![\"Constellations-flyerWeb\"](\"http:\/\/vaearts.org\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Constellations-flyerWeb.jpg\")
<\/a><\/b><\/p>\nDates:<\/strong> December 4th<\/sup> and 5th<\/sup> 2015<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 8pm<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> The Neighborhood House Theater,\u00a020 North American Street,\u00a0Philadelphia, PA 19106<\/p>\n Discount parking for event @ Park America\u00a0(behind the theater, on Filbert St.)<\/p>\n Tickets:<\/strong> $25 click here<\/a><\/p>\n Talk with the composer and other collaborators\u00a0Friday December 4th<\/sup> after the concert at The Neighborhood House Theater<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i><\/p>\n Thirteen musicians and three singers, conducted by composer Efra\u00edn Amaya, will bring to life this new operatic music, amidst small performance gestures on stage.<\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/i>“Constellations<\/i>” is a new powerful chamber opera by composer Efra\u00edn Amaya. It’s inspired by the struggles of a displaced renowned artist and his family, during times of world conflict, and the power of Art to heal and transcend human suffering.<\/b><\/p>\n The fictional story is based on a vignette of the life of artist Joan Mir\u00f3, the internationally renowned Spanish painter, during his exile in Northern France in the early days of World War II. It was at this time when he started the creation of his well-known series of twenty-three gouaches, the Constellations. <\/i>These works became a symbol of the power of art in its pursuit of the elevation of the spirit, even at the peak of social crisis and upheaval.<\/p>\n Amaya composed the music to a story and libretto written by Susana Amundara\u00edn, with whom he has collaborated in previous productions. This work started during an intensive period of creativity, during the summer of 2012 at Yaddo, New York, as they were guests in the legendary Artists Residency program of this organization. Both artists empathize with the critical circumstances Mir\u00f3 and his family endured while away from their native country, which struggled under a ruthless dictatorship. This is the first time an opera will be premiered surrounding Mir\u00f3’s work and life<\/b>.<\/p>\n This opera is written for three singers, thirteen musicians, and a conductor. This World Premiere performance will be presented in concert form by Arts Crossing<\/b>, a new non-profit arts organization, in the Philadelphia area, which is set up to develop and produce interdisciplinary art works.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I reflected on their particular situation back then, I realized it is a current and timeless tale of uncertainty amongst families in search of safer places, and of a better life. We tend to look for the spiritual in the midst of crisis, and we make our faith stronger when a part of ourselves surrenders.\u201d <\/i>-Susana Amundara\u00edn<\/p>\n This premiere concert will feature Raquel Winnica Young<\/b> (Mezzo), Sarah Shafer<\/b> (soprano), and Dan Kempson<\/b> (Baritone).<\/p>\n Tickets<\/b>: http:\/\/www.brownpapertickets.com\/event\/2464795<\/a> or at the door<\/p>\n General Admission is $25\/ 40% off when bought the night before the concert, through BrownPaper Tickets\/<\/p>\n Students and seniors $15 at the door<\/p>\n For further information about Arts Crossing and the performance of\u00a0 \u201cConstellations\u201d, contact:<\/p>\n Susana Amundara\u00edn susana.amundarain@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n Efra\u00edn Amaya\u00a0efrainamaya.com@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n