A new opera by composer Missy Mazzoli, "Proving Up," will have its Chicago-area premiere at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music from November 13 to 16. The opera was originally scheduled for a run at Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2022, but the performances were canceled due to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The production is presented by Northwestern University Opera Theater and will be staged at the Ryan Opera Theater. It is directed by Joachim Schamberger, who serves as Bienen’s director of opera and artist-in-residence, and conducted by Alan Pierson, lecturer at Bienen and artistic director of Alarm Will Sound.
"Proving Up" tells the story of the Zegner family living on the Nebraska plains in the 1870s. Their goal is to meet the requirements of the Homestead Act—five years of harvest, a sod house dwelling, and a glass window—in order to secure ownership of their land. With their eldest son unable to help, Ma and Pa Zegner send their youngest child, Miles, on horseback to deliver their prized glass window to neighbors expecting an inspection. As Miles travels across harsh terrain with the window wrapped in burlap, he faces both natural challenges and other unforeseen dangers.
The opera is performed in English and has a runtime of about 90 minutes. According to event organizers, "This production includes depictions of violence, assault, psychological trauma and alcohol abuse, as well as stage fog, blood and strobe effects."
After each performance, audience members can attend a post-show discussion with composer Missy Mazzoli, director Joachim Schamberger, conductor Alan Pierson and cast members.
Tickets are available through concertsatbienen.org or at the Bienen School Ticket Office.