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PUCCINI TOSCA
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OF MICE AND MEN
a co-production of Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Florida State University
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The Barber of Seville, 2025 © Cory Weaver
Welcome to the world premiere My Name is Florence.
Florence Price changed American music. Her brilliance as a composer, her resilience in the face of systemic barriers, and the luminous beauty of her work have shaped generations of artists. My Name is Florence invites us to experience her story anew and to honor the impact she continues to have on the
This premiere also reflects a proud tradition at Minnesota Opera. Over our 63-year history, we have introduced more than 50 world premieres, each contributing to a more vibrant and relevant operatic canon. The New Works Initiative, which enabled the creation of this work, carries that legacy forward. This next chapter is grounded in lifting a wide range of voices, working alongside creators whose lived experience informs the narratives being developed, and ensuring that each step of the process is as thoughtful and collaborative as the operatic creative process itself.
Our cohort model makes this possible. By bringing artists together in sustained, intentional collaboration, we create space for new ideas to emerge—My Name is Florence being a powerful example.
At a moment when our communities are seeking connection, understanding, and renewal, gathering in shared community spaces like this one reminds us of our common humanity and of art’s power to comfort us, challenge our biases, and heal together.
We are honored to share this remarkable piece with you at the Ordway. Thank you for joining us in celebrating new opera, new voices, and stories that expand our understanding of the world.
With appreciation,
RYAN TAYLOR PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR Minnesota
Opera | MNOpera.org
My Name is Florence
MUSIC BY B.E. Boykin
LIBRETTO BY Harrison David Rivers
World Premiere at The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul, MN, January 31, 2026
Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.
CAST
in order of vocal appearance
FLORENCE
BEATRICE PRICE
Flora Hawk
LO-LO
Arianna Rodriguez
CONDUCTOR
Mario Antonio Marra
STAGE DIRECTOR
Eboni Adams
SCENIC DESIGNER
Eli Sherlock
COSTUME DESIGNER
Trevor Bowen
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Rachael N. Blackwell
GRANNY
Deborah Nansteel
PAPA JAY
John Mburu+
JANE Kara Morgan+
PROFESSOR CHADWICK Ángel Vargas+
YOUNG BEATRICE
Denali Massie
CREATIVE TEAM
WIG, HAIR, AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
Emma Gustafson
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
Alli St. John
ASSISTANT STAGE DIRECTOR
Margaret Jumonville°
DRAMATURG
Harrison David Rivers
STAGE MANAGER
Luci Burdick
MUSICAL PREPARATION
Mario Antonio Marra
Head of Music
Celeste Marie Johnson*
Assistant Conductor and Chorus Director
Fumiyasu Kawase+ Répétiteur
The role of Florence Beatrice Price is generously sponsored by William White
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Go behind the scenes with costume and set 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 twenty minutes with no intermission.
FRIENDS OF FLORENCE GIVING CIRCLE
Thank you to our Friends of Florence, generous donors whose support helps bring this unsung story to life on stage.
The following Friends of Florence made a donation on or before January 1, 2026.
Marcia J. Aubineau
Barry Berg and Walter Tambor
Alan and Kathlyn Boykin
Lisa Butcher
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Erin Flannery and Ryan Weston
Siena Forest
Kajsa Jones-Higgins
Jenny Kelley in memory of Kathryn Hennig
Kristin and Jim Matejcek
Kenny Piatt
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
Kelsey Sorenson
William White
Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim
Eric Wolf
Music Preparation Services by Just a Theory Press
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.
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, 1900
Florence Beatrice (Beatrice) practices the piano under the watchful eye of her mother—who is also named Florence. Later, Beatrice’s father distracts her from her lessons with a game of “what could you not live without?” He shares that he couldn’t live without family, God, books and his teeth (he is a dentist after all)! Beatrice replies that she could not live without music. “When I play the piano,” she says, “it feels like walking barefoot through the grass.” Unfortunately, the family is hosting a dinner that evening, so Beatrice will have to keep her shoes on. Once the guests arrive, Beatrice entertains them with an original composition. They marvel at the young girl’s talent. The next day, Beatrice’s mother stops Beatrice from playing outside without a hat. Their family has always been light-skinned and it has afforded them a certain freedom. “The lighter your skin, the wider the world will open its doors for you,” her mother says, “so stay light like me.” Beatrice heeds her mother’s advice and puts on a hat.
PART I PART II
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1902
On her first day at The New England Conservatory of Music, Beatrice meets Jane, a fellow student who is impressed that she is considering a double major. Later in the semester, Professor Chadwick, one of Beatrice’s instructors, calls her into his office. He believes that she has a gift for composition. Beatrice points out that teaching is a more assured career path for a Negro woman. The professor asks: “But is teaching what you want?” In a moment of transparency, Beatrice shares her deepest desire, to write music that captures “the everyday living that Negro people do.” Later Beatrice receives a letter from her mother, informing her that given the increasing hostility toward Negroes in America, she believes that Beatrice should identify as Spanish instead of Black as it will open more doors. “You will thank me one day,” she says, “for saving your face from the sun.”
PART III
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, 1911
In the wake of Beatrice’s father’s death, her mother decides to leave Arkansas. Given the lightness of her skin, she will be able to pass for white elsewhere. The women say goodbye. Beatrice understands that she will never see her mother again.
PART IV
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 1931-1944
Beatrice’s daughter, Florence Louise (Lo-Lo) remembers that growing up her mother was always working. She recalls the time when Beatrice injured her foot and finally had time to finish her Symphony in E Minor, which later won her the prestigious Wanamaker Prize. Lo-Lo remembers how happy her mother was the night the Chicago Symphony Orchestra premiered the work. Sadly, after winning the prize, Beatrice’s career stalls. She writes numerous letters to conductors across the country, mostly notably, Dr. Koussevitzky, the conductor of the Boston Symphony, who has championed many American composers. After numerous correspondences, Dr. Koussevitzky stops writing back. Beatrice’s daughter marvels at her mother’s tenacity and talent, despite the many setbacks. She is proud to be her daughter. And proud to share her name. Florence.
My journey into opera has felt like walking toward a door I didn’t know was opening—or one I wasn’t sure I was allowed to walk through. Being chosen, or better yet, gifted, the opportunity to bring to life a story inspired by the remarkable legacy of Florence Price reminds me that sometimes the art form finds us before we recognize ourselves within it.
In shaping My Name is Florence through B.E. Boykin’s luminous music and Harrison David Rivers’ fluid, dream-like text, I have often felt Florence’s presence—as though her life and artistry continue to move across space and time. Through the presence of mother, daughter, and the woman herself, we witness how memory, love, and perseverance are carried and returned across generations.
At the heart of her life and this story is the piano— a sanctuary of solace, expression, and defiance, where black and white keys found harmony the world often refused. Boykin’s score carries the emotional resonance of her spirit—the lyricism, the ache, the resolve to be heard. Every scene, every costume, every shift in light echoes her brilliance—the sweep of classical form, the grounding of cultural memory, and the unwavering persistence of a woman determined to leave something lasting behind.
Learning her story is to meet a giant—a Black woman brilliant and unrelenting, who saw the world’s limits yet chose truth over convenience, craft over compromise, and legacy over silence. Her manuscripts, once hidden, waited for someone willing to truly see her. This opera celebrates that what was once overlooked is not lost, and that her contribution to classical music transcends erasure.
❝At the heart of her life and this story is the piano— a sanctuary of solace, expression, and defiance, where black and white keys found harmony the world often refused."
As we speak her name, may we offer Florence Price the flowers history withheld—a testament to the power of naming, remembering, and returning. And may you feel the invitation she offered me: to step into the spaces that call you, even before you understand why. A quiet affirmation that you are plenty.
EBONI ADAMS STAGE DIRECTOR
B.E. BOYKIN Composer
B. ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, 1989
B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth)
Boykin is a distinguished composer, conductor and pianist, renowned for her dynamic artistry and profound contributions to the world of music. Most recently, her music appears on two albums nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards in the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album category: "Black Pierrot" (Sidney Outlaw and Warren Jones) and "In This Short Life" (Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor). This recognition stands as one of her newest career highlights, joining a legacy of performances at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and affirms her influence as a leading voice in contemporary classical music. In addition to her work in opera, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the choral world as a sought-after
conductor and clinician who is celebrated for her unique artistic expressions and ability to connect with her ensembles. Her recent features include conducting the Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Choir in a closing concert for the 2024 Chorus America Conference and leading them to emerge as the category winner at the 2024 World Choir Games, the largest international choral competition in the world. Beyond the concert stage and opera house, Boykin not only solidifies her reputation as a leader in choral music but demonstrates her deep passion and commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians through her community engagement.
With a career characterized by artistic excellence, educational impact, and a deep commitment to cultural advocacy, she is honored to serve on the National Board for the National Collegiate Choral Organization. She is currently the Director of Choral Activities at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
HARRISON DAVID RIVERS Librettist + Dramaturg
B. MANHATTAN, KANSAS, 1981
Harrison David Rivers is an award-winning playwright, librettist and television writer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Harrison’s works include Straddle (Diversionary), we are continuous (convergence-continuum, Diversionary, Uptown Players, New Conservatory Theatre Center, Geva, Williamstown Theatre Festival), This Bitter Earth (Soho Theatre, Ball State University, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, White Bear Theatre, Seattle Public, TheaterWorks Hartford, InterAct, About Face, Penumbra, NCTC), The Salvagers (Yale Rep), the bandaged place (Roundabout), A Christmas Carol (CenterREP, Geva), Where Storms are Born (Williamstown), Weathering (Karamu House, Penumbra), Sweet (Great Plains Theatre Conference, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, National Black Theatre), When Last We Flew (Out Front Theatre Company, Real Live Arts, TheatreLAB, Diversionary, NYFringe) and the musicals We Shall Someday with Ted Shen (Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Theater Latté Da, Joe’s Pub, Signature Theatre, The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, Transport Group/Public Theatre), Last of the Red
Hot Mamas with Sue and Lloyd Ecker (Bucks County Playhouse) and It Comes with the Building with Jacob Yandura and Rebekah Melocik. His work has been nominated for AUDELCO, Drama Desk, Drama League, Antonyo, Lamda Literary, Berkshire Theatre, and Jeff Awards. He was a Relentless Award winner in 2018 for the bandaged place and a GLAAD Media Award winner for When Last We Flew in 2010. Television credits include "One of Us is Lying" (Peacock), "The Nevers" (HBO) and the upcoming "Wytches" (Amazon). He has developed projects with HBO and Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions.
Harrison is a recipient of McKnight, Jerome and Van Lier Fellowships; residencies with the Siena Art Institute, Berkeley Rep, Geva, New York Theatre Workshop, Williamstown and Duke University; and is currently under commission from History Theatre, Diversionary, Geva, and La Jolla Playhouse.
A CONVERSATION WITH THE CREATORS
Why do you think naming is so important? What power does naming carry in My Name is Florence?
HDR When I was a kid, people would tell me that my name sounded like it should be in lights. “It’s an actor’s name,” they would say, “or a President’s.” I am neither of those things, but I have always felt like they were possible, in part, because of the seemingly infinite possibility inherent in my name. Given the historical trauma of slavery where names were stripped away from Black people, the creation of new names to reclaim lineage, express pride, and signify aspirations, is undeniably powerful.
Florence Price’s mother gave her daughter her name, Florence, and she, in turn, gave her name to her daughter. Three generations of Florences. Three generations of accumulated struggle and hardship, but also of beauty and perseverance and triumph. What’s in a name? Incredible power.
What is Black joy to you and how do you think it is best expressed in this opera?
HDR To me, an opera with four Black principals, a Black composer, a Black librettist, a Black costume designer, a Black lighting designer, and a Black director, is joyful.
To me, the idea that Black audience members will see themselves represented on stage in an artform that continues to grapple with racial diversity, is joyful.
To me, the presence of culturally Black music—Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop—in the opera, is joyful.
Florence Price’s music often includes “traditionally” Black genres such as Spirituals, Gospel, and Blues. How did her style affect your approach towards composing this opera?
BEB I think it added further encouragement because, as a composer, I've always fused different styles and genres in my own writing because of my upbringing. I grew up on Gospel, Jazz, and R&B. I was a huge Aaliyah fan. I've never written in a very strict kind of classical or modern way. I've just fused things that I've heard my entire life. Listening to the music of Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Undine Smith Moore, Betty Jackson King—it was encouraging to hear that you can bring all that you are to your music.
❝To me, the idea that Black audience members will see themselves represented on stage in an artform that continues to grapple with racial diversity, is joyful.”
Florence Price is often framed as “lost” or “forgotten,” often falling into the “myth of discovery,” when her legacy has long been included in the history of Black classical music.
BEB The Black classical community did not lose her. She has been very prominent in HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] and in Black churches since the 1920s. We [the Black community] did not lose her. She's been here. In reading her story, you realize how badly she wanted to be here, how badly she wanted her music and her name, remembered. She wanted to be here. This idea of “discovery” or that we lost her? No, we did not. No, we did not.
What do you think a performance like My Name is Florence means for audiences of today in 2026 and to Twin Cities audiences?
BEB I think [opera] is just another vessel of storytelling. [Florence Price] was someone who lived, and who existed, and who created. Her story is another reminder that if you are open and can be embracing of someone else's differences you may find something beautiful inside. People put all these barriers around her during that time because of what our country was going through. She was Black, she was a woman. Yes, she was degreed. Yes, she had the experience, but it didn’t matter to them and how unfortunate because they missed out. They missed out on experiencing a beautiful composer during her time. But what a gift she left us.
Interview conducted by Allison Michele Lewis, MN Opera Civic Engagement and Audience Development Manager
EBONI ADAMS STAGE DIRECTOR
LOS ANGELES, CA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
The Snowy Day, 2025
Notable Engagements:
Treemonisha, Washington National Opera*
La bohème, Austin Opera*
Porgy and Bess, Houston Grand Opera
The Righteous, Santa Fe Opera
The Pearl Fishers, Dallas Opera
RACHAEL N. BLACKWELL LIGHTING DESIGNER
HAMPTON, VA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
Notable Engagements:
Tales of Hoffmann, Florentine Opera*
Bluebeard's Castle, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Hansel & Gretel, Grand Teton Music Festival
Ain't Misbehavin', Virginia Stage Company
The Wiz, Aurora Theatre
TREVOR BOWEN
COSTUME DESIGNER
ALTUS, OK
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Fellow Travelers, 2018
Notable Engagements:
Shane, Oregon Shakespeare Festival
La bohème, Minnesota Opera
The Histories, Guthrie Theater
Ride the Cyclone, Arena Stage
True West, Steppenwolf Theatre
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
FLORA HAWK FLORENCE BEATRICE PRICE
CONROE, TX
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
Notable Engagements:
Loving v. Virginia, Virginia Opera Cendrillon, Knoxville Opera
The Snowy Day, Portland Opera
Sweeney Todd, Dayton Opera
The Love of Three Oranges, Des Moines Metro 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
MARIO ANTONIO MARRA CONDUCTOR
NEW HAVEN, CT
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Don Giovanni, 2023
Notable Engagements:
Opera Scenes, Music Academy of the West
Gala Concert, Opera San Antonio
23/24 Season Preview Concert, Minnesota Opera
Der ferne Klang, Oper Frankfurt
Z mrtvého domu, Oper Frankfurt
DENALI MASSIE YOUNG BEATRICE
SAINT PAUL, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
JOHN MBURU
PAPA JAY
WARWICK, RI
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Magic Flute, Opera Tampa*
Edgar, Minnesota Opera*
The Seasons, Opera Philadelphia
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
KARA MORGAN
JANE ANDOVER, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Magic Flute, Opera Tampa*
Edgar, Minnesota Opera*
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera
L'enfant et les sortilèges, Salt Marsh Opera
DEBORAH NANSTEEL
GRANNY
HAVELOCK, NC
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
Notable Engagements:
The Rake's Progress, The Glimmerglass Festival
The House on Mango Street, The Glimmerglass Festival
Il trovatore, Opera Colorado
Is This America?, White Snake Project
Die Walküre, Atlanta Opera
ARIANNA RODRIGUEZ
LO-LO
BURKE, VA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
Notable Engagements:
Le nozze di Figaro, Wolf Trap Opera
Zorro, Opera San Jose
La bohème, Opera Naples
The Magic Flute, Opera Naples
Carmen, San Francisco Opera
ELI SHERLOCK SCENIC DESIGNER
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
Notable Engagements:
My Fair Lady, Theater Latté Da
The Color Purple, Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Dinner For One, Jungle Theater
Ragtime, Flint Repertory Theatre
The Wiz, The 5th Avenue Theatre
ALLI ST. JOHN INTIMACY DIRECTOR
HUDSON, OH
Minnesota Opera Debut:
My Name is Florence, 2026
Notable Engagements:
Ride the Cyclone, Lyric Arts
A Christmas Carol, Guthrie Theater
Maybe You Could Love Me, Theater Mu
Fun Home, Theater Latté Da Witch, Walking Shadow Theatre Company
* Indicates Upcoming Performance
ÁNGEL VARGAS PROFESSOR CHADWICK
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements: Pagliacci, Minnesota Opera*
The Farolitos of Christmas, Opera Southwest
Così fan tutte, Minnesota Opera
La bohème, Santa Fe Opera
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera
The role of Florence Beatrice Price is generously sponsored by William White
MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST
MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST
MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN I
Hannah Kennedy* Concertmaster
VIOLIN II
Brittany Quinn*
VIOLA
Emily Hagen*
CELLO
Teresa Richardson*
BASS/ELECTRIC BASS
John Michael Smith*
FLUTE
Hannah Peterson*
OBOE
Jeffrey Marshak*
CLARINET
Karrin Meffert-Nelson*
BASSOON
Laurie Hatcher Merz*
HORN
Charles Hodgson*
TRUMPET
John G. Koopmann*
PERCUSSION
Matthew Barber*
PIANO
Celeste Marie Johnson*
* Principal
YOUNG BEATRICE COVER
Makayla Payne-Glass
MINNESOTA OPERA CHORUS
SOPRANOS
Lisa Butcher
Tara Priolo*
ALTOS
Mikalia Bradberry
Ilah Raleigh
TENORS
Phinehas Bynum
Maurice Fields III
BARITONE/BASSES
Ja’wan Footman
Tyrie Williams
* Voice of Young Beatrice
THE MINNESOTA OPERA CHORUS, PHOTO BY DARIN KAMNETZ
THE MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA, PHOTO BY DAN NORMAN
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EXECUTIVE
STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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, Dixie Treichel
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
Controller | Patty Wilber
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
Assistant Stage Managers | Patricia Garvey, Abbey Murray-Stark
Assistant Stage Director | Margaret Jumonville
Youth Supervisor | Alicia Storkamp
SCENERY, PROPERTIES, AND LIGHTING
Production Carpenter | Max Gilbert
Scene Shop Supervisor | Madi Scott Smith
Senior Carpenter | Eric Veldey
Properties Craftsperson | Rachel Krieger
Luminary House Technician | Evan Peterson
Charge Artist | Erica Zaffarano
Carpenters | Rose King, Sam Schwemberger
Painter | Macaria Meza
Tech Lighting Assistant | Kurt Jung
COSTUMES
Assistant Costume Director | Molly O’Gara
Tailor | Yancey Thrift
Drapers | Katrina Benedict, Chris Bur Costume Crafts and Dye Head |
Danielle Jordan
First Hands | Bridgid Borka, Sara Huebschen, Rebecca Karstad
Stitchers | Quincy D’Alessio, Ann Friese, Ally Guglielmi
Wig, Hair, and Makeup Supervisor | Alisa Williams
VOLUNTEERS
Zophia Dadlez, Deb Dittmann, Janelle Erickson, Andy Flamm, Stephanie Forsland, Madeline Giordana, Jessica Grams, Sarah Grecula, Jennifer Inderlee, Julie Karlson, Michaela Makarianova-Wentz, Kris Nugent, Chris Olsen, Marylu Ramirez, Amy Sirivie, Tim Szeliga, Norman Tiedemann, Jill Westlund
OFFICERS
Chair | James Powell
President and General Director | Ryan Taylor
Vice Chair | Rachelle McCord
Secretary | Roma Calatayud-Stocks
Treasurer | Paul Wilson
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
Benjamin Ollendick
Cris Ross
Breia Schleuss
Mary 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
Minnesota Opera Patron Services
620 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-333-6669
Regular Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm
Performances
Phones open at 2pm for evening performances and at 10:30am for matinee performances. Minnesota Opera staff will be available at the Ordway’s Ticket Office 90 minutes prior to curtain.
mnopera.org
Visit mnopera.org to watch behind-the-scenes videos, read synopses, browse digital programs, and more. Sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers and opera news.
Ticket Exchanges
Subscribers exchange for free. Non-subscriber and non-youth exchanges will incur a $5.00 per ticket exchange fee. If you exchange into a higher priced seating location or performance, you will be charged the difference at the time of the exchange. Additional restrictions may apply. Tickets must remain in their opera season. Cross season exchange requests will not be honored.
Parking
Prepaid parking is available at the Lawson Commons Ramp. Call 612-333-6669 or visit mnopera.org to purchase passes.
Accessibility
For patrons with disabilities, wheelchair accessible seats are available for select performances. Please call 612-333-6669 for details and indicate any special needs when ordering tickets. At the Ordway, accessible restrooms and other facilities are available, as well as braille or large-print programs and infrared listening systems. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/access.
Ordway Policies
Ordway is a smoke-free facility.
Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate break. Please have all cell phones and pagers turned to silent mode.
Children under six are not permitted in the hall. Cameras and recording equipment are strictly prohibited in the theater. Please check items with an usher.
Food and beverage are available for purchase prior to the show and during intermission. Water and other beverages are allowed in the theater (hot beverages require lids), but food is strictly prohibited.
The phone number for emergencies is 651-224-4222. Please leave seat locations with the calling party.
Lost and Found is located at the Stage Door. Call 651-282-3070 for assistance.
Health and Safety Information
The health and safety of our staff, guests, and artists is our top priority. To learn about the steps the Arts Partners are taking to ensure we operate in the safest way possible, please visit Ordway.org/healthsafety. Masks are not required but will be welcomed and encouraged. We ask that guests stay home if they are sick and request a ticket exchange or refund.
Upcoming events
MNOP+
DEEPEN YOUR CONNECTION TO OPERA
These special, artist-driven events get you closer to the artists and their process in the intimate setting of the Luminary Arts Center.
All events are at the Luminary Arts Center: 700 North 1st St | Minneapolis, MN
Tickets on sale now at mnopera.org/mnop-plus
New Works Initiative Song Cycle Premiere with MN Opera Resident Artists and Mario Antonio Marra
MN Opera’s first song cycle world premiere of its New Works Initiative will leave you in tears of… heartbreak? Or hilarity? Join us to find out.
FEB. 28, 7:00PM
Resident Artist Concert with MN Opera Resident Artists and John Churchwell
Join us for a beautiful program with our Minnesota Opera Resident Artists, curated by and performed alongside John Churchwell, one of the leading collaborative pianists of his generation and the Vocal Institute Co-Director at Music Academy of the West.
MARCH 21, 7:00PM
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 William-Ali for a rousing evening of gospel music with Joseph Li at the piano.
APRIL 29, 7:00PM
THANKYOU
MINNESOTA OPERA RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUAL DONORS WHO HAVE MADE GIFTS TO OUR ANNUAL FUND AND FUND-A-DREAM BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 - DECEMBER 1, 2025. THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR ART COME TO LIFE.
BEL CANTO CIRCLE
PLATINUM
$50,000+
Anonymous
C. Curtis Dunnavan Fund
Vicki and Chip Emery
Ruth and John Huss
John Junek
Margaret V.B. Wurtele
GOLD
$25,000 – 49,999
Tracy Aanenson, PhD
Stephen* and Margaret Blake
Susan Boren and Steve King
Eleanor Crosby
Gayle Fuguitt and Tom Veitch
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad
CAMERATA CIRCLE
GOLD
$7,500 – 9,999
Michele Harris and Peter Tanghe
Dr. Robert L. Kriel and Dr. Linda E. Krach
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Thomas and Nancy Rohde
Jonathan and Cynthia Vessey
Paul and Cara Wilson
Sri and Aks Zaheer
SILVER
$5,000 – 7,499
Anonymous
Catherine Allan and Tim Grady
Lois Anderson
Kevin J. Armstrong and Lisa Goldson Armstrong
Martha and H. Brewster Atwater
PATRON CIRCLE
GOLD
$1,000 – $3,499
Anonymous (2)
Henry and Betty Albrecht
Joelle Allen
Torrie Allen and Tiffany Cooper-Allen
Rolf T. Anderson
Dan and Martha Goldberg Aronson
Jerry Artz
Patrick and Julie Atkinson
Ruth and Dale Bachman
Bergen and Justin Baker
Susanne and Johan Bakken
Thomas and Jill Barland
Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson
Jodi and Michael Mooney
Leni and David Moore
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
William White
SILVER
$15,000 – 24,999
Anonymous
Patricia Beithon
Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Dr. Thomas Stocks
Alberto Castillo and Judith Garcia Galiana
Patrick and Christina Comer
Ann Fankhanel
Mark Gordon and Anne Zweibel
Christopher Hermann and Brian Pietsch
Kathleen and Jaff Baradaran
William Biermaier and David Hanson
Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville
Susan Calmenson and Vince Leo
Gisela Corbett and Peter Hyman
Terrance* and Susan Dolan
Bruce and Diane Fenster
George Ferguson
Gail Fiskewold
Martha Gabbert
Dr. Richard Gregory
Barbara and Martin Hirsh
Amy Hoffman
Arthur and Fran* Horowitz
Charlie Johnson
Dr. Robert and Susan Josselson
Warren and Patty Kelly
Anna Kokayeff, MD
Fayneese Miller, PhD
Gillian and Richard Morris
John Beal and Barbara Brin
Bernie and Patricia Beaver
William and Margaret Bracken
Cheryl Brown
Lawson Brown and Joyce Arendt
Christopher J. Burns
Barbara Burwell
Laurie Carlson and William Voedisch
Mari Carlson
Gary and Janet Christenson
Cinda Collins
Jane M. and Ogden* W. Confer
Benjamin and Laura Cooper
Ann and Dodd Cosgrove
Jeffrey and Barbara Couture
Kathryn M. Cunningham*
Dorothy Horns and James Richardson
Constance and Daniel Kunin
Robert L. Lee* and Mary E. Schaffner
Jeninne McGee
Margaret Meyers*
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Christopher Ross
Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens
BRONZE
$10,000 – 14,999
Karen O. Bachman
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Milla and Phil Isaacson
Diane and Paul Jacobson
Blaine and Lyndel King
Christl and Andrew Larson
Richard and Nancy Nicholson
Constance and Lewis Remele
Andrea and James Rubenstein
Bill and Janet Schaeder
Gale Sharpe
Ryan Taylor
Ti Chang Taylor
Dr. Norrie
Thomas
Emily Tremblay and Joe Roith
Stephanie C. Van D'Elden
BRONZE
$3,500 – $4,999
Warren D. Woessner and Iris C.Freeman
Richard Allendorf
Priscilla Brewster
Jennifer Eukel and Kyle Reicks
Patricia R. Freeburg
S. Asim Gul
Nancy L. Gustafson
Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation
Sundeep and Tara Dev
Duchesne Drew
Maureen and John Drewitz
Laura and Tim Edman
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis*
Sally and Michael Feder
Daniel Fernelius
Anne and Thomas Forsythe
Philip and Caroline Fortmeyer
Salvatore Silvestri Franco
Mary and Jay Gallagher
Gunda Georg and Elaine Darst
Bill and Paula Glade
Marjahn Golban
Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus
Peggy and Ilo Leppik
Celita Levinson
David and Diane Lilly
Laura McCarten
McGough Construction Co. LLC with Brian and Cassie Nelson
Harvey Thomas McLain
Gayle and Timothy Ober
Ben and Kari Ollendick
James Powell and Mitchell Czeh
Paul* and Mary Reyelts
Ken Rothchild*
Benjamin and Breia Schleuss
John and Jill Thompson
Linda Hoeschler Blyberg and Peter A. Blyberg
Barbara Jenkins
Nancy and William Jones
Dr. Charles and Sally Jorgensen
Kristine Kaplan
David King
Martha and Brian Kreucher
Robert and Venetia Kudrle
Kenyon S. Latham
Sandra Morris
Jill Mortensen and S. Kay Phillips
Richard and Nancy Nelson
Peter and Rita Reed
Sampson Family Foundation
Dr. Frank and Lynda Sharbrough
Jerry Swenson
Natalie Volin Lehr
Drs. Greg Weber and James Barnett
Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim
Bruce and Jean Grussing
Donald and Marion Hall
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Anne Hanley and George Skinner
John Heer and Jody Copp
Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson
Jean M. Holten*
Joshua Howland
Benjamin W. Hulse and Maureen C. Sheehan
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hurwitz
Mary and Jeffrey Husband
Jeffrey Indrelie
J David Jackson
Janet N. Jones
The Kabat Family
Erwin and Miriam Kelen
Jay Kennedy
William Kindler
Margaret V. Kinney
Tom Klas
Sally and Bill Kling
Anne Knipe
Robert and Barbara Kueppers
James Kunz
Jose Lamela Jr
Daniel* and Dianne Latham
David and Darlene Lee
Susan Leppke
Linda and Warren Mack
David MacMillan* and Judith Krow
Dr. Joan E. Madden
Jenell Matthews
Rachelle McCord
Mary Bigelow McMillan*
Shawn Monaghan
Andrea Mouw
Colleen and Gregg Nelson
Merritt C. Nequette and Nancy Hartung
Lucia Newell and Steven Wiese
Bradley and Rebecca Nuss
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
The Pollock Family
Christina and Dwight Porter
Susan and Chris Preston
Sandra Roe
Dr. Marian R. Rubenfeld and Dr. Frederick G. Langendorf
Vicki Rupp
Christine Sagstetter
Mary Savina
Alan E. Shapiro
William and Trinka Sharpe
Sue Shepard
I-ming Shih and Arnold Chu
Marianne Settano Shumaker and Gordon Shumaker
Juliana and Bernie Simmons
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
Nadege J. Souvenir and Joshua A. Dorothy
Donna and Kenneth Speake
Susan Stabile and David Drueding
Sarah Stephens
Mary K. and Gary Stern
Robin and David Sternberg
Julie Stewart
Stephen and Dana Strand
Andrew Sun and Jess Hoffert
Lisa Swan
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
Tom Vangsness
Gordon and Stephanie Vizecky
Nancy Waite-O'Brien
Lori Ward
Sherrill and Lawrence Wick
James and Barbara Willis
John W. Windhorst Jr.
Jean C. Wirsig*
SILVER
$500 – 999
Anonymous (2)
Arlene Alm
Anita M. Anderson
Dean Anderson
John Beuerlein
David Bjork and Jeff Bengston
Stephen Christy
Carroll C. Cisek
Ken and Linda Cutler
Steve Dahlberg
Daniel deJongh
Dan Dressen and Elisabeth Comeaux
Justin Felicetta
Carol and Mike Garbisch
Greta and Paul Garmers
Leland and Beverly Gehrke
Richard Geise
Teddy Gesell
Barbara Golden
Donald Greenebaum and Beth Honetschlager
Myrtle Grette*
Ellen Guerin
Heather Haakenson
Nancy A. Harris
Carrie Hefte
Gemma Isaacson and Modi Hammarstedt
Sara Janz
Margaret Johnson
Susan Kalmer
Catherine C. Kangas
Ed and Martha Karels
Dan Kidney
David and Jane Kostik
Dr. Jenna Kubly
Jonathan and Lisa Lewis
George Logan
Natalie Losik
Holly MacDonald and John Orbison
Thomas and Jeanne MacLeod
Jessica Mallow Gulley
Amy and Franck Marret
Robert and Larae McPartlin
Michele Miller
Jim Miner and John Easton*
Bradley H. Momsen
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon D. Mosser
Diane Nixa
NorthRock Partners
Chris Olsen and Shannon Rhatigan
Dennis R. Olson
Luke and Laura Olson
Dede Ouren
Suzanne and William Payne
Jane M. Persoon
Corine and John Petraborg
Lawrence Pry
Philip Rickey
Liane A. Rosel
Emily Schwarzkopf
Richard and Carol Seaberg
Kathleen K. Simo
Darryl Smith
Kevin and Lynn Smith
Claire Steyaert
Sharon and Thomas Stoffel
Craig and Janet Swan
Eric Swanson and Curt Nelson
Betsey Temple
Irma Thies
Jean Thomson
Diane and William Toscano
Colyn Tvete
Meredith Vadis
Kenneth and Kathryn Valentas
Victoria and Lindsay Vargas
Catherine Vesley
Daniel Vogel
Jeff Wiemiller and Joe Anderson
Douglas Wilkowske
John M. Williams
John Wilson Jones
BRONZE
$250 – 499
Anonymous (5)
Jerome and Lori Abrams
Thomas and Ann Bagnoli
Gail Bakkom
Dr. and Mrs. David Benditt, MD
Joel Bernard
David and Diane Blake
Mary and Gus* Blanchard
Feraidoon Bourbour
Barbara and William Brauer
Eric Britt
Roger and Ronnie Brooks
Bradley Brown
Holly Budlong
Natalia Callero
Renee Campion and David Walsh
Ruth Carp
Sara Church
Louise and George Clitty
Paul Coons
Doug and Ruth Crane
Cathryn Curtis-Schmidt
Charme Sturkie Davidson
Joe and Genie Dixon
Cheryl DuBois
Sam Dudley
Jennifer Eckes
Brad and Diane England
Timothy Falencik
Sandra Fisler
Sam Fouts
James Glazier
Adam Goddard
Clark and Sima Griffith
Jennifer Gross and Jerry LeFevre
Freya and John Hanson
Elaine Heisterkamp and John K. Renwick
Rosmarie and John Helling
Cliffton and Sharon Hill
Joseph and Jeanna Hinderer
Kathleen and Robert Humphrey
Mark and Jeanne Jacobson
Celeste Marie Johnson
Jennifer and Ron Jones
Robert Kieft
Judith Allen Kim
David Kittelson
John Klein
Marek Kokoszka
Elise Koonmen
Derek Kuehl
Charles Lazarus and Mele Willis
Joseph Li and Kendall Reimer
Daniel W. Lindsey
Jean Lown
Christine Martin
William and Carole Martino
Sally and Don Mason
Sean McAleer
Mr. and Mrs. Chris McHugh
John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort
David Miller and Mary Dew
William and Imelda Muggli
Peter and Karla Myers
William Myers and Virginia Dudley
Allison Nahr
Curt D. Nelson
Fritz A. Nelson and Mina Fisher
Elizabeth and Neal Nordling
Aaron and Kate Nyquist
Patrick and Laura O'Connell
Scott and Kelly Olson
Donna and Marvin Ortquist
Julia and Brian Palmer
Rick and Sandra Penning
Ethan Perushek
Michele Pierce
Ona and Wayne Pinsonneault
Fred and Barbara Pollman
Anne and John Polta
Elizabeth Raymond and Paul Hybel
George Realmuto, MD
Brent and Sandy Reichert
Karen Reid
Annemarie Robertson
Marucha and Brent Routman
Peter Rue
James Salutz and Margaret Brandl
Julia Sand
Noel Schenker
Schuler Shook
Emily and David Seifers
Clayton Smith
Stephen Sporer
Donna Stephenson
Roxanne Stouffer
Joyce Thielen
Valerie Thompson
Randall Volk
David L. Ward
Emerson L. Williams
Perry Wilson and Elizabeth Cutter
Ruth Wood
Steve Zimmermann
* in remembrance
LEGACY CIRCLE
The following lists donors who, through their foresight and generosity, have included Minnesota Opera in their wills or estate plans.
Anonymous (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 Brindley
Richard D. Brunning*
C.T. Bundy II*
Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Dr. Thomas Stocks
Margaret M. Carasik
George and Joan Carlson
Richard and Darlene Carroll
Robert Clough
Dan and Julia Cross
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
The following endowment funds, created by visionary and generous donors, continue the work of Minnesota Opera for future generations.
Art of Singing Endowment Fund
To support exceptional training for Resident Artists by providing learning opportunities with leading artists and experts.
Sara and Jock Donaldson
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
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
Larry Klueh
Gisela Knoblauch
Liz and Jim* Krezowski
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 September 1, 2024 –December 1, 2025.
IN HONORARIUM
Rebecca Arons
William Kindler
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
Celeste Marie Johnson
David and Suzanne Johnson
Donna and Marvin Ortquist
Orpha McDiarmid
Mary McDiarmid
Barton Reed and Lexi Reed
Peter and Rita Reed
Lexi Reed
Natalia Callero
Rick and Deb Karulf
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Mari Carlson
Emily Skoblik-Diallo
Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray
IN MEMORIAM
Judson and Barbara Bemis
Sandra Roe
Stephen Blake
Laura Silver and Jeff Hertzberg
Gus Blanchard
Ruth and John Huss
Theresa and Jim Murray
Judith Brindley
Arthur E. Brindley
Sarah Cox
Thomas Cox
Kathryn M. Cunningham
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
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
Ken Rothchild*
Mary Savina
Jon L. Schasker* and Debbie Carlson
Josef Schermann
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.
Robert Christian Davidson
Charme Sturkie Davidson
Adele DiGiovanna
Cathleen Roth
Terrance Dolan
Joel Bernard
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Beryl and Jerry Halldorson
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Lucille Jansen
Joe and Lisa Thiegs
Scott Krenz
Emerson L. Williams
Jeffrey Kogle
Hannah Tjoflat
Robert L. Lee
David Chalfant
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Ann Fankhanel
Carrie Hefte
Dawn M. Loven
Christine Meuers
Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Mary 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
Howard O'Connell, Jr.
Alvina O’Brien
Alvina Hart
Nancy Waite-O’Brien
Fanny Peterson
Lela Clark
William and Sydney Phillips
Thomas Barry
Ken Rothchild
Brian Horrigan and Amy Levine
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Nina Rothchild
Ken Rothchild*
Glenda Thors
Elizabeth Murray
Herb Ward
Lori Ward
* in remembrance
MINNESOTA OPERA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES ITS MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS:
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Anonymous
Alice M. Ditson Fund
Anna M. Heilmaier
Charitable Foundation
Best Buy Foundation
Boss Foundation
Caplin Foundation
Carlson Holdings Inc.
Dellwood Foundation
Event Lab LLC
Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
The FS Foundation
Hutter Family Foundation
Margaret Rivers Fund
Mayo Clinic Health SystemFranciscan Healthcare
McGough Construction
McGough Facilities Management
McVay Foundation
NAMM Foundation
Onan Family Foundation
Rahr Corporation
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
