LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ Zeesman Communications) - The
Israel Cancer Research Fund (https://www.icrfla.org) today announced the West Coast Premiere of "The Long Bright," composed by
Andrea Clearfield, with text by
David Wolman, a cantata that serves as a tribute to the memory of David's late wife, Anni Baker Wolman, who, after a courageous battle, succumbed to cancer at the age of 55. The performance will take place on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Royce Hall, UCLA. The Concert is a collaborative effort between the
Israel Cancer Research Fund, and the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony. "The Long Bright" features Israeli-born, Grammy award-winning soprano Hila Plitmann and Kol Isha, an intergenerational/interfaith women's choir. Mandy Wolman, the daughter of Anni, will perform a violin solo.
"'The Long Bright' is a wonderful gift that honors the life of Anni Baker Wolman, provides inspiration to all who are fortunate enough to experience its power, and, through this West Coast premiere, enables ICRF to continue funding critical research," said Barbara Lazaroff, chair of the event.
Added ICRF Executive Director Mitch Orlik, "ICRF is unique in that every dollar awarded goes directly to scientists at Israel's top biomedical research centers solely to fund their work. Our awards are made strictly on the basis of scientific merit and the ability of the individual scientist to make a significant impact in the search for new treatments and cures for cancers."
A wide range of sponsorship packages are available starting at $500 that include pre- and post-receptions, front/center seats, full- and half-page ads and messages in the tribute book, and preferred parking. For information on these sponsorships contact the ICRF office at 323.651.1200. General Admission seating begins at $18 and can be purchased through TicketMaster, the Royce Hall Box Office or by visiting the ICRF web site. For information, visit www.longbright.org.
"The Long Bright" is a cantata that was awarded the 2005 Theodore Front Prize for Chamber and Orchestral Music from the International Alliance of Women in Music. This very special hour-long musical and vocal performance is a result of the collaboration between the acclaimed composer Dr. Andrea Clearfield and poet and writer David Wolman. The lyrics for this powerful performance are taken from the poetry lovingly penned by author and playwright David Wolman during the five years between his wife's diagnosis and her death from breast cancer. His wife, Anni Baker Wolman, was an acclaimed coloratura soprano, Broadway singer and a strong supporter of contemporary vocal music.
Mr. Wolman commissioned Dr. Clearfield to set the words to music in an effort to share hope, as reflected in the name, "The Long Bright." The title may be perceived as the white light at the end of the tunnel of dying, the long but bright hope for a cure and the fierce brightness of our lives - the white light of each person's soul - within which, as the color white contains all colors, everyone can feel deeply all things. For additional program notes, visit https://www.andreaclearfield.com/works/choral/the-long-bright/.
The evening will begin with a brief video introduction highlighting the work made possible by grants from the Israel Cancer Research Fund, followed by a performance of "Prayer," featuring Grammy-award winning soprano Hila Plitmann and violinist Mandy Wolman, daughter of Anni Baker Wolman who inspired "The Long Bright." Dr. Noreen Green, conductor and artistic director of the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, will provide a glimpse into the inspirational story and lives of Anni Baker Wolman and David Wolman. Ms. Plitmann will perform the cantata accompanied by the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.
