Opera Made Simple

New to Opera?
We'll make it easy for you to fall in love with opera.

English Translations Make Opera Easy to Understand
Supertitles are English translations that are projected above the stage as the opera is being performed. This provides an
instant understanding of opera while allowing you to experience the beauty of the performance, no matter what language it is in!

Plot Synopses
We provide plot synopses for each opera on our website, or you can call our box office to request one. Read before attending an
opera, these are great tools to help you understand the opera you are about to see.

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
Not only are these great performances free, they are a terrific way for the new opera-goer to be introduced to the wonderful world of opera. Aria's in the Armory and the concert at the ampitheater at Thornden Park are two great ways to get a taste of opera, free! Relax and enjoy the lighter side of opera on a casual beautiful summer afternoon and evening.

Spirits & Song Parties
Spirits & Song is Syracuse Opera's "Introduction to Opera" party. These parties occur several times a year at popular locations throughout Syracuse. This casual evening features great food, great drinks and great singing - and the best part? Admission is FREE! Socialize with others enjoying a "taste of the opera" in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Also on hand will be some of the area's top opera singers as well as Artistic Director Richard McKee who will preview upcoming operas and be available to share his knowledge with all that attend.

Free Opera Previews
Syracuse Opera provides free opera previews at both Syracuse University’s Rose R Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College and Barnes and Noble on Erie Blvd. in DeWitt prior to the performances. Artistic Director Richard McKee previews the upcoming opera providing information and insight into the opera as well as details about the production. Artists from the upcoming production perform excerpts from the performance.

See our Calendar of Events listings for dates and times of upcoming previews.

Pre-Opera Dinners
Syracuse Opera offers pre-opera dinners at Julie's Place, L'Adour and other fine dining locations in downtown Syracuse. Diners not only enjoy a fabulous gourmet dinner but enjoy a preview of the upcoming opera by Syracuse Opera Artistic Director Richard McKee. For information on pre-opera dinners call Eileen Price at (315) 475-5915.