Short course
Bel Canto Opera
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
02/11/2026 - 30/11/202614:00 - 16:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
The term 'Bel canto' describes both a style of singing and a period in Italian operatic history that has come to be associated with the operas of Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini and early Verdi. These composers incorporated the singing techniques of the Baroque era, with its emphasis on evenness of tone, breath-control and fast, florid vocal passages, into works that were Romantic in their treatment of the drama of the libretto. In other words, the vocal technique is used to enhance the drama and not purely for display. In this course we will examine the repertoire and the elements of 'Bel canto' vocal technique used by the 'Bel canto' composers in 19th century.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Monday 2 November 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Mondays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: The beginning of Bel Canto opera: The operas of Rossini
Week 2: Bellini: ‘La Sonnambula’ and ‘Norma’
Week 3: Donizetti: ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’ and ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’
Week 4: Bellini: ‘I Puritani’, and Donizetti ‘Don Pasquale’
Week 5: The Legacy of Bel Canto: Verdi’s early years
Course aims
Course aim:
The aim of this course is to examine the ‘Bel canto’ period of Italian opera, typified by the operas of Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini, alongside the vocal technique required to perform their music.
Course objectives:
1. to study the operas of Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini
2. to describe the vocal techniques that create the bel canto style
3. to examine the legacy of this period of Italian opera
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be expected to:
- define some of the technical terms used, such as coloratura, and describe some of the characteristics of bel canto singing
- describe how the vocal writing in an operatic passage expresses the dramatic intentions behind the text
- distinguish between the different styles of Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini and give a brief account of each of their lives
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
No prior knowledge is required to enjoy this course.
Teaching methods
The course will be illustrated by audio and video extracts, mostly co-ordinated by computer. All visual illustrations, including scores, opera texts, video and DVD extracts will be projected on to a large screen. Audio recordings will be played through high quality hi-fi. There will also be live demonstrations by the tutor.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Miss Claire-Louise Lucas
Claire-Louise Lucas is a professional mezzo-soprano and a part-time music tutor. She lectures on opera and song for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. She has lectured on singing in conservatoires and other universities in the UK and the USA.
Claire-Louise has performed extensively throughout Britain, Europe and the USA, including an appearance as a soloist in the Salzburg Easter Festival with Maurizio Pollini and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Claudio Abbado. Other recent performances include concerts at Gloucester Cathedral; Christ Church Cathedral; Salisbury Cathedral; Southampton University; the Leominster Festival and the Brighton Festival.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- The New Grove Masters of Italian Opera / Ashbrook, Budden et al.
Module code: O26P506MSW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.