John Cage's way of working was first to observe all the variables in a given musical situation: to define them and to find boundaries for them. He would then throw open the continuity of the work via chance operations so that it could take advantage of the entire range of possibilities. This is what gives his music that spacious quality: the fearless trajectories of events across the musical stage. - James Pritchett, On John Cage's Europeras 3/4
With the approach of Spring, John Cage and Missy Mazzoli mesmerize the Motor City with new productions of their timeless work, presented by Detroit Opera.
Between March 8-10, Detroit Opera presents Yuval Sharon's new production of Europeras 3/4 by composer John Cage. This event brings together a talented ensemble, led by bass-baritone Davóne Tines and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. With production designer Moníka Esse and lighting designer Yuki Nakase Link, all breathe new life into Cage's visionary work, where chance operations dictate everything in the production, from the staging to the costumes to the lighting design.
The portmanteau title references opera's European roots; when spoken aloud "Europera" sounds like the phrase "Your opera." Europeras 3/4 are Cage’s “middle” operas, flanked by the grand Europeras 1/2 and the far more demure Europera 5. The middle two operas are essentially a 70-minute collage of sounds, in which Cage beautifully renders the tradition of Western opera. Europera 3 and Europera 4 are quite distinct from each other, with Europera 4 being far more intimate in scale and in density of material. Cage specified that the two works should always be performed together and in sequence. Combined, they are a contradictory yet comprehensive presentation of operatic history.
© Detroit Opera
Beginning April 6, Detroit Opera stages the sensational Breaking the Waves from composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek. Based on the arresting film by Lars Von Trier, Breaking the Waves has been critically acclaimed for its probing, emotional score and scenario since the opera's premiere in 2016. This production from Opera Ventures and director Tom Morris receives its US Premiere April 6, 12, and 14. The production debuted at the Edinburgh Festival in 2019, and comes to Detroit by way of the Theatre National de l'Opéra Comique in Paris, where it was staged in 2023. Conducted by Stephanie Childress, Breaking the Waves stars Kiera Duffy as Bess McNeill.
Breaking the Waves is a complex psychological drama set in the Scottish Highlands which centes on Bess, a religious young woman who falls deeply in love with an oil rig worker named Jan. When Jan is paralyzed in an accident, his wishes and Bess’s obedient love collide to lead Bess down a path that leaves her isolated and abused by her uncompromising community.
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