In the year that marks the 200th birthdays of two operatic giants— Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi— we will examine who they were, and pay homage to what they left us. First, we’ll focus on the two composers’ personal beginnings and on some of the musicians who came before and influenced them. Then we’ll move on to Wagner, the singular German genius, who is alone in his musical universe, but invites us in to share his experience. Next we’ll turn our sights to Verdi, the uncommon Italian genius, who was sensitive to the commoners of his time and beyond. Finally, we’ll examine the two composers’ disciples and discuss how the works of Wagner and Verdi have been used, transformed, abused, satirized, and lionized. Register at http://go.iu.edu/6D9 or call (812)855-9335.
• TIME: 7 p.m.
• COST: $75
• WHERE: Meadowood Retirement Center, 2455 Tamarack Trail, Bloomington.
812-336-7060