Nova Music Opera

Nova Music Opera presents a double-bill of chamber operas by living British composers. United by their common theme of misadventure, Airborne and Prometheus Drowned make perfect performance partners. Airborne - commissioned from Cecilia McDowall with libretto by Andy Rashleigh - is a World War I centenary tribute to the forgotten pilots of the Royal Flying Corps (the precursor of the Royal Air Force).

Prometheus Drowned is a dark exploration of the strange circumstances surrounding the death of Percy Bysshe Shelley at Livorno in 1822. The piece was originally conceived as a ‘Monologue for voice and chamber ensemble’ but the work now has two characters (a singer and an actor) and has been extended and completely re-orchestrated for Nova Music Opera’s new stage production.

This evening's cast are Donna Lennard (soprano), Henry Manning (baritone), Clare McCaldin (mezzo-soprano) and Christopher Good (actor).

There will be a pre-show talk with Cecilia McDowall and Stephen McNeff in conversation with Lauren Redhead (Canterbury Christ Church University) at 6.30pm.