New York City Opera Reunion - Group 3

Third group of images, New York City Opera Reunion,  April 27, 2012

I can't begin to describe the depth of emotions, past meets present, an overlay of joyous music, integrity, real life.   It was time to watch interactions of this day.

I had feelings as a young photographer, mostly awe. Everyone worked hard. There was always more talent than work opportunity. People got hurt. People were lucky. It was a total emotional assault. Yesterday it all came back, the joy, the sorrow, what was, what is.  And the many expressions of thanks stunned me. "I have your pictures all over my walls".   But no photographer can create without a good subject. Still, at this date those memories mean so much. I'm immeasureably thankful. And stunned.

Nadja Witkowska... Violetta and Constanza from the late 60s.   I don't know what the conversation was about, but it was wonderfully animated.

Doris Jung Popper in conversation with Eileen Schauler

Joshua Hecht

Cori Ellison

William Ledbetter

Rosalind Nadell

Honor time.  Harriet Greene being honored as one of the earliest choristers.  Helped by Michael Davis

Cynthia Edwards

Lila leading speeches

Julius address everyone assisted by Susan Woelzl. Ann Pretzat in rear.

Jane Schaulis

Chris Nance

Janen Schaulis with husband, Joseph Gasperec

Michael Davis giving greetings from his mother, Regina Resnik. His phone went off.

Carol Gutknecht

Tito Capobianco addresses group. Very emotional. He made it clear what has been lost in our opera heritage.

Jane Schaulis and Pat Craig

Jeannine Crader

Bridget Hendrix and Bill Dyzel

Lila introduces the daughter of Laszlo Halasz

Louis Perry with Candy Itow

 

Elaine Malbin

There were many others at the Reunion.  I couldn't photograph everyone because I wanted to socialize. It will take a few days to settle down and absorb all this.  We had something so unique,so powerful and now it no longer exists. Can the past ever be restored? Does the audience even know what opera is anymore?    Does anyone understand artistic integrity?  Yesterday was bitter sweet. and wonderful.  My profound thanks to everyone.

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New York City Opera Reunion - 2

Second group of images from New York City Opera reunion,  April 27, 2012

Carol Bayard

Arrival of Julius Rudel. Alan McGill, Maestro Rudel, Ann Pretzat, Joan Baekland

This was a crowded place with everyone wanting to circulate. It was easier to park people for safety sake.

Susan Woelzl (emotional), Alan McGill, Julius, Rosalind Nadell (from the 4os!)

Julius with Pat Wise

Julius with Catherine Christiensen. Josh Hecht behind

Harriet Greene with Michael Davis

Patricia Wise, Carol Gutknecht, David Clatworthy, Maryann Clatworthy behind.  I remember her when she was in the childrens' chorus.

Julius and Marissa Galvany

The Clatworthy Family-  Diane Richardson, Maryann again, David

Susan Woelzl, Julius, Ruth Hider.  This became the visiting table.

Rhoda Levine

The arrival of Tito Capobianco

Diane Kehrig, Tito

Julius and Harriet Greene

Faith Esham with Cori Ellison

Carol Bayard with Tom Booth

Carol Bergey Skarimbas and Kay Schoenfeld

Eileen Schauler and Carol Bergey Skarimbas

To be continued....

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New York City Opera Reunion- 1

Yesterday, April 27th 2012 the NYC Opera reunion was held across town at a small hotel, East 52nd Street. It wasn't the largest gathering, but it was huge in love and happiness.  I will try to post all images during the course of today.  Images and captions... but since this is my blog site there will be some commentary.

Marisa Galvany and Lila Herbert McGill, the reunion organizer.

Delores Mari

Patricia Wise with John Darrenkamp

Michael Davis representing his mother, Regina Resnik

Lila Herbert with Martha Marshall and Livio Caroli.  I loved this, because I know Martha from birding and had no idea she was in the NYC Opera Orchestra

Anthea DeForest, Ann Pretzat, behind- Ruth Hider with Catherine Christiensen

Margaret Goodman, Ruth Hider,  Catherine Christiensen

Richard and Ellie Beeson with April Lindevald

Carol Bergey Skarimbas helping Harriet Green get settled, Margaret Goodman and Neil Eddinger.

Anthea DeForest with Patricia Craig

Tom Jamerson, Carol Gutknecht talking with Pat Wise

Stick on those name tags. If I could read them I could ID people.

Olivia Stapp with Marissa Galvany

Robert Paul

Eileen Schauler

To be continued......

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Dame Joan Sutherland

It is with a heavy heart that I enter this post. Sometimes greatness enters our lives and we wish for it to go on forever. Dame Joan Sutherland shared her elegance and extreme artistry with the world. We rejoiced with her. She stood in awe. She was very much a part of my introduction to opera as an art form. In later years she offered friendship which I will treasure forever.


The pictures posted have never before been seen. They date back to late 1963 and early 1964, TRAVIATA, way before I honed professional photographic skills. They show the warmth, the love, the happiness.


To the Bonynge Family I send my profound heartfelt condolences. I weep with them, but at the same time I am intensely thankful to have learned from this gracious lady.

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