Interesting interview with Menotti

Go next weekend to UCLA to see the Medium, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, who sadly passed away last year. Seating is extremely limited, but you guys are in for a treat because its playing four days in a row, it’s FREE, and it’s in English. You can also join us in our dubious distinction as the oddest group of people ever (see the comments).

The opera is structured like a film noir of the early 20th century and centers around a drunk fraudulent medium. Within the two short acts she begins to lose her sanity, and eventually gives into her fears and superstitions which may have dramatic consequences. It is set in a very intimate and minimalist setting, to accentuate and highlight the score in all of its glory. The opera is performed by UCLA students and faculty. Don't miss this operatunity (Wow I'm corny)!

There is some activity across town as well...

On May 27th the Calder Quartet will release their new CD featuring one of my favorite pieces, the Ravel "String Quartet in F Major". It coincides with a Thomas Adés concert at the Disney Hall, because the CD includes his "Arcadiana" and a Mozart quartet also in F Major. The Calder Quartet has been the resident string quartet at the Juilliard school, with additional studies at USC and Colburn. They sell out frequently and draw praise from numerous publications including the Washington Post. They are a promising and talented group on the rise and this is your chance to see them and brag that you heard them before they were famous.

the Medium
May 29th-June 1st
Schoenberg Music Building

the Calder Quartet
May 27th
Walt Disney Concert Hall