By
University of St Andrews
St Andrews
We are OperaLab - a partnership between the Laidlaw Music Centre, University of St Andrews and The Wallace Collection, the University's ensemble in residence.
Our aim is to develop new, dramatic musical work and provide opportunities for young musicians and singers to participate in the origination and performance of new material, and we're asking for your donations to enable us to develop this exciting programme.
Our first project – the one-act opera ‘Opsnizing Dad’ by John Wallace – is a form of direct music drama dealing with a big issue in an intimate and immersive context.
The concept comes from the book ‘Opsnizing Dad’ by Elisabeth Ingram Wallace – a work of flash fiction that won the 2017 Kaleidoscope Health and Care Award. The story deals with dementia and related aspects of social care for the elderly and, although it is set in 2100 it is entirely relevant for today.
John Wallace – recently announced as recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Music – writes:
‘I have tried to heighten the tragedy of dementia through the unbearable optimism of the son in trying to keep life going through it all - his eruptions into banal obscenities through his frustrations with his father leading to anger and complete loss of personal control. During the action, past, present and future blur together in one rapid continuum, but through it all, the love of a son for his father shines through.’
‘Opsnizing Dad’ will feature:
The opera will be developed for streamed concert performance, with a small audience present. It will be preceded by a short pre-concert talk with the author and composer and will last approximately 35 minutes.
You can help us succeed by:
Music from St Andrews (performances on YouTube)
Music from The Wallace Collection
Facebook:
The Laidlaw Music Centre (University of St Andrews)
The Wallace Collection Ensemble
Website
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music/
https://thewallacecollection.world
(Donations will be safeguarded for the purpose of the Laidlaw Music Centre, University of St Andrews)
Photo credits above: vocal scholar and the brass quintet by George Cherry
Elisabeth Ingram Wallace
Jamie MacDougall
John Wallace and Bede Williams
Select this reward if you just want to donate to the project without receiving a reward.
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Shout out on social media.
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Shout on social media and mention in printed/digital programme.
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Shout out on social media, mention in printed/digital programme and an invitation to rehearsals including an opportunity to chat with all performers including Jamie MacDougall. (Invitations will follow Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions).
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Together with previous rewards, you will be invited as a special guest to concerts and events involving The Wallace Collection at the Laidlaw Music Centre for one year. (Invitations will follow Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions).
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