transform

Sunday, November 6, 2005 at 7 pm

“Welcome to the Real World” of Don Davis, composer of the Matrix Trilogy‘s brilliant film scores. The LA Master Chorale presents the world premiere of Davis’ Suite from Rio de Sangre, his first opera, with libretto by LA poet/novelist Kate Gale. Commissioned by the Chorale and conducted by Grant Gershon, Rio de Sangre makes its debut as an oratorio with orchestra, chorus and guest soloists.

“The passion and color of the South American heritage, and the triumphs and struggles of its people suggest music of a monumental and epic drama,” says the Emmy®-winning Davis, one of L.A.’s busiest crossover composers and orchestrators.

Stained by a river of blood, a fictional Latin-American country welcomes the coup d’état that puts the idealistic Delacruz in power with his wife, Antonia; daughter, Blanca; and her fiancé, Igneo, by his side. But the new leader’s good intentions reap disastrous rewards. Kidnapping. Assassination. Earthquakes. Even nature turns her back on the hopes of an oppressed people. With the outbreak of rioting, Delacruz’s second-in-command Guajardo shows his true colors. As the tragic cycle comes full circle, the Rio de Sangre flows on.

Turning to turbulent, dark and vivid theatrical music, Davis moves from the intimate to the mythic. When death strikes, the Chorale mourns with a “requiem” sung in Latin and erupts in a spectacular Riot Chorus in the work’s final moments.

“The intrinsic drama of Davis’ [music] proudly shouts for itself.” — ClassicsToday.com

Download a guide to the season: chorale-seasonguide0506.pdf, 1.1MB