Directed by Tomasz Konina, the performance is the cherry on top to an eventful Chopin year. It was especially commissioned from world-renowned composer Marta Ptaszyńska by the Grand Theatre in Łódź.
In 1838 Chopin and Sand traveled to Majorca in the winter of 1838, staying at a local Monastery in Valldemossa, with the intention of enjoying each other in peace and quiet. Yet Chopin's impatience at receiving his piano, the cold, rainy weather and his chronic illness put a damper on things and when they departed a year later, it was not on good terms. Rather than bringing the lovers closer together, it broke them entirely apart. Sand based her experience on the island in Un Hiver Un Hiver à Majorque (A Winter in Majorca), published in 1855. Chopin managed to complete his 24 Preludes Op. 28 during his stay on the island.
The libretto on which the opera is based was written by Janusz Krasiński. It is an emotionally-driven work that is full of passion and also pain. Preparations for the opera took over two and a half years.
Chopin's role is performed by both Adam Zdunikowski and Tomasz Jedz, while George Sand is played by Agnieszka Makówka and Bernadetta Grabias. Wojciech Michniewski composed the music and Zofia de Ines created the costumes. The choir and ballet of the Grand Theatre make up the main body of the performance.
The evening begins with a meeting at 18:00 with the authors of the opera, including Marta Ptaszyńska, as part of the "Pro-Opera" series to promote opera in the 21 Century. Marta Ptaszyńska has been living in the United States since 1972. She is the author of such well-known works as the Concerto for Marimba, Winter's Tale, Sonnets to Orpheus, and Moon Flowers, as well as numerous composition for percussion which have been performed often around the world. She has received commissions from major international orchestras, such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony and Polish Chamber Orchestra.
The Lovers from Valldemossa: an opera in two acts by Marta Ptaszyńska, based on the libretto by Janusz Krasiński, premieres at the Grand Theatre in Łódź on December 18. Repeat performances on December 19 and 26.
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