At Sonoma State University:
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
8 Mondays: March 30-May 18, 2009
9:45 - 11:30 a.m.
At Oakmont
6 Wednesdays: April 8-May 13, 2009
3 - 5 p.m.
A Passion for Opera:
The World's Greatest Singers!
Will Kent, Instructor
Fleming, Netrebko, Villason, Florez, Dessay. 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 & Divos, who are stepping into the shoes of a Pavarotti, Sutherland, Domingo or Horne 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 that Opera is having a renaissance, not only in its gilded houses but also at the Cinema, on Television & Radio, and Worldwide on the Internet.
Whether you are a newcomer to opera or an aficionado, this course will make you sing (or at least want to). 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 vocal Fachs from soubrette to basso profundo, what repertoire best suits a singer's voice, and why many risk it all to take on ever more demanding and challenging roles. In addition, from soprano to bass, we'll preview some of the most promising and exciting Opera Stars of Tomorrow, for whom you'll have the chance to vote for your favorites. And finally, to add a human touch, we'll consider what life must be like for those whose livelihood depends on two tiny, fragile muscles.
