Dear Minot:
Minot has long been known as a community with an amazing arts culture, and for good reason. Our arts community continues to thrive and expand with the help of a host of volunteers and amazing support from its patrons.
Our city is full of organizations that have vibrant histories full of programming and entertainment that have helped make Minot a more well-rounded and diverse community. These organizations belong to Minot, and they help make our city unique compared to other cities our size around the nation.
The Western Plains Opera Company is preparing to present Carmen on Sept. 8-9 at 7 p.m. in the magnificent Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the campus of Minot State University. The WPO began in 1976, and has continued to entertain and educate the Minot region about opera.
Their mission statement speaks for itself: Western Plains Opera Company’s mission as an organization is to blend the best of professional, community, and Minot State University resources to produce outstanding opera in the north central plains and to foster in local youths the love of good singing and good singing practices.
If you’re looking for information or tickets, you can find it here: 701-660-0566 or wpopera.org.
The Minot Symphony is another long-serving institution in our community, and is currently preparing to start its 98th season with It’s All About That Bass on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.
Much like the opera, the symphony operates in conjunction with Minot State University. Their mission: The Minot Symphony, a university and community orchestra, aims to enrich lives by providing opportunities for musicians and inspiration to patrons through education and the performance of diverse orchestral repertoire.
For tickets or more information: 701-858-4228 or minotsymphony.org
The Minot Area Council of the Arts, founded in 1973, provides an abundance of services and events year round, including the popular Sundays in the Parks and Thursdays Downtown during the summer months. MACA is a constant advocate for everything related to the arts, and provides support and resources for area artists and organizations in Minot and the surrounding area. You can find more about the events in our area at minotarts.org.
I know school just started, and the precious time many parents have nowadays will be consumed by events pertaining to their children and respective schools. But if you’ve never attended a Minot Symphony concert or a performance of the Western Plains Opera, I urge you to take advantage of the world-class talent we have right here in our community. Or if you have some free time, volunteer with MACA – they will no doubt welcome your assistance as they work through the next season of providing our community with a wide array of arts-related programming and services.
All of these organizations, and many, many more, are uniquely Minot, and they are part of what makes our city such a magical place to live, work, and play. Our arts community is growing and expanding to meet the demands of its patrons. As residents of Minot, we can play a major role by supporting the various programs and events put on by all of our arts organizations, large and small.
Please join me in the audience at these amazing events right here in our city. We’re privileged to be home to such great organizations that have worked to educate and entertain their guests for decades. Indeed, our arts community is alive and well.
You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.