The creators of the upcoming chamber opera The Dustborn invite audiences to discover how a contemporary opera comes to life during a public rehearsal and discussion evening at the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Music.
The Dustborn offers a sonic reflection on the various mental states we navigate in everyday life. It draws inspiration from the Estonian forest fairy tale The Seven Brothers, but approaches the story in a strikingly unconventional way. Librettists Liisa Hõbepappel and Eva Koldits portray the fairy tale’s characters as different facets of a single person’s subconscious, highlighting the complexity and contradictions of the human psyche.
“We’re telling a story of inner struggle,” explains Hõbepappel. “We’re interested in the states we inhabit in our daily lives. We tried to recognize them, depict them, and treat them with gentleness.” Given the opera’s deep connection to themes of mental health, the creative team has collaborated with psychiatrist and psychodrama director Kati-Riin Simisker, whose input has enriched the work with deeper understanding and authenticity.
Unlike traditional opera creation—where the libretto is written first, followed by music and then staging—The Dustborn has emerged through an experimental and organic co-creative process. The work began last summer, when Liisa Hõbepappel, the ensemble U:, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna (USA/Italy/Germany), and tenor Ryan Adams (USA) came together to explore musical ideas through improvisation. These summer soundscapes became both the sonic and conceptual foundation of the chamber opera. Throughout the winter and spring, excerpts from the evolving libretto and musical material have already been shared with audiences at the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Music.
The final chance to experience the birth of the opera up close—just before its premiere—will take place on April 8 at 6 PM at the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Music (Pühavaimu 9, Tallinn), as part of the Residentuu:r series. On site will be ensemble U:, composer Liisa Hõbepappel, director Eva Koldits, and Lithuanian soprano Salomeja Petronyte. The event is free of charge.
The world premiere of the chamber opera The Dustborn will take place on May 10 at the Viimsi Artium, as part of the Estonian Music Days festival. More info: eestimuusikapaevad.ee/en/event/chamber-opera-the-dustborn-premiere/
Tickets are available in Piletilevi.