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Opera’s Ultimate Five-Minute Interlude: The Meditation from “Thais”
Explore the enduring appeal of Jules Massenet's "Meditation from Thaïs", a five-minute interlude that has become a beloved piece in the classical music repertoire.
WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie
On May 30th, 2024 our evening host and resident artist pianist Lara Downes welcomes two longtime friends and musical collaborators: the legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and San Francisco’s own legend-in-the-making Jake Heggie, considered one of the world's most popular 21st-century opera and art song composers.
Classical Californians: James Conlon
This week's Classical Californian is James Conlon, Music Director of LA Opera
Opera Characters Who Would Make Terrible Valentines!
Explore the world of opera's disastrous romances this Valentine's Day. From Mozart's Don Giovanni to Puccini's Turandot, learn why these characters are bad for love.
Peach Melba and Melba Toast: The Story of a Chef and an Opera Diva
Explore the culinary legacy of French chef Auguste Escoffier, his work at grand hotels, and his unique dishes named after opera singer Nellie Melba.
WATCH | Beethoven’s Only Opera Recreated With Deaf West Theatre
Discover how Deaf West Theatre and LA Phil transformed Beethoven's Fidelio into a unique experience for both Deaf and hearing audiences. Explore more on our YouTube channel.
5 Must Hear (and See!) Operatic Performances
Explore opera favorites curated by expert Jennifer Miller Hammel for the Classical California Ultimate Playlist. Discover new pieces or relive classics from Verdi, Bizet, and more.
Opera
It's time to dress up and get a pair of those fancy looking binoculars: we're at the opera!
Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses the spookiest instruments in honor of Halloween, highlighting the eerie sounds of the theremin and the scary potential of violins.
The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”
Explore the inspiration behind Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a violin piece based on an 1880s British poem. Discover why this music continues to captivate listeners.
Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due
Fanny Mendelssohn's lost masterpiece, misattributed to her brother for 150 years, is finally recognized as hers, shedding light on her overlooked musical talent.
The ABC’s of Opera: Puccini’s “La bohème”
Explore the timeless themes of love, optimism, and dreams in Puccini's La Bohème. Learn about its history, characters, and its influence on modern productions like Rent.
An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life
Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.
Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway
Explore how Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor made Broadway history in Kismet, winning multiple Tony Awards, including a posthumous one for Borodin.
