Sneak preview of a new opera, Bernadette, at Temescal Gateway Park on May 31, 2005 at 7:30pm. Rhonda Kess and Kendrew Lascelles presenting. Call Tanya at 310-858-7272 xt 308 for details.
May 16, 2005 (Press Release) --
In the 1920's and 30's Temescal Canyon in the Pacific Palisades was home to the largest independent Chautauqua in the nation, which featured music, art, science and religious programming under the canopy of oaks and beside the stream. On May 31st, people are welcome to visit the canyon for the second event in the new Chautauqua series, this time to hear a sneak preview of a new opera never before presented to the public, Bernadette, written by Kendrew Lascelles and composed by Rhonda Kess. Starting at 7:30 in Temescal Gateway Park's camp dining hall, this is the second of a new Chautauqua series sponsored by the not for profit Friends of the Conservancy. The concert and parking are free.
Bernadette is an exciting new opera based on the spiritual story of Bernadette of Lourdes. In 1857 in Lourdes, France, fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubirous claimed she had visions in a dry grotto that spoke to her. Since the waters miraculously appeared hundreds of thousands of people have visited the spring of Lourdes claiming that the waters have curative properties. This story is receiving a new treatment by critically acclaimed writer Kendrew Lascelles and composer Rhonda Kess. In 2000 Lascelles was chosen by Arthur Miller to adapt his novel "Focus" into a movie starring William H. Macy and Laura Dern. Rhonda Kess is an internationally recognized conductor/pianist and the founder of New Music Settings Ensemble.
It is the goal of the MRCA and SMMC to recapture and foster the original spirit of the Chautauqua Movement, coined by Theodore Roosevelt as "the most American thing in America". Honoring the tradition of the original Chautauqua philosophy, we will present a lively monthly series of lectures and events showcasing regional, local and national talent in a variety of art forms.
The Friends of the Conservancy, a non-profit conservation organization, is dedicated to supporting the parks and programs of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Bernadette is an exciting new opera based on the spiritual story of Bernadette of Lourdes. In 1857 in Lourdes, France, fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubirous claimed she had visions in a dry grotto that spoke to her. Since the waters miraculously appeared hundreds of thousands of people have visited the spring of Lourdes claiming that the waters have curative properties. This story is receiving a new treatment by critically acclaimed writer Kendrew Lascelles and composer Rhonda Kess. In 2000 Lascelles was chosen by Arthur Miller to adapt his novel "Focus" into a movie starring William H. Macy and Laura Dern. Rhonda Kess is an internationally recognized conductor/pianist and the founder of New Music Settings Ensemble.
It is the goal of the MRCA and SMMC to recapture and foster the original spirit of the Chautauqua Movement, coined by Theodore Roosevelt as "the most American thing in America". Honoring the tradition of the original Chautauqua philosophy, we will present a lively monthly series of lectures and events showcasing regional, local and national talent in a variety of art forms.
The Friends of the Conservancy, a non-profit conservation organization, is dedicated to supporting the parks and programs of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
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