Summer Opera
Dancers in Action
Posted by DCA Theater on August 10, 2011 in Other, Summer Opera
Last night was the last rehearsal before adding all of the technical aspects like lights, sound, supertitles, etc. We shot a little video sneak peek to share with the audience - it’s always fun to see the transformation from rehearsal space to performance space and how it changes the demeanor of the actors. Suddenly with full costumes and lights, etc, everything becomes more serious and real, and even with no audience yet, the actors give very full performances in anticipation. We can’t wait to see how the show grows with all the elements added tonight.
In the clip, you’ll hear/see soprano Catalina Cuervo, baritone Ricardo Herrera and dancers from Tango 21 rehearsing a scene from Maria de Buenos Aires. Enjoy!
Video by Angela Latkowski, Maria de Buenos Aires producer
First sneak peek into the rehearsal studio
Posted by DCA Theater on August 7, 2011 in Other, Summer Opera
Here is a sneak peek into the rehearsal room for Maria de Buenos Aires.
Angela Latkowski, producer, was on hand to snap a few pictures to share (thanks Angela!). Rehearsals have been taking place in a classroom at the Ukranian School of Art in (you guessed it) Ukranian Village - today’s rehearsal is the last one in the school before everyone heads to the Chicago Cultural Center beginning this Monday.
The actors were excited to get to try out some of their costume pieces and props, and even more excited that pianist Alfredo Minetti arrived from New York! Hooray!
New vs. Traditional Tango
Posted by DCA Theater on August 2, 2011 in Other, Summer Opera
The tango music of Maria de Buenos Aires is different from the standard tango music that is usually associated with the tango dance.
To get a feel for the differences, we have included here an even shorter “Brief Introduction to the History of Tango Music”, condensed from the article by Christine Denniston. At the end of the article, we have included a sound clip of traditional tango music, as well as a video performance of music from Maria de Buenos Aires and additional links for more information.
Astor Piazzolla and his bandoneon, a large button accordion noted for its unwieldy size and difficult fingering system.
Ferrer tells all…
Posted by DCA Theater on July 25, 2011 in Other, Summer Opera
How Maria de Beunos Aires came to be written
by Horacio Ferrer
I first fell in love with the tango as a small child. I admired the orchestra of Anfbal Troilo and his young bandoneon player and arranger, Astor Piazzolla, who was to be idolized not only by me but by the whole of the world and to play a large part in my life.
It was not long before Astor became a leading conductor, although he was still only twenty-six. I was still at school. I applauded him in the cafes where he played - playing that was bold, refined and marked by great artistic sensitivity. This was in 1948.
Before it came to Chicago…
Posted by DCA Theater on July 22, 2011 in Other, Summer Opera
María de Buenos Aires is a tango opera (tango operita) with music by Ástor Piazzolla and libretto by Horacio Ferrer which premiered at the Sala Planeta in Buenos Aires in May 1968.
Below is an image taken at the time of the original 1968 production (left to right are Ástor Piazzolla, Amelita Baltar (originated Maria) and Horacio Ferrer).
While María de Buenos Aires is seldom fully staged, there have been notable concert productions in recent years, often incorporating dance. Recent productions of the work have been seen around the globe:
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