As a child, my parents made sure to expose me to classical music, and I took a liking to it; the orchestral kind, that is. Until I took Music Appreciation at HCC (then HJC) with Dave Warner, the extent of my Operatic knowledge was from two Bugs Bunny cartoons and some instrumental arrangements I had played in a concert band. When Francesca and I met, I had an academic appreciation for the form, but didn't know much about it beyond fat bearded tenors and buxom blondes in breastplates and horned helmets. I had so much to learn.
To read the entire essay, click here. And come see Carmen in June. It's going to be awesome.