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A History of Opera

by Carolyn Abbate and Roger Parker

Phoenix: August 18 | Arizona Opera Center

Presentation & Discussion led by: Brian DeMaris

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Anxious People

by Fredrik Backman

Phoenix: September 15 | Arizona Opera Center

Tucson: October 2 | Antigone Books

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Before Reading: How familiar are you with opera history? 

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Before Reading: How familiar are you with opera history? 

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What are you hoping to take away from A History of Opera? Drop your thoughts below!

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Before Reading: How familiar are you with opera history? 

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I've explored opera history a little before

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I’m basically on a first-name basis with Verdi, Mozart, and Wagner

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The Age of Innocence

by Edith Wharton

Phoenix: February 23 | Arizona Opera Center

Tucson: March 12 | Antigone Books

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I'm so excited to have you here and can’t wait to read, discuss, and connect with you throughout the season!

This Padlet is our shared online space for conversations, reactions, recommendations, and all things book club. Each column is dedicated to one of this season’s selected titles, so you can easily find discussions connected to each meeting.

Feel free to jump in and make the space your own! You can:

Share thoughts, favorite quotes, or questions

Comment on and react to other members’ posts

Post photos, polls, links, or reading updates

Send GIFs that capture the energy of the books

Whether you’re halfway through a book, finished on day one, or just here for the conversation, we’d love to hear from you. The more we interact, the more fun and engaging the experience becomes for everyone!

Book Club Meeting Dates:

Summer Book Club

Phoenix: 8.18.26

Scalia/Ginsburg

Phoenix: 9.15.26

Tucson: 10.2.26

El Gato con Botas

Phoenix: 10.27.26

Tucson: 11.13.26

The Pirates of Penzance

Phoenix: 1.19.27

Tucson: 2.5.27

La Traviata

Phoenix: 2.23.27

Tucson: 3.12.27

Looking forward to a wonderful season of stories and conversation together!

Happy reading!

Kayla

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Puss in Boots

by Charles Perrault

Phoenix: October 27 | Arizona Opera Center

Tucson: November 13 | Antigone Books

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The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

Phoenix: January 19 | Arizona Opera Center

Tucson: February 5 | Antigone Books

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Comment if you are more excited for A History of Opera!

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First impressions: Which book from this season’s lineup caught your attention right away?

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First impressions: Which book from this season’s lineup caught your attention right away?

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First impressions: which book from this season’s lineup caught your attention right away?

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The Importance of Being Earnest - The Pirates of Penzance

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No wrong answers! Vote first, then see if your answer changes after Chapters 1-5.

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Before we get too deep into the history...what do you think opera is primarily about?

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Before we get too deep into the history...what do you think opera is primarily about?

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Before we get too deep into the history...what do you think opera is primarily about?

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"All the Great Opera in Ten Minutes" | Kimberly Thompson

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"All the Great Opera in Ten Minutes" | Kimberly Thompson

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In chapter one, Abbate says that opera can make us “forget” that we don't understand the language, that the story may be difficult to follow, and that what we're watching isn't exactly realistic.

This video puts that idea to the test!

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Opera is _____________.

Explain your answer in one sentence, one GIF, or one image.

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If you were an audience member in the early 1800s, which operatic voice would you expect to represent the heroic lead?

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If you were an audience member in the early 1800s, which operatic voice would you expect to represent the heroic lead?

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If you were an audience member in the early 1800s, which type of operatic voice would you expect to represent the heroic lead?

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Watch both clips:

Il Barbiere di Siviglia: "Largo al factotum"

https://youtu.be/-ipb9xbXSAY?si=CYlnWgwzmoM3AZKb

Rigoletto: “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata”

https://youtu.be/GYUIn_PJq_0?si=hIWAwjgW0CzLAFDl

What differences do you hear in the way Rossini and Verdi use the voice to create character?

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Rigoletto: “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata”