UCLA music professor delves into the life of Jesus Christ through his newest oratorio composition
News Article: UCLA to Host Premiere Performance of Richard Danielpour's "The Passion of Yeshua"
On Sunday, December 9, the UCLA Philharmonia will perform the premiere of Richard Danielpour's latest work, "The Passion of Yeshua." This epic 100-minute oratorio, set in the historical musical legacy of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," promises to be a captivating exploration of the last 12 hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life.
The oratorio, which combines traditional oratorio elements with modern composition styles, has already garnered critical acclaim, including a GRAMMY award for Best Choral Performance in 2020. This recognition underscores the high artistic standards and reception of the piece, which has been commissioned by renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, and the New York Philharmonic.
The performance will feature 120 singers from the UCLA Choral Studies Program, along with special guest artists Hila Plitmann, Amanda Lynn Bottoms, Timothy Fallon, Michael Dean, and Matthew Worth. The event will take place in Royce Hall, with the performance starting at 4 p.m.
Richard Danielpour, known for his distinctive American musical voice, has long been fascinated by Jesus of Nazareth, whom he considers the "most talked about and written about figure in history." His fascination led him to create this powerful and moving oratorio, which promises to be a significant addition to the contemporary classical music scene.
Danielpour joined the composition faculty in the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in September 2017, and this performance marks a significant milestone in his career. The premiere of "The Passion of Yeshua" at UCLA is expected to attract a wide audience, bringing attention to Danielpour's work within the American contemporary classical scene.
Admission to the performance will be free, making it accessible to all who wish to attend. For those unable to attend, it is worth noting that "The Passion of Yeshua" has already been recorded, with the recording garnering critical acclaim. This performance at UCLA is a unique opportunity to experience the oratorio live, with the combined efforts of the UCLA Philharmonia and the UCLA Choral Studies Program.
Danielpour's first opera, "Margaret Garner," written with Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, was critically acclaimed, with sold-out houses in its 2005 premiere by the co-commissioning opera companies of Detroit, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. New York City Opera opened its season with an entirely new production of "Margaret Garner" in 2007. This history further underscores Danielpour's status as one of the most gifted and sought-after composers of his generation.
In conclusion, "The Passion of Yeshua" is a contemporary oratorio by Richard Danielpour that artistically portrays Jesus’s last hours, significant for its musical depth, critical acclaim, and cultural presentation. The premiere at UCLA is a significant event in Danielpour's career and promises to be a memorable musical experience for all who attend.
[1] For more information about Richard Danielpour and his works, please visit his official website: www.richarddanielpour.com
This contemporary oratorio, "The Passion of Yeshua" by Richard Danielpour, not only offers a captivating musical exploration of Jesus's last 12 hours but also promises to be an enthralling entertainment experience for the audience. The oratorio, known for its blend of traditional and modern musical styles, is set to create a stir in the contemporary classical music genre.
