Kate Soper’s chamber opera “The Hunt” excerpts, October 2023
Excerpts from Kate Soper’s chamber opera, “The Hunt,” premiered at Miller Theatre at Columbia University in New York City. Performed by Brett Umlauf (soprano and ukulele), Christiana Cole (soprano and ukulele), and Hirona Amamiya (soprano and violin).
Dress Rehearsal - Wednesday, October 11, 2023
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Three virgins sit in a meadow, whiling the time away with songs, riddles, and livestream updates as they await the appearance of the majestic unicorn. But the weeks are dragging on, the court is getting antsy, and the king is threatening dire measures to verify the purity of his employees. Written for a cast of three self-accompanied singers, The Hunt reclaims a well-worn medieval legend to interrogate the contemporary obsession with regulating and restricting female sexuality, the consequences for gender deviance, the value of beauty, and the price of safety—all while captivating the audience with music that beguiles, provokes, and ultimately triumphs.
Book and Music by Kate Soper
Directed by Ashley Kelly Tata
Commissioned and Produced by Miller Theatre at Columbia University
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Mila Henry, Music Director
Annie Holt, Dramaturg
Aoshuang Zhang, Scenic Designer
Masha Tsimring, Lighting Designer
Terese Wadden, Costume Designer
Camilla Tassi, Projections Designer
Elliot Yokum, Sound Designer
Anika Seitu, Hair/Makeup Designer
Cha Ramos, Intimacy Choreographer
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Brett Umlauf (soprano and ukulele)
Christiana Cole (soprano and ukulele)
Hirona Amamiya (soprano and violin)
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Miller Theatre at Columbia University is an acclaimed New York City music venue and concert producer, with a focus on contemporary and early music, jazz, chamber opera, and free community programming. Miller Theatre's mission is to develop new audiences; foster enthusiasm for the arts by pioneering new programming approaches; educate the public by presenting specialized programs to a broad audience; discover diverse repertoire and commission new works; and share the University’s intellectual riches with the public. Miller’s commitment to presenting music not heard elsewhere makes it a vital part of the cultural landscape of New York City. Learn more at http://millertheatre.com.