In a unique first, the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College is partnering with Vero Beach Opera for a special course offering.
Isn't It Romantic?
19th CENTURY ROMANTIC OPERA IN CONTEXT
Presented by Herb Hinkle and Dr. Benjamin Taggie, with special guests Roman & Joan Ortega-Cowan
Join us for 5-week course on Fridays during the second semester at Indian River State College Mueller Campus, Richardson Center in Vero Beach.
Our presenters from the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning will examine the context of several operatic marvels from the first half of the 19th Century – operas which have thrilled audiences ever since their creation – commencing with Verdi’s Rigoletto (being presented by Vero Beach Opera on January 11, 2026).
We’ll assess the dynamic and different historical settings in which each opera was created: Germany and Italy emerging as national states, France shaking off the malaise of the Revolution and Russia a medieval society with serfdom and absolutism flourishing.
We will also consider the fabulous tapestries of artistic and literary masterpieces of the Romantic Era. Other operas in the course will include Fidelio (Beethoven, Germany); Les Troyens (Berlioz, France); and Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky, Russia).
Finally, we’ll briefly look at Mozart’s The Impresario and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana (both being presented by Vero Beach Opera on March 29, 2026) which bookend the Romantic Era.
February 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6, 2026 from 1:30-3:30 pm
REGISTRATION COMING IN NOVEMBER
Herb Hinkle
"Isn't It Romantic?" Course Co-Presenter
Herb Hinkle, Esq. practiced law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years, and currently is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Rutgers University Law School teaching Trusts & Estates, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. He earned a J.D. Degree from Rutgers and a second law degree (LL.M.) in taxation from Temple University Law School.
Dr. Benjamin Taggie
"Isn't It Romantic?" Course Co-Presenter
Ben Taggie is Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts. His areas of academic specialization are medieval and classical history. He has served in university administrative positions of dean, provost, and vice chancellor. Ben holds a Ph.D. in history from Michigan State University and was a post-doctoral Fellow at Brown and Harvard Universities. Following retirement, he continued to serve as Director and lecturer in the University of Massachusetts Summer Sicily Program at the University of Messina. Professor Taggie is also Executive Director/President of the Mediterranean Studies Association, an academic non-profit educational organization devoted to international education and research. As Executive Director Dr. Taggie has organized and administered international education programs for students at the University of Evora, Portugal, the Nocciano Institute for the Arts and Culture, Pescara, Italy, and the University of Messina, Sicily. Ben Taggie has researched and published in the field of history and was Co-Editor of the journal MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES.