English language opera enthusiasts will witness West Side Story soon on Salzburg Whitsun Festival. It is a musical with songs performed in some opera recitals. Music was composed by Leonard Bernstein with libretto by Stephen Sondheim. This is reported by Norman Brecht on Slippedisc.com, translating a German language report published on Salzburg.orf.
It does not happen everyday that a high-profile production be known for 2 different theater forms. It may have been the recording that Bernstein himself conducted. It featured Spanish tenor Jose Carreras and New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa. Such casting choices highlighted its opera influence. The song “I Feel Pretty” still gets included in some recitals like this concert featuring Joyce DiDonato. Concerts like these may have given Cecilia Bartoli an idea to present West Side Story soon on Salzburg Whitsun Festival.
Cecilia Bartoli is the first woman to be appointed as artistic director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival. Expectations are high with the festival. It was announced that it will take a Shakespearean them – particularly the “Romeo and Juliet” vibe. And while West Side Story soon on Salzburg Whitsun Festival is more of a race vs race story than a family vs family schtick, it still fits the “lovers from opposing camps” trite.
Musicals tackling sensitive issues often get it right when given the appropriate music to match the atmosphere. Bernstein is one composer that wears his operatic reputation on his sleeve. Apparently, apart from the music, West Side Story is also known for the choreography that presented the gang wars. Some scenes actually don’t have any lines whatsoever. But the animosity between the gangs is evident. Some of these scenes are even presented in the prologue.
On whether West Side Story soon on Salzburg Whitsun Festival can duplicate the same success, we have yet to see. Most of its patrons are reliant on the music and the operatic manner most songs are sung.
But what amplified the interest in seeing West Side Story soon on Salzburg Whitsun Festival is seeing Bartoli herself play Maria. For someone rarely heard singing English arias, some fans plan to go further and check if she can do the Puerto Rican accent in the production itself. For a musical festival featuring galas, recitals, lectures and operas, this is an excellent way to kick-off the festivities. Events like these keep the classics alive. And contemporary audiences get a re-education when it comes to appreciating the performing arts.
The 2015 Salzburg Whitsun Festival are still going. But updates for the 2016 edition are already out, most notably West Side Story soon on Salzburg Whitsun Festival. Updates will be posted as soon as they are available. For more updates, make sure to subscribe to our online newsletter. Developments will be submitted straight to your inbox once they become available. Welcome us in your timeline as well. Like our official Facebook page, Musicals Online, and follow us on Twitter @musicalsnews. Thanks for reading.
