Recent Events

On December 4th, the Pikes Peak Opera League hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon at the stunningly elegant and historic Cheyenne Mountain Country Club. This cherished tradition dazzled attendees with remarkable performances by pianist Oleg Bellini, along with Opera Colorado artists Kerby Baier, soprano, and Dante Mireles, baritone, who captivated the audience with their extraordinary talent. Guests were treated to a festive afternoon filled with seasonal music, gourmet cuisine, and exquisite holiday décor. It was the perfect occasion to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and immerse oneself in the spirit of the season, all while enjoying the exceptional performances of these gifted artists.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Pikes Peak Opera League’s mission to nurture and celebrate vocal arts throughout the Pikes Peak region. Photos by Dr. Susan Rae Jensen.

Greeters, Trudy Fennewald and Lynne Lange

Opera Colorado performers Dante Mireles, Kerby Baier and Oleg Bellini

Lineah Davey, Nasit Ari and Mary Koepp

Chair of Opera Colorado Board, Richard Koseff

Diane Wengler and Marilyn Miller

Dr. Susan Rae Jensen, Susan Loring and
Tom Trainer

Co-Presidents, Nicole de Naray and Eve Tilley

Wine table with Tom Trainer and Sol Chavez

Oleg Bellini, Dante Mireles, Kerby Baier

Eapen Leubner and Jacob Pope

Susanne Wheeler, Sue Anselmi, Evelyn Kwaak, Judy Warren and Deanna Lyons

Garry and Nancy Pittman

PPOL Vice President, Kim Gunderson with Secretary, Robyn Hamilton

Dante Mireles, Kerby Baier

Jill Johnson, Janet Berg and Christine Ruygrok

Deborah Liles and Catherine Creppon

The Opening Night Mini Gala on October 4, 2024, featured the whimsical Professor Splatz and the Singing Book, a Kids First Family Opera. This delightful production was brought to life with the special contributions of Judeth Shay Comstock, Birgitta De Pree, and Dan Brink. Their artistry and dedication added an extra layer of charm to a fun-filled evening of music, storytelling, and opera designed for all ages at the Millibo Art Theatre. It was a magical opportunity to experience opera like never before—an event everyone enjoyed! (Photo credit: Susan Rae Jensen.)

Linda Silver and Tom Trainer

Scott Loring with daughter, Courtney

Mike and Elizabeth Leslie

Trudy Fennewald and Susan Loring

Connie Joiner, Catherine Thompson, Eve Tilley

Lineah Davey, Robyn Hamilton, Sue Anselmi

Dr. Susan Rae Jensen & Sol Chavez

Lynne Lange with granddaughter, Harper

Nicole de Naray with grandson, Archer

Martile Rowland (seated) with Victoria Hansen and Verl Holmes

The performance

Members were welcomed back as PPOL celebrated the beginning of another exciting year of programs and events. We were thrilled to hear from a remarkable talent within our community, Deborah Anderson, the Fall Career Advancement Award Recipient. Many of you may remember her from our February 2023 program honoring Black History Month. The event featured a monthly program at not cost to members with finger foods catered by Patti White and wine available for purchase. Photos courtesy of Susan Rae Jensen.

Robyn Hamilton and Kim Gunderson

Victoria Lipscomb with her guest Sathya

Elizabeth Leslie and Eve Tilley

Carol Bernstein, Anna Maria Trupp Hughes, and Nancy Pittman

Sue Anselmi, Judy Warren, and Helene Knapp

Mary McKinley and Martile Rowland

Robin and Chuck Schwartz

Richard and Elizabeth Bond

Lyschel and Adell Hartway

Career Award sponsor Cherri Disque, with Deborah

Deborah with the Morgan Stanley sponsor team: Henry Bradley, Stephen Locke, Herman Tiemens, Cheryl Cowan, Sandy Tiemens, and Mandy Wade

Dan Brink, accompanist, with Deborah Anderson

Deborah with her fiance, Stephen Locke, also part of sponsor team, Morgan Stanley

Wanda and Ben Anderson, parents of Deborah with Deborah and Stephen

Annabel Widney with Catherine Creppon

Trudy Fennewald and Barbara Haywood

Mark Warshaw and Susan Loring

Tom Trainer, Treasurer, and Nicole de Naray, President

Caterer, Patti White, with assistance from Victoria Hansen

Deborah Anderson performing

On June 22, 2024 the Pikes Peak Opera League proudly presented a sold-out performance of "Little Red" a captivating production by Opera Theatre of the Rockies. Held at the intimate Millibo Art Theatre, this enchanting adaptation of the beloved fairytale, directed by Stephanie Brink and written by Seymour Barab, delighted audiences of all ages. Attendees were transported on an imaginative journey through the woods, experiencing the magic and wonder of opera in a family-friendly format. Beforehand, guests enjoyed delicious ice cream refreshments, adding a sweet touch to an already magical afternoon. Sponsored by Purple Mountain Group at Morgan Stanley. Event Sponsors were Dr. Susan Rae Jensen & Mr. Tom Trainer and Eve Tilley & Sol Chavez. Program Sponsor was Opera Theatre of the Rockies and the Refreshment Sponsor was The Millibo Art Theatre. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Leslie and Lori Bammesberger.

Victoria Boswell with Herman Tiemens

The cast Malcolm Ulbrick, Lori Bammesberger, Emily Walker and Kacie Kenton

Sol Chavez at the ice cream social table with two MAT volunteers

Steve LaCosse (Director of OTR VAF), Nicole deNaray, Steph Brink (Director of Little Red) and Stephen Locke

Stephen Locke and Malcolm Ulbrick