Three Decembers • 2008
Libretto by Gene Scheer
Based on Some Christmas Letters, a script by Terrence McNally
Opera in one act
World Premiere: February 29, 2008
Commissioned by Houston Grand Opera and San Francisco Opera
Duration: 90’
About
The opera tells the story of a famous stage actress and her two adult children. The drama takes place over three decades of the AIDS crisis: 1986, 1996, and 2006. Each section recalls the events of a December as the characters struggle to connect when family secrets are revealed.
“The music is tuneful and expressive, with Heggie’s usual affinity for the human voice. But the composer’s complex uncompromising language gives the score backbone and never allows it to sink into sentimentalism.
Premiere Cast & Creative Team
Conductor: Patrick Summers
Production: Leonard Foglia
Costume Designer: Cesar Galindo
Lighting Designer: Brian Nason
Madeline: Frederica von Stade
Bea: Kristin Clayton
Charlie: Keith Phares
Support from Cal Performances at UC Berkeley, Betty Freeman, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the Carol Franc Buck Foundation, Franci Neely, Madison Benefits Group, Inc, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Barry & Hinda Simon, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Also exists in versions for Two Pianos, and Two Pianos with Percussion.