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Operas from the finest stages around the world
From Milan to New York, Barcelona to Chicago, WFMT gives you a front-row seat to performances from some of the world’s greatest opera companies and performers.
Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer
Met Opera | June 10, 2023
Season Finale: Following his acclaimed 2019 performances as Alberich in the Ring cycle, bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny stars as the accursed Dutchman in Wagner’s eerie drama.
Beethoven’s Fidelio
Vienna State Opera | June 17, 2023
Vienna’s production of Fidelio stars Brandon Jovanovich as Florestan, alongside an Axel Kober-conducted cast that includes Anja Kampe as Leonore.
Strauss’s Salome
Vienna State Opera | June 24, 2023
Conductor Philippe Jordan leads the ensemble in Strauss’s Salome, with Malin Byström in the titular role, alongside Gerhard Siegel (Herod), Wolfgang Koch (John the Baptist) and more.
Adams’ Nixon in China
Paris Opera | July 1, 2023
From Paris Opera, hear a star-studded cast that includes Thomas Hampson as Richard Nixon and Renée Fleming as Pat Nixon, with John Matthew Myers as Chairman Mao.
Marcadante’s Il proscritto
Opera Rara | July 8, 2023
Unheard since its premiere in 1842, conductor and Artistic Director Carlo Rizzi leads the Britten Sinfonia and Opera Rara Chorus alongside an exceptional cast including Ramón Vargas, Irene Roberts, and Elizabeth DeShong.
Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte
Met Opera | June 3, 2023
One of opera’s most beloved works receives its first new Met staging in 19 years.
Terence Blanchard’s Champion
Met Opera | May 27, 2023
Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green is the young boxer Emile Griffith, who rises from obscurity to become a world champion.
Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Met Opera | May 20, 2023
Maestro Nathalie Stutzmann makes her Met debut conducting a star-studded cast led by baritone Peter Mattei as a magnetic Don Giovanni.
Verdi’s Aida
Met Opera | May 13, 2023
The mighty walls and towering monuments of Ancient Egypt once again fill the Met stage, as Verdi’s great spectacle returns.
Puccini’s La Bohème
Met Opera | May 6, 2023
Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Puccini’s timeless tragedy for the first time at the Met.
Britten’s Peter Grimes
Met Opera | April 29, 2023
Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece delivers a tragically realistic rendering of the mistrust, misunderstandings, and dark secrets that lurk within even the closest communities
Mozart’s Idomeneo
Met Opera | April 22, 2023
The opera that announced the young Mozart’s genius to the world returns to the Met stage, with acclaimed maestro Manfred Honeck making a notable company debut on the podium
Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier
Met Opera | April 15, 2023
A dream cast assembles for Strauss’s grand Viennese comedy.
Puccini’s Tosca
Met Opera | April 8, 2023
Sparks are sure to fly as some of opera’s most electrifying artists light up Puccini’s classic thriller.
Verdi’s Falstaff
Met Opera | April 1, 2023
Baritone Michael Volle stars as the caddish knight Falstaff, gleefully tormented by a trio of clever women who deliver his comeuppance.
Bellini’s Norma
Met Opera | March 25, 2023
Sonya Yoncheva stars in the dynamite title role of Bellini’s Norma alongside Ekaterina Gubanova (Adalgisa), Michael Spyres (Pollione), and Christian Van Horn (Oroveso). Maurizio Benini conducts.
Wagner’s Lohengrin
Met Opera | March 18, 2023
Met music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Piotr Beczała (Lohengrin), Tamara Wilson (Elsa), Christine Goerke (Ortrud), Evgeny Nikitin (Telramund), Günther Groissböck (Heinrich), and Brian Mulligan (Herald).
Verdi’s La traviata
Met Opera | March 11, 2023
Dazzling soprano Angel Blue stars as Violetta in Verdi‘s stirring romantic tragedy. Nicola Luisotti conducts the Met Opera Orchestra and Dmytro Popov (Alfredo) and Artur Ruciński (Giorgio).
Listeners’ Choice: Donizetti’s La Favorita
Met Opera | March 4, 2023
Shirley Verrett (Leonora), Luciano Pavarotti (Fernando), and Sherrill Milnes (Alfonso), headline this dazzling 1978 performance.
Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
Met Opera | February 25, 2023
Keri-Lynn Wilson conducts this Dmitri Shostakovich performance from October 12, 2022 starring Svetlana Sozdateleva.
Verdi’s Don Carlo
Met Opera | February 18, 2023
In a performance from Fall 2022, Russell Thomas stars in the title role.
Celebrating Franco Zeffirelli
Met Opera | February 11, 2023
The Met commemorates the centenary of Franco Zeffirelli’s birth with a special presentation drawn from the company’s radio archives.
Verdi’s Macbeth
Met Opera | February 4, 2023
Sherrill Milnes, a definite Verdi baritone, stars in the title role of Giuseppe Verdi‘s opera setting of Shakespeare‘s Macbeth. Martina Arroyo (Lady Macbeth), Ruggero Raimondi (Banquo), and Franco Tagliavini (Macduff) costar in this historic 1973 performance conducted by Francesco Molinari-Pradelli.
Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites
Met Opera | January 28, 2023
Ailyn Pérez, Christine Goerke, Alice Coote, and Jamie Barton lead this impressive cast in a Bertrand de Billy-conducted performance.
Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore
Met Opera | January 21, 2023
Javier Camarena stars as Nemorino, with Golda Schultz (Adina), Davide Luciano (Belcore), Ambrogio Maestri (Dulcamara). Michele Gamba conducts.
Giordano’s Fedora
Met Opera | January 14, 2023
In this new production, Sonya Yoncheva stars in the title role under the baton of Marco Armiliato. Piotr Beczała (Loris Ipanoff), Rosa Feola (Olga), Lucas Meachem (De Siriex) co-star.
Cherubini’s Medea
Met Opera | January 7, 2023
Sondra Radvanovsky stars in the title role in this performance from October 2022. Matthew Polenzani, Janai Brugger, Ekaterina Gubanova, and Michele Pertusi share the stage, and Carlo Rizzi conducts.
Met Debuts On the Air
Met Opera | December 31, 2022
Highlights of artists making their Metropolitan Opera debuts during live broadcasts, including sopranos Bidu Sayão, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Astrid Varnay and conductor Sir Georg Solti.
Mozart’s The Magic Flute (abridged English-language version)
Met Opera | December 24, 2022
The Met’s abridged, family-friendly version of Mozart’s musical fairy tale returns for the holiday season.
Verdi’s Rigoletto
Met Opera | December 17, 2022
Giuseppe Verdi’s ever-popular masterpiece returns for a performance starring Lisette Oropesa, Aigul Akhmetshina, Stephen Costello, and Luca Salsi in the title role, with Speranza Scappucci conducting.
Kevin Puts’s The Hours
Met Opera | December 10, 2022
The exciting premiere radiates with star power with Kelli O’Hara and Joyce DiDonato joining Fleming as the opera’s trio of heroines.
Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | December 3, 2022
WFMT Opera Series Season Finale: Donizetti’s fabulous L’Elisir D’Amore stars Serena Gamberoni in the role of Adina alongside Francesco Meli as Nemorino and Liu Songhu as Belcore.
Verdi’s Falstaff
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | November 26, 2022
Verdi’s Falstaff features Roberto de Candia in the title role, with Rachele Stanisci as Alice, Filippo Polinelli as Ford, and more
Donizetti’s Don Pasquale
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | November 19, 2022
Donizetti’s Don Pasquale stars Bruno Pratico in the title role, with Ekaterina Bakanova as Noria, Shi Yijie as Ernesto, and more. Daniele Callegari conducts.
Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | November 12, 2022
The second set of NCPA productions begins with Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette with Mélissa Petit and Francesco Demuro in the title roles. Patrick Fournillier conducts.
Bologne’s L’Amant anonyme
Haymarket Opera Company | November 5, 2022
Joseph Bologne’s only extant opera comes to the stage with a star-studded cast, sumptuous ballets, the complete original French dialogue, and costumes fit for Marie Antoinette herself.
Verdi’s Aida
LA Opera | October 29, 2022
In this stunning, James Conlon-conducted performance of Verdi’s audience favorite, Latonia Moore and Russell Thomas star as secret lovers from rival kingdoms.
Rossini’s L’Inganno Felice
Opera Festival of Chicago | October 22, 2022
L’Inganno Felice, Rossini’s one act opera, was an instant success after its premiere in 1812, creating a worldwide sensation thanks to the beauty of its music from overture to finale.
Verdi’s Il Corsaro
Opera Festival of Chicago | October 15, 2022
Giuseppe Verdi’s bombastic 1848 opera plunges us into the swashbuckling world of seafaring pirates.
Hao’s A Village Teacher
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | October 8, 2022
Likely the first time that this Mandarin-language production by Chinese composer Hao Weiya has been heard on US radio!
Lehár’s The Merry Widow
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | October 1, 2022
This stunning production of The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár features Song Yuanming as Hanna Glawari; Thomas Rösner conducts.
Dvořák’s Rusalka
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | September 24, 2022
Dvořák’s fantastical Rusalka features a stunning cast of artists that includes Zhou Xiaolin in the titular role.
Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers)
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts | September 17, 2022
This production of Bizet’s impeccable Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers) stars soprano Olga Peretyatko in the role of Leila alongside Francesco Demuro as Nadir.
Bellini’s I Puritani
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma | September 10, 2022
Teatro dell’Opera Rome’s production of Bellini’s I Puritani boasts a stellar cast, including Jessica Pratt as Lady Elvira Valton, John Osborn as Lord Arturo Talbot, and more.
Ponchielli’s La Gioconda
Teatro alla Scala | September 3, 2022
In Ponchielli's grant, Venice-set opera, Saioa Hernández stars in the title role, with Frédéric Chaslin conducting.
Puccini’s Manon Lescaut
Vienna State Opera | August 27, 2022
Asmik Grigorian sings the title role in Puccini’s story of love and loss.
Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov
Vienna State Opera | August 20, 2022
Alexander Tsymbalyuk sings the title role in Mussorgsky's masterpiece.
Handel’s Almira
Boston Early Music Festival | August 13, 2022
Handel’s fantastic Almira features period instruments led by music directors Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs. Emőke Baráth performs in the title role.
Quadruple Bill: Charpentier & Lalande
Boston Early Music Festival | August 6, 2022
An exquisite quartet of late-17th century works: two by Charpentier and two by Lalande.
Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila
Royal Opera | July 30, 2022
Closing out Royal Opera’s suite of productions is Camille Saint-Saëns’ grand opera; Elīna Garanča stars as the Philistine Dalila, and SeokJong Baek as the inspiring Jewish hero Samson.
Verdi’s Macbeth
Royal Opera | July 23, 2022
Simon Keenlyside reprises the role of Macbeth, with Anna Pirozzi by his side as Lady Macbeth. Daniele Rustioni conducts.
Vivaldi’s Bajazet
Royal Opera | July 16, 2022
Vivaldi’s 1735 opera is a dark and thrilling work where “powerful men and strong women negotiate their relationships as desires of the heart clash with rank and duty.”
Handel’s Theodora
Royal Opera | July 9, 2022
Handel’s gripping Theodora features Joyce DiDonato, Julia Bullock, and Jakub Józef Orliński.
Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust
Salzburg Festival | July 2, 2022
For this concert performance, Charles Castronovo stars as the romantic and tortured title character, with Ildar Abdrazakov as the wily Mephistopheles and Elīna Garanča as Marguerite.
Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro
Opéra de Paris | June 25, 2022
Star conductor Gustavo Dudamel leads a performance of the hilarious Mozart classic. The stellar cast includes Luca Pisaroni in the title role.
Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
Santa Fe Opera | June 18, 2022
Heralded as “a triumph,” Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs combines electronics and operatic orchestration to tell a fascinating story about the complicated man behind the rise of a tech giant.
Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress
Met Opera | June 11, 2022
Season Finale: Susanna Mälkki returns to lead Stravinsky’s neoclassical dark comedy.
Dean’s Hamlet
Met Opera | June 4, 2022
When Brett Dean’s Hamlet had its world premiere in 2017, The Guardian declared, “New opera doesn’t often get to sound this good … Shakespeare offers a gauntlet to composers that shouldn’t always be picked up, but Dean’s Hamlet rises to the challenge.”
Glass’ Akhnaten
Met Opera | May 28, 2022
Philip Glass’ mesmerizing modern masterpiece returns. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo reprises his celebrated turn as the revolutionary pharaoh Akhnaten.
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor
Met Opera | May 21, 2022
Virtuosic soprano Nadine Sierra takes on one of the repertory’s most formidable and storied roles, the haunted heroine of Lucia di Lammermoor.
Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Met Opera | May 14, 2022
Wagner’s sublime comedy takes the Met stage for the first time in seven years.
Puccini’s ‘Turandot’
Met Opera | May 7, 2022
Thrilling soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska plays the title role of the legendary cold-hearted princess. Yonghoon Lee appears as the bold prince determined to win Turandot’s love, alongside soprano Ermonela Jaho as the devoted servant Liù and bass Ferruccio Furlanetto as the blind king Timur.
Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly’
Met Opera | April 30, 2022
Soprano Eleonora Buratto takes on the touchstone title role of Puccini's tragic geisha. Tenor Brian Jagde is the callous American naval officer who betrays her.
The Gershwins’ ‘Porgy and Bess’
Met Opera | April 23, 2022
Smashing box office records when it premiered during the 2019–20 season, the Met’s landmark staging of this American classic returns, and bass-baritone Eric Owens and soprano Angel Blue reunite as the title couple.
R. Strauss’ ‘Elektra’
Met Opera | April 16, 2022
Soprano Nina Stemme brought down the house when she headlined the premiere of visionary director Patrice Chéreau’s 2016 staging of Elektra. Now she returns to Strauss’ unhinged heroine.
Mozart’s ‘Le nozze di Figaro’
Met Opera | April 9, 2022
Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead Mozart’s breathless and breathtaking comedy.
Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’
Met Opera | April 2, 2022
James Gaffigan conducts Igor Golovatenko in the title role. Ailyn Pérez (Tatiana), Piotr Beczała (Lenski), Varduhi Abrahamyan (Olga), and Ain Anger (Prince Gremin) also star.
Verdi’s Don Carlos
Met Opera | March 26, 2022
In the network broadcast premiere of the opera’s French-language version, Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts an all-star cast: Matthew Polenzani (Don Carlos), Sonya Yoncheva (Élisabeth de Valois), Eric Owens (Philippe II), and Jamie Barton (La Princesse Eboli).
Handel’s Rodelinda
Met Opera | March 19, 2022
Baroque music specialist Harry Bicket conducts this performance which features Elza van den Heever in the title role, in a cast also including Iestyn Davies (Bertarido), Paul Appleby (Grimoaldo), and Jamie Barton (Eduige).
R. Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos
Met Opera | March 12, 2022
Marek Janowski conducts Lise Davidsen (Ariadne), Brandon Jovanovich (Bacchus), and Isabel Leonard (Composer) in a performance of Richard Strauss’ inventive, scintillating opera.
Listeners’ Choice: Donizetti’s ‘La Fille Du Régiment’
Met Opera | March 5, 2022
The Met revisits this January 1973 performance conducted by Richard Bonynge and featuring Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, Regina Resnik, and Fernando Corena.
Celebrating Black History Month: Groundbreaking Artists on the Air
Met Opera | February 26, 2022
Broadcast highlights from some of the Met’s most revered African American stars
Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov
Met Opera | February 19, 2022
Bass René Pape, the world’s reigning Boris, reprises his overwhelming portrayal of the tortured tsar caught between grasping ambition and crippling paranoia.
The Met’s First Decade on the Air
Met Opera | February 5, 2022
Highlights from historic Met broadcasts
Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’
Met Opera | January 29, 2022
Baritone Quinn Kelsey stars in the title role of Verdi's timeless tragedy.
Puccini’s ‘La bohème’
Met Opera | January 22, 2022
The Met celebrates the 40th anniversary of Franco Zeffirelli’s beloved staging with an exceptional cast.
Mozart’s ‘Le nozze di Figaro’
Met Opera | January 15, 2022
Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead Mozart’s breathless and breathtaking comedy.
Blanchard’s ‘Fire Shut Up in my Bones’
Met Opera | January 8, 2022
The opera — the Met's first performance of an opera by a Black composer — tells a poignant and profound story about a young man’s journey to overcome a life of trauma and hardship.
Massenet’s ‘Cinderella’ [Abridged English-language version]
Met Opera | January 1, 2022
Continuing a treasured holiday tradition, the Met presents a new installment in its series of abridged opera adaptations for family audiences.
‘Aida’ at the Met
Met Opera | December 25, 2021
Highlights from great Met broadcasts of Verdi’s Aida in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Met broadcasts and the 150th anniversary of Aida.
Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ [Abridged English-language version]
Met Opera | December 18, 2021
The Met’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages.
Puccini’s ‘Tosca’
Met Opera | December 11, 2021
Sondra Radvanovsky stars in the title role, sharing the stage with tenors Brian Jagde as the painter-revolutionary Cavaradossi and bass-baritone Evgeny Nikitin as the vile police chief Scarpia. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts.
Aucoin’s ‘Eurydice’
Met Opera | December 4, 2021
American composer Matthew Aucoin has created a new, captivating, 21st-century take on the myth of Orpheus.
Puts’ Silent Night
Minnesota Opera | November 27, 2021
Recounting a miraculous moment of peace during one of the bloodiest wars in human history, Scottish, French, and German officers defy their superiors and negotiate a Christmas Eve truce. The Pulitzer Prize-winning music underscores the yearning, despair, and hope of the soldiers living in the trenches. Silent Night masterfully juxtaposes the bombastic sounds of war with serene songs from home, ...
Verdi’s Luisa Miller
Teatro dell’Opera Rome | November 20, 2021
Rome Opera presents a stunning performance of Verdi’s Luisa Miller, starring Roberta Mantegna in the title role, alongside Michele Pertusi as Count Walter, Antonio Poli as Rodolfo, and Daniela Barcellona as Federica. Michele Mariotti conducts the Rome Opera Orchestra and Chorus from the stage of Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera.
Britten’s Peter Grimes
Teatro Real, Madrid | November 13, 2021
In Britten's Peter Grimes, maritime atmosphere, the crudity of people’s lives and passions, and the complex, impenetrable personality of the protagonist come together in a tragedy which ferments and explodes in the din of silence and hearsay. A tragedy which is immediately forgotten gives way to the self-righteousness of everyday lives and the movement of the sea itself.
Bizet’s Carmen
Vienna State Opera | November 6, 2021
It's a story full of misunderstandings: Love is confused with desire, an affair with an exclusive relationship, affection with possession, and violence with passion. But the highest price in this web of dysfunctional relationships is paid by Carmen – a woman who loves her independence more than anything else, including men.
Donizetti’s La Fille du régiment
Slovene National Theatre, Maribor | October 30, 2021
Marie was found on a battlefield as a infant, and was taken in by the 21st Regiment, where she was treated as a 'daughter'. Her foster-father Sulpice tells her that she should marry a soldier from the Regiment. When Marie falls for a solider from the rival camp Tyrolean Tonio , it looks as though she may have to choose between her family and true love.
Handel’s Orlando
Haymarket Opera | October 23, 2021
The warrior knight Orlando is madly in love with Angelica, Princess of Cathay. Angelica and the shepherdess Dorinda both love Prince Medoro. Deception and chaos reign. Can the sorcerer Zoroastro, benevolent guardian of Orlando, save the day?
Puccini’s La bohème
LA Opera | October 16, 2021
It’s 19th-century Paris, a world capital filled with bustling cafes, bold ideas and creative energy. Six struggling young artists dream of making it big and finding their perfect matches. Along the way, they learn to celebrate life for all that it’s worth.
Britten’s Billy Budd
LA Opera | October 9, 2021
Based on the novella by Herman Melville, the Benjamin Britten's maritime masterpiece follows an innocent naval recruit who joins the crew of the H.M.S. Indomitable, helmed by a noble captain. But one commanding officer's dark desires cause a tragic turn of events for the beloved young sailor...and himself.
Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito
LA Opera | October 2, 2021
Rome in the first century A.D. is the most powerful civilization in the world. And yet even this greatest of capitals falls vulnerable to power players seeking glory. In a plight to keep his crown and save the city he loves, Emperor Titus is faced with the ultimate choice between mercy or murder.
Debussy’s Pelléas and Mélisande
Rouen Normandy Opera | September 25, 2021
An unspoken song, sumptuous orchestration, a love story inspired by the myth of Tristan and Iseult, and a poetic atmosphere: so many elements that make Claude Debussy's Pelléas and Mélisande such a bewitching work.
Bottesini’s Alì Babà
Opera Southwest | September 18, 2021
With a libretto based on “Alì Babà and the Forty Thieves,” the well-known and lively story from One Thousand and One Nights, Alì Babà was composed by Giovanni Bottesini, an Italian composer and double bass virtuoso, known as the “Paganini of the bass”.
Rossini’s Tancredi
Opera Southwest | September 11, 2021
Set against the exotic backdrop of war, intrigue, and conquest in medieval Sicily, Tancredi follows the romance between the exiled soldier Tancredi the beautiful Amenaide. When Amenaide is sentenced to death for a crime she did not commit, a disguised Tancredi fights to defend both love and honor.
Rameau’s Hippolytus and Aricia
Opéra Comique | September 4, 2021
So great and pure is the love between Hippolytus and Aricia that the goddess Diane will do everything in her power to protect them.
Wagner’s Parsifal
Théâtre du Capitole, Toulouse | August 28, 2021
For his very last opera, Richard Wagner choose to deepen some of the themes that have marked his artistic and human journey: the feeling of fault, guilt, redemption, sacred love and profane desire. His opera Parsifal is a showcase of some of the most beautiful music written for opera, it takes the artform into the realms of philosophy and mystic visions, as well as being a profound exploration of the great questions at the core of our human experience.
Rubinstein’s ‘The Demon’
Opéra National de Bordeaux | August 21, 2021
The Russian-language opera — based on the controversial poem of the same title by Mikhail Lermontov — was composed by composer, conductor, pianist, and pedagogue Anton Rubinstein (of no relation to pianist Arthur Rubinstein). This performance is conducted by Paul Daniel and stars Alexandros Stavrakakis (Prince Gudal), Ray Chenez (The Angel), Evgenia Muraveva (Tamara), and Nicolas Cavallier (The Demon).
Massenet’s ‘Manon’
Opéra Bastille | August 14, 2021
Manon steers a course between two worlds, escaping the convent to embrace the paths of desire and transgression and throw herself headlong into a passionate, yet self-destructive love affair...
Strauss’ ‘Elektra’
Royal Swedish Opera | August 7, 2021
From 1965 this archive broadcast from Royal Swedish Opera is the sensational Swedish premiere of Strauss' opera and is famed soprano Birgit Nilsson's role debut as Elektra.
Verdi’s ‘Il trovatore’
Swedish Royal Opera | July 31, 2021
This historic broadcast of Il trovatore was recorded at Jussi Björling’s last performance at the Swedish Royal Opera House in 1960, the scene where he made his opera debut in 1930. His counterpart was the legendary Hjördis Schymberg performing the role Leonora. In 1934, she sang with Björling in Puccini’s La Bohème and they sang over 100 performances together over ...
Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
Royal Opera | July 24, 2021
Shostakovich's opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk is one of the twentieth century's masterpieces, acclaimed at its premiere in 1934 but then banned two years later by Stalin.
Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier
Royal Opera | July 17, 2021
Renée Fleming stars as the Marschallin and Alice Coote, as her young lover Octavian. Knowing their love will end, they plot together to save Sophie von Faninal (Sophie Bevan) from a loveless marriage to the philandering Baron Ochs (Matthew Rose).
Wagner’s ‘Tannhäuser’
Royal Opera | July 10, 2021
'Tannhäuser' is the tale of the young troubadour knight who is torn between spiritual love and carnal desire.
Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’
Royal Opera | July 3, 2021
Mozart's Don Giovanni, with its compelling story and characterization, coupled with some of his greatest and most memorable music, has been a hit with audiences ever since its 1787.
Verdi’s ‘Les Vêpres Siciliennes’
Royal Opera | June 26, 2021
Written for the Paris Opera in 1855, Verdi adopted the elaborate styles and traditions of French Grand opera in 'Les Vêpres Siciliennes'. It is a tale of family relationships, loyalty, patriotism and revenge.
Puccini’s ‘Tosca’
Royal Opera | June 19, 2021
Jealousy, torture, murder and suicide: the path of true love certainly produces a bumpy ride. Puccini's Tosca can make for a compelling night at the theatre.
Double Bill: Handel’s ‘Acis and Galatea’ and ‘Apollo e Dafne’
Haymarket Opera Company | June 12, 2021
The 2021 WFMT Radio Network Opera Series begins with an exceptional double-bill of Handel: 'Acis and Galatea', and 'Apollo e Dafne', presented by Chicago’s Haymarket Opera Company.
Britten’s ‘Billy Budd’
Metropolitan Opera | June 5, 2021
From 1997: Steuart Bedford conducts Philip Langridge (Captain Vere), Dwayne Croft (Billy Budd), James Morris (Claggart), Victor Braun (Mr. Redburn), Julien Robbins (Lt. Ratcliffe), James Courtney (Mr. Flint), Paul Plishka (Dansker)
Verdi’s ‘Otello’
Metropolitan Opera | May 29, 2021
From 2015: Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Sonya Yoncheva (Desdemona), Aleksandrs Antonenko (Otello), Dimitri Pittas (Cassio), and Željko Lučić (Iago).
Bellini’s ‘I Puritani’
Metropolitan Opera | May 22, 2021
From 2017: Maurizio Benini conducts Diana Damrau (Elvira Walton) and Javier Camarena (Lord Arturo Talbot).
Wagner’s ‘Tristan und Isolde’
Metropolitan Opera | May 15, 2021
From 2016: Simon Rattle conducts Nina Stemme (Isolde), Ekaterina Gubanova (Brangäne), Stuart Skelton (Tristan), Evgeny Nikitin (Kurwenal), and René Pape (King Marke).
Anna Netrebko Puccini Gala
Metropolitan Opera | May 8, 2021
Star soprano Anna Netrebko performs Puccini highlights from La bohème, Tosca, and Turandot.
Donizetti’s ‘Roberto Devereux’
Metropolitan Opera | May 1, 2021
Maurizio Benini conducts; Sondra Radvanovsky (Elisabetta), Elīna Garanča (Sara), Matthew Polenzani (Roberto), and Mariusz Kwiecien (Duke of Nottingham) star.
Strauss’s ‘Die Frau ohne Schatten’
Metropolitan Opera | April 24, 2021
From 2013: Anne Schwanewilms (Empress), Ildikó Komlósi (Nurse), and Christine Goerke (Dyer’s Wife) star, Vladimir Jurowski conducts.
Janáček’s ‘From the House of the Dead’
Metropolitan Opera | April 17, 2021
From 2009: Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts this performance starring Stefan Margita (Filka Morozov/Kuzmich), Eric Stoklossa (Alyeya), Peter Mattei (Shishkov), and Willard White (Gorianchikov).
Puccini’s ‘La bohème’
Metropolitan Opera | April 10, 2021
From 2017: Angel Blue (Mimì), Brigitte Kele (Musetta), Dmytro Popov (Rodolfo), Lucas Meachem (Marcello), and Duncan Rock (Schaunard) star; Alexander Soddy conducts.
Dvořák’s ‘Rusalka’
Metropolitan Opera | April 3, 2021
Renée Fleming stars in the title role; Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts.
Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’
Metropolitan Opera | March 27, 2021
Gerald Finley stars as the title character in this performance of Mozart’s seminal opera. Sir Andrew Davis conducts; Marina Rebeka (Donna Anna), Ellie Dehn (Donna Elvira), Isabel Leonard (Zerlina), Matthew Polenzani (Don Ottavio), and Bryn Terfel (Leporello) costar.
Rossini’s ‘Le Comte Ory’
Metropolitan Opera | March 20, 2021
Pretty Yende (Countess Adèle), Karine Deshayes (Isolier), Susanne Resmark (Ragonde), and Juan Diego Flórez (Count Ory) star, Maurizio Benini conducts.
Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’
Metropolitan Opera | March 13, 2021
Mozart’s indelible opera buffa, starring Ailyn Pérez (Countess), Nadine Sierra (Susanna), Isabel Leonard (Cherubino), Katarina Leoson (Marcellina), Mariusz Kwiecien (Count), Ildar Abdrazakov (Figaro), Maurizio Muraro (Dr. Bartolo). Conducted by Harry Bicket.
Bizet’s ‘Carmen’
Metropolitan Opera | March 6, 2021
From 2014: Pablo Heras-Casado conducts Anita Rachvelishvili (Carmen), Anita Hartig (Micaëla), Aleksandrs Antonenko (Don José), Ildar Abdrazakov (Escamillo) in Bizet’s seminal work.
Strauss’s ‘Der Rosenkavalier’
Metropolitan Opera | February 27, 2021
Renée Fleming (Marschallin) stars with Elīna Garanča (Octavian), Erin Morley (Sophie), Helene Schneiderman (Annina), Matthew Polenzani (A Singer). Sebastian Weigle conducts this 2017 performance of the landmark Strauss opera.
Puccini’s ‘La Rondine’
Metropolitan Opera | February 20, 2021
Marco Armiliato leads a star-studded cast: Angela Gheorghiu (Magda), Lisette Oropesa (Lisette), Roberto Alagna (Ruggero), Marius Brenciu (Prunier), Samuel Ramey (Rambaldo). From 2009.
Massenet’s ‘Cendrillon’
Metropolitan Opera | February 13, 2021
From April 2018: Joyce DiDonato stars as the title character in Massenet‘s adaptation of the Cinderella fairy tale. Kathleen Kim (La Fée), Alice Coote (Le Prince Charmant), Stephanie Blythe (Madame de la Haltière), Laurent Naouri (Pandolfe) co-star; Bertrand de Billy conducts.
Listeners’ Choice: Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’
Metropolitan Opera | February 6, 2021
The great Maria Callas stars as the title character in this 1956 performance conducted by Fausto Cleva. Giuseppe Campora (Edgardo), Enzo Sordello (Enrico), Nicola Moscona (Raimondo) costar.
Gounod’s ‘Faust’
Metropolitan Opera | January 30, 2021
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts this 2011 performance with Marina Poplavskaya (Marguerite), Jonas Kaufmann (Faust), Russell Braun (Valentin), and René Pape (Méphistophélès).
Verdi’s ‘Il trovatore’
Metropolitan Opera | January 23, 2021
A star-studded performance from 1961 starring Leontyne Price (Leonora), Irene Dalis (Azucena), and Franco Corelli (Manrico) and conducted by Fausto Cleva.
Verdi’s ‘La traviata’
Metropolitan Opera | January 16, 2021
Karel Mark Chichon conducts; Aleksandra Kurzak (Violetta Valéry), Dmytro Popov (Alfredo Germont), Quinn Kelsey (Giorgio Germont) star in this performance from January 2020.
Rossini’s ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’
Metropolitan Opera | January 9, 2021
Maurizio Benini conducts Joyce DiDonato (Rosina), Russell Braun (Figaro), and Lawrence Brownlee (Count Almaviva) in this performance from 2007.
Philip Glass’s ‘Satyagraha’
Metropolitan Opera | January 2, 2021
Dante Anzolini conducts Rachelle Durkin (Miss Schlesen), Richard Croft (M. K. Gandhi), Kim Josephson (Mr. Kallenbach), and Alfred Walker (Parsi Rustomji).
Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ (abridged English-language version)
Metropolitan Opera | December 26, 2020
Erik Nielsen conducts this family-friendly, English language 2010 performance; Susanna Phillips (Pamina), Erika Miklósa (Queen of the Night), Russell Thomas (Tamino), and Alan Oke (Monostatos) star.
Humperdinck’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’
Metropolitan Opera | December 19, 2020
Donald Runnicles conducts this family-friendly, English-language 2018 performance featuring Lisette Oropesa (Gretel), Tara Erraught (Hansel), Dolora Zajick (Gertrude), and Gerhard Siegel (Witch).
Beethoven’s ‘Fidelio’
Metropolitan Opera | December 12, 2020
Sebastian Weigle conducts this 2017 performance starring Adrianne Pieczonka (Leonore), Hanna-Elisabeth Müller (Marzelline), and Klaus Florian Vogt (Florestan).
Prokofiev’s ‘War and Peace’
Metropolitan Opera | December 5, 2020
Anna Netrebko (Natasha), Gegam Grigorian (Bezukhov), and Dmitri Hvorostovsky (Andrei) star in this 2002 performance of Prokofiev’s adaptation of Tolstoy’s enduring masterwork. Valery Gergiev conducts.
Rossini’s ‘Il turco in Italia’
La Scala | November 28, 2020
This performance of Rossini’s comedic opera buffa stars Alex Esposito (Selim) and Rosa Feola (Donna Fiorilla). Diego Fasolis conducts.
‘Cavalleria rusticana’ & ‘Pagliacci’
Liceu Opera Barcelona Double Bill | November 21, 2020
Henrik Nánási conducts this verismo double bill.
Puccini’s ‘Tosca’
La Scala | November 14, 2020
Hear Puccini’s indelible masterwork recorded live from the famed La Scala in Milan. Anna Netrebko stars in the title role, with Riccardo Chailly conducting.
‘Trial by Jury’ & ‘Scalia/Ginsburg’
OperaDelaware Double Bill | November 7, 2020
A double bill of courtroom operatic comedies is on the docket as Opera Delaware presents two works separated by 140 years.
Bellini’s ‘Norma’
Hamburg State Opera | October 31, 2020
Marina Rebeka stars in the title role in this performance conducted by Matteo Beltrami.
Handel’s ‘Agrippina’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | October 24, 2020
Joyce DiDonato stars as the title character. Maxim Emelyanychev conducts.
Massenet’s ‘Werther’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | October 17, 2020
Juan Diego Flórez stars as the title character opposite Isabel Leonard (Charlotte). Edward Gardner conducts.
Donizetti’s ‘Don Pasquale’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | October 10, 2020
Sir Bryn Terfel stars in the title role in this performance of Donizetti’s classic comic opera. Evelino Pidò conducts.
Britten’s ‘Death in Venice’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | October 3, 2020
Tenor Mark Padmore sings 7 roles in this performance of Britten’s Death in Venice. Richard Farnes conducts.
Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | September 26, 2020
Bass-baritone Erwin Schrott stars in the title role in this performance of Mozart’s timeless opera. Hartmut Haenchen conducts.
Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin’
Opera Southwest | September 19, 2020
Corey Bix stars as the title character in this performance of Wagner’s Lohengrin. Michelle Johnson (Elsa of Brabant), Claudia Chapa (Ortud), and Sean Anderson (Friederich) co-star. Anthony Barrese conducts.
Hector Armienta’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima’
Opera Southwest | September 12, 2020
Héctor Armienta’s Bless Me, Ultima, based on Rudolfo Anaya’s landmark Chicano novel, stars Daisy Beltran as Tony and Kirstin Chavez as Ultima. Guillermo Figueroa conducts.
Beethoven’s ‘Fidelio’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | September 5, 2020
Beethoven’s only opera is a masterpiece, an uplifting story of risk and triumph. In this new production, conducted by Antonio Pappano, Jonas Kaufmann plays the political prisoner Florestan, and Lise Davidsen plays his wife Leonore (disguised as ‘Fidelio’) who daringly sets out to rescue him.
Monteverdi’s ‘L’Orfeo’
Royal Danish Opera | August 29, 2020
Regarded as one of the first operas, the late-renaissance L’Orfeo tells the story of Orpheus as he goes down to the underworld in search of his beloved Eurydice. In this performance, Danish conductor and baroque expert Lars Ulrik Mortensen teams up with Concerto Copenhagen to guarantee a sparklingly vivid and close-up interpretation of Monteverdi’s unique and immortal music.
Verdi’s ‘Aida’
Chicago Symphony Orchestra | August 22, 2020
Maestro Riccardo Muti, widely considered to be today’s preeminent interpreter of Verdi’s music, leads this performance of Aida.
Puccini’s ‘La bohème’
LA Opera On Air | August 15, 2020
James Conlon conducts this performance, featuring Marina Costa-Jackson (Mimi), Saimir Pirgu (Rodolfo), Erica Petrocelli (Musetta), and Kihun Yoon (Marcello)
Mozart’s ‘The Clemency of Titus’
LA Opera On Air | August 8, 2020
With Die Zauberflöte, The Clemency of Titus (La clemenza di Tito) was one of the last two operas Mozart completed — it premiered less than two months before the composer's untimely death at age 35. This performance of Mozart's final opera seria features tenor Russell Thomas in the title role.
Bizet’s ‘Carmen’
LA Opera On Air | August 1, 2020
Hear Bizet’s most popular opera starring Ana María Martínez in the title role. The cast also includes Brandon Jovanovich (Don José); Amanda Woodbury (Micaela); Alexander Vinogradov (Escamillo); among other soloists. The performance features the Los Angeles Opera Chorus and Orchestra led by James Conlon.
Bellini’s ‘I puritani’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | July 25, 2020
Albina Shagimuratova (Elvira) and Lawrence Brownlee (Arturo) star in this performance conducted by Lyric music director designate Enrique Mazzola. READ MORE: Hope and Strength: Celebrating Black Artistry with Lawrence Brownlee & Lyric
Gluck’s ‘Orphée et Eurydice’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | July 18, 2020
Dmitry Korchak and Andriana Chuchman are the titular lovers in this performance. Harry Bicket conducts.
Gounod’s ‘Faust’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | July 11, 2020
Benjamin Bernheim stars in the title role, with Ailyn Pérez (Marguerite), Christian Van Horn (Méphistophélès), and Edward Parks (Valentin) in this performance conducted by Emmanuel Villaume.
Wagner’s ‘Die Walküre’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | July 4, 2020
Brandon Jovanovich (Siegmund), Elisabet Strid (Sieglinde), Ain Anger (Hunding), Eric Owens (Wotan), and Christine Goerke (Brünnhilde) in this performance of the second entry in the Ring cycle. Sir Andrew Davis conducts.
Bizet’s ‘The Pearl Fishers’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | June 27, 2020
Marina Rebeka (Leïla), Mariusz Kwiecień (Zurga), and Matthew Polenzani (Nadir) star in this performance conducted by Sir Andrew Davis.
Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | June 20, 2020
Ryan Opera Center alumnus Quinn Kelsey stars in the title role, in a cast that also features Matthew Polenzani (Duke of Mantua), Rosa Feola (Gilda), and Alexander Tsymbalyuk (Sparafucile). Marco Armiliato conducts.
Puccini’s ‘Turandot’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | June 13, 2020
Amber Wagner stars in the title role in this performance, which also features Stefano La Colla (Calaf), Andrea Silvestrelli (Timur), and Maria Agresta (Liù). Sir Andrew Davis conducts.
Mozart’s ‘Così fan tutte’
Lyric Opera of Chicago | June 6, 2020
Ana María Martínez stars as Fiordiligi in the opening performance in this season of our Lyric Opera of Chicago Broadcast Series. James Gaffigan conducts.
Strauss’s ‘Elektra’
Vienna State Opera | May 30, 2020
Christine Goerke stars in the title role with soprano Waltraud Meier as Klytaemnestra, Simone Schneider as Chrysothemis, and tenor Norbert Ernst as Aegisth in this performance of Strauss’s gripping, one-act opera.
Offenbach’s ‘Tales of Hoffmann’
Vienna State Opera | May 23, 2020
Tenor Dmitry Korchak—one of the most exciting and sought-after voices of his generation and regarded as one of today’s best performers of bel canto repertoire—stars in the title role alongside soprano Olga Peretyatko and mezzo-soprano Gaëlle Arquez.
Gluck’s ‘Alceste’
Bavarian State Opera | May 16, 2020
Dorothea Röschmann stars as the title character in this performance, which also features Charles Castronovo (Admeto) and Michael Nagy (High Priest of Apollo/Hercules). Antonello Manacorda conducts.
Giovanni Bottesini’s Ali Baba
Opera Southwest | November 30, 2019
With a libretto based on “Alì Babà and the Forty Thieves,” the well-known and lively story from One Thousand and One Nights, Alì Babà was composed by Giovanni Bottesini, an Italian composer and double bass virtuoso, known as the “Paganini of the bass” The opera was premiered in 1871 in London, receiving considerable acclaim and numerous performances. However, the score was later ...
Bellini’s Norma
Opera Southwest | November 23, 2019
Opera Southwest artistic director and principal conductor Anthony Barrese leads this performance of Bellini’s seminal bel canto Norma starring Lindsay Ohse in the title role. Cast Norma: Lindsay Ohse Adalgisa: Olivia Vote Pollione: John Pickle Oroveso: Justin Hopkins Clotilde: Cammy Cook Flavio: Gabriel Liboiron-Cohen Ensemble: Opera Southwest Orchestra and Chorus Conductor: Anthony Barrese Chorus master: Kristin Ditlow
Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra | November 16, 2019
Music director laureate Edo de Waart conducted this semi-staged 2016 performance of the celebrated Mozart opera The Marriage of Figaro starring Douglas Williams (Figaro) and Joélle Harvey (Susanna). Cast: Figaro: Douglas Williams Susanna: Joélle Harvey Count: Gordon Bintner Countess Almaviva: Rachel Willis-Sorensen Cherubino: Maren Favela Marcellina: Susanne Mentzer Bartolo: Peixin Chen Don Basilio and Don Curzio: William Ferguson Barbarina: Alisa Suzanne ...
Faccio’s Amleto
OperaDelaware | November 9, 2019
WFMT wraps up its series of 3 broadcasts from OperaDelaware with this production of the lesser-known Franco Faccio opera Amleto, which takes Shakespeare's Hamlet as its inspiration.
Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi & Michael Ching’s Buoso’s Ghost
OperaDelaware | November 2, 2019
A unique double serving of one of opera's best known patriarchs with Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and its comic sequel, Buoso's Ghost, by living composer Michael Ching, who also conducts the performance.
Puccini’s Il Tabarro & Suor Angelica
OperaDelaware | October 26, 2019
WFMT's series of 3 broadcasts from OperaDelaware begins with this double bill of Puccini one-act operas, Il Tabarro and Suor Angelica.
Handel’s Acis and Galatea
Music of the Baroque | October 19, 2019
WFMT shares the third of its three-broadcast series of Handel works performed by Chicago’s Music of the Baroque. Jane Glover, Music of the Baroque’s music director, conducts this performance of Handel’s Acis and Galatea featuring tenor Thomas Cooley (Acis) and soprano Elizabeth Futral (Galatea). Cast Galatea: Elizabeth Futral Acis: Thomas Cooley Damon: Benjamin Butterfield Polyphemus: Christòpheren Nomura Ensemble: Music of the ...
Handel’s Israel in Egypt
Music of the Baroque | October 12, 2019
WFMT shares the second of its three-broadcast series of Handel works performed by Chicago’s Music of the Baroque. Jane Glover, Music of the Baroque’s music director, conducts this performance of Handel’s Israel in Egypt featuring soprano Sarah Gartshore and tenor Daniel Shirley. Cast Soprano: Sarah Gartshore Soprano: Kimberly McCord Soprano: Amy Conn Countertenor: Joseph Schlesinger Tenor: Daniel Shirley Tenor: Klaus Georg ...
Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus
Music of the Baroque | October 5, 2019
WFMT shares the first of its three-broadcast series of Handel works performed by Chicago’s Music of the Baroque. Jane Glover, Music of the Baroque’s music director, conducts this performance of Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus starring tenor Thomas Cooley (Judas), bass-baritone Eric Owens (Simon) and featuring Anima — The Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus. Cast Israelitish Woman: Yulia Van Doren Israelitish Man: Meg Bragle ...
Mozart’s The Clemency of Titus
LA Opera On Air | September 28, 2019
With Die Zauberflöte, The Clemency of Titus (La clemenza di Tito) was one of the last two operas Mozart completed — it premiered less than two months before the composer's untimely death at age 35. This performance of Mozart's final opera seria features tenor Russell Thomas in the title role.
Bizet’s Carmen
LA Opera On Air | September 21, 2019
Hear Bizet’s most popular opera starring Ana María Martínez in the title role. The cast also includes Brandon Jovanovich (Don José); Amanda Woodbury (Micaela); Alexander Vinogradov (Escamillo); among other soloists. The performance features the Los Angeles Opera Chorus and Orchestra led by James Conlon.
Verdi’s Attila
RAI (Italy) and the European Broadcasting Union | August 3, 2019
Under the music direction of Riccardo Chailly, Ildar Abdrazakov (Attila) and Saioa Hernández (Odabella) star in this La Scala performance of Verdi’s Attila.
Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice
RAI (Italy) and the European Broadcasting Union | July 27, 2019
Carlo Vistoli and Mariangela Sicilia star as the titular ill-fated lovers in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice. This Teatro dell’Opera di Roma performance was recorded at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome, and was conducted by Gianluca Capuano.
Rossini’s Adina
RAI (Italy) and the European Broadcasting Union | July 20, 2019
Lisette Oropesa (Adina), Vito Priante (Califo), and Levy Sekgapane (Selimo) star in this performance of Adina recorded at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, Italy. One of the composer’s less-performed works, the one-act comic opera tells the story of Adina, who is rescued from captivity by her former lover, Selimo. Diego Matheuz conducts.
Giordano’s Andrea Chénier
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | July 13, 2019
Tenor Roberto Alagna stars as the title character in Umberto Giordano’s French Revolution-set verismo opera. This performance also features soprano Sondra Radvanovsky (Maddalena de Coigny), baritone Dimitri Platanias (Carlo Gérard), and is conducted by Daniel Oren.
Britten’s Billy Budd
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | July 6, 2019
Jacques Imbrailo (Billy), Toby Spence (Captain Vere), Brindley Sherratt (Claggart) star in Benjamin Britten’s seafaring opera based on the novel of the same name by Herman Melville.
Verdi’s La forza del destino
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | June 29, 2019
The Marquis of Calatrava (Robert Lloyd, bass) forbids his daughter Leonora (Anna Netrebko, soprano) to marry the South American nobleman Don Alvaro (Jonas Kaufmann, tenor). The lovers attempt to elope, but the Marquis catches them. In the ensuing altercation, Alvaro accidentally kills the Marquis, who curses his daughter as he dies. Leonora and Alvaro become separated during their escape. Leonora’s ...
Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | June 22, 2019
The penniless soldier Herman (Aleksandrs Antonenko) has fallen in love with Liza (Eva-Maria Westbroek), even though she is engaged to his friend Yeletsky (Vladimir Stoyanov). Herman learns that Liza’s grandmother, the Countess (Dame Felicity Palmer), knows a winning three-card formula. Herman determines to wrest the secret from the Countess, gain a fortune through gambling and marry Liza. Sir Antonio Pappano ...
Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | June 15, 2019
Verdi's opera explores long-held secrets, treachery and the father-daughter relationship, in the majestic setting of Renaissance Genoa. The dashing corsair Simon Boccanegra and Maria, daughter of the nobleman Jacopo Fiesco, have fallen in love and had an illegitimate daughter. The child has disappeared from her foster-home. Boccanegra returns to Genoa to break the news to Maria, and learns of her death as a crowd, led by the plebeian Paolo Albiani, proclaim him Doge of Genoa.
Wagner’s Siegfried
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | June 8, 2019
The third opera in Richard Wagner’s epic cycle Der Ring des Nibelungenrevels in its depiction of heroism even as it sets up the cycle’s dramatic conclusion. Siegfried, the child of Siegmund and Sieglinde, has been raised by Alberich’s brother Mime. Mime plans to use Siegfried to take back the ring from Fafner. But, as he grows up, Siegfried rebels against his dubious guardian.
Wagner’s Die Walküre
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | June 1, 2019
The second opera in Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen thrillingly depicts the discovery of a great love. During a storm, Sieglinde gives shelter to a wounded stranger. They find themselves drawn to each other. He is Siegmund, the twin from whom Sieglinde was separated in childhood. Unknown to them, their father is Wotan, the most powerful of the gods. Through ...
Wagner’s Das Rheingold
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | May 25, 2019
The dwarf Alberich forsakes love so that he may steal the Rhine’s gold. A ring is crafted from that gold, invested with great power. When the ring is taken from Alberich, he places on it a terrible curse. John Lundgren (Wotan); Johannes-Martin Kränzle (Alberich); Alan Oke (Loge); Sarah Connolly (Fricka); Lise Davidsen (Freia); Gerhard Siegel (Mime); Günther Groissböck (Fasolt); Brindley ...
Verdi’s Falstaff
Royal Opera House Covent Garden | May 18, 2019
Old, large and lecherous, Sir John Falstaff can’t resist the ladies. But they can resist him, and three of them plot to put an end to his advances once and for all. Bryn Terfel plays the title role in this performance, which also features Ana Maria Martinez (Alice Ford), Simon Keenlyside (Ford), AnnaProhaska (Nannetta), Frédérid Antoun (Fenton), Marie-Nicole Lemieux (Dame ...
Puccini and Leoncavallo Double Bill
LA Opera On Air | October 6, 2018
This Los Angeles Opera program features operas from two Italian contemporaries: Gianni Schicchi by Puccini and Pagliacci by Leoncavallo. Plácido Domingo plays the wily the title character in Schicchi, then he steps into the orchestra pit to conduct Pagliacci, featuring Marco Berti (Canio) and Ana Maria Martinez (Nedda).
Verdi’s Nabucco
LA Opera On Air | September 22, 2018
Hear acclaimed singer Plácido Domingo in the title role of Verdi’s Nabucco. The cast also features Liudmyla Monastyrska (Abigaille); Morris Robinson (Zaccaria); Mario Chang (Ismaele); Nancy Fabiola Herrera (Fenena); and the Los Angeles Opera Chorus and Orchestra led by James Conlon.
Bizet’s Carmen
LA Opera On Air | September 15, 2018
Hear Bizet’s most popular opera, Carmen, starring Ana Maria Martinez in the title role. The cast also includes Brandon Jovanovich (Don José); Amanda Woodbury (Micaela); Alexander Vinogradov (Escamillo); among other soloists. The performance features the Los Angeles Opera Chorus and Orchestra led by James Conlon.
John Corigliano’s ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’
LA Opera On Air | September 2, 2017
This performance of Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles features Patricia Racette as Marie Antoinette along with Christopher Maltman (Beaumarchais), Kristinn Sigmundsson (Louis XVI), Lucas Meachem (Figaro), Robert Brubaker (Bégearss), Guanqun Yu (Rosina; Countess Almaviva), Lucy Schaufer (Susanna), Joshua Guerrero (Count Almaviva), Renée Rapier (Cherubino), Stacey Tappan (Florestine), Brenton Ryan (Leon), Scotty Scully (Marquis), Victoria Livengood (Woman with Hat), Joel Sorensen ...
Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’
LA Opera On Air | August 19, 2017
This performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro features Roberto Tagliavini as Figaro along with performances by Pretty Yende (Susanna), Ryan McKinny (Count Almaviva), Guanqun Yu (Countess Almaviva), Renée Rapier (Cherubino), Kristinn Sigmundsson (Doctor Bartolo), Lucy Schaufer (Marcellina), So Young Park (Barbarina), Philip Cokorinos (Antonio), Robert Brubaker (Don Basilio), and Joel Sorensen (Don Curzio). James Conlon conducts.
Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’
LA Opera On Air | August 12, 2017
This performance of Rossini’s opera buffa The Barber of Seville features Rodion Pogossov as Figaro along with cast members Almaviva René Barbera (Count), Elizabeth DeShong (Rosina), Alessandro Corbelli (Doctor Bartolo), Kristinn Sigmundsson (Don Basilio), Lucy Schaufer (Berta), and Jonathan Michie (Fiorello). James Conlon conducts.
Offenbach’s ‘The Tales of Hoffman’
LA Opera On Air | August 5, 2017
This performance of Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann features Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffmann along with Kate Lindsey (The Muse / Nicklausse), Nicolas Testé (Olympia), Kate Aldrich (Giulietta), Diana Damrau (Antonia / Stella), Christophe Mortagne (The Four Servants), Kihun Yoon (Luther), Theo Hoffman (Hermann), Michael Moore (Nathanael Brian), Rodell Rosel (Spalanzani), Daniel Armstrong (Schlémil), Nicholas Brownlee (Crespel), and Sharmay Musacchio (Voice of ...
Verdi’s ‘Macbeth’
LA Opera On Air | July 29, 2017
This performance of Verdi’s Macbeth, inspired by Shakespeare’s play of the same name, features Plácido Domingo in the title role at the head of an all-star cast that includes: Ekaterina Semenchuk (Lady Macbeth), Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Banquo), Joshua Guerrero (Macduff), Josh Wheeker (Malcom), Summer Hassan (Lady-in-Waiting), Theo Hoffman (Doctor). James Conlon conducts.