Searching for a great way to put behind all the craziness that was 2020 and begin healing the divide between the right and left? Look no further than Solo Opera’s production of Derrick Wang’s one-hour comedic opera in English, Scalia/Ginsburg. Inspired by the opinions of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg (liberal) and Antonin Scalia (conservative), the opera highlights their unlikely bi-partisan friendship and mutual love of opera. They disagreed on how to interpret the constitution but were both unwavering in their reverence for the sacredness of it. Filled with witty humor and musical nods to favorite composers, this charming opera is sure to appeal to everyone!
According to Solo Opera Artistic Director, Sylvia Amorino, “We are so excited to receive the rights to share this wonderful opera with our community. We were originally scheduled to produce the show last August timed just before the presidential election. We were, of course, saddened to have had to cancel when the pandemic hit and everything shut down. But we feel the opera’s message, “We are different. We are one.” is almost more important to produce coming out of the pandemic as its message is one of healing, friendship, diversity, and inclusiveness.” Scalia/Ginsburg is booked for Friday, Sept. 10 - 8:00pm and Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 - 2:00pm at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The opera will include an incredible cast: Nikki Einfeld as “Ginsburg”, Christopher Bengochea as “Scalia”, and Kirk Eichelberger as the “Commentator”. The chamber opera will be accompanied by a seven-piece orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Katsman. An incredible production team will be led by Solo Opera Artistic Director, Sylvia Amorino, as stage director/producer. Seating is reserved and ticket prices are Adults: $50, Seniors: $40, Youth 17 and under: $25. Groups rates offered for 10 or more persons. Tickets on sale now at (925) 943-7469 or visit the Lesher Center for the Arts Ticket Office: 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, CA. (Pre-show 30 minute lecture by Ian Kelley, Professor of Constitutional Law, one hour before each show.)
Solo Opera is a Professional Company Member of Opera America and a 2016 Arts Recognition Award recipient. Founded in 2000, their mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the community through their main stage opera productions, concerts, and outreach programs. Solo Opera has achieved wonderful success producing sixteen high quality operas at the beautiful Lesher Center for the Arts and around the Bay Area including The Telephone (2000, 2003), The Medium (2000), Amahl and the Night Visitors (2001, 2002, 2003), Riders to the Sea (2003), The Old Maid and the Thief (2004), A Hand of Bridge (2004), Bastien and Bastienna (2004), The Impresario (2004), Chip and His Dog (2014), Hansel and Gretel (2014, 2015), The Computer Kid's Magic Night (2016), and The Gift of the Magi (2018). In addition to other concerts and outreach, they collaborate each summer with the Orinda Rotary Club, producing a free Opera in the Park at Orinda Community Park and perform at the Concord Fourth of July Parade.