"Give me life! Life is all I ask of thee ..."

Based on an episode in the Mahābhārata, Gustav Holst's Sāvitrī premiered in 1916, to a world in turmoil. Over one hundred years later, this chamber opera's ideas of renewal and hope remain as pertinent as ever.

Marking The Cooperative's return to the stage after the chaos of 2020, Sāvitrī is performed by seven singers and a chamber string ensemble against the backdrop of Sydney's beautiful Observatory Hill Park at twilight. Intimate yet expansive, this timeless work celebrates the endurance, power, and triumph of life over death.

What?

Sāvitrī, a chamber opera with words and music by Gustav Holst

Where?

Observatory Hill Park, Upper Fort St, Millers Point / Sydney

When?

The 11th, 12th, and 14th of February 2021 at 7.30PM

Duration?

Approximately 30 minutes with no intermission

Bring?

No seating is provided at the venue, so you are encouraged to bring a picnic rug / blanket (picnic snacks optional!) and / or cushions.

Cost?

Entry is open to all on a pay-as-you-feel scale, and all donations collected at the door will go to organisations supporting relief and recovery efforts from covid-19. You can make a pay-as-you-feel donation when booking or at the performance, where cash and card facilities will be available.

Please note that to comply with NSW Health Guidelines, bookings are essential for this event, and appropriate spacing and social distancing will be enforced. You are welcome to attend without a booking, but please be advised that we may have to turn you away if capacity has been reached. You will also be required to sign in and register upon entry, and masks must be worn by audience members for the duration of the performance. You are encouraged to bring your own reusable cloth mask; however, we will also have disposable masks available.

Words and Music by Gustav Holst

Music Director - Edwin Spark

Director - Menila Moineaux

Cast

Sāvitrī - Joanna Dionis Ross

Satyavān - Elias Wilson

Death - Jeremy Boulton

Spirits - Samanta Lestavel

Rachel Mink

Cassandra Doyle

Laura Wachsmann

This production is generously supported by the City of Sydney.