Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Ahead of the 2025 Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival, Principal Trombone Brian Wendel shares his thoughts on the power and experience of opera.
This year’s festival explores the theme of reconciliation, anchored by Leoš Janáček’s haunting opera “Jenůfa,” performed in concert on May 17, 22, and 25. Explore the full festival lineup: clevelandorchestra.com/attend/concerts-and-events/2425/festival-2025/mandel-festival-25