Based on the novel by Pulitzer and Nobel-Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, the opera tells the story of two migrant farm laborers moving from place to place in California’s Central Valley looking for work during the Great Depression. Written in 1969 by renowned American composer Carlisle Floyd, the opera features folk song references, open harmonies and poignant melodies. Written at a time when most composers were deeply entrenched in the experimentalism of the avant garde, Floyd’s music bucks the trend and provides the listener with such tonal and lyric music that the piece has been referred to as one of the first American verismo operas in the repertoire. The performance of this opera will accompany an exhibit exploring the history of migrant workers and the growth of agriculture in the Central Valley during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Music and Libretto by Carlisle Floyd (b. 1926) Based on the novel by John Steinbeck (1902-68) Sung in English with English surtitles Conducted by Ryan Murray
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