American Lyric Theater and Fort Worth Opera Collaborating on New Opera - JFK

Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of American Lyric Theater, in conjunction with Darren K. Woods, General Director of Fort Worth Opera, announced today a collaboration between the two companies on JFK (working title), a new opera by the acclaimed team of composer David T. Littleand librettist Royce Vavrek.

Fort Worth Opera (FWOpera) conceived the opera commission of JFK for its 70th anniversary and final work of Phase One of Opera of the Americas, its ten-year artistic commitment to the production of work from contemporary composers of the Americas. The production will focus on John F. Kennedy's last night in Fort Worth before his assassination. The events of that fateful night resonate deeply for the Fort Worth community, and the entire country.

American Lyric Theater (ALT) joins FWOpera as a Developmental Co-commissioner of the opera, providing dramaturgical support under the auspices of ALT's Composer Librettist Development Program, and producing two workshops in the fall of 2013 and 2014, which are integral to the opera's development.

"The assassination of John F. Kennedy is one of the most important threads in the fabric of the 20th century," explain Mr. Little and Mr. Vavrek. "A charismatic young leader - an idealist at a crossroads in American history - taken well before his time, JFK now occupies an elevated position in the great American mythology. Our interest, as composer and librettist, is not so much in the lore surrounding the legend, but in the human qualities that made him a beloved father, a prodigal son and a wayward husband. The opera we are creating takes the final fifteen hours of Kennedy's life, specifically those spent in Fort Worth, Texas, and uses them to explore both the private and the very public lives of the president. It is a thrilling challenge to carve out the inner worlds of these beloved cultural icons, and what better medium than opera to mine these final moments of innocence, and make them sing."

Librettist Royce Vavrek has become one of the most successful alumni of American Lyric Theater's Composer Librettist Development Program (CLDP). Edelson explains, "we are thrilled to see Royce making such significant contributions to American opera, and are deeply are committed to supporting his continued artistic growth. Royce and composer David T. Little met each other at the final performance of the CLDP at Symphony Space in 2008, where we presented two one-act operas based on the myth of Adam and Eve for which Royce had written the libretti. Since that time, David and Royce have gone on to write the one-act Vinkensport, or The Finch Opera, and Dog Days, which received international critical acclaim after its world-premiere last season. JFK is the first large-scale opera for both writers - featuring a full chorus, children's chorus, and large orchestra. It is our goal that by entering into this partnership with Fort Worth Opera, we can provide artistic support to this incredibly gifted artistic team as they embark on the largest project of their career, while simultaneously providing support to Fort Worth Opera by producing developmental workshops of the opera as it progresses in New York City. In addition, Fort Worth Opera's producing expertise compliments our developmental focus, which will be invaluable as we prepare to present JFK and other operas developed through our programs in NYC in the future."

Mr. Woods stated, "Fort Worth Opera is thrilled to partner with ALT on this opera. The developmental process is so crucial to the creation of a great piece of art and the people at ALT are the experts at it. I know this is the perfect partnership to take JFK from concept to premiere." To read the entire press release from FWOpera, please click HERE.

On Saturday November 9th, 2013 at 7:00 PM, ALT will present The Living Libretto: JFK in New York City - an exploration of how the libretto for this exciting new opera is being created. The event will feature readings of excerpts from the libretto in progress by Mr. Vavrek, along with a panel discussion with Mr. Vavrek and Mr. Little, joined by dramaturges Cori Ellison and Michael Cohen, historical researcher William Madison, Mr. Woods and Mr. Edelson. Among the subjects explored will be the challenge of adapting historical subject matter for the opera stage, and the portrayal of famous, iconic figures in opera. The Living Libretto: JFK will take place at the National Opera Center in Manhattan. Tickets are $20, and include a wine and cheese reception with the creative team.

Please click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets for The Living Libretto: JFK .

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