History
Madison Opera was founded in 1961 under the umbrella of the Madison Civic Music Association, which also encompassed the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Originally called The Opera Workshop, it was renamed the Madison Civic Opera Guild in 1962 and led by stage director Arline Johnson and her husband, conductor Roland Johnson. The company’s first full production was La Bohème in 1963 at East High School. In the beginning years, the company performed one opera per year, featuring local artists and a budget of $6,000.
Over the ensuing decades, the company grew along with the city of Madison. It performed in the Wisconsin Union Theater in the 1970s, including a live state-wide telecast of Manon in 1977. In 1980, it moved to the newly-renovated Oscar Mayer Theater and expanded to a two-production season. The company commissioned an opera about Frank Lloyd Wright, Shining Brow, which premiered in 1993. Shortly afterwards, the Opera separated from the Madison Civic Music Association and the Madison Symphony, becoming an independent financial and artistic entity.
In 2002, the company started Opera in the Park, a free outdoor concert in Garner Park. Featuring solo artists from the upcoming season, the Madison Opera Chorus, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Opera in the Park has grown into a highlight of summer in Wisconsin, drawing the highest per capita attendance of any such opera concert in the U.S.
When the Overture Center for the Arts opened in 2004, the company became a resident of Overture Hall, growing its scale of productions and ultimately adding a third production in the Capitol Theater. The company presents a balanced repertoire every year, serving both opera newcomers and opera omnivores.
In 2013, Madison Opera opened the Madison Opera Center, built thanks to the generosity of over 185 donors. Located one block from Overture Center’s stage door, the Opera Center encompasses the company’s offices, rehearsal hall, and costume shop, serving as a site for rehearsals, previews, parties, and much more.
In the past sixty years, Madison Opera has presented over 70 different operas, composed from the 18th to the 21st century, performed in seven different languages. We have shared the magic of opera with generations of our community, as both opera and our city have evolved. Read below to explore our repertoire!
Past Madison Opera Productions
Tosca
by Giacomo Puccini
November 3 & 5, 2023
Overture Hall
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Tosca | Michelle Johnson
Cavaradossi | Limmie Pulliam
Scarpia | Craig Irvin
Angelotti | Alex Soare*
Sacristan | Mark Billy*
Spoletta | William Johnson+*
Sciarrone | Timothy Krueger+*
Jailer | Ryan White
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Frances Rabalais*
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Anonymous Lover
by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
February 2 & 4, 2024
Capitol Theater
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Léontine | Keely Futterer*
Valcour | David Blalock
Ophémon | Yazid Gray
Jeannette | Brianna Murray+*
Dorothée | Hailey Cohen+*
Colin | William Johnson+
Ensemble | George Abbot III
Ensemble | Megan Gloss
Ensemble | Lauren Stepka
Ensemble | Douglas Swenson
Ensemble | Ryan White
Ensemble | Alexandra Zulauf
Conducted by Michelle Rofrano*
Directed by Stephanie Havey
Choreographed by Lisa Thurrell
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
Candide
by Leonard Bernstein
April 26 & 28, 2024
Overture Hall
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Candide | Martin Luther Clark*
Cunegonde | Jeni Houser
The Old Lady | Meredith Arwady
Dr. Pangloss / Martin | Alan Dunbar
Voltaire | James Ridge*
The Governor of Buenos Aires | Robert A. Goderich
Maximilian | Luis Alejandro Orozco*
Paquette | Hailey Cohen+
Cacambo | Scott Lewis*
Conducted by John Demain
Directed and Choreographed by Brian Cowing
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
Salome
by Richard Strauss
November 4 & 6, 2022
Overture Hall
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Salome | Amanda Majeski
Jochanaan | Craig Irvin*
Herod | Dennis Petersen*
Herodias | Lauren Decker*
Narraboth | Chaz’men Williams-Ali*
Page | Quinn Middleman
1st Jew | Robert A. Goderich
2nd Jew | David Blalock
3rd Jew | George Abbott III
4th Jew | Evan Mitchell*
5th Jew | David Guzmán*
1st Nazarene | Alan Dunbar
2nd Nazarene | Pedro Valdez*+
1st Soldier | Andrew Wilkowske
2nd Soldier | Sam Handley*
Servant | Lindsey Meekhof*+
Cappadocian | Ryan White
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed and Choreographed by Keturah Stickann
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
Trouble in Tahiti
by Leonard Bernstein
The Seven Deadly Sins
by Kurt Weill
February 3 & 5, 2023
Capitol Theater
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Dinah / Anna I | Rehanna Thelwell
Sam | Yazid Gray*
Trio Soprano | Alannah Spencer+
Trio Tenor / Brother | Pedro Valdez+
Trio Baritone / Brother | Conor McDonald*
Father | Robert A. Goderich
Mother | Alex Taylor*
Anna II | Kanopy Dance
Dancer | Miye Bishop*
Dancer | Carolyn Fitzgibbons*
Dancer | Stormy Gaylord*
Dancer | Hannah King*
Dancer | Edward Salas*
Dancer | Katie Sovik*
Dancer | Alex Trofka*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Kristine McIntyre
Choreographed by Lisa Thurrell
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Marriage of Figaro
by W.A. Mozart
April 28 & 30, 2023
Overture Hall
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Susanna | Jasmine Habersham
Countess Almaviva | Elizabeth Caballero
Figaro | Matt Boehler
Count Almaviva | Michael Adams
Cherubino | Kirsten Lippart
Marcellina | Margaret Gawrysiak
Barbarina | Alannah Spencer
Dr. Bartolo | Benjamin Sieverding
Don Basilio | Tyrese Byrd
Antonio | David Guzmán
Don Curzio | Pedro Valdez+
Conducted by Stephanie Rhodes Russell
Directed by Dan Rigazzi
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
Lucia di Lammermoor
by Gaetano Donizetti
November 5 & 7, 2021
Overture Hall
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Lucia | Jeni Houser
Edgardo | Andres Acosta
Enrico | Troy Cook*
Raimondo | Kenneth Kellogg
Alisa | Quinn Middleman*+
Arturo | Justin Kroll*
Normanno | Tyrese Byrd*+
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Fenlon Lamb
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Symphony Orchestra
She Loves Me
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
February 18 & 20, 2022
Capitol Theater
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Amalia Balish | Susannah Biller*
Ilona Ritter | Emily Glick
Georg Nowack | Ben Edquist
Steven Kodaly | Andrew Bidlack
Ladislav Sipos | Alan Dunbar
Zoltan Maraczek | Jeff Mattsey
Arpad Laszlo | Walker Stephenson*
Headwaiter | Robert A. Goderich
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
Orpheus in the Underworld
by Jacques Offenbach
April 29 & May 1, 2022
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Eurydice | Jasmine Habersham
Orpheus | Christian Sanders*
Pluto | Brian Vu*
Jupiter | Craig Verm
Public Opinion | Laurel Semerdjian*
Cupid | Gillian Hollis
Diana | Emily Secor
John Styx | Robert A. Goderich
Mercury | Tyrese Byrd+
Venus | Kirsten Lippart
Minerva | Anja Pustaver*+
Juno | Emily Glick
Mars | Jake Surzyn*+
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Stephanie Havey*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
2020/21 Digital Season
Although the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for us to gather in the Overture Center for the Arts for our planned productions Madison Opera did not fall silent in the 2020/21 Season.
Featured Artists
Releases
Andres Acosta
Suzanne Beia
Roberto Berrocal
Emily Birsan
David Blalock
Matt Boehler
Lara Bolton
Karen Brown-Larimore
Elizabeth Caballero
Anthony Cao
John Christensen
Sean Corcoran
Alan Dunbar
Ben Edquist
Michael Egel
Chris Farenthold
Emily Fons
Chris Frisco
Scott Gendel
Deborah Gil
Emily Glick
Bobby Goderich
Jasmine Habersham
Jeni Houser
Weston Hurt
Warren Jones
Dale Kaufman
Kenneth Kellogg
Kyle Ketelsen
JJ Koh
Kevin Korth
Jill Krynicki
Lynn Krynicki
Fenlon Lamb
Billy Larimore
Kirsten Larson
Karl Lavine
Jonathan Lipp
Will Liverman
Cecilia Violetta López
Pete Lundberg
Ashley Magnus
Amanda Majeski
Kristine McIntyre
Lee Anne Myslewski
Sidney Outlaw
Nathan Salazar
Rolando Salazar
Doug Scholz-Carlson
Emily Secor
Bethany Self
Scott Seyforth
R. Eric Stone
Andrew Wilkowske
Connie Yun
Live from the Madison Opera Center
“Keep Moving”: Jeni Houser, soprano; David Blalock, tenor; Scott Gendel, piano
“A Tribute to Giorgio Tozzi”: Kyle Ketelsen, bass-baritone; Emily Secor, soprano; Scott Gendel, piano
“An Evening of Friendship”: Emily Fons, mezzo; Amanda Majeski, soprano; Scott Gendel, piano
“An Evening of Holiday Cheer”: Will Liverman, baritone; Suzanne Beia, violin; Scott Gendel, piano
“A Valentine’s Eve Concert:” Emily Birsan, soprano; Karl Lavine, cello; John Christensen, bass; Scott Gendel, piano; Pete Lundberg, piano
Alan Dunbar, baritone; Scott Gendel, piano
Andres Acotsa, tenor; Scott Gendel, piano
Season Finale: Jeni Houser, soprano; David Blalock, tenor; JJ Koh, clarinet; Scott Gendel, piano
Opera Novice
Opera that Flopped
Opera and Politics
Unfinished Operas
The Goddesses
Shakespearean Opera
The Goddesses, Part Two
Opera Traditions Outside Europe
Fairytale Operas
Opera Disasters
Opera Up Close Cocktail Hour
Alumni
Stage Directors
The Chorus
Designers
Alumni, Part Two
Stage Managers
General Directors
Alumni, Part Three
Opera in the Park
Mini-Recital
Guns n’ Rosenkavalier – Andrew Wilkowske, baritone; Lara Bolton, piano
What Makes a Man a Man – Kenneth Kellogg, bass; Kevin Korth, piano
Weston Hurt, baritone; Bethany Self, piano
Cecilia Violetta López, soprano; Nathan Salazar, piano
Ben Edquist, baritone; Cris Frisco, piano
Kirsten Larson, mezzo; Scott Gendel, piano
Elizabeth Caballero, soprano; Roberto Berrocal, piano
Jasmine Habersham, soprano; Rolando Salazar, piano
LA TRAVIATA
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
November 1 & 3, 2019
Overture Hall
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Violetta Valery | Cecilia Violetta López
Alfredo Germont | Mackenzie Whitney
Giorgio Germont | Weston Hurt*
Flora Bervoix | Kirsten Larson+
Annina | Emily Secor+
Gastone de Letorieres | Benjamin Hopkins+*
Baron Duphol | Brian Major*
Marquis d’Obigny | Stephen Hobe+
Dr. Grenvil | Benjamin Sieverding
Conducted by John Demain
Directed by Fenlon Lamb
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
FELLOW TRAVELERS
Music by Gregory Spears
Libretto by Greg Pierce
Based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon
February 7 & 9, 2021
Capitol Theater
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Hawkins Fuller | Ben Edquist
Timothy Laughlin | Andres Acosta*
Mary Johnson | Adriana Zabala
Tommy McIntyre | Sidney Outlaw
Estonian Frank / Interrogator / Senator McCarthy | Alan Dunbar
Miss Lightfoot | Emily Secor+
Senator Potter / General Arlie / Bartender | Andrew Wilkowske*
Potter’s Assistant / Bookseller / Party Guest / Technician / French Priest | Stephen Hobe+
Lucy | Cassandra Vasta
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Peter Rothstein
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & PAGLIACCI
Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni
Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo
November 2 & 4, 2018
Overture Hall
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Cavalleria Rusticana
Santuzza | Michelle Johnson*
Turridu | Scott Piper
Alfio | Michael Mayes
Lola | Kirsten Larson*+
Lucia | Danielle Wright*
Pagliacci
Canio | Scott Piper
Nedda | Talise Trevigne*
Tonio | Michael Mayes
Silvio | Benjamin Taylor*
Beppe | Robert A. Goderich
Villagers | Benjamin Liupaogo+, Stephen Hobe*+
Conducted by Joseph Mechavich
Directed by Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Stephen Sondheim
February 8 & 10, 2019
Capitol Theater
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Desirée Armfeldt | Emily Pulley
Fredrik Egerman | Daniel Belcher
Madame Armfeldt | Sarah Day*
Anne Egerman | Jeni Houser
Countess Charlotte Malcolm | Katherine Pracht*
Henrik Egerman | Quinn Bernegger*
Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm | Charles Eaton
Petra | Emily Glick*
Fredrika Armfedlt | Maddie Uphoff*
Mrs. Nordstrom | Emily Secor*+
Mrs. Andressen | Cassandra Vasta
Mrs. Segstrom | Kirsten Larson+
Mr. Erlanson | Benjmain Liupaogo+
Mr. Lindquist | Stephen Hobe+
Frid | Benjamin Barlow*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
RUSALKA
by Antonín Dvořák
April 26 & 28, 2019
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Rusalka | Emily Birsan
The Prince | John Lindsey
The Foreign Princess | Karin Wolverton*
Vodník | William Meinert*
Ježibaba | Lindsay Ammann*
1st Wood Sprite | Emily Secor+
2nd Wood Sprite | Saira Frank
3rd Wood Sprite | Kirsten Larson+
The Hunter | Benjamin Liupaogo+
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Keturah Stickann*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
November 3 & 5, 2017
Overture Hall
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Carmen | Aleks Romano*
Don José | Sean Panikkar
Micaëla | Cecilia Violetta López
Escamillo | Corey Crider
Frasquita | Anna Polum+
Mercédès | Megan Le Romero*+
Remendado | Benjamin Liupaogo*+
Dancaïre | Erik Earl Larson
Zuniga | Thomas Forde
Moralès | Charles Eaton*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by E. Loren Meeker*
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO
by W.A. Mozart
February 9 & 11, 2018
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Konstanze | Amanda Woodbury
Blonde | Ashly Neumann*
Belmonte | David Walton
Pedrillo | Eric Neuville
Osmin | Matt Boehler
Pasha Selim | Brian Belz*
Quartet | Anna Polum+, Natalie Falconer*, Robert A. Goderich, Ryan White*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Alison Moritz
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS
by Daniel Catán
April 27 & 29, 2018
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Florencia Grimaldi | Elizabeth Caballero
Rosalba | Rachel Sterrenberg
Paula | Adriana Zabala
Arcadio | Mackenzie Whitney
Riolobo | Nmon Ford
Alvaro | Levi Hernandez
The Captain | Ashraf Sewailam*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, Kanopy Dance, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
ROMEO & JULIET
by Charles Gounod
November 4 & 6, 2016
Overture Hall
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Juliet | Emily Birsan
Romeo | John Irvin
Mercutio | Sidney Outlaw
Stephano | Stephanie Lauricella*
Gertrude | Allisanne Apple
Friar Lawrence | Liam Moran
Tybalt | Chris Carr*
Lord Capulet | Philip Skinner*
The Duke of Verona | Benjamin Sieverding*
Gregorio | Nathaniel Hill
Count Paris | James Held*+
Benvolio | Andrew F. Turner*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD
by Daniel Schnyder
February 10 & 12, 2017
Capitol Theater
Midwest premiere
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Charlie Parker | Joshua Stewart*
Addie Parker | Angela Brown
Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter | Julie Miller*
Doris Parker | Angela Mortellaro
Chan Parker | Rachel Sterrenberg*
Rebecca Parker | Krysty Swann*
Dizzy Gillespie | Will Liverman
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Ron Daniels*
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 21 & 23, 2017
Overture Hall
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Pamina | Amanda Woodbury*
Tamino | Andrew Bidlack*
Papageno | Alan Dunbar
The Queen of the Night | Caitlin Cisler
Sarastro | Nathan Stark
1st Lady | Amanda Kingston*
2nd Lady | Kelsey Park
3rd Lady | Anna Parks*+
Papagena | Anna Polum*+
Monostatos | Scott Brunscheen
The Speaker | Matthew Scollin*
1st Priest/Armored Man | Robert A. Goderich
2nd Priest/Armored Man | James Held+
Spirits | Finn Frakes*, Dylan Juni*, Aberdeen Kurka*, Jacob Monday*, Ethan Staver*, Drew White*
Conducted by Gary Thor Wedow
Directed by Dan Rigazzi*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
LA BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 13 & 15, 2015
Overture Hall
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Mimì | Eleni Calenos
Rodolfo | Mackenzie Whitney*
Musetta | Emily Birsan
Marcello | Dan Kempson*
Colline | Liam Moran
Schaunard | Alan Dunbar
Benoit/Alcindoro | Evan Ross*
Parpignol | William Ottow*+
Customs Officer | Nathaniel Hill*+
A Sergeant | Glen Siferd
A Vendor | Robert Goderich
A Child | Simon Johnson / Emma Dias*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by David Lefkowich
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
LITTLE WOMEN
by Mark Adamo
February 5 & 7, 2016
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Jo | Heather Johnson
Amy | Jeni Houser
Beth | Chelsea Morris Shephard
Meg | Courtney Miller*
Laurie | Eric Neuville*
John Brooke | Alexander Elliott*
Friedrich Bhaer | Craig Verm*
Cecilia March | Brenda Harris
Alma March | Elizabeth Hagedorn*
Gideon March | Rick Henslin
Mr. Dashwood | Nathaniel Hill+
Quartet | Cassandra Koob*, Marie McManama*+, Laura Muller, Kelsey Park*+
Conducted by Kyle Knox*
Directed by Candace Evans
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
by Jacques Offenbach
April 15 & 17, 2016
Overture Hall
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Hoffmann | Harold Meers
Antonia/Giulietta/Stella | Siân Davies*
Olympia | Jeni Houser
Four Villains | Morgan Smith*
The Muse/Nicklausse | Adriana Zabala*
Four Servants | Jared Rogers
Antonia’s Mother | Kelsey Park+
Luther/Crespel | Thomas Forde
Spalanzani | Robert A. Goderich
Schlemil | Tyler Alessi*
Nathanael | William Ottow+
Hermann | Nathaniel Hill+
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
FIDELIO
by Ludwig van Beethoven
November 21 & 23, 2014
Overture Hall
Madison Opera Stage Premiere
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Leonore | Alexandra LoBianco
Florestan | Clay Hilley
Don Pizarro | Kelly Markgraf
Rocco | Matt Boehler
Marzelline | Alisa Jordheim*
Jaquino | David Blalock*
Don Fernando | Liam Moran*
1st Prisoner | Thomas Leighton*+
2nd Prisoner | Luke Hrovat-Staedter*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Tara Faircloth*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
SWEENEY TODD
by Stephen Sondheim
February 6, 7, & 8, 2015
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Sweeney Todd | Corey Crider*
Mrs. Lovett | Meredith Arwady*
Johanna | Jeni Houser
Beggar Woman | Emily Pulley*
Tobias Ragg | Joshua Sanders
Anthony Hope | Daniel Shirley
Judge Turpin | Thomas Forde
Adolfo Pirelli | Robert A. Goderich
Beadle Bamford | Jared Rogers*
Jonas Fogg | Rick Henslin
Birdseller | Michael Etzwiler*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Norma Saldivar
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
April 24 & 26, 2015
Overture Hall
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Rosina | Emily Fons
Count Almaviva | John Irvin*
Figaro | Will Liverman*
Dr. Bartolo | Alan Dunbar
Don Basilio | Thomas Forde
Berta | Chelsea Morris*+
Fiorello | Trevor Martin*
Sergeant | Glen Siferd
Ambrogio | Bryan Royston*
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
November 1 & 3, 2013
Overture Hall
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Tosca | Melody Moore
Cavaradossi | Scott Piper
Scarpia | Nmon Ford
Angelotti | Ryan Kuster*
A Sacristan | Nikolas Wenzel*
Spoletta | Scott Brunscheen*+
Sciarrone | Kenneth Stavert*
A Shepherd | Nathaniel Johnson*
A Jailer | Greg Walters
Conducted by Joseph Mechavich
Directed by A. Scott Parry
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT
by Gaetano Donizetti
February 7 & 9, 2014
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
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Marie | Caitlin Cisler
Tonio | Javier Abreu*
The Marquise of Berkenfeld | Allisanne Apple
Sulpice | Nathan Stark
Hortensius | Douglas Swenson
A Peasant | Robert A. Goderich
A Corporal | Chirstopher Apfelbach*
The Duchess of Krakenthorp | Katrina Williams Brunner*
A Notary | Jason Compton
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by David Lefkowich
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
DEAD MAN WALKING
by Jake Heggie
April 25 & 27, 2014
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Sister Helen Prejean | Daniela Mack
Joseph De Rocher | Michael Mayes
Mrs. Patrick De Rocher | Susanne Mentzer*
Sister Rose | Karen Slack*
Owen Hart | Alan Dunbar
Kitty Hart | Saira Frank
Jade Boucher | Jamie Van Eyck
Howard Boucher | J. Adam Shelton
Father Grenville | Clay Hilley*
Warden George Benton | Jeffrey Beruan
Motorcycle Cop | Erik E. Larson*
Prison Guards | Nikolas Wenzel, Anthony Cao
Older Brother | Kenny Lyons*
Younger Brother | Jeremiah Eenigenburg*
A Girl | Kate Mann*
A Boy | Aaron Heaps*
Sister Lilliane | Gillian Hollis*+
Sister Catherine | Jessie Lyons*+
A Paralegal | Gail Becker*
A Mother | Megan Gloss*
Mrs. Charlton | Jennifer DeMain
Jimmy Charlton | Simon Johnson*
Anthony De Rocher | Erik Sherpe
Inmates | George Abbott III*, Andy Ball*, Scott Brunscheen+, Josh Sanders, Glen Siferd
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
A MASKED BALL
by Giuseppe Verdi
October 26 & 28, 2012
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Amelia | Alexandra LoBianco*
Gustav III | William Joyner
Oscar | Caitlin Cisler
Ulrica | Jeniece Golbourne*
Count Anckarström | Hyung Yun
Count de Horn | John Arnold+
Count Ribbing | Thomas Forde*
Cristiano | Christiaan Smith-Kotlarek
A Servant | Robert A. Goderich*
A Judge | J. Adam Shelton+*
Conducted by Joseph Mechavich
Directed by Kristine McIntyre
with Madison Opera Chorus, UW-Madison Ballroom Dance Society, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
ACIS & GALATEA
by George Frideric Handel
January 10-13, 2013
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
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Galatea | Angela Mortellaro*
Acis | Daniel Shirley*
Polyphemus | Jeffrey Beruan*
Damon | J. Adam Shelton+
Ensemble | John Arnold+, Jennifer DeMain, Jeni Houser*+, Josh Sanders, Jessica Lee Timman*+
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by David Lefkowich*
with Kanopy Dance and Madison Symphony Orchestra
DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
April 26 & 28, 2013
Overture Hall
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Don Giovanni | Kelly Markgraf*
Donna Anna | Elizabeth Caballero
Donna Elvira | Caitlin Lynch
Zerlina | Angela Mannino*
Don Ottavio | Welsey Rogers*
Leporello | Matt Boehler
Masetto | John Arnold+
Il Commendatore | Nathan Stark*
Conducted by Joseph Mechavich*
Directed by Elise Sandell*
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
+ – Madison Opera Studio Artist
EUGENE ONEGIN
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
November 4 & 6, 2011
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Eugene Onegin | Hyung Yun
Tatiana | Maria Kanyova
Lenski | Scott Ramsay
Olga | Jamie Van Eyck
Prince Gremin | Harold Wilson
Filipevna | Jane Shaulis*
Madame Larina | Allisanne Apple
Monsieur Triquet | Andrew Abrams
Zaretski | Doug Swenson
A Peasant | Stan Hill
A Captain | Steve Harrison
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Candace Evans
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
GAILILEO GALILEI
by Philip Glass
January 26-29, 2012
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
Galileo | William Joyner*
Maria Celeste /Marie de’ Medici /Eos | Jamie-Rose Guarrine
Pope Urban VIII /Simplicio /Cardinal Barberini /Merope’s Father | Dean Peterson
Salviati /Younger Galileo | John Arnold*
Sagredo /Duchess Christina | Saira Frank
Scribe /Maria Maddalena | Allisanne Apple
Younger Maria Celeste | Jennifer DeMain
Cardinal 1 / Inquisitor 1 /Oracle 1 | Alex Edgemon*
Cardinal 2 /Inquisitor 2 /Servant /Oracle 2 | Darik Knutsen*
Cardinal 3 /Priest | Errik M. Hood*
Conducted by Kelly Kuo
Directed by A. Scott Parry
with Madison Symphony Orchestra
LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA)
by Gioachino Rossini
April 27 & 29, 2012
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
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Angelina | Daniela Mack
Don Ramiro | Gregory Schmidt
Dandini | Daniel Belcher*
Don Magnifico | Steven Condy
Alidoro | Alan Dunbar*
Clorinda | Amy Mahoney
Tisbe | Jamie Van Eyck
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Garnett Bruce
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
November 5 & 7, 2010
Overture Hall
Susanna | Anya Matanovic
Figaro | Jason Hardy*
Countess Almaviva | Melody Moore
Count Almaviva | Jeff Mattsey*
Cherubino | Emily Lorini*
Marcellina | Melissa Parks*
Dr. Bartolo | Michael Gallup*
Barbarina | Emily Birsan*
Don Basilio | James Doing
Antonio | Justin Neihoff Smith*
Bridesmaids | Catherine S. Schweitzer, Laura Muller
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by A. Scott Parry
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra
THE THREEPENNY OPERA
by Kurt Weill
February 4-13, 2011
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
Macheath | James DeVita*
Jenny Diver | Tracy Michelle Arnold*
Polly Peachum | Alicia Berneche
Mr. Peachum | David Barron*
Mrs. Peachum | Amy Welk
Tiger Brown | Richard Henslin
Lucy Brown | Liz Cassarino
Street Singer /Pastor Kimball /Constable | Edward Marion
Filch /Crookfinger Jake /Messenger | Joseph Lullo
Bob the Saw /Warden Smith | Paul Kennedy
Ready Money Matt | Alex Cotant
Dolly | Leslie Cao
Coaxer | Lisa Bozec Maletic
Betty | Kristen Hammargren
Molly | Meghan Randolph
Walt Dreary | Bart Terrell
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Dorothy Danner
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 29 & May 1, 2011
Overture Hall
Violetta | Elizabeth Caballero
Alfredo | Giuseppe Varano*
Germont | Donnie Ray Albert
Flora | Jamie Van Eyck
Annina | Allisanne Apple
Gastone | Heath Rush
Baron Duphol | Paul Rowe
Marquis d’Obigny | Jeremy Kelly*
Dr. Grenvil | Gregory Brumfield
Giuseppe | Joshua Sanders*
A Messenger | Anthony Cao
Flora’s Servant | Glen Siferd
Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Garnett Bruce
with Madison Opera Chorus, Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance, and Madison Symphony Orchestra
* – Madison Opera debut
2009/2010 Season
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
November 6 & 8, 2009
Overture Hall
THE TURN OF THE SCREW
by Benjamin Britten
January 28-31, 2010
The Playhouse
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
by Richard Wagner
April 9 & 11, 2010
Overture Hall
2008/2009 Season
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
November 21 & 23, 2008
Overture Hall
COSI FAN TUTTE
by W. A. Mozart
March 13 & 15, 2009
Capitol Theater
FAUST
by Charles Gounod
May 15 & 17, 2009
Overture Hall
2007/2008 Season
LA BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 9 & 11, 2007
Overture Hall
THE TENDER LAND
by Aaron Copland
February 27 – March 2, 2008
Promenade Hall
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
by Gaetano Donizetti
May 9 & 11, 2008
Overture Hall
2006/2007 Season
RIGOLETTO
by Giuseppe Verdi
November 17 & 19, 2006
Overture Hall
THE PEARL FISHERS
by Georges Bizet
April 13 & 15, 2007
Overture Hall
2005/2006 Season
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
November 11 & 13, 2005
Overture Hall
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 21 & 23, 2006
Overture Hall
2004/2005 Season
TURANDOT
by Giacomo Puccini
October 22 & 24, 2004
Overture Hall
First production in Overture Hall
THE END OF THE AFFAIR
by Jake Heggie
April 22 & 24, 2005
Overture Hall
2003/2004 Season
ROMEO & JULIET
by Charles Gounod
November 21 & 23, 2003
Oscar Mayer Theatre
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
April 30 & May 2, 2004
Oscar Mayer Theatre
2002/2003 Season
IL TROVATORE
by Giuseppe Verdi
November 22 & 24, 2002
Oscar Mayer Theatre
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
May 2 & 4, 2003
Oscar Mayer Theatre
2001/2002 Season
DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
November 16 & 18, 2001
Oscar Mayer Theatre
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
May 10 & 12, 2002
Oscar Mayer Theatre
2000/2001 Season
THE MUSIC SHOP
by Richard Wargo
BON APPETIT!
by Lee Hoiby
July 14 & 15, 2000
MATC Mitby Theater
LA BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 17 & 19, 2000
Oscar Mayer Theatre
FALSTAFF
by Giuseppe Verdi
May 4 & 6, 2001
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1999/2000 Season
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
by Stephen Sondheim
July 15-18, 1999
Bartell Theater
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
November 19 & 21, 1999
Oscar Mayer Theatre
BRUNDIBAR
by Hans Krása
January 28 & 29, 2000
MATC Mitby Theater
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
May 12 & 14, 2000
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1998/99 Season
THE FANTASTICKS
by Harvey Schmidt
July 17 & 19, 1998
Civic Center
FAUST
by Charles Gounod
November 20 & 22, 1998
Oscar Mayer Theatre
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 23 & 25, 1999
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1997/98 Season
THE ELIXIR OF LOVE
by Gaetano Donizetti
November 21 & 23, 1997
Union Theater
HELP, HELP, THE GLOBOLINKS!
by Gian Carlo Menotti
February 12, 1998
Oscar Mayer Theatre
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
April 24 & 26, 1998
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1996/97 Season
THE MERRY WIDOW
by Franz Lehár
November 22 & 24, 1996
Union Theater
THE THUNDER OF HORSES
by John Franklin
January 22-25, 1997
Masonic Temple Auditorium
RIGOLETTO
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 4 & 6, 1997
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1995/96 Season
OF THEE I SING
by George Gershwin
November 3 & 5, 1995
Union Theater
THE VERY LAST GREEN THING
by John Franklin
January 26 & 27, 1995
Masonic Temple Auditorium
THE TALES OF HOFFMAN
by Jacques Offenbach
March 29 & 31, 1996
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1994/95 Season
BRIGADOON
by Alan Jay Lerner
November 18 & 20, 1994
Union Theater
THE VERY LAST GREEN THING
by John Franklin
March 8-11, 1995
Masonic Temple Auditorium
THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 28 & 30, 1995
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1993/94 Season
CANDIDE
by Leonard Bernstein
November 19 & 21, 1993
Union Theater
AIDA
by Giuseppe Verdi
April 22 & 24, 1994
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1992/93 Season
MAN OF LA MANCHA
by Mitch Leigh
November 20 & 22, 1992
Union Theater
SHINING BROW
by Daron Hagen
April 21, 23, & 25, 1993
Oscar Mayer Theatre
World Premiere
1991/92 Season
KISS ME, KATE
by Cole Porter
November 22 & 24, 1991
Union Theater
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
April 24 & 26, 1992
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1990/91 Season
CAROUSEL
by Richard Rodgers
November 16 & 18, 1990
Union Theater
DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
April 12 & 14, 1991
Oscar Mayer Theatre
THE STONED GUEST
by Peter Schickele
Performed November 17, 1985
Memorial Union
1989/90 Season
THE VILLAGE SINGER
by Stephen Paulus
GIANNI SCHICCHI
by Giacomo Puccini
November 10 & 12, 1989
Union Theater
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
April 6 & 8, 1990
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1988/89 Season
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Stephen Sondheim
November 11 & 13, 1988
MATC Mitby Theater
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
April 7 & 9, 1989
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1987/88 Season
THE MERRY WIDOW
by Franz Lehár
October 30 & November 1, 1987
MATC Mitby Theater
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
April 15 & 17, 1988
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1986/87 Season
NOYE’S FLUDDE
by Benjamin Britten
September 20, 1986
Masonic Temple Auditorium
FIDELIO
by Ludwig Van Beethoven
performed in concert
November 8, 1986
Oscar Mayer Theatre
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
by Stephen Sondheim
January 16 & 17, 1987
Masonic Temple Auditorium
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
April 3 & 5, 1987
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1985/86 Season
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
by Pietro Mascagni
PAGLIACCI
by Ruggero Leoncavallo
April 11 & 13, 1986
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1984/85 Season
LA PÉRICHOLE
by Jacques Offenbach
November 17 & 18, 1984
Central High School Auditorium
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
March 29 & 31, 1985
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1983/84 Season
THE GYPSY BARON
by Johann Strauss II
November 19 & 20, 1983
Central High School Auditorium
LA BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
March 30 & April 1, 1984
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1982/83 Season
THE BARTERED BRIDE
by Bedřich Smetana
March 18 & 20, 1983
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1981/82 Season
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
by Gian Carlo Menotti
December 4 & 5, 1981
Oscar Mayer Theatre
TURANDOT
by Giacomo Puccini
April 2 & 4, 1982
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1980/81 Season
HANSEL AND GRETEL
by Engelbert Humperdinck
December 20 & 21, 1980
Oscar Mayer Theatre
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
March 27 & 29, 1981
Oscar Mayer Theatre
1979/80 Season
AIDA
by Giuseppe Verdi
March 28 & 30, 1980
Oscar Mayer Theatre
AMELIA GOES TO THE BALL
by Gian Carlo Menotti
THE IMPRESSARIO
by W.A. Mozart
June 2, 1980
Central High School Auditorium
1978/79 Season
FAUST
by Charles Gounod
February 23-25, 1979
Union Theater
1977/78 Season
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
February 24-26, 1978
Union Theater
1976/77 Season
MANON
by Jules Massenet
February 11 & 12, 1977
Union Theater
1975/76 Season
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE
by Douglas Moore
February 13 & 14, 1976
Union Theater
1974/75 Season
COSI FAN TUTTE
by W. A. Mozart
September 28 & 29, 1974
Masonic Temple Auditorium
LA TRAVIATA
by Giuseppe Verdi
February 28 & March 1, 1975
Union Theater
1973/74 Season
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
March 8 & 9, 1974
Union Theater
1972/73 Season
GIANNI SCHICCHI
by Giacomo Puccini
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
by Pietro Mascgani
February 9-11, 1973
West High School Auditorium
1971/72 Season
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
February 18-20, 1972
Central High School Auditorium
1970/71 Season
HELP, HELP, THE GLOBOLINKS!
by Gian Carlo Menotti
February 12-14, 1971
Memorial High School Auditorium
1969/70 Season
CARMEN
by Georges Bizet
February 27 – March 1, 1970
East High School Auditorium
1968/69 Season
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE
by Douglas Moore
February 16-18, 1968
West High School Auditorium
1967/68 Season
HANSEL & GRETEL
by Engelbert Humperdinck
THE JUMPING FROGS OF CALAVERAS COUNTY
by Lukas Foss
February 16-18, 1968
West High School Auditorium
1966/67 Season
DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
February 10-12, 1967
West High School Auditorium
1965/66 Season
TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
January 21 & 22, 1966
Central High School Auditorium
1964/65 Season
FALSTAFF
by Giuseppe Verdi
February 18-20, 1965
East High School Auditorium
1963/64 Season
NOYE’S FLUDDE
by Benjamin Britten
November 17, 1963
First Congregational Church
LA VOIX HUMAINE
by Francis Poulenc
February 29, 1964
Inn on the Park Hotel
1962/63 Season
LA BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
January 11 & 12, 1963
East High School Auditorium
1961/62 Season
ACT II of DIE FLEDERMAUS
by Johann Strauss II
May 5 & 6, 1962
Alliant Energy Youth Building
ACT II of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
by W.A. Mozart
May 27, 1962
Central High School Scanian Hall
