For the past three months, every Sunday at 3 o’clock dozens of singers and lovers of singing from across the world have met to listen topically curated recordings from the past 120 years. Inspired by the success of its Audiophile Society, Bel Canto Boot Camp (BCBC) has expanded their program and collaboration with Guild Hall in a new series, Sunday Matinées.
Sunday Matinée’s is a weekly salon series exploring the ways in which we listen, react, and connect with opera and the vocal arts. Led by Rachelle Jonck and Derrick Goff, BCBC cofounders, and Steven Tharp, curator of Audiophile Society and expert on all things recorded, we will learn together what to listen for in historical recordings, and where the technology needs our ears and minds to “fill in” what might not be there. The sessions heavily use the chat feature on zoom, allowing participants to “pass notes” in real time while the music is happening. At a BCBC session, we do not have to wait till intermission to share our thoughts and excitement about what we hear!
The April series includes a special three-part opera news lecture titled “Opera in the Papers,” facilitated by guest artist, Dr. David Ekstrum and Judith Malafronte.
SCHEDULE
An Operatic Easer, Cavalleria Rusticana: Sunday, April 4
Audiophile Society presents its first curated listening of an entire opera- Mascagni’s beloved opera, set on Easter morning.
Opera in the Papers, Part I: Sunday, April 11
A look at opera criticism in print paired with listening to the critiqued singers and their performances. Facilitated by guest artist, Dr. David Ekstrum and Judith Malafronte
Opera in the Papers, Part II: Sunday, April 18
Opera in the Papers, Part III: April 25











