Paper Boat the Opera by Elaine Agnew
In this Opera Night Special, we bring you the radio premiere of a new community opera by Elaine Agnew. Before we hear the opera itself in part one of tonight’s programme we have a special Lyric Feature about the making of the opera.
Part 1
The Lyric Feature: Paper Boat Sets Sail
Paper Boat Sets Sail is a documentary telling the story of the making of ‘Paper Boat’; a community opera for Galway. Using observational recordings, interviews and excerpts from the opera, the documentary places the listener at the centre of this creative venture. It follows the build-up to the opera, from rehearsals to opening night. It moves from band halls and community halls, with fluffed notes, frustrations and breakthroughs to the triumph and prestige of the opening night at St. Nicholas’ Church. The documentary will be both a chronicle of this incredible creative collaboration between over 140 people and an insight into the processes involved in bringing the show to life. Commissioned by Music for Galway, Paper Boat is the first opera collaboration between writer Jessica Traynor, who wrote the libretto, and composer Elaine Agnew, whose music creates a magic canvas for the story. It tells the story of three strangers who arrive at the doors of St. Nicholas’, all seeking sanctuary. Four professional singers are joined by chorus, youth chorus, brass band and a 36-piece orchestra, to bring the characters and tribes of Galway to life. The community opera has a cast of over 140 professional and amateur musicians from across Co. Galway all under the artistic direction of Mark Duley.
Presented and produced by Alan Meaney.
Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly
Part 2
Music for Galway and Galway 2020 in association with Irish National Opera present: Paper Boat the Opera by Elaine Agnew
With a libretto written by Jessica Traynor and music by Elaine Agnew, the community opera Paper Boat, conducted by Sinead Hayes, weaves together history, mythology and current events to tell a story of human endurance, inspired by the diverse communities who engage with the cultural and spiritual hub that is St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway.
RTÉ lyric fm, Saturday 24th December, 7pm-9pm