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Inferno of Dante: Canto V
An Opera by Patrick Soluri
Translation by John Ciardi*
(Taken from the New York City Opera website)
American Opera
New York City Opera has always been a sanctuary for American opera. The work of American composers has comprised approximately one third of the company's repertory over the years. Nurturing American operatic expression, shaping an American aesthetic, City Opera has adopted several homegrown works as signature pieces, including Carlisle Floyd's Susannah, Douglas Moore's The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Leonard Bernstein's Candide.
In recent seasons, City Opera has enjoyed successful productions of Tobias Picker's Emmeline, Carlisle Floyd's Of Mice and Men, Jack Beeson's Lizzie Borden, and Virgil Thomson's The Mother of Us All. In the fall 2000 season, the company presented Central Park, an evening of three one-act operas that was co-commissioned by City Opera and featured the work of three American composers: Richard Beaser, Michael Torke, and Deborah Drattell.
Perhaps the most powerful representation of City Opera's commitment to the future of American opera is its annual Showcasing American Composers series. The springtime program showcases twelve new American works-in-progress over a two-week period. It is a rare opportunity for composers and librettists to hear their developing work performed by a full orchestra and a first-rate company of singers. Opera administrators from across the country have also made a point of attending the showcase, as it is a very practical means of scouting new work for future production. The public is invited to attend free of charge.
Finally, City Opera has always championed the American "voice." Having launched the careers of Samuel Ramey, Sherrill Milnes, Carol Vaness, and Beverly Sills, to name a few, City Opera remains home to some of the world's top American singers, including Lauren Flanigan, David Daniels, Amy Burton, and Mark Delavan.
For more info on New York City Opera's VOX: Showcasing American Composers, click here.
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