Photo by Mary McCartney
“… Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way …”
—Paul McCartney
A Look Back
TO SIR, WITH LOVE
Thursday, July 18, 2024
9:15 P.M.
Music Hall Ballroom
1241 Elm Street | Cincinnati, OH 45202
An exclusive fundraising event honoring Sir Paul McCartney in support of Cincinnati Opera’s world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.
Cincinnati Opera stands proud as the second-oldest opera company in the country, second only to the Metropolitan Opera, and is known for presenting exploratory and innovative new art, and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is a prime example. In 1991, Paul McCartney was commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic to create a large-scale piece for opera singers, choruses, and orchestra to commemorate their 150th Anniversary. The concert and album were highly successful, but the piece has never been staged—until now!
We want to pay homage to Sir Paul McCartney for his incredible impact in the music industry with the presentation of this work. This fundraiser allows us to underwrite some of the costs associated with the design and realization of this production, acting as a way to thank McCartney for inspiring and expanding the minds of music lovers everywhere.
In essence, it’s our love letter.
schedule of events
6:00 p.m. VIP pre-performance cocktail hour for Sponsors and Band on the Run Hosts
7:30 p.m. Opening night performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio in Springer Auditorium (performance tickets must be purchased separately)
9:15 p.m. To Sir, With Love post-show party in the Music Hall Ballroom
Event attire: Black-tie optional
To Sir, With Love chairs
Barbara S. Hahn
Ronna K. Willis
Jeannine Winkelmann
design chair
Jim Stapleton
PR/Communications Advisor
Regina Carswell Russo
your questions answered
Click below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
sponsor and host opportunities
For information about enhanced sponsorship opportunities and corresponding benefits, please reach out directly to Andrea Davies at adavies@cincinnatiopera.org or 513-768-5580.
Only pledges received by April 1, 2024, can be included in the formal print invitation.
$5,000 WINGS SPONSORSHIP
Six (6) tickets to event (performance tickets not included)
Complimentary valet parking (3 passes)
VIP area access at event with complimentary beverages and concierge waitstaff
Access for six (6) to pre-performance reception, including complimentary drinks and light bites
Invitation for six (6) to Sponsor Thank-You Party and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio dress rehearsal on Tuesday, July 16 at Music Hall (parking not included)
Recognition at event and on webpage
($3,341 tax-deductible)
Image by Michael Putland/Getty
$3,000 Broad street Sponsorship
Four (4) tickets to event (performance tickets not included)
Complimentary valet parking (2 passes)
Access for four (4) to pre-performance reception, including complimentary drinks and light bites
Two (2) drink tickets per guest at event
Invitation for four (4) to Sponsor Thank-You Party and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio dress rehearsal on Tuesday, July 16 at Music Hall (parking not included)
Recognition at event and on event webpage
($1,894 tax-deductible)
$500 Band on the Run Host
One (1) ticket to event (performance ticket not included)
Complimentary valet parking
Two (2) drink tickets at event
Invitation to Sponsor Thank-You Party and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio dress rehearsal on Tuesday, July 16 at Music Hall (parking not included)
Recognition at event and on event webpage
($244 tax-deductible)
$350 Jet Ticket
One (1) ticket to event (performance ticket not included)
Complimentary valet parking
Two (2) drink tickets at event
Recognition at event and on event webpage
($161 tax-deductible)
make a gift
Can’t make the party? You can still be a part of the excitement and historic premiere with a gift in honor of Paul McCartney, or a special fan of Paul McCartney, to support Cincinnati Opera’s world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio. Donations made by March 26, 2024, will be recognized in a special section of the 2024 Summer Festival Program Book.
make the moment last
Get your exclusive To Sir, With Love limited edition t-shirt honoring the legacy of Sir Paul McCartney and Cincinnati Opera’s world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.
In partnership with Cincy Shirts, 15% of all proceeds will be donated back to Cincinnati Opera.
Lead Production Sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio
AMAZED SPONSOR
Milly & Doc Huffman
LOVE SPONSOR
Ginger Warner
Sir Sponsors
Vicki & Peter Alpaugh
Melanie M. Chavez
Sheila & Christopher Cole
Nanci & Nick Lanni
Marilyn Scripps in honor of the Heidts
Elizabeth Shaughnessy, M.D., Ph.D. & James Stapleton
Western & Southern Financial Group
Jeannine & John Winkelmann, M.D.
Wings Sponsors
Maggie & Matt Barnes
Leslie R. Dye, M.D. & Mr. Brian Dye
Liz Kathman Grubow & Jerry Kathman
Barbara & Jack Hahn, D.D.S.
Digi & Mike Schueler
Robin & Mu Sinclaire, Jr.
Ronna & James Willis, M.D.
Peg & Jack Wyant
BROAD STREET SPONSORS
Mark Brueggemann & Frank Twehues
Chris & Beth Canarie
Amanda & Thomas Geracioti, M.D.
Mona & Richard Kerstein, M.D.
Lynn & Don Larson
Sooncha Lee
Candyse L. Jeffries, D.M.D. & Michael A. Marrero
Pamela Spangler Reis & Richard Reis
Jacqueline M. Mack & Edward B. Silberstein, M.D.
Susan & John M. Tew, Jr., M.D.
Nydia Tranter
Anne & Allen Zaring III
Design Sponsor
PIVOTstudio
Band on the Run Hosts
Julie & Khosrow Alamin, M.D.
Angels’ Castle, Beatriz Porras, M.D.
Paule Asch, Ph.D.
Flávia Bastos, Ph.D, & Larry Huston
Ron Bates & Randy Lasley
Jessica & Charles Baverman
Patty & Jim Beggs
Elaine Billmire, M.D. & David Billmire, M.D.
Mary Birck
Diane & Bob Bitter
Anne-Marie Blancquaert, D.V.M. & Walter Bruyninckx, D.V.M., Ph.D
Randal & Peter Bloch
Lane Boldman & Joey Shadowen
Mary Anne & John Boorn
Christie & Michael Briggs
Cheri & Ed Brinkman
Lydia Chantilas, M.D. & James Chantilas, Skyline Chili
Jean & Alvin Crawford, M.D.
Ron Culyer
Margaret Cunningham, Ph.D. & Daniel Cunningham
Jocelyn C. Dunphy, Ph.D.
Beth Fahrenbruck
Jill & Daniel Funk, M.D.
Barbara & Michael Gehrig
Madeleine H. Gordon
Barbara Gould
Melissa A. Gray
Terri & Gary Grefer
Patricia M. Hanaghan
Julie & Benjamin Heard
Karlee Hilliard
Lucy Hodgson & Peter Koenig
Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola
Mary & Coach Dan Hughes
Kevin Jones & Margo Watroba
Yemisi Jones, M.D. & Alvin Jones, M.D.
Gina & Phillip Kim
Marcene & Jim Kinney
Alecia Kintner
Bo-Kyung Kim & Kevin Kirby
Thomas F. Laneve, D.D.S
Margaret LeMasters, M.D.
Linda L. Libeau
Julia Meister Schroeder & Michael Schroeder
Kim Miller & Eugene Chung
Katie & Shay Nartker
Carol & Robert Olson
Irene & Daniel Randolph
Anne & Thom Reitz
Carole & Edwin Rigaud
Beth Robinson
Deanna & Joe Ropp
Ellen & Louis Ross
Regina Carswell Russo & Matthew Russo
Lauren E. Scharf
Darcy & Brent Schwass
Kathy Selker
Cherie & Martin Silverstein, M.D.
Skin Diagnostics, Beatriz H. Porras, M.D.
Jay Edward Springer
Susan R. Strick, M.D.
Julian Stone
Tricia Suit & Eric Appleby
Donna & Thomas Szarwark
Mary Ann & Bill Taylor
Brian Tiffany & Jerry Ewers
Catharina Toltzis, Ph.D. & Robert Toltzis, M.D.
Rachel & Ted Twyman
Nancy & Christopher Virgulak
Stanford T. Williams, Jr.
Event Partners
The BonBonerie Fine Pastries
Cincy Shirts
eat well celebrations and feasts
Esther Price Fine Chocolates
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Adrianne & Dan Korczynski
Soul Pocket
Tony Bailey Photography
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
WOW Windowboxes
Brian and Beth Wright ‘62 Rolls Royce
(Original owner, Brian Epstein)
(Listing as of April 23, 2024. Event listing updated weekly.)
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Click through the list for answers to your burning questions. Have a question that’s not answered? We’re here to help! Email nrader@cincinnatiopera.org.
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Sponsors and Band on the Run Host ticket holders will start the evening at 6:00 p.m. with a VIP cocktail reception at Music Hall before entering the Springer Auditorium to enjoy the opening night performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio at 7:30 p.m. (performance tickets may not be included depending on your level of purchase).
At 9:00 p.m., following the performance, To Sir, With Love kicks off in the Music Hall Ballroom with substantial hors d’oeuvres, a carving station, and desserts curated by eat well celebrations and feasts and some of our favorite local vendors, a fully stocked bar, and music by Soul Pocket.
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6:00 p.m. VIP pre-performance cocktail hour for sponsors and Band on the Run Hosts
7:30 p.m. Opening night performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio in Springer Auditorium
9:00 p.m. To Sir, With Love post-show party in the Music Hal Ballroom
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The attire for this event is black-tie optional. Bring out your best and show off for a night in homage to Sir Paul McCartney.
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We’ve booked Cincinnati’s most-requested party and dance band Soul Pocket.
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Absolutely! You’ll enjoy substantial hors d’oeuvres and carving station by eat well celebrations and feasts along with a dessert station to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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An event of this magnitude requires advance planning so that all guests’ needs are met. As a result, the deadline to become a sponsor or host is June 30. Tickets will not be available at the door.
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Sponsors and hosts receive complimentary valet parking based on support levels. Additional guests are encouraged to use a ride-share service for the most convenience or make advanced reservations for Washington Park Garage ($15) or Music Hall Valet ($20) by contacting Cincinnati Opera box office at 513-24-2742 (M-F; 12-5).
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Yes! If you have tickets for another performance date or are unable to attend the opera, you are still welcome to join us at 9:00 p.m. for this event in the Music Hall Ballroom.
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We’re in contact with Sir Paul McCartney’s team and are using every connection we have to convince him this is something he can’t miss. You can be a part of the reason he comes to Cincinnati for this premiere!