This first in a series of five special OFE episodes explores overtures by Rossini. He was such a master of the form, that he set the standard and spawned countless imitators. Among them, Rossini himself, who used one particular overture for four different operas!

This extended version of our Don Carlos show includes everything from the regular length show, plus a little more music and a lot more history! Don Carlos, son of King Philip II of Spain, is bethrothed to the daughter of the King of France. In this romantic portrayal of history, they fall in love at first sight, but their happiness is dashed when Philip II decides to make Elizabeth his own bride. The drama of this royal family is complicated by Carlos’s idealistic comrade, Elizabeth’s too-beautiful friend, Carlos’s own impetuous behavior, the ominous specter of Philip II’s devout father, and the threatening presence of the Spanish Inquisition. Join us for this Italian master’s French Grand Opera. Hosted by Keely and Pat

Don Carlos, son of King Philip II of Spain, is bethrothed to the daughter of the King of France. In this romantic portrayal of history, they fall in love at first sight, but their happiness is dashed when Philip II decides to make Elizabeth his own bride. The drama of this royal family is complicated by Carlos’s idealistic comrade, Elizabeth’s too-beautiful friend, Carlos’s own impetuous behavior, the ominous specter of Philip II’s devout father, and the threatening presence of the Spanish Inquisition. Join us for this Italian master’s French Grand Opera. Hosted by Keely and Pat

An ambitious mother, a pliable son, amorous courtiers, a headstrong emperor, a quick-witted lady, and an upstanding army commander. All historical figures from first century Rome, these are the characters who scheme, intrigue, and try to survive in Handel’s first wildly successful opera. Join us for a Baroque treasure which uses a grand setting along and comic elements, to explore human truths. Hosted by Keely and Pat

A young woman falls in love with a handsome young man who saves her from a wild beast. This Bel Canto classic is not, however, a simple love story. Based on the Walter Scott novel The Bride of Lammermoor, this opera puts the fragile Lucia at the center of the competing demands of her brother, her spiritual mentor, and her beloved. It’s enough to make anyone crack, and crack she does, in spectacular form, resulting in opera’s most famous “mad scene.” Join us for the spectacular, haunting music of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Hosted by Pat and special guest co-host Kathleen Van de Wille

The torment and passion of a young wife living in a small town on the Volga River inspire exquisitely lush music from the incomparable Czech composer Leoš Janáček. Káta Kabanová dreams of soaring like a bird, but falls to earthly desires. As she yearns to take to the sky, her young lover prophetically notes, “Life is much easier for a man. I shall be free to do as I wish, but you. . .” Hosted by Keely and Pat

Join the world of fairy tales as two lost, hungry, playful, and resourceful children spring forth toward adventure and danger. Engelbert Humperdinck first began to write these songs to accompany his family's production of a holiday show. Before long he developed it into a tuneful, lush, and perennially successful opera, a staple of the holiday season. This third annual holiday special is hosted by Keely and Pat.

Elvira has it all... youth, beauty, and three determined suitors. But her blessings turn into a curse as passion and power collide. It is good to be king... and emperor too. Based on a story by Victor Hugo, this opera was the first of many collaborations between Verdi and librettist Francesco Maria Piave. Hosted by Keely and Pat.

Thirty-three centuries ago, a doomed visionary Pharaoh tried to remake the world in honor of his god. Thirty-five years ago, a brilliant composer created a powerful opera that explored the wonder and the tragedy of that ancient dreamer. Philip Glass's Akhnaten combines modern music with a libretto in ancient languages to break through the centuries and tell a timeless tale. Hosted by Pat and guest co-host Grant.

With Orfeo ed Euridice, Christoph Willibald Gluck turned to an ancient story to show that he could create a new kind of opera. Powerful music displays powerful emotion, and this story tells us that the strongest emotion of all is love. You may know the myth of Orpheus and Euridice, but this Classical opera presents a version of the story in which love and music team up to change the will of the gods. Hosted by Pat and guest co-host Petria.