As a life long opera fan, I don’t really find this podcast accessible and wouldn’t recommend it to a neophyte. Aria Code is a much more accessible intro to opera. The sound quality is not great and the discussions the hosts and guests get into are often pedantic. They get sidetracked too often and go on tangents where they make guesses about the backstory, music, and history—I often fast forward through their ditsy conversations and just listen to the music. The dynamic of the hosts in the early episodes is tiresome: one of them is ignorant about opera and history and Pat corrects her in a stuck up, condescending, and overly verbose way. They don’t give enough credit to the performers whose recordings are used throughout. I wouldn’t share it with a friend who wants to get into opera because the episodes are so long, but it’s great to have in the background while doing something else—as long as my phone is close by so I can fast forward when the talking gets tedious.

I am an opera fan without having the benefit of seeing many of them in person. After the pandemic restrictions were eased, I started trying out new things to find out what I was missing. My first opera was Othello. I became hooked and determined to see as many as I could. I am so glad this podcast exists. It helps if there is an explanation for the story and now, before I attend a performance, I listen to this program or, if I find one that I am potentially interested in, I will listen just to find out if it is something that I would like to see. The narratives are very interesting and easy to understand. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.

What a joy this podcast is. Psyched to get it when new ones become available. Grateful for the effort!

I bet you have the opera Ruddigore (The Witch’s Curse) on this

Excellent explanation without condescending. Highlighting moments that I missed in the past. Through your podcasts I made so many discoveries. Thank you!!!

This podcast provides wonderful context, both about the era of composition and the historical era in which a given opera is set. The hosts have delightful chemistry and charming and engaging. They are also wonderful ambassadors for this genre - which needs younger listeners like me in order to survive. Brava!

As a life long lover of Tosca, I was so pleased by your episodes. Thorough, educational, and fun!

I’ve been binging the back catalog of this delightful show. Pat and her guests are charming, insightful, and very entertaining. It’s a real joy to listen to. Thanks for making it!

Great podcast for those who are not accustomed to opera. Pat does a great job doing the serious and historical overview while her guests do the comedic (for most). I will say I’d prefer the podcast to be longer with the complete opera and the discussion in a separate episode. I will say I’m hopeful Porgy and Bess and Candide will follow!

The presentation is hosted by two broadcasters who present the most complicated art with the air of juvenile adolescents talking about art. So sad they talk down to their audience who deserves the utmost respect in desiring to understand this beautiful, intricate, and popular art of musical theater. In fact, the great composers (especially Italian) and interpreters made this to be seen and enjoyed by the people. Why must the broadcasters belittle their audience? Congratulations to the listeners—Bravo! Move on to another exegesis, not by those “music critics” more impressed by their own obscure contorted prose, but by one who respects your interest.

Opera for Everyone is the most consistent Opera podcast out there! The banter is just enough to be entertaining while staying educational, and it’s a great resource for exploring an opera, without having to do the research oneself. The hosts are fantastic and bring a nice levity to even the most tragic operas. Brava Bravo Bravissima!

Stimulated by OFE, I got a DVD of Berlioz’s Benvenuto Cellini. The DVD production was directed by Terry Gilliam (best known for Monte Python). The score was either the Weimar version or Paris 2 (I know it wasn’t Paris 1 because of what OFE taught me). Music was great and Gilliam laid on the slapstick really thick. Very sad that this opera is so seldom produced. Even with a little less slapstick, it would be a great treat.

Credit the singers in the show notes, please!

I appreciate this podcast. For me, it does what it’s mission is set to do - makes opera accessible and not so intimidating to someone (me) who knows so little about opera. It inspires me to see them once we can again. I’ve listened to all of them! And loved it and will most likely listen again. Thank you! And thank you for uploading the prior missing 1-46 eps!

For no longer subjecting me to the excruciating “d* blond” bit and letting me enjoy the one COVID era perk -watching free opera streams and listening to podcasts about these operas.

Great for opera newbies to understand the story behind the opera before seeing it I listen to several podcasts before seeing an opera and this is always one of them because jt’s a good blend of music and relevant discussion of the story, theme and characters.

I absolutely love the podcast! Every episode makes me smile, enjoy the music, and learn something new. I love the format where I hear extended excerpts that are interwoven with fabulous commentary. My only chagrin is the missing first 46 episodes, which are referred to frequently in the ones I’ve listened to and which covered operas I’d really love to explore. Can you please make them available? Thank you for a wonderful podcast!

The quality depends on the opera in question. The biggest four gripes I have about this podcast is that they NEVER give credit to the singers of the excerpts we’re hearing. You’d think this is common courtesy, especially given copyright and all. And secondly, sometimes the hosts are too chatty. I really don’t care about their bantering, and would prefer to learn more about the opera. Third, as previous reviewers have pointed out, sometimes they talk about their guesses. I don’t think it’s great to plant unverified ideas of their own into newcomers to opera. Fourth, the analysis about the music part is lacking. It’s like they’re doing an analysis on a theatre play, with some arias thrown in. I would have preferred to learn more about certain musical motifs used etc. Having said this, I do find it useful when giving a primer to an opera newbie. I’m rather familiar with the genre, but I found it to be a great introduction for people who are scared of it. Especially since materials of this kind are hard to come by

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would frequent the Met and other venues for opera in Manhattan. And while we can not converge together at the moment, this podcast brings the theatrical experience home. It also has a nice communal feel to it as if I in the audience again. Thank you for doing this podcast and please stay safe and stay home!

My favorite opera podcast, informative, with depth. Also my favorite combo is Pat with Greg! Greg please come back more.

I’m a newcomer to opera and have really enjoyed these informative discussions. Some more than others because, like movies, there are some operas I haven’t liked so much. I am particularly enthusiastic about the discussion of the Ring. I’m not a fan, but you clarified the story and helped me really appreciate the recent replay by the MET.

This could have been a very good podcast, but many times, the hosts have no idea what they’re talking about, they don’t have a good grasp on the stories (and nor the music), and much of the time they’re “guessing” why something is the way it is, and sometimes they’re just WRONG! I’m not an expert, but listening to episodes on operas that I’ve personally watched, I keep finding errors in what the hosts are saying and that’s very annoying.

I’ve been a regular listener to the Met Opera podcasts since they started. I’ve only listening to this one for a few episodes, but I have found it much more enjoyable and informative. The Akhnaten episode was especially good!

It’s been Three years since I have found a podcast this good. To be fair, I have been waiting for something like this to appear, a show that makes Opera understandable, but it’s far better than I hoped it would be. No idea why this hasn’t been picked up by NPR or isn’t more popular. Perfect amount of music, long enough to appreciate, but short enough to stop from being boring. Cannot recommend highly enough.

I am not new to opera and I think a lot about how I might get this or that friend introduced to it. This podcast is wonderful for folks who are just dipping into it for the first time. Keely is so funny and ‘low brow’ and Pat is so knowledgeable and welcoming, the combination is great. Opera fans can be snooty and people who dont know opera can feel put off or intimidated. This is REALLY too bad! There are lots of places to go for historical details and context. I dont mind one bit that they dont cover some of those details. Keep up the good work!! Yay!

Very informative and engaging - one of my favorite opera podcasts!

In opera we always want to know who it is and the orchestra/conductor and the year With just a few words they could give this information that is customary and so important

This immediately became one of my favorite podcasts. Opera was never my “thing”, I have a few recordings but I usually go for the orchestral works and chamber music. However, I knew I was missing out on a great art form. This podcast is the primer I needed to delve deeper.

This is a great concept, but annoying in its execution. Being young does not mean being foolish and the young host’s manner comes across as a parody of her generation - put on.

Thank you ladies so much for this podcast! I just graduated with an associates degree in vocal performance and absolutely love opera. I’m unable to go back to school this semester but I’ve been loving listening to your podcast! And how crazy is it that of all places for it to broadcast from, you’re in my home state! Thank you thank you and please keep up the good work! 😊

Have really enjoyed the Puccini pods that I listened to. Thanks. Bravo or do you prefer Brava 😆👏

Very enjoyable these gals are great A bit of “Car Talk” like humor Accurate info

Keely and Patricia are hilarious as they romp each week through another opera classic. History, music, literature, and flirty banter make for accessible but thought provoking entertainment.

I am falling in love with opera because of this podcast- love these fun and informative episodes! Keep up the great work, Keely & crew!