We welcome everyone to enjoy opera, a rich and exciting art form full of sounds, sights, and music.
Audio Commentary Service
Pittsburgh Opera offers an Audio Commentary service for patrons with visual impairments during the Tuesday* performances at all our productions (unless other date is specified).
- Dvořák's Rusalka • September 20, 2022 • The Benedum Center
- Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro • November 8, 2022 • The Benedum Center
- Handel's Ariodante • January 24, 2023 • CAPA School Theater
- Verdi's Il Trovatore • March 28, 2023 • The Benedum Center
- Venables and Huffman's Denis & Katya • May 9, 2023 • Bitz Opera Factory
- Roumain and Joseph's We Shall Not Be Moved • May 18, 2023 (Thursday matinee) • The August Wilson Center
Through Assistive Listening Devices,patrons can hear the supertitles read simultaneously with their appearance on the screen, as well as hear descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes. Channel 1 on the Infrared Hearing Devices is audio amplification only. Channel 2 on the Infrared Hearing Devices includes music and Audio Commentary. A patron may reserve a seat in advance by calling 412-281-0912, extension 213.
An all-volunteer team has provided the Audio Commentary service since 2003. Several team members provide individual assistance to patrons as they pick up Assistive Listening Devices. Another team member reads from the program book ten minutes before each act of the performance—the "pre-show". Another team member reads the Supertitles and describes the visual aspects of the stage—the "play-by-play". We're thankful to our volunteers who provide this service each season!
Pittsburgh Opera Audio Commentary Team— Julia, Ray, Jan, Donna, and Mary Ann
Braille and Large-Print Programs
Braille and large-print programs are available at each performance.
Hearing Assistance
Infrared hearing devices are available at our Benedum Center performances. Channel 1 on the Infrared Hearing Devices is for audio amplification.
Opera Study Guides
The Study Guides for each opera are posted in PDF format on the Pittsburgh Opera website in advance of the opera's opening, and are available in paper form at all performances, in the lobby area.
For more information about Pittsburgh Opera programs for Adults, please email Marilyn Michalka Egan, Ph.D., Director of Education, or call her at 412-281-0912, ext. 242.
