A Night at the Opera

Thursday, July 28 at 8 pm Eastern

Much as we explored an oratorio in our “Night at the Opera” series, we open the stage to a ballet that tells a story beloved by artists across the centuries: Romeo & Juliet. Sergei Prokofiev’s score for Romeo & Juliet ranks as one of the best ballets ever composed!

It’s compelling, often luscious music stems from a difficult period of Prokofiev’s life when his mind, bubbling with ideas, was stymied by the ever-tightening ideologies of Joseph Stalin. Remarkably, though, Prokofiev’s music still managed to soar above these troubles, as he produced a series extraordinary works including Peter and the Wolf, Cinderella, and this rendering of Shakespeare’s romantic-tragic play.

With its marvelous pacing, visual magnificence, and rhythmic excitement, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet tantalizes the ear. In fact, Prokofiev turned parts of the ballet into solo pieces for piano. We’ll talk about the background of this story, and learn when, how, and why it sparked Prokofiev’s imagination. Clips of performances will allow us to enter even more vividly into the work.

I just love this work, and am thrilled to share it with you! So come prepared to enjoy its pageantry and action. Expect, too, to dab a tear as Prokofiev’s tender melodies capture the hopeless love of these star-crossed characters.

Registration (free) is required.