The spare orchestration, full of scurrying chromatics, often glistening string writing and crisply atmospheric percussion, including piano, was potentially attractive and melodic, though its variety was mostly lost in the ROH auditorium. I registered a faint sense that my opera plot was already out on the street, but I didn't think all the detail it contained the violent destruction of property, the collapse of the middle class would soon become true as well. Violin I Judith Weir is a composer who, despite a huge body of work that ranges from grand operas to piano concertos to songs for children, has never sought the limelight. Silly and naive. Thereafter, she encounters various low wage earners sweatshop workers (a chorus of seamstresses), a fast-food vendor (Florian Panzieri) and a laundrette owner (Laura Fleur). Get discounted access to unmissable art, See more art, music, film and theatre for less, Log in to access bookings, re-print pdf tickets, update email preferences and check out faster. Judith Weir CBE HonFRSE (born 11 May 1954)[1] is a British composer serving as Master of the King's Music. Judith Weir's Miss Fortune at Covent Garden | Bachtrack Jos Hita Garca* Hugo Haag, Cello Still, Glowing. woman.life.song. Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. The once-rich little heroine, dogged by cruel Fate, becomes a low-wage earner cue sweatshops, ironing boards, an imploding fast-food van. She was an oboe player, performing with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and studied composition with John Tavener during her schooldays. Luna De Mol, Violin II was born into a Scottish family in 1954, but grew up near London. Judith Weir was born into a Scottish family in 1954, but grew up near London. Plan your journey and find more route information in Your Visit or book your car parking space in advance. Judith Weir - Minute of Listening Its not standard opera house instrumentation - even with a grand piano and much percussion, relatively small string and woodwind sections leave a fair amount of space in the usually crammed orchestra pit. ears ago, I read an Italian folk tale about a princess who, when her parents lose their money, is forced to live in poverty and make a living: weaving cloth, minding a wine store, washing clothes. Its story talks about the difference betweeen being rich and poor, and I was criticised at the time for imagining that this would be a permissable subject for an opera. 4 - Julia Kleitner, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/Gatti, A Conversation With LIISA RANDALU: Schumann Quartet release 2nd CD, ENCOUNTERS: Edward Seckerson talks to Broadway composer LUCY SIMON, Edward Seckerson talks to RENE FLEMING about The Light in the Piazza, A Conversation With VASILY PETRENKO: RLPO Shostakovich Symphonies, A Conversation With SIR PAUL McCARTNEY: BBC Radio 4 Kaleidoscope, A Conversation With VICTORIA WOOD: New TV drama, Loving Miss Hatto, A Conversation With DAVID McVICAR & SARAH CONNOLLY: Charpentiers Medea, GRAMOPHONE Review: Shostakovich Symphony No. First things first: Chen Shi-Zhengs production, created for the works premire at Bregenz Festival last year, is one of the most visually stunning opera productions I have ever seen. She has a large catalogue of performed works to her name, which will silence any who doubt her considerable gifts, especially vocal. She is seen as one of the most successful Musician of all times. Joana Praa* The four days of programmes ended with a first performance of her new commission, CONCRETE, a choral motet. 024 IN 2. Weir was born in Cambridge, England, to Scottish parents. Sad to say but Judith Weirs sixth opera is an embarrassment. Fate - Andrew Watts. Judith Weir Sheet Music, Scores & Parts | nkoda Julian Hepple. A first performance of a new opera is the start of a precipitous journey. She studied with . The gap between failure and success in the theatre can be as narrow as a hair's breadth. When her life's course turns from bad to worse, she makes a date with Fate. The Vanishing Bridegroom and Miss Fortune. Opera on 3 Judith Weir's Miss Fortune. In recent years, Judith Weir has considerably expanded her choral catalogue, with regular performance by choirs worldwide of music such as her Christmas carolIlluminare, Jerusalemwritten for Stephen Cleobury and the choir of Kings College Cambridge. The most recent opera is Miss Fortune, premiered at Bregenz in . [8] In May 2015, Weir won The Ivors Classical Music Award at the Ivor Novello Awards. . Her opera Miss Fortune opened at the Royal Opera House in March. The language needs sharpening to show us that this is satire. Had Kieron-Connor Valentines Fate been more malevolent his encounters with Erin Gwyn Rossingtons Tina would have had more emotional impact. 2010-2023 Bachtrack Ltd. All rights reserved. Are launderettes, kebab vans and bankers really the stuff of opera? If nothing has changed musically, this small staging worked well, at least in dramatic terms with terrific visuals and spot on acting. Judith Weir CBE is a British composer and Master of the Queen's Music. And the greatest irony of all - Miss Fortune wins the lottery. Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA. Unlike in the first act, the music lets up on the never-ending tension (the strident voiceover of Fate is absent for Simon's aria), and several of the subsequent scenes are more enjoyable for it. Judith Weir Wiki - everipedia.org Where Weirs orchestral writing is full and rich, the vocal parts are for the most part agile and harsh. In 2005 her opera Armida, an opera for television, was premiered on Channel Four in the United Kingdom). Miss Fortune in name and deed. Daniel RobinsonAnja Urban. After this she spent several years working in schools and adult education in rural southern England; followed by a period based in Scotland, teaching at Glasgow University and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. To book tickets visit:. Lisette Oropesa leads strong vocal performances in Handel's madcap tale of love and sorcery. My first pieces were at secondary school. Guildhall Opera Double Bill | Barbican Judith Weir Judith Weir was born into a Scottish family in 1954, but grew up near London. Music Sales America. Weir was born in Cambridge, England, to Scottish parents. Mario Gutirrez Gorria, Viola If you dont harbour too many expectations of a thought-provoking story, its worth going to see for the staging alone. Tina, their daughter Erin Gwyn Rossington (28 Feb & 4 Mar), Cleo Lee McGowan (2 & 7 Mar) Judith Weir at 70 by ScoresOnDemand - Issuu In the title role, Emma Bell does an admirable job of wrapping her voice around it all, without the audience ever getting a melody or a mood to remember. [11] In 2023, Weir was announced as one of the composers who would each create a brand new piece for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla. Judith Weir was born into a Scottish family in 1954, but grew up near London. We remain indifferent to Miss Fortune (however persuasively sung by a red-wigged Emma Bell), her vulgar nouveau parents who lose their riches, the sharp-suited romantic interest, Simon (the lovely Jacques Imbrailo). WEI. BBC Radio 3. For Rap read rhyming couplets. Miss Fortune, Royal Opera | The Arts Desk Dominic Wheeler conductorMartin Lloyd-Evans directorAnna Reid designerAnthony Doran lighting designerJoseph Beesley assistant conductorRachel Wise assistant director/movement, Lucy England Segomotso Shupinyaneng (28 Feb & 4 Mar), Ellie Neate (2 & 7 Mar) To those who ask what material like this is doing in an opera house, I can only reply that this story allowed me to write both opera and folk music at the same time, to invent work songs for modern jobs like dry cleaning, and to find present-day uses for beautiful operatic forms, such as the aubade, or dawn song which Hassan sings while tending his kebab van. Continue using the site as normal or read our Now based in London, she has had a long association with Spitalfields Music Festival; and has taught as a visiting professor at Princeton, Harvard and Cardiff universities. ABOVE: GSMD, Miss Fortune (c) Helen Murray, Copyright All rights reserved | Theme by, Mixed performances in Menotti and Weir from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Judith Weir CBE (born 1954) is a British composer and the first female Master of the Queen's Music. Judith Weir's music is published by Chester Music and Novello & Co. Judith Weir - Wise Music Classical The banality of the text follows the banality of the narrative, and the music doesn't rise above it. Joshua Saunders The much-publicised breakdancers of Chen Shi-Zengs efficient but actually rudimentary staging only serve to highlight how irrelevant Weirs musical language is to her conception. Welcome to the rich musical world of Judith Weir | WNO Lady Fortune - Kathryn Harries. A. Judith Weir | British Music Collection She was an oboe player, performing with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and studied composition with John Tavener during her schooldays. The most recent opera is Miss Fortune, premiered at . Caroline Moores, Head of Recording & Audio Visual Our heroine is clad in a bright red dress - the Chinese colour for luck - which makes her a constant point of focus through the action. OPERA NEWS, COMMENTARY, AND REVIEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Hassan - Noah Stewart Claire Nicolas (freelance) On 30 June 2014, The Guardian stated that her appointment as Master of the Queen's Music,[5] succeeding Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (whose term of office expired in March 2014), would be announced;[6] this was officially confirmed on 21 July. At least that was Weirs intention to be relevant and in touch. Miss Fortune - Wikipedia She went on to Cambridge University, where her composition teacher was Robin Holloway; and in 1975 attended summer school at Tanglewood, where she worked with Gunther Schuller. Published by Chester Music (HL.14035701). A strong ROH2 schedule includes premieres by Scott Walker, Huw Watkins and Stuart MacRae in a season that will offer "fresh and interesting angles on the art form". Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA. [9], Weir is a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. 7. This is a past event. Sad because Weirs folk inspired fables have won many friends, sad because she is a composerly composer whose luminous orchestral backdrops and singable vocal lines display an honest talent that never hides behind overworked technique. Susan Jane Matthews, organ1929 Skinner OrganSt. How come that trumpet B-flat sounded so great in the Austrian Alps, but in London was clearly a wrong note? Noah Stewart as Hassan and Emma Bell as Tina in the Royal Opera's production of Judith Weir's Miss Fortune directed by Chen Shi-Zheng and conducted. 28 pages. Sad because Weirs folk inspired fables have won many friends, sad because she is a composerly composer whose luminous orchestral backdrops and singable vocal lines display an honest talent that never hides behind overworked technique. Miss Fortune is Birtish composer Judith Weir's first operatic composisition in the last 17 years. Iza Fordham Florian Panzieri as the kebab seller Hassan impressed with his clear tenor and mezzo-soprano Laura Fleur as Donna brought verisimilitude to her scenes at the laundrette. Silly and naive. Ben Mills, Deputy Stage ManagerAndrea Stier Andersen, Assistant Stage Managers Miss Fortune | The Theatre Reviewer Judith Weir. Night AT the Chinese Opera (A) (1987) Operas. The darker side of the "alienating effects of modern urban life" (as designer Anna Reid's programme note summarises both operas) are explored in Judith Weir's Miss Fortune (2011) based on a Sicilian folk story and dramatising a serious reversal of fortune and circumstances as its punning title implies, through the personified figure of fate. In July 2014 Judith Weir was appointed to the 395-year old royal post of Master of the Queen's Music, in succession to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. For Barbican performances, enter through the mainBarbican Centre entrance in Silk Street. The opera touches on many things relevant to modern life - the banking crisis, unemployment, sweatshop working conditions, the choice between money and love - but it doesnt have anything significant to say about any of them. 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Miss Fortune, Royal Opera House - The Independent Judith Weir was appointed Master of The Queen's Music, in succession to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, in July 2014; and in January 2015 became Associate Composer . A new production of an earlier opera is always welcome news, to its composer at least, and it doesn't feel right to term these "revivals" - implying that resuscitation or even raising from the dead has been necessary. Paul's Episcopal Church, Burlingame, CaliforniaThe Tree of Peace is by the contemporary English composer Judi. Her music often draws on sources from medieval history, as well as the traditional stories and music of her parents' homeland, Scotland. Miss Fortune Operas. For more information visit their website, Hear music by Judith Weir online at Spotify. Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA. Sad to say but Judith Weir's sixth opera is an embarrassment. Aina Miyagi Magnell She was an oboe player, performing with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and studied composition with John Tavener during her schooldays. Both portrayals were wonderfully convincing musically and dramatically, each singer having an easy stage presence and voices that hold the ear with roundness of tone and crystal-clear diction. Miss Fortune. Presented byGuildhall School of Music & Drama. No fee when tickets are booked in person. Right next to it was the ubiquitous fingers-crossed Lottery sign with its jaunty "Play here!" Above all, I felt justified in having written the opera in the first place. She has written orchestral music for the BBC Symphony, Boston Symphony and Minnesota Orchestras. Indeed it has. She was an oboe player, performing with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and studied composition with John Tavener during her schooldays. Judith Weir CBE HonFRSE (born 11 May 1954) is a British composer serving as Master of the King's Music. Judith Weirs orchestral music is drawn from a similarly vivid palette. Secondly and crucially, Weir turns Fate into a very real and live person. What a waste of talent and resources. EC2Y 8DT. Much of her music has been recorded, and is available on the NMC, Delphian and Signum labels. As far as one could tell, Paul Daniel conducted a good performance. Kyra Coppini, Production Sound Engineers Weir was appointed a CBE in 1995 Composer Judith Weir CBE is to become the first female Master of the Queen's Music. The work was made in co-operation with Margaret Williams. Miss Fortune | Judith Weir - Wise Music Classical Its story talks about the difference betweeen being rich and poor, and I was criticised at the time for imagining that this would be a permissable subject for an opera. And the greatest irony of all Miss Fortune wins the lottery. Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA. Sad to say but Judith Weirs sixth opera is an embarrassment. Photo:Judith Weir. Edward Seckerson in The Independent (London) wrote of "Miss Fortune in name and deed" and described the opera as "silly and naive" and "a waste of talent and resources", with a libretto that "vacillates between the banal and the unintentionally comedic (or is that irony? She has been commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (Music Untangled and Natural History) the Minnesota Orchestra (The Welcome Arrival of Rain) and the London Sinfonietta (Tiger under the Table); and has written concert works for some notable singers, including Jane Manning, Jessye Norman, Dawn Upshaw, Alice Coote, Ailish Tynan and Ruby Hughes. Giulia Lussoso Josh Law Cludia Costa Gonalves, Ensembles, Programming & Instrument Manager Lady Fortune Amy Holyland (28 Feb & 4 Mar), Laura Fleur (2 & 7 Mar) Ensemble. Despite the layoff since summer, the staging soon exuded a dance-like motion we hadn't seen before. At the time, I was writing a chorus number called We Didn't See It Coming. Did it have to be this way? For more access information, please visit ourAccessibilitysection. Both the score and the individual performances Last month, as we reconvened in London to rehearse for this week's UK debut, conductor Paul Daniel considered the problems. Everything about Miss Fortune is benign and comfortable even Tom Pyes eye-catching geometric designs are thoroughly alienating, a garment sweatshop spotless and sanitised like the Royal Opera have re-deployed the spinning chorus from their last production of The Flying Dutchman. But when the once wealthy Tina (a self-consciously red-headed but vocally resolute Emma Bell) turns on Fate (a wasted Andrew Watts) and halfway through this short and pointless evening enquires: Was it you who turned my life upside down? we know weve come precisely nowhere very fast. Interview by "But the good thing," she added, "is that I completely forget to worry about singing the music.". Judith_Weir : definition of Judith_Weir and synonyms of Judith_Weir Asked to fall to the ground in terror at news of an approaching financial disaster, they ask, "Like in Idomeneo?" Written specifically for performance on American television in 1947, Gian Carlo MenottisoperaThe Telephoneis a romantic comedy in one act, written for just two singers and a hand-picked chamber ensemble of instrumentalists. Molly Hands, Assistant Carpenters Originally intended as a curtain-raiser for Menottis The Medium, the worksalternative title,LAmour trois, refers to the rival claims of a telephone that incessantly interrupts Bens attempts to propose marriage to Lucy before he catches his train. What a waste of talent and resources. Judith Weir | Oxford Lieder From 2015 to 2019 she was Associate Composer to the BBC Singers. Judith Weir. 1 / 3. . Lord Fortune - Alan Ewing. [15] Weir's commissioned works most notably include woman.life.song (2000) for Jessye Norman and We are Shadows (1999) for Simon Rattle. Yes, Tom Pye's design was beautiful, but stylised beyond the world of the circumstantial it could have accommodated any opera from Parsifal to Madama Butterfly. Nina Lim Find the perfect Judith Weir stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. So, turning convention on its head, weve a fatalistic riches-to-rags tale transposed from a Sicilian original and relocated in time and place to take account of the financial ills and social unrest of the here and now. R. 70. The opera reworks a Sicilian folktale as a contemporary parable. Sad to say but Judith Weir's sixth opera is an embarrassment. [21] Andrew Clements wrote in The Guardian of "a long two hours in the opera house" with scenes that "follow like cartoonish tableaux, without real characterisation, or confrontation, and without suggesting a dramatic shape", and also criticised the "twee rhyming couplets and inert blank verse" of Weir's libretto. I've had the misfortune of reading a few reviews already, and so far I seem to be flying solo on actually recommending it - but I do think the basic ingredients are there.