 21, 1980
Oscar Mayer Theatre
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
March 27 & 29, 1981
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1971 - 1980
Manon, 1977
1979/80 Season
AIDA
by Giuseppe Verdi
March 28 & 30, 1980
Oscar Mayer Theatre
AMELIA GOES TO THE BALL
by Gian Carlo Menotti
THE IMPRESSARIO
by W.A. Mozart
June 2, 1980
Central High School Auditorium
1978/79 Season
FAUST
by Charles Gounod
February 23-25, 1979
Union Theater
1977/78 Season
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
February 24-26, 1978
Union Theater
1976/77 Season
MANON
by Jules Massenet
February 11 & 12, 1977
Union Theater
1975/76 Season
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE
by Douglas Moore
February 13 & 14, 1976
Union Theater
1974/75 Season
COSI FAN TUTTE
by W. A. Mozart
September 28 & 29, 1974
Masonic Temple Auditorium
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
February 28 & March 1, 1975
Union Theater
1973/74 Season
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
March 8 & 9, 1974
Union Theater
1972/73 Season
GIANNI SCHICCHI
by Giacomo Puccini
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
by Pietro Mascgani
February 9-11, 1973
West High School Auditorium
1971/72 Season
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
February 18-20, 1972
Central High School Auditorium
1970/71 Season
HELP, HELP, THE GLOBOLINKS!
by Gian Carlo Menotti
February 12-14, 1971
Memorial High School Auditorium
1961 - 1970
The Ballad of Baby Doe, 1968
1969/70 Season
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
February 27 – March 1, 1970
East High School Auditorium
1968/69 Season
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE
by Douglas Moore
February 16-18, 1968
West High School Auditorium
1967/68 Season
HANSEL & GRETEL
by Engelbert Humperdinck
THE JUMPING FROGS OF CALAVERAS COUNTY
by Lukas Foss
February 16-18, 1968
West High School Auditorium
1966/67 Season
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
February 10-12, 1967
West High School Auditorium
1965/66 Season
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
January 21 & 22, 1966
Central High School Auditorium
1964/65 Season
FALSTAFF
by Giuseppe Verdi
February 18-20, 1965
East High School Auditorium
1963/64 Season
NOYE’S FLUDDE
by Benjamin Britten
November 17, 1963
First Congregational Church
LA VOIX HUMAINE
by Francis Poulenc
February 29, 1964
Inn on the Park Hotel
1962/63 Season
LA
BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
January 11 & 12, 1963
East High School Auditorium
1961/62 Season
ACT II of DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
May 5 & 6, 1962
Alliant Energy Youth Building
ACT II of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
May 27, 1962
Central High School Scanian Hall
Keely Futterer
Rosina,
The Barber of Seville
Hometown:
Dover, AR
Madison Opera Debut:
Léontine,
The Anonymous Lover
(2024)
Recently:
Anna Sørenson,
Silent Night
(Wolf Trap Opera); Musetta,
La Bohè
me
; Armida,
Rinaldo
; Charlene,
Service Provider
; Jazz Trio,
Trouble in Tahiti
(Minnesota Opera);
Armida,
Rinaldo
; Vanderdendur,
Candide;
Angostura,
Tenor Overboard
(Glimmerglass Festival);
Rodelinda,
Rodelinda
(Hudson Hall); Fiordiligi,
Così fan tutte
(Opera Memphis);
Upcoming:
Marcellina,
Leonora
(Chicago Opera Theater);
Fiordiligi,
Così fan tutte
(Virginia Opera); Verdi
Requiem
(Erie Philharmonic)
Weston Hurt
Baritone,
Opera in the Park
Hometown:
Spring, TX
Madison Opera Debut:
Germont,
La Traviata
(2019)
Recently:
Sharpless,
Madama Butterfly
(Houston Grand Opera, New Orleans Opera);
Britten's
War Requiem
(Opera Roanoke); Scarpia,
Tosca
(Arizona Opera);
Germont,
La Traviata
(Lyric Opera of Kansas City); Nabucco,
Nabucco
(Seattle Opera)
Upcoming:
Rigoletto,
Rigoletto
(English National Opera)
Joshua Sanders
Tenor,
Opera in the Park
Hometown:
Plain, WI
Madison Opera Debut:
Giuseppe,
La Traviata
(2011)
Also at MO:
Tobias Ragg,
Sweeney Todd;
Inmate,
Dead Man Walking;
Ensemble,
Acis and Galatea
Recently:
Count Almaviva,
The Barber of Seville
; Romeo,
Romeo and Juliet
(Opera San José);
Tamino,
The Magic Flute
(Nashville Opera); Sam Clay,
The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier & Clay
workshop (Metropolitan Opera)
Upcoming:
Victorin,
Die tote Stadt
(Boston Symphony Orchestra)
Sachie Ueshima
Zerlina,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Wakayama City, Japan
Madison Opera Debut
Former Madison Opera Studio Artist
Recently:
Cio-Cio-San,
Madama Butterfly
(Virginia Opera); Violetta,
La Traviat
a;
Krystyna Zywulska,
Two Remain
(UW-Madison)
Upcoming:
Cio-Cio-San,
Madama Butterfly
(Kentucky Opera)
David Walton
Count Almaviva,
The Barber of Seville
Hometown:
Twin Cities, MN
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2017
Also at MO:
Belmonte,
The Abduction from the Seraglio
Recently:
Ferrando,
Così fan tutte
(Princeton Festival); Ramiro,
La Cenerentola
(Toledo Opera);
Count Almaviva,
The Barber of Seville
(North Carolina Opera);
Frederic,
The Pirates of Penzance
(Opera San Antonio); Filippo,
Deceit Outwitted
(Sarasota Opera)
Upcoming:
Count Almaviva,
The Barber of Seville
(Minnesota Opera); Candide,
Candide
(South Florida Symphony);
Don Ottavio,
Don Giovanni
(Livermore Valley Opera)
Emily Fons
Donna Elvira,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Milwaukee, WI
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2012
Also at MO:
Opera in the Park 2024;
Rosina,
The Barber of Seville
(2015)
Recently:
Nicklausse,
The Tales of Hoffmann
(Palm Beach Opera);
Rosina,
The Barber of Seville
(Cincinnati Opera, Santa Fe Opera);
Woman,
Ghosts
(San Diego Opera); Cherubino,
The Marriage of Figaro
(Canadian Opera Company);
Hansel,
Hansel and Gretel
(New Orleans Opera)
Upcoming:
Princess Irene,
Tamerlano
(Haymarket Opera)
Emily Birsan
Martha Jones,
Everlasting Faint
Madison Opera Debut:
Barbarina,
The Marriage of Figaro
(2011)
Recently at MO:
Rusalka,
Rusalka
; Juliet,
Romeo and Juliet
; Opera in the Park 2016; Musetta,
La Bohème
Recently:
Speranza Celeste,
Ester
; Asteria,
Tamerlano
(Haymarket Opera); Countess Susanna,
Il Segreto di Susanna
(Opera Festival of Chicago); Euridice,
Orfeo ed Euridice
(Inland Northwest Opera)
Alan Dunbar
Dr. Knapp,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Winona, MN
Madison Opera Debut:
Alidoro,
Cinderella
(2012)
Recently at MO:
Dr. Pangloss / Martin,
Candide
; 1st Nazarene,
Salome
; Sipos,
She Loves Me
; Sen. McCarthy / Interrogator / Frank,
Fellow Travelers
; Papageno,
The Magic Flute
; Owen Hart,
Dead Man Walking
Recently:
Bach’s
B-Minor Mass
; Uberto,
La Serva Padrona
; Jesus,
St. Matthew Passion
(Bach Roots Festival);
Emergency Haying
(UNI New Music Festival; Winona Symphony Orchestra); Noye,
Noye’s Fludde
(Santa Fe Opera)
Alison Pogorelc
Stage Director,
La Bohème
Hometown:
Milwaukee, WI
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
The Knock
(Central City Opera);
Rigoletto
Moby Dick
The Marriage of Figaro
(Metropolitan Opera);
Salome
(Des Moines Metro Opera);
Partenope
(Washington National Opera);
Agrippina
The Anonymous Lover
(Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music);
Ariane and Bluebeard
(West Edge Opera)
Upcoming:
La sonnambula
I puritani
Tristan and Isolde
La Traviata
(Metropolitan Opera);
Le Roi David
(New York Choral Society);
The Old Maid and the Thief
(Washington National Opera)
Haley Stamats
Stage Director,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
Cedar Rapids, IA
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Carmen
(Shreveport Opera);
Maria Stuarda
(Opera Baltimore);
Armida, Proving Opera, Iphigénie en Tauride, Denis and Katya
(Pittsburgh Opera);
La Bohème
(Opera Delaware, Opera Baltimore, Charleston Opera Theater)
Upcoming:
Tosca
(Opera Delaware, Opera Baltimore);
The Barber of Seville
(Charleston Opera Theater)
Martin Luther Clark
Ferrando,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
Marshall, TX
Madison Opera Debut:
Candide,
Candide
(2024)
Recently:
Macduff,
Macbeth
(Teatro Nuovo); Walther,
Tannhäuser
(Houston Grand Opera); Fredrick Loudin,
Jubilee
(Seattle Opera); Jonathan Dale,
Silent Night
; Father,
The Seven Deadly Sins
(Wolf Trap Opera); Luis Griffith,
Champion
(Lyric Opera of Chicago); Orderly,
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
(Dallas Opera)
Upcoming:
Chevalier de la Force,
Dialogues of the Carmelites
(Dallas Opera); Pang,
Turandot
(Metropolitan Opera)
Keturah Stickann
Stage Director / Dramaturg,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Columbia, MO
Madison Opera Debut:
Rusalka
(2019)
Recently at MO:
Salome
Recently:
La Bohème
(Chautauqua Opera, San Diego Opera);
Stuck Elevator, La Traviata
(Knoxville Opera); Choreographer,
Moby-Dick
(Metropolitan Opera);
Carmen
(Indiana University);
The Little Prince
(Resonance Works);
Hansel and Gretel
(Chautauqua Opera);
Samson and Dalila
(Opera Colorado);
Norma
(Palm Beach Opera);
Don Giovanni
(Minnesota Opera)
Upcoming:
Carmen
(Knoxville Opera, San Diego Opera);
Mosé in Eggito
(Opera Southwest);
Romeo & Juli
et (Opera Theatre of St. Louis)
Stephanie Rhodes Russell
Conductor,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
American Fork, UT
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2021
Recently at MO:
The Marriage of Figaro
Recently:
Hansel and Gretel
The Daughter of the Regiment
(Utah Opera);
Aida
Romeo and Juliette
(Arizona Opera);
Jungle Book
The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me
(Washington National Opera);
The Barber of Seville
(Austin Opera);
Eugene Onegin
(Rice University);
Don Giovanni
(Wolf Trap Opera);
The Knock
(Cincinnati Opera); Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Upcoming:
Charlotte Symphony; Resident Conductor, Fort Worth Symphony
Matthew Treviño
John Preston,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Harlingen, TX
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Sparafucile,
Rigoletto
(Pacific Opera Victoria); Dr. Bartolo,
The Marriage of Figaro
; Dr. Grenvil,
La Traviata
(Calgary Opera); Dr. P.,
The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat
(Nashville Opera); Bonze,
Madame Butterfly
; Ferrando,
Il Trovatore
(Opéra de Montréal); Friar Laurent,
Romeo and Juliette
; Seneca,
The Coronation of Poppea
(Florentine Opera)
Emily Senturia
Conductor,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
San Francisco, CA
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
The Marriage of Figaro
(Wolf Trap Opera, Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera);
Bulrusher
(West Edge Opera);
The Pirates of Penzance
(Kentucky Opera);
Rinaldo
(Minnesota Opera; Glimmerglass Festival);
The Rape of Lucretia
(Temple University);
The Anonymous Lover
(Atlanta Opera);
Fellow Travelers
(Florida Grand Opera);
The Barber of Seville
(New Orleans Opera);
Semele
(Opera Santa Barbara)
Upcoming:
La Traviata
(Kentucky Opera);
Giulio Cesare
(Opera Santa Barbara);
Rinaldo
(West Edge Opera)
Andrew Wilkowske
Don Alfonso,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
Willmar, MN
Madison Opera Debut:
Senator Potter / General Arlie / Bartender,
Fellow Travelers
(2020)
Recently at MO:
1st Soldier,
Salome
Recently:
Dr. Bartolo,
The Barber of Seville
; Sergeant Sulpice,
The Daughter of the Regiment
; Papageno,
The Magic Flute;
Benoit / Alcindoro,
La Bohème
; (Minnesota Opera); Papageno,
The Magic Flute
(Des Moines Metro Opera); Dulcamara,
The Elixir of Love
(Dayton Opera); Maurice Temerlin,
Lucy
(Eugene Opera)
Sun-Ly Pierce
Dorabella,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
Clinton, NY
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Cherubino,
The Marriage of Figaro
; Suzy,
La Rondine
(Metropolitan Opera); Fox,
The Cunning Little Vixen;
Rosina,
The Barber of Seville
(Des Moines Metro Opera); Dorothée,
The Anonymous Lover
(Opera Philadelphia); Bertarido,
Rodelinda
(Hudson Opera House); Cherubino,
The Marriage of Figaro
(New Orleans Opera); Siébel,
Faust
(Berkshire Opera Festival); Suzuki,
Madame Butterfly
(Houston Grand Opera)
Upcoming:
Rosa Saks,
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
(Metropolitan Opera); Nefertiti,
Akhnaten
(LA Opera); Suzuki,
Madame Butterfly
(Semperoper Dresden; Santa Fe Opera)
Sarah Tucker
Fiordiligi,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Micaela,
Carmen
(Virginia Opera, Sarasota Opera); Mimì,
La Bohème
(San Diego Opera, Fargo-Moorhead Opera); Liu,
Turandot
(Gulfshore Opera); Volunteer Girl,
Another City
(Houston Grand Opera); Pamina, The Magic Flute (North Carolina Opera)
Upcoming:
Countess,
The Marriage of Figaro
(Amarillo Opera)
Sandra Flores-Strand
Librettist,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Phoenix, AZ
Librettist Sandra Flores-Strand is based in the US. Sandra has an extensive background in classical singing and theatrical production. Her libretti have been featured by Opera America, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the New York City Fringe Festival, the Arizona Women’s Collaborative, Really Spicy Opera, and more. Sandra writes on a variety of topics but feels compelled to tell stories with a focus on marginalized communities.
Scott Gendel
Composer,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Monona, WI
Scott Gendel is a composer, pianist, vocal coach, and musical generalist from Wisconsin. He has been commissioned by many singers including Karen Slack and Julia Faulkner, along with ensembles like the Madison Symphony Orchestra and C4: The Choral Composer-Conductor Collective. Scott’s work has been performed at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Ravinia Festival, and recorded by artists including Yo-Yo Ma, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, and Madison Choral Project. Scott is principal vocal coach for Madison Opera and Music Director for Opera For The Young. Please visit
www.scottgendel.com
for more info.
Madison Barrett
Allie,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Oviedo, FL
Madison Opera Debut
Madison Opera Studio Artist
Recently:
Desiree,
A Little Night Music
; Songbird,
Songbird
; Margaret,
The Light in the Piazza
(UW-Madison Opera); Lady Jacqueline,
Me and My Girl
; Ilene Cavanaugh,
The Arcadians
; Smitty,
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
; Flora,
No No Nanette
(Ohio Light Opera); Soloist,
Sondheim on Sondheim
(Middleton Player’s Theatre)
Alexandra Burch
Lucy,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
La Crosse, WI
Madison Opera Debut
Madison Opera Studio Artist
Recently:
The Governess,
Turn of the Screw
; Lucinda,
Dark Sisters
(DePaul University Opera)
Robert A. Goderich
Mr. Gardner,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Deer Lodge, MT
Madison Opera Debut:
Amelia’s Servant,
A Masked Ball
(2012)
Recently at MO:
The Governor of Buenos Aires,
Candide
; Father,
The Seven Deadly Sins;
1st Jew,
Salome;
John Styx,
Orpheus in the Underworld;
Beppe,
Pagliacci;
1st Priest / Armored Man,
The Magic Flute;
Spalanzani,
The Tales of Hoffmann;
Pirelli,
Sweeney Todd
Recently:
Sam Byck,
Assassins;
Martini,
It's a Wonderful Life
(Capital City Theater); The Escapologist,
Matilda;
Featured Singer,
Taste of Broadway
(Children's Theater of Madison); Pirelli,
Sweeney Todd (
San Francisco Opera)
Upcoming:
Featured Chorus,
Between the Acts, Classical Works by Broadway's Greatest Composers
(Capital City Theater)
Tori Tedeschi Adams
Elva Heaster Shue,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Minneapolis, MN
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Frasquita,
Carmen
(Sioux City Symphony Orchestra); Liesel,
The Sound of Music
(Houston Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Festival); Susanna,
The Marriage of Figaro
(CCM Opera); Ritchie / Angelica,
The Hours
(Cincinnati Opera / Opera Fusion workshop)
Upcoming:
Susanna,
The Marriage of Figaro
(Opera Las Vegas)
Katherine Pracht
Mary Heaster,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Davenport, IA
Madison Opera Debut:
Countess Charlotte Malcolm,
A Little Night Music
(2019)
Recently:
Commanding Officer’s Wife / Alto,
The Knock;
Anna Maurrant,
Street Scene
(Central City Opera); Mary Johnson,
Fellow Travelers
(Virginia Opera); Helen,
February
; Madeline Mitchell,
Three Decembers
(Opera on the Avalon); Cornelia,
Giulio Cesare
; Elizabeth Cree,
Elizabeth Cree
(West Edge Opera); Miss Jessel,
Turn of the Screw
(IlluminArts); Horatio,
Hamlet
(State Opera Rousse, Bulgaria)
Wm. Clay Thompson
Colline,
La Bohème
Hometown:
Lexington, KY
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Figaro,
The Marriage of Figaro
(North Carolina Opera); Don Alfonso,
Così fan tutte;
Leporello,
Don Giovanni
(Virginia Opera); Colline,
La Bohème
(Charleston Opera); Don Alfonso,
Così fan tutte;
Father Palmer,
Silent Night
(Wolf Trap Opera); The King,
Aida
; Daland,
The Flying Dutchman
; Zuniga,
Carmen
(Lyric Opera of Chicago)
Upcoming:
Mark Torrance,
The Shining
(Nashville Opera)
Kyle White
Marcello,
La Bohème
Hometown:
Berkley, MI
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Guglielmo,
Così fan tutte
; William Dale,
Silent Night;
Valentin,
Faust
(Wolf Trap Opera); The Commentator,
Scalia / Ginzburg
; The Learned Judge,
Trial by Jury
(Fargo Moorhead Opera); Papageno,
The Magic Flute
(Annapolis Opera); Schaunard,
La Bohème
(Opera Montana; Kentucky Opera); Nardo,
La Finta Giardiniera
; Figaro,
The Barber of Seville
(Opera NEO); Giorgio Germont,
La Traviata
; Tommy McIntyre,
Fellow Travelers
(Virginia Opera); Prince Yamadori,
Madame Butterfly
(Opera San Antonio; Austin Opera)
Emily Secor
Musetta,
La
Bohème
Hometown:
Westfield, WI
Madison Opera Debut:
Mrs. Nordstrom,
A Little Night Music
(2019)
Recently at MO:
Diana,
Orpheus in the Underworld
; Miss. Lightfoot,
Fellow Travelers
; Annina,
La Traviata
; 1st Wood Sprite,
Rusalka
Recently:
Soloist,
Mozart’s Reqiuem
(Luther College)
Terrence Chin-Loy
Rodolfo,
La Bohème
Hometown:
Coral Springs, FL
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Vítek,
Dalibor
(Bard SummerScape);Gualtiero,
Griselda
(Danish National Opera); Cop 1,
Blue
(Lyric Opera of Chicago); Ferrando,
Così fan tutte
(Virginia Opera); Don Ottavio,
Don Giovanni
(Opera Omaha); Tamino,
The Magic Flute
(National Taichung Theater, Taiwan); Don José,
Carmen
(MasterVoices at Lincoln Center); Pang,
Turandot
(LA Opera); Romeo,
Romeo and Juliette
; Victor Frankenstein,
Frankenstein
(Arizona Opera)
Upcoming:
Pinkerton,
Madame Butterfly
(Arizona Opera); Pong,
Turandot
(Atlanta Opera); Lucian,
Lalovavi
(Cincinnati Opera)
Benjamin Taylor
baritone,
Opera in the Park
Hometown:
Waldorf, MD
Madison Opera Debut:
Silvio,
Pagliacci
(2018)
Recently at MO:
Figaro,
The Barber of Seville
Recently:
Jake,
Porgy and Bess
(Washington National Opera); Marcello,
La Bohème
(Arizona Opera); Bello,
La Fanciulla del West
(Bayerische Staatsoper); Guglielmo,
Così fan tutte
(Princeton Festival); Jan Nyman,
Breaking the Waves
(Detroit Opera); Moralès,
Carmen
; Papageno,
The Magic Flute
; Thierry,
Dialogues des Carmélites
(Metropolitan Opera); Silvio,
Pagliacci
(Austin Opera); Pantalone,
The Love for Three Oranges
(Des Moines Metro Opera); Paolo,
Simon Boccanegra
; Schaunard,
La Bohème
(Opera Philadelphia); West,
Castor and Patience
(Cincinnati Opera)
Upcoming:
Escamillo,
Carmen
(Seattle Opera); Jake,
Porgy and Bess
(Metropolitan Opera); Figaro,
The Barber of Seville
(Charleston Opera Theater)
Andrew Bidlack
Trout Shue,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Baltimore, MD
Madison Opera Debut:
Tamino,
The Magic Flute
(2017)
Recently at MO:
Opera in the Park 2025;
Steven Kodaly,
She Loves Me
Recently:
Edmondo,
Manon Lescaut
(Washington Concert Opera); Third Squire,
Parsifal
; Sichel,
Doktor und Apotheker
; Marschallin’s Major Domo / Wirt,
Der Rosenkavalier
; Der Wirt,
Der Traumgörge
; First Vagabond,
Die Kluge
; Augustin Moser,
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
(Oper Frankfurt); The False Assistant,
The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken
(Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern); Doctor,
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
(Dallas Opera); Lyonnel,
Le Roi Arthus
(Tiroler Festspiele Erl, Bard Summerscape); Rob Hall,
Everest
(The Barbican Center); Young Gypsy,
Aleko
; Paolo,
Francesca da Rimini
(Odyssey Opera)
Upcoming:
Comte de Gloria-Cassis,
Les Brigands
; Remendado,
Carmen
(Oper Frankfurt)
Emily Treigle
Despina,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
New Orleans, LA
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2025
Recently:
Filipyevna,
Eugene Onegin
; Lucia,
Cavalleria Rusticana
(Canadian Opera Company); Despina,
Così fan tutte
; Juno / Ino,
Semele
(Wolf Trap Opera); Tisbe,
La Cenerentola
; Meg Page,
Falstaff
; Suzuki,
Madame Butterfly
; Flora,
La Traviata
; Miss Violet,
Another City
; Mère Jeanne,
Dialogues of the Carmelites
; Gertrude,
Romeo and Juliet
(Houston Grand Opera)
Upcoming:
Second Lady,
The Magic Flute
(Metropolitan Opera); La Ciesca,
Gianni Schicchi
; The Monitress,
Suor Angelica
(Houston Grand Opera); Mère Marie,
Dialogues of the Carmelites
(New Orleans Opera)
Renée Richardson
Mimì,
La Bohème
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2025
Recently:
Countess,
The Marriage of Figaro
(Pensacola Opera); Fiordiligi,
Così fan tutte
; Donna Anna,
Don Giovanni
(Wolf Trap Opera); Flower Maiden,
Parsifal
; Sister Berta,
The Sound of Music
; Annina,
La Traviata
; Woman Whose Uncle Loved Maria Callas,
Another City
(Houston Grand Opera); Mimì,
La Bohème
; Foreign Princess,
Rusalka
; Suor Angelica,
Suor Angelica
(The Academy of Vocal Arts)
Upcoming:
Cassandra,
The Secret River
(Orlando Opera)
David Lefkowich
Stage Director,
Don Giovanni
Madison Opera Debut:
Acis and Galatea
(2013)
Recently at MO:
La Bohème, The Daughter of the Regiment
Recently:
Cavalleria Rusticana
(Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera);
The Magic Flute
(Grand Teton Music Festival);
Suor Angelica
(Out of the Box Opera);
Cendrillon
(McGill University);
Don Giovanni
(Opera Colorado)
Kanopy Dance
María de Buenos Aires
Hometown:
Madison, WI
Madison Opera Debut:
Acis & Galatea
(2013)
Recently at MO:
Florencia en el Amazonas; Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins
Lisa Thurrell
Choreographer,
María de Buenos Aires
Hometown:
Madison, WI
Madison Opera Debut:
Florencia en el Amazonas
(2018)
Recently at MO:
The Anonymous Lover, Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins
Co-Artistic Director of Kanopy Dance
Recently:
Director and Choreographer,
Winter Fantasia: Reimagined; Polaris + Revelations;
The Next Generation;
Confluence: A Prelude; Graham: In Her Voice; Shades of Light
(Kanopy Dance);
Choreographer,
Bluebeard's Castle
(Des Moines Metro Opera)
Upcoming:
Director and Choreographer,
Inner Passages
(Kanopy Dance);
Choreographer,
The Cunning Little Vixen
(Des Moines Metro Opera)
Kirstin Chávez
El Duende,
María de Buenos Aires
Hometown:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Albuquerque, NM
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2006
Recently:
Glenda,
We Shall Not Be Moved
(Pittsburgh Opera); Verdi's
Requiem
(Pensacola Symphony);
Carlotta de Obragón,
Zorro
(Fort Worth Opera); Suzuki,
Madama Butterfly
(Dallas Opera);
Mozart's
Requiem
(Paducah Symphony); Carmen,
Carmen
(St. Barth's Music Festival)
Upcoming:
Carmen,
Carmen
(Kentucky Symphony Orchestra); Carmen,
Carmen Inside Out
(the film)
Ryan Nash
Parpignol,
La Bohème
; David Gassaway,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Longmeadow, MA
Madison Opera Debut:
Sergeant,
The Barber of Seville
(2024)
Madison Opera Studio Artist
Recently:
Tamino,
The Magic Flute
(Opera for the Young); Gherardo,
Gianni Schicchi
(American Gothic Performing Arts Festival); Frederic,
The Pirates of Penzance
(Madison Savoyards); Mercurio,
La Calisto
; Gastone,
La Traviata
; Albert Herring,
Albert Herring
(UW-Madison Opera); Rinuccio,
Gianni Schicchi
(La Musica Lirica USA)
John DeMain
Conductor,
Opera in the Park 2025
La Bohème
Hometown:
Youngstown, OH
Madison Opera Debut:
The Magic Flute
(1995)
Recently at MO:
Don Giovanni, The Barber of Seville, Candide, Tosca, Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins, Salome
Rebecca Herman
Stage Director,
The Barber of Seville
Hometown:
Austin, TX
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Carmen
(Austin Opera);
Don Giovanni
(Opera Colorado, Cincinnati Opera)
Un Cuento de Luces y Sonmbras
(LOLA);
La Bohème
(Glimmerglass Opera);
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
(Utah Opera, Calgary Opera)
Upcoming:
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
(Washington National Opera);
New Opera Workshop,
We Might be Struck by Lighting
(LOLA)
Fenlon Lamb
Stage Director,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Princeton, NJ
Madison Opera Debut:
La Traviata
(2019)
Recently at MO:
Lucia di Lammermoor
Recently:
La Fanciulla del West
(Central City Opera);
The Elixir of Love, Così fan tutte
(Palm Beach Opera);
The Marriage of Figaro
(Portland Opera);
Carmen
(Opera Santa Barbara);
Charlie Parker's Yardbird
(Dayton Opera);
La Bohème
(New Orleans Opera);
Mozart and Salieri
(Opera San Jose)
Kamna Gupta
Conductor,
María de Buenos Aires
Hometown:
St. Genis-de-Puilly, France
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
The Pearl Fishers
(Vancouver Opera);
In Our Daughter's Eyes
(LA Opera / BMP);
Number Our Days
(Perelman Performing Arts Center);
Glory Denied
(Cleveland Institute of Music);
Rocking Horse Winner
(Tapestry Opera);
The Rip Van Winkles
(Glimmerglass Festival)
Upcoming:
Ruinous Gods
(Spoleto Festival USA)
Frances Rabalais
Stage Director,
María de Buenos Aires
Hometown:
New Orleans, LA
Madison Opera Debut:
Tosca
(2023)
Recently:
Macbeth
(Resonance Works);
Hansel and Gretel
(Opera Birmingham);
The Magic Flute
(North Carolina Opera);
The Barber of Seville
(Pensacola Opera)
Charles Eaton
Don Giovanni,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Storrs, CT
Madison Opera Debut:
Moralès,
Carmen
(2017)
Recently at MO:
Count Malcolm,
A Little Night Music
Recently:
Ponchel,
Silent Night
; Brother,
The Seven Deadly Sins
(Wolf Trap Opera); Schaunard,
La Bohème
Sam,
Trouble in Tahiti
; Masetto,
Don Giovanni
; Argante,
Rinaldo
(Minnesota Opera);
Fedorov,
The Christmas Spider
(Opéra Louisiane, Marble City Opera);
English Ambassador,
The Ghosts of Versailles
(Royal Opera Versailles);
Marcello,
La Bohèm
e (Imperial Symphony Orchestra)
Upcoming:
Mercutio,
Romeo & Juliet
(Minnesota Opera);
Silvio,
Pagliacci
(Pensacola Opera)
Jeremiah Sanders
Leporello,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Marian, IN
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
Marcello,
La Bohèm
e; Beau,
Service Provider
; Jazz Trio,
Trouble in Tahiti
Hortensius,
The Daughter of the Regiment
; Mago,
Rinaldo
Abilenes's Father / Bryce's Father,
Edward Tulane
(Minnesota Opera);
Colline,
La Bohème
(Lyric Opera of the North); Lackey,
Ariadne auf Naxos
(Lakes Area Music Festival);
Charlie,
Three Decembers
(South Bend Lyric Opera);
The Villains,
The Tales of Hoffmann
(Union Avenue Opera)
Ashraf Sewailam
The Commendatore,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Cairo, Egypt / San Francisco, CA
Madison Opera Debut:
Captain,
Florencia en el Amazonas
(2018)
Recently:
Dr. Bartolo,
The Barber of Seville
(Des Moines Metro Opera, Seattle Opera);
Dr. Bartolo,
The Marriage of Figaro
(New Orleans Opera); Sparafucile,
Rigoletto
(Opera San Jose);
Giove,
La Calisto
(Opera Memphis)
Upcoming:
Dr. Bartolo,
The Barber of Seville
(Lyric Opera of Kansas City);
Dulcamara,
The Elixir of Love
(New Orleans Opera)
Andrew Stenson
Don Ottavio,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Rochester, MN
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2021
Recently:
Pong,
Turandot
(Metropolitan Opera); Bill,
Flight
; The Steersman,
The Flying Dutchman
(Dallas Opera);
Pang,
Turandot
(Houston Grand Opera); Don Ottavio,
Don Giovanni
(Seattle Opera);
Nemorino,
The Elixir of Love
(Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Florentine Opera);
Count Almaviva,
The Barber of Seville
(Opera Colorado, Garsington Opera);
Nikolaus Sprink,
Silent Night
; Tamino,
The Magic Flute
(Utah Opera);
Fadinard,
The Italian Straw Hat
(Minnesota Opera); Danny Chen,
An American Soldier
(Opera Theatre of St. Louis)
Hailey Cohen
Berta,
The Barber of Seville
Hometown:
Edgemont, NY
Madison Opera Debut:
Dorothée,
The Anonymous Love
r (2024)
Also with MO:
Paquette,
Candide
Madison Opera Studio Artist
Recently:
Zita,
Gianni Schicchi
(Finger Lakes Opera); Hattie,
American Gothical
(Cedar Rapids Opera);
Sally,
The Boy Who Wanted to be a Robot
; K.,
Would You Eat Me?
(Thompson Street Opera)
Lifan Deng
Schaunard,
La
Bohème
Gregory Snodegar,
Everlasting Faint
Hometown:
Shenzhen, China
Madison Opera Debut:
Fiorello,
The Barber of Seville
(2024)
Recently at MO:
Masetto,
Don Giovanni
; Ensemble,
María de Buenos Aires
Madison Opera Studio Artist
Recently:
Marco,
Gianni Schicchi
(Opera Company of Middlebury); Papageno,
The Magic Flute
(Opera for the Young); The Police Agent / Mr. Kofner,
The Consul
(Third Eye Ensemble); Don Alfonso,
Così fan tutte
, Kaiser Overall,
Der Kaisver von Atlantis
(Northwestern Opera Theater)
Upcoming:
Bill Corey,
The Elixir of Love
(Opera for the Young)
Laureano Quant
Guglielmo,
Così fan tutte
Hometown:
Barranquilla, Colombia
Madison Opera Debut:
El Payador,
María de Buenos Aires
(2025)
Recently:
Escamillo,
Carmen
(Wolf Trap Opera); Bill,
Aufsteig und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny
(Staatsoper Stuttgart); Schaunard,
La Bohème
(Wolf Trap Opera); Foreman,
Jenufa
; Dancaïre,
Carmen
; Count of Lerma,
Don Carlo
(Lyric Opera of Chicago); Escamillo,
Le tragédie de Carmen
; Guglielmo,
Così fan tutte
(The Opera Next Door); Betto,
Gianni Schicchi
(Ópera de Colombia); Demetrius,
A Midsummer Night's Dream
; Captain / Ragotski,
Candide
(Orquestra Filarmónica de Bogotà)
Upcoming:
Slender,
Falstaff
(Chicago Opera Theater); Zuniga,
Carmen
(Dallas Opera)
Kelly Guerra
María,
María de Buenos Aires
Hometown:
Los Angeles, CA
Madison Opera Debut
Recently:
María,
María de Buenos Aires
(Kentucky Opera); Lupita,
Cruzar la Cara de la Luna;
Carlotta de Obragón,
Zorro
(Opera Santa Barbara); Renata,
Cruzar la Cara de la Luna
(West Edge Opera);
Rosina,
The Barber of Seville
(Princeton Festival); Ruth Bader Ginsburg,
Scalia/Ginsburg
(Chautauqua Opera);
Luisa Fernanda,
Luisa Fernanda
(Opera Hispánica, Opera Williamsburg)
Upcoming:
Una Niña,
Ainadamar
(Metropolitan Opera); Jo,
Little Women
(Fort Worth Opera);
Isabella,
L'Italiana in Algeri
(Opera in the Heights); Mrs. Fox,
Fantastic Mr. Fox
(Opera Omaha)
Alex Taylor
Benoit / Alcindoro,
La Bohème
Hometown:
Beloit, WI
Madison Opera Debut:
Mother,
The Seven Deadly Sins
(2023)
Recently at MO:
Don Basilio,
The Barber of Seville
Recently:
Green Shirt Guy,
Mel Rides the Bus Alone
(Pittsburgh Opera)
Levi Hernandez
Dr. Bartolo,
The Barber of Seville
Hometown:
El Paso, TX
Madison Opera Debut:
Papageno,
The Magic Flute
(2006)
Recent at MO:
Alvaro,
Florencia en el Amazonas
; Opera in the Park 2018
Recently:
Diego Rivera,
El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego
(Opera Omaha);
Tonio,
Pagliacci
(Hawaii Opera Theatre); Dandini,
La Cenerentol
a (Boston Lyric Opera);
Peter,
Hansel and Gretel
(Opera San Antonio); Lescaut,
Manon Lescaut
(North Carolina Opera)
Upcoming:
Lescaut,
Manon Lescaut
(Washington National Opera); Benoit/Alcindoro,
La Bohèm
e (Lyric Opera of Chicago);
Alvaro,
Florencia en el Amazonas
(North Carolina Opera)
Benjamin Taylor
Figaro,
The Barber of Seville
Hometown:
Waldorf, MD
Madison Opera Debut:
Silvio,
Pagliacci
(2018)
Recently:
Bello,
La Fanciulla del West
(Bayerische Staatsoper); Moralès,
Carmen
(Metropolitan Opera);
Guglielmo,
Così fan tutte
(Princeton Symphony); Jan Nyman,
Breaking the Waves
(Detroit Opera);
Silvio,
Pagliacci
(Austin Opera)
Upcoming:
Marcello,
La Bohèm
e (Arizona Opera); Jake,
Porgy and Bess
(Washington National Opera);
Schaunard,
La Bohème
(Charleston Opera Theater)
Katerina Burton
Donna Anna,
Don Giovanni
Hometown:
Ocean City, MD
Madison Opera Debut:
Opera in the Park 2024
Recently:
Mimì,
La Bohème;
Verna/Young Lovely/Evelyn,
Fire Shut Up in My Bones
(Opera Theatre of Saint Louis);
JFK: The Last Spee
ch
(National Symphony Orchestra); Britten’s
War Requiem
(Strathmore Music Center);
Russian Chamber Art Society; Postclassical Ensemble Concert (The Kennedy Center); Girlfriend 2,
Blue
Micaëla,
Carmen
(Washington National Opera); Alice Ford,
Falstaff
(Aspen Music Festival);
US