GETTING OPERA
learn fully to appreciate opera in less than three hours

You're a person of culture.

It's an easy way to make your life more fulfilling.

It's a way to join the select group of people known as opera buffs.

An operatic performance is a wonderful way to spend a romantic evening with your date or spouse that is a lot less expensive than camping/attending a rock concert/attending a baseball game.

We have the best opera house in the world right here in New York.

Opera is a lot simpler to understand and appreciate than most people think.

In less than three hours, you will learn -

1. The entire story of opera.

2. The way to know beforehand whether a performance is worth attending (i.e. whether it is exciting, beautiful, moving, or tedious and boring).

3. The difference between the various opera styles.

4. The difference between good and bad performances.

5. Pointers on what to expect from, and what to look for in, the production of ALL great operas.

6. Pointers on how to perceive the music in various types of opera.

7. The secrets of genuine opera enjoyment that the opera industry people will not share with you (they have their reasons).

You will see slides and hear exciting excerpts from a number operas, explained in great detail, on the instructor's laptop. The instructor will also demonstrate certain nuances on the piano.

You will be able to ask as many questions as you like.

Warning. In theory, anyone can enjoy opera. Only those with an open mind can benefit from this course.
Beginners and opera professionals, and everyone in between, welcome.

TESTIMONIALS

I was amazed by how open the speakers were and how much useful information on opera I got in such a short time interval. It was quite an experience.
Ashley Jacobson

I now realize I can enjoy opera as much as anyone out there. Thank you for a wonderful course!
David Howe

I loved the speaker's narrative. It was like watching a show, the kind that always keeps you on the edge of your seat. The tracks they played, and the live piano illustrations they gave made me realize I can do this - opera can really move me now.
Kathy O'Neil

What I enjoyed most about the course, apart from the breath-taking music, was hearing the story of opera itself, and each composer's story. It's a whole different world out there.
Cheryl Shapiro

I must admit, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but YES, my expectations were met and exceeded! I have more than enough knowledge to enjoy opera on my own. I know what to look for.
John Hesslin

I enjoyed the flow of the course. The small size of the group made me feel very comfortable and gave the speaker an opportunity to relate information directly to each of the participant's interests. I knew nothing about opera before I took this course. It was a breathtaking experience for me.
Molly Crawford Bates

Just a quick note. Thanks! Your course is just great. The format in which you presented the material was both informative and easy to grasp, and the music - oh! I enjoyed a lot of opera before, but understanding what really goes on in each one of those scenes is so much more enjoyable. Thanks, guys!
Lou Ann Fazio

The speaker was engaging and entertaining and offered bits that were interesting to both newcomers and those who knew their opera. Thumbs up!
Ola Manana

The amount of fun I had at this course is totally embarrassing.
Thomas J. Hunter