Explore the opera based on the life of Victoria Woodhull, focusing on her involvement in politics, sexuality and scandal.
In the world of opera, there is a fascinating story being told about the first presidential campaign with a woman at the top of the ticket. This historical event took place 152 years ago and featured Victoria Woodhull, a suffrage leader in New York during the late 1860s and early 1870s. The opera “Mrs. President” brings this story to life, with soprano Amy Justman performing two arias from the production at Symphony Space in New York City.
The opera, composed by Victoria Bond, delves into the complex and scandalous life of Victoria Woodhull, who was initially nicknamed “Mrs. Satan” by cartoonist Thomas Nast. Woodhull’s story is filled with intrigue, sex, and politics, drawing parallels to current political figures like former President Donald J. Trump.
“Mrs. President” features two main characters: Victoria Woodhull, a former stockbroker and newspaper publisher supported by railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Henry Ward Beecher, a charismatic preacher who led the influential Plymouth Church in Brooklyn. The opera explores the dynamic between these two prominent figures in New York society during that era.
The performance at Symphony Space is part of the Cutting Edge Concerts New Music Festival, organized by Victoria Bond. The festival showcases innovative and contemporary musical works, providing a platform for new compositions and emerging talent in the classical music world.
Overall, “Mrs. President” offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the role of women in politics and society during a time of significant change and upheaval.
Source: The NY Times
