Passion Opera
one-act opera in 5 scenes and prologue
Love and Loss
"Passion" is an opera that tells the story of a woman who falls deeply in love with a man named “He”. They share a strong passion and tenderness, but their happiness is short-lived when war separates them. The woman is heartbroken and doesn't know how to continue without her beloved one. She considers ending her own life, but “She” finds hope and draws on the memories of their love to carry on.
As “She” faces life without "Him", “She” realizes that their love is strong enough to sustain “Her”. Although “He” is no longer with “Her”, their love remains a part of “Her”. Passion is an emotional journey that explores the depths of the human heart and the resilience of the human spirit. This production takes listeners on a memorable journey through the highs and lows of love and loss.
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes, without break
Language: The opera is sung partly in English and mainly in Ukrainian
Cast
Music and Libretto Oleksandr Yukhymovych
Poetry Lina Kostenko
Chief Conductor Oleksandr Yukhymovych
Stage directing and Choreography Francesco Bekkema
Costumes Nicky Moesch
SHE Violeta Samon
The Reader Anna Marie Westerveen
7 images Anastasia Bogatikova, Andreea Agiurgioaei,
Beatriz Boto, Nora Tarraf, Francisca Djacabi,
Malena Hoffmann, Sarah Mayer
Orchestra of Conservatorium Maastricht
Choir of Conservatorium Maastricht
Choir Conductor Zizhang Wang
The Concept behind Passion: A Universal Story
"Passion" was conceived as an opera that could tell a universal story, one that would resonate with a wide audience. To achieve this, the main characters are simply known as She and He, representing the countless people who have experienced the kind of love and loss that they embody. The intention is that everyone can find something of themselves in the story.
To help guide the audience through the emotional journey of the opera, there is a character known as "Reader". "The Reader" acts as an inside voice, providing the audience with insights, questions and stories to deepen their connection with the characters and their experiences.
Pictures by Oleksandr Tomashchuk
