

concerts and events
December
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Sunrises & Storms
December 7
The Nutcracker
December 13–22
Handel’s Messiah
December 16
The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly
December 17
Bach’s Lunch
December 18
January Jurassic Park in Concert
January 17
A Night of Symphonic Rock
January 24
Shostakovich 5 & Festive
January 30 & 31
February
The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit
February 6 & 7
The Sleeping Beauty
February 20–22
Magic Carpet Concerts: Hansel & Gretel
February 24–26
February 28
American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond March 6 & 7
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Rhythms of Wonder
March 8
Philharmonic Junior Strings & Youth Strings: American Mosaic March 15

FROM THE LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends
Before anything else: thank you.
Your presence keeps our stages alive, our traditions meaningful, and our artists inspired. Every time you choose to join us—whether for perennial favorites like The Nutcracker or for something entirely new—you help create the sense of connection that defines this season.
At the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, we’re proud to offer performances that bring families and friends together. These moments of shared listening and wonder remind us why live performance matters, especially in these cold winter months.
And there is so much ahead! From powerful orchestral programs that celebrate Maestro Harada’s musical journey (Shostakovich 5 & Festive, Jan. 30 and 31) to spectacular new opera productions (The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit, Feb. 6 and 7) and timeless ballet classics (The Sleeping Beauty, Feb. 20–22), the coming months are filled with opportunities to experience the beauty and energy of the arts in our community.
Thank you for being here today, and for being part of the DPAA family. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes from the DPAA family for a joyous and prosperous 2026!

Patrick J. Nugent President and CEO

Joseph Zehenny DPAA Board Chair


this is your scene

Is this your first time at a DPAA event? If so, welcome! To ensure your visit is meaningful and enjoyable, we offer the following resources.
Box Office
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance proudly partners with Dayton Live for its box office services. Contact the box office at (937) 228-3630 or visit the office in the Schuster Wintergarden.
Restrooms / Family Restrooms
Restrooms are available on each level of the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. An adult changing table is located in the family restroom on the Loge level.
Accessibility
DPAA is committed to providing access to the arts. If you have any specific needs or questions, please contact the box office.
Audio description is available upon request for patrons who have vision loss. Describers provide a live, objective, descriptive delivery of the visual elements of a performance in between the dialogue and/or music via a small receiver. Requests must be received two weeks prior to an event and are subject to the availability of the Describer. Arrange by calling the box office.
Assistive listening devices are available for all performances. Borrow a device from the kiosk in the lobby or from a house manager.
Sign language interpretation is also available upon request for performances at the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. Requests for sign language interpretation must be received two weeks prior to the event and are subject to the availability. Call the box office to make a request.
Military Appreciation and Discount Programs
In addition to our standard military discount, DPAA offers a Military Appreciation Program for active-duty military members, retired veterans with ID cards, and WPAFB government civilian employees in the region. Each household may receive four free tickets annually. Contact the box office to redeem.
Local Dining
Make it a night on the town! We recommend the following options: Bistecca, Blind Bob’s, Grist, Joui, Lily’s, Lucho, Meadowlark Restaurant, Mudlick Tap House, Salar Restaurant and Lounge, Sueño, Table 33, and Wheat Penny Oven & Bar.
Group Sales
Groups of 10 or more can save up to 30% on tickets! Contact Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette, at (937) 535-5443.
Age Recommendation
Our events are recommended for age 6 and up.
Lost and Found / Security
If you lose an item at a performance or need assistance from the security team, call (937) 6377366. For the safety of those in the audience, behind the scenes, and on stage, everyone entering the performance space is required to pass through metal detectors.
Questions?
For additional ticket questions or information, contact our Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette at (937) 535-5443.



Keitaro Harada’s Inaugural Season
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance would like to acknowledge Trustee Barbara N. O’Hara for her generosity and vision.
Barbara was the catalyst for bringing Maestro Keitaro Harada to the Dayton Community. We wish to thank her and the following donors for their generosity:
Barbara N. O’Hara
Peter & Patricia Torvik
Tim & Mary Riordan
Grismer Tire Company
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester
Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mary Boosalis
Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny
Nirmala Abraham & Scotty Blackburn
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Artistic Directors

Kathleen Clawson,
Artistic Director, Opera; Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair
Kathleen Clawson is a distinguished director, performer, and educator whose career has been defined by her deep commitment to opera. Clawson’s extensive directing work includes over 20 productions for the Dayton Opera and a long-standing association with The Santa Fe Opera, where her credits include staging two world premieres, and staging the Apprentice Scenes for over two decades.
Clawson first came to Dayton as a soloist with the Dayton Philharmonic. Now a retired mezzo-soprano, she performed with opera companies and orchestras throughout the country, and performed in musical theatre, including the “Mother Abbess” in an international tour of The Sound of Music.
A passionate advocate for arts education, she served as the Associate Director of The Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Singer Program for ten years and mentors the Dayton Opera Artists in Residence.

Keitaro Harada
Music and Artistic Director, Philharmonic; Sponsored by Barbara N. O’Hara
Armed with intensity and depth, Keitaro Harada consistently provides riveting concerts and opera performances in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. As Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic since 2020, Harada has transformed the orchestra and energized its audiences throughout the community with his imaginative programs and charismatic presence.
In 2024, Harada was named Permanent Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Partner for the Aichi Chamber Orchestra, and he begins a five-year tenure as Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic in the 2025–26 season. He has forged a close connection with the NHK Symphony Orchestra with whom he appears frequently and has recorded three albums. Harada is a recipient of the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.

Brandon Ragland
Artistic Director, Ballet; Sponsored by Dr. Troy Tyner and Dr. Ingrid Brown
Brandon Ragland has more than a decade of professional experience as a dancer, choreographer, and educator. He trained in Birmingham, AL, and has a bachelor’s degree in Dance-Arts Administration from Butler University. After graduation, Ragland danced with Alabama Ballet, followed by Louisville Ballet in 2010, spending 13 years as a leading artist. A respected choreographer, Ragland choreographed works for Louisville Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, AROVA Contemporary Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, Sedona Chamber Ballet, and The Perla Ballet. In 2017, Ragland was honored to perform with the Black Iris Project at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the Kennedy Center’s Dance Across America Program. He has received numerous awards, including “Best Artist” in Louisville Magazine and The Lift a Life Foundation’s “Emerging Leader in the Arts Award” from The Fund for the Arts.


Dayton Ballet Company Dancers




















Dayton


Artists-In-Residence



Connor Barak Claire Bergman Nicolas Bierwagen
Erin Blair Tomasin Corrente
Emma Duncan
Alyssa Eyster
Hailey Flanagan
Jasmine Getz Katy Gilliam
Isaac Jones Patrick Lennon
Tarique Logan Kyan Park Maxwell Peters
Lukas Pringle Francisco Rivera Belle Urben Catherine Voorhees Christian Chester
Opera
Malone Blaich Isabel Randall Aaron Hill Evan Fleming Clara Passmore
Dayton Ballet Studio Company











Xochitl Atienza Sara Beth Austin Daniela Bennetti Amber Huggett Mollie Juniewicz
Jaiden Morley Ryan Norman Elizabeth Sabol Isabelle Wilwayco
Dara Schlesinger

The Sleeping Beauty
February 20–22, 2026 • Schuster Center
ARTISTS
Brandon Ragland, Choreographer
Isaac Selya, Conductor
RUNTIME
Dayton Ballet
Dayton Philharmonic
Cast for February 20 & 22
PROLOGUE
Master of Ceremonies.......................................................................................... Patrick Lennon
King Florestan David Hochwalt
Queen Florine ........................................................................................ Rachel Cahayla-Wynne
Fairy of Tenderness and Cavalier .......................... Tomasin Corrente, Nicolas Bierwagen
Fairy of Beauty and Cavalier Claire Bergman, Christian Chester
Fairy of Generosity and Cavalier .......................................... Jasmine Getz, Maxwell Peters
Fairy of Musicality and Cavalier Alyssa Eyster, Francisco Rivera
Fairy of Courage and Cavalier Katy Gilliam, Kyan Park
Lilac Fairy and Cavalier ..................................................................... Belle Urben, Isaac Jones
Lilac Fairy Attendants Amber Huggett, Daniela Bennetti, Xochitl Atienza, Ryan Norman, Sara Beth Austin, Elizabeth Sabol
Carabosse....................................................................................................... Catherine Voorhees
Carabosse Attendants Tarique Logan, Connor Barak
Royal Guests ....................... Eden Beert-Nordeen, Sarah Press, Ella Barron, Maci Muster
Nurses .......................................................................................... Eliana Egbert, Anna Williams
Fairy Attendants Katy Benjamin, Kate Briggs, Greta Kline, Ellen Smith, ....................................................................... Madeline Susco, Lola Zimmer, Zoey Thompson
Continued on next page
Dayton Ballet and Set Construction supported by Peggie & Mike McQuiston
Ballet support provided by The Shubert Foundation
Dayton Ballet Studio Company supported by Kathy & John Beran
Dance Flooring and the Dancers of the Dayton Ballet supported by Susan S. Kettering
Dancer Sponsorship provided by Jane A. Dunwoodie
Ballet support provided by Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester
Dancer Sponsorship provided by Dr. Jeffrey & Susan Mikutis
The Sleeping Beauty is sponsored by Lesley and Chris Hopkins
ACT I
Princess Aurora ................................................................................................... Hailey Flanagan
Garland Waltz Sara Beth Austin, Connor Barak, Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, Tarique Logan, Jaiden Morley, Ryan Norman, Kyan Park, Maxwell Peters, ............................................................ Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, Isabelle Wilwayco
Young Garlands Ella Barron, Eliana Egbert, Elaine Gottesman, Amy Grennek, ..................................................Ava Kitchen, Poppy Kitchen, Sophia Krapf, Rebecca Perry, .............................................................................................................Sarah Press, Anna Williams
Aurora’s Friends
Erin Blair, Claire Bergman, Alyssa Eyster, ......................................................................... Tomasin Corrente, Jasmine Getz, Katy Gilliam Princes.....................Nicolas Bierwagen, Isaac Jones, Patrick Lennon, Christian Chester
ACT II
Prince Désiré ............................................................................................................. Lukas Pringle
Hunting Party Women
Claire Bergman, Tomasin Corrente, Katy Gilliam, ........................................................................................ Erin Blair, Alyssa Eyster, Jasmine Getz
Hunting Party Men Maxwell Peters, Tarique Logan, Connor Barak, Christian Chester, Kyan Park
Dryads ..................... Amber Huggett, Daniela Bennetti, Ryan Norman, Xochitl Atienza, Sara Beth Austin, Elizabeth Sabol, Jaiden Morley, Isabelle Wilwayco, Mollie Juniewicz, Dara Schlesinger
ACT III
Royal Guest Women
Mollie Juniewicz, Dara Schlesinger, Sara Beth Austin, ..................................................................Elizabeth Sabol, Jaiden Morley, Isabelle Wilwayco
Royal Guest Men Kyan Park, Maxwell Peters, Tarique Logan, Nicolas Bierwagen
Jewels Claire Bergman, Isaac Jones, Katy Gilliam
Princess Florine ........................................................................................................ Jasmine Getz
Bluebird Francisco Rivera
Puss in Boots ............................................................................................................ Connor Barak
White Cat ................................................................................................................Xochitl Atienza
Little Red Riding Hood Daniela Bennetti
Werewolf ............................................................................................................. Christian Chester
Cast for February 21
PROLOGUE
Master of Ceremonies............................................................................................. Lukas Pringle
King Florestan ...................................................................................................... David Hochwalt
Queen Florine Rachel Cahayla-Wynne
Fairy of Tenderness and Cavalier .......................... Tomasin Corrente, Nicolas Bierwagen
Fairy of Beauty and Cavalier ................................................ Belle Urben, Christian Chester
Fairy of Generosity and Cavalier Jasmine Getz, Maxwell Peters
Fairy of Musicality and Cavalier.......................................... Alyssa Eyster, Francisco Rivera
Fairy of Courage and Cavalier .......................................................... Katy Gilliam, Kyan Park
Lilac Fairy and Cavalier
Catherine Voorhees
Cavalier Isaac Jones
Lilac Fairy Attendants ..................... Amber Huggett, Daniela Bennetti, Xochitl Atienza,
Ryan Norman, Sara Beth Austin, Elizabeth Sabol
Carabosse............................................................................................................... Claire Bergman
Carabosse Attendants Tarique Logan, Connor Barak
Nurses Eliana Egbert, Anna Williams
Fairy Attendants ......................... Kate Briggs, Greta Kline, Ellen Smith, Madeline Susco, Lola Zimmer, Zoey Thompson
ACT I
Princess Aurora Erin Blair
Garland Waltz .......... Sara Beth Austin, Connor Barak, Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, Tarique Logan, Jaiden Morley, Ryan Norman, Kyan Park, Maxwell Peters, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, Isabelle Wilwayco
Young Garlands ........... Ella Barron, Eliana Egbert, Elaine Gottesman, Hope Casanova, ..................................................Ava Kitchen, Poppy Kitchen, Sophia Krapf, Rebecca Perry, Sarah Press, Maci Muster
Aurora’s Friends ..............................................
Xochitl Atienza, Belle Urben, Alyssa Eyster, ......................................................................... Tomasin Corrente, Jasmine Getz, Katy GIlliam
Princes Nicolas Bierwagen, Isaac Jones, Lukas Pringle, Christian Chester
ACT II
Prince Désiré .......................................................................................................... Patrick Lennon
Hunting Party Women................................. Belle Urben, Tomasin Corrente, Katy Gilliam, Hailey Flanagan, Alyssa Eyster, Jasmine Getz
Hunting Party Men .................................... Maxwell Peters, Tarique Logan, Connor Barak, ........................................................................................................... Christian Chester, Kyan Park
Dryads Amber Huggett, Daniela Bennetti, Ryan Norman, Xochitl Atienza, ................................................................... Sara Beth Austin, Elizabeth Sabol, Jaiden Morley, .......................................................... Isabelle Wilwayco, Mollie Juniewicz, Dara Schlesinger
ACT III
Royal Guest Women
Mollie Juniewicz, Dara Schlesinger, Sara Beth Austin ..................................................................Elizabeth Sabol, Jaiden Morley, Isabelle Wilwayco
Royal Guests Men ......... Francisco Rivera, Maxwell Peters, Tarique Logan, Isaac Jones
Jewels Nicolas Bierwagen, Tomasin Corrente, Katy Gilliam
Princess Florine ........................................................................................................ Alyssa Eyster
Bluebird ............................................................................................................................ Kyan Park
Puss in Boots Connor Barak
White Cat ................................................................................................................Xochitl Atienza
Little Red Riding Hood..................................................................................... Daniela Bennetti
Werewolf Christian Chester
PRODUCTION & CREATIVE TEAM
Sets and Costume Designer Peter Farmer, Costumes and Scenery are courtesy of Cincinnati Ballet
Lighting Designer ......................................................................................................... Molly Tiede
Production Stage Manager Lisa Marie Lange
Assistant Stage Manager Crystal Espinoza
Wardrobe Supervisor ........................................................................................ Lyn Baudendistel
Synopsis
PROLOGUE
King Florestan and Queen Florine celebrate the christening of their long-awaited daughter, Princess Aurora. The royal court gathers for a lavish ceremony where six benevolent fairies present gifts to the infant princess, including beauty, grace, musicality, generosity, and more. The festivities are interrupted by the sudden arrival of the wicked fairy Carabosse, who was not invited. Furious at the insult, she curses the baby: one day Aurora will prick her finger on a spindle and die. As despair falls over the court, the Lilac Fairy, the most powerful of the good fairies, intervenes. She cannot completely undo the curse but softens it: Aurora will not die, but fall into a deep sleep, and one day a prince’s kiss will awaken her. The royal family clings to hope as the celebration ends in unease.
ACT I: SIXTEEN YEARS LATER
The kingdom celebrates Aurora’s birthday, and four princes arrive to seek her hand in marriage. During the festivities, Aurora performs the famous Rose Adagio, dancing with each suitor as her parents look on proudly.
Amid the joy, an old woman slips into the celebration carrying a spindle, and Aurora accepts the strange gift. She pricks her finger and collapses. The court erupts in panic as the old woman reveals herself to be Carabosse. The Lilac Fairy returns and reminds everyone of her promise. Aurora is not dead—only sleeping. To protect the princess, the Lilac Fairy casts a spell over the entire kingdom, causing everyone to fall asleep until the day Aurora awakens. Vines and roses grow to cover the castle, sealing it away in time.
ACT II: ONE HUNDRED YEARS LATER
In a forest near the hidden kingdom, Prince Désiré hunts with his companions. Though surrounded by pleasure and celebration, he feels restless and unfulfilled. The Lilac Fairy appears and shows him a vision of Princess Aurora. He instantly falls in love with the image of the sleeping princess.
Determined to find her, Désiré follows the Lilac Fairy through the enchanted forest to the castle, where they confront Carabosse. With the fairy’s help, the prince overcomes the evil fairy’s power and enters the castle. He finds Aurora asleep and gently kisses her. The spell breaks. Aurora awakens, followed by the entire court and kingdom. Joy and wonder fill the palace as the royal family rejoices and Aurora and Désiré fall in love.
ACT III
The ballet concludes with a grand royal wedding. Fairy-tale characters from across the kingdom gather to celebrate the marriage of Aurora and Prince Désiré. Guests include beloved figures such as Puss in Boots and the White Cat, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, and Cinderella and Prince Charming. The festivities culminate in dazzling dances and a jubilant finale celebrating love, harmony, and the triumph of good over evil. The kingdom, once frozen in time, now looks toward a joyful and prosperous future.
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians





















Zulfiya Bashirova Concertmaster1
Aurelian Oprea Associate Concertmaster2
Youjin Na, Acting Assistant Concertmaster3
Elizabeth Hofeldt
David Goist Mikhail Baranovsky Louis Proske Sean Klopfenstein*
John Lardinois
Philip Enzweiler*
Kirstin Greenlaw, Principal4
Kara Camfield, Assistant Principal
Ann Linn Baer
Photo to come
VIOLIN I
Scott Moore Gloria Fiore Maggie Niekamp Yoshiko Kunimitsu Bill Slusser
Yein Jin*
Sheridan Currie, Principal5
Colleen Braid, Assistant Principal
Karen Johnson6
VIOLIN II
VIOLA

























Scott Schilling Lori LaMattina
Mark D. Reis Leslie Dragan Belinda Burge
Mark Hofeldt Nadine Monchecourt
Oleg Babkov* Zoë Moskalew
Bleda Elibal
Elvin Schlanger, Principal11
Jennifer Northcut Janet van Graas
Eileen Whalen, Principal12
Robyn Dixon Costa
John Kurokawa, Principal13
Jonathan Lee, Principal Christina Coletta, Assistant Principal7
Molly Castrucci8 Lucas Song9
CELLO
Deborah Taylor, Principal10
Jon Pascolini, Assistant Principal
Stephen Ullery
Christopher Roberts James Faulkner
FLUTE AND PICCOLO
BASS
OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN CLARINET









PERCUSSION




TROMBONE





Rachael Young, Principal14
Kristen Smith
Aaron Brant, Principal15
Amy Lassiter Todd Fitter
Andrew Bass Sean Vore, Assistant Principal
BASSOON HORN
Charles Pagnard, Principal16
Eric Knorr
Christian Pagnard
Tyler Bentley, Acting Principal17
TRUMPET
Richard Begel Chad Arnow18
Timothy Northcut, Principal19
TUBA
TIMPANI
Hamza Able Principal20
Michael LaMattina, Principal21 Davi Martinelli de Lira22
Jerry Noble
Leslie Stratton, Principal23
Joshua Nemith, Principal24
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Endowed Chairs
* Denotes leave of absence
1 J. Ralph Corbett Chair
2 Huffy Foundation Chair
3 Sherman Standard Register Foundation Chair
4 Jesse Philips Chair
5 F. Dean Schnacke Chair
6 Grace Counts Finch Chair
7 Edward L. Kohnle Chair in Memory of Andra Lunde Padrichelli, Principal Cellist 2003–2018
8 Gilbert and Patricia Templeton Chair
9 Paul and Susanne Weaver Chair
10 Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association/C. David Horine Memorial Chair
11 Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association Chair
12 Catharine French Bieser Chair
13 Rhea Beerman Peal Chair
14 Robert and Elaine Stein Chair
15 Frank M. Tait Memorial Chair
16 John W. Berry Family Chair
17 John Reger Memorial Chair
18 Bill and Wanda Lukens Chair
19 Zachary, Rachel and Natalie Denka Chair
20 Rosenthal Family Chair in Memory of Miriam Rosenthal, In Honor of Donald Donnett, Principal Timpani 1966–2023
21 Miriam Rosenthal Chair
22 Richard A. and Mary T. Whitney Chair
23 Daisy Talbott Green Chair
24 Demirjian Family Chair

Our Members Make the Magic!
Special thanks to all our DPAA Members who keep the classical arts thriving in Dayton with their annual donation.
VISIONARY
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Anonymous
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OVATION! ($2,500+)
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Anonymous (12)
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Samardar
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Mrs. Frances S. Repperger
David A. Saelens, Ph.D.
Terry & Diane Torbeck
Dr. Virginia Wood
Susan & Randy Woods
Carol Jean Yegerlehner


Neal Gittleman conducts the final Masterworks concert of his 30th Season in June 2025.

Neal Gittleman’s 30th Anniversary as Artistic Director and Conductor
To celebrate Neal Gittleman’s 30th Masterworks season (2024–25) and his farewell concerts in October 2025, these generous friends have contributed in his honor.
Anonymous (1)
Patricia & Peter Torvik
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Dr. David Ponitz & Cathy Ponitz
Drs. Mary & Charles Bane
Ann Barr
Kathleen L. Clawson
Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz
Dr. Charles & Patricia Demirjian
Grismer Tire Company
Karen Duguid & Wally Johnson in honor of the friendship between Anne Johnson and Neal Gittleman
LION
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Christy & Michael Manchester
Kathy & John Beran
Mary Boosalis & Thomas Olsen
Rochester Community Foundation
Pamela & Andrew Schwartz
Cynthia Uhl
Betsy B. Whitney
Sandra & Brian Woodruff
Matthew J. Scarr
Judy D. McCormick
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Linda & Miles Schmidt
Dianne & Bill Schneider
Marcia & Walter Wood
Colleen M. Ryan
Frances & Thomas Bankston
Linda & Daniel Deitz
Richard M. DeLon
Marge & Jon Hazelton
Darrell & Kenneth May
Carolyn & Paul Flanagan
Leora K. Kline
Haley-Sibbing Family
Tina & Mike Spaulding
Linda Bales Todd & Richard Todd
Dr. Hans & Cheryl Zwart
Meet the (New!) Artists of DPAA
Go behind the scenes with the artists whose passion drives every performance.

Christian Chester Dayton Ballet Dancer
I trained with the BalletMet’s Academy in Columbus, Ohio, in my early dance career. In 2020, I joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company and danced for three years before I was hired into Louisville Ballet as a professional dancer. This is my first season as an artist with Dayton Ballet.
I knew Dayton Ballet was the right fit for me because I was so excited for the opportunity to work under Artistic Director, Brandon Ragland. We had worked together in Louisville and I know how much Brandon truly cares for this art form and his dancers, so it was an easy decision to come to Dayton!
I am very excited to get to perform with the Dayton Orchestra. It has been awhile since I’ve gotten to perform with live music, and it is such a privilege to work with such talented musicians.
Being on stage is such a beautiful feeling. We work so hard to create something together that is so fleeting and can’t be taken for granted. This is what makes me so passionate about being a dancer

Elvin Schlanger
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Flute
I’m Elvin Schlanger and I am thrilled to serve as the Principal Flute of DPAA. I always play my best in a collaborative environment of like-minded colleagues and thoughtful music making. I feel fortunate to be part of an ensemble that provides this type of experience and camaraderie. I’ve had the opportunity to study at the Colburn School, Yale School of Music, and CSU Long Beach, which gave me the tools I needed to strengthen my playing and shape my artistry. I am excited to share my passion with this community and to help create performances that are uplifting and inspiring.
Elvin and Keitaro after a performance
Christian shines in Giselle
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We thank our corporate and foundation partners for supporting DPAA’s mission, programs, and artists.
IMPRESARIO
AES Ohio Foundation
Virginia W. Kettering Foundation
Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts
Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation
Schiewetz Foundation
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of The Dayton Foundation
MAESTRO
The Charles D. Berry Foundation
The Berry Family Foundation
VIRTUOSO
Dayton Freight
Bill and Jackie Lockwood Fund to Support Opera
LEGATO
All The Best Delicatessen
Dayton Aerospace
Dayton Daily News/Cox First Media
Kettering Health
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Marriott University of Dayton
The Shubert Foundation
The Troy Foundation
The Nick and Edna Weller Charities, Inc.
CONCERTO
Bob Ross Auto Group
Cox Media Group/WHIO
Discover Classical 88.1 WDPR/89.1 WUSO/89.9 WDPG
Jack and Debra Edelman Foundation
Grismer Tire Company
Hotel Ardent and Bistecca
iHeartMedia
Mathile Family Foundation
WYSO Public Radio
ARIA
The Disability Foundation
Houser Asphalt and Concrete
The Iddings Foundation
LION
Lockwood Family Foundation
ThinkTV
Thompson Hine
Victory Wholesale Group and the Kantor Family
SONATA
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Centerville-Washington Foundation
Crown Equipment Corporation
Johnson Investment Counsel
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation
The Kuntz Foundation
Nova Creative
PNC
Sinclair Broadcast Group
University of Dayton
INTERMEZZO
AES Ohio
Appliance Gallery Dayton
Coolidge Wall
The Dayton Hydraulic Co.
Enterprise Roofing
Harlamert Foundation
Henny Penny
KeyBank
Knack Video + Photo
League of American Orchestras
Sam Levin Foundation
LexisNexis
McCutcheon Music
Merrill Lynch
Morris Home
Opera America
Pickrel, Schaeffer and Ebeling
Square One Salon and Spa
The Synergy Schade Team
Taylor Corporation
OVERTURE
The African-American Community Fund
M&M Title Co.
Requarth Lumber Company
Sinclair Broadcast Group/FOX/ABC
The Rubi Girls
Taft
Voss Auto Network
ADDITIONAL MAJOR SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
Ohio Arts Council
Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District
Culture Works
The Dayton Foundation
Board of Trustees and Staff
OFFICERS
Joseph Zehenny, Chair
Patricia McDonald, Vice Chair
Rev. Joshua Ward, Secretary
Rodney Veal, Assistant Secretary
Timothy Riordan, Treasurer
Patrick Martin, Assistant Treasurer
Ed Tomme, Chair Emeritus
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Nirmala Abraham
Dr. Ron Anderson
Libby Ballengee
Dr. Zachary Beck
Ashley Bethard
Sarah Burns
Jim Butler
Christopher Coombs
Allyson Danis
Dr. Samuel Dorf
Mary-Kathryn Haddad
Kathy Harper
Michael Howard
Dr. Xavier L. Johnson
Scott Jones
Robyn Lightcap
Peggie McQuiston
Shannon Joyce Neal
Barbara N. O’Hara
Sharon Schroder
Dori Spaulding
John Tate
Rick Thie
Abbie Trittschuh
Dr. Daniel Zehringer
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Thomas Bankston, Opera
Neal Gittleman, Philharmonic
ADMINISTRATION
Patrick J. Nugent, President and CEO
Teri Warwick, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Michael Sieveking, Chief Information Officer
Milena Treer, Chief of Staff
ARTISTIC
Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director, Opera
Keitaro Harada, Music and Artistic Director, Philharmonic
Brandon Ragland, Artistic Director, Ballet
Isaac Selya, Interim Staff Conductor
Steven Hankle, Director, Philharmonic Chorus
Carolyn Sweezy, Manager, Philharmonic Chorus
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Conductor, Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Strings
Michelle Mastin, Conductor, Philharmonic Junior Strings
Sharon Neumeister, Company Teacher and Rehearsal Assistant
Rachel Cahayla Wynne, Rehearsal Director and Dayton Ballet Studio Company Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Elaine Gounaris, Vice President for Philanthropy
Allie Haines, Director of Philanthropy
Lynnette Ivey, Director of Institutional Giving
Anne O’Hara, Development Operations Manager
LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Jeaunita Ìféwándé Château Olówè, Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement
Jacqueline Griffin, Learning Programs Manager
Melissa McCoy, Engagement Programs Manager
Megan Forney, Dayton Ballet School Education Manager; Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble
Gabrielle Sharp, Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble
Elizabeth Sabol, Ballet School Registrar
Vicky Archibald, Ballet School Receptionist
MARKETING
Brittany Laughlin, Vice President for Marketing and Audience Development
James Mikolajewski, Marketing and Patron Acquisition Manager
Kate LaFollette, Engagement and Patron Services Manager
OPERATIONS
Chris Brislin, General Manager
Lyn Baudendistel, Wardrobe Supervisor
Josephine Baudendistel, Costume Assistant
Kelly DeLisle, Artistic Administrator
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Librarian
Kay O’Connor, Assistant Production Manager/ Resident Stage Manager
Sean Vore, Orchestra Personnel Manager
Katie West, Production Coordinator/ Assistant Librarian
The stagehands of IATSE Local 66
The wardrobe members of IATSE Local 886


HARRY A. TOULMIN JR. AND VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
BILL AND JACKIE LOCKWOOD FUND TO SUPPORT OPERA
MARY H. KITTREDGE FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION






















