FROM THE PRESS:
- Cruise along with opera - The Straits Times
- Best and Worst of 2018: Best Classical Concert Category - The Straits Times
- Review by Bakchormeeboy- A Singapore Trilogy
- Realising the Dream of Singaporean Opera - The Straits Times
- SHP Foundation Arts Fund Calls for more applicants - The Straits Times
- Creepy Enough for Halloween - The Straits Times
- Arts Pick - The Straits Times
- Spirited Away - Bakchormeeboy
- Fabulous Four Notes- The Straits Times
- Fun Opera Apocalypse Keeps Kids Riveted - Straits Times
- Singapore's Opera Scene - Dr. Marc Rochester
- Zombies on the Loose Do Opera - The Straits Times
- Opera takes centrestage in Singapore - The Straits Times
- A Review of "Honestly!" - Albert Tay, Conductor, composer
- Concert Review - The Flying Inkpot
- Light Bites of Opera - Straits Times
- The magic of three mini-operas in one hour (review) - The Straits Times
THE THREE FEATHERS
Music by Lori Laitman
Libretto by Dana Gioia
Directed by Isabella Chiam
Visual Artist: Colette Alexandratos
November 21-24th 2019
Aliwal Arts Centre
Opera for the Young and the Young at heart.
L'arietta Productions produced the Asian premiere of THE THREE FEATHERS by Lori Laitman. The audience joined Princess Dora as she ventured into the magical world to save her father’s kingdom. A chamber opera composed by a woman, directed by a woman, about a young girl’s journey? What’s not to love? Written for the young and the young at heart, the whole family is invited to be part of Princess Dora’s adventure this November at Aliwal Arts Centre.
Based on a tale by the Brothers Grimm, the opera presents a young female protagonist, Princess Dora, as its hero. A magic feather leads the shy, self-doubting princess to an enchanted Underworld ruled by a giant Frog King. Here she summons her courage and compassion to face a series of mysterious and comic adventures that change her life. Completing her quest, she saves her father's kingdom from the plots of her selfish sisters and earns her right to the crown.
Described by Fanfare Magazine as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers,” Lori Laitman’s works are widely performed internationally. Written with librettist Dana Gioia (past Chairman of The National Endowment for the Arts), “The Three Feathers” was commissioned by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech in 2014.
Music by Lori Laitman
Libretto by Dana Gioia
Directed by Isabella Chiam
Visual Artist: Colette Alexandratos
November 21-24th 2019
Aliwal Arts Centre
Opera for the Young and the Young at heart.
L'arietta Productions produced the Asian premiere of THE THREE FEATHERS by Lori Laitman. The audience joined Princess Dora as she ventured into the magical world to save her father’s kingdom. A chamber opera composed by a woman, directed by a woman, about a young girl’s journey? What’s not to love? Written for the young and the young at heart, the whole family is invited to be part of Princess Dora’s adventure this November at Aliwal Arts Centre.
Based on a tale by the Brothers Grimm, the opera presents a young female protagonist, Princess Dora, as its hero. A magic feather leads the shy, self-doubting princess to an enchanted Underworld ruled by a giant Frog King. Here she summons her courage and compassion to face a series of mysterious and comic adventures that change her life. Completing her quest, she saves her father's kingdom from the plots of her selfish sisters and earns her right to the crown.
Described by Fanfare Magazine as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers,” Lori Laitman’s works are widely performed internationally. Written with librettist Dana Gioia (past Chairman of The National Endowment for the Arts), “The Three Feathers” was commissioned by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech in 2014.
FANTASY ISLAND CRUISE
A double bill set on a cruise
Gentleman’s Island by Joseph Horovitz and The Telephone by Gian Carlo Menotti
Directed by Richard Tan
April 26 - 28 2019
The Arts House
This tropical adventure featured the revival of the beloved Gentleman’s Island by Joseph Horovitz and a classic of chamber operas, The Telephone by Gian Carlo Menotti. The audience dressed up in resort wear, sipped on cocktails topped with umbrellas while enjoying an evening of comedy and drama, opera style. It featured veterans of the Singapore opera scene, Brent Allcock, Reuben Lai, Leslie Tay and Lilith Verhelst and directed by pillar of the Singaporean theatre scene Richard Tan.
Gentleman’s island tells a tale of two well bred gentlemen shipwrecked on a desert island. Their sense of manners prevents them from speaking to the other without being introduced by someone else first. Starvation and loneliness awaits if they cannot find a way around their circumstances. Written by British composer Joseph Horovitz, it is a sharply observed satire on the things that people hold important in life even to their own detriment.
In The Telephone, Ben and Lucy are trying to have a conversation. He is trying to pop the question to the love of his life. Unfortunately for Ben, the phone is constantly getting in the way. Will he manage to get those four little words in before time runs out for him? Since its debut in 1948, this opera has never been more relevant in our seemingly interconnected age.
A double bill set on a cruise
Gentleman’s Island by Joseph Horovitz and The Telephone by Gian Carlo Menotti
Directed by Richard Tan
April 26 - 28 2019
The Arts House
This tropical adventure featured the revival of the beloved Gentleman’s Island by Joseph Horovitz and a classic of chamber operas, The Telephone by Gian Carlo Menotti. The audience dressed up in resort wear, sipped on cocktails topped with umbrellas while enjoying an evening of comedy and drama, opera style. It featured veterans of the Singapore opera scene, Brent Allcock, Reuben Lai, Leslie Tay and Lilith Verhelst and directed by pillar of the Singaporean theatre scene Richard Tan.
Gentleman’s island tells a tale of two well bred gentlemen shipwrecked on a desert island. Their sense of manners prevents them from speaking to the other without being introduced by someone else first. Starvation and loneliness awaits if they cannot find a way around their circumstances. Written by British composer Joseph Horovitz, it is a sharply observed satire on the things that people hold important in life even to their own detriment.
In The Telephone, Ben and Lucy are trying to have a conversation. He is trying to pop the question to the love of his life. Unfortunately for Ben, the phone is constantly getting in the way. Will he manage to get those four little words in before time runs out for him? Since its debut in 1948, this opera has never been more relevant in our seemingly interconnected age.
A SINGAPORE TRILOGY
Music by Dr. Chen Zhangyi
Libretto by Jack Lin
Directed by Nora Samosir
October 12-14 2018
The Arts House
Local commission and world premiere
A Singapore Trilogy was written by National Arts Council Young Artist Award winner Dr. Chen Zhangyi. The three chamber operas pay homage to our national obsessions - kopi, food and shopping. Kopi for One, Laksa Cantata, and Window Shopping follows a woman as she reflects on her life as a daughter, wife, career woman, and the relationships she has between her father, fiancé and herself. The show featured veteran singers Ee-Ping, Akiko Otao, Jonathan Charles Tay and Felicia Teo, as well as the new generation of Singaporean singers, Ng Jingyun, Phoebe Chee, and Ng Samuel. Collaborating artist Alvin Mark Tan joined the team for a multi-sensory journey.
Singapore Trilogy follows milestone moments in a regular Singaporean’s life. In Laksa Cantata, on the Bride’s big day, the groom wants to serve Laksa, but she doesn’t! Can they learn to compromises and start their new chapter as a married couple with or without Singapore’s favourite dish? In Window shopping, older woman and a young bright eyed girl explores the personal relationship one has with themselves and how each of us develops over time in a shoe shop. Is there such a thing as the perfect pair? The perfect life? And finally in the newly commissioned work Kopi for One, a familiar kopi aunty welcoming a woman who has returned after a long time away. The waitress encourages the father to tell his daughter how much he loves her. In a culture where love is shown with actions instead of with words, do we really say what we want to our closest ones? Can a cup of kopi save their relationship? Bring your loved ones, sip a cup of kopi and watch these stories unfold.
Here is what you said about the show:
"Two decades ago, Singaporean opera seemed a distant dream. Today, it has become par for the course. With this excellent trilogy, Chen should no longer be referred to as a composer of promise, but one of stature." -Straits Times
Realising the dream of Singaporean opera (Published Oct 15, 2018)
"Thank you L'arietta for an exhilarating emotional ride on the opening night of Singapore Trilogy. Stellar performance by a stellar cast - electrifying vocal display combined with deeply moving acting, gorgeous sets and effective lighting transported us through time while exploring the various stages of life. This production showcased local talents and makes us proud to be Singaporean! Bravo!"
-Benedict Goh
"L'arietta Productions' A Singapore Trilogy is an amazing production, and I am very excited to see local operas being commissioned. Singaporean composer Dr Chen Zhangyi has developed a unique musical language quite unlike anything else, one that simply draws you into another realm, letting you look at these seemingly "everyday slices of life" with a new pair of eyes...The future of opera in Singapore, as well as Singapore opera, is bright with L'arietta Productions, and I look forward to even more productions that touch us."
-Sulwyn Lok
Music by Dr. Chen Zhangyi
Libretto by Jack Lin
Directed by Nora Samosir
October 12-14 2018
The Arts House
Local commission and world premiere
A Singapore Trilogy was written by National Arts Council Young Artist Award winner Dr. Chen Zhangyi. The three chamber operas pay homage to our national obsessions - kopi, food and shopping. Kopi for One, Laksa Cantata, and Window Shopping follows a woman as she reflects on her life as a daughter, wife, career woman, and the relationships she has between her father, fiancé and herself. The show featured veteran singers Ee-Ping, Akiko Otao, Jonathan Charles Tay and Felicia Teo, as well as the new generation of Singaporean singers, Ng Jingyun, Phoebe Chee, and Ng Samuel. Collaborating artist Alvin Mark Tan joined the team for a multi-sensory journey.
Singapore Trilogy follows milestone moments in a regular Singaporean’s life. In Laksa Cantata, on the Bride’s big day, the groom wants to serve Laksa, but she doesn’t! Can they learn to compromises and start their new chapter as a married couple with or without Singapore’s favourite dish? In Window shopping, older woman and a young bright eyed girl explores the personal relationship one has with themselves and how each of us develops over time in a shoe shop. Is there such a thing as the perfect pair? The perfect life? And finally in the newly commissioned work Kopi for One, a familiar kopi aunty welcoming a woman who has returned after a long time away. The waitress encourages the father to tell his daughter how much he loves her. In a culture where love is shown with actions instead of with words, do we really say what we want to our closest ones? Can a cup of kopi save their relationship? Bring your loved ones, sip a cup of kopi and watch these stories unfold.
Here is what you said about the show:
"Two decades ago, Singaporean opera seemed a distant dream. Today, it has become par for the course. With this excellent trilogy, Chen should no longer be referred to as a composer of promise, but one of stature." -Straits Times
Realising the dream of Singaporean opera (Published Oct 15, 2018)
"Thank you L'arietta for an exhilarating emotional ride on the opening night of Singapore Trilogy. Stellar performance by a stellar cast - electrifying vocal display combined with deeply moving acting, gorgeous sets and effective lighting transported us through time while exploring the various stages of life. This production showcased local talents and makes us proud to be Singaporean! Bravo!"
-Benedict Goh
"L'arietta Productions' A Singapore Trilogy is an amazing production, and I am very excited to see local operas being commissioned. Singaporean composer Dr Chen Zhangyi has developed a unique musical language quite unlike anything else, one that simply draws you into another realm, letting you look at these seemingly "everyday slices of life" with a new pair of eyes...The future of opera in Singapore, as well as Singapore opera, is bright with L'arietta Productions, and I look forward to even more productions that touch us."
-Sulwyn Lok
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Music by Robert Chauls
Directed by Mary Ann Tear
March 29- April 1, 2018
Aliwal Arts Centre
“Alice! A childish story take, And with a gentle hand lay it where childhood dreams are twined in memory’s mystic band”
L’arietta Production presented an 75 minute operatic adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, set in a magical garden, filled with nostalgic toys and modern twists. Kids and kids at heart enjoyed a mini-carnival as well as the opera!
The show featured opera veterans Akiko Otao, Leslie Tay, Brent Allcock, as well as fresh faces to the Singapore opera scene. The production welcomed collaborations with award-winning video artist Pandora Wong, as well as local hat brand The Girl with a Hat, and the return of Namiko Takahashi Chan as she reveals an entire line of hand-painted costumes.
This production celebrated World Autism Day by inviting 100 arts enthusiasts and their families from diverse backgrounds, with the generous support of the SPH Arts Fund
Music by Robert Chauls
Directed by Mary Ann Tear
March 29- April 1, 2018
Aliwal Arts Centre
“Alice! A childish story take, And with a gentle hand lay it where childhood dreams are twined in memory’s mystic band”
L’arietta Production presented an 75 minute operatic adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, set in a magical garden, filled with nostalgic toys and modern twists. Kids and kids at heart enjoyed a mini-carnival as well as the opera!
The show featured opera veterans Akiko Otao, Leslie Tay, Brent Allcock, as well as fresh faces to the Singapore opera scene. The production welcomed collaborations with award-winning video artist Pandora Wong, as well as local hat brand The Girl with a Hat, and the return of Namiko Takahashi Chan as she reveals an entire line of hand-painted costumes.
This production celebrated World Autism Day by inviting 100 arts enthusiasts and their families from diverse backgrounds, with the generous support of the SPH Arts Fund
PURGATORY
Music by Gordon Crosse
Directed by Eleanor Tan
October 27- November 5, 2017
The Theatre Practice
“Before my son I stand, holding the knife used to kill my father”
L'arietta Productions opens the 2017-2018 Great Literary Works Season with Gordon Crosse's adaptation of W.B. Yeats.
Written in 1966 by British composer Gordon Crosse, the opera utilizes Yeats' original text in its entirety. Directed by theatre veteran Eleanor Tan, this production will depart from its original Irish setting to an old Peranakan household filled with matriarchs of the past. On the anniversary of the mother's wedding night, remorseful spirits of the Old Man's parents appear in the house where unspeakable horror unfolded when he was 16 years old. He brings his son to the ruined house and reveals the darkness that haunts this family; the drunken father, the mother who died giving birth, and the Old Man who stabbed his own father... Now the Boy is the same age as he was when the curse was set. What grim choices face this family? Will there be redemption for the dead and the living? Purgatory was Singapore’s first immersive experiential opera, where live painting, devised theatre, poetry, visual art, and opera will merge for an hour of macabre spectacle.
Music by Gordon Crosse
Directed by Eleanor Tan
October 27- November 5, 2017
The Theatre Practice
“Before my son I stand, holding the knife used to kill my father”
L'arietta Productions opens the 2017-2018 Great Literary Works Season with Gordon Crosse's adaptation of W.B. Yeats.
Written in 1966 by British composer Gordon Crosse, the opera utilizes Yeats' original text in its entirety. Directed by theatre veteran Eleanor Tan, this production will depart from its original Irish setting to an old Peranakan household filled with matriarchs of the past. On the anniversary of the mother's wedding night, remorseful spirits of the Old Man's parents appear in the house where unspeakable horror unfolded when he was 16 years old. He brings his son to the ruined house and reveals the darkness that haunts this family; the drunken father, the mother who died giving birth, and the Old Man who stabbed his own father... Now the Boy is the same age as he was when the curse was set. What grim choices face this family? Will there be redemption for the dead and the living? Purgatory was Singapore’s first immersive experiential opera, where live painting, devised theatre, poetry, visual art, and opera will merge for an hour of macabre spectacle.
THE FOUR NOTE OPERA
Music by Tom Johnson
Directed by Mary Ann Tear
March 31- April 2, 2017
Aliwal Arts Centre
Part absurdist, part minimalist, all comedy.
L'arietta presented the South East Asia premiere of Tom Johnson's cult classic opera which only consists of 4 notes.
Mary Ann Tear returned as director, this time with a troupe of non-singing physical theatre actors. The humour of the text was highlighted in a very visual way and the intention throughout is to appeal to the audience’s aural, visual and kinaesthetic senses as they identify with the different characteristics of the various types of singers.
The Four Note Opera was performed by Singapore based singers soprano Akiko Otao, mezzo soprano Angela Hodgins, tenor Leslie Tay, baritone Brent Allcock with Aloysius Foong as the music director/pianist, and Thomas Manhart made a cameo appearance as the Bass. They were joined by exciting local physical theatre actors Gabriele Goh, Deborah Hoon, Haky Darsuki and Melissa Gan. Up and coming Singaporean visual artist Wan Xiang Lee joined the team for a true multidisciplinary experience.
Music by Tom Johnson
Directed by Mary Ann Tear
March 31- April 2, 2017
Aliwal Arts Centre
Part absurdist, part minimalist, all comedy.
L'arietta presented the South East Asia premiere of Tom Johnson's cult classic opera which only consists of 4 notes.
Mary Ann Tear returned as director, this time with a troupe of non-singing physical theatre actors. The humour of the text was highlighted in a very visual way and the intention throughout is to appeal to the audience’s aural, visual and kinaesthetic senses as they identify with the different characteristics of the various types of singers.
The Four Note Opera was performed by Singapore based singers soprano Akiko Otao, mezzo soprano Angela Hodgins, tenor Leslie Tay, baritone Brent Allcock with Aloysius Foong as the music director/pianist, and Thomas Manhart made a cameo appearance as the Bass. They were joined by exciting local physical theatre actors Gabriele Goh, Deborah Hoon, Haky Darsuki and Melissa Gan. Up and coming Singaporean visual artist Wan Xiang Lee joined the team for a true multidisciplinary experience.
OPERACALYPSE NOW!!
or: Love in the Time of Catastrophic Improbabilities
by Patrick Soluri
5-6 November, 2016
Aliwal Arts Centre
Set in a bar where Figaro frequents. 3 dark comedy operas are presented in one, about people looking for or finding love at the most inappropriate times/places – the last hour before the end of the world; in a deep dark tomb; during a zombie apocalypse. Tickets included a drink, and with a Halloween costume contest, everyone was in the mood to celebrate the end of the world.
Figaro's Last Hangover by Patrick Soluri
The Widow of Ephesus by Michael Hurd
Figaro and the Zombie Apocalypse by Patrick Soluri
or: Love in the Time of Catastrophic Improbabilities
by Patrick Soluri
5-6 November, 2016
Aliwal Arts Centre
Set in a bar where Figaro frequents. 3 dark comedy operas are presented in one, about people looking for or finding love at the most inappropriate times/places – the last hour before the end of the world; in a deep dark tomb; during a zombie apocalypse. Tickets included a drink, and with a Halloween costume contest, everyone was in the mood to celebrate the end of the world.
Figaro's Last Hangover by Patrick Soluri
The Widow of Ephesus by Michael Hurd
Figaro and the Zombie Apocalypse by Patrick Soluri
The Tragedy of Count Alfredo von Nibelungen
by Patrick Soluri
2016 NAC Patron of the Arts Awards & Waterloo Sessions: 2016 Singapore Night Festival
What if we took the quintessential elements of opera and presented it in 5 minutes, in the style of Puccini, Verdi, and Wagner? With the help of genre-defying violinist Kailin Yong and collaborative pianist Pauline Lee, L'arietta brought laughter to enthusiastic audiences in variety of occasions.
by Patrick Soluri
2016 NAC Patron of the Arts Awards & Waterloo Sessions: 2016 Singapore Night Festival
What if we took the quintessential elements of opera and presented it in 5 minutes, in the style of Puccini, Verdi, and Wagner? With the help of genre-defying violinist Kailin Yong and collaborative pianist Pauline Lee, L'arietta brought laughter to enthusiastic audiences in variety of occasions.
HONESTLY! 3 operas, one hour
April, 2016
L'arietta staged its first production to a sold-out audience in April 2016. Honestly! conveyed through three short operas that we never really say what we mean. The show also featured locally composed "Window Shopping", written by the National Arts Council Young Artist Award recipient Chen Zhangyi.
April, 2016
L'arietta staged its first production to a sold-out audience in April 2016. Honestly! conveyed through three short operas that we never really say what we mean. The show also featured locally composed "Window Shopping", written by the National Arts Council Young Artist Award recipient Chen Zhangyi.