For the Birds
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A chamber suite with music, poetry, comedy, tragedy, artistry
Co-written in 2010 by Victor Zupanc and Kevin Kling, For the Birds is a concert length work (1 hour running time) that, on the surface, seems to be about birds. It features a series of musical pieces extolling the nature of each particular bird (sparrows, roosters, woodpeckers, Canadian geese, hawks), drawing parallels with our own human nature. Interspersed between, is insightful storytelling created by Kling reflecting on childhood memories, immigration, illness, accidents, and healing. However, just below the surface (but discernible to those that look), For the Birds is a work about that part of our human nature that compels us to reach beyond ourselves for more —more opportunity for our family, more money, more fun, more speed, more knowledge, more love. When all goes well, we call that need aspiration. When it doesn’t, and we plunge to the earth with melting wings, we call it hubris. Through utterly delightful music and a worldview only Kevin Kling can provide, For the Birds gives us the space to contemplate our nature, laugh at ourselves, and heal.
Technical needs for For the Birds are few. The work was designed to be suitable for a variety of venues, from concert halls and theater halls to multipurpose rooms, churches, libraries, and clubs. The show can easily be set up, performed, and loaded out in the same day. Our lighting scheme is very simple, and it isn’t even necessary to have theatrical lighting at all. A sound system in place would be nice (though we can bring our own), and a piano will be necessary. For more information on bringing For the Birds to your venue, please contact Heather Barringer at 651-755-1600 or heather[at]zeitgeistnewmusic.org.
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