Unveiling the Maestros Behind the Curtain: the Librettists in Opera Composition

Let’s unravel the mysteries behind the creation of operatic masterpieces and discover the selected librettists: Vincenzo De Vivo, Jagoda Jagson, and Mirva Koivukangas.

A collaborative process

As we unravel the artistry of these librettists, we gain insight into the collaborative process between opera houses and composers. Their careful selection of these literary virtuosos underscores the profound impact that a well-crafted libretto can have on the musical composition. In the intricate world of opera, in fact, the role of the librettist is paramount. As opera houses and composers meticulously curate their creative teams, the selection of a librettist becomes a pivotal decision, shaping the very essence of the operatic masterpiece that is to unfold.

Who’s a librettist?

At the heart of every operatic performance lies the librettist, whose words serve as the foundation upon which the entire production is built. Much more than mere storytellers, librettists are architects of emotion, crafting narratives that intertwine seamlessly with the music to evoke a myriad of feelings within the audience. It is through their delicate balance of poetry and pragmatism that the emotional resonance of the opera is realised, making the librettist an indispensable collaborator in the creation of these transcendent works of art.

Unveiling Project Butterfly Librettists

In this exploration, we delve into the esteemed works of the three chosen librettists: Vincenzo De Vivo, Jagoda Jagson, and Mirva Koivukangas.

Vincenzo de Vivo, born in Salerno (Italy) in 1957, has held management and advisory positions at European musical institutions since 1982. His collaborations with composers have birthed operatic works that stand as timeless reflections of the human experience. He has been in charge of being the consultant for symphonic-vocal activities for the Rome RAI Orchestra, the director of artistic organization at the Teatro La Fenice, Venice and the administrative advisor to the Board of Directors of the Academy Chigiana, Siena.

Jagoda Jagson, born in Gdansk (Poland) in 1987. Founder of the children’s musical theatre Baabus Musicalis, she’s a singer, musician, social activist and artist. She has been working with children and adolescents for almost 15 years and she created ICTF SOPOT, International Children’s Theatre Festival .Voice. In 2019, she recorded and released the album “Winter B”. She brings a unique perspective to the opera stage and her librettos challenge conventions, breathing new life into the operatic tradition.

Mirva Koivukangas, made her début as an opera director with Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas at the Rijeka Opera House in Croatia in 2018. She is currently a producer at the Turku Music Festival and she has also provided the libretti for the operas Pyhä Birgitta and Räddningsväg-Pelastustie. Through her collaborations with composers, she crafts librettos that captivate the imagination of the audience.

In the realm of opera, the librettist holds a pivotal role, serving as the foundation upon which each performance is built. Through the works of Vincenzo De Vivo, Jagoda Jagson and Mirva Koivukangas Project Butterfly stands to gain immensely from the infusion of their diverse perspectives, enriching its potential and enhancing its impact.

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