Institute to Host American Opera Projects Presentation of Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness, Tarik O'Regan's opera-in-progress, will receive a semi-staged workshop performance on Friday, November 9 at 8:00 p.m. in Wolfensohn Hall at the Institute for Advanced Study. Presented by the American Opera Projects (AOP) and based on the novella by Joseph Conrad, the opera's libretto is by British artist Tom Phillips. The event, which marks the first performance of the piece in its entirety, will begin with a brief presentation by Phillips on his scenic design, featuring visuals and taped music, followed by a concert version of the opera, without intermission.

Phillips, currently in residence at the Institute as a Director's Visitor, is known not only for his paintings, which can be seen in the collections of most major museums, but also for his own musical compositions, theater and experimental television work. O'Regan, whose CD Voices was released to much acclaim in Europe and North America, has been singled out by The Observer (London) as "one of the most original and eloquent of young composers- tonal but cutting-edge" and by The Times (London), which noted, "O'Regan's gift for lyric flight seems boundless. You might have to reach back to Vaughan Williams's Serenade to Music, or even Tallis, to find another British vocal work so exultant."

Heart of Darkness, an opera in one act for eight singers and thirteen instruments, will be performed with singers and piano accompaniment, led by AOP Artistic Director Steven Osgood. Singers scheduled to perform include Robert Hoyt (Orlando Opera, Toledo Opera) and Michael Zegarski (New York City Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis).

This performance is made possible by the generous support of Annette Merle-Smith.

The performance is open to the public and tickets are free, but they should be reserved in advance. To request tickets or for further information about this event, please call (609) 951-4458.