Kassandra

NV6438_Kassandra-1Kassandra 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.

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Palej premiere

This one’s a bit different.  COSA (Centre for Opera Study and Appreciation) have a stream of a new opera by Norbert Palej coming up.  It’s called The Art of Love and it’s drawn from various works by Ovid including the obvious one but also, as best I can tell, Medicamina Faciei Femineae and Metamorphoses.  It’s sung in Latin (there are subtitles for those whose Latin is less than fluent) with animations by Sean Stanley.  There are two overlapping casts with some very decent singers including Ryan Downey and Alex Hajek.  It’s playing tonight and the next three nights at 7.30pm with alternating casts.

artoflove

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