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I’m not at all embarrassed to admit everything I know of Alma Mahler comes from the Tom Lehrer song, but I’ve known every word of the song since 1980. In more recent news, Bro. Valentin Peytchinov, of Scotia Lodge 634, presents Alma, the opera, coming to New York! From the publicity:
Alma
Saturday, October 17
8 to 9 p.m.
Theatre of St. Jean’s
150 East 76th Street,
between Lexington & Third
Tickets here
Dear Brothers and Friends,
We are bringing Alma—a moving new opera about Alma Mahler’s life—to New York City, and I’m reaching out personally because this project is deeply meaningful to me.
This production will also honor the 75th birthday of Lubo Denev, the celebrated Bulgarian composer, conductor, and jazz artist. Presenting Alma in New York as a tribute to his legacy makes this moment truly special.
Overview
Alma the opera, comes to New York: a powerful monodrama of love, art, war, and Alma Mahler’s relentless pursuit of artistic freedom.
Alma is a powerful monodrama inspired by the extraordinary life of Alma Mahler—composer, muse, lover, wife, and witness to the collapse of old Europe. Surrounded by the genius of Gustav Mahler, the passionate intensity of painter Oskar Kokoschka, the visionary architect Walter Gropius, and the poet Franz Werfel, Alma is swept through love, betrayal, war, and an unrelenting search for artistic freedom.
Her deeply personal journey becomes a mirror of an entire era—a story of passion, art, and the price of dreams.
With music by celebrated Bulgarian composer Lubomir Denev and a libretto by Guerguan Tsenov, Alma brings Alma Mahler’s extraordinary story to the stage through an intimate and compelling musical portrait.
The New York premiere features soprano Teresa Castillo in the title role, with Ahmed Alom conducting a chamber ensemble.
The New York premiere carries a special historical significance. After fleeing war-torn Europe, Alma Mahler spent the final two decades of her life in the United States and died in New York City on December 11, 1964. Presenting Alma in New York is therefore more than a premiere—it is, in many ways, a symbolic homecoming for one of the twentieth century’s most remarkable artistic figures.
Following its acclaimed Bulgarian premieres in 2025 at the March Music Days International Festival in Ruse and the Sofia Music Weeks International Festival, Alma now comes to New York in a production celebrating the 75th birthday of composer Lubomir Denev. Soprano Teresa Castillo, together with a chamber ensemble conducted by Ahmed Alom, will bring this intimate monodrama to life at Theatre at Saint Jean.
The project is presented by Valentin Peytchinov Vocal Studios in collaboration with Vocal Productions NYC.
Throughout his distinguished international career, Valentin Peytchinov has devoted himself to mentoring young singers and creating opportunities for emerging artists. Alma continues that mission by bringing a remarkable contemporary opera to New York while providing a professional stage for exceptional young performers and celebrating the work of its composer, librettist, conductor, and performers.
You know something? Lehrer never mentioned Kokoschka!
