Two New Works Available for Booking: Mini Ballet “Oh, the OF It All!” and Mini Opera “Fair Isle”
Greetings all! Two of Mary’s recent works are at last complete and now available for booking: the 10-12-minute mini ballet “Oh, the OF It All!”; and the 15-minute mini opera “Fair Isle”. Both works feature stunning libretti by the wonderful playwright John J King, who originally conceived of the pieces for his evening-length theatre work, “The Mementi Mori of Edward Gorey”.
Here is more information on both pieces!
“Oh, the OF It All!” is a new, as-yet-unpremiered “mini” orchestral ballet work by composer Mary Bichner and librettist John J King, celebrating American illustrator Edward Gorey’s fondness for the New York City Ballet and its legendary choreographer, George Balanchine. The work is arranged for a traditional mid-sized ballet orchestra consisting of: 2 flutes (flute + flute/piccolo), 2 oboes (oboe + oboe/English horn), 2 clarinets (clarinet + bass clarinet), 2 bassoons (bassoon + bassoon/contrabassoon), 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones (2 tenor + 1 bass), tuba, timpani, percussion (snare drum, triangle, gong), piano, celesta, harp, and string orchestra. You can watch a libretto text video of the piece, as well as take a look at its score and libretto, by visiting the “Oh, the OF It All!” page right here.
“Fair Isle” is a new, as-yet-unpremiered “mini” orchestral opera work by composer Mary Bichner and librettist John J King. Inspired by an episode in the life of American illustrator/author Edward Gorey, “Fair Isle” tells the tale of Ted (Edward Gorey) and Tom, two friends in the midst of a month-long trip through the Scottish Isles. With Tom, Ted’s heart swells like a storming sea, but – as Ted searches for the right words – Tom’s feelings remain firmly planted on earthy matters.This operatic work is approximately 15 minutes in length, and is orchestrated for: “Ted” (tenor vocalist, OR any singer with a range of D#3-A4), “Tom” (bass-baritone vocalist, OR any singer with range of either E2–E4 or A2–E4 [with five optional F#2+E2 notes]), “The Porter” (mezzo-soprano vocalist, OR any singer with a range of E#4-D#5), 1 flute, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon, 2 horns, timpani, harpsichord, and string orchestra. You can watch a libretto text video of the piece, as well as take a look at its score and libretto, by visiting the “Fair Isle” page right here.
For booking inquiries regarding these pieces, please contact either composer Mary Bichner ( info [at] marybichner [dot] com ) or librettist John J King ( johnjking80 [at] gmail [dot] com ).
Thank you one and all!