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Learn more about OP’s groundbreaking film production of Everest – A Graphic Novel Opera.

Photos by Daniel Harvey
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See more photos below by Daniel Harvey
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Brian Staufenbiel and Hadleigh Adams set up for an emotion capture filming session.

Hadleigh Adams and Miles Lassi at and ‘Everest’ audio recording session.

Hadleigh Adams at an ‘Everest’ emotion capture filming session

Nicole Paiement and Hadleigh Adams at an ‘Everest’ audio recording session

Hadleigh Adams as Doug Hansen

“One of the best aspects of this piece is that it is being presented in the style of a graphic novel. It is so new and exciting, and it works!” 

OP is delighted to have baritone Hadleigh Adams perform the role of Doug Hansen in Everest – A Graphic Novel Opera. Adams, a former Merola artist, and San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow, is a proud native of New Zealand who learned of the true story of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster in high school. “In New Zealand, we have a powerful sense of pride when our stories are told to the world, and I feel immensely proud having the chance to work on this piece at this time.”

Adams considered performing the role of a real person an incredible privilege, not to be taken lightly, and found his character’s journey in Everest to be a fairly intricate one. “Doug Hansen’s journey in Everest is quite interesting. You would think that when he reached the summit of Mt. Everest he would be elated, but he is not. He knew that he just needed to reach the top, and now that he has done it, he needs to get home.”

Everest is the first opera Adams performed in since the beginning of the pandemic, and he considers it a blessing to have worked in a safe space with people he has known for many years. He is also grateful to have had the chance to be part of a new and important work that will last forever. “One of the best aspects of this piece is that it is being presented in the style of a graphic novel. It is so new and exciting, and it works!”

Everest is Adams’ fourth production with OP. His first was in the role of Le Gendarme in Les mamelles de Tirésias in 2014.

Meet Miles Lassi

Miles Lassi is an interdisciplinary artist and musician who has worked in over 150 cities throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. He was OP’s Audio Engineer for Everest – A Graphic Novel Opera.

Tell us a bit about you and how you developed your craft.
I started audio engineering when I was on tour with a Broadway show. I took advantage of studying different engineers, sound designers, and producers across North America. I honed my skills in the many various theaters or other spaces where the show would stop.These large performance venues would have all sorts of different acoustic spaces where I could practice capturing sound. Everywhere was accessible from boiler rooms, administrative offices to large 2000-6000 seat proscenium stages. It was a great unorthodox way to learn!
 
How did Everest – A Graphic Novel Opera differ from other recording projects you have done?
This project required keeping track of a vast number of takes from every soloist and singer. I have to give a shout-out to Assistant Conductor Jessica Bejarano for helping me stay organized and keep detailed notes of the session!
 
What were the main challenges and the most satisfying aspects of this project?
The main challenge was safely running the session during the pandemic. All the performers were separated into different rooms where they could see the Maestro through the glass or a video monitor. I also had to follow various union COVID regulations requiring the use of UV lights, and HEPA filters, and disinfecting microphones, door handles, etc., after use.The most satisfying aspect was seeing the final product on the big screen and meeting collaborators for the first time in real-time rather than virtually on Zoom.
 
Describe your experience working with the OP team for the first time?
I had a great experience working with the OP team. I felt very supported throughout the project, and it was inspiring to create art in such an innovative way during a pandemic. One of my favorite aspects of working on an opera was collaborating with artists across various mediums. I’m grateful to be part of the project. Thanks for having me!

WELCOME BACK TO THE PERFORMING ARTS!

OP joined several other small performing arts organizations on Sunday, August 22nd at Yerba Buena Garden Esplanade for WELCOME BACK TO THE PERFORMING ARTS, a FREE celebration of San Francisco’s Musical Diversity. OP presented excerpts from Harriet’s Spirit, featuring Soprano Christabel Nunoo, Jazz Soprano Tiffany Austin and Jaymes Kirksey on piano performing an original score by Bay Area jazz great Marcus Shelby. Click below to see photo highlights from the event.

See more photos below by Daniel Harvey
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OP staff, board members, performers and friends gathered Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco for the Welcome Back to the Performing Arts celebration on Sunday, August 22nd.

OP Board Member Lisa Lindelef and OP Assistant Conductor & pianist Jaymes Kirksey

Former OP Board Member Didi Boring, OP Artistic Administrator Jacques Desjardins, and OP Board Member Jane Hartley

Jaymes Kirksey, piano, Christabel Nunoo as Modesty and Tiffany Austin perform excerpts from ‘Harriet’s Spirit’