The power of this a cappella ensemble of African-American women transcends all the technologically enhanced music of the day. They seamlessly blend lyrics, spirited movement, and stirring narrative interpreted in American Sign Language. Since its founding in 1973, Sweet Honey in the Rock has performed around the world, raising their voices in hope, love, justice, peace, and resistance. Sweet Honey invites its audiences to open their minds and hearts and think about who we are and how we interact with our fellow creatures on this planet. Funded in part by the Expeditions program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the American Masterpieces initiative, with additional support from the six New England state arts agencies.
Music Samples
Tuesday, October 28
Concert Hall 7:30 pm
$40, $30, $15; Five College Students and Youth 17 and under $15
I was very disappointed with Teatro Lirico d’Europa’s production of Carmen last night. I thought about leaving at the intermission but decided to see it through. I can’t say I know every opera or even that I am especially a fan of opera, but I have enjoyed several, most recently the live transmissions from the Met that are now viewed each season at Cinemark. My problem with last night’s production is that it was uninspired, poorly produced and poorly directed, with little talent except perhaps the lead male singer – Don Jose – and perhaps the woman who loved him – Michaela. I kept wondering throughout the opera why any man would fall in love with someone like Carmen, especially the Carmen depicted last night. A person sitting next to me commented “what a motley crew!” as the cast came out for their bows at the end of the performance. I noticed some of the cast didn’t even bother to stick around for the closing bows and applause. I don’t think I have ever seen a more sparse set, and while sparseness can add to a theater production to enhance the drama or highlight certain characters, the sparseness last night looked like a shoddy production trying to save money. Finally, I realize Carment was once a great opera, and there must be a reason for it, but the direction last night didn’t highlight anything that made the audience appreciate either the drama of the story, the major tragic themes, or the the magnificence of a classical musical production. I think I’ll stick to Cinemark.