T h e B r a v o S o c i e t y w a s e s t a b l i s h e d f o r i n d i v i d u a l s w h o w a n t
t o l e a v e a l a s t i n g l e g a c y t o e n s u r e o
Welcome to the Opening of Our 25|26 Season!
For many reasons, tonight’s opera—Cavalleria Rusticana—holds a very special place in my heart.
Exactly twenty years ago, I made my conducting debut with Tulsa Opera in a double bill of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. At that time, it was standard practice to present the two together on the same evening. Twenty years—and one pandemic—later, such a double bill feels almost unimaginable. Though short in length, each of these explosive operas is a massive musical and theatrical undertaking, demanding resources greater than many works twice their length. And each delivers more than enough dramatic and emotional power to fill an evening on its own. In hindsight, doing both back-to-back might have been a bit of overkill (pun intended).
B a r b a r a H B u r g e r
Barbara H. Burger
D r M a r y C o l l i e r
Dr. Mary Collier
P a t r i c i a B i v a n s D i x o n
Mary Tonetti Dorra
M a r y T o n e t t i D o r r a
Nancy and Fred Golden
N a n c y a n d F r e d G o l d e n
Pamela Gunther
P a m e l a G u n t h e r
Christine and Michael Holland
C h r i s t i n e a n d M i c h a e l H o l l a n d
Herbert Kendall
H e r b e r t K e n d a l l
Karen C. Knight
S u z a n n e a n d D u n c a n M e l l i c h a m p
Suzanne and Duncan Mellichamp
L o r i M e s c h l e r
Lori Meschler
E r i c O l t m a n n a n d S u s a n V a n A b e l
Eric Oltmann and Susan Van Abel
J e a n R o g e r s
Jean Rogers
J o a n R u t k o w s k i
Joan Rutkowski
J u d i t h S m i t h
Judith Smith
D r R o b e r t W e i n m a n
Takako Wakita
Dr. Robert Weinman
In 2002, I was fortunate to assist the great Donald Palumbo—who recently retired as Chorus Master at the Metropolitan Opera—in preparing the chorus for Cav/Pag at Lyric Opera of Chicago. The production was conducted by none other than the legendary Bruno Bartoletti. It was a masterclass in how to play, sing, and conduct Italian opera—one that profoundly shaped my musical journey. It was also, to this day, the most magnificent Cavalleria Rusticana set I have ever seen.
After the success of last season’s opening with Pagliacci, it felt only right to open this season with Cavalleria—especially with such a perfect cast and the virtuoso OSB chorus on hand. I asked Layna Chianakas, Daniel Chapman, and Helena Kuukka to create designs that would transport us to the fragrant orchards and ancient olive groves of Sicily—and, as you’re about to see, they have outdone themselves.
I hope you enjoy tonight’s performance as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it for you. May you be swept away by the music I love so deeply—and, if you let yourself be carried into the moment, perhaps even catch the scent of orange blossoms drifting through our Sicilian landscape.
Kostis Protopapas
Artistic
and General Director
Learn more about Bravo Society membership and benefits at operasb org/support or contact Amy Marshall, Director of Development at amy@operasb.org
Learn more about Bravo Society membership and benefits at operasb.org/support or contact Jessica Hetrick, Executive Development Officer at Jessica@operasb.org
For many opera lovers, Cavalleria Rusticana ranks among the top five favorites—not only for its sweeping, emotionally charged score that perfectly underscores every dramatic moment, but also for its deeply human characters, whose experiences remain just as relevant today as they were in the late 19th century. Themes of infidelity, jealousy, love, murder, and—above all—an intense passion for all things Sicilian pulse through every scene of this beautiful opera.
In this production, I’ve chosen to highlight the chorus as the central force and emotional protagonist. They create the tension, drive the narrative forward, and bring dramatic weight to every scene in which they appear.
We are offering you, our audience, a traditional and visually stunning production set in a world that will transport you to another time—yet one that feels strikingly familiar. What you see on stage could still be found today in any small village in Italy. We celebrate the joy and color of the Easter holiday, even as the tragedy at the heart of the story unfolds and clashes with that joy at every turn. Through natural gesture and authentic intention, each character becomes someone you know, someone you’ve seen—or perhaps even a reflection of yourself.
Layna Chianakas Director
presents CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
BY PIETRO MASCAGNI
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH, 2025 AT 7:30 - THE LOBERO THEATRE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2025 AT 2:30 - THE LOBERO THEATRE
CAST
Santuzza ................................................................................................................................ Max Potter+
Turridu Xavier Prado
Alfio .....................................................................................................................................Todd Thomas
Mamma Lucia.......................................................................................................... Adrien Roberts
Lola
+Chrisman Studio Artist Alumni
PRODUCTION
CONDUCTOR
Kostis Protopapas
STAGE DIRECTOR
Layna Chianakas
SCENIC DESIGNER
Daniel Chapman
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Helena Kuukka
COSTUME DESIGNER
Stacie Logue
PROPS DESIGNER
T. Theresa Scarano
HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNER
Heather Sterling
CHORUS MASTER & PRINCIPAL PIANIST
Timothy Accurso
Angeline Petronijevic
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
Alexandra Enyart
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Kourtni Dale Noll
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Todd Jared
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
Jamie Fuller
Jessica Haro
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS
Berenice Gallegos
Marisol Miller-Wave
COSTUME SHOP STAFF
Kim Foster
SEASON ART
Julia Lieberman
More Laughing.
People finding joy every day is one of the hallmarks of Vista del Monte—a vibrant community with a special flair. We cultivate vitality and well-being and celebrate each individual. From the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere to the way Vista’s staff treats everyone like family, this is home. Do more of what you love, here.
or call
Thank you Larry Hughes and Jeanne Ullom for your years of service and amazing work with the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra.
Lawrence Hughes has been an active freelance musician throughout Southern California for over 30 years. He was a regular member of Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra until its final concert a few years ago. His time with that orchestra coincided with his work with Opera Santa Barbara as principal clarinetist.
In addition to his work in Santa Barbara, Lawrence has performed with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Los Angeles Opera.
For over 30 years, he has been a regular member of the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters Orchestra and the Long Beach Municipal Band, both seasonal summer jobs.
Lawrence has been an adjunct professor at Pasadena City College since 1991, teaching clarinet and saxophone. He currently lives in Pasadena with his wife and daughter.
Santa Barbara native, Jeanne (Olsen) Ullom began studying the violin at the age of seven. When she was 16, her teacher Stefan Krayk (concertmaster and founding member of the Santa Barbara Symphony) asked her to join the Symphony. After graduating from UCSB in music, Jeanne headed to Las Vegas to perform in the show orchestras at the many different hotels. Her most memorable performances were with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis and Robert Goulet. In 1969, Jeanne was a member of the orchestra for Barbra Streisand as she opened the International Hotel. She also performed and recorded with Elvis Pressley on his “ ‘Live ‘ in Las Vegas” album in 1970.
Jeanne returned to Santa Barbara in 1977 and auditioned for the SB Symphony and has been a member ever since including 25 years as personnel manager.
In 1995, Jeanne was asked to join Opera SB as a violinist. The following year she was appointed personnel manager and held the position for 16 years. Jeanne has performed in almost all Opera SB operas for the last 30 years until her retirement at the end of season 2024/25.
CAVALLERIA
SPONSORS
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
Mosher Foundation
STAGE DIRECTOR, LAYNA CHIANAKAS
Robert and Sandra Urquhart
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR, ALEXIS ENYART
Olympia Coppélius
SANTUZZA, MAX POTTER
Chrisman Emerging Artist Fund
TURIDDU, XAVIER PRADO
David Mason
ALFIO, TODD THOMAS
Joan Rutkowski
MAMMA LUCIA, ADRIEN ROBERTS
Chris Lancashire
LOLA, ANGELINE PETRONIJEVIC
Jean Rogers
CHORUS & CHORUS MASTER, TIM ACCURSO
Bella Domani
LIGHTING DESIGN, HELENA KUUKKA
Nicholas Burlett
LED SUPERTITLES
Rodney Baker and Robert Ooley
STEP INTO THE STORY—SPONSOR TODAY!
Did you know that without our donors the average cost of an OSB opera ticket would be $283 instead of $96? We are grateful to our donors, sponsors, and foundations, whose generosity allows us to present high quality operas while keeping ticket prices affordable. Sponsorships are one of the most important ways opera lovers can help bring works like this to the stage. For more information about becoming a sponsor or artist host, contact Jessica@operasb.org or call our office at (805) 898-3890 Ext 1.
Please turn off all cell phones, electronic devices, and watch alarms. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house management. Members of the audience who leave during the performance will not be shown back into the theater until the next intermission. The use of camera and recording equipment is strictly prohibited. Your use of a ticket acknowledges your willingness to appear in photographs taken or videos filmed in public areas of the Lobero Theatre, and releases the theater and its lessees and others from liability resulting from use of such photographs or video footage.
A rollercoaster of passion, betrayal, and vengeance, set to show-stopping vocals by the composer of ‘ The Messiah.’
Fasten your seatbelts as Colin Ramsey (Caesar) and Anastasia Malliaras (Cleopatra) take you on one of ancient histor y ’s bumpiest rides.
RIDAY 7:30PM RUARY 27, 2026 FRIDAY 7:30PM FEBRUARY 27, 2026
UNDAY 2:30PM MARCH 1, 2026 SUNDAY 2:30PM MARCH 1, 2026
HANDEL’S
A college football hero with a taste for liquor and an eye for women falls for a charismatic evangelist, and discovers that he has a talent for th
Evan Pezz hear t
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA SYNOPSIS
FRIDAY 7: MAY 1, 2 FRIDAY 7:30PM MAY 1, 2026
COMPOSER
Pietro Mascagni
SUNG IN ITALIAN
RUN TIME: 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES INCLUDING INTERMISSION
ENGLISH SUPERTITLES BY MICHAEL CHADWICK, CHADWICK CREATIVE ARTS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH, 2025 AT 7:30 - THE LOBERO THEATRE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2025 AT 2:30 - THE LOBERO THEATRE
— A VILLAGE IN SICILY, CIRCA 1900 —
At dawn on Easter Sunday, Turiddu sings in the distance of his love for Lola, wife of the carter Alfio. She and Turiddu had been a couple before he joined the army. When he returned and found her married to Alfio, he seduced Santuzza but now has abandoned her and rekindled his relationship with Lola. Later in the morning, a distraught Santuzza approaches the tavern of Mamma Lucia, Turiddu’s mother, who tells her that her son is away buying wine. But Santuzza knows that Turiddu has been seen during the night in the village. Alfio arrives, boasting of his horses—and of Lola. He asks Mamma Lucia if she has any more of her good wine. When she says that Turiddu has gone to get more, Alfio replies that he saw him near his house that same morning. Lucia is surprised, but Santuzza tells her to keep quiet. As the villagers follow the procession to church, Santuzza stays behind and pours out her grief about Turiddu to Mamma Lucia. The old woman expresses her pity, then also leaves for Mass. Turiddu arrives in the piazza. When Santuzza confronts him about his affair with Lola, he denies her accusations. Just then Lola passes by on her way to church. She mocks Santuzza, and Turiddu turns to follow her. Santuzza begs him to stay and implores him not to abandon her. Refusing to listen, Turiddu leaves, and Santuzza curses him. Alfio appears, late for Mass. Santuzza tells him that Lola went to church with Turiddu and reveals that she has been cheating on him. In a rage, Alfio swears to get even and rushes off, leaving behind the now conscience-stricken Santuzza.
Returning from the church the villagers gather at Mamma Lucia’s tavern. Turiddu leads them in a drinking song, but the atmosphere becomes tense when Alfio appears. He refuses Turiddu’s offer of wine and Turiddu challenges him to a knife fight. Turiddu admits his guilt but is determined to go through with the fight, for Santuzza’s sake as well as for his honor. The two men agree to meet outside the village. Alone with his mother, Turiddu begs her to take care of Santuzza if he doesn’t come back, then runs off to the fight. As Mamma Lucia waits anxiously, shouts are heard in the distance. A woman runs in screaming that Turiddu has been killed.
Melody Ellison Caruso's Chef Partner Massimo Falsini
Jenavi Vineyards
Joan Rutkowski
Santa Barbara Auto Group
State Street Ballet
Sandra and Robert Urquhart
Monica and Brooke Williams
2025 GALA COMMITTEE
Melody Ellison, CO-CHAIR Jenna Jobst Reichental, CO-CHAIR Kimi J. Matar • Joan Rutkowski • Sandy Urquhart Be part of the Celebration!
AND PRODUCTION DESIGN BY A Black Tie Affair with Opera Flair honoring Bob Weinman
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Reserve your table early and enjoy premium recognition and benefits before they sell out!
Individual tickets available January 15.
Chef
ICONIC
ILLUMINATING EXPERIENCES THAT INSPIRE PURPOSE AND CONNECTION
SUPPORTERS OF OPERA SANTA BARBARA AND THE CREATIVE VISIONARIES BEHIND THE MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE OPERA BALL
ARTISTS
KOSTIS PROTOPAPAS
Conductor
Kostis Protopapas was named General Director of Opera Santa Barbara in December 2017, after twoand-a-half seasons as Artistic Director.
During his time as Artistic Director and principal conductor, Kostis brought a unified vision to OSB’s musical and production values, strengthening the orchestra and chorus, engaging some of the country’s most promising young directors and singers, building a high-performing production team, and increasing focus on contemporary American opera. As General Director Kostis assembled Team OSB, a group of enthusiastic overachievers with a passion for innovation and the desire to strengthen the company’s bond with the community, who consistently exceed patrons’ expectations for programs, experiences and communications. Performance highlights from Kostis’ tenure include grand opera classics like Madama Butterfly, Manon, and Eugene Onegin as well as contemporary works like Daniel Catan’s Il Postino, the mariachi opera Cruzar la cara de la luna, and Laura Kaminsky’s As One. In the fall of 2022 the Santa Barbara Independent wrote: “From contemporary work to obscurities from the early 19th century, from staple repertoire to surprise elements, OSB continues to raise the bar on what an opera company can and should be, even in Santa Barbara.”
Between March 2020 and June 2021, under Kostis’ leadership Opera Santa Barbara remained active and fully staffed. It was the first performing arts organization in Santa Barbara to offer streaming programming, and one of only two opera companies in California to present three live operas in the 2020-21 season. Additionally, Opera Santa Barbara became an advocacy leader for the reopening of the performing arts, and funded live performances by local musicians through “Operation Eurydice”. For his work during the pandemic, Kostis was listed among the Santa Barbara Independent’s 2021 Local Heroes.
Before coming to Santa Barbara Kostis was the Artistic Director of Tulsa Opera since 2008. He previously was an Assistant Conductor with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, LA Opera and Santa Fe Opera. At the Lyric Opera of Chicago, he also served as Assistant Chorus Master under Donald Palumbo for two seasons.
Born in Athens, Greece, Kostis Protopapas studied Archaeology and History of Art at the University of Athens before coming to the United States in 1993, on an Onassis Foundation scholarship, to study piano at The Boston Conservatory and conducting at Boston University. He became an American citizen in 2011. He loves living in Santa Barbara and enjoys sailing on the Santa Barbara Channel.
ARTISTS
LAYNA CHIANAKAS
Stage Director
Stage Director, Voice Teacher and Mezzo-Soprano, Layna Chianakas has been hailed for her “vocal talents which are matched by her poignancy as an actress” (Des Moines Register) in her betrayal of Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana. She has portrayed over 50 leading opera roles across the United States, including over 80 performances of Carmen. She was heard as The Secretary in Menotti’s The Consul with Dayton Opera and sang the role of Mme. Larina in Eugene Onegin with Intermountain Opera in Bozeman, MT and Filiipyevna in Eugene Onegin with Livermore Valley Opera. Most recently she sang the role of Emilia in Livermore Valley Opera’s production of Otello.
Her stage directing credits boast over 40 operas ranging from Gluck to Guettel, using both conceptual and traditional elements which she blends into unique and dramatically poignant productions. Upcoming engagements include Cavalleria Rusticana for Opera Santa Barbara in November 2025, Cosí fan tutte for Portland State University Opera Theatre in April 2026, and La fanciulla del West for Livermore Valley Opera in February 2027.
As founder of the Chianakas Studio, a voice studio which hosts a roster of over 30 voice students ages 12-62, she loves working with people of all vocal abilities, styles, and goals. Her students have been heard in the annual Rita Moreno awards, SF Jazz, Monterey Jazz Festival, Boston Conservatory Berklee Aspire Program, Starting Arts, San Jose Children’s Musical Theatre, and as soloists with numerous opera companies and symphony orchestras throughout the United States. Most recently, she has joined the voice faculty at Santa Clara University as an adjunct professor, and is a contributing journalist to San Francisco Classical Voice, which reports events throughout the Bay Area. This spring will mark her 11th musical with Valley Christian Conservatory Theatre as vocal and music director.
She lives in San Jose, CA with her husband, 8 chickens and a life rich in her two grown children, travel, and dear friends.
ARTISTS
MAX POTTER
Santuzza
Hometown: Rockville MD
Lives in: Santa Barbara, CA
Previously at OSB: Le nozze di Figaro (Cherubino), Carmen (Mercedes), Il Trovatore (Ines), La Traviata (Flora), Das Rheingold (Flosshilde)
Career Highlights: Verdi’s Messa da Requiem (MezzoSoprano Soloist), SLO Master Chorale; Der Rosenkavalier (Octavian), Pacific Northwest Opera; Mendelssohn’s Elijah (Alto Soloist), Washington National Cathedral
Upcoming Engagements: Amy Beach’s Canticle of the Sun & Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de Confessore (Alto Soloist), SLO Master Chorale; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (Alto Soloist), CalPoly Symphony; Cavalleria Rusticana (Santuzza), Opera Southwest maxpottermezzo.com
XAVIER PRADO
Turiddu
Hometown: Rancagua, Chile/Los Angeles, CA
Lives in: Valencia, Spain
Previously at OSB: Zorro (Zorro), 2024; Il Trovatore (Ruiz), 2024
Career Highlights: Zorro (Zorro), Arizona Opera, Opera San Jose, and Opera Santa Barbara; Il Viaggio a Reims (Libenskoff*/Zeffirino), Rossini Opera Festival; L’Italiana in Algeri (Lindoro), Opera San Jose
Upcoming Engagements: Zorro (Zorro), Opera in Williamsburg xavierprado.com
TODD THOMAS
Alfio
Hometown: Elmira, New York
Lives in: Philadelphia, PA
Previously at OSB: Tosca (Scarpia), Falstaff (Falstaff), Opera Santa Barbara Gala, Il Tabarro (Michele)
Career Highlights: Otello (Iago), Lyric Opera of
Chicago; Nabucco (Nabucco), Theater Erfurt in Germany; Rigoletto (Rigoletto), Amarillo Opera
Upcoming Engagements: 1776 (Josiah Bartlett) Walnut Street Theater, Tosca (Scarpia), Opera Montana IG: ToddThomasBaritone
ADRIEN ROBERTS
Mamma Lucia
Hometown: Danville, CA
Lives in: Lakewood, CA
Previously at OSB: Le Nozze di Figaro (Countess Almaviva), A Light in the Piazza (Franca), La Traviata (Annina), La Rondine (Yvette), The Cunning Little Vixen (Rooster), plus numerous productions in the chorus.
Career Highlights: Faust (Marguerite), VOPA Opera; Madama Butterfly (Cio Cio San), Center Stage Opera; La Boheme (Mimi), Festival Opera. Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman)
Previously at OSB: Chorus, 2019-2025; Speed Dating Tonight (Bus Girl), 2022
Career Highlights: L’enfant et les sortilèges (L’enfant), Varna International Music Academy; Dido and Aeneas (Dido), Chicago Summer Opera; Suor Angelica (Lay Sister), Opera San Jose
Upcoming Engagements: Elmer Gantry (Chorus)
DANIEL CHAPMAN
Scenic Design
Home Town: Bernalillo, New Mexico
Lives in: Gunnison, Colorado
OSB: Pagliacci, Zorro, Carmen, Madama Butterfly
Career Highlights: Of Mice and Men (Lighting Designer), The Acting Company; Doña Clementina (Production Design), Opera Southwest
Upcoming Engagements: Carmen (Scenery/ Projections), Charleston Opera Theater; Farolitos (Lighting), Opera Southwest; Ululations and Gurgles of the Invisible (Projections), Guerilla Opera
HELENA KUUKKA
Lighting Designer
HOMETOWN: Helsinki, Finland
LIVES IN: Novato, CA
Previously at OSB: The Marriage of Figaro, Pagliacci, Zorro, Carmen, Tosca, An American Dream, La Scala di Seta, Eugene Onegin, Barber of Seville
Career Highlights: Aida (Vancouver Opera); The Marriage of Figaro (Portland Opera); Dracula (Ballet Memphis)
Upcoming Engagements: Annie, Sweeny Todd, & Sister Act, Oklahoma Lyric Theatre; Caesar and Cleopatra and Elmer Gantry, OSB
STACIE LOGUE
Costume Deigner
Hometown: Southern California
Lives in: Ventura, CA
Previously at OSB: 20 year anniversary- first opera with OSB was Faust in 2004. Looking forward to 25/26!
Career Highlights: Costume design for Zorro & Semele for OSB
Where can we find you: in the costume shop!
ARTISTS
T. TERESA SCARANO
Prop Designer
HOMETOWN: Roswell, New Mexico.
LIVES IN: Southern California
Previously at OSB: Prop Designer since 2017
Career Highlights: San Bernardino CLO/The Set Company (Scenery Rental Manager); Daddy Longlegs (Prop Designer), original production; Universal Studios
Hollywood (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure and Grinchmas). Whatever I’m currently working on!
Upcoming Engagements: The Shark is Broken (ETC), January 2026; Crone Creed (Co-writer/co-producer), Moonlight Stage Productions, 2026
HEATHER STERLING
Wig and Makeup Designer
Hometown: Salinas, CA
Lives in: San Jose, CA
Previously at OSB: The Daughter of the Regiment (2025), The Marriage of Figaro (2025), Pagliacci (2024), Zorro (2024), Il Trovatore (2024), Carmen (2023)
Career Highlights: Alisa Weilerstein’s: FRAGMENTS (Hair/Makeup Designer), Askonas Holt; Manona (Hair/ Makeup Designer), Opera Santa Barbara; Candide (Wig/ Makeup Designer), San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Upcoming Engagements: The Turn of the Screw (SFCM), Caesar & Cleopatra (OSB), Cendrillon (SFCM)
TIMOTHY ACCURSO
Chorus Master & Head of Music
Hometown: Glen Lyon, PA
Lives in: Santa Barbara, CA
Previously at OSB: With OSB since 2018
Career Highlights: Again and Again and Again (Opera Las Vegas), Pirates of Penzance (Utah Opera), Everything at OSB!
Upcoming Engagements: Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus at Lobero Theatre December, 2025
Where can we find you: OSB Office or the Lobero :)
ARTISTS
ALEXANDRA ENYART
Assistant Conductor
HOMETOWN: Alexandria, KY
LIVES IN: Chicago, IL
Previously at OSB: As One (Conductor), 2022; Tosca (Assistant Conductor), 2020; La scala di seta (Conductor), 2022; Die Walküre (Assistant Conductor), 2023; Il trovatore (Assistant Conductor), 2024
Career Highlights: Cendrillon (Massanet), Opera Orlando; Rusalka (Dvorak), Pacific Opera Project; Die tote stadt (Korngold), Chicago City Opera
Upcoming Engagements: Cendrillon (Massanet), Chicago City Opera alexandraenyart.com
KOURTNI DALE NOLL
Production Stage Manager
Hometown: Plano, TX
Lives In: Camarillo, CA
Previously at OSB: PSM, Marriage of Figaro, 2025 Highlights: Celebrating 13 years at OSB!
Upcoming Engagements: PSM at OSB for the 20252026 season!
cosoc.com/KidKourt13
JAMIE FULLER
Assistant Stage Manager
Hometown: Henry, IL
Lives in: Sun City Center, FL
Previously at OSB: Pagliacci (ASM), 2024; Carmen (ASM), 2023; The Valkyrie (ASM), 2023, La traviata (Calling Stage Manager/ASM), 2022
Career Highlights: La Belle et la bête (Stage Manager), Opera Parallèle, Rigoletto (Stage Manager), Minnesota Opera, Peter and the Starcatcher (Stage Manager), Illinois Shakespeare Festival
Upcoming Engagements: The Nutcracker (Production Stage Manager), Champaign-Urbana
Ballet; Susannah (Stage Manager), Sarasota Opera; The Little Mermaid (Production Stage Manager), Champaign-Urbana Ballet jamiekfuller.com
JESSICA HARO
Assistant Stage Manager
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Lives in: Santa Barbara, CA
Previously at OSB: Il Trovatore, Pagliacci, The Marriage of Figaro, Daughter of the Regiment
Career Highlights: Pretty Woman The Musical (Production Stage Manager), The Gateway; Lilian (Production Stage Manager), Ensemble Theatre Company; Carmen (Assistant Stage Manager), Music Academy of the West.
Upcoming Engagements: Caesar & Cleopatra and Elmer Gantry, OSB jessicaharo.com
TODD JARED
Technical Director
Hometown: Hollywood, CA
Lives in: Carpinteria, CA
Previously at OSB: Multiple productions since the company’s birth in 1993.
Career Highlights: Technical Director for the Lobero Theatre since 1992.
OPERA SANTA BARBARA
TEAM OSB
ARTISTIC & GENERAL DIRECTOR
Kostis Protopapas
DEPUTY GENERAL DIRECTOR FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Nina Dunbar
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Helena Kuukka
CHORUS MASTER & HEAD OF MUSIC
Timothy Accurso
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT & ADMIN OFFICER
Jessica Hetrick
COMPANY AND MEDIA MANAGER
Julia Lieberman
ACCOUNTANT
Nicole Hunsaker
THANK YOU TO OUR HOUSING DONORS
Tracey & Minos Athanassiadis
Veronique Chavalier
Marilyn Gilbert
Robert Ramey
Joan Rutkowski
Torben & Lauren von Staden
Michael & Beverly Steinfeld
Sandy & Bob Urquhart
Marilyn Zellet
OPERA SANTA BARBARA
FOUNDERS
Marilyn Gilbert & Nathan Rundlett
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nicholas Burlett, Chair
Robert Weinman, 1st Vice Chair
Christine Holland, 2nd Vice Chair
Torben von Staden, Treasurer
Rodney Baker, Secretary
Daniel Reicker, Member at Large
Arthur Swalley, Member at Large
Barbara Burger
Brian Galura
Dan Hone
Mahri Kerley
Karen Knight
Joan Rutkowski*
Judith Smith
Sandra Urquhart*
OSB CIRCLE OF HONOR
Sarah & Roger Chrisman
Mary Tonetti Dorra
Fred and Nancy Golden*
Herbert Kendall+
Sarah Jane Lind+
SPECIAL THANKS
Boozy Burros - Henry and Enzo
InterAct Theatre School and Emily Smith
Opera SouthWest for Co-producing this set
Julia Lieberman for designing our season art
Takako Wakita
Monica Williams
Simon Williams
Suzanne and Duncan Mellichamp*
Eric Oltmann
Mary Penny
Fred Sidon*
VALUED FORMER BOARD MEMBERS
Richard Aberle+
Susan Aberle
Pat Andersons
James Ballantine*
Britt Beauvoix
Peter Bertling*
Marlyn Bernard Bernstein+
Sue Birch
Cynthia Brittain
Jim Burkemper+
Christopher Carroll+
Sarah & Roger Chrisman
Bonnie Corman*
Marilyn Crawford
Roger Davidson+
Denise DeBellefeuille
George DeRado+
Josepha DeRado
Patricia Dixon
Mary Tonetti Dorra
Nick DiNapoli+
Jon DuPrau
Leni Fe Bland+
Kenneth Fitzpatrick
Louise Gaylord
Steve Gilbar
Fred and Nancy Golden*
Mary Hampson
William Jones
Stuart Kart
Gregory McMurray
Suzanne and Duncan Mellichamp*
Jayne Menkemeller
Dylan Minor
Carolina Montgomery
A.C. Moore
Martin Moskovits
Eric Oltmann
David Peri+
Paksy Plackis-Cheng
William Ramsay+
Ida Rickborn+
Jean Rogers
J. Gordon Schontzler*+
Eric Small
Linda Van Buren
Joann Younger
TEAM OSB: JULIA, JESSICA, KOSTIS, HELENA, and TIM
JUST CONTACT THE
8 - 16 SINGERS OVER 15 CHRISTMAS
HANU AH , & SECULAR CAROLS
PRIVATE PARTIES
BUSINESS EVENTS
Congratulations to Opera Santa Barbara on its 32nd season of bringing world class opera to Santa Barbara!
Bravissimi!
We gratefully acknowledge the members of our community who have kept opera a vibrant part of Santa Barabra this year.
GRAND IMPRESARIO
($25,000+)
The Christopher Carroll Endowment
Sarah and Roger Chrisman
Bella Domani
The Gainey Foundation
Cheryl Goldberg
Fred and Nancy Golden
Green Hills Software
The Mithun Family Foundation
The Mosher Foundation
Dan and Romy Reicker
Robert and Mercedes
Eichholz Foundation
Joan Rutkowski
Marc and Pauline Sylvain
Dr. Robert and Sandy Urquhart
Dr. Robert Weinman
PLATINUM IMPRESARIO
($10,000 - $24,999)
Susan Aberle
Ann Jackson Family Foundation
Roxana Anson
Eve Bernstein
Nicholas Burlett
Dan and Meg Burnham
Denise and Ian Burrows
George H. and Olive J. Griffiths
Charitable Foundation
Mary Hampson
The Herbert and Elaine Kendall Foundation
Christine and Michael Holland
Dan and Donna Hone
Mahri Kerley
David Mason
Dick and Marilyn Mazess
McIntyre Family Fund
Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp
Eric Oltmann and Susan Van Abel
Jean Rogers
Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture
Charles Schweppe and Ingrid Olsson
The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts
Carol Vernon and Robert Turbin
Torben and Lauren von Staden
Takako Wakita
Dana White
Brooke and Monica Williams
Simon and Euzetta Williams
GOLD IMPRESARIO
($5,000-$9,999)
Todd and Allyson Aldrich
Arlington Financial Advisors, LLC
Rodney Baker and Robert Ooley
James and Lisa Ballantine
Barbara H. Burger
Joan H. Davidson
Mary Tonetti Dorra
Monica Eiler
Farmers and Merchants Bank
The Hamister Foundation
Jovita and Alex Honor
Lynn P. Kirst
Chris Lancashire
Montecito Bank and Trust
Peter Morris
Music Performance Trust Fund
Farrokh and Sally Nazerian
Lee and Linda Rosenberg
Arthur Swalley
Philip Wyatt
IMPRESARIO CIRCLE
SILVER IMPRESARIO
($2,500-$4,999)
Richard and Kathy Abbott
NancyBell Coe
Jon DuPrau
Dr. Gerhart Hoffmeister
Dr. Ron Latimer
Rick O’shay and Teresa Kuskey
Donley and Valerie Olson
Performing Arts
Scholarship Foundation
Kostis Protopapas and Christina Omdahl
Christine and Stefan Riesenfeld
Ronus Foundation
Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation
Santa Barbara Foundation
Susan Schmidt
Anitra Sheen
Judith Smith
Vista del Monte
Sandra Walther IMPRESARIO
($1,700-$2,499)
Robert F. Adams and Nancy Clare Caponi
Debbie and Mike Bruce
Marilyn Gilbert
John and Ilse Gilbert
Ruth and Alan Heeger
Henning Jensen
Julia Lowell and Douglas Steigerwald
Judith Muller
Rosemary and Nicholas Mutton
Seniel & Dorothy Ostrow Foundation
FOUNDING TEAM
Frank Tabar, MBA, CTA, CFE, CSOP
Joseph Weiland, CFP ®
Dianne Duva, CFP ®
Wells Hughes
John Lorenz
Cody Makela, CFP ®
Arthur Swalley, CIMA®
PATRONS OF THE OPERA
AFICIONADO
($500-$1,699)
Guenter Ahlers
Debbie and Greg Armstrong
David Asbell
Minos and Tracey Athanassiadis
Jim Bagley
Kara and Derek Beaulieu
Robert Benham
Peter and Linda Beuret
Ed Bookin
Sarah-Bina Burke
Janey and Ken Campbell
Veronique Chevalier
Dr. Bonnie Corman
Jim Craviotto
Kourtni Dale Noll
Jared Darlington
Robert and Nancy Dein
Meg DiNapoli
Martha Fling
Bunny Freidus
Jack Funk
Bob and Mary Gates
Cecilia Harris
Barbara Hirsch
Brian Hotchkin
Barbara Hume
The Hutton Parker Foundation
Ugo and Sunny Iacobellis
Kent Jennings
James Kashian and Thomas Proctor
Karen Knight
George Konstantinow and Helene Segal
James and Elinor Langer
Sue Larsen
Laura Levy
Doug and Martha Lorch
Gail Lucas
David and Elise McKee
James Melillo
Anthony and Revae Moran
Tracy and Vicki Noll
Oshay Family Foundation
Pauline Paulin
Priscilla Peale
Christina Ramsey
David Reichert
Staci Richard
Melville Sahyun
Michele Sakakibara
Nancy B. Schlosser
Jill and Scott Seltzer
Chuck and Missy Sheldon
Drs. Michael and Beverly Steinfeld
Samantha Stout
Mark Suarez
Mary Jo Swalley
Frank Tabar
Ellin Todd
Anne Towbes
Mort and Judy Weisman
Lita West
Charles Wylie
Gary Yencich
Joann Younger
SUSTAINER
($250-$499)
Tim Accurso
Roger Adams
Carla Amussen
Michael Baskin
Carolyn and Cory Beckwith
Nancy and Ken Beisser
Mashey Bernstein
Polly and Roger Bookwalter
Gary and Karen Carlton
Agatha Carubia
Artis Chamberlin-Pattison
PATRONS OF THE OPERA PATRONS OF THE OPERA
Mitch Chupack and Laura Tompkins
Maria Ciamaichelo and William Sereque
Marianne Clark
Stephen Cloud
Mary Blackwood Collier
Klara Dykastova von Steinsberg
Mary and Blas Garza
Jerry and Sandy Gothe
Cassandra Grant
Pamela Gunther
Gaia and Nir Kabaretti
Irene and Bruce Klores
Kathryn S. Lawhun and Mark Shinbrot
Pamela and Russ Lombardo
Raymond Riezman
Steven R. Siegel and Joan Tapper
Brian Stenfors
Sheila M. Stone
Katie Szopa
Marylove Thralls and Michael Hackett
CONTRIBUTOR
($100-$249)
Anonymous
Joan Agress
Catherine Albanese
Jill W. Breedon
Chris Brock
Ms. Jehanne Brown
Deborah Collins
Cheryl De Bari Schaible
Nina Dunbar
Gail Elnicky
Drs. Peter C. Ford and Mary Howe-Grant
Mary Furner
Lisa Claudette Gilinger
Jon and Barbara Greenleaf
Sherrie Grimes
Peggy Hill
Carolyn Holmquist
David and Julieanne Hybert
Jane Jacobs
John and Joan Jamieson
Harry Kazali
Diane Kemp
Lynette Klawon
Courtney Lees
Michael Lewellen
Sizhuang Liang
Fima Lifshitz
Cecily Macdougall
MacFarlane, Faletti & Co., LLP
Della and Art McKinster
Peggy Merizalde
Lori Kraft Meschler
William F Mooney
Rozann Newman
Diane Noel
Michael O’Connell
Jean Palmer-Daley
Vivian Rangel
Diane Rennell
Judith Rice
Robert E. Ronus
Albert and Anne Santorelli
Irene and Robert Stone
Takeo and Tsvia Tabuchi
Philip Trevezas
Jeanne Ullom
FRIEND ($99-)
Rosalie Benitez
Anandamoy Bhattacharjie
Kathryn Carpiac
Elisa Cedeno
Maeapple Chaney
Lance Crawford
Judy Dean
David and Ann Dwelley
Leslie Edgerton
Darrolyn Fennelly and Randy Stephens
Cris Fulwider
Annette Goena
Carlos Gonzalez
Nancy Greep
Linda Houseman
Richard Hughes
Peter Kazaras
Nancy Ludgus
Linda Mackinnon
Frank Migliazza
Catherine Nelson
Michael Schaumburg
Lindsay Scott
Alan and Laura Smith
Linda Stafford Burrows
Trudi Straede
Nancy Willstatter
DISCOVER MEMBERSHIP
THE NUTCRACKER
The Granada Theatre Featuring Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra
Conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff
Celebrating the gift of the arts
We are proud to support Opera SB and look forward to their 2025/26 season.
