[FAC] Cal Opera News

[Diane Nixon]

California Opera News
Summer 2007

In Remembrance of Mark Tolladay and Paul Gutierrez Jr.

We are all devastated with the sudden death of our dear friend, San Joaquin Gardens Director Mark Warren Tolladay, 48. Mark Tolladay was instrumental in creating a fun, positive and meaningful atmosphere for the residents of San Joaquin Gardens through support of local and visiting artists in Fresno and his belief in the impact of music and art on the lives of the residents.  California Opera Association shares many beautiful memories of Mark and his loved ones and how he planned on and attended the summer opera each year for the past eight years and believed in the young artists participating in the summer program.  We will always carry those memories and special times shared in our hearts. Remembrances may be sent to San Joaquin Gardens Drama & Music Fund, 5555 N. Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93710.

We sadly share in the loss of Paul Gutierrez Jr. who gave so much of himself to his work with and support of Tulare County Symphony, the Modesto Symphony, the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, and opera in Fresno.  Paul graduated from Fresno State University, where he majored in vocal performance, and I personally know he wanted to perform with us the role of Kaspar, but did not get a coveted round tuit. Music was the passion that reverberated throughout his life. I personally remember Paul most in his cheerfulness in support of the music programs in Fresno and Visalia, and his perseverance through the most difficult and challenging times, while instilling confidence in others.  We are all thinking about you Paul and always will. Remembrances may be sent in Paul's honor to the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra: 2377 W Shaw Ave # 101, Fresno, CA 93711.

The 2007 Summer Arts & Education Festival

After a summer of hopes, joys, sorrow, laughter and tears, we most appreciatively extend our huge thank-yous to all those that contributed to and attended the 2007 California Opera Arts and Education Festival at San Joaquin Gardens and the Tower Theatre in Fresno.  Many long but fun and exciting hours go into planning a summer opera festival.  In 2007, we pleasured in the return of several of our international adult artists, and also enjoyed the unique participation of the Yeodo Children’s Orchestra from Korea.  Weren’t they fantastic!?!  Nothing could of prepared us for the outstanding artistry they brought to our community and their outreach of friendship and mutual enjoyment of our different cultures.  Thank you to all of those host families who drove and nurtured the 45 Korean children visiting our community.  I was surprised myself with how easy it was to have housed three of the children and how they impacted my life personally. I cried when they left, as the two weeks seemed too brief a time. Their artistry touched me deeply, as these youngsters all play traditional music, in a time of changing global and modern influences, and they do it so well.  It was exciting to see the children’s English skills build during their stay with us, and so interesting to see them practicing their instruments and music, as many of the young children were returning home to participation in high level competitions.  As they came with letters and gifts from parents and their homeland, we also sent back letters from the host families, along with pictures and mementos of their stay with us here in America.   Thank you to IlSook Dahlin for coordinating the children’s trip and activities and to Madera County Office of Education, Rivergold Elementary School and Yosemite High School for the summer site and outreach to our American students, and to the Tower Theatre and to the television stations, particularly to Channel 26 and Channel 47 for outstanding news coverage of the Children’s Orchestral experiences. We also extend our gratitude to FAC-List Digest, Fresno Famous, Central California Public Service Broadcasters, Valley 411, FCASH, Mind Hub, and valley public radio, television and news for their publicity and support.

The Fresno Bee

Donald Munro of the Fresno Bee wrote excellent articles about the institute. The Welcome Opera article, the great picture of Jonathan Khuner and Leanna Sterios-Primiani and the gorgeous full page publishing the Korean children was darling.  What a great article that turned out to be – I myself learned about Lucia di Lammermoor – calling it “Mad About You” and likening the work to Romeo and Juliet while also adding some incredible humor about the mad scene from Fred Winthrop was really well-received. So many people called to comment and send compliments to Donald on his writing and articles! We are also so appreciative of Ms. Carolyn Romersa who sent in such a nice letter to the editor, and all the patrons like Carolyn who attended every summer event and who publicly and vocally shared so much appreciation for the program.

The California Opera Guild

There were many key people from the California Opera Guild and Fresno Opera League who helped pull off another great summer.  Phil Kimble, an individual who has never missed a California Opera Summer was an integral part of each and every event.  As he was there every night to head up the hospitality and public relations of the group through great pictures and fine personal support, he also delivered the most meaningful and beautiful wedding ceremony to Xiao Hua “Song” and Ken Lu, who met at San Joaquin Gardens through the opera festival a few years earlier. Anita Edelman, Gloria Taylor, Larry Barber, Larry Bluestone, Ray Ensher, Matt Marovich,  the Barsamian family, Lane and Peter Baxter, and Ruth Dyer were all so helpful at the doors and with managing the front halls and refreshments from night to night. Clarkia Cobb, and the Cobb family were of a tremendous support through Clarkia’s upbeat, detail-oriented approach to managing the festival and artists and the Cobb’s family generosity in hosting Jonathan Khuner from Berkeley Opera during his stay in Fresno. Roberta-Wain Becker, and Boris and Diane Nixon graciously supported the administrative ends of the program. Many other host families provided for a lovely stay for our adult visiting artists and we want to express our deepest appreciation: Paul Saito, The Sheely Family, The Coeler Family, Kay Schlotthauer, Don Gaede, GiGi Stone, Marie Torigian, Pat Gebs, Jeanne Durnell, Joy Edge, Elizabeth Kassel, Mary Anne Prody, and Jeanne Lovelace.

The Wagner Program

We all extend a great thank you to opera faculty Jonathan Khuner, Terry Estabrook, Roy Stevens and Annalisa Winberg and their contributions to the annual Wagner program.  We were especially overjoyed with award winning Fresno State professor Ed EmanuEL’s participation in this year’s festival and his leadership in the dramatic stage elements of the future development of the annual Wagner program.

Dance and Body Movement

Festival artists “stretched” their abilities via the total body educational approach to the arts through Mickey EmanuEL’s Tai Chi Dance program, which culminated in an outstanding performance with Grace Leu, Jamie Shih and festival artists. Choreographer Anne Cartwright adds such a nice touch to California Opera productions and performances that her leadership in dance highlight’s the opera performances.  Together with festival dancers, Anne shines in artistic detail and is incredible in adding educational outreach opportunities for young dancers, such as those participating in the Carmen and Lucia di Lammermoor.  Paul and Cindy Martzen not only filmed every event of the festival, they also provided for the most delightful ballroom dance instruction for the operas and at Ken and Song’s wedding reception.  They were instrumental in almost every aspect of this year’s Festival and themselves and family are really quite talented entertainers and artists right here in the valley.

Opera buffa (lol)

A most entertaining evening of the Festival was the double bill of La Divina and The Telephone conducted by Leanna Sterios-Primiani.  Telephone Soprano Jennifer Myers delivered for California Opera another fantastic dramatic portrayal and excellent vocals as a traditional Lucy, and Elizabeth Gentner, aka the red diva, was introduced to Fresno audiences in an excellent portrayal of the modern day Lucy. Performing the role of Ben, Baritone Bill Tull made his operatic debut in two very funny renditions as one of the very first roles her has ever performed as a new singer. Lyric Soprano Deanne Reeder was outstanding as a convincing diva both humorously comedic and tenderly expressive, supported by excellent performances by Mezzo-Soprano Bryn Jimenez and again by Bill Tull.  Zachary Sheely was just great in his supporting role of a young conductor.  All of this great experience was made possible by lighting and direction from Steve Wall.

Lucia di Lammermoor

Tenor Fred Winthrop delivered an impassioned performance as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor. Fred was an absolute delight of the 2007 Festival, as he educated audiences on the subtleties and nuances of the various operas, styles, periods, and composers.   Starting with Voices for Verdi and studying Rigoletto through a study of the protagonists on Bizet’s Carmen to  stage directing and performing in Lucia di Lammermoor, Fred proved himself to Fresno audiences to be more than a talented individual, but a superstar.
Lucia di Lammermoor was absolutely beautifully performed.  With the essence of the Romeo and Juliet story coming to life through the Scottish tragedy, it was an opera that was really well laid out, easy to follow, and which had very touching moments, especially during famed scenes such as the sextet, rising to the full height of the dramatic situation, reflecting each character, but with an interdependence that simultaneously blended the voices into a grand and powerful, dramatic climax.

Another huge thank you to Jonathan Khuner who conducted and brought together a wonderful ensemble for the Lucia di Lammermoor and Wagner programs.  The chorus under the direction of Sam Schieber and the musicians especially were all fantastic. Jamie Bonetto, Fred Winthrop, John Minagro, Zachary Sheely, Bryn Jimenez, Xiao Hua “Song” and Larson McCloud  all excelled in their roles. Roger Smith not only was an excellent Raimondo to standing ovation and applause but also worked tirelessly to prepare and transport sets. The Walker boys managed the show, while we extend great appreciation to Terry Estabrook who well informed us all through great supertitle projections.  Very special, unique, artistic and highly enjoyable moments included Claire Cantwell Moore on the bagpipes, Irish Step-dancer Courtney Melvin and Monty Torres presenting the national anthem at the start of the program.

Switching Hats

If it sounds like a lot was going on, there was at least one person who knew that sentiment completely. Wasn’t Zachary Sheely outstanding in his shift of roles this summer?  How he handled multiple characters and performances over this summer’s experience is the sign of a true and ready professional.  From the Duke in Rigoletto, to Carmen’s Don Jose, the Conductor in La Divina, and Arturo Bucklaw in Lucia di Lammermoor, along with all the extra concerts and dance performances, we all congratulate Zachary for his consistently high quality performances in quickly changing and potentially stressful circumstances. That is exactly what the program is meant to be about – stability, development and experience - way to go Zach!

Accompanists

No performing arts festival can exist without the underlying support of fantastic pianists and coaches. Thank you to Peter Grunberg, visiting faculty, and to Chen (Woo) Lu, Galina Umanskaya and Jill Prince, all now in their multiple years of piano accompaniment for California Opera summer and year-round projects, adding finesse, and their wonderful musicianship, talents, and abilities to the festival experience.

Special Sponsors

A huge thank you to the Fresno Arts Council and to Fresno Opera League for their repeated financial support to bring such summer plans to life, and to the Bank of the West, and Exxon Mobile Foundation through the family grants of the Sonnichsen and Bonetto families to make the programs work.  And we extend our very special appreciation for those of particular support to this year’s festival who helped to sponsors artists through larger financial donations to the J. Frederich Schlotthauer and William Yannuzzi Memorial Education Funds including Ted and Deborah Sheely, Kay Schlotthauer, Dr. Harvey Edmonds, Sue Donleavey, Polly Victor, Lorraine Person and Pamela Johnson, Albert and Carolyn Kong, James and Donna Pappas, Stanley and Marilyn George, Carolyn Alstrom Ttee, John and Mary Pylman, Anna St. John, William and Kaye Mills, the Massie Family, William and Dorothy Petesch, Eleanor and Elizabeth Stittich, Sue Fieldman, Robert and Donna Posch and Margaret Wright, Nita Edelman, Lori Barsamian, Anne Richtel, William and Mercedes Bruce, Edward and Martyna Burford, Patricia Gebs and Chen Lu (Woo).  Thank you to all the patrons of this year and past year festivals and to those of you who came every night to every single performance.  Yes, we do know who you are! And if you have been attending every year, you may also know that La Boulangerie has generously provided the refreshments for each event for the past several years, and that Flowers and More has consistently provided for very nice additions to the foyer and hall.

Issues Related to the Hall

On a last note, we were pleased to have been able to put in additional 100 seats at San Joaquin Gardens which added greatly to the capacity, comfort and enjoyment of the programs.  Gratefully, none of Pastor Jen’s concerns over parking involved any of the opera folks.  And, there are no regrets in holding out seats for family and friends of the artists involved but who were unable to attend, as we would have had it safer than sorry for those who were attempting to travel long distances to support the singers through their attendance of the programs.

Youth Today

We are pleased to update you some of our youth artists today.  Disney treated our young stars well. Benton Sheely, our youth leader from Lemoore, is now preparing for a high profile, successful career in New York. Elaine Takash, last summer’s Disney leader and star of Chip and His Dog (Menotti), also in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Hansel and Gretel, was recently recruited by the Air Force and awarded the silver rope, promoted to Lieutenant Director of the USAF Choir.  Their parents and all of us at California Opera who helped them achieve these successes and prepare for their careers are very proud.

Upcoming Events

California Opera tours California with “La Traviata” and “The Marriage of Figaro” this year, is in Mexico, China, and developing a Cairo, Egypt project, but locally embarks on two very important projects involving youth.

First, in its dedication to produce and perform new works, this year’s season is all about Contemporary Operas.  Slated 21st Century (yes, it does say 21st century) works include:  The Promise by New Orleans composer John Baur, based on the life of Martin Luther King, Junior; How Nanita Learned to Make Flan, a multicultural youth opera by Cincinnati opera composer Enrique González-Medina based on the popular children’s book of the same name; Kill Bear Comes Home, by NY composer Paul Stuart, adapted from Iroquois legend; and Freddy the Mathematician by COA in progress to be completed.

Second, Mark the Date – October 14th ! California Opera Association is hosting an “All City Youth Day" which we hope will become an annual event. Heading this new collaborative arts panorama project, are California Opera Association, Lively Arts Foundation and the Fresno Philharmonic, who all bus students for daytime fieldtrips.  The concept is that we all work together to disseminate information to members and educators about the matinee arts fieldtrips.  This provides educators, sponsors, and volunteers of the programs a single source to learn about the works and seasons of our city's opera, symphony and ballet programs tailored specifically for youthful imaginations.

The first event will be hosted by California Opera Association this October 14th, at San Joaquin Gardens Fellowship Hall from 2 pm – 4 pm.  Enjoy excerpts from the operas, learn about the New Lively Arts Foundation Nutcracker performances for children, and pre-view a large screen projection of “Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage”  by Classical Kids Live, the newest award winning production of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra for students and families.  Please support this pilot collaborative fundraising and youth awareness program and RSVP your attendance to Anita Edelman, California Opera Guild President at 434-1979.

In closing, a very special note of appreciation to General Director Edna Garabedian and Organizational Director Boris Nixon whose ideas, creativity, ingenuity and fortitude truly convert Fresno summer opera program ideas to an enjoyable reality.

The very best to all of you as you continue to be lifted each day through meaningful music, touching art, and the love of life, family, and friends!

Sincerely, Diane Nixon