SCALIA/GINSBURG

Music and Libretto by Derrick Wang

A sparkling comedy about an unlikely friendship.

This unique one-act opera Scalia/Ginsburg depicts the relationship between two legendary Supreme Court justices who, despite their ideological differences, shared an immense respect for each other and were united by a common love of opera. When Justice Antonin Scalia is put on trial by supernatural forces, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg chooses to defend him. The work incorporates a wide variety of styles, from 18th-century operatic forms to elements of jazz and gospel, paying homage to the great opera composers while also reflecting an evolution in musical styles. In the words of its composer, it is “inspired by the opinions of U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia and by the “operatic precedent” of Händel, Mozart, Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Offenbach, Bizet, Sullivan, Puccini, Strauss, et. al.” A perfect program for what is sure to be a tumultuous election, Scalia/Ginsburg serves as an important reminder that people with widely different views can still respect each other and work together — something that seems to have been lost in today’s charged political climate.

With a delightful curtain-raiser from the composer of Before Night Falls:

“The Interlopers”
From Beast and Superbeast
Music by Jorge Martín-Buján   

Libretto by Andrew Joffe

Based on short stories by Saki (H. H. Munro)

Two scions from families feuding for generations unexpectedly find themselves face to face in a blizzard on their disputed (worthless) land. Each vows to kill the other but they are trapped just feet apart, helpless, under a tree felled by the wind. While they wait to be rescued by their men, there’s an unexpected turn of events — but the shocking ending takes care of everything.

Cast and other information at ocmvermont.org