This Blog is being written after the incredible opera conducted by Kwamé Ryan has been premiered in Brussels on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 and may be viewed via web stream online from Friday, September 24 at 1.00 pm EST (March 2022). According to the text of the programme booklet, The Time of Our Singing, published in a Dutch and French translation, the Opera is based on “a magnificent, multifaceted novel about a supremely gifted―and divided―family, set against the backdrop of postwar America, from the Pulitzer Prize–winning and bestselling author Richard Powers”
In celebration of this occasion, GOFAD had intended to review the novel, but having read the amazing connectedness of Maestro Ryan to this novel-opera, thought it best to let readers experience his unadulterated views of what he labels of “Mixedness - Unified in Time” The Essence of the Novel Glimpses of the novel’s power and meaning should be a further enticement.
You may read the documentation of Kwamé Ryan’s connectedness as a conductor to the orientation of the novel in this link: https://www.lamonnaie.be/en/mmm-online/2141-mixedness---unified-in-time An Eloquently Profound Preview of the Opera It is further worth your time to listen to the YouTube preview of the opera, by conductor Kwamé Ryan, whose production was delayed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Bringing to life 'The Time of Our Singing', Kris Defoort's latest opera based on the novel by Richard Powers, Kwamé states: “This production would have been immensely relevant one year ago, and it's even more important to create it today". See link https://youtu.be/v8A9O0Ye1J0 Who is Kwamé Ryan? Kwamé Ryan was born in Canada and grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where he received his early musical education. He completed his studies reading musicology at Cambridge University, and specialising in conducting at the International Eötvös Institute. He held the position of General Music Director of Freiburg Opera between 1999 and 2003, and that of Musical and Artistic Director of the National Orchestra of Bordeaux Aquitaine between 2007 and 2013. When not on the podium, Kwamé Ryan dedicates his time to educational and community development work as Director of Trinidad and Tobago’s Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) and Chairman of the youth art Non-Profit Organisation Searchlight International. For those wanting to connect more directly with Kwamé and his work, you may explore his new website www.kwameryan.com I am sure Kwamé would appreciate your comments. Eddie Greene
4 Comments
TBS
9/17/2021 07:33:15 am
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful work by the remarkable and exceptional Kwame Ryan
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cadans3@rogers.com
9/17/2021 07:38:24 am
Thanks very much for this invitation/information. It is interesting to have a Caribbean artiste showcase his talent in opera, and presenting his interpretation of the black experience. I look forward to viewing the presentation.
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Thomas B. Singh
9/25/2021 02:23:04 am
What a remarkable opera - there is so much drama in it, there is so much poignancy, and so much authenticity in the voices and the music. Thank you for sharing, both the opera and Kwame Ryan, with us!
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TS
9/25/2021 07:10:50 am
Dear Eddie,
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AuthorEdward and Auriol Greene Directors, GOFAD. Archives
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