In Act 2 of Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul,” the magician Nika Magadoff (Alex Mansoori) hypnotizes everyone in the consulate and makes them dance: 
Oh, what a lovely ballroom this is...
the floor shines with precious marble.
Look how the light falls bright and clear 
from twenty crystal chandeliers.
Look at the crimson walls, hung with golden mirrors. 
Ah, listen:  the music has begun.
Ah! How you'd love to dance with your loved one...
But where is he? But where is she?
There, there he is!  He's bowing to you.
Look, there she is...bow to her.
What are you waiting for?
The floor is empty, the music sweet...
the dance is on.
Carlo Montanaro conducts the orchestra of Seattle Opera. Elise Bakketun, photo
Seattle Opera, The Consul, Menotti, Carlo Montanaro, Alex Mansoori


THE CONSUL: ALEX MANSOORI as Nika Magadoff

A chamber opera for two voices, AS ONE relates the experiences and inner life of a transgender person moving toward self-realization. Seattle Opera presented this extraordinary work at Washington Hall in November, 2016.

Music and Concept by Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed 
Baritone – Jorell Williams
Conductor – John Keene

Dear Mom (and Dad!):
I wanted to call you,
But thought it
Better to write.
I’m sorry, but
I don’t think
I’ll make it home
For Christmas
This year.
I have so much work to do,
And so much going on.
And I really can’t afford 
A plane ticket
At this late date.
It will be my first Christmas away
And I’ll miss you guys,
And the tree,
And the house
All done up
For the holidays.
And the snow.
I know you’re disappointed.
At any rate,
I might get home this Spring,
And that’s just around the corner.
But I’ll call you on Christmas Day.
In the meantime
I send you both
A lot of love.
—H.

Photo by Rozarii Lynch

AS ONE: Home For The Holidays

Join me as I sit down with Emily Cabiness, librarian and archivist for the Seattle Opera. We discuss the art of opera, through both process and product. How does it stay relevant in contemporary life? What kind of collaborative work does it take to put on a production? What does a librarian do for an opera company? How does music help us express the otherwise ineffable? 

A funny, engaging, and emotional chat with a good friend of the show.

(Disclaimer: Emily participated in this discussion outside of her official duties with the Seattle Opera. As such, all of her opinions are her own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seattle Opera or any affiliated staff or artists!)

For more information about the Seattle Opera, including upcoming shows and events, visit https://www.seattleopera.org/ 

For those interested in listening to Emily’s scene selections further, please see the recorded versions below:

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro - “Pace Pace Mio Dolce Tesoro” - https://open.spotify.com/track/3EQrqvdRO7VMWSPKSlCdSe

Wager’s The Valkyrie - “War Es So Schmählich”
https://open.spotify.com/track/68CZHU1J4F89quxGwQOQGn

All clips and music used under Creative Commons and Fair Use policies.

Ping: Opera With Emily

Founded in 1963, Seattle Opera is a leading American opera company. The company presents the classics of the European repertoire as well as new works of American opera. Frequent productions of Wagner's RING, beginning in 1975, established the company's worldwide reputation. Seattle Opera usually presents five opera productions each year.

AS ONE: Home For The Holidays

Seattle Opera

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