260306 MW4-DPYO

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

Dayton Ballet Studio Company

An American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond

March 6 & 7, 2026 • Schuster Center

ARTISTS

Zulfiya Bashirova, violin

Keitaro Harada, conductor

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

PROGRAM

George Gershwin

William Bolcom

Samuel Barber

An American in Paris

Violin Concerto

1.Quasi una fantasia

2.Adagio non troppo ma sostenuto

3.Finale

Zulfiya Bashirova, violin

-INTERMISSION -

Adagio for Strings

William Grant Still Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American”

1.Longing: Moderato assai

2.Sorrow: Adagio

3.Humor: Animato

4.Aspiration: Lento, con risoluzione

Masterworks support provided by Steve & Lou Mason

Masterworks Media Sponsorship provided by Discover Classical 88.1 WDPR/ 89.1 WUSO/89.9 WDPG

About the Artists

Zulfiya Bashirova Violin

Concertmaster, Jesse Philips Chair

Zulfiya (Zulya) Bashirova began her violin studies at the age of seven at the Uspensky Music School for Gifted Children in her hometown, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She is a prize winner of multiple national and international competitions, including Glazunov International Competition of Violinists, National Society of Arts & Letters, and the Lynn University Concerto Competition. Bashirova was previously Assistant Principal Second violin in Toledo Symphony, Principal Second violin in Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Assistant Concertmaster in Des Moines Metro Opera. She also performed with St. Louis Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Symphony, and Detroit Opera Theater. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with conductors like Osmo Vänskä, Gerard Schwartz, Stéphane Denève, JoAnn Falletta, Sir Andrew Davis, and many others.

She holds degrees from State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, Lynn University, and a Specialist of Music certificate at University of Michigan. Bashirova currently resides in Dayton with her husband and two beautiful cats. She spends her summer in Chicago as a part of the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra.

About the Concert

An American in Paris

George Gershwin (1898–1937)

From Charles Pagnard, Principal Trumpet:

As Principal Trumpet, it is always an honor to perform for our loyal Dayton audience, but I am especially excited to play the music of great American composers like George Gershwin and William Grant Still. Both Gershwin and Still were innovators in combining jazz with traditional classical style. One of the highlights for me is the beautiful and sultry trumpet solo in the middle of “American in Paris.” The rhythmic energy in will be enjoyable for our audience and performers!

COMPOSED 1928

PREMIERE

December 13, 1928; New York, NY

LAST DPO PERFORMANCE

December 2022; Neal Gittleman, conductor

APPROX. DURATION 16 minutes

Violin Concerto

William Bolcom (b. 1938)

From Zulfiya Bashirova, Concertmaster:

I am beyond excited to make my solo debut with the Dayton Philharmonic, which has truly become like a family to me. This will be the first time William Bolcom’s Violin Concerto is performed in Dayton, and I am incredibly honored to be the one to introduce it here.

William Bolcom’s Violin Concerto is a work that masterfully blends classical virtuosity with jazz and ragtime. The violin part is highly expressive and theatrical, requiring the soloist to act as a storyteller shifting between various moods.

The audience should listen for:

• Extreme contrasts between delicate lyricism and biting, aggressive passages.

• Extended techniques, including unusual bowing, harmonics, and rhythmic bite.

• Moments where the violin feels like a jazz improviser.

• Long, singing lines that suddenly fracture into edgy, modern gestures.

It matters now more than ever for audiences to hear classical music because it offers things that are increasingly rare in modern life, such as emotional grounding. In an age of uncertainty, many people turn to classical music for stability, beauty, and reflection.

Adagio for Strings

Samuel Barber (1910–1981)

From Kirstin Greenlaw, Principal Second Violin:

Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most cathartic pieces of music I know. The opening feels uncertain—you’ll hear the violins playing a tentative, almost improvisational line. Gradually the other string sections join, becoming more insistent and impassioned. The basses drop out, and the rest of us continue in a higher range, building to an anguished scream. To me, the seconds of silence that follow are the most magical part of a live performance. I am reminded then that every person in the theater feels the same losses, the same anger, the same despair. At a time when the world feels so divided, we sit and listen together, united in the most human of experiences. And as the piece ends, prayer-like, the music gives us a sense of hope in that shared humanity.

PREMIERE

January 20, 1984

St. Louis, MI

LAST DPO PERFORMANCE

DPO Premiere

APPROX. DURATION 23 minutes

COMPOSED 1936 / 1938

PREMIERE

November 5, 1938; New York, NY

LAST DPO PERFORMANCE

September 2020; Neal Gittleman, conductor

APPROX. DURATION 10 minutes

Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American”

William Grant Still (1895–1978)

From Keitaro Harada, Music & Artistic Director:

The symphony is inextricably linked to Paul Laurence Dunbar, the legendary poet from Dayton. William Grant Still prefaced each of the four movements with excerpts from Dunbar’s poetry to guide the emotional narrative. By pairing his “Modern” blues-symphony with the words of Dayton’s favorite son, Still created a bridge between the oral traditions of the past and the orchestral future. Taken from the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar, each movement is marked as such:

1. Longing: Moderato assai

All my life long twell de night has pas’ Let de wo’k come ez it will, So dat I fin’ you, my honey, at last, Somewhaih des ovah de hill.

2. Sorrow: Adagio

It’s moughty tiahsome layin’ ‘roun’

Dis sorer-laden erfly groun’, An’ oftentimes I thinks, thinks I, ‘T would be a sweet t’ing des to die, An go ‘long home.

3. Humor: Animato

An’ we’ll shout ouah halleluyahs, On dat mighty reck’nin’ day.

4. Aspiration: Lento, con risoluzione

Be proud, my Race, in mind and soul, Thy name is writ on Glory’s scroll In characters of fire.

High ‘mid the clouds of Fame’s bright sky, Thy banner’s blazoned folds now fly, And truth shall lift them higher.

COMPOSED 1930; Rev. 1969 PREMIERE

October 29, 1931; Rochester, NY

LAST DPO PERFORMANCE

December 2008; Neal Gittleman, conductor

APPROX. DURATION

23 minutes

Youth Orchestra Family Concert

Rhythms of Wonder: United by the Beat

March 8, 2026 • Schuster Center

ARTISTS

Maureen Hickey Haitch, conductor,

Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Keitaro Harada, conductor,

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

Dayton Ballet Studio Company

Dayton Ballet School Ensemble

Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

PROGRAM

Antonín Dvořák

Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence

Malone Blaich, soprano

Isabel Randall, mezzo-soprano

Aaron Hill, tenor

Evan Fleming, baritone

Carnival Overture

Dayton Ballet Studio Company

Lin-Manuel Miranda, “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana (arr. Ed Lojeski & Malone Blaich, soprano

Maureen Hickey Haitch)

Alan Menken & David Zippel “Go the Distance” from Hercules (arr. Micaiah Bennett)

Aaron Hill, tenor

Evan Fleming, baritone

Stephen Schwartz “The Wizard and I” from Wicked (orch. John Langley)

Isabel Randall, mezzo-soprano

Benj Pasek & Justin Paul “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman (arr. Paul Lorenz)

Malone Blaich, soprano

Isabel Randall, mezzo-soprano

Aaron Hill, tenor

Evan Fleming, baritone

Aram Khachaturian

Manuel de Falla

Masquerade Suite

1. Waltz

2. Nocturne

3. Mazurka

4. Romance

5. Galop

Dayton Ballet School Ensemble

Danza final from The Three-Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2

Keitaro Harada, conductor

Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Flute & Piccolo

Irene Antiri

Mingde Hirakawa

Kaitlyn Liu^

Kira Parshall

Oboe

Sebastion Cady

Mara Fisch

Rilynn Fluitt

Romey Nicholl^

English Horn

Mara Fisch

Romey Nicholl

Clarinet

Andrew Crocker^

Sarah Knifley

Rylee Laderer

Luke Snider

Bassoon

Dylan Alexander

Claire Bauer

Rachel Cady^

Eagan Ellis

Tenor Saxophone

Romey Nicholl

Horn

Maren Christensen^

Dorian Hill

Carly Krisher^

Donovan O’Reilly

Trumpet

Evan Cain

Charlotte Higgins

Cooper Plummer^

Marqueze Rice Steiner

Trombone

Julianna Alexander

Nate Arnow^

Elena George^

^ Denotes principal player

Tuba

Austin Bridge^

Timpani & Percussion

Gavin Lytle

Sonny Lucas

Cooper Plummer

Audrey Riesen^

Ava Updyke

Piano

Wes Tschirhart

Harp

Catie Brenner

Electric Guitar

Evan Cain

Electric Bass

Penelope Ericson

Ukulele

Madilyn Jenkins

Violin 1

Erin Secody, concertmaster*

Awnik Roy, associate concertmaster*

Doris Kang, associate concertmaster*

Ozzy Edmonds-Wert

Charlotte Richard

Emily Hughes

Grace Kim

Kenley Feng

Gyurim Kim

Angela Xiao

Violin 2

Chenuli Attanayak, principal 2nd violin*

William Bruhn, assistant principal 2nd*

Faelynn Gill*

Madilyn Jenkins

Bethany Weaver

* Denotes string Co-Principals, who rotate throughout the season

Yamini Nittala

Evie Thomas

Jayden Huang

Emily Bonifield

Thalia Liu

Viola

Andrew Jones, principal viola*

Chloe Ryan, assistant principal viola*

Kate Ehler*

Sophia Aguilar

Eva Borbonus

Gregory Niehaus

Joshua Fleming

Yahir Portillo

Dharmendra Varma

Catie Brenner

Cello

Wyatt Eros, principal cello*

Adrian Miller-Castano, assistant principal cello*

Harrison Cash*

Ethan Kamau

Anne Weaver

Robby Arling

Elizabeth Choi

Sophia Lander

Sam Mazuk

Ethan Beal

Bass

Ben Prater, principal bass*

Penelope Ericson, assistant principal bass*

Dasu Hirakawa

DJ Riffell

Wes Tschirhart

Librarians

Chloe Ryan

Erin Secody

Anna Weaver

Note: Wind players rotate between parts depending on the piece and are listed alphabetically. String seating changes for each concert cycle, with violinists rotating between Violin 1 and Violin 2.

Dayton Ballet Studio Company

Daniella Bennetti Elizabeth Sabol Jaiden Morley Mollie Juniewicz

Dayton Ballet School Ensemble

Ella Barron

Hope Casanova

Eliana Egbert

Elaine Gottesman

Amy Grennek

Karis Hill

Ava Kitchen

Poppy Kitchen

Schools Represented in DPYO

Alter High School

Arcanum High School

Beavercreek High School

Bellbrook High School

Brookville High School

Butler High School

Centerville High School

SPECIAL THANKS

Dayton Regional STEM School

Greenville Senior High School

Hilliard Darby High School

Homeschool

Kettering Fairmont High School

Lakota East High School

Sophia Krapf

Jenna Mumford

Maci Muster

Evelyn Payton

Rebecca Perry

Sarah Press

Raeanne Richard

Anna Williams

Mason High School

Miami Valley School

Miami Valley Career Tech Center

Miamisburg High School

Monroe High School

Oakwood High School

Piqua High School

Springboro High School

Stebbins High School

Stivers School for the Arts

Tecumseh High School

Tri-County North West Carrollton High School

Yellow Springs High School

To all DPAA and Learning and Community Engagement funders and donors.

To the Clark J. Haines Musical Scholarship Fund for providing financial assistance to DPYO, DPYS, and DPJS musicians.

To Maureen Hickey Haitch.

To the DPAA Learning and Community Engagement team: Jeaunita Château Olówè, Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement; Melissa McCoy, Engagement Programs Manager; Jackie Griffin, Learning Programs Manager; Megan Forney, Ballet School Education Manager and Co-Director of the Dayton Ballet School Ensemble; and Gabrielle Sharp, Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble.

To the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra families and supporters.

To our Miami Valley area educators who share their students with DPYO.

To the EnCorps Friends of DPAA for organizing pre-concert activities today.

To our sectional coaches: Rachele Torres, Ellen Raquet, Sheridan Currie, Molly Castrucci, Jon Pascolini, Christopher Chaffee, Aaron Pergram, Charlotte Ulmer, Joel Kayser, Tyler Bentley, and guest speaker: Ashley Hall-Tighe.

To the University of Dayton and The Department of Music.

About the Conductor See What’s Next! Upcoming Learning Concerts

Maureen Hickey Haitch

Maureen Hickey Haitch (“hey-ch,” she/her) is a conductor, violinist, and violist based in Cincinnati, OH. At DPAA, Hickey Haitch works as Staff Conductor and Orchestra Librarian in addition to directing the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings. Hickey Haitch has guest conducted the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Community Orchestra, and will debut with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2026 for Carnegie Hall’s Link Up: The Orchestra Swings! Along with her conducting engagements, she is a frequent freelance violinist and violist throughout the Southwest Ohio area and beyond.

Hickey Haitch earned Master’s degrees in Orchestral Conducting and Violin Performance from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Miami University of Ohio.

Dayton Philharmonic

Junior Strings & Youth Strings: American Mosaic

March 15 at 2:30pm

Experience the growing artistry of the Dayton Philharmonic’s Junior Strings and Youth Strings as they present their second concert of the season! With a program that highlights their musical development and dedication, these young musicians will bring a fresh and dynamic performance to the stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate their talent and hard work in an evening of beautiful orchestral music.

Young People’s Concert: The Orchestra Swings

April 28 at 11:30am

Get ready to groove as the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents The Orchestra Swings! In this high-energy concert, the orchestra brings the vibrant rhythms of swing to life, delighting audiences of all ages. With toe-tapping melodies, jazzy harmonies, and the unmistakable sound of big-band brilliance, this performance will have you swaying in your seat.

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians

PERCUSSION

TROMBONE

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

IMPRESARIO ($100,000+)

Anonymous

Paul & Dolores Anderson

Steve & Lou Mason

Barbara N. O’Hara

Peter & Patricia Torvik

Dr. Troy Tyner & Dr. Ingrid Brown

AFICIONADO ($50,000+)

Kate & Steve Hone

ELM Foundation

Linda W. Lombard & Paul W. Marshall

VIRTUOSO ($25,000+)

John & Kathleen Beran

Thomas & Frances Bankston

David & Maria Berry

Neal Gittleman & Lisa M. Fry

Luke & Juanita Lovell

Raymond & Sue Merz

Cathy Ponitz

Dr. David H. Ponitz

Tim & Mary Riordan

Miles & Linda Schmidt

Bill & Dianne Schneider

Larry & Abbie Trittschuh

Betsy B. Whitney

Walter & Marcia Wood

LUMINARY ($10,000+)

Anonymous (3)

Nirmala Abraham & Scotty Blackburn

Dr. Ron Anderson & Robb Sloan-Anderson

Drs. Charles & Mary Bane

Ann Barr

Thomas E. Bettcher

Catherine Clark

Jim Crosset

Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz

John & Allyson Danis

Richard M. DeLon

Dr. Charles & Patricia Demirjian

Dr. Grace L. DeVelbiss

Jane A. Dunwoodie

Debra Edelman*

Vernon & Janet Fernandes

Stanley C. & Ann* Herr

Lesley & Chris Hopkins

Michael A. Houser

Karen Duguid & Wally Johnson

Michael & Judith Kreutzer

William* & Wanda Lukens

Barbara & Leib Lurie

Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester

Kenneth & Darrell May

Mike & Peggie McQuiston

Dr. Jeffrey & Susan Mikutis

Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mary Boosalis

Milt & Dawn Ross

Jonah Sandler

Matthew J. Scarr

Marcy Schade

Pamela & Andrew Schwartz

Richard & Jane Schwartz

David Strohscher

William* & Cynthia Uhl

Dr. Byron & Theresa Wade

William & Carolyn* Winger

Mr. Philip G. Wise & Dr. Joe Law

Brian & Sandra Woodruff

Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny

CENTER STAGE ($5,000+)

Anonymous

Margy Anderson

Mary L. Arnett

David & Esther Battle

Thomas & Suzanne Brown

Dr. Gwen L. Brubaker

Thomas & Joan Burkhardt

Kathleen Clawson

Daniel & Linda Deitz

William DeVenzio* & Linda Short

Pat & Dave Diven

Thomas P. Gratto & Dr. Sharon D. Gratto

Jonas & Susan Gruenberg

Charlie Hardwick

Kathy Harper

Constance A. McKale*

Dale & Karen Medford

Anna Jones Monnett

Kenneth Quinter

Dr. C. Daniel & Kathy Raisch

Colleen M. Ryan

William & Diane Schaff

Barbara Schmider

Thomas F. Skelley & Sharon Lindquist-Skelley

Michael Suhar

Tony Talbot & Mark Duffy

Bill & Penny Wolff

Dr. Daniel Zehringer & Justin Mohler

OVATION! ($2,500+)

Anonymous (3)

Mr. Joshua E. Adams

Dr. Walter & Martha Adams

Dan & Vicky Archibald

Karl & Sandy Ayers

Ronald Bernard & Dr. Judith E. Woll M.D.

Dr. Bob Brandt, Jr.

Charles & Susan Bridgman

Janet & Joseph Burke

Michelle Bryant & Alek Kohut

Barbara J. Campbell

Chris & Barbara Coombs

John & Martha Culp

Dr. Robert & Lisa Custer

Bryan & Susan Daly

David & Charlene Dutton

Sue Falter

Marilyn R. Fischer

Thomas & Nancy Gaudion

John & Andrea Gillespie

Mrs. Carol Graff

Mr. Donald & Mrs. Janet Grieshop

Dr. David & Pamela Griffith

Keitaro Harada

Mr. Anthony L. Haugrud

Jon & Marge Hazelton

Donald & Lori Heinrich

Jessica & Derek Huggett

Dr. Michael A. Jaffe M.D.

Dr. R. Alan Kimbrough

Leora K. Kline

The Mark Andrew Kreusch

Memorial Fund

Paul & Carol Lamberger

Mark Levy & Lisa Becker

Dr. William & Kathy Lindahl

Drs. Jerry Clark & Barry McCorkle

Judy D. McCormick

Susan B. McCoy & Allen Kennedy

James& Deborah McCutcheon

Pat & David McDonald

David McElwee

William Mitchel

Mark Olson & Barbara FurykOlson

Dr. Gary B. Pacernick & Ms. Peggy Weller

Bill & Carmen Perry

Dr. Robert & Anita Rankin

Dominick & Margaret Rinaldi

Greg & Kimberly Robinson

Bill & Ann Schuerman

Richard & June Smythe

John & Susan Spacht

Lois & Roger Sutherland

Jeri & John Tate

Fred & Chris Tokarz

Dr. Edward & Tracey Tomme

Sharon A. Tschudin

Michael Tyrchniewicz & Dr. Rachael Courtney

Paul & Susie Weaver

James & Tami Whalen

Lt. Col Robert* & Nancy Wilda

Thomas & Sharon Williamson

Tim & Miriam Wood

BRAVO! ($1,000+)

Anonymous (12)

The Albert & Nancy Freudenberger Fund

Bruce & Karen Anderson

Matt & Jo Anderson

Shirley Ark

Ellen Bagley

Zachary Beck

Lois & Donald* Bigler

Jon Blunt & Rodney Veal

Dan & Mary Bowman

Mr. Ronald F. Budzik* & Ms. Barbara A. Hayde

Patrick Martin & Eva Buttacavoli

Musicians of the DPO & Staff of DPAA, in memory of C. Donald Compton

Charles & Claudia Cornett

Rebecca & Lawrence* Corson

Karen & Gary Crim

Kelly H. Dalton

Kathleen Daly

Sharon J. Danosky

Joyce E. Dean & Mary Ellen Batiuk

Susan DeLuca

Rosario & Helen Demers

Rebecca Dianis

Mark Dlott & Dale Goldberg

Mr. C. Bruce Driver

Mrs. Sue Dugan

Dr. Margaret M. Dunn & Dr. William A. Spohn

Susan & Robert Ellefson

The Fraze Family Fund

Marcia Frank* (2025 Bequest on behalf of Delta Omicron Foundation)

Joseph & Martha Gardner

Lt. Col. Frank & Diane Gentner, USAF Ret.

Garry & Mindy Greene

Douglas Hahn & Melody Goodwin

Terri & John

Dr. Bruce & Mayumi Hall

John C. Halpin* & Dorothy B. Dick

Thomas Hanley

Bob Hanna

Richard & Mary Harstad

Mr. Anthony Haugrud

Delbert & Virginia Herbeck

William & Carol Herrick

The Holland Family Trust

Ellen Holroyd

Jeffrey Huntington

Tyron & Frances Inbody

Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates

Craig & Margarete Jennings

Sandi Simmons & Tom Jonak

Norma Keefer

Robyn Lightcap

Dr. Brian & Linda Kent

Robert & Jennifer Kitchen

Chuck Knickerbocker

Jon & Susan Kreusch

James Kurek & Linda Black-Kurek

Kathryn Lamme

Wayne & Mary Jo Langguth

Susan J. Lauf

Dr. James T. Lehner & Hon. Peggy Lehner

Franklin & Cheryl Lewis

Kathryn MacVeigh

Amy Radachi & Tom Maher

Moni & George Malacos

Frank & Linda Mannarino

Joyce McDonald

Kevin & Mary McDonald

Marc & Melissa McNulty

Thom & Penni Meyer

Arthur D. Mills Jr.

Helen C. Potter

Shannon Joyce Neal & Philip Neal

Shaun & Susan Nicholson

John & Ruth Neely

Dianne & Les Niemi

John Phillips

Todd Press

Robert & Cynthia Puskar

Mary Yerina & Bob Redfield

Charles & Alice Roedersheimer

David Rohlfing

Patricia Roth

Donald & Julia Routson

Thomas & Lisa Routsong

Richard & Katharine Schaefer

Alan & Beth Schaeffer

Amy Askins & Jon Schairbaum

Winnie Scholl

Bill & Ann Schuerman

Catherine J. Skardon

Stephanie Skelley

Gaynelle M. Spiegel

Toni Sprinkel

Joan Stonitsch

Rick & Tawnya Stover

Phyllis Strayer

Dr. Charles Taylor & Kim E. Iconis

Ms. Ruth Templeton

Mary T. Tymeson

Sharon Vander Gheynst, D.M.E.

Jud & Julie Wallner

K Wiedeman & L Elliott-Sowers

Merle Wilberding & Susan Elliott

Janice Finch Willhelm

John & Jane Winch

Mary & Niels M Winther

David & Sarah Wrazen

Dr. David Zelmon & Dr. Mojgan

Samardar

FELLOW* ($750+)

Anonymous

Michael & Karen Armstrong

Michael Bachmann & Mary Combs

Martha L. Bell

Dr. Charles & Mrs. Barbara Cerny

Richard E. Considine & Stanley Dixon

Jill & Dale Courte

Carl & Barbara Denison

Carol & Don Erwine

Pam & Ron Eyink

Elizabeth Frye

Jon & April Hale

Barbara & Edward Hennessey

Fred & Sharon Hill

Patricia Horvath

Jean Kessel

Kenji & Misao Kurokawa

Amelia Lombardo

Perry Nystrom & Susan K. Henry

Greg & Michele Palmer

Harold Poppe & Dale Schmidt

Carolyn J. Ray

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.

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