PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 152695 S. COLORADO BLVD., STE 20

DENVER, CO 80246

OVATION!news, events and activities of opera colorado | summer 2015

C E L E B R A T 1 O N

Robe

rt Go

dwin

pho

to

2015 THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT I Donizetti

RIGOLETTO I Verdi

SALOME I R. Strauss

LA FINTA GIARDINIERA I Mozart

COLD MOUNTAIN I World Premiere

Composer Jennifer HigdonLibrettist Gene ScheerJU

LY 3

–AU

GUST

29

SantaFeOpera.org I 800-280-4654

OPENING NIGHTS SPONSOR Ask our partners about a special offer for Opera guests.

855-674-5401www.fourseasons.com/santafe

800-727-5531www.innatloretto.com

800-378-7946www.druryplazasantafe.com

800-955-4455www.eldoradohotel.com

Only in new MexicO. Only at THE SANTA FE OPERA.

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

4

“Now, we focus on the future, as we get ready to open a new opera season and celebrate our Honoree Ellie Caulkins and the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.”

– Greg Carpenter

FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTORb y G R E G C a R P E n T E R

Another great Opera Colorado season has come

to a close. Our productions of Madama Butterfl y and The Magic Flute were resounding artistic accomplishments and our ticket sales far exceeded expectations. Thank you for helping us to make the 2014-2015 Season a tremendous success!

Now, we focus on the future, as we get ready to open a new opera season and celebrate our Honoree Ellie Caulkins and the 10th

Anniversary of the opening of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Yes, it is diffi cult to believe that 10 years have passed since we moved from performances in Boettcher Concert Hall and the Buell Theatre to our home at The Ellie. To mark this occasion and to honor Ellie Caulkins we will present a 10th Anniversary Celebration on September

19, 2015. The centerpiece of the evening will be a concert with the Opera Colorado Orchestra featuring some of the artists who have appeared with Opera Colorado over the past 10 years, and previewing a few that might be joining us in future seasons. The Ellie Celebration will begin with a festive cocktail party and end with dinner and dancing.

Shortly after the Celebration we will offi cially open the 2015-2016 Season with Verdi’s Aida. It has been 20 years since our patrons experienced Aida in downtown Denver and we are thrilled to present a beautiful production with all of the pageantry, ballet and costuming that accompanies Verdi’s operatic masterpiece. We have assembled an exciting cast for the production led by one of our favorite directors David

Gately, who was last with us for The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville. Aida is sure to be a triumphal opening to the new season!

The season will round out in May of 2016 with the much anticipated world premiere of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter. In March we presented a one-hour reading of the educational touring version of the full-length opera, which was enthusiastically received by the audience and has begun to create signifi cant buzz. Leading up to the premiere, we will host a series of A List events designed to engage the community in discussions about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel, poetry readings and discussions with the librettist David Mason, and panel discussions about religious dogma and the repression of women in society. We will have more information about the A List events in the fall and we hope you will join us as we prepare for The Scarlet Letter.

It is also a great pleasure to welcome Ari Pelto as the fi rst Music Director in the history of Opera Colorado. Ari has been

our Artistic Advisor over the past two years and we now have the exciting opportunity to create this new position to help us craft an expanded artistic vision for the future of Opera Colorado. Ari will be conducting both of our 2015-2016 productions and will take the Music Director reigns in July of 2016.

I look forward to seeing you and your friends often in the 2015-2016 Season.

Greg CarpenterGeneral Director

Your Next Trip,Leave the Herd Behind.

Small Group Tours • 6-16 Guestswww.QLTours.com

(877) 865-6711Visit Our Offices in Centennial

In collaboration with the Steamboat All Arts Festival presents...

CANDIDE: Jonathan Blalock PANGLOSS: John Clayton Seesholtz OLD LADY: Andrey Nemzer Directed by Erica Olden Conductor & Artistic Director: Andres Cladera

Additional performances by the Opera Artist Institute: Child and the Spells by Maurice Ravel, and Bon Appetit by Lee Hoiby Friday Aug. 14 at 7:30pm and Saturday, August 15 at 1:30pm

Call for Reservations: 888-627-7042 Discount code: Emerald City Opera

This summer in Steamboat Springs

Information and Tickets: Emeraldcityopera.com

970-879-1996

1000 musicians ATATATAT

8000 feetATATATAT

8000 feetfeetfeet8000 feet 1000 musicians

1000 musicians ATATATAT musicians musicians ATATATATAT

feetfeetfeetfeetfeetfeetfeetfeet 1000 musicians

Enjoy � ve full orchestras, three staged operas, chamber music, children’s events, lectures, and more at America’s premier classical music festival.

ROBERT SPANO Music DirectorALAN FLETCHER President and CEO www.aspenmusicfestival.com

tickets on sale now!970 925 9042

ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SCHOOL More than 300 events | July 2–August 23, 2015

tickets on sale now!

interior landscapes that delight the senses

kitchensofcolorado.com

Aspen970.925.8579

Denver303.399.4564

Crested Butte970.349.5023

Steamboat Springs970.879.9222

Telluride970.728.3359

Vail970.949.5500

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

8

As we prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opera house, I fi nd myself refl ecting on how lucky I am

to be part of its history. It all started when, as a stay-at-home mother of four kids, I decided to go back to school as an English major at the University of Colorado, Denver. When I sat down in a class called “Opera as Drama,” the professor played a few popular selections for us non-musicians—the “Triumphal March” from Aida, the love duet from La Bohéme, and a patriotic song from Don Carlo—and asked us to write down how they made us feel. I knew I was hooked. I didn’t know how to read a “libretto” or who the famous singers were; I just knew I had found the thing that I loved.

Eventually, I got involved with the Metropolitan Opera and its auditions program for young singers, and when Nat Merrill came to Denver wanting to start a new opera company in-the-round at Boettcher Concert Hall, I jumped into that, too. We did marvelous productions with famous singers, but performing in-the-round had its challenges. Buell Theatre’s acoustics are more suited to Broadway

shows than to opera, and the historic Quigg Newton Denver Municipal Auditorium (built in 1908 to host the Democratic National Convention and used again 100 years later for the historic 2008 DNC) was in danger of being condemned for civic safety violations. Thankfully, in 2002, the citizens of Denver voted to pass a $75 million bond issue and allocate $25 million of the General Fund to fi nance the renovation of the aging Auditorium Theatre into what is now this world-class opera house where we produce classic and contemporary works with state-of-the-art technical and acoustical features. Thank you, Denver, for your generosity and vision in making that happen.

But that was not quite enough to make the building spectacular for opera. Fundraising began to assure that all the “bells and whistles” would be included. That’s when Jack Finlaw, Jeremy Shamos and others, including, of course, our Mayor—now Governor—John Hickenlooper (always an arts advocate and friend of my children), secretly met with my husband George to ask him to make a contribution

b y E L L i E C a U L K i n s

Please join me in celebrating a decade of artistry in Denver’s legendary grand opera house.

10 YEARS AND COUNTING

s u m m e r 2 0 1 5 o v a T i o n !

9

to help convert the building from a place for graduations, wrestling matches, and conventions into a true lyric opera house. In January 2004, when my husband and I walked into the Hotel Teatro to attend what I thought was going to be a routine meeting on construction progress, I looked around and saw all these well-known people and thought, “Uh-oh, this is going to be a fundraiser and George is going to hate it.” I was absolutely stunned when the mayor

unveiled a plaque that said “The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Given by her family.” It was a magical moment for me, even if not precisely accurate, as it was really the wonderful voters of Denver who paid for most of it.

Opening night in September 2005 presented some of the opera world’s stars, including soprano Renée Fleming and bass-baritone James Morris. Now, 10 years later on September 19, 2015, we will host another gala evening with some of our favorite artists—past, present, and future. As we refl ect on our colorful history and look forward to all that is yet to come, let’s also enjoy what we are lucky to have today: an opera company that honors tradition and welcomes innovation. Opera is a hard business; here in Denver, it will always compete with major league sports and the mountains, but we know that opera can touch your heart and bring you magic. I have always said opera is eternal, and anyone who hears La Bohéme for the fi rst time will be as smitten as I was.

Today, Opera Colorado enjoys good health. Through our Young Artists and our robust education programs, as well as mainstage and smaller venue productions, we will continue to offer performances that move us all to a “better place.” That is what grand opera done grandly can do. Our mission is to keep opera vibrant and to share the experience with a wider audience than ever before. We have great opportunities here in Denver and beyond. I know this opera house will always be our home, and on the eve of its 10th anniversary, it is time to throw a party. I hope you will join us. Bravo, Opera Colorado!

“Opera is a hard business; here in Denver it will always compete with major league sports and the mountains, but we know that opera can touch your heart and bring you magic.” – Ellie Caulkins

Ellie Caulkins and Family at the Hotel Teatro, January 2004.

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

10

Last month, Opera Colorado appointed Ari Pelto as the fi rst Music Director in its history. Pelto will serve as Music

Director Designee beginning July 1, 2015 and take the helm as Music Director beginning July 1, 2016. Ari Pelto will fi ll an important new role with the Company as he partners with General Director Greg Carpenter to further Opera Colorado’s mission, increase and diversify our programming and repertory, build the national scope of the Young Artists program and further extend Opera Colorado’s reach into the community.

Opera Colorado also recently extended Greg Carpenter’s role as General Director through 2018 with a renewed contract.

As Greg Carpenter put it, “This is an exciting moment in the history of Opera Colorado. Our hard work over the past few years has provided us with the necessary platform so that we may take risks and fi nd ways to reach a variety of audiences. As we look to the future, we need an artistic leader who can continue to push the genre forward.”

Pelto’s long relationship with Opera Colorado began in 2013 with his appointment as Artistic Advisor following his acclaimed debut conducting Don Giovanni. He has also conducted at opera companies across the country including New York City Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Boston Lyric Opera, Minnesota Opera, Portland Opera and Utah Opera.

“From the fi rst moments rehearsing Don Giovanni with the singers, orchestra and chorus of Opera Colorado in the spring of 2013, I knew this was a company to love,” said Ari Pelto. “I’m deeply honored to take the musical reins of Opera Colorado and I look forward to a long and productive partnership with Greg Carpenter, bringing high-level and inspired work to Denver.”

“Working with Ari over the past two years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my tenure at Opera Colorado” said Greg Carpenter. He is a talented conductor who is admired by both the singers and the Opera Colorado Orchestra, and his musical network is vast. Ari has embraced

our community of supporters and they too have welcomed him as part of our family. He is the exact partner I need in creating an exhilarating future for Opera Colorado.”

Greg Carpenter and Ari Pelto will be responsible for selecting repertoire for mainstage productions and new works for development, determining the talent for each production and establishing a creative vision for Opera Colorado’s future that both sustains the quality of work presented and broadens the Company’s presence. Maestro Pelto will continue to conduct several productions each year,

including the upcoming world premiere of the new American opera The Scarlet Letter in 2016.

“Greg Carpenter and Ari Pelto have been a vital part of Opera Colorado’s success, presenting excellent programming that has been positively received by our community, actively engaging our youth in educational programming and simultaneously building a solid fi nancial foundation for our growth moving forward,” said Michael Bock, Chairman of Opera Colorado’s Board of Directors. “We are all thrilled to now extend Greg’s role as General Director and bring Ari on board as our fi rst Music Director as we look towards the future and continued evolution of Opera Colorado.”

ARI PELTO APPOINTEDOPERA COLORADO’S FIRST MUSIC DIRECTORb y o P E R a C o L o R a d o

“I’m deeply honored to take the musical reins of Opera Colorado and I look forward to a long and productive partnership with Greg Carpenter, bringing high-level and inspired work to Denver.”

– Ari Pelto

www.csbt.com | Aaron Azari | 303.864.7220

You want someone to help create and grow your wealth, but just as important is a partner truly dedicated to helping protect it for you and your family.

Visit with a wealth advisor today to create a personalized plan to help your dreams come to life.

You’re Protecting MoreThan Just Your Wealth

PRIVATE BANKING | FIDUCIARY SERVICES | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | FINANCIAL PLANNING | SPECIALTY ASSET MANAGEMENT | INSURANCE

© 2015 Colorado State Bank and Trust, a division of BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Private Bank at Colorado State Bank and Trust provides products and services through BOKF, NA and its various affiliates and subsidiaries.

Investments and insurance are not insured by the FDIC; are not deposits or other obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, any bank or bank affiliate. All investments are subject to risks, including possible loss of principal. Securities offered through BOSC, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Eddie Haywood, circa 1947. William Gottlieb

930 Lincoln St Denver CO

RSVP 303.839.5100 dazzlejazz.com#dazzlejazz

listen more.

The Opera is a great show…but this is something you just can’t miss!Train departs daily May 23-Oct. 18, 2015Antonito, CO & Chama, NM

EXPERIENCE THE AUTHENTIC WEST

{ National Historic Landmark}

ColoradoMountainTrain.com1.888.286.2737

Collaborate with one of our artisans to create a one of a kind treasure

for any occasion.

9886 W. Belleview Ave. • Littleton, CO

303.973.9102

If you can imagine it, we can create your custom jewelry.

www.intriguejewelers.net

• Custom • Bridal • RepairsCustomize your old ring into

a precious keepsake.15% off repairs with this adRepairs in one week or less

Custom Jewelry

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

14

In January of 2013 I was living in New York City, working 40 hours a week at Starbucks, spending my days off at a

church choir gig and doing odd jobs; all while trying to keep the dream of singing alive. It had become such an exhausting existence that I had to cut down on the pursuit of my dream, just to survive. I loathed myself for it. After all, why was I there, if not to steadfastly chase my dream? I had one last audition for the season, and I thought my life. So, I hopped on a plane and headed for Denver.

The audition did not go as planned. I tripped down a few stairs upon entering the room, and proceeded to forget the introduction I was supposed to deliver before my fi rst piece. To make matters worse, in my second aria, I completely botched the lyrics, which were in English. Needless to say, I left knowing I wouldn’t get the job. Then, a few hours later, I got a phone call from Cherity Koepke, Director of the Young Artists program, that not only changed the trajectory of my career, it changed my life.

After my fi rst season as a young artist, I was lucky to be invited back for a second season. For those of you wondering, the second audition went much better than the fi rst. I managed not to trip or forget any lyrics. The past two years have helped me recapture the life I dreamed of living. Thanks to this program, and the people I have worked with throughout, I have rediscovered my passion for this art form, my innate talents and the joy that comes from feeling

comfortable in my own skin. These lessons did not come easy, I promise you. From day one, everything I thought I knew was challenged and pushed to the limit. In order to survive this program, I had to step out of my comfort zone and accept the premise that Cherity and General Director Greg Carpenter had my best interests in mind. This was a mighty struggle for me and

my cynicism. A struggle made easier thanks in great part to the incredible community of Opera Colorado.

Many of you reading this know the rigors of our program, and the wonderful opportunities provided to us. I cannot overemphasize the paramount signifi cance of constant performance, in what I have learned in the program. The lessons in acting and singing I have gleaned from daily community shows and performing in the mainstage productions are immeasurable. Greater development cannot be found in a studio. Yet, it is my personal growth, in tandem with my professional progress, of which I am the most proud. Thanks to my mentors at Opera Colorado, I have acquired essential attributes necessary to be a good person, in any pursuit. The models provided to me by Cherity, Greg, Ari Pelto, Music Director Designee, and many others, have given me a new sense of humility, integrity, professionalism and kindness. The way I was welcomed into this community by the many volunteers, board members and staff allowed me the freedom to leave the pessimistic cynic behind and rediscover the beauty of a life dedicated to art. For these reasons, and many more, to which words do not do justice, Opera Colorado has become my professional home. Although my time as a Young Artist has come to an end, it is my fervent hope, and intention, to maintain strong ties to this company and community. Hopefully, the work I’ve done here and the relationships I’ve built will carry me to future success. If it does, I owe it to this magnifi cent company and the people who make it great. I look forward with joy to the next time I walk onto the Ellie stage, because in that moment I will know I am home.

OPERA COLORADO, MY HOMEb y b R E T T s P R a G U E

July 11 - August 9303.292.6700 | CentralCityOpera.org

See shows in Central City and on the road in Colorado from Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs. Tickets start at $25. Purchase two shows and save up to 25%!

La Traviata | Man of La Mancha | The Prodigal SonDon Quixote and the Duchess

Extraordinary stories of romance and adventure.

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

16

OPENING NIGHT DINNERAT THE NICKELJoin Opera Colorado for opening night festivities. Enjoy an all-inclusive dining experience before the performance at The Nickel, located in Hotel Teatro (across the street from the Performing Arts Complex).

Cocktails begin at 5PM followed by a three-course meal. After the performance, join Opera Colorado for a VIP Dessert Reception with the cast in the Chambers Grant Salon at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Aida | Sat., November 7, 2015 | 5PMThe Nickel | 1100 14th Street, Denver

$125 per person per dinner. Ticket to the opera sold separately.Purchase Opening Night Dinner online at operacolorado.org or call Patron Services at 303.468.2030.

GUEST STARRING

DATE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015

TIME

5:30PM Cocktail Reception7PM Concert

8:30PM Dinner

ATTIRE

Black Tie

LOCATION

Ellie Caulkins Opera House 14th & Curtis Streets, Denver

MORE INFORAMTION

Visit operacolorado.org or call Ellen Robinson at 303.698.1151.

Pamela Armstrong, sopranoJonathan Boyd, tenorSandy Piques Eddy,

mezzo-sopranoDana Beth Miller, mezzo-soprano

Jay Hunter Morris, tenorMarco Nistico, baritone

Eric Owens, bassBrett Sprague, tenor

Monica Yunus, soprano

Join us in honoring Ellie Caulkins and Celebratingthe 10th Anniversary of the Opening of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Featuring opera favorites conducted by Maestro Ari Peltowith the Opera Colorado Orchestra.

Greenwood Village, COwww.brcinvest.com

behavioral

quantitative

fundamental

Providing professional investment advisory services for institutional and high-net-worth clients since 2005

CaRRoL BoYes

Cherry Creek North | 290 Fillmore Street, Denver

303.388.8877 | eccentricity.com

Enduring and beautiful, a personal memorial can serve as a lasting tribute to yourlife and a legacy for future generations. That’s why it’s a good idea to make your finalarrangements in advance so that they reflect your unique needs, hopes and aspirations.

Only a Dignity Memorial® provider can capture life’s essence by helping you secure afinal resting place that’s truly a reflection of you.

Call or visit us today to learn more.

OLINGER FUNERAL HOMES AND CEMETERIES

OLINGER MOUNT LINDO Cemetery

5928 South Turkey Creek Rd.Morrison, CO

303-771-3960OlingerMountLindoCemetery.com

OLINGER CHAPEL HILL Mortuary and Cemetery

6601 South Colorado Blvd.Centennial, CO

303-771-3960OlingerChapelHillCemetery.com

OLINGER CROWN HILL Mortuary and Cemetery

7777 West 29th Ave.Wheat Ridge, CO

303-233-4611OlingerCrownHillCemetery.com

THE COST OF LIVING KEEPS GOING UP.

The cost of lasting remembrance doesn’t have to.

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

20

OPERA COLORADO ENSEMBLE ATCHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVALAs a part of Cherry Creek Arts Festival, stop by the Grand Center Court inside Cherry Creek Shopping Center on the Fourth of July Weekend to hear Opera Colorado’s Ensemble perform favorites from classic opera repertoire.Sun., July 5, 2015 | 1PMCherry Creek Shopping CenterFree performance, tickets not required.More info at operacolorado.org

PATRON DAYBe the fi rst to get your single tickets for 2015-2016 performances. Street parking is free downtown on Sundays. Come to Patron Day at the Performing Arts Complex, enjoy refreshments, purchase single or season tickets and make exchanges. All with no handling fees.Sun., August 2, 2015 | 11AM-3PMEllie Caulkins Opera House

ELLIE CELEBRATIONHonoring Ellie Caulkins and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of The Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Please join us for this performance featuring opera favorites performed with the Opera Colorado Orchestra.Sat., September 19, 2015Ellie Caulkins Opera House

YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASEHelp Opera Colorado welcome the 2015-2016 Young Artists to Coloradofor their eight-month residency. YoungArtists play a vital role as the voice and face of Opera Colorado in the community. They perform throughout the season in school and community centers across the State. Take advantage of this special opportunity to meet them, make them feel welcomed and to hear them sing.Fri., October 2, 20155:30PM cocktails/6PM performanceStudio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera HouseGeneral Admission $10Free for Red Dot Patron and above donors.Buy tickets online at operacolorado.org or call 303.468.2030.

MEET THE ARTISTSCome down to the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during the lunch hour to hear discussions about the production with General Director Greg Carpenter, the artists, conductorand director.

Aida ArtistsWed., October 28, 2015 | 12PMStudio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera HouseThe Scarlet Letter ArtistsWed., April 27, 2016 | 12PMStudio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera HouseNo reservations required. Free events.

DONOR EVENTSITZPROBE BRUNCH & REHEARSALSitzprobe n. German: A fi rst on-stage rehearsal of an opera with singers and musicians but without scenery or costumes. Enjoy a buffet brunch at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House, then come to this exclusive insiders experience – the Sitzprobe rehearsal.

AidaSun., November 1, 201512:30PM Brunch | 2PM RehearsalFree for Red Dot Patron and above donors.$35 per person for all other donorsBuy tickets online at operacolorado.org or call 303.468.2030.

FAMILY DAY AT THE OPERAFor the entire family! Starring Opera Colorado’s Young Artists performing the company’s touring production sung in English. Explore the wonders of opera and the opera house.

Sat. January 30, 2016Ellie Caulkins Opera HouseFree to the public, RSVP required.Tickets available online beginning October 5, 2015Sponsored by PB & K Family Foundation.

YOUNG ARTISTS FAREWELLJoin Opera Colorado in saying farewellto the 2015-2016 Young Artists. Take advantage of this special opportunity to hear to them sing a short recital, and to observe fi rst-hand their development over the course of their eight-month residency.Sun., May 22, 2016 | 2PMStudio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera HouseGeneral Admission $10Free for Red Dot Patron and above donorsBuy tickets online at operacolorado.org or call 303.468.2030.

HAPPENINGS AT OPERA COLORADO

FOR MORE AND UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT PERFORMANCES ANDEVENTS AT OPERA COLORADO, PLEASE VISIT OPERACOLORADO.ORG.

Inspiring results ... TogetherCAM.ucdenver.edu | 303.556.2279

CAMAdvising@ucdenver.edu

Film & VideoProduction

Visual Arts &Digital Media

Music & Entertainment Industry

ETC.

Open Daily | Jackson Hole, WY | 307-733-5771 | WildlifeArt.org

© Ai Weiwei, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads:

Bronze, 2010, 134 x 66 x 77 inches Images courtesy of the artist.

Spend $60 on dinner & get any bottle of wine at 1/2 off

(ordered with this theatre promotion)

303.862.98502449 Larimer St. • Denver CO 80209

amerigodelicatus.com

The best comfort food in town will warm your soul$1.00 Tilapia Tuesdays

75 cent PBRs during Happy HourKids Eat Free on Sundays

1311 S. BroadwayDenver, CO

80210720-570-5103

2175 SheridanEdgewater, CO

80214303-232-2128

5325 E. ColfaxDenver, CO

80220303-333-4551

Now with 3 locations:

www.gbfishandchips.com

This elegant liquor store was among the first shops to help launch the revitalization of Highlands Square. Mondo Vino attracts customers with a fine selection of beer, wine and spirits, and features a staff that is quick with a suggestion.

Stop in for a bottle of something; you’ll leave with two.

303.458.3858 • 3601 W. 32nd Ave.MondoVinoDenver.com

Just 3 blocks from the theater complex 909 17th Street at Champa

Call 303.296.3525 for reservations

Four Diamonds AAAFour Stars - 5280 magazine

The Cheesecake Factory features an extensive and creativemenu of more than 200 dishes made fresh from scratch,along with more than 50 low-calorie “SkinnyLicious™”

dishes and 50 signature cheesecakes & desserts.Enjoy lunch, dinner, late night dining

and Sunday Brunch.

1201 16th Street • Tabor Center • Denver(Just a short walk from the Performing Arts Complex,

at the corner of 16th & Larimer St.

303-595-0333www.thecheesecakefactory.com

Authentic Lebanese & Moroccan Restaurant

sahararestaurant.net9636 E. Arapahoe Rd.

Greenwood Village, CO 80112 303-790-4707

FREE Baklava – Per Table

R

A DIVERSIFIED EATERYNOW OPEN!

3927 W 32ND AVE • DENVERSOLITAIRERESTAURANT.COM

FACEBOOK/SOLITAIRERESTAURANT

Open 7Days A WeekSun-Thurs 10:45-10

Fri, Sat 10:45-11

Happy HourMon-Fri 2-5pm

1/2 PRICEENTREE

Buy any entree, get 2ndof equal or lesser value

1/2 price.Limit 1 coupon per table/not valid at happy hour

FREEMARGARITA

Buy 16 oz. HouseMargarita, get 2nd ofequal or lesser value.

Limit 1 coupon per table/not valid at happy hour

GOLDEN17535 S. Golden Rd.

303-278-0363LAKEWOOD

1535 S. Kipling Pkwy.303-988-2580

THORNTON12020 Pennsylvania St.

303-254-5555

ARVADA12391 W. 64th Ave.

303-423-1307AURORA

2790 S. Havana St.720-748-1260

EVERGREEN1193 Bergen Pkwy.

303-679-1913

GOLDEN17535 S. Golden Rd.

303-278-0363LAKEWOOD

1535 S. Kipling Pkwy.303-988-2580

THORNTON12020 Pennsylvania St.

303-254-5555

ARVADA12391 W. 64th Ave.

303-423-1307AURORA

2790 S. Havana St.720-748-1260

EVERGREEN1193 Bergen Pkwy.

303-679-1913

www.tequilasmexrest.comwww.tequilasmexrest.com

Our Sport & Stage menu is specifically designed for you to enjoy a fantastic dinner and make it on time for the show. Three-courses available pre-theatre, only offered during 5pm - 6:30pm reservations.

1111 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202 5pm - 6:30pm$60 per person

Complimentary Valet Parking

For Reservations Call 303-389-3050 or visit www.edgerestaurantdenver.com

Dine Greatand you won’t be late.

Creating a new opera is a bit like running for President—it costs a fortune, involves armies of devoted people and

often results in ignominious defeat. The fact that Lori Laitman’s operatic adaptation of Hawthorne’s canonical novel, The Scarlet Letter, will be magnificently staged in Denver in May 2016 is nearly miraculous. I say nearly, because it isn’t being done by magic or with god-like powers. The work to make this opera happen is in the hands of talented, hard-working human beings—from fund raisers to set designers and builders to the creative team to the musicians who will embody Laitman’s gorgeous music. When I remember it’s my words they will be singing, not Hawthorne’s, I’m shocked.

Poets are used to working solo and can even grow fond of their obscurity, but in the past decade I have found it invigorating to collaborate with composers like Lori on new works for the stage. The Scarlet Letter was commissioned by the University of Central Arkansas through Robert Holden and the UCA opera program. Lori and I discussed several possible books, and landed on Hawthorne’s classic for two reasons: it was perfect for opera and it was free.

Lori is a rarity among composers for the manner in which she treats the written word as inspiration. Once we had our

book, I started thinking about the libretto. I knew Hawthorne’s dense thickets of prose had to be cut back to singable lines, and I knew we had to deal somehow with the passage of time in the story—the growth of Hester Prynne’s daughter, Pearl, and the conclusion where the entirety of the story recedes into the distant American past. Poetry and drama are ways of reshaping time, and music keeps time of its own—this was an opportunity to use everything we knew about our arts.

Re-reading the story, I could see it plain: big chorus scenes at the beginning (when Hester mounts the scaffold with her baby, bravely facing her accusers) and at the end when the truth comes out. I relished the chance to write Hester’s lullaby, demonstrating her love for Pearl at all costs, and a witch’s song, or mad song, when Mistress Hibbons confronts the hypocritical Reverend Dimmesdale in the forest:

b y d a v i d m a s o n

Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter to be delivered in Denver at last

BRINGING A CLASSIC TO THE STAGE

The Forest set sketch for Opera Colorado’s world premiere. Set design by Erhard Rom.

The simple geometry of Hawthorne’s central relationships is cast into relief by the larger community–a very American story of individual aspiration in conflict with society.

s u m m e r 2 0 1 5 o v a T i o n !

25

For more information about Opera Colorado’s world premiere of The Scarlet Letter andA-List events, visit operacolorado.org.

Hester and Pearlcostume sketches forOpera Colorado’s worldpremiere. Costumedesign by Terese Wadden.

“Who do you think you are? / I see you have been kissed. / You hide your dark desire. . . .” I could give Dimmesdale an anguished tenor aria for his dark night of the soul, and write a love duet for him and Hester in the forest. And I could write psychologically complex scenes, such as the confrontations between Hester and her husband, who is also a dissembler in the guise of Roger Chillingworth.

The simple geometry of Hawthorne’s central relationships is cast into relief by the larger community—a very American story of individual aspiration in confl ict with society. But the community, in turn, is a constrained circle in the larger context of Nature—the sea these people have crossed to come to the New World, and the forest moving westward, populated by indigenous people visible at the fringes of the Christian settlement. Ultimately, both novel and opera question the nature of human beings. As Hester sings in Act Two: “Into the wilderness / the spirit goes. / No one can stop it being free.” But the Calvinist in Dimmesdale can’t see a way clear—he’s already branded by his guilt: “Hester, I am not strong like you. / Hester, I’ll not live long like you.”

The job of the librettist is to give the composer words to set and dramatic situations, characters in confl ict. I elected to use simple measures, often but not always accompanied by rhyme. The complex musical structures Lori Laitman has built for those words leave me deeply moved every time I hear them. Hearing the great singers cast for these roles in Denver and seeing the brilliant staging of Beth Greenberg and conducting of Ari Pelto will be a dream.

All of this was to have happened in 2013, of course, and when fundraising shortfalls caused a delay we had a taste of that ignominious defeat I mentioned earlier. Luckily for us all, Greg Carpenter and his staff have persevered. We have a superb cast, with Elizabeth Futral, Dominic Armstrong and Malcolm MacKenzie as Hester, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. A veritable army of talented people is moving into place, eager to make an intense drama come alive. That’s the kind of courage and patience opera demands.

David Mason was poet laureate of Colorado from 2010 to2014. His books include The Scarlet Libretto, Ludlow: A Verse Novel, and Sea Salt: Poems of a Decade.

LORI LAITMAN MAY 7|10|13|15|2016

Denver CO Opera Magazine Ad.indd 4 11/28/12 10:48 AM

CIRQUEDUSOLEIL .COM/KURIOS#KURIOS

J U N E 1 1 - J U LY 2 6PEPSI CENTER GROUNDS

UN DE R T H E BIG T OP

OFFICIAL SPONSORSPRESENTED BY – In association with –

“YOU ALWAYS THINK THAT CIRQUE CAN’T SURPRISE YOU AGAIN... THEN THEY GO AND SURPRISE YOU AGAIN!

THRILLING, DARING AND FULL OF IM AGINATION. WONDERFUL!”

– GREG MOODY

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

28

From September through May, Opera Colorado’s staff increases in size by fi ve with the addition of the Young

Artists. Many of you follow their development, watching as they hone their skills and grow into more experienced, mature artists. Before all of this, however, the Young Artists are chosen through an intense and extensive process.

Each season, Opera Colorado holds national auditions in Denver to select the Young Artists. Information packets are prepared for candidates that are specifi c to the upcoming season, including everything from the roles and repertoire needed to the housing and transportation details. This information is posted on a website called YAP Tracker (Young Artist Program), which serves as a resource for emerging artists to fi nd out more about programs throughout the world. Through this site, artists submit their materials, and we contact applicants to schedule their auditions. Opera Colorado also posts the audition information on its website and Facebook page, as well as distributing it nationally to vocal programs.

Did you know that singers have to pay a fee to submit

an application? This little known fact about this business applies to everyone, regardless of whether or not they are selected for an audition. Opera Colorado’s fee is $35; some companies charge $75-$100. Why charge a fee? The reasons are different for each company, but in Opera Colorado’s case, the fee covers our rental of the audition space, the accompanist hired for the audition and the YAP Tracker usage fees. The goal is to break even on costs, not to generate revenue.

Once applications are submitted, we review them through a prescreening process. Each applicant gets attention regardless of their experience. We keep the process fair by giving everyone a chance to be considered. After the deadline for submitting applications has passed, the Company contacts each artist to inform them of their status – invited to the live audition, rejected or wait listed. It is a diffi cult process. Opera Colorado offers feedback from the auditions to each applicant who requests it in order to help them continue in their pursuits.

After all of the auditions are scheduled, logistical details

SO YOU WANT TO BE A YOUNG ARTIST?b y C H E R i T y K o E P K E , o P E R a C o L o R a d o y o U n G a R T i s T s d i R E C T o R

continues on page 31

Carmina BuranaMAY 20-22 FRI-SAT 7:30 T SUN 1:00

Opening Weekend: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1SEPT 18-20 FRI-SAT 7:30 T SUN 1:00Andrew Litton, conductor Alessio Bax, piano

Elgar “Enigma Variations”OCT 16-17 FRI-SAT 7:30Courtney Lewis, conductor Courtney Hershey Bress, harp

Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3NOV 6-8 FRI-SAT 7:30 T SUN 1:00Andrew Litton, conductor Denis Kozhukhin, piano

Shakespeare Festival: Romeo And JulietMAR 18-20 FRI-SAT 7:30 T SUN 1:00Colorado Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe, director

Carmina BuranaMAY 20-22 FRI-SAT 7:30 T SUN 1:00Andrew Litton, conductor Colorado Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe, director Colorado Children’s Chorale, Deborah DeSantis, artistic director

Ticketscoloradosymphony.org | 303.623.7876

box office mon-fri 10 am - 6 pm T sat 12 pm - 6 pm

2 0 1 5 / 1 6 S E A S O N A N N O U N C E D

Masterworks Highlights

For Local Service Call

888.541.2648

For the Fine Arton Your Floors

WORLD’S MOST EXPERIENCED CLEANERS OF AIR DUCTS, CARPET,

UPHOLSTERY, DRAPERY, AREA RUGS, NATURAL STONE AND TILE & GROUT

y Hand Cleaning by Coit’s Experts

y Repair, Reweave, Restore

y Pickup and Delivery

y Guaranteed Cleaning

y Free Estimates

For Local Service Call

888.541.2648

Honor Those You Love

A Locally Owned & Operated Mortuary

1534 Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80203www.monarchsociety.cominfo@monarchsociety.com

303.837.8712 (24/7)

• Accredited Professional Team

• Serving All Faiths• Grief Support

• On-Site Crematory• Available Statewide,

24/7• Pre-Plan Savings &

Veteran’s Benefits

With the Choice of Monarch Society“Thank you to each & everyone at Monarch Society

for your help, support, kindness & compassion. We will be forever grateful” - P & D

ENJOY THE FREEDOM

ICON makes it easier to enjoythe activities you love

ICONEYECARE.COM

720.524.1001

LASIK | Cataracts | Glaucoma | Pterygium Removal | Corneal Crosslinking | Eyelid Surgery

Wine, dine and unwind: Date night at four seasons

Take advantage of our Wine, Dine and Unwind offer and indulge in the ultimate “Date Night” experience. Begin your weekend escape with two complimentary cocktails at EDGE Bar. Unwind in our indoor and outdoor whirlpools, or pamper yourself at our urban spa sanctuary. Next, savor local ingredients at EDGE Restaurant, our progressive American steakhouse, with a delicious three-course prix xe dinner for two before retureturning to your room where a romantic treat awaits. In the morning, sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed at your convenience. For reservations, contact your travel consultant, Four Seasons at 1-800-332-3442 or the Hotel directly at 1-303-389-3000. Or visit www.fourseasons.com/denver/packages

for the big day must fall into place. This includes organizing volunteers to help candidates navigate the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, giving security a list of each person’s name, hiring the accompanist, organizing and printing materials for the candidates and the list goes on. Opera Colorado also uses proctors for auditions. A proctor manages the auditions outside of the room where the actual singing takes place. They help welcome the candidates and sign them in, manage the warm up spaces, work with the judges to know when to send in the next singer, answer candidate’s questions and much more.

As a team Cherity Koepke, Director of the Young Artists Program; Greg Carpenter, General Director, and Opera Colorado’s newly announced Music Director Designee, Ari Pelto listen to every audition. This collaborative approach is an asset that sets Opera Colorado’s program apart from others. For the 2015-2016 season, Opera Colorado will have five Young Artists who were selected together, enabling a true team spirit – an essential ingredient for success.

Quickly after the completion of auditions, offers begin for the top choices. Opera Colorado will make offers within two to three days of auditions. This strategy has proven effective, top choices have been secured for the past three seasons, this season being no exception.

Once offers are accepted, letters of agreement and official contracts are sent to the successful candidates. After all contracts are signed, Opera Colorado releases an announcement to the public of the upcoming Young Artists, and the next round of work begins.

Selecting the Young Artists is hard work on all fronts. For the 2015-2016 auditions, Opera Colorado received 303 applications, heard over 90 live auditions and selected five.

Opera Colorado’s 2015-2016 Young Artists will begin their residency on September 28, 2015. During their residency, you will have the opportunity to watch their development and follow their journey; a journey that will be made all the more dynamic by knowing how they got here.

Join Opera Colorado on October 2, 2015 at 6PM to Welcome the 2015-2016 Young ArtistsThis Young Artists Showcase features a recital and reception in the Studio Loft of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

(see page 20 for details)

continued from page 28

Visit: cam.ucdenver.edu/LYNXSummerCamps | Call: 303-556-4797

PhotographyDigital Animation & 3D Graphics

Digital Design Movie ProductionMusic Industry

For More Information Contact: david.walter@ucdenver.edu

June 14th-26th 2015University of Colorado Denver

National Artsand Media Camp

Creating EXPERIENCESL I F E - C H A N G I N G

F O R H I G H S C H O O L S T U D E N T S

The Center Stage Club offers online versions of Opera Colorado Magazine for

patrons to read before performances. And, check out upcoming metro-area performing arts events in the calendar.

CenterStageClub.com

The Center Stage Club is produced by Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications

.com

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

OTHELLOWITTENBERGHENRY VHENRY VI, PART 1

JUNE 5 - AUG. 92015

PRESENTED BY

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AS PRIMARYPRODUCING PARTNER

303-492-8008 • COLORADOSHAKES.ORG

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW OPERACOLORADO.ORG | 303.468.2030The 2015-2016 Season is sponsored by Ken & Donna Barrow. The Scarlet Letter is sponsored by Kennethand Donna Barrow, Dave and Pam Duke, Noël and Thomas Congdon, Jeremy and Susan Shamos, Joy Dinsdale, Daniel L. Ritchie, National Endowment for the Arts and Opera America.

NOV. 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 2015

MAY 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 2016

STAFF Greg Carpenter General Director

ADMINISTRATION

Darrel Curtice Director of Finance & Administration George Lopez Staff Accountant

ARTISTIC

Ari Pelto Music Director Designee

DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Camille Spaccavento Director of External Affairs & Marketing Joyce de Roos Volunteer Coordinator Molly Epstein Group Sales Associate Nicholas Geyer Development and Marketing Assistant Rachel Perez Marketing Manager Leah Podzimek Individual Giving and Grants Manager Resnicow + Associates Public Relations

EDUCATION

Cherity Koepke Director of Education & Community Engagement Betsy Schwarm Pre-Performance Lecturer

PATRON SERVICES

Tom Kirkpatrick Patron Services Manager Annette Brown Patron Services Assistant Indea Jaramillo Patron Services Assistant

PRODUCTION

Katie Preissner Production Manager Ann Piano Costume Director

YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

Cherity Koepke Director Allan Armstrong Resident Coach Accompanist

DIRECTORY TICKETS OperaColorado.org 303.468.2030

BOX OFFICE LOCATION 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 303.778.1500 695 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 20 Denver, CO 80246

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE 1106 14th Street (14th and Curtis Street)

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex,

owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Division of Arts & Venues

LOST AND FOUND 720.865.4220

DINING AT DPAC Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House 303.640.1012

Limelight Supper Club 720.227.9984

ONLINE RESERVATIONS Restaurantkevintaylor.com

BOARDoFFiCERs

Michael BockChairman

Marcia RobinsonPresident

Michael HughesChair EmeritusMartha Tracey

TreasurerCarol Crossin Whitley

Secretary and Vice PresidentDirk deRoos

Vice President

diRECToRs

Bruce AllenKenneth BarrowSheila Bisenius

Suzanne Dost BucyEllie Caulkins

Lifetime Honorary ChairDr. Larry ChanMary Conroy

Craig JohnsonThe Honorable Kenneth M. Laff

William ManiatisTracy McCarthy

Muffy French MooreKevin D. O’Connor

Kent RiceEx-Offi cio

Gerald SaulMerrill ShieldsShirley SmithByron WatsonBritney WeilLarry Zimmer

HonoRaRy diRECToRs

Susan AdamsNellie Mae Duman

Jack FinlawHugh Grant

Michael HughesDr. Charles Kafadar

Jeremy KinneyLoring W. Knoblauch

Lifetime Honorary DirectorPamela Merrill

Jeremy ShamosSusan ShamosHarry Sterling

Ovation! Magazine

and In-Theatre programs

are produced

for Opera Colorado

by The Publishing House.

Angie Flachman-JohnsonPublisher

Wilbur E. FlachmanPresident & Founder

Annette AllenArt Director

Production Coordinator

For advertising information303-428-9529

www.pub-house.com

www.coloradoartspubs.com

FIND US ON:

IRRESISTIBLE

INSPIRED

ICONIC

MACY’S • NEIMAN MARCUS • NORDSTROM

160 AMAZING STORES, OVER 40 EXCLUSIVE TO DENVER 3000 EAST F IRST AVENUE • DENVER, CO • SHOPCHERRYCREEK.COM

APPLE • BREITLING • BROOKS BROTHERS • BURBERRY • ELWAY’S

HYDE PARK • KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 • LACOSTE • LOUIS VUITTON

MONTBLANC • RALPH LAUREN • RESTORATION HARDWARE ROBERTO COIN • TIFFANY & CO. • TUMI

o v a T i o n ! s u m m e r 2 0 1 5

34

s u m m e r 2 0 1 5 o v a T i o n !

35

IRRESISTIBLE

INSPIRED

ICONIC

MACY’S • NEIMAN MARCUS • NORDSTROM

160 AMAZING STORES, OVER 40 EXCLUSIVE TO DENVER 3000 EAST F IRST AVENUE • DENVER, CO • SHOPCHERRYCREEK.COM

APPLE • BREITLING • BROOKS BROTHERS • BURBERRY • ELWAY’S

HYDE PARK • KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 • LACOSTE • LOUIS VUITTON

MONTBLANC • RALPH LAUREN • RESTORATION HARDWARE ROBERTO COIN • TIFFANY & CO. • TUMI

F L Â N E U R F O R E V E R

Denver The Shops at North Creek105 Fillmore Street (303) 388-0700

Hermes.com