Karkinos

$45.00 – $160.00

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Clear

SKU: N/A Categories: Dramatic works, Vocal music

Description
Additional information

Description

Karkinos (2020)

Chamber Opera in One Act

Based on conversations with cancer survivors, their loved ones, and medical professionals who work with cancer patients

Performance Highlights Video

Full Performance Video

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes (no intermission)

Voices: The Empress (soprano), The Maid (mezzo-soprano), The Angel (baritone), Chamber Chorus (SATB)

Instrumentation: Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, two Percussion, Harp, two Violins, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass

For orchestral parts rental inquiries, please use the Contact Form.

World Premiere: February 12, 2022, Bartlett Performing Arts Center, Moline, Illinois. Mark Russell Smith (conductor), Ernesto Estigarribia (assistant conductor), Shelley Cooper (stage director), Kristin Marrs (choreographer), Jon Hurry (chorus master). Sarah Shafer (The Empress), Kelly Hill (The Maid), Nathaniel Sullivan (The Angel), members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Vocal Artists, and dancers Kara Bouck, Hanna Shaeffler, and Emily Trapnell. Costumes by Ellen Dixon, sets by Gina Kirschbaum and Tom Heinold, props by Marla Andich.

Background: In 2018, the Quad City Symphony and Living Proof Exhibit approached composer Jacob Bancks to compose a new opera inspired by the grief, anguish, fear, courage, and hope of those impacted by cancer. After interviewing over thirty cancer survivors, family members, nurses, oncologists, and artists, Bancks crafted the libretto for Karkinos, a legend about how an Empress (soprano) battles with an invisible monster on the eve of her coronation. Every detail of her struggle is directly tied to the experience of cancer patients, from life-altering surgery to chemotherapy. The role of the Maid (mezzo-soprano) represents the courageous love of caregivers and cancer survivors, while the Angel (baritone) embodies the heroic work of doctors and nurses. Most importantly, as is true for so many who fight cancer, the Empress’s profound suffering provides a path to her ultimate victory.

“Inspired by direct conversations with over 30 Quad-Cities residents and caregivers impacted by cancer, this emotional, transcendent work — featuring chamber orchestra, vocal soloists, dancers, and choir — depicts the story of a beautiful empress who is forced into battle with the unseen monster Karkinos the night before her coronation… Under an impossibly tight time-frame, this all-star cast came together beautifully and seamlessly, just when we all needed it most. It was incredibly impressive, moving and powerful… an astounding, sensitive, heart-wrenching debut.”