What happens when opera meets demons, witches, ghosts and dark magic?
Step into opera’s darker and more mysterious world, where devils seduce, witches plot and supernatural forces blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. From vengeful sorceresses to ghosts and creatures of the night, Opera 101: The Supernatural in Opera explores the extraordinary music and dramatic stories inspired by the unexplained. Featuring excerpts from operas by Verdi, Wagner, Gounod, Berlioz, Dvořák, Humperdinck, Weber and Marschner, this performance-lecture reveals how composers have brought the supernatural to life through music, voice and drama.
Part of Lirica Arts’ ongoing Opera 101 series, this programme, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy, combines live musical performances with engaging commentary by lecturer and researcher Dr Daniel Fong. Each excerpt offers a glimpse into the stories, characters and musical ideas behind some of opera’s most atmospheric and thrilling moments, inviting audiences to discover the art form from a fresh perspective.
Whether you are an opera enthusiast or a newcomer, this Halloween and All Souls’ Day season offers an opportunity to experience opera’s darker side in an accessible and engaging way. Curated by Shridar Mani, the performance features soprano Xiong Yufei, mezzo-soprano Kridhima Siriwattanakamol, tenor Shaun Lee and baritone Martin Ng, accompanied by pianist Beatrice Lin.
