Visuals 2007, commissioned by ACF

Mostly Operetta

THE FINE ART OF 20TH-CENTURY VIENNESE ENTERTAINMENT

Operetta has probably become the most underrated genre of classical music, especially
with younger generations. Only a few operettas have remained staples of the repertory,
and even those sometimes get productions that easily mistake kitsch for style. This holds
especially true for the so-called “Silver Era” of Viennese operetta.

Mostly Operetta is a new initiative by the Austrian Cultural Forum New York that
highlights the fine art of 20th-century Viennese operetta. Taking the music as point of
departure, it explores operetta’s continuing relevance in several respects: One of the
foremost operetta singers of all times, Marta Eggerth, will discuss questions of style for
performing “Silver Era” composers, such as Franz Lehár, Emmerich Kálmán, and Robert
Stolz. The intimacy of ACF’s theatre allows for operetta recitals with piano accompaniment
that focus on the subtleties of the selections and often lend them lied-like qualities.
Stylized visuals by the artist Victoria Coeln create a contemporary atmosphere that firmly
anchors these recital programs in our digital age. By including Kurt Weill, especially
the “American Weill,” the Festival points beyond the confines of traditional operetta and
touches on the borderlines between operetta and musical. Revisiting past successes
of 20th-century Viennese operetta on Broadway stages, it tries to make a case for
reviving operetta on Broadway.

Mostly Operetta pays homage to several composers who were forced to emigrate
in order to escape the Nazi regime.

JAN 11 | 2007 |
7 PM | STYLE IN 20TH-CENTURY VIENNESE OPERETTA
An evening with Marta Eggerth

JAN 20 | 2007 |
7 PM | Ute Gfrerer, soprano | Markus Vorzellner, piano |
Victoria Coeln, visuals
All-Weill program

JAN 25 | 2007 |
7 PM | Ute Gfrerer, soprano | Markus Vorzellner, piano |
Victoria Coeln, visuals
All-Weill program