For those of us OLLI students interested in cultural subjects, we should feel privileged to have as an OLLI faculty member this spring one of the most knowledgeable opera instructors anywhere: Kip Cranna, the Dramaturg Emeritus of the San Francisco Opera. Kip served on the opera staff for some 44 years before recently retiring. Not only have I taken other OLLI classes from him, but I had regularly listened to his preconcert talks at the San Francisco Opera House where he would elucidate and explain operatic themes and the underlying story of the opera about to begin.
I saw my first opera as a young adult and have been enamored with it ever since. It “spoke to me” in a way that's hard to explain. I love symphonies as well, but I find opera an even more emotional experience. I have seen Madame Butterfly, the tragic opera by Giacomo Puccini multiple times. It tells the story of a Japanese geisha named Cio Cio San who marries an American Naval Officer Pinkerton and bears their child. After being sent back to the US, he returns with his American wife to take the young boy back to the States. Realizing she has lost her son and is abandoned, Cio Cio San takes her life as the curtain falls. Best to bring an extra handkerchief (or two) to this opera because there is never a dry eye in the audience at its wrenching conclusion. I have seen this opera more times than I can count, and it gets me every time.
Cranna is teaching San Francisco Opera 2025: A Preview with OLLI in April. Whether you love opera — or are simply opera curious — I strongly recommend signing up. I already have. It’s a four-session class with an exceptional instructor. Hope to see you there, in person or online. No handkerchief needed.
Hugh Winig, MD is a retired psychiatrist, a longtime OLLI @Berkeley member and volunteer, and a regular contributor to the OLLI Blog.
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