Calne composer Brett Dean has received the ‘World Premiere of the Year’ award for his opera Of One Blood, presented at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich on Sunday 11th October.
The opera was recognised in the annual critics’ poll by German magazine Opernwelt, with the production also winning awards for director Claus Guth and set designer Etienne Pluss.
Dean, patron of the Calne Music & Arts Festival, premiered Of One Blood in Munich in May. It tells the story of Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, whose lives were bound together by their family relationship but divided by political rivalry and religious conflict.
The libretto was written by Dean’s wife, Heather Betts, drawing on letters written by the two queens and other historical sources from the 16th century. Calne artist Helen Simmonds also assisted with the libretto.
The Bavarian State Opera describes the work as a story of two women caught between personal freedom and political power. Dean’s music brings their conflict to the stage, while the production by director Claus Guth explores the relationship between the queens and the forces that ultimately led to Mary’s execution.
Choosing a subject for an opera is a major decision for a composer. In an interview published on the Bavarian State Opera’s website, Dean explained that the process can mean committing to a subject for five years or longer, making it essential that the story feels right.
The opera received a standing ovation at its world premiere, with sustained applause and multiple curtain calls. Calne News reported on the production in May, following the opening night attended by John Boaler, chairman of the Calne Music & Arts Festival.
Dean remains closely involved in Calne’s cultural life. He recently led a chamber concert at Marden House as part of this year’s festival, performing Shostakovich’s Eighth String Quartet and Schubert’s String Quintet to an audience of more than 100 people.
The UK premiere of Of One Blood is planned for 2028.
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