1854 opera

10/14/2015

that's right!

It's old school bigotry with a contemporary twist.

10/14/2015

music in development for 1854 . . . a folk opera.

https://soundcloud.com/1854-a-folk-opera

Listen to 1854 . . . a folk opera | Explore the largest community of artists, bands, podcasters and creators of music & audio.

09/28/2015

Brian Weiland's first original shanty for 1854. quite beautiful. why not take a listen. It is beautiful. and unexpected. https://soundcloud.com/1854-a-folk-opera/how-long

This is the whaling captains' first sea shanty composed by Brian Weiland. Lyrics by Jack Schimmelman. The song is meant to parallel the experience of the escaped slave. In performance, the sea shan

09/26/2015

On this day 164 years ago, Harriet Tubman and her brothers escaped from slavery.

09/20/2015

major influence on 1854 . . . a folk opera

Check us out: http://www.CSUFSalsaClub.com PBS's Roots of Rhythm, host Harry Belafonte traces the roots of the musical form that has come to be called Latin ...

09/08/2015

I am honored that Heidi Carter has agreed to be our music director. She is not only a vocal coach, but a former opera and folk singer who worked in the Village of NYC when folk music was still popular. She is imaginative, able to think outside of the box and I believe she will be a perfect fit for our team of composers. Thank you, Heidi.

08/27/2015

On a beautiful, MV summer day we attracted a full house to a conversation regarding MV Whaling Captains and their effect on Vineyard life in the mid-19th century and beyond. As anticipated the discussion was entertaining (thank you Mark Lovewell), informative and lively with lots of participation. I wish to thank everybody who made this possible, especially the WT library and everyone who came out on this quickly vanishing summer day. Once again, you prove how vigorous our community is why it is a true honor to be able to live here. We will be doing this discussion again sometime in October. A video of highlights will be posted here and on our website www.1854opera.com. Thank you, again.

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08/24/2015

We are having a very interesting discussion this Wednesday, August 26 at the WT library from 5pm to 6 pm. All are invited. It is about Vineyard Whaling Captains and their impact on Vineyard life. Who knows, there may be a shanty or two sung. please see the attached poster.

08/24/2015

1854 . . . a folk opera is honored to announce that Roberta Kirn intends to work with us as Choral Mistress and consultant on all things choral. Roberta is a tremendous talent and we are so very fortunate to have her with us. She joins a highly skilled team and I know she will elevate our work that much more. I pray that life allows this professional relationship to move forward because as we all know, Vineyard life can confront us with unexpected twists and turns. Thank you Roberta for considering us.

08/21/2015

Let us remember Rev. Daniels, civil rights martyr who was murdered 50 years ago. He is one of so many.

http://millercenter.org/presidentialclassroom/exhibits/the-murder-of-civil-rights-activist-jonathan-daniels-august-20-1965

On August 20, 1965, Jonathan Daniels was shot in cold blood. A day after Daniels’ death, President Lyndon Johnson had a conversation with his chief civil rights aide Lee White that revealed a heart-wrenching predicament: What to do with the bodies of slain activists?

08/12/2015

The town meeting opens with a Prayer. These are traditional songs arranged by Jesse Wiener. Early draft.

08/12/2015

The first scene of 1854 . . . a folk opera, which is about the mid-19th century abolitionist movement on Martha's Vineyard. Traditional music arranged by 1854's composer, Jesse Wiener. Art by Barney