FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - AUGUST 10, 2022

 

OPERADELAWARE ANNOUNCES 2022/23 SEASON, WELCOMES NEW STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS

 

OperaDelaware announces showstopping season of comedy, tragedy, and new works; adds new staff, board members

WILMINGTON, Del. — OperaDelaware’s 2022/23 season will include two fully staged productions at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington as well as a workshop performance of a riveting new American opera. As the season launches, America’s 11th-oldest opera company celebrates the addition of dynamic new staff and dedicated board members who have joined OperaDelaware in the last two years.

2022/23 season
The 2022/23 season launches on September 10 with an Opening Night at The Grand, a collaborative kick-off concert presented by The Grand, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and featuring guest vocalists from OperaDelaware. Led by Music Director David Amado and starring Tony Award-winning Broadway baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell, tickets for this unforgettable performance can be purchased by visiting thegrandwilmington.org. OperaDelaware returns to The Grand for two fully staged performances of Mozart’s raucous battle-of-the-sexes comedy Così fan tutte on October 28 and 30 in Copeland Hall.

Continuing the Sunday Spotlight series, OperaDelaware’s Aurelien Eulert will be joined by mezzo-soprano Marie Engle, tenor Andrew Bidlack, and baritone Ben Lowe for intimate, artist-curated recitals in the Ethel L. Sayre Recital Hall at the OperaDelaware Studios beginning in late November 2022. In February, OperaDelaware will present A Valentine Cabaret in the Presser Black Box Theater at the OperaDelaware Studios, curated and performed by Aurelien Eulert and celebrated soprano Toni Marie Palmertree, seen last season in her star turn as Countess Almaviva in OperaDelaware’s production of The Marriage of Figaro.

Following last season’s successful inaugural co-production with Baltimore Concert Opera (now Opera Baltimore), the two organizations will come together again in the spring of 2023 to present one of opera’s most iconic and enduring masterworks. Verdi’s vibrant and timeless romantic tragedy La traviata will take center stage at The Grand on March 31 and April 2, 2023. The season concludes with a workshop presentation of composer and librettist Derrick Wang’s music drama Fearless, inspired by the story of Hazel Ying Lee, trailblazing aviator of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at operade.org or by calling the OperaDelaware box office at 302-442-7807.

 
 

New staff and board members
The last 24 months have proven to be a challenging and unpredictable period for arts organizations worldwide, but through adversity opportunity arises. OperaDelaware is thrilled to announce the following additions to this stellar team.

Kerriann Otaño joins OperaDelaware in the newly established position of Vice President of Engagement, a position which focuses on audience growth, external communication, and advocacy. With a decade of experience singing on leading opera stages across the country including the Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera, Ms. Otaño has been working in arts administration since 2019. She brings an artist-centered approach to her work, focusing on cultivating long-term relationships with new audiences through community collaboration, innovation, and robust artist-led initiatives.

Carolyn Hupalowsky joined OperaDelaware as Company Manager in 2021 after working in the artistic department at Houston Grand Opera, Sarasota Opera, and Music Academy of the West. Originally from Cleveland, Carolyn received her master’s degree in bassoon performance from Cleveland State University before pursuing a career in arts administration.

Diane Shomper joined OperaDelaware as Board Liaison/Donor Services associate in November 2021. She brings to OD extensive experience in corporate communications in the industrial and financial services sectors. Her arts sector experience includes serving on the boards of the Delaware Chamber Music Festival and the Music School of Delaware, and also serving as a volunteer for OperaDelaware prior to joining the staff.

Sarah Asmar joined the OperaDelaware staff as Development Associate in 2021, after first performing in the company’s production of Amleto in 2016. Since 2018, Sarah has held the position of Managing Director of The Music Series at South Church in New Britain, Connecticut. Sarah earned a bachelor’s degree in violin and a master’s degree in voice from Boston University.

Sharon Gaudino, a Delaware native, steps into the role of board president. Gaudino was appointed to the board in January of 2017 and previously served as board secretary in 2019/20 and board vice president in 2021. She was the Director of Learning Services for Computer Aid, Inc., an information technology services firm, and she specializes in corporate training and consulting. Sharon is deeply invested in Delaware and is an active volunteer for several organizations including Network Delaware, the Friendship House, Brandywine Valley SPCA, Tennis Rocks, and RespondDE. She is an alumna of the Leadership Delaware Institute. Sharon is joined in board leadership by three remarkable individuals. Incoming vice president Dr. Marguerite Thew has served on the OperaDelaware board since 2019. She is a retired dermatologist and former Associate Professor in Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Treasurer Dennis E. Williams serves the Delaware community as the Chief Financial Officer for the Delaware Nature Society and the Treasurer of the Christina Conservancy. He is a former state representative in the Delaware General Assembly and joined the OD board in 2020. Evelyn Williams, retired Principal Consultant for DuPont, has recently completed her seventh season on the OperaDelaware board and will serve as board secretary.

Additionally, the OperaDelaware board has welcomed several exciting and eager new members over the last 18 months, including Robert Grenfell, longtime OD Advisory Board member and former President and Executive Director of First State Ballet Theatre; and Christina MacMillan of M. Davis and Sons. Ms. MacMillan began her career with M. Davis & Sons 20 years ago in the accounting department and currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Development. Meghan Newberry is a Talent Development Manager at Corporation Service Company in the Digital Brand Services division, in addition to running Meghan Newberry Photography. Nora Reilly brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to OperaDelaware’s growing team. Nora works for the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children as the Major Gifts and Grants Manager. Dr. Ju Young Shin, associate professor at the University of Delaware, joined the board in the summer of 2021. Completing the roster, Derrick L. Thompson joined the OperaDelaware board of directors in 2021 and served as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force (now the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee). Dr. Thompson is the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Albright College, and received his Doctor of Education in the College Teaching of Music and Music Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University.

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MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.operade.org/2022-23-season-calendar

HIGH-RES PRODUCTION IMAGES FOR DOWNLOAD:
https://www.operade.org/od-images

About OperaDelaware: OperaDelaware, now in its 78th season, is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OperaDelaware opens the door to bold, vibrant and creative operatic programming that enriches the community, transforms audiences, and encourages dialogue.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Organizational images: Available for download here.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.