ANNUAL REPORT
3 Message from the Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director 4 A Year in Review 14 Impact 16 Financial Statements 18 Supporters & Donors 22 Board of Directors 23 Leadership & Staff
COVER Senta (Marcy Stonikas) tries to stop the Dutchman (Olafur Sigurdarson) from boarding his ship. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
Donna Elvira (Ellie Dehn) and Leporello (Joshua Bloom) explore a detailed count of Don Giovanni's women. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
D EAR FRIENDS OF OPERA COLORADO,
and build upon the legacy we’ve created together. As I look ahead to my final season, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition as we work toward a more sustainable model that will carry Opera Colorado
As I reflect on the 2023-24 Season, I am filled with pride for the
forward for decades to come.
remarkable programming we brought to the community and the
This next chapter will be one of exciting possibilities. To our loyal
continued dedication to artistic excellence that defines Opera Colorado.
patrons, generous donors, and devoted artists who contributed in
From our stunning new production of The Flying Dutchman to our
many ways to the 2023-24 Season: thank you. Your support has
performances of beloved opera classics, this past season exemplified
made everything we do possible. Together, we will continue to ensure
our commitment to honoring tradition while also pushing the
that opera has a vibrant future in Denver, and I look forward to the
boundaries of what opera can be.
opportunities that await us in this upcoming season.
In addition to our mainstage successes, we hosted two sold-out Family Day performances, shared the talents of our Artists in Residence at the
With gratitude,
inaugural presentation of Departure, reached thousands of audience members of all ages through our Education & Community Engagement
revenue. These financial pressures, which reflect the broader difficulties facing the industry, resulted in a year-end deficit. Yet, despite these hurdles, we’ve continued to do exceptional work, thanks to the commitment of our staff, artists, Board of Directors, and supporters. As many of you know, I submitted my resignation in June 2024 and will be stepping down at the end of the 2024-25 Season. After twenty wonderful years with Opera Colorado, I believe the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader who can guide the company into the future
Greg Carpenter The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director
OPERA COLORADO
we faced rising expenses that outpaced our earned and contributed
MATTHEW STAVER
This season also brought challenges. Like many arts organizations,
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
programs, and saw an increase in both new donors and subscribers.
03
YEAR IN REVIEW SPIRITS & SONGS We began the season with our annual Halloween party, Spirits and Songs, and welcomed many members of our Inside OC program along with new patrons to explore the sets of Don Giovanni. Our 2023-24 Artists in Residence performed spooky repertoire including music from The Addams Family and Phantom of the Opera to get everyone in the spirit. Audiences got to mingle, go on a backstage tour, and take home a pumpkin donated by the Denver Botanic Gardens.
RIGHT Randy Ho, Kerby Baier, and Saane Halaholo perform “The Addams Family Theme.” BELOW Alex Granito performs an aria from Don Giovanni while the audience sits among the sets for that opera.
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / AMANDA TIPTON
A bird's-eye view shows patrons enjoying a performance by mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung and pianist Jeremy Reger in Denver’s RiNo Art District. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / JENNIFER COLGAN
04
DON GIOVANNI Audiences were seduced by Mozart’s classic masterpiece Don Giovanni, which opened Opera Colorado’s season in November of 2023. This tale about a serial womanizer (baritone Bruno Taddia), alongside his right-handman Leporello (bass Joshua Bloom), wreaking havoc around Spain delighted audiences with the fine balance of comedy and tragedy created by director David Lefkowich. As Don Giovanni attempted to interrupt the relationship between Zerlina (soprano Kerby Baier) and Masetto (bass-baritone Turner Staton),
(soprano Ellie Dehn), and Don Ottavio (tenor John Bellemer) worked to bring him to justice.
Don Giovanni (Bruno Taddia) stares up at the statue of the fallen Commendatore (Kevin Thompson) in a graveyard and reads the plaque which swears vengeance on wrongdoers. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
OPERA COLORADO
Danielle Pastin), Donna Elvira
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
the trio of Donna Anna (soprano
05
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR IN REVIEW
ELIXIR OF LOVE Our 2017 touring production of Elixir of Love made a comeback this season and traveled across all corners of Colorado to schools and community groups. Inspired by the mountain towns of Colorado, this abridged version is set in the Old West, where Nemorino, a simple cowhand, falls in love with Adina and drinks a magical love potion to win her over. Elixir of Love spotlights Colorado’s early statehood and teaches audiences to embrace love and accept others, all set to Donizetti’s glittering score.
06
The 2023-24 Artists in Residence perform Elixir of Love. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / ANGELICA DIIORIO
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Wagner’s supernatural drama made landfall in February and March of 2024 with sets by Alan E. Muraoka and new costumes by Madison Booth. The captain of a legendary ghost ship (baritone Olafur Sigurdarson) is doomed to roam the seas and only come to land for one day every seven years. Ship captain Daland (baritone Harold Wilson) introduces his daughter Senta (soprano Marcy Stonikas) to the Dutchman. According to Director Kathleen Smith Belcher’s feminist take on this
compassion for the Dutchman and leaves with him, breaking his lonely curse.
The Dutchman (Olafur Sigurdarson) dismounts his cursed ship for the first time in seven years. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
OPERA COLORADO
ultimate self-sacrifice out of
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
classic myth, Senta makes the
07
YEAR IN REVIEW
FAMILY DAY Family Day is a perennial favorite among Opera Colorado patrons, artists, and staff. This year, we welcomed hundreds
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
of community members and families onto the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for free performances and activities, introducing the next generation to the wonder of opera. On Saturday, March 23 we presented two performances of our abridged production of Cinderella starring our Artists in Residence. The production, directed by Cherity Koepke, Opera Colorado’s Director of Education & Community Engagement and Director of Opera Colorado’s Artist in Residence Program, is a comedic take on a familiar fairytale featuring twists, turns, and everyone’s favorite happy ending! TOP Attendees enjoy the pre-show activities in the lobby. RIGHT The 2023-24 Artists in Residence perform Cinderella for a
captive audience of all ages. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / JAMIE KRAUS
08
In May 2024, Saint-Saëns’s Samson and Delilah returned to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for the first time in nearly four decades. Exploring themes of power and freedom, the opera (directed by Keturah Stickann) tells the ancient story of Samson (tenor Rafael Davila), a man gifted with immense strength, and his relationship with Delilah (mezzo-soprano Katharine Goeldner), a woman who betrays him by revealing the secret of his strength to his enemies. Rachael Harding, who choreographed several productions on our stage including The Barber of Seville and The Shining, lent her talents to
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Samson (Rafael Davila) bringing the house down in Samson and Delilah’s epic finale. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
OPERA COLORADO
SAMSON AND DELILAH
the opera’s epic dance sequences. 09
YEAR IN REVIEW OPERA COLORADO GALA On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Opera
Artists in Residence, including the
Colorado patrons came together
popular “Champagne Toast” from
to celebrate turn-of-the-century
Die Fledermaus. The night continued
Paris at La Belle Époque Moderne.
with a live auction, special video, and
Opera Colorado’s 2024 Gala Chairs,
paddle raise, ultimately concluding
Maj. Dino Maniatis, Dr. Kristin
with joie de vivre as guests danced
Freestone-Maniatis, along with the
and enjoyed Moulin Rouge-inspired
Gala Committee, spearheaded the
dance vignettes by the New Breed
planning efforts for the grandest
Dance Company.
party of the year.
This event welcomed nearly 250
The night began with champagne
members of our opera-loving
and cocktails in the lobby of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House as guests were escorted in by Marines in dress uniform. The lobby was infused with artistic energy as dancers posed on platforms around the space interacting with guests. To
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
signal the start of dinner, the 202324 Artists in Residence serenaded
full display as we raised important funds. All proceeds from this event go towards supporting Opera Colorado in its mission to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and educational programming that is
attendees, who were then treated to
accessible to all.
a multi-course dinner punctuated
A huge thank you to our Chairs, all
by performances featuring guest
Gala Committee members, and our
artist, soprano Sharleen Joynt. She
Presenting Sponsors Ken and Donna
was joined in several arias by the
Barrow for an unforgettable event!
TOP LEFT Soprano Sharleen Joynt, joined by the 2023-24 Artists in Residence. BOTTOM LEFT Gala Chairs Maj. Dino G. Maniatis and Dr. Kristin A. Freestone. OPPOSITE French themed event décor. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO/MATT STAVER
10
community and generosity was on
Dr. Larry Chan Elizabeth Caswell Dyer Agatha Kessler Fentress Dr. Stacy M. Fischer Maron Hindman Kelly Ann Hodges Richard Koseff Barbara Laff Wendy Pelto Linda Weise
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Susan Adams
OPERA COLORADO
GALA COMMITTEE
11
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR IN REVIEW
DEPARTURE Departure, a new program presented in the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on May 30, is a musical journey that offers a departure from the classic repertoire on stage at the Ellie and a literal departure, or “goodbye,” for the season’s Artists in Residence. Fans of American Song, which debuted ten years ago, were excited to experience this new evolution of that program. The sold-out performance featured the one-act opera The Companion by Robert Paterson and explored relationships through pieces by composers including Alan Menken, Cole Porter, and Stephen Sondheim.
12
Saane Halaholo, Randy Ho, and Alex Granito perform The Companion. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / LAURA NORTON
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / LAURA NORTON
Rehearsal for Don Giovanni in October 2023.
OPERA COLORADO
Saane Halaholo, Randy Ho, and Alex Granito perform The Companion.
PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
13
IMPACT SCHOOLS SERVED (Alphabetical by County)
ADAMS
Wiggins Primary School Thornton Elementary ARAPAHOE
Aspen Academy Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Creekside Elementary School BOULDER
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Gold Hill School (Boulder Valley School District) Held at Nederland Elementary School Center for Musical Arts Lafayette Public Library
14
DENVER
Gust Elementary DCIS at Fairmont Denver School of the Arts EAGLE
Bravo! Vail @ Vail Library Bravo! Vail at Battle Mountain High School EL PASO
Eagleview Middle School Freedom Elementary School
GUNNISON
Crested Butte Center for the Arts The Crested Butte Community School Western Colorado University JEFFERSON
Lively Arts Homeschool Eaton Senior Communities LARIMER
Bauder Elementary MORGAN
Wiggins Elementary School Pioneer Elementary School LOGAN
Campbell Elementary PUEBLO
Beulah School of Natural Sciences
DENVER
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
NEW DONOR HOUSEHOLDS
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
19,858
16,624
TOTAL MAINSTAGE TICKETS SOLD
PEOPLE SERVED THROUGH EDUCATION PROGRAMS
MAINSTAGE ATTENDANCE
SINGLE TICKETS
SUBSCRIPTION TICKETS
10,855
9,003
SAMSON AND DELILAH
488
DON GIOVANNI
701
NEW TICKET BUYER HOUSEHOLDS
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
577
Jonathan Johnson and the Opera Colorado Chorus in The Flying Dutchman.
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
547
1,684
OPERA COLORADO
252
COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION
PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
15
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Dollars)
JUNE 2024
JUNE 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
73,477
233,460
Current Receivables, net
918,882
902,820
Prepaids & Deposits
61,252
145,037
-
-
1,053,611
1,281,317
Investments
21,377
213,735
Long-Term Receivables
112,970
213,393
Long Term Deposits
15,735
15,735
-
-
ASSETS CURRENT
Inventory Total Current Assets
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF JUNE 30, 2024
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Long Term Restricted Cash Property, Plant, Equipment
2,716,655
2,558,526
(1,442,230)
(1,130,310)
1,424,507
1,871,080
2,478,118
3,152,397
103,571
81,870
-
74
Other Accrued Withholdings & Expenses
567,774
731,930
Accrued Salary & Benefits
29,285
25,973
Accounts Payable
341,588
132,817
Notes Payable
278,747
278,747
300
4,300
Deferred Revenue
1,026,338
903,458
Total Liabilities
2,347,603
2,159,168
125,473
105,547 467,888
D E T DI
Accumulated Depreciation Total Non-Current Assets
U A UN
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Accrued Tax Withholdings
16
Accrued Union Withholdings
Other Payables & Accruals
Net Assets without Donor Restrictions Net Assets with Donor Restrictions
193,036
Net Earnings Unrestricted
(706,703)
19,926
Net Earnings Restricted
518,710
399,868
Total Net Assets
130,515
993,229
2,478,118
3,152,397
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
NB. Financials reflected are unaudited and represent management’s fair presentation of finanical statements free from material misstatements. These finanical statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
(In Dollars)
2024
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
2023
WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS
WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS
TOTAL
WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS
WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS
TOTAL
Tickets Sales Other Earned Revenue New Contributed Revenue Released Contributed Revenue Bold Vision Bright Future Campaign SCFD Income Endowment Distributions
1,905,940 159,321 1,763,978 442,220 1,036,263 505,361 314,328
439,210 (442,220) (148,000) -
1,905,940 159,321 2,203,188 888,263 505,361 314,328
1,941,738 304,326 2,361,662 596,211 1,550,000 421,168 246,253
399,868 (596,211) (1,341,489) -
1,941,738 304,326 2,761,531 208,511 421,168 246,253
Total Operating Revenue
6,127,411
(151,010)
5,976,400
7,421,358
(1,537,832)
5,883,527
3,169,398 48,323 328,647
3,235,157 621,797 340,385
-
3,235,157 621,797 340,385
YEAR TO DATE JUNE 30, 2024
OPERATING REVENUE
General and Administrative Depreciation Total Operating Expenses
NET OPERATING RESULT NON-OPERATING ACTIVITIES Investment Income (Loss) Bequests Bad Debt Total Non-Operating Revenue (Expense) CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
U A UN
3,169,398 48,323 328,647
-
283,440
-
179,109
2,806,634
2,616,094
563,359
-
2,616,094
-
179,109
145,754
-
145,754
6,815,551
-
6,815,551
7,522,546
-
7,522,546
(688,140)
(151,010)
(839,151)
(101,188)
(1,537,832)
(1,639,020)
6,191 5,260
-
6,191 5,260
6,855 136,792
-
6,855 136,792
30,014
-
30,014
22,533
-
22,533
(18,563)
-
(18,563)
121,114
-
121,114
(706,703)
(151,010)
(857,713)
19,926
(1,537,832)
(1,517,906)
2,806,634
-
283,440
563,359 2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
PROGRAM SERVICES Mainstage Community engagement Education SUPPORT SERVICES Fundraising
NB. Finanicals reflected are unaudited and represent management’s fair presentation of finanical statements free from material misstatements. These finanical statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
OPERA COLORADO
D E T DI
OPERATING EXPENSES
17
SUPPORTERS & DONORS ANNUAL CONTRIBUTORS The Board of Directors and the staff of Opera Colorado express their deepest appreciation to the individuals, corporations, and foundations who have contributed to the Annual Fund during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Although space limitations only allow us to list donors whose gifts were $1,200 and above, we are deeply grateful for the support of all our dedicated contributors.
18
PRODUCER CIRCLE VISIONARY $50,000+ Ken and Donna Barrow Mike and Julie Bock Ellie Caulkins Chris and Joy Dinsdale Don and Maron Hindman Ken and Barbara Laff Jeanie and Randal Martines Marcia and Dick Robinson Patrick Spieles Dan and Marie Welch BENEFACTOR $25,000 - $49,999 Jeff V. Baldwin Linda Bjelland Richard Garvin Mr. Chip Horne and Dr. Jan Kennaugh Jeremy and Susan Shamos Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson AMBASSADOR $11,000 - $24,999 Anonymous Patrick Chambers and Tanya Mathews Drs. Laurence and Cynthia Chan Mrs. Joyce deRoos Dave and Pam Duke Elizabeth and Matthew Dyer Edie and Joe Fogliano Ms. Donna E. Hamilton Rehan Hasan Russell Hedman and Juwon Bahn Agatha Kessler and Curtis Fentress Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Kinney Richard Koseff Judy La Spada Gayle and Gary Landis
Jim and Patience Linfield Maj. Dino Maniatis and Dr. Kristin Freestone-Maniatis Dr. and Mrs. William N. Maniatis Robert R. Montgomery and Nancy Hawkins Muffy Moore Lynnette Morrison Kevin O'Connor and Janet Ellen Raasch Ronald Y. Otsuka Ann and Gerald Saul Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson Prem and Stephanie Subramanian Valerie Wassill and Kevin Rudolph Robin and Eric Yaeger
ARTISTS CIRCLE CONDUCTOR $6,000 - $10,999 Edward Balkin Jane and Bart Burnett Emily and Mark Bussey Merle Chambers Mary and Tom Conroy Dr. Eric Coomer Robert and Lenore Damrauer Karen Fukutaki, M.D. Dr. Susan Rae Jensen and Mr. Tom Trainer Ms. Judy Johnston Gary and Judith Judd Diana and Mike Kinsey Dr. Monica I. Minkoff Mrs. Alice Perlmutter Zondra Rae Pluss The Ponzio Family Ayliffe and Fred Ris Louise Lavendar Rouse Charles I. Thompson Martha and Will Tracey
Diane K. Wengler and Steven Morrissett Ann Wise Ms. Carole J. Yaley COMPOSER $3,000 - $5,999 Robin E. Black Suzanne D. Bucy Mr. and Mrs. George P. Caulkins, III Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cesafsky Dr. Cynthia K. Crews and Mr. Charles W. Henry Sally Haas Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin III Tom Kirkpatrick and Djuana Strauch Daniel and Karen McAuliffe Veronica A. McCaffrey and Barbara A. Frank Mark and Kristin McKissick James Monroe, III and Marie Shannon Monroe Ralph and Trish Nagel Dr. Harold S. Nelson Bob Nelson Jon J. Olafson and Jerry Brindisi Bonnie Perkins Harriet P. Peterson Christine and Harry Phillips Bruce Polkowsky and Bill Powell Nijole and Walter Rasmussen Cynthia and Alexander Read Myra and Robert Rich Diane Russell Mr. and Mrs. Charley Samson Helen Scott Santilli Fern B. Seltzer and Andrew Heymsfield Drs. Morris and Ellen Susman Mr. John Trigg Mr. Byron S. Watson Erin Wenzel Mary and Ken Willis
Ms. Cia A. Wenzel Marie Belew Wheatley Mark and Pati Wilkins Pam and Martin Zadigian
CORPORATE SPONSORS 5280 Magazine Johnson Storage & Moving Kaladi Coffee Mythology Distillery Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club Residence Inn by Marriott – Denver City Center Tax Time LLC
GOVERNMENT AND FOUNDATIONS Jewish Community Fund Of Greater Kansas City Kenneth King Foundation Jess & Rose Kortz and Pearle Rae Levey Foundation Kunz Family Fund Jeanne Land Foundation Landis Family Foundation Lindmor Fund MDC Richmond American Foundation Morgan Stanley Nagel Foundation Network for Good Leonard and Alice Perlmutter Charitable Foundation Pledgeling Foundation William D. Radichel Foundation The Read Foundation Riley & Cooper Fund
Rose Community Foundation Gloria Sankel Trust The Schramm Foundation Schwab Charitable Shamos Family Foundation Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation Tepper Family Foundation Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation Tulsa Community Foundation US Charitable Gift Trust Vanguard Charitable Welch Charitable Fund
SPONSORS CRESCENDO SOCIETY Anthony Berkley and Amanda Gomez Sheila Bisenius Ellie Caulkins Barbara and Roger Chamberlain Ms. Donna E. Hamilton Ms. Lynn E. Harrington Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kahn Deanna Rose Leino Jeanie and Randal Martines Lynnette Morrison Mrs. Lee Roberts Mary Ann Rose Mr. Stephen Seifert Fern B. Seltzer Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson Jenene and James Stookesberry Mr. Robert Van Buskirk William and Nancy Wehner Mrs. Carol C. Whitley Brigitte and the late Larry Zimmer
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Douglas W. Barnert and Mrs. Ruth Jacoby Peter Batty and Paula Kechichian Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Berliner Maria Garcia Berry and Charles Berry Sheila Bisenius Sara and John Buhr Leslie Coover Cady Nancy and Roger Celius Barbara and Roger Chamberlain Mr. David J. Chavolla Ms. Kathryn Codo Alexander J. Conley and Alysia D. Marino Bob and Georgi Contiguglia Dr. Alan Cooper Susan Cotter Lauren Crist-Fulk Greg Diamond Lois N. Eckhoff Mr. Michael Feliccissimo Dr. Stacy Fischer and Dr. Henry Fischer Cathy S. Foster Diane and John Gallagher Gary and Rebecca Gantner Katy and David Garon Hugh A. Grant Stephen and Dorothy Gregory Ms. Natalie Greene Mark Groshek MD and Carl Clark MD Beverlee B. Henry Bernice Hernandez Ginny Hersch Mr. William T. Hoffman Christine Hollander and Michael McGee John N. Kabalin, MD.
Dr. Lawrence Kim and Nhung Van John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich Penny Lewis Maria Coquillard and Marvin Madorsky, CPA Evan and Evi Makovsky Sandra Mazarakis and Neil Burris V.W. McKnab and Margaret Jurado Henry B. Mohr Mr. Mike and Lisa Morgan Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian Dr. and Mrs. Calvern E. Narcisi Lisa and Pat Nicholson Gail and Rick Nordheim Dr. Edward and Mrs. Chris Null Nancy and Paul Oberman Mr. Ari Pelto and Ms. Wendy Fisher Profs. Jean-Pierre Habicht and Gretel H. Pelto Ms. Julie G. Pogachefsky Rick Poppe and Jana Edwards Ms. Marcia Ragonetti T. R. Reid Ms. Deborah M. H. Rohan Carol L. Rust Mr. John Shott Ms. Nancy J. Siegel Susan and Harold Skramstad Ms. Judith Zee Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Sullivan Jerry and Debi Tepper Dr. and Mrs. James Todd Ms. Kathleen R. Tower Dr. Peter and Mrs. Kathy Van Arsdale William Vaniman and Frances G. Matthews Peter and Darcie Weiser
OPERA COLORADO
LIBRETTIST $1,200 - $2,999
19
TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF ELLIE CAULKINS Mr. David J. Chavolla Laurie and Ben Duke III Mrs. Marcia D. Strickland IN HONOR OF JOY DINSDALE Lisa and Raju Patel Amanda Precourt Anna and John J. Sie Foundation IN HONOR OF THE HONORABLE KENNETH AND BARBARA LAFF Diana Terry IN HONOR OF DINO MANIATIS Sameed Afghani Karen M. Sumner IN HONOR OF MARCIA ROBINSON
OPERA COLORADO
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
John and Lisa Robinson
20
IN HONOR OF VIOLET SANTANGELO Chris Santangelo IN HONOR OF ERIN WENZEL Anonymous T. R. Reid IN MEMORY OF NOËL CONGDON
IN MEMORY OF DR. STEPHEN L. DILTS
IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM A. RICHEY
Mrs. Joyce de Roos Mr. Stan Elofson The Honorable Kenneth Laff Chris and Karen Mohr Ms. Ruth E. Schoening Linda Young
Mary E. Moser
IN MEMORY OF DR. JACQUELINE FRISCHKNECT
IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM E. RUSSELL
Mr. Chuck Lawhead and Mr. Ronald Broome
Jane Russell
IN MEMORY OF DR. LOWELL HANSEN Ms. Catherine Wachter IN MEMORY OF EVE AND HARVEY LUST Prof. and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz IN MEMORY OF JOHN DAVID MARSH Megan Mayle IN MEMORY OF HUGH AND PEGGY MCGEE Sarah Hopfenbeck and Susan Corle IN MEMORY OF DOMINIC “NICK” MEYLOR Mary Burns-Klinger
Marcia and Dick Robinson
IN MEMORY OF LAURA MORAN
IN MEMORY OF DIRK W. DEROOS
Douglas G. Moran and Laura B. Moran
Mr. Miles Smith
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT KLAGES REIBER Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Berliner
IN MEMORY OF ALICIA RODRIGUEZ Diego Rodriguez Paige and Juan Rodriguez
IN MEMORY OF MARLIS SMITH Dr. Andrew Sirotnak and Mr. James White IN MEMORY OF JAMES R. WADE Gordon and Ron Butz Linda S. Chorney The Iris Group L. Richard and Sigrid Halvorson Freese Barbara Ruh IN MEMORY OF LARRY ZIMMER Elaine Merkert Marcia and Dick Robinson Robert J. Sterrett Laura M. Huss Tom Kirkpatrick and Djuana Strauch IN HONOR OF PIERCE WILSON, MADI WILSON, AND MELONY MNATSAKANYAN Wilson Family Foundation IN HONOR OF ISABELLA Jeff Thompson
IN HONOR OF THE CONROYS Jim and Jenene Stookesberry IN MEMORY OF KEVIN CONWICK Phil and Norma Heinschel IN HONOR OF LAURA SCULLY AND RICHARD TISINAI Tiffany Baker
Katharine Goeldner (Delilah) exposes Samson's (tenor Rafael Davila) one true weakness. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER
VISION
We believe that opera plays a vital role in enriching our
BRIGHT
FUTURE
• Continue to invest in superb music-making
community. The company
• Better reflect our community
contributes to the cultural
through inclusive, equitable,
enrichment of Colorado and
and diverse community
the nation through diverse and innovative performances,
engagement activities • Continue to invest in the next
community events, and
generation of artists in our
education projects that reach the
Artist in Residence Program
widest possible public.
• Continue to explore new
In 2019, Opera Colorado
and rarely performed
embarked on a strategic planning process and developed a plan
works, balanced with classic repertoire
to boldly explore new territory
Returning to three mainstage
in repertoire, community
productions each season was
engagement, and educational
the most visible, impactful,
activities that would deepen the
and in some ways foundational,
company’s impact throughout
element of the Campaign. It also
the community.
was the most expensive. A third
TO DATE, THE BOLD VISION | BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN HAS RAISED $3,417,699
The Bold Vision|Bright Future
opera each year adds a minimum
$2,000,000
key areas of the strategic plan—
$1,815,000
$1,800,000
Campaign was launched in January of 2020 to support two deepening community impact
$1,600,000
and building capacity—and was
$1,400,000
originally scheduled to sunset in
$1,200,000
$1,026,263
$1,000,000
2024. Specifically, the goals were to:
$800,000
of $1 million to the annual budget. Post-COVID inflationary pressures have caused the cost of producing opera to skyrocket (up 40% since fall of 2021). During the 2023-24 Season, campaign dollars totaling $1.8 million were budgeted to be raised. Funds raised during the 2023-
• Maintain a minimum of three
24 Season totaled $1,026,263,
$400,000
mainstage productions each
resulting in an overall budget
$200,000
season
shortfall of $697,200.
$600,000
$0
$503,436
$73,000 2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
BOLD
VISION
Ken & Donna Barrow Mark & Emily Bussey B. Edward Balkin Linda Bjelland Mike & Julie Bock Gregory A. Carpenter Ellie Caulkins Drs. Laurence & Cynthia Chan Elizabeth & Matthew Dyer Joseph & Edie Fogliano Richard Garvin Mark & Allison Heiser The Estate of Jeanne Hind Don & Maron Hindman Chevis “Chip” Horne & Dr. Jan Kennaugh Richard Koseff The Honorable Kenneth Laff & Mrs. Barbara Laff Gayle & Gary Landis Jim & Patience Linfield Dr. & Mrs. William Maniatis Jeanie & Randal Martines The Estate of Janet Mordecai Kevin O’Connor & Janet Raasch Ron Otsuka The Estate of Barbara Reed Marcia & Dick Robinson Gerry & Ann Saul Merrill Shields & M.Ray Thomasson Patrick Spieles Prem & Stephanie Subramanian Valerie Wassill & Kevin Rudolph Dan & Marie Welch Youngdon Yun & Esme Prieto Yun
BRIGHT
FUTURE
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
BOLD
THANK YOU TO ALL THE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS CAMPAIGN AS OF JUNE 30, 2024:
OPERA COLORADO
A CASE FOR OPERA COLORADO, TODAY AND TOMORROW
2023-24
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
DIRECTORS
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Jeff V. Baldwin
Michael Bock
Richard Koseff
Edward Balkin
Hugh Grant
Eleanor N. Caulkins
Jeremy Kinney
Chair
Chevis F. (Chip) Horne President
Dr. Laurence K. Chan Vice President
Judy LaSpada Vice President
Prem S. Subramanian, MD, PhD Secretary
Mark Bussey Treasurer
Elizabeth Caswell Dyer Chair Emeritus
Joseph Fogliano Maria Garcia Berry Richard Garvin Mark Heiser Ex-Officio
Don Hindman Kelly Ann Hodges Dr. Susan Rae Jensen Laurence D. Kaptain Ex-Officio
The Honorable Kenneth Laff Jim Linfield MAJ. Konstantinos (Dino) G. Maniatis
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT OPERA COLORADO
22
Lifetime Honorary Chair
William N. Maniatis, MD Dr. John Masserini Ex-Officio
Kevin O’Connor The Honorable Jon J. Olafson Ronald Otsuka Marcia Robinson Lifetime Honorary President
Keith Ward Ex-Officio
Valerie M. Wassill, MD Turner Staton performing at the Artist in Residence Showcase in September 2023.
Linda Weise
PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / JAMIE KRAUS
Robin Kolsky Yaeger
Ex-Officio
Daniel G. Welch Diane Wengler
Mary French Moore Gerald Saul Jeremy Shamos Susan Shamos Merrill Shields Martha Tracey
LEADERSHIP
STAFF
MUSIC STAFF
Greg Carpenter
Anthony Berkley
Sahar Nouri
The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director
Business Operations & Development Manager (through 12/2023)
Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor
Ari Pelto
Sara Buhr
Principal Repertoire Coach
Music Director
Associate Director of Development (start 1/2024)
SENIOR TEAM
Samantha Cantu
Jennifer Colgan
Clair Clauson
Tom Kirkpatrick
HR Manager (start 9/2023)
Angelica DiIorio
Chief Financial Officer
Marketing Manager, Advertising & Content (through 6/2024)
Cherity Koepke
Kendra Green
Director of Education & Community Engagement, Director of the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program
Jordanna Rose Director of Artistic Operations
Erin Wenzel Director of Development
Cody Guy Garrison Chorus Repetiteur
Daniel Belcher Artist in Residence Program Voice Teacher
Oleg Bellini Resident Collaborative Pianist
Kerby Baier soprano
Saane Halaholo soprano
Melanie Dubil mezzo-soprano
Randy Ho tenor
Alex Granito baritone
Turner Staton bass-baritone
Resident Stage Manager (start 9/2023)
Megan Immerfall Bookkeeper
Ben Karasik Associate Director of Production
Robin Lander Patron Services & Office Coordinator
Kassandra Mestemaker Education & Community Engagement Manager
Alison Milan Costume Director
Laura Norton Digital Marketing Manager
Madeleine Snow Individual Giving & Donor Events Manager (through 3/2024)
Jocelyn Watson Individual Giving & Donor Events Manager (start 4/2024)
Nmon Ford in rehearsal for Samson and Delilah.
2023-24 SEASON ANNUAL REPORT
Director of Marketing and Communications
Patron Services Manager
Nathan Salazar
2023-24 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
OPERA COLORADO
LEADERSHIP & STAFF
PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / JAMIE KRAUS
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4121 S NAVAJO ST, STE 100 ENGLEWOOD, CO 80110 303.468.2030
The dancers of Samson and Delilah in act one of the production. PHOTO OPERA COLORADO / MATT STAVER