for the 21st Century
- Programme
Here are Hugh Nankivell's programme notes from the Premiere at Ezuko Hall. Also on this page are image links to the whole programme and poster."Ten things that sum up Whaletone Opera for me right now - wordplay, energy, new food, friends, songs, unusual combination of instruments, being tired, being prepared, being unprepared, laughing.
Whaletone Opera has been a fantastic opportunity, for me, to be a part of
something which combines many of my interests in one big lovely project. It has allowed me to really understand the approaches that Nomura takes and to develop, with him, a piece of innovative professional and community collaborative work over a three year period. Whaletone Opera has also allowed me to travel and see and enjoy Japan, as well as work with old friends and to meet many new ones.
The process of making this opera has also re-affirmed some ideas about what can work in musically creative contexts with a diverse range of people (simple instruction pieces, improvisations, pieces with rules, use of modes...) as well as exploring many new approaches, for instance; recipe pieces, shogi compositions, music from calligraphy, using combinations of different languages...
Much of this has been possible through the spirit and energy of Ezuko Hall in committing to something that they did not really understand. For this I will always be very grateful as, without it, Whaletone Opera would not have happened."
Hugh Nankivell 18/4/06