MOSHEH, a Multi-Media Opera, by Yoav Gal

Performance:
Merkin Concert Hall, New York, March 29 2006.

"Music that is drawn to what's next, not what has been."
- Allan Kozinn, New York Times.

The new face of opera

The multi-media– opera, MOSHEH, re-enacts the biblical saga of Moses as an ancient-futuristic ritual. Created by Yoav Gal, whose style has been termed 'Indie Opera' by New York Times' critic Anne Midgette , this work presents a new aesthetic in the realm of opera.   It has evolved in small spaces and with limited means, and draws on a wide palette of genres, such as performance art; video art; minimalism; modern dance and virtuosic singing.

MOSHEH is concerned with some of the more obscure details and 'minor' characters found in the biblical text.  Figures such as Moses' sister; his wife; and his two mothers, tell a different version of the story then the one generally known.  Ancient, pagan, traditions can be glimpsed in the details of the relationship of these mother figures and the evolving leader. Another axis of the work is the relationship of Moses with God, a jealous and fearsome, at times demonic, father figure.  The piece is structured with God as the narrator (sung, chant-like, by an alto and counter-tenor in unison), and the four 'mother figures,' each with her own tableau.  The role of Moses is performed by a dancer.

The work does not attempt an over-arching narrative, rather, it is a personal depiction of the leader in his early years, internalized and re-imagined by the creator in his own environment of contemporary, 'grungy,' Brooklyn, New York.  It is also an attempt to open a window into an ancient reality and mind-set that is foreign to our contemporary sensibilities, yet at the same time familiar in its human essence.

MOSHEH has been developed in collaboration with Ensemble Pamplemousse, A young ensemble that has been noted for its high level of playing and its dedication to bringing together musical and visual talents; as well is with the Dance group T E A, founded by Israeli and Iranian-American artists defining a mutually understood language via movement studies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and cultural-exchange.

Prior to it's premiere, individual scenes from MOSHEH has been presented in New York venues such as Galapagos Art Space, Makor, Golden Fleece Opera, Ltd ., Greenwich House Music School, 14 Street Y, and Safe T Gallery, Dance Theater Workshop, as well as in Chicago's 'Ice Fest,.'

visit the picture gallery

video demos are available at: http://yoavgal.com/clips.php