presents
by Fiona Macleod (1899) music by Greg Dinunzi (2024)
Premier on Sunday March 16, 2025 at 19:30
Assembly Rooms of Glastonbury
Fiona Macleod’s masterpiece “The Immortal Hour” was written in 1899, and is a rooted in the older Fairy traditions of the Irish and Scottish peoples. It was later made into an opera by composer Rutland Boughton which premiered at the Assembly Rooms of Glastonbury in 1914.
Now, 111 years later, comes a brand new vision for “The Immortal Hour” by Greg Dinunzi which highlights the poetry and ritual within the play, respecting and celebrating the ancient tradition of the Celtic people. Dinunzi fuses classical chamber music with immersive atmospheres and builds a nest in which the magical characters and poetry stand forth anew in clear moonlight.
“A moody, dreamy meditation on life, death, love and immortality. Based loosely on the Irish myth “The Wooing of Etain”, the story follows the love of a mortal king, Eochaidh for an immortal fairy woman Etain who at the end of a year with him is reclaimed by her immortal lover, Midir. Woven throughout is the enigmatic and dark fairy fool, Dalua, who stands on the threshold between the worlds.”
Directed by of Georgia McGill (NY) composer Greg Dinunzi (NY/Berlin)
Choreography is by Lucy Costelloe (UK/Germany) Costumes by Debra Otte (NY)
Lights by Sophia Horend (Germany) Sound Design by Tom Lynn (NY/Germany)
Meet The Cast:
Eochaidh, King of Eire: Fra Gunn
Etain, Immortal Sidhe Woman: Driva Hansen, Lucy Costelloe
Midir, Sidhe Prince: Julius P. Williams III
Manus & Maeve, Owners of the Huntsman’s Lodge: Gareth Mills & Abbe Gail Gross
Bard & Musician: The Blackbird
With an Introduction by
R. J. Stewart
Watch a behind the scenes video of us recording the music for the CD
The Orchestra consists of Classical Guitar, Vibraphone, Bass Clarinet, Viola, Cello, Duduk and features RJ Stewart on Psaltery
“Many poets say that when it comes to poetic composition of the highest order, then a brooding sense of presence is felt, the poem happens to the poet, who with luck, skill and application, may be able to express it and write it down. Rather than the poet having an idea, it is a question of the Idea possessing the poet.”
