Music Academy to Present William Bolcom's
A Wedding
Two performances will take place at the Lobero Theatre
For Immediate Release July 23, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Music Academy of the West will present a fully staged production of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom's comic opera A Wedding at the Lobero Theatre on Friday, August 8, and on Sunday, August 10. The August 8 performance will begin at 7:30 pm; the August 10 performance will begin at 2:30 pm. Tickets for both performances will cost $68. An open dress rehearsal will take place at The Lobero on Wednesday, August 6, beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets for that event cost $33.
Based on the 1978 Robert Altman film of the same title, A Wedding involves audiences in a madcap comedy of manners and a "glistening web of sound" (The New Yorker). According to Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times, "the score is filled with snappy songs and dance numbers, extractable arias, clever ensembles, and pleasing bits." This summer's production will feature a revised score commissioned by the Music Academy for chamber orchestra. "I'm thrilled that we are presenting the West Coast premiere of one of the most important and enjoyable American operas of the last decade," said celebrated mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, who has directed the Academy Voice Program since 1997.
Conductor George Manahan, making his first Academy appearance, will be joined by stage director Chas Rader-Shieber, who directed previous Academy productions of Ariadne auf Naxos (2000), Don Pasquale (2001), and Così fan tutte (2005). Lenore Doxsee, a faculty member at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, will design the lighting, and David Zinn, whose work has garnered praise from the Chicago Tribune and The New York Times, among other publications, will serve as scenic designer and costume coordinator.
Mr. Manahan, who serves as music director of the New York City Opera, is well known for his leadership of productions such as La fanciulla del West, Daphne, Ermione, Dialogues of the Carmelites, and Die tote Stadt, and for three "Live from Lincoln Center" telecasts, La Bohème, Lizzie Borden, and Tosca. New York City Opera also toured Little Women in Japan under his direction. Mr. Manahan has been a frequent guest conductor with Seattle Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and the Santa Fe Opera, and was principal conductor with the Minnesota Opera from 1988 to 1996.
Mr. Rader-Shieber has established himself among the most innovative opera directors of his generation. He recently brought his Don Giovanni to Opera Pacific and made his return to New York City Opera, directing Rossini's La Donna del Lago, which he also directed at Minnesota Opera. Other recent directing engagements have included L'Ormindo at Pittsburgh Opera, The Cunning Little Vixen at Houston Grand Opera, and Bellini's I Puritani at Opera Theater of St. Louis.
The 25 Academy Fellows who will perform in the production - chosen from among more than 420 applicants as part of the Academy's Voice Program audition process - represent some of today's finest singing talent. The 31-member opera orchestra will consist of Music Academy instrumentalists.
Mr. Bolcom, who will be in residence at the Music Academy from July 28 through August 10, will discuss the opera and other works with popular KUSC announcer Jim Svejda in a public forum at 7:30 pm Monday, July 28, in Hahn Hall. The latter event is free and open to the public.
The Music Academy will present performances by conductor Peter Oundjian and the Canadian Brass as part of the Academy's 61st Summer Festival. The Academy is presenting 188 events over the course of its 2008 Summer School and Festival, which began on June 23 and will conclude on August 16. Additional highlights will include a conducting turn by Anne Manson. Featuring the Academy's exceptionally talented Fellows, together with illustrious guest performers and faculty, the events are presented at the Academy's scenic Miraflores campus and in venues throughout Santa Barbara.
The Lobero Theatre is located at 33 East Canon Perdido Street in Santa Barbara. For information, call 969-8787. Information is also available online at www.musicacademy.org.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy will broadcast live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall beginning in October. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
