The New York Times“As One forces you to think, simultaneously challenging preconceptions and inspiring empathy.”
Opera News“A piece that haunts and challenges its audience with questions about identity, authenticity, compassion and the human desire for self-love and peace.”
New York Classical Review“As One is everything that we hope for in contemporary opera: topical, poignant, daring, and beautifully written. “
Slate“An elegantly realized chamber opera…”
WQXR“Artistically distinguished, socially important…says so much with relatively modest means.”
Out Magazine“The success and beauty of As One is that it reveals epic emotions within an intimate frame.”
As One is a chamber opera in which two voices—Hannah younger and Hannah older—share the part of a sole transgender protagonist. Fifteen songs comprise the three-part narrative; with empathy and humor, they trace Hannah’s experiences from her youth in a small town to her college years—and finally traveling alone to a different country, where she realizes some truths about herself.
Commissioned by the American Opera Projects, As One opened on September 4, 2014, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Fisher Space. Since its premiere, it has become the most produced new opera in North America, according to Opera America.
Music and Concept by Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed
Hannah younger: Lucia Lucas
Hannah older: Blythe Gaissert
Orchestra: Fry Street Quartet
Music Director: Alexandra Enyart
Director: Amy Hutchison
