Alban (opera)
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Alban is a community opera in two acts with music by Tom Wiggall and libretto by John Mole.[1]
The opera was commissioned by St Albans Cathedral Community Trust as a celebration of the patron saint of their city. The world premiere took place in May 2009 when five performances were given in the space of four days. Composed with St Albans Cathedral in mind, the production exploited the opportunities given by the architectural design of the building. The performances were given by professional soloists with choruses composed of choristers from all around the diocese, accompanied by a chamber orchestra.
The story relates the last few days of the life of Alban, a doctor in Verulamium (modern day St Albans) and family man who was martyred around 210 AD for sheltering a Christian priest and offering himself up to save the priest's life.
The opera was described in Opera Now as "a cogent chamber opera worthy of Britten's Church Parables," which "betokens great expectations of composer and producers alike."[2]
Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 20 May 2009 (Conductor: David Ireson) |
|---|---|---|
| Alban | tenor | Philip Salmon |
| Priest | bass-baritone | Paul Sheehan |
| Claudia, Alban's wife | soprano | Dominique Thiébaud |
| Lucius, Governor | bass | Des Turner |
| Marcella, Governor's wife | mezzo-soprano | Louise Mott |
| Julia, a family friend | mezzo-soprano | Ellie White |
| Melissa, Alban's daughter | girl soprano | Georgina Thomas |
| Gaius, Alban's son | treble | Peter Sequeira |
| Director | Beckie Mills | |
| Chorus | ||