Before you come to the opera, learn more about this rich and exciting art form through one of our adult-oriented programs. Choose from Opera Up Close (a series of in-depth lectures in Oakland), the Dominion Pittsburgh Opera Preview, our Free Pre-Opera Talks, the Lunch 'n Learn series, our Elderhostel Programs for seniors, or the free Brown Bag Opera lunch break.

We also invite you to download our comprehensive recommended listening and reading list for the season, available here in PDF format. This document requires the Adobe Acrobat software, available for downloading free.

OPERA UP CLOSE
Enhance your opera experience and get behind-the-scenes perspectives from the people who make it happen.

Learn little known facts about the music and the singers, get hints on what to listen for, hear some tantalizing excerpts, find out why a particular production was chosen.

Sundays 4PM – 6PM. Conveniently located at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Lecture Hall in the heart of Oakland with ample on and off-street parking. Get all five talks for just $20 with your opera subscription! For tickets click here or call (412) 281-0912.

DOMINION PITTSBURGH OPERA PREVIEWS
Tune in to 89.3 FM WQED on Thursdays at 10 pm, 9 days before each opening night, for glorious music from the season's operas and fascinating discussions with the directors of Pittsburgh Opera. For more information, visit the WQED website.

FREE PRE-OPERA TALKS
Free pre-opera talks take place one hour before curtain at each performance. Enjoy an insightful introduction to the opera you are about to hear from engaging and informative speakers. No reservation necessary.

LUNCH 'N LEARN
"Lunch 'n Learn" is a one-hour Opera 101 program at your site that includes a light-hearted look at opera misconceptions and insights into the many facets of this exhilarating art form. Participants discover operatic facts and stereotypes, thrill to the sound of arias and recitatives, and explore the gamut of languages and characters in the world of opera. In addition, each person will receive a packet of opera fun facts and information. Call Sue Solito at (412) 281-0912, x248 to schedule.

ELDERHOSTEL FULL-DAY PROGRAMS
Seniors 55 and older can discover fascinating facts about opera and some of the behind-the-scenes intrigue, while enjoying special performances by Pittsburgh Opera Center Young Artists. Full day sessions begin at 1:30 pm and include education materials, dinner, and a performance ticket. Call Elderhostel at 1-877-426-8056 to register.

Brown Bag Opera - Free
You are invited to come hear the Pittsburgh Opera Center singers perform during your lunch break! Starting at 12:15 p.m. on select Wednesdays, the young artists will sing various arias to entice and entertain you throughout the season. Remember to bring your lunch!