Toledo Opera Honors Sanford with Dinner, 'Tosca' Performances

Conductor James Meena (standing, at left) expresses appreciation for
Ann Sanford's 20 years as a Toledo Opera trustee at a dinner Friday
in the Corinthian dining room at the Toledo Club.

Ann Sanford not only takes the cake, she also gives it.

At the post-performance reception Friday for "Tosca" cast and audience members, the off-stage star of the evening demonstrated the selflessness and charitable nature for which she had been lauded by cutting and serving the sheet cake frosted with a bouquet of roses herself.

The Toledo Opera staged the 2014 production of "Tosca" in Sanford's honor for her 20 years of board service and unwavering support of the organization.

Sanford shares
her appreciation.

Friends and opera fans also gathered earlier Friday evening at the Toledo Club, where notable folks shared their gratitude for Sanford and the caliber of production that the Toledo Opera is able to present to the community.

"So goes the Toledo Opera, so goes the nation's operas," stage director Michael Capasso said.

Toledo Opera executive director Suzanne Rorick noted that Sanford was personally responsible for introducing many people to opera, inviting them to performances and events. Rorick expressed deep appreciation for Sanford's straight-forward communication and commitment, as well as her friendship.

Sanford told the assembled guests that she was flattered by the attention but saw herself as one of many who worked together to promote the Toledo Opera. She said opera was a family, and that she had done only what one would do for brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents, and children who would carry on the tradition.

Ann Sanford serves cake with the help of Karen DeNune in
the Red Room at the Toledo Club.

In her letter in the "Tosca" program, Sanford encouraged people to volunteer. "Join the chorus, the Opera Guild, or come to a fundraiser and you will soon be part of the Toledo Opera family," she wrote.

Conductor James Meena called Sanford a beacon for the successful journey of the Toledo Opera, which weathered a recent financial crisis in large part to her efforts. Meena said she was as willing to do the "little things" as well -- perhaps a foreshadowing of the humble cake cutting.

'Tosca' Honorary Director Sanford Encourages Volunteerism

From the stage, retiring Toledo Opera trustee Ann Sanford joked to Friday's audience that it was a delight to have "Tosca" staged in her honor rather than her memory.

The full house laughed with appreciation, honoring Sanford's 20 years on the board. They were rewarded with a moving and gorgeous production of Puccini's "Tosca," staring Adam Diegel, Jill Gardner and Michael Chioldi. James Meena conducted the Toledo Symphony members, with Michael Capasso serving as stage director.

There are a handful of seats left for Sunday's performance. You don't want to miss it! Tickets are available online.

The Toledo Opera published the following note and a letter from Sanford in the program book:

Ann Sanford, Honorary Director

In grateful appreciation for two decades of loving this art form and company so much that you inspire others to love it, too. Your leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm have ensured that Toledo Opera survives and thrives today.

Dear Friends,

"Tosca" was the first opera I ever saw, and I never will forget sitting stunned in my cheap seat in the student section at the end when she ... but I can't tell  you that, you have to see it for yourself!

I am incredibly delighted that Toledo Opera has chosen to honor me with this production. I am the perfect example of "if I can do this, anybody can!" involvement with the Opera over the years. I began by singing in the chorus in the early '80s, which lasted until I was too pregnant to be swung about by my dance partner in "Pirates of Penzance." From there I volunteered to co-chair the Sapphire Ball in 1994, which raised over $100,000 for opera programs, and then became a board member for the next couple of decades.

So all you have to do is volunteer! Join the chorus, the Opera Guild, or come to a fundraiser and you will soon be part of the Toledo Opera family. We do like our parties!

We have survived some really tough times in recent years, thanks to everyone pitching in with hard work and from community-wide donations. It is a credit to Toledo that our scrappy little outfit has prospered when other, larger (but not better!) organizations have folded. The honest truth is that the productions here are as good as you will see anywhere ... and I mean anywhere! There is something magical about this theatre and the young up-and-coming artists who give their very best when they hit our beautiful stage. You may witness the next major star singing tonight, so save your program so you can look back and say, "Wait a minute, didn't we see her/him in Toledo Opera?"

Thanks to the "Sound Vision" campaign, our non-profit organization has kept main-stage opera in Toledo, brought terrific music to kids all over the area, collaborated with other arts organizations, and provided performance opportunities for many regional singers. You should all be proud to be part of the reason the opera is thriving. I know I am.

I hope to see you at many more operas in the years to come.

Ann Sanford,
Former Trustee

'Tosca' Has Deep Roots in Toledo

Police brutality. Political torture. Passion, betrayal, jealousy. Murder. Suicide.

Yesterday's headlines?

Nope, next weekend’s opera: "Tosca."

Slated as Toledo Opera’s season opener, it will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Valentine Theatre.

Read the rest of Sally Vallongo's article in today's edition of The Blade.

Vallongo relates the history of Puccini's opera in its original development and its impact on Toledo audiences, as well as interviews lead star Jill Gardner, who was a guest at last week's Toledo Opera Guild luncheon.

Toledo Opera artistic director James Meena praises the Valentine Theatre and its renovated orchestra pit.

"It's the perfect opera to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Valentine," he told The Blade.

Meena conducted "Tosca" for the Valentine's inaugural performance in 1999. The traditional sets also will be the same, the Seattle Opera's painted canvas backdrops from Italian designer Ercole Sormani.

"There are only a few sets by Sormani in the U.S.," the conductor said.

'Vissi d'arte': Gardner Treats Opera Guild to 'Tosca' Aria at Luncheon

Soprano Jill Gardner, left, the female lead in the Toledo Opera's "Tosca,"
visits with Judith Conda at the opera guild luncheon at Inverness.

Soprano Jill Gardner may have been pleading to God as to why she has found herself -- or, rather, her character Tosca in Puccini's same-titled opera -- in such a tangled web of political and romantic intrigue, but the members and guests of the Toledo Opera Guild certainly would have offered prayers of divine gratitude for such a lovely performance.

Gardner, star of the Toledo Opera's upcoming "Tosca" production, sang the aria from Act II at the guild luncheon Wednesday at Inverness Club, with Kevin Bylsma accompanying on piano. Visit the guild's Facebook page to view a video.

"The Italians truly believe in destiny," Gardner said prior to the solo, describing Tosca's pleas to God that a lifelong service to humanity and love of art ("Vissi d'arte") should have protected her from the torture of her lover and an indecent proposal from a corrupt police chief.

"Nell'ora del dolore, perché, perché, Signore, perché me ne rimuneri così?" she sings, which means: "In this hour of grief, why, why, Lord, why do you reward me thus?"

The audience certainly will be rewarded by Gardner's amazing voice and those of a stellar cast in the Oct. 10 and 12 performances of "Tosca." Visit the Toledo Opera's website for more information and tickets. Read more about Gardner's biography on her site.

Gardner has been immersed in Puccini roles lately, but her portrayal of Tosca in Toledo will be a special one for her. Verismo soprano Diana Soviero, her mentor and current teacher, opened the Valentine Theatre in the same role years ago.

"It makes me cry even thinking about it," Gardner said.

The opera singer emphasized how important it is to study with a good teacher if one wants a successful and fulfilling career.

"What makes us as musicians is teachers," she said.

Gardner advises young students to be patient, especially with their voices as they will develop and mature over time. She encourages people who may be interested in becoming an opera performer to work on musicianship, to study the history of opera and its impact on Western culture, and to become fluent in other languages.

She also counsels prospective music students to secure their education with as minimal debt as possible, including attending community colleges for regular coursework before pursuing music credits at another school.

"You have to be so much more creative now to figure out how to do this," she said.

Gardner lives in North Carolina with husband Jake, who also is an opera singer. The bass-baritone and soprano have performed "Tosca" roles together before.

"We work out a lot of things in the second act," Gardner joked, swinging her fist around.

Cindy Niggemyer, left, sporting a diamond tiara, chats with
Joyce Stenberg at the luncheon.

The opera guild was delighted to be joined by Gardner at the luncheon. Hostess Barbara Baker, who serves as third vice president on the executive board, decorated the tables with scattered gems and bottles of wine that will be for sale at the upcoming Diamonds and Denim fall fundraising event.

Attendees dined on delectable tomato soup with tender chunks of carrots and onion, fluffy quiche studded with asparagus and spinach paired with green beans almondine, and a fall-is-finally-here slice of pumpkin pie graced with fresh whipped cream and a velvety roll of white chocolate.

Guild president Cindy Niggemyer -- thematically bedecked in glittering diamond jewelry and tiara with a denim skirt and blue gloves -- distributed new membership booklets and joked that her attire didn't seem that extraordinary to guild members.

"It's opera!" Bylsma quipped.

UT Soprano to Present Solo Recital in Free Concert

Denise Ritter Bernardini (http://wordpress.utoledo.edu/)

Soprano Denise Ritter Bernardini, a member of the University of Toledo faculty and director of the UT Opera Ensemble, will present a solo recital at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at St. Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church, Ottawa Hills.

The congregation at 4718 Brittany Road is hosting this free concert recital as part of its Common Grounds for the Community series, which offers high quality events and performances to the community with the goal of establishing St. Michael’s as a regional center of spiritual thought and culture.

Ritter Bernardini will perform music by Aaron Copeland, Leonard Bernstein, Amy Beach, George Gershwin and others. Elena Bardi will accompany on piano.

The UT assistant professor of voice is "known for her ability to sing a variety of styles, her brilliant high notes, pure tone, communicative warmth and musical intelligence," according to her biography.

Guild supporter remembered for love, dedication

Lois Sawicki, who supported various arts and education efforts in the area -- including the Toledo Opera Guild -- died recently. She was 82.

The Blade's featured obituary on the former Springfield Township woman can be found on the newspaper's website.

Mrs. Sawicki's children remembered her as instrumental to the success of husband Jerry in his real estate business and jazz saxophonist career, The Blade reported.

"Back then, the wife behind the scenes was doing a lot of the socializing and entertaining and making sure things went smoothly," daughter Lisa Holman said. "That's what she did, and she did it well."

The Sawickis were benefactors of Maumee Valley Country Day School, Central Catholic High School and St. John's Jesuit High School. St. John's music center was built with funds from their donation.

Mrs. Sawicki also supported the Toledo Opera Guild and Toledo Symphony. Her welcoming attitude is a good model for the hospitality committee formed for the Guild's upcoming Diamonds and Denim event.

"I walk up to people with a smile and I tell them my name and ask their name and ask them where they're from," Mrs. Sawicki told The Blade in 1997. "You try to be a little complimentary about their clothes, a scent, anything that would stand out."

Mrs. Sawicki died Sept. 19 at Lakes of Monclova Health Campus in Monclova Township. The cause of death was unknown; she had dementia but no other known health problems, her daughter said.

The family suggests memorial tributes be given to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter.

Diamonds and Denim Nov. 8

Supporting the Toledo Opera is going to be glamorous and easy-going this year!

Diamonds and Denim, a fabulous evening slated for Nov. 8, 2014, at the Toledo Club, kicks off a season of themed events that will juxtapose the brilliant glitz of diamonds with the iconic ruggedness of denim.

Come dressed in your best denim, most glittering gems, or both! The club is suspending its dress code for the evening, but guests are encouraged to be fancily clad even in jeans. Get creative!

The first 100 guests to arrive will receive a complimentary glass of champagne, provided by Soto Loft & Signature Spa, in which a gem might be a real loose diamond donated by Jeffery Mann Fine Jewelers. Guests will have their "rock" examined on site to find out who is the lucky winner.

The club's first floor will be laden with silent auction items and a fully stocked wine sale -- which will pair excellently with an exciting live auction later in the evening. Proceeds from the event, auctions and wine sale directly benefit the Toledo Opera.

Second Wind, a popular local rock 'n' roll cover band, will get those dancing feet moving in the Centennial Room, while Calvin Hughes' jazz band will help guests relax in the Red Room. Artists from Toledo Tattoo Company will offer temporary tattoos, and guests may pose for photos atop a custom Chopper motorcycle provided by Charlie's Automotive.

A grazing buffet, with an ice sculpture recognizing Ice Restaurant and Bar, will tempt your palate with cleverly themed nibbles. Tickets will be on sale to purchase drinks from the club bar.

Tickets for Diamonds and Denim are available online at brownpapertickets.com. RSVP by Oct. 29!

General admission is $50 per person. Guests may upgrade to a 1 Carat Level for $100, which includes a Feb. 11 performance of "Susannah," the first in a series of contemporary American operas planned by the Toledo Opera; or a 2 Carat Level for $200, which will include the Feb. 11 opera as well as a VIP after party Nov. 13 at Shape My Jeans.

Don't forget to check the guild's online calendar and make note of our luncheons, celebrity wait night, Phashion of the Opera show and other fun events that will carry our season-long Diamonds and Denim theme.

The Toledo Opera Guild offers deep gratitude for The Blade's continued support and encourages its members to patronize those local companies who make our events so successful.