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VIRGIN MARY LIFE (Grayer Hanedanian) St.Petersburg 2024
Information on the Performance
- Work Title: VIRGIN MARY LIFE
- Composer: Hanedanian Grayer
- Libretto: Grayer Hanedanian
- Venue & Opera Company: Holy Trinity Cathedral Alexander Nevsky Lavra, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Recorded: 2024
- Type: Concert Semi-staged
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
SYNOPSIS
Opening Introduction: Narrator tells us that the house of Maria’s parents was serene, there was everything, but the joy of a child was missing. Then an angel came and said, “Anna, you are going to have a little girl, and you are going to call her Mary. She’s going to be famous all over the world.”
Scene Anna and Joachim: The family is happy now. Mary is three years old and is going to the temple for the first time. The Angel appears and reveals that she is the chosen one. All the lineage of David from Nazareth came to Jerusalem to see God’s chosen child.
Zechariah Monologue: The prophet announces the coming of someone who will save the world. A flower that will break through Roman barbarism. God has given us Mary a gift for the world. The Angels talk to her day and night.
Annunciation: The Devil tries to understand what is happening. Meanwhile, Zechariah announces to Mary that the council has decided: she will marry the carpenter Joseph. Mary marries him and goes to live with him. One night the Archangel Gabriel arrives and announces the birth of the Saviour. Mary replies that she already knows all about prophecy because she has read the scriptures. Choir of Angels.
Air of the Devil (Joseph and Devil): The Devil tries to tempt Joseph by saying that Mary is carrying another man’s child. Joseph, however, is strong and does not fall into temptation.
Christmas (Jesus and Mary Scene): the child was born and escaped Herod’s fury. Mary asks Jesus how she can protect him from future events.
Jesus Monologue: All the souls of the world are in me. All human beings are my brothers and sisters. Mother, your future suffering will be my relief. I must build the kingdom of God on earth. I will live in the temple, do not seek me.
Air of Mary and Chorus of Angels: Mary thanks the Lord for the joy of having had such a beautiful and good son. In his eyes she sees all of God’s love for the world.
Scene Earthly Life: Mary waits for Jesus to return from the temple where he goes every day to bring the word of Lord. While waiting, she embroiders a canvas with the help of angels.
Scene Preaching on the Mountains: Jesus preaches to the apostles. Scenes from the New Testament.
Ending Mother of God: All the characters and the Chorus of Angels sing praises of Glory to Mary and to the Lord our God.