ONCE1011 - Program Notes: Symphonies and Operas

Course Description

Join us for weekly sessions to learn more about and prepare for local, upcoming symphony performances. Understanding and familiarity can greatly increase your enjoyment of this type of music. No previous musical training is required. If students are interested in attending the live concerts, discounted tickets will be made available to students.

All sessions are led by instructor David Heitler-Klevans, who has a degree in composition from Oberlin Conservatory of Music. David is a full-time performing musician, and has taught music to adults and children for over 30 years, including at Settlement Music School, Cheltenham Township Adult School, Mt. Airy Learning Tree and Temple University Ambler.

Course Outline

SERIES FEE: $135

Register for all three courses in the Program Notes: Classical Music Series at the time of registration, and receive a more than 15 percent discount on the total.

SECTION I: MUSSORGSKY’S BORIS GUDONOV

Wednesday, Sept. 29 | 7–8:30PM | Online via Zoom • $55

Learn about Mussorgsky’s opera Boris Gudonov including biographical and historical context, story synopsis, structure, dramatic and musical highlights, and more. This opera will be shown as part of The Met in HD series in movie theaters on October 9.

SECTION II: MOZART’S SYMPHONY 40 & DVORAK’S SYMPHONY 7

Wednesday, Nov. 3 | 7–8:30PM | Online via Zoom • $55

Learn about Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and Dvorak‘s Symphony No. 7, including biographical and historical context, main themes, and musical structures. These pieces will be performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra in November.

SECTION III: BEETHOVEN’S 4TH SYMPHONY & MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO

Wednesday, Nov. 17 | 7–8:30PM | Online via Zoom • $55

Learn about Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Mendelssohn‘s Violin Concerto, including biographical and historical context, main themes, and musical structures. These pieces will be performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra in November.