A Northfield native brings a powerful reimagining of Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin home!

Opera Athena brings the Minnesota premiere of the acclaimed chamber opera The Miller’s Daughter to Urness Recital Hall at St. Olaf College on Friday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. Urness is located in the Christiansen Hall of Music, 1520 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield, MN 55057. Parking is available on campus at Buntrock Commons or the small lot adjacent to Christiansen Hall of Music.

A contemporary homage to Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin, The Miller’s Daughter reframes the beloved song cycle through the eyes of its long-silenced muse. With music by Grammy-nominated composer Jodi Goble and libretto by Victoria Erickson, a Northfield native, the work blends Schubert’s timeless melodies with newly composed material and a bold, modern narrative.

Raised in Northfield and praised for her “beautifully ruby-throated quality” (Classical Voice North Carolina), soprano Victoria Erickson returns home to star as the title character in The Miller’s Daughter. A champion of new works and Artistic Director of Opera Athena, Erickson brings international experience and a deeply personal connection to this Minnesota premiere.

Joining her is Twin Cities tenor Benjamin Dutcher as the impassioned Wanderer, known for his emotional depth and frequent leading roles with Minnesota Opera and regional companies. Nationally recognized baritone Craig Irvin takes on the role of the Hunter, bringing numerous credits from Utah Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Award-winning baritone Chad Sonka plays the Miller; Sonka stage directed the original production, leads the Iowa NATS Chapter, and serves on the voice faculty at Iowa State University.

The ethereal presence of The Brook is voiced by Stefanie Tranchida, Clara Abrahams, and Maggie Burr, while Zachary Dean Smith and Joshua Eidem portray the eager Apprentices. Stage direction is by Anna Larranaga, with Sage McVay as Stage Manager. Composer Jodi Goble serves as Music Director and pianist, joined by Des Moines Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Jonathan Sturm and Des Moines Symphony Orchestra Principal Cellist Julie Sturm in the intimate chamber ensemble.

About Opera Athena
Opera Athena is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fresh, accessible opera that bridges beloved traditions with new voices. The company’s work includes cross-cultural collaborations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and the creation of new works that amplify perspectives historically overlooked in classical music.