Youth in full flame SEPT 19, 25 & 27, 2026 | Kauffman Center
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A NOTE FROM DEBORAH SANDLER KEMPER This production of La bohème, the first of our new season, is also the start of my final season with Lyric Opera of Kansas City. At the end of June 2027, I will retire from the company, at which point I will have served this amazing opera company for fifteen years— one of the great honors of my life. Although this is my final season as general director and CEO, I will still plan the 2027–2028 season, and I promise you another amazing season of opera. But back to the season at hand—and what a season it is! The array of productions that we are bringing to the stage has been met with tremendous enthusiasm. You have voted with your subscription purchases, and we’ve far exceeded our subscription goal this year. Thank you for your vote of confidence. I’m so glad to have you with us this season. We’ve programmed engaging community activities and learning opportunities to deepen your experience of our productions. I hope you’ll take advantage of all the special experiences curated by our learning department; you can learn more at the community corner in the lobby or on our website. Like many of Puccini’s operas, the dramatic effect and amazing music can never be overstated. We hope you enjoy this timeless story of heartbreak, love, friendship, and youth.
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 2026–2027 OFFICERS Anthony Durone, President Richard English, Vice President Mira Mdivani, Secretary Mark Benedict, Treasurer BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Iván Batlle Scott Blakesley Suzanne Bradley Richard P. Bruening Anne Elsberry Michael D. Fields Lafayette J. Ford Jon Gray
Christina Hager Kenneth V. Hager Mary Leonida Edward P. Milbank Thomas E. Nanney Andrew Robb Carmen Sabates Jug Stanovcic
COUNSEL Wade Kerrigan, Ex-Officio
Photo © Karli Cadel
OCT. 2–4
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RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM
The Resident Artist Program at Lyric Opera of Kansas City is in its tenth season of supporting emerging artists, bridging graduate training with professional careers. Artists are chosen from a national audition to participate in a season-long residency and receive performance opportunities, coaching, and career training from industry experts.
BETHANY JELINEK (Soprano)
Soprano Bethany Jelinek eagerly returns to Kansas City as a 2026–2027 resident artist. During her residency in the 2024–2025 season, she made her mainstage debut as Diana in Cruzar la Cara de la Luna and performed in the chorus of Turandot. Jelinek performed with the Lyric Opera Learning Department across the Kansas City area as Querulous String in The Haberdasher Prince and sang the role of Maya in the world premiere of Maya and the Magic Ring. Most recently, she served as the soprano soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Minot Symphony Orchestra. In competition, Jelinek was a national semifinalist in the 2024 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, the third-place winner of the inaugural Heartland Sings Vocal Competition, and the Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award Winner in the 2023 Dallas Opera Guild Biennial Lone Star Vocal Competition. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
NATALIE SWEENEY (Mezzo-Soprano)
Natalie Sweeney is a mezzo-soprano originally from the Chicago area. Natalie recently earned her master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. At SFCM, she performed roles including Le Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon and Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Natalie is also a passionate performer of baroque music, and she performed the role of Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina and the title role in Handel’s Orlando with the SFCM baroque ensemble. Natalie was a 2023 emerging artist with Seagle Festival, where she crossed over into musical theater repertoire as Chava in Fiddler on the Roof and Countess Charlotte Malcolm in A Little Night Music. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Music—along with a Bachelor of Science in physics—from Michigan State University.
Photo © Andrew Schwartz
DAVID PELINO (Tenor)
Haitian American vocalist David Pelino brings his “powerful tenor” (South Florida Classical Review) to venues across America. In concert, David has sung with reputable arts organizations such as Bach Akademie Charlotte and the Illinois Bach Academy. His most recent concert debut was as the tenor soloist in Rachmaninoff’s The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with The Thirteen. His versatile, lyric instrument has enabled him to be the soloist in other major works such as Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s The Creation and Lord Nelson Mass, Theodore Dubois’s The Seven Last Words of Christ, Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil, and as the Evangelist in J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion. On stage, he recently made his role debuts at Lyric Opera of Kansas City as The Ballad Singer in Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men and Nelson in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. His other role credits include Don José in Carmen, Booker T. Washington in Ragtime: the Musical, Wesley Harris in Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road, Sam Polk in Floyd’s Susannah, Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, and King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Sponsored, in part, by Connie K. Walker.
JON DIRK ROSS (Baritone)
Baritone Jon ‘Dirk’ Ross is a recent graduate of Angelo State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance under the tutelage of Dr. Mark Covey. While at Angelo State, he performed the roles of Aeneas (Dido and Aeneas) and Papageno (The Magic Flute). Additional operatic credits include the title role in Gianni Schicchi with Chicago Summer Opera as well as appearances in scenes such as Malatesta (Don Pasquale), Marcello (La bohème), and Figaro (The Barber of Seville). He has also appeared with the San Angelo Symphony and the Permian Basin Opera Company. At just twenty years old, Ross received an encouragement award from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont competition. He has since placed first in the Southwestern NATS competition and second in the Young Artist Crossover Division of Opera Mississippi’s 2026 John Alexander National Vocal Competition. Summer training programs include the Mediterranean Opera Festival and Studio, AIMS in Graz, Chicago Summer Opera, and OperaMaya. He is a proud recipient of the Presser Scholar Award and the 2025 Schmidt Vocal Arts Alumni Grant.
The Resident Artists Program is sponsored by the Estate of Richard Hill, Charter Sponsor of the Resident Artists Program, and the Polsky Fund of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Foundation. Community performances by resident artists are sponsored by the Dr. Mary E. Brothers Resident Artist Performance Fund.
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS
Our community engagement programs invite audiences to connect more deeply with the stories we tell on stage through conversation, context, and shared experiences. Regular offerings include:
Community Conversations
This event series uses opera to discover our shared humanity, on and off the stage. No prior opera knowledge necessary!
Opera Dives Deep
This free series provides audiences with fresh insights from regional scholars and industry professionals to enrich appreciation and understanding of the operas in our season.
Pre-Opera Talks
Do you have tickets to see an opera at the Kauffman Center? Come fifty minutes early to learn about the who, what, where, when, and why of the production you’re about to see.
Opera Book Club
This series invites readers to discuss books corresponding to our season, building community and deepening appreciation for the themes and stories found on our stage.
Opera Plus
Tailored for retirement communities, this program is designed to enhance resident connection to opera through education, engagement resources, and ticket discounts.
Lyric Happy Hour
Enjoy Lyric Happy Hour at Mineral Lounge following Lyric Opera matinee performances, featuring a menu crafted with rescued produce from Kanbe’s Markets.
Movie Screenings
Lyric Opera partners with Screenland Armour Theatre to screen movies throughout the opera season related to upcoming productions.
FOR SCHOOLS
Our K–12 education programs invite students and teachers to experience opera in classrooms and community spaces. 2026–2027 offerings include: • Maya and the Magic Ring—a touring opera for elementary schools • Mozart’s Mic Drop—a touring program for secondary schools • Student Dress Rehearsals—school groups attend the final dress rehearsal of our operas at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Learn more at kcopera.org/learning.
Photo © Andrew Schwartz
2027 FESTIVAL SEASON JULY 2 - 25
THE TALES OF HOFFMANN OFFENBACH ORPHÉE GLASS BILLY BUDD BRITTEN Photo: Ian Rucker as Billy Budd
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An opera in four acts Music by Giacomo Puccini Words by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa
PRINCIPAL CAST Rodolfo
Jose Simerilla Romero*
Mimì
Gabriella Reyes
Marcello
Luke Sutliff
Musetta
Cadie J. Bryan*
Colline
Raúl Morales Velazco*
Schaunard
Jon Dirk Ross*^
Benoit/Alcindoro
Paul Chwe MinChul An*
Parpignol
Daniel J. Loganbill
Custom House Officer
Nathan Whitson
Sergeant
Samuel Enriquez*@
Child
Emily Solis*
Prune Man
Kevin Thomas Smith
* Lyric Opera Debut
^ Lyric Opera Resident Artist
@Past Apprentice/Resident Artist
La bohème premiered at Teatro Regio in Turin, Italy in February 1896. Presented in Italian with English titles projected above the stage Running time: Two hours and thirty minutes with two intermissions
SPONSORED BY:
With public support from Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. La bohème is supported, in part, by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund and the Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund.
Scenery constructed by Lyric Opera of Kansas City Costumes executed by Seattle Opera Costume Shop English titles written by Jeremy Sortore The Pre-Opera Talk speaker for La bohème is Dr. Rebecca Johnson. Stage crew provided by IATSE Local 31 Wardrobe crew provided by The Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 810
CREATIVE TEAM CONDUCTOR DIRECTOR
Christopher Allen Garnett Bruce
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Joshua Horowitz
SET DESIGNER
R. Keith Brumley
COSTUME DESIGNER
Martin Pakledinaz
LIGHTING DESIGNER
James Sale
WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER
David Zimmerman
CHORUS MASTER
Katherine Kozak
REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST
Elena Kholodova*
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR PROPS SUPERVISOR LIGHTING SUPERVISOR
Rafael Toribio Tress Katzenmeier Selena Gonzalez-Lopez
COSTUME COORDINATOR
Nancy Robinson
WIG & MAKEUP ASSISTANT
Oran Wongpandid
WIG & MAKEUP CREW
Blaine Shepherd
TITLES OPERATOR
Sarah Zsohar
STAGE MANAGER
Alayna Powell
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS HEAD SCENIC ARTIST CHILD COORDINATORS
Ellie Brown, Jessica Tibboles Bethany Elliott Jeninne Coleman, Eliza Flannigan
HEAD CARPENTER
Kyle Deckman
HEAD PROPSMAN
Stephen Cochran
HEAD ELECTRICIAN
Dan McMahan
HEAD FLYMAN
Evan Suellentrop
HEAD SOUND ENGINEER
Grand Conrad
HEAD VIDEO ENGINEER
Walter Dunz
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR
Desiree Baird Story
WARDROBE ASSISTANT
Amanda McCarty
*Lyric Opera Debut
CHORUS SOPRANO
TENOR
Emily M. Bennett
Drew Duncan
Lauren Auge@ Nicole Burkhart Virenia Lind Kristin Newbegin
Tytus Abrahamson@ Trent Green David Helder Daniel J. Loganbill
Marci Ziegler@
Kevin Thomas Smith
MEZZO-SOPRANO
BASS-BARITONE
Sarah Baxter
Samuel Enriquez*@
Rebecca Allen Madelin Cain
Jennifer Forman Elaine Fox@ Julia Scozzafava@
* Lyric Opera Debut @Past Apprentice/Resident Artist
Matt Black
Colt Hoselton Matthew Scrivner Brian Keith Smith Jr. Nathan Whitson
CHILDREN’S CHORUS Amelia Abrahamson
Evelyn Logan*
Eleanor Abrahamson*
Geo Malter
Henry Alfino*
Annabelle Manso*
Beatrice Burchfield*
Nora McMaster
Maclin Duncan*
Ginny Raney
Elena Green
McKenna Shinn*
Josie Green
Emily Solis*
Farrah Griffith*
Ian Solis*
Rivka Haligheri*
Cecily Stroh
SUPERNUMERARIRES Chris Cope-Morris* Leo Covitz* Josh Keen James Symmonds * Lyric Opera Debut @Past Apprentice/Resident Artist
Photo © Karli Cadel
HEARTLAND MEN’S CHORUS KANSAS CITY SEASON 41
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LYRIC OPERA BALL
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, April 10, 2027
Muehlebach Hotel
DIRECTOR’S NOTES By Garnett Bruce
Part of the magic of La bohème is its brevity. The solos are all borne of conversations, and the interruptions and ardent arguments create vibrant drama with every bar of music. Luckily, returning to this score after staging several of his later pieces, I keep finding the seeds of Puccini’s unique style in the lively allegros and the contrasting andantes when the lighter moments turn deeper, often darker. But more, it’s clear how shrewd an editor he was: tightening the tension, accentuating the contrasts, and like his thrifty bohemians themselves, making the most out of every opportunity. Puccini was riding a wave of success after the premiere of Manon Lescaut in 1893. His breakout opera was recognized for its dynamic characters and swift action and a heroine “he could believe in” with desperate passion, fitting the verismo (“truthful”) style of opera in the late nineteenth century. For his next opera, he leapt at the chance to bring Henri Murger’s characters to life. Murger had written a collection of stories about the misadventures of ardent young bohemians in Paris’ s Latin Quarter, making the most of what little they had, driven by passion and idealism and love. Brimming with confidence, Puccini worked up a dramatic framework with his team: librettist Luigi Illica and the poet Giuseppe Giacosa. Spurred by a public competition with another composer on the same subject (his former classmate Ruggero Leoncavallo acting as both composer and librettist), both composers plucked characters from Murger’s stories to fashion their texts. As history shows, Puccini’s collaboration proved the stronger opera. The orchestra scales down to staccato and pianissimo at the very moment Rodolfo and Mimì touch hands in Act I. Mimì asks for a few things back when she breaks up with him in Act III, immediately followed by “Dunque proprio finita?” (“So it’s finished?”) from the dejected Rodolfo. Musetta insults Marcello as “house painter” and Schaunard mocks Rodolfo’s longwinded writing. This gentle ribbing between Mimì, Musetta and our bohemians is the antecedent to Tosca’s wit and Cio-Cio San’s coyness and self-deprecation about her age. The Puccini operas are products of careful edits his team made in the ensuing three years leading up to the 1896 premiere. Mimì is combined from two characters in the novel, and as when any novel becomes a libretto, ideas are distilled to their essence, in this case her angelic qualities. There was even a scene where Musetta is evicted from her lodgings which the team dropped along the way.
Thanks to all the correspondence between the creators (and the publisher) we can unpack the process which made the Puccini operas unique and new, pieces for an age now shaped by electric light, telegraph, railroads, and Marconi’s experiments with radio. The world moved faster than previous generations, and Puccini and his team embraced the tempo of the new age while leaving space for singers to fill out their characters—and their responses —with today’s timing. Every production looks at the honesty and integrity of these friends (and foes), their mutual trust and empathetic support, with enough gags, insults, and laughter to round out the picture. Later in life, once Puccini had moved to his country house in Torre del Lago, he set up his study with a swivel chair. On one wall, an upright piano, to his left, his desk, and opposite the piano, his card table where friends came to drink, smoke, laugh, play cards, and bring the composer news from their travels. Snippets of conversation would inspire Puccini and he’d jot down notes, try out melodies, and capture the spark of the moment. But as La bohème shows us, he and his collaborators created this strategy to set the “slice of life” down on paper as they heard it, letting the rhythm of speech and adrenalin of argument set the tempo. But the genius lies in the edits and a shared storytelling which keeps us engaged 130 years later.
Photo © Karli Cadel
CONDUCTOR’S NOTES By Christopher Allen
The first time I experienced La bohème was Franco Zeffirelli’s legendary production at the Metropolitan Opera. From that moment, I was completely captivated—not only by Puccini’s masterpiece, but by the art form of opera itself. I can still remember what I was wearing, the feel of the red velvet seats, the dark wood surrounding the auditorium, the sound of the orchestra tuning, and the anticipation as the chandeliers slowly rose. With the rhapsodic celli and bass which open the first measures, I was transported to nineteenth-century Paris and into the intimate lives of four young artists filled with dreams, ambition, friendship, and love. Puccini has an extraordinary ability to make us feel immediately connected to his characters. Their hopes become our hopes; their joys and heartbreaks become deeply personal. Somehow, La bohème achieves something few works of art can: it feels profoundly intimate while simultaneously unfolding on the grandest of theatrical scales. Part of that magic lies in Puccini’s sense of dramatic pacing. Whether born from mastery of craft or instinct, every scene unfolds exactly as it should. Each musical idea serves the drama, carrying the audience effortlessly from one moment to the next. Throughout the score, Puccini masterfully balances soaring lyricism with dramatic truth. At times the orchestra becomes the emotional voice of the characters themselves; at others, it provides subtle commentary. His gift for orchestral color and texture allows every emotional shift to register with clarity. Puccini also drew inspiration from his own experiences among the artistic communities of Milan. Like the young bohemians he portrays, he understood the excitement, uncertainty, and idealism of creative life. Yet La bohème is ultimately about something more universal. It celebrates ordinary people and the beauty found in everyday moments—the dreams we pursue, and the inevitable sorrows that remind us how precious those moments are. As you listen, notice the breathtaking pianissimo string writing and magical harmonies that close Act I as Rodolfo and Mimì fall in love. Listen for the brilliant trumpet fanfare that launches the bustling Christmas Eve celebration of Act II, where large-scale spectacle gives way effortlessly to intimate encounters, comic characters, and the delightful children’s chorus. In Act III, Puccini’s music captures the emotional turning point of the drama as youthful optimism begins to give way to impending tragedy. By Act IV, familiar musical themes return transformed, culminating in one of opera’s most moving conclusions. And, of course, there are the melodies. Puccini ranks among the greatest composers of melody. Once you’ve heard “Che gelida manina” or “Sì, mi chiamano Mimì,” their lines linger long after the final curtain falls. In my case, they have stayed with me ever since that unforgettable first performance at the Metropolitan Opera. It is always a privilege to make music with the Kansas City Symphony, and I cannot wait for you to hear them bring this brilliant score to life.
KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY MATTHIAS PINTSCHER, Music Director MICHAEL STERN, Music Director Laureate
FIRST VIOLINS
Jun Iwasaki, Concertmaster, Miller Nichols Chair Stirling Trent, Associate Concertmaster Sunho Kim, Assistant Concertmaster
Anne-Marie Brown Michael Brown Betty Chen Anthony DeMarco Susan Goldenberg* Tomoko Iguchi Dorris Dai Janssen Chiafei Lin Yun-Chung Lin# Vladimir Rykov Alex Shum*
SECOND VIOLINS
Tamamo Someya Gibbs,
DOUBLE BASSES
Landon Honolka#, Principal Evan Halloin, Associate Principal Nils Aardahl Joseph Nuñez Richard Ryan Michael Zogaib#
FLUTES
Michael Gordon, Principal,
Marylou and John Dodds Turner Chair Shannon Finney, Associate Principal
Alejandro Lombo#
PICCOLO
Alejandro Lombo#
OBOES
Kristina Fulton, Principal,
TRUMPETS
Julian Kaplan, Principal, James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair
Shea Kelsay+, Acting Associate Principal
Hyojoon Park+
TROMBONES
Evelyn Carlson, Principal Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal
Joseph Maiocco
BASS TROMBONE Joseph Maiocco
TUBA
Jarrett McCourt, Acting Principal Joe LeFevre^, Principal Frank Byrne Chair
Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair Alison Chung, Associate Principal
TIMPANI
Minhye Helena Choi Mary Garcia Grant Kazato Inouye Rena Ishii Paul Kim Stephanie Larsen Filip Lazovski+ Sodam Lim Ayrton Pisco
ENGLISH HORN
PERCUSSION
VIOLAS
E-FLAT CLARINET
Principal
BASS CLARINET
Principal
Carter Coleman, Associate Principal
Kristin Velicer, Assistant Principal
MingYu Hsu, Principal Duncan Steele, Associate Jessica Nance, Assistant Principal
Kent Brauninger Sean Brumble Marvin Gruenbaum Jenifer Houck Duke Lee Jesse Yukimura
CELLOS
Mark Gibbs, Principal,
Robert A. Kipp Chair Susie Yang, Associate Principal, Richard Hill Chair Alexander East, Assistant Principal
Maria Crosby John Eadie Lawrence Figg Sally Kim Meredith McCook Allen Probus
* Non-Rotating Musician
Matthew Lengas Matthew Lengas
CLARINETS
Raymond Santos, Principal, Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair
Javier Morales-Martinez, Associate Principal
John Klinghammer Javier Morales-Martinez John Klinghammer
BASSOONS
Ann Bilderback, Principal,
Timothy Jepson, Principal,
Michael and Susan Newburger Chair
David Yoon, Acting Principal Justin Ochoa+, Associate
Principal, Adrian and Nancy Kay Hertog Family Chair
HARP
Chai Lee, Principal
LIBRARIANS
Elena Lence Talley, Principal Fabrice Curtis, Associate Principal
DAVID T. BEALS III ASSISTANT CONDUCTORS Daniel Wiley
Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal
Maxwell Pipinich
CONTRABASSOON Thomas DeWitt
HORNS
Roy Femenella#, Principal,
Justin White, Director of Orchestra Operations
Elena Collins, Manager of Orchestra Personnel
Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair David Sullivan, Associate Principal
Elizabeth Gray David Gamble Stephen Multer # New Member
+ One-Year Member
^ On Leave of Absence
SYNOPSIS ACT I
Paris, in the 1830s. In their Latin Quarter garret, the near-destitute artist Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm on Christmas Eve by feeding the stove with pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates—Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric nobleman. While they celebrate their unexpected fortune, the landlord Benoit comes to collect the rent. After getting the older man drunk, the friends urge him to tell of his flirtations, then throw him out in mock indignation at his infidelity to his wife. As the others depart to revel at the Café Momus, Rodolfo remains behind to finish an article, promising to join them later. There is another knock at the door—the visitor is Mimì, a pretty neighbor, whose candle has gone out in the stairwell. As she enters the room, she suddenly feels faint. Rodolfo gives her a sip of wine, then helps her to the door and relights her candle. Mimì realizes that she lost her key when she fainted, and as the two search for it, both candles go out. Rodolfo finds the key and slips it into his pocket. In the moonlight, he takes Mimì’s hand and tells her about his dreams. She recounts her life alone in a lofty garret, embroidering flowers and waiting for the spring. Rodolfo’s friends call from outside, telling him to join them. Happy to have found each other, Mimì and Rodolfo leave, arm in arm, for the café.
ACT II
Amid the shouts of street hawkers near the Café Momus, Rodolfo buys Mimì a bonnet and introduces her to his friends. They all sit down and order supper. The toy vendor Parpignol passes by, besieged by children. Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly, but wealthy, Alcindoro. The ensuing tumult reaches its peak when, trying to gain Marcello’s attention, she loudly sings the praises of her own popularity. Sending Alcindoro away to buy her a new pair of shoes, Musetta finally falls into Marcello’s arms. Soldiers march by the café, and as the bohemians fall in behind, the returning Alcindoro is presented with the check.
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera
ACT III
At dawn at the Barrière d’Enfer, a toll-gate on the edge of Paris, a customs official admits farm women to the city. Guests are heard drinking and singing within a tavern. Mimì arrives, searching for the place where Marcello and Musetta now live nearby. When the Marcello appears, she tells him of her distress over Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy. She says she believes it is best that they part. As Rodolfo emerges from the tavern, Mimì hides nearby. Rodolfo tells Marcello that he wants to separate from Mimì, blaming her flirtatiousness. Pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her illness can only grow worse in the poverty they share. Overcome with emotion, Mimì comes forward to say goodbye to her lover. Marcello runs back into the tavern upon hearing Musetta’s laughter. While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Marcello returns with Musetta, quarreling about her flirting with a customer. They hurl insults at each other and part, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until springtime.
ACT IV
Months later in the garret, Rodolfo and Marcello, now separated from their girlfriends, reflect on their loneliness. Colline and Schaunard bring a meager meal. To lighten their spirits, the four stage a dance, which turns into a mock duel. At the height of the hilarity, Musetta bursts in with news that Mimì is outside, too weak to come upstairs. As Rodolfo runs to her aid, Musetta relates how Mimì begged to be taken to Rodolfo to die. She is made as comfortable as possible, while Musetta asks Marcello to sell her earrings for medicine and Colline goes off to pawn his overcoat. Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their meeting and their first happy days, but she is seized with violent coughing. When the others return, Musetta gives Mimì a muff to warm her hands, and Mimì slowly drifts into unconsciousness. Musetta prays for Mimì, but it is too late. The friends realize that she is dead, and Rodolfo collapses in despair.
Photo © Karli Cadel
ARTISTS JOSE SIMERILLA ROMERO RODOLFO (Tenor) Recent
Alfredo, La traviata, Bregenzer Festspiele Rodolfo, La bohéme, Teatro Massimo di Palermo
Upcoming
Duca, Rigoletto, San Diego Opera Rodolfo, La bohéme, Státní opera (Prague) Tenor Soloist, Bretón: El Apocalipsis, Orquesta Sinfónica de RTVE Tenor Soloist, Verdi: Requiem, Grand Théâtre de Genève
GABRIELLA REYES MIMÌ (Soprano) Recent
Catrina, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, The Metropolitan Opera Mimì, La bohème, Bayerische Staatsoper Liù, Turandot, Opéra national de Paris Liù, Turandot, The Dallas Opera Susannah, Susannah, Lyric Opera of Chicago
LUKE SUTLIFF MARCELLO (Baritone) Recent
Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro, The Atlanta Opera Figaro, The Barber of Seville, Canadian Opera Company Silvio, Pagliacci, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Upcoming
Lt. Audebert, Silent Night, The Atlanta Opera Marcello, La bohème, Seattle Opera Figaro, The Barber of Seville, The Santa Fe Opera
CADIE J. BRYAN MUSETTA (Soprano) Recent
Curley’s Wife, Of Mice and Men, Des Moines Metro Opera Woglinde, Götterdämmerung, The Atlanta Opera Milada, Dalibor, Bard SummerScape
Upcoming
Barena, Jenůfa, The Metropolitan Opera Violetta, La traviata, Arizona Opera Susanna, The Marriage of Figaro, San Diego Opera
RAÚL MORALES VELAZCO COLLINE (Bass) Recent
Escamillo, La tragédie de Carmen, Merola Opera Program Falstaff, Falstaff, Academy of Vocal Arts Bartolo/Antonio, The Marriage of Figaro, Academy of Vocal Arts Dulcamara, L’elisir d’amore, International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia Hanezò, L’amico Fritz, Academy of Vocal Arts Méphistophélès, Faust, Academy of Vocal Arts
Upcoming
Calistene, Poliuto, Donizetti Opera Festival
JON DIRK ROSS SCHAUNARD (Baritone) Recent
Aeneas, Dido and Aeneas, Angelo State University Gianni Schicchi, Gianni Schicchi, Chicago Summer Opera Papageno, The Magic Flute, Angelo State University
Upcoming
Antonio, The Marriage of Figaro, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Samuel, The Pirates of Penzance, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Cat, Maya and The Magic Ring, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
PAUL CHWE MINCHUL AN BENOIT/ALCINDORO (Bass) Recent
Old Man in the Forest, Atlas, LA Phil Henry, Eat the Document, PROTOTYPE Festival Bass Soloist, Stravinsky: Renard, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Zhong Yi, Stuck Elevator, Hawai’i Opera Theater
Upcoming
Bass Soloist, Monk: Indra’s Net, LA Phil Grand Inquisitor, Don Carlo, Resonance Works
Photo © Karli Cadel
CREATIVE TEAM CHRISTOPHER ALLEN CONDUCTOR Recent
Conductor, Roméo et Juliette, Lyric Opera Kansas City Conductor, The Rake’s Progress, Des Moines Metro Opera Conductor, Silent Night, Florida Grand Opera Conductor, The Marriage of Figaro, The Atlanta Opera Conductor, Tosca, Des Moines Metro Opera
Upcoming
Conductor, Carmen, The Atlanta Opera
GARNETT BRUCE DIRECTOR
Resident Stage Director, University of Texas at Austin
Recent
Director, Turandot, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Director, Le comte Ory, San Francisco Opera Director, La traviata, Utah Opera Director, The Magic Flute, Prague Summer Nights
Upcoming
Director, Turandot, LA Opera
JOSHUA HOROWITZ ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Recent
Revival Director, Madame Butterfly, The Glimmerglass Festival Assistant Director, West Side Story, Washington National Opera
Upcoming
Associate Director, Fiddler on the Roof, Opera San José Associate Director, Fiddler on the Roof, Detroit Opera Associate Director, La traviata, Washington National Opera Revival Director, The Barber of Seville, The Glimmerglass Festival
R. KEITH BRUMLEY SET DESIGNER Recent
Set Designer, Don Giovanni, Opera Omaha Set Designer, Tosca, Pittsburgh Opera Set Designer, Carmen, Austin Opera Set Designer, Turandot, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Set Designer, La bohème, Austin Opera Set Designer, Susannah, Sarasota Opera
JAMES SALE LIGHTING DESIGNER Recent
Lighting Designer, Tosca, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Lighting Designer, Falstaff, Palm Beach Opera Lighting Designer, Sweeney Todd, Utah Opera Lighting Designer, Turandot, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Lighting Designer, La traviata, Utah Opera Lighting Designer, La bohème, Austin Opera
DAVID ZIMMERMAN WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER Recent
Wig & Makeup Designer, Eugene Onegin, Santa Fe Opera Wig & Makeup Designer, Rodelinda, regina de’ Longobardi, Santa Fe Opera Wig & Makeup Designer, Lili Elbe, Santa Fe Opera
Upcoming
Wig & Makeup Designer, Elixir of Love, The Dallas Opera Wig & Makeup Designer, The Marriage of Figaro, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Wig & Makeup Designer, The Pirates of Penzance, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
KATHERINE KOZAK CHORUS MASTER Recent
Chorus Director, Oklahoma!, The Glimmerglass Festival Chorus Director, Madame Butterfly, The Glimmerglass Festival Chorus Director, Così fan tutte, The Glimmerglass Festival
Upcoming
Chorus Director, Satyagraha, Detroit Opera Chorus Director, Fiddler on the Roof, Detroit Opera Chorus Director, Tosca, Detroit Opera
Photo © Karli Cadel
INDIVIDUAL GIVING Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to the individual contributors who help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. *Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball ^Deceased
RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY ($50,000+)
Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund* Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening Virginia & Charles^ Clark Ingram Family Foundation*
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE ($25,000-$49,999)
Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer James & Diana Cusser* Ken & Marilyn Hager* Mr. Edward P. Milbank The J.B. Reynolds Foundation*
BEL CANTO ($10,000-$24,999)
Mrs. Raymond Backstrom Peggy & Andy Beal* Elsberry Family Foundation* Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris Michael D. Fields* Ellen & Irv Hockaday Charlie & Marcella Huggard* Jill Ingram Reynolds* Kirk Foundation Walter & Gayle Richardson Stephen & Dolores Schroff Mr. J. Michael Sigler* John & Marny Sherman* Kent Sunderland & Hannah Snider Dr. Linda E. Voigts & Mr. Gene Voigts Ms. Connie K. Walker*
IMPRESARIO ($5,000-$9,999)
M. Wayne Alexander & John W. Braum Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle* Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim Mongeau* Scott & Joyce Blakesley David & Suzanne Bradley Christopher & Lisa Cella Rita M. Cortés* Mrs. Una Creditor Michael & Karen Douglas
Tony & Meredith Durone* Richard & Lauren English Richard Gutknecht Christina Hager & Neil Darling* Mr. & Mrs. John Hale Yong Y. Han, M.D. Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr.* Joyce G. Holland Joan Horan* Bill & Margo Humenczuk, In support of the La bohème children’s chorus
Beverly & Craig Kemp Judy Kirk Ms. Madeleine M. McDonough Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm Ms. Rebecca Minion* Tom & Kathy Nanney George & Suzy Pagels Don & Pamela Raffurty* Michelle & Chuck Ritter* Andrew & Brittany Robb Carmen M. Sabates & Doug Peavey* Jug & Rachael Stanovcic* H. Wayne & Melanie Thompson Mrs. Carol Tinsman Megan C. Toal, In support of the Lyric Opera Chorus
Jack F. & Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation/Midwest Trust/ Thomas A. McDonnell*
LYRIC OPERA ANGEL ($3,000-$4,999)
Anonymous Andy & Kathy Anderson* Andy J Beal III* Terri-Ann Beckford* Gary & Suzy Bennett Erik Bergrud & Kimberlee N. Ried* Richard & Nicole Browne* Jerry & Meghan Carpenter* Nan Chapman* Robert Claassen Casey Claps* Craig Coen & Jeffrey Bellamy Marilyn A. W. & Norman E Gaar, Esq^*. Trudy & Jack Gabriel*
Bruce & Kathy Gordon Kurt & Linnell Gretzinger* Mr. & Mrs. B. Caleb Jackson Mary Lou James & Jim Taylor Dr. Robert E. & Dr. Rebecca Johnson Donna K. Kelly Ms. Dana M. Koehn* Graham & Helen Marcott Donald & Linda Milligan Drs. Margaret & Barry Nickell Gerald & Elaine Nissenbaum Edward & Chris Null Dr. & Mrs. Joshua & Elizabeth Petrikin Katie & Ron Petrikin Dennis & Palle Rilinger Deborah Sandler Kemper & Crosby Kemper* Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schellhorn* Juliette Singer & Ian Spinks* Fr. Paul Turner Lynne & Carl Weilert* Deborah Wilkinson Dr. Edward A. Wortham, Jr. Dr. Michael J. & Cindy S. Wurm* Dr. & Mrs. John Yungmeyer*
ARIA SOCIETY ($1,500-$2,999)
Gerard & Judy Bukowski Mr. & Mrs. Forrest Chumley Patricia E. Cleary Miller, PhD Craig & Dawn Evans William & Eileen Everett* Ms. Ellen Feldhausen Mr. Mark Gilman Ellen & John Goheen Stephen & BeaMarie Mayer Dr. Ronald & Donna Patton* Vernon & Trish Church Podlasek* Gigi & Gary Rose* Clarence Simmons Howard & Irene Weiner
VIRTUOSO ($1,000-$1,499)
Anonymous Ann & Terry Bender* Dr. Carol Blum & Mr. Steven Ray Wilson* Nancy L. Bosché Joyce Castle Mrs. CJ Charbonneau Patrick Cohen* Pat & Liz Daniels Bill Dickinson & Barbara Loots Jo Anne & Bill Dondlinger* Randy & Edie Downing* Peg Dunlap
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence P. Dunn* John & Julia Duty Chuck & Joni Etherington Rev. & Mrs. William J. Fasel* Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette J. Ford III Darold & Melinda Frenzen* Dr. John & Mrs. Hilary Fried Philanthropic Fund* Charles & Evelene Gallardo George & Frances Gerritz* Donna Gould Cohen Ms. Lisa Merrill Hickok* Dr. & Mrs. Edward Higgins Gary & Liddell Hobin John & Sharon Hoffman Mr. Andrew Hsu* Ms. Gayle L Hutchens* Harold & Vicki James Jonathan & Nancy Lee Kemper* Ms. Lori Laitman Bev Leonard* Nanci Regan & Robert Lunn Ms. Ann McCray Mr. Andrew McDonald Douglas & Nina McKenna Barbara Nelson* Andrea Norris & Tom Beisecker Debra & Allen Parmet Mr. John Pepper* Kevin & Jeanette Prenger* Bruce & Nancy Schall* Karen Seaberg Dr. Christopher & Lisa Sirridge* Kelton W. H. Smith Kelle Snow* Dr. Gregory & Janet Starks Linda Stevens* Mr. & Mrs. Terrence P. Sullivan William & Mary Taylor Mr. Jonathan Thomas* Jeffrey & Alisha Walker Mr. John Walker & Mrs. Angela Walker* Clyde & Katie Wendel Jeff Whitman & Danielle Forpomes* Mr. David F Winton Sophia C. Zetmeir Karl & Beth Zobrist
COMPRIMARIO ($500-$999)
Anonymous Bob & Ruth Abbott Richard & Emily Ballentine Joe & Audrey Benskin* Peter Bozetarnik* Christopher & Sharon Bradford Tanya Brown*
Charles Bruffy & Donald Loncasty* William & Robin Buckler* Arden & Mary Ann Carr Dr. Akin & Ayca Aktas Cil* Mr. C. L. Cocke Mr. H. Hurst Coffman Dennis & Ellen Cooley Drs. Douglas Law & Patricia Cox Dr. Suzanne C. Crandall Dr. & Mrs. Steve Crouch Pat & Don Dagenais Jerry & Frances Daniels Dr. Michael De Priest & Ms. Barbara Braznell Daniel L. Turner & Carol Dziadik Turner Laurie C. Eck Jon & Avis Erickson Steven & Carolyn Faenger* Connie & Antoni Firner Mrs. Alexandra Phillip Fontana Mrs. Brenda Ford* Mr. David S. Geiman Douglas & Ann Ghertner Drs. Alexandra Golik & Alfredo Garcia Michael & Judy Graf Carol Grantham John Scheinman & Anita Toby Grow Roberta Gumbel Christine Hands John & Bernice Hamra Foundation* Ms. Joan Hennessey* Dale Hughes Steve Joss Jolle Kirpensteijn Jon D. Kowing Ms. Margaret L. Lesher* Julia & Greg Malter* Mr. Daniel Mayer & Tina Maddigan* Mr. Carl McCaffree* P. Alan McDermott Mr. Pete Mirakian III & Mrs. Michelle Mirakian Bill Pallucca Floyd Pentlin Joseph & Kelly Privitera* Ms. Lucinda Rice-Petrie* Thomas & Patty Ruehle Dr. & Mrs. Nelson R. Sabates* Julie Schwankl Daniella Sekula Mr. Jeff Simon Greg & Ann Smith Lora Smith* Taylor Smith* Mr. Craig J Sole* Anthony Sorrentino Jackie Spears & Dean Zollman
Mrs. Tina Sprinkle Timothy Todd & Katherine Mrs. Sandra Vogel Joy Wheeler* Marcus Williams Jean Wise Julian & Tasha Zugazagoitia
CHORUS ($250-$499)
Anonymous Michael Abraham David Achtenberg & H. Alice Jacks Mary & Gary Adams Mr. & Mrs. Lee Baty* John & Janet Bennett Michael P. Bondi & Felicia Siragusa Bondi* Nathan Brown Mr. & Mrs. Peter Brown* Jeffrey & Michele Bullins* Mr. William Clamurro James R. Cook Dr. Courtney Joseph Crappell & Conny Crappell* Uta Cross Doug & Terri Curran Gerry & Cathy* Roger Dirks & Cynthia Capellari Mr. Robert Dorrell* Mr. & Mrs. John Edgar* Mr. Kenneth Eiler Dr. & Mrs. James K. Gentry* Charles & Barbara Gorodetzky Allen and Gail Gutovitz Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Ken & Rose Hagen Allison Hall* Mr. & Mrs. George E. Handley Zack & Susan Hangauer Ryan & Pauline Henne* Roger Hiatt & Patricia Haegelin-Hiatt Mr. & Mrs. William Hirsch Dr. Judith G. Jacobs Mr. Nigel Jones Max Kaniger Mr. Gerald Knoll & Mrs. Dorothy Colgan Matthew Kutenr* Sherry Love & Michael J. Hunter, Sr.* Judy Manka* Shelley Matthews* Michael & Marcy Mazzarella Pat Meads Mark & Lynne O’Connell Aisha Phillipson* Joshua Powell* Ms. Maggie Presson Ms. Carolyn J. Price*
Mr. Brian Pyle & Mrs. Diane Pyle* James Ralstin, MD Courtney Raupp Lindy Rhodes* Edward & Charlotte Ronan Mr. Jim Schraeder Ms. Suzanne Shank* Ms. Kristina L. Klug Sloan* Mareta J. Smith Dr. Blair Stringfellow & Dr. Judith A. Johnson
Mr. Mark J. Stuecheli Ursula Terrasi & Jim Miller Andrew Van Der Laan & Rebecca Schwietz Bryan & Jennifer Wampler* William & Judith Webb Gary Thor Wedow Jeffrey R. Witsken Ms. Janis L. Yarnevich Mr. David Zimmerman*
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank our valued community partners whose generous contributions of time, resources, and talents have been essential to our success. We deeply appreciate your dedication to bringing opera to life throughout the Kansas City region. Thank you! Asian American Chamber of Commerce
Kansas State School for the Blind
Kansas City
Kirk Family YMCA
Band of Angels
Le Fou Frog
Black Archives of Mid-America
Lyric Opera Community Advisory Council
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center
Mid-Continent Public Library
Center for East Asian Studies, The University
Mineral Lounge
of Kansas
The Museum of Kansas City
Classical KC
Rainy Day Books
Cultivate KC
Screenland Armour
Cupini’s
Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist
Heart of America Japan-America Society
Church
Hella Good Deeds
The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City
Kanbe’s Markets
The Russell Restaurant & Catering
Kansas City Chinese Association
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City Metro Arts Education Network
Turn the Page KC
Kansas City Public Library
Wayside Waifs
Kansas City Public Schools
Drs. Roger and Everlyn Williams
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
Yukari KC
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Kansas City Young Audiences
Thank you to all of our school partners and Teaching Artists this season!
IN-KIND, MATCHING GIFT, & EMPLOYER SHARE PARTNERS A. Zahner Company
IMA Foundation
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Kimberlee N. Ried
Evergy
Nicole C. Browne
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Sanofi-Aventis
Helzberg Diamonds
Splunk LLC, a Cisco Company
High Touch Technologies
T-Mobile
Husch Blackwell LLP
OUR NEXT ACT ENDOWMENT Our Next Act is a transformative endowment campaign designed to secure Lyric Opera’s future by generating stable long-term income. The Our Next Act Endowment invites donors to leave a lasting legacy; one that ensures worldclass opera performances, meaningful learning opportunities, and community connections will thrive in Kansas City for generations. By investing in Our Next Act, supporters help build a resilient foundation that will sustain Lyric Opera’s impact far into the future.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GIFT BY HELPING US MEET OUR $1M CHALLENGE MATCH! Thanks to the generosity of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, every gift to the Our Next Act Endowment will be DOUBLED until the next $1 million is raised! Please help us unlock these vital funds today and ensure that great opera remains in our community for future generations. To make a gift to the Our Next Act Endowment, please contact Chief Development Officer Ashley Parks at aparks@kcopera.org or (816) 802-6058. We are proud to recognize the generosity of donors who have made gifts or estate commitments to the Our Next Act Endowment Campaign.
Anonymous Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund Matt & Kate Beem Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim Mongeau Drs. Douglas & Mary* Brothers, The Brothers Family Living Trust Joanne & Steve Burns Thomas & Mary Beth Butch Jerry & Meghan Carpenter Virginia & Charles* Clark Mrs. Una Creditor Ann & Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Terrence P. Dunn Tony & Meredith Durone Richard & Lauren English Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris Craig & Dawn Evans Michael D. Fields Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette J. Ford III Francis Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Freeman Mrs. Caroline French Trudy & Jack Gabriel Ken & Marilyn Hager Christina Hager & Neil Darling Mrs. H. D. Hale Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr. Joan Horan *Deceased
Richard & Kara Hu Ingram Family Foundation Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation R.C. Kemper, Jr. Charitable Trust and Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a. Trustee William T. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Mary Leonida William & Peggy Lyons Amy McAnarney Mr. & Mrs. T. E. Mccullough Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm Merriman Fundation Tom & Kathy Nanney The Estate of Richard L. Pentecost & Edith Lee Pentecost Jeff & Tonya Poe Robert & Ann Regnier Victor L. & Helen B. Regnier Fund Andrew & Brittany Robb Carmen M. Sabates & Doug Peavey Mr. J. Michael Sigler Robert M. Suhre Foundation The Sunderland Foundation Steve & Linda Taylor Mrs. Carol & Mr. C. Humbert* Tinsman Paul & Elizabeth Uhlmann Ms. Connie K. Walker Thomas & Teresa Walsh Thomas & Loren Whittaker
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to the foundations, corporations, organizations, and government entities that help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. *Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball
OPERA PRESENTING SPONSORS:
LYRIC OPERA UNDERWRITERS ($100,000+) Francis Family Foundation+ Lyric Opera Circle Lyric Opera of Kansas City Our Next Act Endowment Lyric Opera of Kansas City Endowment Fund Mark Edelman Theater Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City R.C. Kemper Charitable Trust and Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee State of Missouri
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE ($25,000–$99,999)
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Hall Family Foundation Hallmark Corporate Foundation John W. and Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee Lyric Opera of Kansas City William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund National Endowment for the Arts City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation Sherman Family Foundation William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee
*
*+
BEL CANTO ($10,000–$24,999)
Cyr Family Charitable Remainder Trust Dr. Gary Grunewald Charitable Fund Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation Lyric Opera of Kansas City Foundation Polsky Fund Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm* Northern Trust Company The Sosland Foundation
IMPRESARIO ($5,000–$9,999)
The DeBruce Foundation* Missouri Humanities Council Thomas and Sally Wood Family Foundation
CORPORATE & COMMUNITY COUNCIL ($3,000–$4,999) Commerce Bank Kansas City* Halls KC* High Touch Inc.* Husch Blackwell LLP* JE Dunn Construction Company R.A. Long Foundation RubinBrown LLP*
CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SPONSORS ($250–$2,999)
GTM (Global Tax Management)* JoAnn Meierhoff Charitable Foundation Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City Opera America Petrie/White Higher Education And Performing Arts Fund The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund The Trudy Foundation TruPay
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HONORARY AND MEMORIAL GIFTS Gifts made July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026
In Honor of Jim and Diana Cusser Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Kirk In Memory of Jane Gagel Dr. Gretchen Gagel In Memory of Bill Kort Copaken Family Foundation In Honor of Deborah Sandler Kemper Francesca Zambello In Memory of Mary Lou Sauer Alana S. Greenstein Ms. Carol Davis In Memory of Kevin Sweeney Ken & Marilyn Hager
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Emergency Evacuation Procedures The Kauffman Center is equipped with advanced life-safety early alert systems. Each performance hall is designed with emergency exits in case of an evacuation. In the event of severe weather, shelter in place inside the hall, not in a lobby area, and await further instructions.
In the event of an emergency, the performance will be interrupted. Horns and strobes will sound. Emergency instructions will be delivered from the stage.
Please remain seated as staff use an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of the alarm.* Should an evacuation be necessary, lighted red (Muriel Kauffman Theatre) and green (Helzberg Hall) exit signs will lead patrons to one of eight emergency exit paths.
Patrons with mobility limitations and/or those who are not able to navigate stairs should remain in the venue near one of the marked “Emergency Evacuation Assistance” areas. First responders will evacuate those requiring assistance immediately upon their arrival. Elevators, primary entrances and the Brandmeyer Great Hall staircase are NOT used in the case of an emergency evacuation.
For more information on emergency evacuation procedures, visit kauffmancenter.org/policies
*Kauffman Center’s emergency egress plan, which includes an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of an alarm, was developed with the assistance of the Kansas City, MO Fire Marshall’s Office.
HELP THE SHOW GO ON! Volunteer to be a supernumerary (non-speaking extra) in a Lyric Opera of Kansas City production. For more information, contact Sarah Zsohar at szsohar@kcopera.org, or by scanning scan the QR code below.
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LYRIC OPERA PATRON SERVICES Phone: (816) 471-7344 E-mail: patronservices@kcopera.org Mail: Lyric Opera Patron Services, 1725 Holmes St., KCMO 64108 Regular Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Weekend Performance Day Hours (mainstage only): For performance weekend hours, please visit kcopera.org. Ticketing & Patron Services representatives are available at the Kauffman Center box office ninety minutes before every performance.
GROUP TICKETS BRING A GROUP TO THE OPERA! Group orders of ten or more seats receive up to a 25% off discount, subject to standard facility fees. To book your group today and learn about options to amplify the experience, call Ticketing & Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 or visit kcopera.org/groups.
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LYRIC OPERA STAFF LEADERSHIP
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Jeffrey Walker, Chief Financial Officer Danny Boteler, Controller Amy Tungol, HR & Payroll Specialist Keri Fox, Staff Accountant
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
Brad Trexell, Director of Artistic Administration Michaela Martens, Resident Artist Voice Teacher
LEARNING
Neal Long, Director of Learning Emily Bridges, Manager of School Programs Laura Blankenship, Manager of Community Programs
PRODUCTION
Tracy Davis-Singh, Director of Production Rafael Toribio, Technical Director Sarah Zsohar, Artist Services Manager Selena Gonzalez-Lopez, Assistant Technical Director/Lighting Supervisor
DEVELOPMENT
Ashley Parks, Chief Development Officer Rebecca Ballinger Clark, Major Gifts Officer Laurie Eck, Manager of Individual Giving & Circle Liaison Elinore Noyes, Institutional Giving Manager Molly Fink, Development Operations Manager
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Gregory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Amanda Schuster, Senior Manager of Ticketing & Patron Services Emily Stott, Manager of Marketing Mason McBride, Manager of Digital Communications Enrique Zabala, Graphic Designer Gabriella Swoboda, Assistant Manager of Ticketing and Patron Services Ticketing & Patron Services Representatives: Catherine Cone, Baylee Dolph, Rowan Frazier, Josephine Meyers, and Ava Waln
LEGAL COUNSEL
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STAGE Connect with Your Audience this Season and Advertise in Kansas City’s Top Theater and Performance Venues. Contact Christin Painter at: christin@kcindependent.com • 816-471-2800 x218 • kcindependent.com
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Banking Mortgage Wealth Only deposit products are FDIC insured. Investment Products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT A DEPOSIT OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF THE BANK • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK • MAY LOSE VALUE
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Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.