Olga Neuwirth / »The Outcast«
Portrait Olga Neuwirth
The Elbphilharmonie as Whaler on a Brawly Sea
Herman Melville’s books are classics of world literature. In his most famous novel »Moby Dick«, the American author not only tells a gripping story about the hunt for the white whale, he also captures the world of his time in a number of philosophical and mythological digressions. No surprise, then, that countless artists from all genres continue to be drawn to this literary masterpiece. One of these artists is Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth, who used Melville’s life and work as a model for »The Outcast«.
In the work, the aging writer Melville ruminates on his childhood, on his writing, on power and powerlessness, and on the enigmatic, unfathomable sea. With help from British video designer Netia Jones, the Elbphilharmonie is transformed into a whaler on the tempestuous seas – a reminder of times past when Hamburg also served as a base from which the gentle giants of the ocean were ruthlessly hunted.
Performers
ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien
Company of Music vocal ensemble
Münchner Knabenchor choir
Emily Hindrichs Ishmaela / soprano
Omar Ebrahim Ahab, Captain of the Pequod / baritone
Daniel Gloger Queequeg, first harpooneer / countertenor
Georgette Dee Bartleby, the scrivener / chansonette
Johan Leysen Old Melville, the writer / narrator
Steve Karier Father Mapple / acting
Jan Petryka Starbuck, chief mate / tenor
Matthias Helm Stubb, second mate / baritone
Joel Beer Pip, the cook boy / soprano
conductor Ilan Volkov
Netia Jones design, video
Gilbert Nouno sound
Programme
Olga Neuwirth
The Outcast. Homage to Herman Melville. / A musicstallation-theater with video (Libretto: Barry Gifford)
Subscription
Elbphilharmonie for Connoisseurs 2
Series
Music Theatre