Open MINDS Institute with Erik Novoa, Opera: Who Cares? And Why Should We. - Wednesday, November 11 at 1:00 PM

In March 2020, opera around the world came to a halt because of COVID-19. For some, it was the day the music died. It would be simple to dismiss this grand art form, with its expensive ticket prices, ornate sets, and lavish costumes. However, opera has captivated its audiences for 400 years because it has presented the essence of humanity—complex emotions overlaid through social interactions. During our masterclass, we will examine the history of opera and its social significance. This presentation will connect opera to healing moments during the pandemic and to civil rights issues that permeate our current consciousness. Perhaps, opera is necessary after all.

Erik Novoa has enjoyed a lifelong appreciation for and personal relationship with opera. He was brought up in New York City in a performing arts family; his father was principle tenor at New York City Opera and his mother was a dancer with New York City Opera Ballet. Erik learned opera from his father and enjoyed critical discussions about operatic subject matter, vocal technique, and the European history through the storylines. Erik soon learned many of the baritone arias of the Verdi and Puccini repertoire, while also studying piano, trumpet, and dance. Degrees in History of Ideas and American Studies help Erik examine opera both as an art form and as a relevant part of cultural identity. Since 2018, he has been teaching “Opera for Beginners” in conjunction with the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series at the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University. Most recently, Erik presented “Aria Exploration” as part of the Quick Center’s virtual sessions during the quarantine in the Northeast.