Horror operas combine the dramatic vocal power of traditional opera with terrifying themes like psychological torment, the supernatural, and murder. These dark masterpieces span centuries, utilizing eerie orchestrations and chilling librettos to bring classic Gothic tales and modern nightmares to the stage. As we travel into the darkest months of the year, let's explore the frightening and at times ghoulish horror opera genre. We will move from an overview of the multitude of stories and their elements to viewing specific operas where we will see these elements in action.

Moderator: Deborah Lewis, President of the Wagner Society of Cincinnati and Board President of Queen City Opera, has developed an interest in the "ghoulish" since attending her first performance of Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischütz (The Magic Marksman) in Cincinnati.