David T. Little: Vinkensport, or the Finch Opera

OPERA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020
8:30 PM (7:30PM CST)

Houston Grand Opera Stream

Free (registration required)
https://www.houstongrandopera.org/events-tickets/hgo-digital/vinkensport-or-the-finch-opera/vinkensport-or-the-finch-opera/

Not that we engage in ranking on this List, but David T. Little is the best current American opera composer (unless Missy Mazzoli is).  When Little and ace librettist Royce Vavrek came upon a Times article in 2007 about a viciously competitive Flemish sport in which finches are coaxed to chirp, the one who chirps the most signifying the winner, they knew they'd found an opera plot even better than Il Trovatore's.  Three years later, this piece was the result.  And when someone recently figured out they could line up six birdcages six feet apart in someone's backyard, this video realization ensued.  It will stream until November 22.  I honestly think this will be one of the events of The Quarantine.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:  Brouwerij Dilewyns Vicaris Tripel Gueuze.  You will not believe how delicious it is.