Happenings at Skylark - May 2022

Your Voice is Needed to Support the Arts in Minnesota!

Two Minnesota State legislative bills (House File 2637 and Senate File 2251) are before our state representatives and senators this session to provide $100 million in COVID relief funding to keep our vibrant Minnesota arts community flourishing. COVID created economic challenges for everyone, but hit the arts and cultural sector, Skylark Opera Theatre included, especially hard. In total, Minnesota arts and cultural organizations lost $2.2 billion in revenue, which resulted in laying off more than 62,000 people. At Skylark, the glorious voices were silenced and the stages were dark for more than two years before we resumed live performances with Amahl and the Night Visitors in December 2021.

YOU can make a difference in helping to bring these crucial bills across the finish line.

  • Learn more at the Minnesota Citizens for Arts website (https://artsmn.org/)

  • Participate in Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) in-person rally for arts and culture funding at the Minnesota State Capitol on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 from 10AM - 12PM. The rally will begin outdoors on the front steps of the Minnesota Sta e Capitol at 10AM and then move into the Capitol Rotunda from 11AM-12PM for an indoor rally!

  • Sign the petition to add your support to that of Minnesotans from around the state. You will find the petition at: https://secure.everyaction.com/J1VD1eUgMECjp5y9JYZy0A2

  • Email or write your state senator or representative urging them to recognize the contributions that the arts community makes to Minnesota by supporting this desperately needed legislation.


Eugene Onegin Plays to Sell-Out Audiences

Thank you, Twin Cities opera fans, for the enthusiastic reception you gave to Skylark Opera’s production of Eugene Onegin. The excitement and appreciation you voiced for Skylark’s unique brand of imaginative, immersive opera at our six live-stage performances was overwhelming. The critics agreed: "a uniquely satisfying musical experience"(Cherry and Spoon), "well acted, beautifully sung, and easy to follow" (Stages of MN), and "deeply involving" (Star Tribune).

Photo by Matt Bellin

Skylark Connections

Skylark Connection Adam Qualls will be appearing in Runestone!: A “Rock” Musical at History Theatre from May 7-29. Adam was most recently the assistant stage manager for Skylark’s production of Eugene Onegin. See the History Theatre website for more information on this portrayal of Minnesota’s local history.

The Twin Cities Opera Guild holds their 48th annual Spring Benefit to help promote their mission of bringing opera and music education to children on Tuesday, May 17th at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina. The event begins at 10:30 with a silent auction and social hour. Enjoy a musical performance that features our Skylark connection Bergen Baker. Bergen has shared her musical talents in Skylark’s production of As One and with Skylark for Seniors. To learn more and to purchase tickets check out the Guild’s website here.

Carson Rose Schneider will be participating in the Taos Opera Institute as a coaching faculty member for the 2022 season from May 27th to June 27th. The Taos Opera Institute invites promising young artists, emerging professionals, and esteemed faculty like Carson to the Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. Carson has been a musical director for three of Skylark’s productions, most recently Eugene Onegin, and for Skylark for Seniors.

Tickets are now available for the Opera Reading Project culinary operatic fundraiser on Thursday, June 16. There is limited seating for this evening of food and opera featuring Lee Hoiby’s one-woman opera, Bon Appetit!, so mark your calendars now! Our Skylark connection Colleen O’Shaugnnessy, who played Larina in Skylark’s production of Eugene Onegin, is ORP’s executive director. If you enjoy opera and cooking, this event is for you! See the ORP website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Megan Millett