1. art and entertainment
2. music
3. music genres
4. opera

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OPERA CONFERENCE 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. | MAY 6–9
HOSTED BY
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME
Letter from Marc A. Scorca...............................................................................................................2
Letter from Francesca Zambello and Michael Mael...........................................................3
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Honor Roll of Sponsors......................................................................................................................4
Exhibitors...............................................................................................................................................10
PROGRAM INFORMATION
General Information........................................................................................................................ 14
Get Connected.....................................................................................................................................16
Build Your Schedule.......................................................................................................................... 18
FULL AGENDA..................................................................................................................................20
OPERA AMERICA
OPERA America Staff....................................................................................................................... 37
OPERA America Board of Directors.......................................................................................... 38
Voting Members of OPERA America....................................................................................... 39
Support for OPERA America ....................................................................................................... 42
PARTNERS
Opera.ca..................................................................................................................................................46
Opera Europa.......................................................................................................................................47
Opera Volunteers International................................................................................................. 48
OPERA CONFERENCE 2016
Letter from Pierre Dufour and Michel Beaulac.................................................................. 51
LOCATIONS
Meeting Spaces and Dining Options....................................................................................... 52
Venues.....................................................................................................................................................54
Transportation and Partner Discounts.................................................................................. 55
It’s a special pleasure to welcome members to Washington, D.C. for Opera Conference
2015: Increasing Civic Impact. We last convened in Washington in 1995, when we were
celebrating our 25th anniversary in the city that was then home to OPERA America.
Business practices have changed in ways that were unimaginable 20 years
ago. Communication with audiences has been made much easier — and more
complicated and competitive. Fundraising can now be crowdsourced, but major
donors still benefit from careful stewardship. Although the skills required to
produce opera have remained relatively constant, the repertoire has evolved.
American operas have emerged as a staple of most companies’ seasons, while some
of the beloved works from the 19th century have faded from popular consciousness.
Our membership has continued to grow over the last two decades, with more than
half of our Professional Company Members now having budgets of less than $1
million. Many of these are creative incubators that continually reshape the field
and expand the definition of opera.
Even as field leaders manage these considerable changes, it is increasingly
important to extend our work outside the opera house to demonstrate greater
community value. A carefully designed series of general and open sessions will
explore strategies to attract audiences and underpin philanthropy through new
practices and partnerships — empowering us to address a broader range of
community priorities through opera. We look forward to hearing from experts
from other disciplines who will introduce new ideas and terminology.
Convening in Washington is an important reminder of our responsibility to
advocate for government policies that support our work. The range of issues
is broader than ever, spanning arts education, tax policies, artist visas and the
National Endowment for the Arts, among others. We are delighted that so many
members will visit congressional offices as a prelude to the opening of the
conference.
As in 1995, the United States Supreme Court is populated by opera devotees.
Justices Kennedy, Sotomayor and Kagan have demonstrated their love of opera at
presentations for past NEA Opera Honors recipients. We were honored to welcome
Justice Antonin Scalia as a speaker in 1995 and are delighted to continue that
tradition with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who serves as this year’s Saturday
Keynote speaker.
Our colleagues at Washington National Opera and the Kennedy Center have shared
our commitment to making Opera Conference 2015 a success. In the end, however,
the success of the meeting depends on you. Thank you for coming to Washington.
I look forward to seeing you here and serving you throughout the year.
With warm wishes,
Marc A. Scorca
President CEO
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of all of us at Washington National Opera and OPERA America, it is
our privilege to welcome you to the nation’s capital for Opera Conference 2015:
Increasing Civic Impact.
You are visiting our city as it is headed toward the crossroads of a new political
landscape for our country, with the presidential election next year. This city, long
known for its political swirl, is building a much broader platform for the arts, as
witnessed by an architectural renaissance, new theater companies and a growing
food culture — all matched by a burgeoning younger population.
One must see and experience our American history here, and we hope you take
time to enjoy the many free things the city has to offer, starting with the powerful
memorials, the museums and the stately government buildings that draw tourists
from around the world. We recommend walking around the Lincoln, Vietnam,
Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials and along the Potomac. Enjoy the historic
streets of Georgetown, revel in the edgy quarter of U Street and feast on the many
fine restaurants that have revitalized dining in the District.
As Washington National Opera celebrates its 60th anniversary, we can be assured of
our future as we are now firmly a part of the Kennedy Center, our national center
for the performing arts. We join with many other fine cultural organizations that
compose the Center. In the future, joining forces or collaborating with other arts
organizations may become the model that ensures our stability. While you are here,
you can attend Cinderella, hear our Young Artists and get to know more about our
programs. Notably, the American Opera Initiative and our annual holiday opera
now extend our programming from September until May. We will be happy to chat
further with you about any of these initiatives.
We at WNO want to thank our colleagues at OPERA America for all of their efforts
in putting together a challenging and engaging series of conversations this week
among ourselves and with folks on “the Hill,” and we want to thank you for taking
the time to be a part of these important dialogues that will help to strengthen
our industry. We are each struggling with ways to broaden our footprints in our
communities and with our audiences. This is the way of the future, there is no
doubt, and we hope this conference illuminates and excites you all.
Welcome to Washington, and we look forward to spending a productive conference
together!
Francesca ZambelloMichael Mael
Artistic DirectorExecutive Director
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Honor Roll of Sponsors
OPERA America thanks the following institutional funders and sponsors for their
generous support of Opera Conference 2015 and its programming:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Honor Roll of Sponsors
ACT 1 TOURS
We invite you to fulfill a dream and travel with us to
the most beautiful theaters and opera houses in the
world to see and hear the best international artists
in productions that are truly magical. Stay with
us in luxurious hotels, whether in Europe, Russia,
or North and South America. Visit world-famous
museums and experience local cultures first-hand.
Sample the cuisines of different lands, and above
all, enjoy the music and dance, the artists, and the
sheer thrill of just being there! Our company, Act 1
Tours, consists of a group of people who share a love
of the arts and travel, and who wish to bring their
extensive experience to you, our guests.
act1tours.com
AMERICAN EXPRESS
At American Express, we appreciate the impact
that talented leaders can have on business and
society, and we dedicate resources to attract,
develop and retain talented employees. We seek the
best methods, programs and partners that provide
current and future nonprofit leaders with practical
opportunities to build leadership skills.
americanexpress.com
ARTS CONSULTING GROUP
The leading provider of hands-on interim
management, executive search, revenue
enhancement, facilities and program planning, and
organizational development services for the arts
and culture industry. ACG consultants are located
in communities throughout North America to best
serve the needs of its clients.
artsconsulting.com
We also gratefully acknowledge all board members, staff
and volunteers of Washington National Opera for their
time and assistance in planning the conference.
Opera Volunteers International is an important part of the
opera industry and OPERA America’s annual conference.
THE ARTS INSURANCE PROGRAM, LLC
The Arts Insurance Program is the largest insurer of
opera companies nationally. Our Opera Insurance
Program provides the most comprehensive
coverage, at very aggressive pricing. Workers
compensation, general liability, volunteer accident,
entertainment equipment and other specialty
insurances are specifically crafted for the opera
community.
mdpins.com
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Honor Roll of Sponsors
BANK OF AMERICA
Bank of America is committed to a diverse program
of cultural support that is designed to engage
individuals, organizations, communities and
cultures in creative ways to build mutual respect
and understanding, and to strengthen institutions
that contribute to local economies.
bankofamerica.com
COMNET
Superior results, hands-on management, custom
design, personalized service: These are what
characterize every Comnet Performing Arts
fundraising and subscription campaign. Let us
partner with you in building patron lifetime value
while broadening your customer base.
comnetmarketing.com/thearts
DELOITTE
Governance requires making big decisions about
strategy, direction and mission. Good governance
is vital for nonprofits. Board service is one of the
most valuable assets the business community can
offer nonprofits. We use our leading practices to
help nonprofits deal with strategic, operational and
financial challenges.
deloitte.com
EVENTEQ
EventEQ provides nationwide opera simulcast
and production services. Clients like Washington
National Opera rely on EventEQ to provide simulcast
services for Show Boat, Tosca, The Magic Flute,
La Cenerentola and other operas. To learn more,
please contact BJ Singh at [email protected] or
visit eventeq.com.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Honor Roll of Sponsors
FISHER DACHS ASSOCIATES
Fisher Dachs Associates is a leading theater
planning and design consultancy based in New
York with additional offices in Seattle and the
U.K. FDA has worked to create both new and
renovated spaces, including professional theaters,
opera houses, concert halls, university theaters
and experimental spaces throughout the U.S. and
abroad.
fda-online.com
IMG ARTISTS
IMG Artists is a global leader of performing arts
management. For 30 years, the company has
set the standard for excellence across the artist
management, touring, dance, attractions, festivals,
events and cultural consulting fields. IMGA’s
specialists in offices across three continents offer
unparalleled international reach and depth of
experience to the company’s artists, clients and
partners.
imgartists.com
MUSIC PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1895, the Music Publishers Association
is the oldest music trade organization in the United
States, fostering communication among publishers,
dealers, music educators and all ultimate users of
music.
mpa.org
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was
established by Congress in 1965 as an independent
agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA
has awarded more than $5 billion to strengthen the
creative capacity of our communities by providing
all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts
participation. The NEA extends its work through
partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders,
other federal agencies and the philanthropic sector.
nea.gov
FDA
Fisher Dachs Associates
Theatre Planning & Design
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Honor Roll of Sponsors
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Honor Roll of Sponsors
QUARTERLINE DESIGN MANAGEMENT
We are an innovative agency that provides career
building, marketing and contract management
services exclusively for stage directors,
choreographers and designers in the areas of opera,
theater and dance.
quarterlinemanagement.com
TRG ARTS
TRG Arts is a data-driven consulting firm that gets
revenue results for opera companies and other arts
organizations. For the last 20 years, TRG clients have
become more sustainable through proven pricing
and audience loyalty development strategies.
trgarts.com
SCHULER SHOOK
Schuler Shook is an internationally recognized
theater planning and consulting firm with
extensive experience in opera facility planning. Our
clients include Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Santa Fe
Opera, Sarasota Opera, New York City Opera, Seattle
Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Houston Grand Opera,
Washington National Opera, Florida Grand Opera
and Chicago Opera Theater.
schulershook.com
TRUCK‘N ROLL
Founded in 1994, Truck’N Roll quickly became
known as the expert in transportation for the
performing arts. Throughout North America,
Truck’N Roll rigs are on the road 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. All cargo is handled with the
same care and attention to on-time delivery. Much
more than just an ordinary carrier, Truck’N Roll gets
involved when you start organizing your tour or
project. We plan it all and stick to the budget.
trucknroll.com
SD&A TELESERVICES, INC.
SD&A offers individually designed telemarketing
and telefundraising campaigns to nonprofit arts
organizations. Subscription sales, membership and
annual fund programs, special gift appeals, and
capital campaigns are managed on-site from the
client’s location or from one of our Arts TeleCenter
phone rooms in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Strategic
analysis and planning and computerized tracking
and reporting combine to meet each campaign’s
specific requirements.
sdats.com
THRESHOLD ACOUSTICS
Threshold provides acoustics and audio/video
design consulting for performing arts buildings,
aware of tradition and turned toward the future,
relating to each client and project with clarity,
accessibility and individuality.
thresholdacoustics.com
THE WALLACE FOUNDATION
Based in New York City, The Wallace Foundation is
an independent national philanthropy dedicated to
fostering improvements in learning and enrichment
for disadvantaged children and the vitality of the
arts for everyone. It seeks to catalyze broad impact
by supporting the development, testing and sharing
of new solutions and effective practices.
wallacefoundation.org
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Exhibitors
OPERA America thanks the many business partners who provide resources and expertise
to member companies throughout the year and who support
Opera Conference 2015 as exhibitors.
EXHIBIT HALL
Meet representatives of these organizations in the Exhibit Hall, located in the
Ballroom Foyer on the second floor.
Thursday, May 7, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 8, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
EXHIBITOR PASSPORT
Take the Passport — found in the pocket of this program book — with you as you explore
the Exhibit Hall. Collect initials from the representatives you visit and turn in your
passport to be entered into a drawing.
EXHIBITOR HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, May 7
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Washington Marriott Georgetown
Exhibit Hall, Ballroom Foyer, Second Floor
Join us for a celebration of the business members and organizations that provide
essential services to the field and enrich the conference. This is also a great time to
complete your Exhibitor Passport.
AMERICAN MODERN ENSEMBLE
Robert Paterson • Composer of the Year • Classical
Recording Foundation
“Robert Paterson’s opera, The Companion,
showcased an excellent musical vocabulary and
flowed beautifully …”— I Care if You Listen
“A bright and magnificent score … expertly
structured and paced … effortlessly funny, clever
and deeply resonant … the music and story fuel one
another to create an entertaining and meaningful
theatrical experience.” — Opera News
“There’s Schumannian drama and melancholy in
the song cycle CAPTCHA that opens this beautiful,
witty and sometimes utterly desolate collection of
vocal works.” — The New York Times
americanmodernensemble.org
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Exhibitors
BOOSEY & HAWKES
Boosey & Hawkes is a global music publisher,
representing an unrivaled catalogue of music by
distinguished 20th-century composers (Bartók,
Britten, Copland, Prokofieff, Rachmaninoff, Strauss
and Stravinsky) and today’s leading innovative
composers (John Adams, Osvaldo Golijov, MarkAnthony Turnage and Steve Reich).
boosey.com
G. SCHIRMER, INC./AMP
G. Schirmer/AMP is a leader in the dissemination of
serious music composition in today’s eclectic music
landscape. A member of the Music Sales Group,
G. Schirmer’s catalogue also includes celebrated
composers of the past and is the oldest continuously
active North American music publisher.
musicsalesclassical.com
THE GLIMMERGLASS FESTIVAL
The Glimmerglass Festival is a one-of-a-kind
summer destination in Cooperstown, NY. The
company presents four new productions of opera
and musical theater each season. Many productions
are available for rent. Visit the Exhibit Hall or
glimmerglass.org/Rentals for more information.
glimmerglass.org
INSTANTENCORE
InstantEncore is the leading provider of mobile
solutions for the performing arts. With powerful
features and budget-based pricing, InstantEncore
empowers arts organizations of all sizes to engage
patrons with their own mobile apps.
instantencore.com
MINNESOTA OPERA
Minnesota Opera embodies a culture of creativity
to produce opera and educational programs
that expand the art form through vital opera
productions and new works, which nurture artists
and enrich audiences.
mnopera.org
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Exhibitors
NATIONAL OPERA ASSOCIATION
The National Opera Association promotes artistic
excellence and education in opera. Founded in 1955
to support the growth of collegiate opera programs,
the NOA provides educators and directors of opera
programs with a wide-ranging network of shared
ideas and resources.
noa.org
OPERA PULSE
The 21st-century approach: OperaPulse.com creates
new and innovative ways to promote and strengthen
opera. We are a socially integrated, interactive hub
for news and resources — a unique destination where
users make vital connections in the opera world.
operapulse.com
OPERA SAN ANTONIO
The mission of OPERA San Antonio is to produce
opera of uncompromising artistic quality and enrich
the community through innovative and engaging
educational programming, inspiring audiences and
improving the cultural landscape of San Antonio.
operasa.org
PEERMUSIC CLASSICAL
Peermusic Classical is a publisher of 20th-century
and contemporary music, based in New York City.
Operas include The Passenger by Mieczyslaw
Weinberg, Sumeida’s Song by Mohammed Fairouz
and four comic operas by John Musto with librettos
by Mark Campbell.
peermusicclassical.com
SCHOTT MUSIC CORPORATION & EUROPEAN
AMERICAN MUSIC DISTRIBUTORS COMPANY
The North American affiliate of Schott Music, Mainz.
Rental/licensing representative for Universal Edition,
Faber Music, Bärenreiter, European American Music
Corporation (Weill), Schott-Helicon, Glocken Verlag,
Munchkin Music (Zappa), Zen-On, PWM Edition,
Edizioni Suvini Zerboni/Sugar Music and MCA/
Universal Music Publishing Group, among others.
eamdc.com
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Exhibitors
SEATTLE OPERA
Founded in 1963, Seattle Opera is a leading American
opera company, famous for its productions of
Wagner’s Ring. The company presents European
classics as well as new works of American opera.
Seattle Opera performs five operas per year.
seattleopera.org
TESSITURA NETWORK
Tessitura Software leads arts organizations to success
via enterprise solutions for ticketing, development,
CRM, web/mobile and business intelligence via one
unified system. Tessitura charges no transaction fees.
Over 40 opera companies of all sizes utilize Tessitura
on three continents.
tessituranetwork.com
THEODORE PRESSER COMPANY
Our opera catalogue includes a large number of
contemporary works by composers such as Thomas
Pasatieri, Lowell Liebermann, Iain Hamilton and
Hugo Weisgall. New works include Mrs. President by
Victoria Bond, which premiered last October, and
coming up next season will be The Yellow Wallpaper
by Dan Welcher, and A Coffin in Egypt and
Twenty-Seven, both by Ricky Ian Gordon.
presser.com
TRI-CITIES OPERA
Tri-Cities Opera produces standard repertoire
and contemporary works on a grand scale and
in intimate settings. The company enriches
and educates the regional community through
an educational outreach arm, a singer training
program, and a set and costume rental business.
tricitiesopera.com
UTAH SYMPHONY | UTAH OPERA
Utah Opera cultivates and entertains a growing
audience of more than 150,000 annually, with a
particular dedication to community education
and high artistic standards. The in-house costume
and scenery shops produce high-quality sets and
costumes, and contribute to the company’s four full
operas presented each season.
usuo.org
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Program Information
REGISTRATION HOURS
Registration is located in Logan on the second floor of the Washington Marriott
Georgetown.
Wednesday, May 6
11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 8
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
RSVP EVENTS
Please note that several sessions have limited capacity and require advance registration.
Visit conference.operaamerica.org to check availability, sign up for sessions or to join the
waitlist.
SESSION TYPES
General Sessions: Large plenary sessions created with the broadest membership
in mind. No events are programmed against these sessions and all attendees are
encouraged to attend. Hear from inspiring thought leaders on topics that will give you
new ideas and deeper insights.
Open Sessions: Concurrent sessions open to all full registrants. Some focus on topics that
are specific to a particular track, while others foster cross-network dialogue. Can’t decide
which open session to attend? You are welcome to come and go.
Roundtables: Network-specific sessions that allow for open, frank dialogue for specialty
areas. Many roundtables are open to Professional Company Member (PCM) staff only.
Check with the registration desk if you are unsure about attending these sessions.
Seminars: These in-depth workshops are available for an additional charge.
Forums: OPERA America has established a number of artistic and administrative
network Forums to advance understanding in critical areas of the industry. At
conference, Forums consist of a series of sessions and related events.
Program Information
NETWORKS AND TRACKS
Networks are groups of professionals and volunteers who specialize in particular aspects
of the opera field. OPERA America staff serve these networks throughout the year. Tracks
are series of conference sessions and events designed to address the needs of particular
networks.
ABBREVIATIONS
The network and track abbreviations below are used throughout the agenda to highlight
sessions geared toward those interest areas. Consider these tags as a guide, however.
Unless otherwise noted in the description, you are free to attend any session and are not
restricted to only those sessions with your network tag.
Don’t have a network? Simply build your own schedule out of the myriad options that
are available.
Abbrev.Networks
Staff
Sponsor
ART ADMIN
Artistic Administration
Laura Lee Everett/Jeffrey Larson
DEVO
Development/Fundraising
Dan Cooperman
EDU
Education/Community Engagement
Leah D. Wilson
FIN/HR
Finance/Administration/
Kurt Howard
Human Resources
GD
General Directors/CEOs
Marc A. Scorca
MKTG/PR
Marketing/Public Relations
Patricia Kiernan Johnson
TECH/PROD
Technical/Production
Laura Lee Everett
TRUST
Trustees
Marc A. Scorca
OVI
Volunteers/Opera Volunteers International
Arts Insurance Program
Schuler Shook
TRG Arts,
The Ann and Gordon Getty
Foundation
Deloitte
Sheila McNeill
Specialty Tracks and Forums
AMB
Ambassadors
Dan Cooperman
ARTISTS
Artists
Jeffrey Larson
LI
Leadership Intensive
Leah D. Wilson
American Express
NWF
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
New Works Forum
Laura Lee Everett
STF
Singer Training Forum
Jeffrey Larson
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Program Information
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Spotlight Sessions
Take full advantage of breaks during the conference schedule to glean insight from
leaders in the field. Grab a quick meal beforehand or bring a brown bag with you.
See Dining Options (p. 52) for a list of nearby restaurants.
Thursday, May 7, 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Spotlight: A Perspective on Turnarounds with RYAN TAYLOR, Arizona Opera
Spotlight: Lean Performing Arts: Startups and New Sustainable Projects
with CHRISTINA LOEWEN, Opera.ca
Friday, May 8, 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Spotlight: Development Tips with MARILYN SHAPIRO, development consultant
Spotlight: Arts Education Updates from the NEA
Saturday, May 9, 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Program Information
AMBASSADOR CIRCLE
OPERA America’s Ambassadors provide invaluable and deeply appreciated operating
support that sustains core programs and services for the entire field. In acknowledgment
of their generosity, Ambassadors receive invitations to travel to performances around the
world and to enjoy private receptions and dinners with other opera trustees and patrons.
Special events here in Washington D.C. include dinners at the Embassy of Canada,
Cosmos Club and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Contact Dan Cooperman,
director of development, at [email protected] to learn about becoming an
Ambassador and participating in future trips.
SUPPORTING FUTURE GENERATIONS
OPERA America is committed to supporting future generations of opera administrators.
The Leadership Intensive program identifies the most promising leaders and provides
them with ongoing support to advance their careers. OPERA America also offers a limited
number of student scholarships so that burgeoning arts administrators can attend the
conference.
Spotlight: Opera Teens
Leadership Intensive Alumni in Attendance
Spotlight: Q&A with DAVID FRAHER, Arts Midwest
Jamie Andrews (Class of 2013)
Annie Burridge (Class of 2012)
Brittany Duncan (Class of 2014)
Peggy Kriha Dye (Class of 2013)
Scott Guzielek (Class of 2012)
James Hampton (Class of 2013)
David Krohn (Class of 2014)
Ashley Magnus (Class of 2014)
Speaker Office Hours
Select faculty speakers will be available for continued discussion during the breaks.
Find details at the registration desk.
NEA Consultations
Throughout the conference, GEORGIANNA PAUL, opera specialist at the National
Endowment for the Arts, will be available by appointment for individual consultations.
This is a chance to discuss a program currently supported by the NEA or future program
plans. Visit the registration desk to schedule an appointment.
GET CONNECTED
Wi-Fi at the Marriott
Log in to the network Marriott_Conference with the password operaconf2015 to access
the hotel’s free Wi-Fi.
Opera Conference On-the-Go
View your schedule on-the-go with our mobile version of your personal conference
schedule. Visit conference.operaamerica.org/Mobile and click on the face icon in the
upper right-hand corner to log in. Save the page to your home screen for easy access!
Live Streams
Sessions with this icon will be streamed at conference.operaamerica.org/Live.
The streams will also be archived for later viewing on the OPERA America
YouTube channel at youtube.com/OPERAAmerica.
Social Media
Follow @OPERAAmerica and use #OperaConf to share your insights with fellow
attendees and opera lovers.
Lee Anne Myslewski (Class of 2012)
Christopher Powell (Class of 2013)
Thomas Rhodes (Class of 2014)
David Rubeo (Class of 2013)
Ian Rye (Class of 2012)
Bradley Vernatter (Class of 2014)
Sean Waugh (Class of 2014)
OPERA America’s Leadership Intensive generously founded and supported by
American Express.
Student Scholarship Awardees
Alisa Simonel-Keegan, New York University
Anh Le, Yale School of Drama
Sarah Stewart, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music
Suri Xia, Sweet Briar College
Donna Thompson, Virginia Tech
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Build Your Schedule
19
Plan your personal Opera Conference 2015 agenda by filling in the template below with your chosen sessions.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
8:30 a.m.
Opera Advocacy Day: Training
9:00 a.m.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 8
8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
General Session:
Opening Session
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Open Session or Roundtable
11:00 a.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
8:30 a.m.
Travel to Kennedy Center
General Session:
Reshaping Arts Organizations
Travel to Marriott
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Open Session or Roundtable
12:00 p.m.
Opera Advocacy
Day: Hill Visits
1:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
Seminars or
New Works Forum
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Spotlight Session
Open Session
12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
Annual Business
Meeting
Spotlight Session
2:00 p.m.
General Session:
Civic Health
Spotlight Session
2:00 p.m.
General Session:
Saturday Keynote
Open Session or Roundtable
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Travel to
Marriott
5:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Exhibitor
Happy Hour
Director-Designer
Showcase
5:00 p.m.
Host Company Reception
7:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Travel to Wolf Trap
5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
New Works Sampler
Urban Arias: Blue Viola
6:00 p.m.
Travel to Cosmos Club
6:00 p.m.
Cinderella Dress Rehearsal
Open Session or Roundtable
Opera Lafayette:
Discussion and Performance
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
New Works Sampler: Reception
9:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
Travel to Marriott
Skills Workshop/
Civic Impact Reflections/
New Works Forum
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FULL AGENDA Wednesday, May 6
See the addendum in the front pocket of this
book for important changes to this agenda.
Please note: In order to provide an optimal
learning environment for all attendees,
OPERA America limits participation in
some sessions to certain tracks and/or
membership levels.
Indicates important session
Indicates reception or
special event
REGISTRATION OPEN
11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Logan, Second Floor
OPERA ADVOCACY DAY
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rayburn House Office Building,
Room B339, 45 Independence
Ave. SW
This is your opportunity to
advocate on behalf of the arts as members
of the 114th Congress take office. Represent
opera on a range of issues, including
support for the National Endowment for
the Arts, preservation of charitable giving
incentives and quick visa processing for
foreign guest artists. Bus departs the
Marriott at 8:00 a.m. Return buses at 11:30
a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Schedule:
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Arts Issues
Briefing and Advocacy Training at the
Rayburn House Office Building, including
continental breakfast and conversation
with NEA leadership;
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Hill Meetings.
Conference registrants will receive their
registration packets at the Rayburn House
Office Building. The afternoon meetings
with members of Congress are by advance
appointment only. Please note that
registration for meetings with members
of Congress is closed. All are welcome to
participate in the Opera Advocacy Day
morning session at the Rayburn House
Office Building, including those on the
waitlist. ALL
FULL AGENDA Wednesday, May 6
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
AFTERNOON SEMINARS
NEW WORKS FORUM
1:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salons B–D, Second Floor
The New Works Forum is
a series of sessions that
offers insight, practical
knowledge and networking opportunities
for creators and producers of new opera
and musical theater works. The opera
industry continues to identify and support
the creators of new works while also
working to address challenges and
opportunities associated with producing in
the 21st century. Advance registration
required. No additional fee.
Topics will include:
Nurturing the Pre-Commissioning Process
(1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.)
SARAH WILLIAMS, new works administrator,
Opera Philadelphia; CORI ELLISON, dramaturg.
Risky Business (2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.)
SANDRA BERNHARD, director of HGOco,
Houston Grand Opera.
Tragedy Is Easy; Comedy Is Hard
(3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
MARK ADAMO, composer; MARK CAMPBELL,
librettist; PEGGY MONASTRA, artistic
director, G. Schirmer/AMP; KAMALA
SANKARAM, composer; KIM WITMAN,
senior director, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical
Programming, Wolf Trap Foundation for
the Performing Arts.
NEGOTIATION AND CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
Effective negotiation is an essential
leadership skill in opera. Noted
negotiations expert KENNETH R. FEINBERG
will lead a workshop geared toward opera
administrators on practical strategies
that can boost your communications and
resolve conflicts within your company
and with organizational partners. Learn
the transferable skills you can apply
when preparing for contract talks and
working effectively toward co-production
agreements. DAVID LEVY, senior vice
president, artistic operations, Opera
Philadelphia (moderator). Additional $75
registration fee. ALL
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The New Works Forum is made possible by a
generous and deeply appreciated grant from
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. NWF
NEW GENERAL DIRECTORS
ROUNDTABLE
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
The New General Directors Roundtable is
a peer learning group consisting of recent
appointees to their first general director/
chief staff officer positions at companies with
budgets between $1 million and $5 million.
ANN OWENS, field consultant, OPERA America.
By invitation. Separate registration required.
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
PLANNED GIVING
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
Planned giving can be a powerful
fundraising tool that allows patrons
to make meaningful contributions to
your organization without it costing
them a penny now. MAYA WEIL, senior
associate, planned giving, for the John F.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,
the National Symphony Orchestra and
Washington National Opera, will lead
an in-depth workshop on starting a new
planned giving program, marketing and
building existing ones, stewardship, and
making solicitations. This session will
include easy strategies for cultivating
gifts through retirement assets, wills,
trusts and charitable gift annuities. Find
out what really motivates donors in this
session geared toward development staff,
board members and general directors
at companies of all sizes. Additional $75
registration fee. DEVO
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR MESSAGE
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon G, Second Floor
The key to driving demand and cultivating
a positive brand image is an integrated
communications approach. From
relationships with the media to sales and
promotions, it’s important to maintain
strong and consistent messaging. Yet,
in today’s rapidly changing digital
communications space, the message can
easily spin beyond your control. Whether
the cause is an organizational challenge,
social media slip-ups or unflattering press
reports, be sure that the communications
strategy is firmly in your hands. PETER
LAMOTTE, the senior vice president and
chair for digital communications practice
at Levick, will lead an interactive workshop
to prepare you to keep your company’s
image shining bright. Additional $75
registration fee. GD, MKTG/PR
EVENING EVENTS
5:15 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
HOST COMPANY WELCOME
RECEPTION
5:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
The Kennedy Center, Roof Terrace
2700 F St. NW
Washington National Opera
invites all attendees to enjoy a
spectacular view of Washington,
D.C. from the Kennedy Center terrace
overlooking the Potomac River and the
capital’s monuments. Delight in drinks
and appetizers while networking with
your colleagues. New to opera conference?
Receive a special welcome at the FirstTime Attendee Table, where you can meet
OPERA America staff and mingle with
other first-time attendees. Walk from the
hotel to the Kennedy Center by following
the conference walking guides through
the historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
Transportation also available (limited
capacity). Open to all full conference
registrants. Advance registration required.
Ticket required. ALL
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22
FULL AGENDA Wednesday, May 6
LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
ALUMNI DINNER
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Marrakech Restaurant
2147 P St. NW
By invitation. LI
AMBASSADOR DINNER
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Transportation provided from
Host Company Welcome
Reception at the Kennedy Center,
departing 6:45 p.m., or travel on own. By
invitation. Business attire and photo ID
required. AMB
WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA’S
CINDERELLA: DRESS REHEARSAL
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Kennedy Center, Opera House
2700 F St. NW
Washington National Opera invites
all attendees to observe the final dress
rehearsal of its whimsical production
of Cinderella. Rossini’s retelling of the
Cinderella story adds a few twists to the
classic in a production featuring mezzosoprano Isabel Leonard, the 2013 Richard
Tucker Award winner, in the title role.
Advance registration required.
Ticket required. ALL
UNDER 35 MIXER
10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
The future of the art form
is in the hands of today’s
young leaders. Young opera
professionals under the age of 35 are
invited to meet one another and lay the
groundwork for future collaboration.
Gather for drinks and networking.
Included with full conference registration.
Advance registration required. ALL
FULL AGENDA Thursday, May 7
REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Marriott, Logan, Second Floor
LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
OPERA America’s Leadership
Intensive program identifies the
most promising professionals in
the field of opera administration and
provides them with resources to bolster
their leadership capacity and advance
their careers. Alumni from 2012–2014 will
gather as a peer learning group to further
personal leadership development, strategic
decision-making and strong professional
connections. MARC A. SCORCA, president/
CEO, OPERA America, and LEAH D. WILSON,
director of learning and leadership, OPERA
America (moderators). Open to Leadership
Intensive alumni. Separate registration
required. The Leadership Intensive is made
possible by a generous grant from the
American Express Foundation. LI
NEW GENERAL DIRECTORS
ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
ANN OWENS, field consultant, OPERA
America. By invitation. Separate
registration required.
MORNING SESSIONS
9:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
GENERAL SESSION:
OPENING SESSION
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Marriott, Salons A–E, Second Floor
Opera Conference 2015 will kick
off with a welcome from
FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO, artistic
director of Washington National Opera,
FRAYDA B. LINDEMANN, Ph.D., OPERA
America’s board chairman, and RHONDA
SWEENEY, president, Opera Volunteers
International. MARC A. SCORCA, OPERA
America’s president/CEO, will present
strategic context for increasing opera’s
civic impact and invite renowned
mezzo-soprano DENYCE GRAVESMONTGOMERY to share her perspective
on the power of opera to change lives
and strengthen communities. The
session will close with insightful keynote
remarks from ROBERTO BEDOYA,
executive director, Tucson Pima Arts
Council, that will launch field-wide
discussion throughout the conference
and beyond. ALL
NETWORKING BREAK
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Marriott, Exhibit Hall,
Ballroom Foyer, Second Floor
(CIVIC) IMPACT ON FUNDRAISING
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
Civic impact activities
can extend the reach of
opera companies into their communities
— but can they also impact the bottom line
with new funding? With a focus on
Washington D.C. as a case study, as well as
varied perspectives from opera, ballet and
the national funding scene, this session will
explore how civic impact and community
engagement can lead to new relationships
with individual and institutional funders.
ROSE ANN CLEVELAND, executive director,
→
23
24
FULL AGENDA Thursday, May 7
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz
Foundation; DAN COOPERMAN, director of
development, OPERA America (moderator);
SEPTIME WEBRE, artistic director, The
Washington Ballet; GAE WHITENER, director
of development, The Dallas Opera.
DEVO, TRUST
FAMILIES IN THE HOUSE
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Marriott, Georgetown II, First Floor
Today’s artists are doing more to balance
career and family. Yet, the challenges of
having children and bringing family on
the road still present obstacles to getting
ahead. While companies strive to be
more family-friendly for their audiences,
learn how they can support artists with
families, as well. Hear from administrators,
singers and other professionals about
planning for and maintaining healthy
working relationships between companies
and artists with families. PEGGY KRIHA
DYE, artistic director, Opera Columbus
(moderator); SCOTT GUZIELEK, director of
artistic operations, Palm Beach Opera;
SUSANNE MENTZER, singer; IAN RYE,
director of artistic administration, Pacific
Opera Victoria; JENNIFER ZETLAN, singer.
ART ADMIN, ARTISTS
INCREASING CIVIC IMPACT:
STRUCTURAL AND BRANDING
OPPORTUNITIES
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salons A–C, Second Floor
Learning and engagement activities are
often siloed within an opera company
despite the revenue and civic impact they
generate. Some opera companies have
established distinct departments with
their own brand identity to distinguish
this work. As increasing community
value builds in importance, how are
company structures, resource allocations
and communication strategies changing?
Join a conversation with the company
representatives who are implementing
leading civic impact activities in the
field. SANDRA BERNHARD, director of
HGOco, Houston Grand Opera; MICHAEL
BOLTON, vice president of community
programs, Opera Philadelphia; ANNIE
BURRIDGE, managing director, Opera
Philadelphia; JOE CREMONA, director of
finance and administration, Palm Beach
Opera (moderator); NOAH E. SPIEGEL,
chief operating officer, Nashville Opera
Association. EDU, FIN/HR, MKTG/PR
NETWORK ROUNDTABLES
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
These network-specific sessions are
the place for open, frank dialogue that
addresses the issues facing particular
disciplines within the field of opera. Open
to Professional Company Member (PCM)
staff only unless otherwise indicated.
GENERAL DIRECTORS: LEVELS 1 & 2
Marriott, Salon F,
Second Floor
GENERAL DIRECTORS: LEVEL 3
Marriott, Salon G,
Second Floor
GENERAL DIRECTORS: LEVEL 4
Marriott, Salon H,
Second Floor
SINGER TRAINING FORUM
Marriott, Georgetown I, First Floor
PCM staff and faculty from Educational
Producing Associate Members are
encouraged to attend.
TECHNICAL/PRODUCTION
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
FULL AGENDA Thursday, May 7
MIDDAY SESSIONS
12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
See page 52 for a list of nearby lunch options.
AMBASSADOR LUNCH
12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Blue Duck Tavern
1201 24th St. NW
Walking departure from the Marriott main
entrance at 12:40 p.m. or travel on own.
By invitation. AMB
SPOTLIGHT: A PERSPECTIVE ON
TURNAROUNDS WITH RYAN TAYLOR
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
RYAN TAYLOR, general director of Arizona
Opera, presents strategies for addressing
financial and organizational challenges.
Learn about his thoughts on encouraging
creative connections within communities
to improve the stability of organizations in
the short and long term. ALL
SPOTLIGHT: LEAN PERFORMING
ARTS: STARTUPS AND NEW
SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
CHRISTINA LOEWEN, executive director of
Opera.ca, will outline techniques from the
Lean Methodology, including the signature
Business Model Canvas. Learn how the
opera field can adapt this framework to
fast-track new initiatives and encourage
innovation. Loewen will share findings
from the recent Toronto-based pilot in
which new arts projects were developed,
and she will lead a discussion to help
opera companies apply these strategies in
their own organizations. ALL
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
YOUNG ARTIST AUDITIONS
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Kennedy Center, Opera House
2700 F St. NW
This session will feature auditions by
some of the most promising young voices
being nurtured by the Domingo-Cafritz
Young Artist Program of the Washington
National Opera. Hosted by MICHAEL
HEASTON, associate artistic director, The
Glimmerglass Festival, and director,
Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program.
Walk together through the historic Foggy
Bottom neighborhood or travel on your
own. Ticket required. ART ADMIN, ARTISTS, GD, STF
BACKED BY EDUCATION RESEARCH:
A CASE FOR OPERA’S CIVIC IMPACT
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
Research findings demonstrate that arts
experiences foster personal creativity,
risk-taking, collaboration and empathy
in students. These are prized qualities in
adults, too. Learn about the latest findings
from arts-in-education research and how
this information can support the case for
opera in broader society. JOHN ABODEELY,
deputy director, The President’s Committee
on the Arts and the Humanities; IVONNE
CHAND O’NEAL, director of research and
evaluation, The John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts; SANDRA RUPPERT,
director, Arts Education Partnership
(moderator). EDU, OVI
CHARTING THE WATERS OF
RETIREMENT PLAN REGULATION
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Marriott, Georgetown I, First Floor
As the field looks to maintain
competitive compensation
packages for key personnel, 403(b) pension
plans are becoming more common, and
plan administrators have the burden of
demonstrating good faith compliance
with the Employee Retirement Income
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FULL AGENDA Thursday, May 7
Security Act (ERISA). Learn more about
these annual reporting requirements and
their impact on your organization now
and in the future. In this session,
employers will better understand how to
navigate responsibilities and practices for
compliance with PPA2006 and other
regulatory matters. CHRISTINA SIEDLECKI
principal, Mercer; LORI Z. WRIGHT, principal,
Mercer. FIN/HR
SHARING AND CARING: PRACTICES
IN LENDING PRODUCTION PIECES
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salons F–G, Second Floor
Opera companies often lend or rent full
productions or pieces of equipment to other
organizations, especially opera companies
with smaller budgets. Learn about the
practical considerations, cost savings and
potential liability involved, whether you “a
borrower or a lender be.” DAVID FEHELEY,
technical and production director, Houston
Grand Opera; DAVID FOTI, production
director, Washington National Opera;
ROBERT SCHAUB, technical and facilities
director, Seattle Opera. FIN/HR, GD, TECH/PROD
STRATEGIES FOR TELEFUNDING
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
Telefunding still has a viable and valuable
place in the fundraising toolbox. Learn
from PAUL LARSON, president of TAYLAR
Development, about the messaging,
training, metrics, management and
technology that a company must consider,
and how telephone campaigns — small or
large, in-house or outsourced — can still
be a cost-effective source of development
revenue. DEVO
THE ROAD TO RESULTS
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salons A–C, Second Floor
Utilizing valuable case
studies and extensive
research, The Wallace Foundation has
aggregated a series of nine effective
practices for building arts audiences. Using
real-world examples from the Wallace
Excellence Awards initiative, LUCAS B. HELD,
the organization’s director of
communications, will guide attendees
through the practices that successful
efforts had in common and identify the
challenges they addressed along the way.
Following the presentation, join your
colleagues in discussion groups to explore
ways your organization can benefit from
these frameworks. GD, MKTG/PR
DIRECTOR-DESIGNER SHOWCASE
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon E, Second Floor
See production presentations
from the most promising
young director-designer teams
and meet the artists who created them.
The Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer
Showcase is a biennial competition that
identifies emerging director-designer
teams, each of which has developed a
production proposal from a diverse list
of American operas. Come see the artists
who will advance opera’s multimedia
richness in the years ahead. See the list of
winning teams on the conference website.
Made possible by a generous grant from
the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund. Hosted by
WALKER LEWIS, stage director, Robert Gilder
& Co. ART ADMIN, ARTISTS, GD, TECH/PROD
EXHIBITOR HAPPY HOUR
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Exhibit Hall
Ballroom Foyer, Second Floor
Join us for a celebration of the
Business Members and exhibitors
that provide essential services to
the field and enrich the conference. ALL
FULL AGENDA Thursday, May 7
EVENING SESSION
EVENING EVENTS
OPERA LAFAYETTE: PARTNERSHIP
PANEL DISCUSSION AND
PERFORMANCE
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cosmos Club
2121 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Walk from the Marriott to the
Cosmos Club — a few minutes
away in the heart of Dupont
Circle. Advance registration required. Guests
of the Cosmos Club are required to observe a
formal dress code consisting of jacket and tie
for men, and suits or clothing of equivalent
formality for women. Jeans, denim, T-shirts,
and athletic clothing and footwear are not
permitted.
RYAN BROWN, founder and artistic
director of Opera Lafayette, leads a panel
that examines strategies for building
artistic partnerships that increase
community involvement in exploring
masterpieces from the 17th, 18th and early
19th centuries. The panel will be followed
by performances from Kalanidhi Dance
and soprano PASCALE BEAUDIN. Musical
and dance excerpts from two 18th- and
19th-century modern premieres will be
included in the panel discussion. SEÁN
CURRAN, artistic director, Seán Curran
Company; MARTIN PEARLMAN, founder
and music director, Boston Baroque. Walk
from the hotel by following conference
walking guides or travel on own. ALL
OPERA VOLUNTEERS
INTERNATIONAL GRANTOR’S
RECEPTION
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Westin Georgetown, Boveda
2350 M St. NW
Members who have contributed
at the Grantor Level or above are
invited to this special reception
during which this year’s grant winners
will be introduced. By invitation. OVI
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
ANNUAL FUND RECEPTION
7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Cosmos Club
2121 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Enjoy a special,
complimentary
reception of wine
and hors d’oeuvres for OPERA America’s
contributing members and special guests.
Following Opera Lafayette presentation or
travel on own. Business attire required.
By invitation.
AMBASSADOR DINNER
8:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Cosmos Club
2121 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Following Opera Lafayette
presentation or travel on own.
Business attire required.
By invitation. AMB
PUB(LISHER) TRIVIA
9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Marriott, Georgetown I, First Floor
You may know your publisher
colleagues, but do you know your
opera facts? Come meet and greet
our publisher members and try your hand
at a round of opera trivia. A fun time to
be had by all. Hosted by NAOMI MAJOR,
producing associate, Gotham Chamber
Opera. ALL
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FULL AGENDA Friday, May 8
REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Marriott, Logan, Second Floor
LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
KEITH CERNY, general director &
CEO, The Dallas Opera. Open to
Leadership Intensive alumni. By
invitation. Separate registration required. LI
NEW GENERAL DIRECTORS
ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
ANN OWENS, field consultant, OPERA
America. By invitation. Separate registration
required.
TRUSTEE ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Marriott, Salon G, Second Floor
Open to trustees from Professional
Company Members (PCMs). TRUST
MORNING SESSIONS
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION:
RESHAPING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
The Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater
2700 F St. NW
Walk from the hotel to the Kennedy
Center by following the conference
walking guides through the historic
Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
Transportation available (limited
capacity). Breakfast is available for
purchase at the Kennedy Center
Café beginning at 8:00 a.m. PHILIP
KENNICOTT, the Pulitzer Prize-winning
art and architecture critic from The
Washington Post, will lead a discussion
with executives from other cultural
fields about how their institutions
have expanded their missions and
adapted their organizational structures
to increase civic impact. Find out what
the opera field can glean from these
experiences to further shape the role of
opera in local communities. EDMUND
FLEET, executive director, Building
Bridges Across the River; ELIZABETH
MERRITT, founding director, Center for
the Future of Museums; RICHARD REYESGAVILAN, executive director, D.C. Public
Library; DEBORAH F. RUTTER, president,
The John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts. ALL
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Marriott, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom Foyer,
Second Floor
FULL AGENDA Friday, May 8
MIDDAY SESSIONS
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
See page 52 for a list of nearby lunch
options.
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
COMPLIANCE WORKSHOP
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon A, Second Floor
The reporting requirements for
the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
will now take effect in 2015. Are you
prepared for the documentation you should
be collecting? In this small-group workshop,
employers will gain an understanding of
their responsibilities, which are based on
the number of employees, among other
considerations. With expert guidance
specific to your company, learn the ins and
outs of Employer Shared Responsibility “Pay
or Play” mandates and reporting
requirements for multiemployer employees.
TERRY DAILEY, partner, Mercer. FIN/HR
NEW GENERATIONS OF DONOR
ENGAGEMENT
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon C, Second Floor
With opera audiences growing older,
companies must focus their attention
on new generations of support. While
development departments may have
mastered the appeal to traditionalists and
baby boomers, Gen Xers and millennials
are looking for something else. Learn about
what matters to next gen donors and
how to engage them in your company’s
civic work. YUMING CHIU, associate brand
manager, Johnson & Johnson; MARY
GALETI, executive director and vice-chair,
Tecovas Foundation; KIM PARKER, director
of social trends research, Pew Research
Center; JILL ROBINSON, president and CEO,
TRG Arts; ERIN SAMMIS, director of major
gifts, Opera Philadelphia (moderator). DEVO
SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Georgetown I, First Floor
Access to opera means more than lowering
ticket prices and producing in alternative
venues. This session explores simple
accommodations to make performances
and dress rehearsals accessible to people
with autism and their families. Discover
how to create an inclusive environment,
offer preparation materials and build
important partnerships to engage with
audiences that may not otherwise be
able to attend a traditional performance.
ROGER IDEISHI, program director and
associate professor, occupational therapy,
Temple University; NOAH E. SPIEGEL,
chief operating officer, Nashville Opera
Association; JESSICA SWANSON, manager,
accessibility, The John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts; MOLLY
WHALEN, director, development and
communications, The Ivymount School
and Programs. EDU, ARTISTS
STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
ELIZABETH MERRITT,
founding director of the
Center for the Future of Museums, will
lead a forward-thinking discussion
exploring the composition of nonprofit
boards and the measurement of civic
impact. What are the consequences of the
growing gap between the demographics
of cultural audiences and cultural
leadership? How is technology and culture
shaping the expectations of funders and
donors? TRUST
WOMEN IN ARTS LEADERSHIP
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon B, Second Floor
Women are more likely to be the decisionmakers when it comes to purchasing
tickets, yet women are underrepresented
in leadership positions across opera. Learn
from prominent women throughout
the arts sector about the challenges for
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FULL AGENDA Friday, May 8
achieving greater gender diversity in
opera. This session builds on learning from
OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Female
Composers and explores purposeful action
to support women in the field. LAURA
LEE EVERETT, director of artistic services,
OPERA America (moderator); JANE GROSS,
board member, Beth Morrison Projects;
LAURA KAMINSKY, composer-in-residence,
American Opera Projects; ANNE MANSON,
conductor; SUSANNE MENTZER, singer;
DEBORAH SANDLER, general director, Lyric
Opera of Kansas City; MARTHA RICHARDS,
executive director, WomenArts; KATHRYN
SMITH, general director, Madison Opera;
FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO, artistic director,
Washington National Opera. ART ADMIN
NETWORK ROUNDTABLES
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
These network-specific sessions are
the place for open, frank dialogue that
addresses the issues facing particular
disciplines within the field of opera.
Open to PCM staff only unless otherwise
indicated.
GENERAL DIRECTORS: LEVELS 1 & 2
Marriott, Salon F,
Second Floor
GENERAL DIRECTORS: LEVEL 3
Marriott, Salon G,
Second Floor
GENERAL DIRECTORS: LEVEL 4
Marriott, Salon H,
Second Floor
MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Marriott, Thomas,
Second Floor
OPERA VOLUNTEERS
INTERNATIONAL
Marriott, Georgetown II, First Floor
Open to OVI members only.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FIELD TRIP TO WNO REHEARSAL
FACILITY AND COSTUME SHOP
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the Technical/Production
network are invited to travel to nearby
Takoma Park for a dutch-treat lunch at
Busboys and Poets followed by a tour of
the Washington National Opera’s costume
shop, storage and rehearsal facility. The
network will travel as a group on the Metro,
led by Network Chair KAREN QUISENBERRY.
Tour hosted by WNO Costume Director
MARSHA LEBOEUF. Group departure from
Washington Marriott at 1:00 p.m.
Advance registration required. TECH/PROD
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
AND LUNCH
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
Professional Company
Member official
representatives and members of
the OPERA America Board of
Directors will review important
association business, elect members to the
Board and recognize the accomplishments
of leaders in the field who are celebrating
their 10th and 25th anniversaries. No other
individual may substitute for the official
company representative at this meeting. For
a complete list of company representatives,
see page 39. By invitation only. GD, LI
SPOTLIGHT: ARTS EDUCATION
UPDATES FROM THE NEA
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
National Endowment for the Arts staff
AYANNA N. HUDSON, director of arts
education, and DENISE BRANDENBURG,
arts education specialist, will provide
updates on the NEA’s recent funding
priorities in education. This is also a chance
to ask questions and hear about previously
funded programs at opera companies.
EDU, STF
FULL AGENDA Friday, May 8
SPOTLIGHT: LUNCHTIME
DEVELOPMENT TIPS
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
Bring your own lunch and learn from
development expert MARILYN SHAPIRO,
who will share frequently overlooked
ways to increase contributed revenue and
improve the productivity of development
departments. She will draw on her
experience as a consultant and her work at
the Metropolitan and Los Angeles Operas
to offer strategies for fundraising and
board relations. DEVO
OPERA VOLUNTEERS
INTERNATIONAL BOARD MEETING
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Georgetown II, First Floor
This meeting of the Board of Directors
is open to all OVI members who wish to
attend. OVI
ARTISTIC POLICIES LINKED TO
CIVIC IMPACT
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon C, Second Floor
While decisions lie in the hands of
management, the board defines the
company’s overarching artistic policy
and priorities. As companies seek to vary
programming to reach new audiences,
traditional policies must change. Learn
how companies are navigating through
the maze of personal preferences to
develop new policies that reflect the rich
traditions of the art form and new goals
for increasing civic impact. KEITH CERNY,
general director & CEO, The Dallas Opera;
MICHAEL EGEL, general & artistic director,
Des Moines Metro Opera; MICHAEL
HEASTON, associate artistic director, The
Glimmerglass Festival, and director, the
Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program;
ADRIENNE MCFARLAND, president, Des
Moines Metro Opera. ART ADMIN, GD, TRUST
MARKETING STRATEGY FOR
A NEW AGE
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Marriott, Salon B, Second Floor
PETER LAMOTTE is the
senior vice president
and chair for digital communications
practice at Levick. His expertise in the
latest marketing strategies has helped
nonprofits, start-ups and Fortune 500
companies alike. His presentation will
provide a fresh take on how opera
companies can drive adoption and
measure return on investment. In this age
of guerilla tactics, grassroots marketing
and digital media, learn how to leverage
your content and resources for maximum
benefit. MKTG/PR
NETWORK ROUNDTABLES
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
These network-specific sessions are
the place for open, frank dialogue that
addresses the issues facing particular
disciplines within the field of opera. Open
to Professional Company Member (PCM)
staff only unless otherwise indicated.
ARTISTS
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
Open to all individual artists.
DEVELOPMENT
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Marriott, Salon G, Second Floor
FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND
HUMAN RESOURCES
Marriott, Salon A
Second Floor
SINGER TRAINING FORUM
PLANNING SESSION
Marriott, Georgetown I, First Floor
Open to members of the Singer Training
Forum.
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FULL AGENDA Friday, May 8
EVENING ACTIVITIES
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
NEW WORKS SAMPLER
5:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
The Barns at Wolf Trap
Bus departs
from the
Marriott at 5:00
p.m. and returns from The Barns
at 9:15 p.m. Includes
transportation and heavy hors
d’oeuvres. Advance registration required.
The New Works Sampler is a showcase of
works in progress and recent premieres.
Complementing the New Works Forum,
this performance will feature the wide
spectrum of musical styles employed by
emerging and established composers
creating opera today. KIM WITMAN, senior
director, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical
Programming, Wolf Trap Foundation for
the Performing Arts, will welcome the
group. UrbanArias will present excerpts
from Blue Viola by Peter Hilliard and Matt
Boresi. Visit the conference website for a
full schedule of performances. Followed by
a reception at 8:15 p.m. Cash bar. NWF
NEW WORKS SAMPLER:
AMBASSADOR PACKAGE
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Barns at Wolf Trap
Includes transportation and dinner.
Bus departs from the Marriott at 5:00
p.m. Following the New Works Sampler
performances (see above), Ambassadors
will board the bus at 7:30 p.m. toward
dinner at L’Auberge Chez François (332
Springvale Rd., Great Falls, VA). Return
transportation to the Marriott at 10:00
p.m. By invitation. AMB
OPERA VOLUNTEERS
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS DINNER
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The Westin Georgetown, Morton’s
The Steakhouse, 2350 M St. NW
Opera Volunteers International
is pleased to present awards to
honor groups and individuals
for their accomplishments in developing
and advancing volunteerism in support
of opera. The dinner is open to all OVI
members and other interested parties.
Advance purchase required ($100). OVI
FULL AGENDA Saturday, May 9
REGISTRATION OPEN
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Marriott, Logan, Second Floor
LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
Open to Leadership Intensive
alumni. By invitation. Separate
registration required. LI
NEW GENERAL DIRECTORS
ROUNDTABLE
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
ANN OWENS, field consultant, OPERA
America. By invitation. Separate
registration required.
ELECTRONIC MEDIA
AGREEMENT UPDATE
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
Join MICHAEL BRONSON, OPERA America’s
electronic media consultant, to review
the Electronic Media Agreement,
newly renegotiated with the American
Federation of Musicians (AFM). Covered
will be ways to utilize the new provisions
in this agreement — including those
relating to news, promotion and
fundraising — to advance the opera
field. Attendees will also discuss how to
approach AGMA and other rights holders
to negotiate similar terms so opera
companies can fully apply the new AFM
provisions. This session is aimed at staff
from opera companies with a collective
bargaining agreement with an AFM
orchestra, including those that subcontract
from their local AFM orchestra. ART ADMIN,
DEVO, EDU, FIN/HR, GD, MKTG/PR, TECH/PROD
MORNING SESSIONS
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
GENERAL SESSION:
CIVIC HEALTH: THE INTERSECTION
OF OPERA AND SOCIETY
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Washington Marriott, Salons A–E,
Second Floor
Raising the quality of life is a
shared goal among city
officials, arts leaders and the
general public. National Endowment for
the Arts Chairman JANE CHU sets the
stage for presentations from leaders at
the forefront of learning how
communities are made stronger
through more civically minded
institutions and engaged publics. Hear
how these research-based approaches
underscore the role for opera in
motivating participation in society and
enhancing civic life. DAVID FRAHER,
president and CEO, Arts Midwest; JASON
SCHUPBACH, director of design programs,
National Endowment for the Arts; MARC
A. SCORCA, president/CEO, OPERA
America (moderator); ILIR ZHERKA,
executive director, National Conference
on Citizenship. ALL
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Marriott, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom Foyer,
Second Floor
SPOTLIGHT: OPERA TEENS
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
Learn about a new national initiative to
empower high school-aged opera fans to
pursue their interests, share their passions
with others and leverage the power opera
to serve local communities. Learn how you
can support the next generation of opera
lovers and leaders when the program
launches next fall. ALL
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FULL AGENDA Saturday, May 9
SPOTLIGHT: Q&A WITH DAVID FRAHER
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Marriott, Salon H, Second Floor
Meet with DAVID FRAHER following his
presentation at the morning general
session to learn more about Arts Midwest
and the next phase of Building Public Will
for Arts and Culture. ALL
GRASSROOTS FUNDRAISING
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon C, Second Floor
Crowdfunding initiatives have transformed
political elections, shifting campaign
strategies and our own ideas about civic
engagement. RICH MINTZ, executive vice
president of Blue State Digital, the digital
strategy agency behind President Obama’s
election campaigns, will share how these
grassroots fundraising techniques translate
to the arts. Whether you are producing
small-scale projects or managing
turnaround efforts at major companies,
learn how to inspire action among a
broader base of opera lovers. ARTISTS, DEVO
OPERA’S AUDIENCES:
EXCITING IDEAS
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salons F–H, Second Floor
Come learn about
the latest innovative
projects supported by OPERA America’s
grant programs. Building Opera Audiences
grants, supported by the Ann and Gordon
Getty Foundation, help further
groundbreaking projects designed to
generate new and more frequent opera
attendance. The Opera Fund: Audience
Development grants help companies
develop deeper relationships with
audiences through in-depth learning
experiences structured around new and
infrequently produced American operas
and music-theater works. Company
representatives will present their project
concepts, including next steps in
implementation and lessons they have
learned that can impact the entire field.
KYLE SIRCUS, director of marketing,
Playwrights Horizons. DEVO, EDU, MKTG/PR
INTERNAL METRICS FOR
CIVIC IMPACT
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon B, Second Floor
An opera
company’s
traditional means for
reporting on marketing
and development activity do not capture
the full scope of the organization’s public
service. How can internal metrics and
reports be changed to reflect mission-driven
goals more accurately? Learn how opera
companies can take stock, analyze return on
investment and measure progress toward
increasing civic impact. KEITH CERNY,
general director & CEO, The Dallas Opera;
DAVID DEVAN, general director & president,
Opera Philadelphia. MARY K. WINKLER, senior
research associate, Center on Nonprofits and
Philanthropy, Urban Institute. FIN/HR, GD, TRUST
RUNNING ON VOLUNTEER POWER
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
Stitchers, woodworkers, ushers, docents
— volunteers are offering their service to
opera in myriad ways beyond fundraising.
Learn how companies are effectively
tapping into volunteers’ passions, talents
and expertise to move the field forward.
Hear from robust volunteer programs
about how they cultivate, foster and
inspire volunteers of all ages. BROOKS
BOEKE, manager, Friends of the Kennedy
Center; LAURA LEE EVERETT, director
of artistic services, OPERA America
(moderator); MARSHA LEBOEUF, costume
director, Washington National Opera;
DAVID MEADE, volunteer, Washington
National Opera; CHRISTOPHER TOMBRELLO,
vice president/volunteer, Opera Omaha
Craftsman’s Guild. OVI, TECH/PROD
FULL AGENDA Saturday, May 9
ROUNDTABLE: ARTISTIC
ADMINISTRATION
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
Open to PCM staff only.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
GENERAL SESSION:
SATURDAY KEYNOTE
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Washington Marriott, Salons A–E,
Second Floor
Hear remarks from opera
devotee RUTH BADER
GINSBURG, associate justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States,
followed by reflections from ROBERTO
BEDOYA, executive director of the Tucson
Pima Arts Council. Bedoya will
summarize themes that emerged
throughout the conference and suggest
actions for the field. The host of Opera
Conference 2016 will then extend an
invitation to one of North America’s
most beautiful cities. MARC A. SCORCA,
president/CEO, OPERA America. ALL
COFFEE BREAK
3:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Marriott, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom Foyer,
Second Floor
NEW WORKS FORUM
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salons B–C, Second Floor
Join the composerlibrettist teams for
facilitated discussion
about the works featured in Friday
evening’s New Works Sampler. Learn about
their creative process, hear their questions
and ask your own. Key publishers in the
industry will then offer a tutorial
reviewing the steps for commissioning a
new work. The New Works Forum is made
possible by a generous and deeply
appreciated grant from The Andrew W.
Mellon Foundation. SANDRA BERNHARD,
director of HGOco, Houston Grand Opera;
LAWRENCE EDELSON, artistic and general
director, Opera Saratoga, American Lyric
Theater. Advance registration required.
No additional fee. Participation in the
Wednesday session is not required. NWF
PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS
WORKSHOP
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Thomas, Second Floor
Effective presentation in front of boards,
staff and community groups is a must
for today’s civically engaged artists and
arts administrators. Overcome fears and
learn how to be a confident speaker and
representative of your organization. ANN
TIMMONS, communications artist. ALL
TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
WORKSHOP
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon F, Second Floor
Always feeling tight on time and low on
energy? In this workshop geared toward
the busy arts administrator, learn the
strategies for drawing upon your strengths
in order to prioritize your to-do list and
enhance your workflow. SUSAN LEVIN,
principal, Dialogue for Solutions. ALL
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FULL AGENDA Saturday, May 9
BOARD ORIENTATION AND
TRANSITION PLANNING
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon G, Second Floor
The arrival of new board
members and rotation
of seasoned ones reaching the end of their
terms signals healthy renewal for an
organization. Each transition must be
managed to ensure both the organization’s
success and an individual’s sense of
accomplishment. Learn the practices for
smooth orientation and rotation when it
comes to passing on institutional
knowledge, honoring past contributions,
affirming a new group’s dynamics and
maintaining momentum for effective
governance. MARC A. SCORCA, president/
CEO, OPERA America. DEVO, TRUST
REFLECTIONS ON CIVIC IMPACT
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Marriott, Salon D, Second Floor
Join a conversation to reflect on this
year’s conference theme. How would you
describe civic impact in your own words?
What does this mean for your work in the
opera field and your own community?
Raise your own questions and voice your
thoughts on how the field can move
forward in this facilitated dialogue. ALL
EVENING EVENTS
5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
AMBASSADOR PRE-PERFORMANCE
DINNER
5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
The Kennedy Center, Roof Terrace
Restaurant
2700 F St. NW
Transportation provided. Bus
departs the Marriott promptly at
5:15 p.m. By invitation. AMB
WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA’S
CINDERELLA: OPENING NIGHT
PERFORMANCE
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Kennedy Center, Opera House
2700 F St. NW
Rossini’s retelling of the Cinderella story
adds a few twists to the classic in a
whimsical production featuring mezzosoprano Isabel Leonard, the 2013 Richard
Tucker Award winner, in the title role.
Opera conference attendees receive a 10
percent discount on tickets (see conference
website for details). Advance ticket
purchase required. ALL
AMBASSADOR OPENING NIGHT
CELEBRATION
10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
The Kennedy Center
Roof Terrace Restaurant
2700 F St. NW
Return transportation to the
Marriott at 11:00 p.m. or travel on
own. By invitation. AMB
OPERA AMERICA Staff
PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
Marc A. Scorca, President/CEO
Kurt Howard, Managing Director
Kevin M. Sobczyk, CIO
Traci Djonne Schanke, Assistant to the
President
ARTISTIC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Laura Lee Everett, Director of Artistic
Services
Jeffrey S. Larson, Artistic Services Manager
Justin Giles, Artistic Services Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT
Dan Cooperman, Director of Development
Barbara Thomson, Development Manager
Joseph N. Van Ullen, Development
Coordinator
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Leah D. Wilson, Director of Learning
and Leadership
Sue Landis, Education Coordinator
FINANCE, OPERATIONS, RESEARCH
AND MEMBER SERVICES
Susan Schultz, Controller
Miles Greenberg, Research Manager
Benjamin Newman, Membership Manager
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Brandon Gryde, Director of
Government Affairs
MARKETING AND
COMMUNICATIONS
Patricia Kiernan Johnson, Director of
Marketing and Communications
Matthew Sigman, Editor, Opera America
Magazine
Audrey N. Saccone, Digital Media Manager
Nicholas Wise, Communications and
Publications Manager
James Ty Cumbie, Art Director
NATIONAL OPERA CENTER
Nicholas Roberts, Manager
Ben Young, Technical Manager
Sarah McCann, Booking Coordinator
John Lynd, Facilities Coordinator
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATES
Stefa Alarcon, Jay Mejias, Alyssa Meyers,
Wayne Paul, Jude Thomas, Katherine Yip
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OPERA AMERICA Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Chairman
Frayda B. Lindemann, Ph.D.,
The Metropolitan Opera
Vice Chairman
Susan F. Morris, The Santa Fe Opera
Vice Chairman
Stephen Trampe,
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Vice Chairman
Darren K. Woods, Fort Worth Opera
Treasurer
Timothy O’Leary,
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Secretary
William Florescu,
Florentine Opera Company
President/CEO
Marc A. Scorca
MEMBERS
David Bennett, Gotham Chamber Opera
Daniel Biaggi, Palm Beach Opera
J.A. (Gus) Blanchard, Minnesota Opera
Gregory Carpenter, Opera Colorado
Keith Cerny, The Dallas Opera
Emilie Roy Corey, National Guild for
Community Arts Education
Rena M. DeSisto, Bank of America
Larry Desrochers, Manitoba Opera
David B. Devan, Opera Philadelphia
Robert Ellis, San Francisco Opera,
Opera Parallèle
James Feldman, Washington
National Opera
Allen R. Freedman
Anthony Freud, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Christopher Hahn, Pittsburgh Opera
Jake Heggie
Carol F. Henry, Los Angeles Opera
Perryn Leech, Houston Grand Opera
Barbara Leirvik
Charles MacKay, The Santa Fe Opera
Andreas Mitisek, Long Beach Opera,
Chicago Opera Theater
Zizi Mueller, Boosey & Hawkes
Esther Nelson, Boston Lyric Opera
Eric Owens
Nicole Paiement, Opera Parallèle
Kenneth G. Pigott,* Lyric Opera of Chicago
Kathryn Smith, Madison Opera
Jill Steinberg, VisionIntoArt,
Original Music Workshop
Gregory C. Swinehart, Deloitte Financial
Advisory Services LLP
Melia P. Tourangeau,
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera
Francesca Zambello, The Glimmerglass
Festival, Washington National Opera
*in memoriam
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Christina Loewen, Opera.ca
Nicholas Payne, Opera Europa
NATIONAL OPERA CENTER
BOARD OF OVERSEERS
John E. Baumgardner, Jr.
L. Henry Cox III
Elizabeth Eveillard
Barbara Glauber
Jane A. Gross
Frederick W. Peters
Stephen Prystowsky, M.D.
Jane A. Robinson
Anthony Rudel
Michael Scimeca, M.D.
Brett Stover
Robert Tancer
Barbara Teichert
Voting Members of OPERA AMERICA
LEVEL I: ANNUAL BUDGET OVER $10 MILLION
Canadian Opera Company
Alexander Neef
The Dallas Opera
Keith Cerny
Florida Grand Opera
Susan T. Danis
Houston Grand Opera
Perryn Leech
Los Angeles Opera
Plácido Domingo/Christopher Koelsch
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Anthony Freud
The Metropolitan Opera
Peter Gelb
Opéra de Montréal
Pierre Dufour
Opera Philadelphia
David B. Devan
San Diego Opera Association
David Bennett
San Francisco Opera
David Gockley
The Santa Fe Opera
Charles MacKay
Seattle Opera
Aidan Lang
Vancouver Opera
James W. Wright
Washington National Opera
Michael Mael/Francesca Zambello
LEVEL II: ANNUAL BUDGET $3–10 MILLION
Arizona Opera
Ryan Taylor
The Atlanta Opera
Tomer Zvulun
Austin Opera
Joseph Specter
Boston Lyric Opera
Esther Nelson
Calgary Opera Association W.R. (Bob) McPhee
Central City Opera
Pelham Pearce
Cincinnati Opera
Patricia K. Beggs
Florentine Opera Company
William Florescu
Fort Worth Opera
Darren K. Woods
The Glimmerglass Festival
Francesca Zambello
Hawaii Opera Theatre
Henry G. Akina/Simon Crookall
Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Deborah Sandler
Michigan Opera Theatre
Wayne Brown/David DiChiera
Minnesota Opera
Nina Archabal
Opera Carolina
James Meena
Opera Colorado
Gregory Carpenter
Opera Omaha
Roger Weitz
Opera San José
Larry Hancock
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Timothy O’Leary
Pacific Opera Victoria
Patrick Corrigan
Palm Beach Opera
Daniel Biaggi
Pittsburgh Opera
Christopher Hahn
Portland Opera
Christopher Mattaliano
Sarasota Opera
Richard Russell
Skylight Music Theatre
Viswa Subbaraman
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera
Melia Tourangeau
LEVEL III: ANNUAL BUDGET $1–3 MILLION
Amarillo Opera
Chicago Opera Theatre
Dayton Opera Des Moines Metro Opera
Gotham Chamber Opera
David O’Dell
Andreas Mitisek
Thomas Bankston
Michael Egel Neal Goren
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Voting Members of OPERA AMERICA
Indianapolis Opera
Kevin Patterson
Kentucky Opera
David Roth
Long Beach Opera
Andreas Mitisek
Madison Opera
Kathryn Smith
Manitoba Opera
Larry Desrochers
Nashville Opera
John Hoomes
New Orleans Opera Association
Robert Lyall
North Carolina Opera
Eric Mitchko
Opéra de Québec
Grégoire Legendre
Opera Lafayette
Ryan Brown
Opera Memphis
Ned Canty
Opera Santa Barbara
Steven Sharpe
Opera Tampa
Frank McClain
Pensacola Opera
Jerome Shannon
Tri-Cities Opera Company
Susan Ashbaker
Tulsa Opera
Greg Weber
Wichita Grand Opera
Parvan Bakardiev
Wolf Trap Opera
Kim Witman
LEVEL IV: ANNUAL BUDGET UNDER $1 MILLION
Against the Grain Theatre
Joel Ivany
American Lyric Theater
Lawrence Edelson
American Opera Projects
Charles Jarden
Anchorage Opera
Reed W. Smith
Annapolis Opera
Kathy Swekel
Ardea Arts/Family Opera Initiative
Grethe Barrett Holby
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Michelle Krisel
Asheville Lyric Opera
David Craig Starkey
The Banff Centre, Theatre Arts
Kelly Robinson
Beth Morrison Projects
Beth Morrison
Boston Baroque
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre
Daniel Kleinknecht
Center City Opera Theater
Andrew M. Kurtz
Center for Contemporary Opera
Jim Schaeffer
Chants Libres,
Compagnie Lyrique de Création
Pauline Vaillancourt
Chautauqua Opera
Jay Lesenger
Chelsea Opera
Lynne Hayden-Findlay
Delaware Valley Opera
Carol Castel
DuPage Opera Theater
Paula Cebula
Encompass New Opera Theatre
Nancy Rhodes
Eugene Opera
Mark Beudert
Fargo-Moorhead Opera
David Hamilton
Festival Opera
Sara Nealy
Fresno Grand Opera
Matthew Buckman
Golden Gate Opera
Roberta Wain-Becker
Guerilla Opera
Aliana de la Guardia
HERE Arts Center
Kim Whitener
Hubbard Hall Opera Theater
Alexina Jones
The Industry
Yuval Sharon
Intermountain Opera Bozeman
Jackie Vick
Voting Members of OPERA AMERICA
Juventas Music
Knoxville Opera
the little OPERA theatre of NY
Livermore Valley Opera
Lyric Opera of the North
Mississippi Opera Mobile Opera
Musical Traditions
Music-Theatre Group
Nautilus Music-Theater
Nickel City Opera
Opera Birmingham
Opera Circle
Opera Coeur d’Alene
Opera Columbus
Opera Ebony
Opera For The Young
Opera Fort Collins
Opera Idaho
Opera in the Heights
Opera Naples
Opera North
Opera on Tap
Opera on the James
Opera Parallèle
Opera San Antonio
Opera San Luis Obispo
Opera Saratoga
Opera Southwest
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh
Opera Theatre of Weston
OperaDelaware
OperaLancaster
Piedmont Opera
PORTopera
Salt Marsh Opera
Saskatoon Opera
Shreveport Opera
Solo Opera
Soundstreams Canada
Sugar Creek Opera
Tacoma Opera
Tapestry Opera
Toledo Opera
Townsend Opera Players
UrbanArias
VisionIntoArt
West Edge Opera
Tammy Lynch
Brian Salesky
Philip Schneidman
Jim Schmidt
Sarah Lawrence
Tippy Garner
Scott Wright
Paul Dresher
Diane Wondisford
Ben Krywosz
Valerian Ruminski
Keith Wolfe
Dorota Sobieska
Aaron St. Clair Nicholson
William B. Conner, Jr.
Gregory Sheppard
Daniel Plummer
Brian Luedloff/Vicki Mykles
Mark Junkert
Mariam Khalili
Carol Shaw
Evans Haile
Anne Ricci Hiatt
Cecelia Schieve
Tod Brody
Mel Weingart
Brian Asher Alhadeff
Lawrence Edelson
Anthony Zancanella
Jonathan Eaton
Nan Nall
Brendan Cooke
William Dewan
James Allbritten
Dona D. Vaughn
Simon D. Holt
Karen Reynaud
Steven Aiken
Sylvia Amorino
Susan Worthington
Helen Todd
Noel Koran
Katie Pounder
Suzanne Rorick
Matthew Buckman
Robert Wood
Paola Prestini
Mark Streshinsky
41
42
Support for OPERA AMERICA
NATIONAL OPERA CENTER
LEADERSHIP GIFTS
OPERA America is indebted to the
individuals and institutions whose
transformational support made possible
the construction of the $14.5 million
National Opera Center, a state-of-theart performance and rehearsal facility
designed to provide a New York home for
the national opera community.
$2 Million or More
Pamela J. Hoiles
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
$1 Million – $2 Million
Horace H. Irvine II
Anonymous
$250,000 – $1 Million
City of New York
Baisley Powell Elebash Fund
Barbara and Ronald Leirvik
William C. and Susan F. Morris
Anonymous
$100,000 – $249,999
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Booth Ferris Foundation
Elizabeth and Jean-Marie Eveillard
James A. Feldman
The Filstrup Foundation
Lloyd and Mary Ann Gerlach
Jane A. Gross
Cynthia Fry Gunn and
John A. Gunn
Henry Family Fund
Jay Lesenger
Dr. Steve and Rochelle Prystowsky
Marc and Cathy Solomon
Jill and William Steinberg
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation
Anonymous
$25,000 – $99,999
Allen R. and Judy Brick Freedman
Emilie Roy Corey
Sherrill Milnes and
Maria Zouves Milnes
Michael and Noémi Neidorff
Harry Lee and Clive Potter
James and Deborah Reda
Jane and Morton Robinson
Rita G. Rudel Foundation
James R. Seitz, Jr.
$10,000 – $24,999
Jane Goddard Akin and
Steven Paul Akin
Gus and Mary Blanchard
Luigi Caiola, Rose Caiola and
Edward Mermelstein
Patricia C. Compton
The Robert and Mercedes
Eichholz Foundation
Isabel and Algernon M. Ellien
Foundation, Inc.
Anthony Freud and Colin Ure
Jane Hartley
The Jeanette and H. Peter Kriendler Charitable Trust
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Charles MacKay
Paul and Sandra Montrone
Minnesota Opera
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
John J. Pohanka
Brig. Gen. (Ret) George B. Price
and Dr. Laura G. Kafra-Price
and Family
San Diego Opera
Board of Directors
Marc A. Scorca
Marilyn Shapiro
Gregory C. Swinehart
Thomas E. Terry
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Trampe
John G. Turner and Jerry G. Fischer
Support for OPERA AMERICA
OPERA AMERICA ANNUAL FUND
Annual support from individuals and
institutions provides the essential
foundation for OPERA America to lead and
strengthen the opera field with programs
devoted to professional development, new
work cultivation, audience engagement,
industry research and national advocacy.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
Chairman’s Circle
$20,000 or More
Berwind Fund
Emilie Roy Corey
Barbara Winter Glauber
Cynthia Fry Gunn and John A. Gunn
Barbara and Ronald Leirvik
Mr. and Mrs. George L. Lindemann
Susan F. and William C. Morris
John G. Turner and Jerry G. Fischer
$10,000 or More
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Baumgardner, Jr.
Jane Bernstein and Bob Ellis
James A. Feldman
Allen R. and Judy Brick Freedman
Ronnie and Sylvia Hartman
Pamela J. Hoiles
Horace H. Irvine II
Jane and Morton Robinson
Mr. William T. Weyerhaeuser,
President, Sequoia Foundation,
and Mrs. Gail T. Weyerhaeuser,
Trustee, Sequoia Foundation
Ambassador-at-Large
$5,000 or More
Louise Gaylord
Jane A. Gross
Carol and Warner Henry
Beth Madison
Andreas Mitisek
Stephen Prystowsky, M.D.
Cathy and Marc Solomon
Sarah Billinghurst Solomon
and Howard Solomon
Dr. Eugene and Mrs. Jean Stark
Robert S. Tancer
Barbara Augusta Teichert
Anonymous (2)
$2,500 or More
Anthony Corso†
Peter and Deborah Bertling
Gus and Mary Blanchard
Susan T. Danis
Karin A. Eames
Terry and Catherine Ferguson
Scott and Margee Filstrup
Meredith Hathorn Penick
Mr. and Mrs. E. Lee Perry
James and Deborah Reda
Marc A. Scorca
Eva and Marc Stern
Brett A. Stover
Gregory C. Swinehart
Anonymous
Ambassador Circle
$1,000 or More
Carla Alvarado
Roger and Julie Baskes
Daniel Biaggi
Susan Bienkowski
Nadine E. Bognar
Eloise Bouye
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Brand
James and Phyllis Bratt
Wayne S. Brown
Greg Carpenter
Joyce Castle
Keith and Jennifer Cerny
Shelli Chase
David and Mary Jo Christensen
Patricia C. Compton†
L. Henry Cox III
Mary Sharp Cronson
Don F. Dagenais
Wayne C. Davis
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S.
DeLeese
David DiChiera
David A. and Carol E. Domina
Thomas Dreeze
and Evans Mirageas
Frank Dumont
Dunch Arts, LLC/Emma E. Dunch
Elizabeth M. Eveillard
Todd Gordon and Susan Feder
Dale and Alvin Filstrup
Garry and Louise Fredericksen
43
44
Support for OPERA AMERICA
Catherine French
Anthony Freud
Margaret Genovese
Mary Ann and Lloyd Gerlach
David Gockley
Jon Kevin Gossett
Christopher Hahn
Michael Hampe
Jane Hartley
Dr. Robert and Suzanne Hasl
Margaret Haupt
Evan Hazell
Mrs. Patricia G. Hecker,
Hecker Family Charitable
Foundation of the
Greater Saint Louis
Community Foundation
Jake Heggie
Robert Heidenry
Holland Foundation
Bruce Hyman and
Simone Quarré
Plato and Dorothy Karayanis
Patricia Kavanagh
Younghee Kim-Wait
Joseph H. Kluger
Joel Koppelman
Lori Laitman
Sally Levy
Paul V. Lorton, Jr.
Charles MacKay
Susan Graf Marineau
Jacqueline Badger Mars
Eloise McEldowney
David S. McIntosh
David Mesker
Charles E. Metcalf
Daniel K. Meyer, M.D.
Leonard Michaels
Dr. R. Ranney Mize
Alan Muraoka
Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Myers
Esther L. Nelson
Theodore F. Newlin III
J. Boyce and Peggy F. Nute
Dr. Ruth Orth
Ann Owens
Jo Pennington
Gloria M. Portela
Charlotte Prince
Carey R. Ramos
Mary Lea Johnson Richards
Charitable Foundation
Hon. Frederick W. Richmond
Pamela Rigg
Nancy and Ed Rosenthal
Chandra and Michael Rudd
Nicholas G. Russell
Richard Russell
Ian and Annie Sale
Deborah Sandler
Olin Sansbury and
Mary Ann Claud
Roberta Schneiderman
Melody and Warren Schubert
Susan and Jeremy Shamos
John K. Shannon, Jr.
and Jan Serr
Marilyn Shapiro
Simon Charitable Foundation/
Eve and Fred Simon
Kevin Smith
Mira J. Spektor
Raymond F. Steckel
Steve Suellentrop
Rhonda and Donald Sweeney
Maryanne Tagney
Thomas E. Terry
Lavell Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Terrence A. Tobias
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Trampe
Alan and Didi Weinblatt
Mr. Don Winspear
Dr. Judith G. Wolf
Sharon and Fillmore Wood
Francesca Zambello
Ambassador Designate
$500 or More
Anonymous
Patricia K. Beggs
David Bennett
Mark Black
Dabby Blatt
Susan S. Braddock
Beatrice Broadwater
Doris and Michael Bronson
Annie Burridge
Lisa Bury
Dr. Heather F. Clarke
Eugenie C. Cowan
Larry Desrochers
David B. Devan and David A. Dubbeldam
Support for OPERA AMERICA
Susan D. Eastman
Lawrence Edelson
Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation
Anne C. Ewers
Jill A. Fischer
Kristina Flanagan
William Florescu
Roy Furman
Donald N. Gellert and Elaine Koss
Mrs. Rita Elizabeth Horiguchi
John Hrncir
Mr. and Mrs. David K. Ingalls
Franklin P. Johnson, Jr.
James M. Kendrick
Jay Lesenger
Sylvia Lindsey
Raulee Marcus
Christopher Mattaliano
Susanne Mentzer
Erie Mills and Tom Rescigno
Karl O. Mills
Eugene and Robin Newman
David and Amelia O’Dell
Eric Owens
Nicole Paiement
Pelham Glenn Pearce, Jr.
Rajika Puri
Thomas Rhodes
Patricia A. Richards
Norman D. Ryan
Kathryn Smith
Reed W. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Stuhlreyer III
Roselyne C. Swig
Melia Tourangeau
T. Peter Townsend
Rochelle A. Weiner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weiss
Diane B. Wilsey
Bruce Munro Wright
James W. Wright
The Mary and Charlie Yates Jr. Family Fund
† in memoriam
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
American Express Foundation
Bank of America
Boosey & Hawkes
The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.
Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP
Booth Ferris Foundation
Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation
Howard Gilman Foundation
Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts
The Hearst Foundations
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
New York City Department of
Cultural Affairs
New York Community Trust
New York State Council on the Arts
The Penates Foundation
Schott Music Corporation
The Tobin Theatre Arts Fund
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation
The Wallace Foundation
Wells Fargo
PROGRAM SUPPORT
Patricia Scimeca Fund for Emerging
Singers
These listings acknowledge all
contributions made to OPERA America
during the 12-month period from April
1, 2014, to April 8, 2015. If your name has
been omitted or misprinted, please accept
our deepest apologies and kindly notify
us by contacting Dan Cooperman
at [email protected] or
646.699.5266.
45
46
OPERA AMERICA Partners
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Patrick Corrigan, Pacific Opera Victoria
Vice Chair
Cheryl Hickman, Opera on the Avalon
Secretary-Treasurer
Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera
Members
Andrea Bellefeuille, BMO Capital Markets,
Against the Grain Theatre
Pierre Dufour, Opéra de Montréal
Angie Gélinas, Calgary Opera
Michael Mori, Tapestry Opera
Alexander Neef, Canadian Opera Company
Marc A. Scorca, OPERA America
STAFF
Christina Loewen, Executive Director
Krista Wodelet, Membership and
Communications Associate
SUPPORT FOR OPERA.CA
Supporters
Canada Council for the Arts
Ontario Arts Council
Individual Supporters
Vanguard ($5,000 or more)
The Dianne and Irving Kipnes
Foundation**
Roger Moore**
George Cedric Metcalf Foundation*
OPERA AMERICA Partners
Innovator ($1,000 to $4,999)
Gail Asper and Michael Paterson**
Margaret and Jim Fleck**
Claire Hopkinson**
The Martha Lou Henley Charitable
Foundation**
W. R. (Bob) McPhee**
Sandra and Jim Pitblado**
Monica Sloan
Bruce M. Wright**
President
Eva Kleinitz, Staatsoper Stuttgart
Aficionado ($500 to $999)
Maria Antonakos and Dr. Harald Stöver**
Richard Comparey**
Patrick Corrigan
Larry Desrochers
Christina Loewen
Secretary
Barbara Minghetti, AsLiCo, Teatro Sociale
di Como
Friend (up to $499)
Gerald Finley
Sandra Gavinchuk
Chris Lorway
Lorna MacDonald
Micheline McKay
Michael Morres
Alexander Neef
Virginia Reh
Ian Rye
Robert Vineburg
Deirdre Webster
Susan Worthington
James W. Wright
Tom Wright
*denotes Power of 100 donor
**denotes multiyear commitment
Vice-Presidents
Kasper Holten, Royal Opera House
Covent Garden
Walter Vergnano, Teatro Regio di Torino
Treasurer
Thomas Lauriot dit Prévost, Théâtre Royal
de la Monnaie, Brussels
Members
Bob Brandsen, De Nederlandse Opera
Jan Burian, The National Theatre Prague
Waldemar Dąbrowski, Polish National
Opera Warsaw
Serge Dorny, Opéra national de Lyon
Jean-Yves Kaced, Opéra national de Paris
Susanne Moser, Komische Oper Berlin
David Pountney, Bregenzer Festspiele,
Welsh National Opera
Peter Spuhler, Badisches Staatstheater
Karlsruhe
Birgitta Svendén, Royal Swedish Opera
Marisa Vazquez-Shelly, Teatro Real
de Madrid
Staff
Nicholas Payne, Director
Audrey Jungers, Manager
Gerald Philippe, Membership Coordinator
Aline Chif, Communication Coordinator
Luke O’Shaughnessy, Project Manager
47
OPERA AMERICA Partners
Dear Opera Lovers,
Welcome to OPERA America’s Opera Conference 2015: Increasing Civic
Impact, co-hosted by Washington National Opera in association with
Opera Volunteers International. In Washington D.C., where we see all
around us examples of the arts in our community, Opera Conference
2015 will emphasize the many ways that opera can engage with the
larger community. Opera volunteers support these efforts by serving as
docents, taking opera into schools, offering opera previews in community
organizations, and acting as ushers, greeters and ambassadors for operas in
the park or other non-traditional locations.
We are thrilled to be an integral part of this conference, working hand in
hand with OPERA America to develop a track especially for volunteers,
which is concentrated in the weekend and culminates with Rossini’s
Cinderella. OVI joins the opera world in congratulating Marc A. Scorca on his
leadership of OPERA America for the past 25 years, and we look forward to
many more collaborations at future conferences.
OVI member Friends of the Kennedy Center have worked closely with
OPERA America to assist with the many tasks necessary to make the
conference run smoothly, and they will participate in the panel discussion
about volunteers supporting the production side of opera. Also participating
will be the Opera Omaha Craftsman’s Guild, a volunteer group working
“behind the curtain.” In addition to sharing successful volunteer projects, OVI
will honor outstanding volunteers and projects that have made an impact in
their communities at our Awards Dinner.
Best wishes for an outstanding conference experience generating new
ideas for increasing the impact that our opera companies, volunteers and
resources can have within our communities!
Rhonda Sweeney
President
OPERA VOLUNTEERS
INTERNATIONAL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
President
Rhonda Sweeney
Partners in Excellence
Esther (Vernie) Jones
Vice President, Administration
Mary Earl
Vice President, Communications
Mary Svela
Vice President, Membership
Susan Malott
Grants
Mary Earl
Projects of Special Merit
Sandra Pelfrey
Newsletter
Rick Greenman
Resources
Barbara Eckel
Public Relations
Nancy McReynolds
Vice President, Outreach
Richard Falvo
Database Management
Anne Prokopovych
Vice President, Marketing
Sheila McNeill
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Secretary
Elizabeth (Libby) Siskron
Northeast Region
Anastasia (Stacey) Johnson
Southeast Region
Sandra Frank
Treasurer
Phyllis Driver
Gulf Region
Ingrid Kessler
Immediate Past President and
Nominating Committee Chair
Julie Anne Benson
Great Lakes Region
Pona Tran
North Central Region
Jan Schueppert
South Central Region
Wilma Wilcox
Southwest Region
Judy Vander Heide
Northwest Region
Mary and Harold Scott
49
OPERA
CONFERENCE
2O16
Dear Colleagues,
We look forward to welcoming you to Montreal for Opera Conference 2016. This will be
an opportunity for us to introduce you to our city, Montreal, a radiant and culturally
effervescent metropolis renowned for its ethno-cultural diversity, festive character
and joie de vivre.
Montreal, which is a UNESCO City of Design, combines Old World charm with New
World vitality. Our cosmopolitan city offers not only a rich array of gastronomy,
festivals and art, but also a truly unique demographic history: The city was initially
Amerindian, then French and English, but above all, over the last few centuries, it
has been enriched by new arrivals from communities around the world. The city’s
eclecticism and daring spirit are forces of attraction for world-class talent, making it
an incubator for exciting, ground-breaking ideas. While deeply rooted in almost 375
years of history, Montreal is eternally young at heart and always reinventing itself.
The Montreal cultural scene is made up of almost 100,000 workers who generate
$8 billion in economic benefits (six percent of the city’s GDP) and who make up 69
percent of the cultural sector’s workforce in the province of Quebec. The arts scene has
also enjoyed a love affair with opera for over 150 years! Today, as in the past, Montreal
is a vital gateway for many European artists. And Opera Conference 2016 will provide
an opportunity to take stock of the local talent that gives Montreal its international
reputation and makes the city a particularly innovative place.
During your stay with us, we would like to invite you to attend the world premiere
of Les feluettes (Lilies), written by internationally renowned dramatist Michel Marc
Bouchard and set to music by Kevin March. The production is a reflection of Montreal’s
creativity, with local talent weaving the international fabric of our metropolis!
Under the direction of Pierre Dufour, general director, and Michel Beaulac, artistic
director, the Opéra de Montréal is one of the largest francophone opera companies in
North America. Much like its location at Place des Arts in the Quartier des spectacles,
Opéra de Montréal has, for the past 36 years, been at the beating heart of Montreal.
We await your visit!
Pierre Dufour
General Director
SAVE THE DATE:
May 18–21, Montreal
Michel Beaulac
Artistic Director
52
Meeting Spaces | Dining Options
Dining Options
WASHINGTON MARRIOTT GEORGETOWN MEETING SPACES
SIT-DOWN DINING
Nearly all conference sessions at the Washington Marriott Georgetown will take place on
the second floor; a small number of sessions will take place on the first floor of the hotel.
The floors are noted in the session descriptions in this program book, or you may consult
hotel signage.
Blu Restaurant $
American
1170 22nd St. NW (betw. M St. and
New Hampshire Ave., in Ritz-Carlton)
blurestaurant.com | 202.974.6603
5) Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Sandwiches, salads, soups
1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW
(at Ward Pl.)
potbelly.com | 202.349.1613
QUICK EATS & COFFEE
1) Bourbon Coffee
Coffee, baked goods, sandwiches
2101 L St. NW (betw. 21st & 22nd Sts.)
bourboncoffeeusa.com | 202.525.1886
6) Starbucks
Coffee
2109 M. St. NW (betw. 22nd St. &
New Hampshire Ave.)
starbucks.com | 202.293.2012
2) Bread & Chocolate
Coffee, baked goods, sandwiches
2301 M St. NW (near 23rd St.)
breadandchocolate.net | 202.833.8360
3) Chipotle
Burritos and other Mexican fare
1837 M St. NW (at 19th St.)
chipotle.com | 202.466.4104
7) Subway
Sandwiches
2030 M St. NW (betw. 20th & 21st Sts.)
subway.com | 202.223.2587
4) Melt Shop
Grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes
1901 L St. NW (at 19th St.)
meltshop.com | 202.794.8400
2
8) Sweetgreen
Made-to-order salads and wraps
2238 M St. NW (betw. 22nd & 23rd Sts.)
sweetgreen.com | 202.629.2100
5
MARRIOTT
3
6
Meiwah $–$$
Chinese
1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW
(at Ward Pl.)
meiwahrestaurant.com | 202.833.2888
Nooshi $–$$
Pan-Asian, Sushi
1120 19th St. NW (betw. L and M Sts.)
nooshidc.com | 202.293.3138
Soi 38 $–$$
Thai
2101 L St. NW (at 21st St)
soi38dc.com | 202.558.9215
Bóveda $$
Latin, small plates
2350 M St. NW (betw. 23rd & 24th Sts.,
in Westin Georgetown)
boveda-dc.com | 202.448.1000
Charbar & Eli’s Market $$
American, Kosher
2142 L St NW (betw. 21st & 22nd Sts.)
charbardc.com | 202.785.4314
District Commons $$
American
2200 Washington Cir. NW
districtcommonsdc.com | 202.587.8277
7
8
1
Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine $
Cuban
1134 19th St. NW (betw. L & M. Sts.)
sophiescuban.com/1134-19th |
202.833.1005
4
M Street Bar & Grill $$
American
2033 M St. NW (at 21st St., in
St. Gregory Hotel)
mstreetdc.com | 202.530.3621
Firefly $$–$$$
Comfort Food
1310 New Hampshire Ave., NW
(betw. N & 20th Sts.)
firefly-dc.com | 202.861.1310
Grillfish $$–$$$
Seafood
1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW
(at Ward Pl.)
grillfishdc.com | 202.331.7310
Rasika West End $$–$$$
Modern Indian
1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW (at M St.)
rasikarestaurant.com | 202.466.2500
Juniper $$–$$$
New American
2401 M St. NW (at 24th St.)
juniperdc.com | 202.457.5020
Blue Duck Tavern $$$
New American
1201 24th St. NW (at M St., in Park Hyatt)
blueducktavern.com | 202.419.6755
Ris $$$
New American
2275 L St. NW (at 23rd St.)
risdc.com | 202.730.2500
Vidalia $$$
Modern Southern American
1990 M St. NW (at 20th St.)
vidaliadc.com | 202.659.1990
Westend Bistro $$$
French-American
1190 22nd St. NW
(at M. St., in the Ritz-Carlton)
westendbistrodc.com | 202.974.5566
Smith & Wollensky $$$–$$$$
Steakhouse
1112 19th Street NW (betw. L & M Sts.)
smithandwollensky.com | 202.466.1100
DELIVERY OPTIONS
Visit seamless.com to find restaurants
that deliver to the Washington Marriott
Georgetown (1221 22nd St. NW).
53
54
Transportation | Partner Discounts
Venues
COSMOS CLUB
UBER
We’ve partnered with Uber to get you to Opera Conference 2015 hassle-free and in style.
Download the Uber app and sign up using promo uberOperaConf15 to get up to $20 off
your first ride (not valid on UberTAXI).
TAXIS
Taxis are readily available throughout Washington, D.C. and may be hailed from any
location. The cabs are generally red with a silver stripe. A dome light atop each cab
indicates its availability. Nearly all cab drivers will accept credit cards.
MASS TRANSIT
WASHINGTON MARRIOTT GEORGETOWN
Metrorail (the Metro) is the rapid transit rail system serving Washington, D.C. and its
suburbs. Rates are determined by starting point and destination, as well as time of day.
Paper fare cards and SmarTrip® cards (reloadable tap cards) may be purchased in the
Metro stations. Make sure to retain your fare card or SmarTrip® card to be scanned upon
exiting the Metrorail system.
Metrobus is the D.C. area’s bus system. The fare is $1.75 for regular bus service and
$4.00 for express service. The fare may be paid with a SmarTrip® card or cash (exact fare
required). Paper fare cards are not accepted.
THE WESTIN
GEORGETOWN
GETTING TO THE KENNEDY CENTER
The Kennedy Center is approximately a 15-minute walk or 5- to 10-minute cab ride from
the Washington Marriott Georgetown. If traveling by foot from the hotel, walk one block
south on 22nd Street NW and then take a right onto New Hampshire Avenue NW, which
will take you directly to the Kennedy Center. Please note that a taxi queue will form at
the Kennedy Center following the May 9 performance of Cinderella.
SHOW YOUR BADGE
Enjoy the city’s world-class restaurants, attractions and shopping while you’re in town.
Simply show your conference badge to participating partners and receive VIP treatment
and exclusive discounts. Learn more at washington.org/SYB.
THE JOHN F.
KENNEDY CENTER
Washington Marriott Georgetown
(Conference Headquarters)
1221 22nd Street NW (between M Street
NW and Ward Place NW)
The Westin Georgetown
2350 M Street NW
(between 23rd and 24th Streets NW)
Cosmos Club
2121 Massachusetts Avenue NW
(at Q Street NW)
The John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street NW (at intersection of
New Hampshire Avenue NW and
Rock Creek Parkway)
55
56
NOTES
NOTES
57
58
NOTES
NOTES
59
60
NOTES
NOTES
61
62
NOTES
NOTES
63
64
NOTES
THE NATIONAL OPERA CENTER
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001
conference.operaamerica.org
#OperaConf