A glamorous evening (or afternoon!) where we explore where classical music meets the street, the saddle and the stage. Hear pieces by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Timo Andres and celebrate the New Year with your Minnesota Orchestra musicians.
“Des Moines Metro Opera has become one of the country’s most successful smaller companies doing adventurous repertory in a 467-seat space.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES
2026 FESTIVAL SEASON | JUNE 26 - JULY 19
PUCCINI TOSCA
a new production
FLOYD OF MICE AND MEN
a co-production of Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Florida State University
SZYMANOWSKI KING ROGER a new production and company premiere
Experience world-class opera in a theatre that brings you within arm’s reach of the action onstage. Join us in the rolling cornfields of Iowa for “the Midwest’s must-see summer opera festival” (The Dallas Morning News). For tickets, visit DMMO.ORG or call (515) 209-3257
Welcome to the 2025–2026 Minnesota Opera season! For weeks, our Costume Shop has been humming from the many sewing machines guided by the incredible drapers, stitchers, and tailors. The Scene Shop echoes in a cacophony of steel and lumber. And the rehearsal rooms resound with voices and instruments as they prepare to delight you here at the Ordway. These sounds of the season bring an energy and anticipation that fuels me and the whole company for the exciting months ahead.
As we open this season, we’re especially proud to celebrate the incredible local talent and artistry that bring these productions to life. This performance alone employs dozens of Minnesota artists—singers, instrumentalists, artisans, and technicians—many of whom you’ll recognize as part of our Resident Artist Program, MN Opera Chorus, or the extraordinary MN Opera Orchestra that anchors every performance. At MN Opera, we are particularly proud of this Minnesota community, and you’ll see that in this new staging. The scenic design takes its inspiration from the vibrant Twin Cities culture, evoking its iconic breweries, creative agencies, and lively nightlife. That Mozart’s centuries-old commentary on the human condition can be adapted to a resonant, modern story is a testament to the power of this artform and its capacity to hold stories new and old alike.
Your presence here tonight is a meaningful signal that you value this work in our community. Whether through ticket purchases or donations of any size, your presence and support sustains creative workers in your neighborhood, as well as a wider and vibrant ecosystem that our community needs to thrive. The gathering spaces, the restaurants, and the local bars all benefit when we show up in spaces like the Ordway; in support of the arts.
Thank you for joining us, for celebrating the creativity rooted in Minnesota, and for ensuring that opera continues to thrive here and beyond.
With appreciation,
RYAN TAYLOR PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR Minnesota Opera | MNOpera.org
MUSIC BY Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
LIBRETTO BY Lorenzo Da Ponte
Premiered January 26, 1790 at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria Sung in Italian with English captions projected above the stage
FERRANDO Ángel Vargas+
GUGLIELMO David Wolfe+
CAST
in order of vocal appearance
DON ALFONSO
John Mburu+
FIORDILIGI
Kylie Kreucher+
CREATIVE TEAM
DORABELLA Kara Morgan+
DESPINA Lindsay Ohse
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
Christopher Franklin
STAGE DIRECTOR
Doug Scholz-Carlson
SCENIC AND LIGHTING DESIGNER
Paul Whitaker
COSTUME DESIGNER
Amber Brown
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
Annie Enneking
WIG, HAIR, AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
Emma Gustafson
STAGE MANAGER
Luci Burdick
MUSICAL PREPARATION
Mario Antonio Marra
Head of Music and Assistant Conductor
Celeste Marie Johnson*
Principal Coach and Chorus Director
Fumiyasu Kawase+ Répétiteur
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Go behind the scenes with costume and set renderings, blogs, performance videos, and more.
SEASON SPONSOR
Minnesota Opera gratefully acknowledges the special support of generous donors who helped make these performances possible.
ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME
Three hours and two minutes, including a 20-minute intermission approximately 75 minutes into the opera
AUDIENCE VOTE:
Voting for the ending takes place during intermission. To learn how to vote, please see page 11.
The fortepiano in this performance was generously provided to us by the Schubert Club Music Museum. It was built by Thomas and Barbara Wolf, Washington, DC, in 1997 as a replica of a fortepiano after Johann Schantz, ca. 1800.
Minnesota Opera would like to recognize that we occupy land that is of great historical, spiritual, and cultural significance to the Dakota people. To learn more, visit mnopera.org/land-acknowledgement.
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound, and Projection Designers in Live Performance
ACT I ACT II
Ferrando and Guglielmo argue heatedly with Don Alfonso, who insists that women (including their fiancées Dorabella and Fiordiligi) aren’t any more faithful in relationships than men. They agree to a bet: Don Alfonso will prove their fiancées’ infidelity by the end of the day as long as Ferrando and Guglielmo follow his directions to the letter.
Don Alfonso delivers “news” to Fiordiligi and Dorabella (who are sisters) that their betrothed have been recalled to active military duty and must deploy immediately. The two couples bid each other a tearful farewell.
The women’s office manager Despina finds them distraught. To their horror, Despina counsels them to amuse themselves with the other fish in the sea while their lovers are away. After the sisters storm out, Don Alfonso recruits Despina to aid him in his plot, asking her to help him arrange a meeting with two potential suitors, who are none other than Guglielmo and Ferrando in disguise. Fiordiligi and Dorabella are not impressed with the two would-be-lovers in disguise. Don Alfonso vouches for the mens’ character and begs the sisters to give them a chance, but to no avail. Fiordiligi staunchly swears fidelity to her warbound fiancé and leaves with Dorabella.
Ferrando and Guglielmo gloat over Don Alfonso, feeling high on their chances of winning the bet. Don Alfonso cautions them that the day isn’t over yet, but Ferrando especially basks in the confidence that Dorabella will stay true to him.
The two disguised suitors barge in once again on Fiordiligi and Dorabella and swallow what seems to be poison. Fiordiligi and Dorabella tend to the (apparently) dying men when a “doctor” (Despina in disguise) arrives to revive the two afflicted suitors. As they recover, they vow their love to the vexed sisters with even greater passion, while Don Alfonso and Despina giggle with amusement.
Despina manages to convince Fiordiligi and Dorabella that there would be no harm in a bit of flirtation. Dorabella chooses the disguised Guglielmo while Fiordiligi chooses Ferrando.
Fiordiligi and Ferrando go for a stroll while Guglielmo courts Dorabella. To his amazement, Dorabella surrenders rather easily. Ferrando returns unsuccessfully with Fiordiligi. When the two men exchange news of their progress, Ferrando bemoans that his faithless Dorabella has yielded to Guglielmo.
Ferrando makes one more desperate attempt to break Fiordiligi’s resolve. To Guglielmo’s distress, she finally yields. Don Alfonso has now won his wager. He tries to console the two young men with his motto: ‘così fan tutte’ (‘all women are like that’).
The sisters’ weddings to their two suitors are interrupted by a military chorus in the distance heralding the ‘return’ of Ferrando and Guglielmo from overseas. The suitors and the ‘notary’ (again Despina in disguise) run off. Ferrando and Guglielmo appear as themselves once again in military uniform, feigning surprise at the cool reception they receive. After swearing vengeance on their faithless fiancées when they discover the marriage contract, the two men finally reveal their ruse, and the couples deal with the consequences.
The world first met the characters in Così fan tutte over 230 years ago and ever since we have marveled and struggled with the complexity of their story, told in achingly vibrant relief by the depth and beauty of Mozart’s score and Da Ponte’s words. To this day, while we continue to recognize their struggle of dating and relating under the pressure of societal expectations, much has changed over time. Only 30 years ago, virtually everyone still met a potential partner in person by friends, family, or through school, church, or work. Today, thanks to the internet and social media, 62% of the population now meets their partner online. A majority of us now entrust an algorithm to help select an appropriate match for us, hoping that the online persona we agree to meet is an accurate reflection of the human in real life behind the profile.
But who are we all behind our profile? Are we still susceptible to the pressure of society as we wrestle with love, truth, and the tenacious concepts of fidelity? Perhaps more so today.
In the time since the world first met Fiordiligi and Dorabella, the economic underpinning and educational opportunities for women in our society has shifted dramatically. In a recent New York Times essay, Sarah Bernstein notes that today almost 60% of college students identify as women. Since 2019, the majority of college degrees in the work force belong to women.
At the same time, a 2019 study found that husbands are happier when their spouse brings in just 40% of household income. Even in the younger generation, assumptions persist that a man should earn more money than his partner. A 2023 study of college students showed that men pay for 90% of first dates. How is it that in some ways we cling to the past so earnestly in the face of a reality that we can plainly see is shifting so rapidly?
In Così fan tutte, two couples are challenged by outside forces in a time where societal norms for romantic relationships are changing.
The characters — let’s face it — behave badly, and are perhaps all too willing to betray what we, as an audience, perceive to be their values. Each of the lovers explores what it might mean to enjoy an amorous adventure before settling down. This must have been scandalous in Mozart’s time, but even today, traditional values like fidelity and trust continue to hold meaning and emotional importance for us.
Mozart’s beautiful and expressive score will take us from the joy of falling in love to the pain of betrayal to the longing for true companionship.”
Mozart and his librettist, Da Ponte, explore the emotional landscape of being in love and the consequences of being unfaithful. Mozart’s beautiful and expressive score will take us from the joy of falling in love to the pain of betrayal to the longing for true companionship. Da Ponte’s poetry challenges us to contemplate how we navigate our most intimate relationships. Neither will give us definitive answers. This opera will leave us with questions.
Tonight, we are inviting you to answer those questions on behalf of our characters. Should the couples reconcile acknowledging that they’ve all made mistakes? After all, we were all young once. Or maybe in the course of the opera, our couples have accidentally discovered that they would be happier with a new partner. Then again, they may have realized that they’ve learned something about themselves along their journey and decided to go their separate ways.
At intermission, we’ll ask you to choose.
DOUG SCHOLZ-CARLSON STAGE DIRECTOR
CHARACTER MAP
Make your voice heard—vote to help us decide the ending of tonight’s performance of Così fan tutte!
Voting stations are located in the Ordway lobbies on the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels. 1 2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Composer
B. SALZBURG, AUSTRIA, JANUARY 27, 1756 | D. VIENNA, AUSTRIA, DECEMBER 5, 1791
Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart was an Austrian composer and one of the most influential figures in Western music. Born in Salzburg, he showed extraordinary musical talent from an early age, composing his first pieces at five and performing before European royalty as a child prodigy. His father Leopold, a respected violinist and composer, guided his early education and tours across Europe, where young Mozart absorbed a wide range of musical styles.
Mozart’s career flourished in Vienna, where he composed prolifically in nearly every genre of his time—opera, symphony, concerto, chamber music, and sacred works. His operas, including Le nozze di Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787),
and The Magic Flute (1791), are celebrated for their dramatic depth, lifelike characters, and seamless integration of music and text. His instrumental works, such as the Symphony No. 41 in C major “Jupiter”, Piano Concertos Nos. 20–27, and Clarinet Concerto, remain cornerstones of the repertoire.
Mozart’s music is distinguished by its melodic beauty and emotional range, blending the elegance of the Classical style with remarkable inventiveness. Despite his abilities, Mozart faced financial difficulties and inconsistent patronage throughout his career. He died in Vienna at the age of 35, leaving his final masterpiece unfinished: the Requiem in D minor
Over two centuries later, Mozart’s influence endures—his works continue to captivate audiences worldwide and inspire generations of composers and performers.
Lorenzo Da Ponte Librettist
B. CENEDA, ITALY, MARCH 10, 1794 | D. NEW YORK CITY, AUGUST, 17, 1838
Lorenzo Da Ponte was an Italian poet, librettist, and adventurer best known for his collaborations with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Born Emanuele Conegliano in Ceneda (now Vittorio Veneto, Italy), he was the son of a Jewish tanner who converted to Christianity; upon baptism, Emanuele took the name of his godfather, the local bishop Lorenzo Da Ponte. Educated in theology and literature, Da Ponte was ordained as a priest but led a colorful and often scandalous life that led to his banishment from Venice in 1779 for “public concubinage” and alleged libertinism.
He eventually settled in Vienna, where he became the official court librettist to Emperor Joseph II. There, Da Ponte forged a legendary partnership with Mozart, providing libretti for Le nozze di Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787), and Così fan tutte (1790)—works renowned for their wit, psychological
insight, and social commentary. Da Ponte also wrote libretti for composers such as Antonio Salieri and Vicente Martín y Soler, contributing significantly to the Viennese operatic tradition.
After Mozart’s death, Da Ponte’s fortunes declined. He lived in London for several years before emigrating to the United States in 1805. Settling eventually in New York City, he worked as a teacher, bookseller, and impresario, and became the first professor of Italian literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University).
Da Ponte died in New York at the age of 89. His remarkable life—from priest to poet to immigrant pioneer—mirrors the drama and vitality found in his enduring libretti.
AMBER BROWN COSTUME DESIGNER
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Trouble in Tahiti & Service Provider, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Glass Menagerie, Theater Latte Da*
Passion, Theater Latte Da
Trouble in Tahiti & Service Provider, Minnesota Opera
Christmas at the Local, Theater Latte Da
What Washed Ashore Astray
Pillsbury House and Theater
ANNIE ENNEKING INTIMACY DIRECTOR
SAINT PAUL, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Così fan tutte, 2025
Notable Engagements:
A Doll's House, Guthrie Theater
Cabaret, Guthrie Theater
Ferryman, University of Minnesota BFA
No Sisters/Three Sisters, Theatre Pro Rata
Extremities, Dark & Stormy Productions
CELESTE MARIE JOHNSON
PRINCIPAL COACH AND CHORUS DIRECTOR
PINE ISLAND, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Albert Herring, 2021
Notable Engagements:
Romeo and Juliet, Minnesota Opera
The Rake’s Progress
Lakes Area Music Festival
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera
Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera
La fille du régiment, Opera Saratoga
Tosca, Inland Northwest Opera
KYLIE KREUCHER
FIORDILIGI
DETROIT, MI
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Così fan tutte, 2025
Notable Engagements:
Le nozze di Figaro,
Curtis Opera Theatre
La bohème, Music Academy of the West
The Cunning Little Vixen, Curtis Opera Theatre
Così fan tutte, Wolf Trap Opera
The Comet/Poppea
Curtis Opera Theatre
CHRISTOPHER
FRANKLIN
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
PITTSBURGH, PA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
La Cenerentola, 2011
Notable Engagements:
La Gioconda, Pittsburgh Festival Opera*
Semiramide, Teatro Massimo di Palermo*
Edgar, Minnesota Opera*
Pagliacci, Minnesota Opera*
La cambiale di matrimonio, Rossini Opera Festival
JOHN MBURU
DON ALFONSO
WARWICK, RI
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
My Name is Florence, Minnesota Opera*
The Magic Flute, Opera Tampa*
Edgar, Minnesota Opera*
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera
EMMA GUSTAFSON
WIG, HAIR, AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
NORTH BRANCH, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Thaïs, 2018
Notable Engagements:
A Christmas Carol, Geva Theatre
The Color Purple, Theater Latté Da
The Elixir of Love, Minnesota Opera
The Anonymous Lover, Minnesota Opera
KARA MORGAN DORABELLA
ANDOVER, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
My Name is Florence, Minnesota Opera*
The Magic Flute, Opera Tampa*
Edgar, Minnesota Opera*
Romeo and Juliet, Minnesota Opera
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
LINDSAY OHSE DESPINA
TOPEKA, KS
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Così fan tutte, 2025
Notable Engagements:
The Magic Flute, The Metropolitan Opera
Akhnaten, The Metropolitan Opera
L'elisir d'amore, Anchorage Opera
La traviata, Baltimore Opera
Peter Grimes, Bayerische Staatsoper
DOUG SCHOLZ-CARLSON
STAGE DIRECTOR
NORTHFIELD, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
La Cenerentola, 1998
Notable Engagements:
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, The Metropolitan Opera
The Comedy of Errors, Great River Shakespeare Festival
Sweeney Todd, Austin Opera
Albert Herring, Minnesota Opera
Fire Shut Up in My Bones, The Metropolitan Opera
ÁNGEL VARGAS FERRANDO
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
My Name is Florence, Minnesota Opera*
Pagliacci, Minnesota Opera*
La bohème, Santa Fe Opera
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera
Lucia di Lammermoor, Sarasota Opera
PAUL WHITAKER
SCENIC AND LIGHTING DESIGNER
PASADENA, CA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2016
Notable Engagements:
Sumo, Public Theatre
(Drama Desk Nomination)
Little Women, Guthrie Theater
Come From Away, Asolo Repertory Theatre
Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!, Children's Theatre
DAVID WOLFE
GUGLIELMO
SHAMOKIN, PA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
Pagliacci, Minnesota Opera*
Sunday in the Park with George Glimmerglass Festival
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera
Tosca, Palm Beach Opera
MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST
MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN I
Allison Ostrander Concertmaster
Hannah Kennedy Assistant Concertmaster
Julia Persitz
Angela Waterman Hanson
Mary Alice Hutton
Brittany Quinn
Heidi Amundson
William (Liam) Gibb
VIOLIN II
Laurie Petruconis*
Elise Parker+
Elizabeth Decker
Sarah Whitnah
Ian Snyder
Maisie Block
VIOLA
Emily Hagen*
Susan Janda+
Jenny Lind Nilsson
Thomas Bandar
Matthew Mindeman
CELLO
Teresa Richardson*
Sally Gibson Dorer+
Rebecca Arons
Kirsten Whitson
BASS
John Michael Smith*
Cassidy A. Morgan+
FLUTE
Hannah Peterson*
Elizabeth Kleiber
OBOE
Jeffrey Marshak*
Steven Maijala
CLARINET
Karrin Meffert-Nelson*
Nina Olsen
BASSOON
Jessica Findley Yang*
Laurie Hatcher Merz
HORN
Allison Akins*
Charles Hodgson
TRUMPET
John G. Koopmann*
Christopher Volpe
TIMPANI
Joel Alexander*
PERCUSSION
Matthew Barber* (offstage)
FORTEPIANO
Celeste Marie Johnson*
* Principal + Assistant Principal
MINNESOTA OPERA CHORUS
SOPRANOS
Sophie Caplin
Mary Kettlewell
Lindsay Sessing
MEZZO-SOPRANOS
Carolyn Cavadini
Gillian Gauntt
Rebecca Henning
TENORS
Samuel Baker
Graham Remple
Colyn Tvete
BARITONES/BASSES
Carter Hallums
Yuran Liu
Andrew Nalley
TOP: THE MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA, PHOTO BY DAN NORMAN
BOTTOM: THE MINNESOTA OPERA CHORUS, PHOTO BY MIKE MADISON
JAN 31–FEB 8, 2026
MAY 9–16, 2026
Burton Cohen
November 1930 –May 2025
The staff and board of directors of Minnesota Opera mourn the passing of Burt Cohen.
Burt became actively involved with the Opera by joining the board of directors for his first term in the mid-1980’s and subsequently serving almost 30 years as an active member. He was an inaugural member of the New Works Initiative committee. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to the Opera, he was named a Director Emeritus and then a member of the President’s Council.
Burt was known for volunteering and doing all he could to make the Twin Cities a vibrant community.
Above all, Burt made us laugh with his quick wit and innate self-effacing humor. Often it is those who are comedically gifted who are capable of the deepest well of emotion. This is precisely why we will miss him. His contributions and his humanity were rich, complex and beautiful.
Read his self-written obituary here: Burton Cohen Obituary (2025) - Minneapolis, MN - Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - Minneapolis
PHOTO COURTESY OF KURT MOSES
$15,000+ Sponsors
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS GALA SPONSORS
Ruth and John Huss
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad with Leni and David Moore
$10,000+ Sponsors
$7,500+ Sponsors
$5,000+ Sponsors
Karen O. Bachman
Kathleen and Jaff Baradaran
Christl and Andrew Larson
Jodi and Michael Mooney
Gayle Fuguitt and Tom Veitch
Jeninne McGee
Celita Levinson
THE FORTE AWARDS
The Forte Awards recognize individuals and community and corporate partners for their significant impact on MN Opera’s mission and contributions to Minnesota’s arts community. The Forte Award honors deep involvement, service, and support. We recognize these recipients for their steadfast commitment to helping bring MN Opera’s mission into focus.
HONOREES
Ameriprise Financial Minnesota Public Radio
Marcia Aubineau
Gayle and Tim Ober
Minnesota Opera Patron Services
620 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-333-6669
Regular Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm
Performances
Phones open at 2pm for evening performances and at 10:30am for matinee performances. Minnesota Opera staff will be available at the Ordway’s Ticket Office 90 minutes prior to curtain.
mnopera.org
Visit mnopera.org to watch behind-the-scenes videos, read synopses, browse digital programs, and more. Sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers and opera news.
Ticket Exchanges
Subscribers exchange for free. Non-subscriber and non-youth exchanges will incur a $5.00 per ticket exchange fee. If you exchange into a higher priced seating location or performance, you will be charged the difference at the time of the exchange. Additional restrictions may apply. Tickets must remain in their opera season. Cross season exchange requests will not be honored.
Parking
Prepaid parking is available at the Lawson Commons Ramp. Call 612-333-6669 or visit mnopera.org to purchase passes.
Accessibility
For patrons with disabilities, wheelchair accessible seats are available for select performances. Please call 612-333-6669 for details and indicate any special needs when ordering tickets. At the Ordway, accessible restrooms and other facilities are available, as well as braille or large-print programs and infrared listening systems. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/access.
Ordway Policies
Ordway is a smoke-free facility.
Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate break.
Please have all cell phones and pagers turned to silent mode.
Children under six are not permitted in the hall. Cameras and recording equipment are strictly prohibited in the theater. Please check items with an usher.
Food and beverage are available for purchase prior to the show and during intermission. Water and other beverages are allowed in the theater (hot beverages require lids), but food is strictly prohibited.
The phone number for emergencies is 651-224-4222. Please leave seat locations with the calling party.
Lost and Found is located at the Stage Door. Call 651-282-3070 for assistance.
Health and Safety Information
The health and safety of our staff, guests, and artists is our top priority. To learn about the steps the Arts Partners are taking to ensure we operate in the safest way possible, please visit Ordway.org/healthsafety. Masks are not required but will be welcomed and encouraged. We ask that guests stay home if they are sick and request a ticket exchange or refund.
Upcoming events
MNOP+
DEEPEN YOUR CONNECTION TO OPERA
These special, artist-driven events get you closer to the artists and their process in the intimate setting of the Luminary Arts Center.
All events are at the Luminary Arts Center: 700 North 1st St | Minneapolis, MN
The Chamber Music of Florence Price with Members of the MN Opera Orchestra, Resident Artist Kara Morgan, and Celeste Marie Johnson
JAN. 17, 7:00PM
New Works Initiative Song Cycle Premiere with MN Opera Resident Artists and Mario Antonio Marra
FEB. 28, 7:00PM
John Churchwell Residency featuring MN Opera Resident Artists
MARCH 21, 7:00PM
Gospel Night: Reginald Smith, Jr. & Chaz’men Williams-Ali with Joseph Li
APRIL 29, 7:00PM
Become a FRIEND OF FLORENCE
Inspired by the prolific American composer Florence Price who made history as the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra, My Name is Florence is composed by B.E. Boykin to a libretto by Harrison David Rivers and premieres January 31–Febrary 8, 2026 at the Ordway.
As a Friend you’ll receive exclusive, cumulative benefits that bring you closer to this poignant production.
FRIENDLY FACE $29
(29 artists on stage: cast, orchestra, conductor)
Webpage Recognition
Commemorative pin
MASTER OF PRACTICE $88
(88 keys on the piano)
Digital recognition at the Ordway (inclusion deadline January 29)
Show poster
MATRIARCHY $213
(213 - year age span of three generations of Florences)
Recognition in the program book (inclusion deadline December 15)
Tote bag
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY $880
($880 is the tuition for four years in 1902-1906 dollars)
Two passes to champagne intermission reception (ticket purchase required)
REDISCOVERED $2,009
(2009 is the year that works were found in Florence’s abandoned summer home in St. Anne, Illinois)
Recognition in supertitles above the stage before the show
Four tickets to dress rehearsal on January 27 at 7:30pm (deadline January 23)
FEELING OF HOME
$3,648
(3,648 miles between places Florence lived: Little Rock, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago)
Two tickets to “The Chamber Music of Florence Price” at the Luminary Arts Center on Saturday, January 17 at 7pm (deadline January 13)
CHICAGO SYMPHONY
$6,015
(June 15, 1933: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra premiered Florence's Symphony in E Minor, making her the first Black female composer to have a piece premiered by a major U.S. orchestra)
Two seats at the Opening Night Dinner on January 31 (deadline January 24)
WANAMAKER PRIZE $11,732
($11,732 is the present-day buying power of the $500 that Florence received for winning the Wanamaker Prize in 1932)
Framed first page of the score signed by the creative team
To become a Friend of Florence , call Patron Services at 612-333-6669 or visit mnopera.org/friendso orence
THANKYOU
MINNESOTA OPERA RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUAL DONORS WHO HAVE MADE GIFTS TO OUR ANNUAL FUND AND FUND-A-DREAM BETWEEN JULY 15, 2024 – OCTOBER 10, 2025. THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR ART COME TO LIFE.
BEL CANTO CIRCLE
PLATINUM
$50,000+
Anonymous
C. Curtis Dunnavan Fund
Vicki and Chip Emery
Ruth and John Huss
Margaret V.B. Wurtele
GOLD
$25,000 – 49,999
Tracy Aanenson, PhD
Susan Boren and Steve King
Eleanor Crosby
Gayle Fuguitt and Tom Veitch
Mark Gordon and Anne Zweibel
CAMERATA CIRCLE
GOLD
$7,500 – 9,999
Dorothy Horns and James Richardson
Dr. Robert L. Kriel and Dr. Linda E. Krach
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
James Powell and Mitchell Czeh
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Thomas and Nancy Rohde
Kimberly Slay
Jonathan and Cynthia Vessey
Paul and Cara Wilson
SILVER
$5,000 – 7,499
Anonymous
Kevin J. Armstrong and Lisa Goldson Armstrong
PATRON CIRCLE
GOLD
$1,000 – $3,499
Henry and Betty Albrecht
Joelle Allen
Torrie Allen
Lois Anderson
Dan and Martha
Goldberg Aronson
Jerry Artz
Ruth and Dale Bachman
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad
Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson
John Junek
SILVER
$15,000 – 24,999
Anonymous
Patricia Beithon
Stephen* and Margaret Blake
Patrick and Christina Comer
Ann Fankhanel
Milla and Phil Isaacson
Diane and Paul Jacobson
Robert L. Lee* and Mary E. Schaffner
McGough Construction Co. LLC
Martha and H. Brewster Atwater
William Biermaier and David Hanson
Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville
Susan Calmenson and Vince Leo
Ti Chang Taylor
Gisela Corbett and Peter Hyman
Terrance* and Susan Dolan
George Ferguson
Gail Fiskewold
Martha Gabbert
Dr. Richard Gregory
Michele Harris and Peter Tanghe
Charlie Johnson
Janet N. Jones
Dr. Robert and Susan Josselson
Warren and Patricia Kelly
Anna Kokayeff, MD
Daniel* and Dianne Latham
Thomas and Jill Barland
John Beal and Barbara Brin
Bernie and Patricia Beaver
William and Margaret Bracken
Cheryl Brown
Christopher J. Burns
Barbara Burwell
Laurie Carlson and William Voedisch
Mari Carlson
Gary and Janet Christenson
Benjamin and Laura Cooper
Betty Meyers*
Jodi and Michael Mooney
Brian and Cassie Nelson
Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens
William White
BRONZE
$10,000 – 14,999
Karen O. Bachman
Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Dr. Thomas Stocks
Alberto Castillo and Judith Garcia Galiana
Jane M. and Ogden W.* Confer
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Christopher Hermann and Brian Pietsch
Celita Levinson
Fayneese Miller, PhD
Richard and Nancy Nicholson
Bill and Janet Schaeder
Nadege J. Souvenir and Joshua A. Dorothy
John Sullivan
Ryan Taylor
Stephanie C. Van D’Elden
Natalie Volin Lehr
Warren D. Woessner and Iris C. Freeman
Sri and Aks Zaheer
BRONZE
$3,500 – $4,999
Richard Allendorf
Patricia R. Freeburg
S. Asim Gul
Ann and Dodd Cosgrove
Jeffrey and Barbara Couture
Kathryn M. Cunningham*
Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation
Maureen and John Drewitz
David Drueding and Susan Stabile
Laura and Tim Edman
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis*
Sally and Michael Feder
Blaine and Lyndel King
Constance and Daniel Kunin
Christl and Andrew Larson
Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus
Peggy and Ilo Leppik
David and Diane Lilly
Laura McCarten
Jeninne McGee
Harvey Thomas McLain
Leni and David Moore
Gayle and Timothy Ober
Ben and Kari Ollendick
Ken Rothchild*
Benjamin and Breia Schleuss
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Linda Hoeschler Blyberg and Peter A. Blyberg
Amy Hoffman
Arthur and Fran* Horowitz
Nancy and William Jones
Charles Jorgensen
Kristine Kaplan
David King
Robert and Venetia Kudrle
Jennifer Eukel and Kyle Reicks
Christopher Ross
Andrea and James Rubenstein
Sampson Family Foundation
Dr. Frank and Lynda Sharbrough
Jerry Swenson
John and Jill Thompson
Emily Tremblay and Joe Roith
Drs. Greg Weber and James Barnett
Salvatore Silvestri Franco
Mary and Jay Gallagher
Gunda Georg and Elaine Darst
Bill and Paula Glade
Bruce and Jean Grussing
Nancy L. Gustafson
Donald and Marion Hall
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Anne Hanley and George Skinner
John Heer and Jody Copp
Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson
Jean M. Holten
Joshua Howland
Benjamin W. Hulse and Maureen C. Sheehan
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hurwitz
J David Jackson
Barbara Jenkins
Erwin and Miriam Kelen
Jay Kennedy
William Kindler
Margaret V. Kinney
Tom Klas
Sally and Bill Kling
Mrs. James S. Kochiras
Robert and Barbara Kueppers
James Kunz
Jose Lamela Jr
Kenyon S. Latham
Linda and Warren Mack
David MacMillan* and Judith Krow
Rachelle McCord
Mary Bigelow McMillan*
Shawn Monaghan
Sandra Morris
Jill L. Mortensen and Sharon K. Phillips
Richard and Nancy Nelson
Merritt C. Nequette and Nancy Hartung
Lucia Newell and Steven Wiese
Bradley and Rebecca Nuss
Robert Olafson
Chris Olsen and Shannon Rhatigan
Ruth and Ahmad Orandi
Luis Pagan-Carlo and Joseph Sammartino
Scott J. Pakudaitis
Sally and Thomas Patterson
James A. Payne
Mary Lynne Perushek
Dwight Peterson
Christina and Dwight Porter
Susan and Chris Preston
Peter and Rita Reed
Sandra Roe
Dr. Marian R. Rubenfeld and Dr. Frederick G. Langendorf
Christine Sagstetter
Mary Savina
Alan E. Shapiro
Gale Sharpe
William and Trinka Sharpe
Sue Shepard
I-ming Shih and Arnold Chu
Marianne Settano Shumaker and Gordon Shumaker
Juliana and Bernie Simmons
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
Donna and Kenneth Speake
Sarah Stephens
Mary K. and Gary Stern
Julie Stewart
Stephen and Dana Strand
Lester Temple and Isabel Karon
Andrew J. Thomas, MD
Murray Thomas and Stephen Davis
Dr. Norrie Thomas
Josephine Trubek
Nancy Waite-O’Brien
Lori Ward
James and Barbara Willis
Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim
John W. Windhorst Jr.
Jean C. Wirsig*
SILVER
$500 – 999
Anonymous (3)
Arlene Alm
Rolf T. Anderson
Rebecca Augustine
Susanne and Johan Bakken
John Beuerlein
David Bjork and Jeff Bengston
Bradley Brown
Stephen Christy
Ken and Linda Cutler
Steve Dahlberg
Daniel deJongh
Susan Hodges DeNuccio
Bruce Fenster
Daniel Fernelius
Greta and Paul Garmers
Leland and Beverly Gehrke
Teddy Gesell
Marjahn Golban
Barbara Golden
Donald Greenebaum and Beth Honetschlager
Myrtle Grette*
Heather Haakenson
Nancy A. Harris
Carrie Hefte
Gemma Isaacson and Modi Hammarstedt
Sara Janz
Margaret Johnson
Susan Kalmer
Catherine C. Kangas
Ed and Martha Karels
Dan Kidney
David and Jane Kostik
Dr. Jenna Kubly
David and Darlene Lee
Jonathan and Lisa Lewis
George Logan
Natalie Losik
Thomas and Jeanne MacLeod
Dr. Joan E. Madden
Amy and Franck Marret
Michele Miller
Jim Miner and John Easton*
Bradley H. Momsen
Gillian and Richard Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon D. Mosser
Andrea Mouw
NorthRock Partners
Suzanne and William Payne
Corine and John Petraborg
Lawrence Pry
Vicki Rupp
Richard and Carol Seaberg
Kathleen K. Simo
Darryl Smith
Kevin and Lynn Smith
Claire Steyaert
Sharon and Thomas Stoffel
Roxanne Stouffer
Craig and Janet Swan
Lisa Swan
Eric Swanson and Curt Nelson
Shoshana Tancer
Jean Thomson
Michael P. Tierney
Diane and William Toscano
Colyn Tvete
Meredith Vadis
Kenneth and Kathryn Valentas
Daniel Vogel
Emily Wang
Jeff Wiemiller and Joe Anderson
Douglas Wilkowske
John M. Williams
BRONZE
$250 – 499
Anonymous
Jerome Abrams
Anita Anderson
Dean Anderson
Gail Bakkom
Dr. and Mrs. David G. Benditt, MD
Joel Bernard
David and Diane Blake
Barbara and William Brauer
Eric Britt
Roger and Ronnie Brooks
Natalia Callero
Renee Campion and David Walsh
Ruth Carp
Sara Church
Carroll C. Cisek
George and Louise Clitty
Doug and Ruth Crane
Cathryn Curtis-Schmidt
Steven Dahlberg
Cheryl DuBois
Sam Dudley
Jennifer Eckes
Brad and Diane England
Timothy Falencik
Justin Felicetta
Sam Fouts
Carol and Michael Garbisch
James Glazier
Clark and Sima Griffith
Jennifer Gross and Jerry LeFevre
Freya and John Hanson
Elaine Heisterkamp and John K. Renwick
Rosmarie and John Helling
Cliffton and Sharon Hill
Joseph and Jeanna Hinderer
Kathleen and Robert Humphrey
Jeffrey Indrelie
Mark and Jeanne Jacobson
Celeste Marie Johnson
Marcia Jones
Robert Kieft
Judith Allen Kim
John Klein
Marek Kokoszka
Elise Koonmen
Maureen Kucera-Walsh and Michael Walsh*
Charles Lazarus and Mele Willis
Joseph Li and Kendall Reimer
Daniel W. Lindsey
Holly MacDonald and John Orbison
Christine Martin
Sally and Don Mason
Sean McAleer
Mr. and Mrs. Chris McHugh
Robert and Larae McPartlin
John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort
David Miller and Mary Dew
William and Imelda Muggli
William Myers and Virginia Dudley
Colleen and Gregg Nelson
Curt D. Nelson
Fritz A. Nelson and Mina Fisher
Elizabeth and Neal Nordling
Patrick and Laura O’Connell
Dennis R. Olson
Scott Olson
Donna and Marvin Ortquist
Dede Ouren
Julia and Brian Palmer
Rick and Sandra Penning
Jane M. Persoon
Michele Pierce
Anne and John Polta
Elizabeth Raymond and Paul Hybel
George Realmuto, MD
Karen Reid
Philip Rickey
Annemarie Robertson
Peter Rue
James Salutz and Margaret Brandl
Julia Sand
Noel Schenker
Clayton Smith
Stephen Sporer
Joyce Thielen
Irma Thies
Jenny and Dave Thomas
Catherine Vesley
Randall Volk
David L. Ward
Emerson L. Williams
Perry Wilson and Elizabeth Cutter
Steve Zimmermann
* in remembrance
LEGACY CIRCLE
The following lists donors who, through their foresight and generosity, have included Minnesota Opera in their wills or estate plans.
Anonymous
Mary Abbe
Paul and Val Ackerman
Thomas O. Allen
Arlene Alm
Dr. and Mrs. Rolf Andreassen*
Mary A. Andres
Marcia J. Aubineau
Karen O. Bachman
Thomas and Ann Bagnoli
Patricia Beithon
Carol J. Bergeson
Margaret Blake
Susan Boren and Steve King
Al Bradley
Arthur Brindley
Richard D. Brunning*
C.T. Bundy II*
Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Dr. Thomas Stocks
Margaret M. Carasik
George and Joan Carlson
Richard and Darlene Carroll
Robert Clough
Dan and Julia Cross
Julia W. Dayton*
Margaret DiBlasio*
Anne P. Ducharme*
Dr. Mary Anne Ebert and Paul Stembler
Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis*
Ann Fankhanel
Ester Fesler
Erin Flannery
Salvatore Silvestri Franco
Daniel E. Freeman
Charles J. Frisch
Dr. Paul Froeschl
Katy Gaynor
Myrtle Grette*
Michelle Hackett
Russell and Priscilla Hankins
Anne Hanley and George Skinner
Jean M. Holten
Tom Huberty and Elizabeth Watkins
John Humleker and Cordelia Anderson
Kathleen and Robert Humphrey
Diane and Paul Jacobson
Dr. Charles and Sally Jorgensen
Dr. Robert and Susan Josselson
John Junek
Dr. Markle Karlen
Warren and Patricia Kelly
Blaine and Lyndel King
Sally and Bill Kling
Larry Klueh
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
The following endowment funds, created by visionary and generous donors, continue the work of Minnesota Opera for future generations.
Art of Singing Endowment Fund
To support exceptional training for Resident Artists by providing learning opportunities with leading artists and experts.
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Barbara White Bemis Fund for Artistic Enhancement
To enhance the quality of performances by providing funds to engage singers who have received awards through the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
Daniel E. Freeman
Endowment Fund
To support Minnesota Opera’s education programs.
Dolly Fiterman Fund for New Production Opera Design
To support the creation of new productions by providing funds to engage designers and create new sets.
Gisela Knoblauch
Liz and Jim* Krezowski
Dr. Robert L. Kriel and Dr. Linda E. Krach
Robert and Venetia Kudrle
Christl and Andrew Larson
Jim Lawser and Duane Bandel
Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus
Robert L. Lee* and Mary E. Schaffner
Gerald and Joyce Lillquist
Dawn M. Loven
David MacMillan* and Judith Krow
Tim Manych
Donald Masler*
Barbara McBurney
Mary McDiarmid
Mary Bigelow McMillan*
Robert* and Roberta* Megard
Betty Meyers*
John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort
Karla Miller
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Richard and Joan Newmark
Scott J. Pakudaitis
Derrill Pankow
Debra Joyce Paterson
Jose A. Peris and Diana Gulden
Sydney Phillips*
Tim and Mary Pieh
Phyllis Price
Brian and Patricia Prokosch
Liane A. Rosel
Ken Rothchild*
Founders Endowment Fund
To support new and innovative opera performances that honor the spirit, energy, and creativity of the founders in the beginning days of the Center Opera.
Mary Abbe
Nina Archabal
Joan Jacobs Rubenfeld Memorial Fund
To support the attendance of high school students at MN Opera performances.
Minnesota Opera Center Preservation Fund
To support Opera Center building improvements. The Preservation Fund recognizes the legacies of Judson Bemis and Kevin Smith, who through their leadership created the Opera Center.
COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS
The following lists donors who have made gifts in honor or in memory of a loved one between July 15, 2024 –October 10, 2025.
IN HONORARIUM
Rebecca Arons
William Kindler
Arnold Burton
Shark Industries, LTD
Siena Forest
Katelin Richter Davis and David Davis
Colleen and Gregg Nelson
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
Celeste Marie Johnson
David and Suzanne Johnson
Donna and Marvin Ortquist
Orpha McDiarmid
Mary McDiarmid
Lexi Reed
Natalia Callero
Rick and Deb Karulf
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Mari Carlson
Emily Skoblik-Diallo
Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray
IN MEMORIAM
Judson and Barbara Bemis
Sandra Roe
Stephen Blake
Laura Silver and Jeff Hertzberg
Gus Blanchard
Ruth and John Huss
Judith Brindley
Arthur E. Brindley
Sarah Cox
Thomas Cox
Kathryn M. Cunningham
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Terrance Dolan
Joel Bernard
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Beryl and Jerry Halldorson
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Lucille Jansen
Joe and Lisa Thiegs
Scott Krenz
Emerson L. Williams
Robert L. Lee
David Chalfant
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Ann Fankhanel
Carrie Hefte
Dawn M. Loven
Christine Meuers
Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Mary Savina
Jon L. Schasker* and Debbie Carlson
Josef Schermann
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Duane and Pamela Schroeder
Dr. Frank and Lynda Sharbrough
Gale Sharpe
Robert Shearer and Joan Gustafson
Sue Shepard
Drew Stewart and Anna Hargreaves
Virginia and Edward Stringer
Gregory Swinehart and Mitra Walter
Ryan Taylor
Dr. Anthony Thein
John and Jill Thompson
Stephanie C. Van D’Elden
H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol
Lola Watson
William White
Jean C. Wirsig*
Harvey Zuckman and Philip Oxman
For more information on making estate plan arrangements, please contact Kristin Matejcek at kmatejcek@mnopera.org
* in remembrance
Valerie and Paul Ackerman Endowment Fund
To support the attendance of youth at Minnesota Opera performances.
Virginia L. Stringer Endowment of the Minnesota Resident Artist Program
To support the Resident Artist Program. The appearance of the Resident Artists in this production is made possible by this endowment fund.
William Randolph Hearst Endowment for Education and Outreach Programs
To support Minnesota Opera’s education and outreach programs.
David MacMillan
Anonymous
Eileen Cardwell
Sheila Gearin
Richard Hoffman
Shelley and Richard Jensen
Howard O'Connell, Jr.
Alvina O’Brien
Alvina Hart
Nancy Waite-O’Brien
Fanny Peterson
Lela Clark
Nina Rothchild
Ken Rothchild*
Glenda Thors
Elizabeth Murray
Herb Ward
Lori Ward
* in remembrance
MINNESOTA OPERA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES ITS MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS:
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Anonymous
Alice M. Ditson Fund
Anna M. Heilmaier
Charitable Foundation
Best Buy Foundation
Boss Foundation
Bust Out
Caplin Foundation
Carlson Holdings Inc.
Dellwood Foundation
Event Lab LLC
Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
The FS Foundation
Hutter Family Foundation
Margaret Rivers Fund
Mayo Clinic Health SystemFranciscan Healthcare
McGough Construction
McGough Facilities Management
McVay Foundation
Onan Family Foundation
OPERA America
Peravid Foundation
Rahr Corporation
RBC Foundation - USA
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Schwab Charitable
Tennant Foundation
For information on making a corporate or foundation contribution to Minnesota Opera, please contact Kenny Piatt, Institutional Grants Officer, at kpiatt@mnopera.org.
