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5 Must Hear (and See!) Operatic Performances

A scene from Verdi’s “La Traviata” | Orthorhombic / CC BY

Need a dash of inspiration to help you vote for this year’s Classical California Ultimate Playlist? Our resident opera expert, Jennifer Miller Hammel, put together this opera favorite playlist to inspire you to discover new pieces or relive favorites.

Ah! je ris de me voir si belle (The Jewel Song)
Charles Gounod: Faust

A sparkling moment for heroine Marguerite which gives her an opportunity to vocally show off while not taking herself too seriously.

Au fond du temple saint
Georges Bizet: The Pearl Fishers

Two best friends vow their bond is more important than that of the woman they both love, even though she has still captured their hearts.

Es gibt ein Reich
Richard Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos

High drama and rich singing that leaves you speechless until the last note.

Di provenza il mar
Giuseppe Verdi: La Traviata

It’s easy to be disappointed with Germont in this moment, but how can you with an aria this beautiful.

Ah! Mes amis, quel jour fete!
Gaetano Donizetti: La fille du regiment

A joyous, acrobatic aria that was delivered with such finesse and exuberance by Javier Camarena at the Met that it demanded a rare encore. A moment of musical magic and triumph. And here it is!