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Today the word "diva" is used quite casually. This wasn't always the case — as a true opera diva is quite rare. Explore the lives of such opera divas as Joan Sutherland, Marilyn Horne, Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Renatta Scotto, Eleanor Steber, and Kathleen Battle. Prepare a short class presentation with music examples of these fascinating and stunning performers. |
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During the 1950s the "Voice of Firestone" and "The Bell Telephone Hour" presented many of the most famous opera and classical music stars of the U.S. Some of these shows have been preserved and are available in many libraries (both distributed by VAI Productions). Watch one of these videos and present a short discussion with your classmates about how classical music (and opera in particular) represented the cultural elite during this period. |
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The book discusses a controversial issue surrounding Deborah Voigt. Since the writing of the book much has happened. Follow up on the Deborah Voigt story and see what she did by visiting her web site (www.deborahvoigt.com) and the follow up interview with NPR at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1862649 and finally the drastic measures Ms. Voigt took (http://theoperacritic.com/singers.php?singer=deborah_voigt). Write a summary of your findings to present to your class and lead a discussion on the issues that surround this talented singer. |
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"The Changing Image of Opera: Einstein on the Beach" is a documentary on the revival production of this epic five-hour opera (Direct Cinema, 1987). In addition to interviews with Robert Wilson and Phillip Glass there is commentary by the performers of this work (who perform it from memory!). After watching this documentary discuss this "new" kind of opera and the possibility of its entering a canon of opera. |
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The book "Opera in America: A Cultural History" by John Dizikes (Yale Univ. Press, 1993) is an excellent starting point for a rich exploration of opera. Choose one or two chapters from the text and write a short essay discussing what you have discovered about opera. |
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