2022 Spring Community Report

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT: SINGING EVERY STORY

Vanessa Alonzo, Grand Champion Vocalist Award winner in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza national vocal competition, sings with local ensemble Mariachi Mi Tierra at Ópera Afuera.

Photo © Tim Rummelhoff

Singing Every Story

T

hroughout the pandemic, Minnesota Opera has continued in pursuit of its mission and vision to sing every story and develop deeper, more authentic connections with our community. We aim to inspire hope, empower all voices, and strengthen bonds between people of all backgrounds and identities. We are dedicated to supporting and nurturing our ever-growing, diverse community of opera artists, staff, and patrons—carefully and compassionately listening to the voices that we serve every day. MN Opera believes that pursuing anti-racist and antioppressive practices enhances the beauty and power of the form itself, and amplifies the tremendous artistry cultivated in our musical storytelling. As we pursue a more inclusive opera experience for everyone, we invite you to learn more about the impact in the community that your support makes possible.

Our Mission Minnesota Opera changes lives by bringing together artists, audiences, and community, advancing the art of opera for today and for future generations.

Our Vision Minnesota Opera will sing every story.

Our Values Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Purpose.

MNiatures, Sapphica

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT

4 A Message from Ryan Taylor A special welcome and thank you from Minnesota Opera’s President, Ryan Taylor.

5 Returning to Live Opera with

The Anonymous Lover

After two years, Minnesota Opera made its triumphant return to St. Paul’s Ordway stage— live and in-person!

6 Equity, Diversity, and

Inclusion in Artmaking Minnesota Opera has increased the vibrancy of the opera community by amplifying diversity— highlighting shows and events that reflect the communities it serves.

8 A New Digital Production

of Albert Herring

May 2021 ushered in the long-awaited return to making opera at the Ordway, our musical home.

9 Streaming Opera In 2021, Minnesota Opera continued to break barriers by presenting new digital works to champion a wide variety of artistic voices and reach audiences globally.

10 Celebrating Diverse Heritages Minnesota Opera is committed to making opera a home for all.

11 An Intersectional Lens into Opera Minnesota Opera’s first ever podcast, The Score, creates a space for conversations about the arts through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens.

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT | 3

A Message from Ryan Taylor MN Opera is ever grateful to you, our community of donors and subscribers, for your support of our mission and artists through the long and difficult pandemic. I speak for the whole company when I tell you how thrilled we are to be back to sharing live, in person performances with you.

On Dec. 26, 2021, The Star Tribune celebrated the accomplishments referenced in this report in what is a powerful, succinct reflection of a tremendous and inspiring group effort.

While my name was listed as the runner up for Artist of the Year, the credit for this past year’s achievements belongs with each and every member of the MN Opera family—creatives, volunteers, supporters, and the myriad of artists who have been part of these last many months.

I am humbled that MN Opera has the support of a community that is committed to our creative curiosity and to communal growth in our spirits using the power of opera’s musical storytelling as our medium. Thank you all for being an integral part of MN Opera. I hope that the art, joy, and connection to community that you find in these pages helps you feel the impact of your contributions in this honor for our company.

MN Opera President and General Director Ryan Taylor was recently recognized as a runner-up for 2021’s Star Tribune Arts Person of the Year. “Rather than seek a return to the status quo,” during the pandemic, “Taylor spearheaded an effort to expand the horizons of an overly conservative art form. Opera is richer for his efforts, and so are we.” Congratulations, Ryan!

4 | 2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT

Returning to Live Opera with The Anonymous Lover After two years, Minnesota Opera made its triumphant return to St. Paul’s Ordway stage—live and in-person!

T

he month of February not only marked a time and space for Black History Month, but also love—and with that, Minnesota Opera sought to represent both in the historical production of The Anonymous Lover.

Born in 1745 on the French Caribbean colony of Guadeloupe, Joseph Bologne was the son of Anne Nanon, a Black enslaved woman, and George de Bologne de Saint Georges, the French nobleman who owned her. Educated in

France, Bologne found his talents in fencing, riding, and above all, music. During the pre-revolutionary period in France, he was considered to be one of the most important composers of his time—even performing for and teaching the Queen of France herself, Marie Antoinette.

feelings for her. This musical experience captures this humorous story of budding love with the beautiful

colors and textures of the Caribbean—making it a visual and auditory experience like no other.

The story follows Léontine, a young, beautiful widow who has sworn off love, and Valcour, her close friend—and secret admirer—who has been sending her anonymous love letters in the hopes of gathering enough courage to confess his growing

... Minnesota Opera deserves a hearty bravo for being the first major American company to offer a fully staged production of the lone surviving opera by this fascinating figure...” —Star Tribune

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT | 5 Photos © Cory Weaver

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Artmaking

Minnesota Opera has increased the vibrancy of the opera community by amplifying diversity—highlighting shows and events that reflect the communities it serves.

I

n May 2020, Minnesota Opera released an updated Diversity Charter

strengthening its commitment to racial, socio-economic, gender, and age diversity amongst its staff, artists, and patrons. Since then, MN Opera has dedicated its time and resources to increasing inclusivity and connection from a wide range of diverse artmaking under its banner.

the Spanish-speaking world through song, opera, and instrumental music.

This 90-minute performance showcased 16 arias, duets, and ensemble pieces, including mariachi and a form of Spanish opera, zarzuela.

Featuring the vocal talents of Andres Acosta, Vanessa Alonzo, Vanessa Becerra, Levi Hernandez, and Zoie Reams, the performance was

MNIATURES

an expression of culture and

Now in its second season,

an outlet to experience opera

MNiatures premiered with

in many forms that we've not

brand new short-form or

presented before.

‘miniature’ operas that have given local artists the ability to foster and grow their artistic expression through multiple mediums of artmaking.

In 2021, MN Opera had a total of seven MNiatures performed by carefully selected teams to participate in the program, all with their own brand of passion and drive to share their one-of-akind stories.

Digital performances of MNiatures are available to watch for free by visiting MN Opera’s YouTube channel. ÓPERA AFUERA On September 22, 2021 Allianz Field hosted its first ever musical event on the

MNiatures, Semblance, Part 1: Leigh Opulent

ART IS A VERB Where does art come from?

And what makes it impactful in our lives? These are the questions posed by the creative team of Art is a Verb, a onenight only performance at MN Opera’s 2021 Virtual Benefit.

Performed in five sections, Art is a Verb takes viewers on each artist’s journey to opera— past, present, and future—with each vocalist singing a song that is meaningful to them and their artmaking. The piece also specifically addresses the tragedy and injustices surrounding the murder of George Floyd, with a look at how art can make meaningful change for the future.

Director Lily Tung Crystal

Having the chance to come together again after a solid year and a half of no music making in person at the opera for Ópera Afuera was an important milestone.

I think it highlighted how important it is for us as a society to connect on an emotional and creative level.

—Allison Ostrander, Concertmaster of The Minnesota Opera Orchestra experience, but we have a collective responsibility to create an industry that is equitable and anti-racist.”

Loon’s home pitch, Ópera

expressed, “The main

Afuera—live and outdoors!

message is that art and

Performed in three parts, the

opera are beautiful, a refuge,

trailblazing a path for

event celebrated the music of

necessary in our human

welcoming artists, audiences,

6 | 2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT

Minnesota Opera is actively

and patrons to find an inclusive and supported home in the opera community. MN Opera not only believes in singing every story, but also in lifting up all voices.

Art is a Verb

MNiatures, YR GOD MY GOD

41 Artists engaged

MNiatures, Xylem

with MN Opera

for the first time through MNiatures, Ópera Afuera, and Art is a Verb.

MNiatures, Don't Tread on Me

Ópera Afuera

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT | 7

Albert Herring, 2021 © Flight Creative Media

A New Digital Production of Albert Herring May 2021 ushered in the long-awaited return to making opera at the Ordway, our musical home.

I

who navigates life in the

Staged in the Ordway Music

British-inspired market

Theater, MN Opera maintained

town of Loxford. The story

recommended COVID-19

share of pleasures like

emphasizes the trials and

protocol while filming—singers

these is hard to support.”

tribulations of living in

maintained a distance of four

Director Doug Scholz-

conformity and tradition,

to 12 feet to ensure their

Carlson thought everyone in

where one’s true identity is

health and safety.

the opera community could

suppressed and shamed.

n Act 1 of Albert Herring, Sid tells Albert that “living without a regular

relate to Sid’s words. With the impact of the pandemic,

In an interview with

Filming within these constraints, MN Opera was

YourClassical MPR, conductor

able to present the show in

Jane Glover described Albert

a fresh way. Star Tribune’s

Herring as an important

Rob Hubbard described the

piece of lyric theater. “On

unique film as “particularly

2019–2020 Season early

the surface, it’s of course a

clever” and went on to

due to the impacts of the

comedy,” said Glover, “but one

say that the approach was

global pandemic, in May 2021

with unbelievably profound

especially “effective when

MN Opera returned to the

observations about how

the singers form quartets

Ordway stage for the first

people treat each other, a little

or sextets, and the camera

time in over a year to film a

like Mozart’s Così fan tutte.”

moves from one to another,

much of our normal way of life was interrupted.

After concluding the

production of Albert Herring for digital release.

The performances were filmed in single-shot style,

briefly leaping onto each character's train of thought.”

This springtime comic

with the singers captured in

Hubbard went on to say

masterpiece tells the tale of

an intimacy and clarity only

that “Director Doug Scholtz-

shy outcast Albert Herring,

a camera could produce.

Carlson has done fine work

8 | 2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT

in not only executing such an ambitious staging, but in helping mold intimate, camera-friendly performances from singers more accustomed to doing things on a larger scale.”

In a dark and challenging time, Albert Herring was a moment of light and joy.

By remaining flexible and compassionate, MN Opera was able to safely gather artists for a fully staged production.

As COVID-19 persists, this mindful approach guides MN Opera’s decision-making as we make art and connect with our community.

Streaming Opera

In 2021 Minnesota Opera continued to break barriers by presenting new digital works to champion a wide variety of artistic voices and reach audiences globally.

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Leah Brzyski in Apart Together.

I

n 2021, Minnesota Opera presented a digital collection of three innovative digital productions produced by diverse and unique creative teams.

These presentations broke barriers and highlighted the many possibilities of operatic storytelling through a digital medium.

In April 2021, MN Opera curated a digital collection of performances by members of the Resident Artist Program, empowering the creative capacity and artistic freedom of performers.

In October 2021, Minnesota Opera presented Interstate, an innovative digital offering by an all-female creative team that explored a complex and richly

nuanced female relationship not often portrayed in opera.

In December 2021, MN Opera closed out the year with the Edward Tulane Choral Suite, an animated virtual presentation, which featured choral highlights from the heartwarming upcoming world premiere.

Even with the limitations of COVID-19, Minnesota Opera’s digital presentations still gave artists the opportunity to share their stories and voices with opera lovers from around the world, to be watched anywhere at any time.

Interstate. Photo courtesy of Helio Arts.

Edward Tulane Choral Suite.

Worldwide Viewership Minnesota Opera's digital offerings in 2021 reached audiences across the globe.

COUNTRY

United States United Kingdom Canada Germany China India Italy France Spain

USERS

99,292

(89.98%)

1,233

(1.12%)

1,211

(1.10%)

738

(0.67%)

682

(0.62%)

456

(0.41%)

348

(0.32%)

316

(0.29%)

270

(0.24%)

Total Viewers: 110,301

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT | 9

Mariachi Mi Tierra performs at Allianz Field before Minnesota Opera’s Ópera Afuera © Tim Rummelhoff

Celebrating Diverse Heritages Minnesota Opera is committed to making opera a home for all.

L

ast year during Hispanic/Latinx, Black History, and Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)

and international Asian American artists and administrators. The panel focused on Asian representation regarding history,

Heritage months, Minnesota Opera

current and future representation of

curated content and experiences around

Asian people, and their stories within the

emerging and diverse artists to not only

scope theater and opera. Singer Brian Vu

spotlight their achievements, but to

explained, “Change happens from the top

represent and amplify the richness that

and we need more AAPI gatekeepers at

diversity brings to opera.

the highest level with administrators and

In February 2021, MN Opera celebrated talented Black opera artists who have left their mark on the opera community.

board members reminding them of our community and creative needs.”

As part of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage

With #BlackOpera and #BlackMusic, MN

Month, MN Opera kicked off the

Opera’s social media featured the history

celebration with Ópera Afuera, an

and profiles of these artists—from the

outdoor one-of-a kind musical experience

legendary contralto Marian Anderson to

featuring Hispanic/Latinx singers,

Minnesota Opera’s Art is a Verb composer

conductors, and directors in the opera

B.E. Boykin.

community. Featured Ópera Afuera singer

During AAPI Heritage Month, MN

Vanessa Alonzo explains that, “I feel

Opera showed solidarity with the

my Latinx identity freed up my soul. It

#StopAsianHate movement to protect

begged me to embrace it and run with it.

and validate the voices within the AAPI

So I did. English is my first language, but

community. MN Opera and Theater Mu

Spanish speaks to my soul more clearly.

hosted a live panel discussion with local

It’s beautiful and delicious!”

10 | 2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT

For many, the day after Thanksgiving is only seen as “Black Friday,” but it is also known as Native American Heritage Day. On this day, all are welcome to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made by the Indigenous communities that have shaped our country. MN Opera marked the day with a land acknowledgment that emerged from conversations with new partners in the Indigenous community.

On service days in the summer and fall, MN Opera staff picked up trash and removed invasive plant species from the forested and riverbank areas of Wita Waste (Nicollet Island), near the Opera Center, in an inaugural land stewardship project with Friends of the Mississippi River. Looking to the future, MN Opera will continue to learn more about the Indigenous land it inhabits and how we can be better stewards of it one day at a time. To learn more about MN Opera’s land stewardship project, visit mnopera.org/land-stewardship.

An Intersectional Lens into Opera

Minnesota Opera’s first ever podcast, The Score, creates a space for conversations about the arts through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens.

W

hat is opera? And who is opera for? These are the questions posed by The Score’s hosts Lee Bynum (Vice President, Impact), Paige Reynolds (Civic Engagement Manager), and Rocky Jones (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director) as they discuss the state of opera—past, present, and future. These three queer Black artists, pop culture aficionados, and arts administrators are pushing the boundaries of how opera can transform us and our communities.

With new episodes every other Monday, The Score features provocative, thoughtful, and humorous commentary from a variety of perspectives to question and explore ownership and access to art in our modern-day society.

Included in the list of “The Podcasts Opera Pros Tune To” by The New York Times, The Score amplifies topics that push the boundaries of what opera is, who it is for, and how it can transform us and our communities.

Featured Guests

Told through an anti-racist and antioppressive lens, MN Opera has dedicated a space for real, and sometimes difficult, conversations to happen—but the company believes that those conversations are where true change begins.

Paige Reynolds explains that, “From the beginning we wanted The Score to be a place where stories and identities that are usually marginalized in opera are made the center. It feels amazing to be doing that and to see our voices be valued. I hope that through each discussion and guest interview, listeners hear how rich our art form could be if we give people of color platforms to do work that is for us, by us, and about us.”

Listen, review, and subscribe to The Score on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, on your favorite podcast app or at mnopera.org/the-score.

TREVOR BOWEN Twin Cities-based costume designer

NIA IMANI FRANKLIN American composer and beauty pageant titleholder

It's so important!

"Thank you to Rocky, Paige, and Lee for giving voice to the complex struggle for DEI in opera and beyond.

Thank you also for always celebrating Black joy. I look foward to the future of this show." —iTunes Reviewer

T. MYCHAEL RAMBO Regional Emmy Awardwinning actor, vocalist, arts educator, and community organizer

User Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5

2022 SPRING COMMUNITY REPORT | 11

620 North 1st St Minneapolis, MN 55401 mnopera.org

Pursuing our vision to sing every story.

In 2021, Minnesota Opera launched MNiatures, a new program designed to give Minnesota composers, playwrights, puppeteers, and other interdisciplinary artists a platform to tell their stories through an operatic medium. By engaging local artists with a variety of artistic backgrounds and expertise, MN Opera is pursuing its mission and vision to sing every story and find deeper, more authentic connections with its community.

MNiatures: Chim Lac (Lost Bird)

To learn more, visit mnopera.org.

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612-333-6669

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development@mnopera.org