The Gilmore will release a broadcast of “American Sputnik,” a new one-act monodrama exploring pianist Van Cliburn’s victory at the 1958 International Tchaikovsky Competition, on July 12 via its YouTube channel. Composed by Evan Mack with a libretto by Mark Campbell, the work premiered on May 1, 2026, at Kalamazoo’s Chenery Auditorium as part of the Irving S. Gilmore International {…}
The Gilmore and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra have announced that “American Sputnik” is set to premiere on May 1, 2026. The co-commission for baritone, piano, and orchestra by composer Evan Mack and Pulitzer Prize– and Grammy Award–winning librettist Mark Campbell centers on American pianist Van Cliburn and his early international success. The premiere will take place at the 2026 Gilmore {…}
The Gilmore is teaming up with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra to co-commission Evan Mack and Mark Campbell’s “American Sputnik.” The new work for baritone, piano, and orchestra will explore Van Cliburn’s famed victory at the first Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in 1958 at the height of the Cold War. The work will feature baritone Joseph Lattanzi as the iconic pianist with {…}