Thursday Night Opera House

Thursdays at 7:00 pm Eastern

 

Thrill to the sounds of grand opera.

Every Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, let The Classical Station sweep you away to the enchanting world of opera.

Since 1980, the Thursday Night Opera House has brought the beauty of the stage to your living room, now guided by Dr. Jay Pierson’s expert hand.

Spring 2026

March 2026

March 5

Die Zauberflöte
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Vienna Philharmonic
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

A noble prince, trying to save his true love, a humorous Birdcatcher, trying to find his true love, an angry Queen of the Night, three spirits, and three ladies all come together in this well-known operatic staple. The Magic Flute was premiered in 1791, just two months before Mozart’s death.

March 12

Fidelio
Ludwig van Beethoven
Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

Beethoven’s only opera, known as a rescue opera. Fidelio (Behrens), who is known as Leonore, tries to rescue her husband Florestan (Hofmann), who is being held as a political prisoner. The music is dramatic, exuberant, and exciting.

March 19

Membership Drive

Great operatic excerpts, sung by singers we know and love.

March 26

Lohengrin
Richard Wagner
Vienna State Opera / Vienna Philharmonic
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

Written in 1850, Lohengrin is one of Richard Wagner’s most celebrated music dramas. The dramatic action, characters, and instrumental music all work together to create an exciting listening experience. The bridal chorus from this work is a favorite for wedding processionals. (Archival recording by the late Al Ruocchio)

April 2026

April 2

Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci
Pietro Mascagni / Ruggero Leoncavallo
National Philharmonic Orchestra
Giuseppe Patanè, conductor

Known as Cav/Pag, these two operas have been performed as a double bill since 1893. They are prime examples of verismo, focusing on the lives of common people.

April 9

La Fanciulla del West
Giacomo Puccini
Orchestra e Coro dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Roma
Franco Capuana, conductor

Set in California during the Gold Rush, La Fanciulla del West was composed just after Madama Butterfly. Immensely popular, its American premiere at the Met was in 1910. Enrico Caruso sang the role of Dick Johnson.

April 16 – Double Bill

King Arthur
Henry Purcell
The English Concert and Choir
Trevor Pinnock, conductor

The plot of King Arthur revolves around the battles between King Arthur and the Saxons. It is an engaging work with appearances by Cupid, Venus, and Merlin the magician.

April 16 (continued)

Dido and Aeneas
Henry Purcell
Il Pomo d’Oro
Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor

A new sumptuous recording of Dido and Aeneas with Joyce DiDonato singing the role of Dido, the Queen of Carthage.

April 23

Rigoletto
Giuseppe Verdi
Orchestra e Coro del Teatro Comunale di Bologna
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

Filled with drama, intrigue, and deception, Verdi’s masterpiece had a triumphal premiere in 1851 and has remained a staple in the operatic repertoire. (Archival broadcast by the late Al Ruocchio)

April 30

Der Rosenkavalier
Richard Strauss
Staatskapelle Dresden
Bernard Haitink, conductor

Strauss’ most popular opera during his lifetime, Der Rosenkavalier is filled with levity. The score is replete with wonderful waltzes and virtuosic singing.

May 2026

May 7

THAÏS
Jules Massenet
Opera and Orchestra de Bordeaux
Yves Abel, conductor

Thais, an Egyptian courtesan, is converted to a life of penitence. She is taken to a convent and lives her life in the care of the abbess. Paphnutius, a holy man, is changed by the vision of Thais, and becomes obsessed with gaining her love. Renee Fleming and Thomas Hampson lead a stellar cast in this sumptuous recording.

May 14

Carmen
Georges Bizet
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

Bizet never visited Spain but imbued this most popular opera with vivid, vibrant melodies from that country. Since its first performance in 1875, it has remained a favorite of opera goers worldwide. Tatiana Troyanos, as Carmen, leads a stellar cast.

May 21

Lakmé
Léo Delibes
Chœur & Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse
Michel Plasson, conductor

Lakmé is filled with beautiful and exotic music. Set in India, the plot revolves around the tragic love story between Lakmé and Gérald. The score includes the enchanting and familiar Flower Duet and Bell Song.

May 28

Samson et Dalila
Camille Saint-Saëns
Orchestre de Paris
Daniel Barenboim, conductor

Camille Saint-Saëns brings this Biblical story to life. The hero Samson is seduced by the Philistine Dalila, but through his faith regains his strength. (Archival broadcast by the late Al Ruocchio)

Now Playing

Love Songs from Guitar Concerto

Composed by

Steve Gray (1944-2008)

Performed by

Williams/London Symphony/Daniel

Label

Sony

Catalog Number

68337

Today's Playlist

6:14am Silent Woods, Op. 68 No. 5

Composed by

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)

Performed by

Ma/Boston Symphony/Ozawa

6:21am Oboe Concerto in B flat, Op. 7 No. 3

Composed by

Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751)

Performed by

Anderson/Philharmonia/Wright

6:31am Piano Trio No. 4 in E Major, K. 542

Composed by

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Performed by

Abegg Trio

6:50am Tres Jolie (A Waltz)

Composed by

Emile Waldteufel (1837-1915)

Performed by

Slovak State Philharmonic/Walter

7:01am Three Dances from Henry VIII

Composed by

Edward German (1862-1936)

Performed by

Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony/Leaper

7:11am Danube Legends

Composed by

Julius Fucik (1872-1916)

Performed by

Czech Philharmonic/Neuman

7:23am Prelude No. 1 in E minor

Composed by

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959)

Performed by

Kaori Muraji

7:29am Overture to Semiramide

Composed by

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

Performed by

Philharmonia/Karajan

7:42am Bassoon Concerto in A minor

Composed by

Johann Wilhelm Hertel (1727-1789)

Performed by

Smith/English Chamber Orchestra/Ledger

8:01am Concerto Grosso in F, Op. 6 No. 2

Composed by

Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)

Performed by

Southwest German Chmbr Orch/Wich

8:13am Flute Sonata in A minor

Composed by

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

Performed by

Bruggen/Bylsma/van Asperen

8:24am March from The Nutcracker, Op. 71

Composed by

Peter I. Tchaikovsky

Performed by

Slovak Philharmonic/Halasz

8:29am Liebestraum No. 3 in A flat

Composed by

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

Performed by

Anatol Ugorski

8:36am Over the Rainbow

Composed by

Harold Arlen, arr. Tom Poster

Performed by

Ma/Stott

8:40am The Neapolitan, a waltz

Composed by

Joseph Lanner (1801-1843)

Performed by

Ensemble Vienna

8:50am Music selected by the announcer

9:01am Suite from Pelleas et Melisande, Op. 80

Composed by

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)

Performed by

Mexico City Philharmonic/Batiz

9:21am Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041

Composed by

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Performed by

Isbin/Zurich Chamber Orch/Griffiths

9:37am Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in B flat, Op. 1

Composed by

Bernhard Henrik Crusell (1775-1838)

Performed by

Hartman/New York Scandia Symphony/Matson

10:01am Symphony No. 088 in G

Composed by

Josef Haydn (1732-1809)

Performed by

Vienna Philharmonic/Bohm

10:25am Concierto de Aranjuez, trancribed for harp

Composed by

Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999)

Performed by

Robles/Philharmonia Orchestra/Dutoit

10:49am Lute Concerto in A, RV 82

Composed by

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

Performed by

Isbin/Zurich Chamber Orch/Griffiths

11:01am Fantasie in F minor, Op. 49

Composed by

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Performed by

Ruth Slenczynska

11:17am Be Embraced, Ye Millions (Waltz)

Composed by

Johann Strauss, Jr, (1825-1899)

Performed by

Vienna Philharmonic/Nelsons

11:28am Piano Concerto No. 25 in C, K. 503

Composed by

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Performed by

Barenboim/Berlin Phil./Barenboim

12:02pm Symphony No. 3 in C, Op. 32

Composed by

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)

Performed by

London Symphony/Butt

12:33pm Suite from Masques et Bergamasques, Op. 112

Composed by

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)

Performed by

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

12:49pm Music selected by the announcer

1:01pm String Quartet in E flat (w/o opus number)

Composed by

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Performed by

Eroica Quartet

1:26pm Ballet Music from Le Cid

Composed by

Jules Massenet

Performed by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Fremaux/Tortelier

1:47pm La Barcarolle, a waltz

Composed by

Emile Waldteufel (1837-1915)

Performed by

Slovak State Philharmonic/Walter

2:01pm Symphony No. 1 in D, Op. 25 "Classical"

Composed by

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)

Performed by

London Symphony/Marriner

2:16pm Musical Moments, D. 780

Composed by

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Performed by

John O’Conor

2:46pm Prelude to Act 1 from Parsifal

Composed by

Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

Performed by

Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra/Nelsons

3:01pm Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

Composed by

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Performed by

Rubinstein/New Symphony Orchestra London/Skrowaczewski

3:42pm Trio in D for Piano, Flute & Cello

Composed by

Josef Haydn (1732-1809)

Performed by

Classical Chrome

4:01pm Holberg Suite, Op. 40

Composed by

Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)

Performed by

Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Marriner

4:22pm Symphony No. 6 in E flat

Composed by

Jiri Benda (1722-1795)

Performed by

Prague Chamber Orchestra/Benda

4:34pm Dance of the Cockerels from Maskarade

Composed by

Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)

Performed by

Swedish Radio Symphony/Salonen

4:40pm Children's March (Over the Hills and Far Away)

Composed by

Percy Grainger (1882-1961)

Performed by

R & J Contiguglia

4:48pm The Moldau from Ma Vlast (My Fatherland)

Composed by

Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884)

Performed by

RCA Victor Symphony/Stokowski

5:01pm Two Aquarelles

Composed by

Frederick Delius (1862-1934)

Performed by

Bournemouth Sinfonietta/Del Mar

5:07pm A Shropshire Lad

Composed by

George Butterworth (1885-1916)

Performed by

Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Marriner

5:18pm Prelude, Hen & Cuckoo from The Birds

Composed by

Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)

Performed by

Atlanta Symphony/Lane

5:29pm Concert Waltz No. 1, Op. 47

Composed by

Alexander Glazunov (1865–1936)

Performed by

Bamberg Symphony/Jarvi

5:39pm Symphony No. 59 in D

Composed by

Christian Cannabich (1731-1798)

Performed by

Lukas Consort/Lukas

5:52pm Warsaw Concerto

Composed by

Richard Addinsell (1904-1977)

Performed by

Tritt/Cincinnati Pops/Kunzel

6:01pm Meditation from Thais

Composed by

Jules Massenet (1842-1912)

Performed by

Kennedy/National Philharmonic/Bonynge

6:08pm Flute Quartet No. 4 in A, K. 298

Composed by

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Performed by

Grafenauer/Kremer/Hagen/Hagen

6:20pm Concerto for Harp and Orchestra in E flat, Op. 74

Composed by

Reinhold Gliere (1875-1956)

Performed by

Maistre/WDR Symphony Orchestra of Cologne/Stutzmann

6:47pm Music selected by the announcer

7:01pm Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op. 73

Composed by

Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)

Performed by

Meyer/Dresden State Orchestra/Blomstedt

7:23pm Preludes, Op. 28

Composed by

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Performed by

Nelson Freire

8:00pm Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15

Composed by

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)

Performed by

Schubert Ensemble of London

8:32pm Concerto in F for Lute & Strings

Composed by

Carl Kohaut (1726-1784)

Performed by

Smith/Banchini/Plantier/Dieltens

8:47pm Romance in F minor, Op. 11

Composed by

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)

Performed by

Ughi/Philharmonia/Slatkin

9:01pm Raymonda, Op. 57 (Music from the ballet)

Composed by

Alexander Glazunov (1865–1936)

Performed by

Scottish National Orchestra/Jarvi

9:58pm Clair de lune from Suite Bergamasque

Composed by

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

Performed by

Wibi Soerjadi

10:04pm Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 "Scottish"

Composed by

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Performed by

Israel Philharmonic/Bernstein

10:45pm Symphony No. 5 in E flat

Composed by

Samuel Wesley (1766-1837)

Performed by

Milton Keynes Chamber Orchestra/Wetton

11:01pm Evocation from Iberia, Book 1

Composed by

Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909)

Performed by

Lang Lang

11:09pm Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1 in F minor

Composed by

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

Performed by

Vancouver Symphony/Comissiona

11:23pm Guitar Quintet No. 9 in C, "Retreat from Madrid"

Composed by

Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)

Performed by

Pepe Romero/Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Ensemble

11:52pm Music selected by the announcer