The Best Places to Hear Opera Music in Philadelphia

Looking for the best places to hear opera music in Philadelphia? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with a list of the top venues in the city.

Introduction

Opera music can be traced back to the late 16th century, and the form has been evolving ever since. Today, there are many different types of opera, but all maintain the same basic structure of music and singing with a story being told.

While opera might not be as popular as it once was, there are still plenty of people who appreciate the art form. And, luckily for them, Philadelphia is home to several great places to hear opera music. From world-renowned opera companies to more intimate venues, there’s an option for everyone.

Here are some of the best places to hear opera music in Philadelphia.

The Metropolitan Opera

The Metropolitan Opera is one of the biggest and most important opera companies in the United States. Based in New York City, the Met stages around 27 different operas each year, employing some of the biggest stars in the genre. Although it’s known for being one of the more expensive places to see opera, with tickets often costing over $200, it’s also possible to find discount tickets for as little as $20 if you plan ahead. Even if you can’t get into the main auditorium, there’s also a popular simulcast program which beams live performances into movie theaters across the country.

The Philadelphia Opera Company

Founded in 1957, The Philadelphia Opera Company is the city’s only professional opera company. The company is dedicated to producing innovative and entertaining opera for a wide variety of audiences. The Philadelphia Opera Company presents a season of mainstage operas, as well as smaller productions and educational programs throughout the year. The company’s mainstage operas are performed in English, with projected English translations above the stage.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia

The Opera Company of Philadelphia (OCP) was founded in 1957 by impresario Walter Levin and a group of civic-minded Philadelphians who were committed to making opera an important part of the city’s cultural landscape. Under the guidance of Levin and then General Director Richard Lewis, OCP became one of the leading opera companies in the country, presenting a mix of grand opera, operetta, and musical theater that was unique in the United States.

In its early years, OCP staged operas in a variety of venues around Philadelphia, including the Academy of Music, Temple University’s Apollo Theater, and the Metropolitan Opera House. In 1965, OCP made its home at the historic Verdi Opera House on Chestnut Street in Center City Philadelphia. The company remained there for nearly 40 years, until moving to the smaller Academy of Music in 2004.

OCP has produced more than 200 operas and operettas over the past six decades, many of them never before seen in Philadelphia. The company has also been a leader in commissioning and premiering new works by American composers. In recent years, OCP has presented world premiere productions of works by Bernard Herrmann (The Wreck of the Hesperus), Douglas Moore (The Ballad of Baby Doe), Carlisle Floyd (Susannah), and Conrad Susa (Transformations).

Opera Company of Philadelphia is now under the leadership of General Director David Burym , who took over from former General Director David Devan in 2019.

The Pennsylvania Opera Theater

The Pennsylvania Opera Theater is one of the most highly acclaimed professional opera companies in the United States. It was founded in 1971 by Michael Harrison and Richard Bonynge and is currently under the artistic leadership of Maestra Nicole Paiement. The company has been praised for its innovative productions, exceptional vocalists, and commitment to engaging new audiences with opera.

The Pennsylvania Opera Theater offers a wide range of programming throughout the year, including operas, concerts, educational programs, and special events. The company typically presents four mainstage productions each season, as well as a children’s opera and a holiday concert. The Pennsylvania Opera Theater also offers a Summer Festival opera program each year.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable opera experience, you’ll want to check out the Pennsylvania Opera Theater.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four best places to hear opera music in Philadelphia are the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Metropolitan Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Pennsylvania Ballet. Each of these venues offer something unique and provide an experience that is sure to be remembered.