ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT OPERA

This page features a powerful political opera centered on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This musical drama is a compelling opera performance that addresses the war politics of the Middle East. The conflict-themed opera production examines the deep tensions and crisis, offering a unique music theater perspective on this complex geopolitical landscape.

AN UNSEREM FLUSS (BY OUR RIVER)

opera in two acts

Duration:

93 minutes

Year Composed:

2013

Story and Libretto By:

Lior Navok

Language:

German

German Translation:
Kristian Lutze

Dramatis Personæ:

Lucia: light lyric soprano
Allendorf: lyric baritone
Fred Bucksmann: bass-baritone
Klara Bucksmann: high soprano
Sinya: alto
Chicken-Heart: tenor buffo
Sipho: young lyric tenor
Zachary Rutget: dramatic bass
Right-Hand: dramatic tenor
Mr. Kavi: lyric bass
Farmer, Guard, Big Uncle (Head I): bass-baritone
Schatz, Big Uncle (Head II): tenor

Orchestra:

1 flute / piccolo / bass flute; 1 oboe / English horn; 1 clarinet / bass clarinet; 1 bassoon / contra bassoon; 1 horn; 1 percussion; 1 harp; 1 piano; strings (6,5,4,3,2)

Commissioned By:

Oper Frankfurt

Premiere Performance:

Oper Frankfurt
31 May, 2015

Music Director: Sebastian Zierer
Stage Director: Corinna Tetzel
Set Design: Stephanie Rauch
Customes: Judith Adam
Lighting: Jan Hartmann
Dramaturgie: Deborah Einspieler

Lucia: Kateryna Kasper
Allendorf: Daniel Schmutzhard
Fred Bucksmann: Davide Damiani
Klara Bucksmann: Elizabeth Reiter
Sinya: Stine Marie Fischer
Chicken-Heart: Alexander Mayr
Sipho: Michael Porter
Zachary Rutget: Alfred Reiter
Right-Hand: Hans Schöpflin
Herr Kavi: Carlos Krause
Bauer / Big Uncle 1: Gurgen Baveyan
Schatz / Big Uncle 2: Yves Saelens

Opera war politics Middle East

THEMES:

WAR

UTOPIA

VIEW SCORE

Program Notes:

Conflicts always involve two or more sides who deeply believe in their truth. When no peaceful solution is to be found, violence is sadly used to pursue it—in the name of God, national sacrifice, and the victims. As new generations grow up into mistrust and intolerance for the "other side," existential fear, open wounds, and leadership manipulation, the tragedy roots itself deeper in the national ethos. When each person around is scratched and affected by the past and present, who will be brave enough to face reality, prejudiced society, and "the other side"? Who could close the gaps and build a trustful bridge?

In An unserem Fluss, I have created a world of shaken reality, a fantasy-land – wishful utopia. Two groups face their destiny, fight for their land and the right to exist in honor. Each character, affected by its own trauma, pulls the rope in its direction. Would they succeed finding a common ground?