Opera spotlight: 'Ariadne Auf Naxos'

Opens Saturday: Minnesota Opera opens its season with Richard Strauss' comedy about the competition between high art and buffoonery. Soprano Amber Wagner (right) makes her debut with the company as Ariadne, one of her signature roles. The rising star is a resident artist at the Chicago Lyric Opera and has sung frequently at the Met. She will sing opposite tenor Brian Jagde, who portrayed Matteo in Minnesota's 2013 production of Strauss' "Arabella." Soprano Erin Morley portrays Zerbinetta. Music director Michael Christie conducts, and Alan Hicks will stage the show. (8 p.m. Sat. $25-$200. Ends Oct. 4. Ordway Music Theater, 5th and Washington Sts., St. Paul. 612-333-6669, mnopera.org)