tag:rossacrean.com,2005:/blogs/what-s-newWHAT'S NEW?2022-01-03T07:31:30-12:00Rosśa Creanfalsetag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/68580952022-01-03T07:31:30-12:002023-10-16T02:55:26-12:00THE PRIESTESS OF MORPHINE to be performed at the International Museum of Surgical Science in March 2022!<p>MASKS AND PROOF OF VACCINATION WILL BE MANDATORY FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR PERFORMERS</p>
<p>THE PRIESTESS OF MORPHINE, a monodrama by composer Rosśa Crean and librettist Aiden Feltkamp, will be performed once again at the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago on March 12th & 13th, 2022. The piece pays tribute to Marie-Madeleine, the Jewish lesbian erotic writer and poet whose literary body of work covered topics of Sapphic themes as well as her own morphine addiction. During her peak of popularity during the Third Reich in World War II, the Nazis deemed her work to be degenerate and therefore sought to destroy it.</p>
<p>On THE PRIESTESS OF MORPHINE, composer Rosśa Crean and librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp create a beautifully haunting portrait of a Gertrud Günther, a young Jewish lesbian caught between her two selves during the Third Reich, who bravely sought her inner truth and passions while forced to live in the shadows. </p>
<p>The monodrama’s unusual story is matched by a unique ensemble. Two sopranos represent each side of Gertrud’s life—one mature and narrative, the other youthful and poetic—as the instruments weave unexpected textures and moods. The vibraphone is pushed to its musical limits to create unusual sounds, and the violin and cello float between traditional and percussive styles. Rounding out the ensemble’s ethereal sound is a brief yet powerful scene with the mysterious waterphone. The opera lulls listeners into a sensual, dreamlike state to explore the young woman’s suffocating trauma with an eye towards healing.</p>
<p>Performing the work will be the Chicago-based new music ensemble SOUND OF FOOLS, including sopranos Jessie Lyons and Katherine Bruton, Ben Zucker on vibraphone, and Crean themself as conductor and waterphone.</p>
<p>THE PRIESTESS OF MORPHINE, presented by SOUND OF FOOLS</p>
<p>March 12th, 2022 @ 7PM and March 13th, 2022 @5:30PM</p>
<p>The International Museum of Surgical Science</p>
<p>1524 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610</p>
<p>USA</p>
<p>Info@imss.org</p>
<p>(312) 642-6502</p>
<p>Admission $30</p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/65617732021-03-01T04:57:43-12:002021-03-01T04:57:43-12:00"The Priestess of Morphine" to be released March 12th, 2021!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/4875d7d8a512d2cca5ff531fe858ec9ea05e97cb/original/fb-banners-mar215.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The recording of Rosśa's monodrama with librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp, "The Priestess of Morphine," will be released by Navona/Naxos Records on March 12th, 2021. The nonbinary team of Crean and Feltkamp created this project as a tribute to Marie-Madeleine, the Jewish lesbian erotic writer and poet whose work the Nazis sought to destroy during the Third Reich of World War II. Featuring sopranos Jessie Lyons and Katherine Bruton as two sides of the same woman, the work moves like a fever dream through Marie-Madeleine's poetry, full of Sapphic themes and morphine addiction. To hear a sample of the release, click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6343/?fbclid=IwAR19QJO8xXbw_7_P0GV411nBy4w9yr-FA2p401i_JST5Q_z6LSF9DsXP6r4">HERE</a>.</p>
<p> </p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/64419472020-09-24T05:18:27-12:002022-09-15T08:30:41-12:00"Werifesteria" E-Book to Come Out on Kindle September 25th, 2020<p>Rosśa's electronic mini-book "Werifesteria" will be released on Amazon Kindle September 25th. You can purchase it <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HZ8KVRP?fbclid=IwAR2KMnejclbyKE2EiLLrhm4exVgRphex2Y10ZAl481h03NqbwgYoAc7pj_4">HERE</a>!</p>
<p>For those who would like a PDF version for only $5.00, you can purchase a download <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rossacrean.com/werifesteria-e-book#!">HERE</a>!</p>
<p>Exploring the concept of fear and unknown, multidisciplinary artist Rosśa Crean presents "Werifesteria," a series of five poems accompanied by their own photography and artwork. Infused with liminal imagery and occult themes, "Werifesteria" touches on the subjects of human nature, witchcraft, and the power of the feminine divine. At times bringing us into the feral, dark recesses of the subconscious mind, the project leads us through a labyrinth of self-actualization and growth; the book documents a poetic journey of Crean's journey of loss and its impending grief, giving readers glimpse of the internal struggle of fear, all the while leaving a tiny light of hope illuminating within the forest's clearing. </p>
<p>Much of the artwork in "Werifesteria" was created during Crean's isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic while working as a resident artist at the Lakeside Inn in Lakeside, MI.</p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/62811832020-04-13T07:52:08-12:002023-12-10T04:59:53-12:00Livestream Premiere of "Nightingale Songs" April 14th!!!<p>I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy during these chaotic times. Since being in Quarantine, I have been written musical miniatures for several musicians. My friend and collaborator, librettist Bea Goodwin, approached me with several small poems several weeks back, and I decided to create a cycle using those texts called "Nightingale Songs." </p>
<p>Nightingale songs began as bits of poem pieces extracted from Bea's diaries during the fall of the Kavanaugh hearings. The image of Philomela & birds flew from the page in an attempt to take back control of women's sexuality. The following songs, raw and genuine, are tiny shards of glass from a very broken time. Rosśa used the sentiment of each poem, as well as their own synesthesia, to compose melodic phrases based on the colors they were seeing: hues of rich browns, saffron, periwinkle, violet, and ruby red.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Maureen Batt sings Crossing Borders: Living Room Edition </p>
<p>at Facebook Live - www.facebook.com/maureenbattsoprano </p>
<p>Facebook Live Streaming <br>Crossing Borders: Living Room Edition </p>
<p>Just you, me, and your device :) </p>
<p>The program (in no particular order): </p>
<p>Girlfriends (Stephen Bachicha) for solo sop <br>June #2 (Melissa Dunphy) for looper pedal and sop <br>La Guardavoces (Melissa Vargas Franco) for solo sop <br>The Bliss of Fatigue (Monica Pearce*) for wine glass, toy piano, and sop <br>Ice Kaleidoscope (Bob Bauer*) for sop and electroacoustics <br>Quatrain (Daniel Gardner*) for sop and electronics <br>For broken and tired am I (Matthew Emery*) for soprano and piano (feat. Cheryl Duvall - Pianist on piano) <br>Nightingale Songs** (Rosśa Crean) for solo sop </p>
<p>*Canadian Composer <br>**World première </p>
<p>Program notes, song texts, and composer information will be emailed to you before the concert. </p>
<p>The concert is part of the recital series Crossing Borders, which puts Canadian music together and in dialogue with music from other countries. The series pushes geographical, musical, and metaphorical thresholds. This program includes works that have been on previous season’s programs as well as a world première. </p>
<p>With sounds of ice crackling, to dreaming of blissful sun basking, to contemplating a blurred reality, this program of living classical contemporary composers explores themes of compassion, isolation, and joy.</p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/62165922020-02-15T10:43:57-12:002021-02-21T04:29:53-12:00"For Atticus, the Moonlight's Lover" featured on 21st Century Art Song as Political Statement<p>Mezzo-Soprano Emily Jaworski, pianist Chris Steele, and cellist Laura Siskin will be performing Rosśa Crean's "For Atticus, the Moonlight's Lover" as part of the lecture series "21st Century Art Song as Political Statement" at the University of Alabama at Birmingham on February 21, 2020 at 11:30 am. Crean wrote the piece as an abstract response to Putin's anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia.</p>
<p>Theodore Haddin Arts and Sciences Forum is an ongoing lecture series at UAB's College of Arts and Sciences. It is a venue for Arts and Sciences faculty to talk about their research with their colleagues, students, and members of the public, and is designed to celebrate faculty work and to launch new conversations. </p>
<p>Free and open to the public; lunch provided.</p>
<p>University Hall, Auditorium</p>
<p>1402 10th Ave S, Birmingham, Alabama 35294</p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/62095022020-02-09T08:17:58-12:002020-12-29T18:42:48-12:00"The Priestess of Morphine" Returns to Rhinofest!!!<p>Rosśa Crean’s operatic monodrama “The Priestess of Morphine” pays homage to Marie-Madeleine, the Jewish lesbian erotic writer whose works were sought to be destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. Born Gertrud Gunther in 1881, Marie-Madeleine published her first novel “Auf Kypros” at the age of 19, and by the end of her life published 46 works. Sapphic themes, as well as her tumultuous relationship with morphine, were the central theme of much of her work. All of this was further complicated by her marriage to a Nazi official. Her addiction led to her death from overdose in 1944 while in a Nazi asylum. </p>
<p>In this collaboration with librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp, Crean paints the depiction of a woman whose literal genius took Germany by storm, and whose mercurial nature and double life led to a nationalist agenda to deem her work unfit and be destroyed. Sopranos Katherine Bruton and Jessie Lyons portray two different aspects of this unusual LGBTQIA+ icon. CW: drug use and forced drug use.</p>
<p>Saturday February 15 at 9pm </p>
<p>Sunday February 16 at 7pm</p>
<p>Tickets can be bought <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rhinofest.com/the-priestess-of-morphine?fbclid=IwAR0o1lui8O7hP_lIcojzHtDt0kD0RmzHqDaqXuee4vQXHHLPGyMsCnDYPFI">HERE</a>.</p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/62095012020-02-09T08:15:37-12:002022-03-02T16:05:09-12:00World Premiere of "Hellville" by clarinetist Andy Hudson!<p>Clarinetist Andy Hudson will give the world premiere of Rosśa's cycle for clarinet and stomp boxes titled "Hellville," inspired by the artwork of Thomas Ott's graphic novel "Greetings from Hellville." This homage to surrealism takes place at 7:30pm on February 13, 2020 at Tew Recital Hall at UNCG. This concert also includes works by Anna Meadors, Sean Mulcahy, and Asher Sizemore.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689292019-11-11T12:00:00-12:002022-05-19T16:03:53-12:00Call for Scores Announced!
<p>Rosśa has announced an open call for scores from composers interested in writing for bass voice, either solo, with a solo instrument, or with experimental prerecorded or live electronics. For anyone interested, please send scores to ross@rosscrean.com with the subject heading "Call for Scores".</p>
<p>Duration of piece is open, though 2-5 minute pieces are preferred.</p>
<p>Any language (or no language) is good!</p>
<p>For information about what Rosśa is looking for vocally, please look here: <a href="/files/533169/rossa-crean-voice-info.pdf" data-imported="1">Rossa_Crean_Voice_Info.pdf</a></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689282019-09-30T12:00:00-12:002019-10-28T21:26:37-12:00"THE HARBINGERS" WORLD PREMIERE ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT 2019
<p>The next installment of Rosśa Crean Presents features the world premiere of their newest opera "The Harbingers" on Halloween Night 2019 at the historic Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. Created with librettist Kendra Leonard, the acapella opera tells the story of several harbingers of death who convene on Halloween Night to judge the fate of a recently departed soul.</p>
<p>A performance of Crean's "Twilight Lifts the Veil: an unaccompanied song cycle for All Hallows Eve" will open the evening, performed by soprano Katherine Bruton. Tickets can be bought at <a href="https://theharbingersopera.bpt.me/?fbclid=IwAR1wMu8cMkyCC1p9tg6o_uHVayJAsSzpjKvhQq1W_QfiTr5VgvrgIGN4YSc" data-imported="1">TheHarbingersOpera.bpt.me</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/d78fff0318a42ea2704265ee4350d14e4c07f8cf/original/harbingers-premiere-poster.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Njc4eDQxMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="412" width="678" /></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689272019-06-15T12:00:00-12:002019-06-15T23:44:05-12:00"The Priestess of Morphine" World Premiere in Chicago's International Museum of Surgical Sciences
<p>The <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/imsschicago/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBCMdivgU2e6IFhjGIW-7HGz-MkraZBgCP-4OL1sM13peqRVq6RAPXmcAjaDMXsPEOhaHWBrZQe2vpX&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAeUjqsxehrFfFEHVosnEh4rABIC7PGq2gvbmLh9ksHk-VHWWIm9yZVxyjPbdH6CHVrLPvQs9DdeVG5c4iNTsOm0dMIVP6vkHkeclUcu2GKq6tJyGaoX9sVtrFDJ8EnaV-DalHA3BsKsZvKx8wAf3hnhSHzAV3GoLRF3r5ZBSyElmL4YZFjj2E_TdqBEH6W_ehQc-TgEjseSLtyqQ" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=115689391793638&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARBCMdivgU2e6IFhjGIW-7HGz-MkraZBgCP-4OL1sM13peqRVq6RAPXmcAjaDMXsPEOhaHWBrZQe2vpX%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">International Museum of Surgical Science</a> presents the newest work from composer <a class="profileLink" title="Rosśa Crean" href="https://www.facebook.com/ross.crean.7?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARAZqXpB6Iu7YL-nuTGK-FmZd98gLsM2geu8QYu_EfyBhlWoM85BmZXJS6fMLIoeWgGmqdkL1IGofmRV&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAeUjqsxehrFfFEHVosnEh4rABIC7PGq2gvbmLh9ksHk-VHWWIm9yZVxyjPbdH6CHVrLPvQs9DdeVG5c4iNTsOm0dMIVP6vkHkeclUcu2GKq6tJyGaoX9sVtrFDJ8EnaV-DalHA3BsKsZvKx8wAf3hnhSHzAV3GoLRF3r5ZBSyElmL4YZFjj2E_TdqBEH6W_ehQc-TgEjseSLtyqQ" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=675834601&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAZqXpB6Iu7YL-nuTGK-FmZd98gLsM2geu8QYu_EfyBhlWoM85BmZXJS6fMLIoeWgGmqdkL1IGofmRV%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Rosśa Crean</a> and librettist <a class="profileLink" title="Aiden Kim Feltkamp" href="https://www.facebook.com/cherubino88?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARA4Ey1kLSH8eSjH51UduwRQ4XSXtDkoW5ovs_a7-xEoGxA_6RIEDVAkJ4Aoh8rjl63c0bOCTeXdzsIy&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAeUjqsxehrFfFEHVosnEh4rABIC7PGq2gvbmLh9ksHk-VHWWIm9yZVxyjPbdH6CHVrLPvQs9DdeVG5c4iNTsOm0dMIVP6vkHkeclUcu2GKq6tJyGaoX9sVtrFDJ8EnaV-DalHA3BsKsZvKx8wAf3hnhSHzAV3GoLRF3r5ZBSyElmL4YZFjj2E_TdqBEH6W_ehQc-TgEjseSLtyqQ" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=594686571&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARA4Ey1kLSH8eSjH51UduwRQ4XSXtDkoW5ovs_a7-xEoGxA_6RIEDVAkJ4Aoh8rjl63c0bOCTeXdzsIy%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Aiden Kim Feltkamp</a>. “The Priestess of Morphine” informs and pays tribute to Jewish lesbian erotic writer Marie-Madeleine, whose works the Nazis attempted to destroy during World War II. Much of her work was seen as “contrary to societal standards on morality,” including Sapphic themes and odes to her dependence on morphine. Tickets can be bought <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-priestess-of-morphine-a-forensic-study-of-marie-madeleine-in-the-time-of-the-nazis-tickets-62608468615?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=eventcard&fbclid=IwAR1Skusdbd80YlBq5QT6ZuKt5snqNh17Nz216KDz_OMPoBS6HNq4uYM6rZo" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
<p>ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE:</p>
<p>Marie-Madeleine was a German Jew, lesbian poet and novelist whose eroticism and love for morphine was revealed in many of her shocking, sensational, and bestselling books of the early twentieth century. Born Gertrud Günther, and starting at age 15 she wrote over 46 books until 1932 when Nazis condemned her work as degenerate. In 1943 she entered a sanatorium for morphine addiction where she died a mysterious death while under the care of Nazis doctors.</p>
<p>Librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp and Composer Rosśa Crean tell Marie-Madeliene's story through musical and forensic means, bringing an honest and unconventional look at this indomitable woman's life and art.</p>
<p>June 28th at 7:00 pm </p>
<p>June 29th at 7:00 pm </p>
<p>June 30th at 5:00 pm </p>
<p>Performances are 40 minutues long. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PERFORMERS</p>
<p>Katherine Bruton, Marie-Madeleine/Jessie Lyons, Gertrud Günther/Chuck Evans, violin/Stephen Hudson, cello/Ben Zucker, vibraphone</p>
<p>Conducted by Rosśa Crean</p>
<p>Tickets can be bought <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-priestess-of-morphine-a-forensic-study-of-marie-madeleine-in-the-time-of-the-nazis-tickets-62608468615?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=eventcard&fbclid=IwAR1Skusdbd80YlBq5QT6ZuKt5snqNh17Nz216KDz_OMPoBS6HNq4uYM6rZo" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689262019-03-31T12:00:00-12:002019-04-04T21:33:31-12:00"The Watchtower Psalms" World Premiere by The New Consort...Connecticut and New York
<p>Rosśa's commission for The New Consort, an American Prize winning ensemble in Chamber Music, is being premiered April 5th through 7th, 2019 in both Connecticut and New York. "The Watchtower Psalms," a multi-movement work for five voices, was inspired by the Enochian experiments in angelic communication by John Dee and Edward Kelley in the 17th Century. Tickets can be bought <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/620204378419409/" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p>Rosśa explains the background behind their creation of this piece:</p>
<p>"Since I was 18, I have had a fascination with the 16th Century experiments of John Dee and Edward Kelley’s with angelic communication. Dee, a mathematician, occult philosopher, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, employed Kelley, a medium, to help him discover the secrets of nature and the supernatural through obsidian scrying. Their activities, inspired by the conjurations of King Solomon, lent a new perspective to what I had previously been educated about otherworldly communication. The events led to a remarkable amount of documentation, resulting in several tablets that named the angels that existed within each level of the hierarchy, as well as the documentation of Enochian, the language of the angels. While Dee and Kelley’s experiments may have very well been a figment of imagination, their extensive output has made many interfaith believers of Enochian Magick, be it Christian, Pagan, Jewish, or otherwise.</p>
<p>When Brian Mummert approached me to compose a piece for The New Consort, I knew that this was the topic on which to base the work. I immediately created text that followed style and structure of the Old Testament psalms, and in turn, created a different kind of liturgical piece, delving into secrets that ideologically are not considered any part of the religious canon. I wanted to create a sense of a different world beyond our own, one that might evoke fear, but also shows a sense of reverence, where we see a light of hope in a path not often turned down.</p>
<p>The Watchtower Psalms is the embodiment of the ceremony where the practitioner calls the four corners, otherwise known as the watchtowers. Each quadrant has an elemental angel assigned to it: EXARP (Air), HKOMA (Water), NANTA (Earth), and BITOM (Fire). Each of these angels has many classifications of other angels underneath them. Collectively, the four watchtowers form the Tablet of Union, a symbol of the Quintessence, the spiritual amalgamation of the quadrants becoming one. When the Watchtowers are all called, it is then that our divine natures can be found.</p>
<p>The Watchtowers each have an assigned direction, element, and color. As a synesthete, I composed each movement based on the colors and emotional reactions I had from each element. Their symbolism goes as follows:</p>
<p>EXARP - East/Air/Yellow HKOMA - West/Water/Blue NANTA - North/Earth/Black BITOM - South/Fire/Red</p>
<p>Many thanks to Brian Mummert and The New Consort for their commissioning of this work. I have had a blessed journey creating this piece for them."</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689252019-02-20T12:00:00-12:002019-03-26T22:14:49-12:00Three Rosśa Crean Premieres in One Night at Illinois State University!!!
<p>Rosśa will be a resident artist at <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisStateUniversity/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCffIHBKihkTpSDy5Xkhn3U5iolpQlQ6z8YldIJbMcsRI8zY2ncpSNzITHAR105TTACx7J7jiGZCabW&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBVJWXsIrCz8b_Alp44ajpSBK-kgPtgBgOedD3Y-raW-gv2SLo17scXXFOf7w8xmMRU9bGGQRzr8evi42Wf2zRJoIxMJNae2hHEAROiMCKKVBs2MhzlRCDFGPJMknGTVakh1SqmLQCZgX2pAEXkCurEMDjeCa4_XOzMwjknUmAlOju2KfaHFlg3eUgQdxWrZNpVgU65TFfzow" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=18773072443&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARCffIHBKihkTpSDy5Xkhn3U5iolpQlQ6z8YldIJbMcsRI8zY2ncpSNzITHAR105TTACx7J7jiGZCabW%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Illinois State University</a> this coming March through the Arts Technology and Music Departments. They will premiering three new pieces on March 28th, 2019, at the Center of Performing Arts, and all pieces will involve electro-acoustic elements. They will be sharing this opportunity with baritone <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/matthan.black?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBu2n8nJAG5VHNVd9nGE-3sMeOuEPPf5xWI5f5N6a_jjBe7fyacJYDGg7DCxIxfoqCMjaA0UyzA4WH2&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBVJWXsIrCz8b_Alp44ajpSBK-kgPtgBgOedD3Y-raW-gv2SLo17scXXFOf7w8xmMRU9bGGQRzr8evi42Wf2zRJoIxMJNae2hHEAROiMCKKVBs2MhzlRCDFGPJMknGTVakh1SqmLQCZgX2pAEXkCurEMDjeCa4_XOzMwjknUmAlOju2KfaHFlg3eUgQdxWrZNpVgU65TFfzow" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=73100808&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARBu2n8nJAG5VHNVd9nGE-3sMeOuEPPf5xWI5f5N6a_jjBe7fyacJYDGg7DCxIxfoqCMjaA0UyzA4WH2%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Matthan Black</a>!</p>
<p>"Schöne Gespielin" (Exquisite Playmate): From Sonnet 25 of the First Part of <span class="text_exposed_show">Rilke’s “Sonnets to Orpheus.” In memory of young Vera Knoop, who died aged 18. She had been a talented dancer but suddenly stopped, took an interest in music, then died of a glandular disease. Rilke saw her only a few times. Just before she died, Vera said “Now I can dance!” Written for Baritone (Matthan Ring Black) and Waterphone, this piece narrates the passing of a able-bodied dancer into the aether, through the words of her lover.</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>"Love Songs for the End of the World": Based on characters created and inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, this song cycle examines the parallels between the Old Ones’ desire for dominion and unrequited love. Who hasn't fallen in love with someone they can't have? But we don't all have the ability to crush the minds of those who wronged us. What would you do if you had that power? These poems give us the opportunity to explore the dark longings and ineffectual rage that lives inside all of us while experiencing it in a safe and beautiful way through song and sound. Who hasn't fallen in love with someone they can't have? But we don't all have the ability to crush the minds of those who wronged us. What would you do if you had that power? Crean musically builds on our psychic comfortability while instilling a sense of cosmic disruption dwelling just beneath the surface of the mind. <br>Performed by Baritone Matthan Ring Black with piano and electronics by Rosśa Crean. Song text by Matthan Ring Black, with R’lyehian interlude text by Rosśa Crean.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/b36734d616c1de4e346e3474e711facbe58512fe/original/rossa-crean-residency-promo.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Njc3eDUyMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="523" width="677" /></p>
</div>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689242019-01-27T12:00:00-12:002020-12-29T18:43:05-12:00"Twilight Lifts the Veil" (for unaccompanied voice) - Audio Now Available
<p>Audio from Ross' song cycle for unaccompanied voice, "Twilight Lifts the Veil," is now available under the COMPOSER link. Written for All Hallows Eve, and performed by the extraordinary soprano Katherine Bruton, the cycle was recorded and filmed at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, IL on October 31st, 2018. Recorded by Daniel Johanson and directed by Maureen Smith. Sheet music is available <a href="https://newmusicshelf.com/product/twilight-lifts-the-veil-an-unaccompanied-cycle-for-all-hallows-eve/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/a5949c1eeb585a8dd5a24f9c0ae8fdb19e65fce6/original/img-2133.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Njk1eDUyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="521" width="695" /></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689232018-07-21T12:00:00-12:002018-07-21T23:19:17-12:00"Ross Crean Presents: A Queer Engagement" Opens in Chicago August 17 & 18, 2018!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/bcbaff4bb260b4ac14bce4cb0e7b78990141c5c6/original/dhwdoy9xuaa-adv-jpg-large.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzEyeDM1NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="356" width="712" /> Crean presents a celebration of queer classical works! We begin with a cabaret of LGBTQ+ vocal pieces, followed by the Chicago premiere of Ross Crean and Aiden K. Feltkamp's new one-act opera, which serves as a sequel to Mozart's “Don Giovanni.” Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/128054141364625/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a> for details and tickets!<br><br><br>A Queer Engagement Cabaret<br><br>Featuring:<br>Claire DiVizio, Soprano<br>Tom Bailey, Tenor<br>Angela Born, Soprano<br>LaRob Payton, Baritone<br>Caesar Sanchez, Tenor<br><br><br><br>The Times Are Nightfall<br><br>This 1950’s pulp-style story explores themes of rape culture and grief through the lens of two women who find solace in the most unexpected place: one another.<br><br>Cast:<br>Anna - Marysa Abbas<br>Elvira - Sarah Thompson Johansen<br><br>Creative Team:<br>Piano - Cody Michael Bradley<br>Stage Direction - Amy Hutchison<br>Composer - Ross Crean<br>Librettist - Aiden K. Feltkamp, with Chloë Schaaf<br><br>TW: blood, death, rape, suicide</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689222018-06-09T12:00:00-12:002018-06-25T00:59:20-12:00"The Times Are Nightfall" to premiere at the National Opera Center on July 1st, 2018!!!
<p>Witness the workshop premiere of composer Ross Crean and librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp's new micro opera, which follows Anna and Elvira in the aftermath of Mozart's Don Giovanni. This grindhouse-style story explores themes of rape culture and grief through the lens of two women who find solace in the most unexpected place: one another.<br><br>Fully staged with costumes, English supertitles, and piano accompaniment.<br><br>Reception to follow with cast and creative team.<br><br>Tickets: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FTTANNYC&h=AT0WFTE2qrIXyTbI6e6zt83QL2WcHfPvOWSVHo3sSy2a6f1PHeK_ofoWNib9yzOyJVfL22nElBdox2u3PCoc2TOp4gU3N6feu8FHvY_eh6FtiCRmUlJ5z_sJsCg6L5OvGDB5vH0&s=1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">bit.ly/TTANNYC</a><br><br>Cast:<br>Anna - Chloë Schaaf<br>Elvira - Emily Kate Naydeck<br><br>Creative Team:<br>Piano - Peiharn Chen<br>Stage Direction - Aumna Iqbal and Aiden K. Feltkamp<br>Composer - Ross Crean<br>Librettist - Aiden K. Feltkamp, with Chloë Schaaf<br><br>TW: blood, death, rape, suicide</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689212018-02-28T12:00:00-12:002018-03-10T23:11:26-12:00THE GREAT GOD PAN - Chicago World Premiere
<p>WORLD PREMIERE<br>THE GREAT GOD PAN<br>MARCH 10, 12, 14, 16 & 18*, 2018 | 7:30PM (*3PM)<br>at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChopinTheatre/" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=109388875749403&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A2000743213518630%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Chopin Theatre</a><br>Music and Libretto by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ross.crean.7" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=675834601&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A2000743213518630%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Ross Crean</a><br>Based on Arthur Machen’s novella</p>
<p>For tickets, simply click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-god-pan-an-opera-in-two-acts-by-ross-crean-tickets-40845634392" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE!</a><br><br>Described by Stephen King as "one of the best horror stories ever written. Perhaps the best in the English language." <br><br>The Great God Pan takes its story from an eponymous 1890 novella by Welsh author Arthur Machen, which explores themes of scientific hubris, transcendental medicine, and unexplainable supernatural behavior. Chicago composer Ross Crean adapted Machen’s narrative into the opera’s libretto himself, an ambitious and rare undertaking for a composer. The story begins with a surgery gone wrong. Dr. Raymond invites Mr. Clarke to witness a<span class="text_exposed_show">n important experiment based on elements of nontraditional, ancient rituals. Raymond sacrifices his ward, Mary, as the subject of his attempt to access a higher spiritual plane – referred to as, “seeing the Great God Pan” – and unwittingly initiates a series of mysterious supernatural occurrences that Clarke encounters over the next few decades. Crean’s ingenuity in composing the accompanying piano parts with the sounds of strumming and plucking combine to make the music that much more vibrant. — Courtesy Naxos of America<br><br>Running time 80 min // Cash Bar<br>This space can only be accessed by one flight of stairs</span></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689202017-08-10T12:00:00-12:002017-08-11T03:34:43-12:00"The Great God Pan" Out Now!!!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/cbf6358dcb7f32f5f8376feef3198310abd4116b/original/18838833-10155446961854602-8484208344708872376-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjM3eDU4NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="585" width="637" /></p>
<p>Ross' opera "The Great God Pan," an adaptation of the 1890 novella by Arthur Machen, is now available on recording through <a href="http://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6115/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Navona Records/Naxos of America</a>. For purchasing options, please go to the <a href="/buy" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">BUY</a> page.</p>
<p>Chicago-based composer Ross Crean’s opera The Great God Pan soars in this new release, the first collaboration between the composer and PARMA recordings. The Great God Pan takes its story from an eponymous 1890 novella by Welsh author Arthur Machen, which explores themes of scientific hubris, transcendental medicine, and unexplainable supernatural behavior. Impressively, Crean adapted Machen’s narrative into the work’s libretto himself, an ambitious and rare undertaking for a composer. Crean’s familiarity with the story shows through in the emotional resonance of his music, which matches and communicates the character’s concerns and feelings with unflinching precision. The key to Crean’s musical portrayal of the story is twofold. First, beginning with the overture, much of the opera’s accompanimental music is defined by pulsing ostinato ideas. This characteristic is inviting to the listener and draws us into the musical world of Crean’s opera. More importantly, the relentless quality of these rhythms wordlessly establishes the ominous mixture of tension and mystery at the heart of The Great God Pan’s narrative. Second, Crean’s text setting is extremely clear, so the story is conveyed with crystal clarity in this recording. Without giving too much away, the tale at the heart of The Great God Pan begins with a surgery gone wrong. The first character we meet, Dr. Raymond, has invited the opera’s protagonist, Clarke, to witness an important experiment based in elements of non-traditional, ancient rituals. Dr. Raymond sacrifices his wife Mary as the subject of his attempt to access a higher spiritual plane – referred to as, “seeing the Great God Pan” – and unwittingly initiates a serious of mysterious supernatural occurrences that Clarke encounters over the next few decades.</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689192017-07-21T12:00:00-12:002017-07-21T19:37:34-12:00The Great God Pan on "Doing the Work" with Matthan Black!
<p>I had the pleasure of recording an episode of "Doing the Work" with Matthan Black, Sarah Thompson Johansen, Andrew Fisher, and Vince Wallace, who all sang on the recording of "The Great God Pan". We talk all about the recording process, what we've been up to since December, and our mutual love of Taco Bell. Great God Pan is available starting on Aug. 11th wherever find albums are sold on the internet! Pick one up today! Enjoy! <a href="https://soundcloud.com/doing-the-work/episode-96-doing-the-work-with-the-great-god-pan" target="_blank" data-imported="1">LISTEN HERE!!!</a></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689182017-07-12T12:00:00-12:002021-09-23T07:49:46-12:00"The Great God Pan" Now Available for Pre-Order!
<p>It has been a two year journey writing and recording my opera "The Great God Pan." The original novella is something that has stuck with me for decades, and now I am excited to share with all of you a story of horror, gender, and morality. </p>
<p>While it will not be released until August 11th, you can now pre-order the album and immediately get Sarah Thompson Johansen's performance of Helen's aria, "Gethsemane." So what are you waiting for?! Go get a copy on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ross-crean-the-great-god-pan/id1257222854" target="_blank" data-imported="1">iTunes NOW</a>!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689172017-07-04T12:00:00-12:002017-07-04T18:19:04-12:00Submit to Sing on Ross' New Vocal Works Album!
<p>Ross' new vocal works album will begin recording over the Winter 2017 - Spring 2018 season, and he is looking for a fitting Mezzo-Soprano or Zwischen voice to record his award-winning and critically-acclaimed song cycle "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose." The collection will be released on the Navona Records/Naxos of America label.</p>
<p>From Ross himself: "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose" is a comedic (sometimes sardonic and disturbing) song cycle I composed for a theatrical performance, selecting various characters from the Mother Goose fairy tales and uncovering the possible darker side of those tales. In choosing a performer for the recording, the vocalist must be comfortable with the musical material and most importantly, bring out the theatricality of the performance through the voice where the listener can decipher the character aurally."</p>
<p>SUBMISSION GUIDELINES</p>
<p>1. All vocalists submitting for consideration must learned one of the songs from the cycle. Audio and video recordings will be accepted. the score excerpt can be found <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/modphtgolx8nmut/Ross%20Crean%20-%20No%20One%20Should%20Walk%20Alone%20with%20Jill.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>2. Submissions will be accepted until 12:00 AM (CST) on September 15th, 2017.</p>
<p>3. Applicants must be able to travel to Chicago for two (2) days to record. Travel costs will not be covered.</p>
<p>4. All submissions must include a recording, resume, and contact information. Send all materials to Sam at info@rosscrean.com.</p>
<p>5. Applicants will be notified by November 3rd, 2017. We regret that we will not be able to send individual messages as to the results.</p>
<p>6. Compensation will be discussed once the application process has ended.</p>
<p>Thank you, and best of luck!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689162017-05-22T12:00:00-12:002022-02-26T05:29:52-12:00"The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose" nominated for Austin Critics' Table Award!
<p>Ross' comedic song cycle "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose" was nominated for Best Original Composition in the Austin Critics Table Awards. <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/juliadifiore?fref=mentions" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=720392881&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Julia Di Fiore</a>, who performed it as part of <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/OneOunceOpera/?fref=mentions" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=246683425404911&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">One Ounce Opera</a>'s Freshly Squeezed Ounce of Art Song, was also nominated for Best Classical Singer! Congrats to everyone nominated!!!</p>
<p>You can read more about it <a href="https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/arts/2017-05-22/critics-table-tops-at-25/" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689142017-04-20T12:00:00-12:002017-04-20T19:50:30-12:00"Lost Daughters" World Premiere at Oberlin Conservatory!!!
<p><em>Lost Daughters</em>, an operatic new work commissioned for The Mozart Players by graduating Oberlin Conservatory conductor, John Paul Jennings, and written by celebrated composer, Ross Crean (www.rosscrean.com), is premiering at Oberlin’s Warner Concert Hall on May 7, 2017 at 8:00pm. For ticket information, visit https://www.facebook.com/oberlinmozartplayers. To support this world premiere student-produced opera, go to <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/lostdaughtersopera" data-imported="1">https://www.gofundme.com/lostdaughtersopera</a> to help defray production costs. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>“<em>Lost Daughters </em>organically integrates characters from literature, mythology, and opera to explore the complexity of motherhood, the universality of grief, and the strength to overcome loss,” said Maestro Jennings. “It is a tale of human experience we can all share. I am privileged for this opportunity to conduct the story through Ross Crean’s epic composition.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In November 2014, The Mozart Players was founded by a collaborative of Oberlin students who created a precedent-setting environment in which to make and create new music. Three years later, it is only fitting that The Mozart Players’ swan song performance is another milestone of student and artistic achievement, a world-premiere opera, conducted and commissioned by founding member and Oberlin Conservatory graduating senior, John Paul Jennings. <em>Lost Daughters </em>will feature singers Katherine Bruton, soprano, Marysa Abbas, mezzo-soprano and Jessica Hiltabidle, mezzo soprano.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“This project brings together emerging artists and organizations from all over the U.S. to collaborate and originate new art and music, representing the entrepreneurship needed for the continued development of a new generation of American opera and art,” said Chicago-based opera composer, Ross Crean. “I encourage you to come see the performance and support not just <em>Lost Daughters</em>, but young, bold influencers of art like the Mozart Players.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information about <em>Lost Daughters</em>, call The Mozart Players at +1.949.533.4170 or email John Paul Jennings at jpjennings555@gmail.com</p>
<p> </p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689132017-04-02T12:00:00-12:002021-03-01T04:58:34-12:00"Metaphysisch" to Premiere at New York Opera Fest!
<p>I am so incredibly excited that mezzo-soprano <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/maayan.voss" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1055040379" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-imported="1">Maayan Voss de Bettancourt</a> will be premiering my song cycle "Metaphysisch" at the OperaRox New Works Concert as part of the New York Opera Fest! The cycle utilizes three poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. Maayan is a true talent, and I cannot wait to see her bring this to life! </p>
<p>June 23, 2017 at 7pm<br>Opera America<br>Rehearsal Hall<span class="text_exposed_show"><br>330 7th Ave, New York, NY</span></p>
<p>For further information, just read more about <a href="http://operarox.weebly.com/new-works-concert.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">OperaRox's New Works Concert</a>!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689122016-12-30T12:00:00-12:002016-12-30T19:31:51-12:00World Premiere of "For Atticus, the Moonlight's Lover"!!!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/1079799b95bfefc0522cfac1a0ca322cdb5ea44c/original/child-silhouette-tree-forest.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzAweDM5NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="394" width="700" /></p>
<p>HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!</p>
<p>The world premiere of Ross' monodrama "For Atticus, the Moonlight's Lover" will take place in Chicago on January 15, 2017! The monodrama is an artistic response to his time in Moscow, and to Putin's anti-LGBTQ laws. </p>
<p>"For Atticus..." will be performed by mezzo-soprano Erin Moll, cellist Aaron Gottl, and pianist John Cockerill. All proceeds will go to the ACLU!</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Chicago Social Justice Concert<br>(All proceeds go to the ACLU)<br>Sunday January 15, 2017 at 7pm<br>Unity Lutheran Church<br>1212 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640</p>
</div>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689112016-10-31T12:00:00-12:002016-11-22T06:38:02-12:00"The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose" in Austin, TX on November 18th, 2016!!!
<p>Ross' comedic song cycle, "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose", is a winning submission of One Ounce Opera's "Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Art Song", which will have its performance on November 18th, 2017 at the Central Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. Mezzo-Soprano Julia Di Fiore and Pianist Nikki Birdsong will be performing. For more information, and to read Ms. Di Fiore's interview with Ross about his work, go <a href="http://oneounceopera.com/meet-ross-crean-winning-composer-of-fsoas-2016/" data-imported="1">HERE</a>! </p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689102016-08-08T12:00:00-12:002016-08-08T21:21:57-12:00Review of Maureen Batt's Performance of Ross' "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose"!
<p><a href="http://www.classicconcertsns.ca/2016/08/09/review-crossing-borders-realities-blurred/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Classic Concerts NS</a> recently reviewed the Halifax performance of <em>Crossing Borders: Realities Blurred, </em>featuring soprano Maureen Batt and pianist Cheryl Duvall. I was very excited to see a fun and favorable review of the duo's performance of my comedic song cycle, "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose".</p>
<p>"On the second half there was another really cool dress – dare I say with “bat” wings attached to the hem – topped with a big retro gleaming necklace. Classy! It worked well with the <em>Nursery Rhymes</em>, Chicago composer Ross Crean’s really funny piece, <em>The Passive-Aggressive’s Guide to Mother Goose</em>. Batt took on various characters, including “Jill” who sang virtuosically about “Jack” being a bit of a baby/misogynist, while Batt as Hickory Mouse ate cheese as the pianist tapped out the “Docks” on the edge of the piano, ending the Mouse’s aria with a decisive Big Ben on the piano. (She really did not want to strike one at all, it seems…)</p>
<p>Have I mentioned that Batt can sing really high?</p>
<p>She also has a great sense of both comic and dramatic timing. <em>Little Miss Muffet is a Hipster</em> (“who wears a hoop skirt these days?”) was tragi-comic with tongue firmly in check (or maybe that was a chicken nugget – you had to be there). These songs must be tricky and they are all virtuosic – Batt makes them sound easy, singing them expertly and with a great deal of confidence. This woman is theatrical. I’d love to see her in musical theatre (but only if she got to sing really really high). And I love her diction – it is such a treat to attend a concert where you don’t have to strain to understand the text – thank you."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To read the complete review, click <a href="http://www.classicconcertsns.ca/2016/08/09/review-crossing-borders-realities-blurred/" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689092016-05-29T12:00:00-12:002016-05-29T23:17:45-12:00Live Recording of "Chicago and December" Available for Streaming NOW!
<p>I was lucky to have soprano Sarah Thompson Johansen and pianist Stephen Uhl perform my extended art song/monodrama "Chicago and December" this last Friday, May 27th, 2017. It was recorded in Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University in Chicago. I was also blessed to get permission and support from the wonderful poet W. S. Di Piero in using his poem for the text of this work. You can take a listen <a href="/chicago-and-december" target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">HERE</a>!!!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689082016-05-09T12:00:00-12:002016-05-09T23:49:52-12:00Ross Signs to PARMA Recordings!!!
<p><span class="text_exposed_show">I am excited to announce that I have signed with PARMA Recordings/Navona Records and Naxos America in bringing my opera "The Great God Pan" to recording in Summ</span><span class="text_exposed_show">er of 2017!</span></p>
<p>So excited to be a new member of the PARMA family! Read more about it <a href="http://parmarecordings.blogspot.com/2016/05/new-parma-artist-ross-crean.html?m=1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
<p>"The Great God Pan” is a story that leads us between two worlds, the material and the supernatural. It is a story where the horror lies not in the open for us to see, but in what our minds create from the unseen. </p>
<p>"The female characters have no voice in Machen’s book, so I worked at giving them a voice (particularly the character of Helen), and in doing so, brough<span class="text_exposed_show">t a new perspective to the story; is Helen the Antichrist figure our protagonists make her out to be, or is she truly the savior of mankind, bringing a new age of sexual freedom to our world? My goal in this project is to ask these questions about how far we think we have come in terms of gender equality and religious dogma since those Victorian days."</span></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689072016-03-17T12:00:00-12:002022-05-12T14:24:13-12:00New Blog Post: How Writing Two Operas in a Year Helped Me to Understand Grief
<p>New blog post is up, discussing my year-long process with grief, and how the creative process through two operas helped me come to understand and surrender to its importance. I hope my perspective can be helpful! Enjoy!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689062016-03-06T12:00:00-12:002021-01-09T06:40:14-12:00Ross is on Episode 44 of "Doing the Work" with Matthan Ring Black!!!
<p>Very excited to hear the newest episode of the "Doing the Work Podcast" with <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/matthan.black" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=73100808" data-imported="1">Matthan Black</a>, featuring yours truly! We talk grief in the creative process, my career in New Opera, horror movies, Synesthesia, and being true to yourself. Shoutouts in this episode to <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/heather.meyer.10" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=526608581" data-imported="1">Heather Meyer</a>, <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/supersoprano1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=78300451" data-imported="1">Sarah Thompson Johansen</a>, <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.keil109" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1018326879" data-imported="1">Rebecca Keil</a>, <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/erin.moll" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=41601925" data-imported="1">Erin Moll</a>, The Fourth Wall Ensemble, <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/katherine.dalin" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=48701631" data-imported="1">Katherine B. Dalin</a>, <a id="js_24" class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/arathoon" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=31600662" data-imported="1">Katherine Arathoon</a>, <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000152799498" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100000152799498" data-imported="1">Maureen Batt</a>, Second Inversion, and <a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/supove" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1210947090" data-imported="1">Kathleen Supove</a>. Matthan is awesome to talk to, and if you are in the opera world, you should be giving this podcast a listen!</p>
<p>http://doingtheworkpod.com/?p=273</p>
<p> </p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689052016-02-23T12:00:00-12:002020-10-31T02:04:35-12:00"The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose" - World Premiere of Ross Crean's Newest Song Cycle
<p>I am so very excited to announce that my comedic song cycle "The Passive-Aggressive's Guide to Mother Goose" will receive its World Premiere in Philadelphia on March 13th and its Toronto premiere on March 20th. I have the pleasure of having it performed by the very talented soprano Maureen Batt and pianist Cheryl Duvall<a id="js_2j" class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.duvall1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=509445740" data-imported="1"></a> for their "Crossing Borders: Realities Blurred" tour! If any of my Philly friends can make it, I'll be there! Tickets are limited, so get them soon <a href="http://maureenbatt.com/news/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/e264cfcf9d20276475668e89526a81ae67c40f98/original/12111928-10153991127154602-2264405839483785579-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Njk4eDk2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="960" width="698" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 22, 2016</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Crossing Borders: Realities Blurred</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maureen Batt and Cheryl Duvall to perform concert of works by living Canadian and American composers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Philadelphia, PA– Canadian soprano Maureen Batt will perform in Philadelphia on Sunday, March 13 at 7:30 PM, at Biello Martin Studio, 148 N. Third Street. The program, titled Crossing Borders: Realities Blurred, focuses on questioning reality, gender and sexuality, and being in-the-moment. Each piece represents a reality that is blurred, a line that is crossed, a time that is both past and present. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, cash at the door. Please reserve your seat at <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://www.maureenbatt.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">www.maureenbatt.com</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Batt is joined by Canadian contemporary pianist, Cheryl Duvall, who says, "Maureen and I met in Toronto a few years ago and have enjoyed many successful collaborations. I am thrilled to be touring a new program of Crossing Borders.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“For the past several years, it has been my personal mandate to foster the creation and longevity of recent compositions. It is my goal to tell and share our North American stories through song. Crossing Borders lets me do just that,” says Batt.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crossing Borders: Realities Blurred is being presented in Philadelphia on March 13, then goes to Toronto on March 20, and will have a final presentation in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in the spring. The tour includes performances by Philadelphia composers Jenny Beck and Dan Martin; and offers world premières of works by American composers Ross Crean and Anthony Marasco. The concert will be emceed and hosted by Maria Murphy, PhD Candidate in Musicology, University of Pennsylvania.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>About Crossing Borders:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crossing Borders is a dynamic concert programme that creates a dialogue among contemporary compositional voices from Canada and other countries. The inaugural tour took place in January and March 2015 in Halifax, Philadelphia, and Toronto. This year's Crossing Borders: Realities Blurred series includes Philadelphia on March 13, and Toronto on March 20, 2016. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>About Maureen Batt:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Maureen Batt, soprano</strong>: Noted by Opera Canada as a “young, lovely and captivating soprano,” Maureen Batt is an accomplished artist. Her career embraces the full variety of genres: opera, oratorio, cabaret, musical theatre, art song, and contemporary music. She has been engaged by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Opera in Concert, Toronto Operetta Theatre, Maritime Concert Opera, Toy Piano Composers, New Hamburg Live!, Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound, and Opera Nova Scotia. She is the co-artistic director of Essential Opera, who closes its sixth season this April in Toronto. In April 2014, Essential Opera presented a triple bill of Canadian premières where Maureen created the roles of Dorothy Parker (<em>Etiquette</em>, Pearce), Anna (<em>Regina</em>, Denburg), and Cindy (<em>Heather: Cindy + Mindy =BFFs 4EVER</em>, Thornborrow). Maureen has also created the roles of Helen (<em>Aunt Helen</em>, Pearce), Keri Ferrell (<em>Hipster Grifter</em>, Denburg), Lorelie Henderson (<em>Stockholm Syndrome</em>, Ryan), Bride (<em>Cake</em>, Pearce), Hannah (<em>Hannah & Paige and the Zombie Pirates</em>, Thornborrow). In 2017, Maureen will release her first commercial CD, with Simon Docking, piano, including Schubert’s Op. 52 and premièring Fiona Ryan’s <em>Lady of the Lake</em>. </p>
<p>More info: <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://maureenbatt.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Maureenbatt.com</a> and <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://www.rosscrean.com/webmail/images/blank.png" target="_blank" data-imported="1">facebook.com/maureenbattsoprano</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>About Cheryl Duvall: </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Cheryl Duvall, piano</strong></p>
<p>Cheryl Duvall is a multi-faceted musician and pianist. She is active as a soloist, collaborative pianist, teacher and adjudicator and has toured and performed throughout Canada, Italy, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England, Argentina and the U.S. She is especially passionate about contemporary music, which has led her to co-found the Thin Edge New Music Collective, now in their fourth season. Thin Edge completed a Canadian tour in winter 2013, were guest artists in residence at the SoundSCAPE Festival of New Music in Maccagno, Italy in 2013 and at Le Pantographe in Moutier, Switzerland in 2014. To date, they are responsible for commissioning and premièring 27 new works in the past three years, with plans for 13 new works throughout their fourth concert season. Ms. Duvall is the pianist for the Toronto-based Bell’Arte Singers and the internationally renowned Oakville Children’s Choir, with whom she has toured and competed internationally with gold standings. Besides performing, she maintains a full private piano studio and adjudicates piano competitions across Canada. Cheryl completed a BMus in Piano Performance and Theory, and a Diploma of Chamber Music from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a Master’s of Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Toronto. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Maureen Batt at <a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://www.rosscrean.com/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=essentialopera@gmail.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">crossingbordersconcerts@gmail.com</a> </p>
<p>or Maria Murphy at 713-854-3484</p>
<p> </p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689042014-11-17T12:00:00-12:002014-11-17T17:32:48-12:00"Lullabies for Trying Times" OUT NOW!!!
<p>Well, the day has finally arrived! "Lullabies for Trying Times" is now available at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lullabies-for-trying-times/id938023486" target="_blank" data-imported="1">iTunes </a>and <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rosscrean6" target="_blank" data-imported="1">CDBaby.com!</a> What a whirlwind the last few months have been. Keep reading to get a bit of info on the new album.</p>
<p>"Lullabies for Trying Times" is a collection of Gaelic and English lullaby songs, which Ross Crean created for his mother, Charleen, who passed away from Pancreatic Cancer in July of 2014. "My mother begged me for years to record a lullaby-type album," Crean said, "as did many of my friends who were having children. The only thing they all requested was that I make it listenable and interesting for them as adults, so I chose a few traditional favorites as well as composing a few original songs." <br><br>During the pre-production process, Ross' mother was diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer. "After my Mum's diagnosis, I knew immediately that I had to record 'Siúil A Rún'. She sang that song all the time when I was a baby, and it was my chance to pay her back with a gift of that song, so I did a version that she would have enjoyed." Charleen quickly succumbed to the cancer three weeks after her diagnosis. "All we could do was watch," Ross said, "and when she was close to the end, I was able to bring in a copy of the song, and let her hear it. At that point, she was very incoherent, but when I asked her if she wanted to hear the song, she said a very solid YES. I put the earphones in her ears and let it play. I saw tears, and I knew I had gotten it to her just in time. She was still in there, and above anything else, I was so grateful to have that last chance. She was always the first one to listen to my songs, and I was damned is she didn't get to hear that one."<br><br>Many of the songs on "Lullabies for Trying Times" are piano accompanied, but also included the drone-infused "Taladh Chriosta", the folk guitar driven "A Fighter's Lullaby" (originally written for the CHERUBS Organization, which helps raise funds for children with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia disorder, also known as CDH), an orchestral accompanied version of the traditional song "Bheir Mé Ó", and the song "All Through the Night", in which Crean uses harp and clarinet to reflect the sense of innocence the words convey. <br><br>A tear-jerker here is the song "Madeleine", which tells the story of two inseparable 6-year-old children who were fighting leukemia at the children's hospital Ross volunteered. "Yes, some of these songs are sad in nature,"Ross said, "but I think those that know and hear the story are able to keep in perspective what an amazing connection these two kids had between them. When one was dying, the other one said, 'I'll be right behind you', and kept his promise, passing away two days later. You never expect children to say things like that, or even know how to console others. That's what made this pretty incredible to me."</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689032014-10-22T12:00:00-12:002014-10-22T20:11:36-12:00"Lullabies for Trying Times" To Be Released November 18th!!!
<p>Ross' newest album, "Lullabies for Trying Times", will be released on CD and digital formats November 18th. Written for his mother, who passed away from cancer this past July 2014, he gives a tribute of songs that she loved and wanted him to record for so many years. </p>
<p>On this album, Ross combines traditional Gaelic song and Contemporary Songwriting to make a lullaby album that not only promises to soothe the little ones to sleep, but also give a message and story for the parents that will be listening. "I have been asked for years, not only by my mother, but by many of my friends who have children, to record a lullaby album that the PARENTS would enjoy listening to. I really made this for the adults. They are the ones who need it more than anyone else. (laughs)"</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/9cf4c87ed637fa20d9e8f4df90710a49126af25f/original/10450763-10152846010804602-1364002007923231308-n.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDQwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689022014-06-13T12:00:00-12:002014-06-13T19:16:56-12:00Ross Crean: Summerland Interview
<p>I was recently interviewed by Alex Ghani and Rujanee Mahakanjana of Nebula Creatives, where we discussed the "Summerland: A Ghost Story" exhibit at the Loyola University Museum of Art, as well as my career as a performer and composer. You can watch and read the interviews <a title="Ross Crean Interview - Nebula Creatives" href="http://www.nebulacreatives.com/#!nc-blog/c1m09" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689012014-01-26T12:00:00-12:002014-01-27T03:51:53-12:00"Summerland: A Ghost Story" to Premiere in Chicago February 15th
<p><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/306b242f70334ef8697677156da3ebe8bc2168b0/original/summerland-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Summerland" height="480" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></em></p>
<p><em>Summerland: A Ghost Story</em> will be premiering at the Loyola Museum of Art in Chicago on February 15th, 2014, and will be running until June 15th, 2014. For more information, go to the LUMA website right <a href="http://www.luc.edu/luma/exhibitions/upcomingexhibitions/summerlandaghoststory.shtml" target="_blank" data-imported="1">HERE</a>!</p>
<p>Combining cautionary tale picture books with Gothic ghost stories, artist Kenneth Gerleve presents <em>Summerland: A Ghost Story</em>. The sixteen-panel narrative installation presents vignettes from dreams of "the Artist." Similar to the work of Edward Gorey, the installation is macabre yet humorous, while acknowledging death and celebrating life. <em>Summerland</em> is excised from a larger work in progress, an experimental, serialized graphic novel,<em> The Osiris Mechanism. Summerland</em> features atmospheric instrumental music written and performed by Ross Crean. </p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60689002013-12-16T12:00:00-12:002022-03-19T12:15:17-12:00HAPPY HOLIDAYS! New Celtic Single, "Taladh Chriosta"!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/25d068de122be8eedf063e760b73c94239c38908/original/taladh-chriosta-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="taladh_chriosta_1.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Ross' new holiday single, "Taladh Chriosta (The Christ-Child's Lullaby)", is out now and available at <a href="http://www.rosscrean.bandcamp.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Bandcamp</a>, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rosscrean4" target="_blank" data-imported="1">CDBaby</a>, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/taladh-chriosta-christ-childs/id786467898" target="_blank" data-imported="1">iTunes</a>! The single is entirely in Gaelic, and the lyrics and translation can be found on both the Bandcamp and CDBaby pages.<img src="file://localhost/Users/rosscrean/Desktop/taladh%20chriosta.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60688992013-10-14T12:00:00-12:002021-09-23T07:49:58-12:00"Leftovers from the Sideshow" Out Now!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/4e390875b78f5d93ad685cbf642fd70e9eaa0077/original/lftss-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="480" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The new acoustic EP, "Leftovers from the Sideshow", is now available on iTunes and all over the web! The three songs on the EP were demo recordings written for films during the "Lovers and Other Kinds of Monsters" era. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I'm incredibly excited to share these songs with you guys! I wanted to release something with an element of what my live shows are like: raw, sparse, and full of emotion. This EP captures that, and I hope you love it! Thanks!!!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60688982013-08-29T12:00:00-12:002021-02-01T05:56:59-12:00Download "A Fighter's Lullaby" To Help Research For CDH!
<p style="text-align: left;">I composed a song called "A Fighter's Lullaby" to help raise funds for the CHERUBS organization. It's a very small way for you to help raise awareness about CDH.<br><br>CHERUBS is an org<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline">anization that benefits The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support. <br><br>For those who have never heard of CDH, it is a condition as common as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis but there is very little awareness and even less research. 1600 babies are born with CDH every year in the United States. Globally, a baby is born with CDH every 10 minutes.<br><br>CHERUBS is working hard to raise more CDH Awareness, and in turn, more CDH Research, while we continue to support families affected by this devastating birth defect.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">http://illinoischerubs.blogspot.com/2013/08/cherubs-fundraiser-first-ever-original.html#.UiC60eD81SV</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60688972013-05-09T12:00:00-12:002022-04-23T04:25:24-12:00"The Reluctant Socialite" Out Now!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391590/bd514caa02c1ff518f9c6db73b35efe72ce1f369/original/ross-crean-reluctant-cover-max.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDgweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="480" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My newest EP, "The Reluctant Socialite" is out now, and I couldn't be more excited about it. It took a while for me to get these songs out, and I'm so happy to share them all with you now!</p>
Rosśa Creantag:rossacrean.com,2005:Post/60688962013-04-16T12:00:00-12:002013-12-22T02:30:20-12:00New Film and Classical Compositions Are Available!
<p style="text-align: left;">Several of Ross' compositions for film and performance are now available to hear on the "COMPOSER" page. These works span his career in independent film, performance art, and fine arts performances. Take a listen!</p>
Rosśa Crean