Navajo Epic Becomes the Oratorio ‘Enemy Slayer’
Composer Mark Grey and Navajo writer Laura Tohe have created an oratorio that retells the ancient story of Enemy Slayer and Born for Water, two legendary figures who made the world safe for people. The piece is set in modern times to respect tribal customs, reports the Navajo Times. Like the original story, the oratorio includes a version of the ceremony that cleanses a warrior from the effects of violence so that he can return home with a peaceful mind.
In this musical setting, the hero, a baritone, is an Iraq war veteran. The chorus represents tribal elders who sing to him. Projected photographic images—created by Deborah O’Grady, wife of composer John Adams—complete the presentation.
www.huliq.com/40556/phoenix-orchestra-to-premiere-mark-greys-enemy-slayer
www.phoenixsymphony.org/events/navajo/navajo-main.aspx
www.navajotimes.com/entertainment/1026oratorio.php
Naxos Is Profitable in Troubled Times
Klaus Heymann, 71, presides over the Naxos recording empire, which employs 300 people and issues approximately 240 new recordings each year, says the Naxos website. Heymann says he has survived because his music is available on CD, through his subscription site (Music Library), and by other means through licensing arrangements. He also keeps the company lean. Conductors, for example, get to fly first class only if they are over age 60. Those under 50 fly economy, and conductors aged between 50 and 60 are entitled to business class.
Naxos bestsellers for 2007 included Symphony No. 4 by Philip Glass and Handel’s Messiah, along with Orff’s Carmina Burana, Naxos’ all-time sales champion, which has sold 480,000 copies.
www.naxos.com/news/default.asp?pn=News&displayMenu=Naxos_Press&op=81
South Florida to Get Another New Hall
The New World Symphony is building a new, 700-seat hall in Miami Beach, says criticalmiami.com. Frank Gehry, the architect of Disney Hall in Los Angeles, will design the $200 million state-of-the-art performance space, which will include capacity for recording, webcasts, Internet 2, and projections. In addition to the auditorium, the building is slated to contain a music library, a conductor’s studio, rehearsal rooms for individuals and ensembles, an adjoining park, and a parking structure.
www.criticalmiami.com/2007/02/07/frank-gehry-proposed-new-world-symphony-building
Met Breaks Even on Movie Operas
With live opera simulcast in high definition to 600 movie theaters across the United States and abroad, Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb’s brainchild is an unqualified success, says artsjournal.com. Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette rose to No. 11 in North American box office receipts for the week of its showing. In many cities ticket sales have tripled since last year.
It costs the Met approximately $1 million to transmit one performance, but the company breaks even when revenues come in from encore performances and DVD sales, said the report.
www.artsjournal.com/artsjournal1/ 2008/01/met_opera_a_hit.shtml
