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Opera at Florham's Opera Talk is offered as part of the Fairleigh Dickinson FILL adult ed program. At FILL, seniors age 62 and over can audit courses, enroll for credit or opt for RPI (Retired Persons Institute) classes, taught by lifelong learners for lifelong learners. Classes include a mixture of academic and informal topics, covering subjects as far-flung as Irish literature, the brain and behavior, meditation and photography.
The Joy of Opera is a series of 3 presentations on Opera with music educator Lou Barrella. Classes are free to attendees who register through Opera at Florham. Attend any or all classes.
Registration deadline: three days before each class
Location: Hartman Lounge, The Mansion, FDU-Florham Park
Operatic Women of Character, Determination and Independence
Friday March 24, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
Hartman Lounge, The Mansion, FDU
This presentation focuses on spirited women in Opera, an art form where one sometimes suspends reality for the greater purpose of strong musical interpretation. Great composers create music that makes us believe in and support their heroines, their causes and their actions. Ultimately, we understand them, sympathize with them and deeply admire them. As we celebrate “Women in History" month let’s “see and hear these gals in action!"
The Cello in Opera, Symphony, Ballet, Broadway, Film and Song
Friday April 21, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
Hartman Lounge, The Mansion, FDU
Springtime in Opera Film and Song
Friday, May 19, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
Hartman Lounge, The Mansion, FDU
Of all the seasons, springtime elicits a special inner joy. As flowers bloom and tree buds reappear, we experience renewal and rebirth; and the feelings of love and falling in love seemingly more intense. Composers have always written special pieces for the season as they are energized by the heightened activity of nature. In this class, you will see and hear the musical result of their creative powers coupled with pictures and video as we "take the time to smell the flowers!"
The Cello is the deeper sounding stringed instrument usually played by a musician who must sit to play it. Most times it adds the bass part to a harmonized section of music; however, there are many occasions when the cello plays the melody adding satisfying and memorable moments to a piece of music. This presentation will survey some of these special moments from various and diverse repertoires.
Lou Barrella
Opera Educator
Lou Barrella has been a dedicated Music Educator for over 50 years, specializing in Music and Opera Appreciation in schools and cultural organizations. He has given workshops and organized student trips for the Metropolitan Opera Education Department for 40 years. He has been a Guest Lecturer at Colleges, Museums and Cultural Institutions throughout the Metropolitan area, making over 750 presentations since 1993.
He is a Board Member of the Enrico Caruso Museum, a regular presenter at the Mario Lanza luncheons, a co-host at the Columbus Citizens’ Foundation Opera Nights; organizes opera luncheons and dinners at Casa Belvedere in Staten Island, conducts an opera class at the Garibaldi Meucci Museum in Staten Island and lectures with Opera at Florham's outreach program.