I continue my seminar series with for the Opera League of Los Angeles celebrating the centennial of Puccini’s death. This second lecture looks at Puccini’s “triple crown” of popular works: La bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. I’ll focus mostly on Butterfly, a repertoire staple that has an increasingly complicated reception history; the exoticism that worked for Puccini’s fin-de-siècle Italian audiences (and continues to be promoted on many stages) fires up reasonable resistance in today’s global world, especially as regards imperialist attitudes, racism, and sex trafficking.

Membership is required for registration.

“The Opera League of Los Angeles produces an array of educational programs including seminars, gatherings, musicales, master classes, and much more, all with the common aim of expanding the appreciation of opera by bringing people together to celebrate this timeless art form.” For information about Opera League activities, membership, and this event, check out their web site, linked above!