Kurt Weill's Marie Galante November 16, 2008

Opéra Français de New York (OFNY) presents the U. S. premiere of Kurt Weill`s Marie Galante, in a production showcasing the fully-restored orchestral score and reconstruction of the original play by Jacques Deval. The production will star the internationally acclaimed, Toronto-based soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian in the title role. Ottawa native Yves Abel will conduct and the team of Jean-Philippe Clarac and Olivier Deloeuil will direct.

In 1933, with the rise of totalitarianism in Germany, Kurt Weill and his wife, singer Lotte Lenya, fled to France, arriving with only the clothes on their backs. It was during the 18-month period in Paris and before his arrival in New York that Weill created Marie Galante. Weill`s music evokes the passion and allure of 1920s French cabaret and foreshadows the impending threat of Nazi Germany. Don`t miss the opportunity to see this rare masterpiece by one of the preeminent composers of the 20th century.

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