Back in 1980, Saint Paulite Sally Ordway Irvine announced a clear and inclusive vision to create “a place for lots of music — no, lots of everything! And for everybody!” She imagined a venue offering everything from opera to circus. Sally’s vision is alive today as the Ordway Center for Performing Arts has become one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers that is home to a variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists.
At Blaze Credit Union, our core action is to “Give Back,” and everything we do is in service to our members and the community. Blaze CU is a long-time supporter of the Ordway Center as it shares similar values, and our partnership is nothing short of harmonious. The arts hold incredible value in the lives of so many, and the Ordway’s work drives creativity and innovation, arts education, community togetherness, and significant economic impact for the state of Minnesota.
As the Ordway marks its 40th anniversary, we reflect not just on time passed, but on the legacy of art excellence, education and accessibility it has had on Saint Paul and Minnesota as a whole. And it would not be possible without you – the community supporting the arts here in Minnesota.
2025 has been a particularly eventful year at the Ordway, marking three significant milestones: Its 40th anniversary, the 25th annual Flint Hills Family Festival and the 10th year since the construction of the venue’s award-winning Concert Hall. Each represents a distinct chapter in our commitment to making the performing arts available to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The Ordway has worked hard to live up to Sally Ordway Irvine’s original commitment. Starting with the Ordway’s grand opening in 1985 featuring artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Leontyne Price, we’ve presented countless Broadway productions like Les Misérables, RENT and SIX, concerts, dance groups, and comedians. Everyone from Alice Cooper to circus animal puppeteers have graced our stages. We want to continue to offer a wide array of performing arts to Minnesotans.
The Flint Hills Family Festival has become a cornerstone summer event, providing millions of kids and families of all backgrounds a chance to come together to experience the arts for free. Additionally, the Ordway is the shared home of the Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club, and collectively they form the Arts Partnership, a strategic alliance and groundbreaking national model of arts collaboration.
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The Ordway as we know it today, would not exist without the incredible support of the public and the wonderful arts community in Minnesota. That’s why we are inviting you to join us for a free open house on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s our way of saying thank you! Experience backstage tours, enjoy over 30 celebratory performances, try on costumes, explore our history and participate in activities for all ages.
As Sally Ordway Irvine shared more than 40 years ago, art is for everybody. We are honored to bring world-class performing arts to our region and work to break down barriers so more people can enjoy them. We are also deeply grateful to live in a region and state with incredible artistic talents, creativity and arts lovers. Engagement is what keeps the arts alive. So, as the Ordway celebrates this anniversary, we encourage you to get involved and see live performing arts. Your seat – whether it’s at the Ordway or the wider arts community – is waiting.
Dan Stoltz, board president of the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, is president and CEO of Blaze Credit Union.
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