New CD Features Thematic Collection of Ricky Ian Gordon's Songs Performed by Soprano Stacey Tappan

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A new CD from Blue Griffin features Ricky Ian Gordon's songs compiled to tell a story of life and love. Performed by acclaimed soprano Stacey Tappan in collaboration with the composer himself, the albums marks Tappan's first solo CD.

January 4, 2013 - (PressReleasePoint) - A new recording features acclaimed soprano Stacey Tappan and renowned composer Ricky Ian Gordon at the piano, as they present a special collection of the composer’s songs, purposefully woven together to tell a chronological story of a woman’s life.  This special album takes the listener on a fascinating journey -- childhood, growing up, falling in love, heartbreak, grieving the death of a loved one, and moving on -- all told through Gordon’s masterful settings of poetry (including his own) to music.  The songs are interpreted by a brilliant young soprano whose voice has been rapidly gaining recognition since her debut with the Houston Grand Opera as Beth in Little Women.

The project started when Tappan and Gordon first met while working on a workshop production of his opera, Morning Star, at Lyric Opera of Chicago.  This lead to a collaborative recital at the Chicago Cultural Center, and the birth of "Once I Was" – a life story told in song.  A labor of love, Tappan and Gordon’s collaboration in creating this musical journey culminated in this special recording, which marks a first solo album for Stacey Tappan.  On selected tracks, she is joined by clarinetist Caroline Hartig, performing parts added by Gordon especially for this project. 

Proclaimed a “rising star,” Tappan’s milestone appearances include the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl (including the DVD release of The Birdsas Wren); the Ravinia Festival; the Lyric Opera of Chicago; as well as the San Francisco, Glyndebourne, Lille, Dijon, and Bangkok opera houses; among numerous others.  Ricky Ian Gordon has long been considered a house-hold name for music-lovers and a leading American composer of vocal music.  

The album was recorded at Blue Griffin’s Studio The Ballroom, produced and engineered by Sergei Kvitko, and is available at www.BlueGriffin.com, as well as other online and physical retail outlets.



Classical Music, Arts, Brooklyn