COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course follows the approach of previous versions of Perspectives on Opera and is intended for newcomers to opera as well as those who already are opera fans. The course begins with a discussion of how opera singers are trained. Other class sessions will explore the bases for the emotional impact of opera, Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem which some consider to be his greatest opera, a comparison of Verdi's opera Otello with Shakespeare's play Othello, the role and conduct of doctors in opera with commentary by Dr. Seth Malin, musical highlights of Richard Wagner's monumental Ring Cycle, and a comparison of two versions of the comic opera The Barber of Seville, one Gioachino Rossini's well-known version and the other the mostly unknown and rarely performed version by Giovanni Paisiello.

Please note: There will be no session on Wednesday, April 1.

COURSE LEADER
Harold Kuskin has been an opera lover and Metropolitan Opera subscriber for over 50 years and served as a Backstage Tour Guide at the Metropolitan Opera House for 15 years. 2026 will be his tenth year of teaching a course on opera at the Evergreen Forum.

GENERAL INFORMATION
This Evergreen Forum course offers a hybrid experience, allowing participants to join the event either in-person or virtually via Zoom. Please carefully select your registration type, as participants are expected to attend programs based on their chosen in-person or virtual status. Should your circumstances change and you wish to adjust your registration, kindly contact us at 609-751-9699. Our CMAP staff will do their best to accommodate your request based on availability.

Location Update: Due to recent damage at the NSK building, some Evergreen Forum course locations may change. We are currently assessing the necessary repairs and will finalize all class locations in the coming weeks. Final locations will be shared as soon as the repair schedule is clear. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS are available. Please submit a request form by following the link here to apply.

Any general questions or concerns about this event should be directed to CMAP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 609-751-9699.

REFUND INFORMATION
· We invite you to donate your refund to CMAP. Call us for more information
· Refund checks will be issued for cash, check, and credit card payments
· Payments made electronically will be refunded electronically
· Refund processing time is approximately 2 weeks
· Up to the start of the second week of an Evergreen Forum Course — refunds will be issued minus a $25 processing fee
· No refund will be offered after the second week of class.
· There will be a $25 processing fee for refunds to those who register for the same program more than once