The Music majors in Professor Sylvia Kahan‘s History of Opera seminar recently had the thrill of watching what they were studying come to life when the class attended a performance of Puccini’s La bohème at the Metropolitan Opera. 

The course covers the evolution of opera from 1600 until the beginning of the twentieth century. Most of the class members had never attended a live opera before, and the experience altered their perceptions of what could be achieved on Lincoln Center’s world-renowned stage. Even though the curriculum explored the way the opera comes to life through the musical depiction of the characters and the stage settings, witnessing a performance in person and hearing world-class singing and orchestral playing was a revelation. 

“It was really great to see how everything came together on the stage,” said senior Robin Whalen. “The sets were so grand, and I could imagine all the teamwork that goes went into creating them.” Piano major Amber Liang remarked, “It was my first time seeing this opera. The orchestra is amazing—it’s such a different experience than listening to the music on a screen or a laptop. It’s just like real life.” Jazz guitarist Maksim Nam agreed. “It was my first opera.” he said. “Watching it in person is completely different than seeing it on a computer. The level of performance was outstanding—they sounded just like a recording. I loved all the stage decor, too, especially the scene in Act II in front of the cafe.”

The class excursion was a celebratory way to end a fruitful semester.