Opera "A Dream of Armageddon" to be streamed for free (28 Jan. - 28 Feb. 2022)
We are delighted to announce that we will stream FUJIKURA Dai's opera A Dream of Armageddon - our bold new masterpiece world-premiered in November 2020.
The stream will be available to watch for one month from 28 January (until 28 February). It is free to watch online with no registration required.
The idea for this new opera came from a short science fiction novel written by H.G.WELLS at the beginning of the 20th century. Poet Harry ROSS, a long-time associate of the composer, makes the original story into the libretto focusing on the threat of totalitarianism. FUJIKURA completed his score before the COVID-19 pandemic happened, but the society in the opera surprisingly reflects today's chaotic situation in which many countries are struggling with.
Staging of Lydia STEIER visualizes the story using projections, vivid-colored costumes and stage sets efficiently. Quoting her words, "A Dream of Armageddon" is truly a piece for this exact moment in history.
The music itself describes the characters' feelings eloquently and has much of actuality. Excellent singers who have experienced many contemporary works; Peter TANTSITS (Cooper Hedon), Seth CARICO (Fortnum Roscoe/ Johnson Evesham), and Jessica ASZODI (Bella Loggia) are in the cast. ONO Kazushi conducts the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. As well as the stunning performance by soloists, the powerful and nuanced performance by New National Theatre Chorus is also the highlight.
Details
Viewing Period: 28 January 2022 - 28 February 2022
Duration: 1 hour and 39 mins.
Sung in English with English and Japanese surtitles
Recorded on 18 November 2020
Performed at Opera Palace, New National Theatre, Tokyo
- Cast and Creative Team
Orignal by H.G. WELLS
Libretto by Harry ROSS
Composed by FUJIKURA Dai
Conductor: ONO Kazushi
Production: Lydia STEIER
Cooper Hedon: Peter TANTSITS
Fortnum Roscoe/ Johnson Evesham: Seth CARICO
Bella Loggia: Jessica ASZODI
The Inspector: KANOH Etsuko
The Singer/ The Cynic: MOCHIZUKI Tetsuya
The Soldier (Boy Soprano): NAGAMINE Yusuke
Chorus: New National Theatre Chorus
Orchestra: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
- Trailer