LibLab Testimonials
...The greatest thing I gained from Lib Lab was learning how to work collaboratively with another artist. As a playwright, I’ve worked with dramaturges, directors and actors but working with a composer was a first for me. I learned how to share the storytelling with music as well as words. It was a really satisfying challenge.
Michael and Wayne were supportive and encouraging. I felt honoured to have been chosen by Tapestry and wanted to live up to its expectations. The singers and repetiteurs were unbelievable. Having such accomplished and passionate professionals interpret my work was a thrill. I feel that some of those three-page librettos were some of my best work...Not only do I feel that there is a future for me as a librettist, I think I may have also found my artistic partner.
My thanks to Tapestry for helping me to discover this talent of mine.
...Marcia Johnson
The LibLab is a unique experience - I don't know of anything else like it in the world. Composing four scenes in ten days, with four different writers, must feel something like completing the Boston Marathon or the Tour de France: an extraordinary and rewarding challenge to your abilities. Just like the fabled "runner's high," all of us started picking up steam, the harder and faster we were working - sparks were flying everywhere. Some of the music I wrote for LibLab is among the best I've ever written.
Besides this creative experience, we all formed personal and professional bonds which I hope last for a very long time. I'm so glad I participated in it - I think all of us learned a lot about ourselves, and what we're capable of. And I am so glad I had the chance to work with so many wonderful writers, singers, and pianists. And the staff and organization are really top-notch - much care has obviously gone into this program.
...Stephen Taylor
The Liberating-Lab, as I now like to call it, has had a profound impact on my creative process as a singer. The challenge of presenting theses brand new scenes with very little rehearsal helped me to re-discover the true art of singing and the operatic medium: spontaneous communication of truth through words and music. As a performer, it was also incredibly satisfying, and a rare opportunity, to be able to consult with the composer and librettist during the rehearsal process.
...Scott Belluz
The [LibLab] program at Tapestry has been one of the most formative experiences in my life as a writer. I feel incredibly fortunate to witness language coming to life through music and the sheer power of the human voice. Through this program, I have discovered the gift of opera, and the future of multidisciplinary collaboration in Canada.
Thank you for allowing me to work in this stimulating and encouraging
environment. I am priviledged to have been in the presence of such
talented company, in such a genuinely exciting and expanding discipline. The future of contemporary Canadian opera is here. The excitement is totally palpable.
...Sandy Pool
"Thanks again for such an amazing experience at Lib Lab. It is hard to express the delight I felt at writing my first librettos and having them lifted off the page just a few days later, my words brought to life by such talented composers, repetiteurs and singers. It was an incredible awakening for me, and as you so wisely put it, I did indeed discover rooms in my own house that I didn’t know I had. The supportive environment and open spirit of collaboration allowed us all to unleash our creativity without hesitation. It was a challenging, thoroughly invigorating ten days that I shall not soon forget!"
...Krista Dalby
“This intensive program was the most productive, educational, and stimulating workshop that I have ever witnessed or participated in.”
...Erik Ross
“I cannot adequately describe the euphoria of hearing one’s own words sung by top-flight singers. The genius of the Lib-Lab lies in how Tapestry provides a safe, nurturing environment to learn about collaboration and about the specific requirements of music drama.”
...Jovanni Sy
“The Composer-Librettist Laboratory has opened up a whole new form of theatre to me. Not only has it reinvigorated me as a writer, it has inspired me to tell stories that demand this kind of venue.”
...Leah Davidson
“It is not every day that a composer has the privilege of working with four writers, two directors/dramaturges, and a group of musicians of such a high professional standard. Even as an established composer, I have had precious little experience in a collaborative environment with writers/librettists. The Tapestry workshop has given me new insight into the multi-layered environment that is opera and allowed me to gain the crucial experience necessary to consider the next step in the process.”
...Omar Daniel
“Hearing opera singers sing my words made me understand the power of sung text. Tapestry made every moment a challenge and pleasure for all the artists involved. I believe Tapestry’s Composer-Librettist Lab to be an essential tool in the development of Canadian opera and a powerful force in awakening new audiences to the beauty of opera.”
...Alex Poch-Goldin
“The pace was fast and inspiring – I must also express my admiration for the insightful and candid responses and suggestions of Mssrs. Strongman and Albano. It was a delight to meet the potential writers of our future libretti.”
...Andrew Ager
Photo: Participants in the 2007 LibLab