We are less than two weeks away from the Pittsburgh premiere of The Little Prince, an opera for all ages based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella of the same name. The Little Prince has charmed readers for decades with its poetic exploration of love, loss, and the wisdom of children. This timeless tale has captivated audiences worldwide, resonating across cultures and generations. But how did this philosophical children's book make its way from the page to the opera stage?

Let’s explore the fascinating journey of The Little Prince—from its creation by a wartime pilot in exile to Rachel Portman’s transformative adaptation. Discover how this iconic work has continued to evolve, enchanting audiences anew with every artistic reincarnation.

Rossini’s La donna del lago is a story with deep roots in Scottish history. Based on the narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott, The Lady of the Lake, the story concerns the power struggle between King James V for control over the Scottish Highlands — and for the heart of Elena.

Some of the characters in La donna del lago are based on real people, while others take inspiration from the historical figures of the time. Let’s get to know the characters from this under-performed operatic gem!

La donna del lago is a rich story of love, loyalty, courage, and compassion — but did you know that it’s also rooted in real historical events?

La donna del lago takes its plot and name from Sir Walter Scott’s narrative poem, The Lady of the Lake. Scott is often considered to be one of the first writers of historical fiction, and many of his works focus on the real events that shaped his homeland.