Seattle Opera

After every performance, General Director Speight Jenkins hosts a free Q&A session in the lecture hall at McCaw Hall. Listen to this live recording as Jenkins candidly answers the audience's questions after a performance of Carmen.

Maestro Asher Fisch demonstrates how the music of Turandot expanded the European classical tradition. Discover how Puccini used exotic Chinese and Persian scales to infuse Turandot with color, drama, and excitement; while remaining true to western harmonies to convey its heartfelt emotion. Includes rehearsal footage of the Seattle Opera Chorus and Childrens’ Chorus.

Sit in on a conversation between General Director Speight Jenkins and opera enthusiast Dr. David Brunelle about Puccini’s final masterpiece. Topics include correct pronunciation of the title, who is the real heroine of the piece, and what makes “Nessun Dorma” the most popular aria in the world today.

Sit in on a staging rehearsal as director Peter Kazaras introduces you to the "two great couples" who alternate as Butterfly and Pinkerton. Kazaras also shares his thoughts about other exciting artists involved in making this traditional production really sing.

In our latest behind-the-scenes video, General Director Speight Jenkins sits down with soprano Patricia Racette to discuss her abiding love of Puccini and the universal appeal of the iconic title character. Includes footage of singers in rehearsal.

Visit the Madama Butterfly dressing room with Costume Design Coordinator Melanie Burgess, Hair and Makeup Designer Joyce Degenfelder, and Lead Hair and Makeup Artist Shelby Rogers as they take you thru the process of getting a "geisha" ready for the stage. Puccini's serene "Humming Chorus" helps set the scene.

Take a trip to the Seattle Opera Rehearsal Studios to explore the new production in our latest video. Stage Director Peter Kazaras and Maestro Brian Garman discuss the delightful music and memorable characters of this appealing comedy that pokes fun at everyone. Watch footage of the singers in rehearsal for a glimpse of the uniquely talented artists that convinced Kazaras to proceed "full steam ahead" with a charming new production celebrating the "beauty, fun and heart" of Don Pasquale.

See the Orpheus drama unfold in rehearsal. Stage Director Jose Maria Condemi shows the singers at work, explains the storyline, and gives us a peek at the dancer choreography. If you are on the fence about seeing this opera, then watch this video!

General Director Speight Jenkins sat down with Orpheus star William Burden (fresh off the airplane) when he arrived in Seattle for rehearsals. The two discuss the success of this opera, what it takes to sing in French, and more.

The sets for Orpheus have the challenge that they must portray two worlds: above-ground earth and the underworld. Go behind-the-scenes as the Scene Shop builds an 800 pound tree -- both its above ground earthly stature and its unruly underworld root system.

When the lead singers arrived for rehearsal, we caught up with them to see their work with Maestro Carlo Montanaro. Hosted by the King of the Huns himself (Bass-Baritone John Relyea), see why the principal singers all have extremely difficult parts to master before opening night.

A special year end message from Seattle Opera's General Director Speight Jenkins.

Head of Coach-Accompanists David McDade takes us to the piano for a music lesson on Attila. Learn some of the musical themes you’ll hear from each character as well as explore the big role of the chorus in this opera.

Attila: Speights Corner (Full Length Audio Version)

Attila: Director Speaks - Bernard Uzan