Vanessa, Stripped Down Opera

About this episode

The episode discusses the modern adaptations of classic operas and highlights new works in the opera scene.

Even though operas from long ago are still being performed, there’s a movement afoot to freshen them up or to do new 21st century operas. In the case of the 1958 opera Vanessa, a production by Heartbeat Opera is doing a stripped-down version of the Pulitzer Prize winning work. It’s directed by RB Schlather. At The Met, they are about to premiere a true 21st century opera by first-time opera composer and Grammy winner, Gabriela Lena Frank with a libretto by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Then there’s the big dispute between the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its patrons over the firing of Music Director Andris Nelsons.

People in this episode

Host: Judlyne Lilly

Topics covered

• opera
• 21st century music
• theater production
• classical music
• cultural movements

Keywords

• opera
• Vanessa
• Heartbeat Opera
• Gabriela Lena Frank
• Nilo Cruz
• Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Andris Nelsons

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston Symphony Orchestra

Books & works: Vanessa, Heartbeat Opera

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