The Magic Flute Program

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus MozarT adapted by John Greer

the trials of Tamino and Pamina

Pres e n ts

C om p o s ed by W.A. Moza rt | Ad a pt ed by John Greer Conducted by Sha nnon Hiebe rt / Directed by R o be rt H e rr i ot

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Répét it eur: Lisa Rump e l Se t De sign: Kate Ge o rg e Cos tum e Design: Rob e r t Butle r Lighting De sign: Eric Bos se C ho reogr apher: Od e tte Heyn C.M.

23rd - 7:30 pm

24th - 7:30 pm

25th - 2:00 pm

the trials of Tamino and Pamina

A

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tic Director’s

M

essage

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As a child I recall hearing about the genius of the child protégé, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and while I was filled with amazement, I was also somewhat envious of his brilliance. This sense of wonder became even more profound as I grew more and more familiar with his masterful artistry. Many of yo u may recall the movie entitled Amadeus where we were skillfully taken through an analysis of some of Moza r t’s most treasured compositions by his reported nemesis, Antonio Salieri, wh o detailed Moza r t’s geni us by drawing our attention to the sound of every note and its uncompromised setting within each composition. The Magic Flute has dazzled audiences of all ages since its fir s t performance. Perhaps it is because it is so inclusive. In it, Mozart writes for the aristocrats, elite, and everyday worker. Being the last of Moza r t’s operas to premiere b efore his death in 1791, it showcases his brilliance and holds a special place in the cannon. “The Magic Flute has been described by the late Sir Charles Mackerras, the conductor as ‘a m u sical mosaic of such richness that it is unusual even for Mozart.’ He added that, “with all its apparent simplicity, it is one of its creator’s most sophisticated works.” (Steen, Michael. Moza r t’s The Magic Flute: A short guide to a great opera, February 20, 2 023) I am excited about the work and even more so about John Greer’s brilliant arrangement for our chamber ensemble. In his e d i t ing of it he carefully provides the audience with the most salient aspects of the opera, highlighting the beauti ful arias and being ever faithful to the comedic and serious elements of Moza r t’s original opera. The Little Opera Company is excited to share this with yo u! Brought to life by an exceptionally talented artistic crew.

Stage Direct

or’s

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ssage:

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When Spencer Duncanson approached me about directing The Magic Flute, it was with the understanding that the show had to be “magical”. Having directed the f ull version of the show twice, I was well aware of just what he meant. He didn’t mean that there was to be magic effects and bells and whistles. No, what he was talking about was the magic that happens on stage when we get to the heart of the story and the messages yo u can take away at the end of the evening. The story of The Magic Flute is essentially about the journey to love and enlighten- ment; the journey many of us strive for in this li fe. Each character is on their own expedition, searching for the strength to grow and evolve and learn a little more about themselves. As audience members we can relate to their struggles, their triumphs, their heartbreak, and their joy. The story also e xamines the forces of good and evil and the grave dangers of the lust for power.P e rhaps one of my favourite lines in the show is, “If all liars had their mouths padlocked the world would be a better place”. I needn’t draw any focus to why this statement is most pertinent to this very hour. With regard to the set, I had in my mind the great abstract productions of Wieland Wagner’s Bayreuth, where we aren’t in a literal world but in a place that reflects the characters’ journeys. I wanted as much symbolism as possible in the set. So, as yo u watch, consider w hat the setting is saying to yo u. The costuming reflects a very fairy tale world straight from the pages of a beautifully illustrated children’s book w here fantasy can explode with colourful lif e . And, finally, it is the opera itself that continues to be one of Moza r t’s most “Magical” works, with its luscious harmonies and beautiful arias and ensembles that perfectly r eflect the inner lives of all the characters. Now, I ask yo u to sit back and e njoy the journey. Rob Herriot

About t

he Opera:

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The Magic Flute was Moza rt’s last completed opera. When fi nishing the score he was ill, under severe economic stress, and possibly quite depressed. His La Clemenza di Tito, written for the coronation of Leopold II in Prague, didn’t go as well as Mozart ha d hoped. To that, Mozart’s wife, Costanze Weber left for Baden. Back in Vienna, his friend and colleague as well as impresario Emanuel Schikaner insisted and facilitated the composer’s efforts. So, Mozart reluctantly continued working on his masterpiece. At the premiere after the fi rst act, Mozart was so negative about the response from the audience that he wanted to just quit and go home. Again Schikaneder together wi th other friends stepped up, and he fi nished the opera. The fact of the matter is that The Magic Flute today is one of the most-played operas worldwide. More so, ap art from the Prague opera mentioned above, Mozart’s four last operas, Cosi fan tutte, Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Gi ova nni, and this one, all composed in the composer’s last years, while fi ghting his economical problems, health issues, and lack of recognition, a re today in the top-12. Maybe we can learn something from that…

The adaptation that y ou are a bout to see has been skillf ully constructed by internationally celebrated Canadian composer arranger, John Greer. Joh n Gr eer received his Bachelor of Music degree f rom the Universi ty of Manitoba and his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern Cali fornia. He taught at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. He is pri marily a composer for voice a nd is well known worldwide for his numerous vocal and choral works, includi ng h is enormously successf ul children's opera The Snow Queen. Along with a large repertoire of compositions and arrangements ba sed on folk material, commissions and performances of his highly entertaining song cycles (ordinarily with the composer himself at the piano) have come from some of Canada's fi nest musicians, including Greta Kraus, Rosemarie Landry, Kevin McMillan and M onica Whicher. John is an active vocal coa ch, accompanist, conductor, arranger and composer and is heard in these capacities throughout Canada and a broad.

The Magic Flute - A complete guide. The good, the bad (simpleopera.com)

Conducted by: Shannon Hiebert Directed by: Rob Herriot Cast: (in order of appearance) Serpent – Rebecca Sawdon Tamino – As i tha Tennekoon First Lady – Rebeca Oliveira Second Lady – Geneva Halverson Third Lady – Donnalynn Grills Papageno – Branden Olsen Queen of the Night – Margot Harding Pamina – Nicole Le ung High Priest – Don Larsen Speaker – Kyle Briscoe Sarastro – Stephen Haiko-Pena Papagena – Paulina Gonzalez Production Team: Répétitrice – L isa Ru mp el Set Design – Kate Ge orge Costume Design – Robert Butler Lighting Design – Eric Bosse Choreography (Serpent) – Odette Heyn C.M. Consultant for move ment – Odette Heyn C.M. Set Construction – Ian Filling ham Costume Construction – Robert Butler Props – Robert Butler Stage Manager – Katie Schmidt Assistant. Stage Manager – Tia Morann Stage Crew – James Cha pryk, Max Fingerote, Jyoti Jhass Scenic Painter – Shauna Jonesm Surtitles – Diane Berger

Strings: Violin 1 Rachel Kristen son Violin 2 Sarah Harrington Viola Sarah Carswell Cello Blair Bu rns Bass Jim L imberat os Winds: Oboe Chelsey Hiebe rt Clarinet Christo phe r Wolf Bassoon Allen Harrin gton F lute Julie Husband Horn Todd Martin Percussion: Timpani Cameron D enby Celesta Shann on Hiebert Reduced Orchestration – Jonathan Lyness Me dia Public Relations: Lead Marketing a nd P romotional Photography – Heather Milne Program / Poster Design – Stephen Boyd Marketing and Webmas ter – Don Larsen

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Art

ists’ Biographie

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ROB HERRIOT (Director) Winnipeg based Rob Herriot has directed productions across North America including a recent production of The Elixir of Love for Livermore Valley Opera in the San Francisco Bay area. Local productions include Cosi Fan Tutte, La Cenerentola, Madama Butter fl y, Don Pasquale, Rigoletto, La Bohème and Lucia di Lammer moor for Manitoba Opera as well as Beauty and the B east, Cinderella and Wiz ard of Oz for Rainbow Stage. The Little Opera Company productions include Three Decembers and online productions of I Need Opera and Dance and All Those Arias .

LISA RUMPEL (Répétiteur)

SHANNON HIEBERT (Music Director) Shannon Hiebert is a Canadian pianist, vocal coach and music director. Her varied career includes performances across North America and Europe. Broadway shows and tours include Mamma Mia, Spamalot, Wicked, Book of Mormon and Jersey Boys . Music Direction credits include Grant MacEwan Theatre productions of Spring Awakening and A Little Night Music , the Plain Jane Theatre Company’s Sterling Award nominated productions of Fiorello, Little Fish, Mack and Mabel and A New Brain , Opera Nuova's production of Light in the Piazza, Suor Angelica with the Centre of Opera Studies in Italy and the University of Alberta Opera Theatre productions of L'étoile, Die Zauber fl öte, L'elisir d'a more , and the Canadian Premiere of The Enchanted Pig. Recent projects include critically acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd, London Road and Songs of a Prairie Girl . In 2013 and 2023 she received Sterling Award nominations for outstanding musical direction. Shannon is Chorus Director for Edmonton Opera and is on faculty at the University of Alberta, Department of Music.

Praised for her " fi erce artistry” and “poetic” pianism, Winnipeg-based “power house” pianist, teacher, and vocal coach Lisa Rumpel is an active member of Manitoba’s arts scene. Lisa’s vibrant and varied freelance career has included performances with Manitoba Opera, F lipside Opera & Art Song Collective, The Little Opera Company, Winnip eg’s Contemporary Dancers (Looking Gl ass, 2023), Agassiz Chamber Music Festival, Cluster New Music + Integrated Arts Festival, B randon Chamber Players, Skywalk Concert series, Living Room Live, and others. Equally comforta ble as a col la borator in song, opera, chamber music, and choral music, Lisa brings her sparkling personality, focus, and enthusiasm to every project she undertakes.

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ROBERT BUTLER (Co stu me Design / Set Dres sing) Robert's foray into costume creation started with the need of something to wear for Village Green English Country dance performances. This early experience rather accidentally expanded into a passion for theatrical costuming and a long history with Winnipeg's Shoestring Players. Apart from The Trials of Tamino and Pamina , his work for The Little Opera Company includes Kismet , Opera Shorts, La Tragédie de Carmen and Three Decembers . He is excited to have the opportunity to add visual dimension to the characters of this compelling story.

KATE GEORGE Kate George is a multidisciplinary artist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A graduate from the University of Winnipeg’s Design Program, Kate has worked in theatrical design, costume production, and stage management. Previous theatre credits include Trouble in Mind, Orlando, The World Goes ‘Round (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); Alunsina’s Love, Blink, 365 Plays/365 Days, People, Places and Things (University of Winnipeg); Innocence Lost, Urinetown (Manitoba Theatre for Young People Young Company) and Bloodsuckers! The Musical (Rainbow Stage/All-Dentist ’s Musical). ERIC BOSSE (L ighting Designer) Eric has been involved in theatrical art for well over 30 years. He has designed for PTE, TCM, Theatre Incarnate, and MTYP school. He has been involved with many other organiz ations such as the Fringe and Shakespeare in the Ruins in a wide array of f unctions. Let ’s see w hat this first opera will bring!

ODETTE HEYN C.M. (Choreographer) Odette was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015; she is also a recipient of Dance Manitoba’s Li fetime Achievement Distinction Award for ‘Excellence in Dance’ and the Winnipeg Arts Council’s Investors Group ’Making A Di fference Award’. Odette has always championed the marriage of live music and dance and has done her best to keep this relationship vibrant and dynamic. This commitment is re fl ected in her work as she has traveled to many corners of this great world as a dancer/teacher/choreographer; Ms. Heyn has a long and cherished history with The Little Opera Company having choreographed Amahl and the Ni ght Visitors, Kismet, La Tragédie de Carmen and I Need Opera and Dance . Od ette is thrilled to be back to choreograph their upcoming production of The Magic Flute . Odette lives in gratitude for this amazing arts community, the passion and the dedication that drives us all to continue, against all odds and no matter w hat… it is important!

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Stage Managemen

t:

SHAUNA JONES (Scenic Painter) Shauna is a scenic painter and set/costume designer based in Winnipeg. She is thrilled to have had such a gorgeous set to paint and texture (thanks, Kate!). This is her fi rst engagement with The Little Opera Company.

IAN FILLINGHAM (Set Construction) Ian has built sets for several theatre companies and has often been challenged to create interesting projects for The Little Opera Company. Seeing a fi nished set on a stage is always a unique and satisfying experience for him.

KATIE SCHMIDT (Stage Manager) Katie Schmidt is a graduate of the Uni versity of Winnipeg Theatre and Film department. She is excited to be working with The Little Opera Company for the fi rst time! Her recent credits include Dry Cold Productions' The Prom (Stage Manager,) Prairie Theatre Exchange' s Bad Parent and Space Girl (Assistant Stage Manager) , Royal MTC's Into the Woods (Assistant Stage Manager), and Rainbow Stage's The Wiz ard of Oz (Assistant Stage Manager.) Love and thanks to M om, Dad, Raya, and Felix.

TIA MORANN (Assi stant Stage) Tia M orann is excited to be working with The Little Opera Company for the fi rst time! She will be graduating from the University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre and Film this October, specializing in Stage Management and Production. Her past credits include apprentice stage manager/PA Cosi fan Tutte (Manitoba Opera) and stage manager for The Secret In The Wings (University of Winnipeg). Much love to the family for all the support!

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ASITHA TENNEKOON (Tamino) Sri Lankan tenor Asitha Tennekoon has esta blished himself as one of Canada’s most versatile singing artists singing principal roles with Canadian Opera Company, Paci fi c Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera and Opéra de M ontréal. Asitha has performed as a soloist with Tafelmusik, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Vancouver Bach Choir and Ottawa Choral Society, and is in demand for his interpretation of Baroque and contemporary repertoire. Highlights for Asitha in 2023 include his “tour-de-force performance” as Boy Angel in the recent Canadian Premiere of Angel’s Bone in Vancouver, and his recital for Müzewest Concerts, featuring a new song cycle composed for him by Ian Cusson, based on the poems of Michael Ondaatje. Upcoming performances for Asitha in 2023/24 include a return to T apestry Opera in hi s Dora-Award winning portrayal of Paul in Rocking Horse Winner , Evangelist in Bach’s Weihnachts Oratorium with Grand Philharmonic Choir, Boy Angel in a remount of Angel’s Bone in Toronto and Evangelist in St. John’s Passion with Vancouver Bach Choir.

NICOLE LEUNG (Pamina) Canadian soprano Nicole Leung is currently a McPhee Artist at Calgary Opera, w here she was most recently seen as Frasquita in its main stage production of Carmen and Delia in Joe Illick’s Stone Soup . A graduate of the Yale School of Music, Ms. Leung was seen as Rosalba in Florencia en el Amazonas , Adina in L’elisir d’a more , and M organa in Alcina . She also played the role of Am y in the world-premiere opera The Snowy Day by Joel Thompson and libretto by Andrea Davis Pinkney, commissioned by Houston Grand Opera.

BRANDEN OLSEN (Papageno) Branden Olsen is a rising Atlantic Canadian bass - baritone in his second year of the McPhee Artist Development Program with Calgary Opera, and is a pedagogical clinician, and conductor of exceptional promise. He has a master’s in both choral conducting and voice performance and is currently studying under the tutelage of renowned Canadian tenor David Pomeroy.

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PAULINA GONZALEZ (Papagena) After 14 years of solo performances on international stages, Paulina Gonz alez’ Mexican heritage f uels her passion and the power of music makes her dig deep, harnessing the positive energy she exudes, and cast it forth to gather us under its spell. Paulina is currently working on new projects under the guidance of Valdine Anderson and Tracy Dahl.

REBECA OLIVEIRA (First Lady) Rebeca Oliveira holds a degree in Music Education from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and a B.Mus in Voice Performance under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Angelo José Fernandes from the same university. She was a member of th e Coro Contemporâneo de Campinas from 2014 to 2022 under the regency of Angelo Fernandes, participating as a chorister and soloist in the soprano section. In 2022 Rebeca started her master's degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Manitoba, under the instruction of Tracy Dahl.

GENEVA HALVERSON (Second Lady) Geneva Halverson is a Winnipeg mezzo soprano, pianist, and song writer. Geneva holds a Bachelor of Music (performance) degree from the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music as well as a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in opera performance. Geneva is a p ast winner of the Zita Bernstein German Lieder competition as well as a 2022 top three fi nalist of the Women ’s Musical Club McLellan Competition. Geneva was the featured alto soloist in Handel’s Messiah with th e Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in 2022.

DONNALYNN GRILLS (Third Lady) Equally at home in opera, oratorio and musical theatre, Donnaly nn has had the privilege of performing with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Rainbow Stage, Dry Cold Productions, Manitoba Op era, Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver CBC Orchestra, the Gilb ert & Sullivan Society of Winnipeg, and the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. She is also a member of The Winnipeg Singers, Dead of Winter and Canzona.

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MARGOT HARDING (Queen of the Night) Margot has sung throughout Germany and Austria w here she sang her fi rst professional Queen of the Night for the Saltzburg Opera. Ms. Harding has performed with The Manitoba Opera, The Winnipeg Symphony, The National Arts Centre, The Royal Winnipeg Ball et and on numerous theatre and concert stages. Ms. Harding has been featured on CBC and premiered the soprano solo in Murray Shafer’s The Falcon ’s Train. She has also played the role of Sharon Graham in Terrence McNally’s Canadian premiere at MTC and NAC. A frequent LOC performer, she is happy to be back to sing the role of Queen of Night.

STEPHEN HAIKO-PENA (Sarastro) Stephen is a classical singer, composer and teacher in Winnipeg. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba w here he studied voice and piano. He has performed extensively in Winnipeg with various groups: Manitoba Opera, The Little Opera Company, Underg round Opera, The Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Canzona. Some of his creative output includes an intermediate piano suite, two children ’s musicals and a choral work centering on a famous Manitoba UFO sighting.

KYLE BRISCOE (Speaker) Kyle Briscoe is blazing the trail as a queer interdisciplinary artist focusing on opera performance and his love of pop music. Kyle completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba and begins his studies at McGill University towards a Master of Music in the fall. Kyle has released two singles this year, “What A Time” and “Cypress Tree” and will release his deb ut EP “LESSONS” this summer. Kyle has been awarded a Schulich Scholarship (2023), the Berythe Brise Scholarship (2022, WMC), the Andrew Kuryk Memorial Scholarship (2021 & 2020), Second Priz e in the Zita Bernstein

DON LARSEN (High Priest) Bass - Baritone, Don Larsen has previously appeared with Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg Gilbert and Sullivan Society, The Little Opera Company, Junction Players, and Manitoba Opera. For Manitoba Opera, Don just completed Così fan tutte, w hich was his 30th production as a chorus member and singer of comprimario roles with the company. Don is looking forward to singing in Manitoba Opera’s production of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North this fall.

These performances are in memory of

Dr. Paul Hazelton,

21-year friend and supporter of

T

he Little Opera

Company

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REBECCA SAWDON (Serpent) Rebecca Sawdon is an independent contemporary dance artist b ased on Treaty 1 Territory, in Winnipeg, MB. Her experience includes work as a dance-interpreter, performer, artist-educator, arts-administrator, rehearsal director, choreographer and producer. She is the founder and artistic director of Sawdon Dance. Her resume includes a diverse variety of professional contracts with many reputa ble companies and artists. Rebecca has toured, performed, and taught across Canada, trained in Europe, and has been the recipient of many artistic grants. She holds a BA Honours Degree in Dance from the University of Winnipeg and is a graduate of the Senior Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers. Rebecca is also a Pilates instructor and a local wedding of fi ciant. This summer y ou can catch her dancing on tour with The Mariachi Ghost. Rebecca is thrilled to once again be working with Little Opera Company and Odette Heyn. www.sawdondance.com

Competition (2020), and the University of Manitoba Undergraduate Research Award (2019). Kyle has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera, Manitoba Underground Opera, Little Op era Company, Canzona, PolyCoro, Dead of Winter, and the Winnipeg Singers. Kyle is the tenor soloist for the WSO’s December 2023 performances of Handel’s Messiah.

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Co

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LOC’

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Season Suppor ters Winnipeg Arts Council The Gail Asper Family Foundation, Inc Canada Council for the Arts Manitoba Arts Council The Winnipeg Foundation Corporate Donors David Kraemer Financial Services Wolseley Law LLP Lazer Grant LLP

Patrons ($1,000 +) Blair Burns Robert Campbel l Spencer Duncanson Roy Halstead Valerie Hazelton (in memory of Paul Hazelton) Michael Oike Developer ($500 - $999) Stephen and Jackueline Boyd Rob Dalgliesh and Daniel Friedman Donnalynn Grills Odette Heyn C.M. Heather Milne Judith Panson Edith Wiebe Suppor ter ($150 - $499) Gerald Brown Roger Dutton James Graham Charles Huband Don and Cindy Larsen Laurel Litardi

20 22 - 2023 Seas on Contribu tor

INDIVI DUAL DONORS

Robert MacDonald Douglas McKeag Sidney Robinovitch Annemarie Wiebe Dr. Kathryn and Dr. R obert Young Friend ($50 - $149) Diane Berger Carolyn Boyes Rob Herriot Charles Huband Julie Husband and Anthony Cyre Tracy Dahl and Raymond Sokalski Kadri Irwin Rocky and Cheryl Kreis Terumi Kuwada Robert Macklin Connie Matthes Rory Runnell s Margot Sim and Ken Hiebert Muriel Smith George E and Nicole Spencer Olesia Toumine Ruby Tretiak Memb er ($1 - $49) K. Virginia Coleman Joanne Liang

Anonymous donations made through Canada H elps

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Acknowledg

ement

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Our many Contributors and Funders: Artistic / Production Staf f of Manitoba Theatre for Young People: Katherine Johnson, Kerri Potter, Debra Zoerb, Pa bl o Felices-Luna John Greer Opera Dept at University of Alberta Mariam Bernstein Staff at Harrow U nited Church: Karen Corbett, Teresa M oysey, John Walden, Tom B Board of Directors: Robert Campbel l, President Spencer Duncanson, Artistic Director Donnalynn Grills, Treasurer Muriel Smith, Secretary Odette Heyn C.M., Director Rob Herriot, Director Lisa Rumpel, Director Rory Runnell s, Director Eldene Spencer, Director Lindsay Mackenzie, Director Diane Berger, Director Emeritus Don Larsen, Director Emeritus Peter Klymkiw, Director Emeritus

About: The Little Opera Company is a not-for-pro fi t charita ble organiz ation, w hose mission is the promotion of opera and the promotion of the talented arti sts that contribute to the production of opera in Winnipeg and Ma nitoba. We have been producing operas, showcasing the signi fi cant talents of local singers and musicians since 1995. Our purpose is as much a bout developing artists as it is a bout staging operatic works: developing emerging vocalists and instrumentalists, providing coaching and practical experience within the context of its productions, providing opportunities for artists and artisa ns to advance their skills in the design of costumes , s ets and lighting, and developing production personnel, by providing opportunities to ass ist in productions The LOC offers a unique opportunity to experience chamber opera in English; opera that engages individuals of diverse backgrounds. We are committed to selecti ng r epertoire that not only provides accessible entertainment for individuals w ho are new to the genre, but that w hich is engaging and re freshing for seasoned opera lovers. We also wish to offer educational forays into realms of opera not frequently explored within our community. www.littleopera.ca