Here’s the latest episode in my campaign to help open doors to arguably the grandest form of musical expression in our Western canon. Yes, it’s a podcast about how to enjoy opera, done for Shane Saxon’s excellent series Et Cetera. Shane is a leader not just in the business of Memoria Press, but within the association of Latin Classical Schools across the country. Also joining in was the wondrous Tanya Charlton, Director of Operations and Curriculum at Memoria Press, and someone whose lively friendship and clear advice has been a bright light over the past decade.

Because Shane’s and Tanya’s observations centered on their lack of personal connection to opera, I had ideal launching points for ticking through the topic, beginning with the obstacles that seem to separate people from this marvelous repertoire, covering the misconceptions of what opera is and isn’t, and making suggestions for steps people can take to begin their journey into opera’s wonders.

Shane’s podcast Et Cetera is always grand. I listen to it eagerly whether at home or while traveling. When asked not just to return for the second time as a guest, but to pick the topic, I was thrilled. And kudos to Shane and Tanya: they blinked only once at the suggestion, acknowledging that this discussion was overdue! I hope you’ll find the session on how to enjoy opera entertaining and informative.