Submitted by Dr. Melissa Fulgham
Students from the team taught World Civ/Music Appreciation course attended the Dallas Opera Company's performance of†Tosca†at the Winspear, located in the Arts District of Downtown Dallas. After stopping at Starbucks on the way, students arrived 90 minutes before the show began in order to purchase Student Rush tickets. Sold only on the day of the performance, student rush pricing allows college students to purchase tickets at deeply discounted prices.† For only $25 apiece, the eight attendees were able to sit together in the Orchestra Center front section in seats which normally cost $169.† Arriving early also allowed the students to attend the lecture given in Hamon Hall†prior to†the opera.
Live music, especially an opera, is a uniquely enthralling and engaging experience.† Sitting so close to the orchestra further magnified the "feel" of the music.
What better way to follow up on an Italian Opera than with Italian food? Dinner was at Campisi's Restaurant - the oldest Italian restaurant in Texas. As befits a post-opera dining experience, the restaurant itself has a somewhat dramatic history with a connection to Jack Ruby and the JFK investigation.
Most of those attending had never been to an opera before. Everyone enjoyed the experience, with some calling it a "perfect day."† I personally enjoyed the look of wonder and delight on the faces of those who had never been to the Winspear or attended an opera before. It was a wonderful out-of-the-classroom teaching opportunity that will create a lifelong memory for those students.
Those attending included Scott Wilhite, Elizabeth Griffin, Isaac Burris, Angelica Fuentes, Genesis Quezada, Morgan Capps, Melissa Fulgham, and Scott Fulgham.
