The Baumgartner Studio Artist Showcase

featuring Leonard Bernstein’s opera Trouble in Tahiti

february 8 & 9, 2020

wilson theater at vogel hall,
Marcus Center for Performing Arts

Young artists reinvigorate opera with fresh insight, interpretation, and passion! In this showcase, our newest class of Baumgartner Studio Artists give you a glimpse into their professional futures by singing the repertoire that truly makes their voices shine. This evening of opera hits with a semi-staged chamber opera will highlight all facets of these performers’ talent.

Trouble in Tahiti

Leonard Bernstein was on his honeymoon in 1951 when he began composing his one-act opera, Trouble in Tahiti, a candid portrait of the troubled marriage of a young suburban couple. Trouble in Tahiti draws upon popular songs styles to deliver an uncompromising critique of post-war American materialism.

Beneath the couple's marital discord is a profound longing for love and intimacy. Their spiritual emptiness, in contrast to a veneer of happy consumerism, creates the heart of the drama and is emphasized by sudden stylistic shifts in the music.

The opera begins with a vocal trio singing of idyllic middle-class life in 1950s suburbia. Their close harmonies, jazz rhythms and idealized representation of American life are evocative of radio commercials of the era. Throughout the 45-minute opera, the Trio functions as a contemporary Greek chorus, providing satirical commentary to the drama.

Sung in English. Semi-staged production.

Rated: PG (Adult Situations)

Pre-opera Talk: one hour prior to performance, in Wilson Theater, Vogel Hall.

Run time: Act One 45 minutes | 20 minute intermission | Act Two 60 minutes.

More info