Heartbeat Opera

Heartbeat Opera developed The Extinctionist, the ensemble’s first original work, during a two-week residency. Founding director Louisa Proske, composer Daniel Schlosberg, conductor Jacob Ashworth, and librettist Amanda Quaid (who adapted her one-act play) rehearsed with Kelly Griffin and Claire Leyden, sopranos, and the baritones Benjamin Dickerson and Matthew Gamble. Schlosberg (violin) and Ashworth (piano) were joined by percussionist Caitlin Cawley and Guitarist Thomas Flippin. Concert versions of The Extinctionist were presented on May 29 and 30, followed by discussions with the audience about the residency, what inspired the playwright to dramatize the subject, the process of adapting the play to opera, and its urgent political message. Residency from May 14–30, 2021.

WATCH A SHORT DOCUMENTARY ABOUT HEARTBEAT OPERA’S RESIDENCY PROCESS AT PS21