Operatic Addictions is an opera double-bill about two major modern addictions: coffee and smartphones. A present-day english adaptation of J.S. Bach's Coffee Cantata (complete with a feminist spin and instrumentation to include electric guitar and classical saxophone) meets a premiere by composer David Matthew Brown, Phony, about a relationship doomed to fail before it even began -- the couple completely submerged in their smartphones -- a deep commentary on present-day social interaction and what we might not realize we're missing, with libretti by Alize Rozsnyai.
Conducted by Phony's composer David Matthew Brown, directed by Kaitlyn Waterson, sung by Baritone Tom Sitzler as Heath/Samuel, Tenor Timothy Faulkner as Claude/Narrator, and Soprano Alize Rozsnyai as Heather/Lisa, with Irene Moretto, Harpsichord, Aaron Stewart, Saxophone, Bronwyn Beth Livezey, Violin, Will Brobston, Electric Guitar, Emma Hey, Viola, and Amber Kowal, Electric Bass.
About Alter Ego Chamber Opera:
The brainchild of co-founders Alize Rozsnyai, Soprano and Librettist, David Matthew Brown, Composer, Violinist and Conductor, Irene Moretto, Keyboardist, and Kaitlyn Waterson, Soprano, Alter Ego Chamber Opera (AECO) is an emerging, Philadelphia-based opera collective that endeavors to present new works and old works which are reimagined, “without the ego” that is sometimes associated in traditional classical music scenarios. Barriers of language, and antiquated themes and values are stripped away in favor of productions in the vernacular which advocate for female-identifying (or non-binary) artistic leaders and story-tellers, with a particular interest in addressing current issues in our work.
Tickets are available from Fringe Arts as well as at the door.