­"A Celebration of Cincinnati Opera" by Charles Parsons offers a unique personal reflection on the 87-year history of Cincinnat­i Opera. The 500-plus page book offers little-known, behind-the-scenes stories about Cincinnati Opera from its beginning in 1920 at the Cincinnati Zoo through the Opera’s 2007 season. Also featured in the book are rarely-seen photos of artists and productions. "A Celebration of Cincinnati" Opera is $45 and is available for purchase at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and at Cincinnati Opera by calling (513) 768-5500.

Hear Charles talk about his book on WVXU.

Watch Charles on the CETconnect video about the history of Cincinnati Opera.

About Charles Parsons
Charles H. Parsons, a well-known opera scholar, critic, and performer, has been involved in almost every facet of opera research and production. He is author of the Mellen Opera Reference Index—an on-going series on many aspects of opera (35 volumes now published)—and is a music critic for American Record Guide, Opera (London), and Opera News. His latest book, "A Celebration of Cincinnati Opera," will be published this December. Mr. Parsons is frequently engaged as a lecturer for Cincinnati Opera and many other arts organizations as well as the University of Cincinnati’s College of Continuing Education and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.