Campus opera

Teacher(s)

Clarinval Delphine;

Language

French

Prerequisites

/

Main themes

This course is meant to lead to a lively and active discovery of the opera world, and thus to the music world, not only in its own realization but also in the devices helping its creation (composition, interpretation, rehearsals, direction, scenery, ...).

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Discovery of the music and more particularly of the opera world. Acquisition of a critical and theoretical proceeding, through, among others, active listening and confrontation with lively pieces of work, both modern and older compositions.

Content

This course is offered in partnership with the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie (Brussels) and the Opéra Royal de Wallonie (Liège). It combines historical, aesthetic, and critical approaches to opera through two complementary thematic units. The Q1 provides a structured overview of the major milestones in the history of opera, from its emergence in the 17th Century to the contemporary period. Particular attention is given to dominant aesthetic currents, key composers, and the evolution of operatic language. The Q2 focuses on the development of opera staging. From Baroque stage machinery to leading figures in contemporary directing, it examines how the operatic genre has progressively asserted itself within the performing arts and the broader field of theatrical production. Students attend five productions during the season. Each opera is preceded by a dedicated introduction, delivered either by the instructor or by invited specialists (opera scholars, dramaturges, members of artistic teams, composers, etc.), held during course time and on site at the opera houses. Each performance is followed by an interdisciplinary roundtable led by the instructor. Depending on the production, discussions may be enriched by contributions from students in related disciplines or by a collective debate involving the entire group. These sessions provide a structured forum for critical reflection on the cultural, aesthetic, and societal issues raised by the operas assisted. The course also includes a visit to the workshops of La Monnaie or the Opéra Royal de Wallonie (Liège), meetings with theatre professionals (stage technicians, set designers, costume makers, architects, etc.), and talks related to the productions featured in the programme.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, introductions for the opera’s productions, visits to the opera houses (the workshops of La Monnaie or the Opéra Royal de Wallonie), guest lectures by external specialists, and attendance at the operas included in the programme.
The roundtable sessions constitute a genuine analytical laboratory, enabling students to confront their observations with the historical foundations and aesthetic concepts introduced in the lectures. Their purpose is to foster critical reflection and prepare students for the writing of analytical reports.

Evaluation methods

Other information

Participation in opera performances, roundtable sessions, and all other mandatory activities is an integral part of the pedagogical framework. Any unjustified absence may prevent the evaluation of certain learning outcomes and will affect the final grade in accordance with the announced evaluation criteria.
Most of the costs related to opera tickets are paid by the UCL but a symbolic participation of the student is required.

Online resources

Ppt of the courses, portfolio of readings concerning the operas seen and various bibliographical indications are deposited on the Moodle site.

Bibliography

Des indications bibliographiques sont données lors du cours et mentionnées sur le site Moodle

Faculty or entity

> EHAC