Aida vs. Metropolis

Coming this Friday, February 10!

7pm | The Mission Theater | 1624 NW Glisan

“Death to the machines!”

Fritz Lang’s sci-fi legend “Metropolis” envisions an urban dystopia marked by a sharp divide between the working class and the ownership class. The 1927 film may have been made over 80 years ago, but members of the 2012 Occupy movement will find a lot to identify with in Lang’s protest against economic and social inequality. Opera Theater Oregon celebrates the connection between art and activism in the latest installment of their innovative “Opera vs. Cinema” series, which pairs silent films with improvised accompaniment from favorite operas.

On February 10th at the Mission Theater, OTO is bringing “Metropolis” to the big screen with live improvised accompaniment based on themes from Giuseppe Verdi’s grand opera “Aida.”

Pianist Douglas Schneider, who premiered OTO’s series with a solo Wagnerian accompaniment to “The Black Pirate vs. The Flying Dutchman,” ups the ante this time by teaming up with violinist Gregory Ewer in a duo improvisation based on themes from Verdi’s most popular opera. Special guests Helen Funston, soprano and Kate Petak, harp spice up the performance as the voice of Maria the heroine/cyborg.

Doug “swashed as many buckles at the keyboard as the film’s star,Douglas Fairbanks, did on screen.” -Brett Campbell, Oregon Arts Watch

Doug Schneider tickling the ivories at our November 2011 performance of "The Black Pirate vs. the Flying Dutchman"

Doors open at 6pm- liberate yourself with dystopian drink specials such as the “1984,” “Soylent Green” and “Logan’s Rum” and show off your knowledge of cinema and opera at the pre-show trivia contest hosted by Edmund Stone of All Classical 89.9 to win prizes donated by local businesses The Someday Lounge, The Mark Spencer Hotel and Music Millennium. This performance shows for one night only. Minors ok with parent or guardian.

As a bonus, OTO kicks off its public masterclass series “The Art of Silent Film Accompaniment” at the Mission Theater on February 11 at 2pm. Douglas Schneider will challenge aspiring improvisers to accompany select scenes from “Metropolis” and help them hone their chops in front of the audience. FREE with valid student ID.

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WHAT: Opera vs. Cinema: Aida vs. Metropolis, a silent film screening with live improvised accompaniment by pianist Douglas Schneider and violinist Gregory Ewer. With special guests Helen Funston, soprano and Kate Petak, harp.

WHEN: Friday, February 10th, 7:00pm (doors 6pm, trivia contest 6:30pm)

WHERE: The Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209

TICKETS: $12.00 (at the door) $9.00 (advance sales). Special $12 combo ticket (advance only) includes admission to February 11th masterclass “The Art of Silent Film Accompaniment.” Available through McMenamins, http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/98865

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

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