Minnesota Opera's Elektra

2019–2020 SEASON October 5–13, 2019

2019/2020 Leila Josefowicz Plays Stravinsky Nov 1–2

Juraj Valčuha, conductor Leila Josefowicz, violin Praised by critics and audiences alike for her memorable and exhilarating performances, Leila Josefowicz returns to Orchestra Hall to perform Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto.

Keefe, Wagner and Brahms Nov 7–9

Nathalie Stutzmann, conductor Erin Keefe, violin Program includes Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, Dvořák’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra, Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. The power of love weaves through all these works, and Nathalie Stutzmann sews them together with her radiant podium presence.

Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem Nov 14–16

South African soprano Goitsemang Lehobye joins the Minnesota Chorale for a moving program that includes an atmospheric tone poem

by Sibelius and Vaughan Williams’ lush cantata.

LEIL A JOSEFOWICZ

Osmo Vänskä, conductor Alban Gerhardt, cello Goitsemang Lehobye, soprano Dashon Burton, baritone Minnesota Chorale Gauteng Choristers Singers from 29:11

Handel’s Messiah Dec 6–7

612-371-5656 / minnesotaorchestra.org / Orchestra Hall / PHOTOS Josefwicz: Chris Lee; Keefe: Nate Ryan; Minnesota Chorale: Courtney Perry. All programs, dates, artists and prices subject to change.

MINNESOTA CHOR ALE

ERIN KEEFE

Celebrate the season with the enduring power of Handel’s Messiah in a performance that features the Minnesota Orchestra, the Minnesota Chorale and a lineup of acclaimed vocalists.

GOITSEMANG LEHOBYE

Nicholas Kraemer, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Daniel Moody, countertenor Richard Croft, tenor Benjamin Bevan, baritone Minnesota Chorale

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THE MISSION OF MINNESOTA OPERA Minnesota Opera changes lives by bringing together artists, audiences, and community, advancing the art of opera for today and for future generations.

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La Rondine, 2018 © Cory Weaver

48

new works produced

WELCOME

RYAN TAYLOR PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR

W

F E A T U R E S

elcome to the opening production of our 57th season, the MN Opera premiere of Strauss’ famous tragedy, Elektra. We view this season as one of our biggest and boldest yet and there’s no better way to set the tone than with an opera as gripping and powerful as Elektra. Moving forward, we’re excited to bring back one of opera’s truly timeless classics with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, followed by Jonathan Dove’s Flight — an opera both timely in its story and meaningful in its message. In March, don’t miss the world premiere of Edward Tulane based on Kate DiCamillo’s best-selling novel, followed in May by a brand new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. On behalf of all of us at MN Opera, thank you for being part of our 2019–2020 season. We couldn’t be more grateful for your support, and we certainly couldn’t do this without you. Enjoy the show!

CO N T E N TS 8 Elektra 10 Synopsis 11 About the Opera 12 Director’s Notes 13 Meet MN Opera

Lights, Camera, Elektra • 12 Stage Director and Production Designer Brian Staufenbiel lays out his vision for this daring new production.

14 Cast and Creative Team 16 O rchestra, Chorus, and Supernumeraries 17 M eet the Artists: Sabine Hogrefe and Alexandra Loutsion 18 N ew Education Director: Mitra Sadeghpour 20 2019–2020 Season Preview 22 M N Opera Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers 23 Upcoming Events

Meet the Artists: Sabine Hogrefe and Alexandra Loutsion • 17 Our two Elektras discuss preparing for the most challenging 100 minutes in all of opera.

23 MN Opera Information 24 Individual Giving 25 MN Opera’s 2019 Gala 27 Special Giving 28 Institutional Giving

LARGE-PRINT AND BRAILLE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PATRON SERVICES OFFICE.

MN Opera Welcomes New Education Director • 18 Meet Dr. Mitra Sadeghpour, an accomplished artist, distinguished educator, and the new director of our Project Opera youth program.

@MNOPERA

F L X : I I

The SAINT PAUL CONSERVATORY of MUSIC

Join us for: Lessons, Classes, Performances The love of music!

The House of Hope Choir School Inspiring children to grow as artists and individuals in a diverse and affirming community

Register now at hohchurch.org/choir-school 797 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105 (651) 227-6311 | hohchurch.org 1524 Summit Ave, St Paul | www.thespcm.org

Roshini Rajkumar is a show host for WCCO Radio, the creator of Real Leaders with Roshini podcast, and a regular contributor on KSTP TV and KARE TV. This executive coach, who was born in Sri Lanka, came to the US as a toddler and grew up in Edina. She’s a distance runner who loves “paddleboarding, yoga, and martinis.”

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LIBRETTO BY

MUSIC BY

Richard Strauss

Hugo von Hofmannsthal

WORLD PREMIERE AT KÖNIGLICHES OPERNHAUS, DRESDEN, JANUARY 25, 1909 SUNG IN GERMAN WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS PROJECTED ABOVE THE STAGE

CAST ELEKTRA

SAB INE H O G REF E * A L EXAND RA LO UTS IO N **

KLYTÄMNESTRA JIL L G ROV E

CHRYSOTHEMIS MA RCY STO NIKAS

OREST

CRA IG IRV I N

AEGISTH

D ENNIS PET ERSE N

GUARDIAN OF OREST A N D REW G IL ST RAP +

OVERSEER

KA RIN WO LVERTON •

E L I AS GR A N DY Ruth and John Huss Chair

STAGE DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION DESIGN BR I A N STAU F E N BI E L

COSTUME DESIGN M ATHE W L E FE BV R E

LIGHTING DESIGN N I COL E P E A R C E

VIDEO AND PROJECTION DESIGN DAV I D M U R A KA M I

HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGN P R I SC I L L A BR U C E

INTIMACY DIRECTOR

MAIDSERVANT 2

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR AND CHORUS MASTER

MIA AT H E Y +

MAIDSERVANT 3

VICTO RIA VA RG AS•

MAIDSERVANT 4

LISA MARIE RO G A L I +

MAIDSERVANT 5

DANIEL L E BECKVERMI T +

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

CONDUCTOR

MAIDSERVANT 1

NAD IA BENAVID E Z •

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CREATIVE TEAM

YOUNG SERVANT

CH RIST IA N SAND ER S +

OLD SERVANT

D OU G SC HOL Z- C A R L SON

A N D R E W W HI TF I E L D

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR A DA M DA R OS +

RÉPÉTITEURS

M A RY BOX +, A L L E N P E R R I E L LO, A N D R E W SU N +

STAGE MANAGER JA M I E K . FU L L E R

ENGLISH SURTITLES SON YA FR I E D M A N

N ICH O L AS DAVI S +

FRITZ LANG

JUST IN CO OK E

CAMERA OPERATOR

BERIT A H LG RE N

CONFIDANTE

MICH ELLE H AYE S

TRAINBEARER

SAND RA PART RIDGE

*APPEARS OCTOBER 5, 10, AND 12 **APPEARS OCTOBER 8 AND 13

+ MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST • MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST ALUM

THE BRINK OF MADNESS

is 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

This production contains theatrical haze and simulated cigarette smoking.

English Supertitles © 1983

by Sonya Friedman, assigned to Miriam Lewin

ELEKTRA 2019–20

ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

SEASON SPONSOR

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SYNOPSIS

PROLOGUE King Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter, Iphigenia, before he sets out to Troy to wage war. His wife, Klytämnestra, grows in hatred of him and is determined to kill him upon his return. When he comes home from war, she murders him with the help of Aegisth, her lover. However, Klytämnestra becomes weary for her safety, fearing that her three living children (Elektra, Chrysothemis, and Orest) will avenge their father’s death.

ACT I As five servants clean the palace courtyard, they gossip about Elektra’s state of being— since her father’s death, she has become wild and unpredictable. Elektra emerges from the shadows hurling a few insults and the servants take their leave.

Alone, Elektra prays to her father, swearing vengeance. It was into the courtyard where her mother and Aegisth dragged the lifeless body of her father, whom they had murdered moments before while he took his bath.

Elektra’s younger sister, Chrysothemis, interrupts her prayer, begging that she give up her obsession with revenge. She wants them to lead normal, happy lives, and enjoy the benefits of being princesses. The girls are startled when they hear the sound of their approaching mother. Chrysothemis quickly departs, but Elektra remains.

Klytämnestra, a visible wreck, reeking of paranoia, asks Elektra for help. She wants to make another sacrifice to appease the gods, hoping they will grant her peace in return.

Elektra tells her mother to sacrifice an impure woman. When Klytämnestra asks for a name,

Elektra shouts, “Klytämnestra!” Elektra swears that she and her banished brother, Orest, will kill her and put an end to her maddening dreams—only then will she find the peace she so desperately seeks.

Klytämnestra begins to cower in fear, that is, until her servant and confidante approach her and whisper in her ear. After they finish speaking, Klytämnestra bursts into demented laughter. Chrysothemis returns bearing bad news. Orest has been killed. Elektra demands that Chrysothemis help her kill their mother and Aegisth, but Chrysothemis cannot commit. She runs away.

Left alone in the courtyard, Elektra starts digging frantically into the earth in search of the ax that was used to murder her father.

As she digs, a cloaked man enters seeking Klytämnestra and Aegisth. He tells Elektra that he has come to deliver news of Orest’s death. Elektra tells the stranger her name, and he whispers to her that Orest is actually alive.

Elektra, overcome with emotion, begins to tell the stranger where he may find her mother.

He interrupts her and mocks her for not recognizing her own brother. She collapses into his arms and the two are happy to be reunited.

Their reunion is but a moment long as Klytämnestra calls out to Orest. The servants notified her immediately upon his arrival.

Elektra waits in the courtyard as Orest enters the palace. It isn’t long until a scream is heard. Elektra smiles brightly, knowing that Orest has killed his mother. Aegisth rushes into the courtyard and Elektra happily ushers him inside the palace.

MEET THE CHARACTERS Elektra

Chrysothemis

Daughter of the murdered King Agamemnon eh-LEK-truh Soprano

Elektra’s sister kroo-ZOE-teh-mees Soprano

Implacable and possessed by an all-consuming desire for revenge, Elektra spends her days in fits of rage and mourning.

Unlike her sister, Chrysothemis longs for a normal life and to become a wife and mother.

ABOUT THE OPERA

ELEKTRA HISTORY ca. 400 BC

The Greek playwright Sophocles writes Electra, one of several plays by himself and his contemporaries Aeschylus and Euripides to explore the mythical character of Electra, who pursued revenge for the murder of her father, King Agamemnon, at the hands of her mother, Clytemnestra.

1900

While conducting in Paris, Strauss meets the young Austrian poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal, who is interested in collaborating to create a ballet. Strauss is impressed with Hofmannsthal’s scenario, but is too busy with existing projects to work with him at the time.

1903

Hofmannsthal writes the play Elektra, a free adaptation of the tragedy by Sophocles.

It is mounted by the director Max Reinhardt in Berlin, where Strauss attends a performance.

1905

Strauss’s opera Salome premieres in Dresden. Its lurid subject matter and sultry atmosphere are matched by Strauss’s shockingly inventive musical setting. The opera is soon performed at all of the major European opera houses to great critical acclaim. The composer Gustav Mahler calls it “emphatically a work of genius, very powerful, and decidedly one of the most important works of our day.”

1906

Strauss and Hofmannsthal agree to work together to create an opera based on Hofmannsthal’s Elektra. Following this first joint effort, they continue to collaborate on operatic projects until the poet’s untimely death in 1929.

1909 Elektra receives its premiere on January 25 at the Court Opera in Dresden, and its

success, enhanced by the public interest in its modern, emotionally fraught plot, is soon a worldwide phenomenon.

1929

Hugo von Hofmannsthal suffers a fatal stroke and dies on July 15. Strauss is too distraught to attend the funeral, but he writes to Hofmannsthal’s widow: “This genius, this great poet, this sensitive collaborator, this kind friend, this unique talent! No musician ever found such a helper and supporter. No one will ever replace him for me or the world of music!”

1933

Although apolitical by nature, Strauss is compelled to accept an appointment by German Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels to the presidency of the Reichsmusikkammer, the official organization of the Third Reich that coordinated all facets of the music industry.

1935

Strauss is forced to resign from the Reichsmusikkammer owing to his defiant insistence on working with the Jewish librettist Stefan Zweig.

1948

Strauss composes his final works, later published as Vier letzte Lieder (“Four Last Songs”), for soprano and orchestra. Though he had written songs steadily throughout his long career, these late, luminous works, set to texts reflecting on the meaning of death, are among his finest compositions.

1949

Strauss dies on September 8, having suffered from declining health for several years. At a memorial service in Munich, conductor Georg Solti leads the final trio from Der Rosenkavalier.

Klytämnestra

Orest

Aegisth

Elektra’s mother, Agamemnon’s wife and one of his assassins KLOO-tame-NES-truh Mezzo-soprano

Son of Agamemnon, exiled from a young age

by Klytämnestra oh-REHST Baritone

(Aegisthus) Klytämnestra’s lover ae-GHIST Tenor

Fearsome and powerful,

Although long absent from

she is haunted by

his native land, he is a figure

nightmares; seeking relief,

of fear for Klytämnestra and

she performs sacrifices

one of hope for Elektra.

to pacify the gods.

A secondary character in the opera, he murdered Agamemnon along with Klytämnestra.

COSTUME RENDERINGS © MATHEW LEFEBVRE

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

Lights, Camera, Elektra!

A world in flux, brimming with the threat of violence. People traumatized by war and death, pushed to the brink of madness.

Families torn apart by betrayal and mistrust.

These are some of the key elements in Richard Strauss’s Elektra.

They also happen to be motifs explored by expressionist filmmakers in Germany’s turbulent Weimar period, a brief flirtation with democracy that ended with the rise of Adolf Hitler.

Given the overlap, it struck me that staging this Elektra on the set of a Fritz Lang film shoot in 1929 could create some fascinating interplay. (Not incidentally, Strauss’s 1909 opera itself is considered a forerunner of musical expressionism, which flowered a decade later with Schoenberg, Webern, and Berg.) The idea grew into a resonant scenario.

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

As you’ll see, Lang will be onstage throughout the performance, overseeing his latest silent movie, Elektra.

He’s trying to imbue his picture with the same exaggerated emotions and stylized evocation of the human condition that characterized his 1927 masterpiece, Metropolis.

12

The cast rehearses and performs as Lang directs. The crew moves the sets in and out. Makeup and costume changes happen quickly, because the studio has imposed a tight schedule. Lang has even hired an orchestra to play live on his soundstage during the filming—a way to set the mood and inspire his actors.

Well-known actress Greta Schröder throws herself into the role of Elektra and quickly loses the ability to tell the difference between the story she is telling and her own reality.

Lang is unaware of Schröder’s instability and doesn’t know that she is becoming unhinged, that she believes herself to be transforming into Elektra.

This being expressionism, I took some liberties with the elements of time and perspective. As a kind of prelude, you’ll see filmed scenes from The Trojan War, the story that precedes Elektra in the Greek mythological cannon.

(It’s that story’s murder of Elektra’s father, Agamemnon, that sets the plot of Elektra in motion.) And at points during the performance there will be filmed projections of the actors performing the very scene they are playing live onstage, but from a different point of view.

None of this would be possible, of course, without the stellar work of my design team (the same group of artists behind Minnesota Opera’s 2016 production of Das Rheingold) and MN Opera’s artistic and production staffs. In two greenscreen shoots, media designer David Murakami and I created our own silent clips. Murakami used Forrest Gump-like editing techniques to place the actors into archival films from the period. All of this is enhanced by the costumes of Mathew LeFebvre and lighting of Nicole Pearce. Working with these artists continues to be one of the great pleasures of my life.

Outside, the clanging of Berlin’s iconic U-Bahn fades into the background as a new film production gets underway.

Lights, drama, action!

BRIAN STAUFENBIEL STAGE DIRECTOR

PHOTO © LU ZANG

MEET MN OPERA

JOSH PEKLO TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

What I do:

Why I’m excited about Elektra:

I oversee all the Scene Shop, prop, lighting, audio, and video needs for MN Opera productions. This includes the planning, logistics, engineering, drafting, material acquisitions, and scheduling necessary to support our craftspeople as we work to build the physical production that ends up onstage.

It poses a challenge! We’re placing all of our artists, both the singers and the orchestra, onstage together amidst the physical production and action. Also, we’re using current video technology to re-create and project silent film-era effects live during the opera.

KATHERINE CASTILLE What I do:

Why I’m excited for Elektra:

I get people excited about opera! I introduce our advertising partners to the world of opera and negotiate advertising that supports MN Opera’s mainstage and community programming. Then working with many members of the incredible MN Opera staff, I put together marketing campaigns for subscriptions, individual tickets, annual giving, education, and more.

It is a commanding opera! The orchestra is huge, which means the singers must sing beautifully, of course, and also with such thrilling power.

I was awestruck with the creative use of the stage for Das Rheingold, and I can’t wait to see what that same creative team does for Elektra!

NICKOLAS SANCHES DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

What I do:

Why I’m excited for Elektra:

I’m responsible for helping Minnesota Opera donors realize the joy and impact of their giving. Our donors are incredible and I feel very lucky to be part of this generous and enthusiastic opera community.

I’m very excited to experience this new and innovative production. The story of Elektra is essentially the antithesis of my personality, but it’s rare that I get to immerse myself in the rapturous intensity of Strauss’ music.

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

MARKETING DIRECTOR

ELEKTRA 2019–20

Meet MN Opera

Minnesota Opera’s dedicated staff of artists, craftspeople, and administrators are passionate about bringing worldclass opera and opera education programs to Minnesota.

Recently, we sat down with three of them to learn more about what they do at the Opera and why they’re excited for this production of Elektra.

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C A S T + C R E AT I V E T E A M

MIA ATHEY

ELIAS GRANDY

HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

MAIDSERVANT 2

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Past

CONDUCTOR

Minnesota Opera Debut Past

Dinner at Eight, CCM Opera Studio

Rigoletto, Theater and Orchestra Heidelberg

Così fan tutte, Bethesda Summer Music Festival

Katja Kabanova, Theater and Orchestra Heidelberg

Suor Angelica, CCM Opera Studio

Die Zauberflöte, Gärtnerplatz Theater

Candide, CCM Opera Studio

Future

Future Carmen, Nikikai Opera

Flight, Minnesota Opera

Roméo et Juliette, Oper Frankfurt

DANIELLE BECKVERMIT

JILL GROVE

KINGSTON, NEW YORK

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

MAIDSERVANT 5

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Past La Traviata, Minnesota Opera

KLYTÄMNESTRA Minnesota Opera Debut Un ballo in maschera, 2007

Past

The Italian Straw Hat, Minnesota Opera

Candide, Des Moines Metro Opera

Silent Night, Minnesota Opera

Verdi Requiem, New Mexico Philharmonic

Falstaff, Crested Butte Opera

Arabella, San Francisco Opera

Future The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera

Faust, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Future Pique Dame, Metropolitan Opera Pique Dame, Lyric Opera of Chicago

NADIA BENAVIDEZ

SABINE HOGREFE

DULUTH, MINNESOTA

BLANKENFELDE, GERMANY

MAIDSERVANT 1

Minnesota Opera Debut Roméo et Juliette, 2016

Past

ELEKTRA

Minnesota Opera Debut Past Elektra, Stadttheater Regensburg

Thaïs, Minnesota Opera

Elektra, Teatro di San Carlo

Rigoletto, Minnesota Opera

Das Rheingold, Opera Dijon

The Marriage of Figaro, Minnesota Opera

Tristan und Isolde, Theater Bremen

Maria de Buenos Aires, Des Moines Metro Opera

Future Der Rosenkavalier, La Monnaie The appearance of Sabine Hogrefe is made, in part, by the generous support of Bernt von Ohlen and Tom Nichol.

NICHOLAS DAVIS

CRAIG IRVIN

PETERSBURG, TENNESSEE

WAUKEE, IOWA

OLD SERVANT

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Past La Traviata, Minnesota Opera

Past Faust, Opera Omaha

Silent Night, Minnesota Opera

Silent Night, Austin Opera

Fellow Travelers, Minnesota Opera

Dinner at Eight, Wexford Festival Opera

The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

Minnesota Opera Debut Silent Night, 2011

The Fix, Minnesota Opera

Future

14

OREST

Dinner at Eight, Minnesota Opera

Future

Flight, Minnesota Opera

Silent Night, Utah Opera

Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera

Carmina Burana, Des Moines Symphony

ANDREW GILSTRAP

MATHEW LEFEBVRE

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

GUARDIAN OF OREST

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Past Rigoletto, Wolf Trap Opera

COSTUME DESIGN

Minnesota Opera Debut Die Zauberflöte, 1991

Past

Roméo et Juliette, Wolf Trap Opera

Das Rheingold, Minnesota Opera

Pops Extravaganza: Bernstein at 100, National Orchestral Institute

La fanciulla del West, Minnesota Opera

L’italiana in Algeri, Moores Opera Center

The Music Man, Guthrie Theatre

Future The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera Flight, Minnesota Opera Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera

To Kill a Mockingbird, Guthrie Theatre

Future White Card, Penumbra Theatre Company

C A S T + C R E AT I V E T E A M

ALEXANDRA LOUTSION

CHRISTIAN SANDERS

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

WESTCLIFFE, COLORADO

ELEKTRA

Minnesota Opera Debut Past

YOUNG SERVANT

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Past

Il Trovatore, Central City Opera

The Ghosts of Versailles, The Glimmerglass Festival

Turandot, Tulsa Opera

La Traviata, Minnesota Opera

Tosca, Wolf Trap Opera

The Fix, Minnesota Opera

Tosca, National Symphony Orchestra

Silent Night, Minnesota Opera

Future

Future

Florencia en el Amazonas, Pittsburgh Opera

Flight, Minnesota Opera

Turandot, Palm Beach Opera

Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera

Turandot, Austin Opera The appearance of Alexandra Loutsion is made, in part, by the generous support of Stephen and Margaret Blake.

DAVID MURAKAMI

PROJECTION AND VIDEO DESIGN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Minnesota Opera Debut Das Rheingold, 2016

Past Singin in the Rain, McCoy Rigby

BRIAN STAUFENBIEL STAGE DIRECTOR AND PRODUCTION DESIGN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Minnesota Opera Debut Das Rheingold, 2016

Past

Daphnis et Chloe, Sun Valley Summer Symphony

Dead Man Walking, Opera Parallèle

Dead Man Walking, Opera Parallèle

Das Rheingold, Opera Montreal

Scare Pair, Los Angeles Opera

Scare Pair, Los Angeles Opera

Future

Future

Flight, Minnesota Opera

Harvey Milk, Opera Parallèle

Harvey Milk, Opera Parallèle

Golden City Suite, San Francisco Jazz Center

NICOLE PEARCE

MARCY STONIKAS

LAKEWOOD, OHIO

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

LIGHTING DESIGN

Minnesota Opera Debut Das Rheingold, 2016

Past

CHRYSOTHEMIS

Minnesota Opera Debut Past Aida, Seattle Opera

Das Rheingold, Opera Montreal

Der fliegende Holländer, Cincinnati Opera

Scare Pair, Los Angeles Opera

The Turn of the Screw, Seattle Opera

King Lear, Seyoisfjorour Iceland

Tosca, Arizona Opera

The Tempest, Pittsburgh Public Theater

Future

Future Hänsel und Gretel, San Diego Opera

Where There’s Form, Kampnagel International Arts Festival BUSK, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

DENNIS PETERSEN

VICTORIA VARGAS

WEST BRANCH, IOWA

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Der fliegende Holländer, 1992

Past

Minnesota Opera Debut La Cenerentola, 2010

Past

The Grapes of Wrath, Michigan Opera Theater

The Italian Straw Hat, Minnesota Opera

The Fix, Minnesota Opera

Carmen, Lyric Opera of the North

The Italian Straw Hat, Minnesota Opera

Verdi Requiem, La Jolla Symphony

Dead Man Walking, Minnesota Opera

Carmen, Minnesota Opera

Future El Amor Brujo, Rock Hill Symphony The Other Room, Arbeit Opera Theater Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera

LISA MARIE ROGALI

KARIN WOLVERTON

HAWLEY, PENNSYLVANIA

ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA

MAIDSERVANT 4

Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Past Rigoletto, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

OVERSEER

Minnesota Opera Debut Lucia di Lammermoor, 2001

Past

The Italian Straw Hat, Minnesota Opera

Silent Night, Minnesota Opera

La Rondine, Minnesota Opera

Cosi fan tutte, Mill City Summer Opera

Gianni Schicchi, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Rusalka, Madison Opera

Future Flight, Minnesota Opera Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

Minnesota Opera Debut

MAIDSERVANT 3

Eugene Onegin, Opera Santa Barbara

ELEKTRA 2019–20

AEGISTH

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ORCHESTRA, CHORUS, + SUPERNUMERARIES MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA VIOLIN I Allison Ostrander Concertmaster Natalia Moiseeva Assistant Concertmaster Julia Persitz Colin McGuire Jill Olson Moser Louisa Woodfull-Harris Carol Lebovic Troy Gardner

VIOLA I/VIOLIN IV

BASS

HORN

Emily Hagen* Susan Janda Jenny Lind Nilsson Matthew Mindeman Alastair Brown

John Michael Smith* Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville Chair Constance Martin Charles Block Jason C. Hagelie Nadja Gale Michael Watson Irving Steinberg

Mike Alexander* Allison Akins Assistant Charles Hodgson Tim Bradley Jenna McBride-Harris

VIOLA II Laurel Browne Anne Ainomae Justin Knoepfel Thomas Bandar Tamas Strasser

VIOLA III Coca Bochonko Charles Krenner Valerie Little James Bartsch Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann

VIOLIN II Laurie Petruconis* Elizabeth Decker David Mickens Stephanie Arado Mary Alice Hutton Emily Saathoff Huldah Niles Karl Braaten

CELLO I Hocheol Shin* Teresa Richardson Sally Dorer Rebecca Arons

VIOLIN III Elise Parker Angela Waterman Hanson Melinda Marshall Maisie Block Kseniya Khvashchynskaya Ian Snyder Erika Hoogeveen David Block

CELLO II Benjamin Osterhouse Diane Tremaine Ruth Marshall Jane Cords O’Hara

FLUTE Michele Frisch* Hannah Peterson double piccolo Bethany Gonella double piccolo

OBOE Michael Dayton* Robert McManus Jeffrey Marshak double English horn

TRUMPET John G. Koopmann* Christopher Volpe Martin Hodel Jonathan Brandt

BASS TRUMPET John Tranter

TROMBONE Phillip Ostrander* Larry J. Zimmerman David Stevens

TUBA

CLARINET

Jacob Grewe*

Karrin Meffert-Nelson* Paul Schimming Jennifer Gerth, double Eb clarinet

TIMPANI

BASS CLARINET

Matthew Barber* Robert Adney Joel Alexander

Nina Olsen

BASSOON Matt Bertrand* Alexandra Berndt Emma Plehal, double contrabassoon

Kory Andry*

PERCUSSION

HARP Min J. Kim* Nikki Lemire

CHORUS SOPRANO Michelle Hayes Aliese Hoesel (Maid) Sandra Partridge Lindsay Sessing Megan Wagner (Maid) Amy Wolf (Maid) MEZZO Alyssa Becker (Maid) Cecile Crozat-Zawisza Yun Kyong Lee (Maid) Jill Morgan Ashley Sievers Eryn Tvete (Maid) TENOR Erik Carlson Michael Mayer Eric Mellum Jacob Sorrells Colyn Tvete Clark Weyrauch BARITONE/BASS Alex Barnett Ben Crickenberger Steve Dahlberg Joel Mathias Pablo Siqueiros Eric Sorum

SUPERS Brandon Cayetano Cindy Johnson Adam Western Sr. Joshua Zapata-Palmer

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

KEY * principal + in memoriam

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ARE YOU 21–45?

Tempo packages start as low as $15 per ticket!

mnopera.org/tempo | 612-333-6669

M–F, 10am–5pm

MEET THE ARTISTS

MeettheArtists

&

SABINE HOGREFE

(LEFT)

AS ELEKTRA

ALEXANDRA LOUTSION

(RIGHT)

AS ELEKTRA

SH Obsessed, vengeful, miserable AL Vulnerable, intelligent, misunderstood

What are some of the joys and challenges of performing this role?

AL Elektra is truly an actor's character.

The sheer emotional scope of what this woman goes through in an hour and 40 minutes is immense. It makes for a wonderful acting challenge to discover the ins and outs of her psyche, particularly considering she is highly intelligent and can turn on a dime.

SH It is a challenge to have the strength to sustain these feelings from the beginning to the end, all while singing and dancing without the ability to step off the stage. There is

What is it about Elektra that makes it such an exciting piece?

AL This piece is like a live action thriller or horror film happening in real time and set to some of the best music you’ll ever hear. Sometimes the music is so loud and thrilling, the hair on your arm stands on end, and the subject matter is waft with terrifying perversion. A woman is seeking vengeance for her father’s murder that was carried out by her mother and her mother’s lover!

❝

Also, it is female-driven.

We don’t see any significant male characters until the end, which is a rarity for opera.”

SH The fantastic music! The music

drives the story forward, and expresses the emotions of the characters.

Sometimes it sounds like film music.

AL Also, it is female-driven. We don’t

see any significant male characters until the end, which is a rarity for opera.

What is the strangest or most surprising thing that has ever happened to you during a performance?

SH I had an accident during a rehearsal of Tristan und Isolde.

It was the first technical rehearsal.

The whole stage was black, and there was a gap which shouldn’t have existed at the time and I fell 2.5 meters into the depths. Luckily, I fell on my feet and had "only" some big bruises, but nothing else. After 30 minutes, I went on with the rehearsal!

AL I was being chased offstage by a baritone and he accidentally stepped on the train of my gown. I was near the door, but couldn’t make it without falling, so I hurled myself into the air through the curtain and managed to faceplant offstage.

Since this is the first time in Minnesota for both of you, is there anything you’re dying to try?

SH I hope to have time for sightseeing.

I like water very much, so perhaps it will be possible to go to a lake!

AL I’m dying to try lutefisk, (although the concept scares me a little), and I’ve been hearing for years about what an incredibly vibrant arts community you guys have. I can’t wait to experience it myself!

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

Describe Elektra in three words…

no chance to rest during the whole performance, so when it’s over, you feel like you’ve been on stage for five hours like in Götterdämmerung. You’re very surprised to see that only an hour and 40 minutes has passed!

ELEKTRA 2019–20

Elektra is one of the most intense and challenging roles in the entire repertoire, and it takes an especially powerful singer to bring her epic quest for vengeance to life. Therefore, we’re extremely lucky to have not one, but two dynamic singers—German soprano Sabine Hogrefe (left) and Pittsburgh native Alexandra Loutsion (right)—both joining us for the first time to take on this iconic role. Recently, they were kind enough to sit down with us to answer a few questions about themselves and what it’s like to prepare for the most demanding 100 minutes in opera.

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O P E R A E D U C AT I O N

MN Opera Welcomes New Education Director, Mitra Sadeghpour!

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

Mitra Sadeghpour, opera educator and soprano, joins the Minnesota Opera education team as Education Director after a 19-year career in higher education. For five years, she was an Associate Professor of Opera at the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. At UNI, Dr. Sadeghpour directed the opera program, taught applied voice, and collaborated with the Theatre Department on musical theatre productions. Previously, she taught for 12 years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she was honored as a Max Schoenfeld Distinguished Professor. Most recently, she has taught at Harrower Opera Workshop at Georgia State University, La Musica Lirica and InterHarmony International Music Festival in Italy, and directed Carmen with Opera Louisiane in Baton Rouge, LA.

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At MN Opera, Dr. Sadeghpour will serve as Music Director of Project Opera, our youth training program for talented young singers. She will also direct our summer camp program and our children’s chorus for mainstage shows, and she will be involved with Music Out Loud, our long-term, after-school music curriculum. Dr. Sadeghpour

brings with her a wealth of experience and passion that we know will engage young artists across Minnesota and we couldn’t be more excited! Recently, she sat down with us to answer a few of our most burning questions:

What about living in the Twin Cities are you most excited about?

MS The vibrant and diverse

communities, and the incredible arts scene. I’ve been traveling to attend Minnesota Opera for over 15 years and now I can go to those and so many more wonderful arts events anytime I want to!

What drew you to Minnesota Opera?

MS Two major factors. First, the

inclusion of American operas on the seasons, and commissioning of new works, and second, my admiration for [Chief Learning Officer] Jamie Andrews and the industry-leading work he has been doing in opera education for many years. Actually, three factors, I am a Midwestern girl, and this is an incredible company in a place I want to live!

What do you think sets this company apart from other opera companies?

MS Everyone loves Minnesota Opera. Ask any artist who has worked here. Ask any audience member. Ask any kids or parents who have been involved in

the education programs. The goodwill for this company is incredible, because the people are amazing. They are talented, passionate, and kind.

As the new director of Project Opera, can you tell us a bit about this year’s Project Opera show and why you’re excited about it?

MS Belongings is a poignant and beautifully conceived story of the lives of those, particularly children, who are forced to live in refugee camps. The story flashes back and forth between 1940s Europe and the present. It is chilling that so much has changed, and yet so little.

❝

The goodwill for this company is incredible, because the people are amazing. They are talented, passionate, and kind.”

What show in Minnesota Opera’s 2019–2020 season are you most looking forward to and why?

MS Belongings, obviously! But also Edward Tulane. American operas, and particularly new American operas, are my great passion. I love that opera keeps evolving and that we are valuing the stories of our national experience.

PHOTO (C) JAMIE ANDREWS

CO MIN G S O ON TO M N OPE RA Let Your Hair Down Next up for MN Opera is The Barber of Seville, Rossini’s beloved and irresistible romantic comedy. Figaro, Seville’s quick-witted barber, helps a young woman flee an unsuitable suitor and find true love. Naturally, nothing goes according to plan, and Figaro must think on his feet to save the day. The instantly recognizable music—from the iconic overture to the immortal aria “Largo al factotum” (aka “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro…”)—sparkles in this razor-sharp and hilarious masterpiece that’s sure to have you rolling in the aisles.

The comedic structure of The Barber of Seville is based on Commedia dell’arte, an early form of professional theatre, originating from Italy, that was popular in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century. The characters of the Italian commedia tradition represent recognized social types and familiar characters, such as foolish old men, devious servants, and enraptured lovers. The characters of The Barber of Seville are inspired by those same stock characters. Learn all about them below!

The Barber of Seville opens Saturday, November 9 and runs for 6 performances. Please visit mnopera.org/barber for tickets and more information.

© Karli Cadel for The Glimmerglass Festival

Harlequin (Figaro) – The Servant. Light-hearted, nimble, and astute, Harlequin often acts to thwart the plans of his master with wit and resourcefulness.

Innamorati (Rosina and Almaviva) – The Lovers. Their main function, naturally, is to be in love; and in doing so, they come upon obstacles that keep them apart, but they are always united by the end.

Pantalone (Doctor Bartolo) – The Miser. Pantalone is all about money and ego, for he has the highest regard for his

intelligence, but he’s always the patsy for every conceivable Il Dottore (Don Basilio) – The Doctor. A kind of trick. comic foil to Pantalone, Il Dottore is representative of the learned intellectual class, and as such is meant to playfully parody the educated elite.

La Ruffiana (Berta) – The Nurse. A stealthy and gossipy “outsider” who always mixes things up and causes trouble for the rest of the characters, but deep down is actually kind.

A Miraculous Journey: Minnesota Opera’s Newest Contribution to the Operatic Canon Minnesota Opera’s commitment to creating new work over the years has resulted in a wide variety of unique stories seeing the opera stage for the first time ever. This season, we’re excited to present Edward Tulane, our next stage adaptation by composer Paola Prestini and librettist Mark Campbell, based on The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by local author Kate DiCamillo. Edward Tulane will premiere on Saturday, March 21.

DiCamillo’s young-adult novel is a best-selling tale of a stuffed rabbit and his humbling journey to find home after being separated from his loving family, taking him from the depths of the deep blue sea to the streets of Memphis.

A Note from the Composer I have never been as nervous as I was at the dress rehearsal of Flight in 1998. I had written the opera I wanted to see, but I had no idea how an audience would react.

Unlike many operas, mine wasn’t based on a hit play or a best-selling novel or blockbuster movie (although six years later, the same true story would inspire Spielberg’s The Terminal)—and while I hoped people would relate to the experiences of a group of travelers stranded in an airport, I didn’t know if they would laugh at any of the jokes, or enjoy the music.

“It’s amazing how Kate has been able to weave this story together that talks about humanity and love and a sense of belonging, which I think is at the core of who we all are as human beings,” said MN Opera President and General Director Ryan Taylor.

In speaking with MPR News earlier this year, DiCamillo talked about why it made so much sense to her when MN Opera approached her about adapting her story for the stage.

“Even before the book was actually published, I always had it in the back of my head that it seemed so much like an opera to me,” she said.

“It’s like a dream come true.”

For more information and tickets, please visit mnopera.org/edward-tulane.

Flight is now twenty-one years old, and has traveled the world. Each new production has shone a different light on it. It is wonderful to have been given the opportunity to write the piece we wanted to see, and discover that others wanted to see it too—and that everyone finds something different in it.

Jonathan Dove, Composer For more information and tickets, please visit mnopera.org/flight

NEW!

YOUTH PRICING AVAILABLE FOR AGES 6–20.

Learn more at mnopera.org/youth

B O A R D , S TA F F, + V O L U N T E E R S

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF F ICE RS Chair | H. Bernt von Ohlen President and General Director | Ryan Taylor Vice Chair | Nadege Souvenir Secretary | Sharon Bloodworth Treasurer | Terrance Dolan

DIRECTORS Vanessa Abbe

Natalie Volin Lehr

Patricia Beithon

Mike McNamara

Rebecca Bernhard

Fayneese Miller

Sharon Bloodworth

Leni Moore

Shari Boehnen

Jose Peris

Alberto Castillo

Bart Reed

Jane Confer

Mary H. Schrock

Terrance Dolan

David Smith

Sidney W. Emery

Nadege Souvenir

Mark C. Gordon

Norrie Thomas

Maureen Harms Dorothy Horns, MD

Missy Staples Thompson

Diane Jacobson

Wendy Unglaub

John C. Junek

H. Bernt von Ohlen

Anna Kokayeff, MD

Greg Waibel

Stephanie Kravetz

Craig Walvatne

Mary Lazarus

William White

Robert Lee

Margaret Wurtele

PR ES I D E N T ’ S COU NC I L Karen O. Bachman

Ruth Huss

John A. Blanchard, III

James E. Johnson

Susan Boren King Burton Cohen

Lucy Rosenberry Jones

Ellie Crosby

Kevin H. Smith

Julia W. Dayton

Virginia L. Stringer

John Huss

Mary W. Vaughan

HONO RA RY D I REC TO R S Dominick Argento* Philip Brunelle

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

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TEMPO COUNCIL M EMBERS Marjahn Golban

Raegan Henderson

Sosha Brink

Laura Wright

Alison Jarzyna

Drew Gumlia

Elijah Saiger

Heber Diaz

Carrie Anderson Jon Tollefson Jessica Brooks

ADMI N I ST RAT IO N President and General Director | Ryan Taylor Creative Advisor | Dale Johnson Board Relations Director | Theresa Murray Chief Financial Officer | Steve Matheson Chief of Human Resources | Jen Thill Controller | Gena Holland Staff Accountant | Chris Olsen Facility Manager | Steve Mittelholtz Systems Administrator | Tony Ngonekeo

AR T I ST IC Chief Artistic Officer | Priti Gandhi Head of Music | Allen Perriello Company Manager | Roxanne Stouffer-Cruz Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master | Andrew Whitfield Artistic Department Coordinator | Jake Fedorowski Associate Conductor | Jonathan Brandani Resident Artists | Mia Athey, Danielle Beckvermit, Mary Box, Frankie Charles, Adam Da Ros, Nicholas Davis, Andrew Gilstrap, Lisa Marie Rogali, Christian Sanders, Andrew Sun

E DU C AT IO N Chief Learning Officer | Jamie Andrews Education Director | Mitra Sadeghpour Teaching Artist | Pablo Siqueiros Education Associate | Rebecca Blackwell Project Opera Accompanist | Kathy Kraulik Music Out Loud Teaching Artist | Sara Sawyer

DE V E LOPME NT

VOLUNTEERS Nina Archabal Michelle Cadieux Aiden Campbell Ann Drivas David Earp Joan Gacki Paul Good Jessica Grams Rachel Gustafson Tim Jones Emily Judge-Becker Julie Karlson Robin Keck Laura Kucera Mollie Laidly Mary Lach

Chief Development Officer | Carley M. Stuber Sr. Major Gifts and Campaign Director | John Kupris Development Director | Mallory Roberts Institutional and Major Gifts Director | Diana Konopka Associate Events Director | Anthony Diaz Development Officer | Nickolas Sanches Development Manager | Jeremie Bur Development Operations Coordinator | Jonathan Lundgren Development Coordinator | Charlotte Summers

Mary McDiarmid

MAR K E T ING /CO MMU NICAT IO NS

Michele Schluender

Chief Marketing Officer | Darby Lunceford Marketing Director | Katherine L. Castille Associate Marketing Director | Kristin Matejcek Marketing Manager | Amanda Rodriguez Relationship Marketing Associate | Paige Reynolds Senior Graphic Designer | Kristin Backman Associate Communications Director | Eric Broker Communications Manager | Rocky Jones Interim Web and Digital Associate | Severin Lier Patron Services Director | Greg Campbell Patron Services Manager | Kevin Beckey Associate Patron Services Manager | Karl Annable Patron Services Representatives | Kianna Carter, Justin Cooke, Carol Corich, Henry Dykstal, Evy Johnson, Emily Ross, Emily Sasik

Amy Sirivie

Barbara Moore Nicole Murray Doug Myhra Pat Panshin

Wendi Sott Norm Tiedemann Darcy Zimbrick

P R O DU CT IO N

Liz Kochiras

Janelle Jones

STAFF

Chief Production Officer | Karen Quisenberry Assistant Production Director | Julia Gallagher Production Stage Manager | Kerry Masek Stage Manager | Jamie K. Fuller Assistant Stage Managers | Emily Duffin-Brown, Jerry K. Smith Technical Director | Josh Peklo Resident Artist Assistant Technical Director | Frankie Charles Properties Master | Jenn Maatman Lighting Coordinator | Ray Steveson, Jr. Tech Lighting Assistant | Smaida Māra Production Carpenter | JC Amel Scene Shop Foreman/Supervisor | Mark Maurer Master Carpenters | Nate Kulenkamp, Eric Veldey Staff Carpenter | Max Gilbert Carpenter | Alicia Dvorak, Troy Dyrstad Lead Scenic Painter | Erica Zaffarano Costume Director | Corinna Bakken Assistant Costume Director | Beth Sanders Tailor | Yancey Thrift Drapers | Katrina Benedict, Chris Bur First Hands | Helen Ammann, Sara Huebschen, Rebecca Karstad Stitchers | Brigid Borka, Ann Friese, Brandi Mans Wardrobe Supervisor | Molly O’Gara Dyer/Painter/Milliner | Samantha Haddow Hair/Makeup Supervisors | Priscilla Bruce, Corrie Dubay Hair/Makeup Crew | Lianna Colestock, Emma Gustafson

Minnesota Opera is a proud member of The Arts Partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Schubert Club. * in remembrance

UPCOMING EVENTS

M I N N E S OTA O P E R A I N F O Minnesota Opera Patron Services 620 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-333-6669

Upcoming events Opera Insights ONE HOUR PRIOR TO EACH PERFORMANCE

Sphinx Virtuosi: For Justice and Peace MAR. 1, 3PM

Enjoy fun, free, and informative half-hour

A chamber ensemble comprised of the

lectures, hosted by MN Opera artistic staff

nation’s top Black and Latinx classical

in the Ordway’s Target Atrium. Come early

string soloists, the Sphinx Virtuosi returns

and get an overview of the characters and

to St. Paul for the fourth time performing

music, the historical and cultural context

music that shows how justice and peace

of the opera, and highlights to watch for

find their way into music without regard

during the show.

to time and place. Co-presented by the

MNOPERA.ORG/OPERA-INSIGHTS

Arts Partnership (the Ordway, MN Opera, Schubert Club, and the SPCO).

ORDWAY.ORG

The Barber of Seville NOV. 9–17 Let your hair down. A prequel to The

Edward Tulane

Marriage of Figaro, Rossini’s beloved and

MAR. 21–29

irresistible rom-com is a cut above. The

Lost hearts can find home again. Based

instantly recognizable music sparkles in

on the best-seller by local author Kate

this razor-sharp, comedic masterpiece.

DiCamillo that is perfect for the young

MNOPERA.ORG/BARBER

and the young at heart, Edward Tulane is

Regular Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Performances: Weekdays — phones open until curtain. Weekends — 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-thescenes videos, read synopses, browse digital programs, and more. Join our e-club to receive special offers and opera news.

Ticket Policies Tickets are not refundable. Subscribers may make exchanges for a different performance or opera up to one hour prior to curtain. Any ticket may be turned back for a tax-deductible donation up until curtain. Call Minnesota Opera Patron Services at 612-333-6669.

Parking Prepaid parking is available for opera patrons at the Lawson Commons Ramp.

Call 612-333-6669 or visit mnopera.org to purchase passes.

Accessibility For patrons with disabilities, wheelchairaccessible seats are available. Audio description will be 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.

an elegantly whimsical Minnesota original

MNOPERA.ORG/TULANE

Flight

Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate break.

JAN. 25–FEB. 2

Please have all cell phones and pagers turned to silent mode.

Make your connection. Stranded overnight at an airport, eight strangers meet a refugee forced to call the terminal

Don Giovanni

home. Inspired by a true story, Jonathan

MAY 2–16

Dove’s Flight is a touching, charming, and

So hot, he’ll burn. From the world’s most

deeply human dramedy about what it

well-known composer, Mozart’s Don

means to make a real connection.

Giovanni seamlessly blends dark comedy

MNOPERA.ORG/FLIGHT

Ordway Policies Ordway is a smoke-free facility.

with biting social commentary in this smart and otherworldly story of a man who dares to defy hell itself.

MNOPERA.ORG/DON-GIOVANNI

Children under six are not permitted in the hall.

Cameras and recording equipment are strictly prohibited in the theater. Please check these items with an usher.

Food and beverages 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.

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

open your heart, you can find home.

For more information, please visit mnopera.org/access.

ELEKTRA 2019–20

that shows us a true miracle — that if you

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INDIVIDUAL GIVING

I T I S W I T H D E E P A P P R E C I AT I O N that Minnesota Opera recognizes individual donors who have made gifts to our Annual Fund, Fund-A-Dream, and Opera Innovate Now Campaign between July 1, 2018 and September 1, 2019. Thank you for making exceptional art come to life.

The following lists donors who have made leadership gifts of $10,000+. For more information on Bel Canto Circle membership, please contact John Kupris, Sr. Major Gifts & Campaign Director, at 612-342-9595.

PLATINUM Anonymous Julia W. Dayton Vicki and Chip Emery Ruth and John Huss Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson John and Kathleen Junek George and Margaret Sparks Margaret Wurtele Wayne Zink and Christopher Schout

The following lists donors who have made gifts of $2,500 to $9,999. For more information on Camerata Circle membership, please contact Nickolas Sanches, Development Officer, at 612-342-9550.

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

GOLD Vanessa Abbe Michael Birt Ann and Glenn Butterman Judith Garcia Galiana and Alberto Castillo Ralph D. Ebbott Maureen and Mike Harms Sharon Hawkins Miriam and Erwin Kelen Robert Kriel and Linda Krach Natalie Volin Lehr Harvey Thomas McLain Jose Peris and Diana Gulden Connie and Lew Remele Nadege J. Souvenir and Joshua A. Dorothy Wendy and Paul Unglaub Stephanie and Craig Walvatne

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The following lists donors who have made gifts of $250 to $2,499. While space limitations allow us to list only those donors of $250 or more, we sincerely appreciate every gift.

GOLD Anonymous (3) Emin and Britny Aklik Jane and Jamie Andrews

Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville Susan S. Boren Jane M. and Ogden W. Confer Mr. and Mrs. William Frels Beverly N. Grossman Joseph and Bette Hirsch Jeannie Holmes Kimberly and George Hudachek Diane and Paul Jacobson Kyle Kossol and Tom Becker Christl and Andrew Larson Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus Robert L. Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Leni and David Moore Jr./Moore Family Fund for the Arts of The Minneapolis Foundation Barton and Kimberly Reed Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock Greg Sullivan and Annie Frazer Ryan Taylor Dr. Norrie Thomas William White

GOLD Patricia Beithon Alexandra O. Bjorklund* Mary and Gus Blanchard Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll Family Fund of The Minneapolis Found Terrance and Susan Dolan Sara and Jock Donaldson William I. and Bianca M. Fine Charitable Trust Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad Natalie Volin Lehr Jeninne McGee Kendrick B. Melrose Donor Advised Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Elizabeth Redleaf Paul and Mary Reyelts Jesse and Linda Singh Mary Vaughan

SILVER Anonymous Susan Calmenson and Vince Leo Ellie Crosby – The Longview Foundation Jay and Rebecca Debertin Mr. and Mrs. Philip Isaacson Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan Allegro Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation Mahlon and Karen Schneider Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol

SILVER Anonymous Martha and Bruce Atwater Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation An Anonymous Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation William Biermaier and David Hanson Jan Conlin and Gene Goetz Ann Fankhanel Gail Fiskewold Dr. Richard Gregory Susanne Haas and Ross Formell Michele Harris and Peter Tanghe Janet N. Jones Patty and Warren Kelly Ilo and Margaret Leppik Fayneese Miller Karla Miller Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Moore Sandy and Bob Morris Richard and Nancy Nicholson Luis Pagan-Carlo and Joseph Sammartino Sarah and Rolf Peters Ken and Nina Rothchild Dr. Andrew J. Thomas Stephanie C. Van D’Elden Charles Allen Ward Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation

BRONZE Anonymous Richard Allendorf Dan and Martha Goldberg Aronson Michelle Blaeser Will and Margee Bracken Laurie Carlson and William Voedisch Rachelle Dockman Chase Rusty and Burt Cohen Gisela Corbett and Peter Hyman Thomas and Mary Lou Detwiler Dr. Mary Anne Ebert and Paul Stembler Joyce and Hugh Edmondson Patricia R. Freeburg Woessner Freeman Family Foundation Mrs. Myrtle Grette Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison Linda and Jack Hoeschler Jean McGough Holten Dr. Arthur and Fran Horowitz Mr. J. David Jackson Hubert Joly Robert and Susan Josselson The Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation Lyndel and Blaine King

Robert and Venetia Kudrle Eric and Celita Levinson David MacMillan and Judy Krow Velia R. Melrose Betty Myers Sally and Thomas Patterson Mrs. William S. Phillips Margaret Poyner Galbraith Peter and Rita Reed John and Sandra Roe Foundation Thomas D. and Nancy J. Rohde Andrea and James Rubenstein Janet and Bill Schaeder Frank and Lynda Sharbrough David Smith Jill and John Thompson Debra R. Ting Ellen M. Wells Nancy and Frederick Weyerhaeuser

Ruth and Dale Bachman Carl and Joan Behr Barbara S. Belk Rebecca Bernhard Ed and Mimi Bohrer Drs. Eli and Jan Briones Debra Brooks and James Meunier Joan and George Carlson Steve Coleman Barb and Jeff Couture Mike and Stacey Crosby – The Longview Foundation Jean Deatrick and Eldon Feist

Cy and Paula DeCosse Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Charles M. Denny Jr. and Carol E. Denny Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Maureen and John Drewitz Joan Duddingston David Dudycha and Dorothy Vawter Laura and Tim Edman Salvatore Silvestri Franco Martha Gabbert Heidi and Howard Gilbert Bill and Paula Glade

Marsha and Richard Gould Jennifer Gross Thomas and Mary Gross Bruce and Jean Grussing Rehael Fund – Roger Hale/Nor Hall of The Minneapolis Foundation Marion and Donald Hall Anne Marie and Larry Halvorson Nancy A. Harris Don Helgeson and Sue Shepard Elfrieda Hintze Shirley Hogan Jill Irvine Crow H. H. Irvine

BRONZE Anonymous Karen Bachman Stephen and Margaret Blake Sharon Bloodworth and Barrett Johnson Shari and David Boehnen

M IN NES OTA O PE RA’S 2019 GALA

GALA CHAIRS HONORARY CHAIRS

CHAIR

VICE CHAIR

CORPORATE CHAIR

Lucy Rosenberry Jones James Johnson

Mary Schrock

Wendy Unglaub

Sharon Bloodworth

GALA COMMITTEE

Patricia Beithon Shari Boehnen Alberto Castillo Jane Confer Sara Donaldson Chip Emery Heber Gurrola

Mary Lazarus Jennine McGee Kay Ness Nadege Souvenir Norrie Thomas Natalie Volin Lehr Stephanie Walvatne

C O R P O R AT E S P O N S O R S

I N D I V I D U A L TA B L E S Pat Beithon, Mary and Gus Blanchard, Shari and David Boehnen, Sara and Jock Donaldson, Vicki and Chip Emery, Bonnie and Bill Frels, Ruth and John Huss, Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad, Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James Johnson, Arthur Kaemmer, Christl and Andrew Larson, Jeninne McGee, Leni and David Moore, Connie and Lew Remele, Mary and Christian Schrock, Linda and Jesse Singh, Wendy and Paul Unglaub, Bernt von Ohlen and Thomas Nichol, Stephanie and Craig Walvatne

A P P R E C I AT I O N 2019–2020 MN Opera Resident Artists, AC Hotel Minneapolis, Susan Brewster and Edwin McCarthy, Children’s Theatre Company, Guthrie Theater, Historic District Bed & Breakfast, Inflight Pilot Training, Intercontinental Hotel, Brian Jagde and Jenna Wolf, Kafe 421, Mary and Barry Lazarus, Richard Leff, Lion’s Tap, Minnesota Children’s Museum, MN Opera Board of Directors, MN Opera Production Team, Museum of Russian Art, Kay Ness, Sarah Rockler, Christian Sanders, Schubert Club, Renate Sharp, Eric Simonson, Ryan Taylor, Norrie Thomas, Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens, Vestiges, Inc., Walker Art Center, The Westin Minneapolis, Wayne Zink and Christopher Schout MNOP OPENING NIGHT GALA IS SUPPORTED BY

Entertainment Partners

Hospitality Partners

Community Partner

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

Clayton Jelinek Barbara Jenkins Dale A. Johnson Bryce and Paula Johnson Phyllis Kahn Jane and Jim Kaufman Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Margaret V. Kinney Andrea M. Kircher William and Sarah Kling Constance and Daniel Kunin Gail Oliver and James LaFave Kenyon S. Latham Laurence and Jean LeJeune Bill Long Reid and Ann MacDonald Margery Martin and Dan Feidt Carolyn Mayo Barbara McBurney Laura McCarten Edwin McCarthy and Susan Brewster Patricia N. and Samuel D. McCullough Kay Phillips and Jill Mortensen Thomas P. Murtha and Stefanie A. Lenway Lucia Newell and Steven Wiese Brandon and Melissa Novy Ruth and Ahmad Orandi Dede Ouren Kelly and Michael Palmer Derrill Pankow Suzanne and William Payne Mary and Robert Price Sarah Rockler Enrique and Clara Rotstein Leland T. Lynch and Terry Saario Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Christine Sagstetter Sampson Family Charitable Foundation Mary Savina Fred and Gloria Sewell Cherie and Robert Shreck Bernie and Juliana Simmons Kevin and Lynn Smith Julie and Bruce Steiner Sharon and Thomas Stoffel Dana and Stephen Strand Ruth Stricker Dayton Carley, Bill, Kirsten, and Carolyn Stuber Jennifer and David Thomas Jean Thomson Neal Viemeister and Virginia Kirby John W. Windhorst Jr.

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SILVER Anonymous (2) Barbara Agard Thomas O. Allen Arlene and Tom Alm Katherine Anderson August J. Aquila and Emily Haliziw Dr. and Mrs. Orn Arnar Steve and Sharon Bachman Jo and Gordon Bailey Family Fund of the Catholic Community Foundation Rebecca D. Arons and Thomas J. Basting Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Judson Bemis, Jr. Gerald and Phyllis Benson Patricia and Martin Blumenreich Gerald Bradley Cheryl Brown Thomas and Joyce Bruckner Jimmy Burnett Katherine L. Castille Ann Marie and Jim Collins Susan and Richard Crockett Helen and John Crosson Stephen Davis and Murray Thomas Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis* Brian M. Finstad James and Barbara Gahlon William W. and Susan G. Gerberich Roger and Karen Hale Mark Halldorson Lowell Hanson Burton and Sandra Hoverson Ray Jacobsen Charlie Johnson Nancy Jones Beverly Kasper Michael and Sheue Keenan Mary L. Kenzie Foundation Carole and Joseph Killpatrick Robert and Barbara Kueppers Anita Kunin Cynthia and Lawrence Lee Natalie Levin and Stephen Gilberstadt William and Gloria Levin Ben Lewandowski Jonathan and Lisa Lewis Steve and Agnes Matheson Kris and Bill McGrath Deb and Jon McTaggart Judith and James Mellinger Virginia Miller Steven J. Mittelholtz Virginia Dudley and William Myers Merritt C. Nequette and Nancy Hartung James A. Payne Carol Peterson Marge and Dwight Peterson Walter Pickhardt and Sandra Resnick Lawrence Redmond Scott and Courtney Rile Bryn Roberts and Marcy Jefferson Mallory Roberts and Jonathan Lilienthal Bob Rose Liane A. Rosel Christopher Ross Marian R. Rubenfeld and Frederick G. Langendorf Richard and Carol Seaberg Doris Jean Seely Madeline Simon Clifford C. and Virginia G. Sorensen Charitable Trust of The Saint Paul Jon Spoerri and Debra Christgau Brian Staufenbiel Warren Stortroen Craig and Janet Swan Julia Swanson-Balding and John Balding

BECOME A DONOR

Robert and Shoshana Tancer Josephine Trubek Marcelo Valdes Kenneth and Kathryn Valentas Laurie Vinyon David L. Ward Elizabeth Wexler Michael Wigley Frank and Frances Wilkinson John M. Williams Barbara and James Willis BRONZE Anonymous (2) Mary Abbe Paul and Val Ackerman Carolyn M. Adams Rolf T. Anderson Kay C. Bach Susanne and Johan Bakken Jill and Thomas Barland Naren Bauer Mark Bayuk Longine Beck Sharla and Mark Beithon Bender Vocal Studio Kenneth J. Berglund John and Cindy Beukema Sharon Bigot David Bjork and Jeff Bengston Judith and Paul Brandon Roger and Ronnie Brooks Henry and Emilie Buchwald Deborah Carlson Alan E. and Ruth Carp Wanda and David Cline Herbert Colwill Jeanne E. Corwin Mary Davidson Thomas Doran Noah Eisenberg Leah and Ian Evison Steven and Mimi Fisher Jinnet Fowles Priti Gandhi Carol and Mike Garbisch Greta Garmers Nancy and Clyde Gerber Mark Giga James and Jo Glasser James Glazier Beth Glynn Laura Green Russell and Priscilla Hankins Laurie Hansen Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson Rosmarie and John Helling Cliffton and Sharon Hill Mark and Kathleen Humphrey Mark and Jeanne Jacobson Deborah and Ronald Jans Alison Jarzyna Erika Kahler Ed and Martha Karels James and Kathleen Karges Barry and Cheryl Kempton Robert Kieft Janice Kimes Nathan Kulenkamp Beatrice H. Langford Sandra Larson Darby Lunceford and Todd Wright

Holly MacDonald and John Orbison Stuart MacGibbon Dr. Joan E. Madden Anonymous Kristin and Jim Matejcek Sean McAleer Ehren McGeehan Sam Meals Mary Ann and John Mecom Adele Mehta John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort Eldon and Anne Miller John W. Miller, Jr. James Miner Jodi and Michael Mooney Mina Fisher and Fritz Nelson Richard and Nancy Nelson Jay and Helen Newlin Patricia A. O’Gorman Ann Ormond Fennell Scott J. Pakudaitis Julia and Brian Palmer Allen Perriello John and Margaret Perry Judith Pettit Anne and John Polta Nicole and Charles Prescott Kevin Puts Karen Quisenberry Ann Richter Philip and Mary Rickey Robert E. Rocknem Ronald Roed Michael and Tamara Root Michael Ryan Irene and Mel Sahyun Julia Sand Terry Sandven Kate Saumur Joan Semmer Jerald and Leona Shannon Emily and Daniel Shapiro Rebecca and John Shockley Kathleen K. Simo Linnea Sodergren Donna and Kenneth Speake Dr. David M. Steinhaus Charlott Taylor Joyce Thielen Thomas Bakken Marie J. Thomas Catherine Vesley John Vilandre Stephanie Wexler John and Sandra White J. Andrew and Gary S. Whitford Holey Wendy Wildung James Wire * in remembrance

and bring innovative opera productions to life.

Visit mnopera.org/support to give online.

THANK YOU!

SPECIAL GIVING

generosity, have included the Opera in their wills or estate plans.

Anonymous (5) Norton Hintz* and Mary Abbe Paul and Val Ackerman Thomas Allen Cordelia Anderson and John Humleker Dr. and Mrs. Rolf Andreassen* Mary A. Andres Karen Bachman Thomas and Ann Bagnoli Randolph G. Baier* Mrs. Harvey O. Beek* Patricia Beithon Barbara and Sandi Bemis* Dr. Lee A. Borah, Jr.* Susan S. Boren C.T. Bundy II Margaret M. Carasik Joan and George Carlson Robin J. Carpenter* Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll

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.

Barbara White Bemis Fund for Artistic Enhancement

To enhance the quality of performances by providing funds to

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS The following lists donors who have made gifts in honor or in memory of a loved one between July 1, 2018 and September 1, 2019.

IN HONOR OF:

Matthew Abernathy Dale Borgeson

Susan Boren and Steve King

Rachelle Chase and John Feldman

Rachelle Chase

Luis Pagan-Carlo and Joseph Sammartino

Ann Friese

Tess Habermann

Eric John Halvorson Sandra M. LeBlanc

Dale A. Johnson

Dawn M. Loven Jamie and Jane Andrews Lisa Butcher Mark Campbell Katherine L. Castille Rachelle Chase and John Feldman Sara and Jock Donaldson Karen Finseth Brenda A Harris Ruth and A. Huss Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad Diane and Paul Jacobson Janice and William Kimes Robert and Venetia Kudrle

engage singers who have received awards through the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

The appearances of Jill Grove, grand prize winner; Danielle Beckvermit, grand finalist; Lisa Marie Rogali, Christian Sanders and Victoria Vargas, regional finalists; and Alexandra Loutsion, regional finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions are made possible by this fund.

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 proving funds to engage designers and create new sets.

Mary and Barry Lazarus Dawn M. Loven Kristin and Jim Matejcek Leni and David Moore Theresa and Jim Murray Kay Ness Jose Peris and Diana Gulden Joel Puckett Kevin Puts Barton and Kimberly Reed Andrea and James Rubenstein Nickolas David Sanches Mahlon and Karen Schneider Roxanne Stouffer Cruz Carley and Bill Stuber Jennifer Thill Bernt von Ohlen and Thomas Nichol Andy Wilkowske Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim Margaret Wurtele Adriana J. Zabala

James Johnson and Lucy R. Jones Anonymous Mahlon and Karen Schneider

John Junek

Susan McGowan

Velia Melrose

Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation

Coreen Nordling

Denise Cronin Brian and Jane Grivna

Charlotte J. Prentice

Dr. Azizollah Arabkhazaeli Faezeh and Khalid Effendi Carol Garcia Mervyn and Margiolina Hough Reza and Suzette Foroozan Yazdani

Lyndel and Blaine King Gretchen Klein* Sally Kling Gisela Knoblauch* Liz and Jim Krezowski Robert Kriel and Linda Krach Robert and Venetia Kudrle Helen L. Kuehn* Robert “Jim” J. Lawser, Jr. Jean Lemberg* Joyce and Jerry Lillquist Dawn M. Loven David Mayo Barbara and Thomas* McBurney Mary McDiarmid Mildred McGonagle* Mary Bigelow McMillan* Sheila McNally* Mrs. Walter Meyers* John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort Susan Molder* Edith Mueller* Kay Ness Richard and Joan Newmark Scott J. Pakudaitis Derrill Pankow Mrs. William S. Phillips Phyllis Price Brian and Trish Huberty Prokosch

Richard G.* and Liane A. Rosel Ken and Nina Rothchild Mary Savina Josef Schermann Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock Frank and Lynda Sharbrough Robert Shearer and Joan Gustafson Drew Stewart Gregory Swinehart and Mitra Walter Anthony Thein Stephanie C. Van D’Elden Mary Vaughan H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol Jean C. Wirsig* Richard Zgodava* William White Philip Oxman and Harvey Zuckman

Founders Endowment Fund

Valerie and Paul Ackerman Endowment Fund

To support new and innovate opera performances that honor the spirit, energy, and creativity of the founders in the beginning days of the Center Opera.

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.

For more information on making estate plan arrangements, please contact Mallory Roberts, Development Director, at 612-342-9566.

* in remembrance

To support the attendance of youth at Minnesota Opera performances.

Virginia L. Stringer Endowment of the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program

To support the Resident Artist Program. The appearance of the Resident Artists in this production is made possible this endowment fund.

William Randolph Hearst Endowment for Education and Outreach Programs

To support Minnesota Opera’s education and outreach programs

Joel Puckett

Herbert Kahler

Scott and Courtney Rile

T. Scott Krenz

Natalie Puckett Evans Sarah L. Irwin

Mary and Christian Schrock

Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus Bernt von Ohlen and Thomas Nichol

J. & I. Zerhusen

Kirsten Zerhusen

Nicholas Butler Anonymous (3) Sara and Jock Donaldson Matthew Ericson Lisa Kay Hanson Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray Colleen Pollack

Lance Leipold

Judith and Paul Brandon

IN MEMORY OF:

Judson and Barbara Bemis Sandra Roe

Arlene B. Bryant

Maureen and John Drewitz

Dr. Nathan H. and Blanche Camm Barbara Leslie Camm

Harold and Winnie Doran A. Brian Doran

Edward Foreman, bass Dr. Gilliam Horrocks

Gloria Gross

John and Sandra Murphy

Helen Hines

Maureen and John Drewitz

Martha Kaemmer

Cheryl Brown Art and Marther Kaemmer Fund of the HRK Foundation MAHADH Fund of the HRK Foundation Jeffrey Masco

Sara Livshitz

The Mikhailenko Family

Tom and Mary Nee Cheryl Brown

Susan Platon

Erika Kahler

Jon L. Schasker

Debbie Carlson

Audrey Stottler Lila Olson

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

through their foresight and

Julia and Dan Cross Julia W. Dayton Charles M. Denny Jr. and Carol E. Denny George* and Susan Doty Rudolph Driscoll* Anne P. Ducharme Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis Ester Fesler Daniel E. Freeman Dr. Paul Froeschl Katy Gaynor Nettie Grabscheid* Robert* and Ellen Green Dr. Ieva M. Grundmanis* Michelle Hackett Russell and Priscilla Hankins Julia Hanna* Frederick J. Hey, Jr.* Elfrieda Hintze Jean McGough Holten Charles J. Hudgins* Ruth Jones* Charles and Sally Jorgensen Robert and Susan Josselson Charlotte* and Markle Karlen Mary H. Keithahn Warren and Patty Kelly Margaret Kilroe Trust*

Marie Tentoni Mark Bayuk

Ruth Wallentine

Maureen and John Drewitz

Heinrich Wurdak

Barbara Jane Bloomer

ELEKTRA 2019–20

The following lists donors who,

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INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MINNESOTA OPERA G R A T E F U L LY A C K N O W L E D G E S ITS MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS: $ 1 0 0,0 0 0 +

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.

THE ANDREW W.

Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of the HRK Foundation

MELLON FOUNDATION

$ 50,0 0 0 – $ 9 9, 9 9 9

$ 2 5,0 0 0 – $ 49, 9 9 9

$ 1 0,0 0 0 – $ 24, 9 9 9

Hardenbergh Foundation

Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation

MAHADH Fund of the HRK Foundation

MINNESOTA OPERA MNOPERA.ORG

$5,0 0 0 – $9,999

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The Aaron Copland Fund for Music Inc. Boss Foundation Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation Dellwood Foundation Ernst & Young Faegre Baker Daniels Anna M. Heilmaier Charitable Foundation Hutter Family Foundation

Mayo Clinic Pachel Foundation Rahr Corporation RBC Wealth Management Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner P.A. St. Paul Cultural STAR Travelers Foundation Twin Cities Opera Guild Xcel Energy

$ 2 , 50 0 – $ 4, 9 9 9

$ 2 50 – $ 2 , 49 9

Anonymous Amphion Foundation Kitselman Foundation Margaret Rivers Fund Peravid Foundation The Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation Tennant Foundation

Anonymous Ernst & Young LLP Enterprise Holdings Foundation Great River Energy McVay Foundation Onan Family Foundation Romanaggi Foundation USI Insurance Services

For more information about making a corporate or foundation contribution to Minnesota Opera, please contact Diana Konopka at dkonopka@mnopera.org or 612-342-9565.

MINNESOTA OPERA SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR

OFFICIAL MAKE-UP PARTNER

OFFICIAL HOTEL OF MINNESOTA OPERA

IN-KIND

MEDIA PARTNER

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

HOSPITALITY PARTNERS

Alexis Bailly Vineyard

hint Opera lovers are looking at their programs, right?

Join Us! Every Sunday* at 10:00 a.m. the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale with orchestra performs rarely heard Masses by the world’s great composers at the centuryold Church of Saint Agnes in St. Paul.

Free. Everyone is welcome!

Sunday, Oct. 27th, 10am Beethoven’s Mass in C

Monday, Nov. 4th, 7:30pm Mozart’s’ Requiem

For your advertising presence in Minnesota Opera programs, or with other arts partners we represent: mary-kate@artsink.org 612.791.3629

Sunday, Nov. 10th, 10am

O R D WAY M I N N E S O TA O P E R A SCHUBERT CLUB A RTI S T RY C H A N H A S S EN D I N N ER T H E AT R E S C H I L D R EN ’ S T H E AT R E CO M PA N Y CANTUS T H E COW L E S C EN T ER H E N N E P I N T H E AT R E T R U S T ’ S S P OT L I G H T ED U C AT I O N M I N N E S OTA B OYC H O I R M I N N E TO N K A T H E AT R E + MORE!

The creative agency for the arts

Sunday, Nov. 24th, 10am Haydn’s Nelsonmesse

artsink.org

Church of Saint Agnes 548 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul, MN The Twin Cities Catholic Chorale with orchestra is directed by Dr. Marc Jaros. *Except for Advent, Lent, and summer months.

www.catholicchorale.org

ELEKTRA 2019–20

PA R T N E R S

Minnesota Opera is a nonprofit charitable organization that relies on your support. • mnopera.org/donate

Dvorák’s Mass in D

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kantorei

Axel Theimer

Artistic Director

AUDIENCE APPRECIATION (free)

Oct. 27, The Church of Christ the King, Minneapolis

CELEBRATING THE MYSTERY: CHORAL MUSIC OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

Dec. 14, St. Luke’s Episcopal, Minneapolis Dec. 15, St. Paul Seminary Chapel, St. Paul

Season 32 2019-2020 Choir Concerts

SING TO ME

May 2, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins May 3, St. Paul Seminary Chapel, St. Paul

32ND SEASON GALA

Feb. 8, Minneapolis Woman’s Club

For tickets and more information, please visit kantorei.net or call 612-21-SINGS

COMING SOON

to the ordway

CARAVAN: A REVOLUTION ON THE ROAD sat, oct 26 | 7:30pm

Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective Rennie Harris Puremovement Andrew Scott

An evening of favorites from the American Songbook, Broadway classics and a collection of stories from a remarkable career.

RITA MORENO sat, oct 26 | 7:30pm

ORDWAY.ORG | 651.224.4222

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.

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