Memory and Reckoning

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KLEZMER OPERAWORLD PREMIERE
Polish composer Wlad Marhulets has
written a new chamber opera, told through
the musical language of klezmer. Adapted
from the acclaimed graphic novel by Rutu
Modan, The Property tells the story of
Regina Segal (mezzo-soprano Jill Grove)
and her granddaughter Mica (soprano
Anne Slovin), who travel to modern
Warsaw to try to regain family property
lost during World War II. As their journey
unfolds, Regina is forced to confront
painful truths about her past, including her
history with Roman Gorski (baritone James
Maddalena). Meanwhile, Mica navigates
a relationship with their Polish tour guide,
Tomasz (baritone Nathaniel Olson), and
realizes their reasons for coming might not
be all that they seemed.
Scored for a cast of six singers and an
instrumental ensemble of six players,
including members of Chicago’s Maxwell
Street Klezmer Band. Performed in
English with some Hebrew and Polish text.
Approximately 80 minutes in length; no
intermission.
JILL GROVE
JAMES MADDALENA
PHOTO BY DARIO ACOSTA
PHOTO BY KEN HOWARD
Music by Wlad Marhulets, Libretto by Stephanie Fleischmann