2026 in Review
Cincinnati Opera proudly welcomed audiences to a magical 2026 Summer Festival, filled with unforgettable events, music, and moments. This season featured beloved classics Carmen and Salome, alongside a world-premiere of Lalovavi.
Beyond the stage, vibrant events and programs, including Divas & Diamonds, Singers & Spirits, 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!
SALOME
Our first production of the season, Strauss’s electrifying Salome set the stage for a season of exceptional performances and artistry.
Photos by Philip Groshong
Salome – Kathryn Lewek
Herod – Chad Shelton
Jochanaan (John the Baptist) – Alfred Walker
Herodias – Michelle DeYoung
Narraboth – Zach Borichevsky
Page of Herodias – Emily Cotten
First Nazarene – Thomas Dreeze
First Soldier – Donghoon Kang
Second Soldier – Sam Smith
First Jew – Julius Ahn
Second Jew – Levi Capesius
Third Jew – Mark Hockenberry
Fourth Jew – M. Andrew Jones
Fifth Jew – Ron Dukes
Second Nazarene – Alexander Gushrowski
A Slave – Clara Reeves
A Cappadocian – Stephen Hanna
Dancers – Sydney Caggiano, Amanda Perez Duarte
Conductor – Robert Spano
Stage Director – Jose Maria Condemi
Scenic and Properties Designer – Tim Wallace
Costume Designer – Anita Yavich
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – James Geier
Choreographer – Erina Noda
Stage Manager – Jennifer Shaw
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
The production was constructed by the San Diego Opera Scenic Studio.
LALOVAVI
A brand-new production of Kevin Day’s Lalovavi, filled with extraordinary performances, brought audiences to their feet.
Photos by Philip Groshong
Persephone – Brittany Olivia Logan
Dinah – Adrienne Danrich
Titan – Morris Robinson
Niamara – Talise Trevigne
Zipporah – Zoie Reams
Lucian – Terrence Chin-Loy
Dr. Apollos – Michael Preacely
Ivavi – G. Thomas Allen
Composer – Kevin Day
Librettist – Tifara Brown
Conductor – Kevin Miller
Director & Dramaturg – Kimille Howard
Scenic Designer – Steven C. Kemp
Costume Designer – Kara Harmon
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – Tiara Jones
Wig Master and Key Make-Up Artist – James Geier
Choreographer – Chloe O. Davis
Chorus Master – Donald Lee III
Co-Orchestrator/Copyist – Josh Trentadue
Stage Manager – Peter Nictakis
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
CARMEN
A passionate production of the iconic opera Carmen filled the house as the 2026 season is wrapped up.
Photos by Philip Groshong
Carmen– J’Nai Bridges
Don José – Matthew White
Escamillo – Ryan McKinny
Micaëla – Teresa Perrotta
Zuniga – Sam Smith
Frasquita – Jeysla Rosario Santos
Mercédès – Kayleigh Decker
El Dancairo – Thomas Dreeze
El Remendado – Jack Keller
Moralès – Nathan De’Shon Myers
Lillas Pastia – Spenser Smith
Conductor – Ramón Tebar
Original Stage Director – Paul Curran
Stage Director – Anderson Nunnelly
Scenic & Costume Designer – Gary McCann
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – James Geier
Choreographer – Cervilio Amador
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi
Stage Manager – Jennifer Shaw
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Co-Production with Seattle Opera, Irish National Opera, and Opera Philadelphia
Scenery and costumes constructed by Opera Philadelphia
spotted at the opera
Cincinnati Opera fans looked amazing at Music Hall, and we loved seeing them!
Photos by Tasha Pinelo, Claudia Hershner, and Lindsey Wong
Bacchanal
Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals (COYP) turned up the heat with a hot party to help raise funds in support of the 2026 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
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
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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
Salome
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.
Lalovavi
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
Carmen
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
