Sense of Self: opera in one scene for soprano, mezzo, & piano
PDF score of Sense of Self, opera in one scene for soprano, mezzo-soprano, and piano.
Music by Lisa Neher, libretto by Kendra Preston Leonard
Length: 10 minutes
Cast:
MAYA, a triathlete or para-triathlete, of any age (soprano). Range: C4 - Bb5 (ossia C6)
NAOMI, her coach, of any age (mezzo-soprano). Range: B3 - F#5
Instrumentation: piano
Listen to a MIDI realization of the piece
Triathlete Maya’s hopes for the coming race season come to a sudden halt when she is diagnosed with breast cancer and must decide between surgical options. Her coach, Naomi, is ready to tackle recovery and reconditioning with a positive attitude and the latest wellness trends, but Maya isn’t ready for those yet. She has to consider how her choice impacts her entire future—as an athlete and as a whole person.
Sense of Self gives voice to the power and joy of female athleticism, the strength of women’s friendships, and to the challenging decisions women must make when confronted with breast cancer. The opera explores the impact of cancer on women’s sense of empowerment, plans for the future, family obligations, and self-image, and offers a vision of strength and hope for reinvention and renewal.
Sense of Self was written for Opera Elect's 2020-2021 season and will be premiered on June 27, 2021.
Sliding scale performance rights licensing will be arranged with the composer with consideration for the performer's budget.