Opera Matinee

Verdi's romantic middle-era opera, an audience favorite, is the story of love and sacrifice between a free-spirited courtesan Violetta, and the impetuous Alfredo, torn by his love for Violetta and family duty. A recorded performance from China's National Centre for the Performing Arts.

The second in the four-part Ring cycle of Richard Wagner, Die Walküre is a profound musical drama based on Norse mythology of family relationships, betrayal, morality and sacrifice between gods and mortals, set to riveting, through-composed music. A recorded performance from China's National Centre for the Performing Arts.

A work of subtle beauty, Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes delivers a tragically realistic rendering of the mistrust, misunderstandings within a small 19th century fishing village, and an enigmatic fisherman accused of murdering two apprentices. A recorded performance from the Royal Opera House, London, featuring Allan Clayton and Sir Bryn Terfel.

Wagner's early opera, composed in the French grand style, is set in 14th century Rome and based on the historical figure of Cola di Rienzo, a populist who strove to restore Rome to its former grandeur but ultimately faces objection from nobles and Church, and violence from the populace. A recorded performance from the Bayreuth Festival.

Cilea's romantic opera unfolds through a love triangle -- an actress, her lover and a jealous princess -- that turns deadly through a bouquet of poisonous violets. A showcase for some of history’s greatest sopranos. This recorded performance from Vienna State Opera led by Marco Armiliato.

Composed in Mozart's final year, an historically based tangled web of political intrigue and power plays with malevolent characters seeking to cause the downfall of the Emperor Titus, who is ultimately merciful and forgives his enemies. A recorded performance from Vienna State Opera led by Pablo Heras-Casado.