Review: Chicago Opera Theater Performs the Music of Immigrant Composers in a Rousing In America’s Embrace
The Chicago Opera Theater recently presented In America’s Embrace, a concert performance celebrating the contributions of immigrant composers to the American musical landscape. Held on January 18 at the Studebaker Theater, the event coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ declaration of independence and its enshrined principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A Legacy of Song
The Chicago Opera Theater has a history of staging works that explore the complexities of American life, including previous productions like She Who Dared, which recounted the story of the Montgomery bus boycott, and Soldier Songs, examining the impact of violence. In America’s Embrace focused on composers who, like many others, sought refuge in America from the escalating threats of war and the rise of the Nazi Party in Europe.
Musical Highlights
The concert featured a quartet of singers directed and accompanied by Laurie Rogers. Soprano Tracy Cantin opened the program with Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Start the New Year Right,” demonstrating a voice described as both smooth and powerful. Bass-baritone Alex Soare delivered a particularly chilling performance of Kurt Weill’s “Let Things Be Like They Always Was,” a collaboration with poet Langston Hughes.
Tenor Jordan Loyd and baritone Schyler Vargas also contributed notable performances, singing works by Arnold Sundgaard, Paul Green, and others. The program included selections from Erich Wolfgang Korngold, known for his Hollywood scores, and Afro-Cuban composer Tania León, a recent Pulitzer Prize winner and Kennedy Center Honors recipient.
Themes of Identity and Disillusionment
The concert’s selection of pieces often reflected the experiences of immigrants and marginalized communities. Weill’s collaborations, particularly with Hughes, explored the lives of those living in poverty and facing oppression. The performance of Irving Berlin’s songs, originating from a composer who fled persecution himself, carried particular weight.
The program also included works by Igor Stravinsky, Lukas Foss, Aleksandra Vrebalov, and André Previn, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and influences. A particularly moving moment came with the performance of Irving Berlin’s “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor,” adapted from Emma Lazarus’s poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Opera Theater’s commitment to showcasing both established and lesser-known composers could lead to further exploration of diverse musical voices. It is possible that future performances will continue to delve into the stories of immigrants and underrepresented communities. The company’s success in bringing these works to life may also inspire other opera companies to broaden their repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the name of the concert performed by the Chicago Opera Theater?
The concert was titled In America’s Embrace.
Which composer’s work was featured alongside poetry by Langston Hughes?
Kurt Weill collaborated with Langston Hughes on the opera Street Scene, and their work was featured in the concert.
Where was the concert held?
The concert was held at the Studebaker Theater on January 18.
How might the themes explored in In America’s Embrace resonate with audiences today, particularly in light of current debates surrounding immigration and national identity?