Opera For Everyone

Ep.75 I Capuleti e I Montecchi By Bellini

These are not Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets! Based on the original medieval Italian source material, Bellini’s take on the star-crossed lovers portrays Romeo as a young man who knows his mind and leads an army. Juliet loves Romeo deeply, but must contend with both external and internal impediments to realizing any happiness with her beloved. Join us for the soaring Bel Canto version of the famous tale of lovers from rival clans.

Ep. 74 Werther By Massenet

Young Werther is the embodiment of Romanticism. He swoons for nature, sighs for love, and marvels at the innocence of childhood. These impulses, however, can turn dark when his desires are thwarted. A sensation when it was published, Goethe’s story of a young poet in love, captured the imagination of a generation. Massenet’s riveting opera takes us into the world of a sensitive poet and the object of his desire. Hosted by Pat and guest co-host Kathleen Van de Wille

Ep. 73 Le Comte Ory By Rossini

Rossini’s witty and urbane Le Comte Ory is a comic opera full of mirth and ridiculous disguises. Meet the randy Comte Ory and his merry band of singing knights. While the decent men of the castle are away in the Holy Land, the Comte plays the part of a hermit, a female pilgrim... anything to cozy up to the lovely Countess Adele. Though his plans are foiled, we suspect the Comte will repeat his efforts countless times in the years to come. Hosted by Keely and Pat.

Ep. 72 Salome By Strauss

When a young princess's depraved stepfather asks her to dance, she sees a way to satisfy her lust for the imprisoned John (the Baptist). Based on an Oscar Wilde play dramatizing a biblical story, the opera Salome was shocking and enticing for audiences, and a critical success for composer Richard Strauss early in his career. Hosted by Pat, Grant & new guest co-host, Jocelyn

Ep. 71.5 OFE Presents Songs Of Triumph And Celebration

In the last of a series of five special episodes, Keely and Pat play some of opera’s great works around a theme of triumph and celebration. Get ready to humm, sing, and dance along to these heart-pumping pieces!

Ep. 71.4 OFE Presents Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4

The fourth in a series of five special episodes takes a close look at Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony. This powerfully dramatic work was partly inspired by Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony... and partly by one particularly tumultuous year in Tchaikovsky’s own turbulent life. Fortunately, he endured his troubles with the help of one remarkable woman, to whom music-lovers everywhere are forever indebted.

Ep. 71.3 OFE Presents Symphonie Fantastique By Berlioz

The third in a series of five special episodes explores Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Berlioz uses this symphony to illustrate episodes in “the life of an artist.” Autobiography, soaring imagination, and quintessential Romantic sensibilities combine to create Berlioz’s compelling and much-loved Symphonie Fantastique.

Ep. 71.1 OFE Presents Rossini Overtures

This first in a series of five special OFE episodes explores overtures by Rossini. He was such a master of the form, that he set the standard and spawned countless imitators. Among them, Rossini himself, who used one particular overture for four different operas!

Ep. 70 Don Carlos By Verdi [Extended Version]

This extended version of our Don Carlos show includes everything from the regular length show, plus a little more music and a lot more history! Don Carlos, son of King Philip II of Spain, is bethrothed to the daughter of the King of France. In this romantic portrayal of history, they fall in love at first sight, but their happiness is dashed when Philip II decides to make Elizabeth his own bride. The drama of this royal family is complicated by Carlos’s idealistic comrade, Elizabeth’s too-beautiful friend, Carlos’s own impetuous behavior, the ominous specter of Philip II’s devout father, and the threatening presence of the Spanish Inquisition. Join us for this Italian master’s French Grand Opera. Hosted by Keely and Pat

Ep. 70 Don Carlos By Verdi

Don Carlos, son of King Philip II of Spain, is bethrothed to the daughter of the King of France. In this romantic portrayal of history, they fall in love at first sight, but their happiness is dashed when Philip II decides to make Elizabeth his own bride. The drama of this royal family is complicated by Carlos’s idealistic comrade, Elizabeth’s too-beautiful friend, Carlos’s own impetuous behavior, the ominous specter of Philip II’s devout father, and the threatening presence of the Spanish Inquisition. Join us for this Italian master’s French Grand Opera. Hosted by Keely and Pat