3 Paderewskis , an opera in one act, by composer Jenni Brandon and librettist Oliver Mayer is performed on Friday, October 18, 2019, 7:00pm at the Aula Nova, I.J. Paderewski Conservatory, Swiety Marcin 87, 61-808 in Poznan, Poland. The performance is followed by Q&A with the artists that is open to the public.
3 Paderewskis, a new opera by Jenni Brandon, explores the life and work of composer and founder of the Polish nation, Ignace Jan Paderewski. With book by University of Southern California professor and playwright Oliver Mayer and music by award-winning composer Jenni Brandon, this work is expanded to 60 minutes. Commissioned by The Adam Mickiewicz Institute and Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the multi-annual program NIEPODLEGŁA 2017-2022.
This opera in one act (originally a 40-minute version premiered in 2018) looks at three versions of the great Paderewski (one of them female) as they sift through a lifetime of memories far too large for any one person. Ignace the pianist/composer, Jan the visionary statesman, and Paderewski the viticulturist, assess a lifetime of love and loss, exile, war and wine. But when the ghost of Antonina, their long-departed wife, rejoins them, memories become immediate with a vibrancy that sheds light on the depths of their endless love. This performance is part of a four-day festival celebrating Ignace Jan Paderewski. Of interest on:
- Thursday, October 17th at 11:00am is a Student and Faculty Workshop: University as a place of artistic development and promotion. USA-Poland comparison. Guests are: Carol Martin, Oliver Mayer, David Bridel, Brian Kite, Juli Hendren, Andrzej Lesicki. Open to the public. The location: Collegium MAIUS, ul. Fredry 10, 61-701
- On October 19th, at 10:00am is a Young Artist Workshop at Teatr Muzyczny, Poznan: Creating musical characters”. Guests: are Jenni Brandon , Oliver Mayer, Matthew Hardy, and Brian Kite. This workshop is closed to the public.
Cast and Musicians:
Antonina (Soprano): Keiko Clark
Ignace (Mezzo-Soprano): Maria Dominique Lopez
Jan (Tenor): Todd Strange
Paderewski (Baritone): Steve Pence
SATB Polish Chorus of Teatr Muzyczny. Directed by Piotr Deptuch
Zuzanna Kaczmarek, Marta Kmieciak, Bartosz Witczak and Łukasz Kocur
Piano Quartet (Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano)
Director: David Bridel
Line Producer in Poland: Joanna Mickalik
Music Director and Conductor: Jenni Brandon
Producers:
Line Producers: Ian Julian-Williams, Mark Seldis
This presentation is commissioned by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and presented in collaboration with the Kosciuszko Foundation. Co-financing is provided by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the multi-annual program NIEPODLEGŁA 2017-2022.
Founded in 1925, the Kosciuszko Foundation promotes closer ties between Poland and the United States through educational, scientific and cultural exchanges. It awards up to $1 million annually in fellowships and grants to graduate students, scholars, scientists, professionals, and artists, and promotes Polish culture in America. The Foundation has awarded scholarships and provided a forum to Poles who have changed history.
The Adam Mickiewicz Institute is a national cultural institute, whose mission is to build and communicate the cultural dimension of the Poland brand through active participation in international cultural exchange. The Institute has carried out cultural projects in 70 countries. As of early 2016, the AMI has presented more than 5,500 cultural events, attracting an audience of more than 52 million on five continents. All of the Institute’s projects carry our flagship brand, culture.pl.
This project was originally commissioned in cooperation with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the international cultural program POLSKA 100 accompanying Poland’s centenary of regaining independence.
Event Partners:
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles
Helen Modjeska Art and Culture Club
