Macbeth

Heidi Stallings, Teaching Artist

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Shakespeare's "Scottish" play makes for a powerhouse opera in Verdi's adaptation. Teaching Artist Heidi Stallings leads us through this work, its key players, and the implications of ambition in this 3-video series.

Die Zauberflöte

Andrew Scoville, Teaching Artist

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In this 3-part series design for high school and college students, Teaching Artist Andrew Scoville leads us on an exploration of the full German version of Mozart's classic Enlightenment opera. Focus topics include freemasonry, the presentation of good and evil, and a look at the meaning behind the musical choices in this perennial favorite.

Doctor Atomic

Jessica Santiago, Teaching Artist

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The 21st Century premiere of John Adams' opera about the making of the atomic bomb was a huge event in the classical music world. For this Access Opera video series, Teaching Artist Jessica Santiago has created 3 lessons to guide students through the historical, literary, and musical influences for this work, as well as providing tips for listening to contemporary operatic music.

La Fanciulla del West

Megan McCormick, Teaching Artist

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Fondly dubbed a "spaghetti western," this opera is Puccini's take on the American Wild West- though he considered it a thoroughly Italian work! Teaching Artist Megan McCormick leads us through the gunslinging plot, its comparison to actual events, and looks at the musical and design elements that draw us into this lesser-performed Puccini opera.

Madama Butterfly

Gina Hanzlik, Teaching Artist

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This opera follows the devotion and ultimate demise of the title geisha as she clings to her marriage to an American naval officer. TA Gina Hanzlik takes students on a tour to discovering the main musical and plot themes, as well as Puccini's use of exoticism to portray the cultures of two foreign places: Japan and America. Throughout, students will develop their own character, musical, and design ideas.

Roméo et Juliette

Karla Hendrick, Teaching Artist

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Explore Charles Gounod's tragically beautiful imagining of Shakespeare’s ill-fated, young lovers, through this 3-module series for middle school students. Teaching Artist Karla Hendrick shows us the many ways this story has been told, and helps students reflect on the important aspects of the operatic adaptation.

La Fille du Régiment

Grace Oberhofer, Teaching Artist

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La Fille du Régiment is a wonderful choice to introduce young newcomers to opera. In our special 3-video series, we look at the different aspects of the opera that help tell the story of our two protagonists, Marie and Tonio.

Hansel & Gretel

Alexandra Pawlus, Teaching Artist

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Whether presented in a traditional fairy-tale style, or in a modern-day setting, Humperdinck's classic retelling of the Grimm Brothers' classic tale has so much for young opera fans to enjoy! During this 3-video series, we will examine the characters, music themes, and sets that make this opera, presented in a special family-friendly English translation by the Met Opera, a favorite for any season!

La Bohème

Hannah Madeleine Goodman, Teaching Artist

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Through this 3-video series, we will explore the plot, characters, important themes, and design elements that make Puccini's masterpiece one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas! Accompanying each video is a fun activity for young opera fans to do at home!