SAN DIEGO — Hershey Felder will close the year with another of his unique one-man, concert-dramas, this time revisiting “Our Great Tchaikowsky,” to be streamed from Florence, Italy at 5 p.m. PDT, December 20..
I saw live performances of this work on two occasions, the last in 2017, under the auspices of the San Diego Repertory Theatre.
I recall Felder telling of an invitation to perform the work in Russia. However, since the play references Tchaikowsky’s homosexuality, Felder, has, as yet, not brought the work to Tchaikowsky’s homeland, given that government’s political homophobia.
Tchaikowsky, during his travels, spent time in Florence, Italy, as is attested by one of his charming chamber works, Souvenir de Florence. The revised version of “Our Great Tchaikowsky” will include scenes from that Italian city and will also feature an extended focus on the composer’s ballet, The Nutcracker, given its appropriateness for the holiday season. Among the other musical selections included in the concert-drama will be melodies from the ballets, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, as well as excerpts from The 1812 Overture, Marche Slav and the Pathetique Symphony.
During this pandemic period, Felder has streamed revisions of several of his most beloved composer dramas. In July, he did Beethoven; in August, George Gershwin Alone; in November, Debussy: A Paris Love Story; and now, in December, his portrayal of the great 19th century Russian composer, Peter Ilych Tchaikowsky. Felder’s prodigious talents as both a consummate actor and a concert artist are much to be admired. His ability to perform all this repertoire over such a short time span is truly awesome. Felder’s productions help benefit US arts organizations such as our own San Diego Repertory Theatre.
Tickets are $55 per household and may be purchased at sdrep.org or via 619-544-1000.
*
Eileen Wingard, a retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony, is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com