Meet the Artists
The Minnesota Opera Chorus is taking center stage in Edward Tulane Choral Suite! Get to know a few of our wonderful chorus members featured in this new digital offering and read about why they are excited to share this miraculous adventure with you.
Phinehas Bynum | Tenor
How many years have you been in the MN Opera chorus?
I’ve been part of the MN Opera Chorus for just about 5 years now.
What is your favorite MN Opera memory?
In general, first rehearsals hold some of my favorite memories. Making the leap from hearing music you’ve only sung to yourself, to being enveloped by the rich, shared sound of the chorus is an amazing experience! A particularly moving memory for me was the level of support given to the artists behind the scenes as we prepared for our 2017 production of Dead Man Walking. It took great specificity and care to present such a heavy work with honesty, and that care made it possible to let the story come through, I think.
What should audiences look forward to in the Edward Tulane Choral Suite?
Opera has a long and beautiful tradition of drawing inspiration from folklore and mythology, and I think Edward Tulane carries that tradition into the now in a refreshing way. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for fairy tales, and Edward’s whimsical (but very human) journey is a perfect fit for the magic of opera. Plus, it’s just pure fun to sing lines like “welcome to the doll shop, get in queue!” as a porcelain doll, or belt out “where’s my cornbread?!” as a frustrated diner guest.
Jennifer Eckes | Mezzo-Soprano
How many years have you been in the MN Opera chorus?
My first production with the MN Opera Chorus was The Merry Widow in the fall of 2002 (so, 19 years)!
What is your favorite MN Opera memory?
I have been fortunate to have had so many memorable moments with MN Opera, but one that stands out is the first world premiere I sang in, The Grapes of Wrath. We rehearsed more than usual, constantly adjusting to changes and cuts in the score, and we had to change character, mood, and costumes quite a bit throughout the opera, with lots of choreography (even square-dancing!). It was extremely challenging and exhausting to be a part of that creative process, but also completely rewarding. Opening night, the excitement was absolutely palpable backstage, and before the curtain rose, we could already feel the energy of anticipation coming from the audience. It really felt like we were about to make history. MN Opera’s dedication to world premieres is one of the wonderful earmarks of the company.
What should audiences look forward to in the Edward Tulane Choral Suite?
The Edward Tulane Choral Suite will give the listener some fun insights to the score and the the story, without giving it all away. We recorded some fun and difficult pieces, highlighting the diversity and excellence of the chorus’s musicianship, showcasing these local vocalists who live right here in Minnesota. This is the first opera I’ve been a part of that is based on a children’s story, and that is most exciting. Edward’s journey is a beautiful story that everyone can enjoy, and I’m eager for the world to hear it!
Victoria Korovljev | Soprano
How many years have you been in the MN Opera chorus?
Roughly 3 years
What is your favorite MN Opera memory?
I absolutely LOVED my cupcake dress in my first show, La Rondine, with Minnesota Opera. In general, I am enamored with the incredible costumes that I get to wear.
What should audiences look forward to in the Edward Tulane Choral Suite?
The Choral Suite is a wonderful compilation of some impeccable music from the larger work of the opera. I particularly love the drifter music as well as the fish scene because of the imaginative musical settings. Paola really has a way with musically illustrating the images of the story to the listener.
Also Edward Tulane has been a labor of love for everyone involved. It has been amazing to watch its evolution.
Nicholas Swanson | Tenor
How many years have you been in the MN Opera chorus?
Four! My first production was Le nozze di Figaro in 2017.
What is your favorite MN Opera memory?
I’d have to pick two — performing in Dead Man Walking and Silent Night. Both operas, based on actual events, imbue horrific subject matter with music that’s affectingly raw, beautiful, frightening, and heartbreaking. Those productions were exhausting feats to be a part of, yet equally fulfilling, both musically and emotionally.
What should audiences look forward to in the Edward Tulane Choral Suite?
I think this story and its timeless message will appeal to everyone. What better way to learn about love and home (and how we define and accept them) than through the adventures of an adorable rabbit and all the magical characters we meet along the way? Plus, the music is exciting and beautiful and complex – everything I love about new works!
Kristie Tigges | Soprano
How many years have you been in the MN Opera chorus?
I have been in MN Opera Chorus for 10 years.
What is your favorite MN Opera memory?
My first MN Opera chorus was the amazing, lavish production of Nabucco, for the 50th Anniversary season but it is still one of my favorites! It was a very busy and challenging show for the chorus, both musically and on stage, so it was satisfying in that regard, but the whole design concept was so vivid — depicting the onlooking military presence, as well as the Italian community involved in the production during Verdi’s time. And all of this was encompassed in the singing of the amazing chorus of the Hebrew captives, “Va, pensiero,” as the full moon was rising in the background. It was a special moment. Plus I got to wear an awesome brunette wig!! Ha!
What should audiences look forward to in the Edward Tulane Choral Suite?
Until we can fully stage Edward Tulane again, I think people will welcome the opportunity to have this new work brought to life in such a unique way, especially because this rendition is the first work that has ever been written specifically to feature the MN Opera Chorus! That’s fantastic because there are so many brilliantly talented singers in the group. The choral elements of the show have been expertly woven together with featured solos to give a beautiful and moving depiction of this touching story about learning to love and to be loved. I was so moved by the story that I actually felt compelled to rescue my childhood dolls and stuffed animals from their storage boxes as a reminder! 🙂 Edward Tulane Choral Suite will appeal to people of all ages and will leave the audience in anticipation of seeing the full production, hopefully sometime soon!!