Join us for an Atlanta-area premiere evening of new music based on actual letters written by service members and their loved ones, honoring the legacy of the men and women who served in the armed forces in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States. This night of song features the voices of nationally recognized tenor John Riesen, Lyric Opera of Chicago performers David Govertsen and Desirée Hassler, and Chicago opera and theater artist Angela Born, as well as pianist Ian Gindes, who also served for more than 20 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. They will present new music by composer Patrick Zimmerli with a libretto by Mirabelle Ordinaire (Metropolitan Opera of New York) and narration written by Jeff Ernstoff (formerly of Radio City), highlighting the sacrifices of veterans through music in a classical style that draws upon the American musical tradition while referencing Copland, Broadway, and even the blues.
