While social distancing keeps us at home,
what are opera and dance-lovers to do?
Turn to
MOT at Home!
With online performances, discussions and activities, MOT at Home has your opera and dance needs covered.
MOT at Home uses Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to deliver new content every day, including:
• OPERA & DANCE FIXES | Blogs, recordings, fun facts, etc. about opera and dance
• STUDIO ARTIST PERFORMANCES | Remote performances from members of the MOT Studio
• MET OPERA PREVIEW | Facebook Live opera talk given ahead of select performances of the Metropolitan Opera’s “Nightly Opera Stream”
• PODCASTS | MOT staff and artists share their expertise on different aspects of opera and dance
• INSTAGRAM 'TAKEOVERS' | MOT Studio Artists will perform, conduct interviews and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an opera singer
• MOT LEARNS AT HOME | Lessons designed to guide students into the worlds of children's operas, while connecting to Science and English
*All of the ongoing content will also be available online on this page.
"Dream Variation" performed by Olivia Johnson
MOT Touring Ensemble member Olivia Johnson performs "Dream Variation", composed by Margaret Bonds with lyrics by Langston Hughes. Accompanied by Michael Sherman.
"Stridono lassù", Pagliacci
Avery Boettcher and Michael Sherman
Third Rhapsody after the Gershwin’s "Porgy and Bess"
MOT Orchestra Concertmaster Eliot Heaton and pianist Meg Cognetta Heaton.
"Czardas" from Die Fledermaus
Alaina Brown and Michael Sherman
"Una furtiva lagrima"
Edward Graves, Patricia Terry-Ross and Franciso Delgado
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Olivia Johnson, Michael Sherman
Massenet's, "Méditation from Thaïs"
Enjoy Massenet's Méditation from Thaïs, performed by our concertmaster Eliot Heaton and his mother, Meg Cognetta Heaton.
"Dein ist mein ganzes Herz"
Edward Graves, Michael Sherman
Operatic dog duets perfectly with Pavarotti on ‘Nessun dorma’
You thought it was Pavarotti, but it was doggo.
"Nessun Dorma"
Leszek Świdziński Nessun Dorma tribute to health workers
"Joe Hill"
"Joe Hill" by Allen Michael Jones and Michael Sherman
"Quel guardo, il cavaliere" from Donizetti's Don Pasquale
Avery Boettcher, Michael Sherman.
"What a Wonderful World"
Featuring ALL of the 2019-20 Studio Artists!
"Stars" from Les Misérables
Darren Drone, Michael Sherman
"La vie en Rose"
Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist Avery Boettcher and Principal Coach Michael Sherman perform "La vie en Rose" with lyrics by Édith Piaf and a gorgeous melody by Louiguy and Marguerite Monnot.
Kurt Weill's "Lonely House"
Edward Graves, Michael Sherman
"A Horse with Wings"
MOT Studio Artist Katherine DeYoung and Principal Coach Michael Sherman perform "A Horse with Wings" composed by Ricky Ian Gordon.
"Just Another Rhumba"
Allen Michael Jones, Michael Sherman
Black Opera Superstars
Selections from Yuval's 25 favorite operas
100 Years of the 19th Amendment
Children's Favorites
Out of the Silence
Opera Meets Broadway
(Somewhat) Forgotten Opera Gems
MOT on Spotify! Opera's Greatest Hits
Recalling MOT's Conductor Tania León
Conductor Tania León made Michigan Opera Theatre history nearly 40 years ago, when she became the first woman to conduct a main-stage production for the company.
MOT Remembers Rebecca Luker
MOT fondly remembers soprano Rebecca Luker, who appeared with Michigan Opera Theatre in the 1980’s.
MOT Salutes Assistant Music Director Suzanne Mallare Acton
As we continue to recognize the contributions of women to events in history this March, we at MOT salute one of our own history makers in our Assistant Music Director and Chorus Master, Suzanne Mallare Acton.
Remembering Margaret Bonds
March is the month where we as a nation recognize and applaud the contributions of women to events in history. Composer Margaret Bonds constantly made history throughout her life.
Happy Birthday Marian Anderson
On January 7th, 1955, contralto Marian Anderson broke the color barrier at the Metropolitan Opera House by being the first African American to sing there.
MOT Salutes Martina Arroyo on her Historic MET Debut 56 Years Ago
56 years ago this month, a little-known African American soprano from New York stepped in at the last minute to replace superstar soprano Birgit Nilsson as Verdi’s Aida at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Celebrating Leontyne Price on her 94th birthday!
60 years ago, soprano Leontyne Price and tenor Franco Corelli made their joint debuts in Verdi’s opera Il Trovatore at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Alex Trebek Tribute: Jeopardy! - Costumes at the Met
Alex goes behind the scenes of the world - famous Metropolitan Opera to deliver clues like you've never seen him before!
Opera singer serenades Paris in second lockdown
French tenor Stephane Senechal has been subsisting on pasta and potatoes since the coronavirus pandemic forced opera houses to close and work dried up, but he has at least made a name for himself by performing - for free - from his Paris window.
Opera Quiz: Even Hardcore Wagnerians Will Struggle With This Quiz on ‘Siegfried’ & ‘Götterdämmerung’
Are You A Truly Hard-Core Wagnerian?
Grane's Transformation: Wagner's Noble Horse Gets a Detroit Makeover
In traditional productions, Grane is portrayed by live horses, a delightful surprise to the audience. In a uniquely Detroit twist, our Brünnhilde rides to the end in style —in a Ford Mustang. In fact, our modern “steed” is Ford’s 10 millionth Mustang, an ode to the company’s storied past and an example of Ford’s long-term support of Michigan Opera Theatre.
"The World and Revolution of Richard Wagner"
Richard Wagner is one of the most beloved and undeniably controversial figures in classical music history. Ahead of Twilight: Gods, learn about his worldview, philosophies, and the creation of his music dramas, including the Ring cycle, in "The World and Revolution of Richard Wagner."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Loved Opera, and Opera Loved Her Back
Justice Ginsburg was the art form’s “greatest advocate and our greatest spokesperson,” says Francesca Zambello, the director of Washington National Opera and the Glimmerglass Festival.
What’s a squillo, and why do opera singers need it?
An opera singer’s voice soars above the instruments and its melody rings out across thousands of patrons— all without any assistance from a microphone. How is it possible that a single voice can be heard so clearly? Learn about the physics of opera!
How well do you know opera?
From song texts to silver roses, pit your wits against our opera critic with these 12 questions about vocal music on stage and off.
5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Opera
The New York Times asked artists and critics to select the five minutes of music that would make someone love opera. Do you agree with their choices?
Supermarket Opera
Here's a gem from 2014 to think about during your next visit to the grocery store. The music might not sound as good now with masks, but it's fun to imagine!
Opera Trivia - Superstar Enrico Caruso
Long before the world knew the great recording artists of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé and Adele, there was another superstar to set the world aflame: Enrico Caruso.
Social Distancing for Opera Lovers - How to Get Your Opera Fix
COVID-19 and social distancing have kept most people at home, and for opera-lovers, that means no more visits to the theater. What is one to do? With online performances, courses and activities, MOT’s got your opera needs covered until we meet again!
Celebrate the birthday of Alvin Ailey's Revelations
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is celebrating six decades of "Revelations," a choreographic masterpiece that has become a lasting cultural treasure beloved by generations. Watch the company's full performance from the 2015 Lincoln Center at the Movies production!
ABT's, PAS DE DEUX, four-episode documentary series
American Ballet Theatre launches PAS DE DEUX, a limited, four-episode documentary series exploring the intersection of dance and other diverse art forms. Featured Artists: Gabe Stone Shayer, Alicia Keys, Isabella Boylston, Marcus Samuelsson, Cassandra Trenary, Kat Sullivan, Lucian Paris, Chloe Wise.
MOVING STORIES: AN ABT FILM FESTIVAL | Day One
Principal Dancer Misty Copeland hosts the hour-long program featuring four short films by ABT dancers and a roundtable discussion with the filmmakers. The first program features films by Alexandre Hammoudi, Eric Tamm, Duncan Lyle, and Zhongjing Fang.
Black Men of Concert Dance Don't Rush Challenge
A few of the black men of the concert dance world taking on the Don’t Rush Challenge.
Professional Ballerina Reviews Ballet Scenes
Julie Kent, former ballet dancer turned Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, reviews iconic ballet scenes from films including 'Black Swan,' 'Mao's Last Dancer,' 'The Game Plan,' and 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.'
Classical Ballet Favorites
Theara Ward: Morning Movement
Theara Ward is no stranger to Detroit. She is an amazing teaching artist and education consultant with both Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem. MOT has partnered with her for over 15 years, sharing her knowledge, passion and culture with thousands of Detroiters. Let's get up and move together with MOT Learns at Home.
The Joffrey On Tour | Detroit, MI
Throwback Thursday to last fall's presentation of The Joffrey Ballet at the Detroit Opera House! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life on tour, set in our very own hometown!
The Dying Swan - Swans for Relief
32 of the world's best ballerinas have come together to perform Swan Lake's "The Dying Swan" to support dancers affected by COVID-19. Enjoy this beautiful performance in the link below and consider supporting dancers struggling during this time.
Paris Opera Ballet at Home
Check out how Paris Opera Ballet keeps dancing while staying at home!
LAZARUS by Rennie Harris
This Easter, MOT at Home brings you an uplifting, celebratory Dance Fix from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, that made its MOT premiere last year, "Lazarus," by Rennie Harris.
Don’t Stop Me Now Zoom Rehearsal
We're kicking off the weekend with a Dance Fix! Check it out, especially if you're feeling down. Times are tough, but we're strong together (while apart 🙂). We got this!
Exquisite Corps (42 choreographers, 1 dance)
Check out "Exquisite Corps," 42 contemporary choreographers, one dance, by Films That Mitchell Rose Made.
Houston Dancer Lauren Anderson Reflects on the Progress of Ballet in Texas
The dancer’s pioneering achievements are honored in the National Museum of African American History and Culture
This New Netflix Series Profiles 6 of Today's Coolest Choreographers
Get ready for your next Netflix binge: On October 23, the streaming giant is dropping Move, a five-part docuseries profiling some of the biggest choreographers and performers from around the globe.
World Ballet Day
Look back at World Ballet Day 2020
‘I wanted to keep the morale up’: five pandemic dance videos that won the internet
From an Indian doctor in PPE dancing to a Bollywood track to an Alabama principal’s take on MC Hammer, these videos could have only emerged in 2020.
Aureole: Exploring Paul Taylors Landmark Work
In 1962, his 30th work, Aureole, marked a significant departure from his previous avant-garde aesthetic.
In Lagos, a Homegrown Ballet Academy Leaps Into the Spotlight
A viral video has lifted the school’s fortunes and visibility. “It’s not only about the dance itself... it’s about the value of dance education.”
Les Sylphides: The Origins of Abstract Ballet
Considered a revival of the romantic ballets of the ballet blanc genre, Les Sylphides adds another credit to its name as the first “abstract” or plotless ballet.
The Story of Swan Lake in Black and White
Featuring videos from the Royal Opera House and more!
Ballet Blanc: Shades, Shadows and Spirits
The history of the term ballet blanc or “white ballet”.
Four Minutes a Dying Swan
Anna Pavlova and Becoming the Symbol of the New Russian Ballet.
Creole Giselle: Dance Theatre of Harlem's Ballet In the Bayou
Dance Theatre of Harlem is streaming its 1984 performance of Creole Giselle until midnight, June 19 as part of their "DTH on Demand." Learn about this unique production below!
Alvin Ailey and "A Song For You": A Dedication to the Memory of George Floyd
Michigan Opera Theatre stands with the peaceful protesters in opposition to racial injustice. Our Artistic Advisor for Dance Jon Teeuwissen shares a special piece and perspective on Alvin Ailey's "A Song for You" in dedication to the memory of George Floyd.
Momix, Pictures at an Exhibition, and the Visualization of Music
By Jon Teeuwissen, MOT Artistic Advisor for Dance
Lar Lubovitch: From Ballet to Broadway to Figure Skating
A look at one of America's most versatile choreographers.
American Dance Machine: A Celebration of Broadway Dance
Where are our Broadway lovers at? Did you know there's an entire dance company dedicated to preserving Broadway dance choreography?!
Denmark's Greatest Choreographer, August Bournonville
Have you heard of August Bournonville? Our Artistic Advisor for Dance Jon Teeuwissen explains the style of Denmark's Greatest Choreographer.
DANCE News from ARTSJournal
Get the latest dance news from our friends at ARTSJournal.
In Conversation: Arts & Healing
MOT Director of Education Andrea Scobie leads a panel of artists and scholars in two conversations on the arts and their relationship to wellness and healing.
In Conversation: Afton Battle
Arthur White meets with Fort Worth Opera's newly named general director, Afton Battle, to discuss her plans and dreams for the company and the industry.
In Conversation: Tenor Russell Thomas
Celebrated tenor Russell Thomas speaks with Michigan Opera Theatre's Arthur White.
In Conversation: Dr. Nkeiru Okoye and Dr. Lee Bynum
MOT In Conversation presents Dr. Nkeiru Okoye and Dr. Lee Bynum discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the world of opera -- on stage, back stage, and in the audience. Hosted by Arthur White.
In Conversation: Harolyn Blackwell
Join MOT’s Arthur White as he speaks with celebrated coloratura Soprano Harolyn Blackwell, touching on her work from the MET to Broadway, and the mentors and role models who guided her to the top.
In Conversation: DTH's Passage
Choreographer Claudia Schreier and composer Jessie Montgomery discuss their new ballet for Dance Theatre of Harlem, "Passage." Discussion moderated by Dr. Jennifer Gómez.
In Conversation: Final Bow for Yellowface
MOT’s Arthur White and Andrea Scobie speak with Phil Chan and Georgina Pazcoguin, founders of Final Bow for Yellowface, an organization dedicated to eradicating outdated representations of Asians in opera and dance, and discuss the importance of replacing caricature with character as we strive for respectful and inclusive representation on classical stages.
In Conversation: Wagner Panel Discussion
MOT at Home In Conversation: Twilight: Gods opens Saturday! Arthur White moderates a conversation with today’s leading Wagnerian scholars, including Dr. Gundula Kreuzer (Yale), Dr. David Levin (University of Chicago), and Dr. Kirsten Paige (Stanford), as well as director and celebrated interpreter of Wagner, MOT’s Yuval Sharon.
In Conversation: Director Yuval Sharon On Site-Specific Opera
Michigan Opera Theatre's newly appointed Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director Yuval Sharon and special guest Dr. Megan Steigerwald Ille sit down to discuss site-specific opera, Yuval's work with his L.A.-based company The Industry, and his first production with MOT, Twilight: Gods.
In Conversation: Christine Goerke on Brünnhilde, and her "wish-list" roles
Soprano Christine Goerke zooms with MOT's Arthur White on the brilliance of Wagner's "Ring," and some surprising roles she's ready to move in to. Other topics include baking, teaching, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In Conversation: On Porgy and Bess
Completed in 1935, George and Ira Gershwin called their Porgy and Bess an “American folk opera.” But what have those three words—“American,” “folk,” and “opera”—meant for different audiences at different moments in the life of this work? MOT’s first installment of the In Conversation series convenes scholars of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, including Professor Naomi André (University of Michigan), in a conversation moderated by Dr. Austin Stewart.
Opera Photo Contest Winners
Thank you to everyone who participated in our opera photo recreation contest! We enjoyed seeing your submissions and hope you also had fun in the process.
FACEBOOK DANCE PHOTO CONTEST
OUR PHOTO CONTEST IS BACK, this time with a focus on dance! Check out our collection of dance photos below, based on previous MOT dance presentations, and re-create your own version!
Zoom Backgrounds
Zoom from your favorite opera or the Detroit Opera House to add a little drama to your work video conferences and virtual happy hours!
Follow us on:
Recent Posts from
MOT AT HOME
Opera Fix
Conductor Tania León made Michigan Opera Theatre history nearly 40 years ago, when she became the first woman to conduct a main-stage production for the company.
Dance Fix
Celebrate the birthday of Alvin Ailey's Revelations
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is celebrating six decades of "Revelations." Watch the company's full performance from the 2015 Lincoln Center at the Movies production!
In Conversation
In Conversation : Afton Battle
Arthur White meets with Fort Worth Opera's newly named general director, Afton Battle, to discuss her plans and dreams for the company and the industry.
MOT AT HOME IS SUPPORTED BY:
.
.
.
.
MEET THE EXPERTS!
Meet the experts who provide the regular preview talks ahead of the Metropolitan Opera’s Nightly Opera Stream.
April 2: Don Carlo by Verdi
Arthur White introduces Verdi’s monumental drama Don Carlo.
April 4: Macbeth by Verdi
Austin Stewart introduces Macbeth, Verdi’s retelling of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
April 6: Aida by Verdi
Arthur White introduces Verdi's Aida, a sweeping tale of love and heroics in ancient Egypt.
April 7: The Girl of the Golden West by Puccini
Austin Stewart introduces Puccini's The Girl of the Golden West, Puccini's musical vision of the American West
April 12: Così fan tutte by Mozart
Austin Stewart introduces Mozart's Così fan tutte.
April 14: Boris Godunov by Mussorgsky
Pre-performance talk on Modest Mussorgsky's majestic Boris Godunov with Austin Stewart.
April 17: Madama Butterfly by Puccini
Arthur White introduces Madama Butterly, Puccini's drama of unfortunate, doomed love.
April 17: Adriana Lecouvreur by Francesco Cilèa
Arthur White introduces Adriana Lecouvreur by Francesco Cilèa.
April 19: Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss
Austin Stewart introduces Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss.
April 21: Tosca by Giaccomo Puccini
Arthur White introduces Tosca, Puccini's musical thriller of lust, murder, and politics.
April 23: The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár
Arthur White introduces The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár.
April 24: La Traviata by Verdi
Austin Stewart introduces La Traviata by Verdi
April 27: Anna Bolena by Donizetti
Arthur White introduces Anna Bolena by Donizetti.
May 1: Leontyne Price Special
Exclusive Interview w/ J'Nai Bridges & George Shirley
Arthur White introduces one of the most emotional evenings in Met history—the night Leontyne Price bid farewell to opera.
May 3: Prince Igor by Borodin
Austin Stewart introduces Borodin’s Russian epic Prince Igor — the opera’s first Met staging in nearly a century.
Pavarotti 30th Anniversary Gala
Arthur White introduces the MET's Pavarotti 30th Anniversary Gala.
Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss
Pre-performance talk on Richard Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos with Austin Stewart.
Joan Sutherland Tribute
Arthur White introduces the Lucia di Lammermoor.
Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi
Arthur White introduces the Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi.
Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Pre-performance talk on Mozart's Don Giovanni with Austin Stewart.
Ernani by Verdi
Pre-performance talk on Verdi's Ernani with Arthur White.
"During this time of social distancing, Michigan Opera Theatre seeks to serve and remain connected with our loyal supporters who value our shared love of opera, dance and other performing arts. Although we are unable at the moment to provide live performances for you in the Detroit Opera House, we hope the digital performances and informative content of ‘MOT at Home’ may be a source of inspiration, comfort and hope.”
