Baritone Chad Sloan, in the lead role of Clyde Griffiths, and soprano Shana Blake Hill, in the role of Roberta, perform during Santa Monica College Opera Theatre's West Coast premiere of the critically acclaimed “An American Tragedy,” featuring a professional cast at The Broad Stage on Saturday, May 8, 2010.
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Based on Theodore Dreiser’s classic American novel – a complex account of the life and death of a young antihero named Clyde Griffiths – the opera was commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera and was performed there in 2005. With music by Tobias Picker and libretto by Gene Scheer, the opera has not received a staging since.
“Santa Monica College Opera Theatre has the unique distinction of not only presenting the West Coast Premiere of ‘An American Tragedy,’ but the students will have the privilege of working with Tobias Picker as he will be composer-in-residence for the week of May 2 through 9,” said Gail Gordon, SMC Opera Theatre artistic director.
“Santa Monica College Opera Theatre has the unique distinction of not only presenting the West Coast Premiere of ‘An American Tragedy,’ but the students will have the privilege of working with Tobias Picker as he will be composer-in-residence for the week of May 2 through 9,” said Gail Gordon, SMC Opera Theatre artistic director.
Sloan is a graduate of the Juilliard School who has performed throughout the country with such companies as Wolf Trap Opera, Kentucky Opera, Utah Opera and Tanglewood. He is quickly becoming recognized as much for his warm, elegant vocalism as he is for deft interpretations of diverse characters.
Hill has appeared as a principal artist with such companies as The Los Angeles Opera, Savonlinna Festival Opera (Finland), and Cincinnati Opera. She has also been featured as a solo artist with orchestras such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Colorado Symphony. She has also been featured in films, including the title track “The Mission” for the blockbuster film “The Sum of All Fears.”
Critics have praised “An American Tragedy.” The Philadelphia Inquirer said “Picker’s score contains lush, singable, flowing music.” The New York Post said the opera is “a compelling mix of sex, religion and status” and that “Picker’s music has power.” And The Financial Times said “’An American Tragedy’ may be the perfect modern opera for people who hate modern opera.”
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The Emmy Award-winning SMC Opera Theatre has gained an impressive reputation over the years. Several alumni have gone on to international careers, most notably Gabriel Silva and Rodel Rosell, who debuted at the Met in New York last October.
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