Hal France presents conversations for Opera Learners & Opera Loves at the Ross

calendar icon01 Jul 2014    

Join conductor Hal France and special guest performers for two Sunday afternoon conversations for opera learners and opera lovers. Titled OPERA? WHAT’S THIS ABOUT OPERA?, these talks are free and open to the public, and held in the Van Brunt Visitor’s Center at 313 N. 13th Street on Sunday, July 13 and Sunday, July 20 at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

OPERA? WHAT’S THIS ABOUT OPERA? is sponsored by UNL Friends of Opera and The Friends of the Ross.

Opera’s Ultimate Expression | Sunday, July 13th, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Expressions of beauty, tenderness, heartbreak, eroticism, passion, jealousy, conflict, violence, grandeur, pride, glory, and exultation, Opera communicates all of this and more. The sublime, exalted, tragic, and all-consuming moments of human experience fuel the art that is opera. Utilizing exceptional performances captured on recordings and videos while demonstrating from the piano, Hal will explore how great music dramatists delivered meaningful stories and “Ultimate” Expression.

Divas and Divos | Sunday, July 20th, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

As visionary creators like Verdi, Wagner, Mozart and Berg evolved music drama, the skills and talents of performers rose to meet the challenge. The great singers of the 20th century will be our focus. We will consider the special qualities and unique artistry of performers from Caruso to Callas. Join us in enjoying some of the legendary contributors to the operatic stage. Maestro France will explore the voices, culture and passion that continue to make opera relevant today.

Hal France was the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Opera Omaha from 1995 – 2005. He has held Music Director positions with the Orlando Philharmonic, Mobile Opera, Lake George Opera Festival and was Resident Conductor at the Houston Grand Opera 1980 - 84. He has led organizations and performed with opera companies and symphony orchestras around the United States and abroad in a conducting career that has spanned thirty-five years.