ON THE WINGS OF THE
SCARLETT MESSENGER

A Serious Opera in Four Acts by
James Nathaniel Holland


On Wings of the Scarlett messenger is based on the Henry James novel On the Wings of a Dove except set in the Phillipines like setting. It is an opera for standard orchestra with Bass, Soprano and Tenor lead.

(Duration: 2 hours)

BRIEF SYNOPSIS:

In the urban capital of Soon Rafa, lovers Mariana (Soprano) and Kai (Bass)
cannot be together because of Mariana's disapproving wealthy Aunt (Mezzo-Soprano).
Torn between love and financial security, an unlikely opportunity arises
when a dying rich Occidental, Justin (Tenor) reveals his romantic interest in Kai.
The couple plot a pretense to inherit Justin's money and be free to marry and live together.


SINGERS NEEDED:

Soprano
Bass
Tenor
Mezzo-Soprano
2 Sopranos/2 Altos
Baritone
2 Tenors/1 Baritone
Small group of Balinese dancers (non-singing)
Chorus SATB with minor roles 		ORCHESTRATION:

Picc, 2Fl, 2Ob, EH, 2Bb Cl., Ten Sax, 2 Bsn,
4 Hns F, 2 Tmpt, Tromb, Bass Trmb,
Tim(4), Cym/Gongs, 2 Percussion,
Harp,
Strings








FOR SALE TO PUBLIC:

Piano Vocal Score: $15.00 US
Reduced Orchestral Score: $40.00 US
Performance Rental with Parts: Please contact james@casaholanda.com



CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO HEAR Out-takes from the Opera:





The Opera's Orchestral Opening

Artists:  Garriton Orchestra



"Dongbu is Summoned" Act I Dance

Against her best judgement, Mariana (Soprano), is desperate to change what seems an impossible situation. She has come to the city market in search of her spiritual consular who can give her something magical to help.

As she waits outside the door, street dancers, the embodiments of the tricky god Dongbu, appear from the corners of the market. They taunt Mariana, finally making a spectacle of her in front of the crowd and the spies of her Aunt's clique.

Artists:  Garriton Orchestra





From the Hillside (Tenor Aria, Act I)

Justin, a wealthy heir and documentary film maker, has just arrived in Dongbu and has hired four men (one including Kai, Bass) with the help of an agent. Their mission is to find an elusive bird named the Scarlett Messenger. The foreigner may not be aware that this bird exists only in myth and the men remind Justin of that.

Nonetheless, it is his quest, and they we set out, no matter how futile it may be.

Artists:  J.N. Holland, Justin (Tenor),
/ Garriton Orchestra



Scene Intermezzo: The Trek into the Mountains, Act II

After having met the sophisticated Aunt, Leila (Mezzo-Soprano), and Mariana the night before, Justin, Kai and the rest of his team set out into the mountainous, lush and tropical inside of the island in the middle of Act II.

Orchestra: Garriton Orchestra



All music samples are (c) copyrighted 2009, James Nathaniel Holland.

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