a must-see for anyone in Toronto.
This is one of those magical moments in theatre where every single element comes together so that one emerges form the venue deeply changed.
4 out of 4 stars
– Toronto Star
Hanns Eisler’s wonderful, neglected songs of exile in a new opera featuring baritone Russell Braun and pianist Serouj Kradjian. Staging and concept by Tim Albery, design by Michael Levine.
Hanns Eisler’s life was the story of exile. The brilliant Austrian, Jewish, Marxist composer fled to Hollywood in 1938, only to be deported a decade later, an early casualty of the McCarthy era. Between film scores, he wrote these passionate songs of nostalgia, horror and longing, adapting lyrics by Brecht, Goethe and Shakespeare. Despite his troubles, this song cycle established Eisler’s reputation as one of the 20th century’s great composers of German lieder.
The June 20 performance will feature a post-show chat with performers and creative team members from the production, hosted by Soundstreams’ artistic director Lawrence Cherney.
Composer: Hanns Eisler
Director and Devisor: Tim Albery
Production Designer: Michael Levine
Lighting Designer: Thomas C. Hase
Projection Design: Cameron Davis
Assistant Director: Jessica Derventzis
Costume Design & Assistant Set Design: Michelle Tracey
Production Manager: Rick Banville
Stage Manager: Tamara Vuckovic
Technical Director: Nida Haroon
Costume Assistant: Beatriz Arevalo
Baritone: Russell Braun
Piano: Serouj Kradjian
Creative Team for Luminato
Producer: Cathy Gordon
Production Manager: Sean Baker
Presented in partnership with:
Hell’s Fury, The Hollywood Songbook is presented by Luminato, Soundstreams & Pinkhouse Productions
With support from Opera North, UK
Made possible with generous support from Kris Vikmanis and Denny Creighton.
This concert is presented with the generous support of Steinway & Sons.
THE HOLLYWOOD SONGBOOK
Composed by Hanns Eisler; edited by Oliver Dahin, Peter Deeg and Manfred Grabs
Published by Associated Music Publishers, Inc. o/b/o Brietkopf & Hartel