Ryan Jesperson pairs nonlinear storylines with contemporary performance techniques.
A new work premieres in Hartford this weekend that has a fresh and inspiring take on traditional opera. The performance even takes on a science fiction feel.
When you think of opera, you probably imagine luxuriously staged productions. Something along the lines of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" or Georges Bizet’s "Carmen."
But 34-year-old composer Ryan Jesperson approaches the art form a little differently -- pairing nonlinear storylines with contemporary performance techniques. His most recent composition, called "...but in this dark night I am stationary and time is a river: The Diary of Agnes Williams," is a 32-minute opera about time travel.
“Operas will normally have a specific setting,” said Jesperson. “And you’re supposed to understand what’s happening based upon the setting. This is an opera that has various settings, but they can switch on a dime.”
The text itself reads more like a sci-fi novel than an actual libretto. Protagonist Agnes Williams, played by soprano Elisabeth Halliday, is caught in a state of perpetual time travel. To illustrate this, Jesperson’s work transforms into a kind of sonic time machine -- transporting listeners through the sound worlds of places like Utah (2001), New York City (1999), even Princeton, New Jersey (1949).
Not exactly the traditional operatic setting of Italy or Spain.
“Princeton is a little bit cheesy,” he said. “New York in 1999, I wanted it kind of plugging along, so there’s a constant eight-note beat going throughout. In Utah, I wanted it to be a very kind of serene and open area.”
Dan D’Addio is the conductor of the Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra, which will premiere the new opera. This will be D’Addio’s second time conducting a performance of Jesperson’s music.
“I’m always looking forward to seeing how he can take various sounds throughout the ensemble, even sounds that would not be normally heard from instruments,” said Dan D’Addio. “[He makes] unique sounds and unique sound combinations.”
"...but in this dark night I am stationary and time is a river: The Diary of Agnes Williams"premieres on Saturday, October 10at 7:30 pm at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford.
Listen below to hear a staged work by Jesperson called "Orphée Redux."
