ABOVE: Paul and Kristin Johnson. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT — Prepare for a new artistic combination. Kristin and Paul Johnson present ‘Broadway to Opera’, filled with timeless musicals and classics. The performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.

Kristin and Paul Johnson are both music teachers at Blue Earth Area Schools (BEA). Kristin teaches elementary levels (K-5), and Paul teaches both middle and high school levels (6-12) respectively. Music was a clear vocation that came naturally to the couple, having both grown up around it. Taking the passion for the art further, Kristin and Paul both attended St.Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Kristin received a Master’s degree in K-12 Vocal and Classroom music and Paul received a Bachelor’s degree in Music. They both advanced by sharing their talent with their students and performing duets around Minnesota.

“I’ve always been good at it. I was in the honor choir. I got accepted into the music program at college, and things just went from there…You have to be proficient in your own instrument,” said Paul, remarking on his journey that included meeting his wife Kristin.

“I’ve always been involved in music. My family is musical, I’ve always been in choirs…I really enjoy the feeling of what it’s like to work together and have a common goal,” said Kristin, as she talked about her upbringing and her evolution. “After college, I originally planned to teach high school. But when I taught elementary, I just fell in love.”

The Johnsons have performed at over fifty weddings, funerals, family gatherings and other lively events around the community. Since they’ve started performing, they’ve transitioned into more professional assignments, collaborating with orchestras and talented accompanists.

“We’ve done recitals, voice lessons and performances as part of the degree program. After college, we would get hired to perform more professionally together,” Paul said.

With the repertoire containing the joyful tunes of The Sound of Music, to the magnificent operas of Mozart, the Johnsons are set to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with a wonderfully crafted range of musical pieces for the entire family.

“It’s something unique. That, you’re husband and wife [singing together.] We want to embody that love and inspiration from our life [onto the music.] Not everyone will know our personal story. But a lot can recognize that the songs we sing can be relatable to all our lives. That’s something they can take with them,” Kristin said.

As teachers and parents of twins, finding time to rehearse for duets isn’t exactly simple. But they understand the value of working as a team.Paul and Kristin both stated that they consider each other as their source of motivation and take each other accountable in their journey. Their togetherness helps them thrive as they strive to bring their work to life.

“There’s something special about singing with Paul. Every time, I get goosebumps myself,” Kristin said with a laugh, “It’s pretty cool knowing this is what I get to do with my husband.”

“We want to share the gifts we cultivated in our life. If people feel entertained, or changed in some way… Then that means we’ve done our jobs as people with gifts to share. When words fail, music speaks,” Paul commented.

Kristin and Paul have stated that for any aspiring musician, they encourage to, “Stay true to yourself and do it because you love it.” Their mission is to move their audiences with their voices, messages and love.

Tickets are on sale for $15 a person through March 21 and $20 a person at the door. Students are free with a paid adult. For those wanting to make more of the experience, VIP tickets are just $25. VIP ticket perks include a performance, special seating, a pre-show meeting with the performers, hor d’oeuvres, wine or beer and a reception. The show is sponsored by D&S Trophies.

The Johnsons are local performers who are available for hire for any special occasion. Have an upcoming event? Inquiries can be made by contacting pauljohnson2733@gmail.com.