Opera
The Secret Garden Opera
"a superb piece of theatre which has a dreamlike quality and blends cultures audibly and visibly" ( The Stage)
Helen was commissioned by Theatre Centre to compose the music for an opera adaptation of the children’s classic novel THE SECRET GARDEN by Frances Hodgson Burnett. With a libretto by NONA SHEPPHARD, the original production was funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain.This highly acclaimed opera for young people and family audiences was nominated for the TMA/Martini award. Helen’s music combines the multi cultural elements of the story into a rich and haunting score for singers and a diverse ensemble of instruments including sitar and tabla.
“the sentiment of the book is transfigured by the music into a quality which touches lightly on the spiritual, yet the opera keeps the essential touch of childhood adventure. Helen Glavin’s score blends these elements beautifully.’ (The Stage)
"Glavin weaves sitar and tabla seamlessly with cello and flute into a celebration of sound”.
(Times Educational Supplement)
“the chorus writing in particular is an unbounded joy….. a grand opera for all ages!”
( West Sussex Gazette)
"a superb piece of theatre which has a dreamlike quality and blends cultures audibly and visibly" ( The Stage)
Helen was commissioned by Theatre Centre to compose the music for an opera adaptation of the children’s classic novel THE SECRET GARDEN by Frances Hodgson Burnett. With a libretto by NONA SHEPPHARD, the original production was funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain.This highly acclaimed opera for young people and family audiences was nominated for the TMA/Martini award. Helen’s music combines the multi cultural elements of the story into a rich and haunting score for singers and a diverse ensemble of instruments including sitar and tabla.
“the sentiment of the book is transfigured by the music into a quality which touches lightly on the spiritual, yet the opera keeps the essential touch of childhood adventure. Helen Glavin’s score blends these elements beautifully.’ (The Stage)
"Glavin weaves sitar and tabla seamlessly with cello and flute into a celebration of sound”.
(Times Educational Supplement)
“the chorus writing in particular is an unbounded joy….. a grand opera for all ages!”
( West Sussex Gazette)