Welcome to Opera for Everyone! with lecturer Erika Reitshamer

Experience the Thrills of Giuseppe Verdi’s Early Operas! Already in the first years of his operatic career, Giuseppe Verdi could create the most ravishing melodies imaginable!

Nabucco and captivity of the Israelites in Babylon has grown into a powerful representation of oppression throughout history and resonated with people struggling for freedom across the globe. The chorus of the Hebrew slaves “Va pensiero” gave voice to a simmering Italian nationalism and became the unofficial anthem of the Italian Independence movement. Cast: Renato Bruson, Ghena Dimitrova, Paata Burchuladze.

Speaker Erika Reitshamer is a lifelong student and lover of opera who thoroughly enjoys passing on her passion to others. She was active in the formation of Boston Lyric Opera Company for more than 40 years ago, led opera tours to Europe and served as vice-president of the Boston Wagner Society for many years.