Some of you might know that I’ve had a life-long interest in opera and classical music in general. My adaptations of Gilbert and Sullivan have been performed in several places here in New England, and they are available for future productions, as well. Just contact me.
Recently several videos from my collaboration with arranger John Dreslin on the first Gilbert and Sullivan opera, Thespis, have made it to Youtube. You can find them here:
Thespis: “Climbing Over Rocky Mountain.”
Thespis: “Little Maid of Arcadee.”
Thespis: “You’re Diana, I’m Apollo.”
I’m hoping more from other productions will be forthcoming.
dog better looking than author. hello to scott.
I’m producing The Sorcerer for the MIT Gilbert and Sullivan Players this fall. We’re contemplating restoring Lady Sangazure’s ballad, and wondered whether your arrangement based on the lancers tune is available.
Dear Matthew,
Sorry for delay in replying. I’m teaching summer school at Bread Loaf School of English in Vermont mountains and only just saw your note. I’d be delighted for you to use the Sangazure song I arranged from the lancers. It would need to be orchestrated, something beyond my capacity. The lancers took the tune from the accompaniment to Ring forth, ye bells, but at a slower tempo it works nicely. The late Ric Wilson and I investigated the sole surviving orchestra parts (I think it was violas) and found it wouldn’t fit, despite the lancers labeling the tune Lady Sangazure. I won’t have access to my piano/vocal score till I return to Rockport by Labor Day, but I’d love to send it to you then. You can leave a message for me here at 802-443-2700 if you like and I could call you back. I have no direct line and no cell service in mountains (and I’m slow to check the blog–I’m amazed you found me that way). Leave me your phone number. My home phone is 978-546-6176 and address is 7 Henderson Court, Rockport MA 01966. Mail gets forwarded up here. Thanks,
Jonathan Strong
Hi Jonathan—I’m hoping you are the Jonathan Strong who was a Fellow with me at Breadloaf, many many years ago? I do hope you’ll get in touch with me through my website: http://www.wendy-watson.com/ —p.s. I’m also an opera and classical music buff—am going to look at the Youtube videos of your adaptations now—
Hello,
I am with a group who occassionly do Gilbert and Sullivan. I would like to mount a production of Thespis sometime.There are several versions including the latest one by Baker/Henty. Yours looks interesting from the uTube clips.I would be curious about your choice of music.Do you have a recording. We have performed at Buxton International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in England 3 times and won the International Trophy each time.Thanks. Aidan Faughey ( Ireland )
…from much, much later on to way, way back when.