Author Archives: mnoprapblog

First Impressions of The Pearl Fishers

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Greetings, readers! My name is Michael Nyby, I’m a first year resident artist baritone with the Minnesota Opera. My first assignment this season is the cover to Zurga in the Pearl Fishers, so here I am in the Ordway watching the production’s first piano tech rehearsal. The rehearsal hasn’t yet started, but let me tell you, the set is a sight to behold. This production was designed by renowned fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. The bright colours and wild angles of the design stand in stark contrast to the classy old-fashioned billiard hall look of the Ordway’s interior. Speaking of Ms. Rhodes, she just walked in the room. She has bright pink hair and is wearing a very loud outfit which matches the set to a T!

I’ve watched the cast run through the opera many times now, but tonight–with the costumes, set, and some lighting work–is when we’ll really start to make some magic….
And to think I’m getting paid to sit here and watch it!

Best-
Mike

Opera Tasting Debauchery

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HI EVERYONE!

Brad here.

It was quite a weekend. The social club Tempo, a group of young professionals that love to support opera, kicked off the season with a night of wine tasting and opera music presented by members of the Resident Artist Program. The night was lots of fun for the performers and audience since most of the performing was coming right from the tables of those attending the event.

Afterwards, a couple dozen of attendees, event coordinators, and artist went to the Chambers Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis to continue the fun only to end up with a dozen more people reliving their glory days late into the night at me and fellow Resident Artist Octavio’s place. It made for a long Sunday, but it was all worth it since this week we start technical rehearsals for The Pearl Fishers which opens next week!!

Hope you are all coming!

And we’re off!

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Hi Everyone!

This is Brad Benoit. I am a second year Resident Artist program singer, excited to be back and ready to have another productive and fun season with The Minnesota Opera!

With only three weeks into the season, we have already had plenty of promotion events, previews, and staging rehearsals for our first production of Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers.

It is full season and I plan to keep all of you fellow bloggers involved in all of the work and fun of the season!

until next post…