Teddy Conducts Der Kaiser Von Atlantis

Teddy Abrams, conductor
Ryan McKinney, Death
Dylon Crain, Harlequin
Emmett O’Hanlon, Der Kaiser
Erin Wagner, Drummer
Andrew Bearden Brown, Soldier
Emily Albrink, Bubikopf

The Emperor of Atlantis wedges everything you would want from an opera into one uproarious hour: larger-than-life characters, gut-wrenching emotions, sharp-edged humor, ear-friendly tunes, and a heartwarming message to embrace life, no matter the circumstances. Like a diamond that forms when ordinary carbon is subjected to intense pressure, this theatrical marvel was miraculously created inside the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where the Czech-Jewish composer Viktor Ullmann was imprisoned before being sent to his death at Auschwitz. Paired with music by Creator Corps composer Brittany Green, this program continues the Louisville Orchestra’s “Journeys of Faith,” probing intersections of Black and Jewish cultures.

Why This Concert Matters

Der Kaiser von Atlantis is more than a performance; it is a profound connection to history, resilience, and the Louisville Orchestra’s own legacy. Composed by Viktor Ullmann during his imprisonment in the Terezín concentration camp, this work serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of art to endure even in the darkest times.

This performance holds special significance for the Louisville Orchestra through our relationship with Paul Kling, a Holocaust survivor and remarkable violinist. At just 14 years old, Kling was slated to perform Der Kaiser von Atlantis in Terezín before escaping to freedom. He later became the Louisville Orchestra’s concertmaster, contributing his artistry and leadership to our community throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His story bridges the gap between historical memory and the Orchestra’s commitment to preserving and elevating meaningful works.

As we approach Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2025, this concert offers an opportunity to honor the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on the lessons of the past. It reminds us of music’s power to inspire hope and foster understanding, carrying forward a legacy of remembrance and resilience. For the Louisville Orchestra, this performance is not only a tribute but a continuation of our mission to connect history, culture, and community through music.

Program

Brittany green – Thread and pull

Thread and Pull explores concepts of restraint, constraint, dissension, and freedom. Recurring melodic and aleatoric figures move throughout the ensemble, halted by driving rhythmic motives before breaking free at the end of the piece. Thread and Pull is a reflection on the complications and contradictions marginalized people must navigate this imperialist, white supremacist, capitalist, patriarchal society. The piece utilizes text from Ghazal 1419 by Jalāl al-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (public domain). Thread and Pull was commissioned in 2022 by Fifth House Ensemble and the Fresh Inc. Festival.

Viktor Ullmann – Der Kaiser von Atlantis

• Emperor
• The Loudspeaker
• Death
• Harlequin/A Soldier
• The Girl with Bobbed Hair/A Soldier
• The Drummer

Step into the world of this poignant and thought-provoking opera that explores the themes of power, mortality, and the human spirit. Der Kaiser von Atlantis is a powerful allegory that resonates deeply with our times, and this performance promises to be a stirring rendition under the masterful direction of Teddy Abrams.

Join us for this operatic journey where the Louisville Orchestra, led by Teddy Abrams, brings to life the drama and emotion of these exceptional works. Secure your tickets now for an evening that will immerse you in the world of opera, music, and storytelling at its finest.

Special thanks to our series sponsor, the Brown-Forman Foundation

With significant support from 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville,
Jewish Heritage Foundation, and Paul & Viki Diaz