What's Opera Doc?

Warner Bros. Cartoon Characters

Before Baby Einstein or Disney's Little Einsteins, America's youth was introduced to classical music of Piotr Tchaikovsky, Edvard Grieg and Johann Strauss from watching Saturday morning cartoons.

With Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons and then-MGM's Hanna-Barbera shorts, classical music were a perfect accompaniment to the antics of Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, and Tom and Jerry.

Members from the Sacramento Opera will explore how classical music was introduced into America's youth this Saturday at the Sierra 2 Center.

When: Jan. 10, noon and 2 p.m.
Where: Sierra 2 Center, Curtis Hall, 2791 24th St., Sac.
Cost: Free.
More info: (916) 808-1182

This event is recommended for kids ages 6 to 12.

Watch some of my favorite Warner Bros. cartoons featuring familiar classical works from YouTube.com.

• A Corny Concerto - Two of Johann Strauss' waltzes - "The Blue Danube" and "Tales from the Vienna Woods" - are featured in this cartoon with Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.
• Rabbit of Seville - Gioachino Rossini's "Barber of Seville" is played throughout this episode where Elmer Fudd chases Bugs Bunny.
• Rhapsody Rabbit - Bugs Bunny plays Franz Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody."
• What's Opera Doc? - Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny perform in an opera as Richard Wagner's music.