Einstein at Princeton, a Chamber Opera

Berkeley Chamber Performances is thrilled to present its first chamber opera, composed by Allen Shearer with librettist Claudia Stevens. Einstein at Princeton is a snapshot of the daily life of Albert Einstein in the waning years of his life and career. Quantum physics has come to dominate the field, and Einstein despairs over his inability to prove his unified field theory, or "theory of everything." He distracts and consoles himself with musical evenings, reading through string quartets with friends. The opera focuses on Einstein's relationships with three women: his step-daughter, Margot, who struggles with her own frustrations as a sculptor; his secretary Helene, who both adores and nags him; and the great Black singer Marian Anderson who arrives to spend the night at their home, having been denied a room at Princeton's Nassau Inn. Her presence, and the spiritual she sings, causes Einstein to see beyond his personal frustrations and embrace the cause of racial justice. An on-stage string quartet, performing together with Einstein at 2nd violin, provides humorous banter and insights into Einstein's spiritual relationship to music in later life.

$35 General, $15 Higher Ed Students, FREE for students through high school.

Presented by Berkeley Chamber Performances