Arctic Explorations

This one-act folk opera by composer Michael Dellaira, based on the best-selling 1856 book of the same name by American explorer Elisha Kent Kane, touches on themes as varied as exploration, discovery, spirituality, and our relationship to the natural world. Dellaira’s score for soloists, chorus, and a small ensemble of instruments is inspired by 19th-century American popular and folk tunes, sea shanties, and hymns. Joining us at this world premiere, a co-production with the Cell Theatre, will be members of The Harlem Chamber Players and Nuka Alice, an Inuit drum dancer who collaborated in the creation of the work.