The strange and magical art form that we call “Opera” began in a very specific time and place: 1600, Florence. This new, highly unique musical genre went on to redefine art music in the West, rising in international appeal and making Italy the center of dramatic music for 200 years. Join Dr. Kevin Zakresky, orchestral conductor and music historian, as he explores opera’s early beginnings.
January 14 – The Beginning!
January 21 – Italy Reigns Supreme
January 28 – The Singing Profession
February 4 – Serious Opera
February 11 – Goofy Opera
February 18 – Opera gets a Makeover
Kevin Zakresky is a vocalist, choir director and orchestral Conductor from Vancouver. He teaches singing at the Vancouver Symphony School of Music. He tours the world as a conductor for the National Geographic Symphony, Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses, and Heroes Symphony. In Vancouver, he is the Conductor of the Pacific Spirit Choir and Maddalena’s Descant. Past jobs have included teaching positions at SFU, Capilano University, Douglas College, Assistant Conductor of Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, Director of the Pacifica Singers, and Conductor of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra. He received his Doctorate from Yale University in 2012.
This series is made possible thanks to a generous bequest in support of music at the Library from the estate of Robert Leslie Welsh through the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation.
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