Friday, March 11, 2016

Tender Land Post for # 4

Dear Readers,

On the eve of our opening night I would like to provide you with some photos, and a video.

The making of the Tender Land has been a unique process, which teemed with highs and lows. I would be insincere if I said that every moment was a dream. I would be equally dishonest if I didn't expressly admit that this experience is one for which I am tremendously grateful.

A big cheers and TOI TOI TOI to the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio: Angela Theis, Brent Michael Smith, Raehann Byrce-Davis, Gordon Schermer and our guest baritone Harry C Greenleaf. In bocca al lupo a tutti! Shout out to the brilliant, and sardonic Kristine Macintyre, Maestro Suzanne Acton, and the designer Monika Essen.

We [Michigan Opera Theatre + The MOT Studio] open Aaron Coplan's The Tender Land tomorrow night. Details below:



Joseph Michael Brent, who sings the role of "Martin," discusses his character's star-crossed relationship with "Laurie" in Aaron Copland's The Tender Land. Interview with rehearsal clips.
More about Michigan Opera Theatre's The Tender Land, opening this weekend.
Performances at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 7:30PM * BUY NOW
Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 2:30PM * BUY NOW

Performances at Heinz C. Prechter Educational & Performing Arts Center
Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 7:30PM * BUY NOW
Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 2:30PM * BUY NOW



Thanks for reading,
Joe

PS more info at http://www.michiganopera.org/opera/the-tender-land/


Sunday, March 6, 2016

WRCJ - Tender Land - Radio - MyTunes


Dear Readers,

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Felcyn at WRCJ 90.9FM in Detroit. He had me on for a segment called "MOT Unmasked." The show airs on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th.

"MOT Unmasked" goes behind the score of MOT's "The Tender Land" with Stage Director Kristine McIntyre, followed by me, the MOT Studio Artist, discussing some of my favorite songs with host Chris Felcyn. You'll learn a lot about Aaron Copland's only opera, and find out which composition I start every long road trip with.

Several ways to hear the WRCJ broadcast:

I think you should listen to the entire program - if you've got 2 hours. If not, I am on the second half wink emoticon (sorry Kristine, but seriously - listen to Kristine, she's amazing)


Thanks for reading,

Best

Joe










Friday, March 4, 2016

Tender Land Post #2

Dear Readers,

Last night, violinist Siobhan Cronin and I teamed up for another great event. We performed selections to honor the Yatooma Foundation for the Kids at the Mandaloun Bistro in Bingham Farms, Michigan.

I was happy to see such a great turn out, and enthusiastic audience. I am sure Donald Trump and the other republican presidential hopefuls pulled a larger crowd last night. But, I am also sure that those witness to the madness down town did not have the exciting, heartfelt, and rich musical experience that Siobhan and I presented to those present at Mandaloun.

Because you are my faithful readers, I am tempted to give you some of the dirt and insight into this career path - but a public forum is no place for a heart-to-heart. I could be a little corrosive about the details of the event, but I concluded: in the end, when making great music with good people to support an important foundation, the Italian's said it best chi non rischia non rosica [nothing ventured, nothing gained]. Our good deeds will be rewarded.

BASTA COSI!

On to the"main event" of this post.

Promotional Photo for MOT's The Tender Lands
Left to right: Ms. Laurie Moss (Angela Theis), Martin (Mr. Joseph Michael Brent)
Photo courtesy of Mitch Carter (MOT) 


Today, is our first RUN of Aaron Copland's The Tender Land.  Following 2 weeks of successful MOT Studio performances at the Grosse Point War Memorial, and The Berman Center for the Performing Arts (for the Jewish Federation of Michigan); and for the MOT Opera Club series, we started rehearsals on the 22 of February.

Now, after a week and a half - we have the show on it's feet!

I have to run to rehearsal - now, but be on the look out for more Tender Land updates.
If you're in the Detroit area, or attached to an internet accessible device, please check out my interview with Chris Felcyn at WRCJ 90.9 on the series entitled "MOT unmasked." The episode will air this weekend, Saturday and Sunday.

Chris and I sat down last Tuesday and discussed some of my favorite music. More on that soon!

As ever, Thanks for reading.
Best
Joe

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Tender Land Post #1

Dear Readers,

I wish I was able to give you all an update, in the style of a play by play. I have been meaning to post for day. In fact, this very post you're reading was started 7 days ago.

We are in the thick of Tender Land rehearsals here at Michigan Opera Theatre. We open the show in just 8 days from today - run don't walk to get your tickets! It's going to be, if I do say so myself, a fantastic show. Harry Greenleaf, a master of music student at CCM, is joining the studio artists to sing the role of TOP.

Shenanigans and hijinks are a brewing!

My computer is about to die.

MORE ASAP!

Thanks for reading,
Joe