Singer

Whatever your concept of heaven, when hearing Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony you’ll feel as though you were standing at the portals of paradise, welcomed by music that stirs your heart and soul. It encompasses memories of happiness, thunderous surges and brass fanfares, a serene, childlike song of faith, drum rolls, the last trumpet, and then—out of nowhere—a whispered chorus intones the ecstatic resurrection ode. Voices soar, singing of forgiveness, divine compassion, and eternal life: you have not lived in vain; what you have suffered, yearned and struggled for, and loved is not lost; it is yours. Do not quake; death is conquered; prepare yourself to live. You shall rise again, my heart, in an instant. Wings that you have won, shall carry you to God!

EPSG:4326

Mahler’s "Resurrection" Symphony

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Loosely based on the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, Ruinous Gods explores the psychological toll experienced by displaced refugee children. This vital world premiere opera follows a desperate mother’s attempts to revive her 12-year- old daughter who has fallen into a non-responsive sleep triggered by trauma. The child’s journey through an underworld-inspired dreamscape forms the backdrop for a groundbreaking score that weaves Arabic maqam and Western classical music traditions with diverse Middle Eastern influences, jazz, and improvisation. At turns painful, humorous, and hopeful, Ruinous Gods urges crucial conversations about how governments and societies treat migrant families.

Sarah Shafer

Soprano

Events

11 - 12 May, 2024

Mahler’s "Resurrection" Symphony · Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

May 24 - Jun 1, 2024

Ruinous Gods · Spoleto Festival USA

About

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