Introduction

As we enter our second decade of professional opera in Ann Arbor, AOT is excited by the talent that it sees and hears not only in Michigan, but from throughout the country. Opera continues to thrive and intrigue, and there is no shortage of excellent and dedicated artists. They are at the center of all we do and this year we are unveiling new plans to expand our service to emerging artists while offering engaging and thrilling performances.

Last year our format changed slightly as we seek to improve our service to both the artists and our community. We will continue to build a "Festival" for the vocal arts - something that we hope will grow to encompass not just opera, but other forms of vocal music such as cabaret, art song, musical theater and operetta. Our second festival season will commence with two performances of scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro, featuring singers from around the country who will have spent two weeks in a "Role Preparation Workshop". We will then have several other performances related to workshops and seminars during the months of May and June and will finish our season with the perennial favorite, La Bohème.

It promises to be an exciting couple of months featuring great talent and great music. Of course, throughout the remainder of the year we will be active with intimate performances geared towards funding our festival. Of special note is our annual Valentine's Cabaret. It is moving a little bit later in March, but is also being upgraded - a dinner cabaret at the Earle Restaurant!

We hope that you will take the time to come and experience what is sure to be a rewarding season of opera. We appreciate your past patronage and support and look forward to an even more exciting season!

Shawn McDonald, artistic director and president