St. Croix Valley Opera's Bridge to Growth 2024

St. Croix Valley Opera's 2024 Bridge to Growth Fundraising Campaign

The heart of St. Croix Valley Opera lies in our dedication to our community. Our number one goal is to bring music in all 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!

EVENT TICKETS and OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT!

The Crown Jewel of our Campaign: Our "By Special Request 2024" Fundraising Concert

At the heart of our annual "Bridge to Growth" fundraising campaign is our "By Special Request" fundraising concert. Imagine a concert where you choose the music! This one-of-a-kind fundraising event allows you to curate the program. During the month of October, you can submit song requests from a pre-approved list for a donation of $100 or more. Whether it’s a beloved aria or a favorite show tune, our talented performers, including SCVO co-founders Megan Wagner and Obed Floan, will bring your selection to life. But act quickly—only 16-17 songs will make the final cut with a deadline of October 25th! If there are more requests than that, the more you add to your minimum $100 song request donation when making your initial request, the higher the chance it will make the final program list. 

To participate: Go to our Campaign Page here.

This year we've added a US Debut Concert to our End of Year Line Up: "Glad Jul"

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.

"Glad Jul" was created and produced by Norwegian cultural producer Halvor Haukerud and Motarbeider AS. Since its debut in 2012, the concert has grown to become a significant cultural event, combining local and regional storytelling traditions with world-class musical performances. The concert's emphasis on community, positivity, and collaboration reflects Scandinavian values, and its high artistic integrity has earned it recognition beyond borders.

This December, Glad Jul will make its highly anticipated U.S. debut at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN. The event will feature world-renowned Norwegian artist Halvor Haukerud, alongside Stillwater native and internationally acclaimed tenor Jack Swanson, as well as the stunning soprano Katherine Henly and the talented Hanna Trondalen, whose captivating performances span the worlds of opera and musical theatre.

Tickets for "Glad Jul" go on sale in October, and can only be purchased on our official Bridge to Growth Campaign Page here, so check your calendars and head back there to get your tickets before they sell out!

There are also sponsorship opportunities if you would like to help us produce "Glad Jul" and be a part of the holiday concert celebration. All are welcome to partner with us as a sponsor for this year’s "Glad Jul" concert. By sponsoring this event, you will:

• Support a culturally significant, high-quality event with deep Scandinavian roots.
• Showcase your commitment to the arts and cultural exchange, both locally and internationally.
• Gain visibility among a broad and diverse audience, including Scandinavian expatriates and those interested in Nordic culture.
• Be recognized in concert programs, on our website, and across our social media platforms.

Your sponsorship will help sustain this important cultural initiative and strengthen its connection to the global Scandinavian community. It will also support our mission to inspire future generations of musicians and artists!

Please consider helping us bring this unique US Debut to Minnesota this holiday season by finding the sponsorship link on our Bridge to Growth Campaign Page!