subtitle

'Praying to whom?' - opera in two acts on a libretto by Krystian Lada after the novel 'De bekeerlinge' by Stefan Hertmans. Opera commissioned by Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Opéra de Rouen Normandie and Muziektheater Transparant.

year of composition

2021

duration

ca. 150'

text

“Praying to Whom?” is the subtitle of this opera about identity, impossible love, faith and human strength. “Praying. But to whom?” With these concise words, Stefan Hertmans summarises the inner conflict of his title character in his haunting novel “De Bekeerlinge” (The Convert). Hertmans created Vigdis Adelaïs, a strong woman who, at the time of the First Crusade at the end of the 11th century, is torn between her Christian upbringing and the Jewish faith, to which she converts for her beloved, and after which she takes the name Hamoutal. “De Bekeerlinge (The Convert)” tells the story of a young mother who, in times of religious violence, becomes the victim of a pogrom and tragically perishes in her search for her kidnapped children. Soprano Lore Binon sings the title role, while six singers from different vocal traditions portray the numerous other characters. In addition to members of the Choir and Children's Choir of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, an Antwerp city choir is also part of the cast. Director and visual artist Hans Op de Beeck, who is also responsible for the scenography and costume design, creates a poetic visual world in which Vigdis' quest takes centre stage in an ancient world that bears a striking resemblance to our own.

instrumentation

Flute 1, Flute 2 (also Piccolo), Oboe 1, Oboe 2 (also English Horn), Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2 (also Contrabassoon), Horn 1, Horn 2, Horn 3, Horn 4, Trumpet in C 1, Trumpet in C 2, Trumpet in C 3, Trombone, Trombone, Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Percussion 3, Vigdis, David (also Shipowner, Embriachi, Commander), Chaperon (also Agatha, Second desert woman), Lutgardis (also Fake messiah, First desert woman, Innkeeper), Celebrant (also Urbanus, Priest, Second armoured man), Rabbi Obadiah, Gudbrandr (also Swindler, Rabbi Todros, Raymond, First armoured man), Children's choir, Mixed choir, City choir, Harp, Violin, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double bass, Duduk, Oud (Ud), Qanun, Electronics

first performance date

10.05.2022

first performance place

Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Antwerp, Belgium

first performance by

Lore Binon, Vincenzo Neri, Amel Brahim-Djelloul, Françoise Atlan, Daniel Arnaldos, Luvuyo Mbundu, Guido Jentjens,
mixed choir, small children's choir and symphony orchestra of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, city choir Madame Fortuna

conductor

Koen Kessels

director

Hans Op de Beeck

commissioned by

Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Muziektheater Transparant, Opéra de Rouen Normandie

The Convert (De Bekeerlinge)