8:05 a.m., Sept. 22, 2009----“Many people who think opera is not for them have just not experienced it,” says Larry Peterson, opera trip leader for the University of Delaware's Professional and Continuing Studies since 1980. UD's opera studytrips are open both to seasoned opera fans as well as new participants wishing to take in a world-class performing arts experience.

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The 2009-10 studytrip season includes nine Saturday matinee performances of the internationally-acclaimed Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in New York City. Peterson serves as trip leader, providing advance opera study notes to participants, and accompanying the group for many of the season's performances. The other trip leaders also are UD faculty members.

“The opera studytrips have very dedicated and enthusiastic followers,” says Peterson. “My goal for all participants is that they will enjoy the experience and be able to say that they learned something new.” Peterson is a retired UD professor of music who taught and developed many opera and music courses at the University.

The operas are sung in Italian, German, or French, with Met Titles in English. The Metropolitan Opera custom-designed its own translation system consisting of electronic screens at each seat with English subtitles for simultaneous translation of the words sung on stage.

This season's UD series includes the following performances:

Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Sept. 26 - The Met's performance of Mozart's mystical fairy tale is produced by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, made famous by her designs for The Lion King on Broadway. The opera is known for Mozart's inclusion of Masonic themes.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), Oct. 31 - This hugely popular Rossini opera has spectacular singing and great comic timing. “Patrons and performers alike are allowed to be silly and glorious at the same time,” says The New York Times.

La Damnation de Faust (The Damnation of Faust), Nov. 14 - Robert Lepage's production of this Berlioz opera has amazed audiences through its use of virtual scenery, interactive video, and aerial acrobatics.

Il Trittico, Nov. 28 - Three productions in one, Il Trittico consists of three one-act Puccini operas: Il Taborro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi. The New York Times calls it the most elaborate show in the Met's current repertory.

Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann), Dec. 19 - This Offenbach opera is based on three stories by E. T. A. Hoffmann, the 19th century Romantic writer of fantasy and horror. Tony Award winner Bart Sher describes his production as “a magical journey in which the character works out different manifestations of his psyche.”

Turandot, Jan. 23 - Franco Zeffirelli's breathtaking production of this Puccini opera stars Maria Guleghina in the title role of the ruthless princess.

Ariadne auf Naxos, Feb. 20 - Tragedy and comedy combine in this opera within an opera. Strauss's dual gifts for groundbreaking modernity and classical elegance come together in a smart and fanciful production. The great Swedish diva Nina Stemme makes a rare appearance in the title role.

Hamlet, March 27 - When this production opened in London's Covent Garden, the Independent called Simon Keenlyside's Hamlet “a revelation.” Natalie Dessay plays Ophelia, whose mad scene is among the greatest in opera.

Armida, May 1 - This new production of Rossini's opera stars Renée Fleming as the sorceress who enthralls men in her island prison of sensual delights.

Tickets are available for individual opera performances or for the full Saturday matinee series. Individual ticket price ranges from $105 to $250 depending on seat choice. Fee includes opera ticket, advance study notes, round trip motorcoach transportation, and bus driver gratuity.

The bus departs from Clayton Hall, Newark, at 7 a.m., and from the Wilmington campus, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., at 7:30 a.m., and begins the return trip from New York City at approximately 4:30 p.m. Independent time for dining, visiting museums, or shopping is provided prior to the performance. Participants also may purchase a bus-trip-only option, and spend the day in New York on their own.

For more information or to register, call (302) 831-1171, write to [studytrips@udel.edu], or visit the Web site.