Stephen Paulus and The Shoemaker

Fifteen years ago, Stephen Paulus wrote a one-act opera called 

. It became a quick success, and also yielded one of his most famous choral pieces, 

. But since then, Paulus wanted to write a second opera that would complement 

, and give opera companies a second one-act companion piece.

, based on Tolstoy's version of the biblical Good Samaritan. As with the 

, Stephen Paulus has again teamed up with Michael Dennis Browne, who wrote the libretto. Ahead of the world premiere this weekend at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, Classical MPR recorded highlights at the rehearsal, and John Birge spoke with Stephen Paulus about how a little nudge from Paulus' mom set a new opera in motion.

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John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Fifteen years ago, Stephen Paulus wrote a one-act opera called "The Three Hermits". But since then, Paulus wanted to write a second, complimentary opera. That new opera is "The Shoemaker."


Stephen Paulus and "The Shoemaker": Three Hermits deserve one Good Samaritan