Balfour to Compose Indigenous Opera
Camerata Nova is excited to announce that Artistic Director Andrew Balfour will be part of the creation of a completely new and original Indigenous based Dramatic Opera; Mishaabooz’s Realm, jointly commissioned and produced by the Highlands Opera Studio/Theatre and L’Atelier Lyrique de L’Opéra de Montréal.
This exciting new work promises to be multi-media and multi-directional, incorporating classical styles, unique choral and vocal perspectives, Indigenous musical and oral traditions. The libretto will be created in First Nations dialect, French and English, exploring contemporary issues concerning Canada’s relationship with our First People and the land of Turtle Island, past, present and future.
Regarding this new creative opportunity, Andrew commented, “In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action, I am honoured to take part in this wonderful collaborative approach in creating this important cultural and exciting new work.”
Andrew will be traveling to Highlands Opera Studio/Theatre in Haliburton, Ontario this August where he will be Composer-in-Residence. He will work with performers as well as their creative team on the new creation.
There will be a presentation of the First Public Workshop Performance of Mishaabooz’s Realm (La Domaine de Michabous) in Haliburton at the NLPAP on August 19th, at 8 pm.
