Fall 2024
September 5
Bizet: Carmen
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti, Conductor
Bizet never visited Spain but imbued this most popular opera with the vivid and 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.
September 12
Mozart: Così fan tutte
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Sir Neville Marriner, Conductor
Comic opera at its best! Two gentlemen are in love with women who are sisters, and they devise a plot to test their fidelity. The men go off to a fictitious war and return disguised as Balkan soldiers. They try to seduce each other’s lover. Do the sisters give in? Tune in and find out.
September 19
Bellini: Norma
Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala Milano
Tulio Serafin, Conductor
Plaintive, graceful, and virtuosic melodies abound in this 1831 masterpiece, bel canto at its finest! Tune in and listen to this dramatic story, and discover the love triangle that ends in tragedy. Archival recording by the late Al Rocchio.
September 26
Wagner: Lohengrin
Vienna State Opera / Vienna Philharmonic
Claudio Abbado, 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.
October 3
Mozart: Don Giovanni
Berlin Opera and Berlin Philharmonic
Herbert von Karajan, Conductor
Widely considered one of the greatest operas ever written, Don Giovanni is a true dramma giocoso, displaying the flawless intermingling of both comedy and melodrama.
October 10
Offenbach: Les Contes d’Hoffmann
Orchestre National de France
Seiji Ozawa, Conductor
Jacques Offenbach tells four magical stories in one great opera. Hoffmann, a poet, recounts stories of lost love to his friend Nicklausse as they wait for an opera singer to finish her performance. Archival broadcast by the late Al Rocchio.
October 17
Weber: Der Freischütz
German Symphony Orchestra of Berlin
Marek Janowski, Conductor
After its premiere in Berlin in 1821, Der Freischütz quickly became an international success. The musical depiction of the supernatural in the spooky wolf’s glen scene is definitely worth the price of admission!
October 24
Fall Membership Drive
Show your support for Thursday Night at the Opera House during The Classical Station’s Fall Membership Drive.
October 31
Gounod: Faust
Orchestre & Choeurs du Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris
Georges Prêtre, Conductor
Beautiful arias and duets abound in this dramatic work. Méphistophélès makes a pact with Dr. Faust, granting him eternal youth in exchange for his immortal soul. A perfect tale for All Hallows Eve.
November 7
Verdi: La Traviata
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Alldis Choir
Aldo Ceccato, Conductor
An early opera by Giuseppe Verdi, La Traviata tells the ill-fated love story of Violetta and Alfredo.
November 14
Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila
Orchestre de Paris
Daniel Barenboim, Conductor
Camille Saint-Saëns brings this Biblical story to life. The hero Samson (Domingo) is seduced by the Philistine Dalila (Obraztsova) but through his faith regains his strength.
November 21
Bellini: I Puritani
London Symphony Orchestra
Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Richard Bonynge, Conductor
Elvira has been promised in marriage to Riccardo, a man whom she despises. When Arturo is pardoned from execution, their love prevails. A stellar cast led by Sutherland and Pavarotti. Archival broadcast by the late Al Rocchio.
November 28
(Thanksgiving Day)
Thanksgiving holiday programming. TNOH will not be broadcast.
