In April of 2025, Northern State University in Aberdeen South Dakota will premiere my new one act opera, HAZEL MINER. The opera is based on a well known upper midwest story about a teen who saved her two younger siblings in a fierce early spring snowstorm in 1920. The treatment is by Marla Fogderud, who also co-wrote the libretto.
Near Center, North Dakota. 1920. Despite unsettling weather, Hazel and her brother and sister go off to school. An early spring blizzard hits and school is let out. Although Hazel's father has come to bring them home, they are separated as the children's horse bolts, dragging the sleigh behind it. Stuck in a ditch, the children are forced to spend the night in the freezing weather. The frantic search party finally arrives, but Hazel has sacrificed herself, covering young Myrdith and Emmet with her body for warmth. The family and community grieve.
The piano vocal score to HAZEL MINER is available in my perusal score folder. A large production would require at least 16 singers (9 women/5 men/4 children/plus ensemble), and a small one 10 (6 women/2 men/2 children/no ensemble). There are lots of opportunities for smaller roles. The opera is for two keyboards, or just piano. It's about 35 minutes long. Until the premiere is recorded, here are audio demos.
The opera would be an ideal opportunity to collaborate with a local children's choir or school music program. Y'know, put a lot of kids on stage!
The opera has a sing-along round finale, something I'm rather proud of. Give it a listen.
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