Opera Aficionado is an exciting suite of programs designed for patrons who are passionate about opera. Aficionado provides an opportunity to learn more, dive deeper, and get an inside look at the world of opera.
As part of Opera Aficionado, our Interactive Lectures Series gives opera-goers around the world a front-row seat to scholarly talks, allowing attendees to dialogue with fellow opera lovers, experts, and special guests. Each month will be focused on a concept or theme relevant to all of us.
Just how does an opera singer make their sound? What’s the difference between one iconic voice or another? These questions and more will be answered as we spend the month of March exploring a very human instrument. Join Opera Aficionado host Cole Thomason-Redus, San Francisco Opera’s Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna, and returning speakers Sheri Greenawald, Cori Ellison, and Alberto Montañez for a series of lectures all about the most essential ingredient in any opera – the human voice.
From Gluck’s Orfeoto Glass’ Akhnaten, the concept of men singing within and even above the range of their female counterparts has often seemed mysterious and exotic. Countertenor Albert Montañez returns to Opera Aficionado to discuss, explore, and shed light upon this vocal enigma and the numerous gems that exist within the repertoire.