Detroit Opera offers complimentary opera and dance talks one hour prior to each performance. Noted experts provide background and important information on what you will see on stage, enhancing your performance experience! Opera Talks and Dance Talks provide an insightful and entertaining preview of the works performed on stage.
Unless otherwise directed, Talks take place on the main floor of the auditorium, between aisles two and six. Click here to listen to previous Pre-Opera and Dance Talks!
The Handmaid’s Tale Pre-Opera Talks:
- Opening – Sunday March 1, 2026 – Pre-Opera Talk @ 1:30pm
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement of Detroit Opera welcomes Brenna Corner, Director of The Handmaid’s Tale; Roberto Kalb, Music Director of Detroit Opera; and Nathalie Doucet, Head of Music & Director of Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program.
- Thursday March 5, 2026 – Pre-Opera Talk @ 6:30pm
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement of Detroit Opera welcomes Dr. Naomi André, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement and David G. Frey Distinguished Professor, Department of Music, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; and Nathalie Doucet, Head of Music & Director of Detroit Opera Resident Artist Program.
- Saturday March 7, 2026 – Pre-Opera Talk @ 6:30pm
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement of Detroit Opera welcomes Marit Strindlund, conductor of The Handmaid’s Tale; and Dr. Naomi André, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement and David G. Frey Distinguished Professor, Department of Music, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Previous Pre-Opera Talks
Highways & Valleys Pre-Opera Talks:
- Opening – Sunday December 7, 2025 – Pre-Opera Talk @ 1:30pm
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement of Detroit Opera welcomes Kaneza Schaal (Director of Highways & Valleys), Yuval Sharon, Barbara Walkowski Artistic Director, Detroit Opera and Roberto Kalb (Music Director of Detroit Opera).
- Thursday December 11, 2025 – Pre-Opera Talk @ 6:30pm
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement of Detroit Opera welcomes Dr. Naomi André, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement and David G. Frey Distinguished Professor, Department of Music, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
- Saturday December 13, 2025 – Pre-Opera Talk @ 6:30pm
Arthur White, Director of Community & Audience Engagement of Detroit Opera welcomes Dr. Naomi André, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement and David G. Frey Distinguished Professor, Department of Music, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.