Happenings at Skylark Opera Theatre January 2026
Warm New Year's wishes from all of us at Skylark Opera Theatre. May you have a peaceful, healthy, and music-filled 2026!
What a Year!
Skylark kicked off a busy year in February with the 2nd annual Sip of Opera: D’Une Femme, with the vocal virtuosity of soprano Tiana Sorenson in her Skylark debut accompanied by Skylark’s Artistic Director, James Barnett, on the piano. Wines expertly curated by sommelier Erin Rolek complemented the gorgeous music.
April brought a high energy FREE concert of Zarzuela! at the Landmark Center, curated and performed by soprano Lily Guerrero, joined by Victoria Vargas, Mackenzie Whitney, and Eric McConnell. Once again, Artistic Director James Barnett provided the expert piano accompaniment. This performance offered Twin Cities audiences the rare opportunity to experience the lively Spanish operetta Zarzuela tradition, free of charge.
In August, Skylark proudly presented the local premiere of The New Seven Deadly Sins, featuring soprano Bergen Baker masterfully interpreting seven musical selections by some of the brightest lights in contemporary musical theater. In a unique twist, the story-telling incorporated dance performances by Patrick Jeffrey and Sarah Potvin and the amazing violin virtuosity of Ian Snyder to convey the essence of each "sin". This bold fusion of music and movement featured the creative choreography of stage director Nikki Swoboda. The Star Tribune prominently featured the production. You can read the article free here.
Skylark closed 2025 with its 5th holiday production, another local premiere: Frank Bridge's radiant Nativity opera The Christmas Rose, with five gifted principals, an 8-member chorus, and a 24-member orchestra under the direction of multi-talented artistic director, James Barnett. Talkin' Broadway raved: "...the superb orchestra played with utmost clarity under the direction of James Barnett, and the staging conveyed the opera's deeply spirited message through emotionally resonant performances..." Read the full review here.
The principals of The Christmas Rose: Brian Frutiger, Alex Ritchie, Siena Forest, Bergen Baker, Artistic Director James Barnett, and Jeremiah Sanders (Photo courtesy of Bergen Baker)
In addition to two public performances, Skylark presented The Christmas Rose at Aurora on France before a wonderful, appreciative audience. Enjoy this brief clip from the opera's finale at that performance.
A special way to celebrate Valentine's Day--Sip of Opera: LA POÈTE FÉMININE
Looking for a unique alternative to the usual restaurant dinner for Valentine's Day? Join Skylark for the 3rd annual Sip of Opera on February 14th at Nautilus Music-Theater 308 E Prince St. in St Paul. In an intimate atmosphere, critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano Anna Laurenzo, making her Skylark debut, will celebrate the artistic voices of women through a delightful program of French art songs by female composers and poets. James Barnett will accompany on piano. Sommelier Erin Rolek, who charmed last year's Sip of Opera attendees, will again guide us through delectable wines carefully chosen to complement the music. Delicious desserts and snacks complete a special evening to tantalize all the senses.
Tickets on sale now at skylark.booktix.com. The intimate venue can only accommodate 65 people, so get your tickets soon. This event has sold out in previous years!
Coming Up April 19---Black on Broadway, FREE at the Landmark Center
Join us for our annual FREE Sundays at Landmark performance on April 19 in the beautiful Musser Cortile of the historic Landmark Center (75 W 5th St, St. Paul).
This year, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of Black artists in American musical theater—from the brilliance of early Black Vaudeville to the vibrant voices shaping Broadway today. Settle in for a 75‑minute musical journey tracing the legacy of Broadway’s Black creators. Four dynamic vocal artists will bring this history to life through a rich mix of solo and ensemble numbers that celebrate innovation, resilience, and artistry.
On the Move in 2026
As we enter our 46th performance year, we’re raising the bar with even more high-quality opera and music theater. Our mission remains simple: to give you a memorable experience every time our artists take the stage. As the New Year begins, we invite you to support and enjoy the wide range of performances we bring to Minnesota audiences—come to a Skylark show and bring friends and family along. We love welcoming both longtime patrons and new faces.
Skylark Event Calendar
February 14, 2026: Sip of Opera: LA POÈTE FÉMININE at Nautilus Music-Theater 308 E Prince St, St Paul, MN
March 3, 2026: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Arts Advocacy Day at the MN State Capitol Rotunda
April 19, 2026: Skylark’s FREE Sundays at the Landmark Center performance of Black on Broadway at the Musser Cortile in the historic Landmark Center 75 W 5th St, St Paul, MN
April-May, 2026: Skylark for Seniors at senior residences throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area