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 >

Falstaff

Opera composer Verdi's "Falstaff," an opera in three acts, was first performed on March 12, 1893, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, with the following cast of characters: Mistress Ford: Signora Zilli Nanetta: Madame Stehle Fenton: M. Garbin Dr. Cais: Signor Paroli Pistola: Signor Arimondi Mistress Page: Signora Guerrini Mistress Quickly: Signora Pasqua Ford: Signor Pini-Corsi Bardolfo:... Read more >

Faust

Gounod's opera "Faust," an opera in five acts, was founded on Goethe's tragedy. It was first produced at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris on March 19, 1859, with the following cast of the principal parts: Marguerite: Mme. Miolan-Carvalho Siebel: Mlle. Faivre Faust: M. Barbot Valentin: M. Regnal Mephistopheles: M. Balanque Martha: Mme. Duclos Gounod's "Faust": Synopsis The story of the opera... Read more >

La Tosca

With "La Tosca," which was produced in 1899, Puccini won another operatic success, though for reasons very different than from those that made "La Bohème" such a triumph. The libretto is a clever condensation of Sardou's famous drama. Puccini's Tosca: Plot Synopsis Puccini worked with librettists (people who write the lyrics used in opers) Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa to compose "La Tosca." Here is a... Read more >