Upon this Handful of Earth

World Premiere Opera 

Friday, February 24, 2017
7 PM

Church of St. Ignatius Loyola
New York City, NY 
 
A brand new opera from renowned Norwegian composer Gisle Kverndokk and librettist Aksel-Otto Bull based on the writings of Father Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and in honor of "Laudato Si," Pope Francis' recent encyclical about the environment.
 
Gisle Kverndokk, composer
Aksel-Otto Bull and Gisle Kverndokk, libretto
K. Scott Warren, conductor
Joachim Schamberger, director 
 
Shannon DeVine, The Priest
Nadia Petrella, The Young Woman
John Tiranno, The Young Man
Kenneth Overton, The Businessman
Sara Murphy, The Wife
Sarah Hawkey, The Child

Choir and Children's Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola
New York Opera Society Orchestra
 
Co-presented by Sacred Music in a Sacred Space
and the New York Opera Society
 
Upon this handful of earth explores the intersection of faith and science through the story of six people whose lives have been irrevocably altered by environmental catastrophe. Excerpts from accounts of environmental disasters, such as Chernobyl, tsunamis, pollution, and climate change, are read throughout, grounding the opera in the present. 
 
The five-part opera also explores related social issues such as labor exploitation, wealth disparity, the high cost of progress, reliance on technology, and industry.
 
Upon this handful of earth is a meditation on the environment that seeks a way forward for mankind at a time when climate change is, once again, at the forefront of political debate.
 
This rare commission employs the magnificent beauty of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola for a site-specific theater piece with a strong point of view.
 
tickets and complete information 
or call 212 288 2520

Use the code OPERA50 when ordering to get 50% off any seat.
This discount is good for advance orders only, and will not be honored at the door.