Elephant – COR

COR

Operas

An opera for all ages. Sydney, an Asian elephant poached at a young age from the jungles of Indonesia, recalls her remarkable life in captivity, far from home, as her keeper of 22 years leads her on a journey towards sanctuary in the hills of Tennessee. A dynamic weaving of opera and dance unearths friendships lost and found and restores a stole...

Composer: Abigail Richardson

Librettist: Marjorie Chan

COR

Excerpts

Sanctuary Song – Prologue/Scene 1: Goodbye

As he tries to get into the train car, James explains to Sydney the elephant why it is best for her to leave the zoo for a new home.

Sanctuary Song – Scene 2: Capture

James and Sydney start their journey. Sydney remembers being young and playing in the forest with her friend Penny. One day, they are both captured, and the family herd is shot.

Sanctuary Song – Scene 3: Fire

Sydney is injured in a fire and sold to the zoo.

Sanctuary Song – Scene 4: Alone (aria)

Sydney on her first day at the zoo. Frightened and alone, she thinks of her homeland.

Sanctuary Song – Scene 5: First Meeting

Sydney and James meet for the first time. Though both are nervous, they connect with each other.

Sanctuary Song – Scene 6: Arrival

Sydney and James arrive in Tennessee, remembering their 22 years together. They say goodbye.

Sanctuary Song – Scene 7: Reunion

Sydney exits the train with James at the Sanctuary and sees her old friend Penny. They reunite lovingly. Sydney and James say their final goodbye.