The Ojai Music Festival celebrated it’s 70th anniversary in typical (for them) adventurous style, a showcase of eclectic “new music,” this year interspersed with 2 forays into classical Indian and world/pop Egyptian music. Libbey bowl, nestled among oaks and sycamores, is a delightful venue to take in this challenging and provocative mix curated by 2016’s Music Director Peter Sellars, drawing those who are tired of Mozart and the three Bs.
Forthwith some visual highlights, beginning with “La Passion de Simone” by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, an opera based on the life of Simone Weil. In this US premiere of the chamber version, directed by Sellars, ravishing soprano Julia Bullock, in the title role, commanded the stage on a raised platform. The International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) and members of Roomful of Teeth, conducted by Joana Carniero provided the sonic landscape.
Stay tuned for more to come.
Ojai Music Festival – Soprano Julia Bullock as Simone Weil in “La Passion de Simone” 6/9/16 Libbey Bowl
Ojai Music Festival – Soprano Julia Bullock as Simone Weil in “La Passion de Simone” 6/9/16 Libbey Bowl
Ojai Music Festival – Soprano Julia Bullock as Simone Weil in “La Passion de Simone” conducted by Joana Carniero 6/9/16 Libbey Bowl
Ojai Music Festival – Soprano Julia Bullock as Simone Weil in “La Passion de Simone” – ICE & Roomful of Teeth, conducted by Joana Carniero 6/9/16 Libbey Bowl
