Of Mice and Men, Lyric Opera of Kansas City 2025-2026 Season

A NOTE FROM DEBORAH SANDLER KEMPER

With this season’s productions of Porgy and Bess, Langston Hughes: A Lyrical Life, and Of Mice and Men, we have explored stories rooted in the American experience—stories that reflect who we have been and who we are today. It has been deeply meaningful to share these works with you, and we are grateful for the thoughtful reception and reflections from audiences throughout our community.

We selected these works in part to help mark the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States, honoring the voices, histories, and artistry that continue to shape our national story. We are especially thankful for your presence and for the many community partners—libraries, schools, houses of worship, and community centers— who have joined us in bringing these musical stories to life.

We hope you will join us again next season. It promises beloved works, extraordinary artists, and many more moments to share together.

Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 2025–2026

OFFICERS

Anthony Durone, President

Richard English, Vice President

Mira Mdivani, Secretary

Mark Benedict, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. Iván Batlle

Scott Blakesley

Richard P. Bruening

Casey Claps

Rita Cortés

Anne Elsberry

Michael D. Fields

Lafayette J. Ford

Christina Hager

Kenneth V. Hager

Mary Leonida

Edward P. Milbank

Thomas E. Nanney

Andrew Robb

Carmen Sabates

Jug Stanovcic

COUNSEL

Wade Kerrigan, Ex-Officio

THE PATH TO ELEGANCE STARTS WITH US.

NUMEROUS MODELS | ENDLESS OPTIONS ONE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM

Resident Artists are chosen by national audition. The program bridges graduate training to professional careers by providing performance opportunities, coaching, and career training.

MIKAYLA LYNN HATFIELD (Soprano)

Soprano MiKayla Lynn Hatfield is a rising artist currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts at Shenandoah Conservatory, studying with Nancy Gustafson. Praised for her expressive stage presence and vocal warmth, Hatfield has recently appeared as Alice Ford in Falstaff, Lidochka in Moscow, Cheryomushki, Eugénie in Germaine Tailleferre’s La pauvre Eugénie, and the title role in Suor Angelica. In 2022, she was selected to attend the renowned American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria. The following year, she was awarded the $20,000 Stephen Feinberg Scholarship by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. In 2023, she took first place in Division II of the Shenandoah Conservatory Student Soloist Competition. Most recently, she toured Spain and Portugal with Shenandoah Opera, performing the role of Galatea in Handel’s Acis and Galatea

CHRISTINA GROHOWSKI (Mezzo-Soprano)

Mezzo-soprano Christina Grohowski holds a Master of Music in Voice and Opera from the Yale School of Music, where she studied with Adriana Zabala. She recently appeared as Clarina in La cambiale di matrimonio, Martha in Iolanta, and Mother Goose in The Rake’s Progress with Yale Opera. In summer 2024, she made her Santa Fe Opera debut as an Apprentice Singer, performing as Noble Orphan 3 in Der Rosenkavalier and in ensembles for L’elisir d’amore and The Righteous. She also covered the role of Flora in La traviata. Other recent performances include Yale Opera’s fall scenes program, in which she appeared as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor, and in Yale Opera on Broadway. In spring 2026, she had the distinct honor of performing on the Metropolitan Opera stage as a national semifinalist in the 2026 Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition.

DAVID PELINO (Tenor)

Haitian American performer David Pelino, described as having a “powerful tenor” (South Florida Classical Review), is equally at home on the concert stage, in opera, in recital, and with professional ensembles. On stage, he recently made his role debuts as Wesley Harris in the Kentucky premiere of Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road, and as Sam in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. In summer of 2025, Pelino participated in the Bay View Music Festival, performing the roles of Booker T. Washington in Ragtime and Don José in Carmen. In concert, his versatile instrument has made him a featured soloist in major works such as Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, Handel’s Messiah, Théodore Dubois’s The Seven Last Words of Christ, Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, and as the Evangelist in J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion

ALEX SMITH (Baritone)

Baritone Alex Smith is in his second year as the Resident Artist Baritone at Lyric Opera of Kansas City. In the 2024–2025 Lyric Opera season, he performed Fiorello in The Barber of Seville and Ping in Turandot, and study-covered Figaro in The Barber of Seville. In 2023, Smith was a Young Artist at The Glimmerglass Festival, performing in the ensembles of La bohème and Roméo et Juliette. Other recent roles include the Musiklehrer in Ariadne auf Naxos, Junius in The Rape of Lucretia, Raimbaud in Le Comte The Rake’s Progress, and Marco in Gianni Schicchi

Sponsored, in part, by Ms. Connie Walker

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Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY (2025)

Top 10 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2025)

Best Presidential Attraction by Newsweek (2025)

APPRENTICE ARTIST PROGRAM

Lyric Opera’s Apprentice Artist Program gives university vocal students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and training on their way to becoming professional opera singers. Throughout the season, our Apprentice Artists gain practical career experience working alongside the industry’s most notable singers, conductors, and directors.

PAYTON BOLDT (Soprano)

Soprano Payton Boldt holds a Master of Music from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and is pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice at the same institution, studying with Dr. Maria Kanyova. Boldt has performed extensively in the United States and Italy, with roles including Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Pamina and Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Laurette in Le docteur Miracle

MADELINE FRIESEN (Mezzo-Soprano)

Mezzo-soprano Madeline Friesen is in her second year as the Apprentice Artist Mezzo-Soprano at Lyric Opera of Kansas City. During the 2024–2025 season, she performed as the Clear String in The Haberdasher Prince and appeared in the ensemble of Turandot. Other recent roles include Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Le Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Olga in The MerryWidow. A native of Olathe, Kansas, Friesen earned her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the University of North Texas and is currently pursuing her Master of Music at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory, where she studies with Dr. Aidan Soder.

SAMUEL ENRIQUEZ (Baritone)

Samuel Enriquez is a baritone from Houston, TX, who recently completed his Master of Music in Voice at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, studying with Dr. Raymond Feener. He recently performed roles such as Father in Hänsel und Gretel, Senator Potter in Fellow Travelers, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Belcore in L’elisir d’amore, Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, the Baker in Into the Woods, and Moralès in Carmen

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. We invite the culturally curious to explore the “here and now” implications of productions in a series of events featuring live music and stimulating conversation. 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. Both established operagoers and curious newcomers alike are sure to make discoveries.

Opera Book Club

Discover more about the operas in our season through relevant books and discussions. Members enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities, enhancing understanding of every production.

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.

FOR SCHOOLS

Our K–12 education programs invite students and teachers to engage with opera in classrooms and community spaces. 2025–2026 offerings include:

• The Haberdasher Prince—a touring opera for elementary schools

• Langston Hughes: A Lyrical Life—a touring production for secondary schools and community spaces

• Student Dress Rehearsals—school groups attend the final dress rehearsal of our operas at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Cusick Plastic Surgery

Premier Senior Living in the Heart of Kansas City

An opera in three acts

Music and words by Carlisle Floyd

Based on the novella and play by John Steinbeck

PRINCIPAL CAST

George Milton

Lennie Small

Curley’s Wife

Curley

Candy

Slim

Carlson Ballad Singer

* Lyric Opera Debut

^ Lyric Opera Resident Artist

John Moore

Matthew Pearce*

Sara Gartland*

Matthew DiBattista*

Wayne Tigges*

Schyler Vargas

Bernard Holcomb

David Pelino^

Of Mice and Men premiered at Seattle Opera on January 22, 1970.

Presented in English with English titles projected above the stage

Running time: Two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission

Of Mice and Men is presented by arrangement with B&H Music Publishing inc., d/b/a/ Boosey & Hawkes, publisher and copyright owner.

SPONSORED BY:

With public support from the State of Missouri and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. This project is supported, in part, by generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Sunderland Foundation.

Supertitles by Alexa Lietzow.

The supertitles used in this production are owned by Houston Grand Opera: Khori Dastoor, General Director and CEO.

The Pre-Opera Talk speaker for OfMiceandMen is Dr. Rebecca Johnson.

OfMiceandMen is a co-production of Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Houston Grand Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Florida State University.

Stage crew provided by IATSE Local 31

Wardrobe crew provided by The Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 810

CREATIVE TEAM

CONDUCTOR

DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

SET & PROJECTIONS DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

LIGHTING DESIGNER

WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER

ADULT CHORUS MASTER

REHEARSAL ACCOMPANISTS

CELESTA PLAYER

HARMONICA TUTOR

MUSIC LIBRARIAN

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

PROPS SUPERVISOR

LIGHTING SUPERVISOR

COSTUME COORDINATOR

WIG & MAKEUP ASSISTANT

TITLES OPERATOR

STAGE MANAGER

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS

HEAD CARPENTER

HEAD PROPSMAN

HEAD ELECTRICIAN

HEAD FLYMAN

HEAD SOUND ENGINEER

WARDROBE SUPERVISOR

WARDROBE ASSISTANT

Joseph Mechavich*

Kristine McIntyre

Kaley Karis Smith*

Luke Cantarella*

Kara Harmon*

Kate Ashton*

David Zimmerman

Martin English

Piotr Wiśniewski

Piotr Wiśniewski, Laura Bleakley*

Laura Bleakley*

Matt Rapport

Elena Lence-Talley

Rafael Toribio

Erika Baker

Selena Gonzalez-Lopez

Nancy Robinson

Oran Wongpandid

Sarah Zsohar

Alayna Powell

Ellie Brown, Zoe Steenwyk

Kyle Deckman

Stephen Cochran

Dan McMahan

Evan Suellentrop

Grant Conrad

Desiree Baird Story

Amanda McCarty

*Lyric Opera Debut

CHORUS

TENOR

Alexander Goering, Haygood

Trent Green, First Man

David Helder, Johnson

Kevin Thomas Smith, Second Man

BASS-BARITONE

Matt Black, Pete

Colt Hoselton, Luke

Spencer McIntire, Fourth Man

Matthew Scrivner, Third Man

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

JUNE

OCTOBER

DECEMBER 5-7, 2025 | THE FOLLY THEATER Aha! CaBOOret

MARCH 20-22, 2026 | THE FOLLY THEATER

HONORING OUR LEGACY. FORGING OUR FUTURE.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

By Kristine McIntyre

Of Mice and Men may be Carlisle Floyd’s best opera. Based on Steinbeck’s stage play of his brilliant 1937 novella, it tells the story of two migrant farm workers, George and Lennie, who are in search of their little piece of the American Dream. Floyd doesn’t romanticize the story, nor does he pull any punches. The tragedy hits hard, but it’s also an opera filled with joy and hope. It celebrates friendship and commitment to our fellow human beings and has one of my favorite qualities of American opera: it depicts the lives of ordinary people, made extraordinary by the quality of the music Floyd gave them to sing.

In creating this new production, the designers and I wanted to make something that feels authentic, but which also tells the story from a more universal perspective. For George and Lennie are part of a long line of migrant workers who make up California’s agricultural history: Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants, tenant farmers escaping the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, Black sharecroppers escaping Jim Crow laws during the Great Migration, and Mexican braceros who came to fill labor shortages during World War II. Fortunately for us, the breadth and diversity of this story is captured in the extraordinary photographic record that spans generations, beginning with the pioneering work of documentary photographer Dorothea Lange.

Traveling through California and the South while working for the Farm Security Administration, Lange took some of the most important photographs of the twentieth century. Inspired by her work, and that of later photographers like Marion Post Wolcott, Sid Avery, and Ernest Lowe, scenic and projection designer Luke Cantarella, costume designer Kara Harmon, lighting designer Kate Ashton and I have created a visual world grounded in historical details but with a contemporary edge to reflect both the intimacy of the storytelling and the sweeping backdrop against which it unfolds. Luke even traveled to Steinbeck country to film original video that captures the cinematic breadth of the surrounding landscape.

The projections also allow us to sometimes see the world through Lennie’s eyes. Lennie’s perspective is rarely centered, but there is great value in trying to see the world as he does. He is, after all, the heart of this story. In speaking of Lennie, Steinbeck said he was trying to give voice to “the inarticulate and powerful yearning of all men.” How fortunate we are that Carlisle Floyd elevated that yearning into song.

CONDUCTOR’S NOTES

By Joseph Mechavich

In 2010, Carlisle Floyd attended the performance of my very first Susannah and to say I was anxious was an understatement. After the show, I asked Maestro Floyd to sign my score. He asked what he should jot down and I jokingly said, “Better luck next time?” This proper, well-dressed, gentleman from Latta, South Carolina, looked at me with a little smirk and then penned into my score “Better luck next time! -CF.” That moment was the beginning of a friendship and mentorship that led to me conducting his Cold Sassy Tree, recording Wuthering Heights, pacing a few more Susannahs, and of course conducting the masterpiece, Of Mice and Men

Maestro Floyd LOVED the theater, and he adored singers. Like Richard Wagner, he was his own librettist relishing in every word, every punctuation mark, and every moment of silence. He never wanted the pacing of his pieces to become indulgent (I often was kindly scolded), or the portrayal of a role to be stereotyped. His operas depict unique characters who struggle against powerful forces in society in realistic situations —American verismo

The sonic world of Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men is truly American, containing signature open fourths and fifths, spacious intervals, and music that evokes the sounds of traditional American folk music. Of Mice and Men possesses an accessible but lean lyricism, polytonality when the dramatic situation becomes difficult, a grand cinematic intensity, and a rich orchestration of haunting colors with a solemness of despair. I liken Of Mice and Men to Puccini’s La bohème where not one note, not one rest, is out of place—it is a perfect opera.

Maestro Floyd loved to draw and initially wanted to become a painter. As you prepare for this performance, take a moment to reflect on the works of the visual artists from the 1930s who embodied American realism movement: Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The compositional style of these painters is simple, based on geometric forms, flat masses of color, and strong vertical, horizontal, and diagonal elements. An iconic example is Hopper’s American Gothic. When you relate what you remember of these paintings, especially their color palettes, to Maestro Floyd’s music, it will all come together.

Composer, librettist, professor, painter, pianist, stage director, and lover of Diet Coke; Carlisle Floyd, the Dean of American Opera, shaped the artistry of many of today’s composers, conductors, stage directors, and singers. But for me it was his role as a teacher, THE Maestro, and I am incredibly grateful to have been one of his students.

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

Filip Lazovski+

Chiafei Lin

Vladimir Rykov

Alex Shum*

SECOND VIOLINS

Tamamo Someya Gibbs, Principal

Carter Coleman, Associate Principal

Kristin Velicer, Assistant Principal

Minhye Helena Choi

Samuel Frois+

Mary Garcia Grant

Kazato Inouye

Rena Ishii

Paul Kim

Stephanie Larsen

Jinyou Lee

Sodam Lim

Ayrton Pisco

VIOLAS

MingYu Hsu, Principal

Duncan Steele, Associate Principal

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

DOUBLE BASSES

Evan Halloin, Acting Principal

Richard Ryan, Acting Associate Principal

Nils Aardahl

Lena Goodson+

Joseph Nuñez

Keith Wymer+

FLUTES

Michael Gordon, Principal, Marylou and John Dodds

Turner Chair

Shannon Finney, Associate Principal

Liz Teplitsky+

PICCOLO

Liz Teplitsky+

OBOES

Kristina Fulton, Principal, Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair

Alison Chung, Associate Principal

Matthew Lengas

ENGLISH HORN

Matthew Lengas

CLARINETS

Javier Morales-Martinez+, Acting Principal, Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair

Raymond Santos^

Trevor Stewart+, Acting Associate Principal

John Klinghammer

E-FLAT CLARINET

Trevor Stewart+

BASS CLARINET

John Klinghammer

BASSOONS

Ann Bilderback, Principal, Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair

Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal

Maxwell Pipinich

CONTRABASSOON

Thomas DeWitt

HORNS

David Sullivan, Acting Principal, Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair

Elizabeth Gray, Acting Associate Principal

David Gamble

Stephen Multer

Benjamin Bacni+

TRUMPETS

Julian Kaplan, Principal, James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair

Omri Barak#, Associate Principal

Shea Kelsay+

TROMBONES

Evelyn Carlson, Principal

Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal

Joseph Maiocco#

BASS TROMBONE

Joseph Maiocco#

TUBA

Joe LeFevre, Principal, Frank Byrne Chair

TIMPANI

Timothy Jepson, Principal, Michael and Susan Newburger Chair

PERCUSSION

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

Luke Poeppel

Daniel Wiley

Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel

Elena Collins, Assistant Personnel Manager

Tyler Miller, Stage Manager

Kristina Banton, Lighting Designer

SYNOPSIS

ACT I

An agricultural valley in northern California, 1930s.

George and Lennie, a pair of migrant workers, are on the run from the police. Lennie, who has an intellectual disability, landed the pair in hot water when he tried to feel a girl’s soft dress. George expresses his frustration—his life would be much easier if he didn’t have to look after Lennie. He notices that his companion is hiding something and discovers it’s a mouse that Lennie accidentally petted to death. To comfort Lennie, George tells him about the farm they hope to buy one day—a place where George can keep Lennie out of trouble.

The following evening, hotheaded ranch owner Curley waits impatiently in the bunkhouse where his employees live. George and Lennie were supposed to start work that day but never showed up. Curley’s wife, starved for attention, enters and begs her husband to take her out. George and Lennie finally arrive and are greeted by the ranch hands, including the elderly Candy. Curley’s wife returns and tries to flirt with the men, who refuse to take the bait. Suddenly, everyone smells the stink of Candy’s old dog. The ranch hands insist Candy put the poor beast out of its misery, and the assistant foreman Carlson takes the dog out and shoots him.

ACT II

Several days later, George is in the bunkhouse and finds a newspaper ad for a farm that fits what he and Lennie are looking for. Candy overhears their excitement and offers to go in with them on purchasing the property. As the three imagine their bright future together, Curley’s wife interrupts them. When Curley discovers his wife in the bunkhouse, he jealously tries to pick a fight with Lennie, who breaks Curley’s hand. Slim the foreman suggests a deal—if Curley doesn’t fire George and Lennie, they promise not to tell anyone how he was injured.

ACT III

The following afternoon, Lennie is hiding in the ranch’s barn because he accidentally killed the puppy Slim gave him and doesn’t want George to know. Curley’s wife enters carrying a suitcase, ready to run off to Hollywood. She shares her dream of becoming a film star, and Lennie relates his plans for the farm. He tells Curley’s wife about his love for soft things, and she lets him feel her hair. But when his stroking becomes too rough, she tries to free herself, and he accidentally snaps her neck.

Realizing he’s done something awful, Lennie slips away. The ranch hands discover the dead body of Curley’s wife, and Slim urges George to act fast—he has to steal a pistol and get to Lennie before Curley does.

George finds Lennie in the woods as Curley and a lynch mob are heard approaching. Distracting Lennie with a description of their farm that will never be, George puts a gun to his friend’s head and pulls the trigger.

ARTISTS

JOHN MOORE

GEORGE MILTON (Baritone)

Recent

Harry, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, The Metropolitan Opera

Steve Jobs, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Washington National Opera Thoas, Iphigénie enTauride, Washington Concert Opera

Dillon, The Listeners, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Figaro, The Barber of Seville, Pittsburgh Opera

Upcoming

George, Of Mice and Men, Des Moines Metro Opera

MATTHEW PEARCE

LENNIE SMALL (Tenor)

Recent Don Pizzarro, Leonora, Chicago Opera Theatre

Duke, Rigoletto, Pacific Opera Victoria

Ground Controller, Grounded (workshop), The Metropolitan Opera

Upcoming

Third Jew, Salome, Kentucky Opera

Italian Singer, Der Rosenkavalier, New Orleans Opera Tenor Soloist, Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, West Virginia Symphony

MATTHEW DIBATTISTA

CURLEY (Tenor)

Recent

Uchitel, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Nebuchadnezzar, Britten: The Burning Fiery Furnace, Enigma Chamber Orchestra

Doctor, The Handmaid’s Tale, San Francisco Opera Il Tinca, Il tabarro, Houston Grand Opera

Gherardo, Gianni Schicchi, Houston Grand Opera

Ruders, The Handmaid’s Tale, Detroit Opera

SARA GARTLAND

CURLEY’S WIFE (Soprano)

Recent Violetta, La traviata, Opera Colorado  Nella, Gianni Schicchi, Calgary Opera

Judith, Bluebeard’s Castle, Calgary Opera

Upcoming

Blanche, A Streetcar Named Desire, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

WAYNE TIGGES

CANDY (Bass-Baritone)

Recent

Wotan, DieWalküre, Opera Santa Barbara Jochanaan, Salome, Tulsa Opera

Howie Albert, Champion, Boston Lyric Opera

Owen Hart, Dead ManWalking, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Upcoming

French General, Silent Night, The Atlanta Opera Elder McLean, Susannah, Lyric Opera of Chicago

SCHYLER VARGAS SLIM (Baritone)

Recent

Connie/Ragged Man, The Grapes ofWrath, MasterVoices at Carnegie Hall

Sir Harry, Once Upon a Mattress, Central City Opera

El Payador, Maria de Buenos Aires, Opera Montana

Inspector Kildare, Elizabeth Cree, The Glimmerglass Festival

Maximilian, Candide, Wichita Grand Opera

Upcoming

Norman Maclean, A River RunsThrough It, Opera Montana

BERNARD HOLCOMB

CARLSON (Tenor)

Recent

Fourth Jew, Salome, The Metropolitan Opera

The Pigeon Keeper, The Pigeon Keeper, Opera Parallèle

King Kaspar, Amahl and the NightVisitors, Lincoln Center Theater

Robbins/Crab Man, Porgy and Bess, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Upcoming

The Pigeon Keeper, The Pigeon Keeper, Opera Omaha Tenor Soloist, Verdi: Requiem, Portland Opera

DAVID PELINO

BALLAD SINGER (Tenor)

Recent

Don José, Carmen, Bay View Music Festival

Booker T. Washington, Ragtime, Bay View Music Festival

Wesley Harris, Sanctuary Road, University of Kentucky

Opera Theatre

Sam Polk, Susannah, Soo Opera Theater

Nelson, Porgy and Bess, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Tenor, Langston Hughes: A Lyrical Life, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

CREATIVE TEAM

JOSEPH MECHAVICH CONDUCTOR

General Director, Piedmont Opera

Recent

Conductor, Carmen, Piedmont Opera Conductor, The Barber of Seville, Knoxville Opera Conductor, Cendrillon, North Carolina Opera Conductor, La bohème, Florida Grand Opera

Upcoming

Conductor, Carmen, North Carolina Opera Conductor, Riders of the Purple Sage, Opera Santa Barbara

KRISTINE MCINTYRE DIRECTOR

Recent Director, Of Mice and Men, Houston Grand Opera Director, La bohème, Pittsburgh Opera Director, The Cunning LittleVixen, Des Moines Metro Opera Director, Don Giovanni, Opera Omaha Director, Bluebeard’s Castle, Des Moines Metro Opera Director, The Magic Flute, Jacksonville Symphony

KALEY KARIS SMITH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Recent

Director, Opera Outdoors, Opera Omaha Director, Orpheus in the Underworld, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory

Director, Rusalka, Opera Idaho Director, La traviata, OperaDelaware Director, La traviata, Opera Baltimore Assistant Director, Il trovatore, Houston Grand Opera

LUKE CANTARELLA SET & PROJECTIONS DESIGNER

Recent

Set Designer, SweeneyTodd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Hartford Stage Company

Set Designer, The Cunning LittleVixen, Des Moines Metro Opera

Set & Projection Designer, Women with Eyes Closed, Pittsburgh Opera

Set Designer, Bluebeard’s Castle, Des Moines Metro Opera

Set & Projection Designer, A Thousand Acres, Des Moines Metro Opera

Set & Projection Designer, Hometown to theWorld, Sante Fe Opera

KARA HARMON COSTUME DESIGNER

Recent

Costume Designer, The Other Americans, The Public Theater

Costume Designer, I &You: The Musical, McCarter Theatre

Costume Designer, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Indiana Repertory Theatre & Syracuse Stage

Upcoming

Costume Designer, Come from Away, Guthrie Theater

Costume Designer, Lalovavi, Cincinnati Opera

Costume Designer, Wilderness Generation, Philadelphia Theatre Company

KATE ASHTON LIGHTING DESIGNER

Recent

Lighting Designer, Of Mice and Men, Houston Grand Opera

Lighting Designer, Swan Lake, Ballet West

Lighting Designer, Wozzeck, Des Moines Metro Opera

Lighting Designer, The Turn of the Screw, The Juilliard School

Upcoming

Lighting Designer, ATLAS, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Lighting Designer, Così fan tutte, The Glimmerglass Festival

DAVID ZIMMERMAN

WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER

Recent

Wig & Makeup Designer, Carmen, The Dallas Opera

Wig & Makeup Designer, Madame Butterfly, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Wig & Makeup Designer, Dialogues des carmélites, The Dallas Opera

Wig & Makeup Designer, The Little Prince, The Dallas Opera

Wig & Makeup Designer, Don Carlo, The Dallas Opera

Wig & Makeup Designer, Porgy and Bess, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

PIOTR WIŚNIEWSKI

CHORUS MASTER

Recent

Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor, Turandot, Cinderella, Madame Butterfly, Porgy and Bess, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Music Director, Langston Hughes: A Lyrical Life, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Upcoming

Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor, La bohème, The Marriage of Figaro, The Pirates of Penzance, Aida, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

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 March 1, 2025–March 15, 2026.

*Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball +Includes giving to the Special Gifts Campaign ^Deceased

RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY

($50,000+)

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening

Virginia and Charles^ Clark

Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr.*+

Ingram Family Foundation*

The Estate of Richard L. Pentecost and Edith Lee Pentecost+

Mrs. Carol &

Mr. C. Humbert* Tinsman+

MAESTRO'S CIRCLE

($25,000–$49,999)

Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund*

Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer*

James & Diana Cusser*

Ken & Marilyn Hager*

Mr. Edward P. Milbank*

J.B. Reynolds Foundation*

Paul & Elizabeth Uhlmann+

Ms. Connie Walker*+

BEL CANTO

($10,000–$24,999)

Mrs. Raymond Backstrom

Peggy & Andy Beal*

Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim Mongeau+

Tony & Meredith Durone*+

Elsberry Family Foundation*

Richard & Lauren English+

Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris

Michael D. Fields*

Ellen & Irv Hockaday

Charlie & Marcella Huggard*

Kirk Foundation

Jill Ingram Reynolds*

Walter & Gayle Richardson

Stephen & Dolores Schroff

John & Marny Sherman*

Mr. J. Michael Sigler*

Dr. Linda E. Voigts & Mr. Gene Voigts

IMPRESARIO

($5,000–$9,999)

M. Wayne Alexander & John W. Braum

Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle*+

Matt & Kate Beem+

Scott & Joyce Blakesley

Christopher & Lisa Cella

Casey Claps*

Rita M. Cortés+

Mrs. Una Creditor

Michael & Karen Douglas

Richard Gutknecht

Christina Hager & Neil Darling*+

Mr. & Mrs. John Hale

Yong Y. Han, M.D.

Joyce G. Holland

Joan Horan*

Judy Kirk

Rebecca Minion*

Tom & Kathy Nanney

Don & Pamela Raffurty*

Andrew & Brittany Robb

Deborah Sandler & Crosby Kemper*

John and Marny Sherman*

Jug & Rachael Stanovcic*

H. Wayne & Melanie Thompson

Lynne & Carl Weilert*

Jack F. & Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation Trust

LYRIC OPERA ANGEL

($3,000–$4,999)

Anonymous

Andy & Kathy Anderson*

Andy Beal III*

Terri-Ann Beckford*

Gary & Suzy Bennett

Erik Bergrud & Kimberlee N. Ried*

Richard & Nicole Browne*

Jerry & Meghan Carpenter*

Robert Claassen

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Craig, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. B.J. Craig

Trudy & Jack Gabriel*

Kurt & Linnell Gretzinger*

Bruce & Kathryn Gordon

Donald J. Hall Jr.*

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

George & Suzy Pagels

Dr. & Mrs. Joshua & Elizabeth Petrikin

Katie & Ron Petrikin

Dennis & Palle Rilinger

Michelle & Chuck Ritter

Carmen M. Sabates & Doug Peavey*

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schellhorn*

Juliette Singer & Ian Spinks*

Megan C. Toal

Fr. Paul Turner

Deborah Wilkinson

Dr. Edward A. Wortham, Jr.

Dr. Michael J. & Cindy S. Wurm*

Dr. & Mrs. John Yungmeyer*

ARIA SOCIETY

($1,500–$2,999)

Dr. Carol Blum & Steven Wilson*

Gerard &Judy Bukowski

Mr. & Mrs. Forrest Chumley

Vernon & Trish Church Podlasek*

Patricia E. Cleary Miller, PhD

Dr. Suzanne C. Crandall

Randy & Edie Downing*

Craig & Dawn Evans

William & Eileen Everett*

Ms. Ellen Feldhausen

Dr. John & Hilary Fried*

Marilyn A. W. & Norman E Gaar, Esq.*

Ellen & John Goheen

John & Sharon Hoffman

Mr. Andrew Hsu*

Steve Joss

Beverly & Craig Kemp

Julia & Greg Malter*

Douglas & Nina McKenna

Debra & Allen Parmet

Dr. Ronald & Donna Patton*

Gigi & Gary Rose*

Dr. & Mrs. Nelson R. Sabates*

Bruce & Nancy Schall*

John Scheinman & Anita Toby Grow

Clarence Simmons

Howard & Irene Weiner

Jeff Whitman & Danielle Forpomes*

VIRTUOUSO

($1,000–$1,499)

Annonymous

Ann & Terry Bender*

Nancy L. Bosche

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Brown*

Joyce Castle

Nan Chapman*

Mrs. CJ Charbonneau

Craig Coen & Jeffrey Bellamy

Donna Gould Cohen

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Copaken

Pat & Liz Daniels

Bill Dickinson & Barbara Loots

Tim & Deanna Diebolt*

Jo Anne & Bill Dondlinger*

Mr. & Mrs. Terrance P. Dunn*

Patrick & Becky Dunn*

Peg Dunlap

John & Julia Duty

Rev. & Mrs. William J. Fasel*

Darold & Melinda Frenzen*

Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette J. Ford III

Charles & Evelene Gallardo

Dr. & Mrs. James K. Gentry*

George & Frances Gerritz*

Mr. Mark Gilman

Ms. Lisa Merrill Hickok*

Gary & Liddell Hobin

Gayle Hutchens*

Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Kirk*

Lori Laitman

Bev Leonard*

Mary Leonida

Ms. Margaret L. Lesher*

Stephen & BaeMarie Mayer

Carl McCaffree

Mr. Andrew McDonald

Heidi McIntyre

Barbara Nelson*

Andrea Norris & Thomas Beisecker

Bill Palluca

Anne Petrie

Petrie/White Higher Education & Performing Arts Fund

Joseph & Kelly Privitera*

Nanci Regan & Robert Lunn

Glen & Susan Sands*

Dr. Christopher & Lisa Sirridge*

Kelton W. H. Smith

Kelle Snow*

Jackie Spears & Dean Zollman

Dr. Gregory & Janet Starks

Ursula Terrasi & Jim Miller*

Jonathan Thomas*

Mr. & Mrs. Terrence P. Sullivan

John & Angela Walker*

Jeffrey & Alisha Walker

David Winton

Sophia C. Zetmeir

COMPRIMARIO

($500–$999)

Bob & Ruth Abbott

Anonymous (2)*

Richard & Emily Ballentine

Joe & Audrey Benskin

Roger Bond & Victoria Hermes-Bond

Peter Bozetarnik

Christopher & Sharon Bradford

Ron & Kathy Bremer

Charles Bruffy & Donald Loncasty*

Jeffrey & Diane Buczkowski

Arden & Mary Ann Carr

Dr. Akin & Ayca Aktas Cil*

Nan Chapman*

Mr. C.L. Cocke

Mr. H. Hurst Coffman

Dennis & Ellen Cooley

Courtney & Conny Crappell*

Dr. & Mrs. Steve Crouch

Gerry & Kathy Czir*

Pat & Don Dagenais

Jerry & Frances Daniels

Dr. Michael De Priest & Ms. Barbara Braznell

Laurie C. Eck

Mr. Kenneth Eiler

Warren & Jenny Erdman*

Steven & Carolyn Faenger*

Mr. David Feiertag

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fenske*

Ms. Barbara Fessler*

Genee Figuieras

Connie & Antoni Firner

Mrs. Alexandra Phillip Fontana

Brenda Ford

Tresia Ann Franklin*

Dr. Gretchen Gagel

Drs. Alexandra Golik & Alfredo Garcia

Mr. David S. Geiman

Michael & Judy Graf

Carol Grantham

Roberta Gumbel

John & Bernice Hamra Foundation*

Christine Hands

Charles & Barbara Haviland*

Dr. & Mrs. Edward Higgins

Bill & Margo Humenczuk

Bruce & Cynda Johnson

Jonathan & Nancy Lee Kemper*

Jolle Kirpensteijn

Mrs. Regina Kort*

Jon D. Kowing

Kevin Martinez

Ms. Ann McCray

P. Alan McDermott

Kathy & Bill Migneron

Pete & Michelle Mirakian

Floyd Pentlin

Ms. Lucinda Rice-Petrie

Thomas & Patty Ruehle

Greg & Ann Smith

Lora Smith*

Taylor Smith*

Craig Sole*

Tina Sprinkle

Linda Stevens*

Timothy Todd & Katherine

Daniel L. Turner & Carol Dziadik Turner

Bryan & Jennifer Wampler*

Joy Wheeler*

Marcus Williams

Jean Wise

Julian & Tasha Zugazagoitia

CHORUS

($250–$499)

David Actenberg & H. Alice Jacks

Mary & Gary Adams

Ellen & John Aisenbrey

John & Janet Bennett

George & Dara Bock*

Philip & Janet Broaddus

Nathan Brown

Dr. Rita M. Burnett

Jeffrey & Michele Bullins*

Mr. William Clamurro

James R. Cook

Doug & Terri Curran

Cathy Daicoff

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew DeCocq

Joi Dickmann*

Jon & Avis Erickson

Mrs. Linda Ferguson

Olga Ganzen*

Richard & Winifred Gill

Charles & Barbara Gorodetzky

Judge Jon R. Gray &

Dr. Valerie E. Chow

Michael & Carol Grimaldi

Paul Gutiérrez*

Ken & Rose Hagen

Allison Hall*

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Hall III

Mr. & Mrs. George E. Handley

Roger Hiatt & Patricia Haegelin-Hiatt

Mr. & Mrs. William Hirsch

Dr. Judith G. Jacobs

Jessica & Wade Kerrigan

W. Russell King & Susan M. Clevenger

Matthew Kutenr

Drs. Douglas Law & Patricia Cox

Jenny Manka*

Shelley Matthews*

Mr. David E. Martin

Daniel Mayer*

Susan Mayer

Ms. Patricia Meads

Ms. Ann M Nigro*

Ron & Jane Nesemeyer*

Mark & Lynne O’Connell

Dr. Sieglinde Othmer*

Jean Parelman

Mr. John Pepper*

Joshua Powell*

Ms. Maggie Presson

Ms. Carolyn J. Price *

James Ralstin

Scott & Jeanne Redick*

Lindy Rhodes*

Edward & Charlotte Ronan

Ms. Carol Sanford

Mr. Jim Schraeder

Mareta J. Smith

James Staples*

Dr. Blair Stringfellow & Dr. Judith A. Johnson

Mr. Mark J. Stuecheli

Mr. Steven E. & Dr. Evelina Swartzman

Fredrick & Abigail Woods Tempel

Ms. Suzanne Tipton*

Mrs. John D. Turner*

Kathy Van Neck*

Mrs. Sandra Vogel

William & Judith Webb

Gary Thor Wedow

Jeffrey R. Witsken

Dr. Stephen & Diana Whitney

Ms. Janis L. Yarnevich

Mr. Steven L. York

Mr. Mansour Zarinkia*

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 City

Band of Angels

Black Archives of Mid-America

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center

Center for East Asian Studies,

The University of Kansas Church of the Resurrection

Classical KC

Cultivate KC

Cupini’s

Heart of America Japan-America Society

Hella Good Deeds

Kanbe’s Markets

Kansas City Chinese American Association

Kansas City Chinese Association

Kansas City Public Library

Kansas City Public Schools

Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

Kansas City Young Audiences

Kansas State School for the Blind

Kirk Family YMCA

Lyric Opera Community Advisory Council

Mid-Continent Public Library

Mineral Lounge

Moreno Denton Language Services

The Museum of Kansas City

No Divide KC

Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City

Rainy Day Books

Screenland Armour

Shawnee Mission Unitarian

Universalist Church

The Black Repertory Theater of

Kansas City

The Russell Restaurant & Catering

The University of Kansas Medical Center

Turn the Page KC

Wayside Waifs

Drs. Roger and Everlyn Williams

Yukari KC

Thank you to all of our school partners and Teaching Artists this season!

IN-KIND, MATCHING GIFT, & CORPORATE SHARE PARTNERS

A. Zahner Company

Becky Minion

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Helzberg Diamonds

High Touch Technologies

Husch Blackwell LLP

Kimberlee N. Ried

Merrill Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Edward P. Milbank

Nicole Browne

Sanofi-Aventis

Spencer Fane

Britt & Browne

Splunk LLC, a Cisco Company

Swoon Cookie Crafters

T-Mobile

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 March 1, 2025–March 15, 2026.

*Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball

+Includes giving to the Special Gifts Campaign

OPERA PRESENTING SPONSORS:

LYRIC

OPERA UNDERWRITERS

($100,000+)

Lyric Opera Circle

Lyric Opera of Kansas CityOur Next Act Endowment

Lyric Opera of Kansas City Endowment Fund

Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City

The State of Missouri

The Sunderland Foundation

William T. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

Francis Family Foundation+

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE

($25,000–$99,999)

Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

Hallmark Corporate Foundation

John W. and Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee

Lyric Opera of Kansas CityWilliam Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund

Mark Edelman Theater Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City

Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation

William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank Trust

BEL CANTO

($10,000–$24,999)

Cyr Family Charitable Remainder Trust

Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation

Dr. Gary Grunewald Charitable Fund

Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Polsky Fund

Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm

Northern Trust Company

The Sosland Foundation

IMPRESARIO

($5,000–$9,999)

The DeBruce Foundation*

High Touch Inc.*

Missouri Humanities, Missouri Humanities Trust

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY COUNCIL ($3,000–$4,999)

Commerce Bank, n.a.*

Halls KC*

JE Dunn Construction Company

R.A. Long Foundation RubinBrown LLP*

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SPONSORS ($250–$2,999)

Global Tax Management, Inc.*

JoAnn Meierhoff Charitable Foundation

Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City

The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund

TruPay

Opera America

Trudy Foundation

OCT 14-NOV 2

Copaken Stage

When the lines between predator and prey blur, the power of women’s strength rises from the shadows in this fearless adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula.

Follow the yellow brick road to magic adventure!and MAY 5-24

Spencer Theatre

SEP 2-21

Spencer Theatre

Indulge in a world of soul-stirring music and unyielding hope with this award-winning stage musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize- winning novel.

FEB 17-MAR 8

Copaken Stage

The ultimate family showdown is on in this new comedy hailed as “genuinely funny, topical, and heartfelt” by Entertainment Weekly.

SPECIAL EVENT! NOV 22-DEC 27

Spencer Theatre

Celebrating Gary Neal Johnson, as he prepares to take his final bow as Ebenezer Scrooge.

LIFETIME GIVING

Lyric Opera of Kansas City is proud to honor the leadership and extraordinary support of the following individuals and institutions that have given generously to the Lyric over many years. Their cumulative gifts of $100,000 or more help bring our mission to life by making transformational opera experiences possible in our city. We are grateful for their investment and unwavering belief in the power of opera.

*Deceased

Anonymous

Ann & Gary Dickinson Family

Charitable Foundation

Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation

Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum

Philanthropic Fund

ArtsKC Regional Arts Council

Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

Sydney Backstrom & Raymond* Backstrom

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Barnett and Shirley Helzberg Foundation

Drs. Iván & Karla Batlle

Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer

The Breidenthal-Snyder Foundation, Inc.

Drs. Doug & Mary* Brothers

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening

City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

Virginia & Charles Clark

Columbian Bank and Trust Company

Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, Bank of America, Trustee

Mrs. Una & Dr. Morton* Creditor

Cyr Family Charitable Fund

Pat & Don Dagenais

David T. Beals III Charitable Trust, Bank of America, Trustee

Mrs. Ann Dickinson*

DST Systems, Inc.

Mr. Richard & Mrs. Maureen*

Durwood

E. Kemper Carter & Anna Curry Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

Anne & Howard Elsberry

Elsberry Family Foundation

Enid & Crosby Kemper Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

Estelle S. & Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation

Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris

Craig & Dawn Evans

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Francis Family Foundation

Dr. Michael and Ginger Frost

Trudy & Jack Gabriel

H & R Block Foundation

Ken & Marilyn Hager

Hall Family Foundation

Hallmark Corporate Foundation

Helen & Sam Kaplan Charitable Foundation

Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr.

Richard Hill*

Joyce G. Holland

Joan Horan

Husch Blackwell LLP

Mrs. Beth Ingram

Ingram Family Foundation

Jack & Glenna Wylie Charitable Foundation

J.B. Reynolds Foundation

John W. & Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust, Bank of America, Trustee

John Kander

Mr. Elvin B. Klein

Lyric Opera Circle

Lyric Opera Guild

Lyric Opera of Kansas City Endowment Fund

Lyric Opera of Kansas City - William

Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund

Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Our Next Act Endowment

Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Polsky Fund

Mabee Foundation

Marion & Henry Bloch Family Foundation

Master Craftsmen Foundation

Mrs. Sandra & Mr. Albert* Mauro

Caroline French McBride*

Carl & Lee* McCaffree

McCownGordon Construction

Thomas & Jean McDonnell

Metropolitan Performing Arts Fund

Mr. Edward P. Milbank

Missouri Arts Council/Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund

Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation

Oppenstein Brothers Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation

R.C. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

R.C. Kemper, Jr. Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

Walter & Gayle Richardson

Michelle & Chuck Ritter

Mrs. Sarah & Mr. Landon* Rowland

Kenneth & Roswitha Schaffer

Vera & Mike* Seeley

Sherman Family Foundation

Mr. J. Michael Sigler

Rheta Sosland

The Sosland Foundation

Sprint Foundation

Richard J. Stern*

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts

Stilwell Financial, Inc.

The Sunderland Foundation

Steve & Linda Taylor

Theater League

Thomas & Sally Wood Family Foundation

Mrs. Jody & Mr. Jack* Tillotson

Mrs. Carol & Mr. C. Humbert* Tinsman

Mr. Michael Waterford

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation

William T. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

William T. Kemper FoundationCommerce Bank Trust

HONORARY AND MEMORIAL GIFTS

Gifts made March 1, 2025–March 15, 2026

In Honor of Rita Cortés

Ann Baum, G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund

In Memory of Ann Dickinson

Ann & Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation

In Memory of Jane Gagel

Dr. Gretchen Gagel

In Memory of Naomi F. Karmeier

Lois Harre Obermeier

Leonard Obermeier

Geri Harre

Garry Harre

Ruth Harre

Betty Harre Hasheider

Norb Hasheider

Connie Harre Blair

In Memory of Bill Kort

Lyric Opera Circle

In Honor of

Deborah Sandler Kemper

Francesca Zambello

In Memory of Lee McCaffree

Kirk Carpenter

Greg & Lisa Marie Schoofs

Jill Ingram Reynolds

Mr. & Mrs. Terrence P. Dunn

H. Jonathan Pratt

John & Robin Moore

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Brown

In Honor of Edward P. Millbank

Trudy & Jack Gabriel

Carmen M. Sabates & Doug Peavey

In Honor of Floyd Pentlin

Phyllis Klocek

In Memory of Carmen Celia Sabates

Carmen M. Sabates & Doug Peavey

In Memory of Mary Lou Sauer

Joan Huchthausen

Ms. Sarah Anderson

Philip & Janet Broaddus

Marsha Laner

Elisabeth Sauer

Marie Cook

Mary Obrien

Suzanne Baker

Ms. Carol Davis

Alana S. Greenstein

In Memory of Peter Sherrow

Phyllis Klocek

design © Luke Cantarella

BECOME A PART OF THE MAGIC

GIVE TO LYRIC OPERA OF KANSAS CITY

You can help bring the magic of opera to all of Kansas City! Your generosity allows us to:

• CREATE high-quality artistic experiences, through world-class opera, curated right here in Kansas City

• TRANSFORM the lives of more than 26,000 people every year with extraordinary music, artistry, and performances

• CAPTIVATE new audiences by introducing children (and adults!) to their first opera experience

• DEVELOP the next generation of opera performers through our nationally recognized Apprentice and Resident Artist Programs

EVERY GIFT IS MEANINGFUL

For more information about giving and the exciting benefits available, please scan the QR code, or contact our Development team at (816) 802-6056, or giving@kcopera.org

GIVE NOW!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

OPERA OF KANSAS CITY

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.

LYRIC OPERA PATRON SERVICES 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.

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

Melissa Roberts, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION

Brad Trexell, Director of Artistic Administration

Piotr Wiśniewski, Head of Music Staff & Chorus Master

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 & Communications

Amanda Schuster, Senior Manager of Ticketing & Patron Services

Emily Stott, Manager of Marketing Operations

Mason McBride, Manager of Digital Communications

Enrique Zabala, Graphic Designer

Gabriella Swoboda, Assistant Manager of Ticketing and Patron Services

Ellen McDonald, Publicity Consultant

Ticketing & Patron Services Representatives: Catherine Cone, Baylee Dolph, Rowan Frazier, Josephine Meyers, Aimee McCormack, Dennis Pearson, Brianna Volkmann, and Ava Waln

LEGAL COUNSEL

Wade Kerrigan, Husch Blackwell, LLP, General Counsel

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.

INTERNATIONAL

UPCOMING CONCERTS

April 17, 2026, 7 P.M.

Park ICM Orchestra Season Finale

Guest Conductor Jason Seber

April 24, 2026, 7 P.M.

ICM String Studios in recital

May 1, 2026, 7 P.M.

Behzod Abduraimov, Piano in concert

GRAHAM TYLER MEMORIAL CHAPEL Parkville, MO

1900 BUILDING Mission Woods, KS

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