Composer and Navona Records artist Joseph Summer is known for his prolific Shakespeare Concerts series, in which he curates albums of his own compositions and works of other artists that showcase a different aspect of the Bard’s work. Now, he has announced the latest, and arguably greatest, of his Shakespeare Concerts releases: HAMLET, an opera performance of the Shakespeare play, to be recorded and receive its world premiere performance.
HAMLET will receive its world premiere performance in Ruse, Bulgaria, also known as “Little Vienna” for its refined, Viennese-esque architecture, in May 2021. The premiere will be accompanied by a reprise performance and open dress rehearsal. Following the fully staged performances at Ruse Opera House under the baton of David Angus, as part of the State Opera Ruse’s regular season, HAMLET will be recorded for release as a three-album set by PARMA Recordings. The album’s anticipated release is in winter of 2021.
The production is a collaboration between the State Opera Ruse, PARMA, and The Shakespeare Concerts, and is made possible through the generous support of the Mattina R. Proctor Foundation.