Opera we love 

Aida,"Verdi","Verdi’s Aida (1871) is set in ancient Egypt and follows the doomed love between Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian princess, and Radamès, an Egyptian general. Their love is threatened by war, loyalty, and the jealousy of Amneris, the Pharaoh’s daughter. Commissioned for Cairo’s Khedivial Opera House, it premiered to great acclaim and quickly became central to the operatic canon, famous for its grand spectacle and the Triumphal March. Today it remains one of Verdi’s most performed operas worldwide."

The Barber of Seville,"Rossini","Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (1816) is a comic opera in which the clever barber Figaro helps Count Almaviva win the love of Rosina, who is jealously guarded by her guardian Dr. Bartolo. Based on Beaumarchais’ play, the opera premiered in Rome and—despite a chaotic first night—quickly became a triumph. Its sparkling wit, rapid-fire ensembles, and Figaro’s iconic entrance aria made it one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire."

Tosca,"Puccini","Puccini’s Tosca (1900) is a political thriller set in Rome during Napoleon’s invasion. The opera follows singer Floria Tosca, her lover Cavaradossi, and the sadistic police chief Scarpia. Themes of love, torture, tyranny, and sacrifice drive the plot toward its devastating triple tragedy. Initially criticised for violence and realism, Tosca soon became a staple due to its taut drama and Puccini’s soaring melodies."

Rigoletto,"Verdi","Rigoletto (1851) tells the tragic story of the jester Rigoletto, his innocent daughter Gilda, and the predatory Duke of Mantua. When the Duke seduces Gilda, Rigoletto seeks revenge, only for his plan to backfire catastrophically. Based on Victor Hugo’s play, the opera overcame censorship battles before premiering to immediate success. Its unforgettable arias—especially “La donna è mobile”—cemented its enduring popularity."

Don Giovanni,"Mozart","Mozart’s Don Giovanni (1787) blends comedy, drama, and the supernatural in the tale of the legendary seducer Don Giovanni. After murdering the Commendatore, Giovanni continues his reckless pursuits until a stone statue of the Commendatore drags him to hell. Characters include Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, Zerlina, and Leporello. Premiered in Prague, the opera was instantly celebrated for its psychological depth and dazzling score."

Madame Butterfly,"Puccini","Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (1904) follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries American naval officer Pinkerton, believing in his love. When he abandons her and later returns with an American wife, tragedy unfolds. Initially a failure at La Scala, the revised version soon became one of Puccini’s most beloved operas, admired for its emotional intensity and lyrical beauty."

The Magic Flute,"Mozart","The Magic Flute (1791) is a fantastical Singspiel following Prince Tamino and the bird-catcher Papageno as they undergo trials to rescue Pamina and attain wisdom under Sarastro’s guidance. The Queen of the Night provides the opera’s most famous coloratura fireworks. Premiering in Vienna shortly before Mozart’s death, it was an immediate popular success and remains one of the most frequently performed operas."

La Bohème,"Puccini","La bohème (1896) portrays the lives of young bohemians in Paris, focusing on the tender but tragic love between poet Rodolfo and seamstress Mimì. Based on Henri Murger’s stories, the opera premiered in Turin under Toscanini. Though initially overshadowed by a rival version, Puccini’s soon dominated, becoming one of the most beloved operas for its emotional immediacy and melodic richness."

Bizet’s Carmen (1875) tells the story of the free-spirited Carmen and her destructive affair with soldier Don José, who abandons duty and honour for her, only to kill her in a jealous rage. Premiering in Paris, it shocked audiences with its realism and moral ambiguity. Bizet died before witnessing its rise to global fame; within a decade it became one of the most performed operas."

Based on Dumas’ novel 'The Lady of the Camellias', its intimate drama and unforgettable arias made it one of Verdi’s most enduring works. La Traviata (1853) follows Violetta Valéry, a Parisian courtesan who finds true love with Alfredo but is pressured to sacrifice her happiness for his family’s honour - Violetta being seen as a disreputable woman of loose living, thereby threatening the marriage of Alfredo's sister

Romeo and Juliet,"Prokofiev","Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet (1935–38) adapts Shakespeare’s tragedy into a sweeping orchestral drama. Featuring iconic music such as “Dance of the Knights,” it tells the story of the star-crossed lovers through expressive choreography. After political delays and revisions, it premiered in Brno in 1938 and later in the Soviet Union, becoming one of the most celebrated ballets of the 20th century."

Eugene Onegin,"Tchaikovsky","Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (1879) adapts Pushkin’s novel into lyrical scenes centred on Tatiana’s unrequited love for the aloof Onegin, his fatal duel with Lensky, and his later regret. Premiering in Moscow, it gained popularity gradually, admired for its psychological subtlety and faithful use of Pushkin’s poetry. Today it is a cornerstone of Russian opera."

Hamlet,"Ambroise Thomas","Thomas’s Hamlet (1868) reimagines Shakespeare through French grand opera, focusing on Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, and Gertrude. With ballet scenes, ghostly apparitions, and Ophelia’s famous mad scene, it differs from Shakespeare by allowing Hamlet to survive in some versions. Premiering at the Paris Opera, it became Thomas’s greatest success and remained in the repertoire for decades before modern revivals renewed interest."