Adapting The Children’s Bach
Helen Garner discusses the operatic adaptation of her classic novella The Children’s Bach with librettist Glenn Perry and composer Andrew Schultz.
Featuring
About the Event
Helen Garner’s beloved 1984 novella The Children’s Bach has been described as her masterpiece. Centring on a small suburban family and the unexpected bohemian visitors who puncture their seemingly comfortable bubble, the story and prose incorporate musical references and motifs throughout.
At this event, Garner, librettist Glenn Perry and composer Andrew Schultz will discuss the process of adapting the acclaimed novella into a chamber opera with host Sian Prior. Musicians and performers from Lyric Opera of Melbourne will close out the evening with a short performance from their upcoming production of The Children’s Bach.
The Children’s Bach opera was commissioned and premiered in 2008 by Chamber Made. The second full production of the work is presented from 30 August to 7 September at Theatre Works.
Presented in partnership with Lyric Opera of Melbourne.
Accessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by request
Companion tickets available
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair accessible
For information regarding accessibility at The Wheeler Centre, click here.
Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
About the Bookseller
The bookseller for this event is Hill of Content Bookshop.
Featuring
Helen Garner writes novels, stories, screenplays and works of non-fiction. In 2006 she received the inaugural Melbourne Prize for Literature, and in 2016 she won the prestigious Windham–Campbell Prize for non-fiction. In 2019 she was honoured with the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievem... Read more
Glenn Perry is a librettist and playwright. He has written libretti for Chambermade Opera, including two operas composed by the Chinese-Australian composer Julian Yu: Fresh Ghosts (1997), Theatre Works, Melbourne; and The Possessed (2003), Chapel Off Chapel (both productions directed by Douglas Ho... Read more
Andrew Schultz has held many awards and commissions – including from all the major Australian orchestras. Major works include three symphonies, Journey to Horseshoe Bend, Maali, Endling, Paradise and Violin Concerto. Recent works include Bassoon and Piano Concertos and he is currently wor... Read more
Sian Prior has had a multi-faceted career in the arts, education and media, as a writer, broadcaster, teacher and singer. She is best known as a former presenter on ABC RN, ABC Classic and ABC Melbourne, and a columnist for The Age. Her essays have been published in magazines and literary journals... Read more
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