ADULT EDUCATION
Introduction to Opera
At 6:30 before evening performances (except opening night), and at 1:30 before matinees, a free talk will be presented in the California Theatre that will acquaint you with the composer’s life, his place in the history of opera, the story and its characters. If you are attending the 1:30 or 6:30 Introduction, you must be ticketed for that day’s performance; and your ticket must be torn as you enter the building. There will be no Introduction to Opera talks on opening night .
MLK Library Previews
A one-hour preview for each 2013-14 production is presented free of charge in the Beethoven Center, located on the 5th Floor of the Dr. MLK Library in San Jose (located at the corner of Fourth and San Fernando Streets). Moderated by GM Larry Hancock, the preview includes a lecture and performances by OSJ artists. Dates for previews are as follows:
- Falstaff: September 7, 2013
- Hansel and Gretel: November 5, 2013
- Madama Butterfly: February 4, 2014
- Don Giovanni: April 8, 2014
All previews begin at 12 noon.
Tuesday Previews
On the Tuesday evenings prior to each opening night, a preview lecture presented by General Manager Larry Hancock, with arias and ensembles performed by members of the cast, will be presented. Previews for the 2013-14 season will take place at the restaurant Bella Mia, located at 58 South 1st Street in downtown San Jose. Wine and light refreshments will be served at 6:30 and the preview will begin at 7, lasting one hour. These entertaining talks are intended to give the newcomer an understanding of the plot and characters, as well as a taste of the music itself.
Preview dates:
- Falstaff: September 7, 2013
- Hansel and Gretel: November 5, 2013
- Madama Butterfly: February 4, 2014
- Don Giovanni: April 8, 2014
Tickets are $30 each, and may be ordered by calling the Opera San José box office at (408) 437-4450.