Join us on 1 February 2025 for Dr Paul Smith's talk on Innocence by Kaija Saariaho at 2pm at the Uniting Church Chapel Hall 10/12 Clanwilliam St, Willoughby.
Sydney Opera Society
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Dr Paul Smith is a Sydney-based composer and researcher renowned for his innovative work on opera and compositions for the toy piano. With a Doctorate of Creative Arts from Western Sydney University, he merges academic rigor with artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. As the co-artistic director of Blush Opera, Paul is committed to creating inclusive and diverse performances that resonate with a wide audience. His unique approach to composition not only showcases his versatility but also reflects his dedication to exploring new musical landscapes. Through his research and creative endeavours, Paul contributes significantly to the Australian arts scene, inspiring both emerging and established artists.
About the Opera
"Innocence" is an evocative opera in five acts composed by renowned Finnish artist Kaija Saariaho, with a libretto penned by Sofi Oksanen in Finnish and later translated by Aleksi Barrière. This powerful work was co-commissioned by esteemed institutions such as the Aix-en-Provence Festival, the Dutch National Opera, the Finnish National Opera, and the San Francisco Opera. Its world premiere took place on July 3, 2021, at the Aix-en-Provence Festival, under the skilled baton of conductor Susanna Mälkki and the direction of Simon Stone. The opera weaves together the haunting narratives of a wedding in Helsinki during the 2000s and a tragic school shooting that occurred a decade earlier, presenting a gripping exploration of human experiences and societal issues. Described as a thriller, "Innocence" promises to leave a profound impact on its audience, challenging them to reflect on the complexities of life.
Innocence by Kaija Saariaho, talk by Dr Paul Smith
1st February 2025, Uniting Church Chapel, 10/12 Clanwilliam St - Willoughby
Dr Paul Smith during a talk on Handel's Julius Caesar for the Sydney Opera Society
Dr. Alex Heaney, a dedicated member of the Sydney Opera Society for many years. Renowned for his significant contributions to civil engineering during the 1980s, he has now turned his attention to the world of opera. In a recent proposal, Dr. Heaney expressed his desire for the SOS to hold a talk on Innocence by Kaija Saariaho’s, saying that this opera is one of his favourites and a benchmark of contemporary composition. His enthusiasm for Saariaho's profound ability to weave emotion and complexity into music reflects his deep appreciation for the art form. Thank you, Dr. Heaney for bridging the worlds of engineering and opera and for sharing your insights.
The inspiration behind this talk
About the Speaker
Dr Alex Heaney (left) and Peter Wheatley at a recent event of the Sydney Opera Society.
Coming Events 2025
How to get there:
By Car: free parking is available in the Church car park.
By Train/Bus: connect with bus route 120 at Town Hall or Chatswood Stations.
The Chapel Hall
The series of talks showcases distinguished speakers, including renowned artists, accomplished musicians, and esteemed academics. Each session offers attendees valuable insights and knowledge, derived from the speakers' extensive experiences and expertise.
Our events take place at 2 PM at the Uniting Church Hall,
located at 10/12 Clanwilliam Street in Willoughby.
Each gathering is designed to foster community connection and engagement,
ending with light refreshments for attendees to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Auditorium
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