How It Came To Be
Happy Birthday, Wanda June was a joint project between Vonnegut and Butler University’s Director of Instrumental Activities Richard Auldon Clark. The pair worked on the piece for some years in Vonnegut’s
New York brownstone. Vonnegut handed off his final libretto two weeks before the fall that lead to his death in April 2007.
Richard Auldon Clark said, “My work with Kurt Vonnegut began in the early 1990's when we created new works based on Breakfast of Champions, Mother Night, Cat's Cradle, and Fates Worse Than Death. Kurt always thought Happy Birthday, Wanda June would make a great opera, and I was thrilled when he presented me his play to create this new work. Kurt Vonnegut was not only a great friend and collaborator, but also the most significant influence on my professional life. It was his wish that the story and his words be of great significance and that the music would really enhance rather than supersede it. I know Kurt would love this new opera and would be thrilled that it was being premiered in Indianapolis, his hometown.”
Richard Auldon Clark said, “My work with Kurt Vonnegut began in the early 1990's when we created new works based on Breakfast of Champions, Mother Night, Cat's Cradle, and Fates Worse Than Death. Kurt always thought Happy Birthday, Wanda June would make a great opera, and I was thrilled when he presented me his play to create this new work. Kurt Vonnegut was not only a great friend and collaborator, but also the most significant influence on my professional life. It was his wish that the story and his words be of great significance and that the music would really enhance rather than supersede it. I know Kurt would love this new opera and would be thrilled that it was being premiered in Indianapolis, his hometown.”