Anthony Roth Costanzo Orchestrates an Immersive Twist to Opera With Glass Handel

The following is a review of Anthony Roth Costanzo’s Glass Handel, which debuted at the Philadelphia Barnes Foundation from September 22nd – 30th.  It will soon make its way to New York at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine from November 26th -27th.

 

In the grand halls of the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, a chilling and operatic voice powerfully fills the room.  I can’t see the man who is singing, but two heavenly-bodied dancers move gracefully to his voice, displaying strength in every bit of movement.   As I sit relaxed in my assigned chair, the soft touch of a hand is placed on my shoulder, alerting me of someone’s presence standing directly behind me.  My seat is suddenly lifted by a dolly from the ground, carefully pulled back, and transported passed the rows of the booming orchestra to my next destination, one of the many featured throughout the night.

 

 

Anthony Roth Costanzo Glass Handel opera philadelphia barnes foundation george condo art installation national sawdust

Photo by Dominic M. Mercier

 

 

Anthony Roth Costanzo’s Glass Handel

Classic and modern, Baroque and Contemporary; these contrasting aspects on the artistic spectrum rarely share the same dance, but that didn’t stop Anthony Roth Costanzo, along with Visionaire, from creating his new immersive opera project: Glass Handel, co-produced by National Sawdust and Opera Philadelphia and co-presented by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  This hour-long multimedia opera marries two completely unique styles by mixing the works of George Frideric Handel and Philip Glass.  

 

Though the minimal presentation of Costanzo’s harmonic voice against the triumphant sounds of an orchestra is the centerpiece of Glass Handel, each seated audience member is pushed by their own personal usher down a pre-guided path to view the other simultaneously-occurring installations of the evening: a serene live painting by American artist George Condo and a selection of nine music videos specifically created for Glass Handel by a variety of highly acclaimed directors and artists, including filmmaker Mark Romanek (best known for his music videos for Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Jay Z, Taylor Swift, Madonna), actress Tilda Swinton, and filmmaker Daniel Askill (the director of Sia’s video “Chandelier”).

 

A Curated Ensemble

Costanzo reflects, “As a countertenor, my repertoire lies at two ends of the spectrum: baroque and contemporary. Instead of becoming a specialist in one or the other, I’ve split my career evenly between the two. Handel defined me and Glass changed me…

 

Now chances are you’re familiar with George Frideric Handel, even if you don’t think you are: look up The Hallelujah chorus… see, you know him.  His 1741 piece “Messiah” is one of the most widely used and well-regarded musical masterpieces in history.

 

Philip Glass on the other hand, has collaborated with everyone from Woody Allen to David Bowie.  His operas, symphonies, and compositions have impacted the arts with his “minimalist” approach and repetitive structures that he is most well known for.  

 

Glass Handel feels like Costanzo’s love letter to these two great artists, and this is not only accomplished by showcasing each of their own unique identities, but by also forging them together with the rest of Costanzo’s hand-selected masters of art, dance, and video to prove they can effortlessly blend together into something unique.  The ensemble surrounding you is so overpowering that you can’t help but just get lost in the atmospheric world that Costanzo created.

 

 

Anthony Roth Costanzo Glass Handel opera philadelphia barnes foundation george condo art installation national sawdust

Photo by Dominic M. Mercier

 

 

A Painting Inspired by the Moment

After witnessing the dancers earlier, the next installation I was whisked away to was Condo’s live painting, who was already deep in the process of a post-Picasso-like mural.  Behind the large projected-white canvas stood Condo’s mysteriously dark silhouette. Portraits of distorted and exaggerated figures embracing each other filled the sheet. It was mesmerizing to watch Condo gliding up and down his ladder, alternating between gentle brush strokes and violent splatters while still all coupled with Costanzo’s angelic singing in the background.  I was so fixated in the fluidity and unpredictability of Condo’s process that I still felt the urge to stay when I felt that familiar tap on my shoulder, indicating it was time for me to be taken away to my next stop.

 

An Additional Perspective Through Music Videos

The final installation I was brought to a section of television monitors playing the assortment music videos synced to the orchestra, whose content ranged from the experimental to the absurd.  Warhol-esque shots of lobsters. Fish on hooks. Seductive women clothed in plants. All the images being shown created interesting juxtaposition against the elegant audio-scape filling the halls of the Barnes Foundation, but lacked that unpredictable, live spark that the other installations of the experience possessed.

 

After a few more minutes of the surreal images being displayed on the television screens, Costanzo’s voice was building to the climax alongside the last few notes of the orchestra.  The experience had reached its finale and what occurred next was a well-deserved standing ovation.

 

 

Anthony Roth Costanzo Glass Handel opera philadelphia barnes foundation george condo art installation national sawdust

Photo by Dominic M. Mercier

 

The Opera-tunity of a Lifetime

A feast for the eyes and ears, Glass Handel is a unique, well-rounded experience, whether you’re an opera buff or not.  No matter if you appreciate classical works or are just starting to dabble in the world of theater, the show will move you both emotionally and physically.  This unique perspective, coupled with classic and familiar sounds, is an elegantly curated selection of the world of beauty, art, and innovation.

 

Final dates for Glass Handel will run at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan from Nov. 26th to the 27th.  Though currently sold-out, you can visit National Sawdust’s website to join their waitlist.  For other ways to follow National Sawdust, you can visit their facebook and instagram.

About The Author

Jon Kobryn
Jon’s fascination with immersive experiences started with haunted houses, but going through Punchdrunk’s production of Sleep No More opened up an entirely new world. A graduate of Temple University’s film program, he lives in Philadelphia with his cat and enjoys traveling, mixology, and Nine Inch Nails.

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