Tosca

by Giacomo Puccini
Radio Broadcast
Saturday, June 15 at 12pm Central
Wisconsin Public Radio

Rome, 1800. As political storms gather, the opera singer Floria Tosca risks everything to save her lover, the painter Cavaradossi, from sinister police chief Baron Scarpia.

Based on a French play that scandalized critics and was a smash hit with audiences, Puccini’s 1900 opera is theatrically sensational, musically thrilling, and justifiably renowned.

Starring Michelle Johnson as Tosca, Limmie Pulliam as Cavaradossi, Craig Irvin as Scarpia, Alex Soare as Angelotti, Mark Billy as the Sacristan, William Johnson as Spoletta, Timothy Krueger as Sciarrone, and Ryan White as a Jailer

Conducted by John DeMain

With the Madison Opera Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, and Madison Symphony Orchestra

Recorded November 2023, Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts

The Anonymous Lover

by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Radio Broadcast
Saturday, June 22 at 12pm Central
Wisconsin Public Radio

A wealthy young widow is disillusioned by romance. Her dear friend has been sending her anonymous love letters to express his feelings.  Will true love prevail?

Premiering in 1780, The Anonymous Lover is the only surviving opera by the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a pioneering Black composer, conductor, and violinist who achieved great renown throughout 18th century France.

Starring Keely Futterer as Léontine, David Blalock as Valcour, Yazid Gray as Ophémon, Brianna Murray as Jeanette, Hailey Cohen as Dorothée, and William Johnson as Colin

Ensemble: George Abbott III, Megan Gloss, Lauren Stepka, Douglas Swenson, Ryan White, Alexandra Zulauf

Conducted by Michelle Rofrano

With the Madison Symphony Orchestra

Recorded February 2024, Capitol Theater, Overture Center for the Arts