Pentatone releases Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s world-premiere recording of The Shining, together with Lyric Opera of Kansas City & conductor Gerard Schwarz, in April 2024.
Horror Opera and Human Drama
Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents the world-premiere recording of Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s opera The Shining (2016). Based on the novel by Stephen King, this opera “elevates the tale from horror story to a human drama” (The Wall Street Journal) thanks to Moravec’s atmospheric, electrifying score and Campbell’s deft libretto. While staged performances have received critical and public acclaim, this engaging masterpiece can now be enjoyed as a recording for the first time.
The Kansas City Symphony and Lyric Opera of Kansas City Chorus are led by the eminent conductor Gerard Schwarz and join forces with an excellent cast of soloists. The main role of Jack Torrance is interpreted by Edward Parks, who was part of the GRAMMY Award-winning recording of Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, released on Pentatone in 2018.
“Stephen King’s novel ‘The Shining’ is naturally operatic: it sings. The story strikingly dramatizes three of the most basic elements of opera — love, death, and power.
Despite the paranormal activity and high-voltage action, it’s a human story about an ordinary family fighting to survive in terrifying circumstances. Mark integrates these essential elements and much more in a libretto of masterly structure and poetic elegance.”
Paul Moravec
“Of course, an opera is all about the music — and in the end, it’s really Paul’s remarkable score that has catapulted ‘The Shining’ into the American operatic canon.”
Mark Campbell
“We are thrilled to present this new recording of ‘The Shining’, a brilliantly conceived and crafted opera that deserves its place in the opera canon. Our distinguished cast, conductor, and exceptional collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony guaranteed an outstanding performance and recording.
When the idea was suggested, we leapt at the opportunity to showcase Lyric Opera of Kansas City and highlight the cultural richness of the Kansas City region.”
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director & CEO, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Digital Release Date: 12 APRIL 2024
Physical Release: APRIL 2024
Released as a two-disc clamshell and digitally for streaming and high-resolution downloads.
