06/13/2026
Opera Club: Massenet’s "Thaïs"
Sunday, June 14th, 1:00-4:00 PM
June's Opera Club features Thaïs, a rarely heard work from composer Jules Massenet. The Metropolitan Opera's 2008 production stars soprano Renée Fleming as the glamorous courtesan who undergoes a religious conversion. It's a role that suits the singer perfectly, sitting mostly midrange, where her voice is at its most rich and sensual. Baritone Thomas Hampson sings the role of the monk Athanaël, who wants to save Thaïs from her wicked ways, while lusting after her. Maestro Jesus Lopez-Cobos meets Massenet's melodic gem with great sensitivity.
Sung in French and shown with English subtitles, the opera runs three hours, including intermission. All adults are welcome.
This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Edgartown Free Public Library.