Europa’s Opera: Three Acts is a collaboration among three of NYU’s international houses: Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, Deutsches Haus at NYU, and La Maison Française of NYU, and will showcase productions by three of New York City’s most innovative opera companies throughout spring 2020.
In the late 16th century, in what could be described as a revolutionary act, a group of intellectuals, from an array of different backgrounds, gathered to conceive a musical art form that would update the supposed ancient Greek practice of comprehensibly setting words to music. This method of reciting through song (recitar cantando) expanded very quickly throughout the European continent, reaching the ears and hearts of people normally separated by country, class, language, and gender.
Curated by Gina Crusco (Underworld Productions), Europa’s Opera: Three Acts draws upon this rich history and presents three semi-staged productions by Philip Shneidman’s The Little Opera Theater of New York, Dorian Bandy, and Judith Barnes’ Vertical Player Repertory. These performances and an in-depth moderated conversation among the producers aim to demonstrate the power of art and music to transcend national borders, and to act as a binding force, uniting people in a shared experience and common cause.
February 13
Abbandonata e condotta a morire: Handel in Italy
Under the direction of Dorian Bandy
Staging by Gina Crusco
Music by G.F. Handel
RSVP required online at Casa Italiana's website.
Two crises unfold at the edge of the sea: A young woman loses her lover, a mother loses her life by her son's command. Abbandonata e condotta a morire is a monodrama exploring issues of love, fidelity, and the right response to wrong action. Featuring Handel’s Armida abbandonata and Agrippina condotta a morire and instrumental music never before heard in New York.
Kelli Butler, soprano
Dorian Bandy, baroque violin and musical direction
Marika Holmqvist, baroque violin
Cora Swenson Lee, baroque cello
Dylan Sauerwald, harpsichord