
In Focus, a new podcast series from the Metropolitan Opera, introduces audience members to the operatic masterpieces presented in the company's award-winning Live in HD cinema transmissions. Hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger, In Focus provides historical context about the works and their creators, as well as insightful commentary about the drama and the music, accompa... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 17 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | ArtsPerforming ArtsMusic | ||||

A spectral sea captain, cursed to wander the open ocean for eternity—unless the true love of a woman can save him. Learn more about Wagner's Der Fliegende Holländer with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio commentator, and staff writer ... more
Powerful men and—especially—women deceive and seduce one another to achieve their selfish ends, in a political satire as relevant now as ever. Learn more about Handel's Agrippina with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio commentator, and... more
An ordinary soldier is driven to madness and murder by an intolerable cocktail of humiliation, jealousy, and the indignities of daily life—his suffering made visceral by one of opera's most powerful scores. Learn more about Berg's Wozzeck with our In... more
A young pharaoh transforms ancient Egypt with his revolutionary religious ideas—a tale made modern through Philip Glass's mesmerizing and distinctive musical style. Learn more about Akhnaten with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio comm... more
A clash of cultures and the heartless abandonment of a naïve young Japanese geisha lead to one of opera's most devastating and emotionally direct tragedies. Learn more about Puccini's Madama Butterfly with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio co... more
A beautiful ingénue with a taste for the finer things makes her way to Paris, where she becomes irresistible to the men around her—including the passionate Chevalier des Grieux, whose all-consuming love for her leads to ruin. Learn more about Massene... more
In ancient China, a princess tests the worthiness of her suitors by posing a series of riddles—killing those who answer incorrectly—until a brave warrior proves he's up to the challenge. Learn more about Puccini's Turandot with our In Focus podcast, ... more
From a convent in northeastern France, amid the chaos of the Revolution, an order of nuns commit the ultimate act of martyrdom, giving opera one of its most devastating and unforgettable final scenes. Learn more about Francis Poulenc's Dialogues des ... more
the Met Opera Guild will delve deeper into each opera- bit with this podcast I get a neat package that explores all the necessary components of the work. I love listening to it right before seeing the show so that I’m as informed and excited as I can be.
I never appreciated Opera. I didn’t even know where to begin. Did some research and found this podcast.
I dove right in with what was the most recent podcast. Then I started going back to previous episodes. I can now hold a conversation with the most snootiest upper class folk.
I also started to understand the complexities of the music and stories. Definitely a must for newbies as well as hardcore enthusiasts of this particular art-form that is both unique and complex.
We look forward to listening to William Berger‘s podcast while we are driving to each HD performance. William Berger has the ability to make us excited about the opera we are about to see.
William Berger’s intros for operas that will presented in HD are terrific. Only complaint: wish they longer, particularly the podcast about Marnie. But that trivial complaint aside, the podcasts are great and I look forward eagerly to each new one.
I really appreciate these previews. I love opera but don't know much. These podcasts help me enjoy the HD broadcasts even more than I did before. I think one of the things that makes them so good is the combination of an opera's history and story with excerpts.
For those of us who long to understand and appreciate Opera, but may never have had much opportunity, the HD opera broadcasts have been a gift. This podcast adds so much to the experience when we are able to get a brief preview. I’m especially pleased to have had a reference to the recent history of Aida, having watched the documentary of The Opera House on PBS with Leontyne Price discussing her role. Delighted with this offering!
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #238 | |
Apple Podcasts | #46 | |
Apple Podcasts | #66 |









Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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The Met: In Focus launched 8 years ago and published 17 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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