NYFOS premieres a suite of songs from William Bolcom and Mark Campbell's new opera, Dinner at Eight.
The quintessentially American material—a play that was made into a classic movie—gives both composer and librettist a chance to display their wizardry. Together they have created a fascinating gallery of characters, from the upper-crust dowager to the bit-of-fluff mistress. NYFOS also premieres a new song cycle it commissioned from Gabriel Kahane. Like Bolcom, Kahane combines a modern sensibility with a deep connection to the traditions of song. The result is a magical fusion of words and music—hipster meets Fauré.
Rounding out the program is Paul Bowles’ Picnic Cantata, set to the words of New York Poet James Schuyler. This quiet masterpiece, scored for four female voices, two pianos and percussion, is a tuneful, witty, and subtly moving work rarely performed since its 1954 premiere.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21st @ 8 PM
