OperArt: Seven Angels, a chamber opera by Jonathan Dove

‘A consummate arithmetician, geometrician, and perspectivist, the blindness which came upon him in his old age prevented him from displaying the results of his labours.’
The narrative is based around Piero’s life, exploring his creative struggle through a series of encounters with seven Angels.

The Santa Chiara Chapel in the museum's Medieval and Renaissance galleries embodies the city of Florence, where Piero spent his formative years, and the surrounding religious iconography helps illustrate the parallels drawn with the figure of Christ in the opera. An intimate performance of 30 minutes, the opera is scored for only three performers: a countertenor, soprano, and a harp. Spectators are free to explore and enjoy the surrounding art while listening to the opera.

This project is supported by the ‘Opera Roots’ initiative at the National Opera Studio - a project designed to bring Opera into new locations and engage new audiences.
We hope this setting will destroy the alienating formalities usually associated with opera and perhaps engage and inspire those who may have never before experienced the art form.

Performers:
Piero Della Francesca: Feargal Mostyn-Williams
Angels: Josephine Goddard
Harp: Olivia Jageurs
Director: Jack Furness

First performance at 18.00
Second performance at 20.00