Climbing – COR

COR

Operas

Content warning: death

Trapped and encased by an avalanche, a man thinks only of his wife and finding a way out. Meanwhile, his wife is filled with suspicion. She thinks he’s having an affair, and his silence is the proof. Between the two, Death sings of the ways it brings about disaster.

Composer: Norbert Palej

Librettist: David James Brock

Mother Everest

Content warning: death

Just below the summit of Mount Everest on the south summit ridge, Jackie and her partner Pasang are celebrating that she is the first woman to reach the summit without oxygen. Then something changes. Could it be Mother Everest punishing the climbers?

Composer: Abigail Richardson

Librettist: Marjorie Chan

Gould’s Wall

A young, extraordinarily talented musician is striving for perfection in her art. Her path to greatness? A magnificent wall.

Bursting with the compulsion to reach the top, she invokes Canadian icon, classical pianist Glenn Gould to guide her towards dizzying heights – but the path isn’t easy. Each brick represents her art, her rigour, and her...

Composer: Brian Current

Librettist: Liza Balkan

COR

Excerpts

Man in Avalanche – Man in Avalanche

On a solitary walk a Man gets buried by an avalanche; a Woman thinks his absence means he is cheating on her.

Mother Everest – “Namaste” (aria)

Jackie realizes that her sherpa has died.

Mother Everest – Mother Everest

Westerner Jackie and sherpa Pasang summit Everest without using oxygen cannisters. Soon their victory turns into a culture clash as they argue about their affair and the mountain, and slowly die of hypoxia.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 1

Louise, a young talented artist, arrives and prepares for her first climb. She is seeking excellence, precision, and beauty. It is a quest toward attaining perfection in her art. Louise connects with her inspiration, support and icon: Glenn Gould. Their journey together begins.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 2

Louise encounters The Teacher at the window. The Teacher instructs on the development of rigorous, meticulous technique. Discussion of artistic philosophy is included in the training. Glenn recalls his own teacher.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 3

With a sense of freedom, Louise discovers daring, new musical terrain with Glenn's encouragement.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 6

Glenn tells Louise that applause should be banned. The Housewife shares the profound impact of witnessing Glenn's performance.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 7

Both Louise and Glenn are tired. They share stories about their nightmares.

Gould’s Wall – Scene 8

Louise and Glenn talk about their daily rituals. Re-energized, Louise wants to get back to climbing again. She starts muscling her way upward, urged on by thoughts of fame. Glenn's focus turns to his various medications and need for isolation. Glenn feels a sharp pain and struggles to support Louise. Both start to lose their grip, and Lo...

Gould’s Wall – Scene 11

Louise is ready. She chooses a climb, exploring and unleashing her own full voice as she travels upward.