Composer-Librettist Laboratory (LibLab)

For most composers and writers the artistic process is a solitary one. Producers around the world agree that forming workable artistic partnerships between composers and playwrights is the single greatest challenge facing the development of new opera and music theatre. The Composer-Librettist Laboratory is Tapestry’s response to this challenge. Initiated in 1995, the laboratory is an intensive one-week workshop for composers and writers to explore the collaborative process. Currently, the program attracts participants from Canada, the United States, Germany and England. It is also the model for the English National Opera Studio’s All-in Opera, as well as Pacific Opera Victoria’s Composer-Librettist Workshop.

Tapestry’s Composer-Librettist Laboratory provides artists with the opportunity to work with several partners in a short period of time, thereby developing techniques for effective collaboration. Throughout the week-long program, writers and composers are partnered with one another for one day each. With input from music and stage directors, each pair writes a short piece of music theatre and investigates the collaborative process. Their work is performed at the end of each day by a resident ensemble of singers and repeitteurs, and then constructively critiqued by the group.

Since 1995, Tapestry has nurtured over 90 creative artists through this unique program. Previous LibLabs have yielded 43 creative teams many who currently have projects in development in the Ernest Balmer Studio, including: Juliet Palmer and Julie Salverson, Rose Bolton and Jill Battson, Andrew Staniland and Jill Battson and Aaron Gervais and Colleen Murphy.

Composer Chan Ka Nin and librettist Mark Brownell met at the inaugural 1995 LibLab. Their opera Iron Road had its world premiere in April 2001 at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Linda Catlin Smith and Don Hannah also met at the 1995 LibLab and their Arctic drama, Facing South, premiered as part of the World Stage Festival in April of 2003.

James Rolfe and Camyar Chai met at the 2003 LibLab and their opera Elijah’s Kite, which addresses bullying and children’s relationships, was developed by Tapestry in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music. It had its world premiere in April 2006 in New York City, its Canadian premiere at Rideau Hall in October 2006 and has toured to over 30,000 Ontario students in the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 seasons.

Marjorie Chan and Abigail Richardson met at the 2003 LibLab and their opera for all ages, Sanctuary Song, premiered as part of the 2008 Luminato Festival after being developed in partnership by Tapestry and Theatre Direct.

Alex Poch-Goldin and Omar Daniel met in the 2001 LibLab and premiered The Shadow with Tapestry in May 2009.

The LibLab has also resulted in crossover teams. Alexis Diamond (2003) and Richard Payne (2004) premiered their children’s opera Get Stuffed, which promotes healthy food choices, in the 2008-2009 season and Tapestry continues to tour the opera all over Ontario.

The Composer-Librettist Laboratory is generously supported by Mr. Roger D. Moore. Workshop facilities are donated by Rosedale United Church, Toronto.