We may not be the Rockies, but we're making inroads.
While that mountain range is dotted with summer classical music festivals from Banff to Santa Fe, Minnesota music lovers have contented themselves with smaller gatherings. But the quality of the talent is growing by the year, making these events well worth a visit.
SKYLARK OPERA
June 13-21: The local company once known as North Star Opera has long specialized in light operetta, but this year's season (packed into a tuneful nine days) borrows a bit from the Minnesota Opera's modus operandi by presenting a "bel canto" opera from early 19th-century Italy. Gaetano Donizetti may be best known for the dark "Lucia di Lammermoor," but he also created a light romantic comedy called "Don Pasquale" that will be performed in English. As will Sigmund Romberg's operetta "The Desert Song," a tale of love and political intrigue set in 1920s Morocco. Visit SkylarkOpera.org for showtimes; E.M. Pearson Theatre, 312 N. Hamline Ave., St. Paul; $43-$25; 651-209-6689.