Nixon Centre for the Arts

Letters from the Front

November 05, 2026

Info / Tickets

Description

Join us for an Atlanta-area premiere evening of new music based on actual letters written by service members and their loved ones honoring the legacy of the men and women who served in the armed forces in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States.

This night of song features the voices of nationally-recognized tenor John Riesen, Lyric Opera of Chicago performers David Govertsen and Desirée Hassler, and Chicago opera and theater artist Angela Born, as well as pianist Ian Gindes who also served for over 20 years in the Illinois Army National Guard.

They will be presenting new music by composer Patrick Zimmerli with libretto by Mirabelle Ordianere (Metropolitan Opera of New York) and narration written by Jeff Ernstoff (formerly of Radio City) which highlights the sacrifices of veterans through music in a classical style which draws upon the American musical tradition while referencing Copland, Broadway, and even the Blues.