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Phoenix Conservatory of Music

Music Without Borders

Opera and Popcorn

OPERA and POPCORN™

Welcome opera lovers! And a special welcome to those who may be opera-curious.

Last season, I was delighted to share my love of opera with a dynamic group of like-minded

aficionados. I am pleased to announce the re-launch of my lecture series starting Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Did you know that, since 2006, the Metropolitan Opera (New York) has broadcast via satellite live opera performances in high-definition to movie theaters around the world? If you haven’t attended one of these Saturday afternoon screenings, then you are in for a treat!

Opera began as an elite courtly entertainment in 17th-century Florence, Italy. Today, opera is anything but elitist. The Saturday-afternoon Metropolitan Opera simulcasts are presented in movie theatres around the world. Boring? No – thrilling, as they combine brilliant music, audacious singing, fantastic sets and costumes, along with fun backstage interviews with the divas and conductors. You can enjoy the performance in the company of other music lovers, while you nosh on your favorite concession treats (something you cannot do inside an opera house). Buying a Cineplex theater ticket costs a fraction of what a seat inside the Metropolitan Opera would cost – or any opera house for that matter.

Opera is often sung in foreign languages. Of course, the MET performances are subtitled in English, which keep you connected and informed throughout – no fear.

You may be asking yourself: Isn’t the opera simulcast a bit overwhelming for a non-musician? How do you know what to listen for? That’s where I come in. Opera and Popcorn is an online lecture series presented by me, Joe Ringhofer – aka, The Phoenix! I have been giving opera talks to general audiences for more than 40 years. I bring the composer, story, and music to life in a fun and engaging way. Before each lecture, each participant will be sent a Fun Fact Sheet that simplifies the plot, while sharing a few hot tips about the music. During my presentation, we will view short performances of some of the main musical numbers. This means that if you choose to attend the Cineplex simulcast a few days later*, you will arrive pumped and ready to enjoy the experience.  Even if you cannot attend the theater showing, you will enjoy the Sunday-evening presentations in and of themselves.

*Some of my presentations will be 2-3 weeks in advance of the MET broadcast, because of Thanksgiving & travel plans in Dec/Jan.

Here’s what you need to know about Opera and Popcorn…

  • The course includes 7 90-minute lectures covering the six scheduled HD MET opera simulcasts
  • Each of the lectures takes place online, using a web platform that I have been using since 2008 for all of my online teaching
  • My live presentations will take place online on Sundays, from 7 – 8:30 PM Eastern (with a 5-minute Intermission)
  • The night before each lecture, participants will receive the classroom link, as well as a plot summaries (LITE & FULL), which they may choose to print off for future reference.
  • Every lecture is recorded. At the end of the evening, I will send everyone a password-protected link to the lecture. This way, if someone misses our Sunday evening session, or, if they would like to review my presentation, they may do so.
  • The tuition cost for the 7 lectures is $140 CDN.

There are a limited number of spaces available for the live online Sunday-night lectures. Early registration/payment will secure you a spot.

 Opera lecture schedule including Cineplex dates:

  • Lecture 1: Sunday, September 27, 2026, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

Così fan tutte (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 1 PM Eastern

  • Lecture 2: Sunday, October 4, 2026, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

Macbeth (Giuseppe Verdi)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 1 PM Eastern

  • Lecture 3: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

Samson et Delila (Camille Saint-Saëns)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 12 PM Eastern (note early start)

  • Lecture 4: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

La Fanciulla del West (Giacomo Puccini)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, January 23, 2027 at 1 PM Eastern

  • Lecture 5: Sunday, March 28, 2027, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

Manon (Jules Massenet)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, April 3, 2027 at 12 PM Eastern (note early start)

  • Lecture 6: Sunday, April 18, 2027, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

Otello (Giuseppe Verdi)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, April 24, 2027 at 1 PM Eastern

  • Lecture 7: Sunday, May 30, 2027, 7-8:30 PM Eastern

Parsifal (Richard Wagner)

Cineplex Presentation: Saturday, June 5, 2027 at 12 PM Eastern (note early start)

 Some Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the tuition cost per person?

No – it’s for the household. Some of you may wish to Chromecast my presentation on your Smart tv. That way, the family can share in the experience for one low price. If you live alone, and would like to have a neighbor over to share in this experience, I don’t have a problem with that. For this reason, I am not offering a Senior or Student fee for the course. Of course, music teachers can write-off the cost as part of their professional development. What can I say? It’s the best I can do.

 Are the Cineplex movie tickets included?

Alas, no. Neither your Cineplex ticket, nor your concessions treats are included here.

 How can I locate a Cineplex theatre near me that will be showing the opera?

Check out https://www.metopera.org/season/in-cinemas/theater-finder/

Or, look up the listing for your local Cineplex. In Toronto, at least pre-Covid, most theatres were sold out, so you may wish to purchase your movie tickets in advance.  I will be attending the operas at the Galaxy Theatres in nearby Collingwood, Ontario, where you might have 50 people in the audience. You are welcome to join me “up here”, after which you can explore the beauty of Collingwood and neighboring Blue Mountain (ski resort).

Can I buy just one or two lectures in your series?

No. I am a one-man operation. I cannot fathom the administrative demands if I offered

an à la carte lecture menu. Plus, I want to create an online community – a group of music lovers enjoying a shared common experience.

 Am I obligated to attend every Cineplex presentation?

Based on the lectures you attend on Sunday nights, attend all, or, only the operas that ignite your imagination and passion. Of course, after each online presentation, I will send you a link to

a (subtitled) performance available for free on YouTube.

 Do I have to have a computer to attend your online lectures?

No. I have students attending classes on their tablet and smartphone. Of course, you will need a secure internet signal.

 Am I required to “participate” in any way during your presentation?

No. There is a Chat Box in which you can type a question or comment if you wish.

You need to sign in using your name when entering the online classroom, but you do not require to be seen. Once we get started, I always ask people to turn off their microphones and cameras to preserve broadband.

Can I sign up for the course at the last minute?

Maybe – it just depends if the cyber classroom is already full. Once I have your payment, your spot is secured. If the course is “full”, you can still sign up and enjoy the recordings of my presentations.

Are your presentations kid-friendly?

That depends on the kid.  For example, the course would appeal to some of my young students (12-13 years) who have completed music history courses with me in the past. While ALL of the

operas that I will be discussing contain intrigue, murder, passion, and more, they can and will be presented “tastefully” but compellingly! 😊

I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN ME!