TWO BIT OPER-EH?-SHUN is an Oratorio* that explores homelessness, poverty, drug addiction and mental illness on the streets of Calgary.
To create the piece, Onalea Gilbertson began regular visits to the Calgary Drop-In Centre and gathered clients to sing, and share their experience of homelessness.
From these gatherings, and building on these vivid stories, Onalea worked with composer Marcel Bergmann to create a sweeping soundscape that exposes how people fall through the cracks in a society of immense wealth, are trapped in a current of indifference and are lost to the cruelty streets.
The evening includes an exhibition of artwork by homeless citizens, information booths from social agencies and a talk back after the show. Please bring a donation for the Calgary Food Bank.
*ORATORIO: A musical composition for voice and instruments telling a sacred story.
World Premiere
Saturday January 16 2010 7:30pm @ Grace Presbyterian Church 1009 15th Ave. SW
70 minutes plus 45 minute talk back reception
CREATED by Onalea Gilbertson & Marcel Bergmann
COMMISSIONED by The Land’s End Chamber Music Society
PRODUCED by The Land’s End Chamber Music Society & Dandi Productions
COMPOSER : Marcel Bergmann
LIBRETTO : Onalea Gilbertson
ADDITIONAL WRITING BY:
Doug McKeag and the Drop-In Centre Singers: Norm Saunders, Aubrey Miller, John Harris, Max Ciesielski, Bunny, Debbie & Jenn Carew
THE LAND’S END CHAMBER ENSEMBLE:
PIANO & KEYBOARD: Elizabeth Bergmann & Marcel Bergmann
VIOLIN: John Lowry
CELLO: Beth Root Sandvoss
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:
SAX/FLUTE/CLARINET: Jeremy Brown
VIOLA: Brad Ottesen
PERCUSSION: Rod Squance
VOCALISTS: Onalea Gilbertson, Doug McKeag, Elizabeth Stepkowski-Tarhan
CHORUS:
The Drop-In Centre Singers: Jenn Carew, Max Ciesielski, John Harris, Aubrey Miller, Norm Saunders, Bunny, Debbie, Shane, Scott and Nigel
CHOIR :
Members of Revv 52 under the direction of Brian Farrell
DIRECTOR/DRAMATURG: Doug McKeag
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Terry Gunvordahl
SOUND OPERATOR: Colin Daniels
Additional commission support from One Yellow Rabbit.
Support for the Drop in Centre Singers provided by This Is My City.
Congrats and Bravo to all of those you were a part of this emotional, raw, moving event.
Thank you for all your hard work. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
A job well done! You deserve every moment of your standing ovation and more!!
I am proud to know each one of you!