First-Year Seminars 110NP - New American Opera

Since 1980 more than 300 operas have been premiered in the United States. These works collectively represent a major change in creative direction, creating new opportunities for hitherto unrepresented and underrepresented voices. New development processes have allowed the art form to be newly responsive to the issues of our time. We will attend at least one performance of a new opera during the course, practice critical thinking and writing on our own, and work collaboratively on various projects thus exploring this new and rapidly evolving scene, listening deeply, and exploring texts that are shaping a brave new world of music.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.