Last week we premiered the revised version of my opera “Music and the Brain” (formally known as “After the Fall”) in Salurinn music hall, Iceland. Three packed shows and I am very happy with the results. Special thanks to List fyrir Alla and Kópavogur city arts council for supporting the show. Further performances in Iceland and England are being planned. Here are some photos and videos.
SYNOPSIS
The electro-opera "Music and the Brain" addresses the neurological and emotional effects that music can have on us. Inspired by the writings of neurologist Oliver Sacks, it tells the story of the Singer, whose successful career has been cut short by an accident. The resulting brain injury has caused her to lose the ability to comprehend music and perform. She is treated by the Doctor, who hopes that his research on this rare and interesting case will redeem him in the eyes of the academic community. As they both grapple with trying to understand the Singer's condition, questions regarding the nature of music arise. But the Doctor is nearly out of time, his big presentation is coming up and he needs to present his findings no matter what.
Music by Helgi R. Ingvarsson
Words by Rebecca Hurst
2020 cast:
Gunnar Guðbjörnsson tenor as The Doctor
Þórgunnur Anna Örnólfsdóttir soprano as The Singer
Helen Whitaker on flute
Helgi R. Ingvarsson on electronics and piano
This nice article about us was published in Kópavogsblaðið (Kópavogur-town local paper) March 2020.