The Salem Symphonic Winds teamed up again with the Rainbow Dance Theater, and the troupe put on a performance convincing enough to take the band’s attention away from the conductor’s baton.
“It’s hard for musicians to shift their focus from the dancers to their music,” laughs conductor John Skelton.
On Sunday, January 29, the bands will perform in the US at the premiere of Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla’s 1968 opera Maria de Buenos Aires, Tango Suite. The program will feature vocal and instrumental soloists, as well as other songs about nature.
The groups have adapted an original tango opera about the life, death and suffering of a woman named Maria, a sex worker who was murdered on the streets of Buenos Aires.
Western Oregon University’s resident ensemble, Rainbow Dance Theater, has evolved its choreography into a more abstract visual with a focus on women’s rights, Skelton said.
The dancers will be dressed in elaborate costumes, some of which will be illuminated by LEDs and others will be covered with mirrors that reflect the light on stage. This is the third collaboration between Salem Symphonic Winds and the dance troupe. The last time they collaborated was in 2018.
“It’s a real show. The Rainbow Dance Theater always takes us by surprise, even a little exaggerated,” said Skelton. “There are other effects that no one will ever get from a dance troupe. I think it’s nice to be surprised that way.”
The play is more family-friendly than the original opera, and most of the adult themes from Mary’s life are relegated to plot summaries in the play.
“Honestly, I love full operas, but I know that for some people, operas are an acquired taste,” he said. “Our singers are the kind of people that I don’t think they’ll have any problems communicating with.”
Mezzo-soprano Hannah Penn will perform in Spanish. She has performed in more than 20 operas, including In Portland and Eugene.
“She has a really deep and sultry voice. Sometimes I say, “It could be a lullaby,” he said. “It’s abundance.”
Tommy Thompson, string bass of the Oregon Symphony for 35 years, will perform an accordion solo at the opera.
The Sunday show also included the track “Unveiling” and the Grand Canyon-inspired song “Sunrise at Angel’s Gate”. Together with the animated film, the work Blocking the Sky and the Sun will be shown.
Jules Giroud’s “Our Exiles” was inspired by pets left in shelters across the country.
For this piece, Symphonic Winds of Salem will show pet photos from the Oregon Humane Society during the show, as well as pet photos submitted by community youth.
The concert will begin on Sunday, January 29 at 3:00 pm at South Salem High School’s Rose Auditorium, 700 Howard Street SE.
Tickets can be purchased at the Salem Symphonic Winds website. Admission is $5 for under-18s and $10 for college students. Tickets for seniors over 60 are $15. Adult tickets are $20 and reserved seats are $25.
Update: South Salem High School’s address has been updated to be closer to the auditorium entrance at 700 Howard Street SE.
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Abby McDonald will join Salem Reporters in 2022. She previously worked as a business reporter for The Astorian covering labor, health and social services. A graduate of the University of Oregon, she has also written for Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
Abby McDonald will join Salem Reporters in 2022. She previously worked as a business reporter for The Astorian covering labor, health and social services. A graduate of the University of Oregon, she has also written for Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
Post time: Feb-06-2023