The Agon

of Saint Joseph

~ A Chancel Opera on Joseph of Nazareth ~

 

Music by Thomas F. Savoy

Libretto by Bertrand T. Fay

 

UPDATE - 01/27/11

T

he advent of Autumn finds me at a bit behind in the Joseph score due to a very happy and totally unexpected circumstance in my life. I have been appointed music director of Immaculate Conception Cathedral here in Albany. The resulting negotiations and rigors of transition have put me a few weeks behind in the Joseph score. Nevertheless, I've managed to complete all six of Joseph's major narratives and have four choruses to go. I am happy to have completed the casting with the addition of tenor Martin Coyle, recently graduated from Juilliard.

As a result of this happy news, the premiere performance has been moved to the beautiful setting of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, NY on March 19th, 2011. The date is even more significant as it is the actual feast day of St. Joseph in the Roman Catholic calendar. There will be a second performance on March 20th, 2011 at St. James Catholic Church, Chatham, NY; both performances will be at 7:30pm.

The "Agon" is very compact with a four member cast. The soprano and tenor sing comprimario solos and double as members of an SAT chorus. I am pleased to announce that baritone Ethan Watermeier has signed on to sing the title role of Joseph. I have had the pleasure to work with Ethan in The Poor Soldier and on other occasions. The part of Miriam will be sung by soprano Deborah Savoy and the alto by Ann-Marie Grathwol.

Be sure to read Bertrand Fay's thoughts on his libretto here.

I have been humbled by the generosity of friends and benefactors towards this venture. Should you wish to help us (and I pray that you do!), please direct your contributions to:

TF SAVOY, INC. SPECIAL PROJECTS ACCOUNT

1386 Creek Road

Esperance, NY  12066

 

God bless all,

- Tom

 

 

 

  

(Thomas F. Savoy and Bertrand T. Fay)