RE:SOUND

Working with: Streetwise Opera, BBC Concert Orchestra

I was delighted to be commissioned by Streetwise Opera to work with their Manchester performers to compose a new micro-opera to celebrate the city. I grew up in Greater Manchester and I think the work that Streetwise do around homelessness is fantastic, so this was a special commission for me. I ran six workshops with the performers in which we created ideas for characters, libretto, musicIal motifs, and sound textures. The resulting piece, The Spirit of Manchester, tells the story of two Mancunians meeting, narrated by Aquabella, the spirit of the city.

The micro opera formed part of the repertoire for the Re:sound festival which ran until spring 2023. It was performed by Streetwise Opera alongside singers from The Sixteen and the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Southbank Centre, Bridgewater Hall, and Nottingham playhouse. It was also broadcast on BBC Radio Three’s In Tune program. Following the performances, the project was shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic Society's 'Impact' award 2023.

“No wonder we all rose to our feet at the end. Respect.”

“Re:sound ★★★★★”

Fiona Maddocks - The Observer