Welcome to BlinkOpera, the Atlanta Opera’s bite-sized journey into the heart of great storytelling. In this episode, baritone Anthony Clark Evans guides us through the sweeping emotion and dramatic power of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata—one of the most beloved works in the operatic canon.

Evans walks us into the glittering world of Parisian high society, where the radiant courtesan Violetta Valéry discovers a love that promises renewal yet demands impossible sacrifice. With warmth and insight, he unpacks the opera’s unforgettable moments: the effervescent brilliance of “Sempre libera,” the tenderness of Violetta and Alfredo’s countryside idyll, and the heartbreaking intensity of the final act.

Whether you’re discovering La Traviata for the first time or returning to a longtime favorite, this quick dive illuminates why Verdi’s masterpiece continues to move audiences around the world. Let’s begin.

Welcome to 5 Things to Know, the Atlanta Opera’s quick, insightful guide to the essential elements behind each production. In this episode, we focus on Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata, ahead of performances on November 8, 11, 14, and 16, 2025, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Your guide today is conductor Evan Rogister, who distills the five most important aspects of this beloved masterpiece—what to listen for, what to watch for, and why this opera continues to captivate audiences around the world. Rogister explores the emotional depth of Violetta’s journey, the dramatic power of Verdi’s score, the social tensions driving the plot, and the moments of musical brilliance that define the work.

Whether you’re preparing for your first visit or brushing up before returning to a favorite, this episode offers a clear, engaging roadmap to enrich your experience of La traviata. Let’s get started.

Five Things is your quick guide to the world of opera, theater, and the stories that bring them to life. Each episode highlights five key insights—whether it’s what makes a classic like Fiddler on the Roof timeless, or the behind-the-scenes details that shape a new production.

In this episode, special guest Gregory Luis Boyle shares five essential things to know about Fiddler on the Roof, offering fresh perspectives on why Tevye’s tale of tradition, family, and change still resonates today.

Smart, engaging, and approachable, Five Things is designed for both newcomers and longtime fans who want to see familiar works in a new light. Subscribe and discover how five simple takeaways can open the door to a deeper appreciation of the arts.

Step into the world of Fiddler on the Roof like never before. In this special podcast from The Atlanta Opera and Alliance Theatre, acclaimed actor Itzik Cohen (Fauda, The Women’s Balcony) takes on the role of Tevye—not just to sing and speak on stage, but to personally tell you his story.

Shared entirely in the first person as Tevye, this intimate retelling brings you inside the humor, hardship, and hope of a man trying to hold onto tradition while the world around him changes. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the tale for the first time, this podcast offers a fresh, moving way to experience one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Subscribe now and walk a mile in Tevye’s boots.

In this episode, assistant director Emma Grimsley shares five essential things to know about Handel’s Semele before you head to the theater.

From Handel’s legendary music and the mythological roots of the story, to the surprising history of oratorios and the da capo arias that dazzle in performance, you’ll get a quick, engaging look at what makes this baroque masterpiece so unforgettable.

Whether you're new to opera or a seasoned fan, this behind-the-scenes glimpse will enrich your experience of Semele—a tale of passion, power, and divine drama.

In this episode, tenor Josh Lovell—making his Atlanta Opera debut as Jupiter—guides listeners through the sweeping drama of Handel’s Semele.

This Baroque masterpiece follows the story of a mortal woman caught between love and ambition, as her secret affair with the king of the gods leads to divine deception, fiery consequences, and the birth of a new god. Along the way, Josh shares his personal connection to Handel’s music and why Jupiter is a role he’s excited to bring to life. 

Whether you’re new to opera or a longtime fan, this myth-meets-music journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Explore the epic layers of Wagner’s Siegfried with 5 Things to Know: Siegfried. From reforged swords to forest whispers, join conductor Roberto Kalb as he unpacks five fascinating insights into the music, myth, and meaning behind this operatic masterpiece.

Join contralto Lindsay Ammann — making her Atlanta Opera debut as Erda — as she hosts this episode of BlinkOpera exploring Wagner’s Siegfried. Lindsay shares insights into the mythic world of the Ring Cycle and reflects on embodying the ancient, timeless voice of Erda. 

Learn how Wagner’s music brings these legendary characters to life, and get a personal glimpse into one of opera’s most powerful roles.

What happens when Verdi’s thrilling music collides with Shakespeare’s most haunting thriller?

In this episode, assistant director Elio Bucky shares five key insights into Macbeth—from its Shakespearean roots to Verdi’s revisions, cutting-edge stagecraft, and the eerie superstitions surrounding the tale. Don’t miss this deep dive into power, fate, and one of opera’s most chilling masterpieces!