top of page
Writer's pictureBetsy von Atzigen

Opera through the eyes of a painter

Updated: Sep 1, 2021

When words fall short to

portray one humble and

celebrated in cultured arts,

landscaped canvasses caress

sopranos, tenors resonate –

breathing new life

to art and theatre.


Poem & text by Betsy von Atzigen, Switzerland

Music by PIETRO MASCAGNI, Art by LOLITA VALDERRAMA SAVAGE

Photos by artist Lolita Valderrama Savage and Teatro Grattacielo NY, USA


Tableaux of Amico Fritz


Filipino-American international artist Lolita Valderrama Savage, lover and painter of nature and valued Roots & Wings patron, presents a unique art project combining her painted landscapes with Pietro Mascagni’s opera "L'Amico Fritz." Lolita’s artworks usher singular harmony and calmness in nature, allowing all to come to terms with today’s chaotic world.


AUTUMN ARRIVES

Lolita Valderrama Savage

Oil -on -canvas, 40x40 inches

From a private collection, courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Aureo Sales, New York USA


“I am very happy to be presenting opera through the eyes of a celebrated painter such as Lolita Valderrama Savage. I have always believed in the excitement of interdisciplinary arts as a way of reaching out new audience while providing youth with the opportunity to get familiar with operatic traditions and painting.” Stefanos Koroneos, General and Artistic Director of Teatro Grattacielo, tells OperaWire.


Watch Teatro Grattacielo, professional member of Opera America and Camerata Bardi Vocal Academy’s unique collaboration with artist Lolita Valderrama Savage on “Tableaux of Amico Fritz.” It was first performed at Teatro Costanzi in Rome in 1891. Fast forward to 2021, Teatro Grattacielo of New York City brings it back to life on stage, on stream. The impressive diversity of talents set to perform in this opera moves art enthusiasts into a new world.


THE JOY OF SPRING

Lolita Valderrama Savage

Oil on canvas, 20x24 inches, from the artist’s private collection


Engage in Lolita’s artwork and revel in her talent and flair, beginning from her very first international group exhibit at the Palazzo Strozzi in 1975. Since then, she has toured her work throughout the world. Lolita is a Fine Arts graduate of the Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas, Manila with a Licenza in Pittura from the Accademeia di Belle Arte in Florence. She attributes her artistic learning and discipline to Prof Silvio Loffredo of the Accademia and her former Swedish mentor, the late Staffan Hallstrom. Lolita paints and resides both in Connecticut and Tuscany, married to Frank Savage, and mother to Fredrik Antoine, Grace Erlinda, and Frank Alexander.


“Teatro Grattacielo was founded to promote the performances of those works in the operatic repertoire that are rarely heard in the United States. Through performances at Alice Tully Hall and other venues, educational outreach and informal lecture concerts, Teatro Grattacielo provides emerging artists and music lovers with the opportunity to become familiar with lesser-known repertoire and performance styles, thus promoting the expansion and appreciation of operatic traditions with an eye on innovation and multi-media arts.” grattacielo.org/about/mission-statement

THE HARVEST

Lolita Valderrama Savage

Oil on canvas, 16x20 inches,

From a private collection, courtesy of Ms. Chiara Bullo. Florence, Italy


The showcase is filmed at Latea Theatre in New York City on August 25, 2021 and features a reduced version of the Mascagni scored as conducted by Felipe Tristan. Malena Dayen and Stefanos Koroneos direct the production. The “Tableaux” stars consist of Stephanie Lorentz, Pedro Sequera, Hyunsoon Kim, Athena Cristine Palombi, David Santiago, Rick Agster, and Kiena Williams.


MERCATALE

Lolita Valderrama Savage

Oil on canvas, 40x40 inches

From a private collection, courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Larry Morse



ELEMENTS

Lolita Valderrama Savage

Oil on canvas, 40x40 inches, from the artist’s private collection


TEATRO GRATTACIELO | "L'AMICO FRITZ" BY MASCAGNI | FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 | 8:30 PM


PHOENICIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE VOICE "PAGLIACCI" | BY LEONCAVELLO


PIETRO MASCAGNI | L’AMICO FRITZ | NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | ELLEN STEWART THEATER


Watch it Streamed Online beginning in September 2021 | For tickets, visit: www.grattacielo.org | Visit the artist www.lolitavs.com



Comments


bottom of page