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QUARANTINE B*TCH: RSVP

song

Commissioned by soprano Kara Dugan and WQXR

Premiered at The Greene Space, 12.05.2021


text by Christina Kelly
performed by Kara Dugan and Peter Dugan

program notes:

When Kara asked me to contribute a minute-long song for her project that “highlights female perspectives and voices, and spotlights our shared human experience” I loved everything about it, but was sold at “minute-long”. I am a huge fan of the miniature, especially the rigor that goes into presenting a concept while valuing people’s time and energy. (Is my desire to be time-efficient related to my New York-ness?) I was delighted at Christina Kelly’s pithy R.S.V.P., a self-deprecating portrait of a certain personality (mine) that overwhelmingly favors sedentary lethargy over social interaction. It could be an understatement to say that the COVID Pandemic has been extremely difficult, and the stress and anxiety of its lethal effects and an uncertain future have been devastating for everyone. What I’ve needed more than ever in this time is levity, something to lighten the day. Here I present my shortest, most comedic opera.

For a recording and more information, click here

For a live performance, click here

 

Photo Credit: Justine F. Chen. 

JUSTINE F. CHEN

COMPOSER AND VIOLINIST

SAVE THE DATE: Channeling the powerful words of revolutionary suffragist Crystal Eastman in a song for the stunning soprano Jeanai La Vita. Come see a preview at March 29, 2025 at the Bronx River Arts Center!

Excited for the upcoming recording of True South, written with poet Kara Coryell for the glorious Blythe Gaissert

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE SONG join us at the composer's round table 5/12/25 2:30-4 PM
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Check out our rave review from Gramophone of SHALLOW BREATH AND STEALTH
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BEST WORLD PREMIERE! Our "Fantastical, evocative, and nuanced" opera THE LIFE AND DEATH(S) OF ALAN TURING was named BEST WORLD PREMIERE by Chicago Tribune

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