2025 in Review

Cincinnati Opera proudly welcomed audiences to a magical 2025 Summer Festival, filled with unforgettable events, music, and moments. This season featured beloved classics Rigoletto and Tosca, alongside a brand-new production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Beyond the stage, vibrant events and programs, including Divas & Diamonds, Opera Goes to Church!, Singers & Spirits, Music in Motion, school programs, Pride Night, and more welcomed the community to experience—in some cases for the very first time—the beauty and transcendence of opera.

We are grateful to our audiences, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners for your support in promoting Cincinnati’s rich arts scene through opera.

Enjoy this season recap—and we can’t wait to welcome you and bring more magic next season!

Rigoletto

Our first production of the season, Verdi’s riveting Rigoletto set the stage for a season of exceptional performances and artistry.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Rigoletto – Michael Chioldi
Gilda – Kathryn Lewek
Duke of Mantua – Zach Borichevsky
Sparafucile – Morris Robinson
Maddalena – Tesia Kwarteng
Monterone – Donnie Ray Albert
Marullo – Thomas Dreeze
Matteo Borsa – Alexander Gushrowski
Giovanna – Kaylee Nichols
Countess Ceprano – Heidi Middendorf
Count Ceprano – Vernon Hartman
Duchess of Mantua – Kaylyn Taylor Baldwin
Usher – Seoyong Lee

Conductor – John Fiore
Original Stage Director – Tomer Zvulun
Revival Director – Elio Bucky
Scenic Designer – John Conklin
Costume Designer – Vita Tyzkun
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – James Geier
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus

This production of Rigoletto is a co-production of Boston Lyric Opera, The Atlanta Opera, and Opera Omaha.

Learn more

Tosca

A sumptuous production of Puccini’s Tosca, filled with extraordinary performances, brought audiences to their feet.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Floria Tosca – Karah Son
Mario Cavaradossi – Matthew White
Baron Scarpia – Anthony Clark Evans
Cesare Angelotti – Justin Hopkins
Sacristan – Sam Smith
Spoletta – Julius Ahn
Sciarrone – Ryan Henry
Jailer – Cole Stephenson

Conductor – Clelia Cafiero
Stage Director – Jose Maria Condemi
Associate Director – Andrew Nienaber
Scenic & Costume Designer – Robert Perdziola
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – James Geier
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus

Learn more

Fiddler on the Roof

A brand-new production of Fiddler on the Roof thrilled sold-out houses for the first musical theatre work produced by Cincinnati Opera in almost four decades.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Tevye – Max Hopp
Golde – Victoria Livengood
Tzeitel – Rachel Kobernick
Hodel – Rachel Blaustein
Chava – Jennifer Zetlan
Yente – Janice Meyerson
Shprintze – Elli Maddock
Bielke – Noa Jaffee
Motel – Arnold Livingston Geis
Perchik – Simon Barrad
Lazar Wolf – Phil Fiorini
Mordcha – Blake Gehring
Rabbi – Barry Mulholland
Mendel – Will Selnick
Avram – Thomas Dreeze
Constable – Jim Hopkins
Grandma Tzeitel – Wendy Hill
Fyedka – Henry Benson
Fruma Sarah – Sarah Folsom
The Fiddler – Charles Morey

Conductor – Levi Hammer
Stage Director – Crystal Manich
Choreographer – Michael Pappalardo
Scenic Designer – Andrew Boyce
Costume Designer – Chad Phillips
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Sound Designer – David Bullard
Wig and Makeup Designer – James Geier
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi
Stage Manager – Hannah Holthaus
Cultural Consultant – Rabbi Ken Kanter
Casting Consultant – D. Lynn Meyers

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, members of the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus

Learn more

spotted at the opera

Cincinnati Opera fans looked amazing at Music Hall, and we loved seeing them!

Photos by Kayla Sconiers, Mya Gibson, and Mikki Schaffner

Bacchanal: Avant-Heart

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals (COYP) turned up the heat with a sultry, mid-winter party to help raise funds in support of the 2025 Summer Festival.

Photos by Paige Pederzani

Singers & Spirits

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals (COYP) presented Singers & Spirits, pairing festive beverages and performances by Cincinnati Opera artists at local wineries and breweries.

Photos by Paige Pederzani

Divas & Diamonds

Opera divas and divos gathered at The John Hauck House to enjoy live operatic performances, delectable snacks, and drinks while enjoying this historic gem in collaboration with Freeman’s | Hindman.

Photos by Paige Pederzani

Opera goes to church!

Audiences experienced an eclectic mix of gospel, jazz, and opera at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church and New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Photos by Mikki Schaffner and Mark Lyons

pride night

Cincinnati Opera celebrated Pride with a fabulous and colorful fete in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio honoring Brian Tiffany and Jerry Ewers. Guests were treated to a festive dance party with surprises from Cincinnati Rollergirls, Rainbow Marching Band, Cincinnati Circus, and more!

Photos by Paige Pederzani

STUDIO SESSIONs

Cincinnati Opera artists enchanted audiences with bespoke performances in the intimate setting of Music Hall’s Wilks Studio.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Learn more

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SEASON SUPPORT

SEASON SPONSORS

Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO
Harry Fath

Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director
The Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation

Opera Fusion: New Works Sponsors
Anonymous
Mellon Foundation

Opening Weekend Sponsor
The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine V. Chavez

Pride Night Premier Sponsor
Mr. Ronald T. Bates and Mr. Randy Lasley

Sensory-Friendly Sponsor
The William Plott Sensory Fund

The John L. Magro Resident Conductor
The John L. Magro Artist Development Fund/Rev. Susan Pfeil

Society of Angels Sponsor
Johnson Investment Counsel

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals Sponsors
ArtsWave Young Professionals
Joseph Chevrolet
Anthony Maieron
Tarita Preston
Tiffany Collective
Brett Willson and John Fredeking

Community Engagement and Education Sponsors
ArtsWave
The Charles H. Dater Foundation
H.B, E.W., and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation
PNC Bank

Artistic Sponsors

Rigoletto

Opening Weekend Sponsor
The Chavez Family, in memory of Geraldine V. Chavez

Performance Sponsor
Cincinnati Opera Board Associates

Support for John Fiore, Conductor
Arthur B. Casper

The Appearance of Michael Chioldi
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bitter

The Appearance of Kathryn Lewek
Nanci Wilks Lanni and Nick Lanni

The Appearance of Zach Borichevsky
Drs. Thomas and Barbara Boat

The Appearance of Morris Robinson
Anonymous

The Appearance of Thomas Dreeze
Anne-Marie Blancquaert, D.V.M., and Walter Bruyninckx, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Tosca

Performance Sponsors
Ginger Warner
Anonymous

Support for Jose Maria Condemi, Stage Director
Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Support for Clelia Cafiero, Conductor
In Loving Memory of Richard Lauf

Support for Robert Perdziola, Scenic and Costume Design
Liz Kathman Grubow and Jerry Kathman

The Appearance of Karah Son
Julia B. Meister, Esq. and Taft Law

The Appearance of Matthew White
Susan and John M. Tew, Jr.

The Appearance of Anthony Clark Evans
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Kennedy

The Appearance of Julius Ahn
Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack

Fiddler on the Roof

Lead Sponsor
The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati

Production Sponsor
Sheila and Christopher Cole

Performance Sponsors
1919 Investment Counsel
Society of Angels
Cincinnati Opera Guild
The Patrons of Cincinnati Opera

Support for Crystal Manich, Stage Director
The Patricia K. Beggs Fund: Championing Women’s Voices

Support for Levi Hammer, Conductor
Sheila and Christopher Cole

Support for Andrew Boyce, Scenic Design
Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Support for Chad Phillips, Costume Design
Anne-Marie Blancquaert, D.V.M., and Walter Bruyninckx, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Support for David Bullard, Sound Design
Mona and Richard Kerstine, M.D.

Support for Fiddler on the Roof Dancers and Michael Pappalardo, Choreographer
The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

The Appearance of Max Hopp
Irene and Daniel Randolph Family

The Appearance of Victoria Livengood
Boris Auerbach and Kathy Patchel in loving memory of Rita Auerbach Orpett

The Appearance of Rachel Kobernick
Eric and Jennifer Dauer

The Appearance of Rachel Blaustein
Dr. Susan R. Strick

The Appearance of Jennifer Zetlan
Edward B. Silberstein, M.D., and Jacqueline M. Mack

The Appearance of Janice Meyerson
Dr. Jack and Barbara Hahn
Ronna and Dr. James Willis

The Appearance of Arnold Livingston Geis
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eichner

The Appearance of Simon Barrad
Drs. Elaine and David Billmire

The Appearance of Wendy Hill
Anonymous

The Appearance of Sarah Folsom
Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D., and Robert Toltzis, M.D.

The Appearance of Charles Morey
Mr. Ronald T. Bates and Mr. Randy Lasley


CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT, AND FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTORS

Principal
$25,000+

Director
$12,000+

The Fullgraf Foundation
Hamilton Caseworks
Johnson Investment Counsel
The Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation

Ambassador
$6000+

The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.
Arts Midwest
Mueller Family Foundation
The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation
The Wyant Family Foundation

Officer
$3500+

Blank Rome LLP
Cincinnati Stage Employees Local No. 5
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Zaring Family Foundation

Community Partners

Jewish Community Matinée Partner

Media Partner

Access Night Partners

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