Performance Talks

Want to make the most of your evening at the opera? Join us at McCaw Hall before and after each opera performance for enlightening and engaging lectures, talkback discussions with members of the cast and creative team, and more—all completely free of charge.

Before The Show

One hour before every performance, join us for pre-show talks featuring presentations on the story, music, and history of the opera. Whether this is your first time seeing the opera or you're a seasoned aficionado wanting to experience it through a different lens, you'll enjoy this journey inside the music and behind the scenes.

Pre-performance talks last for approximately 35 minutes and begin 60 minutes before curtain (6:30 PM for evening performances starting at 7:30 PM and 1:00 PM for Sunday matinees starting at 2:00 PM). Talks take place in the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall, located inside McCaw Hall. Once you scan your ticket at the main entrance, take the stairs down one flight or take the north elevators down to level "LH."

After Every Performance

After the performance, join fellow audience members and artists from the production in a moderated talkback discussion. Hear from members of the cast, orchestra, and creative team about their experiences both preparing this particular opera production and more generally. Post-show talkbacks begin immediately following each performance and will be held in the theater at the front of the Orchestra level unless otherwise noted.

Please note: We encourage masks to be worn at post-show talkbacks. For purposes of health and safety, audience members will not share microphones; instead, a moderator will repeat questions and comments from the audience.

About The Show

Pagliacci

Music and libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo
August 3, 4, 10, 11, 14, 16, & 17, 2024
McCaw Hall

When a commedia dell’arte troupe arrives in a small Italian village, they are greeted by cheers of welcome. Makeup and costumes transform actors from commoners into clowns, but the infidelity of one wife and the fury of her husband cannot be concealed. Comedy turns to tragedy when jealousy rages, lovers are revealed, and the curtain comes down on a deadly affair.

Known for the iconic aria “Vesti la giubba,” this classic Italian verismo (“slice of life”) opera opens our season with unmatched music and drama. Set in 1940s Italy, our “visually arresting” (The Independent) production features artful sets and traditional commedia dell’arte costumes.

Learn more