The Victorian Opera’s Youth Opera is set is set to present the world premiere of  a new opera based on Oscar Wilde’s “The Selfish Giant.”

The new work is written by librettist Emma Muir-Smith and composer/conductor Simon Bruckard who will return to the Victorian Opera where they were Young Artists and spent many years working with the state opera company on stage, in the pit, and behind the scenes.

In a press statement Muir-Smith said, “I felt it was a story with a lot of dramatic potential that would translate well for the stage. ‘The Selfish Giant’ is a story about generosity and community. At its heart, though, it’s also a story about the importance of trying to understand one another – something that, for so many reasons, could not be more important right now.”

Bruckard also stated, “Writing a piece for young people to perform has been an enormously rewarding experience. The music for ‘The Selfish Giant’ goes through a huge range of styles, from cabaret to folk song, peaceful stillness to driving aggressive rhythms. Different characters inhabit quite different musical worlds. Finding the music that conveys the story’s humor, innocence and depth has been an absolute joy.”

The production is set to star baritone Stephen Marsh in the title role and will be directed by  Cameron Menzies with lighting by Eduard Inglis and set and costumes designed by James Browne (Josephine Wants to Dance) in his company debut.

Performances are scheduled for Oct. 16 through 19, 2019 at the Gasworks Arts Park.