Most of us expect certain happenings when we see musical theater—people sporadically bursting into song and dance, quick-witted one liners, facials that would be frightening in normal conversation, and bright lights that have our eyes saying “ohhhhh.”

by Joe Shriner

Looking for music, a melding of culture, and a lot of family drama? No, this is not an article about French Quarter Fest. On Friday night and Sunday afternoon, the New Orleans Opera Association will perform one of Puccini’s most beloved operas, Madame Butterfly, with a New Orleans-raised tenor appearing in one of the principal roles.

by Joe Shriner

Here’s a question for you: What do Shchedrin, Schnittke, and Shostakovich share in common besides having names beginning in “s” that are hard to pronounce? All three are prolific 20th century Russian composers who lived under Soviet rule. All three orchestrated passionate music incorporating elements of irony and dissonance. And all of them had the ability to create moods that could best be described as deeply emotional and, well, funereal.

by Joe Shriner

Classical music lovers may want to put on their ushankas and wool coats this weekend as the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will be whisking its audience to more wintry climes, presenting works by Russian and Scandinavian composers Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Jean Sibelius.

by Sarah Esenwein

A spectral night of cutting-edge ballet performance is set to amaze Mahalia theater-goers on Saturday night as NOBA welcomes back to the stage the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company. The ASFB returns to New Orleans after five years with some of the dancing world’s most talented choreographers and dancers to thrill theater-goes with a night of artistically innovative and inspired dance.

New Orleanians are used to speculating around this time of year that Leonard Cohen will finally make his first stop at the Fair Grounds. This year, the Canadian poet-troubadour will put the rumors to rest. The man who penned classics like "Hallelujah" and So Long Marianne" is not coming to JazzFest, but he will get the Mahalia Jackson stage all to himself on March 28. Cohen will make his debut performance in the Big Easy as part of his Old Ideas World Tour.

We’re only five days out from Christmas, and the New Orleans Craft Mafia is setting up a last stop shop event to help you get your gifting in order. Check out Mary Poppins at Mahalia Jackson, some Acrocats at the Shadowbox, and more! Happy Birthday to Walter “Wolfman” Washington, born on December 20, 1943.

A lot of people are paying it forward in the Big Easy, with a concert from the City to benefit Sandy victims, and Cash Money giving out turkeys for local kids. On this day in 1922, Louisiana’s Governor John M. Parker conferred with President Harding on KKK violence in the state. Now, more on Tuesday’s events.

Along with trains of hope and Frenchmen eateries, City Hall is getting involved in the outpouring of New Orleans support for those who found their lives upended by Superstorm Sandy. Earlier this week, officials announced a Nov. 20 benefit concert that would send money to Northeast nonprofits through the City's NOLA Pay It Foward fund. With the week winding down, the lineup for the Mahalia Jackson Theatre extravaganza was announced, and many of New Orleans' favorites made the cut. Click through to view:

Tonight, catch great jazz all over the city, see a chilling 25th anniversary performance of the classic Les Miserables, or get in touch with your inner Cajun with Bruce Daigrepont. Today in 1992, Professor Longhair was one of the inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.