Kensho Watanabe Conductor
Brian Sanders' JUNK
Shchedrin Carmen Suite (after Bizet)
Boulanger Of a Sad Evening
Stravinsky Suite from The Firebird
Program Notes
Brian Sanders’ JUNK joins Your Philadelphia Orchestra for a new, boldly reimagined telling of Carmen—JUNK-style. Sanders takes us back to 1830 with Prosper Mérimée’s original telling of the story. The troupe performs a subtitled series of dance vignettes along with the music that tells the tale of Carmen grounded inside the original novella.
Ready yourself for an in-depth study of what compels us toward our mystical and enchanting ”Carmensita” and her illustrious life as JUNK takes to the air, bull, hoverboard, and bell chime turned dance pole, all on a specially designed arena stage.
Sanders says: “I wanted to give a more accessible way into the story of Carmen through real, contemporary people. We meet a present-day Carmen who is bold, powerful, and honorable within her own credence. … I wanted to share the space with these incomparable musicians, rather than hover behind or bounce around in front of them. It’s going to be thrilling to be amidst the music and players working together to seduce and inspire the audience.”
The dance theme continues with Stravinsky’s famous Firebird Suite, a colorfully melodic and spectacular score written for the Ballets Russes that made an overnight star of the young composer.
The performances of Carmen will contain adult themes. Audience discretion advised.