The San Francisco Opera’s Department of Diversity, Equity and Community has announced Opera Aficionado’s live online discussions in March and April.

Each live, 75-minute Opera Aficionado discussion offers music lovers online access to scholarly talks and an opportunity to dialogue with fellow opera enthusiasts and special guests. Speakers in March and April are librettist Gene Scheer, soprano and former director of San Francisco Opera Center Sheri Greenawald, San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna, dramaturg Cori Ellison, countertenor Albert Montañez, San Francisco Opera librarian Michael Bragg, musicologist Laura Prichard and Opera Aficionado host Cole Thomason-Redus.

March 

Operatic soprano and former director of San Francisco Opera Center Sheri Greenawald joins San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna for discussion and demonstrations of the science and technique behind the glorious singing that gives opera its unique and dramatic sound.

Date: March 6, 2022

Join dramaturg Cori Ellison and your fellow Aficionados as they discuss favorite singers.

Date: March 13, 2022

From Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice” to Philip Glass’ “Akhnaten,” the concept of men singing within and even above the range of their female counterparts has often seemed mysterious and exotic. Countertenor Albert Montañez returns to Opera Aficionado to discuss, explore and shed light of the particular voice.

Date: March 20, 2022

The Italian words bel canto literally translate to beautiful singing. Opera Aficionado host Cole Thomason-Redus presents excerpts from Handel to John Adams.

Date: March 27, 2022

April 

Librettist, composer and songwriter Gene Scheer joins San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna for an interview to discuss how writers and composers work together to create new operas.

Date: April 3, 2022

San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Emeritus Kip Cranna and Opera Librarian Michael Bragg team up to discuss passages from great and important novels and analyze video from corresponding opera scenes, illustrating the fascinating dynamics of transformation from a literary masterpiece to a successful opera.

Date: April 10, 2022

Speaker Laura Prichard takes us beyond the bullrings and Habaneras, into the true story of a passionate and strong woman named Carmen and the inspiration behind Bizet’s masterpiece.

Date: April 24, 2022