Chamber Opera

The Hunt

Thursday, October 12, 2023, 8PM

Miller Theatre

This event has ended

Additional performance: Saturday, October 14, 8PM

Three virgins sit in a meadow, whiling the time away with songs, riddles, and livestream updates as they await the appearance of the majestic unicorn. But the weeks are dragging on, the court is getting antsy, and the king is threatening dire measures to verify the purity of his employees. Written for a cast of three self-accompanied singers, The Hunt reclaims a well-worn medieval legend to interrogate the contemporary obsession with regulating and restricting female sexuality, the consequences for gender deviance, the value of beauty, and the price of safety—all while captivating the audience with music that beguiles, provokes, and ultimately triumphs.

Kate Soper, Book and Music
Ashley Kelly Tata, Stage Director
Mila Henry, Music Director
Annie Holt, Dramaturg
Aoshuang Zhang, Scenic Designer
Masha Tsimring, Lighting Designer
Terese Wadden, Costume Designer
Camilla Tassi, Projections Designer
Elliot Yokum, Sound Designer
Cha Ramos, Intimacy Choreographer

The Hunt Illo — Illustration for Miller Theatre

This event has ended

Additional performance: Saturday, October 14, 8PM

Repertoire

Kate Soper
The Hunt
(2023) world premiere
Commissioned by Miller Theatre at Columbia University

Performers

Brett Umlauf (Fleur) soprano and ukulele
Christiana Cole (Briar) soprano and ukulele
Hirona Amamiya (Rue) soprano and violin

Program Notes

The Hunt

Read Program Notes

Major support for The Hunt is provided by Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts.

In the Press

Synopsis

All text by Kate Soper unless otherwise indicated

A forest clearing and a castle, somewhere in the speculative future

Prologue
Three virgins, Fleur, Briar, and Rue, audition for a job: to attract a majestic unicorn for the King and his Court

Monoceron: Text by Isadore of Seville and Pliny

Scene 1
Some weeks later, the virgins share a livestream update of their progress. After receiving the King’s comment, the virgins pass the time with lunch, a riddle, and an ode, “On the Unicorn.”

On the Unicorn: Text Hildegard of Bingen, translated/abridged Soper

Entr’acte 1
Rue sings of the reasons for her chastity

Rue’s solo: Text by H.D.

Scene 2
Some weeks later, the virgins share a livestream update of their progress. The King’s comment reveals a lack of patience with the persistent failure in their mission. The virgins pass the time with lunch, a riddle, and songs.

Virginsong: Text by Christina Rossetti, abridged Soper

Entr’acte 2
Briar sings of love

Briar’s solo: Text by H.D.

Scene 3
Some weeks later, the virgins share a livestream update of their progress. There is no response from the King and it seems a storm may be brewing. The virgins sing a tribute, “The Noble Unicorn.” A rainstorm erupts over the clearing and the virgins run for cover.

Entr’acte 3
Fleur sings of her frustration

Fleur’s solo: Text by H.D.

Scene 4
Some weeks later, the virgins share a livestream update from the castle of their progress and of the continued rain. The King’s response is ominous and troubling. The virgins pass the time with a song, during which Briar teaches Fleur how to play the ukulele. Rue shares a riddle which is unexpectedly interrupted.

Troubadour Song: Text by Thibaut de Champagne, abridged/translated Soper
Riddle 3: Text from the Exeter Book, translated Erin Sebo, abridged Soper

Scene 5
A short time later, the virgins once again gather in the forest clearing where the foliage has become significantly overgrown. Left to entertain themselves, the virgins experience a remarkable surprise.

Entr’acte 4
That evening, in the castle, the virgins sing a song of love offering and undergo a transformation.

Not Honey/Holy Satyr: Text by H.D.

Scene 6
The next day, Fleur, Briar, and Rue share a livestream update from the forest and face their future.

Riddle 4: Text from the Exeter Book, translated Erin Sebo, abridged Soper
Monoceron reprise: Text by Isadore of Seville and Pliny

The Hunt

Repertoire

Performers

The Hunt

In the Press

Synopsis

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