Opera Appreciation

Bob Simon

Mondays 10-12 Noon
January 12 through March 1, 2004
Location TBD

Among the classical arts, opera is in some ways the most difficult to appreciate because a single performance combines a vocal recital, dramatic staging, scenery and lighting, costumes, and even dance. This course will focus on each element of this complex art form to deepen participants' appreciation for its never-ending fascination.

Specific topics will include:

• What makes an opera singer great?
• Memorable operatic characters
• The power of ensemble
• The role of the orchestra
• Shakespeare at the opera, including an inside look at Opera North's 2004 season
• Who's afraid of modern opera?
• Opera directing: -Traditional and avant-garde
• Crossover pieces

Class is limited to 20 participants.

Bob Simon, a retired psychiatrist, has studied music and opera throughout his life. At Opera North, he has served as rehearsal pianist, stage manager, trustee, and president. He is currently Marketing Manager for Opera North and editor of the summer opera program book. He has been a frequent speaker in the company's popular series “Sherry & Sopranos” and often contributes to Opera North's newsletter. He has also been a guest lecturer on opera for Adventures in Learning (New London), Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Roth Center for Jewish Life. This is his second time teaching this course for ILEAD.