Meet the Composer
A Trilogy of New Choral Works
Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis, MN
Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus will perform a trilogy of new works with lyrics by award-winning playwright Tony Kushner and music by composer Michael Shaieb. I Want More Life, a choral setting of Tony Kushner’s words from his landmark play Angels in America, Part II: Perestroika takes a monologue by Prior, a man wracked by advancing AIDS who pleads before a cosmic tribunal for yet more life despite the pain of his disease. The music takes the repeated phrase "I want more life" from the monologue and makes it soar from a plea to a confident claim for the gay man’s place at humanity’s table.
Adding two new works to create a trilogy, Shaieb has also set texts from the plays Homebody/Kabul and Hydriotaphia. This will be the world premiere of both new pieces.
Following the performances, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a post-concert question and answer session with composer Michael Shaieb and Artistic Director Dr. Stan Hill.
