Opera Apéro
By Sophia Makemson
The show to make you realize you are smart enough to understand opera. On each episode, host Sophia tells the story of an opera to a friend with little to no experience, accompanied by some inebriated chuckles and lively conversation about the themes and characters. Broadcasting biweekly from a blanket fort in Berlin, Germany.
Latest episode
-
Jenůfa with Maxwell
On this episode of Opera Apéro, I talk to my friend Maxwell (he/him) about Leos Janacek's opera Jenůfa. It's the story of a young woman in a small town in love and pregnant by a man who can’t commit. As time progresses, they face the consequences of … -
Pagliacci with Caitlin
On this episode of Opera Apéro, I talk to my friend Caitlin (she/her) about Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci. It's the story of a clown burying his feelings under his makeup and costume leading to an explosive ending. We talk about all kinds of … -
Going on an Opera Binge
On this episode of Opera Apéro, I'm talking about my recent opera "binge" where I attended 4 live operas in one month. They were all different and special in their own way: attending a local opera house vs one while traveling; going on a swanky Satur… -
How to Attend the Opera
You never forget your first... On this episode of Opera Apéro, we're talking all about how to attend the opera. If you've ever wondered what it's like, listen in to hear all about how you can attend your first opera. We talk through everything from h… -
Iolanta with Nelly
On this episode of Opera Apéro, I talk to my friend Nelly (she/her) about Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's opera Iolanta. It's the story of a nobleman who falls in love with a young princess with a big secret that even she isn't aware of: she's blind. Mild… -
L‘elisir d‘amore with Lex
On this episode of Opera Apéro, I talk to my friend Lex (she/her) about L'elisir d'amore by Gaetano Donizetti. Unlike an earlier Donizetti opera episode (looking at you, Lucia), this opera is the 18th century version of a comforting romcom flick. It'… -
Tosca with Shaurya
Just like that, summer break is over and Opera Apéro is back with some fresh drama for your ears. On this episode, I talk to my friend and fellow Sagittarian, Shaurya (he/him) about Giacomo Puccini's famous stunner opera Tosca. This romantic tragedy … -
Wozzeck with The Queer Communist Book Club
On this episode, I talk to my friends from the Queer Communist Book Club, Zoë (she/her) and Tom (he/him) about Alban Berg's opera Wozzeck. This is the story of a soldier in the early 1900s working to support his family all the while being tormented b… -
Lucia di Lammermoor with Chris
On this episode, I talk to my friend Chris (he/him) about Gaetano Donizetti's opera Lucia di Lammermoor. It's the tragic story of a woman mentally strained by grief, heartbreak, and arranged marriage and the unfortunate outcome of these growing press… -
The Nose with Alejandro
On this episode, I talk to my friend Alejandro (he/him) about Dmitri Shostakovich's opera The Nose. Originally based off a short story by Nikolai Gogol, it tells the story of a man who wakes up one morning with his nose missing and the ordeal of find…
