And the No. 1 Opera Talk this Fall is...
Luciano Pavarotti and Carmen dominate
the Fall 2024 Lineup
Two Women in a Tobacco Factory in Sevilla by Constantin Meunier, c. 1883 - Museum M -
I am so grateful that Opera Talks will be a part of many libraries and senior centers fall programming. The top opera talks that I will present are Luciano Pavarotti: Tenor Larger than Life and Bizet’s Carmen. While both programs are fitting for any time of the year. However, libraries and other locations chose them because of Hispanic Heritage Month and Italian Heritage Month. While Carmen is performed in French, the storyline’s culture is from 19th century Spain. The instrumentation including percussive instruments like the triangle and the tambourine reflects Spanish culture that became a part of Hispanic culture in the Western Hemisphere. The literary work originally written by Prosper Merimée was inspired by a story that Countess Montijo told him during his visit to Spain in 1830. The memorable music mirroring the syncopation and sensuality of the gypsies is infused in every detail of the opera. I cannot wait to sing the famous Habañera.
Luciano Pavarotti being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors, 2001
Opera icon, Luciano Pavarotti is truly larger than life. Many locations chose this talk because of the audience’s familiarity to him and his indelible impression on opera. Pavarotti is the only opera singer to cross over into the pop world while creating a huge opera following. Even years after his death, he is instantly recognizable to older generations. His YouTube clips garner millions of views and newer generations who never heard him sing live are awestruck by his voice heard on YouTube. After many experiences booking programs at libraries, I learn to ask libraries about their communities and how their communities consume opera. This helps me to determine what would be best to present to the community in order to maximize the audience. Other than the popular opera titles, Luciano Pavarotti is a great fit for Italian Heritage month because of his obvious upbringing in Modena, Italy and his incredible tenor voice. The program not only includes his biography but also various clips and a playlist for the audience to listen and watch on their own time.
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