Composers

The world of opera that we know and enjoy today was greatly influenced by the composers of yesteryear. Such composers as Beethoven, Berlioz and Bizet created some of the more well-known operas. In fact, artists are still performing many of these operas today.   Opera is a type of theatre in which the story is portrayed either wholly or primarily through music and/or singing. Many operas also make use of... Read more >

Famous Operas

Opera is a form of performance art in which the performers tell a dramatic story through song. Operas are generally accompanied by live music, usually in the form of an orchestra.   Opera is generally placed in the category of classical music, though operas contain many of the same aspects of theater, including actors, costumers, scenery and more. However, actors in an opera, most often referred to... Read more >

Opera Companies

As a respected part of classical music, opera has a rich tradition that dates back centuries, generally to Jacopo Peri’s opera "Dafne" in 1597. From France to Italy to England to the United States, many countries have kept this tradition alive through the continued work of their world-renowned opera companies.   By definition, opera is a form of music that incorporates acting, costumes and stage sets to... Read more >

Opera Houses

An opera house is a type of large performing arts building in which operas, ballets and other theatrical performances can take place. While some opera companies are the primary residents of an opera house, other opera houses are equally shared by a few different types of performing arts companies. In general, opera houses around the world share a few of the same characteristics, including: a back stage area in... Read more >

Sharing With Your Child

If you have a strong family history of a genetic disease, such as cancer, you may be considering having your child tested. If your child tests positive for a genetic mutation, it may be difficult for you to process the information, and even harder to share it with your child. Even though it is challenging, an honest discussion with your child can relieve stress in the long run by: easing children's fears... Read more >

Othello

"Othello," the last of the long and brilliant series of Verdi's operas, was completed in 1886, and first produced at the La Scala Theatre in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 5,1887, with remarkable success.   The libretto was prepared by the accomplished Italian scholar and musician Arrigo Boito and closely follows the story told in Shakespeare's tragedy. "Othello" Cast and Characters "Othello" premiered... Read more >

William Tell

Rossini's "William Tell," an opera in three acts, first premiered at the Académie in Paris on Aug. 3, 1829, with the following cast: Mathilde: Mme. Damoreau-Cinti Jemmy: Mme. Dabodie Hedwig: Mlle. Mori Arnold: M. Nourrit Walter: M. Levasseur Tell: M. Dabodie Ruodi: M. Dupont Rodolphe: M. Massol Gessler: M. Prevost Leutold: M. Prevot.   Rossini wrote for Paris only two new operas: "Le... Read more >

Elektra

The Strauss opera "Elektra" is a musical interpretation of the Sophocles tragedy of the same name. It is similar to his earlier work, "Salome," with deception and murder as central points.   However, Elektra leaves the self-indulgence and incestuous lust behind to focus on seemingly rightful revenge. As with many other of Strauss' operas, the music speaks as much for the cast's emotions as do the songs... Read more >