Premiere of "3 Paderewskis” at the Kennedy Center
21.11.2019
DC’s prestigious Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre hosted the premiere of the one-act opera, “3 Paderewskis.”
The opera was written by American composer Jenni Brandon and libretto author Oliver Mayer. Directed by David Bridel, the cast featured musicians and singers from the Thornton School of Music and the USC School of Dramatic Arts. The opera told the story of Ignacy Jan Paderewski using three different personas – that of a statesman, an illustrious composer and piano virtuoso, as well as a winemaker in Paso Robles, California. As Oliver Mayer recounts, “Paderewski’s legacy can be manifested in many different people,” which is why three versions of the national hero appeared on stage, performed by Todd Strange (tenor), Maria Dominique Lopez (mezzosoprano) and Steve Pence (bass). Jenni Brandon received the 2018/19 American Prize in Composition for her operatic music in the category of opera, theatre, film and dance. The Washington premiere took place in a full house seating over 400 guests, amongst whom were representatives of the U.S. administration, the diplomatic corps, and American musical, theatrical and media institutions. The evening bolstered this year’s celebrations of the centennial of diplomatic relations between Poland and the United States.
"3 Paderewskis” is one of nine productions distinguished by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in its 2017 contest tied to the centennial of Poland’s independence, “The Paderewski Musical Project.” The Washington premiere was organized by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and the Kosciuszko Foundation, in cooperation with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and our Embassy.