Book of Faces

2019
Libretto by Michelle K. Telford
Book of Faces originated as a winner of the inaugural Mécénat Musica Prix 3 Femmes 2018 (English language), and was developed with the support of Montreal-based ensemble Musique 3 Femmes.
Mature content warning
Recordings are from Highlands Opera Studio 2019 concert "Women in Opera: Then & Now"

"Take it to Tumblr" - Carole-Anne Roussel (soprano), Jennifer Szeto (piano)
"I Purchased a Car" - Megan Quick (mezzo-soprano), Jennifer Szeto (piano)
Synopsis: Rachel and Stephanie are two friends and roommates in their mid-30s - not old enough to have job security, but not young enough to fully adjust to a life governed by an economic depression, social media, and a sharing economy. Still, they persist in engaging with the online world not only for recreation, but their livelihoods, and they make attempts to draw boundaries even with the screen in blatant view.

Book of Faces juxtaposes the old with the new by telling this tale of social media through the guise of the baroque oratorio.
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Instrumentation: Soprano, mezzo-soprano and piano
An orchestrated version for wind quintet and piano has been created thanks to the SK Arts Independent Artist Grant.

We supply free custom surtitles with our opera created by the librettist, Michelle K. Telford (@customtitles).

Duration: 21'

​Premiered March 23, 2019 at the Ernest Balmer Studio, Toronto, ON by Musique 3 Femmes
Performance rights are organized through the composer at kendraharder@outlook.com
Two versions are available for the full opera
  • Piano, vocal
  • Wind quintet, piano, vocal​
Solo arias are available for purchase
  • Take it to Tumblr (soprano)
  • I Purchased a Car (mezzo-soprano)

In the Press

Opera Canada - Musique 3 Femmes announces winners of new prize supporting emerging female opera creators
Star Phoenix - Saskatoon duo wins Canadian prize for young female opera creators 
​Barczablog - The Next Wave @ RBA
Opera Canada - Highlands Opera Studio: Tales of Gods and Social Media
Background photograph by Dale Harder