John Aylward’s opera film “Oblivion” wins Best Musical Film at Cannes World Film Festival

Stratis Minakakis, music director and conductor

EarRelevant: “Boston-based composer and librettist John Aylward’s chamber opera film Oblivion has won Best Musical Film at this year’s Cannes World Film Festival, marking its first major international recognition.

The 70-minute one-act work, inspired by Dante’s Purgatorio, was produced by Ravenser Odd Productions with independent filmmaker Graham Swon as co-producer. Directed by Laine Rettmer with cinematography by Alice Millar, the film stars Ty Boque, Nina Guo, Lukas Pappenfuscline, and Cailin Marcel Manson.”

Credits:

The Bound Man / The King: Lukas Papenfusscline, tenor
The Hunter: Cailin Marcel Manson, baritone
First Wanderer: Tyler Boque, baritone
Second Wanderer: Nina Guo, soprano

Laura Williamson, viola
Issei Herr, cello
Greg Chudzik, contrabass
Daniel Lippel, electric guitar
John Aylward, electronics
Tianyi Wang, electronic sound design assistant
Stratis Minakakis, music director & conductor

Artists' Conversation on "Escuchando"

I talk with the collaborators of Escuchando, a video installation premiering Friday, September 15, 2023, discussing the background of this multifaceted work with visual artist Marsia Alexander-Clarke and Carduus director Holly Druckman, who provide their insight into the project, the creative process, and the detailed and collaborative spirit of the video, Thank you for listening!

For the video premiere, visit here: https://www.stratisminakakis.info/escuchando-premiere

About Marsia Alexander-Clarke, visual artist (https://videoasmark.com/)

About Stratis Minakakis, composer (https://stratisminakakis.info/)

About Holly Druckman & Carduus (https://www.druckmanholly.com/about)

About David Stevens & Abstraction Music Group, moderator (https://www.abstractionmusicgroup.com/)