Sat 15 Aug & Sun 16 Aug 2009
Glyndebourne Youth Opera began devising Who Am I? in September 2008 and presented a preview performance in March 2009. The piece has undergone a re-write, responding in part to audience feedback, and intensive rehearsals to prepare for the Tête á Tête Festival. Who Am I? will go on to be performed in the Jerwood Studio at Glyndebourne on 24 August before Festival performance of Dvorak’s Rusalka
Synopsis
Once upon a time every child was a mermaid, transformed into human form and destined to live forever. Unaware of the spell that binds them, the children live happily, until one night they are invited to return to the world of water. Their choices bring horrific consequences. Inspired by Dvořák’s Rusalka this is an energetic, exciting and enchanting collaboration between established artists and young people.
www.glyndebourne.com
Glyndebourne Youth Opera 3 & 4
Director: Karen Gillingham
Music Director: Hannah Conway
Designer: Bernadette Roberts
Choreographer: Natasha Khamjani
Lighting Designer: Andy May
Featuring:
Glyndebourne Youth Opera 3 & 4
Players from the South Downs Youth Orchestra
Glyndebourne Youth Opera 3 & 4
Director: Karen Gillingham
Music Director: Hannah Conway
Designer: Bernadette Roberts
Choreographer: Natasha Khamjani
Lighting Designer: Andy May
Featuring:
Glyndebourne Youth Opera 3 & 4
Players from the South Downs Youth Orchestra
Glyndebourne Youth Opera.
Glyndebourne Youth Opera began over twelve years ago following the production of the first specially commissioned opera for and by young people, Misper (1997) as a way to develop the talents and creativity of the young people who had been involved. Currently, over a hundred young people aged from 8 – 19 years-old from East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove take part in Glyndebourne Youth Opera. Working with professional musicians and directors, participants experience and create opera through a range of artistic processes. Performance events range from informal workshops to staged productions. All abilities and talents are welcome, there are no special skills required. All we ask for is energy, enthusiasm and commitment. The group is encouraged to challenge the conventions of opera and find a fresh confidence in performing. Past collaborations include work with the Brighton Youth Orchestra and South Downs Youth Orchestra, regular performances in Glyndebourne and Sussex and tours to Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Barcelona and the Netherlands.
Karen Gillingham
Alongside her performing career Karen leads community projects and workshops as a director, workshop leader, drama animateur, vocal animatuer and movement director. She works regularly with education departments including; Royal Opera House, English Touring Opera, Opera North, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Blast.
Hannah Conway
Hannah is a music animateur and composer and has devised and presented projects for all the major UK opera houses, is an international education consultant and is presenter of children and family concerts for the LSO, Royal Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, CBSO, OAE and Wigmore Hall, London.