Benjamin Britten's
The Rape of Lucretia
Dec 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 & 12, 2015
501 Union
CastMichael Kuhn // Male Chorus
Katy Lindhart // Female Chorus Adrian Rosas // Collatinus Kyle Oliver // Junius Kevin Wetzel // Tarquinius Kristin Gornstein // Lucretia Toby Newman // Bianca Melanie Leinbach // Lucia Alexis Kelley // Supernumerary Cast Biographies Orchestra
Flute / Piccolo / Alto Flute // Michelle Stockman
Oboe / English Horn // Phil Rashkin Clarinet / Bass Clarinet // Eric Umble Bassoon // Tilden Marbit Horn // Bert Hill Harp // Stephanie Babirak Percussion // Cory Bracken Violin I // Gokce Erem Violin II // Maya Bennardo / Sarah Goldfeather Viola // Trevor New Cello // Eric Allen/Bobbie Crow Bass // Ben Murphy |
ProductionLaine Rettmer // Director
Dean Buck // Conductor Sean Kelly // Music Director Anshuman Bhatia // Lighting and Set Designer Andrea Merkx // Video Designer Rachel Dainer-Best // Costume Designer Paulina Jurzec // Director of Photography Alice Millar // Cinematographer Brian Broderick // Prop Master and Builder John Zaia // Builder Jillian A. Goldstein // Stage Manager and Assistant Director Melanie Milton // Company Manager Daniel Ellis-Ferris // Executive Producer Brianna Maury // General Manager Costume pieces for Lucretia created and designed by Ohne Titel. Costumes for Bianca, Lucia, Director of Photography, and Supernueraries generously provided by Ohne Titel. |
Laine Rettmer
Stage Director
Laine Rettmer is an opera director and artist. Rettmer's Loft Opera productions of Lucrezia Borgia, il Barbiere di Sivilgia and La Boheme played sold out runs and the New York Times said her Barbiere was a, "funny, dark-edge smart production... offer[ing] fresh takes on the story." Previous opera associate and assistant director credits include Powder Her Face which opened New York City Opera's last season at BAM and Evan Ziporyn's opera A House in Bali which premiered at Berkley Rep and toured to Boston and BAM. She has collaborated with the theater and opera director, Jay Scheib, for the past seven years on thirteen productions. Laine graduated from NYU TISCH School of the Arts with BFA in stage direction, and is currently pursuing her MFA at School of the Museum of Fine Arts in video art and sculpture under the artist Mary Ellen Strom.
Stage Director
Laine Rettmer is an opera director and artist. Rettmer's Loft Opera productions of Lucrezia Borgia, il Barbiere di Sivilgia and La Boheme played sold out runs and the New York Times said her Barbiere was a, "funny, dark-edge smart production... offer[ing] fresh takes on the story." Previous opera associate and assistant director credits include Powder Her Face which opened New York City Opera's last season at BAM and Evan Ziporyn's opera A House in Bali which premiered at Berkley Rep and toured to Boston and BAM. She has collaborated with the theater and opera director, Jay Scheib, for the past seven years on thirteen productions. Laine graduated from NYU TISCH School of the Arts with BFA in stage direction, and is currently pursuing her MFA at School of the Museum of Fine Arts in video art and sculpture under the artist Mary Ellen Strom.
Sean Kelly
Music Director
A Pittsburgh native, Sean Kelly has an active career as a pianist vocal coach in the US and Europe. Mr. Kelly has worked in many theaters throughout the world including The Metropolitan Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Wolftrap Opera, Seattle Opera,Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Teatro Comunale Francesco Cilea, The Istanbul Opera Festival and Accademia di Santa Cecilia. In 2011 he was invited to perform at the first Leyla Gencer Memorial Concert in Ankara. Mr. Kelly also has an active teaching career as a past faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, and currently the Lorenzo Malfatti Accademia Vocale.
Music Director
A Pittsburgh native, Sean Kelly has an active career as a pianist vocal coach in the US and Europe. Mr. Kelly has worked in many theaters throughout the world including The Metropolitan Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Wolftrap Opera, Seattle Opera,Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Teatro Comunale Francesco Cilea, The Istanbul Opera Festival and Accademia di Santa Cecilia. In 2011 he was invited to perform at the first Leyla Gencer Memorial Concert in Ankara. Mr. Kelly also has an active teaching career as a past faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, and currently the Lorenzo Malfatti Accademia Vocale.
Kristin Gornstein
Lucretia
Described as, "engaging", with an "elegant voice", by the New York Times, American mezzo-soprano Kristin Gornstein was most recently a vocal fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, performing works by Bach, Korngold, Golijov and more. Last season, Kristin debuted to critical acclaim the role of Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Loft Opera, and will return this December to sing the title role in Britten's The Rape of Lucretia. Other recent performances include the North American premiere of Johan de Meij’s 4th Symphony with the New York Wind Symphony, performances in Stockholm, Sweden and Rotterdam, Holland with the Opera Mecatronica ensemble, and Romeo in Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi. Originally from Indiana, Kristin now lives in Brooklyn, where she is in pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee. Visit her at www.kristingornstein.com.
Lucretia
Described as, "engaging", with an "elegant voice", by the New York Times, American mezzo-soprano Kristin Gornstein was most recently a vocal fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, performing works by Bach, Korngold, Golijov and more. Last season, Kristin debuted to critical acclaim the role of Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Loft Opera, and will return this December to sing the title role in Britten's The Rape of Lucretia. Other recent performances include the North American premiere of Johan de Meij’s 4th Symphony with the New York Wind Symphony, performances in Stockholm, Sweden and Rotterdam, Holland with the Opera Mecatronica ensemble, and Romeo in Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi. Originally from Indiana, Kristin now lives in Brooklyn, where she is in pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee. Visit her at www.kristingornstein.com.
Michael Kuhn
Male Chorus
Praised for his “gorgeously clear and colorful tenor”, Michael Kuhn is quickly gaining recognition as a dynamic performer of opera, musical theatre and concert works across the country. He was most recently heard with Central City Opera, performing the Padre in Man of La Mancha, Sancho in Boismortier’s rarely performed comedy Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse and as the title role in Britten’s The Prodigal Son, hailed by Opera News as a performance in which he “sang with force and acted with authority.” Michael has been a young artist with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Central City Opera, Virginia Opera and Syracuse Opera. A champion of new music, he has participated in several premiers with the Center for Contemporary Opera in New York, and in October he performed the role of Filipino painter Juan Luna in the U.S. premiere of Spoliarium, an opera by composer Ryan Cayabyab. Other highlights have included Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Tobias (Sweeney Todd), Candide (Candide), Tamino (The Magic Flute), Piquillo (La Périchole) and Hot Biscuit Slim (Paul Bunyan). He was last seen with LoftOpera as Rustighello in their critically acclaimed production of Lucrezia Borgia.
Male Chorus
Praised for his “gorgeously clear and colorful tenor”, Michael Kuhn is quickly gaining recognition as a dynamic performer of opera, musical theatre and concert works across the country. He was most recently heard with Central City Opera, performing the Padre in Man of La Mancha, Sancho in Boismortier’s rarely performed comedy Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse and as the title role in Britten’s The Prodigal Son, hailed by Opera News as a performance in which he “sang with force and acted with authority.” Michael has been a young artist with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Central City Opera, Virginia Opera and Syracuse Opera. A champion of new music, he has participated in several premiers with the Center for Contemporary Opera in New York, and in October he performed the role of Filipino painter Juan Luna in the U.S. premiere of Spoliarium, an opera by composer Ryan Cayabyab. Other highlights have included Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Tobias (Sweeney Todd), Candide (Candide), Tamino (The Magic Flute), Piquillo (La Périchole) and Hot Biscuit Slim (Paul Bunyan). He was last seen with LoftOpera as Rustighello in their critically acclaimed production of Lucrezia Borgia.
Katy Lindhart
Female Chorus
Praised for her "beautiful, effortless singing" (Arts Louisville), "sparkling stage presence," and "expert acting” (St. Louis Dispatch), American soprano Katy Lindhart is an exciting young singer to watch. In demand on the opera and concert stage, Katy's recent engagements include Le Nozze di Figaro for Opera Columbus and Winter Opera St. Louis, Fidelio for Kentucky Opera and Dayton Opera, Ainadamar for the Lexington Philharmonic, The Magic Flute for Salt Marsh Opera, I Am Harvey Milk for Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, Carmen for Cincinnati Opera, Don Giovanni for Kentucky Opera, and Falstaff for Winter Opera St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.katylindhart.com.
Female Chorus
Praised for her "beautiful, effortless singing" (Arts Louisville), "sparkling stage presence," and "expert acting” (St. Louis Dispatch), American soprano Katy Lindhart is an exciting young singer to watch. In demand on the opera and concert stage, Katy's recent engagements include Le Nozze di Figaro for Opera Columbus and Winter Opera St. Louis, Fidelio for Kentucky Opera and Dayton Opera, Ainadamar for the Lexington Philharmonic, The Magic Flute for Salt Marsh Opera, I Am Harvey Milk for Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, Carmen for Cincinnati Opera, Don Giovanni for Kentucky Opera, and Falstaff for Winter Opera St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.katylindhart.com.
Kevin Wetzel
Tarquinius
After completing his graduate studies at The Peabody Institute, Kevin was immediately engaged in professional work throughout the country. Known for his “sturdy, warm-voiced baritone” and “admirably finished product” (Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun), recent appearances include the title role in Don Giovanni with Tacoma Opera and Silvio in Pagliacci with Opera Columbus. He has performed with many other companies, including Dicapo Opera Theatre, Utah Festival Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera, HUB Opera, Summer Garden Opera Theatre, Lyric Opera Baltimore, Sarasota Opera, Opera in the Heights, Central City Opera, Arizona Opera, Chesapeake Chamber Opera, Virginia Opera Association, Glimmerglass Opera, and Baltimore Opera Company, among others. Kevin has also appeared in concert with Virginia Symphony; Richmond Symphony; Richmond Ballet; Concert Artists of Baltimore; Central Maryland Chorale; the Peabody Concert Orchestra; and The Kennedy Center. Kevin is a winner of the Washington, D.C. district of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, First Prize in the Sylvia Green Voice Competition, Finalist in the Fritz and Lavinia Foundation Voice Competition, and the Lindauer Memorial Prize at the Annapolis Opera Competition.
Tarquinius
After completing his graduate studies at The Peabody Institute, Kevin was immediately engaged in professional work throughout the country. Known for his “sturdy, warm-voiced baritone” and “admirably finished product” (Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun), recent appearances include the title role in Don Giovanni with Tacoma Opera and Silvio in Pagliacci with Opera Columbus. He has performed with many other companies, including Dicapo Opera Theatre, Utah Festival Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera, HUB Opera, Summer Garden Opera Theatre, Lyric Opera Baltimore, Sarasota Opera, Opera in the Heights, Central City Opera, Arizona Opera, Chesapeake Chamber Opera, Virginia Opera Association, Glimmerglass Opera, and Baltimore Opera Company, among others. Kevin has also appeared in concert with Virginia Symphony; Richmond Symphony; Richmond Ballet; Concert Artists of Baltimore; Central Maryland Chorale; the Peabody Concert Orchestra; and The Kennedy Center. Kevin is a winner of the Washington, D.C. district of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, First Prize in the Sylvia Green Voice Competition, Finalist in the Fritz and Lavinia Foundation Voice Competition, and the Lindauer Memorial Prize at the Annapolis Opera Competition.
Adrian Rosas
Collatinus
Hailed by Opera News as a “mellifluous bass-baritone [with] theatrical flair”, Adrian Rosas is an emerging young artist with “impressive experience and talent” (The Boston Globe). Mr. Rosas has performed with opera companies such as the Seattle Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Houston’s Opera in the Heights, and the Detroit Opera House. As a champion of new and modern music, he has had the opportunity to work on a variety of newly written works, including Peter Ash’s The Golden Ticket, Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s Frida, Petr Kotik’s Master-Pieces, Matt Aucoin’s Whitman, newly written operas with the American Lyric Theater in New York, and with the Ostrava Center for New Music in the Czech Republic. Equally versed in concert and oratorio work, he has performed at Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium, Weill Recital Hall, and Zankel Hall), Merkin Concert Hall, and Alice Tully Hall. Mr. Rosas holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Music Degree from The Juilliard School.
Collatinus
Hailed by Opera News as a “mellifluous bass-baritone [with] theatrical flair”, Adrian Rosas is an emerging young artist with “impressive experience and talent” (The Boston Globe). Mr. Rosas has performed with opera companies such as the Seattle Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Houston’s Opera in the Heights, and the Detroit Opera House. As a champion of new and modern music, he has had the opportunity to work on a variety of newly written works, including Peter Ash’s The Golden Ticket, Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s Frida, Petr Kotik’s Master-Pieces, Matt Aucoin’s Whitman, newly written operas with the American Lyric Theater in New York, and with the Ostrava Center for New Music in the Czech Republic. Equally versed in concert and oratorio work, he has performed at Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium, Weill Recital Hall, and Zankel Hall), Merkin Concert Hall, and Alice Tully Hall. Mr. Rosas holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Music Degree from The Juilliard School.
Melanie Leinbach
Lucia
Melanie Leinbach, soprano, originally from Charlottesville Virginia, has established herself as a versatile performer in opera and musical theater. In December 2015 she will sing the role of Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia with LoftOpera in NYC. For the summer of 2015, Melanie joined the Danis Wilson Apprentice Program at Sugar Creek Opera and she also sang her first Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide with Emerald City Opera. Next year, she will sing Magnolia in Showboat with Fiddlehead Theater in Boston, MA. Melanie spent the 2013-2014 season as a Resident Artist with Tri-Cities Opera where she performed Frasquita (Carmen), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), and one of her favorite comediennes Adele (Die Fledermaus). Melanie earned a BA with Highest Distinction in Music and Archaeology from the University of Virginia and her MM at the New England Conservatory.
Lucia
Melanie Leinbach, soprano, originally from Charlottesville Virginia, has established herself as a versatile performer in opera and musical theater. In December 2015 she will sing the role of Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia with LoftOpera in NYC. For the summer of 2015, Melanie joined the Danis Wilson Apprentice Program at Sugar Creek Opera and she also sang her first Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide with Emerald City Opera. Next year, she will sing Magnolia in Showboat with Fiddlehead Theater in Boston, MA. Melanie spent the 2013-2014 season as a Resident Artist with Tri-Cities Opera where she performed Frasquita (Carmen), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), and one of her favorite comediennes Adele (Die Fledermaus). Melanie earned a BA with Highest Distinction in Music and Archaeology from the University of Virginia and her MM at the New England Conservatory.
Toby Newman
Bianca
Opera Magazine (UK) praised “Toby Newman’s moving, plaintive-voiced account of the name part” for her portrayal of the title role in Holst’s Savitri. Other opera credits include Sesto in Giulio Cesare in Egitto (Opera Roanoke), Dinah in Trouble in Tahiti (Anchorage Opera), Zerlina in Don Giovanni (Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice), Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte (St. Petersburg Opera), and the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts in Hartford, CT. Her recent concert credits include the alto solos in Handel’s Messiah, Judas Maccabaeus, and Dettigen Te Deum, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Cantata 80, Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzes, and one of the two “divas” in the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Dueling Divas concert. In addition to her work in traditional opera and oratorio, Ms. Newman works extensively in the realm of new music and contemporary opera. Her longtime association with Meredith Monk has included multiple recordings and concerts at Carnegie Hall among many other settings. Additional new music highlights include the lead female role in Robert Een’s opera The Escape Artist at Disney Hall in Los Angeles and repeat performances in Maharashstra, India, and world and American premieres by composers such as Thomas Pasatieri, Huang Ruo, and Hugo Kauder among many others.
Bianca
Opera Magazine (UK) praised “Toby Newman’s moving, plaintive-voiced account of the name part” for her portrayal of the title role in Holst’s Savitri. Other opera credits include Sesto in Giulio Cesare in Egitto (Opera Roanoke), Dinah in Trouble in Tahiti (Anchorage Opera), Zerlina in Don Giovanni (Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice), Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte (St. Petersburg Opera), and the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts in Hartford, CT. Her recent concert credits include the alto solos in Handel’s Messiah, Judas Maccabaeus, and Dettigen Te Deum, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Cantata 80, Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzes, and one of the two “divas” in the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Dueling Divas concert. In addition to her work in traditional opera and oratorio, Ms. Newman works extensively in the realm of new music and contemporary opera. Her longtime association with Meredith Monk has included multiple recordings and concerts at Carnegie Hall among many other settings. Additional new music highlights include the lead female role in Robert Een’s opera The Escape Artist at Disney Hall in Los Angeles and repeat performances in Maharashstra, India, and world and American premieres by composers such as Thomas Pasatieri, Huang Ruo, and Hugo Kauder among many others.
