The opera “Second Love,” featuring “Hagar” by composer Jan-Peter de Graaff and librettist Eleanor Barlow, has been voted Opera of the Year 2025 by readers of Place de l’Opera, securing over 56% of the votes. This production, presented by the Nederlandse Reisopera, pairs “Hagar” with Gerald Barry’s “The Stronger,” offering two distinct perspectives on themes of love and betrayal.
“The Stronger,” composed by Gerald Barry in 2007, is an adaptation of August Strindberg’s monodrama “Den Starkare.” The narrative unfolds as a conversation between two women in a restaurant on Christmas Eve: Madame X, an opera singer, and Mademoiselle Y, a silent actress. Madame X confronts Mademoiselle Y upon suspecting an affair with her husband, leading to a realization of her own strength. The role of Madame X was performed by soprano Jessica Niles, while Jennifer Welts portrayed Mademoiselle Y.
Following “The Stronger,” “Hagar” shifts the setting to the kitchen of the same restaurant. The plot centers on waitress Hagar, who informs chef and secret lover Abram of her pregnancy. Abram’s excitement is tempered by concerns over his wife Sarai’s reaction. Sarai, who manages the restaurant, discovers the affair, escalating tensions with significant consequences. Mezzo-soprano Hagar Sharvit played the title role, with Liam James Karai as Abram and Alison Scherzer as Sarai.
The production was directed by Belle van Heerikhuizen, marking her operatic debut. The set design by Koen Steger and lighting by Tim van ’t Hof provided a cohesive visual experience for both operas. Conductor Lochlan Brown led the Noord Nederlands Orkest, delivering a performance that complemented the vocalists. The double bill was performed in English, with Dutch and English surtitles, enhancing accessibility for a diverse audience. (theateraanhetvrijthof.nl)
The recognition of “Second Love” as Opera of the Year 2025 underscores its impact on the operatic landscape. The combination of Barry’s established work with De Graaff and Barlow’s contemporary piece offers audiences a multifaceted exploration of complex human relationships. This accolade reflects the production’s resonance with both critics and the public, highlighting its significance in the year’s cultural offerings.
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