A Star Next to the Moon - Excellent Four Star Reviews!
A Star Next to the Moon: a complex new opera superbly performed by a talented young cast ****
Nicholas Kenyon Chief Opera Critic The Telegraph 27 February 2024
Shana Moron-Caravell and Vladyslava Ionascu-Yokovenko as Gossips (David Monteith-Hodge Photographise
**** Stephen McNeff’s A Star Next to the Moon has the magical phenomena and lore in a contemporary setting that is typically found in magical realism, alongside the gothic elements of mystery, the paranormal and gloom. This creates the story of a haunting, the past bleeding to the present in a liminal space, throughout bloodlines, histories and neighborhoods.
Opera Now Lauren McQuistin. Thursday, February 29, 2024
Rachel Roper as Dorotea (David Monteith-Hodge Photographise)
McNeff’s score, a chromatic collage of modern musical elements and traditional nuances, proves to be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The orchestral gestures, punctuated by a mesmerizing harpsichord solo and unforgettable melodies, showcase the composer’s prowess. …the captivating music, exquisite orchestration, and standout performances
A Young(ish) Perspective, Alexander Pearn 1 March 2024
(Jonah Halton as Father Rentaria) David Monteith-Hodge Photographise
A Star Next to the Moon review – McNeff’s vivid new opera with guitar, gangsters and a ghost town
Andrew Clements The Guardian Thu 29 Feb 2024 17.31 GMT
Holly Brown as Susana San Juan (David Monteith-Hodge Photographise)
Stephen McNeff's powerful new opera tells a disturbing story with a performance that pulls no punches and outstanding contributions from the young cast. …a remarkably rich piece…
Robert Hugill Planet Hugill 26 February 2024
Also, See Robert’s Preview of A Star Next to the Moon here.
For the full digital programme from Guildhall School of Music click here
A Star Next to the Moon is published by Edition Peters/Wise Music who looks after the rights of the opera worldwide. For details of casting, orchestration, programme note and synopsis please click here.
VIDEO EXCERPTS
Susana’s Swimming Aria. Susana SanJuan, becoming further divorced from reality, remembers her first lover…. Pedro cannot get through to her. With Holly Brown (Susana), Jacob Harrison (Pedro) and Steven Van Der Linden (Juan Preciado and Rachel Roper (Dorotea).