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| 2008/2009 SEPTEMBER TAKE NOTE | |||||
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Take Note September - 2008 Season 54 Member of Opera Volunteers International Volume 1
Kay Miller
Things change. This simplistic statement contains one of life’s greatest truths. Sometimes we seek change—a better paying job, a new house, a new baby. Sometimes change finds us whether we want it or not—a broken relationship, the death of a loved one. Even when the outcome is positive, the initiation and process of change can be frightening and painful. Consider this trivial example. I have beautiful new carpet at my house. The change began one Sunday morning in April when I walked into the family room and felt water squishing under my toes. We had a leak. We called the disaster team and the insurance adjustor; they tore out wet carpet, pulled up baseboards and cut holes in the wall. We went to carpet stores, struggled to make a choice, and located a carpenter and painter. I moved every dish and glass in the china cabinet, not to mention every other item in three rooms; held my breath while two scrawny men shoved my furniture around and banged on my walls; endured the dust and lint; and then set everything back in place. It was not fun—but the house is cleaner, and the new carpet is very nice. The point of my story is to say that we who love and support Tulsa Opera are in the midst of great change. Carol Crawford, esteemed Director of Tulsa Opera for fourteen years, resigned last spring. When the curtain rises in October, we aren’t going to see her beautiful red hair gleaming above the orchestra. Dixie Reppe, who with grace and strength led us through a difficult interim period, has retired again. The Guild has a new calendar, a new membership, and a new board. It is only natural that we feel uneasy about the future, wondering if our favorite special occasion is gone for good, or if the upcoming season will be as enjoyable as 2007-2008 was. However, even when change is difficult, it can lead to improvement, growth, and renewal. Kostis Protopapas, our new Artistic Director, has been associated with Tulsa Opera for a number of years. We know him, his devotion to the art form, his intellectual prowess, and his artistic integrity. He is making enthusiastic plans for the next five years, including return performances by some of our favorite artists. John Peter “Jeep” Jeffries, our new General Manager, brings much experience, great business acumen and a thoroughly delightful personality to his position. You are going to love him, take my word for it. Few of the new Guild board members are actually new; we’ve simply shifted roles or returned to service after a bit of a break, eager to move forward. And if one of your favorite events has been phased out, I will bet it has been replaced by one that you will enjoy even more. I am truly excited about the future, and I am confident that the changes we’ve experienced this past year will result in increased unity between the Guild and Tulsa Opera, Inc., and will enable the Guild to play a stronger role in supporting Tulsa Opera. As Puccini’s familiar story and music unfold on opening night, we will understand once more why we work so hard to keep this art form alive in our community—the beauty of opera is one of the few unchanging elements in our ever-shifting lives.
So Long…..Good Bye Au revoir, auf Wiedersehen, Addio,
Dennis & Lyndsey Morris
We are saddened for us but happy for Lyndsey and Dennis Morris on their relocation to Fort Collins, Colorado. We are stunned by our loss. As Historian, and Vice President of Administration, Lyndsey revitalized the Tulsa Opera Guild by streamlining our records, organized membership booklets and calendar of events. Dennis was always available to help with Insights, Special Occasions, Membership, and always pitched in anywhere he was needed. Lyndsey’s new address is 6120 Brookwater Lane, Ft. Collins, CO 80528. She may be reached at Cell 918-406-7966 after October 15th. This is a couple extraordinaire! We thank them for all they have done. We will miss them both!
EDUCATION Vice President Ginny Roberts
Our Docent Trainer, Marilyn Strange, has conducted a successful and informative summer session of lessons in her home. The series is open to anyone wishing to increase their background and understanding of opera. These lessons will continue on through September, EVERY Tuesday morning, from 10-12, at Marilyn’s home, 9822 S. Knoxville Ave. Beginning in October, Marilyn will resume the regular fall schedule for Docent training. FIRST and THIRD Tuesday mornings, from 10-12, at her home. I’m looking forward to the new Opera season. “INSIGHTS” are scheduled two weeks before the Opening Night of each of the three operas scheduled this season. Be sure to mark your calendar for the first INSIGHT—
LA BOHEME Thursday, September 25th 5:30 – 6:00 P.M. Wine & Cheese 6:00 – 6:45 P.M. Program: Kostis Protopapas-Artistic Director HARWELDEN Mansion 2210 South Main Valet Parking Provided
STRATEGIC PLANNING Vice President.- Rachael Hunsucker
What is strategic planning and why is it important to our organization? This is a question I hear quite often. Whether it is working with the Opera Guild or one of the other Tulsa non-profits where I volunteer, the answer is always the same. Simply stated, strategic planning determines where an organization is going, draws the roadmap to get there, and evaluates whether past goals were met. This planning is vital, serves as a framework for decisions, and helps explain the Guild to the community to inform, motivate, and involve. Strategic planning also stimulates change and becomes a building block for future plans. The Guild of Tulsa Opera has the benefit of already having a strategic plan. The committee is excited about using this as a starting point and working with President Kay Miller and the Guild board to update with direction for the future. Committee members will then help provide the roadmap for long-term goals and criteria to evaluate our progress. Please feel free to contact Rachael Hunsucker, strategic planning chair, at rnr214@valornet.com, with any input, suggestions, or ideas for the plan. Look for exciting updates in the coming months!
MEMORIALS TO ENDOWMENT FUND
Marilyn Strange in memory of Patricia Duke Jean Roberts in memory of Norris W. Roberts Orpha Harnish in memory of Jewell Miller Jeanne Hillman in memory of Jewell Miller Mel Littlefield in memory of Nadine Gutherie
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GOURMET DINNER AND CABARET
Sunday, September 21, 2008 5:30 p.m.
Gourmet cooking/tasting in the beautiful home of John and Sandy Stava 9328 S Indianapolis Ave
Sip delicious wines or other cold beverages while observing one of Tulsa’s finest chefs prepare a scrumptious dinner
Between the courses, laugh, cry and reminisce during cabaret style performances by Dr. Donald Armstrong
Hostesses: Sandy Stava and Marilyn Strange
Price per person $75 ($50 tax deductible)
Party Number Two
SPECIAL OCCASIONS RESERVATIONS
For all Special Occasions reservations, call 918-299-9415 and continue to mail your reservations with payment to
The Guild of Tulsa Opera P. O. Box 1286 Jenks, OK 74037
MEMBERSHIP Vice President – Lyndsey Morris YEARBOOK The 2008/2009 Yearbook has been completed and mailed to all members, Tulsa Opera Staff, and Tulsa Opera Board members. Membership for this season stands as follows: New Members 35 Renewed Members 115 Life Members 78 For a total Membership of: 228 Please add the following new members to your Yearbook: Robert & Brenda Berry New Diva Couples 742-7913 W: 526-7810 2736 S Victor Avenue C: 260-7405 Fx: 599-8125 Tulsa, OK 74114 brenda.berry@resources-us.com TELEPHONE COMMITTEE Under the leadership of Chairman, Mary Ann Wehrs, 16 Guild volunteers will work to establish their calling lists by ascertaining from each member on their list: 1) Does that member wish to be called or sent an email to be reminded about each membership meeting during the season; 2) Does that member wish to be called or sent an email regarding Tulsa Opera events during the season, such as Youth Opera concerts; 3) Does that member wish to be called or emailed when Tulsa Opera staff asks for assistance on Tulsa Opera projects at the Opera Center. The volunteer callers will take reservations for the meetings each season which require reservations: March at Oaks Country Club; and May membership luncheon at the home of Leah Horner. GUESTBOOK CHAIRMAN Under the leadership of Co-Chairmen, Loreta White, Gingi Reed and Jerry Askew, the Guild Guestbook will be brought to every membership meeting. All guests will be asked to sign the book and they will be recognized and introduced during the meeting. Membership applications will be available and New Member Packets will be given to those who join at meetings. Name tags will be used at meetings.
TULSA OPERA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Light walking is a unique opportunity for opera friends to assist the opera production staff as they are preparing for the opening night of performances each season. As the sets are being erected on stage, the Lighting Designerneeds individuals to be up on the stage and move around as directed while the stage lighting is set for the performance. This usually happens on Monday and Tuesday of the week before opening night. They need assistance from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It is ideal to have 2 volunteers for each period. It is fun to get to know the production staff and get in on all the behind the scenes activity. A list of volunteers is maintained by the Volunteer liaison and an email is sent to the listed volunteers a week or so ahead of time with the schedule so they can pick the time slot that will work for them. Volunteers who are able to assist are invited to attend the Final Dress Rehearsal of the opera. If you would like to be a Light walking Volunteer please send an email to TulsaOperaGuild@cox.net Mailing Assistance The staff at Tulsa Opera periodically need assistance with large mailing projects and call upon Guild members to volunteer to work at the opera center to help on these projects. A list of volunteers is maintained by the Volunteer liaison. When called upon for help, volunteers are contacted by phone or email to arrange the schedule.
If you would like to be a mailing assistance volunteer please send an email to TheGuild@theguildoftulsaopera.com and you will be added to the volunteer list.
A CHOCOLATE FANTASY
Sunday, October 5, 2008 4:00 p.m. At the lovely home of Dr. Chris and Gina Covington 2151 S Norfolk Terrace
Mmm….chocolate! Enjoy Sunday evening light supper with a chocolate splurge —all food for the soul — Exotic libations Door prizes Party may be outside
Hostesses: Peggy Char and Orpha Harnish
Number of Guests—35 Price per person $30 ($15 tax deductible)
Party Number Three
La Bohème Composer: Giacomo Puccini ACT I. Paris, around 1830. In their Latin Quarter garret, the near-destitute artist Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm on Christmas Eve by feeding the stove with pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates—Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric student. While they celebrate their unexpected fortune, the landlord, Benoit, comes to collect the rent. Plying the older man with wine, they urge him to tell of his flirtations, then throw him out in mock indignation at his infidelity to his wife. As his friends depart to celebrate at the Café Momus, Rodolfo promises to join them later, remaining behind to try to write. There is another knock at the door; the visitor is a pretty neighbor, Mimì, whose candle has gone out on the drafty stairway. No sooner does she enter than the girl feels faint; after reviving her with a sip of wine, Rodolfo helps her to the door and relights her candle. Mimì realizes she lost her key when she fainted, and, as the two search for it, both candles are blown out. In the darkness, Rodolfo finds the key and slips it into his pocket. The poet takes Mimì’s shivering hand, telling her his dreams (“Che gelida manina”). She then recounts her life alone in a lofty garret, embroidering flowers and waiting for the spring (“Mi chiamano Mimì”). Rodolfo’s friends are heard outside, urging him to join them; he calls back that he is not alone and will be along shortly. Expressing their joy in finding each other (duet: “O soave fanciulla”), Mimì and Rodolfo slowly leave, arm in arm, for the café. ACT II. At the Café Momus, Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends. The toy vendor Parpignol passes by, besieged by eager children. Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly but wealthy Alcindoro, and the ensuing tumult reaches its peak when, trying to regain Marcello’s attention, she sings a waltz about her popularity (“Quando me’n vo’”). Sending Alcindoro off on an errand, she falls into Marcello’s arms as soon as the old man is gone and tells the waiter to charge everything to Alcindoro. Soldiers march by the café, and as the bohemians fall in behind, the returning Alcindoro is presented with the check. ACT III. At dawn on the snowy outskirts of Paris, a customs official admits farm women to the city. Merrymakers are heard within a tavern. Soon Mimì wanders in, searching for the place where Marcello and Musetta now live. When the painter emerges, she tells him of her distress over Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy (Duet: “O buon Marcello, aiuto!”). She says she believes it is best that they part. Rodolfo, who has been asleep in the tavern, wakes and comes outside. Mimì hides nearby, though Marcello thinks she has gone. The poet first tells Marcello that he wants to separate from his sweetheart, citing her fickleness; pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her illness can only grow worse in the poverty they share. Overcome with tears, Mimì stumbles forward to bid her lover farewell (“Donde lieta uscì”) as Marcello runs back into the tavern hearing Musetta’s laughter. While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Musetta dashes out of the inn, quarreling with Marcello, who has caught her flirting (Quartet: “Addio, dolce svegliare”). The painter and his mistress part, hurling insults at each other, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until spring. ACT IV. Now separated from their girlfriends, Rodolfo and Marcello lament their loneliness in the garret (duet: “O Mimì, tu più non torni”). Colline and Schaunard bring a meager meal; to lighten their spirits, the four stage a dance, which turns into a mock duel. At the height of the hilarity, Musetta bursts in to tell them that Mimì is outside, too weak to come upstairs. As Rodolfo runs to her aid, Musetta relates how Mimì begged to be taken to her lover to die. The poor girl is made as comfortable as possible, while Musetta asks Marcello to sell her earrings for medicine and Colline goes off to pawn his overcoat (“Vecchia zimarra”). Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their first happy days, but she is seized with violent coughing. When the others return, Musetta gives Mimì a muff to warm her hands. Mimì slowly drifts into unconsciousness, and when Rodolfo at last realizes that she is dead, he throws himself despairingly on her body. (Taken from the Internet – Tulsa Metropolitan Opera) BOOK REVIEW MEDIA EXCHANGE Sunday, November 9, 2008 2:00 p.m. In the Lovely home of Roger & Mary Ann Wehrs 6909 South Evanston Dixie Reppe will review THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH: MY RISE AND REIGN AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA while we enjoy a lovely tea party Bring books, CD’s, tapes, and DVD’s to trade for ones that will be new to you! Hosted by Jack and Yolanda Staiger Price per person $30 ($20 tax deductible)
Party Number Four
MEETINGS CALENDAR The Guild of Tulsa Opera
September 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008 LaBoheme Artist/Staff Luncheon . 1:00 p.m. Baden Hall, Opera Center
Sunday, September 21, 2008 Special Occasion Event Gourmet Dinner & Cabaret 5:30 p.m. 9328 S. Indianapolis Ave.
Thursday, September 25, 2008 MEMBERSHIP MEETING & OPERA INSIGHTS 5:00 p.m. Harwelden, 2210 S. Main 5:00 p.m. Meeting 5:30 p.m. Wine & Hors d’Oeuvres 6:00 p.m. Opera Insights Chairman, Board of Directors Program: La Bohème Presenter: Kostis Protopapas Valet Parking provided
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 La Boheme Artist Notes Dinner Baden Hall, Opera Center 10:45 p.m.
October 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008 BOARD MEETING at Opera Center Library 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 2, 2008 La Bohème dress rehearsal
October 4, 10 and 12, 2008 La Bohème at the PAC
Sunday, October 5, 2008 Special Occasion Event A Chocolate Fantasy 4:00 p.m. 2151 S. Norfolk Terrace
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 Docents 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Docents 10:00 a.m.
Friday, October 24, 2008 MEMBERSHIP MEETING 11:30 a.m. Hostess: Leah Horner 6941 E. 109th Street Chairman: Nancy Ahrens Program: David Zimmerman – Opera Wigs and Make-up Artist
November 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Docents 0:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Thursday November 4, 2008 TAKE NOTE DEADLINE
Thursday, November 6, 2008 BOARD MEETING 11:30 a.m. at Opera Center Library 1:30 a.m.
Sunday, November 9, 2008 Special Occasion Event Book Review/Media Exchange 2:00 p.m. 9919 S. Louisville Ave.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Docents 10:00 a.m.
Friday, November 21, 2008 MEMBERSHIP MEETING 11:30 a.m. Hostess: Rebecca Whisenhunt 9731 South Knoxville Ave Chairman: Peggy Char Program: Art Song Recital Featuring Dr. Donald Armstrong, voice Professor Anna Norberg, piano December 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 Special Occasion Event Bridge Luncheon 10:00 a.m. Oaks Country Club 4101 W. 71st Street
January 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Docents 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 8, 2009 BOARD MEETING at home of Sandy Stava 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 8, 2009 TAKE NOTE DEADLINE
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 Docents 10:00 a.m.
Friday, January 23, 2009 MEMBERSHIP MEETING & LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. Location: TBA Chairman: Gingi Reed Program: Supernumeraries You Have Known and Loved
Friday, January 30, 2008 Hansel & Gretel Artist/Staff Luncheon Baden Hall, Opera Center 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 31, 2008 BRAVO! Celebrating Hansel & Gretel Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place 6:00 p.m.
SUPPORT THE GUILD OF TULSA OPERA
The Guild of Tulsa Opera Board Members 2008 - 2009 Starting top left Sandy Stava, Franklin Miller, Rachael Hunsucker, Sandi Hodges, Lyndsey Morris, Beverly Barry, Ginny Roberts, Kay Miller, Orpha Harnish, Ann Farris, Not included in picture are Carolyn Polston, Jeanne Hillman, Dixie Reppe
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