Upload is an opera in nine scenes with music and text by Michel van der Aa. The 2021 productions were conducted by Otto Tausk and directed by Michel van der Aa. The opera was commissioned by Dutch National Opera, Cologne Opera, Bregenzer Festspiele, Ensemble Musikfabrik, Park Avenue Armory, and DoubleA Foundation.[1] In October 2021 it was the New York Times critic's pick,[2] and in November 2022 won "Best Digital Opera" at the International Opera Awards ceremony in Madrid.[3]

Upload
Opera by Michel van der Aa
LibrettistMichel van der Aa
LanguageEnglish
Premiere

Plot

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The story recounts a daughter whose father has had his memories "uploaded" to the digital cloud, in order to achieve eternal consciousness as a digital being. The opera questions the roles that fate, identity, and the cost of immortality play in our lives. The story is told through two storylines: one through pre-recorded film, and the other by two live opera singers. Live motion-capture projections are also used, allowing for the daughter character to interact with her "digitised" father.

Roles

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Live cast (singing roles)[4]

Roles, voice types, premiere casts
Role Voice type Premiere cast
Father baritone Roderick Williams
Daughter soprano Julia Bullock

Film cast (acting roles)[4]

Roles, premiere casts
Role Premiere cast
Psychiatrist Katja Herbers
CEO Ashley Zukerman
Scientist Esther Mugambi
Brother-in-law Samuel West
Childhood friend Claron McFadden
Friend 1 David Eeles
Friend 2 Tessa Stephenson

Recording

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A film version of the opera was made available on Medici.tv from July 16, 2021.[5] The Dutch premiere was on October 1, 2021, at the Dutch National Opera in Amsterdam. There were performances at the Park Avenue Armory New York in March 2022 and at the Cologne Opera in April 2022.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Upload – production details". Dutch National Opera. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  2. ^ Joshua Barone (October 3, 2021). "Review: In Upload, Do Blockchains Dream of Electric Lizards?". The New York Times. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  3. ^ "Upload named Best Digital Opera". Dutch National Opera. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Upload". vanderaa.net. February 7, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  5. ^ "Upload". Medici.tv. Retrieved January 25, 2023.