Wednesday, March 2 – May 11. 12:30 - 1:30 PM ET. NIAF's Virtual Opera Series is Back … with a Twist! REGISTER Zoom link will be sent via email to all registrants. If you are unable to attend the live session you will receive a link that is viewable for a 48-hour period of your selection.

This class explores a selected history of Europe from the Middle Ages through World War II, through the lens of the art form of opera. Italy's role as the major developer and exhibitor of opera and opera's pivotal role in the history of Europe make for a unique experience. Many composers and librettists have turned to actual historical events for inspiration and to give more personal color to the events through the incredible storytelling of powerful music & staging.

This class will give you a broad overview of specific historical events in European history that have been immortalized in the operatic art form. The history will be analyzed and illustrated by the operatic selections from the works which most accurately contribute to the telling of these stories.

Instructors Ashley Galvani Bell (Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, Sarasota Opera) and Anton Armendariz Diaz (Rioja Forum, Principal de Castellón, Festival de Cine de Barcelona) come from a background of operatic performance and directing, and their passion is likely to ignite yours. Choose one or all classes. Registration fee: $25 per class.

March 2: Middle Ages (13th century), I Vespri Siciliani

March 9: Middle Ages (14th century), La Favorita, il Trovatore

March 16: Middle Ages (15th century), Giovanna d'Arco, Maid of Orleans

March 23: Renaissance (16th century), Maria Stuarda

March 30: Renaissance (16th century), Don Carlo

April 6: Religious Repression (17th century), I Puritani, Les Huguenots

April 13: French Revolution (18th Century), Andrea Chenier, Dialoghi dei Carmeliti

May 4: Napoleonic Era (19th Century), Tosca

May 11: World War Two (20th Century), Kaiser von Atlantis, The Consul (Menotti)

Questions? Email: divariaproductions@gmail.com