Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson preview the upcoming Utah Opera presentation of Massenet’s “Thaïs.” Giving you a behind the curtain look into this grandiose production, what to expect, and the history of Massenet’s timeless work. Buy Tickets The post <span >Ghost Light Podcast</span>Episode 8.8 – Massenet’s “Thaïs” Prelude appeared first on Utah Opera ..read more

Nicole HeastonTroy Cook Utah Opera’s Thaïs concludes the 2023-24 Season with full splendor in a true French grand opera spectacle. Discover more with Eric Glissmeyer from Classical 89 as he interviews Nicole Heaston who portrays the title role: Along with Troy Cook, who takes on the role of Athanaël: Experience Massenet’s evocative tale brought to life by extraordinary artists. View Details The post <span >Classical 89 Interview</span>Massenet’s Thaïs appeared first on Utah Opera ..read more

by Dr. Carol Anderson ACT I A group of Cenobite monks gather with their leader Palémon to share a simple meal and pray for their absent brother Athanaël who soon returns from the desert, tired, hungry and parched. He refuses refreshment as he is tormented by the sinful state of the city of Alexandria, in particular, the licentious behavior of the courtesan Thaïs. Before taking his monastic vows he was attracted to Thaïs, but is now committed to saving her soul. Palémon advises Athanaël not to concern himself with the matters of the world, and the brothers pray before dispersing to their cells ..read more

Jules Massenet (1842-1912) by Dr. Carol Anderson Jules Massenet is the most influential figure of 19th century French romantic opera, composing more than 30 operas in his relatively lengthy career. Though he is not remembered as a trailblazer of opera, he enjoyed success as one of the leading musical figures of the Belle Époque, the period of peace and prosperity sandwiched between the Franco-Prussian War and World War I. Born in 1842 in the Loire to a prosperous ironmonger, Massenet received his earlier musical training from his pianist mother. By 1848 the family had relocated to Par ..read more

by Dr. Carol Anderson While most female saints in religious hagiography were noteworthy for guarding their chastity, there are a few, Mary Magdalene being the most famous, who are venerated for having made an about-face in their life, from sinner to saint. Fourth-century Egypt gave rise to St. Thaïs, a minor saint whose feast day is celebrated on October 8. There is some doubt as to whether Thaïs was a real woman, or merely a fabrication designed to teach certain moral lessons, but her story is compelling, nonetheless. Oil painting by José de Ribera of St. Mary Magdalene sometimes identi ..read more

by Dr. Carol Anderson If you’ve seen Massenet’s Thaïs and want to know more about Massenet’s opera works, or just want to learn more about his music before you see the opera, here is a short, non-scientifically arranged, and deeply personal (to me) list of some of his other operas. Manon (1884) This is the opera that put Massenet on the operatic “map.” It’s the story of a young woman who chooses between love and lifestyle. She tries to make the former work, with the young man Des Grieux, but is lured away by the offer of luxury as the mistress of a wealthy nobleman. The source novel by Abb ..read more

Audiences are invited to return to the grand estate of Count Almaviva as we bring The Marriage of Figaro back to our stage. In an exciting follow-up to the events of The Barber of Seville, our cast is set to wow both opera lovers and new audiences alike! It’s worth mentioning that the chemistry between our cast is nothing short of phenomenal, and each of these incredible artists have helped to set the stage for an unforgettable rendition of Mozart’s classic! Discover more with Eric Glissmeyer from Classical 89 as he interviews director Tara Faicloth: Along with Katherine Whyte in the role o ..read more

Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson give an in-depth look into Utah Opera’s upcoming production of Rachel Portman and Nicholas Wright’s “The Little Prince.” The opera is based on the beloved children’s book of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Originally debuted in 2019 by Utah Opera, this colorful instant classic returns to the Capitol Theatre stage with a whole new cast. BUY TICKETS The post <span >Ghost Light Podcast</span>Episode 8.05 – The Little Prince Prelude appeared first on Utah Opera ..read more

Utah Opera’s production of The Little Prince unfolds a world where audiences are invited to step into the shoes of a child and view the magic of adventure and friendship through new eyes. In doing so, this performance has the chance to remind audience members that the most significant part of living is a simple secret, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”   Find out more in this interview with Nicholas Wright, led by Classical 89‘s Eric Glissmeyer, as the librettist details the journey of turning the beloved book into an ..read more

To kick of the 8th season of the Ghost Light Podcast, co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts take you behind the music and production of the upcoming Utah Opera presentation of Puccini’s La bohème. Discover the historical origins of the famed opera and why it’s among the most performed operas world-wide. Jeff and Carol also give you some insider details of this production, and discuss La bohème’s contribution to pop culture. Buy Tickets The post <span >Ghost Light Podcast</span>Episode 8.01 – La Bohème Prelude appeared first on Utah Opera ..read more