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Einstein on the Beach (concert version)

Ictus & Collegium Vocale Gent

vocal

music theatre

Fri 02 Nov 2018 -19.00

introduction by Maarten Beirens	18.15
start	19.00
expected end time	22.45

All prices include booking fees.

Part of Abo Masterpiece 18-19

Albert Einstein inspires Philip Glass to a masterpiece that counts

Iconic, groundbreaking and controversial are just a few terms used to describe the cult opera Einstein on the Beach. Although composer Philip Glass and director Robert Wilson called this key 20th century work an opera, none of its elements are in any way reminiscent of the traditional genre. Einstein lasts for five hours, performed without intervals. It has no plot. There are no sung roles. And its 'orchestra' consists of synthesisers, woodwinds, a soprano and a choir. Entirely in the spirit of title character Albert Einstein, the choir only sings numbers and note names. And that is also the key to this enigmatic composition: its makers toy with symbols and formulas that touch upon the core of existence. An impressive cast, featuring pop singer Suzanne Vega, Dutch artist Germaine Kruip, Collegium Vocale Gent and Ictus, decipher this unforgettable work!

programme

Philip Glass (1937)
Einstein on the Beach
Opera in four acts, based on a concept by Robert Wilson and Philip Glass,
with text excerpts by Christopher Knowles, Samuel M. Johnson and Lucinda Childs

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Philip Glass (1937)
Einstein on the Beach
Opera in four acts, based on a concept by Robert Wilson and Philip G

performers

Ictus: ensemble
Collegium Vocale Gent: choir
Georges-Elie Octors: musical director
Tom De Cock: assistant musical director
Suzanne Vega: spoken voice
Germaine Kruip: visuals
Maarten Beirens: dramaturgy

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Ictus: ensemble
Collegium Vocale Gent: choir
Georges-Elie Octors: musical director
Tom De Cock: assistant musi