Welcome back to The Deep Dive where we surprise and intrigue you with a brand-new timely topic explored every Tuesday.
How familiar are you with opera? If you’re a fan of films like Pretty Woman, Rent, or Phantom of the Opera, you might be more acquainted with the genre and its themes than you think.Not you? Well, keep reading and you’ll learn something new. Love opera already? You’re in for a treat! This week, let’s take a deep dive into this beautiful musical art form.
Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor
This is a web edition of GBH's The Deep Dive, a weekly newsletter bringing you the best GBH has to offer.
An Intro to Opera
Getting Into Opera with Davóne Tines - Mozart’s “Parto, ma tu, ben mio” (13 min clip)
Countertenor Ricky Lee Owens sings a passionate aria from Mozart’s opera La Clemenza di Tito. Then watch bass-baritone Davóne Tines provide feedback in this fascinating masterclass from GBH Music. Let’s take a listen.
Read this behind-the-scenes interview to learn how the Getting Into Opera series came to be. Watch more beautiful arias in the series.
GBH Music Presents Deconstructing Opera: Omar (58 min video)
Listen to a conversation with Grammy Award-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens talking about her opera Omar, accompanied by performances from cast members. Discover how this opera came to life. Get inspired.
How Music Can Make You Better (50 min talk)
Is it possible that music isn’t music until your mind makes it so? Hear neuroscientist and opera singer Dr. Indre Viskontas explore how we extract music from sound. Can music make us better?
Inspired by Opera
L’Opéra (series)
This drama centers on an aging prima ballerina at the Paris Opera who may be on the verge of losing her job. Can she dance her way past new competition?
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: Chanel Opera Cape (1 min clip)
A visitor presents this stunning opera cape from the 1920s. How much is it worth?
MASTERPIECE Endeavour Star Shaun Evans on Becoming an Opera Fan (1 min clip)
Evans was introduced to opera in a surprising way.Learn how.
Recipe of the Week
Focaccia di Recco (recipe)
The name sounds like an opera! Everyone loves the smell of baking focaccia. Fill your home with this yummy scent and your tummy with bread.
Book of the Week
Music and Mind by Renée Fleming (28 min author talk)
Learn about the healing power of music and art therapy with opera singer and arts health advocate, Renée Fleming. How does music affect the mind?
Exquisite Opera Performances
The Culture Show Talks Eurydice (50 min audio)
Jared Bowen talks with Matthew Aucoin about his new opera based on the play Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. Hear Aucoin and Ruhl discuss how this piece came to be.
Angel Blue Performs “O patria mia” from The Met’s Aida (2 min clip)
For decades, Great Performances has brought operas into the homes of viewers. Watch Angel Blue sing. And here are some more from Great Performances:
Off Topic
- Ever wonder how GBH prepares for its monthly Outspoken Saturday’s live poetry event at the GBH BPL Studio? Go backstage.
- Even ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is thinking about Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl. See what they found.
- Robson Green, who plays Geordie Keating on Grantchester, once lost a trivia night because he got it wrong. Can you name the Keating kids?
