Three 20 Minute Operas Tickets

Classical opera is undoubtedly one of the most elaborate and complex art forms in the realm of music. Comprised of a combination of vocal and instrumental elements, classical operas typically run for two to four hours, making them quite demanding both on the performers and the audience alike. Despite their length, however, many classical operas offer incredibly moving plots, stunning music, and unforgettable performances.

In recent years, however, there has been a trend towards shorter operas with reduced time frames - works that can be performed in just twenty minutes or less. Three such remarkable short classical operas are Opera Delaware's “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Halloween Tree,” and “La Voix Humaine”. Though briefs, these productions offer engaging and memorable performances as well as musical eloquence that is characteristic of all classic operas.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a haunting adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's famous short story of the same name, set to music by renowned composer David Hertzberg. This chamber opera features a solo actor, Aaron Engebreth, who plays the narrator in this chilling tale about a man's descent into madness – driven by the sound of his victim's heartbeat.

In contrast, "The Halloween Tree," composed by Theo Popov, delves into the whimsical world of fantasy. This opera is inspired by Ray Bradbury's classic novel of the same name, enveloping its audiences in a world of vibrant colors and magical happenings throughout an exquisitely orchestrated work.

Finally, "La Voix Humaine" offers a more solemn narrative centered around our relationship with loss and heartbreak. The opera recounts the final telephone conversation between Elle, played by Vanessa Vasquez, and her former lover in what is her last effort to try and win him back before her inevitable and fatal demise. It is both a powerful, and gut-wrenching performance of raw human emotion.

These three twenty-minute operas serve as a testament to the versatility of classical opera, providing engagements through diverse soundscapes that encompass different tales of life and death. Though considered briefs, their eloquence is unwavering, constructing a powerful narrative with masterful musical compositions.

In all, these shorter classical opera adaptations offer both fans and newcomers an excellent entry point into the world of opera. By taking complex themes and narratives, putting them under the microscope, and consequently portraying meaningful essence in only twenty minutes, These productions preserve some timeless elements of classical operas while remaining accessible and captivating for audiences of all kinds.