A Protesting Voice in New York
Continuing their successful modus operandi of championing unknown or underappreciated works in need of revival, The American Symphony Orchestra is set to perform "Intolerance" at Carnegie Hall. Based on Luigi Nono's anti-dictatorship one-act Opera, Intolleranza, we can't help but think this is an opportune choice for a politically charged piece, one which was borne to strongly protest against intolerance, oppression and the violation of human dignity.
As an added bonus, ASO music director and principal conductor, Leon Botstein will share the stories behind the music in a Conductor's Notes Q&A forum before the performance that is free for all ticket holders.
What Is Intolerance About?
After Mussolini's destructive, fascist turn in Italy, Luigi Nono wanted to bring the freedom of uncensored art back to the country. His story follows the travels of a migrant in search of work (tenor, Daniel Weeks) who encounters political unrest, is imprisoned and subjected to torture at the hands of his captives. Enduring all this he rediscovers what human relations mean to him, and becomes determined to fight against the darkness engulfing his homeland. It's a turn of thematic scenarios still relevant to our modern capitalist society.