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Based on Joseph Conrad's story, this new opera by Michael Dellaira is chillingly relevant.

Recorded at the premiere performance by the Center for Contemporary Opera in March, 2011, The Secret Agent, with libretto by J.D. McClatchy based on Joseph Conrad’s story, has since been presented at the Armel Opera Festival in Hungary and the Opéra Théatre d’Avignon in France. Though the original story was written in 1907, it remains chillingly relevant today in our terror-haunted world. OnStage noted that “… in the tradition of “Makropulos Affair,” “From the House of the Dead,” “Wozzeck” and “Pelléas et Mélisande”— its music is urgent, agitated and intense, with occasional lyrical interludes.” This is composer Michael Dellaira’s third opera and his first collaboration with the noted librettist J.D. McClatchy.

Contents:

Michael Dellaira, composer
The Secret Agent
Center for Contemporary Opera, Sara Jobin, conductor, Amy Burton, soprano, Scott Bearden, tenor

Review:

“…the music is absolutely fascinating, combining elegant old-style melodies with pun-gent modern ones in such a way that the ear is continually engaged in its progression. Moreover the singers…are all first-rate vocal actors and–wonder of wonders!–all have clear diction!...this is an interesting work deserving of further performances. (Fanfare)