Puccini Beyond Bohème: An Opera Colorado Anniversary

Nessun dorma: whether or not the words ring a bell, the music itself would surely resonate. From TV to film to World Cup soccer, a bold tenor voice declaims those two Italian words—declaims them twice, first high, then low. It is not Puccini’s only famous tune, but for such a short phrase, it may be unequaled in familiarity. Nessun dorma is from the last of Puccini’s 12 operas, Turandot (1924). This spring, Opera Colorado will present it, and music historian and popular Enrichment Program instructor Betsy Schwarm will teach a course on Puccini. What set him apart from Wagner and Verdi? “I believe it was a determination to create something new and realistic,” Schwarm says. “He descended from a long line of composers, and proved to be a vital player in the evolution of opera.” Turandot comes to the stage in Denver for the first time in decades, as the closing production of Opera Colorado’s 40th anniversary season. A representative of Opera Colorado will visit the class to take your questions and share insights into the company’s history and its future plans. Students will attend the final dress rehearsal of the opera, experiencing its majesty and beauty firsthand. Turandot: so much more than just Nessun dorma!

Four in-person sessions
Thur., Apr. 20, 27, May 11, 2023, 6:30-8:30 pm MT
Opera Colorado dress rehearsal, Thur., May 4, 7 pm

Betsy Schwarm gives pre-performance talks for Opera Colorado and has written 11 books on classical music. She recently reviewed a Verdi opera performance at the Aspen Music Festival for Opera News magazine. Her program notes have appeared internationally and she has contributed over 200 articles to Encyclopedia Britannica.