Under Midwestern Skies: Argento & His Students

Minnesota Opera continues to celebrate the music of Dominick Argento at the centenary of his birth and his legacy both as a co-founder of the Center Opera Company in 1963, now known as Minnesota Opera, and educator for the next generation of composers. A prolific composer in his own right, Argento’s musical influence extends beyond his own works to those of his students, many of whom also chose to make Minnesota their home. Led by Chorus Director Celeste Marie Johnson, the Minnesota Opera Chorus celebrates their compositions alongside Argento’s, featuring music by Libby Larsen, David Evan Thomas, Juliana Hall, and Stephen Paulus. Many of the poets on the program are also native Minnesotans, and their words help paint the landscape that holds a unique place in these composers’ hearts. Generously sponsored in part by Gale Sharpe in gratitude for Vern Sutton who sang Dominick’s notes so beautifully.