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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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
Placeholder Image

$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

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.

Stay in Touch With Our Newsletter

Support the Opera and Donate

Donate Now