Musicians in the Minnesota Opera Orchestra have authorized a strike after members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 30-73 voted unanimously. According to the Union statement, the musicians have been working without a contract for six months. According to MP News, “the players say management has cut their work by more than 40 percent and has not given guarantees of their {…}
Paola Prestini’s first grand opera, “Edward Tulane,” makes its world premiere on October 8th as the first work by a woman to be commissioned by Minnesota Opera as part of the company’s New Works Initiative. Based on the novel, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” by Minnesota author and two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, Paola Prestini collaborates with librettist Mark Campbell to honor {…}
The Minnesota Opera is set to showcase the world premiere of “Edward Tulane,” a new opera by composer Paola Prestini and librettist Mark Campbell. The work will receive its premiere after a two-year postponement at the Music Theater at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and represents the first work by a woman to be commissioned by Minnesota Opera {…}
The Minnesota Opera has announced the Cohort of Creators for the next phase of its New Works Initiative for the next few seasons. The New Works Initiative creative cohor will be comprised of three composers including B.E. Boykin, David Hanlon and Kamala Sankaram; and three librettists Minita Gandhi, Harrison David Rivers, and John de los Santos. The six artists in {…}
Minnesota Opera has announced its 2022–2023 Season marking the company’s 60th season. The season will feature five operas including two world premieres Performances will also be at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and the Luminary Arts Center. Ordway Series The company will present the world premiere of “Edward Tulane” by Paola Prestini and Mark Campbell. The cast is {…}
Minnesota Opera has announced the expansion of its campus with the purchase of the Luminary Arts Center (previously the Lab Theater). The 8,000 square foot space sits beside Minnesota Opera Center and is currently being renovated. The renovation includes front-of-house updates, acoustic treatments, advancements for the backstage mechanics, and new flooring for a variety of performances. In September of this {…}
Minnesota Opera has announced the cancelation of its upcoming performance “Voices United.” In a press statement, the company announced that the March performance was canceled due to health and safety concerns after its previous production of “The Anonymous Lover” pushed the company “to the limit.” Moreover, the State of Minnesota is undergoing a surge of COVID-19 cases that makes it {…}
The Minnesota Opera is set to return to the Ordway stage on Feb. 5, 2022 to present Joseph Boulogne’s “The Anonymous Lover.” The opera will star Symone Harcum as Léontine, Carlos Santelli as Valcour, Aaron Keeney as Ophémon, Zoie Reams as Dorothée, Leah Brzyski as Jeannette, and Jose Leppek as Colin. Cristóbal Franklin will conduct a production directed by María {…}
On De. 13, 2021, Minnesota Opera will present “Edward Tulane Choral Suite,” a concert of highlights from their upcoming commission from composer Paola Prestini and librettist Mark Campbell. This animated, digital production was postponed from its original release date due to the pandemic, and will offer audiences a preview into the new work before the full production is presented. The {…}
Minnesota Opera has announced the return of its “MNiatures” series. Starting on Oct. 30, 2021, audiences will be able to stream Christian Bardin and Mo Holmes’ “YR GOD MY GOD,” Leyna Marika Papach, and Stephanie Henry’s “Semblance Part I & II: Mina at Night,” and a work by Mitchell Bercier. “Our organization continues to concentrate on identifying and breaking down {…}
Minnesota Opera has announced that Joseph Li will take on the role of vice president, artistic starting on Nov. 15, 2021. In his new position, Li will be charged with the artistic department and will be responsible for the vocal and instrumental divisions of the company. He will also work closely with vice presents of impact and production as well {…}