FEATURE
The Delectable 5: Top Opera Talks Booked by Multiple Locations
Photo: American mezzo-soprano, Risë Stevens (1913-2013) as Carmen. Stevens is featured in the Carmen opera talk.
What can I say- it’s been a wonderful ride presenting opera for the past years. I’m always honored to present online or in person sharing my insights. The best part is when the audience asks great questions that I may or may not know. Those inquiries cause me to learn more about the subject. After presenting Opera Talks in over 100 locations, I notice that those who book the program like to start with something popular to maximize the interest of their library patrons or rather their own audiences. After a tally of what I did over the years, here are the top 5 programs:
MARIAN ANDERSON:
AMERICAN ICON
5. Marian Anderson: American Icon- This opera icon has an indelible reputation in the arts and American History. Marian Anderson’s admirable poise allowed her to focus and break barriers with her contralto voice.
OPERA IN EBONY:
TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN SINGERS
4. Opera in Ebony- I never thought that this program would be so popular honoring an array of African American singers in the opera industry. What makes this special is that I present singers who dominated most voice ranges from bass to tenors to sopranos and the many in between. The audience learns about icons from the past and current singers who are continuing the tradition today. In 2019, the program was expanded to two programs: Black Women in Opera/ Black Men in Opera and was a part of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019-2020 Season in Education Outreach.
MAKE UP OR BREAK UP:
LOVE DUETS AT THE OPERA
3. Make up or Break Up-Love Duets at the Opera:
I created Love Duets at the opera so the audience can guess which couples outlasted adversity versus those that did not. The duets featured in this series are full of passion and drama that makes beautiful music and leaves a lasting conversation.
CARMEN
2. Carmen : One of my first programs I created, Carmen will always be one of opera’s triumphs in pop culture. It continues to be the most popular opera in the world. The influence of the rebellious Carmen reflects today’s society especially in pop culture. Audiences love the productions I choose for them to watch fully on their own time. The voices are glorious.
NAME THAT OPERA: OPERA IN FILM AND MOVIES
*1. Name that Opera- Opera in Film and Movies: This is the top program because it connects to pop culture. Audiences learn opera featured in popular films with movie stars that they may or may not saw. Then the specialty is showing the same opera clip in the context of the opera and how the opera connects to the plot of the characters. It makes you think twice about listening to that commercial or watching that film with opera. I always tell the audience that what they learn will be a great icebreaker for a future party they will attend.
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