The Myth of Europa – a work on progress – by STEVIE WISHART

La Bellone in Brussels on Sunday 10th May, 2009.

la bellone maison du spectacle / house of performing arts 46 rue de Flandre B-1000 Bruxelles

The Myth of Europa is a work in progress and was commissioned by Thomas Hoeft for Nikolaus Harnoncourt’s 2007 Styriarte Festival in Graz.

This evening's performance is a sample of The Myth or Europa and the plan is to develop the work into an opera with concert oratorio and staged versions, using the elements of classic greek drama and embracing multi media technology where appropriate.

Europa first appeared as the goddess of the sea-faring Minoans with her companion the white bull - its white colour is that of the moon, and its horns are the crescent of the waxing or waning moon. She is a symbol of the moon, of majesty, and of erotic desire.

The Europa myth has been retold in various versions by writers and artists throughout history. Stevie Wishart takes musical inspiration from Monteverdi & modes of improvisation used in basso continuo techniques of the late Renaissance and weaves them into a contemporary musical expression of Europa for today’s audience.

sung in ancient Greek & English

The musicians: 1. Penelope Turner, soprano, cello 2. Andrew Wise, piano 3. Stevie Wishart, hurdy-gurdy, voice, composer 4. Conor Biggs - bass voice

For more information please visit :

1. Stevie Wishart
2. The Myth of Europa
3. La Bellone
4. Penelope Turner

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