CHAMBER OPERAS

Helena Tulve's chamber opera "It Is Getting So Dark" is based on texts chosen by the composer herself from a book called "Makura no soshi" (The Pillow Book) by Sei Shonagon, a 10th century Japanese lady-in-waiting. Her diary depicts impressions, scenes, emotions seen through the eyes of a poetical and witty observer. Shonagon's heritage became a model for a later Japanese literature genre Zuihitsu (Mixture).

Composed in 2004, Tulve's work is performed by female voices and a small insturmental chamber ensemble.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Women

Music director and conductor: Paul Hillier

Stage director: Anu Lamp

Designer: Iir Hermeliin

Video artist: Tarvo Hanno Varres

Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" is first of the composer's three church parables. The mysterium has been influenced by the medieval Japanese No-plays and tells a simple story of a woman who has gone mad after losing her son. She is cured through prayer and mercy when the ghost of her son appears. The story is acted out by monks in a medieval English monastery.

Britten has used the traditional Japanese art of mimics with its symbolism and minimalism. The libretto was written by the South African William Plomer (1903-1973) after the play "Sumidagawa" by Juro Montomasa.

The opera is performed by male voices and a chamber ensemble.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Men

Music director and conductor: Paul Hillier

Stage director: Mart Koldits

Designer: Iir Hermeliin

Video artist: Tarvo Hanno Varres