music by Suzanne Farrin
libretto by Sergio Chejfec

Macabéa is an opera by Suzanne Farrin on a novel by Clarice Lispector. It is an electro-sonic operatic experience with film and music that examines the cultural, psychological, and spiritual manifestations of poverty and power. Sergio Chejfec’s adaptation propels the novel to the stage by moving Lispector’s plastic narrative voice into a conspiracy to murder.

“Farrin and Chejfec New Opera Stuns”

Read Operawire’s Full Review of the Concert Premiere at Miller Theatre

SPECS

Cast - 7 Soloists and 2 Choristers

Macabéa: lyric soprano

Carlota: contralto

Aparecida: soprano

Gloria: soprano

Rodrigo: baritone

Raimundo: baritone bass

The Stranger: spoken

Chorus: The Three Marias

7 Soloists, 1 Actor, Chorus + Chamber Ensemble (11 instruments)

The opera is sung in Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, with a spoken part in English (or dominant language of the venue location)

Duration: 75 Minutes

Several performance options available

  1. Full Cast + Chamber Ensemble: ob, bsn, harp, perc, vln (2), vla, vc, dB, live electronics (11)

  2. Reduced Cast (5 soloists), 1 actor, 1 chorister + Chamber Ensemble (11)

  3. Full Cast + Full Orchestra

  4. Full Cast + Chamber Ensemble with String Sections: ob, bsn, hrp, perc, vln I (3), vln II (3), vla (2), vc (2), db