Welcome to the opening performance of our 2022-23 season. The season reflects our company’s signature mix of popular favorites, lesser-known classics, and contemporary works. It also builds on the experimentation we embarked on during the last two years, which added so many new perspectives to the art form that we so love.
Tosca is deservedly one of the world’s most famous and beloved operas. It is taut, cinematic, and has glorious music. It lovingly pokes fun at the art form of opera itself, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. Deeper down, it explores the relationship between the artist and the world around them, especially at times of political unrest. Tosca, our heroine and quintessential opera diva, is thrust into political and historical events that test her determination to remain neutral and live only for art, love, and God.
Opera Santa Barbara’s new production of Tosca combines period costumes and props with digital projections and film sequences. Tosca feels like a movie under any circumstances, so introducing the film element feels natural. Tosca is also the rare opera set entirely in well-known historical locations, and the digital projections will help evoke those.
Beginning with this new season our company will offer only one performance for each opera. We like to perform in front of full houses, and we believe that sustainable success depends on balancing artistic ambition with audience demand. Regardless of whether we put on one performance or one hundred, you can be sure that we will prepare each production with the same passion and attention to detail that you have come to expect from us.
As we write this note, more than one third of the available seats to our upcoming production of Rossini’s La scala di seta starring Jana McIntyre at the Lobero on November 13 have been sold. We urge you to get your tickets as soon as possible. We are delighted to have you with us tonight, and can’t wait for the curtain to go up!
Kostis Protopapas
Nicholas Burlett Artistic & General Director Board Chair
FROM THE STAGE DIRECTOR
One of the most beloved operas of all time, Tosca holds a special place and lots of opinions in the hearts of many opera fans. What seems to be the common thread amongst most of us is that this beautiful diva is also an incredibly strong and passionate woman. The complexity of her personality is what draws us into her world and into those around her. For our production, I felt very strongly that we retain the beautiful traditions of a period production, while stretching the minds of the audience with interesting imagery and character development. Having the use of a projection screen has given my team and me the opportunity to craft what I am calling “Tosca Three Ways:” traditional, conceptual and film.
The Sardou play La Tosca, on which Puccini based his opera, has given me clues and a framework around which to build the intricate relationships that make the opera so poignant, allowed me the freedom to research the history of the time and how it affects the day to day life of each character, and finally, graced me with the ability to look at the opera through a contemporary lense. I enjoy nothing more than keeping a beloved, traditional opera’s beauty, then enhancing it with contemporary elements and emotions for modern eyes.
The Tosca you will see has something for everyone and we are all proud to have been a part of such an interesting and exciting production.
Layna Chianakas
Stage Director
presents
GIACOMO PUCCINI’S TOSCA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 2022 • 6PM • GRANADA THEATRE
CAST
Eleni Calenos Floria Tosca
Adam Diegel Mario Cavaradossi
Wayne Tigges ............................................................................................................................ Baron Scarpia
Colin Ramsey* ........................................................................................ Cesare Angelotti/Sciaronne
Ben Lowe
Sacristan/Jailer
Matthew Peterson+ Spoletta
Kyra Maal-King Shepherdess
PRODUCTION
CONDUCTOR
Kostis Protopapas
STAGE DIRECTOR
Layna Chianakas
PROJECTION AND SET DESIGN
Yuki Izumihara
LIGHTING DESIGN
Helena Kuukka
FILMMAKER
Zach Mendez
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Kourtni Dale-Noll Mitchiner
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
Danielle Brewbakerº
Elizabeth Turnerº
Supertitles by Chadwick Creative Arts
HAIR/MAKEUP DESIGN
Heather Sterling
COSTUME MANAGER
Stacie Logue
PROPS MASTER
Teresa Scarano
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Helena Kuukka
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Todd Jared
PRINCIPAL PIANIST
Timothy Accurso
FIGHT DIRECTOR
Aubrey Trujillo
Costumes Designed for Utah Symphony and Opera by Susan Memmott Allred
TOSCA
SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSOR
Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation
STAGE DIRECTOR
Sandy and Bob Urquhart
ARTISTS
Opera Santa Barbara Board of Directors-Tosca
Nicholas Burlett and Jessie Dove-Baron Scarpia
Barbara Burger-Spoletta
Keith and Kay Schofield-Angelotti
CHORUS
Monica and Brooke Williams
SUPERTITLES
Bella Domani
YOU DECIDE TICKETING
Walter and Holly Thomson Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee
WINE
Deep Sea Winery
ARTIST HOSTS
Rodney Baker and Robert Ooley
Jared Darlington
Betsy Gallery
Carol Greene
Marilyn Gilbert
Robert Ramey
Torben and Lauren von Staden
Marilyn Zellet
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara Office of Arts & Culture
Noozhawk Voice Magazine
Become A Sponsor This Season!
Production sponsorships are one of the most important ways opera lovers can help bring works like this to the stage. Under normal circumstances, ticket sales and other earned income typically cover less than 35% of production costs. Sponsors help underwrite these costs allowing us to present hiqh quality operas while keeping ticket prices affordable.
For more information about becoming a sponsor or artist host, contact Nina Dunbar, Director of Development at nina@operasb.org
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 Granada Theatre, and releases the theater and its lessees and others from liability resulting from use of such photographs or video footage.
Local Photographer: Zach Mendez
CREATE YOUR OPERA LEGACY TODAY.
Join Opera Santa Barbara's
The Bravo Society was established for individuals who want to leave a lasting legacy to ensure opera will flourish in Santa Barbara for future generations.
MEMBER NEWS
Opera Santa Barbara is pleased to welcome new Bravo Society members Karen Knight and Pamela Gunther !
Earlier this year, the board's Endowment Committee formally established two designated accounts to s upport planned giving wishes of Bravo Society members: the Sustaining Fund and the Opera Santa Barbara Perpetual Endowment Fund.
SYNOPSIS
COMPOSER
Giacomo Puccini
LIBRETTIST
Giuseppe Giacosa, Luigi Illica
SUNG IN ITALIAN
WORLD PREMIERE: TEATRO COSTANZI, ROME, 1900
RUN TIME: 2 HRS AND 15 MINUTES INCLUDING A 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT I
*Deceased
Karen Knight Pamela Gunther
Learn more about Bravo Society membership and benefits at operasb.org/legacy or contact Nina Dunbar, Director of Development at 805-898-3890, ext. 203.
Rome, June 1800. Cesare Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner, rushes into the Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle. After finding the key his sister has hidden for him, he hides in his family’s private chapel. Soon, the painter Mario Cavaradossi arrives to work on his portrait of Mary Magdalene. The painting has been inspired by Angelotti’s sister, the Marchesa Attavanti, whom Cavaradossi had seen praying in the church. Angelotti, who was a member of the former Bonapartiste government, emerges from his hiding place. Cavaradossi recognizes him and promises help, then hurries him back into the chapel as the singer Floria Tosca, his lover, calls from outside. When he lets her into the church, she jealously asks Cavaradossi to whom he has been talking and reminds him of their rendezvous that evening. Suddenly recognizing the Marchesa Attavanti in the painting, she accuses him of being unfaithful, but he assures her of his love. When Tosca has left, Angelotti again comes out of hiding. A cannon signals that the police have discovered the escape, and he and Cavaradossi flee to the painter’s home. The sacristan enters with choirboys who are preparing to sing in a Te Deum celebrating the recent victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Marengo. At the height of their excitement, Baron Scarpia, chief of the secret police, arrives, searching for Angelotti. When Tosca comes back looking for Cavaradossi, Scarpia shows her a fan with the Attavanti crest that he has just found. Seemingly confirming her suspicions about her lover’s infidelity, Tosca is devastated. She vows vengeance and leaves as the church fills with worshippers. Scarpia sends his men to follow her to Cavaradossi, with whom he thinks Angelotti is hiding. While the congregation intones the Te Deum, Scarpia declares that he will bend Tosca to his will.
ACT II
That evening in his chambers in the Palazzo Farnese, Scarpia anticipates the pleasure of having Tosca in his power. The spy Spoletta arrives with news that he was unable to find Angelotti. Instead, he brings in Cavaradossi. Scarpia interrogates the defiant painter while Tosca sings at a royal gala in the palace courtyard. Scarpia sends for her, and she appears just as Cavaradossi
is being taken away to be tortured. Frightened by Scarpia’s questions and Cavaradossi’s screams, Tosca reveals Angelotti’s hiding place. Henchmen bring in Cavaradossi, who is badly hurt and hardly conscious. When he realizes what has happened, he angrily confronts Tosca, just as the officer Sciarrone rushes in to announce that Napoleon actually has won the battle, a defeat for Scarpia’s side. Cavaradossi shouts out his defiance of tyranny, and Scarpia orders him to be executed. Once alone with Tosca, Scarpia calmly suggests that he would let Cavaradossi go free if she’d give herself to him. Fighting off his advances, she declares that she has dedicated her life to art and love and calls on God for help. Scarpia becomes more insistent, but Spoletta bursts in: Faced with capture, Angelotti has killed himself. Tosca, now forced to give in or lose her lover, agrees to Scarpia’s proposition. Scarpia orders Spoletta to prepare for a mock execution of Cavaradossi, after which he is to be freed. Tosca demands that Scarpia write her a passage of safe-conduct. After he has done so, he attempts to make love to Tosca, but she grabs a knife from the table and stabs him. She takes the pass and flees.
ACT III
At dawn, Cavaradossi awaits execution on the ramparts of Castel Sant’Angelo. He bribes the jailer to deliver a farewell letter to Tosca, and then, overcome with emotion, gives in to his despair. Tosca appears and explains what has happened. The two imagine their future in freedom. As the execution squad arrives, Tosca implores Cavaradossi to fake his death convincingly, then watches from a distance. The soldiers fire and depart. When Cavaradossi doesn’t move, Tosca realizes that the execution was real, and Scarpia has betrayed her. Scarpia’s men rush in to arrest her, but she cries out that she will meet Scarpia before God and leaps from the battlement.
CHRISMAN STUDIO ARTIST PROGRAM
Named in recognition of the support of Sarah and Roger Chrisman, the Chrisman Studio Artist Program began in 2007 with the purpose of identifying and developing talented young opera performers. For more than a decade, the program has provided singers, as well as coaches, with high-level performance opportunities and valuable training. These performers work with top industry directors, conductors, and coaches in masterclasses, coachings, and public performances including cover and mainstage role assignments. Studio Artists Alumni are in high demand and have performed at companies around the US including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Washington National Opera, the Santa Fe Opera, and abroad with the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Regio, Opernhaus Zürich, Bregenzer Festspiele, Hong Kong Opera, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival.
2022/2023 CHRISMAN STUDIO ARTISTS
Meet our California based 2022-2023 Chrisman Studio Artists who you will see throughout the season in our mainstage productions and concerts throughout our community.
VIA THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
Omar Rodriguez Baritone
Matthew Peterson Baritone
Adam Lowe Tenor
Christina Pezzarossi Mezzo-Soprano
Georgia Jacobson Mezzo-Soprano
Sunwoo Park Soprano Ariana Homer Sutherland Soprano
Elijah Cineas Bass-Baritone
Kyle Rudolf Tenor
OPERA SANTA BARBARA
ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN
Samuel Fischer, Concertmaster
Steven Zander, Associate Concertmaster
Ji Young An, Principal
Colleen Coomber
Kyle Gilner
Anna Kostyuchek
Claudelise LaFranque
Mona Tian
Jeannie Ullom
Maia Zander
VIOLA
Diane Gilbert, Principal
Karen Long
Briana Bandy
CELLO
Christopher Ahn, Principal
Hillary Smith
Alicja Blanquart
Joo Lee
Amanda Ballinger
Olivia Barker
Mica Basilici
Ji Yun Choe
Rachel Reich Freed
Jessica GonzalezRodriguez*
David Harridge
Gaia Hubbard-Kabaretti
BASS
Neil Garber, Principal
Ryan Baird
FLUTE/ PICCOLO
Gary Woodward, Principal
Suzanne Duffy
Rachel Mellis
OBOE/ENGLISH HORN
Catherine Del Russo, Principal
Robert Walker
CLARINET
Lawrence Hughes, Principal
Patricia Massey
BASS CLARINET
Peter Nevin
BASSOON
David Sarachene, Principal
Theresa Treuenfels
TRUMPET
John Ernest, Principal
Dustin McKinney
Michael Davis
HORN
Danielle Ondarza, Principal
Elizabeth Upton
Aija Mattson-Jovel
Preston Shepard
TROMBONE
Steven Suminski, Principal
Nicholas Daley
Lori Stuntz
TUBA
Thomas C. Idzinski, Principal
TIMPANI/PERCUSSION
Jon Nathan, Principal
Alan Peck, Principal
HARP
Michelle Temple, Principal
ORGAN/CELESTA
Tim Accurso
CHORUS
Sarah Lonsert
James Matens
Jonathan Matthews
David McKee
Tony Moresi
Sibo Msibi
Peter Otte
Angeline Petronijevic
Christina Pezzarossi+
Phil Pritchard
Sarah Raines
Anthony Rivera
Adrien Roberts
Kyle Rudolf +
Rachel Stoughton
Arthur Swalley
+ Current Member of the Chrisman Studio Artist Program * Alumni of the Chrisman Studio Artist Program
Kostis Protopapas was named General Director of Opera Santa Barbara in December 2017, after two-and-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 a team of enthusiastic overachievers with a passion for innovation and the desire to strengthen the company’s bond with the community, who consistently deliver programs and communications far greater than what can be expected from the size of the company.
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 Robert Ward’s The Crucible, which the Santa Barbara Independent called “one of the season’s most exciting performances of any kind 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”.
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 downtown restaurants, the Funk Zone’s tasting rooms, and sailing on the Santa Barbara Channel.
LAYNA CHIANAKAS
Stage Director
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: Stage Director, The Odyssey, 2019 (Opera Santa Barbara Youth Opera); El amor Brujo/Il Tabarro, 2021 (MainStage); Speed Dating, Tonight!, 2022 (Chrisman Studio Artists)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Stage Director, Otello, Livermore Valley Opera; Stage Director, Carmen, Opera San Jose, Artistic Ambassador of the United States to Central and South America
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: Stage Director, La Bohème, Santa Cruz Opera Project
HOMETOWN: Freeport, IL
LIVES IN: San Jose, CA
In a career that has spanned three decades, Stage Director, Mezzo-Soprano, and Voice Teacher, Layna Chianakas has portrayed over 50 leading opera roles across the United States, including over 80 performances of Carmen. Most recently, she was heard with Intermountain Opera, in the role Mme. Larina in Eugene Onegin and with Livermore Valley Opera as Filipyevna in Eugene Onegin. She returns to both companies this spring as Emilia in Verdi’s Otello, and Marcellina in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.
As an award-winning opera Stage Director, her most recent win was the 2021 American Prize for Opera Production for Livermore Valley Opera’s double-bill of Zemlinsky’s A Florentine Tragedy and Pucinni’s Gianni Schicchi and the National Opera Association third prize for Postcard from Morocco for the San José State Opera Theater.
In addition to a thriving private voice studio, Ms. Chianakas is Vocal Director of Musical Theater for Valley Christian High School Conservatory in San Jose, CA, where her credits include, Hello, Dolly!, Mary Poppins, Godspell, Found: A Musical Revue, and The Addams Family.
ELENI CALENOS
Floria Tosca
LAST AT OSB: Mimi in La Bohème, 2018, Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly, 2019
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Mimi, La Bohème, Madison Opera, Palm Beach Opera; Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Greek National Opera; Saida in Schönerland at Wiesbaden Staatstheater
UPCOMING: Desdemona in Otello at Maryland Lyric Opera; Tosca, TBA; Madama Butterfly,TBA
HOMETOWN: Thessaloníki, Greece
LIVES IN: New York, NY and Athens, Greece
Greek soprano Eleni has made many appearances in her native country: as a
ARTISTS
soloist in The Seven Deaths of Maria Callas, a Marina Abramović project with the Greek National Opera and created the role of Crise Bozzari in the world premiere of the opera Marco Bozzari with the Athens Philharmonia Orchestra. She made her debut with the Greek National Opera as Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus in 2019 and later appeared as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana with the Heptapyrgion Festival in Thessaloniki.
In the United States Eleni has brought her unforgettable portrayals of Puccini heroines on the stages of Palm Beach Opera, Cleveland Opera Theater, Opera Delaware, Annapolis Opera, Opera Idaho, Shreveport Opera and many more. Internationally she has collaborated with Glyndebourne Opera in the UK, the Wiesbaden Staatstheater in Germany, the Zomeropera in Belgium,and the Barbados Music Festival.
ADAM DIEGEL
Mario Cavaradossi
LAST AT OSB: Ruggiero in La Rondine, 2017
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Pinkerton, Madame Butterfly and Froh, Das Rheingold, Metropolitan Opera; Don Jose, Carmen, Opera Australia
UPCOMING: Canio with Opera Tampa, Froh with Atlanta Opera
LIVES IN: Orlando, FL
Korean American tenor Adam Diegel regularly earns international acclaim for his impassioned dramatic sensibilities, powerful voice, and for his classic leading man looks. From a performance as Cavaradossi in Tosca at Glimmerglass Opera, Opera News raved: “The opera became a showdown between Adam Diegel’s impulsive, shaggily handsome Cavaradossi and Lester Lynch’s fearsome, animalistic Scarpia… (Diegel’s) spacious, Italianate tenor…delivered a stirring ‘Recondita armonia’ and built ‘E lucevan le stelle’ masterfully from hushed intimacy to an unfettered cri de coeur.”
This season Mr. Diegel will make his Boston Lyric Opera debut as Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana and will debut with Opera Columbus singing Cavaradossi in Tosca, as well as a gala concert with Knoxville Opera.
In 2020-2021 Adam Diegel returned to the Pensacola Opera for Don Jose in Carmen as well as making his role and company debut singing Manrico in Il Trovatore with Opera Tampa, as well as joining New York City Opera in their Bryant Park concert series and debuting with Victoria Hall Opera in their concert series.
ARTISTS
WAYNE TIGGES
Baron Scarpia
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: John Proctor in The Crucible, 2019
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Joe St.George in World Premiere of Dolores Claiborne, San Francisco Opera; Achilla in Giulio Cesare, The New York Metropolitan Opera, Dr. Kolenaty in The Makropoulos Case, Paris National Opera
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: 10 city recital tour across the US, Recording of “Brahms” Requiem on ATL Records
HOMETOWN: Dubuque, Ia
LIVES IN: Brooklyn, New York
Lauded by the Chicago Sun-Times for his “rich, dark tone and beautiful legato,” bass-baritone Wayne Tigges has sung at many of the great opera houses of the world including: The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paris Opera, LA Opera, and Santa Fe Opera, among others. He recently joined San Francisco Opera as Mr. Flint in Billy Budd, returned to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for Owen Hart in Dead Man Walking, and returned to Des Moines Metro Opera for Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd
COLIN RAMSEY
Cesare Angelotti
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: Cadmus and Somnus in Semele, 2022, Fafner in Das Rheingold, 2022 Reverend Hale in The Crucible, 2019, Count des Grieux in Manon, 2017
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Capulet in Romeo et Juliette, San Diego Opera, Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Festival Lyrique en Mer, Edward Teller(cover) in Dr. Atomic, Santa Fe Opera
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: Hunding in Die Walkure at Opera Santa Barbara
HOMETOWN: Irvine, CA
LIVES IN: Santa Barbara, CA
Chinese American Bass-Baritone Colin Ramsey has been lauded for his “majestic, rotund, ravishing bass” (Opera Today). During the 20-21 season, Mr. Ramsey joined San Diego Opera as Colline in La bohème, as well as returning to Pacific Opera Project as Guglielmo in Così fan tutte, and the Festival Lyrique en Mar as Leporello in Don Giovanni (COVID19). Other recent engagements include a return to Opera Santa Barbara as the Bonze in Madama Butterfly, joining the Festival Lyrique en Mar as Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor and the bass soloist in Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle, and multiple productions of La bohème as Colline including Opera Idaho, Gulfshore Opera, and Opera Buffs Inc in Los Angeles. In the 2022 – 2023 season, Mr. Ramsey will return to San Diego Opera, singing The Speaker and 2nd Armored Man in Die Zauberflöte and Betto in Gianni Schicchi.
ARTISTS
BEN LOWE Sacristan/Jailer
Heralded for his “stentorian voice” by Singerpreneur, baritone Ben Lowe is quickly becoming a household name in the opera world in Southern California and abroad. A highly sought-after operatic performer and concert soloist, Lowe made his European concert debut this season in Siena and Florence, Italy as the Bass soloist in the Verdi Requiem with Unione Corale Senese “Ettore Bastianini”. Last season Mr. Lowe participated in a workshop of a new, one-act opera for LA Opera. Mr. Lowe made his New York debut in 2017 performing in the east coast premiere of Matt Aucoin’s opera Crossing. In 2019, Mr. Lowe joined Opera Delaware as a Young Artist for their Festival Season, performing leading roles in Dead Man Walking and Trial by Jury. Past achievements include being a finalist in both the Palm Springs Opera Guild and The Loren L. Zachary Society competitions, and winner of the 2016 Marilyn Horne Song Competition. Mr. Lowe studies under Maestro Vladimir Chernov and is a graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills and UCLA. Please visit BenLoweBaritone.com
MATTHEW PETERSON
Spoletta
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: Barone Duphol, La Traviata, 2022
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Alvaro, Florencia en el Amazonas, Yale Opera; Novice’s Friend & Billy Budd Cover, Billy Budd, Central City Opera; Baritone Soloist, “Carmina Burana”, Colorado Ballet
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: Blansac in La Scala Di Seta, Opera Santa Barbara
HOMETOWN: Brush, CO
LIVES IN: Santa Barbara, CA
Praised by the Colorado Springs Gazette for his “stunning” singing with “power and beauty”, Matthew Peterson is an up and coming Baritone acclaimed for his rich voice and expressive acting ability.
A Colorado native, Matthew has performed with many of Colorado’s premiere musical organizations including Central City Opera, the Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado, Boulder Symphony, the Boulder Philharmonic, and numerous others. He has also performed nationally with Virginia Opera, the Fort Hayes Symphony, the New England Symphony, and Opera Santa Barbara. His role highlights are the leading baritone roles in Don Giovanni, Cosí fan tutte, and Le Nozze di Figaro, as well the Novice in Billy Budd, Silvio from Pagliacci, and the title role of Gianni Schicchi. As a sought after soloist, he’s performed in a number of large scale concert works including Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht, Poulenc’s absurd and technical Le Bal Masque, and premiered the dance oratorio Ode to Nature that was recorded and released by Albion Records.
In 2019, Matthew won 1st place in the Denver Lyric Opera Guild competition. He is a graduate of the prestigious Yale School of Music and University of Denver. He currently lives in Santa Barbara and is a Chrisman Studio Artist with OSB.
YUKI IZUMIHARA
Projection and Set Design
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: Lighting Design, Semele, 2022
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Production Designer, The Fall of the House of Usher, Boston Lyric Opera; Production Design, desert in, Boston Lyric Opera; Scenic Design, The Capulets and Montagues, Opera Omaha
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: Projection Design, Holiday WonderlandCirque Musica; Production Design, An American Dream, OSB; Projection Design, Dimension 20, College Humor
HOMETOWN: Yamaguchi-Prefecture, Japan
LIVES IN: Los Angeles, California
YUKI IZUMIHARA is a scenic, projection, and production designer born in Shimonoseki City, Japan and based in Los Angeles. Ms. Izumihara’s work is influenced by years of martial arts training and is animated by a belief in discipline, ethics and craftsmanship. Recent engagements include scenic design for INTERSTATE with East West Players; projection design for The Cuban Vote with Miami New Drama; Semele with Opera Santa Barbra; scenic design for The Capulets and the Montagues with Opera Omaha; Sanctuaries with Third Angle New Music; production design for QUANDO with Heartbeat Opera,The Fall of the House of Usher and desert in with Boston Lyric Opera.
HELENA KUUKKA
Lighting Design and Director of Production
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: The Barber of Seville, Eugene Onegin, El Amor Brujo/Il Tabarro, Semele, As One
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Aida, Vancouver Opera; Ragtime, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma; Samson and Delilah, Tulsa Opera
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS : Dracula, Ballet Memphis; La Scala di Seta, OSB; A Christmas Carol, Ensemble Theatre Company.
HOMETOWN: Helsinki, Finland
LIVES IN: Santa Barbara, CA
ARTISTS
ZACH MENDEZ Filmmaker
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: Director of Operations 2018-2022
HOMETOWN: Southlake, TX
LIVES IN: Santa Barbara, CA
Zach Mendez is a photographer and filmmaker based in Santa Barbara, California. He is thrilled to return to Opera Santa Barbara after working as the company’s Director of Operations from 2018-2022. Having trained as a classical singer for much of his life, he has a deep connection to the performing arts and is grateful for the opportunity to work with many local performing arts organizations. He works regularly with organizations such as the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, and the Choral Society, and he is proud to be the resident photographer of Opera Santa Barbara, Ensemble Theatre Company, and The Music Academy of the West.
As a wedding creative, Zach works throughout southern and central California documenting weddings, elopements, and events. In July of 2022, after 5 years of building his business, he decided to make it his full-time career. This year alone he has had the pleasure of documenting over 40 weddings throughout California.
In his free time, Zach serves as Marketing Director on the board of the Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club and enjoys running, spending time with friends, and taking road trips in his Jeep. Zach also devotes time to managing his YouTube channel about photography which surpassed 11,000 subscribers in 2022.
Learn more about Zach and follow his work at zmendez.com
KOURTNI DALE-NOLL MITCHINER
Production Stage Manager
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: As One and Speed Dating Tonight
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Celebrating my 10th year at OSB!
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: Production Manager, Carmina Burana, Santa Barbara Symphony; Production Stage Manager, La scala di seta, Gioachino Rossini, Opera Santa Barbara; Production Stage Manager, Hallelujah Project, Santa Barbara Choral Society
HOMETOWN: Plano, TX
LIVES IN: Camarillo, CA
Kourtni Dale-Noll Mitchiner, a Texas native, received her Bachelors in Music from Baylor University and her Masters in Music Performance from Loyola University, New Orleans. She has previously sung with the Plano Civic Chorus,
the Cornish American Song Institute, New Orleans Opera Association, New Fangled Opera, the Mediterranean Opera Studio, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Santa Barbara Symphony, and Opera Santa Barbara. She has managed the social media profiles for Friday Artists Management, INC and has helped coordinate the Cornish-American Song Institute’s summer program. In early 2014, she made the switch to stage management and loves it! She has had the honor of stage managing with Echo Theater Company, California Opera Association, Ojai Youth Opera, the Santa Barbara Choral Society, the Santa Barbara Symphony, Pacific Opera Project, Opera San José, Arizona Opera, Music Academy of the West, and calls Opera Santa Barbara home.
DANIELLE BREWBAKER
Assistant Stage Manager
OSB DEBUT
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Production and Music Services Supervisor, Barber of Seville, Santa Fe Opera, Production and Music Services Supervisor, Tristan Und Isolde, Santa Fe Opera; Production and Music Services Supervisor, M. Butterfly, Santa Fe Opera
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: Assistant Stage Manager, The Italian Girl /Tulsa Opera; Assistant Stage Manager, Cosi Fan Tutte, Dallas Opera; Assistant Stage Manager, The Pearl Fishers, Austin Opera
HOMETOWN: Saint Johns, MI
LIVES IN: Santa Fe, NM
ELIZABETH TURNER
Assistant Stage Manager
OSB DEBUT
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: ASM/Theatre Group at SBCC; Stage Manager, Ventura Opera Workshop; Running Crew, Ventura Chamber Music Festival
HOMETOWN: Santa Barbara, CA
LIVES IN: Ventura, CA
ARTISTS
HEATHER STERLING Hair/Makeup Design
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: La Traviata, Semele, El Amor Brujo/Il Tabarro, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna for the 21|22 Season
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Wig/Makeup Designer for Manon (Opera SB); WMU Designer for Il Nozze di Figaro (Opera SJ); WMU Designer for The Enchanted Pig (San Francisco Conservatory of Music-SFCM)
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: WMU Designer for La Scala di Seta, An American Dream, and Die Walkure for OSB; Une Education Manquée & Le Docteur Miracle (SFCM)
HOMETOWN: Salinas, CA
LIVES IN: San Jose, CA
Heather Sterling has been designing wigs and makeup for theatrical productions for the past 20 years. Recent designs include Nan and the Lower Body for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, La Traviata, El Amor Brujo/El Tabarro, and Cruzar la Cara de la Luna for Opera Santa Barbara; The Enchanted Pig, Hansel and Gretel, and La Clemenza di Tito for San Francisco Conservatory of Music; Radamisto for Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale; and Dido and Aeneas for Opera San José. Upcoming productions are La Scala di Seta, An American Dream, and Die Walkure “The Valkyrie” for OSB; and Une Education Manquée & Le Docteur Miracle for SFCM. She is also a theatrical makeup educator at SFCM and assistant director at Studio 10 Dance in San Jose.
STACIE LOGUE
Costume Manager
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB: 2004 - present. Costume department as coordinator, designer, and manager.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Original costume design for Semele, 2022; Das Rheingold, 2021; Don Pasquale, 2021
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: OSB Season 2022/23 original costume designing La Scala di Seta, An American Dream & Die Walkure
HOMETOWN: Pasadena, CA
LIVES IN: Ventura, CA
Ms. Logue’s first production with Opera Santa Barbara was the 2004 production of Faust. Throughout the years Ms. Logue has worked on many OSB classic productions of Rigoletto, Elixir of Love, Carmen and La Boheme. During this time she worked as a costume coordinator, design assistant & stitcher. In 2013 Ms. Logue designed costumes for Don Pasquale and became the main costumer for OSB. In 2017 Ms. Logue was promoted to Costume Manager. She continued to coordinate costumes for the larger shows and designed the costumes for the smaller shows such as the double bill for Trouble in Tahiti
ARTISTS
and Gallantry, Dr. Miracle, Il Postino, Tragedy of Carmen, Don Pasquale, Das Rheingold. Since 2016 Ms. Logue has also worked for Central City Opera Festival of Colorado as their costume shop manager during the summer. Before that she worked for the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival in Thousand Oaks, the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood & The Wallis Theater in Beverly Hills. But Ms. Logue’s home is with Opera Santa Barbara and she is very grateful for all of the opportunities they have offered her.
TERESA SCARANO
Props Master
Teresa’s multi-faceted career of 25 years spans theatre and dance in varying capacities including technical direction, prop design, and set design and construction. Theresa has been Stage Manager for California Ballet, Kairos Dancers, and Dancing Images Dance Company. She served as both Scenery Warehouse Manager and Prop Master at San Bernardino Civic Light Opera and was Rental Manager of Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera (later The Set Company), where she was Director of Operations. Theresa wrote and directed adolescents in various performances, including those for Juvenile Court Judges in Riverside County. Her work includes prop design and set dressing for Theatre 150, Cabrillo Music Theatre, Ensemble Theatre Company, CLO of South Bay Cities, the Welk Resort, Music Academy of the West, Universal Studios, Phoenix Rising Productions, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company and Rubicon Theatre Company where she is Resident Prop Designer.
TODD JARED
Technical Director
LAST AT OSB: Traviata, 2022
UPCOMING OPERAS: OSB 22/23 Season
LIVES IN: Carpinteria,
CA
Mr. Jared’s affiliation with Opera Santa Barbara began with the company’s debut season at the Lobero Theatre in 1993 when he served as Technical Director and Production Manager for the company’s first 21 productions through 2002. He has been continuously associated with Opera Santa Barbara ever since, filling various roles including Technical Director, Production Manager, Draftsman, and Consultant. He was proud to have led co-productions of Madama Butterfly in 2006, Rigoletto in 2007, and Elixir of Love in 2008 with Opera Santa Barbara and Greensboro Opera. From 1992 until the present, Mr. Jared has mounted more than 2,500 shows as Technical Director and Production Manager for Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre while overseeing several multimillion dollar renovations for that historic 1924 venue. Most recently he is grateful to have served as Technical Director for Opera Santa Barbara’s drive-in Carmen in 2020, and Don Pasquale and Das Rheingold in 2021, while also helping to facilitate numerous live outdoor events during the Covid pandemic.
TIMOTHY ACCURSO
Principal Pianist
PREVIOUSLY AT OSB - SINCE FALL 2018
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS - IL POSTINO, OSB 2020, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, UTAH OPERA 2022, FALSTAFF, OPERA SARATOGA 2017
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS: La Scala di Seta, An American Dream, Die Walküre, OSB
HOMETOWN GLEN LYON, PA
LIVES IN: Santa Barbara, CA
Timothy Accurso is the Principal Pianist and Music Administrator for Opera Santa Barbara and joined Team OSB in 2018. Tim has been on music staff with Palm Beach Opera, Opera Saratoga, and the Seagle Music Colony. Last season Tim rejoined the music staff at Utah Opera for their production of Pirates of Penzance. Originally from Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, he completed his undergraduate studies at Susquehanna University in vocal and piano performance, and went on to receive a Master’s of Music in vocal coaching and accompanying from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied with Dr. Julie Jordan Gunn. Following his studies, Tim became a resident artist with Utah Opera as well as a young artist with Opera Saratoga. Tim spends his time coaching the Chrisman Studio artists, engaging in the education initiatives of Opera Santa Barbara, playing mainstage rehearsals, and performing throughout the community in recitals and events with the company. In addition to the vibrant arts scene, Tim loves Santa Barbara for its beautiful weather, vast wine industry, and stunning views.
OJAI PIXIES
POjai Pixies are a selective Southern California-based girls’ choir. The Pixies are a collection of talented young singers aged 8-17, scouted and led by vocal director Julija Zonic. Their repertoire ranges from classical to pop, and they are especially excited to participate in Tosca, their grand opera
Julija Zonic is a voice and music educator, vocal director, and professional singer. Classically trained in her home country of Croatia, she moved to the USA as a war refugee in the 1990s and made Ojai, California, her new home. Her love of choral music started in her childhood while participating in Zvjezdice (Little Stars,) a Zagreb-based world-class girls’ choir. Julija was a founding member in 1985, and Zvjezdice continues to perform today. In addition to teaching and directing, Julija performs in the vocal duo Smitty and Julija, recording and performing original music. They are well-known for their touring Leonard Cohen show and Abba Dabba Doo!, their ABBA tribute band.
OPERA SANTA BARBARA
FOUNDERS
Marilyn Gilbert & Nathan Rundlett
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nicholas Burlett, Chair
Sandra L. Urquhart, 1st Vice Chair
Robert Weinman, 2nd Vice Chair
Patricia Dixon, Secretary
Daniel Hone, Treasurer
Monica Williams, Assistant Treasurer
Dan Reicker, Member at Large
Mary Tonetti Dorra, Member at Large
BOT TEGA
Barbara Burger
Tanner Cassidy
Sarah Chrisman
Josepha DiRado
Brian Galura
Christine Holland
Karen Knight
Gregory McMurray
Duncan Mellichamp
HONORARY BOARD
Joan Rutkowski
Eric Small
Judith Smith
Simon Williams
Herb Kendall Fred Sidon
Richard Aberle+
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
George DeRado+
Pat Andersons
Rodney Baker
James Ballantine*
Britt Beauvoix
Marlyn Bernard Bernstein+
Sue Birch
Cynthia Brittain
Jim Burkemper+
Bonnie Corman*
Marilyn Crawford
Roger Davidson
Denise DeBellefeuille
Nick DiNapoli
Jon DuPrau
Léni Fé Bland+
Kenneth Fitzpatrick
Louise Gaylord
Steve Gilbar
Nancy Golden*
Mary Hampson
William Jones
Sarah Jane Lind+
Jayne Menkemeller
Carolina Montgomery
A.C. Moore
Martin Moskovits
Eric Oltmann
Christina Omdahl
Mary Penny
David Peri
Paksy Plackis-Cheng
William Ramsay+
Ida Rickborn
Jean Rogers
J. Gordon Schontzler*
Linda Van Buren
Joann Younger
* Denotes Former Chair + Deceased
OPERA SANTA BARBARA 22|23 season
ARTISTIC & GENERAL DIRECTOR
Kostis Protopapas
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Helena Kuukka
GRAPHIC DESIGN
James Van Arsdale and Jinhee Hwang
Karen Kowalski
CONDUCTOR
Kostis Protopapas
STAGE DIRECTOR
Layna Chianakas
PROJECTION & SET DESIGN
Yuki Izumihara
LIGHTING DESIGN
Helena Kuukka
FILMMAKER
Zach Mendez
PRODUCTION
STAGE MANAGER
Kourtni Dale-Noll Mitchiner
TEAM OSB
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Nina Dunbar
PRINCIPAL PIANIST & MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR
Timothy Accurso
CONSULTANTS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Zach Mendez
MARKETING
Joyce Familiara
Max Potter
Oniracom
PRODUCTION STAFF
ASSISTANT
STAGE MANAGERS
Danielle Brewbaker
Elizabeth Turner
HAIR/MAKEUP DESIGN
Heather Sterling
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS
Berenice Gallegos
Marisol Miller-Wave
COSTUME MANAGER
Stacie Logue
ASSISTANT COSTUME
SHOP MANAGER
Jane Hatfield
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
Kaitlyn Griswell
ASSISTANT TO THE GENERAL DIRECTOR
Christina Ramsey
AUDIO RECORDING
Opus 1 Mobile Recording
EVENTS
Marylove Thralls
PROPS MASTER
Teresa Scarano
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Helena Kuukka
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Todd Jared
PRINCIPAL PIANIST
Timothy Accurso
FIGHT DIRECTOR
Aubrey Trujillo
Team OSB from left to right: Tim Accurso, Nina Dunbar, Helena Kuukka, Kostis Protopapas, Kaitlyn Griswell, and Christina Pezzarossi.
6-23 “Breathlessly seductive” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
OCTOBER
Carmen Jones
BOOK AND LYRICS BY Oscar Hammerstein II
MUSIC BY Georges Bizet
DIRECTED BY Jonathan Fox
IMPRESARIO CIRCLE
GRAND IMPRESARIO
($25,000 & ABOVE)
Anonymous
Bella Domani
Dan and Meg Burnham
Roger and Sarah Chrisman
Christopher Carroll Endowment
Diane Dodds and David Reichert
Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation
Fred and Nancy Golden
The Herbert and Elaine Kendall Foundation
John Mithun and Mercedes Millington (John C. Mithun Foundation)
Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp
Mosher Foundation
Joan Rutkowski
Dan and Romy Reicker
Maya Smidt
Robert and Sandy Urquhart
Walter and Holly Thomson Foundation
Dr. Robert Weinman
Dana White
PLATINUM IMPRESARIO
($24,999 - $10,000)
Susan Aberle
Fred and Linda Anson
Eve Bernstein
Nicholas Burlett and Jessie Dove
NancyBell Coe and William Burke
Josepha DiRado
Mary Tonetti Dorra
Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation
Louise Gaylord
Ann Jackson Family Foundation
Dan and Donna Hone
Lillian Lovelace
Richard and Marilyn Mazess
Farrokh and Sally Nazerian
Eric Oltmann and Susan Van Abel
Jean Rogers
Lee and Linda Rosenberg
Eric Small
Marc and Pauline Sylvain
Carol Vernon and Robert Turbin
Brooke and Monica Williams
Performing Arts
Scholarship Foundation
Santa Barbara
Office of Arts and Culture
Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts
The Williams-Corbett Foundation
Zegar Family Fund
GOLD IMPRESARIO
($5,000-$9,999)
Margaret Arvey
James and Lisa Ballantine
Barbara H. Burger
Denise and Ian Burrows
Patricia B. Dixon and Howard J. Smith
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Hone
Dr. and Mrs. Ron Latimer
David Mason
Dylan Minor
Robert Montgomery
Dr. Peter Morris
Dr. and Mrs. Keith Schofield
Arthur Swalley
Dr. and Mrs. Simon Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wudl
Cheryl and Michael Goldberg
Fred and Nancy Golden
Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation
Christine & Michael Holland
Joann Younger
SILVER IMPRESARIO
($2,500-$4,999)
Richard and Kathy Abbott
Marilyn Gilbert
Mrs. Donald Hamister*
Dr. Gerhart Hoffmeister
Natalia and Michael Howe
Gretchen Lieff and Miles Hartfield
Leslie and Carlos Lopez
Montecito Bank & Trust
Christine and Stefan Riesenfeld
Robert E. Ronus
Merlin Rossow
Seniel Ostrow Foundation
Anitra Sheen
Judith Smith
Valley to the Sea Winery
Vista del Monte
Torben and Lauren von Staden
Takako Wakita
IMPRESARIO
($1,500-$2,499)
American Riviera Bank
Todd and Allyson Aldrich
Debbie and Greg Armstrong
Convox
Linda DiFiore
Monica Eiler
Brian and Jena Galura
Pamela Gunter
Joy Holman
Christina Omdahl
Mel and Irene Sahyun
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Steve and Jackie Sereboff
Mort and Judy Weisman
PATRONS OF THE OPERA
AFICIONADO
($500-$1,499)
Aviation Maintenance Support, Inc.
Henry and Gwen Baker
Peter Bonner
Chris Brock
Mike and Debbie Bruce
Paula Yurkanis Bruice
Tanner Cassidy
Layna Chianakas
Bonnie Corman
Jim Craviotto
Joan Davidson
Meg DiNapoli
Melody DuPrau
Mark Evans
Brooks and Kate Firestone
Betty Fussell
James and Erin Graffy de Garcia
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gilmore
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Giordano
Roberta Griffin and Michael Annese
Gary and Susan Gulbransen
Dr. and Mrs. Alan Heeger
Leonard Himelstein
Barbara Hirsch
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hume
James Hurst
Pamela and John Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kennelly
Karen Knight
George Konstantinow and Helene Segal
James & Elinor Langer
Sue Larsen
Dough and Martha Lorch
Gail Lucas
David and Elise McKee
Martin G. McKenzie
Miller Family Fund
Greg McMurray
Lori Kraft Meschler
Miller Family Fund
Yako and Richard Meyers
Sara and Ryan Mills
Anthony and Revae Moran
Tracy and Vicki Noll
Priscilla Peale
Mary Penny
Hon. and Mrs. Steven Perrin
Michele Profant
Kostis Protopapas
Jane Ramsay
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Reid
Staci Richard
Mr. and Mrs. Jennings Schmidt
Dale and Judy Seborg
Jill and Scott Seltzer
Charles and Diane Sheldon
Halina W. Silverman
Judith Smith
Owen Smith
Monique Stephanson-Adams
Jane Thomas
Marylove Thralls and Michael Hackett
Rachel Tierney
John Whitehurst
Carol Wilburn
Stephanie Ziemer
SUSTAINER
($250-$499)
Robert Adams and Nancy Caponi
Carla Amussen
Miguel Avila
Mary Biamonte
Richard Banks
John and Caron Berryhill
Ed Bookin
Vince and Jane Buck
Mr. and Mrs. M. Peyton Bucy
Joseph H. Connell
PATRONS OF THE OPERA
Greg and Traci Davis
Edward De Loreto
Steve Epstein
Mary Furner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gates
Daniel Gira
Cassandra Grant
Michael and Elaine Gray
Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Jackson, Jr.
Karin Jacobson
Nir and Gaja Kabaretti
Joon Kang
Sally Kinney
Bruce Klores
Doug and Martha Lorch
Kathryn Lawhun and Mark Shinbrot
Mr. and Mrs. Donald McCall
Peggy Merizalde
D. Mitchell
Jairo Mazariegos and Robert Ridenour
Susan Renfrew
Amy Robinson
Sybil Rosen
Zach Rosen
Drs. Michael and Beverly Steinfeld
Robert and Irene Stone
Katie Szopa
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tunberg
Alex and Lori Weathers
Gary Yencich
CONTRIBUTOR
($100-$249)
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Anagnoson
Carolyn Creasey
Mashey Bernstein
Dr. Stuart Braverman & Angela Moloney
Benjamin Brecher
Larry & Sue Browne
Marvin & Ria Carlis
Mr. & Mrs. John Carter
Nan Cisney
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Connell
Gerald Corrigan
Ilene Dennis
Sharon & John Dobson
Charles Donelan
Marilyn Dove
Jon DuPrau
Beatriz Flores
Jonathan Fox and Greg Roper
Bill and Ellie Freudenstein
Brian and Jana Galura
James Graffy and Erin Graffy de Garcia
Mr. and Mrs. David Gersh
Jerry Gothe
Bill and Gloria Hallier
Robert Hanrahan
Douglas Heithoff
Ms. Carolyn Holmquist
Brian Hotchkin
Betty Iliff
Karin Jacobson
Losi Kaplan
Harry Kazali
Susan Keller & Myron Shapero
Ms. Lynette Klawon
Alex Kowblanksy
Sharon Landecker
Gillian Launie
Kate Leary
Mr. & Mrs. Fima Lifshitz
Mr. & Mrs. Russ Lombardo
Jack Martin
Kimi J. Matar
Lyndon Meyer
Kerry Mistretta
Robert Nicholas
Dr. Carol Pattillo
PATRONS OF THE OPERA
Pauline Paulin
Mr. and Mrs. David Peterson
Marla Pleyte and Ryan Oprea
Judy Pochini
Scott Reed
Kathleen Rees
Susan Renfrew
Judith Rice
Raymond Riezman
Dr. Daniel Rimkus
Cordelia Roberts
Adele Rosen
Dr. Paula Rudolph
Nino Sanikidze
Steven Siegel and Joan Tapper
Debra Stewart
Elvira Tafoya
Drs. Jack Tiethof and Anita Sy
Jeanne Ullom
Helen Vick
Ron Vogel
Elizabeth Westby
Dr. and Mrs. Kipp Young
FRIEND (UNDER $100)
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Anagnoson
Ryan Baird
Katrina Baxter
Doris Binon
Dr. and Mrs. David Chernof
Craolyn Creasey
Irene Cunningham
Steve Kinkelaker
Barbara Dixon
Josefina Espinosa
Phyllis Flescher
Catherine Genender
Donald Gillies
Annette Goena
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Greenleaf
Joan Hazell
Nicole Katz
Karen Kolehmainen
Anita Lampert
Kathryn Lawhun
Sizhuang Liang
Letty Ward Laufffer
Mr. & Mrs. Irving Margol
Virginia Mariposa
Anne Maxwell
Ryan McDaniel
Maureen McFadden
Mr. & Mrs. Art McKinster
Ann Millican
Anaiya Mussolini
Dorothy Olevski
Ana Papakhian
Lucio Ribeiro
Amanda Ryvkin
Mary Lou Schmidt
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Smith
Alfred Souma
Ken Steiner
Suzette Tautrim
Ray and Ursula Tracy
Niki VAn Buren
Judy Weirick
Father Vaughn Winters
Charles Wylie
Leah Young
Katherine Zeiss
JO ANNE WASSERMAN Artistic Director and Conductor
Over the last year we have made some changes to our ticket pricing and policies. Some of our new practices differ from those of other arts organizations, and depart from long-established industry norms. Some patrons have expressed confusion or curiosity about how we do things now, and the reasons behind our decisions. Here are some frequently asked questions and the answers.
Q: How much do tickets to Opera SB cost?
A: Anywhere between $25 and $249, depending on the manner and time of purchase, and seating preference.
Q: What are “YOU DECIDE!” Tickets?
A: These are name-your-own-price tickets. A minimum price of $25 applies. Over time we increase the minimum price, and You Decide! Tickets are usually discontinued about 10 days before the show. YOU DECIDE! Tickets are available online only.
Q: Who can buy YOU DECIDE! Tickets?
A: Anyone! There are no restrictions. We want everyone who wants to attend the opera to be able to make their own decision about the dollar value of the experience, according to their interest and circumstances.
Q: Why should anyone buy fully-priced tickets?
A: Patrons should buy Fully-priced tickets if:
• They want premium seats (Loge and Boxes at the Granada, and Premium Orchestra at both Granada and Lobero)
• Want to select their own seats. (YOU DECIDE! patrons are seated at the discretion of Team OSB and the Box Office.)
• Fully-priced tickets are available online, by phone, or in-person at the Granada and Lobero Box Offices.
Q: Do you have senior, student, group, and Community tickets?
A: No. The YOU DECIDE! Tickets have replaced all those programs. However, we do offer free tickets to students 8-18. Please email info@operasb.org to inquire.
Q: Can I buy $25 tickets on the day of the show?
A: No. Our ticket prices go up as the day of the show approaches. Price-sensitive patrons are encouraged to make their plans and buy their tickets early.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT info@operasb.org
OPERA SANTA BARBARA
HOUSING DONORS
Ed Bookin
Rodney Baker and Robert Ooley
Kathy Denlinger
Dick and Marilyn Mazess
Torben and Lauren von Staden
Betsy Gallery
Marilyn Gilbert
Colleen Kelly
Lori K. Meschler
Christine and Michael Holland
Marilyn Zellet
SPECIAL THANKS
Paseo Nuevo
The Granada Theatre
Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture
Bob and Sandy Urquhart - Artist Welcome Party Hosts
SB Arts Collaborative at the Community Arts Workshop
