The Heiress

composed by Donald Hollier, text after Henry James. World premiere November 1988
libretto after Henry James Washington Square
Instrumentation - 3 sop., 2 mez., alto, ten., 2 bar., pre-recorded chorus (satb), 4 vlns., 2 vlas., 2 vlcs., cb., fl., ob., cl., bn., 2 hns., tpt., trb., pf., perc.
The heiress of the title is Catherine Sloper, a plain young woman set to inherit the fortune of her over-bearing father, a wealthy New York doctor. She falls in love with a charming and attractive young man called Morris Townsend. Immediately her father becomes suspicious, convinced that Morris is more concerned with Catherine's inheritance than her love.
Donald Hollier's highly expressionistic score made a startling impact in this, one of ChamberMade's finest productions.
"...deftly directed, and beautifully realised..." The Age
World Premiere The Church Theatre, Melbourne, November 1988. Directed by Douglas Horton, musical direction by Mark Summerbell, designed by Jacqui Everitt.