10 Questions with Bethany Kois

Meet Bethany Kois, Tempo Committee Member

1. What’s your sign? 

Aquarius. And, it’s pretty obvious.

2. Favorite opera?

Rusalka. Especially if performed in June.

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

Travel guide and photographer.

4. What is your favorite dessert?

Crème brûlée.. because you must break the shell to get to the good stuff.

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be? 

Curious troublesome fish.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Can I choose October through December?

7. What was your first opera?

Carmen at Lyric in Chicago. Changed me forever.

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?

They very-seriously-probably-shouldn’t. But, if they did, it would be set in a forest, with moonlight, a pesky insect or two, and a shimmery pond.

9. Are you a morning or night person?

Well, that really depends on what time of day I intend to have the most fun. 

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?

 Hibernate. Perhaps a bear should be in my movie as well? 

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10 Questions with Thomas Bakken

Meet Thomas Bakken, Tempo Committee Member

1. What’s your sign? 
Cancer. Or “Jazz Hands.” Perhaps I don’t understand the question.

2. Favorite opera?
Le Nozze di Figaro

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
I admire the honest work of a skilled haberdasher.

4. What is your favorite dessert?
You can’t go wrong with a good Bananas Foster.

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be? 
Tall, moustachioed, diabetic.

6. What is your favorite holiday? 
Fourth of July is always a good time. Ironic, as I’m not a US citizen.

7. What was your first opera?
That I purchased and heard a recording of – Le Nozze di Figaro. That I attended – Le Nozze di Figaro. I would gladly see this opera every night for the rest of my life (provided the cast/orchestra/conductor was good).

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
“Waxing Philosophical,” about the endless search for the perfect moustache wax, a notion first hypothesized by Sartre in 1964.

9. Are you a morning or night person?
Nights are preferable.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter? 
Trying to motivate myself to put my road bike on my stationary trainer and ride for as few as 6 hours a week. Results pending…

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10 Questions with Regine Edwards

Meet Regine Edwards, Tempo Member

1. What’s your sign? 

Leo J

2. Favorite opera?

Carmen or Mozart’s The Magic Flute

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

Curator at a museum. 

4. What is your favorite dessert?

Café Latte’s Chips and Chunks Cheesecake

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be? 

Quiet, foodie, eclectic

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas  - I love the decorations, the holiday music and the spirit. 

7. What was your first opera?

I think it was an operetta in Germany. 

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?  It would probably be a romantic comedy about a girl’s mishaps in love and life, and in the end she finds her prince… hopefully.  I think I’d like Drew Barrymore to play me. 

9. Are you a morning or night person?

I think I’m more productive in the morning, but that doesn’t make me a morning person.  I definitely need my coffee first.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?

 Going dancing.  It’s also the season to just chill at home with a movie or a good book.

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10 Questions with S.B. Hadley Wilson

Meet S.B. Hadley Wilson, Tempo Board Member

© 2010 Ripplinger Imaging

1. What’s your sign?  

Virgo: “Perfect is almost good enough,” according to Tarot.com.  Well-known traits are analysis and perfectionism.

2. What is your favorite opera?  

I’ve only seen nine operas so far, but my favorite is La bohème, which I saw here at the Minnesota Opera.  It moved me so much that I cried.  Seriously.

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

I would love to be a writer and split my time between San Francisco and France.  Or own a neckwear company.

4. What is your favorite dessert?

I don’t discriminate.

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be?

Work-in-progress.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

New Year’s Day, not New Year’s Eve.  I enjoy being fresh and focused on the first day of the new year.

7. What was your first opera? 

Madama Butterfly at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, another fine company.

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you? 

It would be about enormous emotions – anger, envy, greed, love, lust, and pride – something that resonates with each of us.  Oh wait, did I just describe an opera? :-) As far as which actor I would want to portray me, that would be Chow Yun-fat.

9. Are you a morning or night person? 

Oh, neither.  I’m an after-work person.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter? 

Drink wine by the fireplace and gab with good friends.

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Everyone Loves Boot Camp

Looks like the recruits enjoyed their time in boot camp:
Max About Town: Basic for future opera patrons - MinnPost.com
Minnesota Opera's Boot Camp - StarTribune.com

MinnPost photo by Max Sparber

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Love Your iPod? Thank Opera.

Yup, you read that right. In a six degrees of separation kind of way, the iPod owes a debt of gratitude to opera. Here's the fun fact you can use to impress your friends at cocktail parties:

Photo from Tokyo Five

Akio Morita was kinda a big deal. In the 1970s, he was the co-chairman of Sony (also co-founder). As you can imagine he spent many hours in the air (remember, he was a big deal). In addition to being a Sony head honcho, he was a big opera fan.\ and we wanted more than to enjoy a little opera on his long flights. So, being the head of a tech company, he asked his people to make it happen. And they did . In 1978, audio engineer Nobutoshi Kihara developed the Walkman so that his boss could fly the friendly skies in operatic bliss. Seriously, folks, opera. It's a gamechanger. 

Related articles

• Goodbye Walkman, Thanks for the iPod (cbsnews.com)
• AKIO MORITA: Guru Of Gadgets (time.com)
• Sony's pioneering Walkman finally plays its last tune (independent.co.uk)
• From Walkman to Facebook: How Tuning Out Led to Tuning In (blogs.forbes.com)
• Dave Pell: How the Walkman Led to Facebook (huffingtonpost.com)
• Confession #86: Walkman to Facebook: How Tuning Out Led to Tuning In (tweetagewasteland.com)

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Opera Goes Round and Round

Opera in the round! Make sure you take your Dramamine before traveling to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic where you can see a performance in a revolving theatre! 

Impressed? So are we. What else have they done in the round? Here's a little info about their 2008 season.: http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/ad2008012403.xml

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A Shout Out from City Pages

City Pages did a little write up about tonight's event: http://blogs.citypages.com/dressingroom/2010/12/stand_at_ease_f.php

Don't miss it - it's like happy hour kicked up a notch! Food and booze, friends and fun, and a lil' opera - military style. Tickets are still available (phone or at the door).

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Ask Tempo

Q: A friend is dragging me to the opera in March. La traviata, I think. I've never been before, all I know about the opera is fat ladies and viking helmets. Plus it's so "fancy," do I have to wear a tux? I can think of a whole host of things I'd rather do on a Saturday night. Like go to the bar with my friends, catch a Wild game, or stay home and play Rock Band. But I gotta go (because I agreed), so what should I expect? - Classically Challenged 

A: Well, Classically Challenged, we're glad you asked. Actually, we're especially glad that you asked now. Why, you ask? Because we have the PERFECT answer to your question. It's clear to us that you like fun (Wild games), music (Rock Band), and partying with your friends (bar on Saturday night). We've got an answer that incorporates all 3 of those things.*

Next Thursday (December 9), get yourself to the Minnesota Opera Center for Opera Boot Camp. The evening starts off with happy hour (seriously). From 6 - 7, we'll all be mixing, mingling, and enjoying wine from The Naked Grape, beer from Summit Brewery, and appetizers from Toast Wine Bar. Then from 7 - 8:30 you get to meet Tempo and the United Way (double bonus), go through opera basic training (a quick and dirty lesson led by Angie Keeton), and you get to experience the music (not a full blown production, some military-esque arias sung by opera artists). All this for only $15 dollars. To enlist in Opera Boot Camp, all you have to do is call the Minnesota Opera's ticket office at 612-333-6669 (business hours, 9-6).

So, there you have it. The PERFECT answer to your question. Sure you've got to wait a little bit (only a week), but good things come to those who wait, right? Feel free to wrangle up your usual Thursday happy hour crew and bring them too (you seem like the kind of guy who might appreciate a regular Thursday HH). The more the merrier. 

Any more questions? Just ask.

- Tempo

* By the way, Tempo Night Out is a triple threat too - opening night at the opera, an intermission lounge for the "cool" kids, and a kick ass after party at Sakura (yes, we just said kick ass - it's THAT good). So, you should be glad that your friend is "dragging" you to the opera in March (clearly they are a good friend). And no, you don't have to wear a tux. Just come as you are.

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Opera on the Water



(Rick Rycroft/Associated Press)

Sydney operagoers are in for a treat. In March 2012, Sydney will host Opera on Sydney Harbour. What's that you ask? Well, according to The Sydney Morning Herald:

Audiences will enjoy a world-class opera production on a unique floating platform moored off the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The first opera to be staged as part of the event will be Verdi's La Traviata and is set to feature a giant chandelier and fireworks.

Sounds wonderful. A good reason to save some $$$ for a trip to Sydney in 2012. Now, we'll admit that the Sydney Harbour is gorgeous - but Minnesota isn't without it's own beautiful bodies of water. Opera on the Lake has a nice ring to it, no?

Where would you like to see a floating opera staged? Lake Calhoun? The Mississippi? The St. Croix? Take it to the lake country and put it on Mille Lacs? All the way up north to Duluth Harbor? Or go south, to Lake Pepin? And, for good measure, what opera should it be?

We'd love to hear from you.

Related articles

• Australia opera festival set on barge (cbc.ca)
• Sydney to get floating opera (news.theage.com.au)

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Frasier = Cosi fan tutte?

Operation Opera is a blog after our own heart. The first scene of Cosi fan tutte rewritten as the script for an episode of Frasier - fantastic. Read and enjoy!

CHARACTERS:

Dr. Frasier Crane, a pompous and snobbish psychiatrist with a checkered love life.

Dr. Niles Crane, his equally effete, elitist brother, also a psychiatrist and also romance-challenged

Martin Crane, their father, a retired policeman with a taste for beer, country music and sports.

Eddie, Martin’s Jack Russell terrier, who can take Frasier or leave him alone.

(Scene: the living room of Frasier Crane’s Seattle apartment. Niles Crane is seated on the sofa, Frasier is at the bar. Their father Martin Crane is sitting in his leather recliner chair reading the newspaper. Martin’s dog Eddie is laying at his feet.)

FRASIER:

Another nip of Remy Martin, Niles?

NILES:

Not for me, thanks. I’m meeting Lara for dinner at Canlis in a little while. I’ve been wanting to try their smoked pork belly for some time now.

FRASIER:

“Lara”? Who’s this? Do I know her?

NILES:

No, I don’t think so – Dr. Lara Peters. We were fellow panelists at a symposium on anger management last month and just seemed to hit it off. We’ve been out a few times and… I really think this relationship might be something special.

FRASIER:

(drily) Yes… “everything’s coming up pork bellies”… What’s she like?

NILES:

Well, she’s a brilliant psychiatrist, she’s a sparkling conversationalist, she loves the theater… and… if you must know, she’s stunningly beautiful!

FRASIER:

Niles, I’m intrigued! You’ll have to have her over for cocktails some evening… unless, of course, she turns out to be a bit less dazzled by you than you clearly are by her.

NILES:

Frasier, that’s the best part: she is crazy about me! She’s constantly emailing me and sending me very provocative text messages; she adores my sense of humor; …she appears to be quite smitten if I say so myself.

FRASIER:

Dad, did you hear that? Niles has achieved the impossible: he’s located an attractive woman who laughs at his jokes.

Wanna read the read the rest? Yup, there's more. Check it out at Operation Opera.

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10 Questions with Eric McEnaney

Meet Eric McEnaney, Resident Artist (coach/accompanist)

1. What is your sign?
LEO, though very few people guess that about me!

2. What is your favorite opera?
It's a toss-up between Madama Butterfly and Don Giovanni.

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
I would love to be a travel agent or chef.

4. What is your favorite dessert?
The tres leches cake at 112 Eatery--amazing!

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be?
Fun-loving, focused, spiritual

6. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving

7. What was your first opera?
Cosi fan tutte

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
It would be about learning to trust my instincts as an artist and I would want Tobey Maguire or Michael Cera to play me!

9. Are you a morning or night person?
Definitely a night person.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Sit inside, under a blanket and read a good book.

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Cartoons & Opera - What's not to love?

One of Tempo's favorite sites is OperaPulse. Seriously, check them out. How can you not love a site that digs up gems like this:

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Tempo in Brief: 10.29.10

Ain't no party like a Tempo party, 'cause a Tempo party don't stop. Tempo's Opera Night Out Masquerade Ball was a Vita.mn top Halloween pick. - Vita.mn

Want an excuse to wear your fabulous mask more than once? TONIGHT: check out Masquerade, an art opening featuring work by Nicholas Harper. - Rogue Buddha Gallery

Need some last minute inspiration for your mask? l'etoile's got you covered. - l'etoile magazine blog

Need even more inspiration? Tempo's got you covered too. - Tempo Blog

Cinderella, Cinderella, All I hear is Cinderella. A lil' preview from Rochester's Post-Bulletin. - Post-Bulletin

Cinderelly, Cinderelly, Night and day it's Cinderelly. A longer preview preview of our very own. - Tempo Blog

Aschenbrödel / Aschenputtel / Cendrillon / Cenerentola / Cenicienta. She goes by many names, but you know the story. Everyone's talking about it, including Kate Iverson (Tempo Board member and all-around fabulous gal). - the651.com

Related articles

• Chic Masquerades - Vogue Paris October 2011 Issue Glamorizes Masked Looks (GALLERY) (trendhunter.com)
• Catherine Bell Visits Cinderella's Castle with Gemma! (justjared.buzznet.com)
• Parties: New York Design Center Masquerade: What Your Shelter Pubs Wore! (curbed.com)
• Avant-Garde Masquerades - Outrageous Masks at the Vogue Paris 90th Anniversary Ball (GALLERY) (trendhunter.com)
• Be Your Own Cinderella With Brian Atwood (viecouture.com)

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Cinderella Sneak Preview

You're in for a treat. We've got a guest blogger today - Joshua Dorothy (Tempo's board chair, remember him?)

So much can get done in so little time.

Tempo connects 20- and 30-somethings to Minnesota Opera. It seeks to grow the next generation of operagoers. I spent tonight with the next “next generation” of operagoers. Today’s teens and tweens will be Tempo eligible before we know it, and I’m thankful they’ll be interested in opera in good numbers.

The Opera invited students to tonight’s final dress rehearsal for Cinderella, and a few members of the Tempo board attended in hopes of recruiting some college students. We weren’t as successful as we might have hoped, since the students were predominantly of high-school age or younger. Which was hilarious during the “wine cellar” scene. (When you see it . . . you’ll get it.)

This production has come together quickly. The rehearsal process started on October 5, not even two days after the final curtain went down on Orpheus and Eurydice. To go from meet-and-greet to final-dress in 23 days is a feat in itself. The quality of what you will see on the Ordway stage (25 days total to opening night, and 33 days to closing) makes it nearly impossible to believe.

What’s even more astonishing is how much time went into perfecting each detail. I had the opportunity to spend an hour at a staging rehearsal on October 19. In one hour, I saw four choreographed sequences rehearsed and refined. That’s an average of 15 minutes on each sequence. Tonight, each went by in less than ten seconds.

Extrapolating backward for the entire production . . . is staggering. There can’t have been time. But there was. Or maybe someone worked a little magic. (Alidoro has a few more tricks up his sleeve, yes?)

There are people far better at providing a review than I. So I won’t even try. But let me tantalize you with some highlights to watch for on opening night:

Alidoro. The philosopher and tutor to Don Ramiro (a.k.a. “Prince Charming”) is fantastically debonair. Daniel Mobbs is a delight to watch.

Clorinda and Tisbe. These are the wicked stepsisters, portrayed by Resident Artists Angela Mortellaro and Victoria Vargas, respectively. Angie has an amazing pout, and fully embodies the slightly ditzy and very -- VERY -- spoiled-brattish Clorinda. Together, they reinforce my no-longer-secret suspicion that, every year, our mezzo and soprano resident artists forge a sisterly bond that alternates between the occasional feud between themselves and a constant fierce loyalty to each other and against the world.

The gentlemen in waiting. Also known as the chorus, these 16 men perform their hearts out for our director, Doug Varone. The choreography is at its best with them. They move in unison, with nearly military precision. (Come to think of it, I may have to ask Doug if he thinks military units move with near-dance-corps precision.) Rossini’s music often “tells” the audience where to clap, but even the master couldn’t anticipate Doug. Tonight’s audience interrupted the orchestra to cheer the chorus after a truly delightful sequence involving umbrellas.

Cinderella. Roxana is . . . oh so charming. You should fall in love with her from the start. Even the most cold-hearted can’t help but fall under her spell during Alidoro’s aria “Là del ciel nell'arcano profondo.” She has such joy and serenity, it emanates from her and practically lights the theatre. This is her debut on the American opera stage. Mark my words: people will envy you in a few years, when you can say you saw her in this production.

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10 Questions with Clinton Smith

Meet Clinton Smith, Resident Artist (assistant conductor)

1. What is your sign?
Capricorn - a big one

2. What is your favorite opera?
Too early to tell - I've only worked on/conducted around thirty operas, so there are so many more to discover.

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Good question - I used to be a huge computer nerd, in fact, I applied to nine schools as a computer science major, but changed my major to Piano at orientation, much to my father's horror.

4. What is your favorite dessert?
Apple pie

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be?
Musical, Resourceful, and Dedicated

6. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas.

7. What was your first opera?
The first opera I bought on CD is kind of obscure - it's the Phillips recording of Mozart's Il Re Pastore - I was captivated, and this was years before I actually saw my first opera. That happened to be Aida at the Met when I was in NYC with my high school orchestra in April of 1998 playing at Carnegie Hall.

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
The movie could be about pursuing a dream, making opportunities for oneself, never giving up, and finding your passion.

9. Are you a morning or night person?
Definitely a night person - my whole family is. When we get together it's not abnormal for us to all stay up, grandma included, until well after 2am drinking and talking.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Stay warm! I'm from the beach in Texas - it gets COLD here.

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Life's a Masquerade!

Cinderella's Masquerade Ball is right around the corner - are you ready? Do you have a costume? Okay, maybe not a full fledged costume, but how about a mask? It is, after all, a masquerade ball.

If you don't have anything yet, no worries. There's still penty of time. You can peruse the selection at Twin Cities Costume & Magic Shop in St. Paul and pick out something fabulous or you can make your own mask.

We know what you're thinking. We were thinking it too. What? Arts and crafts? How? When? Well, here comes l'etoile to the rescue! They provide a fabulous step by step guide to making a masquerade mask. 

l'etoile shows you how to go from this:

to this:

Fabulous, no? Can't wait to see this gorgeous mask at the party. We were so inspired that we took a shot at the whole mask making thing. First, a little internet research for inspiration (a Google search for "venetian masks" turns up lots fun photos). A quick trip to Michaels. Then, we made a few masks. No leaves for us - some paint (black, gold, and a little glitter), some gems, a few feathers, even some butterflies. Check it out:

We're pretty impressed with ourselves. And we're definitely looking forward to the Ball. See you there!

Related articles

• Venetian mask sale on Gilt Groupe today (timeoutny.com)
• Chic Masquerades - Vogue Paris October 2011 Issue Glamorizes Masked Looks (GALLERY) (trendhunter.com)
• Avant-Garde Masquerades - Outrageous Masks at the Vogue Paris 90th Anniversary Ball (GALLERY) (trendhunter.com)

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The Stupendous One

On Sunday, October 10, opera lost one of its legends: Joan Sutherland. Ms. Sutherland was one of the most acclaimed sopranos of the 20th century. It's the end of an era. She will be missed.

It was Italy’s notoriously picky critics who dubbed the Australian-born Ms. Sutherland the Stupendous One after her Italian debut, in Venice in 1960. And for 40 years the name endured with opera lovers around the world. Her 1961 debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, in Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” generated so much excitement that standees began lining up at 7:30 that morning. Her singing of the Mad Scene drew a thunderous 12-minute ovation.

- The New York Times

Related articles

• Joan Sutherland, 'Stupendous' Soprano, Dies at 83 (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)
• Dame Joan Sutherland dies aged 83 (bbc.co.uk)
• Famed Opera Singer Joan Sutherland Dies at 83 (popeater.com)
• Joan Sutherland Dies: Famed Soprano Dead At 83 (huffingtonpost.com)
• Joan Sutherland, Superstar Diva, Dies, 83: Manuela Hoelterhoff (businessweek.com)
• Soprano Joan Sutherland Dies at 83 (online.wsj.com)

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Corsets & Period Costumes

With Halloween just around the corner, some of you gals (and guys) may be busting out your corsets and period costumes for fabulous Halloween soirees.* How do you breath and move in those suckers? Best to ask an expert. The Podium chatted with Kelly Kaduce and got some "Diva Tricks of the Trade." 

Here are some of the things that stood out to us:

• Corsets - practice, breath, and leave a little room (seriously, you don't want to pass out!)
• Long trains - walk in little circles, backwards is not your friend
• Potty breaks - ladies, you may need to rethink your point of view
• Walking - short steps, make 'em wait for you

Kelly clearly has experience singing while wearing corsets, heavy gowns, and uber long trains (maybe all at the same time). We plan on taking her advice - if we ever have to cinch ourselves into a corset. On second thought, maybe we'll leave all the fancy costumes to the experts. Kelly and all her fabulousness will be back in Minnesota this spring as Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights. Do you have your tickets yet?

*Speaking of fabulous Halloween soirees, mark your calendars for the Masquerade Ball after Cinderella. It's not to be missed!

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Tempo in Brief: 10.1.10

A little opera, a little fashion, a little gossip, a lot of cheekiness. We like! - Opera Chic

Are you going to see Renee Fleming on October 7th at the Schubert Club? If so, you should join Tempo after the performance for a reception at Kincaid's! Appetizers provided and drink specials available. RSVP to tempo@mnopera.org by October 4th if you plan to attend. - The Schubert Club

Speaking of Renee Fleming, Opera Chic thinks she's one of the 5 best dressed opera singers. "Renee is the Highlander of Opera: In the end there can only be one. Get used to it." That's some high praise. - W Magazine

So far you've met Joshua Dorothy, Nadege Souvenir, and Victoria Vargas. Wonder who'll be next? - 10 Questions with Tempo

Tempo is looking forward to The Salon Series: Once Upon a Time at the Opera. We hope to see you there. - Minnesota Opera

Gotta love those Barihunks! Especially when they will be performing at the Minnesota Opera this season. - Barihunks

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Once Upon a Time at the Opera

Do you know what we love more than opera events? FREE opera events. Yes, that's right, we said FREE! Tempo is partnering with Vita.mn to bring you The Salon Series 7: Once Upon a Time at the Opera.

So, what is the Salon Series? The Salon Series is a hybrid arts series that brings you the best of the arts in the Twin Cities in unexpected and beautiful venues. Salon Series 7 returns with an exclusive performance and presentation by Tempo and the Minnesota Opera.

Salon Series 1: An evening of art, opera, and fun at The Museum of Russian Art

Salon Series 5: Punk and Pearls with Zandra Rhodes at the Ritz Theater

In the spirit of the upcoming production of Rossini's Cinderella (Oct. 30 - Nov. 7), there will be a program of music from the great fairytale operas and musical theater works. For one night only, Tempo and Vita.mn take over the Music Box Theatre. Learn about the history of the fairytale from University of Minnesota folklore specialist Jack Zipes. Listen to Doug Varone, choreographer and director of Cinderella, discuss his vision for the Opera's upcoming production. And enjoy a diverse sampling of music performed by soprano Karin Wolverton and members of Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Program.

WHEN

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

TIME

7-9 pm (open wine bar and appetizers from 7-8 pm and performance at 8 pm)

WHERE

Music Box Theatre, 1407 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

TICKETS

Free and open to the public! All you have to do is sign up here.

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Another Lovely Review

Sarah Luebke, Opera Today:

Minnesota Opera pulled out all the stops for its 2010-2011 season with its production of Gluck’s Orpheo ed Eurydice

Still haven't seen Orpheus and Eurydice? Three chances left.

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Hot Off the Presses!

Now, we hope you'll take our word for it that Orpheus and Eurydice is fantastic (amazing, stupendous, brilliant, and all that) and that you should immediately buy a ticket and see it before it’s gone. Just in case you need further convincing, here's what the critics are saying:

Larry Fuchsberg, Star Tribune:

This new production of the Gluck opera, directed by Lee Blakely for Minnesota Opera, is dazzling and inventive.

Ron Hubbard, Pioneer Press:

For Gluck's 'Orpheus and Eurydice,' soaring voices and expert orchestra, imaginative design and costuming, choreography and poetry all blend perfectly.

Michael Anthony, MinnPost.com:

Intensely dramatic 'Orpheus and Eurydice' is an unusually engaging season opener for Minnesota Opera.

Brad Richason, Twin Cities Performance Arts Examiner:

Minnesota Opera charts a transcendent journey with Orpheus and Eurydice.

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10 Questions with Victoria Vargas

Meet Victoria Vargas, Resident Artist (mezzo-soprano)

1. What is your sign?
Pisces

2. What is your favorite opera?
A toss up between Carmen and La Traviata

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Social Worker

4. What is your favorite dessert?
Cake...anything cake related.

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be?
Witty, Fun, Accepting

6. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving

7. What was your first opera?
Cosi fan tutte

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
The movie of my life would involve many well placed one liners and quirky encounters and I would love to played by Bette Midler.

9. Are you a morning or night person?
I'd like to think I am a morning person, but alas - a night person all the way.

10. What's your favorite thing to do in the winter?
I love walking around while it's snowing and the temperature is just the right amount of cold while drinking hot chocolate and/or making snow angels!

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Sneak Previews, After Parties, and Barihunks!

We're back! Tempo had a blast at Opera Tasting 2010. Did you? We'd love to get feedback - here, on Facebook, or by email (tempo@mnopera.org). No matter how good we were this year, we can always be better next year.

Want a sneak preview of the new Minnesota Opera production of Orpheus and Eurydice by Christoph von Gluck? Classical MPR has an interview with David Daniels (Orfeo), Susanna Phillips (Euridice), and Harry Bicket (conductor). David and Susanna sing the duet "Vieni, appaga il tuo consorte." You're in for a treat!

Speaking of Orpheus and Eurydice, this Saturday is the first Opera Night Out of the season. Mix and mingle with the cast, your fellow Tempo members and a host of fabulous revelers as we party the night away! Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, grecian inspired cocktails, pose for a portrait in the temple of Hades and Persephone, and dance to the music of Radio K. Where does all this fun take place? At Sakura, 350 St. Peter St., St. Paul, MN.

Barihunk Alert!! Ben Wagner is definitely "a tall drink of water" and we think April is far too long to wait to quench our thirst. So, we thought you'd appreciate, as we certainly do, an opportunity to admire him from afar. Until he joins us this spring for Wuthering Heights, you can whet your appetite with Barihunks.

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Tempo in Brief: 9.17.10

Opera Tasting is TOMORROW. Get your tickets before it sells out. - Minnesota Opera

Don't know what to wear to Opera Tasting? Still trying to decide? We can help - check out photos from last year's fabulous event. - Tempo on Facebook

A class devoted to Orpheus and Eurydice will be held on Monday, September 20, 7:00 p.m., at the Minnesota Opera Center. - Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Public Radio will rebroadcast the sell-out 2009-2010 season opener, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, with Isabel Bayrakdarian, Jesus Garcia and Philip Cutlip, on Wednesday, September 22, 8:00 p.m. - Minnesota Public Radio

5 Operas That Are Truly Bloodier Than "True Blood." - NPR Music

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Something to tide you over....

Opera Tasting is right around the corner and we're looking forward to seeing you all. We're a little busy right now, so here's a little something to tide you over until we return to our regularly scheduled blogging:

5 Operas That Are Truly Bloodier Than "True Blood"

NPR Music helps "True Blood" fans (and we know some of you are HUGE fans) find opera that satisfy their love of blood and gore:

Hundreds of thousands — maybe gazillions — of fans of True Blood might be feeling a little anemic right about now, what with season three of the wildly popular HBO show having wrapped up last Sunday.

Where oh where will they get their fix?

Go to NPR Music to read more.

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