CSM Staging Rare Performance of A Soldier’s Tale
Omaha, Neb. - Have you heard (or seen) the one about the soldier, the devil and a princess? No? Not many people have. But you’ll soon have the opportunity. College of Saint Mary’s upcoming production of “L’Histoire du Soldat,” (A Soldier’s Tale) is a rarely produced theatrical work featuring not only music, but acting and dance. It presents the parable of a WWI soldier’s decision to trade his fiddle to the devil for unlimited wealth – and its consequences.
Conceived by Igor Stravinsky and Swiss writer C.F. Ramuz, the production, based on a Russian folk tale, premiered in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Sept. 28, 1918. The New York City Opera and New York State Theater utilized a ballet version for the 1978 American premiere at Lincoln Center.
A Soldier’s Tale is not often performed live due to its unorthodox scoring of instruments, as well as its use of actors and dancers. CSM’s performance will feature professional musicians and artists from Kansas and dancers from the Owen Cox Dance Company in Missouri.
The University’s production of A Soldier’s Tale is a project that extends beyond the Thursday, March 17 theatrical concert. CSM is currently working with several private and public Omaha elementary schools on complementary educational activities.
Also on March 17, earlier in the day, Omaha-area elementary students from under-served private and public schools will gather on the CSM campus to attend a mini-performance and music appreciation session.
CSM Director of Fine Arts Chris Krampe says that they are also working to engage the homeschool community into the project. Older, and more advanced students will also benefit from the production’s artistic and educational outreach efforts.
Dr. Veronique Mathieu, assistant professor of music at the University of Kansas, and Mr. Shokhrukh Sadikov, director of orchestral activities at Fort Hays State University, on March 18, will present a string master class at CSM for area colleges, advanced high school and private music studio students.
“This production provides CSM with not only the distinction of hosting a rare musical performance,” says Krampe, “it will also allow our institution to serve its mission by connecting an educational, creative experience with large and diverse portions of the greater Omaha community.”
The full production of A Soldier’s Tale will take place Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m., in CSM Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. Admission is free and open to the public.
This project is supported in part by an award from Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, Nebraska Arts Council, Whitmore Charitable Trust, and foundations, corporations and individuals throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
