Catapult Opera Explores Covid-19 Connections in New Opera & Short Film Entitled ‘When All I Knew Changed’ by Celisse

By Logan Martell

Catapult Opera has announced a newly commissioned opera and short film from multidisciplinary artist Celisse.

Titled, “When All I Knew Changed,” this work is the first of several that Catapult will produce and distribute for free. It explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic through the eyes of three women, who, despite very different experiences, highlight the theme of interconnectedness.

“When All I Knew Changed is a work that feels incredibly near and dear to my heart, infused with the kind of raw inescapable honesty that often arises in the midst of tragedy,” said Celisse in a press release. “When Neal Goren approached me to write an opera, I wasn’t sure I had anything of value to say in this medium as it is not typically the style of music I compose. However, diving headfirst into a new musical world with the sole objective of being painstakingly authentic offered me one of the richest creative experiences of my life. I do not claim to have written something perfect, but I can wholeheartedly say that I have written something TRUE. 2020 was a year of isolation; however, it is my hope that in hearing glimpses of the inner lives of the three women in this piece, it might reveal how similar and connected we all truly are.”

As a performer, Celisse has appeared with musicians such as Mariah Carey, Graham Nash, Kesha at the 60th annual Grammy Awards, and Lizzo on Saturday Night Live, and more.

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