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Biography
Although trained in the classical idiom, Bernadette Speach is equally rooted in jazz, and in the latter vein includes room for aleatory elements in her compositions, ranging from solo and chamber to choral and orchestral. Her latest project, the opera Little Rock Nine — a collaboration with librettist Thulani Davis — tells the story of nine students, ages 14 and 15, who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957–1958. Little Rock Nine reunites Speach and Davis, whose collaboration began in 1987 with Telepathy: Poetry/Music Suite. Speach’s post-minimalistic jazz punctuates Davis’ considerable literary depth. As a presenter, Speach has commissioned, premiered, and presented a host of contemporary composers of multi-genre idioms. As a seasoned improviser, she has performed with her husband, guitarist/composer Jeffrey Schanzer, and many others. As a pianist, she is regarded for her interpretations of the keyboard repertoire of John Cage, including In a Landscape and pieces for toy piano.
OPERA America/Opera.ca Grants Awarded
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| GRANT NAME | YEAR | Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants | 2023 |
There are no productions for this artist in the Season Schedule of Performances which currently only dates back to 1991.
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Artist Information
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