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Top Opera Events Around Denver

Il Trovatore
This image shows a scene from Opera Colorado's Il Trovatore (credit: CBS)

Opera is not a scary word. Sadly, many people aren't aware of the beauty and artistry that only an evening at the opera can really provide. Lucky for us, there are two amazing Opera houses providing year-round entertainment for all ages. Opera Colorado performs out of the gorgeous Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Center Performing Arts Complex, and with just a short drive up to the mountains, you can visit the nationally-known Central City Opera house, which provides an experience unlike any other. These opera productions and events are all perfect ways to introduce opera to you, your family and yes, even your children.

Ellie Opera House
(credit: operacolorado.org)

Il Trovatore
Opera Colorado
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
950 13th St
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 468-2030
www.operacolorado.org

Price: Tickets start at $20
Performances: May 1 at 7:30 p.m., May 4 at 7:30 p.m., May 6 at 2 p.m.

"Il Trovatore," written by the opera legend Guiseppe Verdi, is told in four parts. It weaves together tales of mistaken identity, romance, revenge and murder when a noble family is scarred by the tragic death of their son at the hands of a mysterious woman. "Il Trovatore" features one of opera's most memorable melodies from Verdi, the famous "Anvil Chorus." If you are new to opera, then be sure to arrive early to participate in the pre-opera talk. Following the opera will be a question and answer talk-back with Greg Carpenter, the General Director and Brad Trexell, the Director of Artistic Planning. This production, combined with these unique talk-backs, is the perfect way to introduce someone to the haunting beauty of opera. Watch CBS4 Critic at Large Greg Moody's review.

Related: Tips on Going to Opera Colorado

Central City Opera
(credit: Mark Kiryluk/Central City Opera)

Central City Opera's 80th Anniversary 2012 Festival
Central City Opera
124 Eureka St
Central City, CO 80427
(303) 292-6700
www.centralcityopera.org

Price: Packages start at $30
Performances: June 30 through August 12

Many people are unaware of the nationally-known opera company that is sitting just a few miles to the west. Central City Opera is the nation's fifth-oldest opera company and it is only 35 miles west of Denver. Their 80th anniversary festival is going to be a tremendous event celebrating all that is opera in Central City. There will be three productions; Rogers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma," Puccini's "La Boheme" and Britten's "The Turn of the Screw." You can purchase a package for all three, or you can elect to see just one of the shows. In addition to the wonderful performances, evening shows include Apres Opera (after opera) cocktails and mingling opportunities with the 2012 company members.

Central City Opera House Interior
(credit: Mark Kiryluk/Central City Opera)

Young Hands on Opera and Art
Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 292-6700
www.centralcityopera.org

Price: $10 per person, includes free museum access following the program
Performance: May 6 at 1 p.m.

The Central City Opera Guild, in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum, is presenting this one-day fantastic event to help introduce children and their families to opera in a unique and enriched surrounding. You and your children (recommended ages five to 12) will be entertained with portions of opera as performed by the Central City Opera Ensemble. This child-friendly opera production will help to introduce the fact that opera is story told through songs, and children will have an opportunity to act out parts of an opera with coaching from staff and performers. Following the musical portion, all participants will be given a printed guide to free child-friendly activities at the museum. This is sure to fill up quickly, so arrive by 12:45 to register.

Martinis
(credit: Thinkstock)

Music and Martinis
Cable Center at the University of Denver
2000 Buchtel Blvd
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 292-6700
www.centralcityopera.org

Price: Tickets start at $150
Performance: June 14 at 6 p.m.

Another wonderful event courtesy of the Central City Opera Guild, is their annual Music and Martinis production in Denver. This is a tremendous event for opera fans as you get to enjoy cocktails, dinner and singing by tomorrow's next big opera stars. This year will feature the Central City Opera's 2012 Apprentice Artists as they will be performing classic opera, Broadway standards and musical theatre favorites. The evening kicks of at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and the entertainment starts at 8 p.m. The attire for this one is listed as "dressy casual" so you can truly dine and enjoy the music in style.

Related: Salida Old Opera House

Kids at Central City Opera
(credit: Erin Joy Swank/Central City Opera)

Opera Inside Out
Williams Stables
Across the street form the Opera House
124 Eureka St
Central City, CO 80427
(303) 292-6700
www.centralcityopera.org

Price: $15 per person
Performance: June 19 at 1 p.m.

This is another wonderful event for introducing your children to the enchantment of opera. The Central City Opera Ensemble will entertain and delight your child (ages five to 12) with age-appropriate activities pertaining to this expressive art form. The event will include a special backstage tour of the opera house and a performance of "Eureka Street" by the Central City Ensemble. "Eureka Street" is a fast-paced tour of opera with vignettes from Mozart, Rossini and other favorites. Selected children can join in with the cast, and together they will all learn about history, music, rhythm, and of course the beautiful storytelling that only opera can provide.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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