

concerts and events
April
Opera Star John Holiday
April 25
Young People’s Concert: The Orchestra Swings
April 29
May At the Still Point
May 1 & 2
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
May 3
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess In Concert
May 15 & 16
Memorial Day Celebration Concert
May 24
Dayton Ballet School Concert: Enchanted Tales
May 30
June
Mahler 5 & Violinist Charles Yang
June 5 & 6
Jazz Trumpeter Byron Stripling
June 21


Dear Friends FROM THE LEADERSHIP
As we enter the final months of our 2025–2026 Season, we find ourselves in a moment of both reflection and anticipation. With many more upcoming performances, there is so much left to experience— performances that celebrate the power of live music, movement, and storytelling at their very best!
This season also marks a couple of meaningful transitions. We are nearing the conclusion of Keitaro Harada’s first season as Music & Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, a season that has been filled with fresh perspectives, curiosity, and renewed momentum on our stages. We also honor Kathleen Clawson’s final season as Artistic Director of the Dayton Opera, lauding her extraordinary leadership and the lasting impact she has made on our organization. Her influence will continue to resonate in future seasons on our stages and in the community we’ve built together.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to bold collaboration— uniting artists, audiences, and ideas in ways that reflect the vibrancy of our community. Thank you for being part of this season, and for joining us as we continue to imagine what comes next.

Patrick J. Nugent President and CEO

Joseph Zehenny DPAA Board Chair
Dayton Ballet dancer Maxwell Peters in Rhythm of the City


this sceneyouris

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
Paul & Susanne Weaver
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 Opera Artists In Residence





Connor Barak Claire Bergman Nicolas Bierwagen Erin Blair Christian Chester
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
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 Dara Schlesinger Isabelle Wilwayco

Mahler 5 & Charles Yang
June 5 & 6, 2026 • Schuster Center
ARTISTS
Charles Yang, violin
Keitaro Harada, conductor
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
PROGRAM
Kris Bowers For A Younger Self
1. Moderato ma non troppo
2. Larghetto (Gently)
3. Presto (With Ease and Confidence)
Charles Yang, violin
- INTERMISSION -
Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 5
Part I
1. Trauermarsch (Funeral March)
2. Stürmisch bewegt. Mit grösster Vehemenz (Stormily agitated. With utmost vehemence)
Part II
3. Scherzo: Kräftig, nicht zu schnell (Strong, not too fast)
Part III
4. Adagietto: Sehr langsam (Very slowly)
5. Rondo-Finale
Masterworks support provided by Steve & Lou Mason
Masterworks Media Sponsorship provided by Discover Classical 88.1 WDPR/ 89.1 WUSO/89.9 WDPG
The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra has recently acquired and is using The Peters New Critical Edition of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, thanks to a donation from R. Alan Kimbrough.
About the Artist

Charles Yang Violin
Grammy Award-winning violinist
Charles Yang is the recipient of the 2018 Leonard Bernstein Award and has been described by the Boston Globe as a musician who “plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star.” He has appeared at the festivals of Aspen, Ravinia, Caramoor, and Interlochen, and performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Royal Danish Theatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin, and Beijing’s Forbidden City.
A compelling vocalist, crossover artist, and improviser, he is a member of Time for Three, an eclectic string trio that locates itself at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. In 2023, the group received a Grammy Award in the category of “Best Classical Instrumental Solo” for its recording of Letters for the Future, featuring the music of Kevin Puts and Jennifer Higdon with the Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor Xian Zhang.
Yang—an adventurous composer, arranger, songwriter, and collaborator— co-wrote the original score to Land, a 2021 film directed by Robin Wright. He has also collaborated onstage with artists such as Steve Miller, Savion Glover, Jon Batiste, Gaby Moreno, Joshua Bell, Michael Thurber, Peter Dugan, and Misty Copeland. In 2019, he premiered Kris Bowers’s concerto For a Younger Self at Walt Disney Hall.
A Juilliard graduate, he began his violin studies with his mother, Sha Zhu, in Austin, Texas. Yang performs on the 1852 “ex-Soil” J.B. Vuillaume.
About the Concert
For A Younger Self
Kris Bowers (b. 1989)
From Kris Bowers, composer
When I was first commissioned to write this Violin Concerto, I began speaking with Charles Yang about different ideas to explore. Both of us having moved to New York as teenagers to attend Juilliard, we reminisced about the feeling we had adjusting to a new and incredibly overwhelming environment, and how tough it can be as a young person to overcome fear, stress, self-doubt, etc. At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a similar sense of excitement and being overwhelmed as I embarked on this commission. Growing up in Los Angeles, as a kid, having a concert work of mine performed on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage seemed like something I could only dream about.
This space and this part of downtown L.A. has been an integral part of my young life. I started piano and theory lessons just across the street at the Colburn School the day they opened at that downtown location in 1998. I competed in the Spotlight Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (as well as had my high school graduation there), and I performed here at Walt Disney Concert Hall with my high school jazz band. Being in these halls and on these stages made me incredibly excited about the possibilities for my future and my own potential as a musician. It helped me envision myself with a career doing this.
That being said, I was rarely in the audience for concerts in these spaces, and when I look back on my relationship with classical music, I always wish I had appreciated it more. On some level, I felt like I didn’t belong, and although I studied classical piano alongside jazz until graduating high school, it seemed like classical music just wasn’t “for me.” As a young black boy, I didn’t see myself in the audience members, the classical composers that were presented, or even in the other students I was in school with. Not seeing myself in these spaces helped me create an internal narrative that I didn’t belong.
COMPOSED 2019–2020
PREMIERE
February 8, 2020; Los Angeles, California
LAST DPO
PERFORMANCE
DPO Premiere
APPROXIMATE DURATION
26 minutes
For A Younger Self, continued
Kris Bowers (b.
1989)
Film music began to change that for me. It wasn’t until I developed a deep love and appreciation for the film scores of composers like John Williams, Danny Elfman, Quincy Jones, John Powell, Howard Shore, and Jerry Goldsmith that I began listening back to classical and orchestral music, and really seeing/hearing where they were coming from. All of a sudden, the music of Ravel, Prokofiev, Beethoven, Brahms, Steve Reich, and others came alive for me, and although this field wasn’t much more diverse, it was a profound inspiration to see how these composers combined their personal musical styles with their classical training. Not to mention that at times, great storytelling can transcend race and gender, and I still found inspiration in the heroes of the films I watched as a kid.
This being my first concert work for orchestra, the shape and sound of the piece began to unravel throughout the composition process. Having learned so much about storytelling as a film composer, I wanted to see if I could convey a narrative through the shape and pacing of this piece. Using Charles and his violin as the protagonist, I wondered if there was a way for me to follow the format of “The Hero’s Journey” while at the same time adhering to the rules and traditions of the violin concerto.
When we meet our hero at the beginning of the piece, he is somewhat melancholic and timid, and pretty soon we feel he is almost being pushed around by the orchestra. The orchestra represents life in this way, and can be both the bully and the mentor. So we go back and forth between these moments of chaos and anxiety, to these gentler sections that represent the pining for tranquility, nostalgia, love, etc.
The second movement is a moment for our protagonist to finally have that moment of peace and reflection. It’s in this movement that we hit our “Mid-Point,” and our hero finally takes control of the narrative. He is now driving the orchestra, flowing through with much more ease and acting from a place of love rather than fear.
Lastly, we reach the climactic final movement in which the hero and what he’s learned is put to the test, and the ease in which he exhibits his self-confidence and assuredness amidst the chaos is on full display.
On some level, writing this piece became a way to send a message to the younger version of myself, in terms of finding a way to maintain balance and inner peace in this chaotic and troubling world, and also as a way to encourage and celebrate my curiosity and love for so many types of music. I am so thankful to the American Youth Symphony and the LA Phil for this opportunity, which has helped me rewrite my own narrative that someone like me doesn’t belong in this space; performances like this can continue inspiring other young composers that have ever felt like they don’t belong.
Symphony No. 5
Gustav Mahler (1860–1911)
From Chad Arnow, Trombone / Bass Trombone
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 stands as a prime example of a late Romantic era symphonic masterpiece. Though it was written in the early part of the 20th century, it has all the hallmarks of late 19th romanticism: moments of deep darkness, optimism, extreme tenderness and beauty, quiet calmness, and intense storms. Over its five movements, the listener hears a funeral march, a “vehement storm,” a scherzo that alternates between light and dark, a sublime Adagietto, and a rousing, hopeful finale. As with other composers from this era, Mahler shifts moods often and without warning.
As with other Mahler symphonies, the Fifth is a mental and physical workout for the entire orchestra. Unlike the succinct Italian instructions in most classical music, Mahler gives lengthy, specific instructions in German. Phrases like “Allmählich (aber unmerklich) etwas ruhiger” (“gradually [but imperceptibly] somewhat quieter/calmer) and “Stürmisch bewegt. Mit grösster Vehemenz” (“Stormily agitated. With utmost vehemence”) abound throughout the music. Though unusual, they give the musicians a detailed insight into Mahler’s mindset.
Like many late Romantic composers, Mahler’s use of the brass is more extensive and varied than what is seen in earlier eras. Important, defining melodies are in the brass parts, from the opening funeral march in the trumpet to the obligato horn solo in the Scherzo. As a brass player, Mahler symphonies are some of the most challenging and rewarding pieces to perform.
Listeners can sit back, close their eyes, and enjoy the wild ride or they can watch my amazing colleagues work their Schwänze (tails) off as we perform one of the greatest symphonic works ever written.
COMPOSED 1901–1902
PREMIERE
October 18, 1904; Cologne, Germany
LAST DPO PERFORMANCE
February, 2017; Neal Gittleman, conductor APPROXIMATE
DURATION
70 minutes
Meet our Musicians

CHAD ARNOW
Chad Arnow plays trombone / bass trombone and has been with the DPO for 26 years. Learn more about him by scanning the code below.
Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries with the DPO
We proudly recognize these musicians for their years of artistry, dedication, and service to our orchestra and community.










Youjin Na 10th Anniversary
Aaron Brant 15th Anniversary
Nick Naegele 15th Anniversary
Kara Camfield 20th Anniversary
Michael LaMattina 25th Anniversary
Scott Shilling 25th Anniversary
Eileen Whalen 25th Anniversary
Bleda Elibal 30th Anniversary
Kristen J. Smith 30th Anniversary
Retiring DPO Musicians
With gratitude and admiration, we honor these musicians as they take their final bow and celebrate their lasting contributions to our artistic legacy.





* Charles Pagnard retires as Principal Trumpet, but continues with the DPO as 2nd Trumpet

Elizabeth Hofeldt 38 Years
Mark Hofeldt 38 Years
Todd Fitter 42 Years
Charles Pagnard* 46 Years
Philip Enzweiler 47 Years
2025–2026 Season!

Jazz Trumpeter Byron Stripling
June 20 at 7:30pm • Schuster Center
Byron Stripling, Conductor and Soloist
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
FEATURING
“Maple Leaf Rag” • “What a Wonderful World” • “This Little Light of Mine” “When the Saints Go Marching In” • And more!
Trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling leads the way in an electrifying evening of jazz classics. With his signature blend of brilliance and showmanship, he breathes new life into beloved standards, delivering a performance packed with energy, soul, and irresistible swing.
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
to come

to come


to come
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
Kaleb Hascall Principal20
Michael LaMattina, Principal21 Davi Martinelli de Lira22
Jerry Noble
Leslie Stratton, Principal23
Joshua Nemith, Principal24
Photo
Photo
HARP KEYBOARD
Photo

Pianist Garrick Ohlsson performs with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra on opening night of the 2025–2026 Masterworks Series
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.
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OVATION! ($2,500+)
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Musicians of the DPO & staff of DPAA, in memory of C.
Donald Compton
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Joan Stonitsch
Tawnya & Rick Stover
Phyllis Strayer
Dr. Charles Taylor & Kim E. Iconis
Ms. Ruth Templeton
Mary T. Tymeson
Sharon Vander Gheynst, D.M.E.
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Van Graas
Julie & Jud Wallner
L.N. Wasserman
Merle Wilberding & Susan Elliott
Janice Finch Willhelm
Jane & John Winch
Mary & Niels M Winther
Veronica & Jeffrey Winwood
Virginia Wood
Sarah & David Wrazen
Mary Yerina & Bob Redfield
Dr. David Zelmon & Dr. Mojgan Samardar
FELLOW* ($750+)
Dr. Charles & Barbara Cerny
Jill & Dale Courte
Elizabeth Frye
Barbara & Edward Hennessey
Sharon & Fred Hill
Patricia Horvath
Karen & Charles Kronbach
Michele & Greg Palmer
Mr. Harold Poppe & Mr. Dale Schmidt
Susan & Randy Woods
Carol J. Yegerlehner
* Fellow is no longer a membership level we offer. Please visit our website for more details about membership



Meet the Artists of DPAA
Go behind the scenes with the artists whose passion drives every performance.

Zulfiya (Zulya) Bashirova Concertmaster, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
I grew up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where my love for music began the day my father brought me my first violin at the age of six. The moment I held it, I knew that the violin would become my lifelong path. I began my musical training at the V. A. Uspensky Republican Specialized Music School in Tashkent. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree from the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, followed by a Master of Music degree from the Lynn Conservatory of Music and a Specialist in Music degree from the University of Michigan. Throughout my education, I had the privilege of studying with extraordinary musicians and renowned
violinists, including Elmar Oliveira and David Halen. DPAA drew me in with its unique structure as an organization that brings together all three genres I have always dreamed of working with. Being part of a symphony and performing great masterpieces in the Masterworks series is deeply fulfilling for me as a musician. I have always admired opera—its power, its emotional depth, and the beauty of the human voice. Ballet has also been one of my passions, and having the opportunity to perform with Dayton Ballet truly feels like a dream come true. I am eager to work with Maestro Harada in his inaugural season as Music Director and to be part of this new chapter for the organization.
Zulya poses with Associate Concertmaster Aurelian Oprea and Maestro Keitaro Harada
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
Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation
Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts
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
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
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation
Mathile Family Foundation
WYSO Public Radio
ARIA
America 250 – Ohio Commission
The Disability Foundation
Houser Asphalt and Concrete
The Iddings Foundation
LION
Lockwood Family Foundation
ThinkTV
Victory Wholesale Group and the Kantor Family
SONATA
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Crown Equipment Corporation
The Dayton Hydraulic Co.
The Clark J. Haines Musical Scholarship Fund
Johnson Investment Counsel
The Kuntz Foundation
Nova Creative
PNC
Premier Health
University of Dayton
INTERMEZZO
AES Ohio
Appliance Gallery Dayton
Coolidge Wall
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
Sinclair Broadcast Group/FOX/ABC
Square One Salon and Spa
The Synergy Schade Team
Taylor Corporation
OVERTURE
Requarth Lumber Company
The Rubi Girls
Taft
Thompson Hine
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
Kate LaFollette, Engagement and Patron Services Manager
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
Kate LaFollette, Engagement and Patron Services Manager
Sandyna Woodward, Marketing Coordinator
OPERATIONS
Chris Brislin, General Manager
Lyn Baudendistel, Wardrobe Supervisor
Josephine Baudendistel, Costume Assistant
Kelly DeLisle, Artistic Administrator
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Librarian
Sean Vore, Orchestra Personnel Manager
Katie West, Production Coordinator/ Assistant Librarian
The stagehands of IATSE Local 66
The wardrobe members of IATSE Local 886


GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
HARRY A. TOULMIN JR. AND VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
JESSE AND CARYL PHILIPS FOUNDATION
BILL AND JACKIE LOCKWOOD FUND TO SUPPORT OPERA
MARY H. KITTREDGE FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION





















ADDITIONAL MAJOR SUPPORT PROVIDED BY



