Performances take place July 18, 20, 21, 25, and 27 at Cincinnati Music Hall
CINCINNATI (July 3, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera concludes its 2024 Summer Festival July 18-27 with the highly anticipated world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall. The touching and topical classical piece features music and lyrics by Paul McCartney and Carl Davis with all new sets, costumes, lighting, staging, and choreography. Please see below for complete details.
CALENDAR INFORMATION
Who and What:
Cincinnati Opera presents the world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s LIVERPOOL ORATORIO
When:
- Thursday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 21, 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 27, 3:00 p.m.
Where:
Music Hall’s Springer Auditorium, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Description:
Written by Paul McCartney in collaboration with the late, esteemed composer and conductor, Carl Davis, Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio was commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society in honor of its 150th anniversary and premiered in 1991. The piece tells the semiautobiographical story of a young man named Shanty, who is born during the turbulent years of World War II and grows up in Liverpool. The work follows his life journey, depicting his struggles and joys and exploring the themes of childhood, school days, love, war, and reconciliation. McCartney’s melodic pop sensibility is evident alongside stunning classical orchestration, resulting in an accessible yet intricate musical work.
Cincinnati Opera’s production of Paul McCartney’s LIVERPOOL ORATORIO will be the work’s first-ever operatic staging, featuring all new sets, costumes, lighting, staging, and choreography, plus a dazzling cast, a 48-voice chorus, dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Scenic design for Cincinnati Opera’s production of Paul McCartney’s LIVERPOOL ORATORIO. Design by Leslie Travers.
In a letter to the company, McCartney said, “I am writing to express my wholehearted support for this project. I believe that the Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way, and I have no doubt that your production will be an inspiring experience for all who see it.”
The public is encouraged to join in the effort to invite McCartney to attend this historic event by creating tribute videos, sharing them on social media, and tagging @cincinnatiopera and #GetPaulToMusicHall. For more information on the regional campaign, “Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!” visit GetPaulToMusicHall.org.
Cast and Creative Team:
- Composers/Librettists … Paul McCartney and Carl Davis
- Conductor … Joseph Young
- Stage Director … Caroline Clegg
- Set and Costume Designer … Leslie Travers
- Associate Costume Designer … Kelli Haase
- Lighting Designer … Thomas C. Hase
- Wig and Makeup Designer … James Geier
- Choreographer … Michael Pappalardo
- Chorus Master … Henri Venanzi
- Cincinnati Boychoir Director … Jason Alexander Holmes
- Shanty … Andrew Owens
- Mary Dee … Jacqueline Echols McCarley
- Miss Inkley/Chief Mourner/Nurse … Kayleigh Decker
- Headmaster/Preacher/Mr. Dingle … Kevin Short
- Boy Soloists … Nick Kruckeberg, Eli DeHoff
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera Chorus, Cincinnati Boychoir, and Cincinnati Ballet
Tickets and Information:
Tickets start at $36. To order, call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org/liverpool-oratorio.
About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.
Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lead sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is Western & Southern Financial Group. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Media partner is 90.9 WGUC. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.
Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is a coproduction with Seattle Opera and is presented by
arrangement with Faber Music in association with MPL Communications.
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