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Verdi Operas On Film - Boca Raton

Instructor
Paul Offenkrantz
F562
Video Catch-up
Available

Course Description

Take one dominating musical force from the world of 19th-century opera, add two dynamic film directors from the 20th century, and it adds up to three of the greatest film adaptations of opera in cinematic history. Verdi historian and specialist Guiseppe Albanese presents three works from the composer's pen turned into three unforgettable motion pictures. These films feature the vocal artistry of some of the greatest voices of the late 20th century. They will be presented in a two-session format with English subtitles. Maestro Albanese will provide interesting insights and commentary.

Lectures

  1. "La Traviata" - 1853:  A lush, opulent, and tragic tale adapted from the novel and play by Alexander Dumas Fils. Franco Zeffirelli directs the 1982 film starring Placido Domingo and Teresa Stratas.
  2. "La Traviata": Part II
  3. "Rigoletto" - 1851:   Based on the 1832 play Le roi s'amuse with the libretto written by Francesco Maria Piave. Director Jean Pierre Ponnelle filmed on location in Mantua in 1982, with outstanding performances by Luciano Pavarotti as the Duke and Invar Wixel as the jester.
  4. "Rigoletto": Part II
  5. "Otello" - 1887: The Shakespeare tragedy directed by Franco Zeffirelli features stunning sets, costumes, and superb acting in a dazzling film production with Placido Domingo and Katia Riccarelli, released in 1987.
  6. "Otello": Part II

Course Info

  • Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Date: Fridays, October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 3, 17
  • Location: Friedberg Auditorium, Lifelong Learning Building
  • Fees: Member - $90
    Non-member - $120
    One-time guest pass, Member or Non-member at the door - $35.

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