On March 12, 2026, the Opera Forward Festival will present “Harvest,” a theatrical concert at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in Amsterdam. Conceived and directed by theater maker and singer Cora Burggraaf, the production aims to create new perspectives for seasoned singers by offering them roles that reflect their life experiences and depth, moving beyond the traditional operatic repertoire. “Harvest” features a series of short monodramas composed in close collaboration between composers and singers. The composers involved include Calliope Tsoupaki, Annelies van Parys, Yumi Augustine, Tymon Zgorzelski, Rob Zuidam, Prach Boondiskulchok, and Yating Wang. The libretti are crafted by Gaea Schoeters, Mary Oliver, Molly Pepper Steemson, Arjun Devanesan, and Yumi Augustine. These pieces are tailored to the strengths and experiences of the performers, who include Claron McFadden, Helena Rasker, Andrew Watts, and Marcel Beekman. Pianist Miles Walter will provide accompaniment.
The monodramas are contextualized with film footage and interview excerpts, offering audiences a multifaceted experience that combines live performance with visual media. This approach seeks to deepen the connection between the performers and the audience, highlighting the narratives and characters portrayed.
“Harvest” is produced by Spinthout and Cora Burggraaf, with support from the Opera Forward Festival. The project is backed by various cultural funds, including the Kersjes Fonds, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, Fonds Podiumkunsten, Zabawas, and Het Cultuurfonds, with additional support from the PlantageFonds, the Aafje Heynis Fonds, and the Cohen – ten Cate Fonds.
Tickets for the performance are available starting at €12.50. The concert is scheduled to begin at 20:15 and will run for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes without an intermission.
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