Minnesota Opera's 2017-2018 Season

OH, THE

DRAMA.

Salome, 2010 Š Michal Daniel.

POWERFUL. EMOTIONAL. UNFORGETTABLE. 5- OPE RA SU B S C R I P T I O N S E RIES SUBSCRIBE TO ALL FIVE OPERAS FOR THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE WITH EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS AND ACCESS TO THE BEST SEATS AT THE BEST PRICES.

Das Rheingold, 2016 © Cory Weaver.

5-Opera packages start as low as $90.

Enjoy these great benefits: ✓ Savings of up to 40% off of regular ticket prices ✓ Same seats from season to season ✓ Flexible ticket exchanges ✓ Subscriber discount to share with friends and family ✓ Priority seating in future seasons

Visit mnopera.org/2017-2018 to purchase today!

DRAMA. COMEDY. ROMANCE .

3- AND 4-OPERA S UBS C R I P T I O N S E R IE S CREATE YOUR OWN SEASON BY SELECTING T H E O P E R A S T H AT B E S T F I T YO U R TA S T E A N D S C H E D U L E , W I T H G R E AT SAVI N G S A N D B E NEFITS.

Tosca, 2016 © Dan Norman.

Create Your Own packages start as low as $62.

Enjoy these great benefits: ✓ Savings of up to 35% off of regular ticket prices with a 4-opera package ✓ Savings of up to 30% off of regular ticket prices with a 3-opera package ✓ Flexible ticket exchanges ✓ Subscriber discount to share with friends and family

Visit mnopera.org/2017-2018 to purchase today!

October 7–15, 2017 SAT

7 8

pm

TUE

10 7:30

pm

THUR

12 7:30

pm

SAT

14 7:30

pm

DON PASQUALE | CRAIG COLCLOUGH SUN

15 2

“. . . exquisite comic timing and . . . a wide range of dynamic and luminous bronzed vocal tones.”

—Opera Today

pm

This production of Donizetti’s bubbly farce

DR. MALATESTA | ANDREW WILKOWSKE*

presents the miserly aristocrat Don Pasquale

“Wilkowske’s ease with rapid-fire patter was only the beginning of his vocal charm. He made the singing sound easy . . . ”

as a silent movie star facing the end of his career in 1950s Hollywood. Locked in a battle of wits and wills with his lovesick nephew Ernesto and the crafty widow Norina, Pasquale grapples with the new problems and possibilities of the modern

—Third Coast Digest

ERNESTO | DAVID WALTON* “Walton . . . offered the requisite clean, clear voice of the hero as he affably endured his character's trials and tribulations.”

—Duluth News Tribune

technicolor world. It takes the clever scheming of the family doctor to teach the

NORINA | SUSANNAH BILLER

old curmudgeon a lesson—but not before a

“. . . incandescent, exquisitely supple soprano . . .”

—Dallas Morning News

series of amusing catastrophes threatens to shatter his ego for good. *Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program Alumnus

Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

Early in his career, Stage Director Chuck Hudson worked extensively with the renowned Marcel Marceau, whose comic mastery inspired this unique take on Donizetti’s classic opera.

November 11–19, 2017 SAT

11

7:30 pm

SUN

12 2 pm

TUE

THUR

7:30 pm

7:30 pm

14

16

SAT

18

7:30 pm

FIGARO | RICHARD OLLARSABA* SUN

19 2 pm

All is fair in love and war in this new staging of Mozart’s timeless comedy of errors, widely considered the perfect opera. Mozart’s infectious score brings humor, drama, and humanity to this story of class conflict. It should be the happiest day of their lives, but the wily servant Figaro and his charming fiancée Susanna must fend off the philandering, arrogant Count Almaviva before he ruins everything. On a day filled with chaos and confusion in which disguised identities are revealed and shenanigans ensue, will the young lovers finally make it to the altar?

“[Ollarsaba] showed the poise and communicative power of a seasoned artist, singing with commanding stentorian tone . . . ”

—Chicago Classical Review

SUSANNA | ANGELA MORTELLARO* “Mortellaro was beautiful to watch onstage. She is a graceful young woman and a natural actor . . . ”

—Classical Voice of New England

COUNT ALMAVIVA | JACQUES IMBRAILO “Imbrailo’s is a lyric baritone of considerable elegance . . . [he] sang everything with authentic lyrical intensity.”

—Classical Source

COUNTESS ALMAVIVA | JOHANNI VAN OOSTRUM “[Oostrum’s] effortlessly blossoming, gleaming, precisely pitched soprano is the vocal highlight of the evening . . . ”

—Kronen Zeitung

*Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program Alumnus

Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

Johannes Brahms once said, “In my opinion, each number in Figaro is a miracle; it is totally beyond me how anyone could create anything so perfect; nothing like it was ever done again, not even by Beethoven.”

Page 12, Page 13 – DMW Dead Man Walking

January 27–February 3, 2018 SAT

27

7:30 pm

SUN

28 2 pm

TUE

30 7:30 pm

THUR

SAT

7:30 pm

8 pm

1

3

The most performed new opera of the 21st century, this heartbreaking story of grief, grace, and redemption is a modern classic.

Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir that inspired the Oscar-winning movie of the same name, it recounts her courageous struggle to provide spiritual guidance to a condemned Louisiana murderer in the months leading up to his execution. With a powerful libretto by four-time Tony Award®-winner Terrence McNally and lyrical music by Jake Heggie— praised as one of the great living opera composers—Dead Man Walking has moved audiences worldwide since its premiere.

Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.

SISTER HELEN | CATHERINE MARTIN “As Sister Helen, Catherine Martin’s remarkable vocal powers brought her character, and the opera to life.”

—The Oakwood Register

JOSEPH DE ROCHER | SETH CARICO “. . . powerful in both voice and bearing . . . ”

—Opera News

MRS. DE ROCHER | DENYCE GRAVES “. . . operatic superstar of the 21st Century . . . ”

—USA Today

SISTER ROSE | KAREN SLACK “Karen Slack sang with poise and radiant sound.

[Her] amply blooming high notes were especially brilliant.”

—Opera Today

Dead Man Walking has been seen internationally in more than 40 productions on five continents since its premiere in 2000.

Page 14, Page 15 – Rigelotto Rigoletto A Fool’s Revenge.

March 17–31, 2018 SAT

17

THUR

22

7:30 pm

7:30 pm

THUR

SAT

29

7:30 pm

SAT

24

7:30 pm

SUN

25 2pm

RIGOLETTO | OLAFUR SIGURDARSON TUE

27

7:30 pm

31

7:30 pm

Verdi’s time-honored tale of seduction

“. . . the powerfulness and expressiveness of [Sigurdarson’s] kingly baritone timbre sculpt the character . . . ” —Opernnetz

GILDA | MARIE-EVE MUNGER “[Munger] was all sweetness and light, with a voice that soared with golden tones.”

—The Daily News

and bitter revenge is boldly imagined in this new production. The disfigured jester Rigoletto must do everything in his power to protect his innocent daughter from the lecherous Duke of Mantua before she

DUKE OF MANTUA | JOSHUA DENNIS “The genuine acting from Dennis . . . set the tone for the production, allowing for a welcome intimacy . . . ”

—Opera News

falls into his clutches. Brimming with rich melodies and featuring the famous aria “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto tragically unravels as it races toward its devastating

SPARAFUCILE | MATT BOEHLER* “. . . Boehler deserves kudos for his scene-stealing turns as the murderer with a code of honor, Sparafucile.”

—Pioneer Press

conclusion. *Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program Alumnus

Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

Rigoletto is based on a play by the prominent French novelist, dramatist, and poet Victor Hugo, who also penned Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

May 12–20, 2018 SAT

12 7:30

pm

TUE

15 7:30

pm

THUR

17 7:30

pm

THAÏS | KELLY KADUCE

SAT

19 7:30

pm

SUN

20 2

“[Kaduce’s] dark focused sound was lusty and lyric one moment, tender and floating the next.”

—Opera News

pm

A devout monk seeks to convert Thaïs,

ATHANAËL | LUCAS MEACHEM

a ravishingly beautiful courtesan, but

“The sweet quality of [Meachem’s] deep voice comes with a blast furnace of dramatic power . . . ”

realizes too late that his pious obsession

—Seattle Times

is rooted in lust, not religion. Minnesota Opera produces Massenet’s sensual and melodic creation for the first time. Set in the deserts and oases of 4th-century Egypt, this searing drama explores the

NICIAS | JOHN ROBERT LINDSEY* “With his flexible yet full instrument rising to the role’s high dramatic tasks, Lindsey is a young tenor to watch.”

—Opera Today

conflict between the passion of the flesh and the salvation of the soul.

*Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program Alumnus

Sung in French with English translations projected above the stage.

A wardrobe malfunction created a scintillating premiere performance in 1894 when American soprano Sibyl Sanderson’s gown “slipped” resulting in her finishing the first act by seducing the monk topless.

Deepen your connection to opera.

Opera Insights Free, fun, and informative half-hour pre-show chats prior to every performance in the Target Atrium (mezzanine-level lobby) at the Ordway.

EASY. ENRICHING. ENJOYABLE. F R OM B E G I N N I N G TO E ND MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE OPERA.

Behind the Curtain Explore the music, history, and production of each opera with members of the artistic and creative teams. These events are held for each production at the Minnesota Opera Center in Minneapolis.

Taste of Opera A delicious pre-show dinner and relaxed conversation with experts from the world of opera. Leave the logistics to us and enjoy an all-inclusive experience at the opera.

Tempo is a membership program for both new and seasoned opera-goers ages 21–39. A Tempo membership includes exciting benefits like steeply discounted subscription and individual tickets, plus invitations to fun social events.

© CJ Standish.

Plan your visit.

Parking Subscribers can purchase discounted prepaid parking passes at Lawson Commons Ramp, diagonal to Rice Park. Become a donor at the Artist Circle ($1,000+) level and receive this benefit for free.

Dining Subscribers enjoy dining deals from restaurant partners located near the Ordway. Offers vary by restaurant, and may include anything from a complimentary appetizer to a free dessert valid on the day of the performance by showing your subscription ticket.

Food & Drink at the Ordway You will find bars and concession areas that serve a wide variety of snacks, soft drinks, and adult beverages. Bars and concession areas open 60 minutes prior to every performance through intermission. Drinks are allowed in the theater and may be pre-ordered for intermissions.

Accessibility Wheelchair-accessible seating, restrooms, and other facilities are available at the Ordway. Audio description is available for select performances. Please indicate your needs when ordering tickets. Braille and large-print programs are available at Patron Services in the Ordway’s first level lobby for every performance.

More information at mnopera.org/visit.

GIVE. DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. JO IN OU R FA M I LY O F D O NO RS MAKE A SPECIAL 55 TH ANNIVERSARY GIFT TO SUPPORT OUR PRODUCTIONS, MUSICIANS, AND YOUTH.

The Shining, 2016 © Ken Howard.

Drive to 55

All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation: ✓ $55 becomes $110 = 2 yards of costume fabric and 6 spools of thread ✓ $155 becomes $310 = 8 complete orchestral and vocal scores ✓ $255 becomes $510 = 50 kids get to see an opera for free Give $55 or more as part of your subscription order and receive your free Minnesota Opera lapel pin. Gifts of any level are appreciated.

Visit mnopera.org/drive-to-55 for more details and a full list of donor benefits.

PACKAGE PRICE CHART

SEATING AREAS SEE ALL 5 SAVINGS 5 Full-Price Individual Tickets 5-Opera Packages SAVE 25% 5-Opera Student/Senior Packages SAVE 35% 5-Opera Tuesday Packages SAVE 40% CHOOSE 4 4 Full-Price Individual Tickets 4-Opera Packages SAVE 20% 4-Opera Student/Senior Packages SAVE 30% 4-Opera Tuesday Packages SAVE 35% CHOOSE 3 3 Full-Price Individual Tickets 3-Opera Packages SAVE 15% 3-Opera Student/Senior Packages SAVE 25% 3-Opera Tuesday Packages SAVE 30%

F*

E

D

C

B

A

A+

$140

$265

$390

$515

$665

$840

$1,090

$109 $96 $90

$203 $178 $165

$296 $259 $240

$390 $340 $315

$499 $438 $405

$634

$821

$510

$660

$112 $92 $82 $77

$212 $172 $152 $142

$312 $252 $222 $207

$412 $335 $292 $272

$532 $425 $376 $350

$672 $540

$872 $699

$441

$571

$84 $73 $65 $62

$159 $137 $122 $114

$234 $199 $178 $167

$309 $264 $234 $219

$399 $341 $302 $282

$504 $430

$654 $557

$356

$461

SUBSCRIPTION PERFORMANCE CHART

Color coding signifies seating area.

See seating chart below.

A Student/Senior Discount is available on Thursdays and Sundays only in seating areas B–F. Seniors 62+.

Students must purchase tickets in person or over the phone. *Seating area F is Partial View. Stage and/or English translations may be obstructed from seats in this area.

All operas are performed in the Music Theater at the Ordway.

345 Washington St., St. Paul, MN 55102 Accessibility options are available.

Call 612-333-6669.

SEATING CHART

DON PASQUALE

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

DEAD MAN WALKING

RIGOLETTO

THAÏS

Opening Saturday

Oct. 7* 8pm

Nov. 11 7:30pm

Jan. 27 7:30pm

Mar. 17 7:30pm

May 12 7:30pm

Tuesdays

Oct. 10 7:30pm

Nov. 14 7:30pm

Jan. 30 7:30pm

Mar. 27 7:30pm

May 15 7:30pm

Thursdays

Oct. 12 7:30pm

Nov. 16 7:30pm

Feb. 1 7:30pm

Mar. 22 7:30pm

May 17 7:30pm

2nd Saturdays

Oct. 14 7:30pm

Nov. 18 7:30pm

Feb. 3* 8pm

Mar. 24 7:30pm

May 19 7:30pm

Sunday Matinees

Oct. 15 2pm

Nov. 12 2pm

Jan 28 2pm

Mar. 25 2pm

May 20 2pm

*Oct. 7 (Opera Gala 2017) and Feb. 3 (Torchlight Parade 2018) performances begin at 8pm.

Additional performances on Nov. 19, Mar. 29, and Mar. 31 go on sale August 2017.

Tickets will be mailed in August 2017. Programs, artists, and schedules are subject to change.

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER ONLINE mnopera.org PHONE 612-333-6669 Hours: M–F 10am–5pm MAIL Fill out this form and mail to the Minnesota Opera Ticket Office, 620 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55401

2017–2018 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM NAME

YOUR SUBTOTAL 4 CALCULATE See package price chart on opposite page.

Number of Seats =

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE ZIP

PHONE (DAY)

5

PURCHASE CONVENIENT PREPAID PARKING

6

MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION

7

CHOOSE YOUR PAYMENT METHOD

Please note that seating confirmations are sent via e-mail.

CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE AND OPERAS See package price chart on opposite page.

YES – I choose all 5 for the best savings, seats, and benefits!

PARKING

5 passes = $42.50 4 passes = $34 3 passes = $25.50

$

Pasquale

Figaro

Dead Man Walking

Rigoletto

Thaïs

Rigoletto

Thaïs

Please consider a gift of $55 or more in honor of Minnesota Opera’s 55th anniversary season. Thank you for your generous support!

CONTRIBUTION

$

Check enclosed, made payable to Minnesota Opera

4-OPERA PACKAGE, pick 4 operas:

SEAT TOTAL

= $

(EVENING)

E-MAIL ADDRESS

1

x Seating Area Price $

VISA/Mastercard AMEX Discover/NOVUS

3-OPERA PACKAGE, pick 3 operas:

Pasquale

Figaro

Dead Man Walking

CREDIT CARD #

2

CHOOSE YOUR SEATING AREA See seating chart on opposite page.

3

CHOOSE YOUR DAY See subscription performance chart on opposite page.

F*

E

D

C

B

Opening Saturday Tuesday Thursday 2nd Saturday

A

A+

Sunday Matinee

EXP DATE

SIGNATURE

Though subscription orders are non-refundable, subscribers may make exchanges, subject to availability. Exchange, turn back, or purchase additional tickets beginning August 2017.

THE 2017–2018 SEASON

Oct. 7–15, 2017

Nov. 11–19, 2017 The Marriage of Figaro, 2016 © Dana Sohm for Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

620 North First Street Minneapolis, MN 55401

Jan. 27–Feb. 3, 2018

Mar. 17–31, 2018

May 12–20, 2018

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 94942 Twin Cities, MN