Migrations (Full Score)

Information about Migrations, commissioned by WNO: The desire to broaden our horizons is a natural one, but for many, it is a necessity to improve on circumstances. However, the result of doing so often has unintended consequences.

Through a series of parallel storylines, Welsh National Opera’s new opera explores the highs and lows of migration: from the migration of birds to the sailing of The Mayflower over 400 years ago; from the story of an Afro-Caribbean slave in Bristol to the experience of Indian doctors working in the NHS.

The versatility of the music, composed by British composer Will Todd (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), is unlike anything ever performed at WNO, and adapts to the setting and mood of each narrative, written by six writers from diverse backgrounds. An expanded WNO Orchestra is joined by a cast of over 100 performers, including WNO Chorus, Renewal Choir Community Chorus, Bollywood ensemble and a children’s chorus.

This is an epic drama on a huge scale, an unmissable live experience.

Cast and Creatives

Music and Orchestrations - Will Todd

With additional music by
Jasdeep Singh Degun

Libretto
Edson Burton
Miles Chambers
Eric Ngalle Charles
David Pountney
Shreya Sen-Handley
Sarah Woods

Director - David Pountney

Conductor - Matthew Kofi Waldren

Guest Artists and the Chorus and Orchestra of Welsh National
Opera with the Renewal Choir and WNO Children’s Chorus

Characters

Mayflower
PILGRIMS - SATB chorus and gospel choir

Birds
YOUNG BIRD - Youth Singer
BABY BIRD - Youth Singer
MUMMY BIRD - Youth Singer
DADDY BIRD - Youth Singer
NEW BABY BIRD - Youth Singer

Treaty 6
CHIEF MISTAWASIS - Bass
CHIEF AHTUKUKOOP - Bass
CHIEF PEE-AY-SIS - Tenor
COUNCILLOR PAY-PAY-SEE-SEE-MOO - Tenor
DAWN, a Young First Nation Campaigner - Mezzo
NADINE, Dawn’s daughter - Soprano
ALEXANDER MORRIS, Queen’s Commissioner - Bass Baritone

Flight, Death, Or Fog
PERO JONES - Baritone
WILLIAM, Pero's Father Bass - Baritone
MAKRA, Pero’s Grandfather on board slave ship - Tenor
JOHN PINNEY - Bass Baritone
MRS PINNEY - Mezzo
BRIDGET, the mother of Pero’s children - Soprano
MICHAEL HOLBROOK - Tenor
ANN HOLBROOK - Soprano

The English Lesson
TOM, the English teacher - Tenor
KADRA, an Eritrean refugee - Soprano
ADHAM, a Syrian refugee - Baritone
EMELDA, a Sudanese refugee - Soprano

This Is The Life!
JAI - Bari-Tenor (Bollywood)
NEERA - Soprano (Bollywood)
PIN-STRIPED MAN - Bass
PETE - Tenor
JIM - Tenor
SENIOR DOCTOR - Bass