He was poor, broken, and yet full of life. Porgy – a black beggar from the suburbs of Charleston – is in love with beautiful Bess, a woman torn between passion and longing for peace. Their story has become a symbol of humanity, courage and the yearning for freedom. In Porgy and Bess, one of the most important American operatic works, Gershwin merges European musical tradition with jazz, blues, spirituals and the folklore of the American South. A selection of the most famous scenes and arias, including the legendary Summertime, will be performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra from Ostrava. Authentic voices will be lent by soloists of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and La Scala in Milan — all of African-American origin, in line with the ethical and artistic intention of the work.
programme
George Gershwin
Cuban Overture
George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess: arias, scenes and orchestral parts from the opera
Performers
Porgy – Eric Greene
Bess – Elizabeth Llewellyn
Serena – Aundi Marie Moore
Maria – Tichina Vaughn
Sportin Life – Chauncey Packer
Crown – Kenneth Kellogg
Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava
J. David Jackson – dirigent
photogallery
