Mozart's Don Giovanni - a rock opera Creative Team

Creative Member Image
Composer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791) Recognized for his musical brilliance from a young age, Mozart composed symphonies by the tender age of eight, embarking on a European tour as a child prodigy. His ability to weave melody, harmony, and emotion together set him apart as a prolific and enduring figure in the classical music landscape. A significant chapter in Mozart's career unfolded through his collaboration with the Italian poet and clergyman Lorenzo Da Ponte. Together, they created three groundbreaking operas: "Le nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro), "Don Giovanni," and "Così fan tutte." These operas are celebrated for their timeless themes and the seamless integration of Mozart's exquisite music with Da Ponte's insightful librettos. "Le nozze di Figaro" explores themes of love, betrayal, and class struggle with a clever and socially astute narrative. Mozart and Da Ponte's collaboration continued with the dark and dramatic "Don Giovanni," which delves into the complexities of morality and consequences. Their final joint effort, "Così fan tutte," humorously and insightfully examines the unpredictability of romantic relationships. In partnership, Mozart and Da Ponte created operatic masterpieces that, despite their adult themes, continue to captivate audiences with their profound insights into the human condition.
Creative Member Image
Original Italian Librettist
Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749 - 1838)
Lorenzo Da Ponte, born on March 10, 1749, in Ceneda, a town in the Republic of Venice, was an esteemed Italian poet and clergyman whose artistic collaboration with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Da Ponte's life spanned a tumultuous period in European history, witnessing the fall of the Venetian Republic and the rise of the Napoleonic era. Da Ponte's journey led him to the vibrant cultural hubs of Venice and Vienna, where he eventually crossed paths with Mozart. Their partnership resulted in three groundbreaking operas: "Le nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro), "Don Giovanni," and "Così fan tutte." These collaborations showcased Da Ponte's exceptional skill in crafting librettos that seamlessly complement Mozart's musical genius. In "Le nozze di Figaro," Da Ponte's wit and insight into societal nuances created a narrative that resonated with audiences, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and class dynamics. The dark and morally complex "Don Giovanni" showcased Da Ponte's ability to delve into profound philosophical questions through his poetic storytelling. Their final collaboration, "Così fan tutte," added a touch of humor to the exploration of the unpredictable nature of romantic relationships. Da Ponte's life extended beyond his collaboration with Mozart, encompassing a diverse range of experiences, including emigration to the United States and involvement in academic pursuits. His legacy transcends time, characterized by his contribution to the art of opera and his enduring partnership with one of the greatest musical minds in history.
Creative Member Image
Librettist (English Version), Musical Arrangements/Orchestrations
Adam B. Levowitz
Adam Levowitz, a seasoned composer, producer, music director, and arranger, brings nearly 40 years of experience to the world of music and libretto. His expertise extends across diverse musical compositions, production, and orchestration. Levowitz's musical journey spans instrumental and choral commissions, Broadway productions, and the creation of the Adam Levowitz Rock Orchestra. As the founder, director, and keyboard player of the orchestra, he curates all musical arrangements for the ongoing "Soundtracks Live In Concert" Series, showcasing his talent in crafting captivating musical narratives. Proudly serving in the United States Army as the chief arranger for the 257th Army Band, "The Band of the Nation’s Capital," Levowitz had the privilege of performing for President Barack Obama and the first lady during the 2009 inaugural ball. His significant contributions include writing the official song for the Walter Reed Army Hospital, premiering at the institution's 100-year anniversary celebration. Levowitz, an E4 Specialist at the time, received public honors from the secretary of defense and the surgeon general of the United States, with the Army Achievement Medal. Before making his mark in New York, Levowitz served as the artistic and music director for the Katy Performing Arts Society in Texas, exemplifying his dedication to the arts. His diverse body of work includes leading the 257th Army Band, showcasing his musical prowess for the nation's leaders.
Creative Member Image
Dramaturge
Amanda Faye Martin
AMANDA FAYE MARTIN is an American dramaturg and playwright who specializes in musical theatre, new play development, and devised theatre. She holds a BA from Kenyon College (Gambier, OH), and an MFA in Dramaturgy from the A.R.T./MXAT Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). Since 2017, she has taught Playwriting and Dramaturgy at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, but continues to work as a dramaturg and writer in the United States. Amanda has worked at several regional theatres in the United States as a dramaturg, including the Goodman Theatre (Chicago, IL) and the American Repertory Theatre (Cambridge, MA). She also served as the resident dramaturg of Liars & Believers in Cambridge, MA. Favorite dramaturgy projects include the pre-Broadway development run of the musical Waitress (American Repertory Theatre, Cambridge, MA), Who Would Be King (Oberon, Cambridge, MA, and Ars Nova, New York, NY), and Death Wish (NYC & international tour). Most recently, she dramaturged The Writing on the Stall for performer Caitlin Cook’s Off-Broadway run at the Soho Playhouse. Amanda’s plays have been performed in the United States, New Zealand, and the UK. She has written scripts for devised theatre projects (Lessons from Lenny Bruce - Brandeis University; The Anderson Localisation Project - Afterburner Productions; $19.95 - University of Otago) and commissioned adaptations (Little Bits of Light – Hampstead Stage Company, Beauty and the Beast – Hampstead Stage Company). Her newest full-length The Firebird recently had a staged reading with Theatre (Untitled) in NYC, and her short play Things Keep Changing & It’s Time to Die was performed by Beardance Theatre in the UK. Overall, Amanda is most interested in theatre that is collaborative (with other artists and art forms), experimental in form, and engaged with public life.
Light Designer, Production Manager
Ari Conkright