Production by Matthew Ozawa
Music by Charles Gounod
Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré
2025 FESTIVAL SEASON
June 27 - July 20
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN by Wagner / Ryan McKinny as The Dutchman (pictured) THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN by Janáˇcek / Hera Hyesang Park as Vixen, Roland Wood as Forester, Sun-Ly Pierce as Fox THE RAKE’S PROGRESS by Stravinsky / Jonas Hacker as Tom Rakewell and Joélle Harvey as Anne Trulove
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST / 2024 International Opera Awards For tickets and more info, visit DMMO.ORG or call (515) 209-3257
MN Opera celebrates the Twin Cities Opera Guild as long-time sponsors of the Student Dress Rehearsals, bringing thousands of students to the Ordway to experience the joy, power, and excitement of opera.
TCOG is a vibrant, welcoming community of volunteers in service of music education for regional youth by awarding grants to musical performance organizations and public and private schools.
Visit www.TwinCitiesOperaGuild.org to learn more and join. Enter code “MNOP” to redeem a free first year membership (new members only).
Edward Tulane, 2022 © Cory Weaver
elcome back to another extraordinary season with Minnesota Opera!
The 2024-2025 season celebrates some of our most memorable productions while demonstrating our steadfast commitment to shaping the future of the art form.
you’ll see was originally produced in 2016 and makes a comeback to the Ordway stage after travels to other opera houses across the country. In fact, the set and costumes from this show are some of the most rented in our collection, speaking to the lasting artistry that we invest in year after year at MN Opera.
Another area where we demonstrate our commitment to the future of this art form is through the New Works Initiative. We recently announced three new commissions made possible through this program—innovative pieces that will add to the repertoire of stories told through opera. These new works include operatic adaptations of Misery by Stephen King, the graphic novel The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V., and a brand-new chamber opera titled My Name is Florence, based on the life and career of the American composer Florence Price.
As we revisit a production that has touched audiences here and across the country, a story that has been told and retold, I’m reminded of the extraordinary opportunity we have when we tell stories. Stories change minds, hearts, and perspectives. And it is for that reason we continue to invest in bringing more stories to the stage—why we aim to realize our vision to sing every story—stories matter. Thank you for supporting us as we strive to fulfill that vision season after season.
RYAN TAYLOR PRESIDENT AND GENERAL DIRECTOR Minnesota Opera | MNOpera.org
MUSIC BY Charles Gounod
LIBRETTO BY Jules Barbier AND Michel Carré
BASED ON William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Premiered April 27, 1867 at the Théâtre Lyrique, Paris, France
Scenery and costumes for this production were constructed at the Minnesota Opera Shops and Cincinnati Opera and are jointly owned by Minnesota Opera and Cincinnati Opera.
CAST CREATIVE TEAM
in order of vocal appearance
TYBALT
ÁNGEL VARGAS+
COUNT PARIS
YURAN LIU
LORD CAPULET
JOHN MBURU+
JULIET
JASMINE HABERSHAM
MERCUTIO
CHARLES H. EATON*
ROMEO
EVAN LEROY JOHNSON
GERTRUDE
VICTORIA VARGAS*
GREGORIO
DAVID WOLFE+
FRIAR LAURENCE
ADAM LAU
STEPHANO
KARA MORGAN+
BENVOLIO
NATHAN ROMPORTL
DUKE OF VERONA
PHILIP ZAWISZA
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
CHRISTOPHER FRANKLIN
ASSOCIATE STAGE DIRECTOR
MARGARET JUMONVILLE
STAGE DIRECTOR
MATTHEW OZAWA
SCENIC DESIGNER
WILLIAM BOLES
COSTUME DESIGNER
SARAH BAHR
LIGHTING DESIGNER
PAUL WHITAKER
CHOREOGRAPHY
JAMES SEWELL BALLET
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
TOM RINGBERG
FIGHT DIRECTOR
MASON TYER
WIG, HAIR, AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
PRISCILLA BRUCE
ASSISTANT STAGE DIRECTOR
SYDNEY ROSLIN
STAGE MANAGER
LUCI BURDICK
MUSICAL PREPARATION
MARIO ANTONIO MARRA
Head of Music and Assistant Conductor
CELESTE MARIE JOHNSON*
Chorus Director
FUMIYASU KAWASE+, ERIC MCENANEY* Répétiteurs
SEASON SPONSOR
Minnesota Opera gratefully acknowledges the special support of generous donors who helped make these performances possible.
ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME
Two hours and 51 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission approximately 65 minutes into the opera.
Minnesota Opera would like to recognize that we occupy land that is of great historical, spiritual, and cultural significance to the Dakota people.
To learn more, visit mnopera.org/ land-acknowledgement.
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound and Projection Designers in Live Performance.
ACT I
At a masked ball in the Capulet palace, Juliet’s cousin Tybalt assures Count Paris that Juliet, who has been promised to him, is enchanting. Lord Capulet presents his daughter to the guests and invites everyone to dance. Mercutio and Romeo have donned masks to sneak into the ball, together with other Montague friends. Romeo tells them about a strange dream he has had, but Mercutio dismisses it as the work of the fairy Queen Mab. In a chance passing, Romeo and Juliet lock eyes and experience the first sparks of love. Juliet explains to her nurse, Gertrude, that she has no interest in marriage, but when Romeo approaches her in a quiet moment, both feel that they are meant for each other. Tybalt happens upon them and recognizes Romeo, leading both Romeo and Juliet to discover each other’s family identity. Lord Capulet prevents Tybalt from attacking Romeo, who, with his friends, makes a hasty retreat
ACT II
Later that night, Romeo enters the Capulets’ garden, looking for Juliet. When she steps out onto her balcony, he declares his love. Search parties briefly interrupt their midnight encounter. When they are alone once again, Juliet assures Romeo that she will be his forever.
ACT III
Romeo visits Friar Laurence at the church and confesses his love for Juliet. Shortly thereafter, Juliet appears with Gertrude. Hoping that their love might reconcile their families, Friar Laurence marries them.
In the public square, Romeo’s page, Stephano, sings a song about a turtledove imprisoned in a nest of vultures. This angers several of the Capulets. Mercutio comes to Stephano’s aid, but soon Tybalt challenges Mercutio to a fight. Romeo steps between them and asks Tybalt to forget about the hatred between their families. Tybalt has nothing but scorn for him, and when he kills Mercutio in their duel, Romeo stabs Tybalt to death. The Duke of Verona appears and, after partisans of both families demand justice, exiles Romeo.
ACT IV
Romeo and Juliet secretly meet in Juliet’s bedroom to consummate their marriage. Juliet forgives Romeo for killing Tybalt. The newlyweds passionately declare their love as day is dawning. They can hardly bring themselves to say goodbye. After Romeo has left, Lord Capulet appears, together with Friar Laurence, and announces to his daughter that she is to marry Paris that same day. Desperate, Juliet turns to Friar Laurence, who gives her a potion that will make her appear to be dead. He promises that she will awaken with Romeo beside her. Love lends Juliet courage: she overcomes her fear and drinks the poison. As she faces Paris at the altar, Juliet collapses. To the guests’ horror, Lord Capulet announces that she is dead.
ACT V
Romeo arrives at the Capulets’ crypt. Discovering Juliet’s body, he believes her to be dead and drinks a deadly poison. At that moment, she awakens, and the lovers share a final dream of a future together. As Romeo grows weaker, Juliet decides to join him in death and stabs herself with a dagger. The lovers die, finally united in eternity.
SET RENDERINGS BY WILLIAM BOLES
The story of Romeo and Juliet occupies a hallowed place in Western literature. Most of us have read Shakespeare’s play in high school, or seen the ballet, or watched a movie adaptation at some point. And yet we still return to these characters again and again, finding new moments of inspiration each time. I believe our fascination with Romeo and Juliet is twofold: one, it returns us all to our first loves, those moments when attraction is joyous and young, fun and exciting. And two, it tells us of war. We see two communities who are so violent towards each other that it ruins lives, loves, and families. Whether their story is spoken, sung, danced, or read, we journey with two souls who start as naïve young
❝How fitting that our telling of this tale, returning home to MN Opera after eight years, be filled with the voices and creative history of all those performances, making way for tonight’s cast.”
that our telling of this tale, returning home to MN Opera after eight years, be filled with the voices and creative history of all those performances, making
We begin, under the visual gesture of a single red rose, with a modern Romeo and Juliet, dressed in contemporary clothing. On stage, cast members then “dress” the young lovers in Elizabethan costumes. From there, our heroes rebel against a strict society and bloody familial dispute to find their way together. In the final scene, we see them returned to their modern dress—this time, a poignant sword hanging above them. It is a sign that this story happens in any time, in all times. It’s happening now. Romeo and Juliet remind us that love
show us our own layered definitions of loyalty, devotion, care, wild abandon, and they sing to us
people and are quickly thrust through trauma, heartbreak and tragedy. And yet they choose to remain as one, standing on a precipice and jumping off into the unknown.
This production began at Minnesota Opera in 2016, directed by Matthew Ozawa. Since then, it has travelled to many other cities, sharing its highly symbolic presentation of Romeo and Juliet with dozens of audiences across the country. How fitting
ASSOCIATE
STAGE DIRECTOR
CAPULET (LEFT) AND ROMEO (RIGHT) BY SARAH BAHR
Charles Gounod was a pivotal figure in 19th-century French opera, celebrated for his lyrical style and melodic grace. Born in 1818, Gounod initially pursued law under pressure from his parents but soon followed his passion for music, studying at the Paris Conservatoire. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1839, allowing him to spend time in Italy, where he absorbed the works of Palestrina and became acquainted with the Faust legend—both of which would profoundly influence his later compositions.
Gounod’s music is noted for its rich, expressive melodies and his ability to blend sacred and secular influences. His most famous opera, Faust (1859), showcases his gift for drama and character development through music, blending traditional French lyricism with a spiritual depth. Gounod’s delicate orchestration and emphasis on vocal beauty are key hallmarks of his style, seen again in Roméo et Juliette (1867), where his ability to capture romantic and emotional nuance shines.
Although he composed several other operas, including Mireille and Philémon et Baucis, none
reached the same lasting popularity as Faust and Roméo et Juliette. In his later years, Gounod turned more toward sacred music, reflecting the spiritual inclinations that had always been a part of his creative life, and composed masses, oratorios, and hymns, including the famous Ave Maria
SARAH BAHR
COSTUME DESIGNER
DARWIN, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2016
Notable Engagements:
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera
Albert Herring, Minnesota Opera
Carmen, Jacobs School of Music:
Indiana University*
I am Betty, History Theatre*
STORMCLUTTER, BRKFST Dance Company
PRISCILLA BRUCE
WIG, HAIR, AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
KENSINGTON, MD
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Il trovatore, 2008
Notable Engagements:
Il trovatore, Washington National Opera
Mortification of Fovea Munson, Kennedy Center Youth Audience
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera
La Cenerentola, Boston Lyric Opera
Faust, Wolf Trap Opera
WILLIAM BOLES
SCENIC DESIGNER
CHICAGO, IL
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2016
Notable Engagements:
No More Sad Things, Sideshow Theater Company
Cardboard Piano, Actors Theater of Louisville, Humana 2016
Angels in America, Actors Theatre of Louisville
Men on Boats, American Theater Company
Les mamelles de Tirésias, Wolf Trap Opera
CHARLES
H. EATON
MERCUTIO
STORRS, CT
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Silent Night, 2018
Notable Engagements:
Pagliacci, Pensacola Opera*
Don Giovanni, Madison Opera*
La bohéme, Minnesota Opera
Trouble in Tahiti, Minnesota Opera
Silent Night, Wolf Trap Opera
Duruflé’s Requiem, Carnegie Hall
CHRISTOPHER FRANKLIN
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
PITTSBURGH, PA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
La Cenerentola, 2011
Notable Engagements:
The Barber of Seville Minnesota Opera* Turandot, San Francisco Opera
Peter Grimes, Palau de les Arts-Valencia Manon, Ópera de Tenerife
Adriana Lecouvrer, Opéra Royale de Wallonie
Die Fledermaus, New National TheatreTokyo
JASMINE HABERSHAM
JULIET
MACON, GA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Fellow Travelers, 2018
Notable Engagements:
The Elixir of Love, Florida Grand Opera*
The Listeners, Lyric Opera of Chicago*
She Who Dared, Chicago Opera Theater*
Carmen, Gran Teatre del Liceu
Werther, Houston Grand Opera
Rigoletto, Opera North UK
CELESTE MARIE JOHNSON
CHORUS DIRECTOR
PINE ISLAND, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Albert Herring, 2021
Notable Engagements:
Don Pasquale, Lakes Area Music Festival
Don Giovanni, Minnesota Opera
Carmen, Minnesota Opera
The Anonymous Lover, Minnesota Opera
La fille du régiment, Opera Saratoga Tosca, Inland Northwest Opera
EVAN LEROY JOHNSON ROMEO
PINE ISLAND, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
La bohème, San Francisco Opera*
Eugene Onegin, Canadian Opera Company*
Médée, National Theater Prague*
Carmen, Glyndebourne Festival
Tannhäuser, Bavarian State Opera
Madama Butterfly, Royal Danish Opera
MARGARET JUMONVILLE
ASSOCIATE STAGE DIRECTOR
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Edward Tulane, 2022
Notable Engagements:
Les contes d’Hoffmann, Opéra Louisiane
Hänsel und Gretel, Chicago Summer Opera
Le nozze di Figaro, Chicago Summer Opera
Così fan tutte, Butler Opera Center
Suor Angelica, Butler Opera Center
ADAM LAU
FRIAR LAURENCE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
Les Troyens à Carthage, Seattle Opera* Tosca, Seattle Opera*
La damnation de Faust, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
La bohème, Opera Philadelphia
Un ballo in maschera, San Francisco Opera
MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST ALUM
YURAN LIU
COUNT PARIS
QINGDAO, SHANDONG, CHINA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
Le nozze di Figaro, University of Minnesota*
JOHN MBURU
LORD CAPULET
WARWICK, RI
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera*
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera*
Julius Caesar, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
The Barber of Seville, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
La bohème, The Glimmerglass Festival
Aida, Cincinnati Opera
KARA MORGAN
STEPHANO
ANDOVER, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera*
L’enfant et les sortilèges, Salt March Opera
The Rape of Lucretia, An Opera Theatre
Hansel and Gretel, Pacific Opera Project
Hansel and Gretel, Fargo-Moorehead Opera
MATTHEW OZAWA
STAGE DIRECTOR
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo & Juliet, 2016
Notable Engagements:
Parsifal, San Francisco Opera*
Fidelio, Canadian Opera Company
Nabucco, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Madama Butterfly, Santa Fe Opera
TOM RINGBERG
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
EAGAN, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2016
Notable Engagements:
Macbeth, Great River Shakespeare Festival
Servant of Two Masters, Great River
Shakespeare Festival
Cybeline, Great River Shakespeare Festival
Bent, Phoenix Theatre
Hunting and Gathering, University of Minnesota - Morris, MN
NATHAN ROMPORTL BENVOLIO
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
The Song Poet, 2023
Notable Engagements:
Carmina Burana, Sonomento
Requiem for Frankie Silver,
Orpheus Music Project
Bach’s Magnificat, Exultate
Handel’s Messiah, Holy Family Catholic Church
EVE SCHULTE
CHOREOGRAPHER
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Choreography:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
Yonder (Choreographer), with Linnea Mohn, The Cowles Center
Killer Pig (Dancer), Sharon Eyal & Gai Behar, The O’Shaughnessy
Unset (Co-Director), Live Action Set, Southern Theater
Price of Ambition (Choreographer), Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Orchestra Hall
Nutcracker (Not So) Suite (Dancer), Myron Johnson, The Cowles Center
JAMES SEWELL CHOREOGRAPHER
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Choreography:
Aida, 1998
Notable Engagements:
Artistic Director, James Sewell Ballet
Aida, The Phoenix Opera
Amahl and the Night Visitors, University of Minnesota, Morris
Titicut Follies, Cannes de Danse
1776, Guthrie Theater
She Loves Me, Guthrie Theater
MASON TYER
FIGHT DIRECTOR, FIGHT CAPTAIN
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Silent Night, 2018
Notable Engagements:
The Elixir of Love, Minnesota Opera
Anon(ymous), Full Circle Theatre Company
Dark Sisters, Journey North Opera Company
Misery, Duluth Playhouse
The Three Musketeers, Lakeshore Players
Angel Island, Brooklyn Academy of Music
ÁNGEL VARGAS
TYBALT
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera*
Lucia di Lammermoor, Sarasota Opera
The Elixir of Love, Ópera de Puerto Rico
Bel Canto, Aspen Music Festival
La tragédie de Carmen, Landestheater Linz
MN
MN
VICTORIA VARGAS
GERTRUDE
NEW YORK, NY
Minnesota Opera Debut:
La Cenerentola, 2010
Notable Engagements:
Edward Tulane, Minnesota Opera
Carmen, Minnesota Opera
Verdi’s Requiem, La Jolla Symphony
Generación Perdida, Opera America
PAUL WHITAKER
LIGHTING DESIGNER
PASADENA, CA
Minnesota Opera Debut: Romeo and Juliet, 2016
Notable Engagements: Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing, Chicago Opera Theatre
Diana’s Garden, Minnesota Opera Rigoletto, Minnesota Opera Flight, Minnesota Opera Sumo, Public Theatre
* Indicates Upcoming Performance
DAVID WOLFE
GREGORIO
SHAMOKIN, PA
Minnesota Opera Debut:
Romeo and Juliet, 2024
Notable Engagements:
The Snowy Day, Minnesota Opera*
The Barber of Seville, Minnesota Opera*
Tosca, Palm Beach Opera
The Barber of Seville, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
Galileo Galilei, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
PHILIP ZAWISZA DUKE OF VERONA
NILES, MI
Minnesota Opera Debut: The Manchurian Candidate, 2015
Notable Engagements:
Die Fledermaus, Western Plains Opera
The Barber of Seville, Western Plains Opera
The Bear, Wiener Kammeroper
Pelléas et Melisande, Stadttheater Bern
The Magic Flute, Tiroler Landestheater
Tannhäuser, National Theater Mannheim
ORCHESTRA, CHORUS, SUPERNUMERARIES + DANCERS
MINNESOTA OPERA ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN I
Allison Ostrander
Concertmaster
Julia Persitz
Assistant concertmaster
Angela Waterman Hanson
Heidi Amundson
Brittany Quinn
Mary Alice Hutton
Spencer Day
Maisie Block
Kseniya Khvashchynskaya
VIOLIN II
Laurie Petruconis*
Elise Parker+
Ian Snyder
Sarah Whitnah
Emily Saathoff
William (Liam) Gibb
Erika Hoogeveen
VIOLA
Emily Hagen*
Susan Janda+
Jenny Lind Nilsson
Anne Ainomae
Coca Bochonko
CELLO
Teresa Richardson*
Sally Gibson Dorer+
Rebecca Arons
Ruth Marshall
Patricia Ryan
BASS
John Michael Smith*
Cassidy A. Morgan+
Charles Block
MINNESOTA OPERA CHORUS
SOPRANOS
Laura LeVoir
Michelle Liebl
Margaret Matejcek
Monica Murray
Kendall Reimer
Quinn Shadko
Lindsay Sessing
Kristie Tigges
Cassandra Vasta
MEZZOSOPRANOS
Laura Coale
Kristina Dudley
Beth Gusenius
Miranda Kettlewell
Jess Nesbit
Anya Newsome
Emilia Perrota
Ashley Sievers
Anne Todey
TENORS
Robert Banks
Isaiah Burkel
Phinehas Bynum
Thore Dosdall
Paul Gutmann
Nathan Romportl
Jacob Sorrells
Nicholas Swanson
Colyn Tvete
FLUTE
Hannah Peterson*
Noah Livingston, double piccolo
OBOE
Michael Dayton*
Robert McManus, double English horn
CLARINET
Karrin Meffert-Nelson*
Nina Olsen
BASSOON
Jessica Findley Yang*
Laurie Hatcher Merz
HORN
Charles Hodgson*
Katelyn Lewis
Allison Akins
Jenna McBride
BARITONE/BASS
Steve Dahlberg
Joshua Eidem
Yuran Liu
Niko Simmons
Pablo Siqueiros
Cole Strelecki
Haozhen Wen
Wenbo Zhao
TRUMPET
John G. Koopmann*
Christopher Volpe
TROMBONE
Phillip Ostrander*
John Tranter
David Stevens
TIMPANI
Matthew Barber*
PERCUSSION
Joel Alexander * HARP
Min J. Kim*
KEYBOARD
Fumiyasu Kawase*
* Principal + Assistant Principal
SUPERNUMERARIES
Lois Estell Lady Capulet
Tom Ringberg Fighter
David P. Schneider Fighter
DANCERS
James Sewell Ballet
Kaylie Bullock
ImagineJoy
(Demetrius McClendon)
Javan Mngrezzo
Sean Scantlebury
Olivia Thornton
Emily Trapnell
MN OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST
FEB 8–16,
Music by Joel Thompson
The
MAY 3–18, 2025
of
Music by Gioachino Rossini
Barber
Seville
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Chair | Mark C. Gordon
President and General Director | Ryan Taylor
Vice Chair | James Powell
Secretary | Roma Calatayud-Stocks
Treasurer | Rachelle McCord
DIRECTORS
Joelle Allen
Kevin Armstrong
Meg Blake
Ivonne Chand O'Neal
Ti Chang Taylor
Gayle Fuguitt
Judith Garcia Galiana
Christopher Hermann
Amy Hoffman
Dorothy Horns, MD.
Philip Isaacson
Deborah Jiang-Stein
Anna Kokayeff, M.D.
Jeninne McGee
Fayneese Miller, Ph.D.
Jodi Mooney
Kay Ness
Benjamin Ollendick
James Powell
Bart Reed
Cris Ross
Mary Schrock
Kimberly Slay
Missy Staples
Thompson
Kristina Tiedje
Emily Tremblay
Jonathan Vessey
Natalie Volin Lehr
Paul Wilson
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Philip Brunelle
Liz Kochiras
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
Karen O. Bachman
John A. Blanchard, III
Susan Boren King
Burton Cohen
Jane M. Confer
Ellie Crosby
John Huss
Ruth Huss
James E. Johnson
Lucy Rosenberry
Jones
Gale Sharpe
Kevin H. Smith
Virginia Stringer
STAFF
EXECUTIVE
President and General Director | Ryan Taylor
Principal Conductor | Christopher Franklin
ADMINISTRATIVE
Vice President, Administration and Board Relations | Theresa Murray
Human Resources Director | Jen Thill
Luminary Arts Center Director | Julia Gallagher Luminary Arts Center Rentals Manager | Victoria Pollock Front of House Manager, Luminary Arts Center | Zachary Staads Luminary Front of House Supervisor | Jenna Lory
Luminary Front of House Associates | Aram Eskridge, Claire Frederick, Dixie Treichel, Seth Kaltwasser, Edie Karras, Lexie Modica
ADVANCEMENT
Vice President, Advancement | Lani Willis
DEVELOPMENT
Development Director | Jeremie Bur Strategic Growth Director | Erin Flannery Development Officer | Siena Forest
Development Associate | Jonathan Lundgren Stewardship and Engagement Director | Kristin Matejcek
Institutional Grants Officer | Kenny Piatt
Advancement Communications Coordinator | Lexi Reed Campaign and Annual Giving Manager | Charlotte Summers
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Marketing and Communications Director | Gretchen Halverson
Communications and Marketing Manager | Isaac Mayhew
Senior Graphic Designer | Genie Hien Tran
Content and Engagement Coordinator | Dyane Ocampo-Avila
PATRON SERVICES
Associate Patron Services Director | Kevin Beckey
Patron Services Manager | Alexis Alcala Associate Patron Services Manager | Eva Gemlo Patron Services Representative | Carol Corich, Asa Gutow, Jenna Lory, Paige Swenson
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 Libarian | Emily Hagen
Resident Artists | Fumiyasu Kawase, John Mburu, Kara Morgan, Ángel Vargas, David Wolfe
Resident Artist Guest Faculty | Lara Bolton, Gemma Isaacson, Warren Jones, Eric McEnaney, Ryan McKinny, Tonya McKinny
FINANCE
Vice President, Finance | Janelle Erickson Controller | Patty Wilber
System Administrator | Tony Ngonekeo
Staff Accountant | Chris Olsen
IMPACT
Vice President, Impact | Darius Gillard
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director |
Rocky Jones
Creative Development Program Manager | Yuanfei Chen
Youth Music Programs Directors |
Sara Sawyer, Jared Miller, Rick Hoops
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 & Facilities Director | Jerry K. Smith
Assistant Production Director | Sarah Lockwood
Facilities Manager | Adam Zahller
Assistant Facilities Manager | Kashif Uqdah
Lighting Coordinator | Ray Steveson Jr.
STAGING STAFF
Production Stage Manager | Luci Burdick
Assistant Stage Managers | Patricia Garvey, Abbey Murray-Stark
Company Artist Assistant Stage Director | Margaret Jumonville
Assistant Director | Sydney Roslin
Interim Assistant Director | Sophie Peyton
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
Tech Lighting Assistant | Andrew Vance
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, Sarah Huebschen, Rebecca Karstad
Stitchers | Quincy D’Alessio, Ann Friese, Ally Guglielmi
Wig, Hair, and Makeup Supervisor | Emma Gustafson
VOLUNTEERS
Amanda Bindner, Dominic Detwiler, Febi Fleury, Diane Gerlach, Sarah Grecula, Andrea Gregory, Angela Lacombe, Michaela Makarianova-Wentz, Maria Maldonado, Leah Nelson, Chris Olsen, Kristin Ostebee, Josiah Owen, Noeline Prins, Ella Rasp, Jodi Rogstad, Stephanie Schmidt, Mary Sheehy, Anne Sheridan, Rickard Simon, Amy Sirivie, Andrew Sun, Dani Tiedemann, Norman Tiedemann, Rachel Villa, Anna Weimholt, Anna Yurchenko
† in remembrance
Robert L. Lee
(August 1, 1956 - October 10, 2024)
Minnesota Opera staff and board members mourn the loss of our dear friend, Robert “Bob” Lee. A true lover of music, Bob was an ardent supporter, attendee and board member of Minnesota Opera for many years. At the annual meeting of the board of directors in June 2024, a fellow board member accurately noted that Bob was the “one who always shows up.” Rarely was there a meeting, social gathering or performance that Bob did not attend, despite a demanding career. Bob was generous with his time and talent and frequently the first to raise his hand to join a committee or task force when the need arose.
Bob enthusiastically supported Minnesota Opera programs, particularly the Resident Artist Program. He took great pleasure in meeting the Resident Artists early in the season and seeing them on the stage. He was also an exceptional advocate for the Art Partnership, and his legacy of leadership and support is gratefully celebrated by all four of the partner institutions: MN Opera, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Schubert Club.
We will all miss his warm presence, quick wit, kind smile and twinkle in his eyes as he peered over his glasses.
These performances of Romeo and Juliet are dedicated to one of our most ardent supports, Bob Lee.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THERESA MURRAY
Upcoming events
The Snowy Day
FEBRUARY 8–16, 2025 | THE ORDWAY
In the fresh snow, every footstep is marked with magic. A young boy wakes to find that the first snow of winter has fallen overnight — an exciting day of adventure awaits. Peter delights in making footprints in the snow and meeting new friends, before returning home to the cozy embrace of Mama and Daddy. Based on the Caldecott Medal-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats, Joel Thompson and Andrea Davis Pinkney’s The Snowy Day brings centerstage the fleeting but indelible magic of childhood.
The Barber of Seville
MAY 3–18, 2025 | THE ORDWAY
Where love is concerned, too much is not even enough. Rosina is young, clever, and wealthy, but her greedy guardian desires her and her fortune for himself. Using her wits to outsmart him and find her true love, she enlists Figaro, the mischievous and wellconnected local barber, who has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Plans go awry (resulting in several close shaves) against the backdrop of Gioachino Rossini’s iconic score as romance and a little old-fashioned trickery combine in one of the bestloved comedies of all time.
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 but the Nov. 16* event are at the Luminary Arts Center: 700 North 1st St | Minneapolis, MN
Songs of Sun & Snow with Evan LeRoy Johnson and Celeste Marie Johnson
NOV. 16, 7:00PM
* MacPhail Center for Music
501 S 2nd St | Minneapolis, MN 55401
An Evening of Russian and American Songs with David Leigh and Mario Antonio Marra
DEC. 18, 7:00PM
Notte Napulitano with Mario Antonio Marra and Resident Artists
FEB. 27, 7:00PM
Nymphs, Spinners, & Witches: The Magical Feminine in Opera, An Evening with the MN Opera Chorus
FEB. 28, 7:00PM
Warm Embrace: Songs to Escape the Cold with Ann Toomey and Joseph Li
MARCH 1, 7:00PM
Warren Jones Residency
Recital featuring MN Opera Resident Artists
MARCH 8, 7:00PM
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-thescenes videos, read synopses, browse digital programs, and more. Join our e-club to receive special offers and opera news.
Ticket Exchanges
If you are unable to attend a performance, you can request to donate the value of your ticket, bank your tickets, or exchange your ticket for another performance. We accept return requests up until curtain.
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/health-safety. 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.
THANKYOU
MINNESOTA OPERA RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUAL DONORS WHO HAVE MADE GIFTS TO OUR ANNUAL FUND AND FUND-A-DREAM BETWEEN JULY 10, 2023 - OCTOBER 10, 2024. THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR ART COME TO LIFE.
BEL CANTO CIRCLE
PLATINUM
$50,000+
Anonymous
Vicki and Chip Emery
Ruth and John Huss
Margaret V.B. Wurtele
GOLD
$25,000 – 49,999
Karen O. Bachman
Stephen and Margaret Blake
Ellie Crosby
Gayle Fuguitt and Tom Veitch
CAMERATA CIRCLE
GOLD
$7,500 – 9,999
Becky J. Brass
Jay and Rebecca Debertin
Judith Garcia Galiana and Alberto Castillo
Mark Gordon and Anne Zweibel
Dorothy Horns and James Richardson
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Katharine Reynolds and Michael Schwimmer
Thomas and Nancy Rohde
John Sullivan
Milla and Phil Isaacson
Lucy Rosenberry Jones and James E. Johnson
John and Kathleen* Junek
Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens
SILVER
$15,000 – 24,999
Dr. Tracy Aanenson
Patricia Beithon
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad
Jeninne McGee
Betty Meyers*
Jodi and Michael Mooney
SILVER
$5,000 – 7,499
Martha and H. Brewster Atwater
William Biermaier and David Hanson
Kenneth and Peggy Bonneville
Susan Calmenson and Vince Leo
Warren D. Woessner and Iris C. Freeman
Martha Gabbert
Dr. Richard Gregory
Michele Harris and Peter Tanghe
Amy and Greg Hoffman
Arthur and Fran Horowitz
Steven and Nancy Johnson
PATRON CIRCLE
GOLD
$1,000 – $3,499
Mary Abbe
Torrie Allen
Richard Allendorf
Kevin J. Armstrong
Dan and Martha Goldberg Aronson
Ruth and Dale Bachman
Thomas and Jill Barland
Bernie and Patricia Beaver
Linda Hoeschler Blyberg and Peter A. Blyberg
Susan Boren King
William and Margaret Bracken
John Beal and Barbara Brin
Drs. Eli and Jan Briones
Cheryl Brown
Laurie Carlson and William Voedisch
Mari Carlson
Ti Chang Taylor
Rachelle D. Chase and John Feldman
Cinda Collins
Ann Cosgrove
Jeffrey and Barbara Couture
Mike and Stacey Crosby
Maureen and John Drewitz
Ben and Kari Ollendick
Christopher Ross
Natalie Volin Lehr
William White
BRONZE
$10,000 – 14,999
Mary and Gus Blanchard
Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Dr. Thomas Stocks
Patrick and Christina Comer
Jane M. and Ogden W.* Confer
Vanessa Dayton, MD
Sara and Jock Donaldson
Diane and Paul Jacobson
Janet N. Jones
Dr. Robert and Susan Josselson
Patty and Warren Kelly
Dr. Robert L. Kriel and Dr. Linda E. Krach
Robert and Venetia Kudrle
Peggy and Ilo Leppik
Celita and Eric Levinson
Laura McCarten
Fayneese Miller, Ph. D.
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Moore
Leni and David Moore
Dwight Peterson
Stephanie C. Van D'Elden
Leslie Vaughan
Timothy Dykstal
Dr. Mary A. Ebert and Paul Stembler
Laura and Tim Edman
Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis*
Anna Marie Ettel
Ann Fankhanel
George Ferguson
Gail Fiskewold
Salvatore Silvestri Franco
Mary and Jay Gallagher
Teddy Gesell
Bill and Paula Glade
Virginia Green
Jennifer Gross and Jerry LeFevre
Dr. Anna Kokayeff
Constance and Daniel Kunin
Mary Ash and Barry Lazarus
Robert L. Lee* and Mary E. Schaffner
David and Diane Lilly
Harvey Thomas McLain
Gayle and Timothy Ober
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Ken Rothchild
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Nadege Souvenir and Joshua Dorothy
BRONZE
$3,500 – $4,999
Mark Bayuk
Patricia R. Freeburg
Joseph Haggenmiller
Nancy Jones
Blaine and Lyndel King
Andrea and James Rubenstein
Bill and Janet Schaeder
Dr. Frank and Lynda Sharbrough
Sue Shepard
Dr. Norrie Thomas and Gina Gillson
John and Jill Thompson
Mary W. Vaughan*
Bruce and Jean Grussing
S. Asim Gul
Donald and Marion Hall
Mark and Lana Halldorson
Christopher Hermann and Brian Pietsch
Jean M. Holten
Benjamin W. Hulse and Maureen C. Sheehan
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Hurwitz
J David Jackson
Barbara Jenkins
Patricia Johnson and Kai Bjerkness
Dr. Charles and Sally Jorgensen
Erwin and Miriam Kelen
Margaret V. Kinney
Tom Klas
Mrs. James S. Kochiras
Robert and Barbara Kueppers
James Kunz
Daniel Latham
Kenyon S. Latham
Barbara McBurney
Rachelle McCord
Mary Bigelow McMillan*
Shawn Monaghan
Sandra Morris
Jill Mortensen and S. Kay Phillips
Richard and Nancy Nelson
Lucia Newell and Steven Wiese
Richard and Nancy Nicholson
Brandon and Melissa Novy
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Nuss
Ruth and Ahmad Orandi
Luis Pagan-Carlo and Joseph Sammartino
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Patterson
Suzanne and William Payne
Jose A. Peris and Diana Gulden
Mary Cate and Joseph Peris
Bruce Pohlig
Christina and Dwight Porter
James Powell and Mitchell Czeh
Susan and Chris Preston
Sandra Roe
Liane A. Rosel
Dr. Marian R. Rubenfeld and Dr. Frederick G. Langendorf
Christine Sagstetter
Warren Sampson
Mary Savina
Mahlon and Karen Schneider
Alan E. Shapiro
Gale Sharpe
Cherie and Bob Shreck
Marianne Settano Shumaker and Gordon Shumaker
Juliana and Bernie Simmons
Kevin and Lynn Smith
Donna and Kenneth Speake
Julie Stewart
Stephen and Dana Strand
Jerry Swenson
Lester Temple
Dr. Anthony Thein
Llywellyn Thomas
Debra R. Ting
Josephine Trubek
Emily Wang
Lori Ward
David and Rachelle Willey
Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim
Paul and Cara Wilson
Ann P. Winchester
Jean C. Wirsig*
Sri and Aks Zaheer
SILVER $500 – 999
Anonymous (2)
Arlene Alm
Joy K. and J.C. Amel
Jerry Artz
Josephine and Gordon Bailey
Susanne and Johan Bakken
John Beuerlein
Bradley Brown
Stephen Bubul and Lee Lewis
Julie Bucknam
Samuel Reid Burgin
Christopher J. Burns
Gary Christenson
Stephen and Joan Costello
Helen and John Crosson
Daniel deJongh
Susan DeNuccio
Lois Dirksen
Kari Forde-Thielen
Greta and Paul Garmers
Gunda Georg
Barbara Golden
Richard and Marsha Gould
John Heer
Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson
Burton and Sandra Hoverson
Joshua Howland
Sara Janz
Charlie Johnson
Margaret Johnson
Marcia Jones
Susan Kalmer
Ed and Martha Karels
David King
Phil Kliewer
Jose Lamela, Jr.
David and Darlene Lee
Jonathan and Lisa Lewis
Natalie Losik
Dr. Joan E. Madden
Christine Martin
John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort
Karla Miller
Michele Miller
Bradley H. Momsen and Richard H. Buchholz
Gillian Morris
Merritt C. Nequette
Chris Olsen and Shannon Rhatigan
Dede Ouren
Anthony Person and Rebecca Augustine
Corine and John Petraborg
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rue
Julia Sand
William and Trinka Sharpe
Kathleen K. Simo
Darryl Smith
Jon Spoerri and Debra Christgau
Sarah Stephens
Andrew Sun
Craig and Janet Swan
Lisa Swan
Shoshana Tancer
Irma Thies
Michael P. Tierney
John Vilandre
David L. Ward
John M. Williams
BRONZE
$250 – 499
Anita M. Anderson
Dean Anderson
Rolf T. Anderson
Thomas and Ann Bagnoli
Gail Bakkom
Thomas J. Basting Jr. and Rebecca Arons
David Bjork and Jeff Bengston
George and Joan Bohlig
James Salutz and Margaret Brandl
Barbara and William Brauer
Eric Britt
Roger and Ronnie Brooks
Renee Campion and David Walsh
Ruth Carp
Dr. Mark and Denise Carter
Carroll Cisek
Virginia and Marc Conterato
Thomas Cox
Steve Dahlberg
Eugenia and Joseph Dixon
Cheryl DuBois
Sam Dudley
Maria Eggemeyer
Brad and Diane England
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Timothy Falencik
Justin Felicetta
Kathryn Fernholz
Carol and Michael Garbisch
Leland and Beverly Gehrke
James Glazier
Marcia Glick
Jeffrey Griffin
Jan Grimes
Freya and John Hanson
Cliffton and Sharon Hill
Joseph and Jeanna Hinderer
Kathleen and Robert Humphrey
Jeffrey Indrelie
Julia Joseph-Di Caprio
Kathryn Keefer
Robert Kieft
Judith Allen Kim
Judith A. Kinsey
John Klein
Elise Koonmen
Jenna Kubly
Maureen Kucera-Walsh
Daniel W. Lindsey
Holly MacDonald and John Orbison
Amy and Franck Marret
Sally and Don Mason
James P. McCarthy and Gloria Peterson
Mr. and Mrs. Chris McHugh
Adele Mehta
Jim Miner and John Easton
Andrea Mouw
Vita Muggli and James C. Dick
William and Imelda Muggli
Elizabeth and Neal Nordling
Patrick and Laura O'Connell
Patricia A. O'Gorman
Kathleen and Stephen Olsen
Dennis R. Olson
Scott Olson
Scott J. Pakudaitis
Julia and Brian Palmer
Sandra Penning
Jane M. Persoon
Michele Pierce
Anne and John Polta
Marylu Ramirez
George Realmuto
Mr. Philip Rickey
Linda Ann Ripka
Vicki Rupp
Noel Schenker
Kimberly Slay
Jennine Speier
Stephen Sporer
Sharon and Thomas Stoffel
Roxanne Stouffer
Mr. and Mr. Eric Swanson
Charles and Joan Tanger
Joyce Thielen
Jenny and Dave Thomas
Marie J. Thomas
Valerie Thompson
Catherine Vesley
Randall Volk
Jeff Wiemiller and Joe Anderson
Emerson L. Williams
Priscilla Wyeth
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 (3)
Paul and Valerie Ackerman
Thomas O. Allen
Dr. and Mrs. Rolf Andreassen*
Mary A. Andres
Howard J. Ansel, MD
Marcia J. Aubineau
Karen O. Bachman
Thomas and Ann Bagnoli
Patricia Beithon
Carol J. Bergeson
Susan Boren King
Al Bradley
C.T. Bundy II*
Margaret M. Carasik
Jon L. Schasker* and Debbie Carlson
George and Joan Carlson
Richard and Darlene Carroll
Robert Clough
Julie and Dan Cross
Mary Davidson
Julia W. Dayton*
Charles M. Denny Jr. and Carol E. Denny*
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.
Margaret DiBlasio
Ms. Susan Doty
Anne P. Ducharme*
Dr. Mary A. Ebert and Paul Stembler
Rondi Erickson and Sandy Lewis*
Ann Fankhanel
Ester L. Fesler
Salvatore Silvestri Franco
Daniel E. Freeman
Charles J. Frisch
Dr. Paul Froeschl
Katy Gaynor
Ellen Green
Myrtle Grette*
Michelle Hackett
Russell and Priscilla Hankins
Anne Hanley and George Skinner
Mary Abbe
Elfrieda Hintze*
Jean M. Holten
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
Patty and Warren Kelly
Blaine and Lyndel King
Sally and Bill Kling
Larry Klueh
James and Liz 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 July 1, 2023 and October 1, 2024.
IN HONORARIUM
Ruth and John Huss
Sally and Thomas Patterson
Leila Keita and Mario Antonio Marra Northfield Senior Center
Mr. & Mrs. Glynn E. Behmen Sr. Family
Glynn Behmen
Sampson Family Foundation
Warren R. Sampson
Mary and Jerry Schrock
Richard and Mari Carlson
Lowell Senechal
Cheryl DuBois
Gale Sharpe
anonymous
Andrew Sun
anonymous
Theresa Murray Schmiechen Charitable Fund
John William Miller Jr.
anonymous
IN MEMORIAM
Eric Aanenson
Tracy Aanenson
Judson and Barbara Bemis
Sandra Roe
Judy Boylan
Sarah Crowther
Jeffrey Cavanuagh
Lois Dirksen
Ogden Confer
Daniel and Beverly Baker
Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens
Phil Kliewer
John and Ruth Huss
Helga Gertrud Cross
anonymous Stephanie Fogelberg
Joyce Petsch
Janine Cross
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
Gerald and Joyce Lillquist
Dawn M. Loven
Mr. David MacMillan and Ms. Judith Krow
Tim Manych
Donald Masler
Barbara McBurney
Mary McDiarmid
Mary Bigelow McMillan
Betty Meyers*
John L. Michel and H. Berit Midelfort
Karla Miller
Kay Ness and Chris Wolohan
Richard and Joan Newmark
Scott J. Pakudaitis
Derrill Pankow
Debra Joyce Paterson
Mr. Jose A. Peris and Ms. Diana Gulden
Sydney Phillips*
Tim and Mary Pieh
Phyllis Price
Brian and Patricia Prokosch
Liane A. Rosel
Ken Rothchild
Mary Savina
Robert L. Lee* and Mary E. Schaffner
Josef Schermann
Mary H. and Christian G. Schrock
Mr. and Mrs. Duane Schroeder
Dr. Frank and Lynda Sharbrough
Gale Sharpe
Robert Shearer and Joan Gustafson
Sue Shepard
Mr. Drew Stewart and Ms. Anna Hargreaves
Virginia and Edward Stringer
Mr. Gregory C. Swinehart and Ms. Mitra Walter
Ryan Taylor
Dr. Anthony Thein
John and Jill Thompson
Stephanie C. Van D'Elden
Mary W. Vaughan*
H. Bernt von Ohlen and W. Thomas Nichol
Lola Watson
William White
Jean C. Wirsig*
Wayne Zink and Christopher Schout
Mr. Harvey Zuckman and Mr. Philip Oxman
For more information on making estate plan arrangements, please contact Jeremie Bur at jbur@mnopera.org
* in remembrance
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.
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.
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.
Catherine Hoch Gadbois
Virginia G. Green
Lucille Jansen
Joe and Lisa Thiegs
Scott Krenz
Emerson Williams-Molett
Robert L. Lee
Dawn Loven and Brian Benjamin
Theresa and Jim Murray
Holly Lindsey
anonymous
Midge Loeffler
Sam Scott Miller
Kelani Mueller
Cynthia Campbell
Nina Rothchild
Ken Rothchild
Judith Sitarz
Carroll Cisek
Mary Vaughan
Margaret Bracken
Sara and Jock Donaldson
William D. Venne and Douglas L. Kline
Rachelle Chase and John Feldman
Eleanor Crosby
Dawn M. Loven
Andrew Currie
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Elinor Hands
Missy Staples Thompson and Gar Hargens
Cinda Collins
Margaret Wurtele
John and Ruth Huss
Leslie Vaughan
Theresa, Jim and Nicole Murray
Angus M. Vaughan Charitable
Giving Fund
Carley and Bill Stuber
Jose Peris and Diana Gulden
Patricia Mitchell
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.
Anna M. Heilmaier
Charitable Foundation
Anonymous (2)
Boss Foundation
Bust Out
Caplin Foundation
Dellwood Foundation
The Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation
Faegre Drinker
Hutter Family Foundation
Knox Foundation
Margaret Rivers Fund
Mayo Clinic
McVay Foundation
Onan Family Foundation
Opera Volunteers International
Pachel Foundation
Peravid Foundation
Rahr Corporation
RBC Foundation
Romanaggi Foundation
Schwegman, Lundberg, & Woessner P.A.
The Saint Paul Foundation
Tennant Foundation
Travelers
For information on making a corporate or foundation contribution to Minnesota Opera, please contact Jeremie Bur, Development Director, at jbur@mnopera.org.
MINNESOTA OPERA SEASON SPONSOR
Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of the HRK Foundation
City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Program
Alphadyne
