THE VERDI BI-CENTENIAL CELEBRATION PART TWO:
THREE “GRAND” OPERAS

Giuseppe Albanese
Recipient of the LLS 2000 Excellence in Teaching Award

DESCRIPTION: We continue to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-2013), the most prolific and prominent figure of 19th-century Italian Opera.This series will showcase three of his major, French-styled Grand Operas produced between the years 1859 and 1867. These are extended, monumental works with multiple acts, large casts, oversized orchestras, and historical plots. All three productions come from the Metropolitan Opera. Unlike the Winter series, which featured “highlights” only, these Grand Operas will be shown in their entirety over two sessions each. Maestro Albanese will provide commentary and anecdotal history throughout the series.

SIX LECTURES:

1. Un Ballo in Maschera (1859) with Luciano Pavarotti and Louie Quilicoa
2. Un Ballo - Part Two
3. La Forza del Destino (1862) with Leontyne Price and Leo Nucci
4. La Forza -Part Two
5. Don Carlo (1867) with Placido Domingo and Mirella Freni
6. Don Carlo - Part Two

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Giuseppe Albanese attended the University of Vermont and received his degree in history in 1966. In 1989, after five years of intensive study, he developed a dynamic education program entitled the Joy of Opera. For the past 20 years, he has lectured extensively on many operatic subjects and produced numerous video documentaries on opera.