U of M Opera Theatre to present "Stravinsky in Paris," three short operas by Igor Stravinsky, Nov. 19-22

MEDIA NOTE: Photographs available upon request. Please e-mail Lisa Marshall at marsh396@umn.edu.

Contacts: Lisa Marshall, School of Music, (612) 626-1094, marsh396@umn.edu
Ryan Maus, University News Service, (612) 624-1690, maus@umn.edu

Nov. 19 through 22, the University of Minnesota School of Music’s University Opera Theatre will celebrate Igor Stravinsky, one of the 20th century's most influential composers, by presenting three of his operas created during his time in the "City of Light" (Paris). The program is titled “Stravinsky in Paris” and will feature: "Le Renard" ("The Fox"), a burlesque, in English; "Mavra," a satirical folk tale, in Russian; and "Le Rossignol" ("The Nightingale"), a fantasy piece, in French.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 through Saturday, Nov. 21 and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 in Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Minneapolis.

This trio of short and pithy operas showcases Stravinsky at his witty and satirical best. "Le Renard" represents Stravinsky’s take on the fable of the vain Cock who almost succumbs to the wily Vixen Fox before being rescued by the Goat and the Cat. "Mavra" is a classic “lover disguised as cook” parody that suits Stravinsky’s comic touch. "Le Rossignol" transforms Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale into a musical fantasy that brilliantly combines the mystical with exotic baroque caricature to produce a poignant and very moving finale.

David Walsh, U of M Opera Theatre Director, will direct “Stravinksy in Paris.” Foster Beyers, Christina Chen-Beyers and Jeffrey Specht, School of Music D.M.A. conducting students, will take on the artistic challenge of conducting an opera by the Russian composer.

A pre-performance discussion with Walsh begins 45 minutes before each staging in the lobby of the concert hall. Parking is available in the 21st Avenue Ramp, one block southwest of the concert hall. For more information on University Opera Theatre, visit opera.umn.edu