Audio Description
Opera Philadelphia partners with Art-Reach and Nicole Sardella to provide Audio Description services at select live performances as well as digitally, on the Opera Philadelphia Channel.
At live performances, Audio Description is live, verbal narration of stage action, actors’ facial expressions, sets, costumes, lighting, props, and more. Prior to the performance, guests are also invited to tune into Pre-Show Notes where further details about the plot, translations, and venue will be shared. Guests are able to connect to Audio Description by downloading the LiveVoice app to their personal mobile device and entering a unique 6-digit performance code at the venue (see below). Guests are responsible for bringing their own noise-cancelling headphones or ear piece. Alternate accommodations will be made for those who are unable to provide their own mobile device or headset. Please contact us in advance.
Download the LiveVoice app for iOS | Android
Watch an informational video about LiveVoice here >>
On the Opera Philadelphia Channel, Audio Description is embedded into the streaming content and available as a unique video on the Channel. Pre-Show Notes are included at the beginning of each film or between acts. See below for a list of audio described productions on the Channel.
For questions regarding Audio Description or to schedule a test of LiveVoice on your personal device, please contact Steven Humes, Manager of Audience Development, at humes@operaphila.org or 215.893.5903
Audio Description on the Opera Philadelphia Channel
Opera Philadelphia Channel
Subscribe to the Opera Philadelphia Channel to enjoy each of the following Audio Description performances.
La traviata
In October 2015, rising soprano Lisette Oropesa made her role debut as Violetta in a new production of Verdi’s La traviata at the Academy of Music, serving notice that this would be one of the definitive roles of her career. Pre-show notes are available at the beginning of the opera as well as during intermissions.
Cycles of My Being
Cycles of My Being, a song cycle that centers on what it means to be a Black man living in America today, had its world premiere on February 20, 2018 in Philadelphia with tenor Lawrence Brownlee and conducted by the composer, Tyshawn Sorey. Pre-show notes are available at the beginning of the performance.
La voix humaine
Star soprano Patricia Racette takes her acclaimed interpretation of Elle from the stage to the screen in this new film of one of opera’s most powerful monodramas. Directed by the visionary James Darrah (director, Breaking the Waves; creative producer & co-screenwriter, Soldier Songs) and filmed at the gilded Elkins Estate in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. Pre-show notes are available at the beginning of the performance.
TakTakShoo
Journey towards joy and rebirth with TakTakShoo. This World Premiere fuses opera and K-pop, marimba, electronics and dance, to create an eclectic sound and movement world. Pre-show notes are available at the beginning of the performance.
Audio Description for the Opera Philadelphia 2023-2024 Season has been underwritten by PECO.