The Listeners is an English-language opera with music by American composer Missy Mazzoli and libretto by Royce Vavrek. Based on a story by Jordan Tannahill, the opera was commissioned by Opera Philadelphia and Lyric Opera of Chicago. The premiere was staged with Norwegian National Opera in 2022, before the American premiere in Philadelphia in 2024.
| The Listeners | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Missy Mazzoli | |
| Librettist | Royce Vavrek |
| Language | English |
| Premiere | 24 September 2022 |
Background and performance history
editVavrek's libretto is based on a story by Jordan Tannahill.[1] The hum, which is the main driver of the plot, is a phenomenon in which a person or group of people hear a mysterious humming noise which others cannot hear. This phenomenon has occurred in several places around the world.[2]
The premiere was staged in 2022 at the Oslo Opera House with the Norwegian National Opera.[3]
The opera was then performed in 2024 by Opera Philadelphia at the Academy of Music.[4]
Synopsis
editClaire Devon, a teacher living in a suburban environment in the United States, is suddenly disturbed by a persistent humming sound. The mental anguish this results in causes her to lose her job and her marriage also ends. Initially she believes that she is the only one suffering from the sound, but she then discovers a group of fellow sufferers. Joining the group, led by the charismatic Howard Baird, she finds that the group members have various theories as to the origin of the sound. The group exhibits cult-like behaviours and engage in activities such as shooting at signal towers they believe could be the source of the noise, which attracts police attention. After violent incidents ensue, Claire develops a level of charisma and takes over the cult at the end of the opera.
Reception
editWriting a review of the Philadelphia production in The New Yorker, Alex Ross called The Listeners "an opera about music itself", suspecting Mazzoli of "satirizing contemporary choral music". He was positive about the staging and orchestra, and called Nicole Heaston "pristine" in the lead role.[5]
References
edit- ^ "The Listeners". OperaVision. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Alexander, James. "Have you heard 'the Hum'?". BBC News. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "The Listeners". Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ Chinen, Nate. "A mysterious hum and a charismatic leader stoke chaos in Missy Mazzoli's opera". NPR. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ Ross, Alex (7 October 2024). "A Mesmerizing New Opera About a Sonic Cult". The New Yorker. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
