A major chance to see 'Mini-ring'

Friday and next Sunday: Minnesota Concert Opera is billing its "Mini-Ring" as "Wagner's epic tale on an intimate scale." The four-opera, 16-hour cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen" has been reduced to one four-hour performance. The chamber orchestra that accompanies cannot be expected to make the most of Wagner's massive orchestration, but this is probably the only chance audiences will have to hear this music for some time. The opera will not be staged, but with a strong cast, including world-renowned soprano Jane Eaglen as three Brunhildes, there is likely to be plenty of drama. (7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. next Sun. $80-$120.The Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-206-3600, www.thecowlescenter.org.)