The world premiere of Odyssey, a powerful new music-drama for singers and orchestra composed by Jonathan Dove.
Drawing on first-hand accounts, this dramatically engaging story in song allows the audience to see through the eyes of one refugee on a perilous journey to seek safety in another country. As vivid snapshots of a peaceful home life turn to visceral images of unrest, together we travel through strange landscapes and across borders, and discover the courage it takes to leave loved ones and take desperate risks in order to survive.
Jonathan Dove CBE is an English composer, known for his works for voice, and is widely acknowledged for his accessible style of writing. He is committed to community development through innovative musical projects, many of which bring together community and children’s choirs with professional singers and musicians. Dove’s operatic works are some of the most frequently performed of any living composer in the world.
This performance of Odyssey is part of a day of creativity co-curated with members of the refugee community in Bristol, which centres the lived experience of refugees and those who seek safety in another country. The day will feature musical performances, creative sharings and exhibitions led by those from the refugee community.
Commissioned by Bristol Beacon in partnership with City of Bristol Choir and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.