Free Lecture/Listening Series
For many years, Opera Guild of Rochester has delivered free lectures on a wide range of opera topics. We do these to provide historical background and musical context for operas and composers, and to present operas that the audience might otherwise not have access to or that might prove difficult to understand or appreciate.
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To supplement, you may browse our library of lectures and opera performance essays.
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Verdi's MacBeth
Carol Crocca
Brighton Memorial Library
2300 Elmwood Ave
Spring 2025
WEDNESDAY, March 5 • 6-7:45 pm
Costumes in Opera: Bringing Characters to Life Through Design
Mary Farmer, Nazareth University Costume Shop
A fascinating look athe how costumes in opera contribute to the mood and plot of the opera. Costumer Mary Farmer of Nazareth University joins us with an insider's view: considerations such as color, and how the performers will stand out against each other and the sets; rigging the costumes for quick changes by the performers; practical considerations such as budget and logistics. A lot has to come together!
WEDNESDAY, March 12 • 6-7:45 pm
Poisons and Potions in Opera
Explore how these sinister substances have shaped some of the most gripping moments in opera’s history. From tragic heartbreaks to mystical transformations, discover the potent mix of chemistry and storytelling that brings these deadly elements to life on stage.
WEDNESDAY, March 19 • 6-7:45 pm
“Thrilled to Announce”-- Opera in the Era of Social Media
Constance Fee
Opera in the 21st century is not a dying art form. In fact, it is alive and well. But it has transitioned in many ways and it is now leading a vibrant and dynamic life on Instagram, Facebook, YAP Tracker, OperaWire and other social media platforms. Updates, announcements, live-streamed performances, audition applications, websites, videos, mp3s, rehearsals/voice lessons/coachings and even auditions on Zoom are the norm. Having a good agent is important, but without an online presence, a high quality website, a good internet connection, and a serious commitment to self-promotion, it is impossible to pursue a professional opera career.
WEDNESDAY, March 26 • 6-7:45 pm
Beginnings in the Baroque
Carol Crocca
The story of how opera developed into the grand and popular entertainment it would be for the next two and one-half centuries is a fascinating one. The art form had to come to Venice, home of Carnevale, to have its first smash hit, first prima donna, and include lyrical arias and comic scenes. We’ll enjoy excerpts from these 17th century works, in which you will recognize the roots of the great operas that followed by Handel, Mozart, and the French, German, Russian and Italian Romantics.
FREE
Lecture/Listening Series
Brighton Memorial Library
2300 Elmwood Ave
Spring 2023
Board member Art Axelrod presents his Opera Duets lecture to an interested crowd.