Key Points
- Floyd spent 30 years on FSU’s music faculty, composing his first nine operas at the university, including his acclaimed work “Susannah,” which premiered in 1955.
- The production features FSU student singers and instrumentalists and is part of a national collaboration with three major opera companies.
Florida State University’s College of Music will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed American opera composer Carlisle Floyd with two performances of his opera “Of Mice and Men” on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
The production is part of a national celebration honoring Floyd (1926-2021), who spent 30 years on the FSU music faculty. Floyd joined the university in 1947 at age 21 and composed his first nine operas while at FSU, including his best-known work, “Susannah,” which premiered at Ruby Diamond in 1955. New York City Opera presented “Susannah” the following year, bringing national attention to the young composer and helping establish him as one of the most influential figures in American opera.
FSU is presenting “Of Mice and Men” as a co-production with Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Des Moines Metro Opera as part of the Carlisle Floyd Centennial project.
Based on John Steinbeck’s classic novella, “Of Mice and Men” tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant farmworkers pursuing their dreams of a better life during the Great Depression. Floyd’s opera, which premiered at Seattle Opera in 1970, explores friendship, loyalty and the struggles of ordinary Americans.
“‘Of Mice and Men’ may be Carlisle Floyd’s best opera,” said visiting stage director Kristine McIntyre. “Floyd doesn’t romanticize the story, nor does he pull any punches. The tragedy hits hard, but it’s also an opera filled with joy and hope.”
FSU student singers and instrumentalists will bring the production to life under the musical direction of Bernard McDonald, director of opera activities at the College of Music.
McIntyre leads a creative team that includes scenic and projection designer Luke Cantarella, lighting designer Kate Ashton and costume designer Kara Harmon. The production draws inspiration from documentary photography of 20th-century America, including the work of Dorothea Lange.
Cantarella traveled to California’s Steinbeck country to capture original video footage for the production. The projections help establish the historical setting while allowing audiences to experience parts of the story through Lennie’s perspective.
For FSU, the production also honors a composer whose career helped shape the university’s musical legacy.
“Carlisle Floyd changed the world of opera, and in turn the idiom of American opera would never be the same,” said M. Todd Queen, dean of the College of Music. “It is a privilege to connect his past to our present here in Tallahassee where we still deeply miss this musical and soulful genius.”
“Of Mice and Men” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Preconcert lectures will take place one hour before each performance in Westcott 060.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and non-FSU students, and $10 for FSU students with ID. Tickets are available through the Fine Arts Ticket Office or online at tickets.music.fsu.edu.