Twin Cities, Minnesota in 2027
Opening Doors: Exchanging Practices and Expanding Possibilities
Registration is now open 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.
Frederica “Flicka” von Stade has spent more than five decades captivating audiences on the world’s great stages and shaping the operatic landscape through her artistry, versatility, and unmistakable warmth. NOA is honored to welcome the legendary mezzo-soprano to the Twin Cities as our 2027 Keynote Speaker and to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of contributions to opera.
Schedule
Peruse the conference schedule (subject to change):
Registration Information
Registration dates and rates for the conference are:
|
Early Bird |
Regular |
Late |
|
|
Member |
$415 |
$440 |
$490 |
|
Non-member |
$515 |
$540 |
$590 |
|
Student |
$200 |
$200 |
$220 |
|
Spouse |
$315 |
$340 |
$390 |
|
Single Day |
$180 |
$180 |
$200 |
Please reference the Conference Refund Policy if needed.
Please note: late registrations after December 15 will be inclusive of meals on a space-available basis; access to the meals cannot be guaranteed.
Registration Add-Ons
The conference doesn’t begin and end in the meeting rooms. This year, we’re creating opportunities to experience the Twin Cities, its artists, and its operatic legacy together.
Workshop: Wesley Balk — A Framework for Integrated Singing-Acting
Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2:00-6:00pm
Location: Nautilus Music-Theater, St. Paul
This limited-capacity workshop is intended for professional registrants and is limited to 24 participants. The workshop is designed to allow for depth, responsiveness, and individual attention.
Add-On: Pre-Conference Mixer
Date: Wednesday, January 6, 7:00-10:00pm
Location: TBA
Join NOA at the Pre-Conference Mixer. Enjoy heavy appetizers with friends, meet new colleagues, and start the Twin Cities 2027 with a celebration.
$45 entrance includes one drink ticket.
Add-On: My Name is Florence - Minnesota Opera
Date: Friday, January 8, 7:30pm
A Minnesota Opera New Works Initiative Production
Following its acclaimed world premiere at Minnesota Opera in January 2026, My Name is Florence returns for a special encore concert performance featuring the full original cast, MN Opera Orchestra, and MN Opera Chorus. Experience this beautiful and moving new work in the Ordway Concert Hall. The performances will be captured live and produced by Lexicon Classics.
Location: Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St, St Paul, MN 55102
$25 ticket includes busing from University of Minnesota (location of chamber opera performance) to the Ordway in St. Paul, and back to the conference hotel.
Access Grants for the National Conference
NOA is pleased to again offer a conference support program to help offset costs for those who might otherwise be unable to attend the national conference. By expanding access, we aim to lower barriers to the exchange of ideas and best practices across our community, seek to welcome new members, strengthen the diversity and vibrancy of the organization, and cultivate future leaders who will advance NOA’s legacy. Application deadline: October 1, 2026.
Call for Posters
Plan now to submit your research to the annual Poster Session of the National Conference. Deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.
New Works Expo
Back by popular demand! Promote your new operatic works to a national audience of opera producers and educators who are looking for works to produce.
For the 2027 conference, NOA is inviting opera composers, librettists, and other creators to feature and promote their works and/or works-in-progress during the New Work Expo. Deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.
Conference Advertising and Exhibitors
Opportunities are open for advertising in the conference program, exhibitor tables, and sponsorship of conference activities.
Read about Conference Advertising and Exhibitors for more information.
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!