Bernstein's 'Cantata' Premieres March 31 with Collegiate Chorale at Lincoln Center

The Collegiate Chorale, led by Music Director Robert Bass, presents the New York premiere of Leonard Bernstein's and Alan Jay Lerner's A White House Cantata on March 31 at 8PM at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater. The performance will be conducted by The Collegiate Chorale's Music Director Robert Bass, with the Orchestra of St. Luke's.

"Leonard Bernstein's A White House Cantata is fashioned from the historically controversial and short-lived Broadway musical 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which he wrote in collaboration with lyricist Alan Jay Lerner. The latter premiered at the Mark Hellinger Theater in New York in 1976 and closed after its first week. The Estate of Leonard Bernstein later decided to adapt the musical into a concert piece. Kent Nagano conducted the Cantata's 1997 premiere in London with the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Voices, and it was the same group that recorded the work for the Deutsche Gramophone label. Ninety minutes of the original two hours of music have been incorporated into the work," describe press notes, "The Cantata depicts the absurdity of period social hierarchies within the first 100 years of the United States' executive mansion using 11 presidents, selected first ladies, and three generations of black servants while illustrating the exclusivity of the American dream amongst the white privileged class. Scenes explore issues such as Thomas Jefferson's then-alleged affair with a black maid, James Monroe's refusal to halt slavery in Washington, and Andrew Johnson's impeachment, in an engaging and often witty way. "

Tony and Olivier award-winner Roger Rees returns to The Chorale as Stage Director for this semi-staged performance, which features the sopranos Anita Johnson and Emily Pulley, in the roles of Seena and the First Lady, respectively, tenor Robert Mack as Lud, and baritone Dwayne Croft as the President, as well as the Orchestra of St. Luke's. 2008 marks the 90th birthdays of Alan Jay Lerner and Leonard Bernstein. The Collegiate Chorale is presenting the evening in honor of Bernstein's 90th birthday.

A White House Cantata, composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, takes place Monday, March 31, 2008 at 8PM at the Rose Theater in Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center

Featuring: Robert Bass (conductor); Roger Rees (stage director); Frances Aronson (lighting designer); Michael Clark (projection designer) with Dwayne Croft (baritone) as The President; Emily Pulley (soprano) as The First Lady; Anita Johnson (soprano) as Seena; Robert Mack (tenor) as Lud; and Orchestra of St. Luke's

Subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased by calling The Collegiate Chorale at (646) 792-2373 or by visiting www.collegiatechorale.org. Tickets: $20 - $85. For information, or to purchase tickets, call The Collegiate Chorale at 646-792-2373.

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