Opera Colorado (OC) Executive Director Greg Carpenter and Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO) President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Adams, are pleased to announce that Naxos record label will release a live recording of the opera Nixon in China by John Adams, performed by Opera Colorado, Colorado Symphony Orchestra and CSO Conductor Laureate Marin Alsop.
This partnership marks the first commercial recording in the 25-year history of Opera Colorado, the first commercial recording in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the first full-length opera recording featuring CSO conductor laureate Marin Alsop.
Naxos will record all four performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House June 7-15 and release the CD in 2009. Doug Adams states that, "Recording projects allow the excellent performances of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra to be shared with audiences around the world. Projects such as Nixon in China help in demonstrating to audiences across the country, and internationally, that Denver has a thriving and talented cultural community. It's a pleasure to work with our friends at Opera Colorado on this important work by John Adams." Greg Carpenter states that, "It is of great significance that Opera Colorado is partnering with the CSO and Marin Alsop to produce this recording during our 25th Anniversary Season. We have engaged an all-star, internationally recognized cast and creative team that represent the artistic strength within both of our organizations."
To date, only one commercial recording of Nixon in China has been released, recorded by the original cast in 1988. As the world's leading classical music label, Naxos has redefined the music industry by focusing on recording new and innovative repertoire. With over 2,500 titles under their label, Naxos has one of the largest and ever-expanding catalogues in the world.
Highly active in the classical music recording industry, Marin Alsop has recorded numerous projects for Naxos. Marin Alsop states, "Nixon in China is one of the great masterpieces of the 20th century, bringing us in touch with a decisive moment in America's history. John Adams' music is highly evocative, inherently American and absolutely wonderful. It is filled with humor, profound emotion and pure fun. I am thrilled to be recording this great work with the CSO, an orchestra I love and respect." The Colorado Symphony Orchestra has previously partnered with Naxos for three very successful recordings conducted by Marin Alsop, two of which appeared in the American Classics series, and one in the American Symphony Orchestras series. Having performed a large number of works by John Adams, the CSO is excited to collaborate with Alsop and Opera Colorado to feature one of the greatest American operas on the Naxos label. Alsop also conducted this particular production's debut at Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 2004.
Highly sought-after and one of today's most-performed living composers, John Adams has received multiple GRAMMY Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and was recently named Composer of the Year at the 2007 Classical Brits Awards. His operatic and symphonic works have been produced worldwide and his recording library features more than 70 CD and DVD releases.
Opera Colorado Artistic Director James Robinson will direct this production, which he originally created for Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 2004, and has since been co-produced by five American opera companies. "I am delighted to be presenting John Adams' Nixon in China in this important co-production. I can think of very few conductors who know how to champion a modern score in such an effective manner as Marin Alsop. We are thrilled she will be conducting the CSO and our spectacular cast for this landmark production in Opera Colorado's history." Nixon in China will feature baritone Robert Orth as President Richard Nixon opposite Opera Colorado favorite soprano Maria Kanyova as his wife, Pat. Nixon aide Henry Kissinger will be performed by bass-baritone Thomas Hammons, who originated the role at Houston Grand Opera in 1987. Chairman Mao will be sung by tenor Joseph Kaiser. The Chairman's wife, Madame Mao, will be portrayed by soprano Tracy Dahl. The advisor to Mao, Chou Enlai, will be sung by baritone Chenye Yuan.
Nixon in China is a three act opera with a libretto in English.
Performance Schedule:
Saturday, June 7, 7:30 pm
Tuesday, June 10, 7:30 pm
Friday, June 13, 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 15, 2:00 pm -- www.operacolorado.org
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