The Operas of Giuseppe Verdi with Gil Harel

No composer in the history of the operatic canon attained the level of success achieved by Giuseppe Verdi.

Born to modest parents in a provincial village near Busseto, Verdi would rise to become a national hero and key figure in the Italian struggle for sovereignty and independence. Blessed with manifold gifts and a dogged persistence that would shape his career, his life was also dotted with hardships and personal tragedies. Despite this, he dedicated himself completely to his art, and in doing so, created a catalog of operas that has remained ensconced in the standard repertoire ever since.

Join Professor Gil Harel as we plumb the depths of Verdi’s life and works, casting a spotlight on one of the most celebrated operas in the repertoire: La Traviata. 

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.