The Minnesota Opera kicks off its 2015 – 2016 season at the Ordway Music Theater on September 26, 2015, with Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, the company’s first production of this meltingly beautiful — yet hilarious — work since 1987. Ariadne auf Naxos is both silly and sublime, and its two-and-a-half-hour running time (including intermission) makes it perfect for first-timers and opera buffs alike. Soprano Amber Wagner, acclaimed for her Ariadne at Chicago Lyric Opera, makes her Minnesota Opera debut. She is joined by Erin Morley as Zerbinetta, also making her company debut, and tenor Brian Jagde, who won raves here in 2013 as Matteo in Richard Strauss’ Arabella.

When the wealthiest man in town double-books a group of pretentious opera singers and a band of bawdy comedians as dinner entertainment at his chic loft, something’s gotta give. The Prima Donna (Wagner) and her fellow singers, who’d planned to perform their serious opera (based on the legend of Ariadne), must now include the saucy comedy troupe’s antics in order to finish the show in time for the evening’s fireworks display.

Richard Strauss’ look at art, fidelity and love is at once all-out comic and achingly tender, enchanting audiences from the first chord to the last note.

The show will be performed oat 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 3 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 4.

Tickets range form $25 to $200. Call the Minnesota Opera ticket office at 612-333-6669, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or purchase online at mnopera.org.