Met Opera Guild Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 194: Talking About Opera on Rigoletto Jan 26, 2022

Show notes

Rigoletto was based on Victor Hugo’s play Le Roi s’amuse, literally, “the king enjoys himself.” However, since opera houses were under strict control of government censors, it was too controversial for a king to be portrayed as a serial seducer. On today's episode of The Metropolitan Opera Guild Podcast, we have a historic recording from our Talking About Opera archives featuring Guild Lecturer Bridget Paloucci.

Ep. 191: Opera Outlook: Eurydice with W. Anthony Sheppard Dec 01, 2021

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With music by Genius grant recipient Matthew Aucoin, libretto by recipient Sarah Ruhl, and stage direction by recipient Mary Zimmerman, Eurydice is a new examination of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from Eurydice’s point of view. This co-commission and co-production arrives at the Met after a successful premiere at LA Opera in February 2020. On today’s episode, professor W. Anthony Sheppard takes us into the underworld and explores our protagonist’s tale.

Ep. 190: Meistersinger Study Day Part II with Desirée Mays Nov 24, 2021

Show notes

Instead of all of the mythological figures we are used to seeing in Wagner’s operas, the story of Die Meistersinger is set in a community of artisans. The main character, Hans Sachs is even based on a real life historical figure. On today's episode of The Metropolitan Opera Guild’s podcast, we welcome back Guild lecturer Desiree Mays for the second part of our discussion on Die Meistersinger.

Ep. 189: Meistersinger Study Day Part I with Desirée Mays Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

Though thought of as Wagner’s only comic opera, Die Meistersinger can also be seen as an artistic manifesto. With a six-hour running time, Die Meistersinger is the longest opera in the Met’s repertory. On today's episode of The Metropolitan Opera Guild podcast, we welcome Guild lecturer Desiree Mays for the first of two episodes on Die Meistersinger.

Ep. 188: Opera Boot Camp Introduction to Operatic Staging Promo with Matthew Timmermans Nov 03, 2021

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From more traditional staging to more boundary-pushing productions, operatic staging has been evolving and changing since the advent of opera. In fact, what we see on the stage can directly affect what the audience hears and understands, and vice versa. In this episode of the Metropolitan Opera Guild Podcast, we talk with lecturer Matthew Timmermans about his virtual Opera Boot Camp, all about the history and legacy of operatic staging!

Ep. 187: Opera Outlook: Fire Shut Up in My Bones Oct 20, 2021

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Featuring a score by renowned jazz musician Terence Blanchard, and a libretto by actor and director Kasi Lemmons, Fire Shut Up in My Bones was this year’s Opening Night performance, marking the return of live opera to the Met stage after the longest closure in company history. In this episode of The Metropolitan Opera Guild Podcast, librettist and author Joanne Sydney Lessner explores this exciting new work!

Ep. 186: Opera Outlook: Boris Godunov Oct 06, 2021

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Modest Mussorgsky sought to create a national school of Russian music, free from western influences. His most notable work, Boris Godunov, was initially brutally rejected by the board of the Imperial Theatres in St. Petersburg in 1871. However, it went on to become one of the most popular works in the Russian repertoire. On today's episode of The Metropolitan Opera Guild Podcast, lecturer Jane Marsh explores the history and highlights of this operatic work.

Ep. 185: LCE Season Announcement Sep 08, 2021

Show notes

A brand new season of Metropolitan Opera Guild programs is ready to go on sale next week! After a successful season of virtual programming, we are excited to return with a combination of in-person and virtual events.

Ep. 184: Great Divas I Have Seen Part IV with Ira Siff Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

By turns regal and opulent, rich and astounding, the operatic diva has the ability to move you with performances that you will remember for the rest of your life. In the final episode of our four-part series, we’re joined by lecturer Ira Siff as he discusses the lives and careers of the great divas Christa Ludwig, Aprile Millo, Krassmira Stoyanova, Teresa Stratas, and, of course, Jessye Norman.

Ep. 183: Great Divas I Have Seen Part III with Ira Siff Jul 14, 2021

Show notes

In today’s episode of The Metropolitan Opera Guild podcast, we are joined by lecturer Ira Siff to discuss his experiences and memories of watching Marilyn Horne perform, and divas Shirley Verrett, Montserrat Caballe, Magda Olivero, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, and Virginia Zeani!

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