Classical WETA Opera House

Saturdays on Classical WETA 90.9 FM

Classical WETA is Washington's home for opera year round.

Classical WETA is Washington's home for opera year round. From December through May, experience the power and passion of the Metropolitan Opera. The rest of the year features performances from leading opera houses around the world, including Washington National Opera.

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Upcoming broadcasts

Barber of Seville

San Francisco Opera

Saturday, November 17, 2018 - 1:00pm

Composer:

GIOACHINO ROSSINI

Conductor:

Giuseppe Finzi

Rossini's masterpiece of comic opera, and a favorite throughout generations, the Barber of Seville involves mismatched love and a scheme to bring together two lovers, complete with bribes and disguises, set to Rossini's clever orchestration that bolsters the humorous on-stage adventures. The opera introduces us to the character of Figaro, the barber and servant who will figure prominently in Mozart's opera La Nozze di Figaro. A production of San Francisco Opera.

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Don Pasquale

San Francisco Opera

Saturday, November 24, 2018 - 1:00pm

Composer:

GAETANO DONIZETTI

Conductor:

Giuseppe Finzi

Considered the centerpiece of 19th century comic opera, Don Pasqualeis a perennial favorite in which Don Pasquale, an elderly bachelor, vies with his nephew for the affections of the widow Norina. The moral of the story -- not to marry in old age -- is delightfully expressed in the finale. The opera was a great success when premiered at La Scala in 1843. A production of San Francisco Opera.

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Previous broadcasts

Maria di Rohan

Washington Concert Opera

Saturday, November 10, 2018 - 1:00pm

Composer:

GAETANO DONIZETTI

Conductor:

Antony Walker

A deeply passionate and intricate love triangle set in 17th century Paris, this opera represents Gaetano Donizetti's mature period and his evolution as an operatic composer, influenced by contemporary developments in opera styles by Verdi and Mercadante. A 2018 production of Washington Concert Opera.

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La Straniera

Washington Concert Opera

Saturday, November 3, 2018 - 1:00pm

Composer:

VINCENZO BELLINI

Conductor:

Antony Walker

Vincenzo Bellini's drama is based on historical events of the 12th century in which the presence of a mysterious stranger, la straniera,sparks secrets, romance, and a surprise when her true identity is revealed. Bellini's orchestral colors evoke intrigue and mystery in this bel canto masterpiece. A 2017 production of Washington Concert Opera.

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