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.
We know their names, we love their music. And yet, we never talk about them in the opera world — because they never wrote one. This November, Opera Aficionado explores a handful of composers whose craft was made for storytelling. From Bach to the scarcely recognized Florence Price, and a sprinkling of German Lieder, these are the composers of whom we say, “if only they’d written an opera!”
The incredible genius of Bach had a profound influence on almost all classical music that came after him, down to our own time. He created numerous masterpieces in many different genres--but not opera. Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna will delve into the reasons for that, and explore video examples of Bach's cantatas and oratorios to illustrate his own particular gift for combining music and drama.