Submitted by Bedford Center for the Arts
Opera lovers who enjoy Metropolitan Opera Live in HD Telecasts are invited to warm up for Rusalka with the second of a series of opera lectures, run by the Bedford Center for the Arts (BCA), on Monday, Jan. 27, from 7-9 pm. Once again led by Dave Collins, Opera Boston’s resident lecturer and well-known Boston opera aficionado, the session includes video clips and recordings, and will help HD-opera goers understand the opera’s background and plot.
Rusalka, an opera by the Czech composer Anton Dvorak, will be simulcast from the Met in local theaters on Saturday, February 8 and will feature acclaimed soprano Renee Fleming. Ms. Fleming’s first-act aria, “Song to the Moon”, has been a show-stopper and is often performed in concert. This is a very special role for Ms. Fleming since it was her first role performed at the Met in the National Council auditions in 1988.
Since Rusalka is not one of the very familiar operas in the traditional repertory, Collins’ lecture can be very helpful in preparing the people who plan to attend the simulcast to better understand the background behind the story and to know what to expect with the music. Last month’s lecture on Verdi’s Falstaff received high praise from attendees. “Dave not only gave us a good idea about what to expect, but he also explained to us why we shouldn’t expect an opera like Aida” noted Bob Bass, coordinator of the BCA lecture series. “I found that I enjoyed the opera even more than I would have otherwise because I listened to the music in an entirely different way.
Rusalka has many of the features of classic fairy tales: a romance involving a prince that can be made possible only by one of the characters giving up something for the love of the other. It is ironic that in this story, the character Rusalka, played by Ms. Fleming, must give up her voice! Obviously, this happens in the story in such as way as to allow plenty of beautiful singing in spite of the plot.
The lecture will be held in the Bacon Room, First Parish Bedford. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To register, send a check (made payable to Bedford Center for the Arts or BCA) to Bob Bass, 42 Fletcher Road, Bedford. BCA Members, $15. Non-members, $20.
The third lecture, about La Boheme, will take place on March 31. Individuals may also register at this time for that lecture.
Tickets for the actual performances are available at nearby theatres or online; BCA recommends buying tickets theatres well in advance. Go to www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/liveinhd/LiveinHD.aspx for theatre information.
For more information about the BCA lecture, contact Bob Bass at [email protected] or 781
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