In the beginning of May, short operas by Age Hirv and Monika Mattiesen will be premiered in Tallinn, Viljandi and Tartu. Operas will be performed by students of Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT). Stage director is Liis Kolle. Mattiesen’s Dmeeter and Hirv’s Tuleloitsija will be performed on May 5 and 6 at 7.30 pm in Kanuti Guild Hall, May 8 at 7 pm in University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy and May 10 at 7 pm in Tartu Harbour Theatre.
In half a year, EAMT PhD students Age Hirv and Monika Mattiesen wrote operas that will be premiered now by EAMT singing students. In both works our world has to be destroyed by the primeval element – fire or water – so it could be reborn as new and better. Interactivity will be used in the stage realization: singer will control the video or lights.
The libretto of Age Hirv’s Tuleloitsija (Fire Enchanter) is made by the composer herself on the basis of August Gailit’s short story „Red Horses”. Geraldine Casanova will be in leading roles, other parts will be sung by Tui Hirv, Kristel Jõesaar, Siiri Koel, Sirje Vasmann, Helen Nairismägi, Ülle Pootsmaa, Ivo Onton, Aivar Kaseste, Aare Kodasma, Jie Bai and Xiacoon Su. Instrumental part is played by EAMT ensemble with Risto Joost conducting.
Monika Mattiesen’s Dmeeter is based on Hasso Krull’s libretto. Opera will be performed by Kristiina Hunt and Simo Breede. In addition, the participators will be Robert Wechsler (dance), Hans-Gunter Lock and Margo Kõlar (live electronics).
Directions will be realized in collaboration of Liis Kolle (stage director), Ruth Prangen (stage, costume and video design), Robert Wechsler (EyeCon/motion-tracking, choreography), Teet Orupõld (light design) and Thomas Plöntzke (motion-tracking assistance and video production).
Evening of short operas of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is part of the project “Integrating the study of innovative contemporary music theatre to EAMT opera studio programme” started in January 2007. Project financed by Europe Union structural funds is led by director Liis Kolle, lecturer of EAMT opera studio. Students are taught by several specialists in the field of contemporary opera: Ana Mondini (choreography), Monika Lilleike (vocal art), Ruth Prangem (electronic scenography), Robert Wechsler, Luisa Castellani (vocal methodology of contemporary music theatre) and others.
Mariliis Valkonen