Michael Daugherty – Jackie O | An Opera in Two Acts (An Opera in Two Acts)

Product Information

• Title: Michael Daugherty – Jackie O
• Format: DVD, DVD-Video, Region 0
• UPC: 8007144336059
• Label: Dynamic (4) – 33605
• Country: Italy
• Released: January 1, 2009
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Opera
• Running Time: 93 minutes
• Subtitles: 16:9
• Video Format: NTSC / Colour
• Audio: LINEAR PCM 2.0

Overview

"Michael Daugherty – Jackie O" is a world-premiere opera DVD that presents a bold and imaginative retelling of the iconic life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This opera in two acts, with a libretto by Wayne Koestenbaum, offers a contemporary staging in coproduction with the Teatro Rossini di Lugo di Romagna. The production creatively blends opera, musical theatre, rock, and jazz to pay tribute to a cultural icon who, like Orpheus with Eurydice, is unable to let go of the memory of John F. Kennedy. Recorded in high definition at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna between July 2nd and 4th, 2008-2009, this production is as visually arresting as it is musically innovative.

Synopsis

The opera tells the story of Jackie (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) as she descends into a symbolic underworld—a modern Hades—to attend a provocative "Happening" in New York. Amidst a dreamlike encounter, pop artist Andy Warhol serenades Jackie while painting her portrait, and Aristotle Onassis makes a grand entrance reminiscent of a "Rat Pack" crooner. The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, and artistic expression as Jackie grapples with the impossibility of reclaiming a past that is both cherished and irretrievably lost.

Product Features

Musical and Theatrical Excellence

• Opera in Two Acts:
  • Act Duration: Approximately 1:33:00
  • Libretto by: Wayne Koestenbaum
• Creative Team:
  • Conductor: Christopher Franklin, leading the Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna
  • Chorus Master: Gianluigi Giacomoni
  • Director & Light Designer: Damiano Michieletto
  • Video Director: Matteo Ricchetti
• Performers:
  • Vocals: Elizabeth Grayson, Enea Scala, Fiona Mc Andrew, Nora Sourouzian, Paul Carey Jones, Simone Alberghini
  • Key Roles:
    • Jackie O: Portrayed with passion and complexity
    • Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis, Andy Warhol, Liz Taylor, Grace Kelly: Represented in evocative characterizations
• Ensemble:
  • Theater Ensemble: Ensemble del Teatro Rossini di Lugo
  • Orchestra: Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna

Technical Details

• High-Definition Recording: Captured in high definition for an immersive viewing experience.
• Visual Presentation: Features a dynamic visual style, with a modern staging that complements the timeless narrative.
• Extras: Includes interviews with the composer and performers, offering insights into the creative process behind this innovative opera.

Interesting Facts

A Bold Reimagining

• Cultural Fusion:
  The production uniquely fuses classical opera with elements of rock and jazz, creating an interdisciplinary tribute that resonates with contemporary audiences.
• Innovative Staging:
  New staging in collaboration with the Teatro Rossini di Lugo di Romagna highlights a modern reinterpretation of historical figures and events, challenging traditional operatic conventions.
• Artistic Homage:
  Drawing parallels to the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the opera explores themes of eternal love and loss, capturing the enduring allure of Jackie O’s legacy.
• Critical Acclaim:
  This world-premiere DVD has garnered attention for its creative risk-taking and its ability to blend diverse artistic influences into a cohesive and compelling narrative.

Publishers

This DVD is distributed under license by Dynamic SRL (Label Dynamic (4) – 33605). The content is licensed for non-commercial private use only. Public performance, broadcast, or reproduction in any form is strictly prohibited.

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Hashtags

English:

#MichaelDaugherty #JackieO #WorldPremiereOpera #DynamicDVD #OperaInnovation #ContemporaryOpera #ClassicalMeetsModern