Voices of a Nation

Visiting conductor Rei Hotoda (Music Director, Fresno Philharmonic) collaborates with a dozen vocal and dance artists for two new productions of seminal American works for chamber ensemble.

Bernstein's Trouble in Tahiti explores themes of social connection and isolation with the sounds and setting of 1950s suburbia. Featuring two solo singers and vocal trio, the arrangement with fifteen instruments creates the ideal setting for live opera by a chamber orchestra. Stage Director James Brown (Pacific Lutheran University, Vashon Opera) brings a dynamic new production hailed by the composer's estate for "extending the social criticisms Leonard Bernstein intended in writing Trouble in Tahiti even further."  

Aaron Copland's timeless Appalchian Spring completes the program, performed as a full ballet in its original thirteen instrument version. Choreographer Alexander Ung (The Guild Dance Company) leads an emerging group of performers in a staging which follows the original vision of a happy young couple joined in marriage and supported by their community. The original choreography embraces these themes of love, community and acceptance while reflecting on the diversity of experiences in the United States today.

November 20-21, 2021

Rei Hotoda, guest conductor

James Brown, stage director

Alexander Ung, artistic director, Guild Dance Company

Damian Geter, bass baritone

Soon Cho, mezzo soprano

Albert Lee, tenor,

Katherine Parker, soprano

Philip Harris, baritone

BERNSTEIN  Trouble in Tahiti

COPLAND  Appalachian Spring