Friends of Florence
Giving Circle

Become a Friend of Florence
and join MN Opera in singing her story.

Inspired by the prolific American composer Florence Price who made history as the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra, My Name is Florence 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. This world premiere chamber opera, composed by B.E. Boykin to a libretto by Harrison David Rivers, premieres January 31-February 8, 2026 at the Ordway. 

With a variety of entry points, your support will help bring this unsung story to life on stage. As a Friend you’ll receive exclusive benefits that bring you closer to this poignant production. 


FRIENDLY FACE
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$29

29 total players on stage

“When I play the piano, it feels like I’m walking barefoot through the grass.”

  • Exclusive benefits:
  • Webpage recognition
  • Commemorative pin
MASTER OF PRACTICE
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$88

88 keys on the keyboard

“Practice makes a master. I am a master of practicing.”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Digital recognition at the Ordway
  • Show poster
MATRIARCHY
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$213

213 year age span of three generations of Florences

“Men give their names to their sons all the time, why shouldn’t we?”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Program book recognition
  • Tote bag
NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY
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$880

$880 – The cost of 4-year tuition in 1902-1906 dollars

“Not many people double major here.”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Two passes to champagne intermission reception (ticket purchase required)
REDISCOVERED
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$2,009

2009: The year that writings and other papers were unearthed in her abandoned summer home in St. Anne, Illinois

“So many of us have been forgotten; lost to time, but that doesn’t mean we should stay that way.”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Recognition in supertitles above the stage before the show
  • Four tickets to the January 27 Dress Rehearsal
FEELING OF HOME
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$3,648

3,648 Miles between places Florence lived: Little Rock, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago

“Sometimes my mother would sit at the piano, not playing a note, her eyes closed, the sun on her face.”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Two tickets to “The Chamber Music of Florence Price” at The Luminary Arts Center on January 17
CHICAGO SYMPHONY
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$6,015

June 15, 1933: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra premiered Florence’s Symphony in E Minor, making her the first Black female composer to have a piece premiered by a major U.S. orchestra.

“A stunning debut!”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Two seats at the Opening Night Dinner on January 31
WANAMAKER PRIZE
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$11,732

$11,732 – The present-day buying power of the $500 that Florence received for winning the Wanamaker Prize in 1932.

“Your momma’s got a symphony to write.”

  • All previous benefits, plus:
  • Framed first page of the score signed by the creative team

Thank You to Friends of Florence

Marcia J. Aubineau
Barry Berg and Walter Tambor
Alan and Kathlyn Boykin
Lisa Butcher
Erin Flannery and Ryan Weston
Siena Forest
Janelle Erickson and Gary Tassone
Kajsa Jones-Higgins

Jenny Kelley, in memory of Kathryn Hennig
Kristin and Jim Matejcek
Kenny Piatt
Barton and Kimberly Reed
Emily Skoblik-Diallo and Samballa Diallo
William White
Eric Wolf


You can also become a Friend of Florence by calling Patron Services at (612)333-6669.


Physical benefit items (pin, poster, tote) can be picked up at the merchandise table at The Ordway during our run of My Name is Florence January 31-February 8.

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Patron Services holiday phone hours: 11:30am-4pm. Regular hours resume January 5.
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