We wanted to highlight a few of the many exciting events that are taking place this weekend!
Pamela Madsen’s massive ORATORIO FOR THE EARTH is being premiered in the resonant Meng Concert Hall at Cal State Fullerton, 3 pm (Pacific time), today Sat. May 14th.
Tenor AJ Rodriguez’ has dedicated his Master’s recital as a fundraiser for Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy! The concert (which includes songs by living women composers) streams Sunday May 15, 2:30 pm (Eastern time) but will remain up after the live event.
Louise Farrenc continues to be discovered by new audiences, as more and more ensembles program her music. The Overture no. 2 is included on the North State Symphony’s concerts in Redding and Chico CA, (Sat. and Sun.), this must be a first for the region!
AND — a truly remarkable event, Eugene Ballet (Oregon) has a fantastic production of “The Taming of the Shrew,” set entirely to Farrenc’s Symphonies and also her famed Nonet. And if that wasn’t innovative enough, the production is Steampunk-themed, adding another layer of whimsy and irony to the remarkable performance. This event benefitted from pandemic delays by really burnishing the whole concept — including costuming and set as well as the choreography and the performances by the stunning dancers. Director Toni Primble is the mastermind, with Brian McWhorter editing the music, and leading Orchestra Next.
Learn more (and buy tickets) here. Orchestra Next (a unique ensemble that brings together pre-professional and professional musicians) has this website, which includes an interview about Louise Farrenc with musicologist Susan Pickett. Pickett hunted down the scores to Farrenc’s Symphony in Paris, and is a long-time ally of WPA.
We hope this truly exhilarating production will be picked up by other ballet companies!
OK! Have a great weekend!