NEW CHAMBER MUSIC
ABHANDENGEKOMMEN
THE STRANGERS
An OPERA in TWO ACTS
Music by FRANK PESCI
Libretto by ANDREW ALTENBACH
Commissioned by Oper Köln
World Premiere - 30 September 2023
Based on historical events, THE STRANGERS is the story of Sicilian immigrants in late 19th century New Orleans. The first rumors of the Mafia in America, post-Reconstruction tensions, and xenophobia serve as a backdrop to a parable of immigrants - believing in faith and justice, and seeking peace and opportunity - coming face to face with native pride, protective instinct, and a mistrust of all that is foreign.
The Opera, at a glance:
Running Time: ~ 115 minutes of music
Nine Principals: Five women (3 sop, 2 mezzo) Four men (2 tenors, 1 bar, 1 b-b)
Ensemble: at least four singers (SATB) serving as a chorus, in comprimario roles, and as supernumeraries. Based on available resources, the Ensemble could be as large as 12-16 singers.
Orchestration options:
"New Orleans Traditional" (cl, tpt, tbn, git/bjo, pno/kbd, cb, vib, drums)
Chamber Orchestra (1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0, git/bjo, pno/kbd, vib, dr, string quintet)
Full pit orchestration (2.2.2.2 - 4.2.2.1, git/bjo, pno/kbd, vib, dr, str.)
click below for details