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FEDORA
GENERALI
Prize for Opera 2017
Shortlist
Wake - Birmingham Opera © i
Presentation
A new opera for Birmingham and Beyond - November 2016 - March 2018
We will create a new opera with internationally renowned composer Giorgio Battistelli, writer and activist Sarah Woods, Graham Vick and Birmingham Opera Company engaging adults; exploring socio-economic issues; removing barriers to participation across Birmingham and Philadelphia.
Life is regarded by many as the ultimate prize. Through medical, cosmetic, spiritual and virtual means, God-blessed or Man Made – we crave immortality. Taking the "Myth of Lazarus" as the crowning miracle, we explore where a modern day citizen look for meaning, beyond everyday social patterns. Music will lead us through a narrative in which words alone fail- the silence of a man who cannot tell of his death and resurrection.. Giorgio Battistelli, Graham Vick and Sarah Woods and BOC and OP are particularly interested in mining the rich seam of content with Youth. A fully grown man reborn to a world- what reason would there be to live? Where does the youth generation find their motivation “beyond life” and beyond "the concrete”?
Over the following 12 months these topics will be explored through film, dance, choreography, music, theatre and discussion. Sessions are flexible, to accommodate the skills, interests & motivations of the group.
We aim to run a digital strand alongside the work- creating short films engaging young people with the art form.
This work is to be the culmination of 15 years of development of BOC's volunteer model under the artistic direction of Graham Vick. The work will have orchestra of 30 and live / tape electronics and a published libretto which will have the opportunity for partners to create "local" content in production. 4 soloists, 8 professional singers, 100 volunteers as chorus, actors and dancers.
Artistic Team
Composer: Giorgio Battistelli Librettist: Sarah Woods Stage Director: Graham Vick with support from Richard Willacy: Associate Director Ron Howell: Choreographer
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