Walton Arts Center Present World Premier Of MEMOIR This Week

Walton Arts Center is presenting the world premiere of Grammy Award-winning composer Steve Mackey's new music-theater work, Memoir, at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 18.

The new work is being performed by Dover Quartet, arx duo and Natalie Christa as part of Artosphere: Arkansas' Arts + Nature Festival. Tickets are $15-$25.

The 75-minute music-theater piece brings the life of the composer's mother Elaine Mackey to the stage, as told through the pages of her memoirs. Memoir explores the tumultuous 20th century as told through the eyes of a first-generation American woman charting her own path in search of the American Dream.

Elaine Mackey's journey-through love and loss, struggles with gender norms and social mores, and a personal battle with alcoholism-is told through music and narrated vignettes from her own memoir and from Steven Mackey as well. Written for the unusual combination of string quartet, percussion duo and narrator, the visually and sonically captivating work spans diverse musical landscapes and characters, from witty and playful to rich and profound.

Mackey found inspiration in his mother's demeanor regarding the obstacles and triumphs she faced over the course of her life, stating: "There is a touching candor and vulnerability to my mom's stories revealing the tension between her shy nature and her longing for adventure; her 'nice-girl' upbringing and her openness to experience. Familiar themes of love, loss, gender roles and social mores ensconced in her intense personal struggle with alcoholism and its stigma."

Artosphere Festival, taking place throughout the month of May, celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy. Each year, audiences are excited to experience the classical and symphonic performances that make up a large portion of the festival's programming.

For more information about the Artosphere Festival and a complete event lineup, download the Artosphere App from Google Play or the Apple App Store or visit artospherefestival.org.

Artosphere 2022 is sponsored by Walmart and supported by Friends of Artosphere and Sustainers Circle. Support for Dover Quartet and Maestro Corrado Rovaris provided by Mary Ann and Reed Greenwood. Trail Mix is sponsored by Bank of America. 1010 concert support provided by Paul M Angell Family Foundation, Dick & Margaret Rutherford and Micky & Marybeth Mayfield. The Artosphere Festival Orchestra Finale concert is supported by Marti and Kelly Sudduth and Peter B. Lane and Barbara Putman. Media support provided by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, KUAF 91.3FM Public Radio, Celebrate Arkansas magazine and CitiScapes magazine.

The Artosphere App is compatible with all standard smartphones and tablets. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

Masks are encouraged but not required at Walton Arts Center shows. Patrons should be aware that masking protocols may vary from artist to artist and location to location. If you have questions about an upcoming performance, please visit the policies at www.waltonartscenter.org, or call the box office at 479.443.5600.

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