Short Course: UNDERSTANDING OPERA

A bird's eye view of the development of opera in Western music, from its late- 16th century inception to 20th century directions and contemporary issues. A real eye-opener to the enormous range of operatic forms and voice types employed. It includes a closer look at the various schools of composition and operatic milestones such as Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, Weber's Der Freischütz, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov, Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande and Verdi's Rigoletto; also considered are the monumental contributions of Mozart and Wagner. Liberally illustrated with audio-visual examples, in addition to live renditions by members of the WA Opera Company.

Tuesdays 7.30-9pm Feb 7 14 21 28 Mar 7 $124 Booking essential - 6488 2433 or go to www.extension.uwa.edu.au