This term, we will study a selection of operas from the top ten in number of performances worldwide last year. They will be Verdi’s “La Traviata”, Bizet’s “Carmen”, Puccini’s “La Bohème” and if we have time, Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”. You will learn the stories and backgrounds of the operas, something about the composer, and view the operas on DVD complete with subtitles. Your opinions of the operas and the performers are encouraged. We will also discuss the upcoming Metropolitan Opera live HD telecasts.

Moderators: Richard Goetz, PhD, is a retired research manager from the chemical industry who has been listening to, studying, and attending opera since 1949. Steve DeHoff is principal trumpet for the Cincinnati Community Orchestra and a long-time opera fan.