What's Opera, Doctors GG and GB?

Leo, I just want to say the check is in the mail. As Samuel Johnson said: "There are some people who are not only dull, but they bring out dullness in other people" … and Leo Furcht is such a man.

Thank you Gregg and good evening to everyone. I'd like to congratulate George and Gregg, the program committee, the local conference organizing committee, and all of you for an excellent and productive week. You've enjoyed Klezmer music as I understand it, and gotten closer to the chosen people. You've gone golfing and toured the St. Croix river. It really looks pretty good to me. I'm considering a career in peptides myself, particularly if they should get into litigation. It sure beats the hell out of NCAA law.

The best is yet to come, we have a full evening of activities featuring, among other things, the granting of awards to young scientists and the introduction of the Society's new leadership. I think after George, you're ready for new leadership. And, of course, the event that everyone's been waiting for, that's been talked about in the newspapers, that has been in the New York Times and the Washington Post -- the world premiere of "Peptide Ångst: La Triviata." This world premiere reminds me of something that Igor Stravinsky once said: "Too many pieces of music finish too long after they end." You're aware, of course, of the competition that this peptide revolution will set off with other University departments in terms of operas. I've learned the names of a few operas which are currently in the works. The English department is commissioning "West Side Short Story," Mineralogy will use "Carmen" as the inspiration for "Carbide," Performing Arts -- and this is particularly appropriate in Minneapolis -- will sponsor "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Igor," and then those of you who know we have an extensive design program [that] will stage "Girl of the Golden Vest." We also have "The Badger of Seville" from Biology and "Porgy and Bass" from Wildlife and Fishery, so we really have quite a competition here at the University.

I'd like to acknowledge, at this point, the creative brilliance of the people responsible for "Peptide Ångst," many of whom did not want their names made public, but writer/director Gary Gisselman who has done a brilliant job, co-conspirator George Barany, the cast, professional performers from the Twin Cities, many graduates of the University, and then under our prevailing nepotism principle, the children of Barbara and George Barany. So we thank you one and all.

This is a wonderful example of the collaboration between Chemistry and Music, a good example of cross-disciplinary research, somewhat like our program between Veterinary Medicine and Law. And I'd like to say a word on behalf of the Junior Symposium. This is a valuable outreach program that extends the University's activities to the community and encourages the next generation of scientists. But enough of this peptide pep-talk -- and all I can say is enjoy your evening, thank you for coming to Minneapolis, and you honor us with your presence.