Composer

Yo-Yo Ma returns! One of the most important artists of our time, Yo-Yo Ma’s musicianship and soulful playing are unmatched. He has performed for audiences around the world and is a true ambassador for both music and humanity.

Ma strives to foster connections that stimulate the imagination and reinforce our humanity. A UN Messenger of Peace, he has partnered with communities and institutions across the globe to develop programs advocating for a more human-centered world. He is the recipient of the Avery Fisher Prize the National Medal of the Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors, the Polar Music Prize, and the Birgit Nilsson Prize.

Come feel the joy, the magic, and the emotion, at this very special one-night-only concert.

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Yo-Yo Ma

Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

Summer Chamber Music

Trinity Heights United Methodist Church

Join us for a captivating outdoor summer experience with "Summer 2024 FAUST Mixed Precipitation," marking the 16th annual summer operatic adventure by Mixed Precipitation. This year, we bring you "Pickup Truck Opera Volume Four: Faust," a unique adaptation of Charles Gounod’s 1859 opera, Faust. The performances are set to enchant audiences from August 8 to September 15, 2024, across various locations throughout the metro and greater Minnesota, including the North Shore, Iron Range, and southeastern MN.

Reservations open on June 15th, with all performances offered for a suggested donation of $5 to $35, making this event accessible and recommended for all ages. This innovative production features the combined talents of music director Gary Ruschman, playwright and theologian Max Yeshaye, stage directors Scotty Reynolds and Jacob Miller, and the Mixed Precipitation ensemble. The story follows Dr. Johann Faust, a scientist and entrepreneur, as he embarks on a fanatical quest to save humanity, guided by the mysterious Méphistophélès and inspired by the love for the brilliant physicist Marguerite. The music of Depeche Mode, featuring the work of Vince Clarke and Martin Gore, is woven into this tale, adding a modern twist to the classic opera.

The cast includes tenor Maurice Fields as Faust, bass Justin Spenner as Méphistophélès, and sopranos Caroline Kouma and Corissa Bussian sharing the role of Marguerite, under the musical leadership of Ruschman. The touring spectacle also showcases the work of set designer Alex Hathaway, costume designer Rhiannon Fiskradatz, props designer Karly Bergman, and stage manager Ches Cipriano.

Performances will take place in sprawling parks, nature centers, and farms, inviting audiences to bring a lawn chair and beverages for comfort and hydration. The performance lasts approximately 75-90 minutes, all outdoors, ensuring a memorable experience under the open sky. Mixed Precipitation continues its tradition of mobile opera using a blue 2011 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck and a trailer as the stage, bringing pop-up performances to neighborhood streets, public squares, libraries, and care facilities.

Don't miss this extraordinary blend of opera, theater, and music in the great outdoors of Minnesota. Reserve your spot starting June 15th and be part of a summer adventure that inspires social engagement through festive theatrical events.

Faust

Caponi Art Park

Whiteside Park

River Bend Nature Center

Finland Minnesota Historical Society

Grand Marais Recreation Area

Alexis Bailly Vineyard

Hovland Town Hall

Patton Park

Cedar Lake East Beach

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Franconia Sculpture Park

Silverwood Park

Chateau St Croix Winery

Bronx Park Community Garden

Swede Hollow Park

Dodge Nature Center

Ojibway Park

DreamAcres Farm

**Berkshire Opera Festival presents: Faust at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center**

Join us for an unforgettable evening of opera as the Berkshire Opera Festival brings to life Gounod's masterpiece, "Faust," at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. This captivating performance is scheduled for Friday, August 30, from 7:30 pm to 10:15 pm, promising an epic tale of tragedy, redemption, and the consequences of a Faustian bargain.

**Event Highlights:**

- **Date and Time:** Friday, August 30, 7:30 pm - 10:15 pm
- **Location:** Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
- **Tickets:** Start at $20. Early-bird pricing ends April 3. Special $15 tickets are available for ages 30 and under. BOF/Mahaiwe Member Sale begins Wednesday, February 14 at noon, with the Public Sale starting Wednesday, February 21 at noon.
- **Special Offer:** On Saturday, August 24, enjoy a free pre-performance talk with dramaturg Cori Ellison at 12pm, offering insights into Gounod’s greatest work.

**About the Opera:**
"Faust" tells the story of old Dr. Faust who, in his quest for youth, makes a pact with the devil, leading to unforeseen and devastating consequences. This opera is celebrated for its rich, romantic score and has remained a beloved piece in the world of opera since its premiere. The performance will be sung in French with projected English translations, ensuring an accessible and immersive experience for all attendees.

**Featuring:**
- **Cast:** Duke Kim as Faust, Raquel González as Marguerite, Justin Hopkins as Méphistophélès, and more.
- **Creative Team:** Conductor Brian Garman and Stage Director Jonathon Loy lead an exceptional team to bring this production to life.

**Additional Information:**
The opera runs for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Berkshire Opera Festival website or call the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center Box Office.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the pinnacles of French romantic opera in the beautiful setting of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.

Berkshire Opera Festival Presents: Faust

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Disenchanted by his lifelong quest for knowledge, the ageing philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil and trades his soul for eternal youth—to disastrous consequences.

Canadian Opera Company

Famed Venezuelan conductor Domingo Hindoyan and our very own Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados lead Gounod’s romantic score, studded with one gorgeous love duet after another. Rising stars Amina Edris and Duke Kim make their house debuts as opera’s favorite star-crossed lovers, with Justin Austin in his company debut as Mercutio and company favorite Craig Colclough as Lord Capulet. Enter a sensuous, elegant world of vengeful duels and young love as this fan favorite returns to LA Opera for the first time since 2011.

Romeo And Juliet

The Music Center

Jean-Christophe Maillot’s version shares the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of the remorseful Friar Lawrence. This original perspective on the well-known story enables us to deeply connect with the themes of pride, fear, excitement, and subsequent impulsiveness. The minimalistic sets amplify the dancers’ emotions, allowing audience members to see themselves in the turmoil and passion of the characters on stage.

Roméo et Juliette

Citizens Opera House

Charles-François Gounod

Composer

Events

May 9, 2024

Yo-Yo Ma · Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Jun 9, 2024

Summer Chamber Music · Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra

Aug 8 - Sep 15, 2024

Faust · Mixed Precipitation

24 - 30 Aug, 2024

Berkshire Opera Festival Presents: Faust · Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Oct 11 - Nov 2, 2024

Faust · Canadian Opera Company

About

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