Opera Through the Ages

Presented in partnership with the Valley Friends of Arizona Opera

Lecture presented by David Schildkret

Join us for Opera Through the Ages, a four-part lecture series exploring the evolution of opera from the Baroque to the Modern era. Discover how composers across centuries used music and drama to reflect the culture, values, and artistic ideals of their time.

Opera Through the Ages: Baroque

October 8, 2025 | 12:30 PM | Arizona Opera Center

Join us for Opera Through the Ages, a captivating lecture series exploring the evolution of opera across history. The series opens with a journey into the Baroque era, where you'll discover the ornate musical styles, dramatic storytelling, and cultural context that gave rise to the first great operatic masterpieces. Learn how composers like Monteverdi and Handel helped shape the foundation of the art form we celebrate today.

Opera Through the Ages: Classical

November 5, 2025 | 12:30 PM | Arizona Opera Center

Continue your journey with Opera Through the Ages as we explore the elegance and refinement of the Classical era. This lecture will delve into the balance, clarity, and expressive beauty that defined the works of composers like Mozart. Discover how opera evolved to reflect the ideals of the Enlightenment and laid the groundwork for the Romantic era to come.

Opera Through the Ages: Romantic

February 11, 2026 | 12:30 PM | Arizona Opera Center

In this installment of Opera Through the Ages, we enter the passionate and dramatic world of the Romantic era. Explore how composers like Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini used sweeping melodies and heightened emotion to tell stories of love, heroism, and fate. Discover how opera during this time reflected the political, cultural, and emotional currents of the 19th century.

Opera Through the Ages: Modern

April 29, 2026 |12:30 PM | Arizona Opera Center

The final installment of Opera Through the Ages brings us into the bold and innovative world of Modern opera. Explore how 20th- and 21st-century composers broke traditional boundaries with new musical languages, diverse storytelling, and fresh perspectives. From Britten to Glass and beyond, discover how opera continues to evolve and resonate with contemporary audiences.