SUNDAY
FEB 23
2:00PM

SATURDAY
FEB 29
7:30PM

Opera+

Kassandra | The Leader

Tragic workplace passions and political fanaticism

A classical myth and a timeless political satire receive modern operatic updates in this world-premiere, double-bill presentation of new works by Anthony Brandt and Karim Al-Zand by Opera in the heights and Musiqa.

Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 2:00pm

Saturday, February 29, 2020 | 7:30pm

Opera in the heights!

Lambert Hall
1703 Heights Blvd
Houston TX 77008

Parking

Limited, free off-street parking in adjacent lot. Street parking available.
}

2 hr 00 min

with intermission

What’s special about this program

  • A classical myth and a timeless political satire receive modern operatic updates in this world-premiere presentation of new works by Anthony Brandt and Karim Al-Zand, members of Musiqa’s Artistic Board.
  • One a tragedy and the other a farce are timely reflections of current rapid upheavals in social and political movements.
  • This double-bill presentation of new opera is part of Opera in the heights’ New Works Festival and is a co-production of Oh! and Musiqa.

The Program

"The Leader": words by Eugène Ionesco and music by Karim Al-Zand
The Leader is based on Eugene Ionesco’s one-act play of the same name, in which an “announcer,” two admirers, and two lovers eagerly await the arrival of an increasingly erratic and bizarre “great man.”
"Kassandra": words by Neena Beber and music by Anthony Brandt
Kassandra retells the Greek myth, in which the title character, a computer scientist, foretells the future impact of climate change, but is not believed because she has spurned the sexual advances of Apollo the venture capitalist.

The concert experience

Musiqa programs are full of surprises on stage. Here’s what’s you need to know about everything else:

Dress is casual, like you’re going to drinks and a movie

Phones on silent, no flash photography

Collaborating Artists