Orlando Opera - Vienna State Opera

On December 8, Orlando premiered at the Vienna State Opera. The opera is an encounter of female creative minds across time and countries: It is based on the novel by Virginia Woolf, composed by Olga Neuwirth, with a libretto by Ms. Neuwirth and Catherine Filloux, directed by Polly Graham, with costumes by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.

Orlando is the first opera commissioned from a female composer by the Vienna Opera in its 150 years of existence, and the first time Ms. Kawakubo has designed for the stage.

https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/

Photography by David Payr for The New York Times

Courtesy: Read the full interview with Rei Kawakubo for NYTimes

Akhnaten by Philip Glass - costumes Walter van Beirendonck

Opera AKHNATEN by Philip Glass at Opera Vlaanderen

When Pharaoh Amenhotep IV became king in Egypt in 1375 BC, he called himself ‘Akhnaten’, abolished polytheism and established a monotheistic cult of the sun god Aten.

A new capital arose and a fresh wind also blew in politics, art and language. But the pharaoh, his wife Nefertiti and their families became increasingly alienated from the real needs of the population. After a reign of seventeen years, the pharaoh was overthrown by the masses and older, rigid power structures were restored.

Glass does not opt ​​for a continuous storyline, but for an episodic and symbolic portrait of the legendary pharaoh, full of stylized scenes. His mesmerizing score is based on repetitive, rhythmic melody patterns that are gradually interwoven. Following Einstein on the Beach (1976) and Satyagraha (1980), Akhnaten (1984) is Philip Glass’ third full-length opera. The directing and stage set are the work of the imaginative British theatre-maker Nigel Lowery (Candide), and the controversial fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck is responsible for the costumes.

Costumes: Walter van Beirendonck
Pictures: Ronald Stoops
Choreography: Amir Hosseinpour, with Sophia Preidel.

Akhnaten runs until 22nd of February at Flanders Opera in Antwerp and from 4th until 10th of March at Gent Opera.
https://operaballet.be

Medúlla - First opera by Björk

Medúlla, international opera by Björk

04, 05, 07 & 08 February 2015 at La Monnaie (Brussels)

Exciting news! The season to come, 2014-2015 season, the Brussels opera house La Monnaie presents the world premiere of a new opera based on the album Medúlla of the singer Björk. This particular production is created by the Netherlands-based director Sjaron Minailo (Studio Minailo) and sung by including Roberta Alexander and Kevin Walton (both based in the Netherlands). A large part of the artistic team comes from the Netherlands, including composers Anat Spiegel (musical arrangement) and Henry Vega (electronics). The costume and set design is in the hands of the Danish fashion designer Hernik Vibskov.
 ‘What happened before we got involved in problematic things like civilization, religion and nationhood ?’ In her conceptual album Medúlla, Icelandic artist Björk returns to a pagan universe that is entirely human. Björk’s composition for a cappella voices explores a huge array of vocal techniques, from throat-singing and choruses to beatboxing and pop harmonies.
Released in 2004, the album was her reaction to counter the outbreaks of racism and neo-nationalism after the 9/11 attacks. A decade later, an ensemble of singers representing different generations – children and youth choirs next to senior opera singers – unites to redefine in meditative images what Björk named ‘medúlla’ – ‘an ancient spirit that’s passionate and dark, a spirit that survives’ – the basic element of human condition that unites us all, despite different beliefs, origins, nations and ages.

Credits
Composer: Björk
Music direction: Bassem Akiki
Director: Sjaron Minailo
Set design & costumes: Hendrik Vibskov
Lighting: Maarten Warmerdam
Dramaturgy: Krystian Lada
New vocal arrangements: Anat Spiegel
Live electronics: Henry Vega
Conductor of the children s chorus: Denis Menier
Youth chorus direction: Benoît Giaux
Soloists: Roberta Alexander
Soloists: Kevin Walton
Chorus: La Maitrise & La Choraline Production La Monnaie / De Munt

Ticket sales starting on 02/12/2014 More info 

http://www.lamonnaie.be

Toneelstad Maastricht festival 2011

The fourth edition of the Maastricht Toneelstad Festival (Theare festival) is about the Euregion.
Therefore the program includes performances by groups from Aachen, Sittard, Sankt Vith, Hasselt, Liege and Maastricht. In addition, in the theaters of Liege, Hasselt and Maastricht major international plays are presented.
http://www.maastrichttoneelstad.nl/

FEW TIPS:
Troubleyn / Jan Fabre: Prometheus Landscape II


an Fabre took inspiration for his latest production from the adventures of Prometheus, a mythological ‘rebel without a cause’. Prometheus rebelled against the supreme god Zeus, stole the fire from the heaven and gave it to humanity. Zeus punished him by chaining him to the Caucasus. To Fabre, Prometheus is a figurehead of proud autonomy. The audience become fellow sufferers of this tragic hero's dreadful fate, thus purifying them of the toxins in his body. Nine performers a total work of word, music, dance and performance.
Scheduled in Theater a/h Vrijthof

Het Geluid Maastricht: HR l a burned out opera

A burned-up electronic opera about modern mid-lifers with two opera singers, bloodcurdlingly exciting sound effects and surprising lyrics. Scheduled in Ainsi Maastricht.

Ilay den Boer: Zoek het lekker zelf uit! - Het Beloofde Feest 4

Together with the children in the audience Ilay den Boer tries to build a home where nobody argues and everyone is happy.Scheduled in Huis van Bourgondië.

Check the nice promo trailers:

Maastricht Toneelstad Festival 2011 from TheaterMaastricht on Vimeo.

Deel 2 Maastricht Toneelstad Festival 2011 from TheaterMaastricht on Vimeo.