
American Opera Projects & String Orchestra of Brooklyn to Celebrate Arvo Pärt’s 90th Birthday
By Afton MarkayAmerican Opera Projects (AOP) and the String Orchestra of Brooklyn have announced a program in celebration of Arvo Pärt’s 90th birthday year.
Soprano Sarah Moulton Faux will perform “L’ábbé Agathon” (“The Abbot Agathon”), with Cori Ellison’s AOP-commissioned English translation. “L’abbé Agathon” is inspired by the 4th century legend about Agathon. The composer says of the piece, “St. Agathon is associated with several legends involving lepers. One of the best-known says that Agathon’s love was so great that he was willing to exchange his body with that of a leper. Three musical situations dominate the piece: Agathon on the way to the market, characterized by his gait heavy with the leper on his shoulders, the dialogues between the leper and Agathon, and the life at the market. The coda is a surprising dramaturgical turning point – but also a logical conclusion to the idea which brings the entire notion of Agathon to a head.” This monodrama is composed for soprano and eight cellos.
Also on the program is the Pärt’s “Third Symphony,” “Fratres” featuring violinist Michael Jorgensen, and “Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten.” Eli Spindel conducts the String Orchestra of Brooklyn.
The concert is scheduled for Feb. 8, at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn.
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