Things to Know and See This Week, October 26-31
Marble City Opera
Knoxville theatre and opera goers may remember mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock from the 2015 Knoxville Opera production of Carmen, certainly made memorable by Babcock in the title role. This weekend, Babcock returns to Knoxville in Lily, a presentation of Marble City Opera.
Lily is a one-woman musical drama that uses the music of Kurt Weill to relate the story of a fictional cabaret singer named Lily Weiss. Created and performed by Babcock, the multimedia production follows Lily’s journey from the cabarets of 1930’s pre-war Berlin to the brothels of Paris, and ultimately to America as she flees the Nazi regime.
The music director for Lily is Ray Fellman; stage direction is by James Marvel.
The Friday and Saturday, October 29 & 30, evening performances will be at Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, at 7:30 PM. The production is also being streamed online.
Big Ears 2022 Adds To Its Lineup
As if Big Ears 2022 needed any more excitement and anticipation around its performance line-up for the festival, a second wave of additional artists and performers has been announced, offering some almost unbelievable matchups.
Yes, Patti Smith, who was part of the canceled 2020 festival lineup, will play two shows in 2022: Words & Music, an intimate evening of readings and acoustic performance, AND a separate rock show with her band.
John Medeski, who is participating in the celebration of the music of John Zorn at the festival, will also play a solo piano recital. Julian Lage will perform with his trio. Guitarists Marisa Anderson and William Tyler play music from their new Thrill Jockey release, Lost Futures. Guitarist Yasmin Williams will do a solo set. Celtic harpist Maeve Gilchrist also plays a solo set highlighting material from her acclaimed recent release, The Harpweaver.
Other added attractions include sound collagist and composer Claire Rousay, saxophonists Odean Pope and Immanuel Wilkins with drummer Kresten Osgood, and Ensemble Dal Niente with saxophonist Ken Vandermark, who will offer a marathon of free-to-the-public performances throughout the festival weekend at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
The full line up of confirmed artists is at bigearsfestival.org along with information on the various passes available for the festival. More performers and special programs, films, readings, talks, exhibitions, happenings, parties, and surprises are still to be announced.
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University of Tennessee School of Music
UT Percussion Ensemble
Wednesday, October 27, 8:00 PM
The UT Percussion Ensemble performs a concert of contemporary works for chamber ensemble, directed by Andrew Bliss.
Natalie Haslam Music Center, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
FREE
Guest Recital: Hsiang Tu
Thursday, October 28 at 8:00pm
Hsiang Tu, Assistant Professor of Piano at Virginia Tech, will present an all-Ravel recital featuring some of the composer’s most beloved and well-known works for piano.
Natalie Haslam Music Center, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
FREE
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