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The Art of Libretto

The Gate, Cardiff
Wednesday 14 March 2007

This course is aimed at writers who are interested in finding out more about the libretto and collaborating with composers. The day will feature artists who are experienced at working in this field and demonstrations of contemporary work.

Guest speakers will include:

Michael McCarthy and Michael Rafferty – MTW’s joint Artistic Directors will introduce the process of writing opera and MTW’s progress in this, including a look at the company’s work to date

Lynne Plowman and Martin Riley - a succesful composer-librettist team who won crittical acclaim for both their operas. "A perfect new opera" wrote The Independent of their first. Lynne and Martin will talk about the challenges and process of a composer and writer working together, and how opera has to be a true collaboration.

David Harsent - poet, writer and librettist, best known for his texts for The Woman and the Hare and The Ring Dance of the Nazarene, and his work with composer Harriston Birtwistle on both Gawain and their current collaboration The Minotaur (both for the Royal Opera House). He’ll be divulging the peaks and potential pitfalls of writing for opera and working with such a demanding and powerful composer.

Grahame Davies - poet, editor, and literary critic. Currently working with composer Karl Jenkins on an opera due to be performed in 2008.

Michael Berkeley - an experienced opera composer, including the opera Baa Baa Black Sheep and Jane Eyre. Currently collaborating with Ian McEwan on a new opera for MTW, due to première in 2008. He’ll be talking about the process of writing this new piece, and previous operas with David Malouf.

The course will take place at The Gate, Cardiff on the 14 March 2007. Tickets cost £30 / £25 concessions.

To buy tickets or for more information contact Academi: 029 2047 2266 or post@academi.org