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Discover the magical world of opera

A free online course launching today leads learners through 400 years of opera history with expert insights from top musicians, directors and King's College London academics.

The Inside Opera course, a collaboration between King’s College London, the Royal Opera House and the V&A, explores the inner-workings of the art form with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and the V&A museum.

The course is the world’s very first introductory MOOC (massive open online course) about opera.

Led by King’s College London’s Dr Flora Willson with expert insight from renowned composer Sir George Benjamin, director Katie Mitchell and Royal Opera House Music Director Sir Antonio Pappano, the free bitesize classes teach learners to:

  • Describe opera and its main musical and dramatic features;
  • Discuss how opera has changed with the world around the opera house;
  • Explore the major roles involved in staging an opera, both in the past and today;
  • Reflect on opera’s changing role in culture and society during its four-century history;
  • Explore how new technologies have altered the way audiences experience opera;
  • Discuss what opera has to offer in the 21st century.

Coinciding with the V&A’s landmark new exhibition, Opera: Passion, Power & Politics, the four-week course allows learners from around the world to experience this life-changing art form with the musicians and directors who bring it to life on-stage.

The Inside Opera course begins on 9 October. Sign up today and join the conversation at #FLInsideOpera.