My Name is Florence: Encore Concert
Friday, January 8 at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 9 at 7:30pm
A Minnesota Opera New Works Initiative Production
MUSIC BY B.E. BOYKIN
LIBRETTO BY HARRISON DAVID RIVERS
Who was Florence Price, beyond the music? Prolific American composer Florence Price made history as the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. My Name is Florence was inspired by writings and correspondence unearthed in the backyard of her family home. Composed by B.E. Boykin to a libretto by Harrison David Rivers, the opera presents vignettes from Price’s life that bring into focus the impact of family, legacy, and the transformative power of a seat at the piano. With warmth and humor, My Name is Florence explores the complexities of identity, generational connection, and ultimately the power of music to transform. It is a celebration of Price’s enduring legacy in music and a reclamation of the space she occupies within the American musical canon.
Following its acclaimed world premiere at Minnesota Opera in January 2026, My Name is Florence returns for two special encore concert performances featuring the full original cast, MN Opera Orchestra, and MN Opera Chorus. Experience this beautiful and moving new work in the Ordway Concert Hall. The performances will be captured live and produced by Lexicon Classics.
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
View MoreComposer Biography
Learn MoreB.E. Boykin
B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth) Boykin is a distinguished composer, conductor and pianist, renowned for her dynamic artistry and profound contributions to the world of music…
Librettist Biography
Read MoreHarrison David Rivers
Harrison David Rivers is an award-winning playwright, librettist and television writer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Harrison’s works include Straddle (Diversionary), we are continuous…
SYNOPSIS
READ MORELittle Rock, Arkansas, 1900 – Florence Beatrice (Beatrice) practices the piano under the watchful eye of her mother – who is also named Florence. Later, Beatrice’s father distracts her from her lessons with a game of “what could you not live without?” … Beatrice replies that she could not live without music.
A Closer Look
VIEW MOREInterviews with the creators
View and read behind the scenes interviews leading up to the 2026 premiere with New Works Initiative cohort members B.E. Boykin and Harrison David Rivers as they discuss the inspiration and process that led to their opera My Name is Florence.

Marcia J. Aubineau
Barry Berg and Walter Tambor
Alan and Kathlyn Boykin
Mikalia Bradberry, in memory of Angel Bradberry
Anne Briggs, in honor of Wanda Gowan
Lisa Butcher, in memory of Connie Cameron
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Erin Flannery and Ryan Weston, in honor of Siena Forest
Siena Forest
Anne Grosse and Trevor Franda
Kajsa Jones-Higgins and Galen Higgins
Jenny Kelley, in memory of Kathryn Hennig
Susan and Mark Leppke
Kristin and Jim Matejcek
Kenny Piatt and Amanda Cook
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo, in honor of Siena Forest
Kelsey Sorenson
William White
Lani Willis and Joel Spoonheim
Eric Wolf