News

May 22, 2007

Calgary Opera Announces new Opera Commission

Calgary AB…  Following the enormous success of Filumena (2003) and Frobisher (2007), Calgary Opera announced the commission of the company’s third full-length opera, The Inventor, byJuno Award winning composer Bramwell Tovey, with John Murrell as librettist. The Inventor, based on the life of Alexander “Sandy” Keith, will receive its world premiere in Calgary in January 2011.

“We are excited to work with the very talented composer Bramwell Tovey on his first opera, and feel very lucky to once again have John Murrell as librettist,” says W.R. (Bob) McPhee, General Director & CEO of Calgary Opera. “Building on our previous successes with Filumena and Frobisher, next season’s premiere of Hannaraptor, a one-act opera for young audiences by Allan Gilliland and Val Brandt, and with The Inventor, Calgary Opera continues its dedication to bringing new Canadian opera, and our own Canadian stories to life on stage.”

The Inventor tells the story of Sandy Keith, nephew of famous Nova Scotian brewer Alexander Keith, who was a brewer, politician, good samaritan, conman, husband to two different women, and… a terrorist?  The Inventor explores these mysteries of Sandy Keith’s life, relating the story of a quintessential conman in words and music as lively and intriguing as Keith and the times in which he lived.

"Calgary Opera is one of the most innovative opera companies in North America,” says maestro Tovey. “I'm absolutely delighted to collaborate with John Murrell in the creation of this new opera. I know the skill and dedication to excellence that is the hallmark of this great opera company, and I’m greatly looking forward to working with them over the next few years as we bring take The Inventor from concept to performance."

Librettist John Murrell looks forward to his third collaboration with Calgary Opera. "Calgary Opera has again offered me a wonderful opportunity. Bramwell Tovey is a composer whose work is trenchant yet lyrical, both sophisticated and accessible.  I can think of no one better suited to tell Sandy Keith's story in music. Keith himself is a historical figure who might have been invented to provoke powerful opera.  I am thrilled, terrified, and ready to go to work."

The first of five workshops for The Inventor begin in Calgary in December 2007. The Inventor will receive its world premiere in the 2010-2011 season

For further information, please contact: Brian O'Neill, Publicist, Calgary Opera: 802-3409, or boneill@calgaryopera.com.