One-Act Chamber Opera
Music by: Gillian Rae Perry
Libretto by: Marcus Amaker
Duration: 60 mins
Commissioned by: Chicago Opera Theater
Premiere: Piano Vocal Workshop, December 2023; Concert Premiere, April 2024
When a child inherits a magical ability that allows them to speak with objects, it opens up a new world of possibilities. Their mother, who shares the same ability, sees their predicament as a source of shame. Both child and parent learn to navigate their powers and the responsibilities that come with it in this deeply sensitive coming-of-age story.
FORCES
Singers:
Soprano; Emily
Mezzo-soprano; Dawn
Tenor; Trevor/Object 2
Mezzo-soprano; Object 1
Baritone; Object 3
Orchestration:
Flute (doubling Piccolo)
Clarinet (doubling Bass Clarinet)
Harp
Percussion
Piano
Violin
Viola
Cello
Composer's Project Statement
The story for The Weight of Light was created by Marcus Amaker and Gillian Rae Perry in the hopes of telling a story that centers love. This opera follows the relationship between Dawn and Emily, beginning in Emily's childhood and culminating in her adulthood after her mother, Dawn, has passed away.
Throughout the opera, Emily wrestles with showing herself compassion, burdened by inner turmoil and unresolved pain inherited from her mother. It is only through the unwavering, unconditional love of her friend that she discovers the strength to forgive her mother and, at last, embrace herself and her ability. At its heart, The Weight of Light is a story about familial cycles, love, acceptance, and grief.
Librettist's Project Statement
My hope is that The Weight of Light offers audiences a reason to nurture and love their unique self. To embrace radical acceptance. There are parts of our personalities, of our being, that are naturally built into who we are. But too many of us want to push those quirks to the side, as though they are flaws to be polished away, rather than gifts to be unwrapped. My hope is that this opera serves as a gentle reminder that our quirks, our edges, and even our shadows are vital threads in the tapestry of who we are.
MEDIA
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