Past Performances

2024-2025 Season

Summer Sparkler 2025

A summer concert with picnic-y food and festive fundraising in support of a new season of opera.

Valentine’s Day Soirée 2025

5:30 PM – Hors d’oeuvres / Cash Bar6:30 PM – Dinner and Music Food, Music, Friends, and Fundraising in support of the work of Lyric Opera of the North. $110/ Person

Opera Karaoke

Do you sound fabulous in the shower?? Have you ever wanted to hit those high notes in front of a friendly audience? Now is your chance! Whether your ‘Nessun Dorma’ rivals the Three Tenors or your ‘O mio babbino caro’ makes us weep, we can’t wait to hear you! Do you want to play a… View Article

The Impresario & Circe on Superior

The Impresario composed By W.A. Mozart, with new libretto by Jeffrey Madison Circe on Superior composed by Peter Hilliard with libretto by Matt Boresi A year of celebration begins with two one-acts: something old and something new. Mozart’s comedy, The Impresario, has a new script from beloved LOON collaborator Jeffrey Madison. Then, after intermission, the… View Article

The Radio Hour

Composed by Jake Heggie Libretto by Gene Scheer In 40 minutes and three parts, this choral opera tells the story of Nora, a woman having a very bad day. She seeks solace by locking herself inside her apartment and turning on the radio. The chorus represents the inner monologue of her life and the imaginative… View Article

Die Fledermaus

Composed by Johann Strauss II Libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée 20 years ago, Lyric Opera of the North’s very first event featured scenes from Die Fledermaus. What better way to celebrate our anniversary than with a beautiful new production of this operetta that is an ode to bubbles, waltzes, masked balls, and shimmery… View Article

2023-2024 Season

Speed Dating Tonight!

Music and Words by Michael ChingBased on a concept by Dean Anthony A contemporary genre-bending opera in one act. With over one hundred twenty productions since its 2013 premiere, Speed Dating Tonight! is one of the most popular operas of the 21st century. Part of the magic of Speed Dating Tonight! is that no two productions are… View Article

Little LOON 2023-2024: Hansel and Gretel

Opera for the Young’s Adaptation of Hansel and GretelMusic by Engelbert HumperdinckLibretto by Adelheid WetteMusic adapted by Jeffrey SykesLibretto adaptation by Diane Garton Edie Cast and Creative Team Tour Dates & Scheduling Little LOON will be touring in the Fall of 2023 and the Winter of 2024. Here are the dates:  Contact us for more… View Article

Mardi Gras Soirée

Beads and boas? Tuxes and tiaras? Sport coats and sweaters? There is no wrong way to Soirée. This year’s Soirée takes place the day before Valentine’s Day: Tuesday, February 13. Join us as a table of one – or two – or ten. We can’t wait to see you for food, music, friends, and fundraising… View Article
Hansel and Gretel Little LOON

Little LOON Public Performance

Wander into the forest with Hansel and Gretel and experience a little bit of magic at the Depot! Tickets are on sale for a rare public performance by LOON’s touring company, Little Opera of the North. This year’s tour brought Opera for the Young’s adaptation of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel to 30 schools for 37 performances! The… View Article

La Bohème

Composed by Giacomo Puccini. Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. LOON’s first production of Puccini’s classic, featuring passionate lovers, struggling artists, and soaring singing. Two performances only, June 14 & 16, at Marshall Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on the UMD campus. *** The only tickets available for Friday night are those that are turned back… View Article

The Summer Sparkler 2024

LOON’s Summer Sparkler is the perfect way to say farewell to the past season of opera, and to look ahead to the next one! This concert-fundraiser-picnic has become a favorite date on the LOON calendar. The event takes place at the Historic Scott House in Carlton, MN, with bus service available to and from Duluth…. View Article

2022-2023 Season

As One

Music & concept by Laura Kaminsky • Libretto by Mark Campbell & Kimberly Reed By arrangement with Bill Holab Music • Commissioned and developed by American Opera Projects (AOP) As One film direction and film by Kimberly Reed, commissioned by AOP. As One premiered at Brooklyn Academy of Music, September 2014, made possible in part… View Article

DOC the Halls

For this year’s Decameron Opera Coalition (DOC) project, “DOC the Halls”, Lyric Opera of the North commissioned a song about Winter Solstice with lyrics from local writer Linda LeGarde Grover and music by Minneapolis-based composer Daniel Nass. The song, titled Little Spirit Moon at Solstice, is sung by Mezzo Soprano Lyz Jaakola with piano accompaniment… View Article

Little LOON 2023: The Pirates of Penzance

Music by Arthur SullivanLibretto by W.S. GilbertMusic adapted by Bill LutesLibretto adaptation by Diane Garton Edie Plot Synopsis The Pirates of Penzance (M, T, B, SC) sail to shore and celebrate Frederic’s (T) 21st birthday. Now that he’s an adult, Frederic decides to become a law-abiding citizen. He discovers Mabel (S) and the Wards (SC)… View Article

Mid-Winter LOON COR Concert: Certain Kinds of Love

Explore the many-splendored aspects of love in an afternoon of operatic and choral favorites. Featuring the voices of your LOON COR, this concert includes music by Bizet, Monteverdi, Lauridsen, and many others in a performance that is not to be missed! 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 5at Clyde Iron WorksGeneral Seating: $22; $12 students About LOON… View Article

Valentine’s Day Soirée

Food, Music, Friends, and Fundraising in support of the work of Lyric Opera of the North. 5:30 PM – Hors d’oeuvres / Cash Bar6:30 PM – Dinner and Music Please RSVP by Monday, February 6 Menu: Three delicious dinner options to choose from: Dinner includes bread with herb infused butter, a Hotel Duluth Salad (mixed… View Article

Cavalleria Rusticana

Composed by Pietro Mascagni with libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci  LOON returns to UMD’s MPAC stage this Summer with Cavalleria Rusticana, a beloved one-act opera featuring gorgeous music and classic themes of love and betrayal. Cast Creative Team Orchestra Bios Erin Aldridge, originally from Milwaukee, came to Duluth in 2003 to join the… View Article

The Summer Sparkler 2023

Join LOON for a summer concert with picnic-y food and festive fundraising in support of a new season of opera! The event takes place at the Historic Scott House in Carlton, MN, with bus service available to and from Duluth. Grounds open at 5:30pm, concert starts at 6:30pm. Walk-ups are welcome, but food must be… View Article

2021-2022 Season

HEROES: The Place

THE PLACE is part of the next installment of the Decameron Opera Coalition project entitled HEROES – seven world premiere opera short films presented in three episodes, all framed with original art songs by Hilliard and Boresi. The DOC’s diverse collection of creators explore the meaning of heroism and profile unsung, unconventional, or misunderstood heroes… View Article

Little LOON Tour 2021-22: Let’s Make an Opera!

Our brand new Little LOON production, Let’s Make an Opera, is a music-filled peek into the process of creating an opera. Written and directed by Bradley Greenwald and hosted by some of LOON’s youngest patrons, this pre-recorded 19-minute video is available for on-demand viewing through the end of the 2021-22 school year. Supporting teaching materials include… View Article

LOON COR debut performance

Please join us on Saturday, June 4th for the debut performance of Lyric Opera of the North’s new professional ensemble, LOON COR. This ensemble will take many shapes in the years to come, meeting the evolving needs of Lyric Opera of the North in myriad ways, while providing opportunities for musical growth and performance for… View Article

Hansel and Gretel

Composed by Engelbert Humperdinck with libretto by Adelheid Humperdinck Wette After two years of alternative programming, Lyric Opera of the North returns to in-person performance with Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved Hansel and Gretel. Based on the Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel is layered with scrumptious melodies, engaging characters, mystery, and magic. Taking inspiration from the… View Article

The Summer Sparkler 2022

Please join us on the grounds of the beautiful Historic Scott House for a breezy summer concert with picnic-y food and festive fundraising in support of a new season of opera! Tuesday, August 9, at The Historic Scott House (Rain date: August 10). Grounds open at 5:30; Concert begins at 6:30. $20 General Admission /… View Article

2020-2021 Season

Tales From a Safe Distance: Everything Comes to a Head

The Decameron Opera Coalition’s serial opera Tales from a Safe Distance is now streamable through the classical music streaming app IDAGIO. One $15 ticket gives access to view all four episodes whenever and however many times you would like through the end of 2021! Trailer: Created by the Decameron Opera Coalition, Tales from a Safe… View Article

Little LOON Tour 2020-21: Little LOON and Friends

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 2020-21 Production: COVID-Friendly Virtual Program Since live opera in school gyms wasn’t possible this year, Lyric Opera of the North wrote and produced a… View Article

Valentine’s Day Soirée

Thanks to all who participated in the 2021 Valentine’s Day Soirée! Because this was a virtual production, video of the livestream event is still available for viewing. If you are interested in watching the Valentine’s Day Soirée program, it’s not too late! Please send an email with the subject line “Virtual Soiree Link” to info@loonopera.org…. View Article

The Summer Sparkler 2021

LIVE and IN PERSON!   Lyric Opera of the North’s annual summer fundraiser is taking place live and in person at The Historic Scott House! This outdoor event will give us all a chance to gather together safely. In the event of rain, the Sparkler will be moved to the following day, August 18. Some… View Article

2019-2020 Season

Little LOON Tour 2019-20: Cinderella

Opera for the Young’s adaptation of Cinderella Music by Jules MassenetFrench Libretto to Cendrillon by Henri CainBased on the fairy tale by Charles PerraultMusic adapted and arranged by Dan PlummerOriginal libretto by Diane Garton Edie Cinderella Cast and Company

Little LOON Public Performance

Little Opera of the North presents Opera for the Young’s adaptation of Massenet’s Cinderella, now touring elementary school gyms throughout the Arrowhead Region! Join LOON for the first ever open-to-the-public evening performance, happening at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater at The Duluth Depot. Guest starring choristers from North Shore Community School, prepared by Music Specialist… View Article
Amahl and the Night Visitors

Amahl and the Night Visitors

By Gian Carlo Menotti LOON’s family-friendly favorite returns by popular demand! A vivid and accessible story originally created for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors features beautiful melodies, engaging characters and a heartwarming message that resonates with the themes of generosity and hope. Appropriate for all ages, and parents are encouraged to bring children. General… View Article

A Night at the Opera: Opera’s Greatest Hits

With the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra LOON begins its season by joining forces with the DSSO to bring Opera’s Greatest Hits to the stage for one night only. Featuring the DSSO Chorus, joined by members of the LOON Chorus. Soloists:

Valentine’s Day Soirée

Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year! 5:30 PM – Hors d’oeuvres / Cash Bar 6:30 PM – Dinner and Music $100 per person ($50 tax deductible) Menu: Duet Plate: Pan-Seared Sirloin and Champagne Chicken (Served with Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes) Roasted North Atlantic Salmon with Maple & Lemon Glaze (Served with Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes)… View Article

Tosca

By Giacomo Puccini We won’t be able to gather for a June opera this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see Tosca! We just have to wait a while. The concept and the design are too beautiful, and the cast is too terrific, to cancel. So we will look forward to seeing this opera in… View Article

Summer Sparkler 2020

Click this text to go directly to the event online LOON’s end-of-the-season fundraiser! Streaming LIVE on Facebook & YouTube.  Please join us for Lyric Opera of the North’s Virtual Summer Sparkler! Enjoy singing, visits with friends, and a look ahead to a new season of opera. If, for any reason, you have to join us… View Article

2018-2019 Season

Trouble in Tahiti & The Filthy Habit

Trouble in Tahiti by Leonard Bernstein Happy 100th Birthday to Leonard Bernstein, who wrote Lyric Opera of the North’s season opener, Trouble in Tahiti. A suburban couple appears to have a perfect life. Over the course of this 50-minute opera, and with the help of an observant backup trio, we get a glimpse past the… View Article

Holiday Pops Concert

This musical day trip takes us home where we should be to celebrate with family and friends. Enjoy this traditional DSSO afternoon of song, costumes and an abundance of holiday spirit.

Valentine’s Day Soirée 2019

Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year! Free Valet Parking 5:30 PM – Hors d’oeuvres / Cash Bar 6:30 PM – Dinner and Music $100/person ($50 tax deductible) Menu Duet Plate: Pan-Seared Sirloin and Champagne Chicken Walleye with Lemon Picatta Sauce {Both options served with Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes} Vegetarian: Spiralized Butternut Squash with Thai Peanut… View Article

L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love)

by Gaetano Donizetti & Felice Romani This season’s “It’s Almost Summer” opera is Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) – a frothy concoction of hummable melodies, colorful characters, true love, and a happy ending. Stage Director Bradley Greenwald makes his Lyric Opera of the North debut with this production. Dirk Meyer conducts. The LOON… View Article

Summer Sparkler 2019

Join us rain or shine! SPARKLE IN COMFORT TONIGHT! Hello, friends! Though it may not rain tonight, it is breezy and very cool. This makes things tricky for microphones, makes piano-owners (and players) nervous, and means a few of us might not be as comfortable as we’d like! Let’s all head inside and be comfy…. View Article

2017-2018 Season

Holiday Pops Concert

Enjoy great family fun as the Lyric Opera of the North teams up with the DSSO to present this holiday extravaganza, filled with music, costumes and holiday spirit.

St. John Passion

Special guests, Twin Ports Choral Project, are joined by a stellar cast of soloists, the LOON orchestra, and a chorale chorus comprised of singers from the Twin Ports and beyond, in this staged production of Bach’s St. John Passion.

Summer Sparkler 2018

Join us rain or shine! This party will happen in any weather.  Outdoors if weather permits — inside, if it doesn’t! 5:30 pm – Burgers, brats, and beverages 7:00 pm – Concert featuring the Twin Ports Tenors Featuring the Twin Ports Tenors William Bastian Marcus McConico Calland Metts John Pierce Beth Sobszak, piano Benefit Raffle… View Article

Valentine’s Day Soirée 2018

Lyric Opera of the North cordially invites you to its annual Valentine’s Day Soiree, this year with a Mardi Gras twist! Money raised at this event will help Lyric Opera of the North bring opera to elementary schools throughout the North this winter, and will help bring Mozart’s Don Giovanni to the NorShor stage this June!

Don Giovanni

In this Mozart-meets-the-movies production, our leading man uses his power to play with the lives of everyone on set. But every action has a consequence, and although he’s well-rehearsed—nothing could prepare him as the line between fantasy and reality blur at the movie studio.

2016-2017 Season

Summer Sparkler 2017

Usher in a new season with an outdoor concert and fundraiser. Special guest Jennifer LeDoux joins Vicki Fingalson, Sarah Lawrence, Cal Metts, Jeffrey Madison, and pianist Beth Sobczak. Songs inspired by childhood and the dreams we love to dream! Also: terrific raffle items and other ways to support little opera of the north!

Blue Viola

Blue Viola tells the story of a priceless instrument that disappears after its owner, a player in the Chicago Symphony, accidentally leaves it on the street. It winds up in the hands of Vernon Addams, a junk dealer, who sees in it a lost treasure he is meant to rescue and care for. His girlfriend, Arnita Seward, is more practical.

Rigoletto

Rigoletto is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi. Its tragic story revolves around the licentious Duke of Mantua, his hunch-backed court jester Rigoletto and Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter Gilda.

2015-2016 Season

The Barber of Seville, Rossini

Count Almaviva has fallen madly in love with Rosina, whose doddering old guardian, Dr. Bartolo, has his own plans for her future — and her fortune. It’s up to Figaro to come up with one crazy scheme after another to ensure a happy ending — for everyone!

Les Uncomfortables

Les Uncomfortables is an original comic opera, sung in English. It is based on the true adventures of Daniel Greysolon Sieur duLhut, the explorer for whom the city of Duluth is named. The story includes love and loss, portaging and paddling, and mosquitoes and mistaken identity.

Red, White and LOON

A guaranteed cure for the Election Year Blues! Pianist Beth Sobczak joins LOON singers Vicki Fingalson, Sarah Lawrence, Calland Metts, and Jeffrey Madison for a concert featuring the music of Gershwin, Weill, Bernstein, and highlights from Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man!

2014-2015 Season

Carmen. Two Companies. One Opera.

Nearly 200 people will be on stage for this first-ever collaboration between Lyric Opera of the North and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

2013-2014 Season

Face on the Barroom Floor & Bon Appétit!

Two bite-sized operas open the Lyric Opera of the North Season – one savory, one sweet! Are you an opera fan? You’ll love these little gems. If you’re new to opera – or an opera-skeptic – then this is the perfect way to give this spectacular art form a try!

Don Pasquale, A Comedy in 3 Acts

Don Pasquale has decided to get married – only to prevent his young nephew, Ernesto, from receiving his inheritance and marrying his beloved Norina. When Dr. Malatesta devises a plan that’s guaranteed to end in wedding bells for the young couple, Norina is more than happy to help – especially because the plan serves up plenty of revenge for Pasquale, too!

2012-2013 Season

Amahl & The Night Visitors

This beloved holiday production was written for a television audience and premiered on Christmas Eve, 1951. It is under an hour in length and is sung in English, with full orchestra. A dance sequence will feature guest artists from Minnesota Ballet.

La Traviata

This opera truly has it all. A dying heroine, sacrificing her happiness for the man she loves… some of the most beloved moments in opera, brought to life by sensational soloists, live orchestra and full chorus… musical storytelling at its most spectacular.

2011-2012 Season

Cavalleria Rusticana & Gianni Schicchi

Your evening will begin with the heartbreaking tragedy of Cavalleria Rusticana and end with Puccini’s comic masterpiece, Gianni Schicchi. Hear LOON’s orchestra and chorus as you’ve never heard them before, joined by world class soloists in an all new production, directed by Calland Metts and conducted by Keith Swanson.

The Mikado

With ‘joyous shout and ringing cheer’ LOON welcomes spring to the Northland! Join us for a topsy-turvy ride through this British Victorian-era satire which crackles with comic and musical brilliance. Come and see why The Mikado reigns as Gilbert & Sullivan’s most frequently-performed opera.
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