Best Bets: November 3rd – November 9th

Cultural Attaché’s Best Bets: November 3rd – November 9th is bursting at the seams. We open with a world premiere opera and follow that with another world premiere work for orchestra and vocalist, then we’re celebrating a Brazilian jazz legend and so much more.

Here are this week’s Best Bets: November 3rd – November 9th:

HILDEGARD – The Wallis – Beverly Hills, CA – November 5^th – November 9^th

Beth Morrison Projects, one of the most progressive supporters of new operas, once again partners with LA Opera. This week there is the first opera by composer/librettist Sarah Kirkland Snider. As the title suggests, St. Hildegard von Bingen is the subject.

Hildegard (sung by Nola Richardson) is working with Richardis von Stade (Mikaela Bennett) to create a manuscript that puts on paper a record of Hildegard’s visions. Will this work define them as great women in history? Or will it lead to troubles for them both that might render their very existence moot?

Elkhanna Pulitzer directs. Deborah Johnson created artwork and production design.

The Wallis is a third partner on this production and hosts this very exciting world premiere.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

ALSOP CONDUCTS BRAHAMS – Dallas Symphony – Dallas, TX – November 7^th – 9^th

If you’re a regular reader you know by know that when I post about a classical music concert at a major symphony, chances are there’s something new and exciting to be discovered. That is absolutely true in this case.

Kathryn Bostic, who composed the score for the Sundance Festival winner Clemency, has written a new work called Drag. She collaborated with librettist Lorene Cary on this work that focuses on Harlem Renaissance blues singer Gladys Bentley. This world premiere will feature soprano Karen Slack.

The concert opens with Richard Strauss’ Don Juan and closes with Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. As the title of this program suggests, Marin Alsop conducts.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

CYRO BAPTISTA AT 75: A BANQUET FOR THE SPIRITS – Jazz at Lincoln Center – New York, NY – November 7^th – November 8^th

Cyro Baptista might not be a household name, but fans of Brazilian jazz and world music know him as a mighty percussionist.

Later this year (December 23^rd to be exact), Baptista turns 75 and Jazz at Lincoln Center is pulling out all the stops for this two-night celebration of his diamond birthday.

November 7^th will feature special guest Trey Anastasio on guitar and vocals. November 8^th will feature pianist Brian Marsella and vocalist Cassandra Wilson. Hassan Hakmoun, sintr player and vocalist appears both nights.

Baptista is joined by a nine-piece band, two vocalists (one of whom also dances) and a second dancer/body percussionist.

Feliz 75º Aniversário Cyro Baptista!

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

BRITTEN’S WAR REQUIEM – A CALL FOR PEACE! – St. Louis Symphony Orchestra – November 7^th – November 9^th

This qualifies as something special and timely. Stèphane Denève leads the SLSO in two performances of Benjamin Britten’s powerful War Requiem.

Britten composed the work in 1961-1962. It was written for the consecration of a new Coventry Cathedral after the original one was destroyed during World War II. It’s a deeply moving work that calls on three soloists and a large choir.

Tenor Ian Bostridge, soprano Christine Goerke and baritone Roderick Williams are the soloists. The St. Louis Symphony Chorus and The St Louis Children’s Choirs join the SLSO for these concerts.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

JAMES MOODY FESTIVAL – Multiple Venues – Newark, NJ – November 8^th – November 23^rd

The 14^th annual James Moody Festival opens November 8^th with a concert by pianist George Cables and closes with the 14^th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. In between are a cornucopia of concerts of interest to jazz fans.

Amongst the artists performing this year are Stanley Clarke, Chuck D, Andra Day, Savion Glover, José James, Tucka James, Stanley Jordan, Ledisi, Christian McBride Big Band, Rachael & Vilray, Rakim, Arturo Sandoval, Omar Sosa, Carlos Varela and more.

The Sarah Vaughan competition has claimed Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Samara Joy, Lucia and more. This is definitely worth your attention to get a glimpse into future vocal superstars in jazz.

For tickets and more information, please go HERE.

Those are this week’s Best Bets: November 3^rd – November 9^th.

Enjoy your week and wherever you are, go see a show!

Main Photo: Stanley Jordan (Courtesy NJPAC)