Book and opera lovers, we have a fun new partnership to announce!
We are collaborating with Arizona Opera on their 2022/2023 season and Book Club by providing lists of books that correspond with the season's performances. Louis and Casey, Joel D. Valdez Main Library, have curated lists that you're sure to enjoy! Before we get to the books, though, find more information about the virtual book clubs on Arizona Opera's website, where you can also find information about performance dates and times.
The Falling and the Rising
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Reading: Present through October 13, 2022
This month's book is Soldier Girls: The Battles of Three Women at Home and at War by Helen Thorpe
Meeting: October 13, 2022 at 6 pm
A powerful story of service and sacrifice, based on interviews with returning soldiers at the Walter Reed National Medical Center, The Falling and the Rising takes place largely in the mind of a soldier following a roadside attack. Follow her through a coma-induced dreamscape as she has powerful and moving encounters with fellow service members.
Ariadne Auf Naxos
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Reading: October 13 - December 1
Meeting: December 1, 2022 at 6 pm, Zoom link
A wealthy gentleman in Vienna commissions two pieces of entertainment as an after-dinner treat for his guests: a dramatic tragic opera and a comedy by a troupe of actors. Unfortunately, the dinner is running late, and the two ensembles are forced to perform on stage together, at the same time. Ariadne auf Naxos delivers a deliciously theatrical mix of humor and exceptionally beautiful music, bringing surprise and delight at every possible turn.
Tosca
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Reading: December 1 - January 19
Meeting: January 19, 2023 at 6 pm, Zoom link
Set in 19th century Rome during the Napoleonic wars, Chief of Police, Baron Scarpia, has long lusted after Rome's diva, Floria Tosca. When Scarpia suspects Tosca's lover, Cavaradossi, of assisting an escaped political prisoner, Scarpia seizes the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. He will manipulate Tosca into revealing the prisoner's hiding place and Cavaradossi's involvement and have her for himself.
The Sound of Music
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Reading: January 19 - March 2
Meeting: March 2, 2023 at 6 pm, Zoom link
Based on the 1949 memoir, The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family in Austria. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. He is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, but he opposes the Nazis. In order to save his family, Captain and Maria must make a difficult decision that could alter all of their lives.
The Magic Flute
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Reading: March 2 - April 16
Meeting: April 6, 2023 at 6 pm, Zoom link
Mozart expertly combines the human and the supernatural, along with comedy and romance, to draw us into a world where a prince, assisted by musical instruments enhanced with magical powers, goes on a quest to rescue the princess. Triumphant over every obstacle in their search for truth and enlightenment—in the end—the young couple are united in love and happiness.
