MasterVoices | Orchestra of St. Luke's | Ted Sperling, Conductor

MUSIC BY RICKY IAN GORDON
LIBRETTO BY MICHAEL KORIE, BASED ON THE NOVEL BY JOHN STEINBECK

Since the day it was published on April 14, 1939, The Grapes of Wrath has captured the American imagination with its sweeping plot and epic scope – two elements that make it perfect for an opera. In the true spirit of Steinbeck, Gordon and Korie have fashioned “a people’s opera” whose orchestral score is laced with banjo, guitar, harmonica, saxophones, and barroom piano. Originally commissioned by Minnesota Opera, MasterVoices premiered the concert version in 2010. What better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Artistic Director Ted Sperling’s tenure with MasterVoices than to revisit this gorgeous piece – which he brought to us – with fresh revisions, a new aria, and our signature casting of theater and opera stars? At its heart, GRAPES is a plea for political and spiritual unity that is as relevant today as the day it was penned.

Tickets, priced from $30, are on sale on January 17, 2024, and may be purchased online at carnegiehall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800 or in person at Carnegie Hall’s box office at 57th and Seventh Avenue.

Artwork by Owen Gent