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 as opera... 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 >

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House in London, England, is one of the premier opera houses in the world. It has a long and storied history as an arena for many types of performing arts including theater, opera, ballet and dance. History of the Royal Opera House The history of Royal Opera House began in 1728 when John Rich commissioned "The Beggar's Opera" from John Gay at the Duke's Theater in Lincoln Inn. John Gay used... Read more >

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House, one of the most recognizable structures in the world, is located on Bennelong point on the Sydney Harbor in Sydney, Australia. Along with being world-renown for its architecture, the Sydney Opera house is also regarded as one of the premier Opera Houses in the world. History of the Sydney Opera House The history of the Sydney Opera House begins in the late 1950s when the New South Wales... Read more >

Strauss

Richard Strauss remains one of the most important German opera composers of the late Romantic to early Modern era. Heavily influenced by Wagner, Strauss' operas include "Salome" and "Elektra." The Life of Richard Strauss Richard Georg Strauss was born June 11, 1864, in Munich, Germany. His father, Franz, was the principal horn player at Munich's Court Opera. Strauss received his early musical education from... Read more >