Lifelong Learning Class
This Lifelong Learning Class is held on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. - noon. The course features a variety of guest speakers and performers, including many from the Virginia Opera Association.
Opera for Everyone
Opera for Everyone follows the season of The Virginia Opera and various other opera events. The class meets three times throughout the year for eight weeks each, beginning in fall, winter, and spring. A dress rehearsal and behind the scenes tour are included for select productions. Course registration can be done online, in advance or in-person with a check made out to "惇蹋圖" at the first class meeting. VIP parking next to the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts building is included!
More information and class materials are available at:
About this Course
- Instructor: Kelli Bly
- Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
- Weekday: Tuesdays
- Location: Diehn Fine and Performing Arts, Diehn Composers Room, Rm 189 The Reading Room
Sessions
- Session 1 (Fall): Sept. 8, 2026 - Oct. 27, 2026
- Session 2 (Winter): Nov. 10, 2026 - Jan. 26, 2027
- Session 3 (Spring): Feb. 2, 2027 - March 23, 2027
Pricing
Prior to Sept. 15
- $130 for one session
- $250 for two sessions
- $360 for three sessions
There is a $50.00 additional charge for registration after Sept. 15 or after the first day of class for the Winter and Spring session.
- Fall 2026
- Nov. 6, Nov. 8, Norfolk
- Nov. 13, Nov. 15, Richmond
- Nov. 21, Nov. 22, Fairfax
- Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29
- Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27
- Nov. 3 (Election Day)
- Fall 2026
- Nov. 6, Nov. 8, Norfolk
- Nov. 13, Nov. 15, Richmond
- Nov. 21, Nov. 22, Fairfax
- Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29
- Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27
- Nov. 3 (Election Day)
- Winter 2026
- Jan. 29, Jan. 31, Norfolk
- Feb. 5, Feb. 7, Richmond
- Nov. 10, Nov. 17, Nov. 24
- Dec. 1, Dec. 8,
- Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26
- Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29 (Winter Break)
- Winter 2026
- Jan. 29, Jan. 31, Norfolk
- Feb. 5, Feb. 7, Richmond
- Nov. 10, Nov. 17, Nov. 24
- Dec. 1, Dec. 8,
- Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26
- Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29 (Winter Break)
- Spring 2027
- March 5, March 7, Norfolk
- March 12, March 14, Richmond
- March 20, March 21, Fairfax
- Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23
- March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23
- Spring 2027
- March 5, March 7, Norfolk
- March 12, March 14, Richmond
- March 20, March 21, Fairfax
- Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23
- March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23
Course Details
Kelli Bly
Professor Kelli Bly, Mezzo-Soprano. Professor Bly is an adjunct instructor at 惇蹋圖, teaching Music History. Professor Bly performs locally with the VA Symphony Chorus, VA Opera, and the VA Chorale. Professor Bly, originally from upstate NY, has a BM from SUNY Fredonia, an MME from 惇蹋圖, and is currently in the final stages of her Doctor of Music Education at Liberty University. Professor Bly resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and four children.
- Explore the details of opera productions presented by the Virginia Opera including: music, libretti, historical background and life of the composer
- Attend VOA rehearsals and see how opera productions are put together
- Become acquainted with various arts organizations in Tidewater, and hear about their season schedules
- Pen/pencil and paper for taking notes.
- Librettos and Course Book for each opera available in class.
A more extensive materials list is available at:
None
- In person by lecture, demonstration, and class discussion. Online viewing of full production of each opera along with various videos of conductors, stage directors, singers and other aspects of opera production. Class members participates in dramatic readings of the libretti.
- Anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of opera, its traditions and performance practices.
- Course includes VIP parking next to the Diehn Fine & Performing Arts building.
Kelli Bly
Professor Kelli Bly, Mezzo-Soprano. Professor Bly is an adjunct instructor at 惇蹋圖, teaching Music History. Professor Bly performs locally with the VA Symphony Chorus, VA Opera, and the VA Chorale. Professor Bly, originally from upstate NY, has a BM from SUNY Fredonia, an MME from 惇蹋圖, and is currently in the final stages of her Doctor of Music Education at Liberty University. Professor Bly resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and four children.
- Explore the details of opera productions presented by the Virginia Opera including: music, libretti, historical background and life of the composer
- Attend VOA rehearsals and see how opera productions are put together
- Become acquainted with various arts organizations in Tidewater, and hear about their season schedules
- Pen/pencil and paper for taking notes.
- Librettos and Course Book for each opera available in class.
A more extensive materials list is available at:
None
- In person by lecture, demonstration, and class discussion. Online viewing of full production of each opera along with various videos of conductors, stage directors, singers and other aspects of opera production. Class members participates in dramatic readings of the libretti.
- Anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of opera, its traditions and performance practices.
- Course includes VIP parking next to the Diehn Fine & Performing Arts building.
Cancellation
To withdraw from a course you must send a request in writing to oducmd@odu.edu or call 757-683-4075 one business day prior to the start date of the course. Failure to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal. Course registration fees, less a $25 processing fee will be refunded via check per 惇蹋圖 policy (we are unable to return money to a debit or credit card). There are no refunds once the class has begun.