Special Presentation: From Verdi to Verismo: Italian Opera and Society from the Risorgimento to the First World War

In this lecture, Jonathan R. Hiller will explain opera’s crucial role in Italian society, from the time of the country’s move to unification in the mid-19th century to the First World War.  Showing examples from many famous works (such as Rigoletto, La Bohème, and Cavalleria Rusticana) and some lesser-known works (such as Cristoforo Colombo and I Medici), this presentation will show the intimate links between Italy’s eventful history and these seminal works of melodrama.  Lecture in English. Light reception will precede the lecture at 6:30pm. Lecture will begin promptly at 7:00pm. Must register in advance and prepay. Members $20 – Non-Members $25