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On May 8, the Four Seasons Opera Club takes a break from the "easy" operas (Buttery, Carmen) and begins a sojourn into works based on classic literature – specically, Virgil's epic poem e Aeneid. is 1st century masterpiece of Roman literature is expressed in 10,000 lines of dactylic hexameter: It is the inspiration for Henry Purcell's 1689 chamber opera, Dido and Aeneas and Hector Berlioz's 1863 grand opera, Les Troyens. It has taken 337 years for Purcell to reach the Four Seasons Beaumont. Virgil's magnum opus tells the story of the fall of Troy and the command to Aeneas from the Gods to rebuild Troy in Italy. Whereas Aeneas is destined to found Rome to ensure the eternal glory of the Trojan Empire, Purcell's baroque opera nds Dido at the end of her grand story arc. Like Aeneas, she and her people in Carthage are also the result of dire ight. Dido originates in Tyre (Lebanon) and found refuge in Tunisia to found Carthage and build it into the greatest Mediterranean port city of the Iron age. But her love for Aeneas carries profound consequences. Purcell lets us bear witness to her love for Aeneas and her devotion to the kingdom she founded. A tough choice is there and Dido handles it with operatic intensity. On May 15 the Opera Club presents the Mark Morris Dance Company's landmark dance version of Dido and Aeneas. e Opera Club has been presenting ballet since the Nutcracker in December 2024, but this is our rst foray into the sub-genre of modern dance. Modern dance emerged in the late 19th century under the guidance of Ruth St Denis, as an alternative to the strict formalism of ballet and a need for more dramatic expression. We are proud to share this unique blending of ballet and opera. In June, the Opera Club continues with Berlioz' epic opera, Les Troyens. is performance will begin at 3 pm due to its length. Bring a snack, there will be a 30-minute intermission. is full performance includes the preface to the Purcell version, "La prise de Troie" — fall of Troy — (think Trojan horse and Cassandra, the clairvoyant priestess who no one believes). See you at the opera! ~ Harvey Toyama, admin@fsbopera.org, (951) 524-3765 46 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2026 When describing 55+ communities like ours, it is often said that our population needs a sturdy three-legged stool for successful retirement and/or aging. The legs are Social, Health & Wellness, and Education. Four Seasons obviously has a strong Social leg. Our Health & Wellness leg is getting noticeably stronger. But, while we have some good educational offerings, that third leg for continuing "brain engagement" is not as strong as it could be. Under the recommendation of the Community Planning Committee, a group of 19 residents is working to build and strengthen educational opportunities by forming "LifeLong Learners at Four Seasons Beaumont." This group is exploring the potential for a LifeLong Learning Program here, a program similar to successful programs at many other 55+ premier communities. The fundamental goal is to provide life-enriching learning opportunities for residents. No tests, no homework, no pressure — just fun exploring new topics and ideas. As a whole, Four Seasons residents have extraordinary backgrounds and expertise to share. Our working group will attempt to construct a dynamic program involving speakers, classes, seminars, and workshops. We hope to include regional experts as well as Four Seasons residents presenting programs of interest. Nominal areas might include the humanities, fine arts, science and technology, digital literacy, local history, economics, civics, wellness, and the art of cooking. It is intended that there be no registration fees or financial motives in the program. Upcoming programs will be reported in future issues of the Breeze and Activities Blast. If you would like to be involved or contribute program suggestions, please contact Elaine Wilson at elaine.wilson11@ icloud.com. ~ Jane Hooper and Doug Streuber Opera Club LifeLong Learners NEW club! Photos L-R: Henry Purcell; Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas; Mark Morris Dance Company