Poet's life, work honored with 'Ainadamar' programs
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's concert performances Feb. 7-12 of the opera "Ainadamar" ("Fountain of Tears") by CSO Mead composer-in-residence Osvaldo Golijiov promises to be one of the major events of the classical music season.
To that end, the CSO has organized several related events to assist in the understanding of "Ainadamar," including collaborations with Chicago's Instituto Cervantes and Albany Park Theater Project.
Beginning Monday and running through March 17, these events will explore the life and works of poet Federico Garcia Lorca, one of Spain's most prolific cultural icons. In addition to the opera itself and other musical events, there will be art exhibits, discussions, films and other educational activities. Events open to the public will take place at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., and the Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St.
"The music of Osvaldo Golijov makes powerful connections between different cultures and contemporary, thought-provoking themes," said CSO Association president Deborah Card. "His opera 'Ainadamar,' an evocative portrayal of artistic conviction and political courage, creates the perfect backdrop for a collaboration that encompasses music, theater, film, and visual arts. We are enormously excited to work closely in partnership with the Instituto Cervantes and Albany Park Theater Project to bring an astonishing musical experience to Chicago audiences as well as public school students, deepening the connection to the art of Lorca, the music of Osvaldo Golijov and our community."
Of course, the centerpiece is the opera itself. "Ainadamar" is a recollection of the life and death of Lorca, who was assassinated by nationalists during the Spanish Civil War. Under the direction of guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the CSO's four performances will feature sopranos Dawn Upshaw, Jessica Rivera and Emily Albrink; and mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor. The crucial role of Margarita Xirgu was created for Upshaw, who, along with most of next weekend's cast, is also featured on the work's multiple Grammy Award-winning recording under conductor Robert Spano.
Of the "Ainadamer" supporting events, none has created more buzz than "Rhythms, Ragas and Roots: A Late-Night Jam," to be hosted by Golijov at 10 p.m in Symphony Center's Buntrock Hall following the CSO performances of the opera on Feb. 8-9. The Saturday "Late-Night Jam" was recently added after the Friday performance quickly sold out.
The event will showcase the musical influences that inspired Golijov in the creation of his opera, tracing the roots of flamenco and Indian classical music. Tickets are $30 ($15 for students). Call (312) 294-3000 for availability or to purchase by credit card. You can also visit www.cso.org/ainadamar.
Other events:
• Instituto Cervantes' art exhibit titled "Francisco Bores: For Lorca," will showcase the paintings Bores dedicated to Lorca, the artist's contemporary and friend. The exhibition opens at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and runs through March 30, with guests Osvaldo Golijov and Laura Garcia Lorca, the niece of the famed poet and president of the Garcia Lorca Foundation in Spain.
• At 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, soprano Carmen Serrano, with pianist Antonio Lopez Serrano, will present, respectively, programs titled "Music for Federico" and "Lorca and his Influences," both at the Instituto Cervantes. Tickets, available at the door, are $20. Call (312) 335-1996 for information.
• At 8 p.m. Feb 6 and 11 at the Instituto Cervantes, Osvaldo Golijov will host an exploration of Lorca's fascination with American silent film star Buster Keaton, titled "Federico Garcia Lorca and Buster Keaton."
Tickets, available at the door, are $20. Call (312) 335-1996 for information.
• Instituto Cervantes will host flamenco performers in a program titled "Cante de las Minas," at 7 p.m. Feb. 13-16, and renowned flamenco guitarist Javier Conde in recitals at 7 p.m. Feb. 27-29. Tickets for these events are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Call (312) 335-1996.
For the Feb. 7-12 CSO performances of "Ainadamar," tickets are $16-$124. Call (312) 294-3000 or 1-800 223-7114, or visit cso.org. Symphony Center box office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.