TV Series19721 Season8 EpisodesEnded
Who's Afraid of Opera?
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Three zany puppets bring to life our greatest opera treasures, as Joan Sutherland, the world’s most famous soprano, performs their highlights. The puppets make up the audience: Sir William, a wise old goat; Little Billy, his nephew; and Rudi, a rather boisterous lion. Sutherland first introduces them to the story of each opera. Then, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a first-rate cast, she moves onto the opera stage, complete with elaborate sets and elegant costumes. After each exquisite aria, the diva comes back to her inquisitive friends and unfolds the plot.
Episodes & Seasons
Browse episodes by season for this series.
Season 1
8 EpisodesEP 01
EP 1
01.Rossini's The Barber of Seville
28m
1972-04-09
01.Rossini's The Barber of Seville
28m
Aired 1972-04-09
As Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Joan’s the rich and elegant ward of a strict guardian. When Figaro, the noisy barber, butts into her love life, all fun breaks loose!
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EP 02
EP 2
02.Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment
28m
1972-04-16
02.Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment
28m
Aired 1972-04-16
As Marie, found as an infant on the battlefield and adopted by a whole regiment of adoring fathers, Joan falls in love with the brave Tonio.
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EP 03
EP 3
03.Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor
28m
1973-02-11
03.Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor
28m
Aired 1973-02-11
As Lucy in Lucia, betrayed by her own brother, Sutherland’s a tragic heroine indeed!
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EP 04
EP 4
04.Offenbach's La Perichole
28m
1973-02-18
04.Offenbach's La Perichole
28m
Aired 1973-02-18
As the title character in La Perichole, Joan displays her lively flair for comedy as well as her amazing vocal abilities.
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EP 05
EP 5
05.Verdi's La Traviata
28m
1973-04-22
05.Verdi's La Traviata
28m
Aired 1973-04-22
As Violetta in La Traviata, Sutherland’s a beautiful Paris courtesan in love with a penniless young man.
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EP 06
EP 6
06.Gounod's Faust
28m
1973-04-29
06.Gounod's Faust
28m
Aired 1973-04-29
As Marguerite in Faust, Sutherland loves a man who has sold his soul to the devil for youth and pleasure.
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EP 07
EP 7
07.Verdi's Rigoletto
28m
1973-12-09
07.Verdi's Rigoletto
28m
Aired 1973-12-09
In Rigoletto as Gilda, she is in love with the flirtatious and corrupt Duke of Mantua to the despair of her father, the court jester.
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EP 08
EP 8
08.Thomas's Mignon
28m
1973-12-16
08.Thomas's Mignon
28m
Aired 1973-12-16
In the comic opera Mignon, Joan portrays the exuberant Philine, whose affections are much sought after.
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