The Portland Opera provides many opportunities for you to become more familiar with the operas we are presenting on the mainstage, as well as the many wonderous facets of this art form. 

Destination Opera: From Music to Psyche

The 2011/12 opera season welcomes back a lecture series: Destination Opera: From Music to Psyche.  For each production there will be an exciting event to provide you with more information on the production you will be seeing and to offer you some new ideas on how life integrates itself in opera.

Opera is suggestive—music and visuals combine to remind you of intangibles you didn’t know you knew, feelings you didn’t know you had, vistas you didn’t know you were ready to explore. Destination Opera would like to guide you down a meandering path to a deeper appreciation of opera, history, philosophy, psychology and art.  Join us on the scenic route!

The event brings Alexis Hamilton, Manager of Education and Outreach together with guest speakers from the

Oregon Psychoanalytic Institute to provide you a unique perspective on our upcoming operas.

All Destination Opera: from Music to Psyche events are presented at Sherman Clay, 131 NW 13th Ave, 7pm.

Opera Previews

Opera Previews are held a week prior to opening night at the Multnomah County Central Library, in the US Bank room. Chorus Master Robert Ainsley is often joined by members of our Studio Artists program to tantalize you with music and insightful information regarding our upcoming productions.  Opera Previews are also held in Salem at the Salem Public Library for the mainstage productions.  For more information on Opera Previews, visit our Upcoming Events page.

Opera Insights

Opera Insights precede each performance held at the Keller Auditorium and Newmark Theatre.  These free half-hour lectures with Portland Opera's Resident Historian/Lecturer Bob Kingston are provided to give you a better understanding of the opera and all that surrounds it.  The lecture begins one hour before the performance and is held in the 1st balcony level of the theater.

Backtalk

Shortly after each performance, join General Director Christopher Mattaliano, along with conductors, directors, and performers for a lively Q&A session.  It’s your chance to ask any questions about the performance you've just enjoyed.  Backtalks are held on the orchestra level.

Other Community Events

Throughout the season there will be additional concerts, previews and discussions regarding our current and upcoming seasons.  Please check our Upcoming Events page to find out more, or sign up for OPERAbuzz and receive news and information straight to your inbox.

Student and Adult Education

For more information and to arrange a talk or workshop with your organization or school, please contact Alexis Hamilton, Manager of Education and Outreach.