A mythological musical
Text: Sarah Dawson
3 solos, chorus from 20 upwards, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, keyboard, percussion
Duration: 60′
Gemini Publications (contact composer)
Commissioned by Combe Bank School
First performance March 1995 | Soloists, chorus and band from Combe Bank School, conducted by Georgina Roberts | Combe Bank School, Kent
An entertaining angle on the Odysseus myth
Programme note
Duration: 60′ as a musical, 45
Allusions to Shakespeare’s King Lear are not coincidental.
There’s been a bungle in the jungle! King Leo is getting old; his sight is not as good as it was and his stamina is declining. He makes the decision to take a sabbatical from his rainforest responsibilities. What he needs is a place in the sun to rejuvenate and revitalise. He divides his kingdom between Panther, honourable but a bit too upfront with the truth, and Tiger, a rampant rascal who is out to make a fast buck. Tiger reveals a penchant for property development by cutting down the forest and selling to the highest bidder. Naturally, the animals are wild with worry.
Will Tiger make the take-over total or will Panther save the day, the forest and the planet ..?
Chamber opera in one act
Libretto: Andy Rashleigh
Soprano and baritone soloist
Ensemble: flute (picc. alto flute); clarinet (bass clarinet); violin; cello; harp; percussion.
Duration: 30′
Gemini Publications (contact composer)
Commissioned jointly by the Presteigne Festival and Nova Music
First performance 29 July 2014, Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead, London by Nova Music Opera;
Donna Lennard, soprano; Henry Manning, baritone, Nova Music Ensemble, conductor, George Vass.
Programme note
A children’s opera
Text: Christie Dickason
8 main solos, chorus from 20 upwards, flute, clarinet/sax, keyboard, cello, bass and percussion
Duration: 60′
Gemini Publications (contact composer)
Commissioned by W11 Opera
First performance December 2000 | W11 Opera, conducted by Philip Colman | St James Norlands, London
A blend of ‘The Tempest’ and the serious issues of over-fishing in an entertaining aquatic context.
Programme note