La Bohème vs. Sunrise

July 13, 2012 | 7pm (doors 6)

The Mission Theater

all ages welcome

Tickets on sale now!

featuring Douglas Schneider, piano | Kim Reece, saxophone | Helen Funston, soprano

Don’t miss the final installment of Opera Theater Oregon’s popular “Opera vs. Cinema” series, which pairs forgotten silent films with live, entirely improvised accompaniment from favorite operas! “La Bohème vs. Sunrise” combines one of the greatest silent films of all time with one of the most beloved operas of all time.

‘Sunrise,’ (1927) also known as ‘A Song of Two Humans,’ tells the story of a city woman who attempts to persuade a farmer to run away with her and drown his wife. Directed by F. W. Murnau (‘Nosferatu’), the film won awards for Best Actress (Janet Gaynor), Best Cinematography and “Best Picture, Unique and Artistic Production” at the first-ever Academy Awards in 1929. Murnau’s dreamy fable of jealousy, betrayal, forgiveness and renewed love was made at the very end of the silent film era, just as “The Jazz Singer” was coming out in theaters. Roger Ebert praised the work for camera work “that was apparently weightless, that could fly, that could move through physical barriers.” Pianist DOUGLAS SCHNEIDER, saxophonist KIM REECE and soprano HELEN FUNSTON team up in a trio improvisation to provide a new, never-to-be repeated live score for Murnau’s masterpiece, taking musical inspiration from Puccini’s beloved opera “La Bohème.”

“La Bohème vs. Sunrise” promises to be a treat for all the senses, and a perfect summer evening outing! Enjoy a meal and operatic cocktail specials such as the “Puccini Sunrise,” the “Mimì Martini” and “Musetta’s Schmaltz.”

Be sure to show up early for our PRE-SHOW ‘OPERA VS. CINEMA’ TRIVIA CONTEST at 6:30 pm hosted by All Classical 89.9’s EDMUND STONE! Flex your grey matter and compete with fellow audience members to win fabulous prizes donated by Music Millennium, iheartmies design, Caffe Vita and more!