Fall, 2010
12th Year! Santa Rosa Junior College
A Passion for Opera
Bringing
Down the House!
Instructor: Will Kent
6 Thursdays: September 30 – November 4, 2010
7-9 p.m. Newman Auditorium
A Passion for Opera often begins with a single beautiful aria, a mystical blend of voices in a sublime duet, trio, quartet or sextet or a rapturous operatic scene that becomes indelible in one's psyche. In this class we'll focus on those singular moments in Opera that "bring down the house" and ensure that audiences return again and again.
Whether you are a newcomer to opera or an aficionado, this class is a great introduction to Opera and a fascinating study into the genius of the great opera composers who knew how to grab an audience. From Baroque to Modern using multimedia examples from both popular and obscure Italian, French, Russian, German, English, American and Czech Operas, we'll experience the magic of opera, interpreted by the world’s greatest singers, conductors, directors, set designers and productions both past and present.
We'll delve into the history of the Aria as it evolved over the centuries and consider how different singers in different eras interpret them. And we'll consider vocal collaboration in duets, sextets etc. and determine what it takes to meld voices so that the outcome is seamless and sublime. We'll explore operas as the composers intended (from the autograph score) and learn how performance practice has altered them over the years for better or worse. And to enhance your opera going season, we'll be sure to focus on many of the Operas being offered by the Met in HD Series and at San Francisco Opera in 2010-11. Bravo!
Our exciting annual class trip to glittering San Francisco Opera (optional) will be to Giacomo Puccini's masterpiece, Madama Butterfly starring the legendary European diva, Daniela Dessi as Cio-Cio-San and an international cast on Friday, November 5 at 8:00 p.m. As always, a deluxe bus will be for hire. Register early to ensure an orchestra seat as tickets are $45 & limited.
To receive early registration information in August,
please contact Will Kent at wkent@sonic.net
or call 707-824-4531.
A Passion for Opera has sold out for the last 9 years.
