From Orff to Orfeo the classic arts scene in New York is never quiet. Here is just a sampling of some of the classic arts events happening this week.
The Metropolitan Opera concludes its 2023-24 season with performances of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice and Puccini’s Turandot. Gluck’s retelling of the Greek myth, directed and choreographed by Mark Morris, stars countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and soprano Ying Fang as the titular characters, with soprano Elena Villalón as Amore, the god of love. Meanwhile, Zeffirelli’s lavish production of Turandot stars soprano Elena Pankratova as the Princess Turandot, by whose decree any prince who wishes to marry her must first answer three riddles or be put to death. Tenor SeokJong Baek plays the unknown Prince who takes her up on the challenge, with soprano Olga Kulchynska as Liù, and bass Solomon Howard as Timur.
The New York Philharmonic concludes their regular season at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall with performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 June 6-8. Called the “Resurrection” symphony, the concerts will feature soprano Hanna-Elisabeth Müller and mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova as the soloists. Jaap van Zweden conducts, in his final subscription concerts as NY Philharmonic music director.
The Orchestra of St. Luke’s begins their 2024 Bach festival at Carnegie Hall June 4 with conductor Jeannette Sorrell, and soprano Joélle Harvey. The program will include Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 3 and 4, excerpts from the St. John Passion and the cantata "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen!"
Carnegie Hall Citywide will present the chamber ensemble Ensemble Connect in a free concert in Times Square June 6. The program will range from classics to contemporary works, with some stops in the musical theater world, including Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, and “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music. The program will also include works by Bizet, Ravel, Gershwin, Valerie Coleman, and more.
Manhattan Concert Productions presents an abridged version of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at Alice Tully Hall June 9. Jefferson Johnson will conduct the abbreviated cantata, which will be joined on the program by works by Dvořák, Haydn, Elaine Hagenberg, and more.
Twyla Tharp’s latest full-length dance piece, How Long Blues, is kicking off Little Island’s 2024 Summer Series through June 23 (performances began June 1). Tony winner Michael Cerveris stars in the world premiere, which features original music and arrangements by T Bone Burnett and David Mansfield, scenic and costume design by Santo Loquasto, lighting design by Justin Townsend, and sound design by Scott Lehrer.
Choreographer Oona Doherty makes her Joyce Theatre debut June 4-9 with “Navy Blue,” a dance piece (with spoken word poetry) set to electronic music Jamie xx with additional music by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
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