Parole in Aria:
Italian Through Opera
When: Wednesdays 10:15–11:45
Where: LetsXcape Caffè, Newark-on-Trent
Level: A1–A2 Friendly | No singing required
Join us for a unique journey into Italian through the music and emotion of Puccini. Each week, we study a full opera aria, using it to build vocabulary, grammar, listening skills and cultural understanding. This is a welcoming course for beginners and improvers alike – expressive, engaging, and full of beauty
All students receive full lyrics, weekly handouts, and light grammar guidance to support each lesson. No previous knowledge of opera required
Rigoletto: Verdi
(Wednesday Nov 4th-December 16th 2026) 10.15-11.45
Opera North: Theatre Royal Nottingham Friday 21st November
This sequence also follows the story in chronological order and alternates between the Duke, Rigoletto, and Gilda, giving students a balanced understanding of all three principal characters.
Next course
Week 1 – Wed 4 Nov Bella figlia dell'amore
One of the most famous quartets in opera. Explore the four characters, their contrasting viewpoints, and Verdi's genius for combining different voices in a single scene.
Week 2 – Wed 11 Nov È il sol dell'anima
A beautiful love duet full of romantic language, ideal for exploring themes of love, poetry and Italian expression.
Week 3 – Wed 18 Nov Quel vecchio maledivami!
A dramatic moment from Rigoletto focusing on fate, curses and powerful emotions. Perfect for understanding the darker side of Verdi's opera.
Week 4 – Wed 25 Nov Possente amor mi chiama
A moving aria exploring devotion, sacrifice and destiny, helping learners engage with the emotional heart of the story.
Fri 27 Nov Rigoletto at Theatre Royal
Week 5 – Wed 2 Dec Tu scendi dalle stelle
Italy's best-loved Christmas carol. Discover its origins, Christmas traditions in Italy, and festive vocabulary linked to family, warmth and celebration.
Week 6 – Wed 9 Dec Astro del ciel (Silent Night)
Explore the Italian version of one of the world's most famous Christmas songs while comparing Christmas customs across different countries.
Week 7 – Wed 16 Dec Buon Natale (se vuoi) – Eros Ramazzotti
A modern Christmas song focusing on peace, kindness and hope, offering a contemporary perspective on the festive season in Italy.
PAYG: £20 per session
