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AND THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY
AND THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY
Libretto by Raoul Cansino and Anthony Newman
The work is dedicated to the memory of Nicole Brown Simpson, and written as a statement against the spousal abuse of women. From the mountain of trial transcripts, as well as books and articles written about Nicole and O.J. Simpson, Raoul Cansino and I have written a libretto in 2 acts: the first tragic, the second comic. The individual songs are introduced by a speaker / reciter, accompanied by timpani, much in the manner of Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex.
The recording presents a chamber version of this work, with the trial scene curtailed to accomodate the time constraints of a single CD.
Profits from the sale of this recording will go to Women's Crisis Centers across the United States.
1. Introduction and 911 call
2. Speaker: O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown meet…
THERE'S A MAN WATCHING ME
NICOLE - Susan Lewis 4:11
3. Speaker: Nicole and O.J. get married on February 2, 1985…
DIRECTOR - David Ossenfort 3:49
4. Speaker: Their relationship deteriorates quickly…
NICOLE - Susan Lewis 4:36
5. Speaker: Nicole is terrified by Simpson…
NICOLE - Susan Lewis 2:55
6. Speaker: Simpson, always in his own world…
MEN'S CHORUS, David Ossenfort 3:41
7. 911 Call: “What is he doing ? Is he threatening you ?”…
O.J. - Paul Houghtaling 2:18
NICOLE - Melissa Fathman 5:18
9. Speaker: After her daughter's dance recital…
RONALD GOLDMAN - David Ossenfort 2:58
10. Speaker: That evening at 10:15 pm, Nicole is savagely murdered…
11. Speaker: Before Nicole is buried…
O.J. - Paul Houghtaling 3:52
12. Speaker: Nicole's funeral takes place at St. Martin's…
13. Speaker: The evidence, particularly the blood evidence,….
MEN'S CHORUS, Dan Pincus, soloist
14. Speaker: Simpson, now in jail, in his mind addresses his mother.
15. Speaker: There seems to be no other news on the TV than the Nicole story…
CONNIE CHUNG - Amy Butler 1:40
16. THE LETTER - Mark Heller 2:39
17. Speaker: In a state of mental torture, O.J. recalls his relationship with Nicole.
O.J. - Joel Frederickson 3:54
18. Speaker: The trial begins with Judge Lance Ito's grand entrance into
19. Speaker: Marcia Clark, the prosecutor, and Johnnie Cochran,…
COCHRAN - David Ossenfort 3:28
20. Speaker: The State calls Rosa Lopez to the stand.
ROSA LOPEZ ARIA - Amy Butler
QUESTIONER - David Ossenfort 3:45
21. Speaker: The State calls Dennis Fung to the stand.
MR FUNG - David Ossenfort 2:32
22. Speaker: Then comes the verdict, “not guilty”!…
COMMENTATOR - Stephen Tharp 3:02
23. Speaker: Despite the “not guilty verdict”,…
Total Playing Time: 78:55
Nicole Brown Simpson: Melissa Fathman, Malinda Haslett, Susan Lewis
O.J. Simpson: Joel Frederickson, Paul Houghtaling
Kato the Dog & Robert Kardarshian: Mark Heller
Director, Ronald Goldman & Dennis Fung: David Ossenfort
Rosa Lopez & Connie Chung: Amy Butler
Barry Scheck & Commentator: Stephen Tharp
Men's Chorus: Dan Pincus, Paul Houghtaling, Scott Schiffer, Lee Winston
Violin: Cal Wiersma, Debbie Finkel, Joel Pichon
Flute: Angela Frattoro Kelly, Jane Shelley
Clarinet, Sax: Jim McElwaine
Trumpet: Tom Hoyt, Tom Verchot
Timpani, Percussion: Seth McConnell
Piano, Organ, Harpsichord: Anthony Newman
Conductors: Anthony Newman, Mary Jane Newman
Engineers: John Montagnese, Stephen Epstein
Digital Mastering: Andy Katz @ The Carriage House
Producer: Mary Jane Newman
Assistant Producer: Stephen Tharp
Executive Producer: Joachim Becker, Becker Classics
Recorded at: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Bedford, NY; SUNY Purchase College of Music, Purchase, NY; and The Carriage House, Stamford, CT in June, 1999
Music score and libretto published by:
T.D. Ellis Music Publishing
I wish to thank Christine Newman-Gelles for her generous support of this project.
1 Introduction and 911 call
This is the story of the Trial of the Century. Nicole, the trial, O.J. Simpson, Nicole Brown Simpson.
Nicole: Can you send somebody over here now? To 325 Gretna Green. He's back. Please!
Operator: OK. What does he look like?
Nicole: He's O.J. Simpson. I think you know his record!
Who's the killer? A dog who saw it, Kato, saw it, but cannot speak. How he howled when he witnessed: That bleeding head so wounded, stabbed and beaten, cut and dying. Speak! The people charge O.J. Simpson with murder in the first degree. How do you plead, how do you plead O.J. Simpson? Innocent? Guilty? Speak! Not guilty!
2 Speaker: O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown meet for the first time at Daisy's Restaurant in Beverly Hills, in June of 1977. They are instantly attracted to each other, becoming lovers right away.
THERE'S A MAN WATCHING ME
There's a man watching me. He's been joking, playing it cool. He's been watching me. I sass him back. I may be young but I'm not a fool. He winks at me. He's seen through me. I am smoldering hot. He's been watching me play, play with his smile. Oh, what shall I do, what shall I do? My heart is pounding. I'm just trying to hold on. His eyes are burning me. I can't think for all the noise. He winks at me, touching my heart.
3 Speaker: Nicole and O.J. are married on February 2, 1985 in the back yard of his fashionable Beverly Hills home. To celebrate, O.J. commissions a 35 foot heart, with the words “O.J. loves Nicole” surrounded by fireworks, and topped with a lavish wedding cake.
That's me! That's me! I'm the prince of the head, that's me! Wonderful, fabulous, marvelous and wonderful, I'm the master, American hero. I'm the one. That's me! Yes, that's me! Thanks, but I owe it to this guy here. He's got his own moves. Get a load, it's still me! That's me! I'm O.J. Out of the way, I'm coming through, I'm breaking through. Watch out! Got all the moves.
DIRECTOR - David Ossenfort
It's your ball, it's yours! Simpson, you've still got all the moves. Simpson, you're master of the game. The prince of the head and the shoulder fake that won all your fame. Marvelous, fabulous and thanks, but I owe it to you O.J., what a guy, what a hero. Get a load, same old Juice! Simpson, you're the master, you're Simpson, you're O.J. You take the hand off, spin and look. You're in a trap, spin and look, to shut that gap. You stutter step and swivel. Watch the guy on the right. Dart through and through. If they dare to touch O.J., drive and smash and thrust, you do. You're the master, master of the game, Simpson. You're the master of the game, O.J. Simpson.
4 Speaker: Their relationship deteriorates quickly.
Once upon a time, I thought our love was true. Friends told us they could see that our love was true. Stars shined on us and followed us showering blessings. Children, there were children coming into our lives. When we first met it was like the moon and stars. He was so loving, so caring, I thought. We went all over the world. Oh bless those days, beaming with blessed love, beaming with holy love. What I would give to have those days back, days of lovely joy. Then came clouds of jealousy, looks of hate. Dark thoughts of rage, brooding anger and scorn. He called me names in front of our sweet children, ever worse. He became violent, raging at me, screaming, swearing, carrying on.
5 Speaker: Nicole is terrified by Simpson. She fears for her life and goes to a woman's shelter.
Then he beat me, slapped me until I passed out. He threw me, he hit me, even with his fists. Followed me everywhere I went, spied on me at my job, and beat me senseless, left me unconscious, oh, he'll be sorry, I'll get my revenge. And my children saw it. And my children heard his awful temper. Mama told me, Mama said, “Get out, get out, get away.” Papa told me, “Get away.” But I will escape, I will get out of here, for my children's sake. Send him right to jail. Watch out, I'll call 911. It's for my children. He will pay for this. It's for my children. Oh you will pay. Bastard! You will pay. I swear it on my grave.
6 Speaker: Simpson, always in his own world, recalls his football victories, and misses no opprtunity to play back video cassettes of his triumphs in the field.
MEN'S CHORUS, David Ossenfort
Take the hand off, you're in a trap, for looming up is Dick, to shut that elusive gap. You stutter step and swivel to shut that elusive gap. Above the murderous fray, dart through and then you're gone. O.J., play fast!
You'll leave them battered, bruised and torn choking on your dust. You'll drive and smash, you'll smash and thrust, you'll leave them bruised. You'll leave them battered, bruised and torn, you'll do it now. Dart through and then you're gone. If they dare to touch O.J., watch out! Play fast, play fast.
Operator: What is he doing? Is he threatening you?
We're through, we're finished. I can't talk to you. It's over. I can't, I won't. Don't call me that, I can't listen any more. Don't fly in tonight. We can't talk this over now, goodbye. We're through, we're finished.
I still love you. It's not over. Let's talk. We can make it go. Sweetheart, listen to me. Let me say something. I'll fly in tonight. We can talk this over. You can't do this. We can talk. I'll fly in tonight. Don't go, I'll change. We can talk this over.
Sorrow, a life of sorrow, with such abuse, denied abuse, oh help me bear up under this horror. Is this my fate, my life? Oh Father of love, is this my fate? Oh, to suffer silently, terribly. Since it can't be said, what of my children? They see it all. My life must change, I pray to God, I hope to God. Help me. Am I a prisoner of fate? Can't I escape? I'll pray for it, oh Lord. I've always prayed to You. You can help me overcome this. Help me, bless me. Can't we be like other couples, playing with our kids? Getting on from day to day, dealing with the stress of life. If it doesn't stop soon I will surely die from it. I'll become a better wife. He'll see it, he'll love me. It's all my fault. Help me to pray, help me to ask. I have no faith, I've lost it all. Vater Unser im Himmelreich, I used to pray. As a child, I used to pray the “Our Father, Thou art in heaven.” Momma taught me this prayer, Vater Unser im Himmelreich. Geheiligt sei Dein Name, Dein Reich komme. Momma taught me: Dein Wille geschehe, im Himmel… Is any of this true? Thy will be done. Sorrow, a life of sorrow. Is this your will? That I should suffer? As I forgive his sins against me. I'll try to pray. Amen.
9 Speaker: After her daughter's dance recital on June 12, 1994, Nicole goes with family and friends to dine at Mezzaluna Restaurant in Beverly Hills. There, her mother Juditha accidentally drops her glasses. Ronald Goldman finds them later. Goldman is a waiter, and a friend and confidant to Nicole. He calls Nicole and says he is on his way to return the glasses.
Hello, it's Nic, who's this? Hi Ron, what's new? It's good to hear your voice. What is it? Oh, where were they? You found them where? That's great. I've been looking. And were they bent? And were they broken? They were O.K., what a relief. They were her best ones. We got them on sale, such a bargain, such a deal. She can't see, can't drive. She really can't see a thing, bumps into doors. Be a good guy, come right now. Come right back, be great to help her see again. She really can't see a thing. I'm scared. He's around. I'm scared, can't be alone, afraid to go out, can't be alone right now. I really like him a lot. Maybe we could be lovers. He's warm and cute, so sexy and cute. I'd love to see him, what a sweetheart. What a guy. Please come now, come right now, don't hesitate.
Hello, it's Ron, it's Ron Goldman. Guess what? You'll never believe it. I found the glasses, aren't I good? I found them in the alley on the ground. I found them, they were O.K. 'Twas luck, your mom's best ones. They were on sale. They were a bargain, such a deal. She can't see, she really can't see a thing, bumps into doors. I'll come now to bring them back, be great to help her see again. She really can't see, not a thing. Can I come over to see you now? I'll come right now. I'll be there half past ten. I'm leaving right now. I'll come right now. I wonder if she really likes me? Maybe we could be lovers. She's warm and cute, so sexy and cute. I'd love to see her, what a doll. I'll come right now. I'll be right there.
10 Speaker: That same evening at 10:15 p.m., someone savagely murders Nicole. Her friend Ron Goldman unwittingly walks into the murder scene and is himself killed, undoubtedly trying to defend Nicole. The dog Kato is the only witness of the murder.
Ooo. Come nigh and harken to me. I'm a hound and make this mournful sound. I cannot tell what I've seen. Ooo. But a man I saw whose hand did hold a blade of steel. He rent and tore my mistress bloody. Ooo. Look upon my bloody paw. She lies in blood and speaks no more. The hand that stroked me, the hand that loved me, played and fed, bloody hand that's cold and dead. Ooo.
11 Speaker: Shortly before she is buried, Nicole is lying in state at the funeral home. Juditha asks Simpson point blank if he killed her. Simpson's reply is that he loved her, loved her too much. As the mourners gradually leave, Simpson hides in the shadows, then walks over to the casket.
You look so strange, Nicole, so formal and stiff. Where's the ring, where's the ring I gave you? Why is this collar up to your neck? Why is it stretched up so far? Over your throat, your pretty throat, your throat was always bare. What's wrong with your hair, it looks bad? It's not you. What a style, so Hollywood. So tasteless, what a style, so tasteless. Call 911, let's call the police. What went wrong, what went wrong? Did I abuse you? They say I beat you. They say I killed you. How could I kill you, yet there's proof against me? Proof against me that I killed you. Proof against me that I knifed you. Did I do it? Did I kill you? Am I lying to myself?
12 Speaker: The funeral takes place at St. Martin de Tours Church on June 16. Everyone is in a state of tension, since Simpson is there, and he is the major suspect in the murder. The priest asks all to pray the Lord's Prayer for her. A few of Nicole's mourners recall Nicole's saying the Our Father with her children at bedtime.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever amen. May the angels leads thee into Paradise . . .
13 Speaker: The evidence, especially the blood evidence, points more and more to Simpson, and the police issue a warrant for his arrest. His lawyer at that time, Robert Shapiro, says Simpson will come in on his own. Instead he flees in his Bronco, with Al Cowling driving South on the 405, apparently to the Mexican border.
MEN'S CHORUS, Dan Pincus, soloist
O.J. is a fugitive from justice. L.A.P.D. has issued an all points bulletin. In the warrant for his arrest for his connection with the murders of Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson!
Rumors and gossip, that's it, a report on T.V., we've come to see, to this bridge has brought us. They spoke of a gun, we've come to see. We've come to see a gun to his head, is he dead, is he?
It's O.J.! Man on the run, we hear, spoke of a gun, we heard, of a gun to his head. Rumors and gossip are put on T.V. We've even heard he's dead. Is he dead? We've heard that he is dead. We've come to see him. We've come to see. Rumor and gossip we have heard. Want to see, what will it be? Is he dead?
This is Charlie Taylor with a special report from Wilshire Boulevard. There is a bridge overlooking the San Diego Freeway. According to the news, the white Bronco comes this way. It is coming this way, O.J. comes this way!
See him live on the 405, it's him! Run this way, run with me, run this way! Live from L. A. News! See him live on the 405! He's coming our way now! Is he dead?
14 Speaker: Simpson, now in jail, in his mind addresses his mother.
Mama I'm scared. Mama I'm frightened. They're saying I did it. Pray for me Mama. I don't know why they took my blood. They even took my blood!
Courtoom audio / Marcia Clark : “What you have here is a trail of blood from Bundy Drive to Rockingham Avenue and into the defendant's very bedroom…”
Anything I say may be held against me. I'm scared, I'm frightened. I'm under arrest. Help me! Pray for me. It will be held against me, may be held against me in a court of law. I have the right to counsel.
You're under arrest for murder. You have the right to be silent. You have the right to counsel. Anything you say may be held against you in a court of law.
Courtroom audio: “And he grabbed the chair, and he dragged it into the corner of the auditorium, and he turned that chair around, just sat in it, and just sat there facing Nicole, and he just stared at her…”
16 Speaker: There seems to be no other news on TV than the O.J. and Nicole story. One newscaster, Connie Chung, interrupts the evening news.
CONNIE CHUNG - Amy Butler
We interrupt our coverage of the pursuit of O.J. Simpson. We're tracking the white car, the white Bronco of O.J. A special report, from the office of O.J.'s attorney. Robert Kardarshian, a good friend of the suspect reads a letter from Mister Simpson.
To whom it may concern. Let all understand that I had nothing to do with the death of Nicole, nothing to do with it. I loved her, how could I? I loved her. So why do I end up like this? No matter what the outcome, people will point. I loved her so much. I've had a good life and I'm proud how I lived. My Mama taught me, “Do unto others…” I can't go on, no matter the outcome, people point. Peace, peace and love.
8 Speaker: In a state of mental torture, Simpson recalls his relationship with Nicole.
Can you believe it? Can you believe what they say? They say I beat her. They say I stalked her. They say I spied on her. Stalked her and threatened her. Frightened her boyfriends, glared at them. Stared at them, frightened them, scared them. Made them wet their pants. Poor little boyfriends looking for sex, taking her out, looking up her skirt, going out to my and Nic's favorite restaurant. Did I follow her? Stalk her? The car that I gave her, expensive and fancy — a Ferrari, she treated like a station wagon. They say a man of my wealth and status went crazy one night. Saw her doing this guy, doing him on her couch one night. That I went crazy one night and slashed her, ripped her, slit her throat ear to ear. Can you believe it? Could I have killed her? Can you believe what they say about me? Making it up? Can you believe how they slander me, a good guy like me? I loved her. I needed her. Can you believe it? Can you believe what they say? I'm sorry.
19 Speaker: The Trial begins with Lance Ito's grand entrance into the courtroom, with spectators and international television coverage.
All hail Judge Ito, all hail Judge Lance Ito. We salute you Lance Ito. A paragon of a judge. He is righteous, he's a good guy. We salute you, we love you, we adore you, really love you, yes we love you Lance Ito. A paragon of judgeship. We salute you Lance Ito, Judge Lance Ito.
20 Speaker: Marsha Clark, the prosecutor, and Johnnie Cochran, one of the “dream defense team,” immediately become bitter enemies, and constantly pick at each other. Note their opening statements…
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. The man who sits in this courtroom accused of murder — it's not the public image, the football star and hero. Behind this false facade there is a jealous man. A jealous man possessed, who sought to control Nicole. He beat her, stalked her, spied on her. When she tried to end this torment, in a murderous rage, he killed her, Nicole Simpson, and Ronald Goldman. We will prove beyond a doubt, beyond a reasonable doubt, that this man had motive, opportunity and did indeed commit these crimes. A trail of blood, the victim's blood, plus Simpson's blood, yes, a trail of blood led to Simpson's Bronco, to Simpson's driveway, to Simpson's bedroom, and points straight to the sole possible killer. Based on this evidence we will prove the defendant guilty, guilty of murder.
COCHRAN - David Ossenfort
Ladies and gentleman of the jury. O.J. Simpson is a loving father, a generous husband, a football hero, a model for our children, a model football star and hero. He tried for reconciliation, made one last and loving try. He gave it up peacefully. He got control of no one: a chance victim of prosecutorial zeal. He, ladies and gentlemen, has been defamed, has been perjured, has been stripped of his dignity. This man could not commit these ghastly crimes. But all the evidence was mishandled, contaminated. No, ladies and gentlemen, not valid, misinterpreted, illegally obtained. Simpson did not kill Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. It's a house of cards, that's the state's case, built on innuendo, distortion and perjury. O.J. is not guilty, not guilty, not guilty of murder!
21 Speaker: The State calls Rosa Lopez to the stand.
ROSA LOPEZ ARIA - Amy Butler
I am Rosa, Rosa Lopez, soy Rosa. They won't leave me alone. I'm so tired, so very tired of looking at them. I don't remember, I don't recall. No me recuerdo. Small wonder indeed. And they harass me, I'm confused. I don't remember, No me recuerdo. Yes, I think so. Pretty late. Rosa, Rosa, oh, that's my name, 'course that's my name! Yes, it was about ten or so, yes it was a bit before eleven, maybe ten-fifteen, maybe ten-twenty, yes, the Bronco. I don't see so well at night, what was the night you said? And I'm from Columbia, that's not too far from here. And that's where all my family resides. I'm going far away, yes, far away, as far as I can go. No me recuerdo. I don't recall.
QUESTIONER - David Ossenfort
Do you remember the white car? What time was it when you saw the Bronco? What time was it when you saw the white car? Is your name Rosa Lopez, is that your name?
22 Speaker: The State calls Dennis Fung to the stand.
Mister Fung, you've got a funny memory. Perhaps it's that you don't recall because it's better for the prosecution, best for them. Argumentative. Overruled, not so good, overruled! You're an ass. Is there any reason, Mister Fung? That you don't want to remember, or to recall? You don't want to remember that our Detective Lang in the evidence room, with the sneakers, when you walked in, when you snuck in, was it a slip of the tongue? Tell us the truth! You poured the blood into the car, that's what you did, you poured the blood, you took the vial, into O.J.'s car. You saw the video, and you were caught in a lie! Did you, did you pour out some blood in the car from the vial of Simpson's blood. I've got you now!
MR FUNG - David Ossenfort
That's a lie, all lies. Not a chance. Guess again. You're making this up! No, that's not true! No!
23 Speaker:Then comes the verdict: not guilty!! O.J. secretly gloats his triumph song. The dream team and O.J. go off to celebrate, while Clark and Darden, the prosecutors, are in a state of collapse and anguish.
COMMENTATOR - Stephen Tharp
He says, “I am the master, still got the moves. I am the master, play fast and loose.” He says, “I got the moves. I am the master.” I heard him say, “And if they try to touch, to touch O.J., I'll leave them battered, bruised and hurt, oh yes, I'll drive and smash and thrust and leave them battered bruised and torn, choking in the dust.” I've heard him say, “Watch out! Breaking through, watch out! I'll get my revenge. You're the enemy, I'll break your back. You're the enemy, I'll break your back. Watch out! Momma warned me, get them first. Momma told me, get them first. Poppa told me, break their backs. No one will push me around. Break their backs! I'm going to win this game. American hero, that's me! Oh, victory! Watch out. I am the master, that's me. That's me!”
24 Speaker: Despite the “not guilty” verdict, both the jurors and spectators are filled with compassion for the torture and suffering of Nicole, and in fact all women who are victims of spousal abuse.
Blessed are women, bringing care to others. Their love brings children to the world. Blessed are they, bringing care to all. Their gentleness and love brings us children to our world. Their patient caring nature brings joy to all mankind. Blessed are women. So oft abused, their role on earth unproclaimed. Blessed are women.
The people charge O.J. Simpson with murder in the first degree. How do you plead, how do you plead O.J. Simpson? Innocent? Guilty? Speak! How do you find O.J.?? Not guilty!!
___________________________________________________
For three decades, the multi-gifted Anthony Newman has been in the public eye as one of America's leading organists and harpsichordists, and as a Bach specialist, composer, teacher, and scholar. TIME magazine described him as the “high priest of Bach.” His prodigious recording output numbers more than 150 CDs on such labels as CBS, Sony, Deutsche Grammaphon, and Vox Masterworks. In 1989 Stereo Review magazine chose his recording of Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto, played on fortepiano with original instruments, as one of the “Records of the Year.” His collaborations with Wynton Marsalis, including In Gabriel's Garden and Classic Wynton were among the best selling classical CDs for 1997 and 1999, respectively.
Among his collaborations are also included some of the “greats” of music: Kathleen Battle, Itzhak Perlman, and Jean-Pierre Rampal.
Mr. Newman has guest conducted many of the world's greatest chamber orchestras, including those of Los Angeles, the 92nd Street Y in New York, the New York Chamber Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. A whole series of orchestral conducting triumphs with the Seattle Symphony, San Francisco Baroque, and the New York Chamber Orchestra during the 1997-98 have raised him to the top ranks of Baroque and Classical specialist conductors. At Lincoln Center alone he has appeared more than 50 times as soloist during his career. His duo appearances with flutist Eugenia Zuckerman at the New York Public Library are now in their 15th year. Among his more unusual European appearances are the first performance of Hindemith's Sancta Suzanna in chamber version. In East Germany he conducted the first performance of Cesar Franck's Chasseur Maudit and Liszt's Les Preludes since the end of World War II.
No less prodigious as a composer, his works have been heard in such cities as Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, New York and London. His compositions include sonatas and concerti, choral works, such as Absolute Joy (released by Albany Records in 1999), a complete set of piano preludes and fugues in every key, and others. In early 2000, Albany Records will also release his tribute album Bach2000.
Anthony Newman was born in Los Angeles, studied in Paris with Alfred Cortot and famed Notre Dame organist Pierre Cochereau. Later he received degrees from Mannes College of Music in New York, Harvard University and Boston University. Currently he teaches at the graduate program at S.U.N.Y., college at Purchase, and is music director at St. Matthew's Church in Bedford, New York, and participates in three outreach programs in Stamford, Connecticut.
Mary Jane Newman's many talents as conductor, harpsichord and organ soloist, and record producer are widely recognised in the U.S. and Europe. She made her New York debut in 1986 in Lincoln Center's “Great Performers” series at Alice Tully Hall. Ms. Newman has also been soloist with the Cracow Chamber Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic, the Virginia Symphony, as well as conductor of Musica Antiqua, New York, Voci Angeli, and PARTHENIA XII.
In recent seasons, Ms. Newman also appeared as conductor and soloist with the the Brandenburg Collegium, and the European Mozart Academy Orchestra in Prague and Cracow. She also conducted the Pergolesi Stabat Mater at the prestigious Mozart Festival in Prague. She has also served as artistic adviser on important revivals of early Mozart operas in Venice and Cracow, and is music director of the “Candlelight Concert Series” in Mount Kisco, New York.
Ms. Newman is member of the faculty of the European Mozart Academy and has become a significant participant in Eastern Europe's artistic renaissance: her Prague performance of Mozart's Requiem was praised as “the most revelatory in memory,” by “a conductor whose performance was touched by grace and genius.” The Los Angeles Times called her “the finest harpsichordist of her generation.”
Ms. Newman became an assistant conductor to her mentor, Nadia Boulanger's, Monteverdi Ensemble in Paris. At seventeen, while a student at the Conservatoire National in Paris, she was conductor / organist at the renowned English Church in Paris.
Ms. Newman has recorded prodigiously, releasing eight CD's in 1998/99 alone. She was chosen to record the best selling CD A Tribute to Diana, a commemorative album for the Princess of Wales, on Vox Classics. As a result, she became the only female conductor ever to make the prestigious “Best Selling Classical Artists of the Year” lists in Billboard Magazine for two consecutive years, listed at # 6 for the year 1997, and at # 7 for 1998.
Mezzo-soprano Amy Butler made her New York debut at Merkin Hall in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. She has participated in the apprentice programs of the Sarasota Opera and Des Moines Metro Opera, was a Resident Artist with The Virginia Opera, and has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Miss Butler made her Carnegie Hall debut as the alto soloist in Mozart's Vesperae de Dominica, and returned to perform as soloist in Mozart's Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, and the Coronation Mass. She can be heard on many CD recordings including on Music From The Titanic: 21 Authentic Songs from the Epic Journey, on PPI, and Wedding - Music and Words, on Vox Classics.
Joel Frederiksen, bass, performs internationally in opera, oratorio, and song. The summer of 1998 saw him at the Salzburg Festival performing Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny under Dennis Russell Davies. Recent projects include a dance-music theater piece, Amarillis, my love with German choreographer / dancer Verena Weiss performed in Germany in October, 1998 and St. Ettienne, France in March of 1999 and a performance of Nueve Espana with the Boston Camerata at the Boston Early Music Festival in June, 1999. Mr. Frederiksen has toured and recorded extensively with the Boston Camerata, Ensemble for Early Music, and The Waverly Consort.
Malinda Haslett, soprano, heard here as Nicole, is already on her way to an international career. She has been the guest soloist of two European concert tours as well as the winner of the Spazio Musica and Tito Schipa International competitions in Italy. On her own soil, she has been seen in the roles of Valencienne, First Lady, Papagena, Nanetta, and Sophie. She can be heard on three previous CD recordings with Mary Jane Newman as a member of Parthenia XII, the renowned all-women vocal ensemble.
Tenor Marc Heller has appeared as Ernesto in the Metropolitan Opera Guild's production of Donizetti's Don Pasquale. Also, most recently, as Tamino in the Lalov Opera's production of Mozart's Die Zauberfloete. Other opera roles include Faust in Faust at the Natchez Opera Festival, and the role of Lightning in Villa-Lobos' The Girl from the Clouds. Operetta includes Nanki-Poo in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado at Wolftrap (with Steve Allen), and Richard Dauntless in Ruddigore at Symphony Space, NYC. Mr. Heller has performed solo concerts at Weill Hall and CAMI Hall.
Bass baritone Paul Houghtaling is in demand for his musicality in a diverse repertoire spanning the 12th to the 20th centuries. Highlights of recent seasons include Haydn's L'Infidelita Delusa on the American Symphony's Bard Music Festival, Philipp Glass' The Witches of Venice for Looking Glass Studios, U.S. tours with the Waverly Consort, and appearances on Lincoln Center's “Meet the Artist” series. Credits also include leading roles with the Knoxville, Central City, and Anchorage Operas.
Joan Krause, soprano, was the winner of the Center for Contemporary Opera's 1994 opera singers competition. She appeared at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in New York City, in March 1996. On the concert stage, she has been a soloist with Musica Sacra, Parnassus, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, the Stamford Symphony, and the Pro Arte Singers. In Summer 1998, she appeared with the Crested Butte Chamber Music Festival, and also with the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. Ms. Krause also was the featured vocal soloist in Anthony Newman's oratorio recording of Absolute Joy, released by Albany Records in 1999.
Young American tenor David Ossenfort will make his company début with the New York City Opera in the 1999-2000 performance season. Highlights from last season include performances of Händel's Messiah at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City, the world premiere performance of Absolute Joy, an oratorio by Anthony Newman, a recording for PPI entitled Music from the Titanic, and a company début with the Sanibel Music Festival in Lucia di Lammermoor.
Tenor Daniel Pincus appeared at the Marlboro Festival, with the Portland Baroque Orchestra in live performance of Messiah for National Public Radio, with the Washington Chamber Symphony, the “Schubertiade” series at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, and is a member of Alhambra, an ensemble that performs Sephardic songs. Mr. Pincus is also the Cantor at the Metropolitan Synagogue of New York. He coached the Hebrew and sang with “New York Baroque” on the acclaimed CD The Songs of Solomon, the Sabbath liturgy composed by the 17th century Jewish composer from Mantua, Salamone Rossi L'Ebreo.
Steven Tharp, tenor, has appeared with most of the major U.S. orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as London's Royal Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. He has performed abroad with the Netherlands Opera, the Badische Staatsoper in Karlsruhe, and in other theaters in Germany, Belgium and Hong Kong. Mr. Tharp is increasingly in demand as a song recitalist, and his recordings have appeared on the Decca, Naxos and Newport labels.
The actor / musician Lee Winston trained for journalism at the University of Kansas. On Broadway, he performed in Showboat, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Carmelina, and The Music Man. Lee also recently starred as Matthew Brady in Inherit the Wind at Roanoke's Windmill Theater, and at Expanded Arts in New York City, in Mishkin's Paradise by Fred Feldman. He is artistic director of the Heliotrope Group, and lives with actress P.J. Nelson and their three Siamese cats.
Musica Antiqua New York is one of the leading chamber ensembles in America, consisting of the most brilliant Baroque, Classical and Contemporary Music instrumentalists in the tri-state area. Founded in 1987 by its artistic director Mary Jane Newman, the group has rapidly established a unique reputation of excellence in a wide range of sacred and secular repertoire across many stylistic boundaries.
In 1998, the group premiered the oratorio Absolute Joy by Anthony Newman, and recorded the work for Albany Records. In addition to Albany Records, the group recorded for several other independent record labels, including Vox Classics, Helicon Records, and others. Musica Antiqua New York have also been the chamber orchestra-in-residence for the “Candlelight Concert Series” at the Presbyterian Church in Mount Kisco, New York.
AND THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY
Libretto by Raoul Cansino and Anthony Newman
1 Introduction: The 911 Call and Overture [2:58]
2-18 Act I: The Tragedy [62:12]
19-24 Act II: The Trial [13:45]
Total Playing Time: 78:55
Nicole Brown Simpson: Melissa Fathman, Malinda Haslett, Susan Lewis
O.J. Simpson: Joel Frederickson, Paul Houghtaling
Kato the Dog & Robert Kardarshian: Mark Heller
Director, Ronald Goldman & Dennis Fung: David Ossenfort
Rosa Lopez & Connie Chung: Amy Butler
Barry Scheck & Commentator: Stephen Tharp
Men's Chorus: Dan Pincus, Paul Houghtaling, Scott Schiffer, Lee Winston
Anthony Newman & Mary Jane Newman, conductors
“NICOLE, an amazing musical in the Baroque style! No one recreates the Baroque with Mr. Newman's ease and musicality, modernizing it at the same time. A stunning creative achievement, and the perfect cross-over to the 21st century. Bravo!”
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