Opera History Course

Each year, as a part of Opera San José's commitment to adult education, we offer a six-evening course that covers opera through all its periods.  It's an inexpensive, enjoyable way to learn more about this dynamic art form in the company of other interested adults.  This popular opera history series covers 400 years of opera development, from Jacopo Perri's Euridice in 1600 to the present day.

Larry Hancock, course instructor, will present this overview of opera history on six consecutive Tuesday evenings, beginning on May 13 running through June 17 at Opera San José headquarters, 2149 Paragon Drive. 

Each 1 1/2-hour class begins at 7:30 p.m.  Course content includes the development and changes in the choice of opera subjects, the use of poetry and dialogue in the libretto, styles of musical composition, evolution of the opera orchestra, and changes in performance practice period by period.

Hancock is a well-received lecturer on opera on both coasts.  In addition to our annual opera history course, he moderates the commentary at our Introduction to Opera series - a 45-minute discussion before each Opera San José mainstage performance throughout the season - as well as the Preview offered on the Tuesday before each opening night.  For his informative and entertaining opera history course, he enlivens each quick-paced session with visuals from other art forms, including fashion, architecture, painting, and sculpture, bringing a more complete knowledge of the society that influenced its composers.

Total cost of this series is $60 which includes all six classes.  There will be no tests, nor is there any college credit offered for this course.  Classes are informal, and participants' questions are encouraged.  To attend this series, call our box office at (408) 437-4450 to reserve your space or click here to fill out a form that can be mailed or faxed to Opera San José.