Information
a chamber opera in four scenes
libretto by Alex Calderwood
Characters
Agony, a young woman – soprano
Eustace, her brother – baritone
Sam, his hunting dog – tenor
Instrumentation
three singers (S/T/Br) and ensemble: cl(ebcl/bcl), tpt, 2perc, vla, vcl, cbs
Duration
16 minutes
Synopsis
Scene One: We learn of Agony’s plight as she recounts her torment.
Scene Two: Eustace enters, presenting his side of the story. They quarrel, leaving Agony alone with his new hunting dog, Sam.
Scene Three: Agony, sinking into delusion, envisions Sam as the reincarnation of a former love.
Scene Four: Eustace discovers this in horror. He takes Sam away, leaving Agony with even less than she began with.
Selected Performances
Cleveland Institute of Music Opera Theatre and New Music Ensemble; Jake Taniguchi, conductor
April 5 & 7, 2024 (World Premiere Performances)
Cleveland Institute of Music (Cleveland, OH)
Tristan Wilson 