News Summary
Los Angeles will host the world premiere of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s opera ‘HILDEGARD’ from November 5 to 9, followed by performances at PROTOTYPE Festival and Aspen Music Festival. The opera explores the life of St. Hildegard von Bingen, focusing on themes of spirituality and self-identity, with Snider as both composer and librettist. The creative team aims to blend medieval and contemporary design in this significant new work.
Los Angeles will host the world premiere of Sarah Kirkland Snider’s opera “HILDEGARD” from November 5 to 9, 2025, as part of a series of rolling premieres across multiple venues. This significant event highlights Snider’s talent as a composer, recognized as “one of new music’s leading names.” The opera, which features a libretto also crafted by Snider, will subsequently be presented at the PROTOTYPE Festival in New York from January 9 to 17, 2026, followed by a summer performance at the Aspen Music Festival and School in 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
About the Opera “HILDEGARD”
“HILDEGARD” is Snider’s first opera and is co-commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and the Aspen Music Festival and School. The opera is based on the life of St. Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century German Benedictine abbess and polymath. Set in the year 1147, it narrates the story of Hildegard as she experiences divine visions, which she records for evaluation by the Papacy.
The opera intricately weaves themes such as spiritual connection, self-identity, and historical erasure. It presents the collaborative relationship between Hildegard and Richardis von Stade, a young nun recovering from illness, who assists in illustrating the manuscripts of Hildegard’s visions, spotlighting the transformative nature of their partnership.
The Creative Team
The production is directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer with music direction by Gabriel Crouch. It features a talented cast, including Nola Richardson as Hildegard, Mikaela Bennett as Richardis, and Raha Mirzadegan as Angel among others. The Los Angeles Opera production will utilize its live orchestra, while the PROTOTYPE Festival will feature the NOVUS ensemble.
The creative design team includes scenic designer Marsha Ginsberg, costume designer Molly Irelan, and lighting designer Pablo Santiago. Their vision aims to blend medieval artistic influences with contemporary design elements to celebrate themes of spirituality and mystery.
Research and Development
Snider’s dedication to authenticity is reflected in her eight years of research into Hildegard’s life as well as her analysis of the socio-political climate of the 12th century. She has visited historical sites, including Eibingen Abbey and the ruins of Disibodenberg Monastery, for inspiration. Furthermore, she consulted with Barbara Newman, a renowned scholar on Hildegard, to deepen her understanding of the historical context and character.
Significance of “HILDEGARD”
The opera has been recognized as a crucial exploration of creative expression in oppressive environments and the innate human desire for genuine connection, juxtaposed against social conditioning. Snider’s music has garnered acclaim for its direct expression and dramatic narrative, with critics describing it as “rapturous” and “ravishingly beautiful.”
Having been workshopped at prestigious institutions, including Princeton University and Cincinnati Opera, “HILDEGARD” has received two grants from Opera America to support its development. The opera holds significant potential to resonate with audiences through its powerful themes and innovative approach to operatic storytelling.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- New York Theatre Guide: Masquerade Off-Broadway Review
- Wikipedia: Hildegard of Bingen
- New York Post: Masquerade Review
- Google Search: St. Hildegard von Bingen
- Playbill: Get a 1st Look at Masquerade
- Google Scholar: Sarah Kirkland Snider
- New York Times: Masquerade Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opera
- Broadway World: Review Roundup Masquerade
- Google News: Sarah Kirkland Snider Hildegard
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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