UNK- The University of Nebraska at Kearney department of music and performing arts will present the opera The Tender Land at 8 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Miriam Drake Theater of the Fine Arts Building. Additional performances of the opera composed by Aaron Copland will be presented at 8 p.m. on Jan. 29, and at 3 p.m. on Jan. 30.
The Tender Land is described as Copland’s “opera of the prairie,” and tells a story of a midwestern farm family during the Great Depression. The opera is under the stage direction of Dr. Stephen Branch, musical direction of Dr. Anne Foradori and is choreographed by Gary Schaaf. Carol Gangwish serves as the production’s pianist.
“The Tender Land is an opera whose lyric simplicity compliments the natural beauty of the American Heartland,” Branch said.
Sung in English, the production is appropriate for all audiences.
Copland is also the composer of the ballets Billy the Kid and Rodeo. The year 2000 marks the centenary of his birth as his works are being performed nationwide in observance of his life.
The performances of The Tender Land are free with a valid UNK ID. General admission is $5. For ticket information, contact the UNK theatre box office at (308) 865-8406.
