Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Exile an online opera (after Euripides’ story of Iphigenia) - an Aphids, Chamber Made Opera and Speak Percussion co-production

This may well be the world’s first iPad opera. Set on a desolate coastline, Helen Gifford’s exquisite chamber opera, Exile, explores the psychological state of Iphigenia as she reflects on her time as a high priestess of human sacrifices. Co-produced by Aphids, Chamber Made Opera and Speak Percussion, Exile features acclaimed soprano Deborah Kayser with an ensemble of percussionists, clarinets, piccolo and mandolin. Exile will combine operatic performance with the extraordinarily textured and layered virtual gaming visuals by cult new media artists Champagne Valentine (Amsterdam).

Exile is a major production for 2010, and is the ultimate and dramatic combining of Greek tragedy, chamber opera, advanced digital media, new mobile technologies and contemporary music. Exile will be recorded in front of a live studio audience for ABC Classic FM; filmed on location in remote, coastal Victoria; animated and digitally enhanced in Amsterdam; and launched online for download straight to your handheld device, iPad or computer.

This project is supported through Aphids by the City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria and private donations (thank you!).

Composed by Helen Gifford Libretto by Richard Meredith Director Margaret Cameron

Performers:  Soprano Deborah Kayser Media artist Champagne Valentine (Amsterdam)

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on 0395 844 008 or by email to info@aphids.net

Featured Australian Works

Iphigenia in exile : a music theatre piece in one act for soprano, 9 instrumentalists and pre-recorded chorus of 6 women (1985) by Helen Gifford and Richard Meredith — performed by Deborah Kayser

Featured artists

• Performer Deborah Kayser