The U.S./Mexico border isn’t the only obstacle dividing the Velásquez family. Cruzar la Cara de la Luna tells the story of a multigenerational Mexican American family separated by countries, cultures, and consequences in search of new possibilities. As their grandfather journeys back in time to reflect on his life in his final days, the members of the Velásquez family must make their own migration across land and through memory, searching their hearts to discover where they belong. Richly interwoven with mariachi tradition and a newly arranged orchestration, this modern story reminds us that family knows no borders. 

EPSG:4326

Cruzar La Cara De La Luna

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Don Giovanni is an egotistical and infamous womanizer, brazen in his shameless seductions. But his betrayals soon catch up to him when divine retribution exacts the ultimate price. Set in the 1930s, this new production centers the women who cross paths with Don Giovanni and ultimately deliver his grim fate. Mozart’s sharp and otherworldly opera seamlessly blends dark comedy with biting social commentary, all set to some of opera’s most stirring music.

Don Giovanni

The first Hmong story adapted for the operatic stage, St. Paul writer Kao Kalia Yang’s memoir The Song Poet comes to life in this world premiere. It tells the story of Yang’s family and her song poet father as war drives them from the mountains of Laos into a Thai refugee camp and ultimately on to the challenging world of life as a refugee. With his poetry, Kalia’s father inspires hope in his family, polishing their reality so that they might shine. 

The Song Poet

Luminary Arts Center

Marie is no ordinary canteen girl. Adopted and raised by a squadron of French soldiers and unaware of her aristocratic lineage, this spunky young woman falls for a handsome villager. But when her past comes to whisk her away, will she fall in line or follow her heart? A laugh-out-loud hit, Donizetti’s romantic comedy mixes hilarious hijinks with vocal pyrotechnics in this witty and heartwarming production.

The Daughter of the Regiment has romance, humor, vocal pyrotechnics—and one of the most unique roles in the repertoire, the Duchess of Krakenthorp. This cameo role has a storied history of portrayal by actors and public figures (including late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg and Golden Girl Bea Arthur). In MN Opera’s production, the role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp will be performed by RuPaul’s Drag Race double crown winner Monét X Change. Don’t miss Monét X Change this February 4–12!

The Daughter of the Regiment

Rinaldo’s colorful, tune-filled story of love, war, and redemption comes to MN Opera for the first time ever. In this magical tale filled with memorable melodies, our hero must save his innocent, true love from a sorcerer who will stop at nothing to gain victory. The opera sweeps the audience from laughter to heartbreak and back again in this enchanting musical fantasy where love triumphs over darkness. 

Rinaldo

Edward Tulane is a toy rabbit who thinks of himself as quite exceptional. Content in his easy life, his world is upturned when he is separated from his loving family. Based on the best-seller by local author Kate DiCamillo, Edward Tulane takes us on a miraculous journey, from the depths of the deep blue sea to the streets of Memphis. Perfect for the young and young at heart, this Minnesota original shows us a true miracle—that even the most broken of hearts can learn to love again.

Edward Tulane

Who was Florence Price, beyond the music? Prolific American composer Florence Price made history as the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. My Name is Florence was inspired by writings and correspondence unearthed in the backyard of her family home. Composed by B.E. Boykin to a libretto by Harrison David Rivers, the opera presents vignettes from Price’s life that bring into focus the impact of family, legacy, and the transformative power of a seat at the piano. With warmth and humor, My Name is Florence explores the complexities of identity, generational connection, and ultimately the power of music to transform. It is a celebration of Price’s enduring legacy in music and a reclamation of the space she occupies within the American musical canon.

Following its acclaimed world premiere at Minnesota Opera in January 2026, My Name is Florence returns for two special encore concert performances featuring the full original cast, MN Opera Orchestra, and MN Opera Chorus. Experience this beautiful and moving new work in the Ordway Concert Hall. The performances will be captured live and produced by Lexicon Classics.

My Name is Florence: Encore Concert

Minnesota Opera continues to celebrate the music of Dominick Argento at the centenary of his birth and his legacy both as a co-founder of the Center Opera Company in 1963, now known as Minnesota Opera, and educator for the next generation of composers.

A prolific composer in his own right, Argento’s musical influence extends beyond his own works to those of his students, many of whom also chose to make Minnesota their home. Led by Chorus Director Celeste Marie Johnson, the Minnesota Opera Chorus celebrates their compositions alongside Argento’s, featuring music by Libby Larsen, David Evan Thomas, Juliana Hall, and Stephen Paulus. Many of the poets on the program are also native Minnesotans, and their words help paint the landscape that holds a unique place in these composers’ hearts.

Minnesota Opera Chorus

8 - 9 Jan, 2027

My Name is Florence: Encore Concert

Feb 13, 2027

Under Midwestern Skies: Argento & His Students

4 - 12 Nov, 2023

Cruzar La Cara De La Luna

6 - 21 May, 2023

Don Giovanni

Minnesota Opera Chorus