Essential Opera: Saints and Sinners

In this six-week survey course, we will take an in-depth look at six diverse operas, beginning with Mozart’s Don Giovanni and ending with Puccini’s Suor Angelica, that share at least one thing in common: The title character in each work is either a sinner or saint and sometimes a bit of both! We will be exploring each opera by viewing and discussing DVD highlights of past and present productions.

Readings:

Additional resources will be recommended during the course.

Ross Crolius holds a BM from Peabody Conservatory of Music and an MM from the Eastman School of Music. He sang professionally in New York for more than 30 years, including 25 years as a full-time chorister and comprimario soloist with the Metropolitan Opera. Upon retirement, he taught voice and opera appreciation in the New York area as well as at Ithaca College and Westfield State University.