Ben Bernstein’s ‘Never Mind’ Makes World Premiere in Berkeley
By Afton Markay“Never Mind,” new one-act opera by composer and performance psychologist Ben Bernstein is set to make its world premiere.
Soprano Shawnette Sulker stars in the opera. “Never Mind” is set in the dressing room of a soprano preparing for her debut performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” just 30 minutes before curtain. The story explores the particular challenges faced by an African American opera singer including a barrage of voices in her head—doubts, memories, and internal critics. One voice is her mother, portrayed by Hope Briggs. Bernstein directs the ensemble.
“Never Mind” is the third in Bernstein’s one-act opera series, “The Messiah Complex,” each portraying the inner life of a Messiah soloist. Bernstein, who holds an MA in music composition from Mills College, is also the author of “Crush Your Test Anxiety” and writes a popular blog for Psychology Today.
St. Clement’s Community Hall in Berkeley, CA hosts the premiere from July 18–20.
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