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 endlessly grateful to our audiences, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners for unwavering support in promoting and preserving 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!
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
Rigloletto
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.
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
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
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
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
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