Kassandra is a new chamber opera from Anthony Brandt (composer) and Neena Beber (librettist). It’s an updating of the classic myth of Kassandra who was cursed by Apollo to always be right but never believed for having rejected his advances. In the new version Kassandra is an AI scientist who builds a computer with great predictive power, particularly with respect to climate. Apollo is a venture capitalist who bankrolls Kassandra then fires her and trashes her reputation when she rejects his unwelcome sexual overtures. So #metoo meets climate change denialism. Prophets, especially female ones, shouldn’t get in the way of profits or embarrass powerful males.
Kassandra
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The Leader and other works is a new record of music by Karim Al-Zand. The most substantial piece is the one act chamber opera The Leader based on Ionesco’s 1955 play Le Maître. A reporter and two devoted fans follow the Leader wherever he goes mesmerised by his often absurd antics. A young couple is gradually drawn into the fascination.
operaramblings 