Pre-Opera Talks

Do you have tickets to see an opera at the Kauffman Center? Come fifty minutes early to learn about the who, what, where, when, and why of the production you’re about to see.

Unless otherwise indicated, Pre-Opera Talks are held in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. You may sit in any available seat for Pre-Opera Talks. We kindly ask that you relocate to your ticketed seat for the performance.

The Barber of Seville

Dr. Raffaele Cipriano, speaker

  • Friday, November 15, 2024, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 16, 2024, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Sunday, November 17, 2024, 1:10 pm–1:30 pm

Bio tbd

Cruzar la cara de la Luna

Edgar J. Palacios, speaker

  • Friday, March 7, 2025, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Saturday, March 8, 2025, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Sunday, March 9, 2025, 1:10 pm–1:30 pm

Edgar J. Palacios is a passionate advocate for Latino representation in education and the founder of two influential nonprofits, the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC) and Revolucion Educativa (RevED). With an MBA from Rockhurst University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Edgar's dedication to educational equity is evident through his involvement in esteemed fellowship programs and leadership roles in various organizations. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the Latino community and is also a Certified Executive Coach. Edgar is a baritone.

Turandot

Dr. Andrew Granade, speaker

  • Friday, May 2, 2025, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Saturday, May 3, 2025, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 4, 2025, 1:10 pm–1:30 pm

Andrew Granade is Professor of Musicology at The University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory. He is the author of Harry Partch: Hobo Composer, “Cracking the Code: What Notation Can Tell Us About Our Musical Values” in the first volume of Open Access Musicology, and several articles on music and science fiction television and music history pedagogy. He is currently editing two collections (one on Harry Partch and the other on Arkansas music for Illinois Press), and is beginning a monograph about the wind band in American history. He also co-hosts the podcast “Hearing the Pulitzers” with David Thurmaier.

Previous Talks

THE BRIGHTNESS OF LIGHT

Dr. Rebecca Johnson, speaker

  • Friday, September 27, 2024, 6:40 pm–7:00 pm
  • Sunday, September 29, 2024, 1:10 pm–1:30 pm

With a background that combines extensive instrumental and choral skills with a love of music education and history, Rebecca Johnson has worn numerous musical hats during her career. Her performance ensembles include the Metropolitan Chorale of Kansas City, Sacred Arts Chorale, and Vox Luminis. Groups under Dr. Johnson’s baton have performed in England, Brazil, and across the United States.

Recently retired as Coordinator of Music at Metropolitan Community College Blue River and Director of Sacred Arts for Central Theological Seminary, Johnson holds a Doctorate of Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

In addition to teaching and performing, Johnson is a frequent lecturer. Locally, Johnson has loved providing Pre-Opera Talks and Opera Dives Deep lectures for Lyric Opera of Kansas City for over ten years. Abroad, her favorite lectures have included “Sacred Music in America” in South Korea and “The Music of Louis Armstrong” to high school students in Yangon, Myanmar.