Guide to Opera

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.

A Rare ‘Lucrezia’ in Pacifica

Phénix Opera Company's director, Osvaldo de Leon, stages the rarely performed opera Lucrezia by Respighi at Pacifica’s Spindrift School, aiming to introduce it to a wider audience.

‘Aci, Galatea e Polifemo’ in the Age of Me Too

Handel's mini-opera, Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, is reimagined with a contemporary twist, addressing power dynamics and sexual abuse in the age of #MeToo.

A Surreal Fairytale at ‘Snapshot’

West Edge Opera and Earplay present Snapshot, featuring new short operas. Highlight includes "Moon, Bride, Dogs", a surreal tale of a woman's escape from abuse, narrated by the moon.

Celebrating 36 Years of the Verdi Chorus

"Anne Marie Ketchum, Founding Artistic Director of Verdi Chorus, discusses the ensemble's history and current season. Catch their performances in Santa Monica on April 6 and 7."

Hansel and Gretel Head to the Opera House

San Francisco Opera and Opera San Jose are staging Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. The opera, first performed in 1893, was the first to be broadcast on radio.