Minnesota Opera Revamps 2020 Season, to Present 3D ‘Das Rheingold’

By David Salazar

Minnesota Opera has officially announced updates for its 2020-21 season.

First off, the company has canceled all productions previously announced as part of the 2020-21 season.

“There are so many in our opera family—artists, creatives, staff, audience, students and community members—who rely on our artmaking as a source of inspiration, income, healing and security,” said President and General Director Ryan Taylor in a press release. “And the two pandemics that we are all struggling with now—COVID-19 and racism—continue to have devastating effects on our community. Artists and artistic organizations are often spiritual leaders in times of crisis. We offer connection, community and a shared storytelling that provides light, hope and a path to think differently and be better. Our typical prescription to work our magic requires physical and emotional proximity for company members and our community at large. And we know that very proximity currently endangers our health. With all this in mind, we present today an innovative approach and a new 2020 Fall Season that draws on the creative reserves of our company. We believe it provides a new path forward for our organization, as we look forward to returning to the Ordway in the spring.”

The company originally had five operas scheduled between September 2020 and May 2021. None of them will be presented. Among these operas was “Blue,” a work that dealt with issues of racism; it will be presented in a future season.

In lieu of this, the company is presenting a revamped slate.

It starts off with “Opera in the Outfield,” which will offer audiences live performances at the CHS Field in St. Paul. The performance will feature music from “Carmen,” “Le Nozze di Figaro,” and other works.

Performance Dates: Sept. 24 and 26, 2020

The company will then present an online presentation of its 2011 production of “Wuthering Heights.” This is the first time the production will be available online.

Streaming Dates: Oct. 10-24, 2020

Finally, the company will be presenting a 3D version of its 2016 production of “Das Rheingold.” Audiences will have a chance to stream the opera from their homes. They can have 3D glasses shipped to their homes to enhance the experience.

Streaming Dates: Nov. 14-28, 2020 

The company will also present “A Holiday Special – Live!” from Ordway Concert Hall. The performance will be live streamed from the venue and feature famed holiday tunes.

Stream Dates: Dec. 13-27, 2020

 The company will also continue to offer up broadcasts of “Casanova’s Homecoming” and “Silent Night.”

Stream Dates: Oct. 27 (“Casanova”) and Dec. 1 (“Silent Night”)

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