Program Details

A Tribute to Franco Zeffirelli, Part I: The Met Productions

Instructor
Paul Offenkrantz
F562
Video Catch-up
Available

Course Description

"A colossus that bestrides two worlds." This is an apt description of one of the most important late 20th-century opera figures, Franco Zeffirelli, who passed from the scene in late 2019. Zeffirelli began his artistic career as a set and costume designer under the famed director Luchino Visconti and evolved into one of the most innovative and creative producer/directors in opera and film. He often combined the two genres to spectacular effect. Zeffirelli had a special relationship with the world-famous Met Opera house. This course will feature three of his most successful Met productions, two of which are still presented more than 30 years after their premiers. These three productions will be shown in their entirety during two consecutive weekly sessions. All have English subtitles. Maestro Albanese will provide fascinating commentary and anecdotal history for both the operas and the composer.

Lectures

  1. La Boheme: The Oldest of the Met Productions with Carraras, Stratas, and Scotto
  2. La Boheme: Part II
  3. Tosca: One of Puccini's Favorites with Domingo and Berhans
  4. Tosca: Part II
  5. Turandot: Puccini's Swan Song with Domingo, Marton, and Pliska
  6. Turandot: Part II

About the Instructor

  • Paul Offenkrantz, D.M. a graduate of Oberlin College, attended the Yale School of Music and earned a Master of Sacred Music from Hebrew Union College, where he was also ordained as a cantor. In his distinguished career, he has served communities in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and West Palm Beach. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Hebrew Union College and received rabbinic ordination from The Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute. He began singing professionally on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera at the age of nine and appeared in over 30 different operas at the MET over the course of five seasons. He has worked with Leonard Bernstein, Richard Tucker, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, and many other important artists. He concertizes and lectures extensively throughout South Florida and is also an adjunct professor of Music History at the Conservatory of Music at Lynn University.

    Recipient of the 2000 Excellence in Teaching Award