One of the most memorable moments in Gounod's opera Faust is the baritone aria, "Avant de quitter ces lieux".  It is probably the most popular aria for lyric baritones to audition with, as well as a key moment in the opera.  By the way, it ain't easy!  Let's listen to three baritones from three different generations of opera artists apply their mastery to this wonderful piece.

Strauss parodies the "Italianate" style, especially Puccini, in Act One of Der Rosenkavalier with the appearance of the Italian Singer.  Let's spend a bit of time with this character who'll be sung in our production this coming season by Stephen Costello, our Faust for 2011.

It's the classic problem with Puccini's Turandot: how do you move the audience's sympathies from Liu to the title character after falling in love with the beautiful young slave girl?  It was Puccini's problem, and we're not sure he entirely solved it.  Let's explore and listen!