July 15, Billie and Bing (Holiday/Crosby)

They changed the course of pop singing.

July 22, Jonas Kaufmann

The #1 tenor in todays opera world. Musicality, acting chops, intellect and sex appeal.

July 29, Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) (Part 1)

The late composer started writing lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy before adding composing to his skills.

August 5, Stephen Sondheim (Part 2)

Music and lyrics for musicals with intellect, concluding with his attendance at this years Broadway revival of Company.

August 12, Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Writer of Hollywood film scores for Erroll Flynn and Bette Davis who went on to write works for the classical concert stage.

August 19, Hugh Jackman

The versatile Australian actor whose made his fortune playing Wolverine on screen, but has captured the hearts of Broadway audiences in musicals including this years revival of The Music Man.

Week 1: Wagner’s rapidly maturing style, from his early operas up to his first masterpiece, The Flying Dutchman.

Week 2: The remarkable achievement of Tannhäuser and Lohengrin, and the vexing question of where to go next.

Week 3: Beginning The Ring: crafting the poetry and music for The Rheingold and The Valkyrie.

Week 4: Finishing The Ring: completing the music for Siegfried and The Twilight of the Gods and bringing the massive tetralogy to the stage.

Week 5: The daring innovations of Tristan and Isolde and The Mastersingers of Nuremberg.

Week 6: Wagner’s last and most personal drama, Parsifal; his enduring legacy and influence.