The chance to record “Nixon in China” for the Naxos label provided a key impetus for conductor Marin Alsop’s agreeing to lead Opera Colorado’s production of the work, which opens Saturday.
It will be the first new recording of the John Adams opera since the original cast recording was released shortly after the work premiered at the Houston Grand Opera in 1987.
The head of Naxos approached Alsop, an Adams champion and a regular collaborator with the label, about expanding its catalog of the composer’s music, and she proposed “Nixon in China.”
“So, I felt like this was a project I would like to bring to my orchestra here in Denver,” the internationally known conductor said.
Each of the four performances of the opera will be recorded live, with what Alsop called a “patch session,” a 1 1/2-hour recording period after the June 15 matinee to focus on any trouble spots. A complete release will be edited together from the best parts of the performances and the follow-up.
“So, it’s going to be a very intense experience,” she said. “Not only do you have the actual performance, but now you have the pressure of the recording.”
Naxos’ “Nixon in China” is expected to be released in early 2009.
“Nixon in China”
Opera Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets. Opera Colorado’s production of John Adams’ groundbreaking opera, which debuted in 1987. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10 and June 13 and 2 p.m. June 15. 3 hours. $28-$157. 303-357-2787 or .
