Bay Area composer Brett Carson presents a new experimental, multimedia chamber opera entitled "Tell Me a Bedtime Story, ABRAXAS" in world premiere performances at the Dresher Ensemble Studio on July 27-28. The abstract, dream-like narrative follows the central protagonist, "The Amphibian", through a series of vignettes exploring the double-life of amphibians as beings existing both on land and in the water. They wander a landscape of Christian and Gnostic mythologies, culminating in a revelation of the transcendent Gnostic deity Abraxas, a being beyond logic and duality.
Carson's musical language narrating this excursion is highly eclectic - drawing on contemporary classical music, rock music, free improvisation, and experimental electronic music - and will be performed by some of the Bay Area's brightest stars in the realm of new music. Leading this ensemble are trailblazing vocalists Daniel Cilli and Melinda Martinez Becker, followed by the tireless new music aficionados Friction Quartet and versatile drummer/percussionist Jordan Glenn. In addition to composing the music and libretto, Carson also serves as the director and production designer. Portland-based artist Jayden Becker contributes an immersive video component.
“Tell Me a Bedtime Story, ABRAXAS” is a project of New Performance Traditions, and is made possible through generous support from the Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation.