Lace – A Micro-Opera on the Life of Esther Abrahams, Convict and First Lady of NSW

Lace – A Micro-Opera on the Life of Esther Abrahams, Convict and First Lady of NSW 

Lace is a micro-opera with a big story to tell. Esther Abrahams, young and with a baby in her arms, arrives with the first fleet as a convict, convicted for stealing lace. Surviving starvation, grinding work and multiple births, she marries a military man, George Johnston, and becomes mistress of a grand house with acres of productive land, and for a few years, is first lady of NSW. Her rags to riches story is told through a libretto by Diana Weston and music by Diana Blom. This presentation on Lace will feature Diana Weston talking about the story of Esther, and the nature of early instruments featured in the ensemble, Thoroughbass - the sparkle of the harpsichord, the soul of a violin and the soundscape of percussion, plus the ‘voice’ of Esther. Diana Blom will talk about the historical, musical and instrumental influences which shaped and coloured her setting of Esther’s story. Diana Weston on piano, and soprano Hester Wilson - will perform excerpts from the micro-opera.