Join Seattle Opera Scholar-in-Residence Naomi André for an in-depth investigation of race and difference as represented in Verdi’s operas. Like many of his contemporaries, Verdi often gravitated toward characters and cultures beyond Europe, as well as marginalized people within Europe, raising challenging issues when staging these works today. This two-part series explores themes around musical exoticism, cultural representation, and casting in works from Verdi’s middle and late periods, asking how representations of cultural difference on the opera stage impact our understanding and enjoyment of this art form.
These sessions will be in person only. No class recordings will be available. Each session of this class must be purchased separately.
Part One
Friday, May 5, 2:00–4:00 PM
This session will offer an overview of Verdi’s life and times before addressing strategies for discussing intersectional themes in operas such as Il trovatore (1853), La forza del destino (1862), and Don Carlos (1867).
Purchase Part One
Part Two
Saturday, May 6, 2:00–4:00 PM
In this session, participants will examine the theme of Blackness in Verdi’s works, with a focus on Un ballo in maschera (1859), Aida (1871), and Otello (1887).
Purchase Part Two
This seminar series does not require previous knowledge about music or opera. Discussions will be enhanced with short excerpts from selected operas.