Tickets to the premiere of TRUTH at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, MA at 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA will go on sale on November 22, 2011 - the website for the Academy is www.academyofmusictheatre.com and their box office phone is: 413.584.9032 x105 or email boxoffice@academyofmusictheatre.com
The Premiere of TRUTH, a new folk opera about the life of Sojourner TRUTH will take place on February 16, 17, 18, 2012 at 7:30 pm. With full orchestra under conductor, Hugh Keelan, music direction by Jerry Noble, sets rendered by Amy Johnquest, and lights by Lara Dubin, TRUTH illuminates the life and legacy of this complicated, brilliant woman who, though illiterate, was a relentless and articulate champion of those deprived of justice and freedom, and whose influence has for too long been overlooked. The score by Paula M. Kimper and libretto by Talaya Delaney are accessible and down-to-earth, much of the music derived from folk themes and spirituals, and many of the words Sojourner’s own.
Featuring Evelyn Harris, formerly of Sweet Honey in the Rock, as Sojourner Truth, who lived a life of bravery in the face of unfathomable adversity and never wavered in her faith and hope for a world where all would experience the birthright of freedom. Her nearly unknown story that is filled with astonishing accomplishments and events will, for the first time, be told in a full-length folk opera. Sojourner Truth is a heroine of extraordinary scope whose life story, when heard, will be an inspiration to many
A development performance of ACT II took place in New York City on September 16, 2011. Old Deerfield Productions in collaboration with Harlem Opera Theater presented “The Education of Sojourner Truth, 1832, New York City, ” the second act from TRUTH, a new folk opera about the life of Sojourner Truth.
Faison Firehouse Theatre, 6 Hancock Place @ 124th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.
www.harlemoperatheater.org - Tickets, or 212-592-0780
Old Deerfield Productions will offer a development performance of TRUTH, an original folk opera with music by Paula M. Kimper and libretto by Talaya Delaney about the life of Sojourner Truth, ex-slave and fiery abolitionist who lived and found her voice in Florence, MA.
Featuring Evelyn Harris, formerly of Sweet Honey in the Rock, as Sojourner Truth, the opera focuses on the life of this complicated, brilliant woman who, though illiterate, was a relentless champion of those deprived of justice and freedom. She lived a life of bravery in the face of unfathomable adversity and never wavered in her faith and hope for a world where all would experience the birthright of freedom. Her nearly unknown story that is filled with astonishing accomplishments and events will, for the first time, be told in a full-length folk opera. Sojourner Truth is a heroine of extraordinary scope whose life story, when heard, will be an inspiration to many.
This performance will be followed by a culminating World Premiere with costumes, lights, sets and orchestra under the direction of Lanfranco Marcelletti at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA on February 16, 17, 18 of 2012.
For more information email Linda McInerney at lmciner@gmail.com
The development workshop of Act I and excerpts from the rest of the opera was presented at the Reid Theatre at Deerfield Academy on July 1st and 2nd, 2011 at 7:30 pm. Music direction is by Clifton Noble, and performers included Alan Schneider, John Thomas and Lisa Woods in addition to Ms. Harris.
The first performance of the opera in development was at Temple University in the Randall Theatre, 1301 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA on April 10, 2011 at 7:30 pm and 11 at 7:00 pm where a concert reading of Act I was performed by cast members and students from Temple accompanied and music directed by Greg Bullen.
Following the workshop at Deerfield Academy’s Reid Theater July 1 and 2, 2011, will be a world premiere at the Academy of Music in Northampton, Mass., on February 16, 17, 18, 2012 with a cast of professional and community singers conducted by Lanfranco Marcelletti. Prior to that, the educational program will already be on the road to the region’s schools in spring 2011.
The choral suite based on the score was performed on May 22, 2011 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass., by the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Children’s Chorus of Springfield.
A television performance of the song “Shout a Little Louder” on WGBY in May of 2011 performed by some of the finest choruses in Western New England as part of the Together in Song Chorale Festival & Finale. The live performance took place on April 30 and May 1, 2011 at the Paramount Theatre in Springfield, MA. For information go to: http://www.wgby.org/togetherinsong/
First offering of selections from TRUTH on December 16, 2010 at 7 pm.
It is my pleasure to announce an exciting workshop and offer an invitation to hear excerpts from a opera titled TRUTH.
TRUTH is a New Folk Opera about Sojourner Truth, the ex-slave, fiery abolitionist and women’s rights pioneer who influenced our very Pioneer Valley area years ago. Her story and message is important and relevant and we are very excited to be in the process of this project.
A collaboration in heart and spirit, the music is being composed by Paula Kimper, words written by Talaya Delaney, and story directed and co-created by Linda McInerney. Vocalists supporting this work are Evelyn Harris, Alan Schneider and Jon Thomas. In addition, we have a lovely partnership with students and staff at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley.
Please join us for an evening of new music and creativity on Thursday, December 16th at 7 pm. The workshop will be held at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley, MA.
Also please visit www.berkshirehills.org for more information about everyone involved.
