How an Opera Reaches the Stage

There's a lot going on in a glorious opera like Carmen: principal singers, chorus, orchestra, dancers, actors, costumes, sets, lights, fight scenes, wigs, drama! How on earth does something with so many moving parts manage to make it to the stage? Dacia Clay, of Classical KING FM 98.1 and the terrific Classical Classroom podcast, enjoyed a command performance of the show. She seized the opportunity to interrupt the opera and question the cast and crew about their role in bringing this magnificent beast of an opera to life. Learn all about the story – the one the audience sees and the one behind the stage – in this special Seattle Opera Podcast/Classical Classroom crossover episode. 

All music in this episode from Seattle Opera's performances of Carmen. Special thanks to Cellist Meeka Quan DiLorenzo, Director Paul Curran, Chorus Mezzo soprano Susan Salas, Mezzo soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson, Assistant Lighting Designer Connie Yun, Fight Choreographer Geoff Alm, Tenor Scott Quinn, Baritone Rodion Pogossov, Wigmaster Ashlee Naegle, and Conductor Giacomo Sagripanti.

Carmen runs May 4 to 19, 2019 at Seattle Opera! Seattleopera.org/carmen for more info.