WXXI TV

Explore the making of San Francisco Opera’s “Girls of the Golden West,” which tells the turbulent story of the California Gold Rush.

Great Performances “Land of Gold” airs Friday, November 1 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

With the opera’s title referencing Puccini’s 1910 romantic opera “The Girl of the Golden West,” Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams and famed director Peter Sellars’ opera tells a harsher and more complex story through the letters of writer Louise Clappe who lived in a miners’ settlement in 1850. Spotlighting the behind-the-scenes action during the opera’s rehearsal process, the documentary highlights the creative process as actors and creative team grapple with the historical significance of the material and bringing it to the stage. Two stories are told: One on stage in the present day, and one in the past through the opera. Soprano Julia Bullock stars in the opera as Louise Clappe with mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges as Josefa Segovia, two women among the many men caught up in the quest for wealth in the lawless mountains.

An international cast joins the New York Philharmonic for the American premiere of “Émigré,” a semi-staged oratorio that tells an unusual story of Jewish refugees during World War II.

Great Performances “Émigré: A Musical Drama with the NY Philharmonic” airs Friday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Following the Kristallnacht pogrom of 1938, to escape the looming Nazi threat, two brothers are sent halfway around the world to Shanghai. Otto cherishes his heritage, while Josef seeks a new path, and falls in love with Lina, a Chinese woman recovering from the loss of her mother in the Nanjing Massacre.

A sweeping tale of love and loss, “Émigré” is set to music by film and concert composer Aaron Zigman with lyrics by Grammy-winning librettist Mark Campbell and additional lyrics by Brock Walsh. Long Yu conducts this New York Philharmonic co-commission with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

Photo: Cast members • Credit: Chris Lee

A heart-wrenching story of parental love and unspeakable sacrifice.

Letters From Brno airs Monday, April 14 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

The powerful story of parental love and unspeakable sacrifice during the Holocaust. In an expansive 45-year search for clues to her mother’s hidden past, a daughter uncovers the tragic fate of her grandparents through their letters written during the brutal Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia.

Follow students in Boston and Chicago public schools to witness debate-based pedagogies in action. 

Beyond Debate: A Revolution in Education airs Monday, October 14 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

In high schools across the country, there is a growing belief that debate-based pedagogies improve civility and academic success by encouraging students to think critically, engage in high-level academic discourse, and construct compelling arguments. We follow students in Boston and Chicago public schools to witness the methodology’s impact.

Join the Piano Man for this 1990 concert recorded at the historic stadium in the Bronx.

Billy Joel – Live at Yankee Stadium airs Saturday, October 12 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Shot in 16 mm color film, and meticulously remixed and re-edited, the program includes interviews with Joel and behind-the-scenes footage from that iconic night. The set list includes “Piano Man,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “New York State of Mind” and more.

Behind the scenes at internationally renowned Vectis Toys Auctioneers in Teesside, where buyers and sellers from all over the world come to trade every toy imaginable.

Scouting for Toys airs Sundays, October 6-20 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Iconic American doll brand Barbie goes head-to-head with UK rival, Sindy. Teddy bear expert Jo receives an elderly bear and Mick looks at toy trains with grandson Charlie.

On Sunday, October 6 episodes include:
Ep. 1 Declan’s Star Wars – The Teesside toy auctioneers prepare for a major sale of TV and film memorabilia, and pride of place is given to a vast Star Wars collection.

Ep. 2 Graham Hamilton Matchbox Sale – Graham Hamilton has collected every Matchbox model car released between 1961 to 1982: amassing more than 2000 vehicles, many of them incredibly rare.

Ep. 3 Toy Theatres – The auctioneers try to value a remarkable set of toy theatres – some more than 150 years old with expert advice from Pollock’s Toy Museum.

Ep. 4 Lego – As Lego enthusiast David prepares to release some of his prized sets at auction, Andy and Dave are hoping to pick up some sought after construction boxes for their joint collection.

On Sunday, October 13 episodes include:
Ep. 5 Charlie Bears – Teddy bear expert Jo receives a large collection of Charlie Bear teddies from a single seller, including some very rare bears.

Ep. 6 Meccano – A huge consignment of Meccano arrives from a single seller. It represents a lifetime’s passion and has been well played with but painstakingly restored.

Ep. 7 Antique Dolls – A vast haul of antique dolls arrives in the saleroom, passed on by the husband of a deceased artist. Other highlights include Star Wars toys and a passionate Transit van man.

Ep. 8 Mr. Timpo – Miniature plastic figurine collector Michael Maughan is selling some of his impressive Timpo collection.

On Sunday, October 20 episodes include:
Ep. 9 Karl Lagerfeld – A much sought after, Karl Lagerfeld teddy bear is sent to auction, creating a buzz of excitement among staff and collectors alike.

Ep. 10 Barbie – Iconic American doll brand Barbie goes head-to-head with UK rival, Sindy. Teddy bear expert Jo receives an elderly bear and Mick looks at toy trains with grandson Charlie.