Harry Somers: Midwinter Night’s Dream
A Midwinter Night’s Dream – something old and forever new. Composer Harry Somers and librettist Tim Wynne-Jones, two of our greatest Canadian creators, teamed up to write this children’s opera. A brilliant contemporary story of the North mixed with elements of legend. A score that blends music based on Inuit singing, North American musical theatre and popular music as naturally as only a master like Somers can deliver. It has at its core something important to say to children everywhere.
« …a wonderful thing, and I congratulate all involved for a fine, professional job. Music educators should take notice, but so should all lovers of good chamber opera. I enjoyed this immensely. »
– Allen Gimbel, American Record Guide
A Midwinter Night’s Dream *
1-5. Act/Acte 1
6-13. Act/Acte 2
Tim Wynne-Jones, libretto/livret
* This work was nominated for a 2007 JUNO Award: Best Classical Composition.
Cette oeuvre a été nominée pour un JUNO 2007: Meilleur composition classique.
PERFORMERS:
Chief/Chef Moonwok: James Westman, baritone/baryton
Daisy: Alison McHardy, mezzo
Ai’o’u: Michael Colvin, tenor/ténor
Jimmy Monnwok: John Michael Schneider, singer/chanteur; Matthew Galloway, actor/acteur
Eva Padiluk: Heather Hudyma
The Seal/Le Phoque: Claire Hughes
Trio: Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault
Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus
Conducted by/Direction: Ann Cooper Gay
Pianist/Pianiste: Claire Preston
Percussion: Daniel Morphy