Learn about the composers and works featured in each performance of our Summer Opera Program.
Music Recital Hall, Center of Performing Arts, Santa Clara University
Get TicketsParide ed Elena — “O del mio dolce ardor”
Gluck's opera tells the story of the legendary love between Paris and Helen of Troy. In this exquisite aria, Paris reflects on his beloved with quiet devotion, expressing his longing for the happiness that only her love can bring. Gluck's revolutionary operatic style favored emotional sincerity over vocal display, resulting in music of remarkable purity, grace, and expressive beauty.
Don Giovanni — “Vedrai, carino”
After her flirtation with the notorious Don Giovanni has angered her fiancé Masetto, the clever and affectionate Zerlina gently reassures him that love itself will heal his wounded heart. Filled with warmth, charm, and playful tenderness, this aria showcases Mozart's extraordinary ability to reveal deep human emotion through deceptively simple melodies.
Beautiful Dreamer
One of America's most beloved songs, Beautiful Dreamer was published shortly before Foster's death. The gentle melody and poetic text invite the listener into a peaceful dream where beauty, love, and tranquility transcend the worries of everyday life. More than 160 years later, it remains one of the treasures of the American song repertoire.
Die Fledermaus — “Ich lade gern mir Gäste ein”
Prince Orlofsky welcomes guests to an extravagant masquerade ball where champagne flows freely and anything seems possible. This sparkling aria captures the elegance, wit, and irresistible charm of Viennese operetta, a genre Strauss helped bring to its golden age.
Non t'amo più
Perhaps Tosti's most famous art song, Non t'amo più (“I Love You No More”) tells the story of a lover attempting to convince both the beloved and themselves that love has ended. Beneath the calm words lies profound emotional pain, making this one of the great masterpieces of the Italian salon song tradition.
The Medium — Monica's Waltz
Monica dreams of youthful romance in this enchanting waltz from Menotti's psychological opera The Medium. Her innocence and optimism provide a poignant contrast to the darker supernatural events unfolding around her. The aria has become one of Menotti's most frequently performed works.
Le violette
In this elegant Baroque song, fading violets become a symbol of the fleeting nature of beauty, youth, and love. Though brief, the piece combines graceful melody with expressive text, demonstrating why Scarlatti is considered one of the founders of the Italian vocal tradition.
Mai
A celebration of springtime, Mai paints a luminous musical picture of blooming flowers, gentle breezes, and youthful love. Fauré's refined harmonic language and flowing lyricism create an atmosphere of elegance and quiet joy.
Minnelied
Meaning “Love Song,” Minnelied reflects Mendelssohn's gift for creating music of warmth, sincerity, and lyrical beauty. The song celebrates devoted affection with flowing melodies and graceful Romantic expression.
Rigoletto — “Caro nome”
One of the most beloved soprano arias in all of opera, Gilda dreams of the mysterious young man who has captured her heart. Filled with innocence and youthful hope, the aria demands extraordinary vocal agility while revealing Verdi's remarkable ability to combine dazzling virtuosity with heartfelt emotion.
Spring
Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer Dominick Argento was celebrated for his expressive vocal writing. Spring captures the freshness and vitality of nature's renewal, combining vivid poetry with colorful harmonies and radiant lyricism.
Don Pasquale — “Bella siccome un angelo”
Dr. Malatesta describes the “perfect bride” to the elderly Don Pasquale, cleverly setting in motion one of opera's funniest deceptions. This elegant aria blends smooth bel canto singing with comic sophistication, demonstrating Donizetti's mastery of musical comedy.
Don Giovanni — “Batti, batti, o bel Masetto”
Realizing she has upset her fiancé, Zerlina playfully asks for forgiveness, promising complete devotion. Mozart balances innocence, humor, and tenderness with extraordinary subtlety, making this one of the opera's most charming moments.
Così fan tutte — “Una donna a quindici anni”
The witty maid Despina offers humorous advice to two inexperienced young women on how to navigate the complicated world of romance. Full of sparkle, irony, and theatrical flair, this aria is one of Mozart's finest comic creations.
I Capuleti e i Montecchi — “Eccomi in lieta vesta… Oh! quante volte”
Inspired by the story of Romeo and Juliet, Bellini's opera presents Juliet alone before the wedding she does not want. As she longs for Romeo and reflects on her impossible situation, Bellini unfolds one of the most beautiful and emotionally moving scenes in the entire bel canto repertoire.
Street Scene — “Lonely House”
Sam Kaplan reflects on the loneliness that can exist even in the middle of a crowded city. Combining operatic lyricism with Broadway influences, Weill creates a deeply human portrait of longing, hope, and the universal desire for connection.
Die Zauberflöte — “Ach, ich fühl's”
Believing Tamino has abandoned her, Pamina sings one of Mozart's most heartbreaking arias. With extraordinary simplicity and emotional depth, the music expresses profound sorrow, unwavering love, and quiet dignity, making it one of the emotional high points of The Magic Flute.
Sweeney Todd — “Green Finch and Linnet Bird”
Confined by her guardian and yearning for freedom, Johanna compares herself to songbirds trapped in cages. Sondheim's haunting melody beautifully captures innocence, vulnerability, and the universal longing to spread one's wings.
Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (The Shepherd on the Rock)
Written for soprano, clarinet, and piano, this concert masterpiece is among Schubert's final compositions. A lonely shepherd calls across the mountains, expressing both solitude and hope. As spring arrives, the music blossoms into joyful anticipation, culminating in a dazzling finale that showcases all three performers. It remains one of the most beloved chamber works in the vocal repertoire.
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