On the 17th and the 18th of June 2016, something special has happened. As for my earlier Bachelor exams, I have composed a piece especially for my Masters' graduation exam, this time not a solo concerto, or a symphony; I have composed a complete opera, lasting 105 minutes at least, divided into two acts. As some loyal followers of my work may have noticed; I already composed two works with the same title of the opera ('All Rise!') - a Concerto Grosso and an Overture for orchestra - these works were sketches for something I considered to be the greatest challenge yet; the composition and organization of a complete, staged opera production of something that is intriguing me for the last couple of years: politics. 
       Now I hear many loyal listeners and followers say: "Isn't that boring?". Well; actually, the opera isn't exactly about politics, it is about everything that surrounds politicians themselves. Think especially about back-room politics, gossiping, hidden agenda's, cheesy speeches, translation mistakes, secret love affairs and... revolution. 
      For this project; i collaborated with amazing talents including the Librettist Yuri Robbers, conductor Andrea Gasperin, director Kenza Koutchoukali, scenographer Yannick Verwey, costume designer Mirte Kooi, producer Maite Catherine de Wit and an incredible cast including Georgi Sztojanov as Metaphrastes, Jannelieke Schmidt as Ivana, Jorne van Bergeijk as Giovanni, Jikke van der Velde as Johanna, Berend Eijkhout as Jean, Enikö Gösi as Genevieve, Erik Brinkhorst as Johnny and Vera Fiselier as Jane.
    
​For more info: please check the dedicated website.

Some excerpts can be listened here: