NOVA and Rimrock Opera Board of Directors are thrilled to produce “Blodwen,” the first opera written in Welsh. The U.S. premiere of this opera will be at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, 2317 Montana Avenue, Billings May 10-18.
Composer Dulais Rhys contacted Rimrock Opera in May 2016. He contacted countless opera companies in the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA. We responded with interest seeking more information. Dulais indicated that he had transposed the “full” Blodwen opera score into a chamber version. The reduced score sounded like a great option for NOVA.
Dulais sent us the book he had co-authored about Blodwen composer Joseph Parry entitled “To Philadelphia and Back: the life and music of Joseph Parry.” Once Rimrock Opera Foundation made a commitment to produce Blodwen, Dulais and his wife Leigh decided to put roots down in our community and moved to Billings. We had no idea he was going to move to Billings but we have been extremely fortunate to have Dulais become NOVA’s composer in residence. Dulais started his NOVA career in the role of conductor/accompanist for “Pirates of Penzance” and he has been busy ever since.
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We welcome Dr. and Mrs. Dulais Rhys, international Welsh singers and all cast members to Billings and hope you will join us at NOVA for this unique and special event.
Lucinda Butler
Steve Butler
Rimrock Opera
Billings