Two events coming up here in the Island City are focused on learning to appreciate the artform of opera. Today, at 1:30 p.m., catch “The Exceptional Giuseppe Verdi,” a new performance by Mastick Senior Center music director John Kendall Bailey at the center.

Then next week, it’s “A Night at the Opera” at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at Rhythmix Cultural Works. The evening will include the powerful, uplifting voices of Eileen Meredith.

This one-night-only show will feature short selections from popular works including Don Quixote, Madame Butterfly, Porgy and Bess, Turandot and Rusalka. The evening will include arias, duets and ensembles. “A Night at the Opera” is a great way to sample the best that world-class opera has to offer.

Rhythmix Cultural Works is located at 2513 Blanding Ave. Presale tickets are $25. Learn more at www.rhythmix.org.