Opera for the Unknown Woman Salons: A Series of Conversations

Written, directed and co-composed by award-winning sound artist, Melanie Wilson, with critically acclaimed Polish composer Katarina Glowicka; Opera for the Unknown Woman is a bold re-imagining of the operatic form, weaving together theatre, contemporary classical music, electronics and film. The talented ensemble includes Patricia Rozario OBE and Adey Grummet (Jerry Springer the Opera, Mr Burns).

In the lead up to Opera for the Unknown Woman, Melanie Wilson and Fuel hosted Salon’s in Cardiff, Coventry, Huddersfield and London.

The Salon, made popular in 17th and 18th century Europe, were informal spaces for social, literary and political discussion, often populated by women open to an exchange of ideas.

We invited women and men to join a Salon to gain insight into this special creative process, contribute to the conversation that will influence the production and meet new people over a drink.

Each Salon considered a different theme from climate change, contemporary opera and digital art to the fight for gender equality. We will hear from members of the creative team, scientists, academics, and the audience, as we explored how this science fiction, multi-media opera can create a call to action.

Produced by Fuel.

Commissioned by Wales Millennium Centre for Festival of Voice and Yorkshire Festival in association with Warwick Arts Centre. Funded by Arts Council England & Arts Council of Wales. Supported by the Fidelio Trust and Hinrichsen Foundation. Development commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre and funded by Arts Council England & PRSF for Music Foundation. Developed in association with Opera North Projects.

Image: Manuel Vason @DARC.media and Stem Design.