Horse Ape Bird
A one-act youth opera (in three parts)
Can a horse do maths?
Can an ape learn sign language?
Can a parrot have a concept of the colour blue?
David Coonan and Dylan Coburn Gray’s new youth opera, with its chorus of teenagers, asks the question: Are animals animals because they lack something we possess, or vice versa? Ambitious, playful, thoughtful...Horse Ape Bird is for anyone who has ever wondered if their dog loves them back.
Sung in English with English surtitles.
Approximate length is 60 minutes.
#HORSEAPEBIRD
“demented fairytale like music” - The Arts Review on David Coonan
“a heady, word-drunk piece of writing … there’s a beautiful musicality to it, a sense of ebb and flow” - The Stage on Dylan Coburn Gray
PRODUCED BY IRISH NATIONAL OPERA, MUSIC GENERATION KILDARE, MUSIC GENERATION MEATH & SOLSTICE ARTS CENTRE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT, MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY, SUPPORTED BY ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE, MAYNOOTH
Music Generation is Ireland's National Music Education Programme. A Music Network Initiative, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, The Department of Education and Local Music Education Partnerships. Locally, Music Generation Meath is supported by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board and Meath County Council. Locally, Music Generation Kildare is supported by Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board and Kildare County Council.
Cast & Creative Team
Cast
| Mezzo-soprano | Sharon Carty |
| Soprano | Amy Ní Fhearraigh |
| Actor & Sign Performer | Caoimhe Coburn Gray |
| Music Generation Kildare & Music Generation Meath Youth Chorus |
Creative Team
| Composer | David Coonan |
| Libretto | Dylan Coburn Gray |
| Conductor | Elaine Kelly |
| Director | Zoe Ní Riordáin |
| Set Designer | Zia Bergin-Holly |
| Lighting Designer | John Gunning |
| Costume Designer | Clodagh Deegan |
| Movement Director | Eddie Kay |
| Music Generation Kildare & Music Generation Meath Instrumental Ensemble | |
| Irish National Opera Orchestra |
Discover More
Taking Part in Horse Ape Bird
Learn more about the participants of Horse Ape Bird via our partners at Music Generation.
Read more
Inside INO's First Youth Opera
Mezzo soprano Sharon Carty talks to RTÉ Culture about the process behind Horse Ape Bird.
Read moreComposer David Coonan discusses Horse Ape Bird along with his other work on the Contemporary Music Centre's Amplify podcast.
