hazel avenue st. louis, mo 63119
ExperienceOpera .org
210
41st Season
2016
Annual Report
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
SHALIMAR
THE CLOWN
“Intelligent, beguiling...
a bravura performance”
– The New York Times
Connecting Our Community
Shaping the Future of Opera
Andriana Chuchman in Shalimar the Clown (2016). Photo © Ken Howard
“The dramatic
resonance of modern
Shakespearean
tragedy… Shalimar
is a keeper.”
– Chicago Tribune
Opera Theatre’s mission is to shape the future of opera
and to connect diverse audiences through its power
and beauty. To accomplish our mission, we produce a
world-class opera festival, we champion new works,
we build new audiences, we educate and engage our
community, and we nurture the finest opera artists,
artisans, and administrators of each generation.
By doing so, we strengthen the cultural and
economic vitality of the St. Louis community.
“Moving drama and
music…of poetry and
power… Exemplary.”
– St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
1
A Message from the General Director
Thanks to its artists, its audience, and its inspiringly generous family of supporters, Opera Theatre
enjoyed a year of landmark success in 2016. To everyone who contributed time, talent, and resources —
thank you!
The 2016 season brought Opera Theatre’s 25th world premiere — the critically acclaimed Shalimar the
Clown by Jack Perla and Rajiv Joseph, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie. It was a privilege to work
with those three extraordinary artists, each of whom spent time in St. Louis getting to know the Opera
Theatre audience. The response to the opera was thrilling, with praise coming from critics, longtime
subscribers, and opera newcomers alike. This latest addition to Opera Theatre’s New Works, Bold Voices
series continues to build a repertory of operas commissioned from American composers on modern
themes.
In these pages, you will find praise garnered by Shalimar as well as by captivating productions of La
bohème, Macbeth, and Ariadne on Naxos, each of which included exhilarating debuts from rising stars.
It’s a pleasure to report that this work also sparked an impassioned response from our community.
Season attendance grew by 4.4% over 2015, and, thanks to funding from The Wallace Foundation,
Opera Theatre’s efforts to build new and diverse Millennial and Generation X audiences have been
effective. Both Opera Tastings and a community tour featuring Shalimar’s creative team resulted in
sold-out events across St. Louis. In addition, our Young Friends program grew by another 36% this year,
with most events selling out well in advance.
Fiscal strength makes Opera Theatre’s artistic mission possible, and it’s a thrill to say that 2016 was a
record-breaking year. Thanks to the leadership of our board and our outstanding Development team,
OTSL actually achieved 118% of its fundraising goal, a success driven in part by the leadership and
breathtaking generosity of our Spring Gala co-chairs, David and Thelma Steward, who led a gala
honoring Grace Bumbry which grossed an unprecedented $1.3 million.
At the same time, Opera Theatre’s endowment experienced another
year of growth through both careful stewardship and capital additions,
reaching a high of $29.5 million, representing invaluable support to our
annual budget of $10.7 million.
These exceptional results would not have been possible without the
Opera Theatre board, and in particular the tireless leadership of Board
Chairman Noémi Neidorff in her first year on the job. I am grateful
to her, to all of our Guild volunteers, our long list of local partners, and
Opera Theatre’s nationwide network of friends. On behalf of the entire
Opera Theatre family, thank you for your generous support!
A Message from the Chairman of the Board
Now in its 41st season, Opera Theatre continues to be one of those rare arts organizations whose work
only seems to improve with age. I can hardly believe that my first year as Chairman of the Board has
already drawn to a close, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work so closely with
the entire Opera Theatre staff and board in 2016.
The past season received glowing press coverage from major national and international publications,
ranging from The New York Times to London’s Financial Times and many more. There were many
unforgettable moments, from a community tour by composer Jack Perla and librettist Rajiv Joseph
to the rousing, moving finale of our second-ever Center Stage concert, featuring the superb Gerdine
Young Artists and Gaddes Festival Artists. In another wonderful coup for Opera Theatre, it was also
announced following the 2016 season that our very own Timothy O’Leary had been named OPERA
America’s newest Chairman of the Board.
As we continue to look for future opportunities for artistic growth, I am personally grateful to the many
loyal OTSL donors who continue to prioritize this company’s ability to engage new audiences with
exciting new productions. Several major new endowment funds were added in FY2016 to support
the incredible work seen at the Loretto-Hilton Center each spring, and will be key to maintaining Opera
Theatre’s fiscal vitality in seasons to come.
I truly believe the key to a successful arts organization is establishing authentic, genuine connections
between art and community. For that reason, it was a special privilege for the board to support the
planning and execution of the 2016 Spring Gala, which welcomed home St. Louis native and opera
icon Grace Bumbry, whose legacy has inspired multiple generations of young aspiring singers of color.
During her visit with Opera Theatre, Ms. Bumbry generously hosted a public master class with
several young artists, which was attended by musicians, public school students, and city officials alike.
To all the donors and supporters who made the 2016 year such a
resounding success, thank you! It is because of the generosity of our
community that Opera Theatre is able to champion the future of our art
form.
Noémi Neidorff
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Timothy O’Leary
General Director
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
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2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
3
Productions Made Possible through
the Generosity of Our Supporters
“Each work gets a
gripping production
that exemplifies what
this envelope-pushing,
opera-in-English
company does best:
high-gloss music
theater that speaks to
the cultural and
political issues
of today…”
– Chicago Tribune
La bohème
Center Stage
Giacomo Puccini
Giuseppe Verdi
Macbeth
Ariadne on Naxos
Shalimar the Clown
Jack Perla & Rajiv Joseph
Young Artist Showcase
Made possible by lead
corporate sponsor
Made possible with a leadership gift from
Sally S. Levy & Family and by
lead corporate sponsor
Made possible in part with major production
support from Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden
and with production underwriting from
The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D., Trustee and
Leigh & Jean Mason.
The world premiere of Shalimar the Clown was
made possible in part by the Fred M. Saigh
Endowment at Opera Theatre and by the
Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works,
which provides support for contemporary opera and
related community engagement activities.
Leadership support for Shalimar the Clown came
from the Whitaker Foundation, The Andrew W.
Mellon Foundation, the Berges Family
Foundation, and the Ferring Family
Foundation, with an award from the National
Endowment for the Arts and with major
production support from Emily Rauh Pulitzer and
OPERA America’s Opera Fund.
Center Stage was made possible in part with
a gift from William H.T. Bush in loving
memory of Patricia R. Bush.
and the Steward Family Foundation.
Major production support was provided
by the William T. Kemper
Foundation - Commerce Bank,
Trustee, and
and with production underwriting from
Richard Strauss
Clayco
and
Special thanks for production
underwriting from the Ware Family
Foundation and the late Emma Coulter Ware.
Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges
Pris McDonnell for endowment
support for artist residencies.
The production was also made possible
with a generous gift from Adrienne and
Russ Patton in celebration of their 40th
anniversary. Production underwriting was
provided by the
Audience development programs surrounding
Shalimar the Clown are made possible by PNC
Arts Alive and OPERA America’s Opera Fund.
BERGES
4
Photos (L to R): (1) Andrew Haji and Hae Ji Chang in La bohème.
(2) Robert Pomakov and Roland Wood in Macbeth. (3) So Young Park in Ariadne on Naxos.
(4) Andriana Chuchman in the world premiere of Shalimar the Clown.
(5) Liv Redpath and Joshua Blue in Center Stage. Photos © Ken Howard, 2016
Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges
Center Stage Sponsors Phoebe and
Spencer Burke and
on Shalimar the Clown
and Macbeth
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is funded in
part by the Regional Arts Commission,
Arts and Education Council, National
Endowment for the Arts, and the
Missouri Arts Council.
Lewis Rice,
and Bravo Benefactors Mary Ann and
Andy Srenco, and Encore Contributor
Paul M. Arenberg.
Generous leadership support for the services
of the St. Louis Symphony is provided by
Jack C. Taylor and the Taylor family.
Opera Theatre promotes and affirms
diversity and inclusion through
community engagement, casting and
hiring nondiscrimination policies,
and its ADA compliance.
FAMILY
F O U N D AT I O N
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Opera Theatre's World Premieres
Travel Across the Country
“Haunting…topical, literary, and theatrical…poignant…vivid.”
– The Wall Street Journal
In the 2016 season, Opera Theatre presented its 25th world premiere and the third chapter of its New
Works, Bold Voices series with Shalimar the Clown, based on the acclaimed novel by Salman Rushdie.
Composed by Jack Perla with a libretto by playwright Rajiv Joseph, this work created a magic all its own
by fusing Western and classical Indian musical traditions, exciting audiences and critics alike.
Since the opera’s premiere in June 2016, multiple companies have already
expressed their interest in mounting subsequent productions. If Shalimar
travels to other stages in the future, it will follow in a proud tradition of other
OTSL commissions. In 2016, other
companies announced or opened
In FY2016 alone, OTSL’s
new productions of Opera Theatre
New Works, Bold Voices
world premieres. The Washington
National Opera at the Kennedy
commissions were
Center programmed Terence
programmed in
Blanchard and Michael Cristofer’s
Washington D.C.,
Champion for its 2016–17 season,
San Francisco, Pittsburgh, featuring much of the same cast and
and New York.
production team as the original OTSL production with Jazz St.
Louis. This opera in jazz also received a new staging from San
Francisco’s Opera Parallèle in co-production with SFJAZZ, where
it quickly sold out. In addition, Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek’s “27” traveled to Pittsburgh Opera
in in February 2016, and the New York City Center presented a concert staging of “27” in October 2016, where it garnered significant critical acclaim.
6
With Opera Theatre’s commissions continuing to triumph across the
country, there’s no question about the importance of new works
to our company’s mission. OTSL’s artistic innovation not only
keeps us on a list of the most forward-thinking companies in
the nation, but also continues to attract the most exciting
singers in the world. More than 1,040 individuals applied for our
young artist programs in 2016, with 441 auditions heard in
5 cities. Of these, just 38 (or 4%) were selected as Gerdine
Young Artists or Gaddes Festival Artists.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Opera Theatre’s 2013 world premiere
of Champion has been programmed by
companies across the nation, from
San Francisco’s Opera Parallèle to
Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center.
Photo © Ken Howard
Of course, programming new works doesn’t just help attract top artists. New Works, Bold Voices is also
crucial to introducing new audiences to opera. When this company commissions a world premiere, one
of our goals is to create art that reflects the diversity of our community. These world premieres focus
on telling modern stories for an American audience, and as a
result have attracted new visitors from across the entire country.
Based on 2016 acceptance Opera Theatre works year-round to build advance interest and
rates, OTSL's young artists enthusiasm for a new opera by holding community tours with
its creators. In 2016, this led to an extended weekend of preview
programs are even
events, symposiums, and town hall-style meetings with Shalimar
harder to get into than an composer Jack Perla, librettist Rajiv Joseph, and author Salman
Ivy League university.
Rushdie.
Opera Theatre’s commitment to
bold premieres doesn’t just create artisic opportunities. Unique
programming helps our company capture the interest of crucial
regional and national arts funders, ranging from The Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation to PNC Arts Alive. In other words, new works are also key
to the fiscal strength of this company.
Composer Jack Perla, author Salman Rushdie, and librettist
Rajiv Joseph discuss Shalimar the Clown at a series of
community events. Photos © Eric Woolsey, 2016
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→
Since 2011, OTSL has increased the number of activities that bring our artists into the community,
consistently meeting St. Louisans where they are. These new efforts began with a powerful range of
community programs tied to John Adams’s The Death of Klinghoffer, and continued in 2012 with a tour
featuring hometown
hero Kendall Gladen that
touched school children,
young professionals, and
hundreds of new
prospective audience
members. After the
success of this tour,
OTSL created its
Engagement and
Inclusion Task Force,
which has become a
driving force for major
community programs
since, from Terence
Blanchard’s 2013
Geoffrey Agpalo performs at Opera Tastings (2016).
residency preceding
Photo © Eric Woolsey
Champion to sold-out
appearances by Isaac Mizrahi, Ricky Ian Gordon, and Royce Vavrek in 2014 to the creation of our Spring
Sing! and Opera Tastings programs.
Today, OTSL’s work in the metro area continues to grow. In 2016, participation in the Opera Tastings
series doubled, OTSL’s partnership with the Missouri History Museum was highlighted in a major
national case study addressing best practices in community engagement, opera legend Grace Bumbry
led a public master class at The Sheldon, and a new staff position (Manager of Community Events and
Engagement) was created to further connect the Education & Community Engagement and Marketing
& PR departments with partners throughout the region.
All of these efforts have been bolstered by recent philanthropic funding. In 2015, Opera Theatre was
selected as one of 26 national recipients of a multi-year Building Audiences for Sustainability grant from
The Wallace Foundation. Other recipients included the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,
Goodman Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, New York Philharmonic, and Seattle Opera.
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2016 ANNUAL REPORT
The Wallace Foundation’s grant is unusual in that it supports not only the implementation of new
programs, but also extensive research and data analysis — something that most non-profit arts
organizations do not have the resources to conduct independently. Thanks to this funding,
Opera Theatre has already completed several rounds of market research and begun to build new
programs based on an even clearer understanding of the audiences of tomorrow.
Many of these programs are blurring the
distinctions between traditional “education” or
“community” events. For example, the addition
of Teen Matinees, mirroring the Young Friends
experience of a pre-performance buffet and
informal remarks on the opera, approaches
teens on their own terms for age-appropriate
operas. Opera Tastings, which continues to
attract exponentially larger audiences each
year, added a day-time performance in 2016
for young families with children, providing a
fun culinary concert for adults and children
alike.
GROWTH IN YOUNG AND
DIVERSE AUDIENCES
800
23.6%
GROWTH
700
New Opera Theatre events like these have
continued to draw larger crowds of first-time
attendees, many of whom became ticket
buyers for the 2016 season. With innovative
programming for all ages, Opera Theatre will
continue to anchor its position as a pivotal
player in the St. Louis cultural landscape.
27.5%
GROWTH
600
HOUSEHOLDS
When Opera Theatre adopted a new strategic plan in 2014, it made a commitment to engage
audiences across St. Louis in their own neighborhoods, and not just at the opera house. While our
festival may only operate for six weeks each spring, we believe it is essential that we still serve our
community the remaining 46 weeks of the year!
and Experience
500
400
300
11%
GROWTH
200
100
0
MILLENNIAL
2015
GEN X
ETHNICALLY
DIVERSE
2016
Ultimately, it is through imaginative engagement efforts that Opera Theatre will continue to thrive and
attract new audiences. Research across the arts industry has shown that the more audience members
and patrons feel as though they have “ownership” in a company, the stronger advocates they will be for
that organization. Generating new audiences isn’t just about ticket sales, or season attendance…it’s an
investment in the continuedsuccess of Opera Theatre.
→
Engagement
Young audiences participate in a social media
scavenger hunt at a Teen Matinee (2016).
Photo © Ken Howard
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
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Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Young
“The company remains one of the best springboards in the
nation for young Americans on the cusp of big careers.”
– Chicago Tribune
Young Artists Programs: Gerdine Young Artists & Richard Gaddes Festival Artists
Among the nation’s most competitive programs for rising early-career opera singers, Opera Theatre’s
renowned young artist programs accept just 3-4% of all applicants each year. For the 2016 season, 38
artists were chosen from 1,043 applicants.
The Gerdine Young Artist Program is designed to nurture potential future principal artists and provide
them with important early-career development opportunities. Gerdine Young Artists appear in
supporting roles, understudy featured roles in main season productions, and sing in the chorus. In
addition, they learn and coach repertoire with OTSL’s
music staff and appear as soloists in master classes and
recitals.
Individual and group coaching sessions for this year’s young artists culminated in two public master
classes. Instruction was led by composer Ricky Ian Gordon (who wrote 2014’s “27”) and internationally
renowned bass-baritone James Morris.
Made possible by the Levy Family and presented in memory of John D. Levy, a founding board member of Opera Theatre.
Grace Bumbry Public Master Class
When Grace Bumbry returned to St. Louis for Opera Theatre’s Spring Fête, she also graciously agreed
to teach a public master class for several young artists. At this free event, arts lovers and music students
from all over the region gathered to observe this brilliant artist inspire the next generation of opera
singers. Before the master class began, Washington University professor Gerald Early presented
remarks and Mayor Francis G. Slay declared May 6th to be “Grace Bumbry Day in St. Louis"…
an honor long overdue for one of opera’s most courageous stars.
Soprano Grace Bumbry teaches a public master class for OTSL’s young artists
(2016). Photo © Eric Woolsey
→
Made possible by the Steward Family Foundation and the World Wide Technology Foundation.
Opera Theatre’s commitment to professional development extends to identifying the next generation
of arts administrators through seasonal internships in marketing, education, finance, development,
production, and artistic administration. Three members of Opera Theatre’s current annual staff began
at OTSL as interns; alumni of the program have gone on to positions at arts organizations throughout
St. Louis as well as the Kennedy Center and the Metropolitan Opera.
Made possible in part with support from the Charles MacKay Career Development Fund, the Dixie Long Memorial Fund, and gifts
made in memory of Mrs. John Sausele.
Joshua Blue, Benjamin Taylor, and
Erik Van Heyningen in Center Stage
(2016). Photo © Ken Howard
For the second year, Opera Theatre brought all these
deserving young artists into the spotlight with the Center
Stage concert, which featured a mix of beloved classics
and cherished rarities with accompaniment from the St. Louis Symphony.
This past season, our young artists received national praise for their work as the season’s ensemble, with
Opera Today raving, “The Gerdine Young Artists proved once again they are a consistent model of
excellence for all other opera choruses.”
The Gerdine Young Artist Program is supported in part by the Charles MacKay Career Development Fund. The Richard Gaddes Festival
Artist Program and Gaddes Career Grants are supported by the Richard Gaddes Fund for Young Singers and funds established in
memory of OTSL founding board members Elihu Hyndman and Barbara & Stanley Richman. A major gift from the Mabel Dorn
Reeder Foundation – Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D., Trustee in 2010 helped endow OTSL’s professional development programs and
established the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Prize.
10
John D. Levy Master Classes
Administrative Internship Program
→
Opera Theatre also offers a second advanced
designation of young artists: Richard Gaddes Festival
Artists. With support from the long-established Richard
Gaddes Fund for Young Singers, this program selects
the most outstanding participants from previous
seasons of The Gerdine Young Artist Program to
perform specially selected featured roles that represent
a natural progression on a path toward a solo career;
these young artists still continue to benefit from Opera
Theatre’s many coaching and mentoring opportunities.
Artist Education and Development Programs
Emerson Behind the Curtain
This series of professional development programs prepares college students for careers in a broad
spectrum of technical concentrations in modern-day stage work, with training programs originating
from the logistical demands of a repertory opera season.
• Emerson Opera Production Workshops – A general introduction to construction and
technical design and the opportunity for careers behind the stage.
• Emerson Production Artists – An eight-week intensive experience in theater production,
with weekly professional development seminars led by artists and production staff.
• Emerson Production Assistants – Entry-level theater professionals who work under
the direction of OTSL’s lauded designers, directors, and professional production staff.
• Emerson Costume Apprentices – Progressive training in costume design and construction
from visiting designers and costume department professionals.
Made possible with a leadership gift from Emerson, and with gifts from Rabbi Dr. Jay & Erika† Goldburg, and a fund
established in memory of Catherine Vail Levy.
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Larry and Jinny Browning Fund for Technical Fellowships
Made possible with a transformative gift from the family of Opera Theatre’s late board chairman
Larry Browning, the Larry & Jinny Browning Fund for Technical Fellowships offers advanced training
for young artisans pursuing careers in technical theater production. Browning Fellows attend seminars
taught by visiting designers, directors, and OTSL professional staff, and a $5,000 career grant is
awarded to one Fellow each season in recognition of extraordinary potential to advance the field of
technical theater.
MACBETH
Made possible with a leadership endowment gift from the Browning Family in memory of Opera Theatre’s late board chairman Larry
Browning, one of OTSL’s principal founders.
→
In 2016, the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program celebrated its 26th anniversary. This landmark Opera
Theatre program offers eight months of college-level voice lessons to talented high school students,
who are chosen through a highly
competitive audition process. In the last
year, 23 high school students from across
the St. Louis region received weekly
vocal coaching from faculty at Southern
Illinois University – Edwardsville,
Washington University, Webster
University, and University of Missouri –
St. Louis. Last spring, students
competed for approximately $12,000 in
scholarship awards at a spring recital
held at The Sheldon Concert Hall,
adjudicated by internationally acclaimed
mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, last
Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves leads a master class
seen in St. Louis during 2013’s world
with AIT students (2016). Photo © Eric Woolsey
premiere Champion.
• AIT Advanced Study Scholarships are awarded through an annual audition to program
alumni who are focused on furthering their vocal studies. In 2016, 17 alumni received
scholarships.
• AIT Preparatory Program at Normandy High School, Central Visual and Performing Arts
High School, and Riverview Gardens High School offers training to prepare high school
students who plan to audition for the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program.
• AIT Spring Training offers two one-week camps during the opera season to students
interested in auditioning for the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program.
Sponsored by Monsanto Fund for 26 consecutive years and made possible in collaboration with the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts
at Webster University. Opera Theatre’s AIT endowment is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, the Gertrude and William A. Bernoudy
Foundation, the William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee, Ameren, the Marielle Huber Memorial Fund, and the
OTSL William E. Maritz Memorial Endowment Fund.
Additional support for AIT graduate study awards is made possible by Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Guerrerio and Wedgewood Partners, Inc.
and awards named for Scott Joplin and Kenneth Billups.
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2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Roland Wood, Robert Pomakov, and Julie Makerov in Macbeth (2016). Photo © Ken Howard
Monsanto Artists-in-Training
“A Macbeth of true international festival caliber…
OTSL’s interpretation is sweeping in its
execution and thrilling in its grasp of
Verdi’s lush and often surprising score.”
– Chicago Tribune
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
13
Beyond the Stage
Kashmir: Paradise Lost?
On May 12, Opera Theatre held a panel discussion on the history and music of the Kashmir Valley at
the Missouri History Museum. This panel explored the region’s history and culture in relation to the
original novel and operatic adaptation of Shalimar the Clown. Panelists included South Asian history and
law scholar Shazia Ahmad, General Director Timothy O’Leary, Artistic Director James Robinson, and
members of the cast. Sitar player Arjun Verma performed excerpts from the opera, weaving the music
of Kashmir into the evening’s conversation.
Produced in partnership with the Missouri History Museum.
Spring Sing!
On May 7, Opera Theatre’s beloved community chorus event returned for a third year, offering a
pop-up concert in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum. Principal singers, Gerdine Young
Artists, and Richard Gaddes Festival Artists joined with almost 200 members of the greater St. Louis
community to launch Opera Theatre’s 41st festival season together in song. Head of Music Staff and
Chorus Master Robert Ainsley conducted the 30-minute concert, which included classic opera choruses
from Verdi and Puccini, as well as spirituals and choruses from the American songbook. The concert
also featured a special appearance by the high school group “Spiritual Remix,” under the direction of
Duane Foster.
2016 marked the second year of Opera Theatre’s newest
AUDIENCES RAVE
pre-season event. At six restaurants across the St. Louis
region, four current and former OTSL young artists
ABOUT OPERA TASTINGS
performed arias, duets, and trios spanning the range of
operatic history. For each piece, chefs and sommeliers
"This was my first taste of
created a small plate or drink “pairing” to enhance the
opera and I loved it!"
flavor of the music. Designed for audiences new to opera,
these innovative “culinary concerts” helped audiences
develop a palate for opera in a fun setting. The series was
"Wonderful, approachable,
offered this year at venues ranging from Grand
fun opera music!"
Center to Old North St. Louis to Soulard to
Chesterfield. Acclaimed conductor Ryan McAdams (a St.
"Awesome to every last
Louis native) and OTSL staff member and AIT alumnus
morsel. Thanks!"
Robert McNichols emceed. Each evening event sold out,
with the series reaching 107% of original capacity. Roughly
two-thirds of attendees had never before bought tickets
to Opera Theatre, and nearly half of all attendees then went on to purchase tickets to the main season.
Made possible by
→
→
Spring Sing! was made possible with generous support from Mary Susman and Tom Herm.
Opera Tastings
Christine Brewer and OTSL young artists join local volunteers for Spring Sing! (2015).
Photos © J. David Levy
with additional support from
Audiences enjoy food, beverages, and live performances at Opera Tastings. Singers included
soprano Katherine Jolly, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Sanchez, tenor Geoffrey Agpalo, and
baritone Robert Mellon. Photos © Alec Wallis/Alive Magazine, Elizabeth Wiseman, and Eric Woolsey
15
Beyond the Stage
In FY2016, Opera Theatre’s education and community engagement programs served
9,700 students in 120 schools and 78 zip codes — in addition to 6,100 adults
throughout Missouri and Illinois.
of The Barber of Seville, featuring five members of The Gerdine Young Artist Program and pianist and
music director Timothy Cheung. This performance perfectly captured the vivacious energy of Rossini’s
beloved comedy, and reached a total audience of 3,330 students, parents, and teachers across St. Louis.
N
MIS
I R
IVE
R
Made possible with leadership support from the Fred M. Saigh Endowment at Opera Theatre, and with generous support from The
Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank, Trustee, and from Monsanto Fund.
SO UR
Columbia, MO
270
270
70
MIS
S
IVER
IS S
I P PI R
170
64
270
255
70
55
64
44
55
270
MISSOURI
Music! Words! Opera!
255
ILLINOIS
Opera is more than just an art form. It can also be a valuable teaching tool for various academic
subjects, including history and literature. During a series of in-school collaborations between teachers
and artists, interdisciplinary lessons and activities culminate with the performance of original operas
created and produced by students. In 2016, more than 3,700 students participated in more than 30
schools.
Made possible with support from Enterprise Holdings Foundation. The Johnson Wabash Elementary residency was made possible by
the Trio Foundation of St. Louis.
Dress Rehearsals
Among the invited audience members at dress rehearsals, 706 of the attendees were students ranging
in age from elementary school to college.
Made possible by the Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis, and by a special gift in loving memory of Erika Goldburg.
Opera on the GO!
One of OTSL’s most beloved and celebrated education offerings, this tour brings the joy, passion, and
excitement of opera into the classroom through multimedia workshops and performance. Workshops
in acting and movement, singing, and make-up allow students to experience the joys and challenges of
creating an opera firsthand. In the fall of 2015, each workshop culminated with an abridged presentation
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Students have a riotously good time during an Opera on the GO! performance at Kennard
Classical Junior Academy (2015). Photo © J. David Levy
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270
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Teachers’ Institute for Music and Theater
This course offers educator training on the annual Music! Words! Opera! curriculum, led by local and
national experts including authors Roger Ames and Clifford Brooks and presented in collaboration with
Webster University. This year’s teacher training featured an in-depth exploration of Puccini’s La bohème.
Opera Camp for Kids
During our festival season, students participated in two one-week sessions that offered workshops in
singing, acting, and dancing at City Academy in St. Louis and Hudson Elementary School in Webster
Groves. Campers also attended a performance of Puccini’s La bohème and received a special visit from
Musetta (soprano Lauren Michelle).
Made possible by lead corporate sponsor Edward Jones.
17
Spotlight on Opera
ARIADNE
ON NAXOS
This popular series explores each of Opera Theatre’s four mainstage productions with a panel
discussion featuring each opera's director and designers, in addition to guest speakers such as
Shakespeare Festival’s Executive Director Rick Dildine, Broadway and film actor Ken Page, and St. Lou
Fringe founder Em Piro. As part of each panel, members of The Gerdine Young Artist Program perform
selections from each opera.
Illuminating Opera with Amy Kaiser
This in-depth daytime lecture series examines the origins of each opera featured in the season, and is
led by the Director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus.
Special thanks to Kirkwood Arts
Commission, with support from
Kirkwood Arts Foundation and
Manchester Arts.
Docent Presentations
→
Select principal artists and
Gerdine Young Artists perform
music from opera and musical
theater at venues
throughout the St. Louis
community every Monday in
June. In 2016, venues included
St. Ambrose Church, First
Presbyterian Church of
Kirkwood, and Manchester
United Methodist Church.
Liv Redpath performs at A Little Lunch Music (2016) with
pianist Damien Francoeur-Krzyzek. Photo © Ken Howard
Docent volunteers delivered 51 presentations to 1,500 students and adults, trained by OTSL Music
Director Stephen Lord, Director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus Amy Kaiser, Shalimar the Clown
composer Jack Perla and librettist Rajiv Joseph, Meramec College Library Sciences Associate Damaris
Schmitt, and retired St. Louis Public Schools music teacher Rose Nester.
Opera Previews
Each year, Opera Theatre offers free 20-minute presentations prior to every performance, highlighting
the story and music of that opera. These previews are held in the Community Music School Concert
Hall, adjacent to the Loretto-Hilton Center.
Generously underwritten by Mary Susman and Tom Herm.
18
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Erik Van Heyningen, John Brancy, So Young Park, Benjamin Lee, and Miles Mykkanen in Ariadne on Naxos (2016). Photo © Ken Howard
A Little Lunch Music
“A marvelous blend of high art and
low comedy, with rafts of
terrific music along the way…”
– St. Louis Post-Dispatch
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
19
A Sound Investment
Since Opera Theatre’s founding in 1976, our company’s reputation for artistic excellence has been
matched by an impressive track record of never accumulating a deficit. The 2016 fiscal year continued
that legacy with unprecedented generosity from the Opera Theatre family, proving that the company
remains a sound investment.
In FY2016, Opera Theatre exceeded expectations by
generating 118% of its fundraising goal, leading to total
contributions of more than $6.3 million in operating support.
This total included a significant increase in support from 126 new
donor households, many of whom were inspired to give by the
Ferring Challenge, a three-year, $300,000 challenge gift from
long-term supporters Alison and John Ferring and the Ferring Family Foundation.
“
”
– Charity Navigator
$1.75 Million in New Named Funds
The past year also saw the creation of several new major funds, thanks to
some of the company’s most generous supporters. A $750,000 challenge
gift from Patricia Hecker established The Stephen H. Lord Fund for Music,
while a $1 million gift from Sally Levy and the Levy Family created
The Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works. Funds such as these will
enable Opera Theatre to sustain the artistic excellence of its work season
after season. Combined with the overall endowment, these funds brought
Opera Theatre’s total invested endowment assets to $29.5 million in FY2016.
TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING SUPPORT BY FUND
The Stephen H. Lord
Fund for Music was
created through gifts
made in honor of Opera
Theatre’s outgoing
Music Director.
→
Bucking National Trends
Across the nonprofit sector, development efforts are measured not only
by money raised, but also by how much is spent to secure those funds.
The national average for cost per dollar raised ranges from $1.50 to
$0.10 and averages approximately $0.20, but Opera Theatre’s average
is consistently low at just $0.12.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and the efforts of Opera Theatre’s board and Development
department, OTSL maintains its reputation as a fiscally responsible organization. In 2016, Opera
Theatre received Charity Navigator’s four-star rating based on our history of financial health,
accountability, and transparency. From the low cost of raising money to a track record of fiscal strength,
you know that your gift to OTSL has a significant impact.
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
20
2008 2009 2010
2011
2012
2013
FISCAL YEAR
2014
2015 2016
UNRESTRICTED
PRODUCTIONS &
RELATED PROGRAMS
EDUCATION
EVENTS
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
David and Thelma Steward, soprano Grace Bumbry, and Kara and Timothy O'Leary enjoy
2016's Spring Fête. Photo © Katie Long/Switzerfilm
→
0
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
21
Financial Strength and Stability
The extraordinary generosity of Opera Theatre’s family led a ground-breaking year of financial growth,
with over $9.4 million in total contributions (including operating, endowment, and capital support) and
a record endowment high of $29.5 million as of September 30, 2016. Ticket sales cover less than 25% of
Opera Theatre’s annual budget, making the investment of our donors absolutely crucial.
Opera Theatre’s endowment has grown by 79% since FY2008, providing an important source of
annual income through careful stewardship and annual distributions. Through a combination of new
contributions and investment performance, net growth of the invested endowment portfolio totaled
nearly $3 million in the 2016 fiscal year alone.
$26.08
MILLION
MILLION
4.4%
GROWTH
$29.51
MILLION
$26.13
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$22.38
$16.5
MILLION
$17.5
MILLION
MILLION
$1,800,000
$1,400,000
MILLION
$18.8
1.8%
GROWTH
$1,600,000
20,000
15,000
MILLION
TOTAL TICKET
REVENUE
TOTAL TICKETS
25,000
ENDOWMENT GROWTH
$27.32
The artistic success of the 2016 season contributed to an increase in ticket sales from FY2015.
Attendance grew by 4.4%, and overall ticket revenue increased by 1.8% for a total of $1.66 million.
While the national average for annual arts subscriber renewal hovers around 70-75%, Opera Theatre
continues to buck the trends with subscription renewal rates consistently above 85% for the last three
years.
10,000
$18.6
$800,000
MILLION
$600,000
5,000
$400,000
$200,000
0
2015
SUBSCRIBERS
2008
22
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2014
2015
2016
$0
2016
SINGLE TICKETS
2015
2016
SUBSCRIBERS
PRE-SEASON
EVENTS
SINGLE
TICKETS
OTHER
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
23
Financial Strength and Stability
Statement of Financial Position
CENTER STAGE
Opera Theatre’s mix of assets incorporates investments of more than $31.1 million, including the
Innovation Capital Fund and a Working Capital Reserve. Total net assets totaled more than $41 million as
of the close of FY2016, representing a substantial 7% increase over FY2015.
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Working Capital Reserve
Contributions Receivable
Other
Facilities and Equipment
$49,389
$31,131,405
$1,640,034
$3,918,127
$1,340,005
$4,387,533
$42,466,493
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Deferred revenue
Annuity Liability
$409,475
$651,785
$180,015
$1,241,275
Total Assets
As of September 30, 2016
“All of the performances were well worth hearing.”
– St. Louis Post-Dispatch
24
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Stephanie Sanchez performs in the annual Center Stage concert (2016). Photo © Ken Howard
LIABILITIES
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$42,466,493
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
$41, 255,218
25
Statement of Activities
2016 Income and Expenses
Opera Theatre’s change in operating net assets once again was positive in FY2016, with operating revenue and
As in the past, Opera Theatre’s revenues came from a diverse mix of sources in FY2016. The chart below illustrates
support generating a small surplus against expenses. This surplus, in addition to an increase in endowment and other
the importance of Opera Theatre’s generous family of contributors, especially given the limits of box office income
funds, led to an overall increase of $2.9 million in net assets over FY2015.
(due to our intimate theater and accessible ticket prices).
OPERATING REVENUE AND SUPPORT
Grants and contributions
Performance admissions
Fundraising events
Other activities
Investment income including realized and
unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net assets released from designations and restrictions
Total Operating Revenue and Support
$3,293,293
$1,659,206
$1,466,794
$529,038
$1,525,975
$2,244,628
Program services
General and administrative
Fundraising
$8,488,243
$842,509
$1,383,100
Total Expenses
Fundraising Events 14%
Individual Support 23%
Release from Restrictions
and Designations 20%
$10,718,934
OPERATING EXPENSES
2016 INCOME SOURCES
Year Ended September 30, 2016
$10,713,852
Other Revenues 5%
CONTRIBUTED
REVENUE 80%
Foundation Support 15%
EARNED
REVENUE
20%
Performance Admissions 15%
Corporate Support 3%
Government 4%
Arts and Education Council 1%
For the purposes of breaking down contributions by source, a portion of the Release from Restrictions and Designations has been allocated to the
categories from which the original contribution was received (e.g. Corporate, Government, Foundation, Individual).
DESIGNATED AND RESTRICTED REVENUE AND SUPPORT
Grants and contributions
Investment income including realized and
unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Other activities
Net assets released from designations and restrictions
Total Designated and Restricted Revenue and Support
$3,815,645
$1,385,632
($39,858)
($2,244,628)
$2,916,791
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
Increase in Operating Net Assets
Increase in Board Designated Net Assets
Increase in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
Increase in Permanently Restricted Net Assets
26
Total Increase in Net Assets
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2016 EXPENSES
Fundraising 13%
General and Administrative 8%
$5,082
$1,044,415
$28,439
$1,843,937
Program Expenses 79%
$2,921,873
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
27
Thank You to Opera Theatre's Donors
This list represents contributions of $1,000 or more made to the Annual Operating Fund in
the fiscal year of 2016 (October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016). We are immensely grateful
to our donors at all levels and to those who supported capital and endowment projects, but
regret that we do not have space here to list them all.
Sponsor Patrons:
$10,000-$14,999
Anonymous Donor (1)
Bank of America
Buckingham
Leadership Circle: $100,000+
David & Lelia Farr
PNC Arts Alive
Bryan Cave LLP
Anonymous Donors (2)
The Margaret Blanke Grigg Foundation
Barbara M. Bryant
Arts & Education Council of Greater St.
Louis
William T. Kemper Foundation Commerce Bank, Trustee & The
Commerce Trust Company
The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation —
Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D., Trustee
Mr. & Mrs. James Berges & Berges Family
Foundation
Missouri Arts Council
Centene Charitable Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Emerson
Emily Rauh Pulitzer
Alison & John Ferring & Ferring Family
Foundation
Marsha & William C. Rusnack
Dr. Jeanne & Rex Sinquefield
Sally S. Levy & The Levy Family
UPBrand*
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Monsanto Fund & Monsanto Company
Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Neidorff
Paradowski Creative*
Regional Arts Commission
Production Underwriter
Patrons: $25,000-$49,999
Bertram B. Culver III
Producer Patrons:
$7,500-$9,999
Joanne & Tony Guerrerio & Wedgewood
Partners, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Craft, Jr.
Dr. William H. Danforth
Ann & Henry Bauer
Professor Adrienne Davis
Commerce Bank
DM3 Fund
Richard & Phyllis Duesenberg & Richard W.
& Phyllis B. Duesenberg Foundation
Mrs. Joseph F. Gleason
Bill & Cynthia Durham
Carol Kimball†
Richard Gaddes
Robert H. Duesenberg & The Robert H. &
Lorraine F. Duesenberg Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Langsam
Rabbi Dr. Jay & Erika† Goldburg
John Frank Lesser
Graybar
Robert & Jane Feibel
J. David & Lucy S. Levy
George Handran
Aria Circle Patrons:
$15,000-$24,999
Dorothy & Billy Firestone
Major Brands*
Janet & Andy Hoyne
Marilyn & Sam Fox
Paul M. Packman, M.D.
Heather Hunt-Ruddy
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Edes P. Gilbert
Dr. Robert Packman
Impact Group Charitable Foundation
Wells Fargo Advisors
Edward H. & Rosemary Young Fund
of the Greater Saint Louis Community
Foundation
William H.T. Bush & Bush Family Fund
of the Greater Saint Louis Community
Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Eberlein
Ameren
Enterprise Bank & Trust
Paul M. Arenberg† & Arenberg Fund
of the Greater Saint Louis Community
Foundation
Edward Chase Garvey Memorial
Foundation
David & Thelma Steward & Steward Family
Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer & Brauer
Charitable Trust
Jack C. Taylor† & the Taylor Family
Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Bryant, Jr.
The Wallace Foundation
Spencer & Phoebe Burke
Whitaker Foundation
Clayco Construction Company Inc.
World Wide Technology Foundation
Edward Jones
Directors’ Circle:
$50,000-$99,999
Webster University*
The Aaron Copland Fund For Music
Franklin F. Wallis
Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation
Mary Ann Lee
Mont & Karen Levy
Danny & Susan Ludeman
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Holtman
Husch Blackwell LLP
Dee Pavelka & Pavelka Fund of the Greater Mr. & Mrs. David W. Kemper
Saint Louis Community Foundation
Jim & Pam Krekeler
Joanne & Alan Kohn
Jan Paul Richter & Ellen von Seggern
Richter
Gene Kornblum
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Liddy & Liddy Family
Foundation
Saint Louis University
Ann S. Lux & Lux Family Foundation
Barbara & Gene Spector
Dr. & Mrs. John S. Meyer
Stifel
Eleanor J. Moore†
Mrs. Oliver M. Langenberg† & Pershing
Charitable Trust
Lewis Rice
Joseph & Carolyn Losos
Mrs. Sanford N. McDonnell
Trio Foundation of Saint Louis
North Highland
Josephine & Richard Weil
Gyo Obata & Mary Judge
Sharon & Elliot Zucker
Pinnell Foundation
Polsinelli
Roy Pfautch
Mercy
John H. Russell
Gwendolyn & Steven C. Mizell
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Scharff, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Myerson
Benefactor Patrons:
$5,000-$7,499
PwC
Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Sher
Georgia C. Pettus
Anonymous Donor (1)
Anonymous Donors (3)
Patricia Hecker & Hecker Family
Charitable Fund of the Greater Saint Louis
Community Foundation
Sauce Magazine*
Ann & Bill Sullins
The Saigh Foundation
Anita & Gene Adam
Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden
Bettie S. Johnson
Mary Susman & Tom Herm
Sondra & Milton Schlesinger
Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank
Trustee
Mary Ranken Jordan & Ettie A. Jordan
Charitable Foundation
Nina Coulter Ware
Mrs. William H. Sheffield
Louis D. Beaumont Fund of the Greater
Saint Louis Community Foundation
Mary Schoolman & Clemence S. Lieber
Foundation
Judy Scott
Lee & Alexandra Benham
Mary Ann & Andrew Srenco
Mrs. Laurance L. Browning, Jr. & The
Pulley Foundation
Nancy & Ken Kranzberg
Ellen & Bill Yeckley
Helen Shopmaker
Lee Bohm & The Milford & Lee Bohm
Charitable Foundation
The St. Louis Originals*
Spire
Pamela Buell
Steinway Piano Gallery of St. Louis*
Paul & Elissa Cahn
Thompson Coburn LLP
Ces & Judy's Catering
Stephen Trampe & Jenny Gupta
Rev. Ronald C. Chochol
Mr. & Mrs. Irl Engelhardt & Engelhardt
Family Foundation
Leigh & Jean Mason
OPERA America, Inc.
Adrienne & Russ Patton
28
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Phoebe Dent Weil
Shepard Family Foundation
The St. Louis Trust Company
The Staenberg Family Foundation
Mary Strauss & The Leon & Mary Strauss
Charitable Foundation
29
Donors for Fiscal Year 2016
The Hon. & Mrs. G. H. Walker III & The
George Herbert Walker Foundation
Rita & David Wells
Donna Wilkinson
Patrons: $2,500-$4,999
Feast Magazine*
Drs. Cynthia Florin & Andrey Shaw
John Forestner & Brad Alford
Marti & Bob Fowler
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Fromm
Susan F. Morris & The Cove Point
Foundation
Moulin Events & Meetings
Kitty Pearl
Dr. David & Marilyn Yahnke
June R. Bierman
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Clark
F. Lee Zingale
Elaine & Harold Blatt
Beverly Clarkson
Guarantors: $1,000-$2,499
Sally Brayley Bliss & Jim Connett
Clayton Financial Group
Dr. Michael R. Borts & Dr. Mary Jo
Gorman & The Borts Gorman Charitable
Fund
John Michael Clear & Isabel Marie Bone
Dr. & Mrs. William A. Peck
Advertisers Printing*
William Aitken
Anonymous Donors (2)
Geniecast
Anonymous Donors (3)
Mrs. Vern Akers
Cindy & Sandy Peters & The Peters Family
Fund
Ann & Randy Getz
Robert C. Anderson
Charlotte Prince
Grey Eagle Distributors
David & Melanie Alpers
Balaban's*
Allison Roberts
Arnold & Myrna Hershman
H. Dieter & Karla Ambos
Julia B. Bamburg
Bea Hollander
Mrs. Robert L. Rosenheim & Rosenheim
Charitable Family Foundation
A. Gonzalez Angel & T.H. Mathews
Mrs. William Barnes III
Alfred & Marilyn Holtzer
Dr. Mary Anne Rudloff
Dr. & Mrs. Martin Bell
Linda Horne & Daniel Phillips
Linda & Bruce Ryder
Pam Belloli & Dave Shimek
Jeannette R. Huey
Rudi J. Bertrand & Paul A. Williams, M.D.
The Jackes Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Sachs & Argo
Foundation, Inc.
David A. Blanton III
Diane & Paul Jacobson & JOSAL
Foundation
Vicki & Brian Clevinger
Martha Brewer & Calvin Bentley Charitable Mr. & Mrs. Bert Condie III & The Herbert
D. Condie, Jr. Family Foundation
Foundation Trust
Diane Dark
Cindy Brinkley
Melvin & Pamela Brown
Peter & Jayne Davis
Mary I. Brown
Jack & Sherry Delo
John & Gailya Barker
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Browning & The R.E. &
B.O. Browning Foundation
Delux Magazine*
Anthony Bassett
Jane D. Bryan
BDO, USA
Paul & Amanda Cambridge
Steve Schankman
Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Benoist
Mrs. Parks Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. Arnold W. Donald & Arnold &
Hazel Donald Fund of the Greater Saint
Louis Community Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Matt Schumacher
Virginia Benson
Mr. & Mrs. Don R. Carlson
Dr. Ann Johanson
Arthur Bud Schweich & ABS Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Barry Beracha
Mr. & Mrs. Newell S. Knight
Mr. & Mrs. Henry L. Schweich
Catherine Bollinger
Karen & Harry Knopf
Dr. David Sewall
Mr. & Mrs. B. A. Bridgewater, Jr.
Terry Lay, in memory of Jerry Boyer
Marjorie & Kenneth Smith
The Hon. Bruce Buckland
Loy Ledbetter†
Solti Foundation
Buron F. Buffkin & Donn Kleinschmidt,
M.D.
Mr. & Mrs. Ned Lemkemeier
Frank Steeves & Sheryl Andrews
Employees Community Fund of Boeing
St. Louis
Elaine Coe
Salvatore & Dagnija† Comado
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew B. Craig III
Mrs. P. Terence Crebs
Roberta Dearing†
William & Suzanne Dolan
Mr. & Mrs. Julian Edison & Julian I. &
Hope R. Edison Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. John Peters MacCarthy & Ruth
Peters MacCarthy Trust
Joe & Alice Maffit
Lizbeth Maher
Elizabeth Mannen
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. E. R. Thomas, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Mark C. Throdahl
Mrs. S. Lee A. McMillan & S. Lee McMillan
Susan & Peter Tuteur
Charitable Foundation
William D. Merwin
George & Betsy Vogt
Erie Mills & Thomas Rescigno
Robert & Nancy Wagoner
Ann Faget
Terri Monk, M.D. & B. Craig Weldon, M.D.
Peter J. Wender & Wender Foundation
Melanie & Anthony Fathman, M.D.
Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Paul Montupet
Bradford K. Werner
30
Quintus L. Drennan, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tancer
Susan & Ben Uchitelle
Sara Epstein & The Sara & Fred Epstein
Family Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. James W. Donnelly
Mr. & Mrs. V. Raymond Stranghoener
John G. W. McCord
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Dale B. Dendtler
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew S. Love & Martha Love James V. & Susan S. Stepleton
Symington Charitable Trust
Katinka Stout
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
→
BMO Private Bank
AT&T
Andriana Chuchman and Sean Panikkar in Shalimar the Clown (2016).
Photo © Ken Howard
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
31
Donors for Fiscal Year 2016
Kitty Drescher
Stephen W. Skrainka
Donna & Robert Heider
Julia K. Muller & Earl K. Shreckengast
George Drysdale
Milton Hieken & Barbara Barenholtz
Cynthia & Rob Nevett
Raymond G. Slavin, M.D.
Dr. & Mrs. Wm. Claiborne Dunagan &
The Dunagan Foundation
Gina & Lee Hoagland
Dr. & Mrs. Matthew Newman
Janie & Sandy Sommer
Debra Hollingsworth & Mark Stacye
Jerome Nuell
Dr. John Sopuch
Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Woods & Heart of Oak
Foundation, Inc.
Liz Hopefl & Brian Mischel
Martha C. Nussbaum
Spirits of St. Louis Distillery*
Stuart & Susie Zimmerman
Dr. & Mrs. John W. Hubert
Timothy & Kara Graziano O'Leary
SqWires Restaurant & Annex*
Mrs. Lawrence C. Hultengren
Mr. & Mrs. John Oliver
St. Louis Magazine*
Phyllis R. Hyken
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. O'Loughlin
St. Louis Public Radio*
Roger & Lynn Irvine
J. Matthew Pantaleoni
Linda Stark
Frank Jacobs & Marylen Mann
Mr. & Mrs. Brooks Parriott
J. Kennard Streett
Kyle Kerr
Peggy & Jerry Ritter
Georgia Streett
Richard & Shirley Knight
John Howard Percy
Drs. Elizabeth & Paul Stroble
Helen Kornblum
James D. & Joy M. Pierce
Dr. Donald Suggs
Dr. & Mrs. Sean Edelstein
Mark Eggert & Julia Tang
Ernst & Young LLP
Hildy Etzkorn
Alan R. Fiddleman
Fifth Third Bank
First Bank
Keith & Ann Fischer
Fleur de Lilies*
Gretta Forrester & Gretta Forrester
Family Fund of the Greater Saint Louis
Community Foundation
Janice & Bill Forsyth
Shirley & Norton Kronemer
Dr. & Mrs. John A. Powell
Mr. & Mrs. Warren G. Sullivan
Bill Kumke
Susan & John Rava
Peggy Walter Symes
Lathrop & Gage LLP
Marti Reichman
Maria & Philip Taxman
Emil & Marianne Unanue
Sally Lefler & Jane Towater
Heidi & Win Reed
Don & Margie Franz
Myla Lerner
Don J. Riehn & Jon Goeders
Rowena B. Van Dyke
Warren & Mattie French
Fran & Norman Leve
Peggy & Jerry Ritter
Annie Vogt
Nancy Friedland & James Florczak - In
memory of Waldo & Lucille Friedland
Drs. Laurence & Edith Levine
Elizabeth & Richard G. Robb
Carol Wall
Leslie F. Loewe & Jean M. Agatstein
Kathleen S. & John C. Rorris
Washington University
Ellen M. Fusz
The Stanley L. & Lucy Lopata Charitable
Foundation
Al & Martha Roux
Leroy Wehrle
Dr. James Gandre & Dr. Boris Thomas
Charles MacKay
Mrs. Harvey Saligman & The Linda &
Harvey Saligman Charitable Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. John D. Weil & Pershing Place
Foundation
Ann M. Fusz
Eileen Garcia
Dr. & Mrs. Stan Margul
Lucinda P. Santiago
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Weiss
Gazelle STL*
Mr. & Mrs. Mark McCallum
Peter & Alice Sargent
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Weiss
Bettie Gershman & Gershman Foundation
Pat & Brigid McCauley
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Schlafly & Sycamore
Tree Charitable Fund of the Greater Saint
Louis Community Foundation
Ann Carroll Wells
Gail & Louis Glaser
Diane McCullough
Barbara B. Goodman
Rus McMahan
Joan Goodson
David McNeel
Kathy Sears - In memory of Frances &
Walter Sears & Florentine Friedman
Ronald & Jan Greenberg
Sedgwick Mead, Jr. & Catherine Perry
Thomas Sehr & Margaret A. Wayne
Michael L. & Paula E. Gross
Jack Austin Miller
Linda Seibert
Frank J. Guyoll III
Mr. & Mrs. James R. Moog
Dr. Mim Shelden & Lou Kinsey
Mr. & Mrs. Nate Moore
Jenny & Walter Shifrin
Louis & Marcela Hawn
32
Barbara McAfee Wohltman
Matching Corporations: $1,000+
AT&T Foundation Matching Gift Program
Bank of America Matching Gifts Program
Boeing Company Gift Matching Program
†In Memoriam
*In-kind
Bradley Smoak in La bohème (2016). Photo © Ken Howard
Susan & Robert Eastman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wislow & Susan & Robert Wislow
Foundation
Moisy & Bonnie Shopper
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
33
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Board of Directors
(as of September 30, 2016)
National Patrons Council (as of September 30, 2016)
Chairman
Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer
Mary Susman
Chairman
Noémi K. Neidorff
Barbara Bridgewater
Maria Guadalupe Taxman
Vice-Chairs
Arthur P. Brigham III
Franklin F. Wallis
Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden
Illinois
Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden*
Phoebe Dent Weil
Council
Patricia R. Bush†
Ann Carroll Wells
Adrienne Davis
W. David Wells
Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Bryant, Jr.
California & Missouri
Arnold W. Donald
Life Members
Mrs. Parks Campbell
Texas
Mrs. Eugene C. Adam
Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Craft, Jr.
Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Irl F. Engelhardt
Lelia J. Farr
V. Raymond Stranghoener
Vice-Chair and Treasurer
Edes P. Gilbert
William C. Rusnack
Anthony L. Guerrerio
Secretary
Heather Hunt-Ruddy
Sally S. Levy
Frank Jacobs
Immediate Past Chairman
Bettie Johnson
Spencer B. Burke
Carol Kimball†
Mrs. Alan C. Kohn
Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden
Richard W. Duesenberg
Mrs. Ernest A. Eddy, Jr.
Robert M. Feibel, M.D.
Suzanne & William Dolan
Oregon
Eugene Kornblum
Donna Wilkinson
Kenneth Kranzberg
Executive Committee
James A. Krekeler
Jim Berges
J. David Levy, Jr.
Kim Eberlein
Mont S. Levy
John H. Ferring IV
Danny Ludeman
Mrs. Harvard K. Hecker
Steven C. Mizell
Gina G. Hoagland
Michael Neidorff
Debra Hollingsworth
Gyo Obata
Mrs. Ronald A. Holtman
Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D.
Janet Hoyne*
Winthrop B. Reed III
Robert L. Scharff, Jr.
John H. Russell
Rex Sinquefield
Mrs. William H. Sheffield
Ann McFarland Sullins
Torbjorn Sjögren
Stephen L. Trampe
Gene W. Spector, M.D.
Board of Directors
Frank L. Steeves
Tom Herm
Thelma Steward
Advisors
Dr. Elizabeth Stroble*
Ann Fusz
Dr. Donald M. Suggs
Ellen Fusz
Peter F. Benoist
34
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. John E. Forestner
Texas
Drs. Sondra & Milton Schlesinger
California
George Handran
Massachusetts
Mrs. Frederick J. Simon
Nebraska
Dr. Diane & Mr. Paul Jacobson
Minnesota
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tancer
Arizona
Mr. Jack McCord
Illinois
Professor Emeritus Charles M. Weiss
North Carolina
Drs. Terri A. Monk & B. Craig Weldon
Missouri
Sharon & Elliot Zucker
Missouri & New Mexico
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Guild Board
Richard Gaddes
Chairman Emerita
Paul Arenberg†
Carol L. Roslund
Missouri
Ellen von Seggern Richter &
Jan Paul Richter
California & Maryland
Mr. Robert H. Duesenberg
Missouri
Mrs. William B. Firestone
Susan D. Eastman
Massachusetts
Mrs. Harvard K. Hecker
(as of September 30, 2016)
Dr. W. R. Konneker†
Mrs. W. R. Konneker
President
Carol Kimball†
Joseph Losos
Janet Hoyne
Lucy Levy
Members of the
Guild Board
Harry Moppins
Charles MacKay
President Elect
Sally Levy
Mary Bower
Georgia Pettus
Mary Susman
Beverly Clarkson
John Rorris
Peggy Walter Symes
Connie Emge
Martha Roux
Ann Fischer
Damaris Schmitt
Community Engagement
Andy Hahn
Linda Seibert
Jamie Spencer
Susie Hahn
Rowena Van Dyke
Mrs. E. Desmond Lee
Pris McDonnell
Mrs. Robert S. McDorman
Matthew Newman, M.D.
Roma B. Witcoff
Gailya Barker
Immediate Past
President
Bob Wagoner
Secretary
* Ex-Officio Member
Eugenie Bonte
†In Memoriam
Treasurer
Vice Presidents
Ursula Moeller
Myrna Hershman
Michael Weisbrod
Ingeborg Jackson
Beverly Whittington
Diane Woepke
Artistic Support
Mark Kent
Steve Knapp
Tani Wolff
Bill Yeckley
Norton Kronemer
George Yeh
Shirley Kronemer
Elliot Zucker
Fran Leve
Sharon Zucker
Membership
Cay Sullivan
Diane McCullough
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
35
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Staff
Timothy O’Leary
General Director
Stephen Lord
Music Director
James Robinson
Artistic Director
ARTISTIC
ADMINISTRATION
FINANCE
OFFICE OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTOR
Paul Kilmer
Director of Artistic Administration
Stephanie Nigus
Manager of Artistic Operations
Mary Ip
Director of Finance
Barry Rowold
Accounting Manager
Erin Waters Ryan
Executive Assistant to the General Director
Sharon Ackermann
Staff Accountant
PRODUCTION &
OPERATIONS
Peggy Brooks
Accounts Coordinator
Stephen Ryan
Director of Production & Operations
Nicole Ambos Freber
Director of Development
MARKETING &
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Vonetta Flowers
Production Manager
Emilie Hensley (through August 11, 2016)
Assistant Director of Development
Joe Gfaller
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Michelle Myers
Manager of Constituent Relations
Brian Jones
Digital Media & Database Manager
Caron House
Manager of Institutional Grants
Anh Le
Publications & Brand Manager
Madalyn Mentor
Artistic Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT
Stacey Bregenzer
Development Systems Manager
Cameron James (beginning September 21,
2016)
Manager of Special Events
Kate Loar (through August 11, 2016)
Development Associate
EDUCATION &
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Allison Felter
Director of Education & Community
Engagement
Daniel Mayo (through July 5, 2016)
Manager of Education & Community
Engagement
Eric Woolsey
Operations Manager
Hans Fredrickson
Technical Director
LA BOHÈME
“I haven’t been so moved
by Bohème in years.”
– Opera News
“Outstanding talents… Any opera lover will
supremely enjoy this splendid production.”
– Broadway World
“A feast for your eyes and ears.”
– ALIVE Magazine
Stacy Harris
Costume Shop Manager
Sarah Thompson
Interim Public Relations Manager
Kendra Henry
Production & Operations Business
Manager
Maggie Stearns
National PR Consultant
Lucie Garnett
Receptionist
Frances Morales-Neufeld
PR & Social Media Consultant
Michael Simpson
Program Book & Front of House Designer
Ken Howard
Company Photographer
BOX OFFICE
Kara Koverman
Box Office Manager
Front cover photo:
Andriana Chuchman in Shalimar the Clown.
Sally Kurt
Assistant Box Office Manager
Back cover photo:
Josh Wheeker and Anush Avetisyan in
Center Stage.
Robert McNichols
Manager of Community Events &
Engagement
Photos © Ken Howard, 2016
Mia DeJong (beginning August 22, 2016)
Education Coordinator
36
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Anthony Clark Evans, Lauren Michelle, Sean Michael Plumb, and Bradley Smoak in La bohème (2016). Photo © Ken Howard
(as of September 30, 2016)