Lisa Winkler to Release New Book ‘Gershwin’s Bess’
By David SalazarAuthor Lisa Winkler has announced the forthcoming publication of “Gershwin’s Bess.”
The historical novel chronicles the collaboration between George Gershwin and soprano Anne Brown, the young Juilliard-trained singer who created the role of Bess in the 1935 world premiere of “Porgy and Bess.”
Set in the late 1920s through the mid-1930s, the book draws on Brown’s largely unrecognized contributions to opera history and her role in opening doors for African American classical singers.
“Gershwin’s Bess: A Novel evolved from a short play I wrote,” Winkler told OperaWire. “The more I read about the creation of ‘Porgy and Bess,’ and about how Gershwin hand-picked the cast, beginning with Anne Brown, the more intrigued I became with the story. I envisioned this young woman singing for Gershwin at his lavish apartment, returning again and again, and not knowing if she had a part. Her becoming Bess opened doors for other African Americans to sing opera on classical stages. “
“Gershwin’s Bess” includes a foreword by soprano Marquita Lister, who performed the role of Bess internationally and knew Anne Brown personally.
The novel is available for pre-order on Amazon.
Categories
News
