Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark Art Institute, presents an illustrated talk entitled “Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, from Versailles to Prison.”

Ted Chapin, President and Chief Creative Officer of Rodgers and Hammerstein, discusses “Show Boat, an integrated musical in the era of operetta.” Members of the Young Artists Program perform selected excerpts as part of this presentation.

Back by popular demand, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shares her passion for opera and her perspective on law in the arts. Order your tickets early for this sell-out event.

A dedicated self-proclaimed “Mermanologist,” Klea Blackhurst’s show surveys stops along Ethel Merman’s career from “I Got Rhythm” from Girl Crazy to “I Got Lost in His Arms” from Annie Get Your Gun. A tribute rather than an imitation, Klea’s powerful vocals and cracking wit create a beautiful valentine to Merman.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, the author of bestselling books The Beautiful Struggle, We Were Eight Years in Power and Between the World And Me,comes to the Alice Busch Opera Theater for an engaging discussion.

The company’s series dedicated to exploring topics related to the current Festival through performances and discussions.

Join us in the Pavilion next to the mainstage for conversations with renowned writers as we explore the creative process.