**Event Description:**

**Title:** Jacqueline

**Description:** "Jacqueline" is a compelling opera that delves into the life, talent, and tragedy of the iconic cellist Jacqueline du Pré. This unique performance captures the essence of du Pré's relationship with her cello, portraying the deep connection and the emotional journey they shared. The opera is a testament to the virtuosity of Jacqueline du Pré, brought to life through the collaboration of two contemporary virtuosi: the celebrated American soprano Marnie Breckenridge, playing the role of Jacqueline, and the world-renowned cellist Matt Haimovitz, embodying the voice of her cello. This duo's performance promises to be a poignant exploration of music, love, and loss.

**Music By:** Luna Pearl Woolf

**Libretto By:** Royce Vavrek

**Language:** Performed in English with English surtitles

**Duration:** 1 hour 50 minutes, including an intermission

**Performance Dates:** August 10, 16, and 18

**Location:** Major support for this event is provided by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. The opera was commissioned and premiered by Tapestry Opera in Toronto, Canada, in February 2020.

**Special Notes:** The opera "Jacqueline" is a powerful narrative that not only showcases the musical prowess of its characters but also offers audiences a glimpse into the complexities of artistic genius and the inevitable intertwining of joy and sorrow. With its innovative score by Luna Pearl Woolf and the evocative libretto by Royce Vavrek, this opera is a must-see for enthusiasts of contemporary music and opera, as well as those captivated by the enduring legacy of Jacqueline du Pré.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable opera that celebrates the life and legacy of one of classical music's most beloved figures.

EPSG:4326

Jacqueline

West Edge Opera

**Bulrusher at West Edge Opera: A World Premiere**

Join us for a captivating journey through time and identity with the world premiere of "Bulrusher" at the West Edge Opera. This profound coming-of-age story, set in Northern California's secluded Anderson Valley in 1955, follows the life of an African-American girl who was found in a basket by the river. Raised by the local schoolteacher, Bulrusher's life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of a young Black woman from Alabama, sparking a profound exploration of politics, sexuality, and self-discovery.

Based on the play by Eisa Davis, which was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize in 2007, "Bulrusher" is a testament to the power of finding one's place in the world amidst the backdrop of racial and personal awakening. The opera is a collaboration between composer Nathaniel Stookey and playwright Eisa Davis, who together bring this poignant narrative to life.

This opera, sung in English with English surtitles, spans approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. The performances are scheduled for August 3, 11, and 15, promising an unforgettable experience that melds breathtaking music with a story of profound relevance.

The production boasts a talented cast and crew, including Emily Senturia as the conductor/music director, NJ Agwuna as the production stage director, and features performances by Shawnette Sulker as Bulrusher, Kenneth Kellogg as the Logger, Briana Hunter as Vera, and many more.

"Bulrusher" is commissioned by a group of dedicated patrons and supported by The National Endowment for the Arts and The Carol Franc Buck Foundation, highlighting its significance and the community's support for groundbreaking new works.

Don't miss this powerful world premiere that delves into themes of identity, belonging, and transformation. Reserve your tickets now and be part of a moving exploration of what it means to find oneself and one's community.

Bulrusher

Experience the grandeur of Norse mythology brought to life in "The Legend of the Ring" by West Edge Opera. This monumental event showcases Richard Wagner's epic four-opera saga, masterfully condensed into an action-packed evening by David Seaman. Set against the backdrop of divine music, gods and humans clash in a fierce battle over a magical ring that bestows the power to rule the world. This arrangement, sung in German with English surtitles, spans 3 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission, offering an immersive journey into Wagner's legendary world.

"The Legend of the Ring" has become a beloved favorite, returning to the stage by popular demand on August 4, 9, and 17. Under the baton of Conductor and Music Director Jonathan Khuner, the production features a stellar cast including Tracy Cox as Brunnhilde, Philip Skinner as Wotan, Mary Evelyn Hangley as Freia/Sieglinde, Stephanie Sanchez as Fricka, and Alex Boyer in the dual roles of Siegmund/Siegfried, among others. Directed by Sam Helfrich, this production promises an unforgettable evening of opera at its most powerful and evocative.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of opera's greatest challenges and triumphs, as West Edge Opera presents "The Legend of the Ring."

The Legend of the Ring

The evening will feature soprano Shawnette Sulker (Poppea, Cesare, Bulrusher) and soprano Mary Evelyn Hangley (Schoenberg's Erwartung) with Jonathan Khuner on piano. Shawnette and Mary will share favorite selections from their repertoire, and insights on how they're preparing the summer's operas.

For the first time, West Edge Opera will open the doors to the fourth floor balcony so that all can enjoy a champagne toast as we launch the summer festival season! All proceeds will go toward the summer festival.

A Salon with Leading Ladies

Oakland Scottish Rite Center

We are excited that Nathaniel Stookey will be the composer of West Edge Opera’s first commission while he develops his first full-length opera, Bulrusher, based on the play of the same title by Eisa Davis who will serve as co-librettist. Bulrusher the play was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize in 2007.
Bulrusher is a coming of age story about an African-American girl growing up in Northern California’s remote Anderson Valley in 1955. Found in a basket by the river, she is raised by the local schoolteacher and has never seen anyone that looks like her until a young Black woman from Alabama comes to town. Meeting someone like herself opens a political, sexual and identity awakening within her.
The development of the complete opera Bulrusher will take place over the course of three years, with a series of milestones built into the process.
Bulrusher will debut in a fully staged production as part of West Edge Festival 2023.

Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera

With great pleasure we present an opera that is for people of all ages who love gruesome things!
Coraline is a young girl whose life has been uprooted. As she wanders alone through her new creaky house, she tries to get the attention of her work-at-home parents to no avail. One day she discovers a mysterious door, through which she sets out on a terrifying adventure that tests the limits of human bravery.

Coraline

From the composer who created “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Ariane & Bluebeard is a fascinating symbolist examination of the psychology of violence and the obstacles of self-liberation. Dukas’ masterpiece is a follow up to our production of Pelléas & Mélisande and can be considered a prequel to that opera.

Ariane & Bluebeard

In 48 BC, Rome has just taken Egypt. Upon arrival in the country, Julius Caesar finds himself in the midst of a struggle between sibling rulers that begins the destruction of the Roman triumvirate and ends in a great love with Cleopatra, who would become the most successful and beloved ruler in the history of Egypt.
Intense moments of pathos and riotous comedy mixed with some of Handel’s best, most beloved music make Julius Caesar an opera not to be missed.

West Edge Opera

10 - 18 Aug, 2024

Jacqueline

3 - 15 Aug, 2024

Bulrusher

West Edge Opera