A humorous and quirky mini opera in which Armstrong and Aldrin find they are not the first to step on the moon. Fast moving and thought-provoking, this opera is quite accessible for good performers. Libretto by Stuart Hoar.

Opus No : 77

Category : Opera

Year : 1996

Duration : 15'00

Libretto: Stuart Hoar

Commissioned by : Pocket Opera

Instrumentation: mini chamber opera for 5 singers (soprano, mezzo, 2 tenors, baritones) string quartet and piano

Level : 3 - for professional and semi-professional musicians

Available from the composer

Recording information

Archival recording of live performance

Note

A Chamber Opera in One Act

music by Anthony Ritchie libretto by Stuart Hoar

Commissioned by The Pocket Opera with financial assistance from Creative New Zealand

Based on the first Moon landing, 1969, and Jules Vernes From the Earth to the Moon

Characters:
Neil Armstrong, astronaut - baritone
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut - tenor
Impey Barbicane, 19th century character - soprano
Michael Ardan, 19th century character - mezzo soprano
Captain Nicholl, 19th century character - tenor
Instrumentation:
2 violins
viola
cello
piano
electronic tape

Duration: 15 minutes approximately