This fast moving lecture charts opera from its classic 17th century beginnings to its evolution in the 18th (brocade, high voices, happy endings) and on through war and revolution to the 19th (nationalism, grand opera, and dead sopranos). As we hit the troubled 20th century the genre begins to spin out of control but, to everyone’s surprise, it’s landed in the 21st in good shape, with more festivals and opera houses than ever. On the way we discover how closely connected opera is with the politics and tastes of the people who pay for it.
How to book this event:
Guests are welcome in person for £5 at DORFORD CENTRE. Guests wishing to book a zoom link (£6) should do so via Ticket Source, found by clicking this link
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Miss Sarah Lenton
Sarah Lenton has spent her working life in the theatre: her principal employers are the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Garsington Opera. She writes programme articles, radio and play scripts, gives lectures on the operas and ballets in the rep. and broadcasts regularly for BBC Radios 3 and 4. She is also a cartoonist. All the talks listed come with audio and/or video clips. As the technology for sound reproduction is in a very fluid state, I bring reliable kit for this by car and can adapt to the Society’s technical set up as necessary.
GALLERY 
OTHER EVENTS
Society
Mr Simon Whitehouse
4 Mar 2025 - 10:30
Cerne Abbas Village Hall
Kettle Bridge Lane
Kettle Bridge Lane
Online Event
From Convent to Puccini. 3 Lectures with lunch and refreshments. 10.30 - 15.00 £37