In their New Works forum, Opera America on January 16, 2025, showcased via YouTube, selected samples of four developing operas:
· Faces in the Flames — Nathan Felix, composer; Anita Gonzalez, librettist
· Monkey: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable — Jorge Sosa, composer; Cerise Lim Jacobs, librettist (White Snake Projects)
· My Dearest Friend — Patricia Leonard, composer
· Ululations and Gurgles of the Invisible — Elisabet Curbelo, composer (Guerilla Opera)
It was an exceptionally engaging set of new works.
The Dresser’s favorite Faces in the Flames saw six singers, a pianist, a cellist, and a violinist present tonal music that was dramatically impressive. A soprano and mezzo conveyed the music with a chorus of four. The libretto tells the story of Thomas Askew (1847-1914), an African American photographer who images captured a true-to-life picture of Blacks in that period. Unfortunately, Askew’s studio and his work perished in the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917. Presented were three excerpts.
Monkey: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable included an actor, two singers (countertenor and dramatic soprano), a pianist, and a Bunraku-style puppet master and puppet. The music was tonal and powerful. The title of this work adequately provides what the story entails. The puppet master was highly accomplished, but he did not steal light from the music or the other performers which could have easily been the case. The overall presentation was a fine balance of talent.
My Dearest Friend featured one singer and a piano. The music was lyrically tonal and pleasing. The overall impression was an old-school opera and a rather quiet one. The libretto conveys the love story of John and Abigail Adams.
Ululations and Gurgles of the Invisible is an experiment in the camp of John Cage. Based on poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca, it is a four-part work of which excerpts from three parts were showcased by a soprano, percussionist, pianist, and dancers. The Dresser would associate this work with performance art since it had to do with exploring silence in the world of those using sign language. It also incorporated motion sensors on the bodies of dancers.
The program can still be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PRdO79I5bA.
In its 2024–2025 season, OPERA America Onstage is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. The programming at the National Opera Center where this showcase took place was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
