CREATIVE PRODUCER for Second Movement Rough for Opera #19 - TEXT

Rough for Opera is a dedicated platform for new opera and work in development, produced by Second Movement. Since 2011 Rough for Opera has supported new work by more than 50 composers and new music ensembles including Bastard Assignments, Alex Ho and Julia Cheng, Alex Mills, Hermes Experiment, Kate Whitley, Michael Betteridge and Benjamin Tassie. Rough for Opera returned in May 2023 with relaxed performances at the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells. Rough for Opera #18 – Relaxed featured three new works from Annie Lee, Calla Esperanza and Hannah Calascione, and Ella Jarman-Pinto and Jennifer Farmer.

Since 2019 Rough for Opera has had a focus on disabled opera creators - I came on board as Creative Producer in 2024 for Rough for Opera #19 - TEXT. This developed 3 librettists through workshops in July followed by libretto development, and showcased the results in September at the Chelsea Theatre.

2025 sees Rough for Opera #20 - Adaptation, which develops 3 librettists and 3 composers paired up for 3 commission adapting the same source. Workshops in September followed by commission development and premieres in December at the Chelsea Theatre.

Second Movement:
is an opera company which supports new opera and people making opera for the first time. Second Movement

2024: Rough for Opera #20 - Adaptation

RFO#20 Creative Cohort
Sarah Forbes (words) and Elif Karlidag (music)
Romanne Walker (words) and Vinicius Motta (music)
Nicola Warner (words) and Zhenyan Li (music)

 RFO#20 Team
Abigail Toland - Creative Director of Second Movement
Claire Shovelton – Creative Producer Rough for Opera
Finn Beames – Director and Mentor Text/Dramaturgy
Olivia Clarke – Music Director/Conductor and Mentor Music

September workshops:
Finn Beames – Director and Mentor Text/Dramaturgy
Erika Gundesen – Conductor
Ella Taylor – soprano
Suzie Perkis – mezzo
Julian Chou-Lambert – baritone
Chihiro Ono – violin
Chris Allan – cello
Jo Turner – bassoon

December premieres:
Finn Beames – Director and Mentor Text/Dramaturgy
Olivia Clarke – Music Director/Conductor and Mentor Music
Ella Taylor – soprano
Suzie Perkis – mezzo
Julian Chou-Lambert – baritone
Chihiro Ono – violin
Ben Michaels – cello
Jo Turner – bassoon

2024: Rough for Opera #19 - TEXT

Byline: Donna Quick
Simone Ibbett-Brown text and music
Susie Buckle, Jack Campbell, Julian Chou-Lambert and Gabriella Liandu performers

Ynys
Chris Harris text Sarah Lianne Lewis music
Thomas Ang, Elen Lloyd-Roberts and Gwion Thomas performers

Heaven Burns
Jen McGregor text Sarah Ann Marze music
July workshops: Belinda Jones, Freddie Love and Rosie Middleton performers
September showings: Joanna Harries, Belinda Jones and CN Lester performers

mentors:
Finn Beames - text mentor
Richard Baker - music mentor

for Second Movement
Claire Shovelton creative producer
Abigail Toland creative director