GBL2011 Opera in Florence: The Global-Citizen Artist
Music is a universal language, and through this course, we will explore the world of music, culture, and opera in Italy. Specifically, we will investigate opera and vocal performance as an act of community engagement, civic partnership, and cultural exploration through the lens of artistic empowerment. We will immerse ourselves in the historic city of Florence, which is the birthplace of Opera, and allow the architecture, art, dance, texture, history, politics, music, poetry, communities, and people to inspire and shape our music-making and our definition of what it means to be a global citizen-artist. Throughout the course, students will be asked to build upon their understanding of the global citizen-artist gained in the predeparture course, examine the concept of the global citizen-artist authentically and continually, and document their scholarly and artistic development through a variety of mechanisms, including: daily journal entries, daily rehearsals, post-rehearsal analysis, analysis of professional opera and concert performances, and a post-performance analysis. Students will also perform solos and ensemble pieces on concerts and recitals held in historic public venues, as well as participate in a full opera production.
Prerequisite
GBL 1011
Course Types
Expression
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn professional level performance experience and obtain a greater awareness of their expressive capabilities on stage and their vocal techniques. Each student’s individual technique will certainly grow through rehearsing and performing. Through the freedom that comes with the connection between bodily movement and voice and of the specific repertoire that best suits each student’s voice. Students will also learn specific operas and roles, as well as their cultural and historical contexts. Students will learn the importance of participating in an ensemble, collaborating with other students and professional singers through the culmination of performing a complete opera in Italian. Musical learning skills should also improve after this intensive course. Close attention will be paid to selected material, musical styles, repertoire and diction.
Students will develop their critical analysis skills by viewing, discussing, and analyzing the professional performances they attend at various Opera Performances and concerts throughout the city.
Students will gain valuable, professional, and career focused international experience that will help them in their profession as performing artists.