Burton D. Fisher is a former opera conductor who studied at the Mannes and Juilliard schools. He is presently author and publisher of over 150 published books and essays about opera: the Opera Classics Library Series; Opera Journeys Mini Guide Series; Opera Journeys Libretto Series; the popular college textbook, A History of Opera: Milestones and Metamorphoses; the Opera Classics Library Puccini Companion; and the annual guide Opera at Movie Theaters. He has been principal lecturer for the Opera Showcase Series and Biographies in Music Series given at Florida International University and at many other venues; a commissioned author for Season Opera Guides and Program Notes for regional opera companies; a translator of librettos for new CD/DVD releases for SONY-BMG; and a frequent opera commentator on National Public Radio.