APRIL 17 & 19, 2026
FONTANA
PUCCINI TOSCA
with Laura Wilde as Tosca
JUNE 26 - JULY 19
with Alexander Birch Elliot as King Roger
FLOYD OF MICE AND MEN
with John Moore as George and John Findon as Lennie
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).
Plan your visit now—many performances are sold out.
Best availability: July 3–4, July 8–9, and July 14–16 / Three-opera package: July 14–16 For tickets, visit DMMO.ORG or call (515) 209-3257
SZYMANOWSKI
Bluebeard’s Castle One Castle. Seven
Doors. Infinite Suspense.
FRI MAY 8 8PM SAT MAY 9 7PM
Thomas Søndergård, conductor
Michelle DeYoung, mezzo
Nathan Berg, bass-baritone
Adam Larsen, creative director
A mysterious castle. A husband with secrets. Seven locked doors, each revealing something deeper and more unsettling than the last. This gripping premise launches one of the most compelling operas of the 20th century: Bartók's Bluebeard’s Castle .
Creative Director Adam Larsen’s lighting design and digital projections heighten the psychological drama and haunting atmosphere of this thrilling work.
Get ready for an evening of powerful storytelling and vivid orchestral color as the drama unfolds. D
Søn
The Barber of Seville, 2025 © Cory Weaver
the Ordway stage, audiences to share in transformation . Immersive drama, comedy—drawn from three centuries testament to the power of this to be human
Music by George Frideric Handel Libretto by Antonio Salvi after Ludovico Ariosto
Music by Kamala Sankaram | Libretto by Minita Gandhi
Based upon the BOOM! Studios graphic novel
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V. and Filipe Andrade.
Jealousy. Treachery. True love put to the test.
Reincarnated. Resolute. Revolutionary.
Can one choice change everything?
MAR 13–21, 2027
MAY 8–16, 2027
That question sits at the heart of Edgar—and perhaps at the heart of every artist’s journey. Tonight, we have the rare opportunity to encounter the genius of Giacomo Puccini at a pivotal moment in his musical development: just his second opera, written before the towering masterpieces that would define his legacy.
SOMETHING NEW
Subscription packages are available now!
Music by George Frideric Handel Libretto by Antonio Salvi after Ludovico Ariosto
OCT 31–NOV 8, 2026
Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Arrigo Boito
This is not an opera you are likely to see often. In fact, works like Edgar appear only rarely on American stages. That rarity is part of what makes this performance so special. As the cost of mounting fully staged opera continues to rise—sets, costumes, technical elements, rehearsal demands—concert performances allow us to bring extraordinary music to life in powerful, focused ways.
Everything in the world is a jest.
works never before seen on the Ordway stage, 2026–2027 season invites audiences to share in desire, and transformation . Immersive drama, sparkling comedy—drawn from three centuries storytelling—coalesce in a testament to the power of this illuminate what it means to be human
Jealousy. Treachery. True love put to the test.
Music by Kamala Sankaram | Libretto by Minita Gandhi
MAY 8–16, 2027
There is a particular joy in experiencing an early work in this format. With the Minnesota Opera Orchestra and Chorus on stage behind our cast, the music itself stands at the center. We can hear the young Puccini reaching—testing dramatic instincts, shaping melodic ideas, discovering the vocal lyricism that would soon become unmistakably his. In moments of striking beauty, you may recognize the seeds of the composer he would become. In others, you may sense him wrestling as he found his path.
Subscription packages are available now!
Based upon the BOOM! Studios graphic novel
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V. and Filipe Andrade.
Reincarnated. Resolute. Revolutionary.
MAR 13–21, 2027
Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Arrigo Boito
That is part of the thrill. We get to witness development in real time. We can see where he would go later. We can enjoy the work for its inherent beauty while maintaining a critical eye to challenge shortcomings where we find them, understanding the work as part of the creative evolution that leads to greatness.
Music by George Frideric Handel Libretto by Antonio Salvi after Ludovico Ariosto
Everything in the world is a jest.
Jealousy. Treachery. True love put to the test.
Presenting work like this reflects something essential about Minnesota Opera: a commitment not only to beloved masterworks and bold premieres, but also to discovery. To curiosity. To the belief that the creative process of opera’s visionaries is constantly active—and that revisiting that creativity enriches our understanding of where we must go from here.
before seen on the Ordway stage, season invites audiences to share in and transformation . Immersive drama, comedy—drawn from three centuries storytelling—coalesce in a testament to the power of this what it means to be human
MAY 8–16, 2027
Thank you for being the kind of audience that embraces that exploration. Your presence makes performances like this possible.
With gratitude,
Subscription packages are available now!
Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Arrigo Boito
Everything in the world is a jest.
RYAN TAYLOR PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR Minnesota Opera | MNOpera.org
MUSIC BY Giacomo Puccini
LIBRETTO BY Ferdinando Fontana
Premiered April 21, 1889 at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy
Sung in Italian with English captions projected above the stage. in order of vocal appearance
CAST
FIDELIA
Karin Wolverton*
EDGAR
Diego Torre
TIGRANA Kara Morgan+
FRANK Thomas Glass*
GUALTIERO John Mburu+
CREATIVE TEAM
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
Christopher Franklin
STAGE DIRECTOR
Margaret Jumonville�
COSTUME DESIGNER Brandi Mans
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Wu Chen Khoo
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
Tom Ringberg
WIG, HAIR, AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
Emma Gustafson
STAGE MANAGER
Patty Garvey
MUSICAL PREPARATION
Mario Antonio Marra Head of Music and Assistant Conductor
Celeste Marie Johnson* Principal Coach and Chorus Director
Fumiyasu Kawase+ Répétiteur
Scan to Unlock Exclusive Content!
Go behind the scenes with costume renderings, performance videos, exclusive interviews, and more.
SEASON SPONSOR
Minnesota Opera gratefully acknowledges the special support of generous donors who helped make these performances possible.
ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME
One hour and forty-nine minutes with one intermission.
By arrangement with Hendon Music, Inc., a Boosey & Hawkes company, Sole Agent in the U.S., Canada and Mexico for Casa Ricordi/Universal Music Publishing Ricordi S.R.L., publisher and copyright owner.
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
Edgar, whose affections are split between the loyal Fidelia and the wild Tigrana, awakens to Fidelia bringing him a gift. Fidelia quickly leaves as Tigrana approaches and unsuccessfully tries to convince Edgar back into their debaucherous lifestyle together. Edgar refuses, pledging his loyalty to Fidelia—for now. As Tigrana turns to leave, she runs into Fidelia’s brother Frank, his love for Tigrana ever unrequited and complicated by his parents taking in the orphaned Tigrana. Frank’s jealousy does nothing for Tigrana and they fight bitterly.
Tigrana mocks the villagers at prayer, and they angrily order her to leave. She retreats to Edgar’s house, where he defends her from the crowd’s fury. He leaves with her but not before burning down his own house in an act of defiance. Frank tries to stop them, egged on by Tigrana to duel Edgar, who wounds him badly. Frank’s father Gualtiero interrupts the fight while the villagers curse the fleeing lovers.
ACT II
Edgar leaves a wild orgy at Tigrana’s house, tired of debauchery and longing to return to Fidelia. As Tigrana tries to entice him back inside, a platoon of soldiers arrives. Edgar is surprised that Frank is leading them, and asks for forgiveness. Frank readily does so, saying that their fight had broken him of his obsession with Tigrana, and the two men embrace. Edgar joins the platoon as Tigrana swears vengeance for him leaving her.
ACT III
A large funeral procession carries the armored body of Edgar, who is rumored to have fallen in battle. All praise Edgar as a hero except one—a monk who claims to have heard Edgar’s dying confession and steps forward to denounce him. He reveals Edgar’s sinful life, and the easily swayed crowd curses Edgar. Fidelia alone proclaims Edgar’s innocence as the crowd disperses.
Tigrana weeps—less for the deceased Edgar than that no one is left to witness her tears. She reluctantly agrees to denounce Edgar for a bribe from the monk. The crowd returns, and at the monk’s prompting, Tigrana publicly confirms Edgar’s sins. Outraged soldiers move to strip the body of its armor and are shocked to discover the suit of armor is empty. The monk reveals himself as Edgar, praising Fidelia and denouncing Tigrana once and for all. Before he can leave with Fidelia, Tigrana violently stabs Fidelia, making good on her oath of vengeance. The soldiers capture Tigrana and Frank sentences her to death, while a horrified crowd can only watch Edgar weep over Fidelia’s lifeless body.
Edgar is a story of desire. Chaste desire, corrupting desire, deadly desire. Over the course of three acts, we meet each character on their journey of desire, and we see their very human reactions to wanting something. Edgar is torn between his two archetypal loves–the chaste ingénue, and the seductress. Fidelia longs for a pure love and life partner. Tigrana indulges in pleasure and self-satisfaction. Frank’s unrequited feelings lead to anger and jealousy.
Though not often performed, Edgar has many exciting elements of fantastical storytelling: fire, scandal, swordfighting, orgies, secret identities, fabulous jewels, and, to top it all off, a deadly dagger blow in the final seconds! Even without a set or movement, there is still a story to be told. We have infused the lighting and the costumes with narrative powers. The costumes in particular combine modern-day concert dress with influential silhouettes of the original setting, 14th-century Flanders.
I personally have enjoyed delving into the early work of one of opera’s great composers. Edgar contains seeds of the compositional elements for which Puccini would later be celebrated. In Edgar, you can hear the beginnings of Puccini’s excellent, detailed chorus scenes–hinting at the complexity of his later work in La bohème. There is a layering of sound, with juxtaposition of chorus and solo, all supported by the organ’s devotional tones–that to me, points to the grand Act 1 finale in Tosca. I also found myself thinking about the final moments of
Puccini’s late work, Suor Angelica; how the vocal writing brings us along in Angelica’s real-time dramatic decision-making. The arias in Edgar are soaring and sumptuous, but I can feel that Puccini was still working through how to depict momentto-moment drama through music.
❝When we join our voices together, when we tell a story that seems “forgotten,” when we allow ourselves to be swept away by an orchestra, we understand the power that art has on our journey..."
I appreciate the chance to experience how great artists came to be great, because art-making is a journey. When we join our voices together, when we tell a story that seems “forgotten,” when we allow ourselves to be swept away by an orchestra, we understand the power that art has on our journey as an audience. Art itself, like Tigrana, can be a cruel and tempting mistress; like Fidelia, it can lift our souls towards light.
MARGARET JUMONVILLE STAGE DIRECTOR
Giacomo Puccini Composer
B. LUCCA, ITALY, DECEMBER 22, 1858; D. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, NOVEMBER 29, 1924
Giacomo Puccini was born in 1858 into a long line of church musicians in the historic Tuscan city of Lucca. His father served as Maestro di Cappella at the cathedral, and it was widely assumed that the young Puccini would inherit the position. After his father’s death, however, the family struggled financially. By the age of fourteen Puccini was already working as an organist in local churches, beginning the musical life expected of him.
As a young man, Puccini dreamed of independence and artistic success. His teachers introduced him to opera through the study of Giuseppe Verdi’s scores, and in 1876 he walked miles to attend a performance of Verdi’s Aida. The experience proved decisive. Puccini later recalled that in that moment he understood his destiny was to write for the stage.
After completing his studies at the Pacini Institute of Music in Lucca, Puccini entered the Milan Conservatory in 1880 with the help of a royal scholarship and financial assistance from relatives. Life in Milan was difficult. Puccini lived the bohemian existence of a poor student, sharing cramped lodgings with other aspiring artists, including the composer Pietro Mascagni. The two famously cooked forbidden meals in their room
while masking the noise by playing the piano loudly. Such youthful experiences later informed Puccini’s vivid depictions of artistic life, most famously in La bohème
Puccini graduated in 1883 with his orchestral work Capriccio sinfonico, which attracted the attention of critics and publishers. His first opera, Le Villi, brought early success and led to a commission for a second opera, Edgar, which premiered at La Scala in 1889. The work revealed Puccini still learning his craft. Although it contained passages of striking lyricism and orchestral color, its dramatic structure and libretto proved problematic. Puccini repeatedly revised the score after its premiere, cutting material and reshaping scenes in an effort to strengthen the drama. Despite these efforts, Edgar never achieved lasting success, yet the experience proved formative, teaching Puccini valuable lessons about pacing, characterization, and theatrical economy.
Puccini’s mature voice emerged in the 1890s through collaborations with librettists Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, beginning with La bohème and followed by Tosca and Madama Butterfly. His operas combined vivid theatrical pacing, expressive orchestration, and soaring lyricism, drawing audiences directly into the drama. Puccini’s works remain among the most beloved in the operatic repertoire today.
Ferdinando Fontana Librettist
B. MILAN, ITALY, JANUARY 30, 1850; D. LUGANO, SWITZERLAND, MAY 10, 1919
Ferdinando Fontana was an Italian journalist, poet, and influential opera librettist, best known for writing the libretti of Giacomo Puccini’s first two operas, Le Villi and Edgar. Born in Milan to a family of painters, Fontana left formal education at a young age following his mother’s death and began working to support his family. He entered journalism as a copy editor and quickly became active in Milan’s literary circles.
A prominent figure in the second Scapigliatura movement, Fontana was an exceptionally prolific writer. Alongside poetry, plays, and travel literature, he authored numerous opera libretti, collaborating with composers including Puccini and Alberto Franchetti
(Asrael, Zoroastro). An 1886 article noted that more than a dozen of his libretti were simultaneously being set to music by multiple composers, underscoring his prominence in Italian operatic life.
Fontana also translated several popular operettas for Italian stages, including works by Franz Lehár and Oskar Nedbal, expanding the international repertory available to Italian audiences. Politically engaged, he participated in the 1898 Milan protests and later lived in exile in Switzerland, where he died in Lugano in 1919.
CHRISTOPHER FRANKLIN PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
PITTSBURGH, PA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
La Cenerentola, 2011
Notable Engagements:
Pagliacci, Minnesota Opera*
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
La Gioconda, Pittsburgh Festival Opera
Semiramide, Teatro Massimo di Palermo
La cambiale di matrimonio, Rossini Opera Festival
THOMAS GLASS FRANK
EDINA, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Così fan tutte, 2011
Notable Engagements:
La bohème, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
The Shining, Atlanta Opera
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera
Così fan tutte, Palm Beach Opera
Harvey Milk, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
Madama Butterfly, Metropolitan 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
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
The Elixir of Love, Minnesota Opera
The Anonymous Lover, Minnesota Opera
CELESTE MARIE JOHNSON
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
MARGARET JUMONVILLE
STAGE DIRECTOR
BATON ROUGE, LA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Edward Tulane, 2022
Notable Engagements:
Romeo and Juliet, Minnesota Opera
La belle Hélène, FAVA France
Les contes d'Hoffmann, Opera Louisiane
The Magic Flute, Chicago Summer Opera
Hansel and Gretel, Chicago Summer Opera
WU CHEN KHOO LIGHTING DESIGNER
PENANG, MALAYSIA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Project Opera: Brundibár/ The Gondoliers, 2019
Notable Engagements:
My Ántonia, Theater Latté Da*
A Romeo & Juliet Experience, Macalester College
Milo Imagines the World, Children's Theatre Company
In Memory of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Penumbra Theatre
Babble Lab, Children's Theatre Company & Alliance Theatre
BRANDI MANS
COSTUME DESIGNER
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
La Rondine, 2018
Notable Engagements:
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, American Players Theatre
Romeo and Juliet, American Players Theatre
Our Town, American Players Theatre
JOHN MBURU GUALTIERO
WARWICK, RI
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Magic Flute, Opera Tampa
My Name is Florence, Minnesota Opera
The Seasons, Opera Philadelphia
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
KARA MORGAN
TIGRANA
ANDOVER, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Magic Flute, Opera Tampa
My Name is Florence, Minnesota Opera
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
L'enfant et les sortilèges, Salt Marsh Opera
DIEGO TORRE EDGAR
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Minnesota Opera Debut: Edgar, 2026
Notable Engagements:
Carmen, Opera Australia
Turandot, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Aida, Boston Lyric Opera
Pagliacci, Seattle Opera
Aida, Opera Australia
TOM RINGBERG INTIMACY DIRECTOR
EAGAN, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2016
KARIN WOLVERTON FIDELIA
ROSEVILLE, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut: Lucia di Lammermoor, 2001
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
Ian Snyder
Maisie Block
Kseniya Khvashchynskaya
VIOLA
Anne Ainomae*
Emily Hagen+
Jenny Lind Nilsson
Susan Janda
Coca Bochonko
CELLO
Teresa Richardson*
Sally Gibson Dorer+
Rebecca Arons
Darin Anderson
BASS
John Michael Smith*
Cassidy A. Morgan+
Emily Krajewski
FLUTE
Hannah Peterson*
Karen Baumgartner
Elizabeth Kleiber, double piccolo
OBOE
Christine Kim*
Jeffrey Marshak, double English horn
CLARINET
Karrin Meffert-Nelson*
Nina Olsen, double bass clarinet
BASSOON
Laurie Hatcher Merz*
Emma Plehal
HORN
Timothy Bradley*
Charles Hodgson
Allison Akins
Jenna McBride-Harris
TRUMPET
John Koopmann*
Christopher Volpe
Martin Hodel
TROMBONE
Phillip Ostrander*
John Tranter
David Stevens
TUBA
Jacob Grewe*
TIMPANI
Steven Kimball*
PERCUSSION
Matthew Barber*
Joel Alexander
HARP
Min Kim*
ORGAN
Fumiyasu Kawase* * Principal + Assistant Principal
MINNESOTA OPERA CHORUS
SOPRANOS
Julia Engel
Jess Felton
Melissa Ferlaak
Michelle Hayes
Michelle Liebl
Sara Sawyer
Justine Scarbrough
Cassandra Vasta
MEZZO-SOPRANOS
Laura Coale
Rachel Dumont
Beth Gusenius
Rebecca Luttio
Amy Madson
Monica Murray
Colleen O’Shaughnessy
Valerie Rogotzke
TENORS
Isaiah Burkel
Thore Dosdall
Wesley Dunnagan
Maurice Fields III
Paul Gutmann
Graham Remple
Ronald Romero
Zach Winkler
BARITONE/BASSES
Matthew Christoff
Joshua Eidem
Peter Hoffman
Grady Klein
Gary Kubert
Nick Miller
Nathan Petersen-Kindem
Eric Sorum
THE MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA, PHOTO BY DAN NORMAN
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
Tickets on sale now at mnopera.org/mnop-plus
UPCOMING EVENTS
APR 29, 7PM
Gospel Night with Reginald Smith, Jr., Chaz’men Williams-Ali, and Joseph Li
It’s about to be a blessing. Join baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. ( Pagliacci ) and tenor Chaz’men Williams-Ali for a rousing evening of gospel music with Joseph Li at the piano.
In 2026, we celebrate 74 years of supporting opera and music education and experiences for students.
In 2025, we distributed grants to 26 nonprofit opera and music performance organizations and schools, benefiting more than 15,000 students. Some examples include:
An Opera Theater Cantus
ComMUSICation
La Grande Bande
Lakes Area Music Festival
Laurel School of Music
Lundstrom Performing Arts
Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition
Minnesota Boychoir
Minnesota Sinfonia Mirandola Ensemble
Mixed Precipitation
Opera for the Young Park Square Theater
Saint Croix Valley Opera
University of Minnesota
School of Music’s
University Opera Theatre
VocalEssence
Minnesota Opera Dress Rehearsals
JOIN US
MAY 19 • MUSICAL BOUQUET JULY 14 • PARTY IN PINK
We invite all to visit www.twincitiesoperaguild.org for more information. If you’d like to join TCOG, your first time, first year membership is FREE with code “MNOP” in the Join/Renew link on the website or using the QR code.
STAFF
EXECUTIVE
President and General Director | Ryan Taylor
Principal Conductor | Christopher Franklin
ADMINISTRATIVE
Vice President, Administration and Board Relations | Theresa Murray
Human Resources Director | Jen Thill
Luminary Arts Center Director | Julia Gallagher
Luminary Arts Center Assistant Director | Victoria Pollock
Luminary Front of House Supervisors | Jarod Lewchuck, Jenna Lory, Vern Svendsen
Luminary Front of House Associates | Claire Frederick, Annika Johansson, Seth Kaltwasser, Edie Karras, Jaye Mcgilvrey, Lexie Modica, Andrew Sun, Vern Svendsen
ADVANCEMENT
Vice President, Advancement | Lani Willis
DEVELOPMENT
Development Director | Emily Skoblik-Diallo
Strategic Growth Director | Erin Flannery
Stewardship and Engagement Director | Kristin Matejcek
Individual Giving Associate Director/ Gift Officer | Siena Forest
Institutional Grants Officer | Kenny Piatt
Development Manager | Kajsa Jones-Higgins
Development Associate | Jonathan Lundgren
Annual Giving and Communications Coordinator | Lexi Reed
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Marketing and Communications Director | Gretchen Halverson
Associate Director of Marketing and Communications | Isaac Mayhew
Senior Graphic Designer | Genie Hien Tran
Content and Engagement Coordinator | Dyane Ocampo-Avila
CRM Specialist | Kevin Beckey
Associate Designer | Bailey Meadow
PATRON SERVICES
Patron Services Manager | Alexis Alcala
Associate Patron Services Manager | Eva Gemlo
Patron Services Associate | Paige Swenson
Patron Services Representative | Carol Corich, Asa Gutow, Kat Ruiz, Jenna Lory, Erin Sutter
ARTISTIC
Vice President, Artistic | Joseph Li Director of Resident Artist Program and Head of Music | Mario Antonio Marra
Company Manager | Roxanne Stouffer Cruz
Artistic Administrator | Salvatore S. Vasta III
Principal Coach and Chorus Director | Celeste Marie Johnson
Music Librarian | Emily Hagen
Resident Artists | Fumiyasu Kawase, Kylie Kreucher, John Mburu, Kara Morgan, Ángel Vargas, David Wolfe
Resident Artist Guest Faculty | Lara Bolton, John Churchwell, Warren Jones
FINANCE
Vice President, Finance | Janelle Erickson
System Administrator | Tony Ngonekeo
Staff Accountant | Chris Olsen
IMPACT
Vice President, Impact | Darius Gillard
Creative Development Program Manager |
Kari Heistad
Youth Music Programs Directors |
Sara Sawyer, Jared Mikach, Rick Hoops
Civic Engagement and Audience
Development Manager | Allison Lewis
PRODUCTION
Vice President, Production | Karen Quisenberry
PRODUCTION AND FACILITIES
Associate Production Director |
Genoveva Castañeda
Technical Director | Jonathan “Bearclaw” Hart
Costume Director | Corinna Bakken
Assistant Technical and Facilities Director | Jerry K. Smith
Assistant Production Director |
Sarah Lockwood
Facilities Manager | Adam Zahller
Lighting Coordinator | Ray Steveson Jr.
STAGING STAFF
Production Stage Manager | Luci Burdick
Calling Stage Manager | Patricia Garvey,
Assistant Stage Managers | Luci Burdick, Abbey Murray-Stark
Assistant Stage Director | Olivia Gacka
SCENERY, PROPERTIES, AND LIGHTING
Production Carpenter | Max Gilbert
Scene Shop Supervisor | Madi Scott Smith
Senior Carpenter | Eric Veldey
Carpenter | Rose King
Properties Craftsperson | Rachel Krieger
Luminary House Technician | Evan Peterson
Charge Artist | Erica Zaffarano
COSTUMES
Assistant Costume Director | Molly O’Gara
Tailor | Yancey Thrift
Drapers | Katrina Benedict, Chris Bur
Costume Crafts and Dye Head |
Danielle Jordan
First Hands | Brigid Borka, Sara Huebschen, Rebecca Karstad, Audrey Pugh
Stitchers | Quincy D’Alessio, Ann Friese, Ally Guglielmi, Caroline Amaral Zaltron Wig, Hair, and Makeup Supervisor | Emma Gustafson
VOLUNTEERS
Deb Dittmann, Janelle Erickson, Eva Gemlo, Diana Gerlach, Ryan Gilmer, Sarah Grecula, Andrea Gregory, Ben Holzem, Julie Karlson, Ryan Maddux, Mary McDiarmid, Barbara Moore, Chris Olsen, Candyce Osterkamp, Tracey Slayton, Wendi Sott, Lynn Sutherland, Norman Tiedemann, Jill Westlund, Rex
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Chair | James Powell
President and General Director | Ryan Taylor
Vice Chair | Rachelle McCord
Secretary | Roma Calatayud-Stocks
Treasurer | Benjamin J. Ollendick
DIRECTORS
Joelle Allen
Torrie Allen
Meg Blake
Ivonne Chand O'Neal
Ti Chang Taylor
Dan Fernelius
Gayle Fuguitt
Judith Garcia Galiana
Mark C. Gordon
Christopher Hermann
Amy Hoffman
Dorothy J. Horns, M.D.
Philip Isaacson
Deborah Jiang-Stein
Anna Kokayeff, M.D.
Christl Larson
Susan Leppke
Jodi Mooney
Cassie Nelson
Kay Ness
Christopher Ross
Breia Schleuss
Mary E. Schaffner
Mary Schrock
Emily Schwarzkopf
Kristina Tiedje
Emily Tremblay
Jonathan Vessey
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Philip Brunelle
Liz Kochiras
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
Karen O. Bachman
Patricia Beithon
Susan S. Boren
Jane M. Confer
Ellie Crosby
Sidney W. Emery
John Huss
Ruth Huss
James E. Johnson
Lucy Rosenberry Jones
John Junek
Gale Sharpe
Virginia Stringer
Margaret V.B. Wurtele
Minnesota Opera is a proud member of The Arts Partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Schubert Club
With a lineup of works never before seen on the Ordway stage, Minnesota Opera’s 2026–2027 season invites audiences to share in moments of revelation, desire, and transformation . Immersive drama, quiet introspection, and sparkling comedy—drawn from three centuries of music and storytelling—coalesce in a testament to the power of this art form to illuminate what it means to be human
OCT 31–NOV 8, 2026
by Kamala Sankaram | Libretto by Minita Gandhi
Based upon the BOOM! Studios graphic novel
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V. and Filipe Andrade.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is ™ & © 2022 Ram V.
Reincarnated. Resolute. Revolutionary.
MAR 13–21, 2027
Jealousy. Treachery. True love put to the test.
MAY 8–16, 2027
Everything in the world is a jest.
Music by George Frideric Handel Libretto by Antonio Salvi after Ludovico Ariosto
Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Arrigo Boito
Music
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 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.
Become a Sustaining Donor!
Every Minnesota Opera performance, every student welcomed into the theater, and every new story that is brought to life onstage is made possible by a community of people coming together toward something bigger than any one of us.
It’s a powerful reminder that we can achieve an extraordinary impact when we work together. That’s why we’re inviting you to become part of our circle of Sustaining Donors.
Giving monthly or quarterly means you’re providing reliable sustaining support MN Opera can count on, while making a lasting impact on the opera company you know and love. By making a recurring gift of as little as $5 a month, you can join a dedicated community committed to MN Opera’s vision to sing every story.
THANKYOU
MINNESOTA OPERA RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUAL DONORS WHO HAVE MADE GIFTS TO OUR ANNUAL FUND AND FUND-A-DREAM BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2025 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026. THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR ART COME TO LIFE.
BEL CANTO CIRCLE
PLATINUM
$50,000+
Anonymous
Tracy Aanenson, PhD
C. Curtis Dunnavan Fund
Vicki and Chip Emery
Ruth and John Huss
Margaret V.B. Wurtele
GOLD
$25,000 – 49,999
Susan Boren and Steve King
Eleanor Crosby
Gayle Fuguitt and Tom Veitch
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad
Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson
CAMERATA CIRCLE
GOLD
$7,500 – 9,999
Dorothy Horns and James Richardson
Dr. Robert L. Kriel and Dr. Linda E. Krach
Thomas D. and Nancy J. Rohde
John and Jill Thompson
Sri and Aks Zaheer
SILVER
$5,000 – 7,499
Anonymous
Catherine Allan and Tim Grady
Martha and H. Brewster Atwater
Kathleen and Jaff Baradaran
Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville
Susan Calmenson and Vince Leo
PATRON CIRCLE
GOLD
$1,000 – $3,499
Anonymous (2)
Torrie Allen and Tiffany Cooper-Allen
Lois Anderson
Martha Goldberg Aronson and Dan Aronson
Jerry Artz
Patrick and Julie Atkinson
Ruth and Dale Bachman
Bergen and Justin Baker
Susanne and Johan Bakken
Thomas and Jill Barland
William and Margaret Bracken
John Junek
Leni and David Moore
SILVER
$15,000 – 24,999
Karen O. Bachman
Patricia Beithon
Stephen* and Margaret Blake
Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Dr. Thomas Stocks
Patrick and Christina Comer
Vanessa Dayton, MD
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Ann Fankhanel
Mark Gordon and Anne Zweibel
Christopher Hermann and Brian Pietsch
Diane and Paul Jacobson
Ti Chang Taylor
Terrance* and Susan Dolan
Bruce and Diane Fenster
Gail Fiskewold
Martha Gabbert
Dr. Richard Gregory
Michele Harris and Peter Tanghe
Barbara and Martin Hirsh
Amy Hoffman
Dr. Robert and Susan Josselson
Warren and Patty Kelly
David King
Anna Kokayeff, MD
Reid and Ann MacDonald
Laura McCarten
Jeninne McGee
Fayneese Miller, PhD
Gillian and Richard Morris
Richard and Nancy Nicholson
Cheryl Brown
Lawson Brown and Joyce Arendt
Christopher J. Burns
Barbara Burwell
Laurie Carlson and William Voedisch
Gary and Janet Christenson
Cinda Collins
Jane M. and Ogden* W. Confer
Benjamin and Laura Cooper
Jeffrey and Barbara Couture
Kathryn M. Cunningham*
Sundeep and Tara Dev
Duchesne Drew
Maureen and John Drewitz
Laura and Tim Edman
Robert L. Lee* and Mary E. Schaffner
Margaret Meyers*
Jodi and Michael Mooney
William White*
Paul and Cara Wilson
BRONZE
$10,000 – 14,999
Thomas Barry
Alberto Castillo and Judith Garcia Galiana
Milla and Phil Isaacson
Blaine and Lyndel King
Constance and Daniel Kunin
Christl and Andrew Larson
Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus
Peggy and Ilo Leppik
Celita Levinson
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Constance and Lewis Remele
Mary Savina
Bill and Janet Schaeder
Ryan Taylor
Dr. Norrie Thomas
Emily Tremblay and Joe Roith
Tom Vangsness
Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim
Warren D. Woessner and Iris C. Freeman
BRONZE
$3,500 – $4,999
Priscilla Brewster
Patricia R. Freeburg
Bill and Paula Glade
S. Asim Gul
Nancy L. Gustafson
David and Diane Lilly
McGough Construction Co. LLC & Brian and Cassie Nelson
Harvey Thomas McLain
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Gayle and Timothy Ober
Ben and Kari Ollendick
James Powell and Mitchell Czeh
Paul* and Mary Reyelts
Christopher Ross
Ken Rothchild*
Benjamin and Breia Schleuss
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens
Stephanie C. Van D'Elden
Jonathan and Cynthia Vessey
Linda Lovas Hoeschler and Peter A. Blyberg
Arthur and Fran* Horowitz
Barbara Jenkins
Dr. Charles* and Sally* Jorgensen
Robert and Venetia Kudrle
Andrea and James Rubenstein
Sampson Family Foundation
Dr. Frank and Lynda Sharbrough
Jerry Swenson
Natalie Volin Lehr
Drs. Greg Weber and James Barnett
Sally and Michael Feder
George Ferguson
Daniel Fernelius
Anne and Thomas Forsythe
Salvatore Silvestri Franco
Joan and William Gacki
Mary and Jay Gallagher
Gunda Georg and Elaine Darst
Marjahn Golban
Bruce and Jean Grussing
Donald and Marion Hall
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Anne Hanley and George Skinner
Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson
Jean M. Holten*
Joshua Howland
Benjamin W. Hulse and Maureen C. Sheehan
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hurwitz
Mary and Jeffrey Husband
Jeffrey Indrelie
J David Jackson
Janet N. Jones
Nancy and William Jones
The Kabat Family
Susan Kalmer
Erwin and Miriam Kelen
Jay Kennedy
Margaret V. Kinney
Anne Knipe
Mrs. James S. Kochiras
Martha and Brian Kreucher
Robert and Barbara Kueppers
James Kunz
Jose Lamela Jr
Daniel* and Dianne Latham
Kenyon S. Latham
Susan and Mark Leppke
Linda and Warren Mack
David MacMillan* and Judith Krow
Jenell Matthews
Rachelle McCord
Mary Bigelow McMillan*
Sandra Morris
Jill Mortensen and S. Kay Phillips
Colleen and Gregg Nelson
Richard and Nancy Nelson
Merritt C. Nequette and Nancy Hartung
Newell Wiese Family Fund
Bradley and Rebecca Nuss
Alice M. O'Brien Foundation
Robert Olafson
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
Bruce Pohlig
The Pollock Family
Christina and Dwight Porter
Peter and Rita Reed
Dr. Marian R. Rubenfeld and Dr. Frederick G. Langendorf
Christine Sagstetter
Emily Schwarzkopf
Alan E. Shapiro
Gale Sharpe
Sue Shepard
I-ming Shih and Arnold Chu
Marianne Settano Shumaker and Gordon Shumaker
Juliana and Bernie Simmons
Max and Abigail Simmons
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
Susan Stabile and David Drueding
Mary K. and Gary Stern
Robin and David Sternberg
Julie Stewart
Stephen and Dana Strand
Shoshana Tancer
Tom Telander
Lester Temple and Isabel Karon
Andrew J. Thomas, MD
Jenny and Dave Thomas
Murray Thomas and Stephen Davis
Michael P. Tierney
Josephine Trubek
Gordon and Stephanie Vizecky
Nancy Waite-O'Brien
Lori Ward
Barbara White
Sherrill and Lawrence Wick
James and Barbara Willis
John W. Windhorst Jr.
Jean C. Wirsig*
SILVER $500 – 999
Anonymous (2)
Arlene Alm
Dean Anderson
Rolf T. Anderson
David Bjork and Jeff Bengston
Mari Carlson
Stephen Christy
Ken and Linda Cutler
Steve Dahlberg
Daniel deJongh
Dan Dressen and Elisabeth Comeaux
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Mike Erickson
Caroline and Philip Fortmeyer
Greta and Paul Garmers
Leland and Beverly Gehrke
Richard Geise
Teddy Gesell
Myrtle Grette*
Ellen Guerin
Nancy A. Harris
John Heer and Jody Copp
Gemma Isaacson and Modi Hammarstedt
Charlie Johnson
Margaret Johnson
Sharon and Fredrik Johnson
Phyllis Kahn
Catherine C. Kangas
Ed and Martha Karels
Dan Kidney
Robert Kieft
David and Jane Kostik
Dr. Jenna Kubly
David and Darlene Lee
Jonathan and Lisa Lewis
Natalie Losik
Jeanne and Tom MacLeod
Dr. Joan E. Madden
Jessica Mallow Gulley
Jim Miner and John Easton*
Bradley H. Momsen
Shawn Monaghan
Andrea Mouw
David Munn
Diane Nixa
Chris Olsen and Shannon Rhatigan
Luke and Laura Olson
Suzanne and William Payne
Corine and John Petraborg
Tim and Mary Pieh
Lawrence Pry
Brent and Sandy Reichert
Liane A. Rosel
Vicki Rupp
Richard and Carol Seaberg
William and Trinka Sharpe
Kathleen K. Simo
Claire Steyaert
Sharon and Thomas Stoffel
Craig and Janet Swan
Lisa Swan
Betsey Temple
Colyn Tvete
Kenneth and Kathryn Valentas
Victoria and Lindsay Vargas
Daniel Vogel
Emily Wang
David L. Ward
Douglas Wilkowske
Leslie Will
John M. Williams
John Wilson Jones
BRONZE
$250 – 499
Anonymous (3)
Jerome and Lori Abrams
Anita M. Anderson
Gail Bakkom
Joel Bernard
David and Diane Blake
Mary and Gus* Blanchard
Feraidoon Bourbour
Barbara and William Brauer
Eric Britt
Roger and Ronnie Brooks
Holly Budlong
Natalia Callero
Renee Campion and David Walsh
Ruth Carp
Sara Church
Carroll C. Cisek
Paul Coons
Charme Sturkie Davidson
Cheryl DuBois
Jennifer Eckes
Justin Felicetta
Karen Folden
Sam Fouts
Carol and Mike Garbisch
James Glazier
Adam Goddard
Clark and Sima Griffith
Jennifer Gross and Jerry LeFevre
Anne Grosse
Elaine Heisterkamp and John K. Renwick
Rosmarie and John Helling
Cliffton and Sharon Hill
Kathleen and Robert Humphrey
Jennifer R. Jones
Kathryn Keefer
Judith Allen Kim
John Klein
Marek Kokoszka
Derek Kuehl
Joseph Li and Kendall Reimer
Daniel W. Lindsey
George Logan
Jean Lown
Holly MacDonald and John Orbison
William V. Madison
Amy and Franck Marret
Christine Martin
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
Peter and Karla Myers
Allison Nahr
Fritz A. Nelson and Mina Fisher
Elizabeth and Neal Nordling
Aaron and Kate Nyquist
Dennis R. Olson
Scott and Kelly Olson
Donna and Marvin Ortquist
Dede Ouren
Julia and Brian Palmer
Jane M. Persoon
Ethan Perushek
Michele Pierce
Fred and Barbara Pollman
Anne and John Polta
Philip Rickey
Marucha and Brent Routman
James Salutz and Margaret Brandl
Julia Sand
Emily and David Seifers
Clayton Smith
Darryl Smith
Donna and Kenneth Speake
Roxanne Stouffer
Andrew Sun and Jess Hoffert
Eric Swanson and Curt Nelson
Joyce Thielen
Irma Thies
Valerie Thompson
Diane and William Toscano
Catherine Vesley
Randall Volk
Emerson L. Williams
Perry Wilson and Elizabeth Cutter
Steve Zimmermann
* in remembrance
SCAN TO DONATE
LEGACY CIRCLE
The following lists donors who, through their foresight and generosity, have included Minnesota Opera in their wills or estate plans.
Anonymous (4)
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
Susan Boren and Steve King
Al Bradley
Arthur E. 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
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.
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
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
Cliffton and Sharon Hill
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 Patty Kelly
Blaine and Lyndel King
Sally and Bill Kling
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.
COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS
The following lists donors who have made gifts in honor or in memory of a loved one between January 1, 2025 –February 1, 2026.
IN HONORARIUM
Arnold Burton
Shark Industries, LTD
Siena Forest
Katelin Richter Davis and David Davis
Erin Flannery and Ryan Weston
Colleen and Gregg Nelson
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
Marjahn Golban
Nancy Eastham
Wanda Gowan
Anne Briggs
Celeste Marie Johnson
David and Suzanne Johnson
Donna and Marvin Ortquist
Leila Keita and Siena Forest
ML Hilfikrt
Orpha McDiarmid
Mary McDiarmid
Alyda Mini
Diane Mini
MNOP Development Team
Jonathan Lundgren
Barton Reed and Lexi Reed
Peter and Rita Reed
Lexi Reed
Natalia Callero
Rick and Deb Karulf
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
Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray
Angel Bradberry
Mikalia Bradberry
Judith Isabel Brindley
Anonymous
Connie Cameron
Lisa Butcher
Sarah J. Cox
Thomas Cox
Larry Klueh
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
Barbara McBurney
Mary McDiarmid
Mary Bigelow McMillan*
Robert* and Roberta* Megard
Margaret 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
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.
Kathryn M. Cunningham
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Robert Christian Davidson
Charme Sturkie Davidson
Adele DiGiovanna
Cathleen Roth
Terrance Dolan
Joel Bernard
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Travis Frank
Nicole Frank
Beryl and Jerry Halldorson
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Kathryn Hennig
Jennifer Kelley
Lucille Jansen
Joe and Lisa Thiegs
Scott Krenz
Emerson L. Williams
Jeffrey Kogle
Hannah Tjoflat
Robert L. Lee
Ann Fankhanel
Christine Meuers
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Ken Rothchild*
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
Kathleen Welander
William White*
Jean C. Wirsig*
Harvey Zuckman and Philip Oxman
For more information on making estate plan arrangements, please contact Erin Flannery at eflannery@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
Judith Krow
Howard O'Connell, Jr.
Alvina O’Brien
Alvina Hart
Nancy Waite-O’Brien
Fanny Peterson
Lela Clark
Polly Peterson
William and Sydney Phillips
Thomas Barry
Ken Rothchild
Brian Horrigan and Amy Levine
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Nina Rothchild
Ken Rothchild*
Jan Schueppert
Patricia R. Freeburg
Kathryn Keefer
Glenda Thors
Elizabeth Murray
Herb Ward
Lori Ward
* in remembrance
MINNESOTA OPERA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES ITS MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS THAT HAVE MADE GIFTS BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2025 AND FEBRUARY 1, 2026.
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
Caplin Foundation
Dellwood Foundation
Event Lab LLC
Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
The FS Foundation
Hutter Family Foundation
Knox Foundation
Margaret Rivers Fund
Mayo Clinic Health SystemFranciscan Healthcare
McGough Construction
McGough Facilities
Management
McKee, Voorhees & Sease, PLC
McVay Foundation
NAMM Foundation
Onan Family Foundation
RBC Foundation - USA
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.
MINNESOTA OPERA SEASON SPONSOR
