Opera

by Peter Burwasser

Giacomo Puccini: Edgar

Jan. 21 and 23, Academy of Vocal Arts, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St.; Jan. 24, Centennial Hall, Haverford, 215-735-1685. This is the second opera by the most popular opera composer in history, but is rarely performed. There is no mistaking the voice of Puccini, though, and true fans should check this out.

Giuseppe Verdi: Don Carlo

Jan. 30, Feb. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 15, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-839-1999. Certainly not the best known Verdi, this is, nevertheless, a massive, splendid musical drama by a master at the height of his powers. The historic backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition allows Verdi to indulge in his fascination with murky political intrigue. A standout in the cast is the great Polish contralto Ewa Podles, in her Company debut.

Giacomo Puccini: La Bohéme

Feb. 20 and 21, The Curtis Opera Theatre, Centennial Hall, Haverford, 215-839-1999. Quite a few will know this better as Rent, or from moviemaker Baz Luhrmann's dazzling Broadway treatment. Well, here it is, back at home in the opera house, where millions seem never to tire of it.

Richard Strauss: Elektra

Feb. 27, 29, March 2, 4, 6 and 8, Academy of Vocal Arts, Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St. The master of musical sensationalism, with his outlandish take on Sophocles. Buckle your seat belts, this is not for the faint of heart, especially with an all-out AVA assault.

Jacques Offenbach: The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein

April 16, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and May 2, Opera Company of Philadelphia. A goodhearted romp, a.k.a. opera buffa, from the composer of Tales of Hoffman fame. OCP's casting coup is the charming mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, whose star has soared since she last sang here in 2000.

Benjamin Britten: Albert Herring

April 23 and 25, Temple University Opera Theater, Tomlinson Theater, 13th and Norris sts., 215-204-8307. The composer of such murky stage works as Peter Grimes and Billy Budd was also capable of wickedly funny musical theater. But that is old news for anyone who attended the vivacious Temple production of A Midsummer Night's Dream a few seasons ago. Albert Herring is a delight, and should be in good hands with this fine ensemble.

Benjamin Britten: The Rape of Lucretia

April 29, 30, and May 2, The Curtis Opera Theatre, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. And here is the flip side to the comedic Britten -- a brooding, sensual depiction of the dark passions of an Etruscan tyrant. One of Britten's most lyrical works, set to a chamber-sized orchestra.

Georges Bizet: The Pearl Fishers

April 23, 25, 28, May 1, 4, 7 and 9, Opera Company of Philadelphia. A soaring, sumptuous duet for baritone and tenor is all most people know of the other opera by the guy who wrote Carmen. Here's the rest of it.

Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto

June 11 and 12, Opera Theater of Philadelphia, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 215-893-1999. This company was started in 1999 by Andrew Kurtz, had a nice run of a couple of seasons in Haverford, then went dormant. Now back to life on the Avenue of the Arts, Opera Theater roars back with Verdi's greatest character study. And by the way, the music is gorgeous as well.