Having gotten to know our self-proclaimed grouchy host a little better, and the history of this place where we are staying has enriched our visit here. There is fascinating history here! A link below to a 1991 Arts review from the New York Times explains some, I will add more later:

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/02/arts/music-zen-and-the-art-of-opera.html?pagewanted=1