Discover Opera

This information-packed section includes answers and research resources for everyone from the opera newbie to the die-hard aficionado.

Opera 101

Looking to hit the ground running? This section includes a basic history of opera. You probably know more about opera than you think you do. After all, opera has influenced nearly all other forms of popular entertainment—from Broadway musicals to Hollywood movies, and from television commercials to classic cartoons.

Seattle Opera Video Collection

Opera is the ultimate artform with music, drama, theater and impressive special effects. Scroll through video programming from recent operas and informative, short videos with General Director Speight Jenkins, directors, singers, designers, and more.

Seattle Opera Archives

Wondering what opera you saw a few years ago? Or who sang the leading character? Who was the director or composer? Need a recap on the synopsis? Detailed performance archives, including cast lists and photos go back to 2001; a listing of operas performed goes back to 1964.

Wagner

An entire section devoted to the composer to whom Seattle Opera gives particular emphasis. Includes a basic biography, a Wagner timeline, plus photography and reviews from all of Seattle Opera's productions of his major works, including The Ring.

RingFest 2009 Summer Program

This summer, students in grades 3-6 explore music, acting, poetry, dance, stagecraft, and discover a world of gods, dragons, giants, gold, and magic. Children will spend four days exploring the world of opera with professional teaching artists; culminating in a public performance for mainstage Ring audiences at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion.

Opera For Young People

Discover the many ways that young people can take part in the opera experience, including our Family Day matinees where students pay only $15 for tickets. We also have student rush tickets and school programs for ever age group: elementary, middle, and high school.

Adult Education Programs

Through a wide range of outreach programs, the Education Department strives to enrich the opera-going experience of people who already know and love the artform and to introduce opera to newcomers of all ages. Learn more about more than 250 lectures and preview events presented around the region.

Not sure what to expect (or what to wear) when going to the opera? This section includes tips to help you and your fellow opera-goers get the most out of the experience

Learn More

A quick way to find lectures and preview events taking place in the near future.

Learn More

McCaw Hall offers free public tours the first Tuesday of each month. Call 206.733.9725 to register.

Learn More

Seattle Opera iTunes Podcast Channel Subscribe to the new Seattle Opera Podcast Channel on iTunes.

Listen To Podcast

Scroll through an exciting collection of recent operas and informative, short videos!

Watch Videos

Receive all the latest news from Seattle Opera plus special offers too.

Sign Up Today

Photo Credit

Pagliacci 2008 © Rozarii Lynch photo

Parsifal 2003 © Chris Bennion photo

© Bill Mohn photo

© Rozarii Lynch photo

Die Walküre 2001 © Chris Bennion