Heart Of The Matter
Created for arts and contemporary music festivals
Heart of the Matter is a bijoux performance presented by three diverse mesmerising musicians. It packs all the punch of a grand opera in just 45 minutes and can be performed several times a day/evening.
The Prologue
PULSE begins the show – a jazz inflected suite for clarinet and piano by Helen Porter performed by Helen and Karen Wimhurst.
A short interval follows. Composer & clarinettist Karen introduces her pocket chamber opera Heart of the Matter, sung by Basso Profundo Ed Bersey, accompanied by Helen at the piano.
The Opera
Heart of the Matter is a dramatic soliloquy exploring masculine drive, fast living and eco-hedonism.
A tale of one man’s lust for wealth, fast cars and reaching for the stars.
And after a shocking mid-life cathartic event, his redemption and enlightenment.
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Three performers present a performance that is stylish, entertaining and virtuosic.
Music to set the pulse racing. Rhythmic and dynamic as a heart-beat, with poignant story telling – this compact and thrilling show is all heart.
What the audience say
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"I was transfixed! A fantastic evening of outstanding music. I was mesmerised by both compositions and the performances were wonderful."
Pauline Weiss
"Karen's "pocket opera" was awesome and Ed's basso profundo voice unique! It truly was a wonderful and very special evening."
Gill White
“artistry and originality in equal measure. A delightful and accessible programme”
David Grierson
"My first bit of contemporary opera and it had me riveted. Ed Bersey was amazing. And the story and emotion were so relevant. I loved the way the piano and voice were so linked together to tell the story. And those clarinet and piano pieces a different feel entirely – absolutely wonderful performance."
Yvette Andewartha
"I just want to pass on how much I loved this evening, the music was fantastic, very moving!"
Li Selman
"Amazing!!!!', 'Absolutely Fantastic!!!"
Sara Wood