2001-02 Season

A concise introduction to the history and composition of one of the most popular of operas, Verdi's tragic masterwork about a man whose degenerate lifestyle leads to the destruction of his one valued possession.

Nick Reveles introduces viewers to Georg Fridirch Handel's Ariodante. One of Handel's best operas, Ariodante is also a perfect example of Baroque muscial theater, as treachery, duels, feigned assignations and courtly pomp are blended into a tale of honor lost and regained.

Nick Reveles introduces viewers to Puccini's "shabby little shocker," which has become one of the world's most beloved operas. Puccini's uncanny gift for melody and unerring dramatic sense prove a killer combination in this story of love, honor and revenge.

Donizetti was, with Rossini, one of the kings of the Italian opera stage, and Don Pasquale illustrates what those maestri did best: outrageous comedy built on intricate plotting and playful deception. Nick Reveles provides an equally enchanting introduction to this new production of Donizetti's masterpiece.

Nick Reveles provides background to Wagner's timeless tale of a relentless curse, valiant heroism and redemption through selfless love, all expressed through soaring melodies and surging orchestration. Indeed, The Flying Dutchman is the very essence of the word "Wagnerian."