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The aim of this course is to give you new ways of listening to opera, whether you are getting to know the form for the first time or you are already familiar with it and looking for something unusual.

Together we will explore a wide variety of operas and their social and cultural contexts, ranging from the eighteenth century to the present day, catering to all tastes. If you are new to the genre, you will get to hear some of the most famous works in the form. If you are more familiar with opera, you will gain fresh perspectives on the works you already know, and will have the opportunity to discover some less well-known works as well.

The course will introduce the various elements of opera production in the first term, and will explore some of the more general ideas around opera in the second term. Each class takes a single opera as a case study and considers its composer, context, themes, and production through rich audio-visual material.

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Term dates

•  Autumn/Michaelmas Term: Friday 2 October to Friday 4 December 2026 (no class on 30 October 2026)

For course content enquiries: Contact the course tutor, Dr Bruno Bower, at b.bower@imperial.ac.uk

For enrolment and booking enquiries: Contact Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

This course has no exams or assessments, so you can focus on enjoying your learning. If you attend regularly, you may also receive an Imperial attendance certificate. (T&Cs apply).