Fidelio

Learning resources for high school classrooms

We are excited to give teachers and students a glimpse into the story, music and images of Lyric's 2024 production of Fidelio. The presentation below serves to prepare classes for the performance experience. It can be used as a quick reference or a longer study guide with prompts for deeper consideration both before and after coming to the theater.

This slide deck contains:

  • A list of characters
  • A summary of the story
  • Literary and artistic themes
  • Listening examples
  • About the writers
  • Discussion prompts

Click on the three dots on the bottom left corner of the deck to expand to a full-screen view.

Videos

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Designing Fidelio with Alexander V. Nichols

Set and projection designer Alexander V. Nichols discusses the real-life inspiration behind this contemporary production of Beethoven's Fidelio.

Director Mathew Ozawa on the legacy of Beethoven's FIDELIO

Since its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's Fidelio has served as a symbol of hope for generations of people afflicted by oppression and tyranny. In this conversation, Director Matthew Ozawa discusses his contemporary take on the timeless opera.

Header image: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera

Featured music provided by EMI Classics: Christa Ludwig, Jon Vickers, Walter Berry, Gottlob Frick, Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus, conducted Otto Klemperer