Who’s Afraid of Opera?

About the Series

Whether you’re discovering opera for the first time or have loved it for years, Who’s Afraid of Opera? is an engaging and entertaining lecture series that reveals why opera continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Join acclaimed San Francisco Opera dramaturg emeritus Kip Cranna as he brings opera to life through fascinating stories, memorable musical excerpts, and behind-the-scenes insights. With warmth, humor, and decades of experience, Cranna makes opera approachable, illuminating the characters, emotions, and music that make this art form so powerful.

Each lecture features carefully selected video performances and lively commentary that will deepen your appreciation of opera while showing that you don’t need to speak Italian, German, or French—or know anything about opera—to enjoy it.

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or already a devoted fan, you’ll leave with a new understanding of why opera has thrilled audiences for centuries.

Come discover that opera isn’t something to be intimidated by—it’s something to enjoy.