September 6, 2025
In Il viaggio a Reims, Rossini’s eclectic opera spoofs the self-centered behavior of the upper classes while affirming the power of art to bridge cultural divides. Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Lily Kass gives historical context for this unique work, written in 1825 as part of the Paris celebration of King Charles the X’s coronation, describes Damiano Michieletto’s directorial choices for this avant-garde production, and describes highlights of the opera’s score.
Il viaggio a Reims: Inside the Music
Don Giovanni to Today: Evolution of Class, Social Status, and Feminism
March 1, 2025
Since the premiere of Mozart's Don Giovanni in 1787, there has been a notable evolution in attitudes towards class, with increased scrutiny of aristocratic privilege and social hierarchies. Join this conversation as panelists delve into the evolution of class, social status, and feminism.
Panel: Dr. Melissa Dunphy and Dr. Julia Doe
Moderator: Dr. Lily Kass, Scholar in Residence
September 14, 2024
This thought-provoking conversation explores the essence of belief, the quest for connection, and the fine line between harmony and discord. This panel discussion with the creative team and artists provides an inside look into the work. With themes such as the allure of cults, the psychology of belief, and the power of charismatic leaders in a fractured society.
Panel: Missy Mazzoli, Nicole Heaston, Royce Vavrek, Lileana Blain-Cruz,
Moderator: Lily Kass
The Listeners Roundtable: Creative Team & Artists
Inside the Music
Saturday, March 2, 2024
In Madame Butterfly, Puccini's composition skillfully captures the emotions of the characters, along with the overarching themes of love, betrayal, and tragedy. Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Lily Kass provides a deep dive into the story and characters of the opera, while also offering a live "listening map" experience, highlighting opera arias sung by various artists.
Lecturer: Dr. Lily Kass, Scholar in Residence
Musicians: Brenna Markey (Soprano), Anne Marie Stanley (Mezzo Soprano), Grant Loehnig (Accompanist)
Opera Breakdown: 10 Days in a Madhouse
September 12, 2023
Explore the world premiere 10 Days in a Madhouse, by Rene Orth and Hannah Moscovitch, with Opera Philadelphia Scholar in Residence Dr. Lily Kass.
Opera Fix Podcast: Lilacs by George Walker
February 7, 2022
Dr. Lily Kass talks about George Walker’s Lilacs ahead of Opera Philadelphia’s performance of the work, paired with Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex.
Generation NOW: Opera Translation and Audience Engagement
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Translation is a necessity to give American audiences access to the interaction between words and music that gives opera its amazing emotional power, but the field typically fails to adequately address the translation of the repertoire being performed. Generation NOW: Opera Translation and Audience Engagement as scholar and educator Dr. Lily Kass explores the history of opera translation, examining what it means to translate opera and the reasons why operas are translated. The session will then offer suggestions for how, through thoughtful and ethical translation practices, translations can continue to serve an integral role in bringing opera to new audiences.
Reimagining Opera's Heroines for the Modern Age
April 19, 2022
A roundtable conversation with Dr. Naomi André, Aria Umezawa, and Karen Slack and moderated by Dr. Lily Kass. The conversation was recorded shortly before Opera Philadelphia's production of Rigoletto. Part of the free Reflection & Re-Vision series.