“FUTUROFONIA: pra-premieres” – October 5, 2024, Baltic Opera, Gdańsk
The first part of the concert featured selected excerpts from a contemporary opera composed by Gdańsk-based artist Max Kohyt, with a libretto by Rafał Matusz. „IMAGINE… SCHOPENHAUER’S PICNIC” is a remarkable work of modern stage music that blends traditional elements with innovative technologies, crafting a multisensory artistic experience. Piano, violin, viola, and cello, combined with prepared magnetic tape and electronic instruments, form a multidimensional sound structure. The electronic layer, comprising digital sound transformations and elements of vocal improvisation, introduces narrative unpredictability and emotional depth. Katarzyna Hołysz (soprano) delivers a stunning performance, fusing classical vocal mastery with a contemporary approach to expressive voice work. A key aspect of the production is its use of multimedia projections. These minimalist visuals often dominate the physical stage, creating an illusory space that deepens the libretto’s philosophical undertones. The projections not only complement the stage action but also serve as an abstract narrative vehicle, revealing the internal worlds of the characters and conveying conceptual ideas. Matusz’s libretto delves into familial conflict and philosophical inquiry, exploring the complex relationship between Arthur and Johanna Schopenhauer. Together, the musical and visual layers construct a space where interpersonal drama intersects with reflections on the limits of human understanding. This opera redefines the role of multimedia in operatic theater, placing it on equal footing with the music. It transcends genre boundaries, aligning itself with the tradition of the Gesamtkunstwerk, where sound, image, and technology converge into a cohesive, multidimensional narrative. „IMAGINE… SCHOPENHAUER’S PICNIC” is not merely a musical experiment but also a meditation on the future of opera, where traditional modes of expression coexist with cutting-edge technology. Cast and Creative Team: Katarzyna Hołysz – Soprano as Johanna Schopenhauer, Rafał Matusz – Director, Actor as Arthur Schopenhauer, Max Kohyt – Electronics, Tape.
photos: Krzysztof Mystkowski, Klaudia Korczak