University of York Music Press

The third collaboration between Blake and Warner, ICARUS lasts 90 minutes without interval and is for five principal singers and six Witnesses, who sing as commentators, crowd and chorus, and sixteen instrumentalists. Blake writes,

The action takes place in the present and concerns a journalist (mezzo) in a war-torn land, who is writing an article about a hostage (tenor) - her ex-husband, held in captivity by two men (baritone and bass). "Icarus" is a huge sculpture by the journalist's partner (mezzo) and is a metaphor for the idealistic political striving of Man One. The hostage proves to be not an innocent victim but a British agent. The story ends badly.

The first performances will be presented by conductor and festival artistic director Roland Böer, director Michael Barry, with Verena Gunz in the leading role and the RNCM Chamber Ensemble.

Additionally, after the first night's performance, Roland Böer will accompany soprano Susan Bullock in a performance of Four Cabaret Songs, from Blake and Warner's first opera Scoring a Century - a musical entertainment.

Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte was founded in 1976 by Hans Werner Henze. The festival promotes interaction between international professionals and young talents who express themselves in a creative setting surrounded by the marvels of Montepulciano's architecture and landscape. The 41st edition is inspired by the theme of Nature and Technology under the artistic direction of Maestro Roland Böer.

Festival artwork: Max Fressato.