Twin Cities, Minnesota in 2027
Opening Doors: Exchanging Practices and Expanding Possibilities
Mark your calendars for our upcoming national conference, which will be held in Minneapolis at the Renaissance Depot.
Join us in the Twin Cities—one of the most influential incubators for American opera—for the 72nd Annual NOA Conference, a gathering that honors a legacy of innovation and elevates the power of community in our art form. Come engage with the region’s rich artistic communities as we reflect on opera’s capacity to build relationships, foster creativity, and strengthen the communities we serve.
In 2027 we mark the centennial of Dominick Argento, whose career, teaching, and philanthropy helped shape the cultural heartbeat of Minneapolis–St. Paul. We will also celebrate the training and creative legacy of Wesley Balk, whose career also centered in the Twin Cities. We are proud to partner with the University of Minnesota as our local host institution for this conference.
Call for Conference Session Proposals
Apply to present a session at the NOA National Conference, January 6-9, 2027 in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
The overall conference theme invites us to exchange ideas, share our expertise, and connect with colleagues eager to learn and grow. We encourage proposals that relate to:
- Creativity & Inclusivity
- Developing community initiatives
- Tools for 21st century opera training
- Presentations related to Dominick Argento and Wesley Balk
- Opera outreach education
- Musicological Research
- New Works and Innovations
Read the full session guidelines and apply by May 1, 2026!
Conference Hotel
NOA has secured a special conference rate at the Renaissance Depot hotel, a former train station that served as a civic ice rink for nearly twenty years before being incorporated into the conference hotel. Make sure to reserve your room well before the reservation cutoff date of Dec 10 to ensure your space!
Learn about Travel and Lodging
Raves from Past Conferences
Every person I met was genuinely interested in what I was up to, and many offered their support and assistance. A spirit of generosity permeated every session and every interaction outside the meeting rooms. And the interesting thing about that is the way that kind of energy builds on itself in a self-reinforcing cycle.
Jeffrey Nytch, composer, on attending his first conference.
I found this year's NOA conference the most inspiring of any I have attended. Here I was amongst colleagues who are curious, open to new ideas, and genuinely committed to educating performers. I left feeling excited, motivated, and thrilled to explore new possibilities.
Ann Baltz, educator, director, and pianist
My only regret about attending this amazing conference was the fact I spent much of my time kicking myself in the head for not joining NOA 30 years ago. I missed so much, but; I’m so happy to be part of this wonderful group now. Never too late!!
Bob Breault, University of Utah
National Conference
Past Conference Info Boston, January 2026
Past Conference Info Savannah, January 2025
Past Conference Info Phoenix/Tempe, January 2024
Past Conference Info Houston, January 2023
Past Conference Info St. Augustine, January 2022
