A modern opera that explores suicide and how a father came to terms with his own son killing himself gets its London debut at St Mary’s Church in Ealing on Saturday (15 July 2023).
Written by author Nigel Linacre as a way to come to terms with the suicide of his musician son George, The Grief Opera features Acton-based opera singer Neil Latchman.
Mr Linacre said: “Music can be a powerful form of therapy. We have to make it easier for people who struggle to speak up. The Grief Opera may prompt potentially life-saving conversations.”
Piano, violin, cello, clarinet and double bass accompany Neil Latchman and Nigel Linacre. Vocalist Keri Farish – George Linacre’s aunt – will sing alongside Gavin Macrae, who lost his son Owen to suicide.
Mr Linacre added: “The Grief Opera brings to life my journey through shock and grief to love. I hope it will help many people prepare for and manage loss”.
EALING.NEWS spoke to Nigel Linacre to find out more about The Grief Opera.
Is this your first opera? Why choose opera and how long did it take you to write it?
Yes, first was writing about my son and his death, starting with a poem for his funeral. Trying to find a way to stay alive.
A month or two later, the words, “The Grief Opera” flashed into my mind, and I wondered if we could do it. Vladimir thought Grief is a universal problem and music may be the best way to approach it.
The first draft of the words took about three months, Vladimir’s music took another three months, and the editing process has continued. About a year and a half so far!
What do you hope residents in Ealing will get out from it?
A deeper appreciation of the power of grief and our ability to transcend it, and a more rounded love for life even in its darkest moments. My own grief journey has been extraordinarily tough, and yet it is possible to find a way through. I would love for us all to be able to meet with people who are struggling and find a way to lift them up, even a little.
Is it a very personal opera to you, how would you like to see the opera develop and gain awareness?
It is an intensely personal experience for me, because it is about my love for my son, but it may be intensely moving, and I hope ultimately, uplifting, for the audience too. The Grief Opera looks like it is a story of loss, and it is, but beyond the most awful loss can be found the most profound love. I’d love a Grief Opera to play a role in helping us get through the toughest times, and they will come, whether because of loss, or because we simply can’t see a way through.
The Grief Opera is on 15 July 2023 at St Mary’s Church, Ealing Saint Mary’s Road London W5 5RH
Tickets for The Grief Opera can be booked here.
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