Opera For Everyone

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.

Dive into the turbulent world of Akhnaten, the Pharaoh who dared to shift from polytheism to monotheism. Explore Philip Glass's innovative opera that blends ancient texts with modern sounds, highlighting Akhenaten's complex identity and turbulent reign. The discussion delves into themes of gender and familial dynamics, the unique orchestration without violins, and the historical context of ancient Egypt. Discover how the opera resonates with contemporary life and the legacy of a visionary who created a city for his god.

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.

In Puccini’s final opera, the icy princess Turandot inspires The Unknown Prince to risk his life in the hope of winning her hand. His quest does not require the usual feats of derring-do... Instead, he must battle wits with her. Though he ultimately triumphs, the cost is terrible.

Explore the emotional turmoil and dramatic events in Puccini's opera 'Manon Lescaut'. Delve into the passionate encounters, betrayal, and tragic choices of the characters. Reflect on the tragic fate of Manon as she faces the consequences of her actions in a heart-wrenching finale.

Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette is an operatic take on Shakespeare’s timeless and tragic tale of young love bursting through old hatreds. Gounod’s sumptuous music exquisitely transports us into the world of the Juliette Capulet and Roméo Montague. Just say yes to this timeless love story's sweet sorrow. Hosted by Pat Wright and Keely Herron.

Hector Berlioz’s opera “Les Troyens” is an opera on a truly epic scale, with a story based on the oldest and most successful fan fiction ever written: The Aneid, Virgil's take on the great warrior from the siege of Troy presented in Homer's Illiad. This opera’s tale includes three continents, two legendary founders of empires, and one love story that definitely doesn’t go according to plan. If roaming Romans romancing roving refugee rowers is your thing (or maybe if you just like operas that give costumers a lot to work with), you will love “Les Troyens!” Hosted by Pat and guest co-host Grant.

Even if you think you don’t know Opera, you know something of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen. The tunes pervade our culture, and for good reason, popping up in films, television, and advertisements. They not only convey the passion and identity of characters who seduce and beguile, but the melodies remain long after the show has ended. Join us for Bizet’s masterpiece, the story of woman who insists on freedom, but cannot escape her fate. Hosted by Pat Wright and special guest co-host Greg.

Delve into the unconventional Baroque opera Xerxes by Handel, featuring a seductive tree, mistaken identities, and unique vocal arrangements. Explore the complex love dynamics involving King Xerxes, his brother Arsemane, Romilda, and Atalanta. Unveil deception, intricate relationships, and romantic entanglements in the Persian court. Witness dramatic confrontations, comedic chaos, and the theme of forgiveness in this opera filled with love, jealousy, and redemption.