Dutch National Opera presents
Modern opera about obsession
A sensational modern opera, The Second Violinist is a brooding thriller electrified by an otherworldly, almost compulsive score. This is the result of an artistic partnership between world-renowned Irish playwright Enda Walsh – co-author of Bowie’s musical Lazarus – and composer Donnacha Dennehy.
Solace in music
The Second Violinist is about an ordinary person whose life is ruled by social media, morbid fantasies and violent video games. Seeking solace and beauty in a grim world, the violin player turns to the music of Italian Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo, only to have it become an obsession. The Second Violinist won the prestigious FEDORA–GENERALI award in 2017.
Team, Cast and Chorus
- Musical Director
- Ryan McAdams
- Writer and Stage Director
- Enda Walsh
- Set
- Jamie Vartan
- Light
- Adam Silverman
- Video
- Jack Phelan
- Sound design
- David Sheppard
Helen Atkinson - Costumes
- Joan O’Clery
- Orchestra
- Crash Ensemble
- Chorus
- Irish National Opera Chorus
- Martin
- Aaron Monaghan
- Hannah
- Daire Halpin
- Amy
- Sharon Carty
- Matthew
- Benedict Nelson
This production is part of Opera Forward Festival and is made possible by:
Founding Partners Opera Forward Festival
Productiepartner Opera Forward Festival
Partners Opera Forward Festival
Jonge Musici Fonds, Mimi Cohen-Trijbits Fonds, Jade Fonds
Hoofdsponsor Nationale Opera & Ballet
Mon 16 Apr
The Guardian - The Second Violinist*****(2017)
“Fairytale opera is dark but dazzles.” "From the exhilarating score, lyrical singing, and dazzlingly intricate design, this is a work that needs to be seen more than once in order to absorb the rich detail.”
