By ROBERT TRUSSELL [Kansas City Star, 1 November 2008]

Lyric Opera director Ward Holmquist thought it was time to expose his audience to the pleasures of Baroque opera.

That’s even though the most popular operas remain those written by Romantic composers in the 19th century. Think “La Boheme” by Puccini or Verdi’s “La Traviata.” Think soaring melodies, elegant harmonies and narrative drive.