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Composer

Lee Hoiby

1926 — 2011

An Evening with Emily Pogorelc: Celebrating the Works of Lee Hoiby at Tanzsaal an der Panke

Discover the intricate artistry of opera with soprano prodigy, Emily Pogorelc, in the theatrical ambiance of Tanzsaal an der Panke. Experience the moving harmonies of classical music like never before, featuring captivating performances of esteemed composer, Lee Hoiby's best compositions. STAGE+ proudly brings to you an evening dedicated to the celebration of music, offering a profound escape into the realm of poignant melodies. Marvel at the talent on display, showing the world how the winding road of classic music, mesmerizes, heals, and connects souls.

Lee Hoiby: An Overview

World-renowned for his contribution to opera music, Lee Hoiby's works pierce the veil of human emotion with their raw lyricism. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Hoiby was initially a piano prodigy before turning to composition, a shift encouraged by his studies with Gian Carlo Menotti at the Curtis Institute of Music. His compositional style is firmly rooted in the lyrical and romantic tradition, favoring tonality and melodic richness even as much of the 20th-century music world moved toward atonality and minimalism. From ballads to sonatas, his compositions encapsulate a world of emotions, brought to life through Pogorelc’s awe-inspiring voice. Stand witness to this ethereal musical journey, one that transcends the mundane and lifts spirits, only at STAGE+.

Notable Works of Lee Hoiby

Hoiby's major operatic works include The Scarf, a one-act opera premiered at the first Spoleto Festival in Italy, A Month in the Country, presented by the New York City Opera with a libretto by William Ball, and Summer and Smoke, Hoiby’s adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play, with a libretto by Lanford Wilson. His adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, adapts the classic text with a libretto by Mark Shulgasser. Other notable stage works include Something New for the Zoo, a one-act comic opera, and This Is the Rill Speaking, a setting of Lanford Wilson’s play.

In addition to his stage works, Hoiby’s vocal output is extensive and remains popular with leading classical singers. He composed over 100 art songs, song cycles, and choral works, many championed by renowned artists such as Leontyne Price, Frederica von Stade, and Marilyn Horne. His songs are characterized by their lyrical lines and expressive settings of English poetry.

While best known for vocal and stage pieces, Hoiby also wrote significant instrumental music, including sonatas and other works.

Join Us for a Magical Evening

Delve into this unique audio-visual presentation, which gathers a multitude of music lovers under one roof. Join us at Tanzsaal an der Panke and become a part of this magical evening that promises to leave you inspired, moved, and soulfully satisfied.