A Brief History of Italian Opera

A bit of history, a bit of gossip, a lot of music, and no homework! This course will cover the basics of Italian opera, starting with its invention in Florence and the lavish Venetian operas of the 17th century. It continues with the vocal fireworks of opera seria alongside the comic antics of opera buffa in the 18th century before going on to the melodic 19th century bel canto works of Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti. The class ends with an overview of Italy’s two towering geniuses, Verdi and Puccini.

About the lecturer:

Buck Ross, Professor Emeritus at the University of Houston, was founder and director of the Moores Opera Center for 37 years from 1985-2022 where he produced and directed over 140 operas. Under him the program grew to be one of the largest university opera production programs in the country. Mr. Ross holds the distinction of having directed more operas in Houston than anyone in the history of the city. He’s the author of several librettos and singing translations including A Room with a View, The School for Scandal, and Orpheus in the Underworld. A long-time student of Italian at the Italian Cultural and Community Center, he has previously taught several popular opera courses for the ICCC.

When: Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., January 5 through January 26, 2026

Where: Italian Cultural & Community Center, 1101 Milford Street

Tickets: $125 ICCC Members | $150 General Admission

This course is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Cancellation Policy: Due to high demand for courses, tuition is non-refundable. We offer tuition credit toward a future group class if you cancel 48 hours in advance of the start of the first class. Tuition credit is valid for six months from the date issued. If you cancel less than 48 hours in advance, your tuition payment will be converted into a tax-deductible donation to the Italian Cultural & Community Center. No credits or refunds will be given to students who miss a portion of the class. To cancel your reservation, email us at U2Nob29sIHwgaWNjY2hvdXN0b24gISBjb20=.

Click here to become a member of the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston. For more information, please email Erika Myers at cHJvZ3JhbWV2ZW50cyB8IGljY2Nob3VzdG9uICEgY29t.

Also check out other Workshops in Houston, Arts events in Houston, Literary Art events in Houston.