The piece, which combines neoclassical and minimalist stylistic features, explores the mental-emotional journey of a person battling cancer, showing the true depth and intimacy of loneliness. The one-act operatic drama is named after a Belgian saintly woman, Aldegunda, who did much in her life, especially for her fellow women battling breast cancer. Following in the footsteps of her individual experience, the viewer is left in a state of uncertainty throughout, but with an uplifting sense of hope in the healing process.
Péter Zombola, Erkel and Bartók-Pásztory Prize-winning composer and professor at the University of Debrecen's Faculty of Music, told hirek.unideb.hu that it was an uplifting feeling to see the premiere in Chicago and the audience's reaction and appreciation was a great experience for him.
- Two years ago, my opera Echo was also performed here. Viktoria Vizin, a fellow composer and performer of Hungarian origin, lives and works in Chicago, with whom I performed my first opera. The opportunity came through her. The previous success convinced the management here and we were invited back. The audience gave a standing ovation at the premiere in Jarvis Hall. I've been getting messages ever since, although it's hard to know what is polite and what is honest feedback, online and offline feedback seem to be in the latter category. There is very little happy music, with deeper, more dramatic content dominating the majority. In this case, unfortunately, it was not difficult for me to relate to the libretto, as I have lost several people close to me in this way. Still, we tried to round off the opera's ending with a hopeful and positive note," the composer explained.
The libretto is by Viktória Vizin, the music is by Péter Zombola. The choreography is by Lin Batseva Kahn, who also appears on stage.
Press Centre - BZ
