A NEW opera, centred around Jersey, will premiere this week.
Held in the Tide, created through a partnership between ArtHouse Jersey and Jersey Opera House, is playing on Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm.
Blending live classical music, folk influences and found sound – which uses everyday noises to create music, Held in the Tide aims to offer an accessible and modern take on opera.
At just one hour long and performed in everyday language, it is designed as an introduction for newcomers to the art form.
The opera features a score by Charlotte Marlow, inspired by the island’s tides and character, alongside a libretto by Jersey singer Georgia Mae Bishop.
Directed by Cecilia Stinton, the production also includes set design by Wayne Stewart and is produced by Robyn Cabaret.
The story begins dramatically with a storm and the sudden reappearance of three long buried stones on a shoreline.
From there, tensions unfold between Lillie, a geologist returning after several years away from Jersey, and Frances, an artist deeply rooted in island life.
It is to be performed by Jersey-born singers Annie Law, Gabriella Cassidy and Ms Bishop, accompanied by local musicians David Davies, Grace Garnier, Jennah Smart and Pat Woodsford.
They are joined by a 25-person community chorus, some of whom take supporting roles, under the Musical Direction of Ashley Beauchamp, with the chorus prepared by Grace Garnier.
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early to experience an atmospheric soundscape by Emily de Gruchy, which plays in the auditorium and gradually draws listeners into the tidal world of the piece.
The production is the culmination of a year-long creative process involving young Islanders aged 18 to 30 through the Raise Your Voice, Jersey! programme, which has placed local experiences at the heart of the work.
Producer Robyn Cabaret described the piece as “an ambitious new work” with “a real sense of shared ownership.”
She added: “Whether you’re familiar with opera or completely new to it, it’s a welcoming, powerful piece of music theatre, and a rare opportunity to see something original created on this scale, right here on our Island.”
Tickets are £20 and are available via the Jersey Opera House website and box office.
