Gordon & Korie's Grapes of Wrath Opera to Premiere in MN

Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie's The Grapes of Wrath, a new opera based on the John Steinbeck classic, will be given its world premiere by the Minnesota Opera Company next year.

The opera will be performed at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts on February 10, 13, 15, and 17 at 7:30 pm, and February 18 at 2:00 pm.

"An epic new American opera, The Grapes of Wrath, by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Michael Korie, adapts the John Steinbeck classic in an unforgettable operatic staging that will resonate in the hearts of all who search for the American Dream. Director Eric Simonson recreates the nostalgia and harsh reality of the 1930s dustbowl days, tracing the Joad family's journey from the ruin of their Oklahoma farm to the false promise of a better life in California. The Minnesota Opera is proud to present the world premiere of this co-commission with Utah Symphony and Opera," state Minnesota Opera notes on the piece, which will be sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.

The production will also play the Utah Opera in spring of 2007, as well as the Houston Grand Opera and the Pittsburgh Opera in 2008.

Other works for which Gordon has composed music include My Life with Albertine, Dream True and Only Heaven.  Korie is the lyricist of Grey Gardens, as well as co-lyricist of Zhivago.

For more information, visit www.mnopera.org.