dream of the red chamber san francisco opera

(Please visit Photo Gallery) In the ensuing two years there were many conversations among Bright, David HH, San Francisco Opera and us. In a dinner reception we held for them they told us about their enthusiasm and initial thoughts on this exciting and significant project. In August, 2011, both Bright and David came to Minneapolis to visit with us. Together we talked to Chinese composer Bright Sheng and librettist/playwright David Henry Hwang about the possibility to compose an opera based on Dream. San Francisco Opera, under Generalĭirector David Gockley, expressed an early interest. Kevin Smith, recently retired from the presidency of Minnesota Opera, joined us as our artistic advisor and proceeded to identifying an opera company that would be interested in our project. In commissioning a new opera, to be sung in English, we hope to bring the heartbreaking and timeless love-triangle story in Dream toĪ new worldwide audience, in the rich and evocative medium of contemporary opera. Dream has inspired numerous artistic adaptations and creations – plays, dances, paintings, and films, including a Peking opera, mostly in Chinese. It has also brought about a special branch of critical studies, termed Redology, with members throughout the world. These translations, particularly the one by David Hawkes and John Minford, have brought Dream a worldwide following.

It has been translated into English several times. Its publication more than two centuries ago, Dream has become one of the most popular novels in China. In carrying out this mission we hope to improve mutual understanding between the Chinese community and the world community at large.

This project would fulfill all the mission objectives of our Foundation: to preserve and promote Chinese heritage, culture, and history and, at the same time, to encourage innovation in the arts. This opera would be premiered by a major U.S. In 2011 CHFF embarked on a seemingly impossible project to commission a new, contemporary opera based on the beloved Chinese classic novel, Dream of the Red Chamber (Dream).

Dream of the red chamber san francisco opera