Updates from OOTA’s Emerging Artist Program: The Composer Artist Project

Published 06 Sep, 2024

We’re excited to highlight one of the standout initiatives of our Emerging Artist Program: the Composer Artist Project. This unique collaboration brings together established composers and librettists with our Emerging Artists, offering a dynamic platform to create and film new works within a year—an impressive achievement in the opera world!

The Composer Artist Project is more than just a stage; it’s an immersive creative experience. It allows performers to engage directly in the composition process, while composers and librettists gain the invaluable opportunity to witness their work interpreted by talented emerging artists. This year, we saw pieces created by librettists Mado Christie, Kanika Ambrose, and Lila Palmer, and composers Rene Orth, Jennifer Higdon, Jonathan Monro, and Mark Adamo.

This June, Emerging Artists Lucie St. Martin and Luka Kawabata performed and filmed new works amidst the breathtaking scenery of Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. The beautiful settings, including Fisher’s Loft, Garland House, and Fort Point, provided the perfect backdrop for these pieces. Special mention goes to Luka for diving into the chilly ocean waters for some stunning shots! Meanwhile, Camila Montefusco and Mishael Eusebio had been hard at work recording pieces by Jennifer Higdon, Kanika Ambrose, Mado Christie, and Rene Orth. This past Labour Day weekend, Camila and Mishael joined us to St. John’s to collaborate with our creative team on filming. The picturesque landscapes of Sunshine Rotary Park and Cobbler’s Path enhanced these new compositions beautifully. We are eagerly anticipating sharing these pieces with you later this year.

At Opera on the Avalon, our mission is to showcase new talent, contribute vibrant and original works to the opera world, and celebrate the unique cultural landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador. We can’t wait to unveil these exciting new pieces. Keep an eye out for more updates!