Course Information
Fall, 2006
Gioachino Rossini
& the Magic of Bel Canto
Will Kent, Instructor
6 Thursdays, October 12- November 16
7-9 p.m. Emeritus Hall
Curious about Opera? Looking for more Passion in your
life? There's never been a better time to join hundreds of
newcomers and seasoned opera lovers as we explore the fascinating
life of Gioachino Rossini. Rossini wrote 40 operas, both tragic
and comic, and we'll explore many of them, including: The
Barber of Seville, Semiramide, La donna del
lago, Otello, Tancredi, L'Italiana in
Algeri, and Il viaggio a Reims.
 We'll
experience what continues to make Rossini's music so joyous
and his operas among the most popular today. We'll revel in
multi media presentations of glorious bel canto (beautiful
singing) and discover the "Rossini tenor". You'll
hear incredible performances by some of the world's greatest
singers, both past and present. And before the curtain falls
on 6 weeks of glorious bel canto, we'll attend one
of the most exciting and innovative productions of Barber
of Seville ever at glamorous San Francisco Opera on Friday,
November 17. Nathan Gunn, one of the great baritones of our
time, stars as Figaro with a stunning supporting cast. Bravo!!
Attendance at Barber of Seville is optional. Tickets
are $40, limited and are not included in the $90 tuition fee.
Register early to insure a seat.
To Register Early before the SRJC Course Bulletin is mailed to the General Public:
1. Many of you who have taken A Passion for Opera before
will automatically receive pre-registration forms from the
college during the last 2 weeks of June. Fill out the forms
and return them as directed. A ticket request form will be
included. Make sure you send in your ticket request form ASAP
to insure a seat to The Barber of Seville.
2. If you do not receive the early registration forms or have never taken my opera class before, call 707-527-4372 after June l and ask the college to register you early in the Fall class of A Passion for Opera.
Questions?? Email: wkent@sonic.net
 Spring 2006:
A Passion for Opera:
To Russia with Love
James Sokol, lecturer
While Italian, French and German works reign supreme in opera houses the world over, several Eastern European gems have beautiful melodies, lush orchestrations and romantic stories to rival even the most popular of operas.
Whether an avid opera fan or a newcomer, you will have the chance to explore the glorious riches of Slavic operas, including works by Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Glinka and Smetana. Whether or not these composers are familiar to you, their operas are sure to be a treat! Presentations include audio and video clips to bring the beauty and excitement of the stage into the classroom.
In addition, students will have the rare opportunity to experience two masterpieces of this neglected repertoire with class trips to enjoy the rich musical and dramatic sweep of Tchaikovsky's "The Maid of Orleans" at San Francisco Opera and the delight, sparkle and charm of Semtana's "The Bartered Bride" at Pocket Opera.
Note: The class may be listed as "Slavic Sensations" at SRJC.
James Sokol returns to A Passion for Opera at SRJC to lead another delightful opera appreciation series. He has worked in the opera world for the past two decades. having begun his career under Beverly Sills at New York City Opera. Sokol is a Founding Member and is on the Artistic Advisory Board of The Singers Development Foundation, an organization which offers study grants to promising young opera singers. He has worked and lectured for several years for San Francisco Opera and is a former Executive Director of San Francisco's Pocket Opera. He teaches opera appreciation courses throughout the Bay Area.
Dates: Six Thursdays, March 2 - April 6, 2006
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm ( March 9 class, 7:30pm-9:30pm)
Place: SRJC, Newman Auditorium
Fee: $90 (includes a $5 materials fee)
Opera tickets and are not included in the $90 tuition fee. Ticket order forms will be distributed in class. Tickets are limited.
To register: http://www.santarosa.edu/communityed
or call 707-527-4372.
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