New York, NY — Composer Steve Bramson and librettist Gayle Hudson proudly present a workshop reading of their intimate new one-act opera, CLICK! This exclusive event will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Blue Gallery in New York City.

CLICK! explores the life and legacy of Hungarian photographer André Kertész, a pioneer of modern photography whose innovative compositions and emotive imagery left an indelible mark on the art form. Through a dynamic interplay of music and visual storytelling, the opera delves into Kertész’s artistic struggles and triumphs, guided by the voice of his wife, Elizabeth, whose influence shaped his journey even beyond her passing.

This workshop reading serves as a preview and pivotal development step in anticipation of CLICK!’s upcoming world premiere. The performance features mezzo-soprano Devony Smith and baritone Christopher Dylan Herbert,  conducted by Tyson Deaton and accompanied by pianist Jason Wirth in an adaptation of the full orchestral score. Cori Ellison serves as dramaturg. Following the performance, the audience is invited to participate in the opera’s development by attending a talkback session which will provide invaluable feedback to help shape the opera before its fully staged premiere.

A slideshow of photographs by André Kertész set to music from the opera:

A highlight of the evening will be the on-site exhibition of prints of Kertész’s photography, offering an opportunity for attendees to engage with his visionary work in a uniquely integrated artistic experience. 

With a libretto inspired by late-life interviews with Kertész, CLICK! captures his odyssey—from his early years in turn-of-the-century Hungary to his rise in 1920s Paris and his creative resurgence in New York. CLICK!  seamlessly weaves together music, historical narrative, and images of Kertész’s work, illuminating a portrait of an artist whose lens transformed the way we see the world.

This will be an extraordinary first look at CLICK!—a timely new opera that celebrates photography, memory, and the unbreakable bond between art and artist.

Tickets are free but limited in quantity and must be reserved at: https://click-opera.com/workshop

Blue Gallery is located in Midtown Manhattan at 222 E 46th St, New York, NY. More information about the opera is available at https://click-opera.com

According to composer Bramson, “The impact of preparing CLICK! for audiences will ultimately widen the circle of people who know and appreciate André Kertesz’s photography and life story, his Hungarian background, and his role in the art of photography.”