Programs
Leslie Burrs has developed a variety of programs which have been successfully performed in concert halls and schools around the country. Below is a description of these concerts, ranging from small ensemble to full orchestra to fully staged opera.
The opera, orchestra and chamber music programs presented by Leslie Burrs are ideal for concert series that express an interest or emphasis on American music, contemporary music, African-American contributions, or have a desire to develop a broader based community audience.
For more information about any of these programs, or to arrange a performance for your concert event, please contact: Leslie Burrs.
The opera, orchestra and chamber music programs presented by Leslie Burrs are ideal for concert series that express an interest or emphasis on American music, contemporary music, African-American contributions, or have a desire to develop a broader based community audience.
For more information about any of these programs, or to arrange a performance for your concert event, please contact: Leslie Burrs.
Opera:
Vanqui
Portrait of a Nude Woman as Cleopatra
Transitions: Sung Stories
Vanqui "The quintessential American Opera." has won the acclaim of the opera community from the rural
mid-west to The Sorbonne in Paris, France. The libretto is written by America’s premier
poet/author and American Book Award recipient, John A. Williams.
Portrait of a Nude Woman as Cleopatra is a groundbreaking contemporary jazz opera depicting “A Dialogue of Sensuality” based on the poetry of world renowned poet, sculptor and author Barbara Chase-Riboud.
Transitions: Sung Stories is the story of 20th century America, told through the eyes of working class Philadelphians drawn from locations as different as Virginia, Haiti and Poland… all with the same purpose in mind: a better life. The libretto is written by Barrymore Award winning playwright Jules Tasca.
Each of these operas can be performed as a full production or in a multimedia concert version. For more information about these works, reviews and performance benefits, please click here.
Portrait of a Nude Woman as Cleopatra is a groundbreaking contemporary jazz opera depicting “A Dialogue of Sensuality” based on the poetry of world renowned poet, sculptor and author Barbara Chase-Riboud.
Transitions: Sung Stories is the story of 20th century America, told through the eyes of working class Philadelphians drawn from locations as different as Virginia, Haiti and Poland… all with the same purpose in mind: a better life. The libretto is written by Barrymore Award winning playwright Jules Tasca.
Each of these operas can be performed as a full production or in a multimedia concert version. For more information about these works, reviews and performance benefits, please click here.
Orchestra Programs
These original orchestral works by Leslie Burrs incorporate
classical, contemporary and African-American music idioms Mr. Burrs defines as URBAN CLASSICAL MUSIC.
For more information about Leslie Burrs' orchestral programs, please click here.
For more information about Leslie Burrs' orchestral programs, please click here.
Chamber Music Program
This program is a complete set of original compositions by
Leslie Burrs scored for varying combinations of strings, woodwinds, piano,
harp, voice, flutes and bamboo flutes.
Solo Flute Performances
This presentation is for students ranging in age from
elementary school to college. These "informances" are educational and
entertaining with an emphasis on audience interaction. The informances are
slightly altered to accommodate the need and interest of the specific age
groups. This program is also well-suited for adult audiences and general
population.
Flute and Piano Recital
This performance generates an intimate atmosphere, evoking
the aesthetics and traditions of a classical recital with an emphasis on
contemporary concepts.
CHAKABA
Chakaba is the Urban Classical Music
ensemble created by flutist/composer Leslie Burrs. Urban Classical Music
incorporates African-American, classical and contemporary music idioms.
Chakaba's performances reveal the mystical richness of their instruments, while
capturing the vast spectrum of world music.
The core ensemble (flute and bamboo flutes, piano, bass, and percussion) may incorporate string quartet, chorus and/or orchestra, or be further expanded to include dancers, narrator and screen projected images.
For performance options and perspectives on CHAKABA, click here.
The core ensemble (flute and bamboo flutes, piano, bass, and percussion) may incorporate string quartet, chorus and/or orchestra, or be further expanded to include dancers, narrator and screen projected images.
For performance options and perspectives on CHAKABA, click here.
Special Events Project
An Artist-in-Residence program could involve a college or
university music department's chorus, student instrumentalists and the CHAKABA
ensemble. This program enables the students to work closely with artists who
have obtained international stature and recognition of their abilities. These
works have been performed by a number of colleges and school districts.
For more information about Leslie Burrs' Artist-in-Residence programs, please click here.
For more information about Leslie Burrs' Artist-in-Residence programs, please click here.