YourClassical
Minnesota Opera

On the Classical MPR stage: Singers from the Minnesota Opera

minnesota opera resident artists
Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists.
courtesy Minnesota Opera

Classical MPR's Julie Amacher thinks there is something exciting about discovering opera at the Minnesota State Fair. "When you're wandering around the State Fair, you're seeing all this crazy food on a stick and you're listening to country music, polka music, every kind of music," she says. "Then all of a sudden, here are these phenomenal, young opera singers. I think it really demonstrates to people that opera is accessible."

On Thursday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m., Amacher welcomes members of the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Program to the MPR stage for a live performance. "These are up-and-coming opera stars," Amacher says. "They're all in their 20s. They are the future of opera."

The Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Program offers a full season of employment for talented artists beginning their professional careers. Performing at the State Fair are resident artists Siena Forest, Andrew Lovato, Shannon Prickett and Gerard Michael d'Emilio. They'll discuss the Minnesota Opera's upcoming season and sing works by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi and others — even a selection from Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific.

Among the operas from which selections will be sung is Bizet's Carmen (listen for d'Emilio singing the "Toreador Song"), the final production in the company's upcoming 2014 - 15 season. "And Victoria Vargas, who was one of the artists in residence for four years, is going to be one of the Carmens," Amacher says, evidence that the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Program helps cultivate opera's future stars.

Minnesota Opera's artists-in-residence perform on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m., at the MPR booth near the corner of Judson and Nelson at the Minnesota State Fair.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Minnesota Opera Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Minnesota Opera Episodes

Go behind the scenes of Minnesota Opera's 'The Snowy Day'

Minnesota Opera presents ‘The Snowy Day,’ the story of a young boy who finds joy and wonder in the first snowfall of winter. Listen as host Tynia Major speaks to cast members and watch how the crew makes snowball props in advance of the Feb. 8 premiere.

5:14
Listen: Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti's 'The Elixir of Love'
1:09:54
Explore Minnesota Opera's 'La Boheme' with its cast

Explore Minnesota Opera's 'La Boheme' with its cast

In the Minnesota Opera’s season finale, ‘La Boheme,’ a group of friends and lovers in Paris find love and joy amid the hardship and struggle of a life in pursuit of art. Listen as host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast about this exciting production!

13:43
Listen: Minnesota Opera blends dark comedy with social commentary in Mozart's 'Don Giovanni'
Listen: Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti’s romantic comedy ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’ 
2:24:28
Explore Minnesota Opera's 'Cruzar la Cara de la Luna' with its performers
Opera's in the air at the Minnesota State Fair

Opera's in the air at the Minnesota State Fair

Watch as Minnesota Opera baritone Andrew Wilkowske takes us for a ride on the Great Big Wheel at the Minnesota State Fair! Opera's in the air, with ‘Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra’ from Mozart's ‘Don Giovanni.’

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Bizet's 'Carmen'

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Bizet's 'Carmen'

Featuring some of the most popular music ever to grace the opera stage, Minnesota Opera’s ‘Carmen’ brings every aspect of Georges Bizet’s thrilling tale to life, from its tantalizing beginning to its devastating climax. Listen to audio from YourClassical MPR’s recent broadcast now.

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'Barber of Seville'
2:35:26
Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'La Cenerentola'
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00