New York Stories : the artists, the immigrants, the American dreamers | Corrine Byrne, soprano | faculty recital

Guest Artists: Gennard Lombardozzi, tenor and Timothy Long, piano

Life in New York means being surrounded by artists who are embracing diverse cultures and ideas. The city’s rich and complex history makes it the perfect setting for the “dream of a better life” in America, and we hope to shed light on struggle for that dream through this recital. Some of the stories include those of composers, poets, and/or characters who have endured hardships because of their gender, sexual orientation, artist lifestyle, ability to make a living, immigration status, and the list goes on, showing both the light, the optimistic, as well as the harsh realities of life in America.

Gennard and I also are both proponents of the idea that the modern singer needs to be a versatile one, thus we will be showcasing many different vocal styles in this recital including classical, jazz, musical theater, folk, and pop. We were inspired by the “American Traditions” competition which challenges singers to compete in nine different genres.

Tonight (West Side Story) by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Antarctica (Angels in America) by Ricky Ian Gordon (b. 1956)

New York Lights (A View from the Bridge) by William Bolcom (b. 1938)

Life Story by Thomas Adès (b. 1971)

Songs of Protest
I. Aria for the Executive Order by Niloufar Nourbahksh (b. 1992)
II. Cruel War (Traditional)
III. If I Had a Hammer by Pete Seeger (1919-2014) and Lee Hays (1914-1981)

Selections from The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown (b. 1970)
I. Shiksa Goddess
II. See I’m Smiling
III. If I Didn’t Believe in You
IV. Summer in Ohio

You Matter to Me (Waitress) by Sara Bareilles (b. 1979)
Fine (Ordinary Days) by Adam Gwon