Master Peter’s Puppet Theatre has its regional premiere in a co-production by Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Madcap Puppet Theatre and Bowling Green State University. Master Peter is part of the CCO’s first Spanish Legends series, which begins June 7. In this little-known episode, Don Quixote and his faithful page Sancho Panza arrive at an inn where a puppet theatre presents "The Legend of Melisandra." Melisandra is the emperor Charlemagne’s daughter imprisoned by the Moors until the emperor persuades her chess-obsessed husband Don Gayerfos to rescue her. This is not your kids’ puppet show, but it’s not Avenue Q either.  

The fat man sings in CCM ‘s spring opera production of Verdi’s Falstaff. Based on Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV, Falstaff is a fast-paced comedy featuring the Bard’s favorite big guy who lusts after money, food and women (in that order). He goes after two married women to get at their fortunes but he’s no match for clever women, loony lovers and genuine dirty laundry. Verdi’s last work—written when he was in his 80s—is a rollicking score famous for its witty ensemble pieces. May 14-17.  

In The Barber of Seville, the lovers Rosina and Count Almaviva enlist the wily barber Figaro to outwit Rosina’s guardian Dr. Bartolo, who’s determined to marry her for her fortune. Add to the mix a sleazy music teacher, a bumbling maid, lame disguises and the closest shave this side of Sweeney Todd. Thursday-Sunday at the Patricia Corbett Theater.  

As Valentine’s season approaches, Alcina is more operatic astringent than aperitif, beginning as the ultimate revenge fantasy, featuring a dazzling siren who lures men onto her island and when she’s had enough, changes the hapless lovers into animals, vegetables or minerals. Newly appointed J. Ralph Corbett Professor of Opera Robin Guarino makes her CCM stage debut directing Handel’s 1736 opera, moving the setting 200 years forward into the era of Noel Coward’s classy ladies and clueless men. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Free but reservations are required.  

Collaboration is a very active verb in Robin Guarino’s vocabulary.The new J. Ralph Corbett distinguished chair in opera at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music is widely acclaimed for her work with stage designers, choreographers and performers and recognized as an innovative educator training students in the arduous pursuit of a professional opera career.   

Some kids might admit to their parents that they want to play a musical instrument. Some might even want to make it their lives. Tai Murray was like that at the age of 2 — but she also had an uncanny sense others lack. "At a very young age, I knew it would entail a lot of work," Murray says.  

Some kids might admit to their parents that they want to play a musical instrument. Some might even want to make it their lives. Tai Murray was like that at the age of 2 — but she also had an uncanny sense others lack. “At a very young age, I knew it would entail a lot of work,” Murray says. “All that stuff — practice, hard work. I just knew it. I was serious and I kept badgering my mom for the next three years until she said OK and I got the crackerjack box with a ruler and never looked back.” The self-aware toddler has grown into an assured and accomplished violinist, earning critical acclaim for her technique, her virtuosity and her “depth of tone, mature sound and steely sweetness.” She performs Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra 11 a.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday at Music Hall.  

The “Resurrection” symphony has moved audiences for over 100 years. Gilbert Kaplan leads the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the May Festival Chorus and soloists Janice Chandler-Eteme and Christianne Stotijn in the “Resurrection” Symphony with a multi-media presentation on Mahler and his music beforehand. 6:30 p.m. presentation; 8 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday. $12-$95.  

Evans Mirageas has been Cincinnati Opera's artistic director for almost three years, but this is the first season that he can truly call his own. Former Artistic Director Nic Muni set the 2006   

When victims of Hurricane Katrina face delays in getting federal assistance, when Oprah Winfrey is denied service at Hermés' flagship store in Paris as the store is closing and when no cab stops for Danny Glover in midtown Manhattan, the reflex action is to call it racism. Sounds like it is. But what if it isn't?