This Wednesday, join Tempo for an exciting preview of “Silent Night,” a brand-new opera commissioned by the Minnesota Opera New Works Initiative.
A fascinating true story, “Silent Night” recounts a miraculous moment of peace during one of the bloodiest wars in human history.
On World War I’s western front, weapons are laid down when the Scottish, French and German officers defy their superiors and negotiate a Christmas Eve truce.
Enemies become brothers as they come together to share Christmas and bury their dead.
Created by composer Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell, “Silent Night” derives from the screenplay for the 2005 award-winning movie “Joyeux Noël,” written by Christian Carion and produced by Nord-Ouest Films.
Academy Award-winner Eric Simonson directs this production of “Silent Night,” which stars acclaimed tenor William Burden as the soldier whose voice inspired peace among adversaries — if only for a day.
Wednesday’s special “Silent Night” preview event, “Dissent in a Time of War,” will be a public conversation exploring the opera’s themes of war, dissent and discipline during WWI.
Distinguished panelists Gary DeCramer, director of the Master of Public Affairs program at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs; Col. Jon Jensen, chief of staff, Minnesota National Guard and librettist Mark Campbell will tackle contemporary issues of military policy.
Susan Albright, MinnPost’s co-managing editor, will moderate.
Discussion will be interspersed with musical selections presented by Kevin Puts and the cast members of “Silent Night.”
To reserve a seat at this event, RSVP online now.
Prior to the 7 p.m. panel discussion, Tempo will be throwing an exclusive “Silent Night” pre-reception for young professionals.
Beginning at 6 p.m., gather with Tempo members for a cocktail hour featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
To RSVP for the Tempo pre-reception, call 612-333-6669.
“Silent Night” is the first commission and the fourth production of Minnesota Opera’s New Works Initiative, a multi-year program designed to infuse the operatic art form with new commissions and revivals of contemporary American works.
The world premiere of “Silent Night” runs Nov. 12, 15, 17, 19 and 20, 2011. For more information, visit Minnesota Opera 2011-2012 Season.
Time: 6-9:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011
Place: Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55455
Cost: Tempo members: free; advance RSVP: $5; general admission at the door: $10
