From the Press – a Delayed Premier
Classical composer Eric Zeisl had a tough time living in mid-20th century Los Angeles.
The somber, heavy-browed Austrian, who left Nazi-dominated Europe in 1938, stated that the two things he hated most in this world were Hitler and the sun. He was able to flee the Anschluss, but what nearly did him in was Southern California weather. Exposed to its relentless rays, Zeisl’s pale skin broke out in a rash. In photographs he peers out from under sombreros and parasols — looking mightily displeased.
50 years after Eric Zeisl wrote the music of “Jacob and Rachel,” the ballet will finally have its premier, performed by the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony and the Body Traffic dance troupe. Read more about the life of Zeisl and the history of this interesting piece in the Los Angeles Times.
