History

Madison Opera Workshop (1961)

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.

Shining Brow (1993)

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.

Opera in the Park

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

Madison Opera - Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (5)

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

Madison Opera - The Anonymous Lover by Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint Georges (5)

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

Madison Opera - Candide by Leonard Bernstein (8) (1)

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

Madison Opera Salome - Ross Zentner (15)

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

Madison Opera - Trouble in Tahiti by Ross Zenter (4)

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

Madison Opera - The Marriage of Figaro by Ross Zentner (12)

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

MO - 2021 - Lucia di Lammermoor (8)

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 - Shawn Harper (50) copy2

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

MO_Orpheus_RossZentner (7)

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.

Watch Videos from the 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

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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

Madison Opera - Fellow Travelers (10) - web

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

CavPag

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

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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

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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_2017_1717

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

abduction_70

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_amazonas_07

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_2016_1434

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

yardbird_2017_1134

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

magic_flute_2017_158

THE MAGIC FLUTE
by W.A. Mozart
April 21 & 23, 2017
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia

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_boheme_2015_363

LA BOHÈME
by Giacomo Puccini
November 13 & 15, 2015
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia

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_2016_284

LITTLE WOMEN
by Mark Adamo
February 5 & 7, 2016
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

hoffman_2016_303

THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
by Jacques Offenbach
April 15 & 17, 2016
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia

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 Production Stills

FIDELIO
by Ludwig van Beethoven
November 21 & 23, 2014
Overture Hall
Madison Opera Stage Premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

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SWEENEY TODD
by Stephen Sondheim
February 6, 7, & 8, 2015
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

barber_of_seville_2015_42

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
by Gioachino Rossini
April 24 & 26, 2015
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia

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

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TOSCA
by Giacomo Puccini
November 1 & 3, 2013
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia

Tosca | Melody Moore 
Cavaradossi | Scott Piper 
Scarpia | Nmon Ford 
Angelotti | Ryan Kuster* 
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

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THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT
by Gaetano Donizetti
February 7 & 9, 2014
Capitol Theater
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

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DEAD MAN WALKING
by Jake Heggie
April 25 & 27, 2014
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

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A MASKED BALL
by Giuseppe Verdi
October 26 & 28, 2012
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

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ACIS & GALATEA
by George Frideric Handel
January 10-13, 2013
The Playhouse
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

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DON GIOVANNI
by W.A. Mozart
April 26 & 28, 2013
Overture Hall
Watch Multimedia

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

onegin_28

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 
Peasant | Stan Hill 
Captain | Steve Harrison 

Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Candace Evans
with Madison Opera Chorus and Madison Symphony Orchestra

madopera_galileo_2012_607

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

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LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA)
by Gioachino Rossini
April 27 & 29, 2012
Overture Hall
Madison Opera premiere
Watch Multimedia

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

Figaro 2010

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

Threepenny Opera presented by by Madison Opera in Overture Center's Playhouse dress rehearsal 2/3/11 (Photo @ Andy Manis)

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

Traviata 2011

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* 
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

La Bohème, 2007
La Bohème, 2007

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

Candide, 1993
Candide, 1993

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

The Marriage of Figaro, 1989
The Marriage of Figaro, 1989

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

Manon, 1977
Manon, 1977

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

The Ballad of Baby Doe, 1968
The Ballad of Baby Doe, 1968

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


Keely Futterer

Rosina, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Dover, AR
Madison Opera Debut: Léontine, The Anonymous Lover (2024)

Recently: Anna Sørenson, Silent Night (Wolf Trap Opera); Musetta, La Bohème; Armida, Rinaldo; Charlene, Service Provider; Jazz Trio, Trouble in Tahiti (Minnesota Opera);
Armida, Rinaldo; Vanderdendur, Candide; Angostura, Tenor Overboard (Glimmerglass Festival);
Rodelinda, Rodelinda (Hudson Hall); Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte (Opera Memphis);

Upcoming: Marcellina, Leonora (Chicago Opera Theater);
Fiordiligi, Così fan tutte (Virginia Opera); Verdi Requiem (Erie Philharmonic)


Weston Hurt

Baritone, Opera in the Park

Hometown: Spring, TX
Madison Opera Debut: Germont, La Traviata (2019)

Recently: Sharpless, Madama Butterfly (Houston Grand Opera, New Orleans Opera);
Britten's War Requiem (Opera Roanoke); Scarpia, Tosca (Arizona Opera);
Germont, La Traviata (Lyric Opera of Kansas City); Nabucco, Nabucco (Seattle Opera)

Upcoming: Rigoletto, Rigoletto (English National Opera)

Joshua Sanders

Tenor, Opera in the Park

Hometown: Plain, WI
Madison Opera Debut: Giuseppe, La Traviata (2011)
Also at MO: Tobias Ragg, Sweeney Todd; Inmate, Dead Man Walking; Ensemble, Acis and Galatea

Recently: Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville; Romeo, Romeo and Juliet (Opera San José);
Tamino, The Magic Flute (Nashville Opera); Sam Clay, The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier & Clay
workshop (Metropolitan Opera)

Upcoming:  Victorin, Die tote Stadt (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Sachie Ueshima, wearing black in front of a stone staircase.
Sachie Ueshima

Zerlina, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Wakayama City, Japan
Madison Opera Debut
Former Madison Opera Studio Artist

Recently: Cio-Cio-San, Madama Butterfly (Virginia Opera); Violetta, La Traviata;
Krystyna Zywulska, Two Remain (UW-Madison)

Upcoming: Cio-Cio-San, Madama Butterfly (Kentucky Opera)


David Walton

Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Twin Cities, MN
Madison Opera Debut: Opera in the Park 2017
Also at MO: Belmonte, The Abduction from the Seraglio

Recently: Ferrando, Così fan tutte (Princeton Festival); Ramiro, La Cenerentola (Toledo Opera);
Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville (North Carolina Opera);
Frederic, The Pirates of Penzance (Opera San Antonio); Filippo, Deceit Outwitted (Sarasota Opera)

Upcoming: Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville (Minnesota Opera); Candide, Candide (South Florida Symphony);
Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni (Livermore Valley Opera)

Emily Fons

Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Madison Opera Debut: Opera in the Park 2012
Also at MO: Opera in the Park 2024; Rosina, The Barber of Seville (2015)

Recently: Nicklausse, The Tales of Hoffmann (Palm Beach Opera);
Rosina, The Barber of Seville (Cincinnati Opera, Santa Fe Opera);
Woman, Ghosts (San Diego Opera); Cherubino, The Marriage of Figaro (Canadian Opera Company);
Hansel, Hansel and Gretel (New Orleans Opera)

Upcoming: Princess Irene, Tamerlano (Haymarket Opera)


Kanopy Dance

María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: Madison, WI
Madison Opera Debut: Acis & Galatea (2013)
Recently at MO: Florencia en el Amazonas; Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins


Lisa Thurrell

Choreographer, María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: Madison, WI
Madison Opera Debut: Florencia en el Amazonas (2018)
Recently at MO: The Anonymous Lover, Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins
Co-Artistic Director of Kanopy Dance

Recently: Director and Choreographer, Winter Fantasia: Reimagined; Polaris + Revelations;
The Next Generation;
Confluence: A Prelude; Graham: In Her Voice; Shades of Light (Kanopy Dance);
Choreographer, Bluebeard's Castle (Des Moines Metro Opera)

Upcoming: Director and Choreographer, Inner Passages (Kanopy Dance);
Choreographer, The Cunning Little Vixen (Des Moines Metro Opera)


Kirstin Chávez

El Duende, María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Albuquerque, NM
Madison Opera Debut: Opera in the Park 2006

Recently: Glenda, We Shall Not Be Moved (Pittsburgh Opera); Verdi's Requiem (Pensacola Symphony);
Carlotta de Obragón, Zorro (Fort Worth Opera); Suzuki, Madama Butterfly (Dallas Opera);
Mozart's Requiem (Paducah Symphony); Carmen, Carmen (St. Barth's Music Festival)

Upcoming: Carmen, Carmen (Kentucky Symphony Orchestra); Carmen, Carmen Inside Out (the film)


Ryan Nash

Sergeant, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Longmeadow, MA
Madison Opera Debut
Madison Opera Studio Artist

Recently: Gherardo, Gianni Schicchi (American Gothic Performing Arts Festival); Frederic, The Pirates of Penzance (Madison Savoyards);
Mercurio, La Calisto; Gastone, La Traviata; Albert Herring, Albert Herring (UW Madison Opera);
Rinuccio, Gianni Schicchi (La Musica Lirica USA); Alfred, Die Fledermaus; Monostatos, The Magic Flute (UMass Opera)

Upcoming: Tamino, The Magic Flute (Opera for the Young)


John DeMain

Conductor: Opera in the Park, The Barber of Seville, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Youngstown, OH
Madison Opera Debut: The Magic Flute (1995)
Recently at MO: Candide, Tosca, Trouble in Tahiti / The Seven Deadly Sins, Salome


Rebecca Herman

Stage Director, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Austin, TX
Madison Opera Debut

Recently: Carmen (Austin Opera); Don Giovanni (Opera Colorado, Cincinnati Opera);
Un Cuento de Luces y Sonmbras
(LOLA); La Bohème (Glimmerglass Opera);
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs (Utah Opera, Calgary Opera)

Upcoming: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs (Washington National Opera); New Opera Workshop, We Might be Struck by Lighting (LOLA)


Fenlon Lamb

Stage Director, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Madison Opera Debut:
La Traviata (2019)
Recently at MO: Lucia di Lammermoor

Recently: La Fanciulla del West (Central City Opera); The Elixir of Love, Così fan tutte (Palm Beach Opera);
The Marriage of Figaro
(Portland Opera); Carmen (Opera Santa Barbara);
Charlie Parker's Yardbird (Dayton Opera); La Bohème (New Orleans Opera); Mozart and Salieri (Opera San Jose)


Kamna Gupta

Conductor, María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: St. Genis-de-Puilly, France
Madison Opera Debut

Recently: The Pearl Fishers (Vancouver Opera); In Our Daughter's Eyes (LA Opera / BMP);
Number Our Days (Perelman Performing Arts Center); Glory Denied (Cleveland Institute of Music);
Rocking Horse Winner (Tapestry Opera); The Rip Van Winkles (Glimmerglass Festival)

Upcoming: Ruinous Gods (Spoleto Festival USA)


Frances Rabalais

Stage Director, María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Madison Opera Debut: Tosca (2023)

Recently: Macbeth (Resonance Works); Hansel and Gretel (Opera Birmingham);
The Magic Flute (North Carolina Opera); The Barber of Seville (Pensacola Opera)


Charles Eaton

Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Storrs, CT
Madison Opera Debut: Moralès, Carmen (2017)
Recently at MO: Count Malcolm, A Little Night Music

Recently: Ponchel, Silent Night; Brother, The Seven Deadly Sins (Wolf Trap Opera); Schaunard, La Bohème;
Sam, Trouble in Tahiti; Masetto, Don Giovanni; Argante, Rinaldo (Minnesota Opera);
Fedorov, The Christmas Spider (Opéra Louisiane, Marble City Opera);
English Ambassador, The Ghosts of Versailles (Royal Opera Versailles);
Marcello, La Bohème (Imperial Symphony Orchestra)

Upcoming: Mercutio, Romeo & Juliet (Minnesota Opera);
Silvio, Pagliacci (Pensacola Opera)


Jeremiah Sanders

Leporello, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Marian, IN
Madison Opera Debut

Recently: Marcello, La Bohème; Beau, Service Provider; Jazz Trio, Trouble in Tahiti;
Hortensius, The Daughter of the Regiment; Mago, Rinaldo;
Abilenes's Father / Bryce's Father, Edward Tulane (Minnesota Opera);
Colline, La Bohème (Lyric Opera of the North); Lackey, Ariadne auf Naxos (Lakes Area Music Festival);
Charlie, Three Decembers (South Bend Lyric Opera); The Villains, The Tales of Hoffmann (Union Avenue Opera)


Ashraf Sewailam

The Commendatore, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt / San Francisco, CA
Madison Opera Debut:
Captain, Florencia en el Amazonas (2018)

Recently: Dr. Bartolo, The Barber of Seville (Des Moines Metro Opera, Seattle Opera);
Dr. Bartolo, The Marriage of Figaro (New Orleans Opera); Sparafucile, Rigoletto (Opera San Jose);
Giove, La Calisto (Opera Memphis)

Upcoming: Dr. Bartolo, The Barber of Seville (Lyric Opera of Kansas City);
Dulcamara, The Elixir of Love (New Orleans Opera)


Andrew Stenson

Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Madison Opera Debut: Opera in the Park 2021

Recently: Pong, Turandot (Metropolitan Opera); Bill, Flight; The Steersman, The Flying Dutchman (Dallas Opera);
Pang, Turandot (Houston Grand Opera); Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni (Seattle Opera);
Nemorino, The Elixir of Love (Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Florentine Opera);
Count Almaviva, The Barber of Seville (Opera Colorado, Garsington Opera);
Nikolaus Sprink, Silent Night; Tamino, The Magic Flute (Utah Opera);
Fadinard, The Italian Straw Hat (Minnesota Opera); Danny Chen, An American Soldier (Opera Theatre of St. Louis)

Headshot of Hailey Cohen
Hailey Cohen

Berta, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Edgemont, NY
Madison Opera Debut: Dorothée, The Anonymous Lover (2024)
Also with MO: Paquette, Candide
Madison Opera Studio Artist

Recently: Zita, Gianni Schicchi (Finger Lakes Opera); Hattie, American Gothical (Cedar Rapids Opera);
Sally, The Boy Who Wanted to be a Robot; K., Would You Eat Me? (Thompson Street Opera)


Lifan Deng

Fiorello, The Barber of Seville
Masetto, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Madison Opera Debut
Madison Opera Studio Artist

Recently: Voce 2, Il Nostro Posto nel Mondo (Thompson Street Opera Company);
The Police Agent / Mr. Kofner, The Consul (Third Eye Ensemble);
Don Alfonso, Così fan tutte; Kaiser Overall, Der Kaiser von Atlantis (Northwestern Opera Theater);
Old Adam Goodheart, Ruddigore; Carpenter's Mate, H.M.S. Pinafore (The Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company);
Olin Brett, The Music Man (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre)

Upcoming: Papageno, The Magic Flute (Opera for the Young)


Laureano Quant

El Payador, María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: Barranquilla, Colombia
Madison Opera Debut

Recently: Schaunard, La Bohème (Wolf Trap Opera); Foreman, Jenufa; Dancaïre, Carmen;
Count of Lerma, Don Carlo (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Escamillo, Le tragedie de Carmen;
Guglielmo, Così fan tutte (The Opera Next Door); Betto, Gianni Schicchi (Ópera de Colombia);
Demetrius, A Midsummer Night's Dream; Captain / Ragotsky, Candide (Orquestra Filarmónica de Bogotà)

Upcoming: Belcore, The Elixir of Love (New Orleans Opera);
Bill, Aufsteig und Fall der Stadt Mahgonny (Staatsoper Stuttgart)


Kelly Guerra

María, María de Buenos Aires

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Madison Opera Debut

Recently: María, María de Buenos Aires (Kentucky Opera); Lupita, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna;
Carlotta de Obragón, Zorro (Opera Santa Barbara); Renata, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (West Edge Opera);
Rosina, The Barber of Seville (Princeton Festival); Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Scalia/Ginsburg (Chautauqua Opera);
Luisa Fernanda, Luisa Fernanda (Opera Hispánica, Opera Williamsburg)

Upcoming: Una Niña, Ainadamar (Metropolitan Opera); Jo, Little Women (Fort Worth Opera);
Isabella, L'Italiana in Algeri (Opera in the Heights); Mrs. Fox, Fantastic Mr. Fox (Opera Omaha)


Alex Taylor

Don Basilio, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Beloit, WI
Madison Opera Debut: Mother, The Seven Deadly Sins (2023)

Recently: Green Shirt Guy, Mel Rides the Bus Alone (Pittsburgh Opera);
Sarastro, The Magic Flute; Dr. Bartolo, The Marriage of Figaro (Carnegie Mellon University)


Levi Hernandez

Dr. Bartolo, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: El Paso, TX
Madison Opera Debut: Papageno, The Magic Flute (2006)
Recent at MO: Alvaro, Florencia en el Amazonas; Opera in the Park 2018

Recently: Diego Rivera, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego (Opera Omaha);
Tonio, Pagliacci (Hawaii Opera Theatre); Dandini, La Cenerentola (Boston Lyric Opera);
Peter, Hansel and Gretel (Opera San Antonio); Lescaut, Manon Lescaut (North Carolina Opera)

Upcoming: Lescaut, Manon Lescaut (Washington National Opera); Benoit/Alcindoro, La Bohème (Lyric Opera of Chicago);
Alvaro, Florencia en el Amazonas (North Carolina Opera)


Benjamin Taylor

Figaro, The Barber of Seville

Hometown: Waldorf, MD
Madison Opera Debut:
Silvio, Pagliacci (2018)

Recently: Bello, La Fanciulla del West (Bayerische Staatsoper); Moralès, Carmen (Metropolitan Opera);
Guglielmo, Così fan tutte (Princeton Symphony); Jan Nyman, Breaking the Waves (Detroit Opera);
Silvio, Pagliacci (Austin Opera)

Upcoming: Marcello, La Bohème (Arizona Opera); Jake, Porgy and Bess (Washington National Opera);
Schaunard, La Bohème (Charleston Opera Theater)


Katerina Burton

Donna Anna, Don Giovanni

Hometown: Ocean City, MD
Madison Opera Debut: Opera in the Park 2024

Recently: Mimì, La Bohème; Verna/Young Lovely/Evelyn, Fire Shut Up in My Bones (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis); JFK: The Last Speech
(National Symphony Orchestra); Britten’s War Requiem (Strathmore Music Center);
Russian Chamber Art Society; Postclassical Ensemble Concert (The Kennedy Center); Girlfriend 2, Blue;
Micaëla, Carmen (Washington National Opera); Alice Ford, Falstaff (Aspen Music Festival);