For The Future of Opera
Event Details
Celebrate the beginning of a new season with a festive evening of music, dinner, and community at Minnesota Opera’s World Premiere Gala. This one-night-only event welcomes opera lovers from far and wide to gather in support of the artists, creatives, and company that produce this one-of-a-kind art form.
When and Where
Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 4:30PM
Dinner,
Forte Awards, &
Fund-a-Dream
The Saint Paul Hotel
350 Market Street
Saint Paul, MN
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr & After-Party
The Ordway Center
for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN
Valet Parking at the Saint Paul Hotel is included with all tickets.
Dress Code
Black Tie Optional
Dinner Menu
Enjoy a three-course dinner curated by Executive Chef Thomas Sanborgh paired with fine wines.
Bread Service – Warm Naan
Cucumber Raita and Mint Chutney
First Course
Coconut, Apple & Vegetable Soup | Mulligatawny (Vegetarian)
Ginger, Apples, Rice, Coconut Milk, Coriander Leaves, Yogurt, Lemon Zest
Entrées (choice of:)
Chicken with Basmati Rice | Chicken Biryani
Fried Shallots, Clove, Mace, Saffron, Yogurt
Braised Sea Bass | Machher
Mustard Oil, Turmeric, Ginger, Tomato, Potatoes
Cauliflower & Potatoes | Aloo Gobi
Cumin, Ginger, Chili, Tomatoes, Green Peas, Lemon
Dessert
Petite Mango Yogurt Mousse | Shrikhand
Almonds, Mango, Nutmeg, with a Cardamom Cookie
Event Timeline
The Saint Paul Hotel
4PM
Valet Parking and Registration
4:30PM
Welcome Reception
5:15PM
Dinner, Forte Awards, and Fund-a-Dream
7:00PM
Walk to The Ordway
The Ordway
7:30PM
Opening Night performance of The Many Deaths of Laila Starr
10:15PM
World Premiere Gala After-Party
12:00AM
Final Farewells
MAKE A NIGHT OR WEEKEND OF IT
We’re delighted to share that gala guests can enjoy a special discounted rate at The Saint Paul Hotel during Gala Weekend (October 31–November 2). To reserve, visit www.saintpaulhotel.com, select your dates, choose “Group/Code” from the drop-down menu, and enter the group code 6787491. Prefer the phone? Call 800-292-9292 and ask for the MN Opera Opening Night rate.
To register or for more information visit mnopera.org/gala or call 612-333-6669, M-Th 10am-5pm.
RSVP by October 1