Poster Composer Missy Mazzoli
Missy Mazzoli's opera "Proving Up" will be staged by Journey North Opera Company at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis this Friday November 11th through Sunday November 13th.
Marylene Mey
Extra Eclectic

Missy Mazzoli's opera 'Proving Up' is a haunting commentary on the American dream

Extra Eclectic - Missy Mazzoli Interview

Like this?

Log in to share your opinion with YourClassical and add it to your profile.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this song! We have added it to a personal playlist for you.

American composer Missy Mazzoli's opera Proving Up — to be staged by Journey North Opera Company at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis this weekend — examines the achievability of the American dream in its depiction of a fictional family of 1860s homesteaders struggling to survive on the frontier despite "following all the rules." A parable about the forces that are ultimately out of our control, Mazzoli's work has been lauded for its power and timelessness. 

Extra Eclectic host Steve Seel spoke with Missy Mazzoli ahead of Journey North Opera Company's staging of the Minnesota premiere of Proving Up, taking place Nov. 11-13 at the Southern Theater. 

 

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES
Modern sounds of the season

Modern sounds of the season

It’s an annual tradition: the Winter Solstice episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with modern classical sounds to compliment the longest nights of the year and the traditions and rituals of warmth that accompany them. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Lights in a dark sky

Lights in a dark sky

As we get closer to the longest nights of the year, Steve Seel brings us some atmospheric modern works for clear, cold night skies on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ including Michael Ippolito’s ‘Big Sky, Low Horizon,’ Elena Ruehr’s ‘Cloud Atlas’ and more. Listen now!

1:58:59
Contemporary concertos

Contemporary concertos

Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg wanted to create sounds that hover in his Viola Concerto, and it seems he succeeded — as we hear in one of the showcased works on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Who says modern classical can't be gorgeous?

Who says modern classical can't be gorgeous?

Who says modern classical can't be gorgeous? On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, host Steve Seel helps take the edge off the Thanksgiving holiday with good music to calm your nerves after a day of traveling. Listen now!

1:59:00
Hitting the road

Hitting the road

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we’re getting a head start on the biggest travel days of the year with contemporary pieces about getting from point A to point B on this edition of the show. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Voices of remarkable women

Voices of remarkable women

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel shares two hours of music by women composers. Highlights include Paola Presetini’s ‘Code,’ Reena Esmail’s ‘Black Iris’ and Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s stirring ‘Hear Us In Heaven.’

1:58:58
The sound of fall colors

The sound of fall colors

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we hear from Lithuanian composer Zibuokle Martinaityte (‘Autumn’ from her suite ‘Sielunmaisema’), Mary Lattimore (‘Pine Trees’), Jennifer Higdon (‘Autumn Music’), and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
A musical playground with guest host Bonnie North

A musical playground with guest host Bonnie North

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with guest host Bonnie North, Carlos Simon’s ‘Loop,’ Michael Daugherty’s ‘Bounce,’ and Karl Mitze’s ‘Seesaw’ are featured alongside the blazing Piano Concerto by Mason Bates. Listen now!

1:58:57
Guest host Valerie Kahler features Needham’s ‘Shades of Green’
1:58:59
What goes around comes around

What goes around comes around

On this week's Extra Eclectic, Steve Seel showcases modern works that use rounds and "looping" phrases in their structure, as well as music that celebrates the fall season with modern works that have an autumnal air. Listen now!

1:58:59
VIEW ALL EPISODES

We can help you find classical music you'll love

  • Take a 2 minute quiz to share your taste
  • We'll recommend YourClassical programming just for you
  • Discover the power and joy of classical music
Man playing violin