Inside the Music
The Time of Our Singing

Baroque musician, jazz pianist, master improvisor and composer: Kris Defoort is all of these things. In 2021, he brought together all the various disciplines of his métier in a magnum opus: The Time of Our Singing, created by conductor Kwamé Ryan. At this event, the two musical steersmen behind the opera will provide insight into the score and reflect on their deep personal connection with this story about family, identity and the binding power of music.

How do you translate a 650-page novel covering half a century of American history into a contemporary opera score? How do the different musical styles, from rap numbers to Bachian fugues, express the emotions and identity of the characters? And how do you smuggle improvisation into what is otherwise a strictly organized symphonic orchestra? All will be revealed during this fascinating talk, which will round off with a convivial reception.