Helios Collective’s Formations Masterclasses took place at the Arts Theatre in Leicester Square from 6–13 November 2015, and they featured Kasper Holten (director of opera, Royal Opera House), Robert Saxton (composer), Stephen Unwin, (director), Stephen Barlow (artistic director, Buxton Festival), Bettina Bartz (dramaturg), and David Parry (conductor).
Following an international competition for composers, three outstanding contrasting works by Leo Geyer, Solfa Carlisle, and Daniel Chappell were selected for production by Helios Collective. The works were developed in Masterclasses covering singing, composing, conducting, and directing, given by eminent industry professionals, and leading to a triple-bill opera performance with a Q&A session afterwards. The Masterclasses were open to the public and audience participation was welcome.
Both Leo Geyer’s Glasstown and Daniel Chappell’s Io Transfigured have gone on to be developed into full-length works.
To listen to artistic director Ella Marchment discuss Formations on The Opera Hour on Resonance FM, please click here.