Discover the Warmth of a Scandinavian Christmas: A Festive Concert Experience

This holiday season, embrace the magic of Scandinavian and American Christmas traditions as only "Glad Jul" brings it together the way it does for the first time in the United States. Our Norwegian/Scandinavian Christmas Concert invites you on a musical journey through the beauty of the winter season, blending cherished traditional carols with modern festive music from both sides of the Atlantic.

From the rich, soulful harmonies of Norwegian Christmas hymns to the lively, joyful rhythms of American holiday favorites, this concert is a celebration of the shared spirit of Christmas. Whether you're drawn to the serene glow of Nordic winter nights or the festive sparkle of American holiday cheer, this concert will fill your heart with warmth and light.

All Are Welcome:
At the heart of this performance is the spirit of togetherness. We invite people of all backgrounds to experience the universal joy of the holiday season. Let the music carry you through the darkest months with its message of hope, love, and connection.

Join Us at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN on December 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm as we create new memories, blending tradition with contemporary sounds in a festive atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of Christmas—both near and far. This concert is more than music; it's an invitation to gather, reflect, and find warmth in the holiday spirit we all share.

“By Special Request” is a unique fundraising concert featuring St. Croix Valley Opera's co-founders Obed Floan and Megan Wagner, with possible appearances by other local guest artists. The event will be held during the “Bridge to Growth” month-long fundraising campaign celebration at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN. Please follow the adjacent buttons for more information.

As we kick off our “Bridge to Growth” fundraising season on the 1st of November, Obed and Megan and friends will take your song requests within the standard repertoire for a donation to perform them in this unique concert format.

The heart of St. Croix Valley Opera lies in our dedication to our community. Our number one goal is to bring Opera in all of its rich forms to that community through creative programming and educational opportunities.

With St. Croix Valley Opera's 2024 "Bridge to Growth" fundraising campaign during the month of November, we hope to raise $20,000 to help us move into the 2025 season with the financial momentum to accomplish our goals. Our future lies ahead of us now – and we have marvelous plans for it – including a full summer of activities in 2025 which consists of our ever-expanding Summer Vocal Institute, Opera on the River 2025 Vocal Competition, Opera on the River 2025 Performing Arts Fair, and our flagship event; Opera on the River 2025 Grand Concert, just to name a few.

If you support SCVO with a donation in any amount during our November "Bridge to Growth" Celebration Campaign, including your contributions to the "By Special Request" fundraising concert, and/or "Glad Jul" tickets/sponsorship (see below), you will be added to our exclusive VIP list, which gives you access to special events, our heartfelt gratitude, and the knowledge you are a part of growing something special in the St. Croix Valley community - and beyond!

Legendary opera superstar Frederica von Stade (Flicka to her friends) and pianist Donna Stoering will perform a 70-minute recital on Trinity Lutheran Church's concert series in Stillwater. Concert proceeds will benefit Valley Outreach, a community-powered non-profit that provides food, clothing, and homeless prevention to those who need a helping hand. Following the performance, Flicka will treat the audience to an informal question-and-answer session.

The premier outdoor music event of the year! Don't miss out on this larger-than-life live concert in Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater. Always a crowd-pleaser, this event will bring some of the industry's top vocal talent to this beautiful region of the country!

Performing arts organizations from all over the upper midwest will make a visit to our “front yard”—Lowell Park, Stillwater, MN. Come learn all you can about the opportunities these organizations provide: from their upcoming performance seasons to scholarships to study and earn degrees in the arts. If you are curious about the arts, then you won't want to miss this performing arts fair!

Watch as a live panel of judges provides their expert evaluations of the competitors’ performances. Participate in voting for the people’s choice! The winner(s) will receive the opportunity to be presented on stage with our Opera on the River Headliners as well as a cash prize.

Learn from a talented and professional faculty of highly-skilled performers as you navigate the ever-winding road of a career in today's singing industry. Seminar topics during this week-long intensive may include vocal coaching, collaborating with other musicians, audition skills and techniques, stage movement, character development and acting, general business practices, music industry tips, and more.

The final performance concert will be open to the public on the afternoon of the last day of the Institute, June 22nd.

Enjoy vibrant evenings filled with songs and stories as performed by some of the area’s most talented vocal artists in various venues around the SCV. You’ll enjoy tunes from the Great American Songbook, Broadway, and beyond, all in a setting meant to invoke the famed New York cabaret clubs. Part theatre, part concert, with each performance you can expect something different than the last. The great variety of singers and an eclectic mix of themes and music is sure to leave you smiling. Hosted by Twin Cities vocalist Jennifer Eckes and brought to you by SCVO.

Dates:
• April 13, 2024, at The Phipps, Hudson, WI
• September 14, 2024, at The Phipps, Hudson, WI