Winter Opera Appreciation Classes

Dr. M.A. Cashman continues her popular opera appreciation classes for Annapolis Opera with a series that focuses on the operas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, considered one of the greatest opera composers of all times.   Arranged chronologically, five of Mozart’s Italian operas will be reviewed.
Classes will be held at Dr. Cashman’s home on five non-consecutive Monday evenings, beginning February 22 to March 22, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fees for the series are $50 for Annapolis Opera members and $100 for nonmembers. Individual classes may be taken at $25 per class.

For more details visit www.annapolisopera.org. To register for the series or individual classes, call Annapolis Opera at 410-267-8135 or email admin@annapolisopera.org. or M.A. Cashman at 410-626-1597.


                Tentative Schedule*

February 22  "Mitridate, Re di Ponto"             First performed in Milan, 1770

Written at the age of 14, Mozart’s first full-length serious work is musically astonishingly assured and fluent. Still occasionally performed.

March 1     "La Finta Giardiniera"                First performed in Munich, 1775

An assured and attractive work, it is the earliest of Mozart’ operas which is still regularly performed.

March 8  "Il Re Pastore"                          First performed in Salzburg, 1775

A pastoral work of great charm, dealing with a supposed event in the life
of Alexander the great, it is still quite often performed.
            
March 15  "Idomeneo"                                First performed in Munich, 1781

Mozart’s first undisputed masterpiece, it remained virtually unperformed for many years; in recent decades has become the earliest of Mozart’s operas to win a permanent place in the repertory.
            
March 22  "Cosi fan Tutte"                   First performed Vienna, 1790 or "La Scuola degli Amanti" (The School for Lovers)

One of the most human and heart-searching music-dramas ever written, it was only infrequently performed in the 19th century because the story was considered immoral, but it is now a regular work in the standard repertory, and a celebration of the female voice.

Students are also invited to the dress rehearsal of the Annapolis Opera production of Puccini’s Tosca at Maryland Hall.

__________________________________________________
* Classes will be held, weather permitting.  If in doubt, please call M. A. Cashman.

---