2 PM EST, MAY 19, 2024
AVENEL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
AVENEL, NJ
View the Program
Prelude to the Opera:
Traditional Japanese Dancing
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Our program of opera and dance will open with traditional Japanese Folk Dancing performed by the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York.
This organization has performed in the United States and abroad, providing performances that preserve those authentic Japanese dances performed by the working people of Japan. Beautiful costumes, props and music enhance a presentation that will bring a memorable experience of the culture and history of Japan and the Japanese people.
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Photos Copyright Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY 2024
Photo: Copyright public domain. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Murasaki_Shikibu_junihitoe.jpg. Anonymous Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Murasaki's Moon
COMPOSER: MICHI WIANCKO
LIBRETTIST: DEBORAH BREVOORT
Commissioned by OnSite Opera, MetLive Arts, and American Lyric Theater
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An opera for all ages, Murasaki's Moon is a journey into the world of Lady Murasaki, the 11th century lady-in-waiting at the imperial court of Japan who changed the world of literature with her ground-breaking creation, The Tale of the Genji. Her extraordinary creation is attributed to be the first novel ever written.
The opera, set to music that includes beautiful Japanese instrumentation, is an inspiring story that connects present-day audiences to Murasaki's struggles, which are not unlike our own in the 21st Century.
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Lady Murasaki - Huijie Sun
The Genji - Giwooung Kim
The Priest - Yunxuan Zhu
Conductor: David Brown
Stage Director: Annamaria Stefanelli
Please enjoy this video exceprt of Yoko Reikano Kirmura, who is our featured koto player in "Murasaki's Moon." Yoko is considered one of the best koto players in the world.
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We thank the following institutions that have provided partial funding to make Murasaki's Moon possible
Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.
Made possible by funds from Middlesex County, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
HUB CITY OPERA AND DANCE COMPANY connects the community with important old and new works that educate and entertain, bringing together amateur and professional singers, musicians, dance and visual artists to create performance art unheard and unseen before.
Education
We strive to provide children at the elementary through high school level with opportunities to discover and nurture a love of the arts. We are actively looking to expand our network of partner schools.
Entertainment
We search for the hidden gems of opera and make them accessible to modern audiences. Our emphasis on little-known works set our productions apart.
Enrichment
We partner with local community leaders to spread the joy of opera and dance to a wider audience and create a space for local performers to express themselves through art.
We Need Your Support
Not only your financial support. If you are interested in learning more about our project and how you can participate, please contact us.