Opera on the Lake Presents “Vienna Nights” Concert Series
August 1, 2, 3, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. at the Como Lakeside Pavilion,

(St. Paul, July 2024) Opera on the Lake is excited to announce its “Vienna Nights” concert series, a celebration of Viennese music, taking place on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. This enchanting series will feature a selection of timeless compositions performed by a world-class group of local and international singers accompanied by a chamber ensemble.

About “Vienna Nights”
“Vienna Nights” will transport audiences to the heart of Vienna with a program filled with the charm and elegance of Viennese musical traditions. This unique concert series will be held at the Como Lakeside Pavilion, providing an idyllic outdoor setting for an unforgettable musical experience under the summer sky. With our style of bubbly fun, Opera on the Lake brings a uniquely Minnesotan flair to these performances, blending traditional sophistication with a modern, and accessible vibe that invites everyone to enjoy the magic of Viennese music in a laid-back lakeside atmosphere.

Performance Schedule
– Thursday, August 1st: 7:00 PM
– Friday, August 2nd: 7:00 PM
– Saturday, August 3rd: 7:00 PM

Cast and Creative Team
Opera on the Lake’s “Vienna Nights” features an exceptional cast of performers, including:
– Anne Wieben, soprano
– Ariana Strahl, soprano
– Trevor Lemon-Todd, tenor
– Wesley Frye, tenor

The creative team is led by Anne Wieben, the visionary founder and creative director of Opera on the Lake, who brings her extensive experience and passion for operetta to this production. A native Minnesotan who now resides in Vienna, Anne’s deep connection to both her home state and the heart of operetta adds a unique and authentic touch to the performances. The ensemble will be conducted by Marco Real-d’Arbelles, an award-winning conductor equally at home in symphonic and operatic styles, who serves as Music Director of Opera on the Lake and Associate Artistic Director of the Bach Society of Minnesota.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for “Vienna Nights” are priced at $10 for children 12 and under, $25 for students, and $35 for adults and can be purchased online at https://operaonthelake.com/ or purchased at the venue on the day of the event.
The Como Lakeside Pavilion offers free and accessible on-site parking and is easily reached by bicycle and public transportation. The pavilion and its restrooms are fully accessible. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the venue.
About Opera on the Lake
Founded in 2019, Opera on the Lake is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing world-class opera and operetta performances to Minnesota in a unique and accessible way –on the lake. Our mission is to enrich the community with the highest-quality musicianship paired with entertaining productions that engage and inspire audiences of all backgrounds. For more information, visit https://operaonthelake.com/
Please join us for an evening of beautiful music, set against the stunning backdrop of the Como Lakeside Pavilion. Experience the magic of “Vienna Nights” with Opera on the Lake!

“Original spoken dialogue by founder, director and star Anne Wieben gets interspersed with the sung German libretto, creating an accessible entry point….but Opera on the Lake’s secret is its marvelous singers.”
—Sheila Regan, Pioneer Press, July 27, 2022

Minimal staging, Maximal singing and a boatload of fun!
—Robb Hubbard, Pioneer Press, July 25, 2019

“As Minnesota’s foremost authority in performing Viennese operetta – and more than a decade of experience performing this repertoire in Vienna – Anne Wieben brings a wealth of insight into The Merry Widow‘s moods, rhythms, and humor, suffusing the production with a tug that pulls you in. Throw in the gorgeous score and catchy songs, and it’s The Merry Widow better than you’ve ever imagined it before.”
—Amy Donahue, Twin Cities Arts Reader, July 24, 2022

“The set was simple with sparkly elements, as well as the costumes. Anne added dialogue to this production, and this helped audience members follow the storyline. She also included many Minnesota references that audiences always enjoy. Anne sticks to the storyline but adds modern elements to it that work.”
—Jared Fessler, Broadway World, July 29, 2023