Above: Measha Brueggergrosman-Lee and Maestro Ian Niederhoffer; photo by Crios Photography
Author: Lili Tobias
Thursday May 1st, 2025 - Parlando’s The Cabaret Project, Part 1 was a history lesson and music performance wrapped up in one! Conductor Ian Niederhoffer shared with the audience a brief retelling of the path of cabaret music from its origins in Europe to new paths of the genre in America. When I got a chance to speak with Niederhoffer briefly after the show, he let me know that he carefully curates what he talks about with the ultimate goal of pointing towards the music itself and giving the audience a few things to listen out for. Though he could share a whole lot more information (he described his research as a “cloud of pieces” that all interconnected with each other), I felt that he created the perfect balance of history and art for the greatest enjoyment of both facets of the concert.
Exploring the European roots of cabaret, the Parlando orchestra began by performing Erik Satie’s Trois Petites Pièces Montées. Niederhoffer explained that this piece was based on satirical stories of François Rabelais, which were also a big source of inspiration for cabaret performers in early-20th-century France. Each of the three short movements of this piece were entirely different in character, from a plodding lullaby to a lively display of winds and brass to a collection of more sparse musical gestures, telling the stories of these larger-than-life characters through music.
Next on the program was Franz Schreker’s Chamber Symphony. Beginning with delicate filigree on the piano and celesta and a cloud of intriguing harmonies in the strings and winds, the music swelled into emotional gestures that were quite operatic in nature. The Parlando orchestra delivered an incredibly dramatic performance for such a small orchestra, and while I hadn’t listened to much (if any) of Schreker’s music in the past, I definitely want to listen to more now!
For the final segment of the program, the orchestra was joined onstage by soprano Measha Brueggergrosman-Lee, who immediately established a commanding stage presence, getting into character for the first of William Bolcom’s Cabaret Songs before the music even began. While I had enjoyed the earlier music very much, Brueggergrosman-Lee was truly the star of the show, bringing the concert to another level. Her performance embodied the idea of “storytelling through song” as she kept the audience hanging on her every word and note. Between songs, she even included a hilarious story of her starstruck encounter with Bolcom himself, adding to the personal and intimate nature of cabaret.
If you’re wondering, like I was, about the “Part 1” in the title of this concert, that’s because there will be a “Part 2” next year! Keeping in line with the ever-evolving journey of cabaret, Part 2 will include a newly commissioned piece. I already have plans to attend this next installment of The Cabaret Project, and I can’t wait to hear Parlando perform again then!
~ Lili Tobias