A magic opera in two acts (2018-19)
Libretto by Alexander Jansen after L. Frank Baum
Commissioned by Theater Aachen with funds from NRW Kultursekretariat
Dorothy, a girl (soprano)
The Scarecrow (Tenor)
The Tin Man (tenor)
The Lion (baritone)
The Witch / The Wise Woman (mezzo-soprano)
The Wizard of Oz (bass)
Three Winged Monkeys / Three Munchkin Ladies / Three Cups (Soprano, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano) The Munchkin Man / The Jug / The Gatekeeper (Baritone)
Wind Spirits / Citizens of the Emerald City / Mice / Hammerheads (Chorus SATB)
Orchestra:
2 (2nd also Picc.) 2 (2nd also Eh.) 2 (1st also Cl. in Eb) 2 (2nd also Cbs.) - 2 2 2 1 - Timp Perc (2 players) - Hp. - Cel. (also Hpsch. and Synth.) - Str.
Duration: approx. 90 min
More information and perusal score at Schott Music
Premiere: December 8, 2019, Theater Aachen
Conductor: Christopher Ward
Director: Ute M. Engelhardt
Stage and costume design: Jeannine Cleemen
Chorus master: Jori Klomp
Dramaturgy: Pia-Rabea Vornholt
Sinfonieorchester Aachen
Opernchor Aachen
A hurricane blows Dorothy into the Land of Oz. Together with her friends - the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Lion - she has to seek out the Wizard who can bring her back home. The family opera tells the famous story based on the novel by Lyman Frank Baum. Just as fantastic and unexpected things happen on Dorothy's journey, the music is also full of surprises. Baroque music, country songs and even reggae are known in the magic land of Oz!