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questions, you have to be
responsible”—and he has a
complete meltdown. I think it
really illustrates any individ-
ual’s journey to self-aware-
ness. Each of us can relate to
this. You think something
when you’re young, and then
you realize, “Oh, what was I
thinking? No, I have to rethink
this,” a er you are exposed to
new ideas, new thoughts. So
that is really the story, along
with how the Celebrant is able
to somehow nd hope again
and think about a future that
is lled with possibility again.
Our Celebrant, which is
the huge feature part, is from
Brazil, his name is Paulo Szot.
I met him rst in Brazil, and
we’ve worked together a few
times. I thought he had the
perfect combination of not
only being a beautiful singer—
he also does a lot of musical
theater, and he’s an incredible
actor. To cast this is a big chal-
lenge; to nd someone with
all of those qualities is rare,
but I think we have the right
person.
Transcribed and abridged from video
interviews with Marin Alsop by Ravinia
ADRIENNE WHITE
JULY 23 – AUGUST 5, 2018 | RAVINIA MAGAZINE
29