Philip Glass Opera and Scent
Hymn to the Sun, an original and fragrant interpretation of Philip Glass’s opera Akhnaten, plays in Sydney for one night only on July 27, 2013.
As ancient dhows ply the Nile, the intensely visceral sounds of Philip Glass’s music, intimately sung and played on baroque instruments,will interplay with a subtly diffused scent created exclusively for this performance.
The ancient Egyptians placed great importance on fragrances for use in religious ceremonies, to promote health and wellbeing, and to enhance beauty and attractiveness. Global company International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) based in New York and responsible for creating perfumes for Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Lancôme, Guy Laroche, Ralph Lauren and numerous celebrities, have joined forces with Ondine Productions to further its pursuit of creating scents to enhance and stimulate memory based on place, emotion and personality.
Distinguished perfumer Chiaki Nomura believes “fragrances enrich our life as well as bring us to the world of dreams by touching our soul or evoking our memories [as our] sense of smell is the closest link to our deepest emotions, instincts, and intuition”.
In response to the Akhnaten story and opera, Nomura has created a modern, sensual fragrance for both feminine and masculine audiences. A unique signature of freshness, sophistication and strength, Akhnaten Scent has notes including bergamot, velvet jasmine, waterlilies, muguet, deep musk and secret essences from IFF’s French laboratory.
From the outset Ondine Productions have had the composer's approval to perform scenes from his opera, and recently, his agent in Australia (Lyle Chan) advised the company that he is " really intrigued" by their unique interpretation of his work. He has asked for a recording because unfortunately he will not be able to attend as he will be in Melbourne for the opening of Einstein On The Beach.
Ondine Productions, which last year staged the Australian premiere of baroque composer Francesca Caccini’s neglected opera Alcina, delivers another first for Sydney music lovers. Plus every audience member receives an atomizer of Akhnaten Scent.
The performance features countertenor David Crowden as Akhnaten, sopranos Anna Fraser* as Queen Tye and Hester Hannah as Nefertiti, baritone Mark Donnelly* as Aye, tenor Adam Majsay as Principal Tenor and Mezzo-soprano Inara Molinari as Amon.
Ensemble: Thoroughbass: Diana Weston| Music Director| Harpsichord
* Appears courtesy of the Song Company
Date: Saturday 27 July at 7.30pm.
Venue: Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Music: Eight Scenes from Akhnaten by contemporary American composer Philip Glass
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au / 132 849.Adults $55, Concession $40, Student Rush $20 (48 hours pre-performance).
Students with ID can purchase tickets for the special price of $20 at the door (cash only).