Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera
Name	Minnesota Opera
Founded	1963
Location	Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Venue	The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Music director	Michael Christie
Artistic director	Dale Johnson

Minnesota Opera. Founded in 1963, it has grown from a small avant-garde ensemble into one of the leading regional opera companies in the United States, recognized for artistic excellence and innovative programming. Based in Saint Paul, its mainstage performances are held at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The company is particularly noted for its commitment to producing new works through its pioneering New Works Initiative, alongside inventive interpretations of classic repertoire.

History

The organization was originally founded as the Center Opera Company by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, with its first production being a double bill of Gian Carlo Menotti's *The Telephone* and Darius Milhaud's *The Poor Sailor*. Under the early leadership of figures like John Ludwig, it quickly established a reputation for adventurous, often minimalist productions, including the world premiere of The Who's rock opera *Tommy* in 1972. In 1975, the company relocated to Saint Paul, changed its name, and began a period of significant growth under general director Kevin Smith. This era saw the expansion of its season and the establishment of a more traditional repertoire, culminating in the move to its permanent home at the newly constructed Ordway Center in 1985. Subsequent artistic leadership, including Dale Johnson and music director Michael Christie, has steered the company toward national prominence, balancing classic operas by composers like Verdi and Puccini with a robust commitment to contemporary American works.

Productions and repertoire

The company presents a diverse season typically featuring four to five mainstage productions, ranging from beloved staples of the Italian and German canons to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. A cornerstone of its artistic identity is the New Works Initiative, a program dedicated to commissioning, developing, and producing new American operas, which has yielded notable successes such as *Silent Night* by Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell, which won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Other significant premieres include *The Grapes of Wrath* by Ricky Ian Gordon and *The Shining* by Paul Moravec. The company also maintains a strong tradition of presenting Baroque works and imaginative productions of classics, often engaging directors like Eric Simonson and conductors such as Jane Glover. Its productions regularly feature leading international artists from houses like The Met and the San Francisco Opera.

Artistic leadership and administration

The artistic vision is guided by Artistic Director Dale Johnson, who has held the position since 1997, and Music Director Michael Christie, appointed in 2012. Christie is responsible for the musical integrity of all productions and frequently conducts the Minnesota Orchestra, which serves as the company's pit orchestra. The administrative leadership is headed by a President and General Director, who oversees strategic planning, fundraising, and operations. The company operates under the governance of a Board of Directors comprising civic and business leaders from the Twin Cities community. Key production staff includes a resident scenic designer, costume designer, and technical director, who collaborate with a roster of guest directors and designers from across the United States and Europe.

Education and community engagement

Its extensive learning and engagement programs serve thousands of students and community members annually across Minnesota. Core initiatives include Project Opera, a multi-tiered youth training program for singers aged 8-18 that culminates in fully staged productions. The company also offers extensive in-school residencies, student matinee performances, and professional development workshops for educators. For adult audiences, it provides pre-performance lectures, Opera Insights discussions, and community partnerships with organizations like the Saint Paul Public Library. The annual MN Opera Summer Camp and touring productions to regional centers further extend its reach beyond the metro area.

Facilities

Primary performances are held at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Saint Paul, a venue it shares with other major arts organizations like the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The company's administrative, rehearsal, and scenic production home is the Minnesota Opera Center, a dedicated facility located in the Seven Corners neighborhood of Minneapolis. This center houses rehearsal spaces, costume and scenic shops, and administrative offices, enabling complete control over the production process. Rehearsals and smaller events, such as its Opera Uncorked series, also take place in its own flexible performance space within the Opera Center.

Awards and recognition

The company has received significant national acclaim, most notably for its advocacy of new music. Its production of *Silent Night* earned the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Music for composer Kevin Puts. The organization has been the recipient of multiple grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in support of its new works program. Individual productions and artists have been honored with awards from the ASCAP Foundation and critical accolades from publications like *The New York Times* and *Opera News*. It is consistently ranked among the top opera companies in the United States for its artistic innovation and fiscal management.

Category:Opera companies in the United States Category:Music organizations based in Minnesota Category:Performing arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:1963 establishments in Minnesota