Poster Kate DiCamillo
Author Kate DiCamillo thumbs through one of her books in an MPR studio in 2007.
MPR/Larissa Anderson
Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera commissions opera based on Kate DiCamillo story

The Minnesota Opera isn't kidding around with its latest commission: an original opera based on the young-adult novel The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Minnesota author Kate DiCamillo.

Composer Paola Prestini, hailed by Musical America as one of the top 30 musical innovators of 2016, will create the music for the opera. This marks the first time that Minnesota Opera has selected a female composer for a new work. But the librettist, Mark Campbell, will be quite familiar to Twin Cities audiences. Tulane will be his fifth commission for the organization, including the 2012 Pulitzer Prize winner Silent Night and 2016's The Shining.

"We have produced numerous world and American premieres, remaining steadfast in our support of contemporary opera even at times when this commitment was a rarity," artistic director Dale Johnson said in a news release. "Rather than simply relying on the stories from the existing cannon, though valuable they are, the form can embrace new narratives and engage audiences in new ways. Tulane is a part of our mission to do just that."

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, based on the book of the same name by two-time Newbery Medal winner DiCamillo, tells the story of a toy rabbit who embarks on a world of adventures after being tossed off of the Queen Mary. It's a story clearly aimed at fresh territory for Minnesota Opera: family audiences.

"His transformation is one to which any soul can relate, encompassing rich human emotions," Prestini said in the news release. "For me, opera is about transformation and magic, and I love finding new audiences for it. Edward Tulane feels like the perfect opera to bring new lovers to the form, and at the same time, resonate with all ages."

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is expected to hit the Minnesota Opera stage in November 2019.

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