Minnesota Opera

'Dead Man Walking' is the most produced new opera of the 21st century. The Minnesota Opera stages the piece starting this weekend. Soprano Karen Slack and mezzo Catherine Martin join Steve Staruch in the studio to talk about their emotional roles and sing two pieces.

Richard Wagner created some of the most satisfying music to experience, especially when performed by artists gifted with a voice suitable for his work. In preparation for Classical MPR's reairing of Minnesota Opera's 2017 production of 'Das Rheingold' on Thursday, here are some of the best moments from Wagner's 'Ring Cycle.'

The lives of three Minnesota music makers have intersected throughout the years. But it wasn't until recently, when the eldest was packing up for a move to California, that their paths began to run more in parallel lines. It's all thanks to a treasured collection of classical albums on vinyl.

The Minnesota Opera isn't kidding around with its latest commission: an original opera based on the young-adult novel 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,' by Minnesota author Kate DiCamillo.

Classical MPR presents a live broadcast of Minnesota Opera's "The Marriage of Figaro" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. During the week, Morning Glories features selections from several operas inspired by the Figaro trilogy.

In March 2017, the Minnesota Opera presented the world premiere of 'Dinner at Eight,' a comic opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom and librettist Mark Campbell. Listen to Classical MPR on Thursday, Oct. 12, when we air the Minnesota Opera's performance of 'Dinner at Eight' ... appropriately enough, at 8 p.m.

Artist in Residence, Victoria Vargas, will perform as a part of the Minnesota Opera at the Minnesota Public Radio's State Fair booth at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Victoria spoke with Classical MPR's Jamila Joiner ahead of her performance.

Understanding young audiences is key to engaging them, say Minnesota Opera staff - but, they add, connecting their art form with new audiences doesn't just mean catering to millennials. Only a small fraction of all Americans attend opera in any given year, so there's room for growth across all demographics.

On Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m., join host Melissa Ousley for the live broadcast of the Minnesota Opera's production of Puccini's 'La Boheme.' View a synopsis, slideshow and a video preview.

Giacomo Puccini's 'La Boheme' opened this past weekend at Minnesota Opera, and it runs through May 21. There are two Mimis in this production -- Nicole Cabell and Miriam Khalil -- and Classical MPR's Julie Amacher recently sat down with them for a Perf Chat in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser Studio.