WHEN HE WAS GOOD
A Space Opera in Two Acts
Duration: 90'
Vocal parts: lyric soprano, coloratura soprano, mezzo soprano, tenor, baritone, bass; 4 smaller female roles (2 sopranos, 2 mezzos, optional as doubles of main roles, in order to accommodate a smaller cast).
Libretto: Elad Keidan
Commission: IMVAJ: International Masterclass of Vocal Arts after Zamboki.
Premiere: IMVAJ, August 2019, Israel.
(photos by Yoel Levy)
PROGRAM NOTE
5 Aliens
4 Endangered oceans
3 Avocado plants
2 Parents
1 Murder
All out on a journey investigating love.
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When He Was Good is a comic-detective opera which tests the boundaries of love.
Charming aliens, a fervent detective, a nosy neighbor, and a child and his parents, are putting love to a test: does it exist? How strong is it? How durable is it?
When He Was Good is a fun and fresh new opera, at the same time thought provoking, moving, and engaging in universal themes.
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From the press:
· “Outstanding and interesting story… …Many wonderfully beautiful musical moments” (27.8.19, Haaretz newspaper).
· “This modest production proves that this opera is worthy and deserves further life. It should now move on to the “grown-up’s” arena and receive a big full production” (28.8.19, Channel B, Kan Israeli Radio Corporation).
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Premiered on August 25th in Tel Aviv
Conducted by Naor Shani
Directed by Rares Zaharia
With Niva Eshed, Danielle Barash, Shira Bitan, Matan Gendelman, Mateusz Lugowski,
Mashi Guslicer, Anna-Lena Dank, Alexander Lang, Yarden Süssholz, Orit Zlotogorski, Inbal Zur-Shulstein, Maya Sayag, Naomi Kolatt.
The piece was supported by the Yehoshua Rabinovitch Foundation for The Arts, Tel-Aviv.
