El Amor Brujo

Few musicians throughout history have been so close to that fascinating form of poular musical utterance caled cante jondo, as Manuel de Falla, (1876-1946). In fact, one of his most remarkable works, El Amor Brujo, was conceived and developed mainly on the basis of Falla's perception of flamenco music or, to be more precise and to avoid the old controversy about what exactly is flamenco, Gypsy music. This fiery and passionate music inspired Falla not only to the creation of many musical ideas of his own, but also moved him to write some of the most interesting texts ever written on cante jondo, the supreme expression of the Andalusian musical spirt. The libretto concerns the young and beautiful Gypsy girl, Candelas and her fiancee, Carmelo. Although there is love between these two Gypsy's, there is also an intruder: it is the memory of a former lover of Candelas, an evil man, and an unfaithful traitor. The memory contaminates Candelas' relationship with her present lover, until the young girl manages to exorcise the ghost and thus rescue her love. El Amor Brujo premiered at Madrid's Teatro Lara on April 15, 1915 with Pastora Imperio in the leading role. Contemporary chronicles point out that the premiere was appreciated only by those Gypsies who attended.

Cast   Toni Bravo as Dancer Rachel Donelson as Dancer Nicolas Hubert as Dancer Erica Peoa as Dancer Christopher Swaina as Dancer GuyVon Volkinburg as Dancer Tony Cusimano as Dancer Samuel Frumkin as Understudy Angela Johnson as Understudy Jaqueline Romanis as Understudy Alta Boover as Voice

Director Robert DeSimone Conductor David Neely Scenic Design Christopher McCollum Light Design Katherine Eader Costume Design Michael Hite