Fleming, Netrebko, Villazon, Kaufmann. While not exactly household names outside the Opera world, they are among the dozen or so singers who are the Gold Standard for Opera today. Announce any one of them, and the house sells out. In the past decade, we have thrilled to a whole new generation of Divas and Divos who are stepping into the shoes of Pavarotti, Sutherland, and Domingo and bringing magic and excitement back to opera.
These new Operatic Superstars infuse youthful realism, gorgeous looks and ACTING into these classical works. Little wonder Opera is having a renaissance not only in its gilded houses but at the Cinema, on Television and Worldwide on the Internet.
Whether you are a newcomer to opera or an afficionado, join hundreds of opera lovers in this 10th year of A Passion for Opera. Through multimedia presentations, we'll thrill to a myriad of the greatest Opera Stars today in their signature roles and discuss what makes them extraordinary. We'll discuss what repertoire best suits each singer's voice and why many risk it all to take on ever more demanding and challenging roles. We'll also consider the most promising and exciting Operatic Stars of Tomorrow, (Filianoti, Calleja, Mula, Caball and many others) of whom you'll have the chance to vote for your favorites.
And when the course is finished, we'll attend the December 2nd performance of the most popular opera of all times, Giacomo Puccini's La Boheme, with a star studded cast at glamorous San Francisco Opera. BRAVO!
Tickets for La Boheme are for Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Attendance is optional and ticket price is not included in the tuition fee of $90. Tickets are $45 for Orchestra Seats, limited, and subject to date and cast changes and availability. A deluxe bus to and from the Opera will be available according to demand.
To Register early for the course (Sold Out last 6 years!) and be on A Passion for Opera's Mailing List, Email wkent@sonic.net or call Will Kent at 707-484-1993.
