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Raison d’Être Opéra

LXCL:We strongly believe that the talent and experience of singers 55+ should be shared with audiences. We support the lifelong learning of mature singers with workshops and audition opportunities, as well as empower emerging artists by providing accessible opera training and performances. Our goal is a vibrant community that, regardless of age, embraces expressive storytelling and the art of opera.

Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra invites you to participate in our first Performer Development Weedkend! All are invited to attend David Jones&#39;s Master Class for Seasoned Singers on Friday evening (in person or livestreamed); a limited number of singers aged 55+ will be chosen to perform.&nbsp; Beginning Saturday, singers college age and beyond can step into a focused, supportive two days to grow their stage skills. Through practical workshops and hands-on master classes, the work will center on performance technique, presence, and honest storytelling within your music. Rooted in Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra&rsquo;s mission of accessible arts education, this weekend of learning connects you with experienced professionals and peers who care about the craft as much as you do. Register below to reserve your spot!

Performer Development Weekend

Join Us at Voice Lab!Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra invites you to refine your voice and performance skills in a nurturing setting. Our Voice Labs offer an opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals , as well as connect with fellow performers. Whether you&#39;re a singer or actor, this is your space to grow and embrace your artistic journey.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Date: August 30* with Jared Mikach (aria coaching), &nbsp;Wesley Frye (showtune coaching), and Gary Briggle (Balk expressivity techniques)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Time: 7:30-10:00 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Venue: Nautilus Music-Theater, 308 E Prince St, Saint Paul MN 55101</li></ul>Your voice matters. Let&#39;s explore its full potential together!<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> Please bring a clean copy of your music in a 3-ring binder for our collaborators; no plastic pages, please. If possible, please bring an additional copy for Gary (copy or score).</div><div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Appropriate repertoire: opera arias, art songs, musical theater, Great American Songbook.</div> <div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">*The August Voice Lab is the perfect time to work on your RDO audition selections! Bring your English opera/operetta aria and contrasting show tune, hopefully memorized.</div>

Voice Labs - Summer '26

Join Us at Voice Lab!Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra invites you to refine your voice and performance skills in a nurturing setting. Our Voice Labs offer an opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals Sonja Thompson and Gary Briggle, as well as connect with fellow performers. Whether you&#39;re a singer or actor, this is your space to grow and embrace your artistic journey.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Dates: Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 19, May 24</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Time: 7:30-10:00 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Venue: Nautilus Music-Theater, 308 E Prince St, Saint Paul MN 55101</li></ul>Your voice matters. Let&#39;s explore its full potential together! <div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Please bring a clean copy of your music in a 3-ring binder for Sonja; no plastic pages, please. If possible, please bring an additional copy for Gary (copy or score).</div><div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Appropriate repertoire: opera arias, art songs, musical theater, Great American Songbook.</div>

Voice Labs - Spring Semester 2026

Please join us for Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra&#39;s third annual Valentine&#39;s Day concert--an informal afternoon of music featuring duets from opera, operetta, and musical theater--exploring the phases of love&#39;s growth and fulfillment. As always, you&#39;re invited to sing along with us!

That's Amore!

Join us for the world premiere of Paul John Rudoi&#39;s opera All in Time, the touching story of deep and lasting relationships formed within a longtime community choir. &nbsp;The &quot;Prelude to the Premiere&quot; features arias and choruses from 20th- and 21st-century operas that form the rich foundation upon which Rudoi has built for All in Time, performed by members of the opera chorus.

All In Time (opera premiere) + Prelude to the Premiere

Join us for a special preview performance of All in Time, presented by Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra. 🎭 This intimate event offers a first look at a new work that highlights expressive singing, honest storytelling, and the craft of opera performance. Your attendance supports our mission to make professional-level opera training and performances more accessible to emerging artists and our community. Please complete this form to reserve your seat and receive event details. 🎟️

"All in Time" Preview Performance

🎉 This has been an exciting year for&nbsp;Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra&nbsp;and we couldn&#39;t have done it without your support! Please join us for our FUNraiser festivities and be among the first to hear of the operas and programs for our upcoming season!

An Anglo-Celtic Holiday Funraiser!

Join Us at Voice Lab!Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra invites you to refine your voice and performance skills in a nurturing setting. Our Voice Labs offer an opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals Sonja Thompson and Gary Briggle, as well as connect with fellow performers. Whether you&#39;re a singer or actor, this is your space to grow and embrace your artistic journey.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Dates: November 18 and December 14, 2025</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Time: 7:00-9:00 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Venue: 480 Arts</li></ul>Your voice matters. Let&#39;s explore its full potential together! <div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Please bring a clean copy of your music in a 3-ring binder for Sonja; no plastic pages, please. If possible, please bring an additional copy for Gary (copy or score).</div><div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Appropriate repertoire: opera arias, art songs, musical theater, Great American Songbook.</div>

Voice Labs

This workshop will help you refine your performance by practicing Singer-Actor skills to enhance your confidence and expressivity onstage.

Performance Technique Workshop

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to work directly with seasoned professionals, gain valuable feedback, and refine your audition technique in a supportive setting.

Audition Workshop

David L. Jones, internationally renowned vocal pedagogue, presents a vocal masterclass for seasoned singers

The Mother of Us All

A benefit reading of our Outreach program. Proceeds from this reading will help fund Raison d’Être Opera’s Outreach program in making the show available to retirement communities in the Greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The Bremen Town Musicians

Frederica von Stade Master Class, Hamline University, September 17 7:00pm

Join us for our full production of Stephan Paulus' The Village Singer, plus Aaron Copland's Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson as prologue, staged at 480 Arts in Saint Paul.

Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson + The Village Singer

Here is more information ...

Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson + The Village Singer General Admission

Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson + The Village Singer Student

Donations are used to fund upcoming events. See our <a fr-original-style="" href="http://www.raisondetreopera.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">website</a> for more information about this season!

Donations are used to fund upcoming events. See our website for more information about this season!

Welcome to The Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra Shop! Each purchase supports musical presentations that challenge assumptions about aging and highlight the artistry of seasoned performers. Your support helps us bring programs to retirement and veterans communitites; offer Voice Labs and workshops for singers and actors seeking lifelong learning; and partner with composers and librettists to create brand new works for audiences of all ages. Thank you for helping ensure that talent, not age, takes center stage! Please note: Items are only available for purchase in person at our events. We are not offering shipping, pickups, or rendezvous at this time.

Welcome to The Raison d’Être Opéra Shop! Each purchase supports musical presentations that challenge assumptions about aging and highlight the artistry of seasoned performers.Your support helps us bring programs to retirement and veterans communitites; offer Voice Labs and workshops for singers and actors seeking lifelong learning; and partner with composers and librettists to create brand new works for audiences of all ages. Thank you for helping ensure that talent, not age, takes center stage!Please note: Items are only available for purchase in person at our events. We are not offering shipping, pickups, or rendezvous at this time.

The Raison d’Être Opéra Shop

1776 gathers seasoned artists to explore American ideals of independence, resilience, and voice through music. Older performers bring their experience to the foreground, challenging assumptions about age and ability. Your registration supports Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra&rsquo;s mission to present opera and song with artists of later life, for audiences of every generation. Join us as we share stories, history, and artistry that honor the full span of a musical life.

1776

Join Us at Voice Lab!Raison d&rsquo;&Ecirc;tre Op&eacute;ra invites you to refine your voice and performance skills in a nurturing setting. Our Voice Labs, hosted by Gary Briggle, offer an opportunity to learn from seasoned professional guests as well as connect with fellow performers. Whether you&#39;re a singer or actor, this is your space to grow and embrace your artistic journey.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Dates: Sep 27, Oct 18, Nov 22, Dec 13</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Time: 7:30-10:00 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Venue: Nautilus Music-Theater, 308 E Prince St, Saint Paul MN 55101</li></ul>Your voice matters. Let&#39;s explore its full potential together! <div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Please bring a clean copy of your music in a 3-ring binder for the guest coach and pianist; no plastic pages, please. If possible, please bring an additional copy for Gary (copy or score).</div><div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Appropriate repertoire: opera arias, art songs, musical theater, Great American Songbook.</div>

Raison d’Être Opéra

Raison d’Être Opéra

Raison d’Être Opéra

Events

Events

1776

Get your tickets

Voice Labs - Fall Semester 2026

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More ways to support us

Donate to RDO!

Donate today

The Raison d’Être Opéra Shop

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Raison d’Être Opéra

Events

Events

1776

Get your tickets

Voice Labs - Fall Semester 2026

Get your tickets

More ways to support us

Donate to RDO!

Donate today

The Raison d’Être Opéra Shop

View shop

Powered by

Raison d’Être Opéra