August 2010: Alice Shields' opera Criseyde on WBAI Radio

Alice Shields and WBAI's Janet Coleman will read scenes from Alice Shields' opera Criseyde on WBAI radio, on Monday, August 2, 2010, at 2pm eastern time. The opera is in Middle English, and is a feminist retelling of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde. The scenes will air on WBAI's show, Cat Radio Café. WBAI can be heard on 99.5 FM in the New York area, and also streams live at wbai.org. The New York Times calls Criseyde "a rare chance to hear Middle English sung...intense, richly scored work." For more information, visit www.criseyde.com.

July 7, 2009: Criseyde at the Feminist Theory and Music Conference at UNC Greensboro

"Concert I at the Feminist Theory and Music Conference 2009, hosted by the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, had an eclectic mix of poignant new music from living female composers. This concert, as well as others following throughout the week in both lecture settings and concert halls, gave the opportunity for many talented contemporary composers to have their musical voices heard, sometimes a rare opportunity in today's tumultuous social and economic times...

"The final highlight of the program was the premier of legendary composer Alice Shields' operatic work, Criseyde, which the composer describes as a feminist reconstruction of Chaucer's tale, Troilus and Criseyde. The opera Criseyde is truly a masterful work demonstrating the musical maturity of the composer through its intricacies and depth. Orchestrated by for small vocal ensemble, piano, and cello, Criseyde involves the vocalists in a moving dance with the cello, performed beautifully by the performers."To read the entire article, click here.

May 2009: Three Romantic Scenes from Criseyde at the Feminist Theory and Musicology10 Symposium

The Feminist Theory and Musicology 10 Symposium at University of North Carolina, Greensboro, will present three romantic scenes from Criseyde at the School of Music's Recital Hall on May 27, 2009. Performers include Lorena Guillén as Criseyde, Charles Williamson as Troilus, Alex Ezerman, cello, Andrew Willis, piano, and Dr. Carole Ott, conductor. This performance includes the World Premiere of "Criseyde's Aria," "Troilus's Aria," and new music from "The Consummation Scene." See http://www.uncg.edu/mus/FTM10/ for more information.

August 2008: Criseyde featured on WJFF 90.5 FM

Radio Catskill's (WJFF 90.5 FM) Gandalf interviews Alice Shields about Criseyde on his long-running show, "Monday Afternoon Classics with Gandalf," on August 25, 2008. Visit the show's homepage.

May 2008: Alice Shields on PennSound, hosted by Leonard Schwartz

Leonard Schwartz interviewed Alice Shields about Criseyde for his PennSound podcast, Cross-Cultural Poetics (Episode #174: Criseyde). Shields plays excerpts from the recent New York City Opera VOX Festival production of the opera. Click here to listen to the mp3 of the interview. On December 12, 2008, Schwartz interviews Shields once again. Visit PennSound's homepage to listen.

May 13, 2008: Alice Shields' opera Criseyde presented at New York City Opera's VOX Festival

"Since 1999 New York City Opera's lively VOX series has offered concert performances of excerpts from new operas by American composers, like fashion designers previewing a new collection on the runway...Female historical figures were also explored on Sunday with Alice Shields' Criseyde, a feminist interpretation of Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde." The libretto offers a rare chance to hear Middle English sung, punctuated by critical lines spoken in modern English. The melodic development and ornamentation of the intense, richly scored work reflect Ms. Shield's lengthy study of classical Indian raga." To read the entire article, click here.

March 2008: Spotlight on VOX: Alice Shields

New York City Opera's VOX Festival, offering emerging composers and librettists the opportunity to see their works performed by a full orchestra and excellent singers, takes place on May 10th and 11th. Each week, VOX features a spotlight interview with one of the composers. Click here to read Alice Shields' Spotlight.

February 19, 2008: VOX Festival returns to the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts — Alice Shields' opera Criseyde included in lineup

"New York City Opera's acclaimed series VOX 2008: Showcasing American Composers returns for its ninth season on May 10 and 11, presented at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU (566 LaGuardia Place, Washington Square Park South). VOX 2008 will feature readings of ten new or previously unperformed American operas of both emerging and established composers. All selections will be performed by City Opera artists and accompanied by its orchestra...Alice Shields sets Criseyde, her feminist interpretation of the Troilus and Cressida story, partly in Middle English." To read the entire press release, click here.