Happenings at Skylark Opera Theatre January 2025
Happy Birthday to Skylark!
Forty-five years ago, soprano Virginia Hardin Olson and opera enthusiast Irma Wachtler had a big idea. Based on their work with the Metropolitan Opera auditions, they realized that this region is richly blessed with operatic talent—but with little opportunity to perform leading roles locally. On January 24, 1980, they incorporated a new opera company, Opera St. Paul. The name changed over the years, but our mission and values are the same. Our commitment then and today is to bring accessible performances of high-quality opera and music theater, presented by the finest local and regional talent, to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
As part of our birthday celebration, we are proud to introduce our new, refreshed logo above. Skylark's 45th birthday is a good time to update our look with this sleek, modern design. Join us and experience the great things happening at Skylark!
A Look Back at 2024
We began 2024 in February with Skylark’s first-ever A Sip of Opera. The sold-out evening of desserts, wine, and opera featured soprano Symone Harcum presenting Songs for Leontyne to honor American opera legend Leontyne Price.
in April, Skylark honored Women of Broadway with a free public concert, part of the Sundays at Landmark series, featuring music by female composers.
In August, Stephen Sondheim’s revue Marry Me A Little was a summer hit. The five critically acclaimed performances featured Bergen Baker and Max Wojtanowicz portraying two lonely adults yearning for love, told through Sondheim’s brilliant songs.
The 3rd annual OktOpera Fest in October featured highlights from Kurt Weill’s Broadway opera Lost in the Stars and selections from Weill’s other works. Baritone Jeremiah Sanders and soprano Victoria Koroljev were accompanied by Skylark’s Artistic Director James Barnett on the piano. It was an evening of opera, beer, food and FUN.
We closed out 2024 in December with the Minnesota premiere of The Christmas Spider. Anthony Potts, Karin Wolverton, Em Kaplan and Eve Scharback brought composer Clint Borzoni and librettist John de los Santos’ sweet adaptation of a Ukrainian folk tale to life. The story, with its reminder of the kindness and hope that surround us, was a heartwarming ending to the year.
First Up in 2025—A Sip of Opera!
Join us on February 15 for the 2nd annual A Sip of Opera, celebrating compositions by Joseph Boulogne (Chevalier de St. Georges) and William Grant Still. Discover music of the Black Diaspora through these monumental composers’ works performed by soprano Tiana Sorenson in her Skylark debut. Alongside the beautiful music are curated wine pairings, handpicked to enhance your aural experience by 2017 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year Erin Rolek. An assortment of light Valentine’s Day-inspired desserts and snacks complement the music and wine. Come share this unique experience with a special someone, a close friend, or treat yourself; don’t miss this unique blend of exquisite music and fine wine!
Last year's event was a sell-out. Tickets will be on sale soon—watch for the announcement on Facebook, Instagram, and our website.
Thanks for a Year of Support
Heartfelt thanks to our all our Skylark supporters. Your contributions are put directly into bringing opera and music theater to life through performances like Marry Me A Little, The Christmas Spider, and our upcoming events, A Sip of Opera and Sundays at Landmark—Skylark Presents Zarzuela!
Skylark Events Calendar
January 20-24, 2025: Skylark Opera Theatre’s birthday celebration week.
January 24, 2025: Happy Birthday to Skylark!
February 15, 2025: 2nd annual A Sip of Opera
April 6, 2025: Sundays at the Landmark Center—Skylark Presents Zarzuela!