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John Young is an emerging composer with a background in music performance and a style that crosses genres.
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A World Premiere Opera
Death of Ivan Ilych Music by John Young and Libretto by Alan Olejniczak in partnership with Orlando Opera and Thompson Street Opera Company Orlando Opera on the Town If death were a certainty, would you change the way you live today? BUY TICKETS Opera Orlando premieres this one-act chamber opera composed by John Young and a libretto by Alan Olejniczak, with musicians from Alterity Chamber Orchestra. Based on Tolstoy's masterpiece novella of the same name, the opera was written as a response to the composer’s own battle with cancer and the very real threat of dying. The opera is a poignant meditation and exploration of life and death. The opera will be performed onsite in the Orlando Museum of Art Grand Gallery Hall with pre-show drinks and light appetizers, as well as a post-show dessert reception and an opportunity to meet the cast and musicians. Performance will be sung in English and run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Due to CoVid-19, seating is limited for this production. Grant Preisser, Directing Friday | February 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday | February 21, 2021 at 5 p.m. |
Death of IVAN ILYCH
Music by John Young with Libretto by Alan Olejniczak. Adapted from The Death of Ivan Ilych from the 1886 Novella by Leo Tolstoy. A Full Length Chamber Opera in One Act. Cast: 4 men, 1 women, 1 child (non singing) String quintet (or string ensemble), Oboe & Piano "There are quiet, subtle moments in John Young's score that beautifully and somehow effortlessly underscore the spirit of Tolstoy's world, which Alan Olejniczak's libretto lays out in scenes that are intimate and revealing in precise and poetic language." |
Thompson Street Opera Company
Death of Ivan Ilych The World Premiere September 2021 Season Grant Preisser, Directing Alexandra Enyart, Conducting ”The Death of Ivan Ilych is an adaptation of one of the great works of Russian fiction. The title character in the opera reflects on a life lived according to the expectations of his family and his society, and discovers a deeply rooted desire to recover his authenticity. Ivan Ilych reconnects with himself for only a few moments before the end of his life, but we can learn from his example and correct our own courses much sooner. The music of John Young is immediate and emotionally impactful. The lovely melodic lines and heart-wrenching harmonies may remind listeners of the romantic operas of Barber and Menotti. For the composer, who lost his singing voice and nearly his life to cancer, the story and message are deeply personal, and the connection is clear in his musical writing. This opera is a heartfelt ode to authentic living.” 
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