Puccini, Please: The Life, Times, and Music of the World’s Favorite Opera Composer
October 16-18, 2026
Opera fans love Giacomo Puccini. The last of the great Italian opera composers, he never fails to thrill us with his soaring melodies or to move us with his pathos. But let’s take a closer look at Puccini’s world and discover what lies behind the music, as we watch him evolve from a composer in the grand tradition of Italian opera into a ground-breaking exponent of supercharged post-Romantic “verismo.” We’ll search for the real people and true stories behind his operas, and uncover fascinating details about Puccini’s often tumultuous career. We’ll investigate his life and art in their historical context and use video examples (with English subtitles) to examine in detail his emotionally stirring music dramas. No previous opera background required. Just watch, listen, and enjoy.
Tentative Opera Schedule
Friday, October 16th
4 PM – Registration & Lodging Check-in
5 PM – Orientation & Social
6 PM – Dinner
7PM – 9 PM – Opera Course ***Opera course description to be added
Saturday, October 17th
8 AM – Breakfast
9 AM – 12 PM – Opera Course (10:30 AM -Coffee/Tea Break) ***Opera course description to be added
12 PM – Lunch
1 PM – 5 PM Opera Course (3 PM – Coffee/Tea Break) ***Opera course description to be added
5:30 PM – Social
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – Performance
Sunday, October 18th
8 AM – Breakfast
9 AM – 12 PM – Opera Course (10:30 AM -Coffee/Tea Break) ***Opera course description to be added
12 PM – Farewell Lunch
