Think opera isn’t for you? Musings with the Maestro: Opera 101 might change your mind.
Music in the Mountains invites the community to a lively and welcoming virtual conversation designed to demystify one of the most powerful art forms in the classical tradition. Led by Artistic Director Ryan Murray, this interactive Zoom event offers an engaging introduction to the drama and beauty of opera—no prior musical experience required.
“A lot of people are afraid of opera, but it’s an incredible populist art form,” said Ryan Murray, Artistic Director at Music in the Mountains. “Opera used to be considered the people’s art form, and symphonic music was considered elitist.”
In this accessible presentation, Murray traces opera’s evolution from the 1600s to the present, highlighting how the genre has continually reinvented itself across centuries and styles.
“Opera changes so much every 100 years — there are a lot of different styles,” said Murray. “You might not like opera from one time period, but like it from another time period. This conversation will give you a set of tools to go forward and explore opera on your own.”
Far from being distant or intimidating, opera is an immersive combination of orchestra, voice, drama, design, and storytelling. Through curated musical highlights, engaging commentary, and audience Q&A, participants will gain practical tools to explore opera independently and discover what resonates with them. Whether devoted fans, first-time listeners, or simply “opera-curious,” attendees will find an ideal access point into a vast and thrilling corner of the classical repertoire.
About Ryan Murray
Ryan Murray is the Artistic Director of Music in the Mountains, Music Director of the Auburn Symphony, Principal Pops Conductor of the Modesto Symphony and he is the Director of Orchestra and Opera at California State University Sacramento, and conducts the Sacramento Youth Symphony. An award-winning opera conductor, Ryan is the past Music Director of Opera Modesto and Fresno Grand Opera.
Ryan was the winner of the Vienna Philharmonic’s prestigious Ansbacher Fellowship for Young Conductors and was awarded second place in the 2019 American Prize for Orchestral Conducting; he garnered national recognition for his performances of contemporary opera as the winner of the 2017 American Prize in Opera.
About Music in the Mountains
Founded in 1982, Music in the Mountains inspires, engages, and connects the community through extraordinary musical experiences. Based in Nevada County, California, the organization presents world-class orchestral and choral performances, including its signature SummerFest festival, featuring a full professional orchestra comprised of musicians from across the country.
Music in the Mountains is committed to artistic excellence, accessibility, and education, offering concerts and programs that enrich audiences of all ages. Through its Youth Orchestra, in-school music programs, and community chorus, the organization nurtures the next generation of musicians while bringing transformative music to the Sierra foothills.
For more information and to register for this free virtual event, visit www.musicinthemountains.org.
Know & go
WHAT: Must with the Maestro: Opera 101 webinar
WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual event
COST: Free
REGISTER: www.musicinthemountains.org