Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music are teaming up to stage a new opera based on the life of 12th-century German Benedictine nun, visionary and composer Hildegard von Bingen.
“Hildegard” is the latest production as part of the organizations’ ongoing Opera Fusion: New Works project. The opera features music and libretto by Sarah Kirkland Snider, whose “Mass for the Endangered” was performed by the Vocal Arts Ensemble of CIncinnati in November 2022.
Here is a general description of the narrative:
“The opera begins in the year 1147, when Hildegard begins transcribing her visions of God. She enlists the assistance of a young convalescent, Richardis von Stade, and the two women quickly develop a transformative partnership that awakens them creatively, spiritually, and—much to the internal conflict of both women—romantically. As their story unfolds, an unforeseen crisis threatens both their hard-won accomplishments and the intimacy, in all its complexity and secrecy, that has become their salvation.”
The OF:NW workshop for “Hildegard” will culminate in a free public performance of excerpts on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Wilks Studio at Music Hall. The production will feature stage direction by Elkhanah Pulitzer and dramaturgy by Annie Jin Wang.
A conversation about the opera with the creative team moderated by OF:NW co-artistic directors Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM, and Evans Mirageas, the opera’s artistic director, will take place following the performance.
Tickets for the public performance of excerpts are free, but those interested in attending must book a reservation in advance. There’s a limit of four per household.
Beth Morrison Projects commissioned and is producing “Hildegard.”
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