Criseyde at the Feminist Theory and Music Conference UNC Greensboro

"...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... 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, Troilis and Criseyde. The opera Criseyde is truly a masterful work demonstrating the musical maturity of the composer through its intricacies and depth. Orchestrated for small vocal ensemble, piano, and cello, Criseyde involves the vocalists in a moving dance with the cello, performed beautifully by the performers."

— Sabrina Young, Associated Content

American Music Center presents CAP copying grant to Criseyde

Alice Shields is the recipient of a CAP copying grant for Criseyde, presented by the American Music Center.

American Operas, Sifted and Sampled
The New York Times

"Female historical figures were also explored on Sunday [at New York City Opera's VOX festival] with Alice Shield's Criseyde, a feminist interpretation of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde. Nancy Dean's libretto offers a rare chance to hear Middle English sung...The melodic development and ornamentation of the intense, richly scored work reflect Ms. Shields' lengthy study of classical Indian raga."

City Opera's VOX Showcase returns May 10 & 11
Broadwayworld.com

"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."

"A record number of eighty works were submitted to the VOX selection committee, which is comprised of five full-time City Opera staff from various disciplines of artistic, music and dramaturgical departments, including City Opera Music Director, George Manahan.  Of those submitted, only ten were chosen, including Alice Shields' Criseyde, her feminist interpretation of the Troilus and Cressida story, partly in Middle English."

For more information, click here.

Chaucer at the Opera
Music & Vision daily classical music magazine (mvdaily.com)

"...come and hear how composer-dramatist Alice Shields and librettist and medieval scholar Nancy Dean stake out a strongly feminist point of view, setting a funky Middle English libretto in a musical mixture influenced by Indian raga and Western lyrical traditions, combined with improvisation for all. This is Criseyde, a feminist reinterpretation of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde."