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Thomas Hampson

Music Interviews

The Operatic Punch in Mahler's Symphonies

Gustav Mahler once said, "The symphony is a world; it must contain everything." For the famous composer, that meant writing symphonic music with the dramatic punch and poignancy of opera.

The Operatic Punch in Mahler's Symphonies

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How Is The White House Like The Opera House?

With the presidential election set for Tuesday, we take a look at operas that tackle today's toughest political issues. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

Deceptive Cadence

How Is The White House Like The Opera House?

Terrorism, worrying about China and immigration from Mexico — these sound like topics for Obama vs. Romney, but these pressing political issues have also found their way into today's opera houses. Watch excerpts from five contemporary operas that grapple with these hot potatoes head-on.

Sept. 11 On The Opera Stage: Christopher Theofanidis' 'Heart Of A Soldier'

Thomas Hampson (left) stars as Rick Rescorla in the opera Heart of A Soldier, by Christopher Theofanidis, which receives its world premiere Sept. 10 at the San Francisco Opera. Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera hide caption

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Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera

Deceptive Cadence

Sept. 11 On The Opera Stage: Christopher Theofanidis' 'Heart Of A Soldier'

Opera is filled with heroes. But few are like Rick Rescorla, a decorated Army veteran who lost his life on Sept. 11 while saving 2700 others.

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