French grand opera, like a modern day Hollywood spectacle, is opera on an epic scale. Born in the 19th century from a handful of Italian and German expatriates living in France, the genre incorporates elaborate scenery and costumes, ballet, an extensive cast, and symphonic accompaniment. It is the “super-sizing” of the art form and enjoyed widespread popularity for decades. Themes typically centered on the plight of the individual in the face of a larger governmental or foreign force, reflecting many of the issues facing Europeans at the time:  the rise and fall of empires, wars for independence, socio-political upheaval and class struggle.

Opera House of Paris

Opera House of Paris: Palais Garniers grand salon.

Opera Chapman presents “The Glory of French Grand Opera” beginning October 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Salmon Recital Hall. The program includes works by Bizet, Gounod, Massenet, Offenbach and Delibes, and features the students from Chapman University’s acclaimed Opera training program. Artistic direction is by Chapman’s Director of Operatic Studies, Dr. Peter Atherton; stage direction by Artist-in-Residence Carol Neblett and Dr. Christian Nova; and musical direction by Dr. Paul Floyd. Tickets are available now online or at the Chapman University Ticket Office located at 633 W. Palm, Suite 118. Additional performances take place October 18 at 7:30 p.m., October 19 at 3:00 p.m., October 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and October 26 at 3:00 p.m.