Giacomo Puccini is recognized as perhaps the most popular opera composer in history. His operas, La boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly et al. are done worldwide, wherever music is heard. And while the Italian musical genius has been represented (for the most part) in opera, there is a significant repertoire of beautiful art songs (arie da camera), meant to be performed in a more intimate setting. Following the example of Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and Verdi, Puccini composed a small repertoire of stunningly beautiful songs, almost all of which are unknown to the music loving public. These songs tell tales of first loves, lost loves, great loves, wandering spirits, and souls from Dante’s Inferno. The songs will be performed live by artists from The American Center for Puccini Studies and their subsequent placement within the operas will also be demonstrated. These songs best represent the real Puccini: a passionate, sensitive, elegant man with a great sense of humor. After hearing these songs, you will know Puccini’s secrets! Dr. Harry N. Dunstan, Historical Musicologist, and Professional Operatic Tenor Kay Krekow, Soprano Monday 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Sep 29