OP reimagines Joby Talbot’s Everest as a graphic novel opera 
Opera Parallèle is excited to announce the world premiere of its groundbreaking new film production of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s Everest.
 
The acclaimed opera Everest will be given a bold new theatrical treatment as a graphic novel opera film resulting in a one-of-a-kind operatic experience. “I’m thrilled that the company is able to add a new dimension to the story of Everest, moving it from the stage into the imaginative world of the graphic novel opera,” shares OP General and Artistic Director Nicole Paiement. 
 
The graphic novel opera concept of integrating singers into an animated environment was conceived of by OP Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel in collaboration with illustrator Mark Simmons and cinematographer David Murakami. The creative process begins with studio recordings followed by an emotion capture process that forms the basis of the animated characters. The singers’ movements control their characters’ animated expressions, creating an authentic experience for the audience. 
 
Currently in video recording sessions is an impressive roster of singers from the world of contemporary opera and concert music: Sasha Cooke (Jan Arnold), Nathan Granner (Rob Hall), Kevin Burdette (Beck Weathers), Hadleigh Adams (Doug Hansen), Matt Boehler (Guy Cotter, Mike Groom and Vocal Quartet), Charlotte Fanvu (Meg Weathers), Shawnette Sulker (Vocal Quartet), Whitney Steele (Vocal Quartet), and Kevin Gino (Vocal Quartet).
 
The world premiere of OP's graphic novel opera production of Everest is scheduled in summer 2021 and will be available for in-home on-demand streaming. Complete ticketing details will be available later this spring. Visit www.operaparallele.org/everest for cast bios, the “making of” video, and more.
Hadleigh Adams in rehearsal.
Nicole Paiement and Sasha Cooke at a recent recording session.
Kevin Burdette and Brian Staufenbiel set up for emotion capture video recording.
Click below to watch the trailer of OP's Everest
Nathan Granner as Rob Hall
Tenor Nathan Granner is back in the lead role of Rob Hall in OP's Everest. Granner first performed the role in OP’s small-scale installment of the graphic novel opera concept last fall. “I’ve wanted to delve into the motion capture filming for a long time, but I’d never thought I’d get the chance to do so through opera,” shares Granner. “I know what goes into making something like this, and it is very collaborative, VERY OPERA, and so many people of extraordinary talent have to come together to make this happen. It’s not surprising at all that Opera Parallèle would attempt such a cool thing.”

Everest will be the third time Granner has performed in an OP production; his first was in 2019 as Aubrey Wells in OP’s world premiere production of Laura Kaminsky’s Today it Rains.

Prior to the start of the pandemic, Granner enjoyed a full season performing across the country. In 2020 he took advantage of his time off the stage, formally starting a new production company, Astroblab_Labs (ALabs), which has created many full-length productions.
Nathan Granner at a recent studio recording session.
Granner in graphic novel opera form as Rob Hall.
Charlotte Fanvu as Meg
Eleven-year-old San Francisco native Charlotte Fanvu is excited to be performing in her first operatic role as Meg in OP's graphic novel opera Everest. After finishing her first recording session, she shares, “I definitely want to do it again and enjoy working in collaboration with everyone and being part of something unique.”
 
Fanvu, who loves the spotlight and enjoys singing and acting, began her vocal training at age six with the Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco. She aspires to one day combine her passions for baking and performing arts. 
Left: Charlotte Fanvu at a recent studio recording session.
Find more information and viewing options on social media, future email messages, and on our website operaparallele.org/closeup in the days ahead.
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From our friends at Young Women's Choral Projects of San Francisco
Annual Fundraising Gala – Free attendance
Saturday, March 20, 4:45pm pre-show, 5:00pm main event

Join YWCP for our free virtual gala this Saturday evening! Hear new and archival videos by the award-winning Young Women’s Chorus of SF and bid on unique auction items. Amazing guest artists soprano Phoebe Rosquist, cellist Emil Miland and Grammy-winning bass-baritone Dashon Burton perform with our singers.
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