New York
Ultimate Opera: Two Productions at the Met
Program No. 12726RJ
Fulfill a dream and come to New York to attend two performances at the Metropolitan Opera House. Plus, enjoy a private demonstration by an outstanding professional singer!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
At a Glance
Experience the ultimate in opera as you attend two performances at the world-famous Metropolitan Opera House, part of New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and get a glimpse behind the scenes as you meet and talk with professionals in the opera world.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day with stairs. Public transportation used exclusively throughout program.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Attend two opera performances at the legendary Metropolitan Opera House.
- Enjoy presentations by professionals such as singers, an opera director, conductor, chorus master or historian (as available).
- Delight in a private demonstration with an outstanding professional singer.
General Notes
Two levels of seating available. Select seating at time of registration.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Daniel Egan
Daniel Egan has degrees in music theory from St. Olaf, the Eastman School of Music and Yale, where he is on faculty. He has appeared as soloist or ensemble singer with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Orchestra of New York, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and was in the permanent ensemble at New York City Opera. His recordings include “Sweeney Todd” with the New York Philharmonic and backup vocals for Patti Page’s "Live at Carnegie Hall: The 50th Anniversary Concert.” Both earned Grammy nominations.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Daniel Egan
View biography
Daniel Egan has degrees in music theory from St. Olaf, the Eastman School of Music and Yale, where he is on faculty. He has appeared as soloist or ensemble singer with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Orchestra of New York, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and was in the permanent ensemble at New York City Opera. His recordings include “Sweeney Todd” with the New York Philharmonic and backup vocals for Patti Page’s "Live at Carnegie Hall: The 50th Anniversary Concert.” Both earned Grammy nominations.
Kevin McGee
View biography
Kevin McGee lives a half-mile from where he was born on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Columbia’s School of General Studies. Most of his working career was in administration for video-sound facilities specializing in television production. He later served as Director of Development Operations at Union Theological Seminary where he designed and led explorations of the landmarked campus in Morningside Heights. Since retirement, Kevin continues to take great pleasure in sharing New York City, his home, with visitors.
Karl Baudendistel
View biography
A New York City resident for more than 25 years, Karl Baudendistel loves sharing his knowledge of the city with visitors from around the world. Having spent 20 years overseeing ‘the business of show business’ for numerous Broadway and touring productions, chances are he’s been to a city near you. Karl is a member of The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, is a trained sommelier and was educated at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Ultimate Opera: Two Productions at the Met
Program Number: 12726
Puccini Without Excuses: A Refreshing Reassessment of the World's Most Popular Composer
Opera commentator William Berger is heard on Met Opera Radio's Sirius/XM broadcasts, the podcast "In Focus" and other outlets. He is a regular speaker on the Road Scholar Opera programs.
The Librettist of Venice
The remarkable life of Mozart's librettist, Lorenzo DaPonte who also happened to be a New Yorker!
Wagner Without Fear
Opera commentator William Berger is heard on Met Opera Radio's Sirius/XM broadcasts, the podcast "In Focus" and other outlets. He is a regular speaker on the Road Scholar Opera programs.
The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Opera
Verdi With A Vengeance
Opera commentator William Berger is heard on Met Opera Radio's Sirius/XM broadcasts, the podcast "In Focus" and other outlets. He is a regular speaker on the Road Scholar Opera programs.
Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera
They Told Me Not To Take That Job
A lively look at the revitalization of Lincoln Center in the early 2000s from the man who made it happen - often bringing the constituent arts organizations to the table kicking and screaming.
Grand Opera: The Story of The Met