Here in Palm Springs, we bring that spirit to life with our performances in schools enriching the educational experience for students throughout our valley, support for young artists through our vocal competition and bringing the joy of singing to everyone!
Opera’s Place in the Holiday Season
Around the world, opera houses mark the season with beloved traditions. Some present cherished classics, while others premiere new productions or highlight historic repertoire. The global opera community often looks toward December as a moment of celebration and cultural renewal.
Opera is full of “Christmas” scenes and traditions. Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel has become a holiday tradition. Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors is a work that premiered on NBC Opera Theater on Christmas Eve, 1951 on live TV no less! That’s why it’s only about 40 minutes long – it had to fit in a TV time slot.
Other operas have Christmas Eve scenes including Massenet’s Werther and, of course, Acts 1 and 2 of Puccini’s La Bohème. Some of my favorite Bohème memories come from the seasons I sang at the Metropolitan Opera.
The Met’s famous Zeffirelli production of Bohème has elaborate sets that are visually stunning for the audience – but, truth be told, kind of difficult for the singers. The garret scenes (Acts 1 and 4) are set on an angle that makes it quite difficult to see the conductor a lot of the time. In the 2nd act, Musetta enters in a horse-drawn carriage right in front of Cafe Momus. All of the rest of us principal soloists were seated at a downstage table and were warned to pull our feet in to avoid being run over by the wheels of the carriage! Another infamous moment is during the mock fight between Schaunard and Colline during the 4th act. At one point Colline throws a flower pot at Schaunard who has to duck to avoid being beaned in the forehead. More than one Schaunard has ended up with a bruise (or worse) from forgetting to duck at the right time!
As you enjoy your holiday season, we hope there’s some time to enjoy some opera as a part of your tradition! Happiest of Holidays to you and yours from all of us at Palm Springs Opera Guild!!
A Tradition of Excellence in Palm Springs
December also marks one of the most meaningful moments in our local opera calendar: the Palm Springs Opera Guild Vocal Competition.
For over 42 years, this event has introduced extraordinary young vocalists to our community — artists who bring dedication, skill, and passion to the stage. With more than $1 million in scholarships awarded across four decades, the competition remains a vital bridge between training and professional opportunity.
For young professional singers, competitions are a vital part of getting noticed by the opera world. And, of course, financial support for their budding careers.
Each year, the Vocal Competition reminds us why opera continues to matter: it is an art form shaped by the voices of today and the voices yet to come.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Opera in the Schools
This season also celebrates another powerful tradition — our annual outreach program. In October we presented an introduction to opera with our SING! performances to some 10,000 students throughout the Palm Springs United School District. And, in November, our professional troupe presented an engaging, 35-minute version of Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel to another 10,000 students throughout the Desert Sands Unified School District and in Libraries across the Valley from Palm Desert to Coachella.
For many students and other audiences, this was their first encounter with live classical singing. Through storytelling, operatic vocabulary, and interactive elements, they discover the expressive possibilities of the human voice through opera, up-close and personal! For these students, opera became something new: accessible, vibrant, and a catalyst for curiosity.
Holiday seasons remind us that the arts help shape confident thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and empathetic communities. Our school outreach brings that spirit directly into classrooms!
Looking Forward With Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, we extend our gratitude to those who make our programs possible — donors, volunteers, partners, students, educators, and audiences. Your support ensures that opera continues to thrive in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
This season affirms what we have always known: opera is a gift.
A gift of story, sound, tradition, and discovery.
A gift that becomes even more meaningful when shared.
We look forward to another year filled with music, education, and inspiration — and we thank you for being part of our journey!
