Program
12 – 16 October 2005
Rough Girls
Nederlands Vocaal Laboratorium / Elect. Voices (Netherlands)
Artistic Director/Conductor: Romain Bischoff, Director: Bärbel Kühn, Music: Merlijn
Twaalfhoven and Karin Rehnqvist, Workshop Leader: Renee Jonker, with pupils from the Oosterlicht College in Nieuwegein
Listen to the Pucksånger-lockrop. You will be caught, inflamed and carried away by tens of young women and girls… You will wander about the room, guided by the voices of professional singers and Rough Girls. You will hear music no one has ever heard before. Percussion rhythms will drive you further. One night; sometimes soft, exciting, sweet; then suddenly stormy and upsetting.
The Greenhouse Project – Two Responses to Acis and Galatea
Glyndebourne Youth Opera Group 4 (UK)
Strange Nature:
Composer: Katherine Gillham, Librettist: Lloyd Thomas
Acis and Galatea:
Music: G.F. Händel, Arranged by: Clare Whistler and Jonathan Gill, with musicians of the Brighton and Hove Youth Philharmonia
They have been singing together for four years, the 25 young members of the Glyndebourne Youth Opera Group. They have had training in voice techniques, stage presentation, solo and ensemble singing and sing about their opinion on classical operas. This time they combine an age-old opera by Händel with their own compositions and texts.
Dido
Muziektheater Transparant / Theater Froe Froe (Belgium)
Text: Purni Morell and Wouter Van Looy, Music: Jan Van Outryve, Director: Wouter Van Looy, Design and Puppets: Marc Maillard
The opera Dido tells the classical story of Dido and Aeneas from a new perspective, using new visual elements. Especially for this occasion, the Flemish opera makers from music production company Transparant worked together with the master puppet makers of Froe Froe. This is how an old story unfolds, ignited by a new spark and stirred up by puppets, videos, a touch of Purcell and a generous splash of Virgil.
ZoZijnZe
Opera Cinema (The Netherlands)
Musical Director: Bob Zimmerman, Director: Marcel Sijm, Dramaturg: Janine Brogt, Dutch texts: Petra van der Eerden, Ferry Heeren, Frank Nuus, Composer/Arranger: Bob Zimmerman, Tjeerd Oosterhuis, Daniel Hamburger and beat creator Martijn van Sonderen
ZoZijnZe is the literal translation of Mozart's opera Cosí Fan Tutte. It is about two women who are seduced into disloyalty by their own lovers in disguise. The story is set in a reality show, on couples who are being filmed 24 hours a day. Since happy couples do not make for very exciting television, two cool rappers are given a complete make-over. Their girlfriends, the singing sisters Flora and Dora, quite like the looks of these two 'strangers'.
Kloppend Hertz – In Concert
Yo! Opera Productie (The Netherlands)
Featuring presentations by the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and Edwin van de Heide
What is the newest sound in (youth) opera? Several European composers will try to answer this question in the next two years. The Yo! Opera Festival supports them in their quest and meanwhile presents the first ideas, sketches and concertante avances.
Saulpain
Muziektheater Transparant (Belgium)
Music: G.F. Händel, Director: An de Donder, Musical Director: Marcin Lasia, Vocal Coach
and Choir Conductor: Ayala Sicron, Continuo Coach: Thomas Baeté, Choreographer and Movement Coach: Jo-An Lauwaert, Coordinator: Wouter Van Looy, Scenographer: Colin Waeghe
How far can you go in opera? There are not many adults, let alone young people, who know. Maybe there simply are no limits; or maybe there are. Reason enough for music theatre production company Transparant to devote a Summer workshop to this theme, together with conservatory students and pupils from music schools all over the Netherlands and Belgium. This Summer, the participants are getting their teeth into Händel's music for one entire week. They spend their time renovating, translating and doctoring the pieces, until finally a show can be performed which radiates with enthusiasm.
Poy!
Opera Omnia (Norway)
3+
Music and Text: Glenn Erik Haugland, Text: Heidi Tronsmo, Director: Hege Gabrielsen
Poy! is the story of Henriëtte, a little girl who is driven mad by the cellist in her house who never stops practicing. She decides to call in the help of the audience.
3x3
Opera Omnia (Norway)
7+
Music, Text and Direction: Glenn Erik Haugland, Text and Concept: Heidi Tronsmo and Tore Vagn Lid
A world that forces you to change in the wink of an eye, because there is very little time. A singer, a dancer and a percussionist who speak three different languages get to know each other in a dynamic, comic cruel and sometimes clumsy confrontation... 3x3 follows Poy! and is meant for children from the age of seven. 3x3 has the same playfulness, amazement and openness, but the story is blended even more seamlessly with the music.
Arthur
Laika / Muziektheater Transparant (Belgium)
7+
Music: Jan Van Outryve, Director: Jo Roets and Wouter Van Looy, Movement Advisor: Jo-An
Lauwaert
A group of tough knights is fighting for a better world, but in fact they do not know exactly what it should be like. Their king is also going through rough times; during the daytime he is a self-confident man, but at night he can't sleep because of the storms in his head. The young actors, between six and eighteen years of age, know that 'Even the most brave of all men check under their beds every now and then.' They have worked for one year on their version of the legend of King Arthur. Together with theatre company Laika and music theatre production company Transparant they present a show full of climaxes and paradoxes.
Opera in de Bus
Yo! Opera Productie / GVU (The Netherlands)
GVU Choir
Musical Director: Jos Zandvliet
Bellowing bus drivers, operatic office staff, merry mechanics; a very special musical team and energetic managers. They sing, play on old rims and bus springs and tell their audience what is so great – and what not – about transporting them.
Busvlinder – Lijn 1
Music: Bob Zimmerman, Text: Ruben van Gogh, Director: Erik Snel
We are on the look-out for them, wishing them to arrive soon, and trust them blindly. When they have taken us home safely, we are content and then forget about them immediately. In fact we know nothing of our bus drivers in everyday life. Until now! Busvlinder is based on comic, tragic, disarming and shocking stories by bus drivers of the Utrecht bus company GVU.
Operaflat – Overvecht
Famous opera titles are out on the street: Carmen, Othello, La Bohème and Faust. And is there a better place to sing them than the opera district? The flat is full of singers who sing about love, hate, deceit, jealousy, grief, and about the doctor who allegedly sold his soul to the devil to satisfy his fervid desire for knowledge. The singers are all from Utrecht and represent different music styles: musical, gospel, Gregorian, pop, jazz and – of course - opera.
La Route Impériale no. 2 - Lijn 3
Music: Gábor Tarján, Text: Heleen Verburg, Director: Monique Corvers
Under the authority of Louis Napoleon, the Utrecht road Amsterdamsestraatweg was constructed in 1812, to the amazement of the population. It was a dead straight road between Paris and Amsterdam: La Route Impériale no. 2, the second most important international connecting road within the empire. The line 3 bus route takes you along this road and along many other memorable venues; it is a historical journey through ages of immigration and emigration. Between the GVU city bus station until the terminus of line 3, folk songs, brass music, curious passengers and robust opera singers will fill the bus.
La fête populaire – Zuilen
On its route through the heart of the district of Zuilen, bus line 3 passes a community feast. It takes place on historical grounds: this is where noblemen fought against the Bishop of Utrecht during the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the previous century, the green farmland was built over with small rented houses for the workmen of the Demka and Werkspoor factories. This is also where the socio-cultural centre ‘Het Vorstelijk Complex’ will soon be built. Who will be its future residents? Awaiting its completion, Zuilen-based music, dance and theatre groups make themselves heard.
De Meezingbus – Lijn 5
Music and Direction: Jos Zandvliet and students of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague
The Meezingbus [Sing-Along Bus] is an ode to great wheels, a song of praise to hissing doors, a passionate plea for the sturdy steering wheel. Singers set the tone and it is just a question of joining in. Sing along, at the top of your voice; we must raise the roof! After a ride on line 5, buses will never be the same again.
De Vervoering – Kanaleneiland
How do you build a relationship with a new bridge? A bridge even which connects Kanaleneiland to a indefinable place, an industrial area. But at the same time it is a beautiful bridge with a tremendous view. From the bridge, you can see how the district prospers. Get into one of eight cabins at the Prins
Claus Bridge. Each cabin combines the view with a decor of sounds, made by pupils of the Utrecht Zuid College. The sounds will transform the view. Maybe the bridge will in this way, through the ears, find its way to the heart.
Kabuski – Lijn 8
Music and Performance: Kapotski/Zonzo Compagnie
The Belgian Kapotski claims that each object can be used for something it was not designed for. And that each object can be used to play music. Have you ever heard of the piano-stretcher? Ever had the desire to whisper in the intercom? In Kabuski and Kapotski you can! Play while you drive.
Rondom de maan – Lunetten
Neighbourhood choirs, school children, professional singers from Lunetten and enthusiastic music lovers; everyone is welcome at community centre De Musketon. There is an open stage, there are singing workshops and various performances.
Zonegrens – Lijn 11
Music: Daniël Hamburger, Director: Henk Schut, Text: Ruben van Gogh, Music Installation:
Jake de Vos, Dyane Donck
A journey from the past to the present; from the old mediaeval city centre of Utrecht to the new Uithof, where you find the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital and a music installation. But before you get there, listen to travel poems made by children in hospital, sung to you by a soprano.
La Famiglia – Lijn 28
Music: Ferdinand Boland, Direction and Text: Daphne de Bruin
Unsuspectingly, people get into the bus which will take them on an archaeology excursion in Leidsche Rijn. The climax of the excursion is an exhibition at cultural centre Paper Dome, organised especially for the occasion. Roman finds from the area are on display there. The guide has just started his introduction when an Italian family demands its art treasures back, making this clear in their very own way.
Cupola di Carta – Leidsche Rijn
Have you always dreamed of finding your own archaeological treasure? Near the Paper Dome you can dig for ten minutes. There is a chance that items from the Roman era are excavated, since there used to be a Roman settlement here. In honour of these times, pupils from primary schools are preparing an exhibition with real and fake old items. Moreover, you can enjoy the Italian market with its pizzas, wine, music and kitsch Madonnas.
De zingende stad
Yo! Opera Productie / Zimihc (The Netherlands)
Concept: Yo! Opera Festival / Zimihc, Composition Choral Flow: Niels Vermeulen and Jurgen van Harskamp
Children's party, choral party and festive music! In De Zingende Stad [The City Sings] everyone gets a chance. Have you always wanted to sing together with… your grandfather, grandmother, uncle or aunt? Have you always wanted to know how the songs from their native soil – whether that be Marrakech or Makkum – sound? Soloists are also given free reign: there is an open stage for singers between six and eighteen years of age and they can sing all kinds of music styles. During the Choral Flow hundreds of voices will sound on the field in front of the Utrecht City Theatre. Voices from the many amateur choirs of Utrecht sing their favourite composition. At the end, all these choirs merge into one mega choir.
Rough Girls
Nederlands Vocaal Laboratorium / Elect. Voices (Netherlands)
Artistic Director/Conductor: Romain Bischoff, Director: Bärbel Kühn, Music: Merlijn
Twaalfhoven and Karin Rehnqvist, Workshop Leader: Renee Jonker, with pupils from the Oosterlicht College in Nieuwegein
Listen to the Pucksånger-lockrop. You will be caught, inflamed and carried away by tens of young women and girls… You will wander about the room, guided by the voices of professional singers and Rough Girls. You will hear music no one has ever heard before. Percussion rhythms will drive you further. One night; sometimes soft, exciting, sweet; then suddenly stormy and upsetting.
The Greenhouse Project – Two Responses to Acis and Galatea
Glyndebourne Youth Opera Group 4 (UK)
Strange Nature:
Composer: Katherine Gillham, Librettist: Lloyd Thomas
Acis and Galatea:
Music: G.F. Händel, Arranged by: Clare Whistler and Jonathan Gill, with musicians of the Brighton and Hove Youth Philharmonia
They have been singing together for four years, the 25 young members of the Glyndebourne Youth Opera Group. They have had training in voice techniques, stage presentation, solo and ensemble singing and sing about their opinion on classical operas. This time they combine an age-old opera by Händel with their own compositions and texts.
Dido
Muziektheater Transparant / Theater Froe Froe (Belgium)
Text: Purni Morell and Wouter Van Looy, Music: Jan Van Outryve, Director: Wouter Van Looy, Design and Puppets: Marc Maillard
The opera Dido tells the classical story of Dido and Aeneas from a new perspective, using new visual elements. Especially for this occasion, the Flemish opera makers from music production company Transparant worked together with the master puppet makers of Froe Froe. This is how an old story unfolds, ignited by a new spark and stirred up by puppets, videos, a touch of Purcell and a generous splash of Virgil.
ZoZijnZe
Opera Cinema (The Netherlands)
Musical Director: Bob Zimmerman, Director: Marcel Sijm, Dramaturg: Janine Brogt, Dutch texts: Petra van der Eerden, Ferry Heeren, Frank Nuus, Composer/Arranger: Bob Zimmerman, Tjeerd Oosterhuis, Daniel Hamburger and beat creator Martijn van Sonderen
ZoZijnZe is the literal translation of Mozart's opera Cosí Fan Tutte. It is about two women who are seduced into disloyalty by their own lovers in disguise. The story is set in a reality show, on couples who are being filmed 24 hours a day. Since happy couples do not make for very exciting television, two cool rappers are given a complete make-over. Their girlfriends, the singing sisters Flora and Dora, quite like the looks of these two 'strangers'.
Kloppend Hertz – In Concert
Yo! Opera Productie (The Netherlands)
Featuring presentations by the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and Edwin van de Heide
What is the newest sound in (youth) opera? Several European composers will try to answer this question in the next two years. The Yo! Opera Festival supports them in their quest and meanwhile presents the first ideas, sketches and concertante avances.
Saulpain
Muziektheater Transparant (Belgium)
Music: G.F. Händel, Director: An de Donder, Musical Director: Marcin Lasia, Vocal Coach
and Choir Conductor: Ayala Sicron, Continuo Coach: Thomas Baeté, Choreographer and Movement Coach: Jo-An Lauwaert, Coordinator: Wouter Van Looy, Scenographer: Colin Waeghe
How far can you go in opera? There are not many adults, let alone young people, who know. Maybe there simply are no limits; or maybe there are. Reason enough for music theatre production company Transparant to devote a Summer workshop to this theme, together with conservatory students and pupils from music schools all over the Netherlands and Belgium. This Summer, the participants are getting their teeth into Händel's music for one entire week. They spend their time renovating, translating and doctoring the pieces, until finally a show can be performed which radiates with enthusiasm.
Poy!
Opera Omnia (Norway)
3+
Music and Text: Glenn Erik Haugland, Text: Heidi Tronsmo, Director: Hege Gabrielsen
Poy! is the story of Henriëtte, a little girl who is driven mad by the cellist in her house who never stops practicing. She decides to call in the help of the audience.
3x3
Opera Omnia (Norway)
7+
Music, Text and Direction: Glenn Erik Haugland, Text and Concept: Heidi Tronsmo and Tore Vagn Lid
A world that forces you to change in the wink of an eye, because there is very little time. A singer, a dancer and a percussionist who speak three different languages get to know each other in a dynamic, comic cruel and sometimes clumsy confrontation... 3x3 follows Poy! and is meant for children from the age of seven. 3x3 has the same playfulness, amazement and openness, but the story is blended even more seamlessly with the music.
Arthur
Laika / Muziektheater Transparant (Belgium)
7+
Music: Jan Van Outryve, Director: Jo Roets and Wouter Van Looy, Movement Advisor: Jo-An
Lauwaert
A group of tough knights is fighting for a better world, but in fact they do not know exactly what it should be like. Their king is also going through rough times; during the daytime he is a self-confident man, but at night he can't sleep because of the storms in his head. The young actors, between six and eighteen years of age, know that 'Even the most brave of all men check under their beds every now and then.' They have worked for one year on their version of the legend of King Arthur. Together with theatre company Laika and music theatre production company Transparant they present a show full of climaxes and paradoxes.
Opera in de Bus
Yo! Opera Productie / GVU (The Netherlands)
GVU Choir
Musical Director: Jos Zandvliet
Bellowing bus drivers, operatic office staff, merry mechanics; a very special musical team and energetic managers. They sing, play on old rims and bus springs and tell their audience what is so great – and what not – about transporting them.
Busvlinder – Lijn 1
Music: Bob Zimmerman, Text: Ruben van Gogh, Director: Erik Snel
We are on the look-out for them, wishing them to arrive soon, and trust them blindly. When they have taken us home safely, we are content and then forget about them immediately. In fact we know nothing of our bus drivers in everyday life. Until now! Busvlinder is based on comic, tragic, disarming and shocking stories by bus drivers of the Utrecht bus company GVU.
Operaflat – Overvecht
Famous opera titles are out on the street: Carmen, Othello, La Bohème and Faust. And is there a better place to sing them than the opera district? The flat is full of singers who sing about love, hate, deceit, jealousy, grief, and about the doctor who allegedly sold his soul to the devil to satisfy his fervid desire for knowledge. The singers are all from Utrecht and represent different music styles: musical, gospel, Gregorian, pop, jazz and – of course - opera.
La Route Impériale no. 2 - Lijn 3
Music: Gábor Tarján, Text: Heleen Verburg, Director: Monique Corvers
Under the authority of Louis Napoleon, the Utrecht road Amsterdamsestraatweg was constructed in 1812, to the amazement of the population. It was a dead straight road between Paris and Amsterdam: La Route Impériale no. 2, the second most important international connecting road within the empire. The line 3 bus route takes you along this road and along many other memorable venues; it is a historical journey through ages of immigration and emigration. Between the GVU city bus station until the terminus of line 3, folk songs, brass music, curious passengers and robust opera singers will fill the bus.
La fête populaire – Zuilen
On its route through the heart of the district of Zuilen, bus line 3 passes a community feast. It takes place on historical grounds: this is where noblemen fought against the Bishop of Utrecht during the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the previous century, the green farmland was built over with small rented houses for the workmen of the Demka and Werkspoor factories. This is also where the socio-cultural centre ‘Het Vorstelijk Complex’ will soon be built. Who will be its future residents? Awaiting its completion, Zuilen-based music, dance and theatre groups make themselves heard.
De Meezingbus – Lijn 5
Music and Direction: Jos Zandvliet and students of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague
The Meezingbus [Sing-Along Bus] is an ode to great wheels, a song of praise to hissing doors, a passionate plea for the sturdy steering wheel. Singers set the tone and it is just a question of joining in. Sing along, at the top of your voice; we must raise the roof! After a ride on line 5, buses will never be the same again.
De Vervoering – Kanaleneiland
How do you build a relationship with a new bridge? A bridge even which connects Kanaleneiland to a indefinable place, an industrial area. But at the same time it is a beautiful bridge with a tremendous view. From the bridge, you can see how the district prospers. Get into one of eight cabins at the Prins
Claus Bridge. Each cabin combines the view with a decor of sounds, made by pupils of the Utrecht Zuid College. The sounds will transform the view. Maybe the bridge will in this way, through the ears, find its way to the heart.
Kabuski – Lijn 8
Music and Performance: Kapotski/Zonzo Compagnie
The Belgian Kapotski claims that each object can be used for something it was not designed for. And that each object can be used to play music. Have you ever heard of the piano-stretcher? Ever had the desire to whisper in the intercom? In Kabuski and Kapotski you can! Play while you drive.
Rondom de maan – Lunetten
Neighbourhood choirs, school children, professional singers from Lunetten and enthusiastic music lovers; everyone is welcome at community centre De Musketon. There is an open stage, there are singing workshops and various performances.
Zonegrens – Lijn 11
Music: Daniël Hamburger, Director: Henk Schut, Text: Ruben van Gogh, Music Installation:
Jake de Vos, Dyane Donck
A journey from the past to the present; from the old mediaeval city centre of Utrecht to the new Uithof, where you find the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital and a music installation. But before you get there, listen to travel poems made by children in hospital, sung to you by a soprano.
La Famiglia – Lijn 28
Music: Ferdinand Boland, Direction and Text: Daphne de Bruin
Unsuspectingly, people get into the bus which will take them on an archaeology excursion in Leidsche Rijn. The climax of the excursion is an exhibition at cultural centre Paper Dome, organised especially for the occasion. Roman finds from the area are on display there. The guide has just started his introduction when an Italian family demands its art treasures back, making this clear in their very own way.
Cupola di Carta – Leidsche Rijn
Have you always dreamed of finding your own archaeological treasure? Near the Paper Dome you can dig for ten minutes. There is a chance that items from the Roman era are excavated, since there used to be a Roman settlement here. In honour of these times, pupils from primary schools are preparing an exhibition with real and fake old items. Moreover, you can enjoy the Italian market with its pizzas, wine, music and kitsch Madonnas.
De zingende stad
Yo! Opera Productie / Zimihc (The Netherlands)
Concept: Yo! Opera Festival / Zimihc, Composition Choral Flow: Niels Vermeulen and Jurgen van Harskamp
Children's party, choral party and festive music! In De Zingende Stad [The City Sings] everyone gets a chance. Have you always wanted to sing together with… your grandfather, grandmother, uncle or aunt? Have you always wanted to know how the songs from their native soil – whether that be Marrakech or Makkum – sound? Soloists are also given free reign: there is an open stage for singers between six and eighteen years of age and they can sing all kinds of music styles. During the Choral Flow hundreds of voices will sound on the field in front of the Utrecht City Theatre. Voices from the many amateur choirs of Utrecht sing their favourite composition. At the end, all these choirs merge into one mega choir.
