New York City Opera's Looking Forward Concert Lands in Brooklyn Nov. 2

While its home venue, the New York State Theater, undergoes a yearlong renovation, the company has launched a new initiative to perform in venues throughout the city in the future, in addition to giving performances at its home at Lincoln Center.

Developed by City Opera's Music Director George Manahan, Looking Forward surveys the musical language of the twentieth century, focusing on many of the composers who will be featured in General Manager Gerard Mortier's inaugural season. Maestro Manahan observed, "It will be a terrific opportunity for audiences to rediscover the beauty and richness of the unique styles and harmonies of this important era in music history."

Scheduled highlights of the 90-minute concert include excerpts from Benjamin Britten's Les Illuminations with tenor soloist Brian Anderson (November 2, 16, March 7, April 11); Olivier Messiaen's Trois petites liturgies de la Pr_sence Divine with pianist Aleck Karis, ondes Martenot soloist Jean Laurendeau and the New York City Opera Women's Chorus; Lukas Foss's Time Cycle sung by sopranos Jennifer Zetlan (November 2, March 7, April 11) and Lielle Berman (November 16); and Claude Debussy's Danse sacr_e et danse profane featuring harpist Jessica Zhou. The program, performed by the New York City Opera Orchestra, will also include Igor Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite, Edgard Varse's Int_grales, and Steve Reich's Clapping Music. The program is subject to change.

For photos and highlights from the first performance, visit Playbill Arts' Photo Journal: Looking Forward- First Stop: Staten Island or see photos below.

Looking Forward will enjoy subsequent performances in the Bronx (11/16), Queens (3/7) and Manhattan (4/11).

The Whitman Theater at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is located on the campus of Brooklyn College (CUNY), 2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn.

Tickets for this performance of Looking Forward, priced at $25, may be purchased here.

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Photo highlights from the Oct. 4 Looking Forward performance:

George Manahan and the New York City Opera Orchestra

Soprano Lielle Berman

Soprano Lielle Berman

Soprano Lielle Berman		Principal harpist Jessica Zhou

Principal harpist Jessica Zhou

Soprano Jennifer Zetlan

Soprano Jennifer Zetlan

"Clapping Music"

The New York City Opera Orchestra

The Maestro and Orchestra take a bow

All photos by Carol Rosegg.