Libretto by Lee Hall (E) based on the Dogme film FESTEN by Thomas Vinterberg and Mogens Rukov.
Major roles: 3S.T.Bar.B; Minor roles: 4S.2M.2A.6T.5Bar.2B;SATB chorus;3children’s voices
3(III=picc/afl).2.corA.2.2bcl.ssax.2.dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc:marimba/vib/BD/tgl/gong/tam-t/tamb/SD/cyms/claves/drum.set/3wdbl/brake.dr/ratchet/guiro/maracas/3congas/tom-t/cast/timbales/crot/whip-pft(=cel)-harp-str
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
“Mark-Anthony Turnage’s adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg’s cult film tackles topical themes with dark wit and devastating emotion.”
The Telegraph
“Turnage’s taut new opera grips, appals and moves.”
The Guardian
“A haunting drama of light and dark. Mark-Anthony Turnage and Lee Hall have created a compelling new opera based on the hit Danish film.”
The Times
“The cult film gets a sharp, riotous opera treatment… even more emotionally lacerating than the 1998 original.”
Financial Times
“Daring, lyrical and brilliantly achieved, Mark-Anthony Turnage’s new opera is his best work yet… dazzling and jubilantly entertaining.”
The Observer