Words and Music by Michael Dellaira, with additional music by Nuka Alice Lund. Commissioned and developed by Nancy Manocherian's The Cell Theatre, and New Amsterdam Singers, with support from New York State Council on the Arts. This one-act folk opera by composer Michael Dellaira, based on the best-selling 1856 book of the same name by American explorer Elisha Kent Kane, touches on themes of exploration, discovery, spirituality, and our relationship to the natural world. Dellaira’s score for soloists, chorus, and a small ensemble of instruments is inspired by 19th-century American popular and folk tunes, sea shanties, and hymns. The world premiere performances in March 2024 were conducted by Clara Longstreth, with stage direction by Kira Simring. Co-presented by the New Amsterdam Singers and the Cell Theatre, Arctic Explorations featured the Harlem Chamber Players with guest Nuka Alice, an Inuit drum dancer who collaborated in the creation of the work. Siarnaq: Nuka AliceElisha Kent Kane: Colin LevinMargaret (Maggie) Fox: Nicole HaslettLady Jane Franklin: Erin BrittainPresident Zachary Taylor: Michael Celentano Naxos Records will release Michael Dellaira's ARCTIC EXPLORATIONS on November 28, 2025 praise for Dellaira operas: “Eloquent … sensitive … vividly scored” - New York Times “Compelling … austere, yet expressive” - Opera News "Haunting harmonies" - New Music Box “A master of setting texts” - Fanfare “Clever and engaging” - American Record Guide ” Superbly crafted .. exquisite" - Opera “Concentrated and spare ... with a wide range of feeling” - The American Scholar
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