Young French Freeloaders Coming

 

Loafers. Ne’er-do-wells. You might call them ‘bums’, or you might call them ‘bohemians’, though that doesn’t excuse the way they avoid paying their bills. Call them what you will, they’re a Parisian landlord’s worst nightmare…and they’re coming to Huntington. And for that we can rejoice.

 

For two Sundays in March the Cabell County Public Library will provide us the means to explore the world of opera through the study of one particular masterpiece: Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme, the passionate, timeless story of love among the young free-spirited artists of Paris. Structured to be fun for both opera buffs as well as neophytes, the two 90-minute sessions are designed to enhance the participants’ enjoyment of opera. Did you know that opera performances attract large, enthusiastic crowds worldwide?

 

That there are more opera lovers in America than there are jai-lai and curling fans combined? Ever wonder why? Just imagine: in just a few hours’ time you’ll learn something of the history of opera. How to interpret a libretto. What a libretto is! Why La Boheme is considered to be the most popular opera ever composed. And just in time, too. Because we’ll cap off our exploration of opera with a trip to watch a special live performance of La Boheme by the Metropolitan Opera which will be presented in a high definition broadcast at the Cinema 10 in Ashland on Saturday, April 5.

 

Local opera buffs who have gone to theatres for such broadcasts claim the quality is extraordinary. “The sound is superb, subtitles of the words a revelation, and the close-ups are extraordinary,” reports Daniel Cowell, M.D., Senior Assistant Dean of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

 

The preview sessions will include instructive audiovisual support, illustrative singing by gifted local artists, and volunteer readings of the libretto by members of the audience. “As glorious as the music is, the words give us the deepest insights and understanding of the characters, their personalities, quirks, and passions,” explains Lou Capaldini, who is serving as moderator of the exploration series.

 

The Cabell County Public Library will be providing copies of the libretto in English and Italian free of charge to those who register early. The programs are free.

 

The sessions will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 and 30, at the Main Library, 455 Ninth Street, Huntington. Please register for this free by calling the Library at 528-5700. For information on the programs and the high definition broadcast call the Library or Lou Capaldini at 522-9441.