Mastersingers to Present World Premiere of “Nuclear Dreams”

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers return to the B Reactor National Historic Landmark to present the world premiere of a musical work entitled “Nuclear Dreams: an Oral History of the Hanford Site,” by composer Reginald Unterseher and librettist Nancy Welliver.

The technical achievements of the Manhattan Project are storied. But what about the people who worked on one of the greatest and most challenging scientific works of the 20th century? How did they feel about their work? What did they dream at night? And what about the people who lived on the land before the Manhattan Project was conceived? 

“Nuclear Dreams: an Oral History of the Hanford Site” is an oratorio for chamber chorus, small orchestra, and two soloists that explores the history, memories, night-dreams, and inner lives of the people who lived on the land or worked at Hanford, one of three sites within the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The piece was commissioned by the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Manhattan Project, and will feature mezzo soprano Sarah Mattox and baritone Charles Robert Stephens with chamber orchestra and chorus directed by Justin Raffa.

Three performances will be given over the weekend of September 27-29, and will be held inside the B Reactor facility's main room where the front face of the reactor is visible. Performances will include an add-on optional pre-concert reception at the historic former home of Colonel Franklin Matthias. Bus transportation to the B Reactor is included. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance and none will be sold at the door. For more information, call (509) 460-1766, email [email protected] or go to www.mcmastersingers.org.