For the past week, I've been on a tea drinking kick.  Thanks to my local specialty tea shop, I have a wide selection of black, green, and white teas sitting in my pantry waiting to be brewed and enjoyed.  After sipping the last bit of Friday morning's white tea selection (silver tips to be exact, which was superb), I got the idea to research and learn about successful and prominent Asian classical composers.  I'm happy I did, because I discovered a few composers of which I've never heard.  Though my list is brief, this should give you a good starting point if you're looking to add to your classical music library.  Here is my list of 5 famous Asian classical composers.

It may be wishful thinking, but now that warm weather has officially rolled in and taken stay and the flowers are in bloom I cannot get visions of summer out of my head.  So to tide myself over for the time being, I thought I'd put together my annual list of summer classical music festivals.   Though I'd like to list every single one, here are a handful of 2013 summer classical music festivals around the US that will surely be worth a visit.

One of the earliest known English operas, Henry Purcell's first opera, Dido and Aeneas, is based on the Roman poet Virgil's Aeneid.  It is believed the opera was first performed in 1688.   After 325 years, the opera, having survived many rewrites and adaptions, is still quite successful today.  Learn the synopsis of Dido and Aeneas.

Wrapping up this week's look at Jules Massenet's opera, Le Cid, here is one last aria that gives insight into the protagonists heart.  Sadly, I couldn't find a clip for you to listen to while you read the lyrics.  If anything, it will give you a better understanding of the opera.   Learn the lyrics and translation of "Percé jusques au fond du coeur."