John Adams

Adams' terse score was inspired after the composer emerged from an assignment conducting the Magic Flute, and the result combines Mozart's ebullient pace with elements of Adams' signature collaborations with director Peter Sellers (most famously Nixon In China): uncomplicated, arching harmonic grace and accessible modern textures. The story tells of Kumudha, a poor, beautiful maiden who has the mystical ability to transform herself into a blossoming tree and becomes entangled with a prince. Jessica Rivera's performance defines the role of Kumudha.