In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia

The "material girl" at the heart of Abbé Prévost's novella, Manon Lescaut, is one of literature's most charming yet enigmatic heroines. She has inspired no less than 4 operas, 2 ballets, films and more - including Giacomo Puccini's first major success.

In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, hosted by Michael Bolton and Maren Montalbano, takes a look at Puccini's lush romantic score in preparation for OCP's April 2012 production of the opera.

These performances at the Academy of Music mark the first professional Philadelphia performances of the opera in 25 years and stars 2011 Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Winner Michelle Johnson, Thiago Arancam, Troy Cook and Daniel Mobbs.

Musical excerpts on the podcast are provided by Allegro Music Group on the Opera d'Oro label, catalogue number 1428.  This complete recording can be purchased online at http://www.allegro-music.com/online_catalog.asp?sku_tag=OPD31428.

For those who find themselves in the company of poet Gregor Mittenhofer, the results may be as dramatic as the deadly snowstorm that swirls around the mountain inn where they find themselves. Hans Werner Henze, considered to be one of the foremost composers of our time, brings us this powerful and acclaimed opera.
Listen to In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia to find out more this upcoming production, part of OCP's Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater. A Philadelphia-area Henze enthusiast takes us through this 1961 masterpiece, reviews the genesis of the opera, and provides a musical guide. This podcast is hosted by OCP's Michael Bolton.
These performances mark the Philadelphia Premiere of the work, which has not been performed in the U.S. for nearly 20 years. Elegy for Young Lovers is produced in association with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Curtis Opera Theatre, and Kimmel Center Presents.

Listen in for a preview of OCP's February production of Mozart's comic gem, including interviews with OCP Artistic Director Robert B. Driver, soprano Elizabeth Reiter, musical excerpts, plot synopsis and more.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia will host the local premieres of two exciting new American operas over the next several months: Nico Muhly and Stephen Karam's Dark Sisters and Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell's Silent Night. Both operas had their world premiere in November 2011. Podcast hosts Michael Bolton and Maren Montalbano talk with two Philadelphia favorites, soprano Jennifer Check (Almera in Dark Sisters) and baritone Troy Cook (Father Palmer in Silent Night) about these operas and their experience working with the amazingly gifted creators of these operas.

Opera’s ultimate temptress opens the season with a sizzle in this classic production that transports you to sultry Seville. The story of a beguiling gypsy who sets her sights on a naïve but passionate young corporal, Carmen traces a tale of seduction, obsession, and deadly betrayal. Bizet’s masterpiece features many of opera’s most powerful melodies, from the bewitching “Habanera,” to the passionate “Seguidilla,” and the bravura of the “Toreador” song, capturing the imagination from the first notes of its renowned overture.

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton, this edition of In Tune with the Opera Company of Philadelphia features interviews with Carmen cast members Rinat Shaham, David Pomeroy and Ailyn Pérez and provides in depth information about the Company's free public HD screen simulcast of Bizet's opera at Independence Mall in the Independence National Historical Park.

Opera’s ultimate temptress opens the season with a sizzle in this classic production that transports you to sultry Seville. The story of a beguiling gypsy who sets her sights on a naïve but passionate young corporal, Carmen traces a tale of seduction, obsession, and deadly betrayal. Bizet’s masterpiece features many of opera’s most powerful melodies, from the bewitching “Habañera,” to the passionate “Seguidilla,” and the bravura of the “Toreador” song, capturing the imagination from the first notes of its renowned overture.

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, In Tune features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

This arresting opera is based on the classic Greek myth of Phaedra, wife of Theseus, the Athenian King who vanquished the dreaded Minotaur. Phaedra’s forbidden and unrequited love for her stepson, Hippolyt, embroils her in a tragic battle between feuding goddesses Aphrodite and Artemis for his affections, and ultimately results in Hippolyt’s demise at his father’s hand and Phaedra’s death at her own. The New York Times praised its 2007 World Premiere for “... a consistent rhythmic vitality and often an otherworldly beauty that is hard to resist.”

A new production for the American Premiere is conceived by Artistic Director Robert B. Driver with designer Philippe Amand, creators of the June 2010 new production of Orphée et Eurydice for the Opera at the Perelman Series. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts.

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, In Tune features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

From Madama Butterfly and Turandot to La bohème’s Mimi, composer giant Giacomo Puccini is famous for the grace and strength of his glorious heroines. Enter Floria Tosca, a diva with flashing eyes and a jealous heart who loves only one man – Mario Cavaradossi. When he is taken as a political prisoner, his captor, Baron Scarpia, has met his match in Cavaradossi’s faithful Tosca. Featuring the breathtaking Te Deum chorus and the renowned tenor anthem E lucevan le stelle, plus one of the most famed soprano arias in all of operatic repertoire, Vissi d’arte, Puccini’s beloved work has not been seen at the Opera Company of Philadelphia for over ten years.

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, each edition features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, each edition features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!

Never in the history of romance were two lovers more star-crossed than Shakespeare’s passionate Romeo and Juliet. This universal story has been adapted in countless plays and films, in popular culture and in dance, but perhaps no medium better expresses the love, longing and ultimate tragedy of this fated pair than Gounod’s sweeping and supreme opera. Replete with ecstatic French melodies, this heartbreakingly beautiful production arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Hosted by OCP's Director of Community Programs Michael Bolton and mezzo-soprano Maren Montalbano, each edition features musical excerpts, plot synopses and background information on the operas, cast and production information, interviews with artists and producers, Academy of Music historical moments and more!