This song cycle is inspired by and dedicated to German countertenor Klaus Nomi, who was known for his otherworldly stage presence, visionary costumes and wide vocal range. The performer was part of an exciting art scene in 1970s New York and could produce anything from synthesised classical opera to 1960s pop.
In honour of Nomi, Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth has curated nine songs to reflect his theatrical persona and wide ranging repertoire, covering arias by Purcell, Weimar cabaret, girl-power pop and an extraordinary finale of Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead from The Wizard of Oz.
As eclectic as its source material, ranging from neo-modernism to ironic synth pastiche... an exemplary account of the work from the London Sinfonietta Bachtrack
Production overview
Genre: Song cycle
Description: Songs for countertenor and small ensemble, compiled and arranged by Olga Neuwirth
Duration: 40'
Orchestration: 0.0.bass/cymbal.0 0.1/picc.0.0 0.0.0.1/metronome.1/electric bass 1 percussion 1synth + 1synth/sampler 1electric guitar (with multi-effects) + countertenor (all amplified) = 8 players + countertenor + conductor + sound engineer
Artists LS works with: Conductor: Gerry Cornelius / Countertenor: Andrew Watts / Sound Projection: Sound Intermedia
Language: Mixed including English
World Premiere: 10.8.1998, Salzburg
Find out more
Please contact London Sinfonietta CEO & Artistic Director Andrew Burke for more information.
Click here to return London Sinfonietta's Projects.
