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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• Timothy Lynch is just one good reason to see 'Project Orpheus' by Seattle Dance Project (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

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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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Free Tickets to Opera Tasting!

Haven't purchased your tickets yet? You're in luck. 

Our fabulous Opera Tasting emcees are giving away a pair of tickets to Opera Tasting. When? Today. That's right, today, Tuesday, September 14th during their show (1-3 p.m.) on myTalk107.1. You gotta listen for a chance to win!

If you already puchased your tickets - try to win a pair for some friends. If aren't the lucky winner - don't wait, buy your tickets soon. Last year we sold out and unfortunately had to turn folks away at the door (don't let that be you).

Tempo is looking forward to Opera Tasting. We hope to see you there!

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10 Questions with Nadege Souvenir

Meet Nadege Souvenir, Tempo Board Member and Opera Tasting Chair

© 2011 Clare Pix Photography 

1. What is your sign?
Capricorn-Aquarius cusp. According to “The Secret Language of Birthdays,” I was born on the day of the heavyweight. Those born on my birthday "are some of the most powerfully direct individuals of the year." Cool, no?

2. What is your favorite opera?
I don’t have one - I change my mind too often to have too many favorite anythings. I tend to enjoy the comedies most, but, of course, that's not a hard and fast rule.

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
An event planner OR the chief executive officer of my own company. The company would be one of the many brilliant business ideas I’ve had that I was too scared to pursue (all of these ideas are now someone else’s successful business).

4. What is your favorite dessert?
More appetizers! If I must eat dessert, then red velvet cake.

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

6. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving – food, family, and friends – what’s not to like.

7. What was your first opera?
The Grapes of Wrath at the Minnesota Opera.

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
Um, they’d probably do a reality show and follow me around during a high stress period (I’m kinda funny when I’m cranky). If it has to be a movie, then it would be a comedy about my pregnancy and delivery. I’d like to have Tina Fey play me, but the color-blind casting might throw people for a loop. Plus, if the actor playing the father was white, it’d kill one of the best laughs in the movie, so I’ll go with Gabrielle Union.

9. Are you a morning or night person?
Night – very late night.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Stay inside. Winter is not for me, a stylish sweater+skinny jeans+cute boots fall day is much more my style.

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Tempo in Brief: 9.10.10

Minnesota Opera participates in Concrete and Grass Lowertown Music Festival TODAY at 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Concrete and Grass

Renee Fleming tickets on sale. 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

Orpheus and Eurydice commercial. - MnOpera on YouTube

The fifth season of The Met: Live in HD begins with Wagner’s Das Rheingold on Saturday, October 9 on numerous local screens. Tickets on sale now! - NCM Fathom

Opera Tasting tickets are still available. - Minnesota Opera

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• Lepage's Das Rheingold in Met's new HD season (cbc.ca)
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Very Important People

Photo by Stephen Stephens

We know (because you've told us) that some of you are still hemming and hawing over whether or not to get a VIP table at Opera Tasting. We also know that there are not as many VIP tables left as there are interested VIP table buyers. So, to help you make your decisions, here is a quick run down of the benefits of VIP:

• VIP Pre-Party: From 7:30 - 8:30 in Upper Hell, you will enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres, a bubbly cocktail and/or Surly beer, AND a private performance by one of Minnesota Opera's Resident Artists.
• Reserved Seating: You will sit front and center for the performances in Lower Hell.
• Gift Bags: You will receive a gift bag filled with goodies from: BlackBlue, Bradstreet, Bryant Lake Bowl, Cocoa & Fig, Cosmos, Drama, Honey, Ivy Spa Club, Minnesota Planetarium, Miyagi Salon, Red Stag Supperclub, and Thymes. Stuff just keeps coming in...
• Free Drink: Check your gift bag for a drink ticket for the After Party at Clubhouse Jager.

So, those of you on the fence...decision time. There are only a limited number of VIP tables (very limited now) and when they're gone, they're gone. If you miss out on VIP this year, remember there is always next year. VIP or not, you will enjoy a fabulous evening with Tempo. If you've been to Opera Tasting before, you know this event is fantastic. If you haven't, make this year your first.

To purchase a VIP table, call 612-342-9562. A credit card from one guest in your party (the Table Coordinator) is required to reserve a VIP table. Guests simply call and mention Table Coordinator's name to purchase their VIP ticket(s).

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Opera Tasting 2010

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10 Questions with Joshua Dorothy

Meet Joshua Dorothy, Tempo Board Chair

© 2010 Ripplinger Imaging

1. What’s your sign?
I was born in a timeless void.

2. Favorite opera?
Globally: Carmen. Seen at Minnesota: The Abduction from the Seraglio. Based on having seen one of Micòl’s arias in a very early workshop, I strongly anticipate The Garden of the Finzi-Continis will supplant Seraglio.

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Solicitor General of the United States, although arguably that’s just a greatly elevated and refined version of my current job (attorney). If I have to leave the law to be fully responsive to this question, then I would say: the host of Meet the Press.

4. What is your favorite dessert?
Some good dark chocolate and an espresso.

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

6. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. I highly recommend the all-French (including carols) Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at the Church of Saint Louis King of France in downtown Saint Paul, even if you’re neither Catholic nor French-speaking. It’s absolutely beautiful.

7. What was your first opera?
My first fully staged opera was The Marriage of Figaro.

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 more of a Ken Burns-style documentary: sepia-toned photographs and narration by David McCullough. That would blow the budget, so there wouldn’t be an actor playing me. But if George Clooney would donate his services, I wouldn’t say no.

9. Are you a morning or night person?
A little of both. I really hit my stride at about 10:00 – a.m. and p.m.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Go for a walk after a fresh blanket of snow has fallen, or while it’s still flurrying.

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A blogging we will go....

Welcome to Tempo’s brand spankin’ new blog! This is your source for all things Tempo – social events, operas, and much much more. Some regular features you should be on the lookout for: 10 Questions with Tempo, Who We Love, Ask Tempo, and Opera Says What. Check out it out, leave us comments, and share with your friends. We plan to have fun here and hope you do too.

©2010 Clare Pix Photography www.clarepix.com

Keep an especially close eye on us over the next few days. Why, you ask? Well, Friday (September 3rd )we're gonna give away some free tickets. What tickets? When? How? You have to "tune in" to find out.

Enjoy our blog and have a Tempotastic day! (cheesy, we know, but sometimes that's okay)

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