Tuva Semmingsen as Lysistrate. Photo: Skovdal & Skovdal for Den Fynske Opera
The history of music is – as much of our history in general – written by men. And previously performed only by men. None the less, the stories told are most often stories about women.
This is the motivation for the concert presented by Esbjerg Ensemble and mezzo-soprano Tuva Semmingsen. The programme features a selection of works spanning from Händel’s Serse and Bizet’s Carmen to contemporary works like Steingrimur Rohloff’s ‘Lysistrate’.
Aristophanes wrote about Lysistrate and her attempt at stopping the Peloponnesian war almost 2500 years ago, and Rohloffs opera is freely based on this ancient comedy. Rohloff invited Peter Laugesen to write the libretto, and their version of 'Lysistrate' is no comedy. It is a tale of a beautiful, strong-willed and sensual woman trying to stop a cruel war, encouraging her sisters’ rebellion by denying men sex. But in vain.
Rohloff's 'Lysistrate' was premiered at The Funen Opera in 2016 by Esbjerg Ensemble with Tuva Semmingsen in the role of Lysistrate. The excerpt performed at the concert is the song ‘Glem’.
Steimgrimur Rohloff: ‘Lysistrate’ (Excerpt)
Esbjerg Ensemble & Tuva Semmingsen
Sunday, January 28, 2018 - 15:30
Viborg Musiksal (DK)
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 19:30
Syddansk Musikkonservatorium, Esbjerg (DK)
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Sunday, February 4, 2018 – 15:00
Middelfart Bibliotek (DK)
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The concert in Viborg Musiksal will be recorded and broadcast at DR P2 on February 7 – 19:20