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Eve de Castro-Robinson  

LEN LYE the opera

Duration: 1h 55' 00" Year: 2012

  • Programme Note
    LEN LYE the opera is based on the dramatic life of one of our most original artists. As an opera in the contemporary sense, it is a unique mix of music, poetry, theatre, dance, costumes, set design and film, with a cast of top national and international singers, musicians and performing artists. Eve de Castro-Robinson’s lively music incorporates jazz, dance music and other elements that reflect Lye’s art and personality.

    The opera tells the story of one of the most colourful and important artists to have emerged from New Zealand. Born in 1901, Len Lye grew up in this country, moving to London in 1926 to embrace the excitement of modernism and the Jazz Age. In 1944 he moved to New York and lived for the rest of his life in its bohemian art world. He gained a worldwide reputation for his films and sculptures.

    Along with his artistic triumphs, Lye experienced two contrasting marriages and ongoing battles with the art establishment. Despite these battles, Lye never abandoned hope or energy – he continued to struggle, to dream, to re-invent art – and to shock the orthodox with his views about art, clothing, politics and marriage.

    When he died in 1980, Lye left his art to the people of New Zealand. His animated films and kinetic sculptures continue to excite imaginations young and old, here and around the globe.

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Matthew Davidson  

Love or Money

Duration: 1h 15' 00" Year: 2010
a Singspiel in one act and thirteen scenes

Matthew Davidson  

The Singing Lesson

Duration: 1h 30' 00" Year: 2012
a Chamber Opera in Three Acts

  • Instrumentation
    for 2 Lyric Sopranos, 2 Dramatic Mezzo-Sopranos, 1 Lyric Contralto, 1 Tenor Buffo, 1 Basso Buffo, and small chamber orchestra (Cl in Bb, Bsn, Tpt in C, Bs Tbn, vln, cb, and Perc (1-2): wind chimes, triangle, sleigh bells, cowbell, tam-tam, vibraslap, wood block, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, tubular bells, snare drum, bass drum, and celesta)
  • Programme Note

    ACT ONE / THE GARDEN PARTY: Synopsis: Laura is helping her mother, Mrs. Sheridan, in the preparations for a garden party, when it is discovered that a death has transpired at a nearby working-class neighbourhood. Laura is in favour of cancelling the party, but other members of her family are not. After the party is over, Laura is instructed by her mother to visit the bereaved family, which results in an enormous personal change – or does it?

    ACT TWO / THE SINGING LESSON: Synopsis: Miss Meadows has been engaged, but now it appears to be over. How will she survive the embarrassment when this fact is discovered at the small school where she teaches? Or will it ever be discovered?

    ACT THREE / THE DOLL’S HOUSE: Synopsis: The arrival of a new doll’s house at the home of Kezia & Isabel creates quite a stir amongst their friends at school. However, Kezia & Isabel’s desire to invite the Kelvey children (who are of a lower social class) to see the new house, causes friction between them and their Aunt Beryl).

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